Search jnwelch's booksRandom books from jnwelch's libraryRebecca by Daphne Du Maurier Odds Against by Dick Francis Fear Itself: A Fearless Jones Novel by Walter Mosley Charlotte's Web by E. B. White The Swerve: How the World Became Modern by Stephen Greenblatt The High Window by Raymond Chandler Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke Members with jnwelch's booksMember connectionsFriends: AlexAustin, BradonK, callmejacx, cameling, DanielClausen, Death_By_Papercut, debbaker, DeltaQueen50, EdwardEinhorn, ejj1955, girlfromshangrila, HistoricalFictionFan, illustrationfan, JohnGorski, kmartin802, LauraBrook, leperdbunny, lindapanzo, MichelleHoover, mirrordrum, msf59, Porua, Rachel_R, seasonsoflove, walklover, Whisper1 Interesting library: Aerrin99, AHS-Wolfy, AnnieMod, benitastrnad, BooksontheNightstand, bpgaffney, BrandonSanderson, callmejacx, cameling, caviglia_jr, dancingstarfish, ecpenguin, EdwardEinhorn, elbakerone, freddlerabbit, jomajimi, kiwiflowa, LaurieRKing, lohengrin, lutestring, memoirsofa, miniaturecow, mirrordrum, natbeourfriend, PandorasRequiem, PaulCranswick, pickupsticks, Porua, saltypepper, sandragon, sayyid, seasonsoflove, sissy3463, Smiler69, solla, souloftherose, squeakjones, TommyB, Whisper1, wisewoman, wookiebender RSS feeds
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Member: jnwelchCollectionsYour library (2,031) Reviews121 reviews Tagsliterature (466), mystery (429), graphic novel (277), favorite (232), young adult (192), science fiction (184), 2011 (155), 2012 (148), american (140), non-fiction (136) — see all tags Cloudstag cloud, author cloud, tag mirror About meFavorite Books in 2012: About my libraryThese are all books I've read and enjoyed. Many books that I've read that are well-regarded but I haven't liked enough are not listed here, like The Sound and the Fury, for example. The idea in my mind is that,if I could have a large house with its own library room with large windows and comfortable chairs and a fireplace, etc., these are the books that I'd like to have surrounding me. Groups50-Something Library Thingers, 75 Books Challenge for 2011, 75 Books Challenge for 2012, 75 Books Challenge for 2013, Chicagoans, Comics, Crime, Thriller & Mystery, FantasyFans, Geeks who love the Classics, Historical Fiction —show all groups Favorite authorsJane Austen, Raymond Chandler, Charles Dickens, Neil Gaiman, William Gibson, Franz Kafka, Tracy Kidder, Walter Mosley, Haruki Murakami (Shared favorites) Membership Real nameJoe LocationChicago, IL Account typepublic, lifetime URLs
http://www.librarything.com/profile/jnwelch (profile) Member sinceJun 3, 2008 Most recent activity
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I will say this, though: there are plenty of reviewer copies available for anyone on librarything who would like to review the book. Anyone who thinks they are the right audience for this book and is willing to write a review can request a free reviewer copy.
All I ask is that they email me directly at: ghostsofnagasaki@gmail.com
You can advertise this fact anywhere on librarything or goodreads that you like.
Unfortunately, other work these days prevents me from being as loud as I would like about my new book.
Thanks again for being an active advocate for the book!
Daniel
posted by DanielClausen at 4:12 pm (EST) on May 19, 2013
Karen
posted by maggie1944 at 8:40 pm (EST) on May 3, 2013
posted by maggie1944 at 5:24 pm (EST) on May 3, 2013
Gorgeous day today! I can take mid-80s without the humidity. Go Bulls! Go Hawks!
posted by msf59 at 7:26 pm (EST) on May 1, 2013
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:09 am (EST) on May 1, 2013
posted by mirrordrum at 5:52 pm (EST) on Apr 30, 2013
i'm inclined to be enthusiastic with children but typically save "proud" for adolescents and adults. in which vein, i'm proud of both Brittney Griner and Jason Collins and proud, too, to have been a foremother who came out as a student at Cal and as a professor in the workplace in Tennessee 30 years ago. interesting stories, i'll tell ya!
proud of you, too because parenting matters so much to you and your MBH. and for other reasons.
posted by mirrordrum at 5:51 pm (EST) on Apr 30, 2013
Thanks for a great visit.
posted by maggie1944 at 9:02 pm (EST) on Apr 28, 2013
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Queen-Anne-Book-Company/136671109826803
posted by msf59 at 8:02 pm (EST) on Apr 26, 2013
e
posted by mirrordrum at 1:53 pm (EST) on Apr 19, 2013
posted by msf59 at 1:48 pm (EST) on Apr 6, 2013
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:58 pm (EST) on Apr 5, 2013
no rating for Regeneration? i'm listening to it. again. Peter Firth is scary good as the narrator. talk about gays in the military. between Sassoon and Owen, dear god. did you know Owen was killed one month before the armistice. jesus!
also loving Return of the native. Alan Rickman does the perfect drama queen in a book full of 'em. his Eustacia Vye is for to die.
gotta go rest the eyes and back to work. take care, chico. thanks for the shout out.
posted by mirrordrum at 10:01 pm (EST) on Mar 28, 2013
Mark
posted by msf59 at 9:23 pm (EST) on Mar 25, 2013
posted by ronincats at 2:50 pm (EST) on Mar 25, 2013
Thank you so much for taking the time out to write a review! It means a lot to me.
Have a great reading year in 2013.
Best,
Daniel
posted by DanielClausen at 2:24 pm (EST) on Mar 23, 2013
have an excellent weekend, my friend. if you see Sherlock, tell him Casey in Knoxville says, "hey!"
posted by mirrordrum at 4:21 pm (EST) on Mar 15, 2013
posted by mirrordrum at 3:41 pm (EST) on Mar 15, 2013
posted by mirrordrum at 3:39 pm (EST) on Mar 15, 2013
don't need to reply STAT, Joe. sounds like you have much to do. be stealthy on the snow, won't you?
posted by mirrordrum at 2:29 pm (EST) on Mar 6, 2013
Bulls for you tonight, i'll bet. :)
in re: Beloved. you're a fan of 'Killer Angels,' que no? how about a trade: you try Beloved, i'll try KA? or do i misremember?
posted by mirrordrum at 1:30 pm (EST) on Mar 6, 2013
i'll leave you alone now. ;)
posted by mirrordrum at 4:10 pm (EST) on Mar 5, 2013
JB's eyes lit up when i mentioned the special deal so i got to get her a wee giftie.
posted by mirrordrum at 4:07 pm (EST) on Mar 5, 2013
http://www.peets.com/sumatra-batak-duo-wholebean-each-10224.html
posted by mirrordrum at 3:16 pm (EST) on Mar 5, 2013
So with two votes, Beloved it is!
posted by richardderus at 1:03 pm (EST) on Mar 4, 2013
posted by mirrordrum at 9:57 pm (EST) on Feb 21, 2013
Congratulations on not one...but two hot reviews!
It is interesting to note that so many of your favorite reads of 2012 were also ones that I highly ranked.
posted by Whisper1 at 7:29 pm (EST) on Feb 13, 2013
I'm trying to start a new thread and I'll be darned if I can find out how! Since you create a new one regularly - and I only do it once a year - could you help?
Thanks, Anne
posted by NarratorLady at 9:59 pm (EST) on Feb 8, 2013
posted by laytonwoman3rd at 11:57 am (EST) on Jan 28, 2013
i really wanted you, as a family of storytelling aficionados, to hear Donald Davis. he's particularly special to me b/c his humor is "mountain humor." these are the kinds of stories, and the kind of humor, enjoyed by people in the NC mtns from whence JB hails. the stories aren't very long and they're like peanuts. you can't stop with just one.
hope you get time to listen to one at some point.
posted by mirrordrum at 2:42 pm (EST) on Jan 23, 2013
hope your evening w/ Becca went well w/ the storytelling. speaking of which, that reminded me that i send you a cd in Dec. called 'listening for the crack of dawn.' did you ever get it?
posted by mirrordrum at 1:43 am (EST) on Jan 23, 2013
posted by seasonsoflove at 9:16 pm (EST) on Jan 22, 2013
re: 'behind . . . forevers,' i went and read a lot about it to give me perspective. downloaded a lot of images of Mumbai slums, including Annawadi, listened to a bit more and decided i want to read it as social commentary. it's incredibly well written.
JB's doing amazingly. these 2 surgeries have been brutal and they discharged her way too early from the 2nd one (her doc will go absolutely bat sh*t crazy when she tells him what they did) and i barely got her in the house. i've seen dead people who looked better. but she got through it. she saw Chris (her wondrous surgeon) yesterday. he's quite thrilled, enjoined her to be patient and she went to work today. she's so tough! all biopsies clean and clear. another PET scan in a few months.
mostly, i'm still goosebumping from "We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths – that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall; just as it guided all those men and women, sung and unsung, who left footprints along this great Mall, to hear a preacher say that we cannot walk alone; to hear a King proclaim that our individual freedom is inextricably bound to the freedom of every soul on Earth."
his speech writer aced it and Obama knocked it out of the park. the man can infuriate me more and make me prouder than any President ever. *this* is the man i worked for and voted for in '08 and was despairing of in '12. he's a great orator. i'm hoping that in his second term, he can do more than aspire to greatness.
that i heard a Black President mention Seneca Falls and Stonewall in his Inauguration speech is beyond my wildest imaginings. i loved it that he said "to hear a King proclaim . . ."
wow!
posted by mirrordrum at 4:40 pm (EST) on Jan 22, 2013
The Tarantino film just didn't work for me. Next film up is, Zero Dark Thirty, maybe next Sunday.
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:37 pm (EST) on Jan 21, 2013
i started 'behind the beautiful forevers' last night, having finished a Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James mystery, which i know you don't like, and it's going to be a tough one to read. well written but leaves me a bit in the slough of despond. is this something i really want to know?
posted by mirrordrum at 6:34 pm (EST) on Jan 21, 2013
Mark
posted by msf59 at 10:17 pm (EST) on Jan 18, 2013
posted by walklover at 1:52 pm (EST) on Jan 18, 2013
The Four Friends by A.A. Milne
Ernest was an elephant, a great big fellow,
Leonard was a lion with a six foot tail,
George was a goat, and his beard was yellow,
And James was a very small snail.
Leonard had a stall, and a great big strong one,
Earnest had a manger, and its walls were thick,
George found a pen, but I think it was the wrong one,
And James sat down on a brick
Earnest started trumpeting, and cracked his manger,
Leonard started roaring, and shivered his stall,
James gave a huffle of a snail in danger
And nobody heard him at all.
Earnest started trumpeting and raised such a rumpus,
Leonard started roaring and trying to kick,
James went on a journey with the goats new compass
And he reached the end of his brick.
Ernest was an elephant and very well intentioned,
Leonard was a lion with a brave new tail,
George was a goat, as I think I have mentioned,
but James was only a snail.
posted by mirrordrum at 9:33 pm (EST) on Jan 13, 2013
hope to be back a bit this weekend but what with the NFL divisionals, Lady vols hoopies, resting, girding and furbishing, i dunno.
haven't even been able to lurk. ¡qué cosa!
oooh, just dropped eyes down to mark's comment re: Sailor Twain. ditto.
later on.
posted by mirrordrum at 11:38 pm (EST) on Jan 10, 2013
posted by laytonwoman3rd at 12:02 pm (EST) on Jan 5, 2013
Mark
posted by msf59 at 6:46 pm (EST) on Jan 3, 2013
I'm suddenly flooded with GNs from the library. I'm still working on the Hobbit & Kings in Disguise. I have Sailor Twain up next. This one looks great. Have you heard about it? I also have The Nao of Brown, Drama by Raina Telgemeir and a Lilli Carre. Wow, I better get cracking.
I'm so glad you are joining us for A.K.! We have a terrific group forming over there. I would have never guessed it. See you at the Cafe!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:10 am (EST) on Dec 30, 2012
http://www.librarything.com/topic/146543
Funny, I was planning on finally tackling this classic and enough fellow LTers expressed interest and now we are doing a Group Read with a decent crowd. I really need to plan ahead on this "big" reads, otherwise I'll never get to them.
Have you read "Kings in Disguise"? Stephen recommended this one and it has been very good. A depression era GN.
Mark
posted by msf59 at 5:33 pm (EST) on Dec 28, 2012
Be happy to share my eggnog recipe. It was passed down from my grandaunt.
6 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups brandy
1 tsp vanilla
Whipped cream
grated or ground nutmeg
In a bowl beat the eggs until they are frothy. Beat in the sugar, a little at a time, until the mixture is light and sort of ribbons when you lift the beater. Transfer the mixture to the top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water. Add the brandy and vanilla in a stream, whisking as you add them. Continue whisking until the mixture is thick and frothy and then remove from heat. Let the mixture cool. When serving, you can garnish with whipped cream and grated or ground nutmeg.
If your eggs are very fresh and you don't have anyone afraid or salmonella, you don't need to 'cook' the eggnog over the double boiler. If I'm able to get farm fresh eggs, the double boiler stays in the cupboard. :-)
Hope you enjoy! Merry Christmas!
hugs
Caro
posted by cameling at 5:25 pm (EST) on Dec 22, 2012
http://www.librarything.com/pic/3621058
i'll take it right off. i just don't see photos like this very often. :)
posted by mirrordrum at 4:45 pm (EST) on Dec 10, 2012
http://www.artcyclopedia.com/hot/women-artists-of-the-renaissance-7.html
not a great fan of Breughel myself but thanks to you found one i love and have posted on my thread at http://www.librarything.com/topic/132739#3741618 along w/ William Carlos Williams poem about same which is marvelous.
e
posted by mirrordrum at 3:46 pm (EST) on Dec 10, 2012
posted by jnwelch at 3:26 pm (EST) on Dec 10, 2012
posted by msf59 at 5:56 pm (EST) on Dec 1, 2012
Mark
posted by msf59 at 12:59 pm (EST) on Nov 6, 2012
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:29 am (EST) on Nov 6, 2012
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:29 pm (EST) on Oct 24, 2012
I have pre-ordered "The Twelve" and hope to read it in a few weeks. I appreciate the heads-up! I'll have to stop by the Cafe later. The daughter is here, so of course we are heading out for dinner.
Mark
posted by msf59 at 6:16 pm (EST) on Oct 24, 2012
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:24 pm (EST) on Oct 17, 2012
Funny, I just saw a glowing review in EW about "Building Stories", so I immediately requested it from the library, although it could take awhile. It looks very good. What other Ware GNs could you recommend?
Mark
posted by msf59 at 2:55 pm (EST) on Oct 1, 2012
will wish list 'garden.' i am in book overwhelm.
e
posted by mirrordrum at 4:23 pm (EST) on Sep 29, 2012
Mark
posted by msf59 at 9:50 am (EST) on Sep 23, 2012
Mark
posted by msf59 at 10:09 pm (EST) on Sep 22, 2012
I do vaguely remember talk about the Dr. Siri books but I don't remember the titles or author. Could you fill me in please?
I read "Crossing to Safety" years ago and remember loving it but I must admit that his last two that I read ("Spectator Bird and "Angle of Repose") were let-downs so I wonder if Crossing would still hold up for me? Looking forward to your review since there are so many new titles, I can't imagine attempting a re-read any time soon.
Anne
posted by NarratorLady at 12:52 pm (EST) on Sep 15, 2012
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/15/us/life-went-on-around-her-redefining-care-by-...
It's an obituary of a girl who was the subject of Fadiman's "The Spirit Moves You and You Fall Down", a book I've been meaning to read. The obit gives a good description of the book as well as its impact on the US medical community. Very inspiring.
It's a shame Fadiman doesn't write more but I think she spends most of her time teaching ... and reading!
Anne
posted by NarratorLady at 9:40 am (EST) on Sep 15, 2012
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:27 pm (EST) on Aug 28, 2012
makes me kinda proud to be an old woman.
Legitimate Rape by the Renegade Raging Grannies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Anc_gP2_QeI
posted by mirrordrum at 3:32 pm (EST) on Aug 26, 2012
Did I tell you I requested the new Lemire? Hopefully I'll get it soon.
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:22 pm (EST) on Aug 24, 2012
posted by mirrordrum at 4:44 pm (EST) on Aug 20, 2012
Mark
posted by msf59 at 6:19 pm (EST) on Jul 28, 2012
posted by mirrordrum at 1:48 pm (EST) on Jul 24, 2012
hope you're having fun and don't end up looking like Nero Wolfe, that super gourmand gourmet from all the comestibles you're, uh, comestibilating.
toodles.
posted by mirrordrum at 3:46 pm (EST) on Jul 23, 2012
posted by mirrordrum at 11:19 pm (EST) on Jul 20, 2012
cheers,
e
posted by mirrordrum at 8:19 pm (EST) on Jun 30, 2012
posted by wookiebender at 8:05 am (EST) on Jun 19, 2012
Thanks for the comment. by The way I, I had a college classmate named Joe Welch - Penn State class of '59. You?
posted by RonWelton at 9:38 pm (EST) on Jun 17, 2012
should be viewable for the general populace.
posted by mirrordrum at 12:46 pm (EST) on Jun 17, 2012
not sure which development in disco you're talking about. there were several: one with Dtui near the end, the story of Mr. Geung and, of course, Dr. Siri's now got rhythm. this was a hard book to follow in audio. i'm inclined to read it again but there's so much else to read . . . GNAH!
posted by mirrordrum at 11:05 am (EST) on Jun 16, 2012
posted by seasonsoflove at 1:09 pm (EST) on Jun 15, 2012
heh
posted by richardderus at 1:20 pm (EST) on Jun 14, 2012
i'm lucky, though, to have access to so many books now through audible.com so i have no room for complaint.
i've thought about a kindle but it would be just one more piece of non-recyclable stuff and my ability to read even large print is negligible so i doubt that it would be much improvement over reading an LP book over the course of a couple of months. i really do have plenty to read and given the length of time reading an audio book takes, more than enough to keep me busy and, you would think, content.
it's an odd thing about books, though. i have a difficulty with books, as do others, obviously, that i never had with food or with anything else, really. i never seem to have enough even when i already have more than i can possibly complete.
in re: the shibas. they spend a lot of time just now lying about with their nether regions exposed and, dabbling as i am with Paradise lost, having just passed the thrones and dominations part, i bethought me of the tree of knowledge and how lucky dogs, and other 'lesser' creatures, are never to have eaten thereof so that they may lie about exposed, ignorant, innocent and blissful and be deemed cute. i don't suppose that makes a bit of sense. :)
i've been thinking a lot lately about what the human brain has done to the world. i found the swerve, or rather, what i learned from it of de rerum natura, helpful. atoms. all atoms. only of course now we're down to sub-atomic particles, and after that, why, it's turtles all the way down! heh.
posted by mirrordrum at 3:38 pm (EST) on Jun 12, 2012
Ilana
posted by Smiler69 at 3:37 pm (EST) on Jun 12, 2012
i'm lucky, though, to have access to so many books now through audible.com so i have no room for complaint.
i've thought about a kindle but it would be just one more piece of non-recyclable stuff and my ability to read even large print is negligible so i doubt that it would be much improvement over reading an LP book over the course of a couple of months. i really do have plenty to read and given the length of time reading an audio book takes, more than enough to keep me busy and, you would think, content.
it's an odd thing about books, though. i have a difficulty with books, as do others, obviously, that i never had with food or with anything else, really. i never seem to have enough even when i already have more than i can possibly complete.
in re: the shibas. they spend a lot of time just now lying about with their nether regions exposed and, dabbling as i am with Paradise lost, having just passed the thrones and dominations part, i bethought me of the tree of knowledge and how lucky dogs, and other 'lesser' creatures, are never to have eaten thereof so that they may lie about exposed, ignorant, innocent and blissful and be deemed cute. i don't suppose that makes a bit of sense. :)
i've been thinking a lot lately about what the human brain has done to the world. i found the swerve, or rather, what i learned from it of de rerum natura, helpful. atoms. all atoms. only of course now we're down to sub-atomic particles, and after that, why, it's turtles all the way down! heh.
posted by mirrordrum at 3:37 pm (EST) on Jun 12, 2012
JB says she'd forgotten sierra dorada is a 'morning' coffee for working days, which is to say it's not a rich, smooth coffee but rather brighter than her usual preferences. she also uses it for iced coffee and through-the-day sipping. she says it's quite good for that kind of drinking--a not-paying-too-much-attention drinking. she's getting ready to have a sit-down cup now, though, and it's Sumatra. a whole nother thing.
you're very kind about the book reviews. i've only written two of any substance. i find it taxing to try to write reviews of audio books. i'm encouraged to try when the brain, eyes and hands are up to it. i find your reviews and Anne's and RD's so daunting that i find i'm reluctant. hindered by comparing mind! a familiar experience, alas.
oops. eyes quitting. must away.
posted by mirrordrum at 4:54 pm (EST) on Jun 11, 2012
posted by msf59 at 7:00 pm (EST) on Jun 9, 2012
I was looking at the fold-out in the Trib today. Wow! Lots of stuff to browse. How much $ should I bring? LOL.
Mark
posted by msf59 at 6:28 pm (EST) on Jun 9, 2012
and no, Peet's doesn't pay me to shill for them. ;) anyway, a GOOD vacuum container, or containers, from somewhere is/are an excellent investment.
bottom line: depends on how well you store it and how picky you are about taste. and there are plenty of other blends you know you like. sierra dorada blend doens't come ariund very often so. . .what can i say?
beast, going to Australia. i wanna go to en zed but not gonna happen in this lifetime. that's alright. i have woodpeckers w/ babies outside the window and a raccoon (Agatha Raisin) who comes every day for din dins and will be bringing her raisinettes for din dins too when they're big enough. a yearly delight. we always have one mom, sometimes two, who bring cubs, usually in august.
thanks for the positive comments on my review. means a lot.
posted by mirrordrum at 5:53 pm (EST) on Jun 5, 2012
posted by mirrordrum at 5:28 pm (EST) on Jun 5, 2012
Did you see that some prune flagged my review? heh!
posted by richardderus at 12:02 pm (EST) on Jun 4, 2012
posted by DirtPriest at 3:17 am (EST) on May 26, 2012
posted by DirtPriest at 3:17 am (EST) on May 26, 2012
posted by mirrordrum at 6:16 pm (EST) on May 25, 2012
alors, mon vieux. off to order something at Joe's before you scarper.
thanks again.
posted by mirrordrum at 4:45 pm (EST) on May 17, 2012
??????
posted by mirrordrum at 4:17 pm (EST) on May 17, 2012
must've been somewhere, though, 'cause i've got eight thumbs.
thanks anyway, Joe.
posted by mirrordrum at 3:10 pm (EST) on May 17, 2012
have a good 'un. see you shortly at Joe's. :)
posted by mirrordrum at 1:50 pm (EST) on May 17, 2012
You asked if Greece was in turmoil and since it wasn't a bookish topic I thought I'd answer here. There certainly is a lot of suffering going on and the anger that arises from that is frightening. A cab driver told us that he used to pull in 700 euros per day and now was lucky to get 20 euros ($26) - basically the cost of our cab ride. He blamed the politicians and the bankers who he said "stole all our money".
In Crete, where we spent the most time, there didn't seem to be the same panic. Perhaps it's because Crete's main industry is agriculture which means a greater number of the population has employment. But they're not a separate entity and whatever befalls Greece as a whole becomes their problem too.
We had left by the time elections took place but they highlighted the mess. The leading parties can't agree on enough to form a coalition government and more radical parties on the right and left gained seats. One party, called "Golden Dawn" in English gained seven seats in Parliament, up from the one seat they held previously by the group's leader who has given the "Heil Hitler" salute during parliamentary meetings. After the election, when reporters had convened in a room to hear him talk about the small victory, (huge for them) his handlers began screaming that everyone should stand before he entered. Some were confused and stood and others left the room. He then proceeded to scream about immigrants being the downfall of the country and only true Greeks should be allowed to remain. All the screaming and rhetoric were very reminiscent of you-know-who.
A Greek economist (oh how devoted Americans become to CNN when away from home for a while) said that the social implications of these years of austerity leave Greece open to the same influences that affected Germany in the early thirties.
So, although we had a wonderful time and found the Greek people charming and hospitable, I don't think I would plan a visit there next year. I hope I'm wrong but it felt like we were there before something really fundamentally awful could be in the works.
There - I'll bet that's more than you wanted to know! Aren't you glad I didn't blab on about all this in the cafe and spoil the calm and good fellowship there?
Anne
posted by NarratorLady at 10:29 am (EST) on May 12, 2012
Mark
posted by msf59 at 11:22 am (EST) on May 4, 2012
I should have known that Wikipedia would have the answer. Here's the story of how "Sweet Thursday" became the musical "Pipe Dream". Seems that Steinbeck was all for it at the beginning!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipe_Dream_(musical)
posted by NarratorLady at 7:53 pm (EST) on Apr 12, 2012
I am guessing which are your wife, daughter, mom and dad? sister? Best friend?
LOL
You look like the perfect smiling proprietor of Joe's Cafe :)
kath
posted by mckait at 9:52 am (EST) on Apr 5, 2012
this is one of those things about which i'd love to have a conversation irl over a whatever for you and a glass of water for me in some great place like Joe's. :)
posted by mirrordrum at 9:55 pm (EST) on Mar 26, 2012
for me, i think it's that in Case histories, the focus is on the characters, relationships, and aftermath(s) or consequences as well as the complexities of the case histories that draws me in. it's not a book about abuse but about how we live with our histories, what we make of them or they make of us, and about the complexity of the histories themselves and the subjective nature of 'truth.' or do i mean fact? it's also about the wonderfully complex nature of human relationships and of all kinds of love.
posted by mirrordrum at 6:47 pm (EST) on Mar 25, 2012
ellie
posted by mirrordrum at 6:36 pm (EST) on Mar 25, 2012
Tui
posted by tiffin at 9:27 pm (EST) on Mar 19, 2012
posted by Whisper1 at 9:14 pm (EST) on Mar 16, 2012
Jenn
posted by JenniferMichelle at 3:43 pm (EST) on Mar 4, 2012
Mark
posted by msf59 at 3:22 pm (EST) on Mar 4, 2012
And I seem to be violating my "no Holocaust stories" rule today, with my bookgroup read. Sigh. It's gonna be a tough few days getting through this one...
posted by wookiebender at 5:42 pm (EST) on Mar 1, 2012
posted by seasonsoflove at 5:51 pm (EST) on Feb 12, 2012
Mark
posted by msf59 at 1:29 pm (EST) on Feb 11, 2012
http://www.shauntan.net/paintings1.html
no need to get back to me. you're going to need a secretary to help you keep up with all that goes on at Joe's place. take care of yourself. :)
posted by mirrordrum at 4:44 pm (EST) on Feb 9, 2012
in general, i like his illustrations better than his paintings. so much to love about his work. i'm going to want to own this book and i do try so hard not to be acquisitive.
posted by mirrordrum at 3:39 pm (EST) on Feb 9, 2012
Mark
posted by msf59 at 6:13 pm (EST) on Feb 2, 2012
I’m pretty much home-bound now and she's a quiet soul so we don't go out and I’m no longer able to travel at all. Soooo, we carouse respectively on audiobooks and Peet's.
In re: teas, depends on what kind Debbi likes. i was a black tea drinker and rotated amongst the gold-tipped Assam, Lion Mt. Keemun, regular Keemun, Yunnan and the commoner Darjeelings. i always tried the fancier offerings but usually, except for the Lion Mt., preferred the less lofty varieties. i was never crazy about blends like English breakfast but lots of people like them. they do have samplers, too.
I’m not sure what their teabag offerings are if she uses tea bags. I couldn't abide tea bags unless forced. i liked the whole ritual of tea-making. If she's really keen on tea and makes it in the pot from loose leaves, the greatest gift in the world is an unglazed clay teapot. I have a wonderful little pot--makes about 2 cups or one mug--that i bought along w/ 4 small unglazed cups in Chinatown in the City about 35 years ago. It makes the most delicious cup of tea in the world. If you can't find one, hell, I’ll send you mine. I’m trying to find a home for it with someone who loves tea and would be appreciative of its simple beauty. I’ll see if I can get a good photo of it.
Off to watch the lady vols and hope they don't get clocked by the Georgia bulldogs. They’re struggling and nobody will acknowledge that it could possibly have anything to do w/ their coach having dementia and rheumatoid arthritis. Hello?
I wondered if I might send your review of The swerve to a troop in Afghanistan to whom I’m sending some other non-fiction books. He and his buddies share them. His interests are intriguing: Robert Fisk, Ahmed Rashid, Christopher Hitchens and others. I thought they might possibly be interested in [Swerve] even though it’s not political. Anyway, it’s something to write about.
Took a break before posting this to watch the lady vols come away with one. Whew!
Glad you liked the NPR segment. I found it delightful.
posted by mirrordrum at 7:40 pm (EST) on Jan 29, 2012
i'm a women's college and pro hoops fan myself. whole 'nother thang. unfortunately, we're big lady vols fans so we're having a rough season because of pat summitt's diagnosis of early onset dementia. i don't know if you've seen anything about that. she's the coach who, along with coach k, was one of the two SI sportspeople of the year.
rats! wish i'd known about Debbi's tea drinking. i can't actually drink coffee or tea anymore but when i did, i also got all my tea from Peet's. i tried other brands but also came back to Alfred Peet's teas!
off to Joe's.
posted by mirrordrum at 10:02 pm (EST) on Jan 28, 2012
regards
zenomax..
posted by zenomax at 5:12 am (EST) on Jan 27, 2012
posted by mirrordrum at 3:21 pm (EST) on Jan 24, 2012
Have a good one bud, see you at the Cafe later!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:50 am (EST) on Jan 9, 2012
I heard the next book, in the Blood Red Road series is coming out soon. Have you heard this? I better get cracking on the 1st one.
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:17 pm (EST) on Jan 8, 2012
i don't like the sound of you needing to quit work. what's up with that?
Joe's is super. love the atmosphere. it'll nicely replace smokey joe's in Berkeley--but with likker. ;) it's going to drag me away from some of my other hang out spots.
great idea.
posted by mirrordrum at 9:18 pm (EST) on Jan 4, 2012
Jenn
posted by JenniferMichelle at 8:14 pm (EST) on Jan 2, 2012
Thank you, Joe.
Jenn
posted by JenniferMichelle at 8:09 pm (EST) on Jan 2, 2012
And you are a celebrity around here, so it's no trouble to be associated with you ;)
posted by seasonsoflove at 2:03 pm (EST) on Dec 31, 2011
posted by seasonsoflove at 1:58 pm (EST) on Dec 31, 2011
Mark
posted by msf59 at 6:25 am (EST) on Dec 19, 2011
Not looking forward to the Bears game, but I'll watch it anyway, grumble, grumble.
Enjoy your day, sir!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:56 am (EST) on Dec 18, 2011
I'm in complete agreement that Adrian was given short shrift since he was such a pivotal character. I think my biggest problem with the book was the bequest of the money and diary which of course set the story in motion. Other than this reason I really couldn't see the point. And Tony's ex-girlfriend (I forget her name at the moment) and her insistence that he should know of the existence of young Adrian when she wouldn't hand over the diary, baffled me.
I understand that Tony was happily oblivious to much but it seemed like a stretch to accuse him of being dim because he didn't know this character's life story - and that he was somehow culpable.
But the bits about memory were wonderful and that's why I want to reread it more carefully.
Anne
posted by NarratorLady at 7:59 pm (EST) on Dec 5, 2011
I'm interested in your thoughts about "The Sense of an Ending". Did you like it? Love it? Thought it was deserving of the Big Prize?
As you know I wasn't a fan but then couldn't get the book out of my mind. I've got it down for a reread - which I rarely do; too little books too little time, you know - and I have a feeling that I may come away with a new outlook.
Anne
posted by NarratorLady at 2:43 pm (EST) on Dec 5, 2011
Ah The Pickwick Papers! I guess it has more to do with the time I read it than anything else. I was just stepping into high school. I had discovered a new bookstore (which, sadly, no longer exists)and bought The Pickwick Papers from there. I was really excited about everything I read, every movie I saw, every song I listened to, basically about everything I did.
The book is a bit disjointed as most parts of the story was originally published as short sketches. But overall it worked for me. I found parts of it really funny and other more sombre parts touched my heart.
Hope that answers your question. :-)
Porua
posted by Porua at 3:28 am (EST) on Nov 29, 2011
I picked up a couple more Y:The Last Man books from the library. I'm a big fan of this series.
Quite an ending for the Walking Dead, huh? Now, we wait til February. Boooooo....!
Mark!
posted by msf59 at 9:04 pm (EST) on Nov 28, 2011
Thank you so much for your kind words about my review of The Swerve. Much appreciated!
Suzanne
posted by Poquette at 2:19 pm (EST) on Nov 27, 2011
I am really enjoying Fun and Games and I have the 2nd book in the trilogy, in the stacks. I believe the 3rd one comes out in March. I can also recommend "Expiration Date" and "Severance Package". Lots of fun!
Looking forward to the Bears game later. I'm anxious to see how they do. Enjoy your day!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 11:42 am (EST) on Nov 27, 2011
posted by walklover at 10:01 pm (EST) on Nov 26, 2011
posted by walklover at 12:00 pm (EST) on Nov 23, 2011
Sorry I haven't written. I've been rather busy. But I haven't forgotten you. I'll send you a note as soon as I can, in all likelihood tomorrow. =)
Thanks for the patience!
Sweetie.
posted by girlfromshangrila at 5:32 pm (EST) on Nov 22, 2011
I thought you might find this article of interest: http://www.examiner.com/the-hunger-games-in-national/hunger-games-holidays-dysto...
Have a nice weekend!
Sweetie
posted by girlfromshangrila at 11:44 am (EST) on Nov 18, 2011
Thanks for your compliments on my English! That was really nice to ‘hear’. I still struggle (mostly with prepositions… those darned pesky things…*mumbles*), but reading does wonders to one’s vocabulary. =)
If you are ever short of a discussion partner for polishing your Spanish, let me know. I am sure you are much better at it than you let on. ;-)
An underground library! That sounds terrific! How did the opening go?
My weekend was great: we visited my family, including my baby brother, who turns every visit into an unforgettable adventure. You know how eight-year-olds are. ;-)
Did you start The Sense of an Ending? It sounds fascinating! I have never read anything by Julian Barnes. Is she as good as the critics keep saying?
Oh, I finished Blood Red Road. My goodness, Joe! That was one heck of a ride! The characters are not particularly deep, but interesting nonetheless: Saba is a tough, wild little beast of a girl with an unbending will; and the romantic interest is almost, almost clichéd, but their plights are compelling enough. The writing style isn’t much, though: it’s written with an accent of sorts, since the MC is supposed to be uneducated, and there are very few images and even less beautiful-sounding turns of phrases (nothing like The Book Thief, for example). But what I liked the most was the story: the world feels like taken right off a classic post-apocalyptic movie, with a kick: like a twist of lemon and a shot of hot sauce. The action starts right off the bat, and it hardly ever stalls. In short, it’s one of those fast-paced stories that really stand out, but it’s no literary wonder in itself. Good for one of those book funks that seem to haunt me of late.
I have been looking by a book, any book, by Murakami, but the only ones I have found are Norwegian Wood (in English) and Sputnik Sweetheart (in Spanish –I’m not fond of Spanish translations). Both are pricy, and I have no idea how good they are anyway. What do you think of those?
posted by girlfromshangrila at 3:30 pm (EST) on Nov 15, 2011
posted by walklover at 1:21 pm (EST) on Nov 15, 2011
he's a perfect writer for the silly book game. marvelous lines and lots of questions. fun!
posted by mirrordrum at 7:00 pm (EST) on Nov 10, 2011
Nope, I've made no secret of my dislike for The Death Cure. Come think of it, The Scorch Trials wasn't all that great either; but TDC was not only a poor way to end the series, but a poorly written book all around. Limited concept, terrible execution. It’s just not fair: The Maze Runner promised so much! But TDC was so unsatisfying. The sentences were choppy, the ideas were constipated, and the characters were flat. I kept waiting for proof of the Gladers’ superior intelligence to shine through, but it never did. And the end was definitely rushed. Save yourself the trouble and come up with your own end: I’m sure it’ll be better than what Dashner gave us.
The Name of the Star sounds good. I have only read The 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson, and while I loved the concept, the main character didn’t appeal to me. I wonder if the other books by Ms. Johnson are better on that respect?
I’m close to the end of Blood Red Road. It’s been an exhilarating ride, so far. I’ll give you more details when I’m done with it.
Other than BRR, I’m only reading some ARCs and a bunch of short stories in Spanish; nothing too thrilling so far. I won some Leslie DuBois books through the Member Giveaway program, and I think they’re pretty decent, but not Top Shelf material either.
How about you? Any interesting plans for the weekend?
posted by girlfromshangrila at 10:28 am (EST) on Nov 10, 2011
Sara Paretsky is coming to the library in Gurnee the following weekend so maybe I can make that one.
posted by lindapanzo at 5:15 pm (EST) on Nov 9, 2011
Missed me? xD
I'm sorry to hear Steinbeck's Ghost didn't hold up well. I'll put that one over in the freezer for a while, then.
I've heard a lot about the Oz books, but I don't think I've ever come across one. It makes me sad.
Have you read The Death Cure yet? Did you enjoy it? Tolerate it? Abhor it?
1Q84 sounds thrilling! Did you finish it? How did you like it? Pray tell!
GfSl
posted by girlfromshangrila at 4:26 pm (EST) on Nov 9, 2011
Love is Murder Mini-Con
Saturday, November 12th, 2011, 2 to 4 PM
Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Rd., Lincolnshire
To register call (847) 634-3650 or visit VAPLD.info
Featured authors are Raymond Benson, Michael Harvey, Jeffrey Small, and Robert Goldborough
Note: The Vernon Area Library event will be preceded by an Agatha Christie presentation with actress Betsy Means at 1 PM.
posted by lindapanzo at 6:13 pm (EST) on Nov 3, 2011
I've seen two professional productions so far and each has been wonderful. Have a great time.
posted by NarratorLady at 5:40 pm (EST) on Oct 29, 2011
"'Squirrels have been criticized for hiding nuts in various places for future use and then forgetting the places. Well, Squirrels do not bother with minor details like that. They have other things on their mind, such as hiding more nuts where they can't find them'(Cuppy 1949)."
quoted in this article.
i am, or was, a great fan of Cuppy in my younger days. this makes me want to see if i can find an LP version of How to attract a wombat with which to amuse myself. :)
hope you're doing tolerably well.
posted by mirrordrum at 11:37 pm (EST) on Oct 28, 2011
I just noticed that you live in Chicago! Last week I took a short vacation there and was amazed by your beautiful city. We went on the architectural cruise which was fabulous - we also spent time with old friends whom we hadn't seen in years.
We'd planned to go for a while by my interest was peaked when I read Erik Larson's "Devil in the White City". If I hadn't already read it, I probably would have picked up a copy while there since it seemed to be on sale everywhere we went.
Anyway, a great place to visit and, I'm sure, to live.
Anne
posted by NarratorLady at 10:04 pm (EST) on Oct 27, 2011
I see that you're awaiting the new Murakami book. I've heard so much about his books and there's a cover story from last week's New York Times Magazine (that I have yet to read). Have you read many of his books, and if so, which one would you recommend that I begin with?
Anne
PS: I'm currently narrating a book about grammar called "Origin of the Specious" by Patricia O'Connor (full of puns) and she says that split infinitives and ending sentences with prepositions are perfectly alright. So I've begun to wildly flout all the rules I was brought up to adhere to.
posted by NarratorLady at 5:45 pm (EST) on Oct 27, 2011
Have a great day,
Judy
posted by DeltaQueen50 at 1:56 pm (EST) on Oct 21, 2011
I think I will likely order the Norton Critical Edition of Persuasion mostly because I am used to them and have read the other Jane Austen novels in that format. I may end up with post modernist claptrap at the back of the book, or the essays may be as useful to my appreciation of the novel as those in Northanger Abbey. In any case, I'll be posting my reactions.
Robert
posted by Mr.Durick at 4:39 pm (EST) on Oct 20, 2011
A Wrinkle in Time is on my Wishlist --my usual problem: I haven't been able to secure a copy. It's frustrating, living here and loving books written in English.
Gotta go for today.
Have a nice Thursday!
posted by girlfromshangrila at 6:00 pm (EST) on Oct 6, 2011
I will make sure to let you know how I like The Poisonwood Bible, when I'm done with it. The only 'bad' thing I can say against it so far: there are tiny traces of self-righteousness and tinges of preachiness showing here and there. I do hope it is just my imagination and the story turns out alright in the end... We'll see.
Question: How did you like "When You Reach Me", by Rebecca Stead? Would you recommend it?
posted by girlfromshangrila at 5:36 pm (EST) on Oct 6, 2011
I just finished Specials, the third in the Uglies series. I have no idea how I made it that far. I found Tally, the main character, extremely irritating. Besides, the story has this problem than The Maze Runner and, to a much lesser extent, Catching Fire, presents: it repeats the same plot over and over, changing only context. Me no likey. =( Still, I found Specials to be much stronger than the first two (and I'm NOT reading the fourth book, thankyouverymuch). What did you think of those?
I'm reading The Poisonwood Bible at the moment, and loving every page. If I had known it'd be so much fun, I would have picked it up before. I didn't see it in your library. Have you read that one and disliked it, or not read it yet?
posted by girlfromshangrila at 5:52 pm (EST) on Oct 5, 2011
Your link made me chortle. Thank you so much for sharing!
Read anything interesting of late?
posted by girlfromshangrila at 3:48 pm (EST) on Oct 5, 2011
Mark
posted by msf59 at 10:12 pm (EST) on Oct 3, 2011
I really enjoyed "Perdido". It felt like it took me forever but what a world he created. Next up, the mammoth "Dance with Dragons".
BTW- I'm going to an author event featuring Brian Selznick today. The new book looks fantastic. Hope you have a great Sunday and Go Bears!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 10:09 am (EST) on Oct 2, 2011
posted by walklover at 8:24 am (EST) on Sep 28, 2011
posted by seasonsoflove at 9:03 pm (EST) on Sep 25, 2011
I've also got a Usagi Yojimbo, it's probably the middle one in a series. Bought it years ago out of curiosity, have never read it. Maybe it's time to dust that one off.
I will *SO* keep my eyes open for "Vagabond" (oooh, I can order it at the local comic shop... must... resist...), it does sound right up my alley.
Sorry I didn't reply earlier, I've been off away from Sydney and my computer for a long weekend.
cheers!
Tania
posted by wookiebender at 6:19 am (EST) on Sep 25, 2011
posted by Alondo at 11:36 am (EST) on Sep 23, 2011
i just finished visit from the goon squad. it was excellent though i'd like to have been able to read it in print as it moves about in time and i had a bit of difficulty keeping track of characters. i do recommend it highly.
have also discovered W. S. Merwin. i had no idea he was our poet laureate. i never do know who is. anyway, Rain in the trees is exceptional.
still lazing through Betjeman: A life. narratorlady does such a great job. it's really fun having a connection to the reader. :)
must post on the 'what are you listening to now' thread but have been lazy, i guess.
have tried Cry the beloved country but didn't get into it. are you listening or reading it visually? it was one my mother always said i should read and she was almost always right.
i wonder if you would like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. i read her Purple hibiscus w/ a knock-my-socks off narration by Lisette Lecat from NLS. i keep hoping they'll put more of her work in audio format w/ a good narrator. she's superb.
hope you're well and welcoming the beginning of fall. we had a hot summer so the cool down has been really welcome.
thanks so much for posting. i've gotten a bit out of touch what with one thing and another.
ellie
posted by mirrordrum at 12:07 am (EST) on Sep 22, 2011
Thanks for thinking of me,
Nancy
posted by nancyewhite at 9:04 pm (EST) on Sep 21, 2011
Are you a fan of Philip K Dick? I finally got the audio of "Do Electric Sheep". I have never read him and look forward to checking it out. Have a good day!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 10:13 am (EST) on Sep 21, 2011
And hey, slam poetry? That sounds like a fantastic thing to do! A friend of mine is really into slam. But then, he (I call him Joe, by the way) is my age (late twenties), so he should have the "act like an adult" part nailed down by now. (Key word here being should. =D ) It never ocurred me to think what the whole experience would entail for tennaged performers. A perfect analogy for the case in point.
There is more I'd like to say on this, but I have to go. Duty calls. ;-)
posted by girlfromshangrila at 3:29 pm (EST) on Sep 20, 2011
Have a nice evening, Joe. =)
posted by girlfromshangrila at 6:20 pm (EST) on Sep 19, 2011
posted by girlfromshangrila at 6:15 pm (EST) on Sep 19, 2011
This is the fourth or fifth time I try to 'hoist a signal flag' to you. I don't think LT was happy with my earlier messages, probably because they weren't written in Piratical as they should have been.
Sadly, as I tried to say before, I can't write in that manner without sounding beyond pathetic. Best I can do is try hard to mitigate a bit my strongLatino accent, and that is already pushing it. :P
You make so many good points on Marcelo it is impossible not to agree with you. Yes indeed, I remember that movie, "Big". I can't remember all the details, as I was a kid myself when I saw it on TV. I love stories like that one, in which a child has to deal with "grown-up stuff" and, as you say, brings 'that fresh, child-like perspective to the adult world'. Sadly, most of them focus too much on the silly, humorous aspects, or are all about the concept of role reversal (Vice Versa, Freaky Friday, and similars). Very few are as rich and intellectually stimulating as Marcelo the Book is.
I liked how Marcelo learned and evolved throughout the story. And I think Mr. Stork did a great job at making the reader get emotionally involved in the story. Or maybe it's just me being my usual sappy self? =) In any case, I could rationally understand why Marcelo had to work at the law firm for the summer, but a part of me didn't want him to; Wendell made my stomach turn; I was fascinated by Jasmine, et cetera. And oh dear, there are so many quotable lines in there! Aren't the best books always the most quotable ones?
And again, you are right: some of us...never grow up? Are better than others at... staying childish? Being immature? Or rather, keeping an open mind long enough to 'bend the rules' for the right reason?
This ended up being long. Sorry...
posted by girlfromshangrila at 5:47 pm (EST) on Sep 19, 2011
How are you liking this Talk Like a Pirate Day thingy going on in LT? =)
Sorry I didn’t write sooner: I hardly ever get on-line during the weekend. I hope yours was fun and pleasant.
I agree with you about Marcelo’s bravery. The guts, the spirit, the integrity it must have taken to make the choice he made! (Yes, I do realize he is a fictional character, thankyouverymuch =D ) That book has stayed with me. It has made me think about the dark parts of human nature and society as we know it. I can’t quite put into words what that story has made me feel and think. The only semi-coherent idea I’ve been able to hang on to is that, maybe, the world would be a nicer place if we could find a way to avoid being desensitized by ‘the rules of the real world’, that we’d all be better off if we at least dared to challenge them every now and then. Does that make sense?
What did you enjoy the most about Marcelo in the Real World?
posted by girlfromshangrila at 2:35 pm (EST) on Sep 19, 2011
Enjoy your play today!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 12:05 pm (EST) on Sep 18, 2011
I also know you like Gilbert Hernandez. I read his "Chance in Hell". What a dark twisted guy this author is but there is something entrancing about these books.
I started the 6th "Last Man" book. I love this series. I plan on starting (FINALLY) "Perdidio Street Station". I know you loved this book.
Enjoy your Sunday and Go Bears!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:05 am (EST) on Sep 18, 2011
I have like 6 graphics home right now from the library (it's crazy!). I'm currently reading "Emitown", which I think you would like and speaking of the Love & Rockets books, I have the 1st book in the trilogy "Chance in Hell". He is a quirky storyteller. I'm also going to try a modern western series called "Scalped: Indian Country", that I've heard good things about. Are you familiar?
Yes, the weather has been fantastic and it looks like it will continue. Have a great weekend!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:04 am (EST) on Aug 27, 2011
Have you taken a peek at Ms. Roth's blog yet? The way her brain works is fascinating. I think she's an iNtuitive (remember that Talk thread on Myers-Briggs theory? You said your result was INFJ --that's iNtuitive).
I suspected her 'type' from the book, but her blog posts scream N to me, probably ENTP or ENFP. I think she (inadvertently or not) highlighted some MB personality traits in each of the five Factions. I'm working on a theory, but it's still in bits and pieces.
Anyway, I have the same reservations about "A World Without End". Besides, "Pillars" was a very hard read for me as it was, and I doubt I'll pick up WWE without a friend scolding me to read it. :(
Have a great weekend yourself, Joe. By all means, go out and enjoy all that sun!
Sweetie.
posted by girlfromshangrila at 5:51 pm (EST) on Aug 26, 2011
So good to know the weather has been merciful of you. I would be jealous, if it weren't because we're having deliciously typical 'Caracas weather' today: it's warm, sunny, cloudless, and all around pleasant. Finally! I can't wait for lunch break to feel it on my skin. =)
I stayed up late last night to finish Divergent. The next Hunger Games, indeed! I'm just hoping Tris doesn't go all PTSD like Katniss later. And oh my, what a writing style this young lady has! So straightforward, yet so beautiful. Plenty of gorgeous lines in there. I liked the world she created, too. I don't know if she meant it as a metaphor, a cautionary tale of sorts, or just as a sign of a hyperactive imagination, but I like it anyway. =)
Your current reads sound so interesting! Your Annotated Persuasion is making me jealous. Have fun! And LT recommends "The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England" to me since I read Ken Follet's "The Pillars of the Earth". A friend made me to. Have you read that one?
Sweetie.
posted by girlfromshangrila at 11:14 am (EST) on Aug 26, 2011
Thanks for the gentle reminder! You're absolutely right, and I'll post again in the right thread when the world stops spinning (my schedule is moving so fast it's making me dizzy!)
Sorry if I sounded... hypocritical by suggesting a new thread on the other one and then proceeding to resurrect an old thread myself. What an inconsistent, fickle, frivolous creature I must seem to you now! =)
I only intended to thank all those who encouraged me to pick up [Divergent], and I figured they were all subscribed to that thread already. Never meant to discuss the book or my latest reads there. But still, how inconsistent, fickle and frivolous of me! =)
You are also right on how interesting [Divergent] is. I'm falling hard for Tris. Hopefully I'll finish reading over the weekend and come back with fresh comments. I'm anxious to discuss it with all the spoilers I can conjure. ;-)
In another line, I hope the hurricane's side effects aren't causing you much trouble in Chicago? It's been raining buckets here for three days, yet Irene is about a thousand miles away. I want to say the two are unrelated, but I have a tendency towards conspiracy theories, so everything must be connected. :P
Again, thanks for your kind note. I'll take it to heart.
Stay dry,
Sweetie.
posted by girlfromshangrila at 5:54 pm (EST) on Aug 25, 2011
Judy
posted by DeltaQueen50 at 9:35 pm (EST) on Aug 18, 2011
Sweet Tooth 2 is excellent. Enjoy. Much darker and twisted than the 1st.
Mark
posted by msf59 at 3:43 pm (EST) on Aug 16, 2011
I stopped at Borders yesterday and finally bought a keeper copy of "Essex County" .This is actually my 1st graphic to own. Hooray. I also picked up "Blood Red Road". The 1st of a new fantasy YA series. Have you heard of it? Hope you have a great day, sir!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:47 am (EST) on Aug 16, 2011
I'm well into [Divergent]. It's a perfect summer read. Fast & fun and based in a futuristic Chicago. I'm also enjoying a new graphic called "Anya's Ghost", which you would really like.
Hope all is well and you are staying cool.
Mark
** you should stop by "The Wind-Up Bird" Group Read. We had a lot of unanswered questions over there!
posted by msf59 at 7:35 pm (EST) on Aug 4, 2011
Hope you are having a nice Sunday!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 9:13 am (EST) on Jul 24, 2011
Mark
posted by msf59 at 6:44 pm (EST) on Jul 15, 2011
By the way I love how you post your favorites of the year so I can come and browse through them! The ones that I have already read are ones that are on my favorites list too.
Here's to a good week,
Judy
posted by DeltaQueen50 at 5:01 pm (EST) on Jul 11, 2011
Boy, I have a stack of graphics to catch up on, it's ridiculous. Looking forward to finally getting to "the Wind-Up Bird Chronicle", which I'll start at the end of the week.
Hope your weekend is going well!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:51 am (EST) on Jul 10, 2011
Yes, I did forget "Too-Cool-Forgotten". I'll have to put it back on the list. Currently, I have 5 graphics I need to get to, which include Sweet Tooth 2, FAbles 2 and one called Lewis & Clark, which really looks good.
Once again, you will really like "The Sisters Brothers", start looking for it. Have a nice Sunday Joe!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:11 am (EST) on Jun 26, 2011
I listened to Bossypants while driving to and from work and the only problem was trying not to throw back my head when I laughed - and drove.
I gave Dear Enemy to my darling daughter last Christmas and she took it on a business trip with her. She said it was one of the most pleasant airpline rides she's had in a long time - although she missed Judy and Jervis too.
Anne
posted by NarratorLady at 8:59 pm (EST) on Jun 24, 2011
How about the "Loveless" books. They are graphic westerns. Wow, how do we keep up?
posted by msf59 at 1:04 pm (EST) on Jun 21, 2011
Are you a fan of the "Fables" books? I just picked up Animal Farm, volume 2. Volume 1 was out. They look good.
I also picked up another Jeff Lemire, "The Nobody". I hope to get to the next "sweet tooth" soon.
Mark
posted by msf59 at 11:47 am (EST) on Jun 21, 2011
Judy
posted by DeltaQueen50 at 11:58 pm (EST) on Jun 19, 2011
posted by divinenanny at 12:23 pm (EST) on Jun 15, 2011
I need to get to more China Mieville. I may have asked this before, but have you read Marcus Sakey, he's a Chicago crime writer? His latest is getting some good buzz. His books are a lot of fun.
Mark
posted by msf59 at 6:45 pm (EST) on Jun 13, 2011
Here's the link: http://www.librarything.com/topic/115329#2724709
later sir
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:58 pm (EST) on Jun 12, 2011
posted by Theamwriter at 5:02 pm (EST) on Jun 10, 2011
posted by Theamwriter at 4:26 pm (EST) on Jun 10, 2011
Judy
posted by DeltaQueen50 at 1:46 pm (EST) on Jun 10, 2011
posted by walklover at 12:57 pm (EST) on Jun 4, 2011
Maren
posted by Marensr at 12:00 am (EST) on May 31, 2011
I really enjoyed "Starvation Lake". I think you will too. Lots of hockey. I'll be starting the 5th book in "the Last Man" series. These are a lot of fun! At least we have a short work week ahead of us.
Mark
posted by msf59 at 10:13 pm (EST) on May 30, 2011
Lifeline Theatre which specializes in the adaptation of books to the stage. It is Christina Calvit who has adapted a number of works for them some award winning. I haven't seen a draft yet but I have high hopes. There is more information here http://www.lifelinetheatre.com/performances/11-12_season_announcement.shtml but I'll be sure to keep you posted next year.
Maren
posted by Marensr at 1:19 pm (EST) on May 30, 2011
That's a good idea, I think I'll hit Kafka up with a couple'a shorties first. Penal Colony sounds delightfully twisted. I'll let you know how I like 'em. ☺
posted by Death_By_Papercut at 11:03 am (EST) on May 30, 2011
posted by Death_By_Papercut at 9:24 pm (EST) on May 29, 2011
posted by Helenoel at 7:11 pm (EST) on May 26, 2011
"Sweet Tooth" has been fantastic. Actually reminds me of "The Walking Dead" too, but in color.
BTW- If you would like my copy of "He Who Fears the Wolf", (I just posted my review), I could send it to you. Let me know!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 10:47 am (EST) on May 26, 2011
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:35 pm (EST) on May 25, 2011
So some of your ancestors were MacFarlands? From where exactly? As far as I know one of the Glen ancestors married a MacFarland lassie when they still lived on the shores of Loch Lomond.
All best
Hugh
posted by hfglen at 2:27 pm (EST) on May 23, 2011
posted by maggie1944 at 10:41 am (EST) on May 21, 2011
posted by walklover at 10:23 pm (EST) on May 19, 2011
I'm glad you are enjoying "Divergent". I think I might just buy that one, it looks like a book to pass around. It's based in Chicago, right?
I'm enjoying another Scandinavian crime series, called "Snow Angels" and I am also really enjoying "Britten & Brulightly". I'm reading it slowly, due to time restrictions but you will love this one! Go Bulls!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:30 pm (EST) on May 11, 2011
Who knew northern Afghnaistan could be so wondefully droll?
I've noticed we've similar interests. So, you've got to check these out. I'm sure you are familiar with many of them. Great stuff.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/0404/adventure_books_1-19.html
posted by Sandydog1 at 6:26 pm (EST) on May 9, 2011
I read The Peach Keeper today. I hadn't planned on reading it all at once, but I got sucked right in. I really enjoyed it. It wasn't quite as funny as the others, but it was just as charming. There was even a guest appearance by Claire and Bay from Garden Spells. I felt satisfied at the end, as I did with all the others.
Sylvia
posted by SylviaC at 9:34 pm (EST) on May 8, 2011
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed all three Sarah Addison Allen books so far, and that you're spreading the joy. My nice new hardcover copy of The Peach Keeper just arrived in the mail, so I'll be reading it soon. I'll let you know what I think of it.
I see you have Daddy-Long-Legs among your favourite books of 2010. Someone below mentioned the sequel, Dear Enemy, and I can strongly recommend it. It is about Judy's friend Sallie running the John Grier Home. I like it even better than DLL. The storyline is a little more complex, and there is good character development.
I hope you find lots of "happy" books to enjoy!
Sylvia
posted by SylviaC at 10:04 pm (EST) on May 6, 2011
So I'm a suburbanite but for purposes of cross-country (and international) online interactions I've found it's easier to classify myself as "from Chicago". ;)
I see we have a wide variety of books in common, too. It's rare that I can find other readers ranging from YA stuff (Jordan Sonnenblick, Blue Balliet) to classics (Little Women, Anne of Green Gables) to contemporary favorites (Jim Butcher, Alexander McCall Smith, and - as you mentioned - Sarah Addison Allen)! I'm sure we've crossed paths on LT quite a bit but nice to officially "meet" you.
elbakerone / lisa :)
posted by elbakerone at 4:06 pm (EST) on May 6, 2011
Mark
posted by msf59 at 1:36 pm (EST) on Apr 22, 2011
I plan on starting "Radioactive" today, I'll let you know. Have a nice Easter weekend!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:53 am (EST) on Apr 22, 2011
I'm also well into the 1st of a fantasy trilogy called "The Blade Itself" by Joe Abercrombie. I think you might really like these, plus all 3 have already been written. Yah! A guy at work is almost done with the 2nd one and loves it.
Are you an Atwood fan? I'm crazy about "Handmaids Tale"! Take care and go Bulls!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:14 pm (EST) on Apr 20, 2011
posted by walklover at 11:25 pm (EST) on Apr 18, 2011
Thanks again for the rec, it was a sweet treat to spend a little time with. Hope you are doing well!
Laura
p.s. Now I "have to" watch the Astaire movie again - oh, the horrible sacrifices I have to make in life! - so I can compare the book to the movie. What homework, hey?!?
posted by LauraBrook at 7:56 pm (EST) on Apr 11, 2011
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:55 am (EST) on Apr 4, 2011
"Civil War", is part of the Spiderman series. "Gotham Central, Vol. 1: In the Line of Duty", is a series told through the eyes of the police in Gotham. This looks very promising.
"Daytripper" sounds great, I'm going to request that one. I'm so glad you loved "Wise Man's Fear". I plan on getting to it, in the next couple months.
Have a good day and a nice time at the Bulls game. How many regular games are left, anyway?
Mark
posted by msf59 at 9:49 am (EST) on Apr 3, 2011
Your Sox look like quite a powerhouse team this year. I have Konerko and Quentin on my fantasy team so I hope those two do well this season.
posted by lindapanzo at 8:50 pm (EST) on Apr 2, 2011
I was listening to a podcast recently and they were throwing out a bunch of highly recommended G.N.s.
Have you read any of these:
"Civil War" series
"Gotham central" series
"Daytripper"
"Radioactive" ???
They all sound really good. Have you sent me your daughter's link over here? I'd like to add her to my friends. Have a good weekend!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:09 pm (EST) on Apr 1, 2011
Angela
posted by Ozrkgirlie at 8:05 pm (EST) on Mar 31, 2011
posted by leperdbunny at 8:29 pm (EST) on Mar 27, 2011
Sylvia
posted by SylviaC at 3:21 pm (EST) on Mar 26, 2011
posted by leperdbunny at 10:11 pm (EST) on Mar 22, 2011
I had a wonderful time talking with you! Friending you :)
posted by leperdbunny at 5:23 pm (EST) on Mar 21, 2011
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:23 am (EST) on Mar 21, 2011
I also fav'd Mr Pettigrew's Last Stand for 2010. Such a charmer of a book.
Deborah
posted by vancouverdeb at 2:51 pm (EST) on Mar 20, 2011
posted by lindapanzo at 11:46 am (EST) on Mar 20, 2011
Hope you're having a nice Sunday morning, and hope we can all get together again soon!
Cheers,
Laura
posted by LauraBrook at 9:27 am (EST) on Mar 20, 2011
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:41 am (EST) on Mar 20, 2011
Hey, I ended up picking up Irish beer, Harps & Smithwicks. Sound good? How's your daughter feeling?
Mark
posted by msf59 at 4:41 pm (EST) on Mar 18, 2011
Mark
posted by msf59 at 3:32 pm (EST) on Mar 16, 2011
I hope you're enjoying Garden Spells. Sarah Addison Allen has recently become one of my favourite authors.
Sylvia
posted by SylviaC at 1:17 pm (EST) on Mar 16, 2011
A friend recommended "Understood Betsy" a couple of years ago and I was amazed that I'd never heard of it. Liked it so much that I re-read it last summer!
Anne
posted by NarratorLady at 6:23 pm (EST) on Mar 9, 2011
I've started to write about books again, although I bit sparingly due to lack of time.
Thanks for asking!
http://www.librarything.com/topic/111785&newpost=1#lastmsg
Anne
posted by NarratorLady at 4:25 pm (EST) on Mar 9, 2011
I haven't started another diary this year yet but I might. If so, I'll let you know. I found that writing reviews took too much of my time and I have less free time this year than last. But perhaps I'll just write about the books I've enjoyed or have just sparked an emotional response instead of every one I read.
Just finished Michael Frayn's excellent memoir "My Father's Fortune" and it occurs to me that my reading choices this year haven't moved me as much as this one. Perhaps this is why I've been reluctant to write. In any case, thanks for asking. I look forward to hearing about your choices too,
Anne
posted by NarratorLady at 10:42 pm (EST) on Mar 6, 2011
Mark
posted by msf59 at 3:49 pm (EST) on Mar 6, 2011
I had heard that there's an Italian TV series made of the Camilleri books and wondered if it was any good, so thanks for the thumbs up. I'll have to go look for the DVDs.
I haven't read the entire series yet, but I think I only have another 3 to go.
Enjoy your Sunday.
cheers
Caroline
posted by cameling at 11:59 am (EST) on Feb 27, 2011
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:34 pm (EST) on Feb 24, 2011
Did you see my last msg? I'm loving "Name of the Wind"!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:20 pm (EST) on Feb 20, 2011
Read another nice chunk of "Name of the Wind". Wow, good stuff! Have a good weekend, my friend!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 6:33 pm (EST) on Feb 18, 2011
I was fairly sure you were the right person. Good for my little brain!
I, too, thought Fire was better written, though not a better story. I had been afraid it would be hard to follow, but it wasn't. I suppose Bitterblue will tie them all together. We need more of Lech's story, even though he's a villain. I'll have to wait for the pb version of BB, as I have a limited book-buying-budget.
Later, Tater.
Lettie
posted by Boobalack at 4:21 pm (EST) on Feb 18, 2011
I just started "Name of the Wind" and I love the way it begins. This is going to be great.
One we will be agreeing on, is "Black Hole". I only have a few pages left but I just don't get it. Some interesting ideas, mixed with trippy, disturbing imagery. Not for me either! See ya!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:26 pm (EST) on Feb 17, 2011
I'm so embarrassed because I cannot remember if you are the person who wanted to know what I thought of Fire. I must be having a CRAFT moment! lol
At any rate, I enjoyed it quite a bit. It was an easy read and had enough twists and turns to keep me interested -- also liked the main characters. I would like to know, however, what became of Mila and Nash. Maybe Cashore will tell us in her next book.
I know losing two fingers isn't funny, but I had to laugh when Fire was relearning to play the fiddle. It reminded me of that old joke. You know the one. This fellow had a couple of fingers removed (or something) and asked the doctor if he'd be able to play the violin. When the doctor told him he would, he said, "Great! I never could before." Yeah, I know -- corny.
You'd probably like the books by Maggie Stiefvater. She has some really good YA books, and at least one more is on the way.
Cheers!
Lettie
posted by Boobalack at 5:43 pm (EST) on Feb 17, 2011
I barely started "Black Hole" and it's a big book. "Windup Girl" is a slower read and I'm taking my time with that one. How are you coming with "Leviathan"? Any thoughts?
And yes, I'm loving the warm-up. I can't wait until this snow is out of here. Take care!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:21 pm (EST) on Feb 12, 2011
Next up: "The Maze Runner". I know you liked this one. You also enjoyed the 2nd book, right? Have you read "The Windup Girl"? That will be my 3rd read. Have a good weekend!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:31 pm (EST) on Feb 5, 2011
I was thinking about starting the thread. I'd like to do something for black history month, so I'll do that today or tomorrow.
Thanks!
Katie
posted by cammykitty at 7:25 pm (EST) on Feb 2, 2011
I read the 1st Jack Reacher a couple years ago but never pursued it. I have the next 2 books somewhere, maybe I'll get to them at some point.
I'm getting pumped about Fantasy February. hope to see you over there. I will kick it off with "Leviathan". Also, I started the graphic of "The Alchemist". I own but have never read the original novel. Have you?
Have a good weekend!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:57 am (EST) on Jan 29, 2011
How you you liking "Grandville"?
Mark
posted by msf59 at 6:24 pm (EST) on Jan 28, 2011
posted by callen610 at 10:20 am (EST) on Jan 23, 2011
I finally started a Fantasy February Thread. Stop by with your expertise:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/107633
Have a good day!
Mark
btw- Loving "Chew"
posted by msf59 at 12:15 pm (EST) on Jan 17, 2011
Have a great weekend - know you have someone pretty wonderful to share it with.
posted by walklover at 8:57 am (EST) on Jan 14, 2011
Best wishes - Joe
posted by jnwelch at 6:10 pm (EST) on Dec 3, 2010
-------------------------------------------------
Hello there, Joe! :)
First off, thank you for the comment and the add back to your Collection Of The Interesting (Libraries) Of Others. We do share some marvelous works, don't we? 212 my goodness! What a delightful and varied collection, as well! I'm not sure who that compliments more... Me? Or you? Lol! Both of us! :)
Also, apologies for not responding to your comment earlier; it has been a very hectic New Year for me so far! But, now that I am here, I wanted to answer your question (above). I don't actually have a copy of "The Night Bookmobile", yet. It only exists on my Wishlist so far. Sorry for the confusion. It looks like a wonderful book though! I wish I had a copy of it! Have you read it? Or has it just been recommended to you? I'd be interested in hearing what you thought of it.
Much Bliss & Happy Reading,
~Pandora~
posted by PandorasRequiem at 12:25 am (EST) on Jan 12, 2011
Mark
posted by msf59 at 6:34 am (EST) on Jan 11, 2011
BTW- "Unbroken" is incredible!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 1:22 pm (EST) on Jan 9, 2011
That thread does seem very interesting.
Genevieve
posted by Gendy at 9:40 am (EST) on Jan 4, 2011
I finished and enjoyed "Grandville". Talbot has quite an imagination. I'll be starting "Ghostopolis" later tonight. And lastly, I loved "Major Pettigrew". I'm working on a review! Later!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 5:56 pm (EST) on Jan 3, 2011
You are always doing some exciting stuff! I admire that. I haven't been to a play in years. I"m so glad to make your acquaintance over here. It's been a lot of fun and look forward to much more in the coming year! Have a nice weekend!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 9:30 am (EST) on Jan 1, 2011
Here's my 2011 Thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/104721
Mark
posted by msf59 at 6:22 pm (EST) on Dec 30, 2010
I'm loving "Major Pettigrew". I thought it might be a bit on the lighter side but there is just enough "edge", which I like. "Grandville" is very interesting, beautifully illustrated. I hope to knock out a chunk later tonight. Have you stopped by my '11 Thread yet? Once again, I'd like to see you start your own thread over there. You know you would have at least one constant visitor!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:58 pm (EST) on Dec 29, 2010
BTW- I just started "Major Pettigrew". I know that's one you were crazy about and I really like the way it begins. Also great Bears game Sunday, how about it?
Mark
posted by msf59 at 6:31 pm (EST) on Dec 28, 2010
I hope you and your family had a great Christmas! It looks like you went out of town. I hope that all went well. Check with me on your return!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:52 am (EST) on Dec 26, 2010
Judy
posted by DeltaQueen50 at 7:39 pm (EST) on Dec 16, 2010
posted by seasonsoflove at 8:09 pm (EST) on Dec 12, 2010
Mark
posted by msf59 at 5:40 pm (EST) on Dec 12, 2010
I like "100 Bullets" so far. Very gritty & urban. I'll keep you filled in. I'm loving "Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter" and will then move onto "Fingersmith".
Have a great day and GO Bears!!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:42 am (EST) on Dec 12, 2010
Mark
posted by msf59 at 6:34 pm (EST) on Dec 10, 2010
I signed up for a newsletter called The Graphic Novel Reporter- http://www.graphicnovelreporter.com/
I've been getting some interested titles from them, including the TenNapel books. Check it out.
Have you read "The Name of the Wind"? I just picked up a copy. I've heard terrific buzz on this fantasy book. Really enjoying "Local"!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 9:33 pm (EST) on Dec 6, 2010
I just started the audio of "The Ask and the Answer". These are very interesting books. Have a good Sunday and Go Bears!!!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:19 am (EST) on Dec 5, 2010
http://www.librarything.com/topic/103479 Stop by and leave a comment.
I just started "Jane Eyre" and it's excellent. Big surprise right? I'll also be picking up 2 graphics tomorrow, "Blankets" & "Local". Very excited about those. Hope your week is going well.
Mark
posted by msf59 at 9:50 pm (EST) on Dec 1, 2010
i confess i beetled over to see your new pics the moment they were up but my hands were a bit wonky so i didn't reply that day and then one thing led to another. i do love your pictures. they're all great and my faves are the primary pic, the one of your wife (i assume) hugging you, the one with the two great women, one in purple and one in a floral outfit, and the one of you acting like you've just sunk a birdie on the back nine at Pebble Beach. ;)
i've been waiting for my eyes and hands to improve a bit so i can return to the silly book game. i'm going to the library tomorrow and will see if i can find a suitable large print book to encourage me. :)
glad you miss me. i miss you too and shall be back soon. thanks so much for the note.
posted by mirrordrum at 8:21 pm (EST) on Nov 26, 2010
I loved Jeff Shaara's Civil War books and I have the 1st of his World War I books but I have not yet read it. I made a mistake about the book "Revolution" by Jennifer Donnelly. It's not a graphic but a YA. I picked up my copy from the library. It's over 450 pages. Yikes but I've heard great things about it. Also I'm half-way through "Walking Dead" volume 2. And lastly, I received an excellent used copy of "Major Pettigrew" today. I hope to get to it by the end of the year.Later!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 5:44 pm (EST) on Oct 28, 2010
That's great you ordered "The Guards". I hope it lives up to my immense praise. It really is a great series. Later!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:50 pm (EST) on Oct 25, 2010
I've been deeply immersed in the graphics lately. I just started one you might like: "Fell: Feral City" by Warren Ellis. It's very dark and twisted. My son is reading the 2nd "Walking Dead" book, which I'll read too! Have you read Ken Bruen? If not, try to find a copy of "The Guards". I'm reading the 4th Jack Taylor book and he's an amazing writer. Have a great week!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:44 am (EST) on Oct 25, 2010
posted by DeltaQueen50 at 2:04 am (EST) on Oct 16, 2010
Judy
posted by DeltaQueen50 at 6:12 pm (EST) on Oct 14, 2010
Nigel Planer's narrations of the first two discworld books Colour of Magic and its sequel, The Light Fantastic, are marvelous as are the books.
'fifth elephant' wasn't one of my favorites. i liked it but it wouldn't be my recommendation as a starting point. i think it helps to be familiar with the discworld although it certainly isn't essential as each book stands on its own quite well.
posted by mirrordrum at 6:36 pm (EST) on Oct 8, 2010
saw your post on Andre Kertesz on another silly book game. gonna see if i can get the book via inter-library loan. i assume you know Edward Steichen and i wanted to recommend photojournalist James Nachtwey as well. i don't know what he's done since 9/11.
hope you're doing well. we're too warm and too dry here in Knoxville. i did see a bit en passant on a local 'news' program called 'live at 5 at 4,' if that conveys anything to you, to the effect that god has been good to us this year by providing such nice warm weather for a local outdoors event. last year it rained on our drought and spoiled the partay.
seems ironic, somehow, that i just finished reading Pratchett's Small gods. i don't believe he mentions the propensity of deities large or small to tinker with weather to please individual tastes, but he comes close.
when are you going to put up a new picture? your fan club is waiting.
cheers,
ellie
posted by mirrordrum at 5:05 pm (EST) on Oct 8, 2010
posted by Porua at 12:57 pm (EST) on Oct 5, 2010
I read E.M. Forster for the first time last year and thought his writing was excellent. Complex but wonderful. Both of my reads A Passage to India and The Celestial Omnibus and Other Stories ended up as two of my best reads of the year.
Once again, thank you!
Porua
posted by Porua at 12:37 pm (EST) on Oct 5, 2010
Mark
posted by msf59 at 2:04 pm (EST) on Oct 4, 2010
http://www.amctv.com/originals/The-Walking-Dead/
I'll keep you posted on "Fun Home", I plan on starting it later.
Speaking of zombies: have you read "World War Z"? It is a modern horror classic!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 4:46 pm (EST) on Oct 3, 2010
BTW- I'm really enjoying [Mockingjay]! Later!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 4:22 pm (EST) on Oct 3, 2010
I have read "The Arrival", it was excellent and so was "Hugo Cabret", which might still be my favorite, although "Essex County" is closing in. I've added "Local" to the list. I have read the first 2 DMZ books by him. Have you tried those? I've also added "Britten and Brulightly".
Have a great Sunday
and GO BEARS!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 9:29 am (EST) on Oct 3, 2010
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:57 pm (EST) on Oct 1, 2010
See you over the thread later,
Sweetie.
posted by girlfromshangrila at 10:45 am (EST) on Sep 21, 2010
This is just a quick note to let you know I just started this topic on the Read YA Lit group about book banning. It deals with the book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. I thought you might find it interesting, and perhaps you'd be willing to share your opinion on it?
Please stop by, whenever you can find the time. This is the link to my thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/98946
Thanks for your time, Joe. Regards.
posted by girlfromshangrila at 5:06 pm (EST) on Sep 20, 2010
This is my letting you know I recently found (and read) [Thirteen Reasons Why]. I really, really liked it! Thank you and Becca for the recommendation, it was spot-on. As you predicted, it most certainly grabbed me.
I just finished it (earlier today) and I'm still trying to organize my thoughts about it, but I'll be posting a review some time soon. I'd love to discuss this book with you, before or after said review. I don't "know" anyone else who has read this book other than you and Becca, so I'm seriously hungry for discussion. ;-)
Anyway, thanks again for the suggestion. Have a great day!
Sweetie.
posted by girlfromshangrila at 2:54 pm (EST) on Sep 8, 2010
http://www.librarything.com/topic/96924
posted by timspalding at 4:42 pm (EST) on Aug 17, 2010
I'm off to read the bio and some poetry of John Betjeman who was a beloved English poet. Mirrordrum directed me to a youtube listing of his poetry...read by him. This is a treasure trove for a narrator! So armed with that and your kind words, it should be a good day.
I hope you have a good one too.
Anne
posted by NarratorLady at 9:50 am (EST) on Aug 17, 2010
posted by walklover at 8:48 am (EST) on Aug 10, 2010
I started "The Passage" and I think this is going to be a winner. Take care, my friend!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:49 am (EST) on Aug 4, 2010
posted by scrpo1027 at 5:12 pm (EST) on Jul 13, 2010
Mark
posted by msf59 at 9:07 pm (EST) on Jul 8, 2010
posted by seasonsoflove at 11:47 pm (EST) on Jul 7, 2010
posted by walklover at 9:35 pm (EST) on Jul 1, 2010
I lost both my folks and it's no fun.
"Major Pettigrew" is all-ready on my wishlist! I hope I can get to it sometime this year! Hope you have a good safe holiday weekend! Take care!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:57 pm (EST) on Jul 1, 2010
Mark
posted by msf59 at 8:38 pm (EST) on Jun 30, 2010
What made the book your favorite so far? (And thanks for making me think about it.)
posted by jbleil at 9:22 am (EST) on Jun 15, 2010
Thank you once more for your detailed recommendations. It so very pleasant to 'meet' people who, not only enjoy reading as much as one does, but are enthusiastic about it and willing to share their knowledge on books.
Becca and you have convinced me: I will read Jane Eyre as soon as there is an opening within my current batch. I am far into "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson (exciting, YA-meets-historical-fiction story) so it shouldn't take too long.
Vanity Fair and Middlemarch don't sound like stories I would enjoy at this very moment in my life, but I will take note of your suggestions and pick them up farther on the road.
How funny, both Dumas books are in my TBR pile. I think I even started The Count of Monte Cristo once, and I remember enjoying it. Why I didn’t finish it, I have no idea. It probably was a busy time in my life, or else I would have finished it. Thanks for the reminder!
Once again, thanks for the time –and thought- you invested in these suggestions!
Have a great Thursday,
Sweetie.
posted by girlfromshangrila at 11:31 am (EST) on Jun 10, 2010
posted by seasonsoflove at 5:04 pm (EST) on Jun 9, 2010
Thanks for the website! I only perused it briefly, but I think I will be taking proper advantage of it very soon.
Ah, the classics. I have a love-hate relationship with the classics, you see. Jane Eyre is the perfect example: I started reading it, got exasperated with it for some reason I can't remember just now, then got caught up in some other book and dumped it. Then I spotted an old movie version with Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine in a record store and bought it as a motivation to read the book. Here I must add, for clarity, that I absolutely *love* Joan Fontaine, really. Anyway, I started watching the movie (insert squeals of excitement here), but then realized that it was going too fast -which in movie adaptations usually means that the book is being butchered-, so I decided to put it on hold until I read the book. Now both, the book and the DVD, are gathering dust somewhere in my living room. *sigh*
Middlemarch, yes. I looked it up once and freaked out at the number of pages. Somebody recommended that I start with Silas Marner, so as to get used to Eliot's style and rhythm, then move on to Middlemarch. That makes two more e-books waiting for me. Your comment have made me bump it out in my TBR pile. I think all I need is a little encouragement... *smiles, winks and nods invitingly*
Vanity Fair... I started it, then got very very angry at Thackeray's stern style to put down his own heroines, kind of like Thomas Hardy's but based on the characters' morality instead of the fact of their being women. (*sneer*) After crying for Tess and Bathseba being treated in such an unjust manner, I don't think I'd like to add characters to that list. That is, of course, unless you would like to try and convince me otherwise. *hint*
The Scarlet Pimpernel, eh? Actually, that one sounds like a perfect fit for my current 'reading mood' --Am I the only one to get mood swings even about books? ;-) I'll get started with it as soon as I can find the perfect e-copy of it. Thanks!
I must end in a rush --I am expected downstairs.
Thanks again,
Sweetie.
posted by girlfromshangrila at 6:09 pm (EST) on Jun 8, 2010
posted by seasonsoflove at 3:18 pm (EST) on Jun 5, 2010
The passage is on pages 312-313 in the edition I own. It's the end of the school year and Chris is worrying about children she may not have reached, and she says she doesn't think she's ever "wrecked" a really good student. Kidder is amazed at this:
'She should have been more generous with herself. Teachers usually have no way of knowing that they have made a difference in a child's life, even when they have made a dramatic one. But for children who are used to thinking of themselves as stupid or not worth talking to or deserving rape and beatings, a good teacher can provide an astonishing revelation. A good techer can give a child at least a chance to feel, "She thinks I'm worth something. Maybe I am." Good teachers put snags in the river of children passing by, and over the years, they redirect hundreds of lives. Many people find it easy to imagine unseen webs of malevolent conspiracy in the world, and they are not always wrong. But there is also an innocence that conspires to hold humanity together, and it is made of people who can never fully know the good that they have done.'
I hope this helps.
mollygrace
posted by mollygrace at 11:02 pm (EST) on Jun 4, 2010
posted by LynnB at 3:20 pm (EST) on Jun 4, 2010
Yes, I'm waiting for my copy of "Rude Awakenings" to arrive. It must be fun to 'see' the modern world through the eyes of a Regency girl.
About the JA group, I'm sure you're right. That's why I'm part of this other site, www.pemberley.com. There is always fresh discussion on very interesting topics, JA-related or not, plus the community is quite friendly. Why don't you give it a go?
13 Reasons Why. Thanks, I'll bump it up my wishlist. Finding contemporary books in English is quite hard where I live, though. Isn't that horrible?
Enjoy the long weekend,
Sweetie.
posted by girlfromshangrila at 4:15 pm (EST) on May 31, 2010
Mark
posted by msf59 at 9:24 pm (EST) on May 30, 2010
and don't you dare smack the guy i like upside the head. just be mindful of your wandering mind? ;)
e
posted by mirrordrum at 9:46 pm (EST) on May 27, 2010
I've only read the 1st Jack Reacher book but just wasn't inspired enough to read the others, despite the love & devotion of it's numerous fans. Maybe I'll try the next one on audio and see how that goes!
Have you read Michael Harvey? He writes crime novels based in Chicago. I snagged "The Chicago Way", his first book, awhile back and have heard it is terrific. Hope you have a great holiday weekend. It is supposed to be beautiful here!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:08 pm (EST) on May 27, 2010
i'd no idea there's an LT Buddhist group. i'll have to look for it. un re: zen mind, beginner's mind, one of my favorite sayings from Sharon Salzberg is 'over and over and over, we begin again.' it's a mantra that works for me. over and over and over, i come back to the breath. i come back to the present moment.
perhaps even more highly than Sharon Salzberg, i'd recommend Jack Kornfield. A Path with Heart and After the Ecstasy, the Laundry are wonderful long-term reads. i revisit them over and over. hope i got the links right.
Salzberg's main focus is on the practice of metta (compassionate lovingkindness). are you familiar with metta practice based on the metta sutta (metta sutra)?
i'll see if i can find the buddhist group. i could use one right along in through here!
namaste!
e
posted by mirrordrum at 1:42 pm (EST) on May 27, 2010
oooh, i see your addition on mindfulness above. i need something just now to boost my mindfulness work. the gulf spill has just about pushed me right round the twist and all this grief and agitation doesn't do anyone or anything any good. what do/did you think of Nyanaponika's book? my practice is based largely in vipassana as taught by the insight meditation folks in Barre, MA. i do very little Tibetan practice although Pema Chodron's work has been helpful. mostly though i use jack Kornfield, Thich Nhat Hanh and Sharon Salzberg's stuff
thanks for the idea. :)
cheers,
e
posted by mirrordrum at 3:53 pm (EST) on May 26, 2010
By the way, I devoured "Confessions of a JA addict" last week. Such a fun book! I practically flew through it; will have to read it again to be able to write a review that says more than "I loved it!!!!!!" *chuckles*
Oh, and I had already joined the group you recommended. I was just a little shy about participating. Besides, some of the most interesting threads have been long dormant. We'll have to revive a few, seems to me.
Best wishes,
Sweetie.
posted by girlfromshangrila at 4:49 pm (EST) on May 25, 2010
Cool thing that you're proficient in Spanish. Too bad that GGM's is not within reach just yet. His books are sure worth the trouble, so keep it up! I'm not such a fan of his stories per se, but his descriptions, his quirkiness, and oh, his masterful use of language! That's a whole other deal, pal. ;-)
About Confessions and Rude Awakenings, they should be on their way already. This type of books is impossible to find over here, so someone had to buy them over in the USA for me and will be bringing them soon. Can't wait, can't wait!
And oh, the joy of 'meeting' a man who reads, understands and (gasp!) even enjoys Jane Austen! What I would give for some male insight into the books.
Personally, I love how keen her eye was. Her characters are so alive, so real, like pictures of living, breathing people whom you might meet any given day. It's easy to 'see' her characters and think "ooh, but she sounds just like this person I know!" Human nature doesn't change much over the centuries, it seems.
Sir, you have fine taste: P&P is such a good novel! It is not considered her masterpiece for nothing. And hey, who couldn't love Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy?
Although, I am a bit more of an Emma fan. My favorite Austen novel depends on which one I am re-reading at the moment, but unsurprisingly, I find myself reading Emma over and over again, much more often than the others. Northanger Abbey is another old friend, along with Persuasion.
Can I ask a rather odd question? How come you like Austen books so much? It is so hard to find gentlemen with whom one shares that interest. What is it in her writing that calls out to you, even two hundred years after they were written? I'm half curious, and half looking for tips to convince my spouse to pick them up as well...
posted by girlfromshangrila at 4:01 pm (EST) on May 17, 2010
Thanks for the note -and the compliment on my username! I picked it to match my blog's address, which is all about my very own Shangri-la. You are the first person in catching the reference, so thanks for brightening my day.
I haven't read Miss Pettigrew yet but look forward to. I am surprised at the diversity of your collection! I don't even know where to start praising. :-)
You have read "Speak", then. How did you like it? Garcia Marquez, too. Did you read that one in English, or Spanish? And wow, all of Jane Austen's novels are there. *speechles* Can we be friends? Pleeeease? *puppy eyes*
posted by girlfromshangrila at 12:21 pm (EST) on May 17, 2010
posted by seasonsoflove at 11:02 pm (EST) on May 13, 2010
posted by walklover at 5:04 pm (EST) on May 13, 2010
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:10 pm (EST) on May 11, 2010
Could you send me the link to your Challenge? I couldn't find it. You can find a link to mine, on my profile. Stop by my latest one and say hello. I could use a more manly presence over there but please don't tell anyone that! Take care!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 7:15 pm (EST) on May 10, 2010
Monday will end.
Jennie
posted by jennieg at 3:43 pm (EST) on May 10, 2010
Thanks: I have seen that one, and it has some good points. The problem I have is that some excessive political correctness, perhaps, keeps filmmakers from making a version that follows the book--the Pimpernel disguises himself as an elderly Jew and is mistreated and beaten subsequently. Some of the comments in the book are pretty offensive, I imagine, but I still think it would be possible to make a filmed version that followed the story a lot more faithfully than most do.
As for [The Count of Monte Cristo], the most recent version was absurd. Swordfights and such, completely ignoring that the Count used the weaknesses of his enemies to destroy them. I doubt there are many screenwriters who can tell a story better than Dumas, but . . .
Well, and all that was a digression from the topic of the thread, which was SF movies!
Wow, I just noticed that we share EIGHT groups. Similar interests or what?
Cheers,
Elizabeth
posted by ejj1955 at 11:52 am (EST) on May 10, 2010
Mark
posted by msf59 at 6:34 pm (EST) on May 8, 2010
posted by Booksloth at 2:22 pm (EST) on Apr 23, 2010
I'm so glad it worked for you. Next up, BOLD! Or, image posting!
:o)
Clare
posted by clamairy at 1:23 pm (EST) on Apr 22, 2010
posted by benitastrnad at 12:31 pm (EST) on Apr 22, 2010
Oh! You use the pointy brackets like this:
before the text and then after the text, but close up the spaces I left. (Have to leave the spaces or they don't show up.)
More info on other 'tricks' can be found here: http://www.librarything.com/talktopic.php?topic=35356
Let me know if it doesn't work!
Clare
posted by clamairy at 12:01 pm (EST) on Apr 18, 2010
posted by walklover at 7:56 pm (EST) on Mar 31, 2010
i say, i had no idea there was such a thing as a buffy omnibus volume. i was a great Xena: warrior princess and x-files fan and for some reason, didn't get into watching Buffy until recently. i was reading a blog piece by a Jamaican author named Marlon James as i was trying to decided whether to cowgirl up and keep reading his very hard 'book of night women.' i decided i would and I'm glad i did.
in the blog, he goes all nutty over Joss. here's this cool-looking, very good Jamaican author with dreads and everything who's going on about Buffy! you've got to check out the piece. it's the second entry down. oooh, i hope this shows HTML.
i decided if Marlon James can write like he can write and thought so highly of Joss and Buffy, it was worth a try so I'm wending my way along. I was already a great fan of Firefly. so I've come late to the Buffy ball and am moving along slowly as the eps show on TV when i have time and enough visual ability left over to catch them. the NCAAs (men's and women's) have pretty much co-opted that.
hope you're doing alright. nice to see your handle on the silly book game. :)
e
posted by mirrordrum at 11:54 am (EST) on Mar 29, 2010
Unfortunately I didn't get much chance to get a feel for Chicago when I was there. Just about 1 day of sightseeing was all I managed. Mostly it was just hanging out with the people at the con. Glad you enjoy your visits to the UK.
Take care,
Dave.
posted by AHS-Wolfy at 9:07 am (EST) on Mar 24, 2010
I paid a visit to Chicago a couple of years ago (it's nearly 3 now, my how time flies) when I went to the anime convention, A-CEN. Met up with a few people that I'd known online for nearly 10 years and that was my main reason for attending.
posted by AHS-Wolfy at 1:52 pm (EST) on Mar 23, 2010
Also, I am getting there! ;) Someone spends her days chasing preschoolers around now, but that same someone should be getting those up in my 75 challenge today ;)
posted by seasonsoflove at 5:15 pm (EST) on Mar 16, 2010
posted by mmignano11 at 9:51 am (EST) on Mar 15, 2010
posted by SylviaO at 6:20 pm (EST) on Mar 11, 2010
posted by walklover at 10:20 pm (EST) on Feb 19, 2010
posted by Aerrin99 at 4:51 pm (EST) on Feb 19, 2010
posted by Aerrin99 at 4:31 pm (EST) on Feb 18, 2010
I loved Old Boy. My sister read the manga so we bought the DVD which, as you say, is nothing like the books. So, I read the books. I thought they took a while to get really interesting, but once the character of the novelist entered I thought things picked up.
I'm also making my way, slowly, through Samurai Executioner, which I'm finding very good.
posted by QuestingA at 9:44 am (EST) on Jan 24, 2010
My books tagged as wrong cover have covers that aren't listed on librarything when I click change cover so I think I will probably scan the covers in at some point. We have quite a lot of second hand books and I think that's why most of these covers aren't on amazon etc.
Heather
posted by souloftherose at 11:11 am (EST) on Jan 13, 2010
[Freakonomics]
and see if it touchstones it for you.
T
posted by timspalding at 4:49 pm (EST) on Jan 12, 2010
We share a lot of books! I've interesting-libraryed you to keep track :)
posted by wisewoman at 12:17 pm (EST) on Jan 6, 2010
Jennie
posted by jennieg at 9:39 am (EST) on Jan 4, 2010
Hope you have a happy new year!!! Happy Reading!
posted by porchsitter55 at 1:41 pm (EST) on Jan 3, 2010
i got 'miss pettigrew' on your recommendation. the narrator is Francis [Frances?] McDormand and while she does a tolerable job, she's really only a tolerably good narrator. i think the book would be better read visually but it's fun in bits and pieces. it's one of those books i'd like to speed read through. i do thank you for the recommendation.
i've found so many wonderful reads in just a shortish time as a librarythingist.
posted by mirrordrum at 6:08 pm (EST) on Dec 22, 2009
and oh, i see you've added the sense and sensibility screenplay/diaries book above. had me rolling on the floor and also made me realize, yet again, that actors do go through a lot. i was thinking this morning, apropos of nothing in particular, that Kate whatshername got hypothermia shooting S&S and then again on the Titanic shoot. it is so not easy to be immersed in near-freezing water. gawd! the woman has spunk.
anyway, i'd appreciate knowing what you think of 'sphinx.' i have a very full plate but the title is so enticing.
posted by mirrordrum at 4:47 pm (EST) on Dec 22, 2009
posted by jennieg at 2:02 pm (EST) on Dec 15, 2009
posted by jennieg at 10:36 am (EST) on Dec 14, 2009
posted by susiesharp at 12:31 pm (EST) on Dec 12, 2009
posted by MrAndrew at 6:55 pm (EST) on Dec 3, 2009
posted by sweetiegherkin at 10:41 pm (EST) on Nov 29, 2009
I did not see the Wimsey plays, I regret to say. Oh,well, maybe they'll be revived.
posted by jennieg at 5:53 pm (EST) on Nov 18, 2009
posted by seasonsoflove at 7:41 pm (EST) on Nov 16, 2009
Do you like Dennis Lehane? He's my all time favorite. I also like Michael Connelly, Harlan Coben, Stephen White...etc. (you can see all my faves on my page).
It really is fun and makes me so happy to discover a writer that has alot of books out.....I don't have to wait to enjoy more if I want! :o)
Thanks for writing, and happy reading to ya!
posted by porchsitter55 at 1:30 am (EST) on Nov 12, 2009
i read almost no sci-fi anymore. that was primarily a thing of my youth and young(er) adulthood. time travel books, though, have intrigued me since i was very young because they make my mind go all funny.
doomsday was no exception. i wondered throughout much of the book about how willis was going to deal with kivrin's inevitable attachment to the contemps, regardless of what doom befell them. how do you take 2050 sensibilities into mid-14th century England and not have a nutty? how could one not try to save lives that, without your presence, wouldn't have been saved or try to change events, like the marrying of child brides to lecherous older men, that one's 21st century British sensibilities find abhorrent?
i thought Willis' solution, though agonizing, was the only one feasible and it was a good one. but suppose there'd been less slippage? of course, she'd have met other contemps but the morbidity and mortality rates would still have been high, she'd still have been powerless, she'ds still have formed attachments with people whom she would have had to abandon to their fate either through inaction or through physically leaving.
another huge question for me was the plan that the recorder be implanted so that if Kivrin died, they would potentially be able to find it in a 2050 dig. well, but if Kivrin died in the 1300's, then she would never have existed in the 21st century in order to have anything implanted.
that's why time travel books make my head go crazy. from a 'butterfly effect' perspective, how can time travel not change the present day of the people sending the traveler back?
all that having been said, i promptly got another Connie Willis' 'to say nothing of the dog.' 21 hours long. is the woman incapable of writing a short book. ;)
thanks for the comment. i'd be interested in your thoughts.
posted by mirrordrum at 1:28 pm (EST) on Oct 28, 2009
posted by seasonsoflove at 10:06 pm (EST) on Oct 26, 2009
posted by rojse at 6:59 pm (EST) on Oct 24, 2009
posted by seasonsoflove at 6:03 pm (EST) on Oct 24, 2009
posted by walklover at 8:36 am (EST) on Oct 13, 2009
posted by seasonsoflove at 12:45 pm (EST) on Oct 10, 2009
posted by whymaggiemay at 7:34 pm (EST) on Oct 2, 2009
posted by seasonsoflove at 3:24 pm (EST) on Oct 1, 2009
posted by seasonsoflove at 12:53 pm (EST) on Sep 29, 2009
posted by alaudacorax at 8:44 pm (EST) on Sep 27, 2009
Also, have you read Endless Night? If you haven't, its one of my favorites-I must have a copy either on the top shelf of the bookcase in the room formally known as purple, or in the attic on my Agatha/Erle shelf.
posted by seasonsoflove at 1:56 pm (EST) on Sep 15, 2009
Mary Renault was so irked by it that she wrote 'the friendly young ladies' (US title 'the middle mist') as an antidote, or possibly a form of riposte, published in 1943.
posted by mirrordrum at 1:55 pm (EST) on Sep 14, 2009
posted by rfb at 10:25 am (EST) on Aug 31, 2009
thanks!
bob
posted by bobmcconnaughey at 4:00 pm (EST) on Aug 30, 2009
i used to watch def jam on HBO a lot--and then i found librarything! i have only so much i can do with my eyes. anyway, those 'kids' just rocked my world. totally amazing. ya done good.
and er, if i may ask, what is it you *do* do when you're not librarythinging and engaging in random acts of kindness? not as if those weren't sufficient unto the day, of course. ;)
looking at your books I'm wondering if you might enjoy a book my partner just insisted i read. i got the large print version but their idea of large and mine eyes' differ widely so she's going to get me the audio.
it's *bachelor brothers' bed and breakfast*. i force-read a paragraph and nearly fell off the couch laughing. that was all i could manage but it's pure delight. here's the amazon.com snipurl.
http://snipurl.com/rgsxw
thanks for your very kind comment. i love laughing and i love what people come up with on the silly book game. you've brought yet another smile to my day. how very wonderful to have smiles in this old world. be assured i shall pass them on.
and my awe, best wishes and joy to you and your family,
ellie
posted by mirrordrum at 6:21 pm (EST) on Aug 28, 2009
(i THINK we have just about everything N Gaiman's done - though we first read the novel of Neverwhere years ago, when a friend gave a copy to our son who was in 8th grade at the time, we didn't get into the Sandmen and follow ons till a good while later. I thought the "graphicization" of Neverwhere was v. well done and generally think that Gaiman is at his stongest when he's thinking and working visually. Neverwhere WAS a tv series first, and it shows.
thanks
bob
posted by bobmcconnaughey at 7:04 pm (EST) on Aug 21, 2009
nice to know that laughter abounds. :)
what a marvelous group picture, btw. all look like folks I'd like to meet. odd how one makes judgments about people.
posted by mirrordrum at 2:17 pm (EST) on Aug 21, 2009
posted by mirrordrum at 12:13 pm (EST) on Aug 21, 2009
we have a fair bit of overlap in our libraries - i thought i'd ask for some graphic novels recommendations. What we have AND liked include:
Sandman etc. (Gaiman is at his best in his graphic novels, i think)
Fables - Willingham
Persepolis, Pride of Baghdad
The Rabbi's Cat (both volumes)
Lucifer (Mike Carey)
V for Vendetta (the only Moore book i've really liked)
I like the Army@Love - Patty hasn't read them yet.
Freakangels
the Josh Whedon Firefly books
Posey Simmonds (Tamara Drewe, Gemma Bovary)
---
generally don't care for the trad. "superhero" books, more SF and fantasy and personal histories (Persepolis/Rabbi's Cat). We've liked a fair bit of anime - but am at a loss as to where to jump into manga.
Serial Experiments Lain, Cowboy Bebop, Miyazaki's movies are among my favorites, if that helps.
thanks
bob
posted by bobmcconnaughey at 8:03 pm (EST) on Aug 19, 2009
posted by petermc at 8:47 am (EST) on Jun 25, 2009
posted by lindasbooks at 9:47 am (EST) on Jun 16, 2009
posted by timspalding at 1:37 am (EST) on May 18, 2009
Judy
posted by DeltaQueen50 at 4:38 pm (EST) on May 6, 2009
posted by DeltaQueen50 at 10:53 pm (EST) on Apr 9, 2009
interesting array of favorite authors..
:)
kath
posted by mckait at 4:25 pm (EST) on Apr 6, 2009
posted by seasonsoflove at 9:58 pm (EST) on Apr 1, 2009
posted by seasonsoflove at 9:36 pm (EST) on Mar 27, 2009
posted by nancyewhite at 9:49 am (EST) on Mar 17, 2009