Member: theaelizabet

Thanks for the response Teresa.
And we would love it if you just give us a pop-in now and then.
I appreciate you taking the time to get back with me and I hope you are reading something wonderful.
hugs,
belva

posted by nannybebette at 1:08 pm (EST) on Sep 10, 2009

Hi;
Mark and I have been discussing the possibility of another group read in November and want your input. We have narrowed it down to two books at this point. "The People of the Book" by Geraldine Brooks and "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield. So chat it up with friends or us and let us know if you are up for it and what you think. Probably the same plan as with "Pillars of the Earth" which seemed to work out perfectly for almost all of us.
Think it over and give one of us a shout.
hugs and looking forward to hearing from you,
belva

posted by nannybebette at 11:12 am (EST) on Sep 9, 2009

Teresa . . .

A year or so ago, very late at night, after a long, frustrating bout with 'the story', one of my characters, Pearl, took over the keyboard and wrote me an ugly letter on just that topic -- the waiting. "Ten years of this is too much. Either set me free to find some other writer -- someone with the guts to finish a damn story -- or just go ahead and kill me off. Give me a glorious send-off -- everyone crying and carrying on -- especially that sorry Jeanine. I want her on her knees -- you hear me?" Well, you have to know Pearl. If I ever die under mysterious circumstances, you might want to tell the police about her. Death by character assassination?

Thanks for writing to me, Teresa.

posted by mollygrace at 11:49 pm (EST) on Aug 13, 2009

Hi

I'm sorry to take so long responding to your message. I'm still getting the hang of this place, still cataloging books. "Molly" and "Grace" are two characters in a story I've been working on for the last ten years. I often use their names (and several others from that story) for passwords, usernames, etc. I figure it's the least I can do for them -- being characters in a story written by me means they never get out of the house. No Mollys in my real life, though "Gracie" was the name of a high school friend.

I see some favorites on your 50 book challenge -- and many I'd like to read. Harriet Doerr is a special favorite of mine; I was thinking the other day that it might be time to reread her books.

Thank you again for your message.

mollygrace

posted by mollygrace at 12:27 pm (EST) on Aug 10, 2009

Hi Teresa:

It's so hard when they're not there, isn't it? The house just doesn't seem quite right. I've got my girl home safe and sound, so things seem right. Even if there's more laundry and mess.

Part of the problem for me was always that she now had experiences away from me. Fortunately, she's gotten better about sharing her experiences with us in the last year or so. I hope your daughter is excited about telling you all about camp.

Hang in there. As you said, enjoy her independence and ability to function away from you and enjoy her when she gets home.

karenmarie

posted by karenmarie at 9:00 pm (EST) on Jul 21, 2009

Hi, Teresa!
Just stopping by to say hello. Hope you are enjoying this beautiful Spring weather. The Highly Rated Book Group is starting a new group read on Mistress of the Art of Death. Take care and have a great day!
--BJ

posted by billiejean at 5:49 pm (EST) on May 30, 2009

Teresa,

If she agrees, give me your daughter's link. I would love to make suggestions from some UK writers I love. I love children's and young people's books.

I will be properly in touch soon - PG Wodehouse and all that. My computer has seized up and I am thinking of doing a history MA so I am reading up. Eventually I want to dop a PHD on history of adoption in the UK. So I have been distracted.

Must go. Work is fairly busy and I am writing this in their time.

Much love,

Jenny

posted by mumoftheanimals at 4:19 am (EST) on Apr 8, 2009

Teresa,

Thank's for your good wishes. Both children did me proud for Mother's Day. Jordan cooked salmon steaks in parsley and oil with boiled new potatoes and peas,onions and bacon. It was a bit of a shock as he has never done anything like it before. He tells me he got the idea off an advert on television! Lizi blew up balloons (amazing things,they had a light inside them),lit fireworks and even tidied the kitchen - a more amazing event than Jordan's cooking.

My husband had gone to Nigeria for work so it was great that they entered the spirit of the thing.

Jenny

posted by mumoftheanimals at 6:49 pm (EST) on Mar 23, 2009

Sorry for the shameless self-promotion, but I thought you might like to know that my new novel, Dirty Little Angels, is now available. Thought you might be interested since people have compared it to Flanney O'Connor, who I noticed was on your shelf. By the way, if you'd be willing to read the book and post your comments here (and on amazon.com possibly), I'd be glad to send you an e-book version of the book by e-mail. Let me know. Here's a summary in case you're interested:

Set in the slums of New Orleans, among clusters of crack houses and abandoned buildings, Dirty Little Angels is the story of sixteen year old Hailey Trosclair. When the Trosclair family suffers a string of financial hardships and a miscarriage, Hailey finds herself looking to God to save her family. When her prayers go unanswered, Hailey puts her faith in Moses Watkins, a failed preacher and ex-con. Fascinated by Moses's lopsided view of religion, Hailey, and her brother Cyrus, begin spending time down at an abandoned bank that Moses plans to convert into a drive-through church. Gradually, though, Moses's twisted religious beliefs become increasingly more violent, and Hailey and Cyrus soon find themselves trapped in a world of danger and fear from which there may be no escape.

If you'd like to read the first chapter, you can read it here:
http://christophertusa.com/blog/?page_id...

Take care,

Chris

posted by cmtusa at 11:13 pm (EST) on Mar 16, 2009

Hope you are okay. Haven't heard from you in a while.
Jen

posted by mumoftheanimals at 7:42 am (EST) on Feb 21, 2009

I've done it. I've done it. I have put book cover images into my 50 book challenge. NB - How would you/can you do it with any image? Eg if I wanted to put a picture of me in front of a literary site, can I do that too or must it be web-based.

Have you seen how ugly rugby players are? They are the nicest, most gentle people off pitch but they are as ugly as sin - broken noses, cauliflower ears and missing teeth. I'm all for a bit of helmets, padding and a bit of US litigation if it keeps my boy handsome. I'm hoping Jordan goes for cricket. All smart in white.

Jenny

posted by mumoftheanimals at 2:33 pm (EST) on Feb 15, 2009

I've done it. I've done it. I have put book cover images into my 50 book challenge. NB - How would you/can you do it with any image? Eg if I wanted to put a picture of me in front of a literary site, can I do that too or must it be web-based.

Have you seen how ugly rugby players are? They are the nicest, most gentle people off pitch but they are as ugly as sin - broken noses, cauliflower ears and missing teeth. I'm all for a bit of helmets, padding and a bit of US litigation if it keeps my boy handsome. I'm hoping Jordan goes for cricket. All smart in white.

Jenny

posted by mumoftheanimals at 2:32 pm (EST) on Feb 15, 2009

The book is *so* wonderful. At first I wasn't amazed, but you get pulled in by around page 30, and it doesn't take long at all.
Have you seen/are you planning to see the Coraline movie? I thought it wasn't exactly like I had imagined, but not unlike the book, at the same time. Plus the movie itself was gorgeous.

posted by angrystarlyt at 12:39 am (EST) on Feb 15, 2009

It is all rugby in Blighty - just now. Think American football without the helmets and protective gear. Home Nations cup. England won against Italy and Scotland lost to Wales despite my son hanging a bill-poster sized Scottish flag outside our window. Our road leads to Scotland's international stadium so a game at home is a major local as well as national event. Scottish captain went to my son's school - and another player - though it's not rubbing off on our own dear boy. My husband and I crack open a bottle to celebrate if he turns up to the match on time and remembers his mouthguard.

And don't get me onto cricket!

posted by mumoftheanimals at 4:18 pm (EST) on Feb 9, 2009

Thanks for the info theaelizabet! I'll take a look at Library Snobs - even if I don't comment, know that I'm lurking in the shadows :)

posted by girlunderglass at 2:54 pm (EST) on Feb 7, 2009

If you are in New Jersey, you might try the New York Giants! :) They are pretty good these days. I never gave Eli Manning any respect. When he won the Super Bowl, I had to eat my words. :D Have a great weekend.
--BJ

posted by billiejean at 12:49 am (EST) on Feb 7, 2009

Yes, theaelizabeth, I think Morrison's style can be challenging until you get into the rhythm of it. And, of course, there are those who simply cannot bear a disruption in the orderly procession of time. For them, at least two of Morrison's works would be impossible. Each to his own, no? :-)

posted by kambrogi at 4:44 pm (EST) on Feb 6, 2009

Hi, Teresa!
Yeah, someone, I think TT and maybe one other person, suggested that I switch to the 75 book challenge, but I was reluctant to leave the 50 book challenge. For one thing, I think that 50 is closer to what I can do. I decided to go ahead and do both for a year, especially since I had committed to the 999 challenge which calls for 81 books. Everyone is so nice in both groups. The big difference is that I cannot keep up with the 75 book threads; whereas, the 50 book threads are doable. I can't keep up with the 999 threads either. So I feel like I know the people in the 50 book challenge more just because I can keep up with everyone. However, I love all the genre threads and the reading groups popping up in 75. The groups for both W&P and DQ are going just my rate. Coming up I think are The Stand, which I have not read, Anna Karenina, which I have, and the Count of Monte Cristo, which I haven't. There are several popping up in 999, too. I just saw The Divine Comedy group start. I read the first two parts last fall, so I probably won't do that one. Just lurk. So, I guess that I really like both groups. Luckily, it is still early in the year, because I don't know which one I would choose right now. :) Well, once again, more info than you probably wanted. Are you going to move to the 75 group next year?

I drive through Plano all the time. My brother and his family live in Dallas and he works in Richardson -- opposite of what most people do. My family basically lives along I-35. I miss living in Texas and whenever I go to Austin to visit my daughter I am just happy to be back there. But I really love Tulsa, too. I love the climate (except for the ice). This is a nice family place with good schools.

Have a great day!
--BJ

posted by billiejean at 2:35 pm (EST) on Feb 6, 2009

Thanks for the comment on A Mercy, theaelizabet! I always wonder if anyone reads my reviews. I am glad you concur -- most of the reviews I read were rather negative. I just thought it was brilliant. Have your reviewed it?

posted by kambrogi at 11:36 am (EST) on Feb 6, 2009

You write great reviews too - and you've mastered pictures, how to do bold and stuff.
AND you've read way more books!
Jenny

posted by mumoftheanimals at 8:12 am (EST) on Feb 5, 2009

Hello theaelizabet,
Thank you for your comments on my review of What Hath God Wrought. I fell asleep as I was writing and what you read was not completed. I did get some help reading the book. Like you I have started the book a couple of times. I subscribe to audible and listened to sections of the book on audio. It was very helpful. I did end up going back and reading most of what I listened to.
I read War and Peace about two years ago. I enjoyed it very much. It is long but it a good story and not dry at all.
I am more than a little compulsive about the 50 book challenge and used to shy away from long books. After completing the challenge last year I have a little more confidence.
Enjoy your reading.
wildbill

posted by wildbill at 12:35 pm (EST) on Jan 31, 2009

Shhh, let's not tell them about Amelia Peabody. Also, I have another guilty secret, which is Maeve Binchy novels. However, if you ask me Cliff Burns cannot possibly sneer at anyone else as he is a self-confessed Trekkie. (We should give him a gift copy of Bimbos...)

posted by anna_in_pdx at 10:28 pm (EST) on Jan 30, 2009

What's the verdict on "A Mercy"? I want to read more Toni Morrison, but not sure what.

posted by ShannonMDE at 9:31 am (EST) on Jan 29, 2009

Thanks for leaving me a message on the 50 Books Challenge. I think a 13-year-old will definitely enjoy Graceling. However, there IS one sex scene, and several slightly sensual passages throughout. The scene is by no means explicit, more sensual and romantic. If you trust your daughter (and I would), then definitely think about letting her know about this one. Hope this has helped!

- Stephanie

posted by stephxsu at 1:17 am (EST) on Jan 29, 2009

Hi Teresa-
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a message. I've snooped through your very interesting library a couple of times! I've read A Mercy and enjoyed it. I'd be interested in knowing what you think. I'll check your 75 Book Challenge thread.

I'm about 180 pages into The Hemingses (out of 667 pages) so it will be awhile before I post my thoughts. I'm a slow reader when it comes to non-fiction and will have to take a break to read fiction once in awhile. So far it's very interesting.

See you at the 75 Book Challenge and 50 Something. I lurk often!

Lorie

posted by loriephillips at 9:57 pm (EST) on Jan 22, 2009

Thanks for stopping by my book counter. The Gargoyle and Loving Frank were both great reads in very different ways and the O'Hara book is growing on me since I finished it. I also just finished my first clunker of 2009, The Birthing House by Christopher Ransom. You look like you've been tackling some heavy reading recently for your challenge.

I love your picture by the way, but I would have been pretending it was my house :-)

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 5:25 pm (EST) on Jan 22, 2009

Teresa,

I am around, well and looking forward to talking to you soon. Been really, really busy. Hosted two parties in January - one book club, one wine tasting. Drove to England after new year (well, hubby did) to see in-laws and trying to swim more. Also got to file my tax return by Jan 31st. I'm missing everyone and cannot wait to catch up.

Jen

posted by mumoftheanimals at 2:19 pm (EST) on Jan 18, 2009

Teresa,

Yes, I hear tomorrow is to be bitter—and the whole long weekend is supposed to barely hit freezing. I have to be out and about on Saturday for an event for my daughters, but Sunday may just be a fireplace & football day. :-)

I really envy you the cabin so close to home. We have a cabin, but it's all the way in Ontario and we can only get up there once or twice a summer for a couple weeks. I love the place, have been going up there since I was born, but I do really wish I could just get away for the weekend at times.

--Tad

posted by TadAD at 3:03 pm (EST) on Jan 15, 2009

Hi there. Thanks for leaving me a comment, and for stopping by my blog. Yes, we do seem to share a love for many of the same writers and subjects. I noticed from your 50 Book Challenge page that you've read The Peabody Sisters by Megan Marshall - that's one I've had on my "to read" list for quite a while - I think you're the only other person I've found who's heard of it! I've never been to Plano, but my mother lived in Fort Worth for many years, so I've been nearby. Most of my family live further south, around Austin and San Antonio. Like most Texans, I'm hoping to move back someday. Good luck with your 50 Book Challenge (I didn't quite make it to 50 last year!).

posted by jlshall at 9:37 am (EST) on Jan 15, 2009