Donna's Reading Life: Ch. 2

The teacher in me loves this bulletin board where the students can post the names of the books they have read on colorful flowers. I'm tempted to try this with my two frequent visitors, granddaughters Haley and Molly. They love crafts and reading.

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.
~Charles Dickens, Great Expectations



I couldn't get Molly to join in the flower picture. She had a circle thing going in the background. Haley liked this shot because she was touching the pink flower, her favorite color.

Books Read in May:
38. Talking God by Tony Hillerman. 3.4 stars. comments
39. Bettyville by George Hodgman. 3.25 stars. comments
40. The Book of Memory by Petina Gappah. 4.1 stars. comments.
41. A Wolf Called Romeo by Nick Jans. 4 stars. comments.
42. This House of Sky by Ivan Doig. 4.5 stars. comments
43. The Green Road by Anne Enright. 3 stars. comments
44. God on the Rocks by Jane Gardam. 3.6 stars. comments
45. The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens; audio by Zach Villa. 3.7 stars. comments
46. The Tsar of Love and Techno by Anthony Marra. 4.2 stars. comments.

Pages read in May: 2.671
Three books owned by me.


Books Read in April:
29. True Grit by Charles Portis. 4.1 stars. comments
30. The Woman Lit By Fireflies by Jim Harrison. 3.8 stars. comments
31. Library Wars: Love & War by Kiiro Yumi. comments
32. Mountain Shadow by Gregory David Roberts. 3 stars. comments
33. Sweetland by Michael Crummey; audio by John Lee. 3.8 stars. comments
34. Ashley's War by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon. 4.5 stars. 🏆 comments
35. As the Crow Flies by Craig Johnson. 4.1 stars. comments
36. The Improbability of Love by Hannah Rothschild. 4.2 stars. comments
37. Aimless Love by Billy Collins. 4 stars. comments.

Pages read in April: 3,214
Two books owned by me.
**Highlights**
First Manga
First Complete Poetry Collection

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First Quarter Reading Roundup: 28 books read or listened to. 10 of them owned by me.

Most Highly Rated Fiction Book: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. 4.8 stars.
Runner-up: Sacred Hunger by Barry Unsworth. 4.7 stars.

Most Highly Rated Nonfiction: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. 4.8.
Closely followed by: Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson 4.7 stars.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Books Read in March
20. The Frozen Thames by Helen Humphreys. 4 stars. comments
21. The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie. 3.6 stars. comments
22. The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach. 3.9 stars. comments
23. The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder. 4.1 stars. comments
24. A Thief of Time by Tony Hillerman. 3.5 stars. comments
25. Memory by Lois McMaster Bujold; audio by Grover Garland. comments
26. Komarr by Lois McMaster Bujold; audio by Grover Garland. comments
27. Hell's Bottom, Colorado by Laura Pritchett. 4.3 stars. 🏆 comments
28. The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy. 3.8 stars. comments.

Pages Read in March: 2,673 Busy month!
5 books owned by me…improving my record.


Books Read in February
9. The Quality of Mercy by Barry Unsworth. 4 stars. comments
10. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. 4.8 stars. ❤️ comments
11. Hell Is Empty by Craig Johnson. 3.9 stars. comments
12. The Story of the Lost Child by Elena Ferrante. 4.2 stars. comments
13. Elsewhere by Richard Russo. 4.1 stars. comments
14: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. 4.8 stars. ❤️ comments
15. Stars Go Blue by Laura Pritchett. 4.5 stars. comments
16. The Lake by Banana Yoshimoto. 3.2 stars. comments.
17. The Revenant by Michael Punke. 4 stars. comments
18. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. 4.7 stars. ❤️ comments
19 My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout. 3.5 stars. comments

Total Pages Read in February: 3,217
One one book owned by me. Must read more of my own books!


Books Read in January
1. Sacred Hunger by Barry Unsworth. 4.7 stars. 🏆 Review
2. The Story Of A New Name by Elena Ferrante; audio by Hilary Huber. 4 stars. comments
3. Morgan's Passing by Anne Tyler. 3 stars. Review
4. Ru by Kim Thúy. 3.3 stars. comments
5. The Rebel Angels by Robertson Davies. 4.2 stars. comments
6. Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay by Elena Ferrante.; audio by Hilary Huber. 4.2 stars. comments
7. Avenue of Mysteries by John Irving. 3 stars. Review
8. Skinwalkers by Tony Hillerman. 3.7 stars. comments

Total Pages Read in January: 3,042
4 books owned by me.



🎬Movies Attended in 2016
Brooklyn -- 1/17/16 -- 3.9 stars.
True Grit (2010 version) -- 4/9 -- 4 stars.
The Jungle Book (2016) -- 5/10 -- 4.25 stars. 🐅
The Jungle Book (1967) -- many times with the grands -- 5 stars!

I love a CHALLENGE!

These are the challenges that will challenge me in 2016!

As in previous years, my monthly reading is decided by the library books that call to me and the TIOLI -Take It Or Leave It - Challenge that gives me another opportunity to read my own books. In addition, I will be influenced by the following challenges.


Navajo Mystery/Walt Longmire Project - Thank you, Roberta!
Jan: Skinwalkers* ✔️
Feb: Hell Is Empty ✔️
March: A Thief of Time* ✔️
April: As the Crow Flies ✔️
May: Talking God* ✔️
June: A Serpent's Tooth
July: Coyote Waits*
Aug: Any Other Name
Sept: Sacred Clowns
Oct: Dry Bones
Nov: The Fallen Man
Dec: Wait for Signs


American Author Challenge - Thank you, Mark!
Jan: Anne Tyler - Morgan's Passing* ✔️
Feb: Richard Russo - Elsewhere: A Memoir ✔️
March: Jane Smiley - A Thousand Acres (ran out of time)
April: Poetry Month - Aimless Love by Billy Collins ✔️
May: Ivan Doig - This House of Sky* ✔️
June: Annie Proulx - Close Range*
July: John Steinbeck - ??? - I think I've read them all
Aug: Joyce Carol Oates - The Falls*
Sept: John Irving - A Son of the Circus*
Oct: Michael Chabon - Wonder Boys
Nov: Annie Dillard - The Living
Dec: Don DeLilo - White Noise*


British Author Challenge - Thank you, Paul!
Jan: Susan Hill
Barry Unsworth - Sacred Hunger* ✔️
Feb: Agatha Christie - The Mysterious Affair of Styles ✔️
William Dalyrmple
March: Ali Smith
Thomas Hardy - The Return of the Native* ✔️
April: George Eliot
Hanif Kureishi
May: Jane Gardam - God on the Rocks* ✔️
Robert Goddard
June: Antonia Frasier
Joseph Conrad - Lord Jim*
July: Bernice Rubens -
H. G. Wells
Aug: Diana Wynne Jones
Ian McEwan
Sept: Doris Lessing
Laurie Lee
Oct: Kate Atkinson - Human Croquet*
William Golding
Nov: Rebecca West
Len Deighton
Dec: West Yorkshire Authors


Canadian Author Challenge - Thank you, Ilana!
Jan: Robertson Davies - The Rebel Angels* ✔️
Kim Thúy - Ru ✔️
Feb: Helen Humphreys - The Frozen Thames* ✔️
Stephen Leacock -
March: Farley Mowat -
Anita Rau Badami -
April: Margaret Atwood
Michael Crummey - Sweetland ✔️
May: Michel Tremblay -
Emily St. John Mandel
June: Timothy Findley
Joseph Boyden - Three Day Road
July: L. M. Montgomery
Pierre Berton -
Aug: Mordechai Richler -
Gabrielle Roy
Sept: Miriam Toews - All My Puny Sorrows
Dany Leferriere -
Oct: Lawrence Hill
Jane Urquhart
Nov: Michael Ondaatje - Anil's Ghost*
Margaret Lawrence
Dec: Alice Munro - The Love Of A Good Woman*
Rawi Hage -


Pulitzer Challenge - Thank you, Bill!
I plan to read at least six of these in 2016 in no particular order.
All are on my shelves. I have read 44 PP winners according to my stats.
1928 - The Bridge of San Luis Rey ✔️
1945 - A Bell for Adano
1947 - All the King's Men
1948 - Tales of the South Pacific
1952 - The Caine Mutiny
1958 - A Death in the Family
1965 - The Keepers of the House - (on Kindle)
1977 - Roots - (Special Citation)
1980 - The Executioner's Song
1981 - A Confederacy of Dunces
1984 - Ironweed
1993 - A Good Scent From A Strange Mountain
2008 - The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

*On my shelves

Happy New Thread, Donna! Wow! You have been on a terrific book roll, my friend. I love it. I just finished When Breath Becomes Air and completely agree with your assessment. Wonderful book. I have been meaning to read Just Mercy forever. I NEED to finally snag a copy.
We also agreed on The Revenant and Lucy Barton. I may have liked the latter, a bit more than you, but I want the author of Olive back!

I hope all is well with you. And come on Springtime!

>4 Donna828: I like that, Donna!

Happy New Thread.

Hi Donna, I think we had similar thoughts on Lucy Barton. There just wasn't enough there there....

Have a great trip!

Happy new thread, Donna. I think I'll wait a while on Lucy Barton -- lots of other are calling my name right now.

Yay! You got your new thread up before your trip! And it looks terrific, as usual! Have a wonderful time (and take lots of pictures) at Disney World! ;-)

Happy New Thread, Donna. Great opening.

Happy new thread, Donna, and excellent timing as I had just gotten caught up with you previous thread. You are going to have so much fun in Disney World!! I can't wait to hear about the girls reaction.

Congratulations on the new thread, Donna. I'm glad you're enjoying the Hillerman, Longmire challenge.

I haven't decided yet whether I'll read My Name Is Lucy Barton or not. I have other books that are calling out to me more strongly.

I had Lucy Barton on my wish list but the reviews seem to be rather mixed so I, too, plan to wait a while. Besides I have another Strout in Mt. TBR that I should get to first.

Happy new thread!!! You have totally been on a book roll--some amazing reads!! Megan and I are choosing a new Bowie to read--come give us some input if you like. : )

Trust you are having such a good weekend Donna that you simply have not had time to get to your thread since setting it in motion!

Hi Donna, can't wait for pics of you and your husband at Disney World with Lady Hayley and Miss Molly.

Hi, Donna! Happy new thread! I love your bulletin board idea.

>3 Donna828: Just looking at your challenges with admiration, Donna. I ought to try the British and the Canadian author challenges, but that would mean more complications in finding titles to also respond to my doorstop challenges, murder 'n' mayhem (which is really a shelf-clearing ruse for me), and the NF challenge. Can't read 'em all...

Just taking a seat and saying "Happy Week to you, Donna".
Oh - and thanks for the quite spoiler-free Review of the last Ferrante. I'm 2/3 through #3 and already sad to leave that world at some point.

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.

This will work for fall in NZ as well, Lol. It's sunny, but my feet are freezing.

Thanks for keeping my thread going while we were in Disney World, Mark, Paul, Joanne, Beth, Nancy, Barb, Diana, Mamie, Joe, Lori, Reba, Kim, Paul (again), Nancy in BC, Terri, Bill, Nathalie, and Jenn. I hope I included everyone. We got home last night, and I'm a bit weary. Laundry today and Lady Bears basketball game tonight. Individual responses (or return visits) tomorrow. No reading news except this is the longest time I've gone in recent years without picking up a book!!! I had Dear Life and a loaded Kindle plus a downloaded audiobook with me. Those girls were pretty much a 24/7 focus for this tired Gran!

New picture in thread topper. I'll put up a few from my cell phone later. Still waiting for the link to the professional pictures -- Disney's Memory Maker.



I took these from Mary's FB page as I am having Photobucket trouble. On the left is Ariel, aka The Little Mermaid, Molly's favorite princess. Next is Princess Aurora, aka Sleeping Beauty, Haley's fave. We had a lovely Princess Storybook Dining Experience at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway at Epcot on Sunday, our second day there. The little girls were delighted to meet their favorites along with Snow White, Cinderella, and Belle.

Belated happy new thread Donna and hope you had a lovely time in Disney World and can now get some R&R to recover!

Welcome home, Donna!
And I know just where your topper photo was taken! I remember being just in that spot with Charlie! Ha!

Glad you made it home safely, and am sure you need some time to recuperate!

So, I made the LT rounds today and replied individually to each of my visitors. Roni, I'll be right over to see you. Thanks for the welcome home. It took me quite awhile because I was so far behind on reading threads. I enjoy seeing what everyone is reading and what is going on in their lives so I don't skip down to the bottom…I read my way down. I do appreciate my visitors!

Book No. 20: The Frozen Thames by Helen Humphreys. 4 stars.

"The ice is quiet and demands the same. That is why the Queen likes to journey out onto it in the mornings with only me as company, because it is the closest she ever gets to being alone. The ice is like a whisper, constantly shushing us into its silence." ~1565 (Pg. 51)

I loved the size of this little book and the illustrations inside. There were 40 years in the history of London's Thames River when it completely iced over. The locals took advantage of these times to promote local commerce, take shortcuts across the river (although the watermen still extracted their tolls), and play games and have Ice Fairs. It was interesting to read the historical accounts and the vignettes of life as it might have been in the years between 1142 and 1885.

"Author's Note: This book is intended as a long meditation on the nature of ice. Each story is a story of transformation, as ice itself is the result of a transformative process." (Pg. 184) The author goes on about global warming which didn't make sense to me as she clearly explains that the icing over stopped after the London Bridge was rebuilt in the late 19th century to allow the river to flow more freely.

I'm glad I own this book. The vignettes were too short to satisfy my need for a story, but I did enjoy many of them and will try to reread it in the heat of a Missouri summer to see if it can help cool me.

This isn't the Thames River and it certainly isn't silent! I loved this picture a friend posted on FB in February showing the ice and waves along frosty Lake Superior in Marquette, Michigan, which is my second home. I regularly visited my grandparents there as a child and also spent three winters there when I was in high school. It was a shock when I moved there in the winter from central Texas!




This is how Lake Superior looks in the summer. A much friendlier place.

Hi Donna - Lovely pictures. I loved The Frozen Thames, great comments. Thanks for the visit -- and I did finish All Roads Lead to Austen as ordered. My comments are on my thread.

Well, that was quick, Beth. I'll be right over to get the final report.

Happy weekend, Donna.

Those look like Snowdrops...or at least that's what we used to call them. We've had an almost snowless winter here so I will enjoy the pretty flowers instead. Thanks, Barbara.

Snowdrops they are. It's always the first signe of spring.

No Snowdrops in my yard, Barb, but these beauties popped out overnight… How I love spring flowers!

Oh, crocuses. We have some yellow ones in the garden.

I love your topper of Haley - she looks like one of the flowers! And of course, Molly's toes .... Heehee

Nice to see the crocus - only the very earliest varieties are blooming here, yet. Each fall I try to remember to plant some of them - maybe this year!

I'll definitely try to get to The Frozen Thames later this year. Nice review!

Yay for The Frozen Thames! I didn't really get her environmental comment either, but I sure did love that book. I want to re-read it, too. I can still see many of those scenes in my head. Beautiful.

Your spring flowers are beautiful, Donna! And it sounds like you had a great trip to Disney World. The girls are a perfect age for that!

>29 Donna828: I really liked The Frozen Thames, too! I borrowed it from the library, but I think it's one I want to own.

>36 Ameise1: Someone who will not be named thought my yellow crocuses were weeds and sprayed Roundup on them. I was not happy.

>37 streamsong: Haley has an entire wardrobe, or so it seems, of clothes with her favorite animal - pink flamingo - on them. She was delighted to see some flamingos on our safari ride…and we came across one that was asleep in the shade on one of our nature walks. Janet, I have the same memory loss when it comes to planting spring bulbs in the fall. I want to make our "island" in the front yard a garden of daffodils, but I only remember it in the spring.

>38 jnwelch: It was a lovely book, Joe, and one that leads itself to rereading. Next time I will "mark" my favorite passages…so many of them.

>39 porch_reader: Thanks, Amy. The girls sure had a good time but I'm afraid Molly won't remember it. Haley made a book of her memories. That kid loves to draw! She wants to be an author and I wouldn't be surprised if she illustrates her own books.

>40 cbl_tn: Carrie, I found my copy for $2.00 at a library book sale. I thought the price was high for such a little book but now I'm glad I made the "investment"!

Book No. 21: The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie. 3.6 stars.

"Every murderer is probably somebody's old friend," observed Poirot philosophically.

Confession time: This is the first book I've read by Agatha Christie. Although I enjoyed it and see the appeal of her books, it seemed a bit bloated to me with all the "what ifs" and "could bes". I've only recently come to like mysteries which explains why I never read a Christie before. I liked how the war-weary visitor to Styles, Mr. Hastings, was both our narrator and a somewhat dimwitted sounding board for Inspector Poirot. I won't say I'll never read another book by AC, but it wasn't really my cuppa tea.

Donna, just so you know, I think that is one of her weakest books. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is much better, and her books do not need to be read in any particular order, so i would leave off with the earliest ones if you decided to try her again.

>29 Donna828: I like the look of the place much better in the summer, Donna!

Have a lovely Sunday.

Happy Sunday, Donna! Sounds like you had a wonderful Disney vacation with the family.

I also really enjoyed The Frozen Thames. I think I have a bit of a crush on Humphreys at the moment.

Happy brand new week, Donna! The pictures of the girls are just adorable. How quickly time passes, seems little Haley has grown so!

I like your truthful review of The Mysterious Affair at Styles. I've always enjoyed mysteries going back to Nancy Drew but what I find with Agatha Christie that it's virtually impossible to solve the murders. So much info gained is revealed at the end and was never revealed to the reader prior to the Big Reveal. Still, if you go into her stories knowing you probably wont solve the mystery, they are a effortless romp.

>43 Crazymamie: Mamie, I've been seeing the love for Roger Akroyd around the threads so I will commit to another Agatha Christie. Actually, I thought it was a relaxing read so it I'll probably be one of those in-between books for me.

>44 PaulCranswick: Northern Michigan in the summer is gorgeous, Paul, but don't forget mosquito spray! We'll be there for a few days in August for a family reunion. Can't wait.

>45 msf59: A Humphreys crush, eh? I won't tell Sue. I have The Lost Garden book on my TBR shelf and would also like to read Coventry.

>46 Carmenere: "Effortless romp"...I like that. I solved the mystery because ALL of the characters were my choice of villain at one time or another. Haha.

I know you're a Downton Abbey fan, Lynda. I had a marvelous immersion into that world yesterday as I binge-watched the entire 6th season in ten hours! I still have two of the "specials" to watch about the making of DA. I am so sad the series is over.

>42 Donna828: I'm with Mamie re The Mysterious Affair at Styles, Donna. It was Dame Agatha's first book, and she got better. Some of my favorites are And Then There Were None, Peril at End House, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, and The Tuesday Club Murders. If you're in the mood for a bit of the supernatural, The Mysterious Mr. Quin is good, too.

I binge-watched the final Downton season, too, Donna, and also am sad that it's over.

Hi Donna. I cried a bit as I watched the final DA episode. What a delightful ride it has been. The characters came to feel so real to me!

I love your thread topper and I'm wondering if you implemented the bulletin board for Haley and Molly. It's such a cool way to encourage not only reading but sharing about reading!

Have a great week!

>41 Donna828: Oh dear, that can't be. Must be someone who hasn't got a green thumb.

>42 Donna828: I hate that you didn't like the Poirot better. It's really funny how some people prefer Poirot, some prefer Miss Marple, and some prefer others. They are "comfort reads" for me.

A slightly belated welcome home, Donna. Thanks for sharing the pictures! Molly and Haley look like they're having so much fun.

Happy new thread, Donna!

I adored The Frozen Thames when I read it, but as you said, it would have been nice if some of the stories were more in-depth.

>29 Donna828: - Wow, quite the contrast in the two pictures of Lake Superior!

>35 Donna828: - What a lovely shot of spring in your yard!

>42 Donna828: I read that one several years ago and thought it was just ok. The only other Agatha Christie novel I've read is And Then There Were None which I liked a lot.

Currently, though, I'm listening to Murder on the Orient Express and it's narrated by Dan Stevens, aka Matthew Crawley. So far, there's not a lot of action, only a lot of interviewing, but Dan Stevens' voice work is so good, it makes it nearly irresistible. It's fun just to listen to his different characters!

Wasn't DA fabulous!? I thought it was perfect.

Looking forward to your visit!

Sigh. I quit watching DA after Matthew died - and I might not be over it yet.

>49 jnwelch: Thanks for those recommendations, Joe. You haven't let me down yet. You, Mamie, and others have convinced me I have to give Dame Christie another chance. I will!

>50 lit_chick: Nancy, it's good to know that I'm not the only one who spent over ten hours enthralled with Downton Abbey. I don't watch much television but thought this was a stellar series. I didn't like all the side stories but it still kept my interest, plus it was beautifully filmed.

>51 EBT1002: I haven't had a chance yet to make reading flowers with the girls, Ellen. Maybe it will be our summer project in conjunction with the library reading program. I think it looks like a fun visual way to keep track of the books we read together. It's been a good week, Ellen. Next week will be even better as I'll be in Colorado with Hope!

>52 Ameise1: Haha, that would be my husband who gets carried away when he is spraying dandelions!

>53 thornton37814: Well, Lori, I have reconsidered and will read one or two more Poirot books by Ms. Christie. I read this one on the Kindle in odd hours while recovering from Disney. I think it would have gone down better had I read it in my usual longer reading sessions. I didn't give it a chance to grab me.

>54 bell7: We all had fun, Mary. I doubt that either of them will remember the experience that well. We will just have to go back when they're older!

>55 lkernagh: We have daffodils blooming now, Lori. They are probably my favorite spring flowers as they withstand the cold days that often occur after they start blooming. Our winter wasn't that harsh here, but I'm still welcoming spring with open arms!

>56 Copperskye: Thanks for yet some more recommendations, Joanne. I love listening to a well-read book. Right now I am still happy with my Vorkosigan Saga experience. I hope to listen to one on the long drive Saturday. I'm eager to see my Colorado friends again. I think late July was our last meet up as I didn't have much time in November.

>57 nittnut: Well, Jenn, Lady Mary has fully recovered, although she did have a chat with Matthew in the cemetery during the finale! That surprise affected all of us. It was good to have the summer months to get used to the idea.

Book No. 22: The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach. 3.9 stars.

"Talking was like throwing a baseball. You couldn't plan it out beforehand. You just had to let go and see what happened. You had to throw out words without knowing whether anyone would catch them…It felt better to talk with a ball in your hand, it felt better to let the ball do the talking. But the world, the non baseball world, the world of love and sex and jobs and friends, was made of words." (420)

This book focuses on the scenes behind college baseball and the natural athletes who work hard to fine-tune their abilities. Set on the shores of Lake Superior in a small Wisconsin liberal arts college, it also includes some fine writing about the beauty of the north country and the joys and sorrows of being a college student. I've always liked stories about the values of hard work and 17-year-old Henry does plenty of that in his grueling training schedule with the older student, Mike Schwartz, who discovered him and recruited him.

This is the author's debut novel. I hope he writes more. I like how he develops his characters and doesn't make their success come too easily. Henry had a disturbing setback which rattled him to the point where he changed from star of the team to a jinx. It's how he dealt with his problems that make the book such a worthwhile read, at least for me. It must be hard to end a book… I did not like the path Harbach worked out, but at least it was memorable!

Happy Friday, Donna! I received The Art of Fielding, in the Christmas Swap a few years ago and I also really enjoyed the book. Looking forward to seeing what he does next.

Pull the Lost Garden down from your shelf. Plus, it's a shorty!

>59 Donna828: I liked that one quite a bit, too, Donna, although like you I thought the ending did not live up to the rest of it. This is the perfect time of year to be reading a baseball book, isn't it?

>59 Donna828: I, too, really liked the characters and the writing in The Art of Fielding. I agree it must be hard to end a book ... but it's easy to sit on the couch and say "that's not the way to do it!" (And that wasn't the way to do it.)

I skimmed your comments on The Art of Fielding, Donna. I hope to get to it this year. My cousin gave me a copy, and since it's our family reunion year, I will see her, so I want to report back.

This year our reunion will be in the great state of Missouri. :)

>29 Donna828: Another one who loved The Frozen Thames. Helen Humphreys has such a talent for descriptive prose in short, sparkling phrases.

>60 DianaNL: Thanks, Diana. After a 12-hour drive tomorrow, the weekend will take off when I get to start spending time with my Denver family.

>61 msf59: Mark, I have the urge to read longer books lately. I am taking a couple of short ones with me to CO: A Thief of Time and The Bridge of San Luis Rey. I hope I find time for some quality reading. The loaded Kindle is also traveling with me.

>62 rosalita: It sure is, Julia. I am becoming a baseball fan after Royal Mania last season!

>63 ursula: I love your comment about sitting on the couch, Ursula. Yes, I am a couch critic! I did like Harbach's writing and will definitely read his next one…if there is a next one.

>64 BLBera: Yay for Missouri reunions! Will you be at one of our beautiful lakes? You have a little treat in store for you with the Harbach.

>65 tututhefirst: Tina, I do enjoy Helen Humphreys' books, at least the one I've read of hers so far. I get her mixed up with the other "Helen." Helen Dunmore wrote two books I read almost back-to-back a few years ago: The Siege and The Betrayal. I hope all is well in your world.

Sooo…I have been doing laundry and packing much of today. We'll leave bright and early for our drive to Denver tomorrow. How convenient that Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday morning. I won't even have to turn my watch forward as we will be in a different time zone. A few toys are leaving our house and going to Hope's house which means we are tightly packed. Oh well, I just need a little place to sit and listen to Memory as we eat up the miles. I'll post again when I can.

Wishing you safe and happy travels :)

Have a safe and enjoyable trip to the Mile High City, Donna. xx

Hope the drive goes well. Know the visit in Denver will :)

Have a safe trip Donna!

Caught up with your thread just in time to wish you a happy visit to Denver!

Safe and happy travels, Donna. I envy you - I want to get to the Tattered Cover some day.

I just have a short time before Hope wakes up from her nap. Colorado is great. The first few days were sunny and warm, now it has turned cooler with snow in the forecast for later in the week! We drove up to Idaho Springs in the foothills overlooking Denver to meet with Dear Daughter and Family. It was a fun mini reunion for us.

>67 brenpike: Thanks, Brenda. I had my DH chauffeuring on the trip out. It will be a solo drive home with a quick overnight stop in KC next Monday night.

>68 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. Denver is my No. 1 destination. Having fun with Hope!

>69 RebaRelishesReading: You got that right, Reba.

>70 lkernagh: Thanks, Lori!

>71 katiekrug: Thank you, Katie!

>72 jnwelch: Joe, you could hop on a plane and join us for our Friday meetup. I wish!

>73 Donna828: Me, too! Some day maybe, when I'm smart enough to get retired, or at least working less.

Hope must think she is posing for Facebook!


Griffin, Hope, Sadie, and Audrey at BeauJo's Pizza in Idaho Springs, CO.

Great pictures of your super cute grandkids, Donna! Thanks for sharing them! ;-)

Loving all the photos of your grandkids--they are all so cute!!! Glad your travels are going so well. Go have some more fun!!

Great pictures of your grandchildren , Donna! So cute!

Love the photos of your beautiful grandchildren, Donna!

>75 Donna828: I think I've been there with my Denver relatives!

Oh, those gorgeous grandkids! Thanks for sharing!

Oh, super cute grandkids, Donna. Idaho Springs was once-upon-a-time one of my favorite destinations. I haven't been there in years, though. It was (and I'm sure still is) a great area.

>74 jnwelch: Retirement is great, Joe. Just ask my husband. I took him to the airport yesterday so he could go home, pick up a trailer load of luggage, and drive it down to our Dallas store at the airport today. Haha.

>76 Nancy618: Thanks, Nancy! I just wish Haley and Molly could have joined us.

>77 Berly: More fun when Hope comes over in a little while. I rented a carriage house a few miles away from my son. She will spend the day here with me. They came over last night to check it out which took about a minute -- it is tiny. After "exploring" the living area, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, Hope announced in her sad voice, "No TV". It is mounted on the wall. Crisis averted!

>78 vancouverdeb: Thank you, Deborah. Just wait until you get your first grandchild. *Swoon*

>79 lit_chick: Why thank you, Nancy.

>80 cbl_tn: That's cool, Carrie. Their specialty is mountain pie (pizza) with a thick crust to be eaten with honey. Delicious!

>81 scaifea: Thanks, Amber!

>82 labwriter: it was snowing heavily in Georgetown where my daughter's family was staying so we didn't go up as high as we had planned. There was light snow in Idaho Springs. Very pretty. Becky, we are meeting in Denver at the Colfax Tattered Cover location on Friday afternoon with an early dinner (5:30) at The Good Son Taphouse next door. Come on up and talk books with us!

Book No. 23: The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder. 4.1 stars.

"Either we live by accident and die by accident, or we live by plan and die by plan. Some say that we shall never know and that to the gods we are like the flies that the boys kill on a summer day, and some say, on the contrary, that the very sparrows do not lose a feather that has not been brushed away by the finger of God."

This is one of those philosophical fables that probably will not change any reader's ideas about life but explores the topic through the lives of the five people who fatefully died that day in 1714 Peru when a footbridge collapsed sending the five to their deaths in the gorge below. Brother Juniper, a local priest, is a witness to the tragedy. He is haunted by it and seeks to prove that the will of God was behind the collapse. He studies the lives of the five people and finds that none of them deserved to die. In fact, most of them were on the path to a new life after having suffered through personal losses. The real irony is that Brother Juniper became the sixth victim of the bridge after being declared a heretic by the Catholic church. I'm pretty sure I read this many years ago in school but I certainly found it more meaningful at a more mature age.

Fun times! Adorable grands :)

>84 Donna828: I read that a about a year ago and enjoyed it. It's an interesting point that Brother Juniper becomes a sixth victim. I hadn't thought of it like that before.

Lovely review of The Bridge of San Luis Rey, Donna. Not at all familiar with this one, but sounds like an excellent read. Love the quote you've included.

>85 brenpike: Thanks, Brenda. I was lucky in my timing and lucky that Lori chose Colorado skiing for the kids' spring break this year!

>86 bell7: Mary, I've owned this book for quite awhile and had no idea what it was about. I think it's one I will keep and reread. I really enjoy philosophical thinking, though I come to no grand conclusions! Poor Brother Juniper.

>87 lit_chick: Well, it's a short one, Nancy. It can easily be read in an afternoon, although I had to break up the reading over several days. Not much reading time with Hope around!

The grands are adorable, Donna!

>82 labwriter: >83 Donna828: The more the merrier!

>29 Donna828: ah, me too! The book, and the rating

Hope looks so much like me and my sister did as little kids? Dare I say it? So cute :)

Happy Weekend!

>75 Donna828: Great!

>83 Donna828: Sounds like you and the hubby may need to keep fine-tuning that retirement concept, Donna. :-)

>83 Donna828: meeting in Denver at the Colfax Tattered Cover location on Friday

Whoops! It's Sat. a.m. and I just saw this. Hope you had a good meet-up.

>89 Copperskye: Thanks, Joanne. I sure had a good time at our meet up. Ol' Man Winter can't keep a good group down! I always wish that we had more time. As it is, the ten days I've been here have just flown by. I'll be driving to KC in the morning after rush hour. You have a good week!

>90 LovingLit: Megan, you and your sister must have been cutie-patooties! Hope is a sweetheart. I just wish she could stay at the table when we are eating out, which has been most of the time. She likes to get down and say Hello to everyone!

>91 DianaNL: Thanks, Diana. Love the lamb!

>92 jnwelch: Joe, the only agreement about retirement that we have is he gets to keep working and I get to keep visiting the grands as much as I can. So far it seems to be meeting both of our needs.

>93 labwriter: Sorry 'bout that, Becky. I should have let you know sooner but we tend to kind of wing it. There will be another opportunity when I come back at the end of the second week in June. So far, we stick to a bookstore visit and lunch or dinner nearby. We would love to have you and any others in the Denver area join us.

Book No. 24: A Thief of Time by Tony Hillerman. 3.5 stars.

"Just then she heard the whistle again. Just behind her. Not a night bird. No sort of reptile. It was a melody The Beatles had made popular. 'Hey, Jude,' the words began. But Eleanor didn't recognise it. She was too terrified by the humped shape that was coming out of the moonlight into this pool of darkness."

Number 8 in the series has both Navajo detectives, Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, working on the same mystery. Leaphorn cares more about the missing woman while Chee wants to know who killed two men at an off limits archaeology site. As usual, the mystery is secondary to me. I am much more interested in learning about Native American history. The thief of time in the title is another name for a person who goes onto protected land and digs for pots and other archaeological remains. The Anasazi ruins are more numerous than I thought. I was stunned to learn that some of these criminals actually use heavy equipment so they can dig quickly and get out before they are discovered!

Fascinating as always, this is a fine addition to the series.

Safe travels back across the Plains, Donna! What are you listening to this time?

Book No. 25: Memory by Lois McMaster Bujold. Audio by Grover Garland. 4.2 stars.

"The only thing you can't trade for your heart's desire is your heart." (quote may not be exact as I listened to the book.)

In this, the ninth book I've read in the series, Miles Vorkosigan is almost 30 and undergoing yet another big change in his life. Previously, Miles had undergone death, cryofreezing, and revival with good results…except for those seizures. Then he inadvertently injures someone he was supposed to be rescuing and makes the mistake of trying to cover it up. He is released from duty because of his unreliability by his superior Simon Illyan. The plot thickens when Simon is also removed from duty because his memory chip has malfunctioned. In a Bujold novel, things are not always they way they seem to be and, once again, Miles uses his intelligence to help the man who fired him.

This book is more cerebral than most of the others I've read. It deals with memory and character building along with depression and hopefulness. So it looks like the space warrior career of Miles in the guise of Admiral Naismith is over. He's also lost his commission as Lt. Vorkosigan. This book may be slower than many of the adventures that precede it, but it is a good transition to a more mature Miles. I look forward to seeing what he is capable of in his new life.

#84 - Great quote for The Bridge of San Luis Rey, Donna. I've had that one ready on my bookshelf for ages - and it's so thin so now I think I will go for it. Like your thoughts on that novel. I'm going with the sparrow :)

Ah!!!! I am thinking I won't get to Hillerman until April, but I will get there! ; )

>75 Donna828: I am somehow missed you this weekend, Donna. I like the photo of the kids with their expectant faces at the pizza parlour. Audrey looks a sweet, bookish young lady; a chip off the block?

>97 Donna828: "The one thing you can't trade for your heart's desire is your heart." See, you were VERY close, especially for having listened to it (says the visual processor). That's one of Bujold's quotes I have in my quote bank. Yes, this is the pivotal book of the series--everything changes. But stays just as good.

I'm loving all the grandkid pictures, especially the princesses with their princesses.

I'm next in line at the library for this month's Tony Hillerman, but the book is long overdue. In retaliation, I've started on the next Craig Johnson.

>98 ctpress: I'm with you on the sparrow, Carsten. I think you will like the book. It gives one plenty to think about. I shelved it on my keeper shelf for a reread someday.

>99 Berly: That's okay, Kim. The books are patient and comments can be added at any time. In fact, I don't think I spoke up about my thoughts on the book. I'm terrible about that. I enjoy group reads but don't always have a lot to say.

>100 PaulCranswick: Paul, I think Audrey is a lot like your Bella. A quiet thinker and a big reader. She will be 12 next month. I'm not sure the faces are pensive or just exhausted. The three oldest ones had been skiing all day. This was their first time and they loved it.

>101 ronincats: Thank you for that, Roni. I agree with you. I listened to Komarr on the way home. I loved it. The books make my trips go by so quickly.

>102 countrylife: Thank you, Cindy. The girls sure like their princesses! I think the substitution is a fair exchange but, really, how long does it take to read a Hillerman book? I can't imagine it being overdue. Hope it's not lost! If it is, let me know, and I'll send you my copy.

While I was in CO, we had a lovely meet up at the Colfax location of the Tattered Cover. It's in an old theater and has lots of character. Joanne, Kris, Anne, and I visited quite awhile over dinner next door. Mary wasn't feeling well so didn't join us. We missed her! We talked about books, our children, traveling, and even bird watching! It had snowed six inches that day but the roads were clear. It's another story out in Denver today after the blizzard. I am SO glad I didn't get caught up in that mess!

I bought a few books while I was gone:

Benediction at The Tattered Cover
The Trouble with Poetry - TC

The following were purchased at the used book section of The Bemis Library.
Hope is a regular patron and chooses her books with great care. Ha!

Aimless Love -- I am ready for National Poetry Month in April
Tightrope - Looks like it might be a sequel
Assassination Vacation
The Partly Cloudy Patriot -- not sure these will be my thing, but they were only $1.00
Mary Coin
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit

Just before leaving for Colorado, I purchased Quiet: The Power of Introverts In A World That Can't Stop Talking. I have been wanting to read this one for ages and Anne's review of it prompted me to "Just Buy It"!

Nine new books is a lot for me these days. I had so much to do when I got home that I "wasted" time rearranging five of my bookshelves in my snuggery. I did a major culling, and 28 books are waiting to be released back into the world the next time I go to Half-Price Books in Kansas City. Yay for me!

Book No. 26: Komarr by Lois McMaster Bujold. Audio by Grover Garland. 4.2 stars.

I may not be able to wait until my next road trip to read the next installment in The Vorkosigan Saga. Miles does indeed had a new job, and it is a very important one with lots of responsibilities. It will be less dangerous, although Miles and danger seem to go together so there will still be plenty of action. This one ended on such a hopeful note for our hero, I may just have to clean out some closets or do some boring tasks just for an excuse to listen to see how his new relationship works out. Go Miles!

>104 Donna828: 9 books in, 28 books out is pretty impressive :)

>104 Donna828: I didn't know that the Tattered Cover is now at the old Bonfils Theatre. And that's East High School across the street, one of Denver's oldest high schools. The Tattered Cover put out a little video about the place, showing some of the old theater and its character that has been left in place.

http://www.mhpbooks.com/video-get-a-glimpse-of-tattered-covers-onetime-theatre-l...

Helen Bonfils was a fascinating person. She was the daughter of the original founder of the evening newspaper in Denver, the Denver Post. After her father died, she was a controlling stockholder (and sometimes president) of the paper for 35 years. She was also a MAJOR philanthropist in the city. She loved the theater, and she built several. The one where the TC is now located was built in 1953. I'm glad the building wasn't bulldozed.

Hi Donna - I haven't read any Lois McmasterBujold but your reviews are sorely tempting me! I'm just debating about adding yet another series to the mix. Thank goodness for fictfact to keep them all straight! Do you recommend any particular order? I noticed that the internal chronology does not match the publication dates.

>59 Donna828: I know that one is in my wish list. You gave it a great review so maybe I'll get to it this summer.

Have a wonderful Easter.

Donna, I wish you a fabulous weekend.

Happy Easter weekend Donna.

Benediction is my "next up" in the Haruf series.

I hope you have a delightful weekend ahead, Donna!

Go Miles! A major new character appears in Komarr, Donna, one of my favorites.

I LOVED Benediction. I hope it works for you when you get to it.

Stopping by to wish you a Happy Easter Donna.

Nice list of acquisitions, Donna. And the culling! You are an inspiration. I love Sarah Vowell and will be interested to hear what you think of her. She has a very distinctive voice and will not suit everyone's taste.

Happy Easter, Donna!

>105 Donna828: Oh, the next in the series is my favorite! You are in for SUCH a treat!

Easter greetings from the North Pole Colorado.



Hope yours is fabulous!

Happy Easter, Peeps! I'm preparing Easter Dinner for 14 so I'm a tad bit busy. Back after the festivities wind down.

HAPPY EASTER, Donna and wow! - have a successful Easter Dinner! (14!!?!)

Oh my - Happy Easter, Donna!

Hope you had a happy Easter Donna!

>1 Donna828: Where did the time go? Look at how grown up Hayley is. She is lovely as ever.

I hope Easter was good for you.

Thank you for all the Easter wishes. We had a wonderful family time here yesterday.

>106 brenpike: Thanks, Brenda. I may find a few more books to take to Half-Price Books before I get up there next month. We're making a quick trip for Griffin's First Communion.

>107 labwriter: Thank you very much for that link, Becky. I'm so glad to have that on my thread. I knew a little about the history of That Tattered Cover, but now the gaps are filled in for me. It does have a lot of character and deserves the applause!

>108 vivians: I like FictFact too, Vivian. I need to update it. The Category Challenge had a group read of the Vorkosigan Series in 2014. Here is the link to the recommendation Joe made for reading this series. I've followed it and found it to be a good guide. I have never been a sci-fi fan but these characters and their lives have been so much fun to read about.

>109 thornton37814: Lori, I think The Art of Fielding would make a terrific summer book. Can't get much more "American" than baseball -- unless you eat some apple pie while you're reading it!!!

>110 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. Easter may be my favorite holiday. It's even better when my family shows up!

>111 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara. Those eggs are exquisite.

>112 DianaNL: I loved getting an Easter Bunny hug. Thank you, Diana.

>113 RebaRelishesReading: My weekend was great, Reba. I hope you had a lovely Easter as well.

>114 EBT1002: Benediction is another good one, Ellen. My weekend was full of family doings. Good food and a fun Easter Egg Hunt in the basement because of the rain and chilly weather. No spirits were dampened, however.

>115 jnwelch: I've already read and loved Benediction, Joe. I just wanted a copy for my permanent collection. I think I'm going to like the new character in the Vorkosigan Saga…and I'm glad to see Miles in a more mature role.

>116 lkernagh: Thank you, Lori. I hope your Easter was fantastic!

>117 nittnut: Same to you a little late, Jenn.

>118 Berly: Mmmmmm, chocolate! Thanks, Kim!

>119 BLBera: I hope I like Vowell's voice. Several of my peeps here (yourself included) love her so I probably will too.

>120 weird_O: I love candy Peeps. All that sugar!!! It's a good thing for me that Easter just comes once a year. Thanks, Bill, for that bit of trivia. I can't think of a type of candy specific to southwest Missouri but we do have several of these stands around the city that just opened for the summer. It's a family recipe (similar to soft serve ice cream) that was sold at the Ozark Empire Fair in 1947 and continues to be a family-run summertime business ever since! It just might be worth a trip here.



>121 Carmenere: Thank you, Lynda. Yay! for a bunny that reads.

>122 Storeetllr: Mary, you are making me eager for A Civil Campaign. Darn, still no touchstones. I'm glad I still have several more books in the series to read. Too bad about the snow you've had this spring. I kinda liked the 6 inches I experienced in CO, but that blizzard was ridiculous. I got out just in time.

>124 Deern: Nathalie, our family dinners have gotten bigger with the addition of my two great-nephews' new loves. The older one even has a 5-year-old son he knew nothing about until last summer! I sat at the kids' table yesterday and was royally entertained!

>125 Copperskye: Thanks, Joanne. I hope you had a nice Easter.

>126 The_Hibernator: Belated Easter greetings to you, Rachel.

>127 Whisper1: And to you, Linda. I am woefully behind here. Yes, the grands are all growing up too fast. Haley and Molly are the ones in town and make my life so much more fun. Thanks for stopping by when I've been so absent around here lately.

Book No. 27: Hell's Bottom, Colorado by Laura Pritchett. 4.2 stars.

"He's learned this much, how so much of life is the precarious moment, the sudden event, the surprise that spikes out of an ordinary day. How the rest--the bulk of life--is necessary to absorb these little bits. Absorb them and heal and wonder at." (18)

I love Laura Pritchett's honest writing about life on a ranch in Colorado. She doesn't gloss over the hardships of raising animals (and families) in a harsh environment. These closely connected stories tell more about the children and grandchildren of Renny and Ben whom I first met in Stars Go Blue. I hope she continues to write about the Cross Family and their lives in this beautiful part of our country. My only complaint with this book is that it was too short. I want more!

>131 Donna828: I'm glad you enjoyed that one, Donna. So did I.

>131 Donna828: - I was a big fan of that one, too, Donna.

I can't wait to read Hell's Bottom, Colorado- it's one of my book club books for this year, so I will get to it.

>129 Donna828: I remember seeing those Pineapple Whip stands when I was in Springfield for a conference a few years ago!

>128 Donna828: Give me a shout if you have time while you're in my area.

Happy Tuesday, Donna! I also loved Hells Bottom, Colorado - it made my list of top reads from last year.

>131 Donna828: One of these days I'm going to read that one, Donna. Nice review.

Popping in to say Hi!

Laura Pritchett--glad to hear of her. I'll have to give her a try. Thanks, Donna.

>132 EBT1002: Yes, it was a very enjoyable book, Ellen.

>133 katiekrug: Yay! Another fan of Hell's Bottom. I remember you commenting on it, Katie.

>134 BLBera: Lucky you, Beth. That should be a great discussion. I wish I could eavesdrop.

>135 cbl_tn: Those pineapple whip stands are pretty memorable, Carrie. I think it's the hula girl who is in perpetual motion. That young lady never gets tired!

>136 brenpike: Sorry, Brenda, we will be celebrating two birthdays along with Griffins First Communion in mid-April so there won't be time for anything else. Last time I checked on dates for the JoCo Library Book Sale, they hadn't been announced yet. I was hope we could get together then. I will be going out to Colorado again the second week in June. If my memory serves right, that would be close to the usual time for the sale. Let me know if you hear anything.

>137 Crazymamie: Hell's Bottom is sure getting a lot of LT love, Mamie. Joanne was the first one to tell me about her, and I picked up one of her books at the Boulder Bookstore. Now I am hooked.

>138 rosalita: Thanks, Julia. You were probably there when Joanne and I were talking about Laura Pritchett. I wish she had been one of the Booktopia authors.

>139 Berly: Hi, Kim!

>140 labwriter: I'm pretty sure Ms. Pritchett will be on your Happy List, Becky. She reminds me of Kent Haruf with her descriptions of rural Colorado.

Book No. 28: The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy. 3.8 stars.

“Eustacia Vye was the raw material of a divinity. On Olympus she would have done well with a little preparation. She had the passions and instincts which make a model goddess, that is, those which make not quite a model woman."

Eustacia Vye was a piece of work. She had a mysterious quality about her and was an outsider in the Egdon Heath community. Some thought her a witch. She certainly had bewitching qualities which caused two men in the village to fall in love with her. She also had the devotion of a young neighbor boy and her grandfather's hired hand. She is an interesting leading lady however difficult it was for me to muster up any sympathy for her. She seems to fulfill the role of the proud passionate woman doomed to live a life of despair that is common to English romantic tragedies written in the mid-to-late 1800s. I much preferred young Tess in another Hardy novel you may be familiar with.

It took me a good many pages to warm up to the characters and their circumstances. Once I got into the rhythm of the writing with its long flowing descriptions of every detail, I started enjoying it for what it was. A timeless story about disappointing love told over the period of one year which gave Hardy the opportunity to describe the heath where he grew up in all its seasons: "The month of March arrived, and the heath showed its first faint signs of awakening from winter trance. The awakening was almost feline in its stealthiness." Most of the writing is lovely though it tends to go on…and on. I would not want a steady diet of it.

If you enjoy the classics, then by all means read some by Thomas Hardy. Reading this was an almost cinematic experience which explains why his books translate so well to the big screen. I was going to read Far From the Madding Crowd but the movie was too fresh in my mind. Our LT friend Anne in Colorado raves about the audio version read by Alan Rickman. I think my rating might have been more generous if I had listened to it rather than read it.

Great review of Hardy, Donna. I also listened to Rickman's audio version of The Return of the Native, and it was a 5* read for me ... and, yes, some of that rating is definitely attributable to Rickman. We certainly agree that Eustacia Vye is a piece of work! You remind me that I want to reread Tess (actually, think I'll listen this time). I'm looking forward to watching Far From the Madding Crowd, love Carey Mulligan.

I'm still not over my good many pages it will need me to warm up to the characters and the story (it seems so predictable with so many hundreds pages left), but your review gives me hope I'll get there eventually should I pick up this book again. *sigh* One of those cases where you know you're reading something great but absolutely can't connect to it. Even Alan Rickman couldn't get me to continue (I got both Kindle and audio).
But I always had difficulties with extensive landscape descriptions in English. Too many words I don't know and am too lazy to look up. Maybe I should really switch to German for this one, but then again it might be an overall bad translation... I'll struggle on, promised.

>142 Donna828: I find Hardy more difficult to read than some "classics" authors (like Trollope). Although I did ultimately enjoy reading Far From the Madding Crowd, I enjoyed the film much more. I've also read Tess and I think that's enough "Hardy in print" for me. But an audio with Rickman ... well, yeah, that would be a very pleasant experience!

>142 Donna828: Donna828: I'm chiming in with additional praises for the audio...I don't think I would have had the patience for all the landscape descriptions if I had been reading it, but Rickman's narration kept me going and enjoying them.

I'm always looking for good audio books to listen to while walking. Hardy may be up next :) Thanks for the idea.

>143 lit_chick: I loved the adaption of Far From the Madding Crowd, Nancy. It was a beautiful movie. I think I made a big mistake by not tracking down the audio version of The Return of the Native by Rickman. I had fond memories of buying my first Heritage Press book with woodcut engravings in a little Vermont bookstore. The Heritage books aren't valuable collectibles but I like them because they come in their own slipcase. I think I have four of them now…the beginning of a collection.

>144 Deern: Ah, another reluctant reader of Thomas Hardy. I can see the difficulty of reading him in your non-native language, Nathalie. I must say I did enjoy the book more as it got into the story, predictable as it was. Keep going, there are a few surprises toward the end!

>145 lauralkeet: Laura, I am in total agreement that some classics are more accessible than others. I put my Barnes & Noble copy of Jude the Obscure into my trade-in pile but kept The Mayor of Casterbridge because it is another Heritage Press edition.

>146 vivians: Vivian, I think Alan Rickman's voice would improve any book. I wonder if he narrated anything else.

>147 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, it sounds like there are some very satisfied customers of the Rickman narration. I checked on Hoopla and they have several audio versions. Just not the one I wanted. I think I would get more walking done if I listened at the same time, although I've been enjoying the singing birds the past few weeks.

Happy April! This is National Poetry Month. I am partaking in Mark's American Author group read of poetry this month by reading Aimless Love by Billy Collins. I just have to share this first poem. It's nice to know that one of my favorite poets is thinking about you and me, his readers...

~~~~~~~~Reader~~~~~~~~

Looker, gazer, skimmer, skipper,
thumb-licking page turner, peruser,
you getting your print-fix for the day,
pencil-chewer, note taker, marginalianist
with your checks and X's
first-timer or revisiter,
browser, speedster, English major,
flight-ready girl, melancholy boy,
invisible companion, thief, blind date, perfect stranger—

that is me rushing to the window
to see if it's you passing under the shade trees
with a baby carriage or a dog on a leash,
me picking up the phone
to imagine your unimaginable number,
me standing by a map of the world
wondering where you are—
alone on a bench in a train station
or falling asleep, the book sliding to the floor.

Great poem. I will be reading some of his poetry this month as well as poetry by Mary Oliver. Two of my favorite accessible poets.

Wishing you a relaxed weekend, Donna.

Chiming in as another fan of the Rickman Read of Hardy. It was wonderful. I admit, though, that I didn't catch most of the first chapter because I was too caught up in his voice...
I'm reading Far from the Madding Crowd now and I'm having trouble trying not to convolute these characters with those in Native. Very similar setting and such. It's good so far, though.

Happy Sunday, Donna! Miss seeing you around, my friend. I also loved Hell's Bottom, Colorado and look forward to reading more of her. I also hope to get to Mr. Hardy some time this year.

Love the Collins poem. You should share it over on the new AAC thread. We are featuring American poetry this month. Just sayin'...

Happy Sunday, Donna. You remind me that I need to get to Hell's Bottom and The Stars Go Blue. I've read the other two by Laura Pritchett, so I look forward to reading more by her. Great review of Return of the Native. I confess Thomas Hardy scares me for now.

Hi Donna. I'm still thrilled that you're enjoying the Vorkosigan series - I think Memory is one of my favourites in the series for the reasons you mention.

Donna, had to come by to thank you for your recommendation some time ago of The Yellow Birds. Have just finished, and a fine read it was!

>150 dallenbaugh: Thanks, Donna. I like Mary Oliver, too. Maybe I will buy one of her collections next year.

>151 Ameise1: Our week end was delightfully warm, Barbara. My husband was in Honduras on business so I got to putter around the yard all by myself.

>152 scaifea: I'm glad to hear another good report on the Rickman narration, Amber. My memories of the excellent big screen adaption of Far From the Madding Crowd will have to do for me…for now. It may be awhile before I can read another Thomas Hardy book.

>153 msf59: Mark, I did comment on the poem on the AAC thread. If one looks carefully, they will se a link to it. I just came from over there and love that people are posting some of the poems that resonate with them. I have another one I liked a lot and will post it this week end when I have more time. Thanks for keeping up with me even though I'm falling behind on your threads.

>154 vancouverdeb: Deborah, it's funny that we've both read Pritchett, just different books. My goal is to find the one I haven't read yet. You are wise to be afraid of Hardy. Actually, I'm just kidding. He's not difficult to read but you will have to get used to the style…very wordy.

>155 souloftherose: The more books I read in the Vorkosigan series, the more I like them, Heather. I never would have thought it! It's good to be open-minded…and I have LT to thank for that.

>156 lit_chick: You made my day, Nancy! It's good to know someone is paying attention to what I'm reading. You have inspired me to do better about remembering who recommends books. I know I've gotten many good hints from you.

Book No. 29: True Grit by Charles Portis. 4.1 stars.

"You told me what the price for your job was and I have come up with it. Here is the money. I aim to get Tom Chaney and if you are not game I will find somebody who is game. All I have heard out of you so far is talk. I know you can drink whiskey and I have seen you kill a gray rat. All the rest has been talk. They told me you had grit and that's why I came to you. I am not paying for talk>" (87)

…and so Mattie Ross hires U. S. Marshal, Rooster Cogburn, to hunt down the man who killed her unarmed father and bring him to justice. The only catch in the deal is that she wants to ride along. I'd say Cogburn is not the only one with grit. Mattie perseveres and begins the big adventure of her 14-year-old life.

True Grit has been chosen as the Springfield Big Read book for this year. We will discuss it at the local library tomorrow night. I think this book was a good choice and should appeal to a wide range of readers, even those who don't like westerns. I remember seeing the John Wayne version of the movie years ago as a young married woman. Now I need to look up a copy of the remake and watch it all over again. I can't wait to see the scene where Mattie falls in the hole with the snakes. Eek!

Nice review, Donna - I love that book.

Thanks, Mamie. I can't wait to talk about it with my book group tonight.

Hooray, for True Grit! Good review, Donna. I also loved that book and have to read more of his work. Have you?

Wow, Donna. This is a blast from the past. I think I read True Grit in high school. Of course, my only memory is of the film.

For some reason, the title True Grit always reminds me of the Grit newspaper. Our next door neighbor sold it when I was a little girl, and when he decided to quit, he talked my brother into selling it. I don't think my brother lasted long at it. He probably got tired of it very soon. I don't remember much about it, except the recipes my mother saved from it.

Happy weekend, Donna.

>161 msf59: This is the only Portis book I've read, Mark. I might be tempted to read more if they come my way.

>162 BLBera: I have a dim memory of the John Wayne film, Beth, which I though was good. I liked the remake even better.

>163 cbl_tn: Oh yeah, I remember "Grit" the little newspaper with human interest stories. Another one like it was "Capper's Weekly." My mother-in-law saved that one for me because I liked the easy (and yummy) recipes in it. Ah, the good ol' days!

>164 Ameise1: Thank you for the lovely flowers, Barbara. Are those peonies? It's hard for me to get a feel for the size of them from that picture. Ours will be blooming in a few short weeks. We have pink, white, and dark pink ones that can be quite large. I don't recall seeing multi-colored ones, though.

I hope everyone has enjoyed their weekend. My husband and I went to the art cinema downtown for the showing of the remake of True Grit. Somehow we missed seeing it when it came out several years ago. It was a really good film and a fairly faithful adaptation of the book. A local professor gave a short talk afterward comparing the original John Wayne movie to the Jeff Bridges version. True Grit is the Springfield Big Read for this year, and the library is having several interesting programs about it. My book group couldn't find much fault with the book at all. Usually we have at least one contrarian!

Book No. 30: The Woman Lit by Fireflies by Jim Harrison. 3.8 stars.

I listened to the audiobook so have no quotes to share except this generic one from the author. It is particularly appropriate in light of his recent death:
"Death steals everything except our stories."

This collection of three novellas was fun to listen to. My favorite was "Brown Dog," the only one set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Harrison's old stomping grounds. Did you know that the bottom of Lake Superior is so cold that bodies do not create the gas that eventually bring them up to the surface? Divers like B.D. are usually looking for treasure or artifacts from sunken ships; however, on this dive he finds an Indian chief in pristine condition. The wild ride around the U.P. with the chief in tow makes for some fun times!

I also really liked the title story. A woman decides to leave her overbearing husband while at a rest stop on a road trip. Clare meanders around an Iowa corn field searching her soul as much as she searches for a place to spend her night. Harrison completely switches gears as he takes on the innermost thoughts of a genteel woman who would be hugely embarrassed by the expletives that come so easily to B.D. There aren't many laughs in this one, but I did admire how well Harrison could write from the perspective of a woman.

I've read and enjoyed several novels by Harrison. Now that I've made the acquaintance of Black Dog, I will check out his other writings from B.D.'s point of view. Harrison is another author I like that I've had to mourn recently. While I keep adding new authors to my favorites' list, I will miss the ones who have left us with their legacies of words.

I am jumping completely out of character here as I report on my First MANGA book! I read this one for the TIOLI Challenge only because of its subject matter.



Book No. 31: Library Wars: Love & War by Kiiro Yumi. No rating.



I had never looked inside a manga book before so imagine my astonishment when I went to open the one I picked up from the library and it said "This is the last page." It conveniently had a diagram of how to read the book in reverse order. Not only did I have to start with the 'last' page, but the reading progressed from right-to-left on each page! I had no idea. How difficult could it be?…after all the book is mostly told through the illustrations. Well, it was completely disorienting at first but I soon got the hang of it.

The premise was interesting from a reader's point of view because our young heroine, Iku Kashahara, was being trained for a coveted spot on the Defense Force library staff to protect banned books. This book gives the background of why she wanted to go through this tough training and is all about the love-hate relationship between her, her instructor, and a male recruit. I found it predictable and violent with some episodes of lame humor. My main takeaway from my first and only Manga is that graphic novels are now looking MUCH better to me!

>167 Donna828: go you! Getting outside your comfort zone can be wonderful- of only sometimes for reinforcing that your comfort zone is an awesome place to be :)

>168 LovingLit: So true, Megan. Also, there is sometimes the reward of trying something new and liking it. I am firmly hooked on Bujold's Vorkosigan Series which still surprises the heck out of me! I never in a million years thought I would be reading and liking sci-fi..

>165 Donna828: These are tulipes, Donna. I have a bunch of them at home at the moment. Tulips usually don't smell but these ones have a lovely smell.

>142 Donna828: - Love the rather gothic look of that cover! I just may have to add Thomas Hardy to my future reading. ;-)

April is one of my favorite months, because that is when we seem to have everything from magnolias to tulips to lilacs all blooming at the same time. Of course, the cherry blossoms are done now.

>167 Donna828: It does take a bit to the whole reverse order of the Manga books, doesn't it? My daughter loves them, so I occasionally steal one of hers.

>164 Ameise1: Fragrant tulips? That is perfection!

>172 Berly: Isn't it, Kim?

Happy Sunday, Donna.

>170 Ameise1: Ahhh, the fluffy tulips…at least that's what 5-year-old Haley calls them. The ones we have in our yard are red and the "skinny" variety. She is so funny!

>171 lkernagh: Lori, I love April, too, because of all the flowering trees. May is a lovely month, too…and then the heat and humidity of summer drive me indoors. If you like gothic, you will probably enjoy The Return of the Native. The endless descriptions of the heath in all types of weather, but mostly foggy and gloomy, give a definite gothic atmosphere to the book.

>172 Berly: Kim, I will occasionally flip through a magazine backwards but never imagined doing it with a book. I'm glad I tried manga and I'm glad it appeals to some readers. I am learning that I'm pretty "old school" when it comes to reading.

>173 Ameise1: I got this one, Barbara, or at least I think I do. Is it a stork? At first I thought it was a heron or crane but I've only seen them in the water, then I remembered my mother telling me about the storks in Germany that built their nests high up in the trees or or housetops.

We just got home from Kansas City. What a whirlwind of a weekend we had. We celebrated two birthdays, a confirmation, and a first communion that *starred* four of our grandchildren. It's always a fun time when we get the grands together. It amazes me how well they play together considering the age spread from 3 years all the way up to 14 years!

Hi Donna! It was lovely to meet up with you -- gosh, I guess it's been a month already! Time flies. I really want to read True Grit. Like you, I saw the John Wayne movie years and years ago. I haven't seen the newer version, though I've heard it's very good.

Hi Anne! I know, this month has just flown by. I think you would like True Grit, the book AND the remake of the movie. Jeff Bridges is no John Wayne but he was gritty and did a good job in the title role.

Book No. 32: The Mountain Shadow by Gregory David Roberts. 3 stars.

"Every man takes a beating in his own way. My way, in those years, was to learn everything I could about the men who beat me, and then wait for Fate to meet me halfway." (105

I have looked forward to this sequel to Shantaram for years. I bought the hardcover edition and looked forward to having a few unscheduled days so I could devour the almost-900 pages without interruptions. That time finally arrived only for me to find out that the book was a real chore to read. In my review of Roberts' previous novel, I mentioned he had a love affair with metaphors. Unfortunately, that continues to the point of obsession. His passionate writing turned into strange phrases such as 'her lips peeled a lemon of horror' and 'moonlight wrote tree poems on the road.' Lin, also called "Shantaram", man of peace, was a lovable gangster with a sense of honor in the first book, but he was more of a street thug in this one who delights in the pervasive gang wars.

Lin finally connects with the love of his life, Karla of the green eyes. One of their favorite pastimes is trading aphorisms, many of which are downright silly. While I enjoy philosophical thoughts, I don't want to be hit over the head with them in this fashion. His mountaintop experience was something I looked forward to until the gurus started trying to outdo each other while smoking their peace pipes. It all just seemed too forced to me.

I probably need to reread Shantaram to see if it was really as good as I remember it to be. I don't compare children to their siblings but I do compare books, especially those touted as sequels. This one almost seemed to be written by another person…someone in desperate need of a good editor. I can't recommend it, and I'm sorry I wasted my money on it.

Book No. 33: Sweetland by Michael Crummey. Audiobook narrated by John Lee. 3.8 stars.

Moses Sweetland refuses to leave the island off the coast of Newfoundland named after his family, despite pressure by the authorities and his neighbors. The Canadian government wants to transplant the residents because the local economy based on cod fishing has collapsed and it has become increasingly expensive to provide services to the residents.. Moses came to regret his decision…or did he?

As he spends a lonely few months trying to overcome the elements, he recalls the history of the island and its inhabitants. He has always led a hardscrabble life but even the rabbits he traps are being eaten by Mr. Fox who has an important part in the story.

I like survival stories, even ones that meander off into mystical elements. It was a bit difficult to follow the present day action and his memories of the past in the audio version. The colder and hungrier he got, the more his mind became muddled until the bittersweet conclusion. This quiet book will give one plenty to think about.

What a weekend you had, Donna! Sounds marvellous, if crazy busy!

Oh no, I'm so disappointed to hear that The Mountain Shadow did not appeal. I have also been looking so forward to the sequel of Shantaram, which was a 5* read for me.

Lovely review of Sweetland. This is one that's been in my iPad and waiting for some time. I read Galore last year and really enjoyed it. There's a rugged charm about Newfoundland that appeals.

Good morning, Donna. Glad to hear that you had such a gorgeous weekend. Yep this is a stork. Actually zhey are making their nest around here. They don't live only in Germany, also in France and hete in Switzerland.

>178 Donna828: I have Sweeetland loaded on my MP3...really anxious to get to it. Based on the thoughts and reviews I've seen, I want to be sure I have a dedicated chunk of time to devote to this one. Thanks for the bump up.

Hi Donna - Sweetland sounds good. I'll have to add that to my list.

Sorry that The Mountain Shadow did not measure up for you. I confess I've never read Shantaram so I can't compare. I confess that as now , I've not read anything by Michael Crummey, but I'm glad you and Nancy enjoy his books. As for The Book of Memory, I hope you enjoy as much as I did and I think Nancy is reading it right now. I hope she enjoys it too. Sounds like lots of fun with the grandchildren :)

>131 Donna828: I must move Hell's Bottom up the pile. I just keep getting buried under library books. :)

>142 Donna828: I also rave about the audio version of Return of the Native. It's fabulous. Eustacia is indeed a piece of work.

>158 Donna828: LOVED this book. Mattie is the best. I thought the entire book was quotable. ;)

Hi Donna! Catching up on all your latest reading and I'm so surprised to see so many people have read Hell's Bottom, Colorado! it was completely off my radar but just wishlisted. Pity about The Mountain Shadow. A friend of mine said Shantaram is her favorite novel so I bought it, it's still unread of course but I'll know to consider it a standalone and don't even bother with the sequel.

Hi, Donna! Just checking in with my pal. The Woman Lit by Fireflies sounds like a good one. I want to read more Harrison and I am glad it worked well on audio.

Glad you enjoyed Sweetland. I really liked it too.

I will get to Shantaram this year. I will get to Shantaram this year. I will...

Hope life is treating you well, my friend.

>179 lit_chick: This week will be a good week to catch up with myself, Nancy. My husband is out-of-town for a few days and I don't have to shop for four different celebrations. I was really pumped about reading the Shantaram sequel after giving Shantaram 4.5 stars. I knocked it down half a star for the overblown writing. Hyperbole was off the chart in The Mountain Shadow! Maybe there will be a third book in ten more years…and he will tone it down a bit.

>180 Ameise1: Aren't storks' nests supposed to bring good luck? They are so cool. I wish we had them in the U.S.

>181 tututhefirst: You are most welcome, Tina. I was glad to see he was one of the suggested Canadian authors for this month's CAC. I think I've read most everything by Margaret Atwood already.

>182 BLBera: I think you will enjoy Sweetland, Beth.

>183 vancouverdeb: We had a great time with the grands, Deborah. They had so much fun together. It was contagious! LT is great for getting us to read the same books. Another thing that is contagious.

>184 nittnut: Jenn, I totally get the library book appeal. Who doesn't love shiny new books? I still have a few checked out, then will get back to reading my dusty old books. Loved Mattie's voice in True Grit…and I'm pretty certain you will love Hell's Bottom, Colorado.

>185 Carmenere: Shantaram is a wonderful book, Lynda. Your friend is spot on. I loved Roberts' spirit and intensity with that one. He had a different publisher with the sequel. I wonder if they even edited it. The author is, or at least seems to be, struck on himself, and I can see him taking advantage of his cult status.

>186 msf59: Mark, I notice that Jim Harrison has several other collections of three novellas. I have one in print and will get the others in audio. He is a very entertaining author. I remember you, Bonnie, and others raving about Sweetland. Now I need to read Galore. Life is being good to me right now. This is the time of year when I love to be outside digging in the dirt. Haven't gotten as much time to do as much as I'd like but we still have plenty of spring left. Please do read Shantaram this year. You will thank me!

>142 Donna828: I have the audio of The Return of the Native with Rickman reading it; I'm looking forward to it and your comments make it more so.

And as I think you know, I'm very much enjoying Sweetland -- my first Crummey. :-)

>177 Donna828: That is a long, long book to read and come away disappointed, Donna. I am not surprised it doesn't measure up to its original.

Great review of Sweetland - with all the love its getting it's firmly on my recommended list that I hope to get to sometime in the future.

I have Library Wars requested through the library, but it looks like it won't arrive this month. It will be my first manga 'on my own without the training wheels'. Quite a few years ago, DD shared several of a series she loved called Fruits Basket with me. I appreciated her enthusiasm, but they didn't quite take hold.

Hi Donna! Just checking in with you, and hoping your week is a good one!

>188 EBT1002: I envy you listening to Alan Rickman. I wonder if he has narrated anything else? I'm not quite ready for a return to The Return of the Native. Ha!

>189 PaulCranswick: Paul, as you know, Shantaram was one of those larger than life books. I learned so much about India by reading it. The sequel didn't add to my knowledge base. It did bring me up to speed on some of the characters and gave me a few laughs along the way…some intended by the author and some the result of those crazy metaphors! If Roberts does write another book while he is in seclusion, I will get it from the library.

>190 streamsong: Janet, I think I could have used a Manga tutor! All I can say is that it was an interesting experience.

>191 AMQS: This week has been more my speed, Anne…Slow! We did go to Chuck E. Cheese to have another Molly party on her real 3rd birthday. She loves that place. I'm also going out to lunch with friends today. This weekend is shaping up to be warm and sunny so I'll finally be able to get out in the yard and get the rest of my cleanup done in preparation for May flowers. I hope you and your family have a great weekend. Maybe it won't snow!

Book No. 34: Ashley's War by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon. 4.5 stars.

"Finally there was the issue of the team's name. Everyone agreed that the word female should be avoided, since that would make acceptance all the harder among the all-male units. Since the concept of teamwork was so fundamental to special operations and its distinctive sense of community, they all agreed that it should be a "team." Another carefully selected word would help blunt the argument of those who thought the program was just a backdoor way for women to become frontline operators: support. Finally, they needed a term that would express the idea that these American female soldiers would make inroads into Afghanistan's social fabric to reach places and people that men couldn't: cultural.
The Cultural Support Teams were born." (18)

I heard about this book from Reese Witherspoon, via the Wall Street Journal, of all places. Apparently she is quite the reader. This one sounded good and turned out to be great. The first few chapters about the background of the Cultural Support Team concept and the first class of women to embrace it were a little slow but important to understand the strange-to-me idea of women on the front lines of war.

The latter part of the book set in Afghanistan was unputdownable. If you enjoy books about strong women, I highly recommend this one. All of our soldiers give so much. I am grateful for their service and for books that honor them.

Book No. 35: As the Crow Flies by Craig Johnson. 4.1 stars.

"My face turned toward the chill of the sky, and I could see her (the crow) frozen there with her wings fully extended, the tiny chain bracelet still hanging from her talon. I watched as she hammered the air with those black wings like two, massive blankets thrown into the wind, and then she flew toward the mountains like a razor--as straight as the crow flies." 4.1 stars.

I've enjoyed each one of the Longmire books but this one, No. 8, has a slight edge on the others for me because there was so much of Walt's friend and protector, Henry Standing Bear, in the book. Dog also had a starring role, plus, I am fascinated by crows. Walt and Henry are in Montana scouting possible locations for Cady's upcoming wedding when a horrific accident -or perhaps crime- takes place right in front of them. They are on a Cheyenne reservation and quickly lock horns with Chief Lolo Long who seems to be suffering from PTSD. I look forward to meeting her in a future book, especially if there is a standoff between Lolo and Vic.

If you are not a reader of this series, all this name-dropping won't mean much to you. I hereby strongly urge you to start from the beginning and get to know Wyoming Sheriff Walt Longmire and his associates. It is a compelling series that keeps getting better and better.

Edited to get Lolo's name corrected. Henry's cool car is named Lola, the ex-tribal chief is Lonnie, and a side character is Lena. I think Johnson likes L names!

>192 Donna828: I checked on Audible a while ago and I think Rickman did not narrate anything, or at least anything much else.

>194 Donna828: I actually got confused at one point in the novel with the Lolo/Lola thing. You're right about L names! Starting with Longmire!

I hope you have time to read this weekend. All good wishes to you!

Donna, Ashley's War sounds excellent! Could not agree more with your sentiment: All of our soldiers give so much. I am grateful for their service and for books that honor them.

The Longmire books also sound like my cuppa. I've watched a few seasons of this show on Netflix and have thoroughly enjoyed. Didn't even know it was based on novels until I caught another of your reviews on same.

Donna, just dropping by to wish you a glorious Sunday. xx

I can't believe that Molly is 3 already. I remember when her older sister was born and you were traveling down to Texas!

>195 EBT1002: Thanks for checking on Rickman, Ellen. Good point about Longmire being another L name!

>196 Whisper1: All good wishes to you as well, Linda, to both you and Will.

>197 lit_chick: I get so many good recommendations from you, Nancy. It's nice to be able to return the favor.

>198 PaulCranswick: It was such a glorious Sunday, Paul, that I spent my second day straight working in the yard. My body must be in better shape than I thought because I can walk without pain! I love being outside whether it's on my porch swing or whether I'm on my knees pulling weeds.

>199 ronincats: I can hardly believe it either, Roni. I'm so glad that Molly and Haley are just a 20-minute drive across town rather than the 7-hour drive to Dallas. Now if I could just get Hope closer than that 12-hour drive to Denver….

Book No. 36: The Improbability of Love by Hannah Rothschild. 4.2 stars.

"I'm sorry to say that some find the agony of rejection far sweeter than the ecstasy of consummation. To try and expunge the hussy's memory, he painted over Charlotte's face with that of another woman's. Then, he added the clown, a ghostly figure in the gloaming: a Pierrot, the embodiment of pathos and derision. It was a self-portrait he returned to over and over again for the rest of his short life." (182)

At the beginning of this intriguing first novel, Annie finds a painting that catches her eye in a rubbish shop. She spends far too much of her meager savings for it as it is intended as a gift for her new boyfriend's birthday. Alas, Annie is unlucky in love once again. The boyfriend fails to appear at the luscious dinner she had prepared for him. Annie's passion is culinary art which the author showcases in such minute detail that the reader can picture the well-researched ambience as well as the inspired delicacies prepared with great care.

As we learn in the early part of the book, Annie has stumbled upon a three-century old masterpiece. It is the mystery that surrounds the painting that makes this such a good book. The short chapters narrated by the painting itself leant a whimsical cheekiness to offset its dark history and the desperation of those wanting to acquire this treasure.

The author has an impressive background in art, nonfiction writing, and film. I will definitely be reading her next novel. My rating was slightly downgraded because of the many coincidences to further the plot. Also, the transitions were jumpy, making me wonder whose story she was telling at times. Those things are easily fixed. I think Rothschild has a 5-star capability…at least I hope so.

Woohoo! Wonderful review, Donna. I'm now looking even more forward to The Improbability of Love.

Great review of The Improbability of Love. I noticed that you are not planning to read Ruby by Cynthia Boyd. I read it and I think it was just too dark and truthfully became a melodrama of darkness. Beautifully written, but a lot of it was just too implausible and dark - at least in my opinion.

Hi Donna, Just catching up on the threads. You have some interesting reads here. The Rothschild is definitely going on my list!

Yay! Good review of Ashley's War. I've been needing a 'women in combat' book for my women's bingo card and that one sounds like it will fit the bill nicely!

The Improbability of Love also sounds like a winner.

This is quite a dangerous thread. Beware of bullets.

Oh, Oh another BB. Great review of The Improbability of Love.

I'm glad to share the Book Love with my friends. That's what we do here, isn't it?

>202 lit_chick: I hope you like it as much as I did, Nancy.

>203 vancouverdeb: I respect your opinion, Deborah. I thought the same thing after reading the description of Ruby. I might read it if it wins the Orange a Prize, but I'm rooting for my latest read.

>204 labwriter: I need to do some visiting around the threads, Becky. I tend to lurk a lot lately. My time has been taken up with yard work and grandkids. And reading, of course!

>205 streamsong: Janet, I'm so glad someone else is going to read Ashley's War. I learned a lot about women in combat. Their role in Afghanistan is an important one.

>206 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba! It was an interesting book. The voice of the painting sounds gimmicky but I loved the light fun it brought to a heavy book.

>201 Donna828: This sounds like a book I would like. It is now on the tbr pile.

Happy Monday!

Nice comments on The Improbability of Love, Donna. I wonder if she will write about art again?

Morning Donna! Although TIoL is already on my wishlist, I enjoyed your review and it's honesty. I dislike too many coincidences. It seems to be an easy way out for authors to get the story where they want it to go.

Hi, Donna! I'm off from work today and tomorrow and have resolved to, among other things, get through all the threads I've been neglecting. I may have plenty of time to do it if the weather reports calling for snow tonight, tomorrow and Saturday are accurate.

Aaargh - I see I haven't posted for ages - sorry!!

Of course I caught a BB for The Improbability of Love although I try my best to avoid them, so many tbrs!

A very Happy Weekend to you!

>201 Donna828: Rejection sweeter than consummation? She's obviously not doing it right.

I will be reading that one too in May. Pleased to see that it was an overall positive experience as a read for you.

Have a great weekend, dear lady.

>208 Whisper1: With your love of art, Linda, the book is right up your alley. I feel just like the girl in that picture…being carried away by my lovely books. I am making a real effort this year to get back to reading as my priority which means less time on LT. I will never float away and abandon the group, though!

>209 BLBera: I hope she does, Beth, because she has so much knowledge about the world of art. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

>210 Carmenere: Lynda, I think that's a common mistake with first-time authors so I forgave her! I can barely string a few sentences together with my reaction to a book, so who am I to criticize? But we are entitled to our opinions, aren't we? *wink wink*

>211 Storeetllr: Ugh, snow again. We had a rainy day yesterday which had me grumbling as I wanted to have a picnic with Haley. We ended up having it on the floor in my little snuggery surrounded by books. She just loves that room. Smart girl! Thanks for taking the time for a visit, Mary.

>212 Deern: I haven't posted much for ages either, Nathalie. I do understand. It has been a good weekend. My friend Nancy and I went to half-price day at the library book sale today. Got some mysteries for my DH as he has about run out of John Sandford books…and a few pretties for me!

>213 PaulCranswick: Rejection sweeter than consummation? She's obviously not doing it right.
That cracked me up, Paul! He did call her a hussy as he painted over her face. And changed the name of the painting! I think you might enjoy the book when you get to it. I hope your weekend is going well, too.

>214 DianaNL: Aw, what a sweet face on the kitty. It reminds me of the cat down the street. I pick up his owner's newspaper in the morning and put it on the porch for her and he is sometimes sitting there as if he's waiting for the news. It's a bit awkward with my big Labrador Retriever along but there hasn't been an altercation yet. And, thanks, I'm just fine and hope you are too.

Book 37: Endless Love by Billy Collins. 4 stars.

I thoroughly enjoyed my journey through this collection of poetry this month. Thanks to Mark for adopting National Poetry Month as his selection for the AAC in April. I subscribe to The Writer's Almanac and occasionally get a poem by Billy Collins for the daily pick. He is a good fit for me. He was America's Poet Laureate from 2001-2003. That is quite an accomplishment but, even better for me, are his poems about everyday things that make me smile. My book is a rainbow of colored post-it flags marking my favorite poems.

I copied the first poem in the collection in >149 Donna828: addressed to his readers. It seems appropriate to end the month with his send-off message to his collection as it goes out into the big wide world:

"Envoy"

By Billy Collins
From Aimless Love: New And Selected Poems

"Go, little book,
out of this house and into the world.

carriage made of paper rolling toward town
bearing a single passenger
beyond the reach of this jittery pen
and far from the desk and the nosy gooseneck lamp.

It is time to decamp,
put on a jacket and venture outside,
time to be regarded by other eyes,
bound to be held in foreign hands.

So off you go, infants of the brain,
with a wave and some bits of fatherly advice:

stay out as late as you like,
don't bother to call or write,
and talk to as many strangers as you can."

Billy Collins is great - I haven't read through the entire collection, but one I really like is "To My Favorite 17-Year-Old High School Girl."

Ah, Collins! He never fails to make me smile. Such beautiful images he paints. He's going to be at Chautauqua this summer -- can't wait to see him in person.

>216 Donna828: "Like"

He's great in person, too.

>201 Donna828: Alright, alright! Between you and BLBera, I have WLed it!! And I love that poem--thanks for sharing it. Have a great week (with better weather)!

Great review of The Improbability of Love, Donna. I am looking forward to my turn at the library on that one. And I love reading a work by an author in which you can see the potential..... Hopefully she can live up to that in her next novel!

I hope you have a great week!

>217 BLBera: Yes, that was a good one, too, Beth. Collins must be a parent to capture the essence of the typical 17-year-old girl (or boy for that matter) who spends most of their time in their room and doesn't clean up after themselves. I loved the last stanza:

We think you're special by just being you,
playing with your food and staring into space.
By the way, I lied about Schubert doing the dishes,
but that doesn't mean he never helped out around the house.

>218 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, I think seeing Collins in person would be well worth the trip to New York. Hmmm, I wonder if my husband would agree?

>219 jnwelch: We do need a "Like" button on LT, don't we, Joe?

>220 Berly: It is on the cool side and cloudy here today, Kim, but no rain. Yesterday was a good day to sit on my porch swing and read so I won't complain about the weather. You have a great week, too, and enjoy The Improbability of Love.

>221 EBT1002: Thank you, Ellen. Rothschild's first novel was very good…Great is on the horizon! Happy week to you as well.

Book No. 38: Talking God by Tony Hillerman. 3.4 stars.

"This Night Chant ceremonial was one that Chee had hoped to learn himself someday. Yeibichai, his people called it, naming it for Talking God, the maternal grandfather of all the spirits." (34)

Jim Chee is at the nine-day ceremony to arrest Navajo wannabe Harry Highhawk for his symbolic desecration of a grave to bring attention to the thousands of skeletons of Native Americans being stored in the Smithsonian archives. Not too far away we find Lt. Joe Leaphorn looking for clues to a well-dressed man found dead in the desert. Both policemen are going the extra mile to travel to Washington, D.C. on their own to follow more clues in their separate investigations. Coincidentally (ahem), they find they are both working on different aspects involving the same case of Chilean terrorists.

I love this series, but this one was too farfetched for me to swallow. It was fun to see our protagonists on different turf but I missed the southwest setting. I'm glad the book was a quick read because I am eager to get back to the reservation!

Hi Donna! I loved As the Crow Flies for the same reasons you did - lots of Henry and Dog. I loved the way that Dog stood guard over the baby. I also took a BB for The Improbability of Love.

I couldn't even get into Talking God, mostly I think because it wasn't working for me on audio. Sadness.

>224 cbl_tn: Hi Carrie, wasn't Dog a good boy in the last book? Well, he's always a good dog, we just don't hear enough about him. Maybe he will even get a name in an upcoming book!

>225 Berly: Kim, I don't know why those books who get a lot of fans because of the setting keep insisting on changing locales. I didn't like the Longmire book set in Philadelphia nearly as well as the others, either. Sorry you couldn't get into it.

This has been a busy week for me with back-to-back bridge games three days in a row and then a sleepover with Haley and Molly last night. I love our time together but this Grandma needs her sleep and, apparently, that's not so important to 5-year-old Haley. Her daddy was the same way as a kid. He (and she) quit taking naps at age 2 and developed insomnia about the same time. At least Haley hasn't tried sleepwalking…yet. She finally drifted off at 11:00 last night after getting in bed with me and asking a million questions. By then, I was wide awake. I would have listened to my book, but I was afraid of getting up to get it. I didn't want to wake the light sleeper. I'll be better prepared that first week in June when their parents go to Mexico.

Book No. 39. Bettyville by George Hodgman. 3.25 stars.

“When dealing with older women, a trip to a hairdresser and two Bloody Marys goes further than any prescription drug...”

In this memoir and, apparently in his real life, George uses humor to cover up the sadness. He is dealing with two big problems: his widowed mother's aging and increasing dementia and his own feelings about being a gay man. George was an only child in a prominent family in small-town Paris, Missouri where homosexuals were not well-accepted during George's formative years. Even his parents, who clearly loved him, did not address the issue…other than insisting that he try out for the high school football team. Noncommunication became a way of life even after George moved away to New York City and brought some of his boyfriends home.

When it became apparent that his mother could no longer stay alone, George visited to make arrangements for her. His visit lasted over two years as he cared for her with both affection and frustration. It is a bittersweet story that made for a good book discussion. We had one member, and several visitors, from the Paris area who know the family. I think if I had a connection like that, I might have enjoyed the book more. As it is, I didn't grow up in that kind of environment so just didn't get what it would be like to know everything about one's neighbors. I think George wrote bravely about his situation knowing that so many of the people who shamed him growing up would be reading the book.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there…and those who have or had a mother! I think that includes just about everyone. haha

This is an image from Google but looks just like the swans and cygnets on our little lake, though we only have six babies. I didn't want to stress the family trying to get a decent picture. I hope some of them survive the snapping turtles this year.

We also have goslings which always survive because they spend quite a bit of time on land. The two granddaughters got to see some fluffy yellow balls of goose close to our deck this morning. They were thrilled! The mom and dad looked nervous and the girls have instructions to Stay Away!

Happy Mother's/Grandmother's Day to you too, Donna! Must be like getting a gift when you look out on your pond - beautiful and endearing :)

Happy Mother's Day!

I've added Ashley's War to the pile. :)

Happy Mother's Day, Donna

It is another one I get confused with as the UK celebrate on a different Sunday.

Happy Mother's Day to you, Donna.

Bettyville sounds interesting, Donna. I laughed out loud at the quote until I read that the author uses humour to cover much sadness. The novel does sound like a brave undertaking on his part.

>228 Donna828: Look at all those ugly ducklings!

>229 brenpike: Thanks, Brenda. I hope you had some Ollie Time on Mother's Day. Yes, those babies are special gifts for sure.

>230 nittnut: Thank you, Jenn. Same to you. I hope you enjoy Ashley's War. It was an eye-opener for me.

>231 PaulCranswick: Mother's Day was a good day for me, Paul. Sorry about the confusion. I feel the same way when Thanksgiving comes round a month early in Canada (and I suppose the UK as well?). I may adopt the October date to give me more space between major holidays.

>232 BLBera: Beth, I'm sure Scout was a part of your special day. Aren't grandchildren wonderful?

>233 lit_chick: Nancy, the laughs were mostly real ones. Sometimes that's the only way to survive being a caregiver to someone with dementia. It was an interesting book but failed to reel me in completely.

>234 The_Hibernator: I love that Andersen fairy tale, although I think cygnets are pretty cute myself. Thanks for stopping by, Rachel.

Happy belated Mother's Day, Donna! I hope you were pampered on your special day.

Book No. 40: The Book of Memory by Petina Gappah. 4.1 stars.

"The story that you have asked me to tell you does not begin with the pitiful ugliness of Lloyd's death. It begins on a long-ago day in August when the sun seared my blistered face and I was nine years old and my father and mother sold me to a strange man."

So begins the story of her life that Memory is writing for her appeal of the death sentence she is under. In fact, she is the only woman on death row in a Zimbabwe prison which gives her the privacy and quiet time to think about and tell her complex and sad story. So much is told in the first sentences yet we still know so little about her situation.

Memory was born in poverty and was mostly ostracized because she was an African albino. She spent much of her life indoors because the sun burned her pale skin and her blisters became infected. Her family is sort of a mystery to her. Where are the relatives and close friends who are so important to African families? Memory is a very introspective child who excels in school as a way to overcome the teasing and bullying from the other students. Her story is told mainly in flashbacks and it is well worth the reader's time to wait patiently for the payoff at the end. This was a lovely and lyrical book. I'm sorry that it didn't grab the attention of the Bailey's Women's Prize for Fiction judges.

>236 cbl_tn: Hi Carrie. I had good talks with all three children and a quiet day on Mother's Day. It came after a sleepover with the granddaughters so I appreciated the rest and time to finish another book. I wouldn't know what to do with pampering but my husband did take me to see The Jungle Book which was pretty awesome, although it lacked the charm of the earlier Disney version aimed at younger children. That one was a 5-star movie for me!

Lovely review of The Book of Memory, Donna. Glad you enjoyed this one.

Hi, Donna! Just checking in with my pal. I loved Aimless Love. Good review of The Book of Memory. This one is all ready on the list.

I just started This House of Sky. I think I am in for a treat.

>239 lit_chick: Thank you, Nancy. I appreciate you and Deborah calling the book to my attention. It is a winner in my book! Haha.

>240 msf59: Hey there, Pal. I loved following your meetups and Booktopia experiences in New England. It sounded like a great time despite some damp weather. Now that you're home, you can catch up on reading. We are both in for a treat. I have begun House of Sky as well. *swoon* Doig's writing is heavenly.

Flying book bullets! Ashley's War, The Book of Memory and The Improbability of Love are all on my library wishlist now.

>242 countrylife: Hi Cindy, I hope you like both books when you get to them. I'm guessing your wish list is as long as mine so it might be awhile. We will never run out of books to read!

Book No. 41: A Wolf Called Romeo by Nick Jans. 4 stars.

"The true measure of distance between wolves and dogs lies in the eyes. A dog's may display intelligence and engagement, but being caught in a wolf's unblinking gaze is like standing in the path of a laser. That startling intensity bores in and seems to take the very measure of your being. This black wolf's deep amber irises held all that force, but something more radiated from him that I'd never sensed in any other wild wolf: a relaxed acceptance of my presence." (5)

Nick Jans is a writer and wildlife photographer who had lived in Alaska for over 30 years before this close-up encounter with a wolf. He had heard of sightings of this black beauty from some of the people who frequented his backyard in Juneau, Alaska, in the shadow of Mendenhall Glacier. When Mendenhall Lake froze over in the winter, it became a popular winter playground for the residents of the small city. This area also attracted the attention of a single wolf who seemed lonely and sought the attention of the many dogs that accompanied their masters as they hiked and skied the many trails in the area. This well-wrriten book is a combination of outdoor memoir, a history of Canis lupus, and a cautionary tale of wild animals interacting with humans and their pets.

The wolf became known as Romeo because of the way he flirted with the female dogs he befriended. He also had male friends and even accepted their humans. He returned to the Mendenhall recreation area winter after winter and enjoyed many hours of play with his canine friends while the townspeople looked on in awe. Of course, there are all kinds of people in Alaska as there are all over the world. Some are animal lovers and some are afraid of them. Author Jans respects the wolf and keeps his distance, but others aren't as cautious. As Romeo's fame grows so does Jans' fear that something bad could happen.

Nick Jans loves Alaska and the natural world and has a calm and informative way of writing about what he loves. His accompanying photographs are pretty wonderful, too. I was attracted to this book by the cover picture taken by him of Romeo and his Yellow Lab, Dahkota, who is a dead ringer for my dog Lucky. I soon became enamored by the author's way with words and will be on the lookout for some of his earlier books.

Donna, superb review of A Wolf Called Romeo. This is one I'm not familiar with, but it sounds wonderful! Something very mesmerizing about wolves, and Jans seems to think so, too: being caught in a wolf's unblinking gaze is like standing in the path of a laser.

Happy weekend, Donna.

Happy Saturday, Donna! A Wolf Called Romeo sounds great. Good review. I had not heard of this one but it sure is ringing all my bells.

A Wolf Called Romeo sounds really good and what a wonderful quote. Onto the wishlist it goes.

Lovely review of A Wolf Called Romeo, Donna. I didn't see it on the book page. If you post it, I'd like to thumb it.

Hi, Donna! Hope you are having a lovely weekend!

I've been reading your posts but not commenting so thought I'd break my silence just to let you know that I am very much enjoying your reviews and taking a few BBs along the way.

>244 Donna828: Wow. That's a BB for me.

Just getting a quick wave in before you make a new thread. :)

Happy new week Donna!

A Wolf Called Romeo and The Book of Memory are on my list, Donna. Great reviews.

>245 lit_chick: Wolves are fascinating to me, Nancy, and now I know that they aren't as bloodthirsty for human blood as they have been portrayed over the ages. I still wouldn't take my grandchildren to visit one, though.

>246 Ameise1: Just precious, Barbara. Thank you.

>247 msf59: It was a great book for a nature lover, Mark. Nick Jans has so many beautiful description of Alaska in it.

>248 streamsong: You probably get to see wolves in your neck of the woods, Janet. I wonder if they ever share their territory with mountain lions.

>249 jnwelch: I didn't see many reviews listed, Joe, so I'll add mine such as it is. Thanks!

>250 Storeetllr: The weekend was great, Mary. We went to Haley's dance recital and I got a hammock chair to hang from a handy branch on one of our big trees. Wish I had taken a picture cuz it's supposed to rain here for the next day or two. Thanks for your visit.

>251 nittnut: I am trying to hold off a bit on a new thread, Jenn. That's why this post is going to be so long! I'd like to finish and report on a few more May books.

>252 The_Hibernator: Thanks, and same to you, Rachel.

>253 BLBera: Both good books, Beth. I hope you like them, too.

>254 Donna828: Thanks, Donna. Thumb duly applied.

You are a busy lady, Donna!

>255 jnwelch:: Thanks for that thumb, Joe.

>256 ronincats: it seems that way, Roni. I am trying to get some yard work done and plant a few flowers before my next two babysitting stints...six days with Haley and Molly at the end of the month while their parents frolic in Mexico, and then out to Colorado for some Hope time! I'll have her during the day while Rebecca is at work and Mike is in Las Vegas. I need to work on my stamina...and patience.

I love it when I receive a new book in the mail. Thanks to ER, I just opened a package containing a lovely new hardcover:
Woo Hoo!

Grandkids are such fun...but they are also a good reminder why we don't have children in later life lol. We'll have our two this Saturday for the last time before we take off for Chautauqua. I'm planning on jointly making poffertjes for lunch, some board games (probably Apples to Apples -- they love that) then taking them over to our building's swimming pool (we've lived here 6 1/2 years and never taken them) before Italian out and taking them home. We'll be ready for bed by then.

Oh, you won the new Larry Watson! Lucky you! :)

Donna, You read some great books thus far this year! Congratulations on winning the Larry Watson book.

>258 RebaRelishesReading: Saturday with your grandkids sounds like a fun day for all. I think you will all sleep well that night after a full day of activities. Safe travels to Chautauqua!

>259 tymfos: Yes indeed…lucky me. As Good As Gone looks like a good one!

>260 Whisper1: Thank you, Linda. My reading rate is on track with last year's though I am struggling with finding enough time to read. I've decided that giving up the little bit of cooking I do is the only way to squeeze more books in!

Now it's time to catch up with book reviews. I hardly ever begin a new book without writing the review of the one I just finished. I am turning into a review slacker! These may be mini reviews.

Book No. 42: This House of Sky by Ivan Doig. 4.5 stars.

"The western skyline before us was filled high with a steel-blue army of mountains, drawn in battalions of peaks and reefs and gorges and crags as far along the entire rim of the earth as could be seen. Summit after summit bladed up thousands of feet as if charging into the air to strike first at storm and lightning, valleys and clefts chased wide as if split and hollowed by thunderblast upon thunderblast." (180)

What a sublime writer! I've had this book for ages just waiting for the perfect time to read it. Thanks for choosing Ivan Doig for the AAC, Mark. I took my time with this book because the writing was just so good. Doig sadly lost his mother at the age of six, but he never lacked love in his life. This is a great memoir about a father-son relationship that withstood various moves to different Montana sheep ranches and the separations when Ivan had to board with whoever would have him so he could continue his schooling.

And then there was his grandmother, Bessie Ringer, who came to live with the bachelors despite her strong dislike for her son-in-law. They buried their hostility and made a family for Ivan that formed the writer I have come to know and love. As a family they suffered many hardships, depending on the spirit of the west that demanded perseverance: "Life was to be lived as it came. If it came hard, you bowed your neck a bit more and endured." I loved this book!

The Green Road by Anne Enright; audio by various readers. 3 stars.

I listened to this book in snatches over a 2-week period. Probably not the best way to immerse oneself in a story. Maybe I would have liked it better in print, although it was interesting to have four narrators because the voices of the Madigan children were the core of the book.

Family dramas are not my favorite subject matter, especially when all the characters are so full of despair. The matriarch is controlling and manipulative so it's no wonder her four children lead such sad lives. There was little plot until the action picked up toward the end when the family reunited at Christmas with interesting results.

I think Enright's writing is beautiful, but it is wasted on the whining characters. I see I rated The Gathering at 2.5 stars. I think I've read enough stories about dysfunctional families.

Hi Donna. I laughed when I envisioned you trapped in bed with your recently gone-to-sleep granddaughter. ; ) The Book of Memory and A Wolf Called Romeo both look good. And hurray for the Watson ER! Yay!

This House of Sky immediately hits the list, Donna! Thanks for a great review. Sorry you didn't enjoy The Green Road; that one was a 5* read for me! I could so relate to the dysfunctional family, the control, and the manipulation.

Ah! We are agreed on The Green Road. I began to think I was the only person on LT who did not care for it. I don't mind dysfunctional families , but some how it seemed gratuitously so, if that makes sense. I had to toss it aside as a waste of time after about 120 pages and that is rare for me. As for Hutterites, as I mentioned on my thread, my closest friend growing up was Mennonite , so I've always been aware of the Hutterites, Amish etc, though Mennonites are very mainstream people. I'll take a closer look at The House of Sky.

>263 Donna828: & >266 vancouverdeb: I have started The Green Road with no little trepidation having hated The Gathering. To be fair I am more ensconced in this one than that one.

The House of Sky needs to get added to my TBR soonest.

Have a lovely weekend, Donna.

Hi Donna - Enright has been hit or miss with me, too. I didn't like The Gathering, but I did like the one after that - I can't remember the title. I'll probably give this one a try.

I started This House of Sky last night. I am so looking forward to it. :)

Happy Saturday, Donna! Beautiful day in the Midwest! So glad you also loved This House of Sky. It was such a treat.

And hooray for snagging As Good As Gone. I did too!!

Ouch, on The Green Road.

>261 Donna828: Thanks, Donna. We did have fun...made (way too many) poffertjes (little Dutch pancakes) for lunch, then played Apples to Apples, then off to the pool for a while, then watched "The Good Dinosaur", then more Apples to Apples then off to a local Italian they love for dinner before taking them home. We won't see them again until December :(

>264 Berly: I will be better prepared next time, Kim. I'll have water, tissues, iPhone, earbuds, book with book light, etc. next to me. I might need a new nightstand!

>265 lit_chick: Nancy, I am sorry that you could relate to the dysfunctional family in The Green Road. We didn't have any roots growing up so had to draw closer together as a family. I think the books we relate to get the highest ratings.

>266 vancouverdeb: Deborah, the book redeemed itself for me towards the end but it was tough going to get there!

>267 PaulCranswick: Paul, my second (and last) Enright was definitely a better reading experience than my first one. I had a fun day with the granddaughters yesterday. Today will be much quieter with some reading and catching up on LT.

>268 BLBera: I hope you like your next Enright book, Beth. I think her writing is fine just a bit too dark and intimate for me.

>269 nittnut: Yay for This House of Sky. I hope you love it, Jenn.

>270 msf59: It was a lovely spring day in this part of the midwest, too, Mark. Another one today. My porch swing is calling to me and The Tsar of Love and Techno. Can't wait to get to the new Watson.

>271 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, it's sad that you won't see the grandkids until December, but you had a fabulous "last day" with them!

Fun with Haley and Molly

What an adorable photo!

Thanks, Nancy. The girls love the new Super Spinner Swing we set up in our side yard. I think we will be spending lots of time out there this summer!

Book No. 44: God on the Rocks by Jane Gardam. 3.7 stars.

“Because the baby had come, special attention had to be given to Margaret, who was eight. On Wednesdays therefore she was to go out with Lydia the maid for the whole afternoon... Maybe to Eastkirk — and a nice walk about on the Front and down the woodland.”

Poor Margaret Marsh. First of all, she is born into a fundamentalist family called the Primal Saints. She is so knowledgeable about the Bible at age 8 that she quotes scriptures like most 8-year-old girls talk about princesses. Set in a northern England seaside village in the time between the two big wars of the 20th Century, Margaret is precocious and curious about the adult world. After her baby brother is born, her parents pay little attention to her so she is allowed the freedom of excursions with the new maid Lydia.

Margaret enjoys the freedom of climbing trees in the forest surrounding a convalescent home while the lusty Lydia "entertains" the gardener. Margaret has the knack for seeing through people and speaking her mind. Gardam releases the twists and turns of this story slowly. I don't think this book would appeal to those who want the plot to be more straightforward, but I enjoyed waiting for the subtle surprises as Margaret begins to see her family in a new light.

Adorable picture Donna!

>275 Donna828: The Super Spinner Swing looks like a blast! Cute pic of the girls :)

>273 Donna828: What a darling couple of girls. Love the swing! I am loving This House of Sky and taking my time to really enjoy it. It's wonderful.

Good morning, Donna! Lot's of good reading going on here! What joyful faces on Haley and Molly! Your heart must be bursting with love!

What a lovely picture of Haley and Molly on the swing - they look like they're having a blast!

I'll be reading my first Ivan Doig for my book club in November but it will be The Whistling Season. I'll have to add This House of Sky to my TBR pile.

>273 Donna828: Oh, Donna, those girls are beautiful! What a fantastic photo.

Such a darling picture of the two girls! What a lovely piece of property and spinner swing for the girls!

>273 Donna828: Awww!

I get a kick out of posting a picture of the grands and getting all these positive responses. I guess we all like kids and animals around here…along with a few books to round things out! Thank you to Rachel, Brenda, Jenn, Lynda, Mary, Amber, Deborah, and Joanne for your kind comments. I am gearing up for those two sweethearts staying with us beginning on Sunday evening. I hope they have the same happy faces after spending six nights over here.

>279 nittnut: Jenn, I'm so glad you're liking This House of Sky. I savored it when I read it, too.

>281 bell7: The Whistling Season is my favorite fiction book by Doig, Mary. Such a sweet story. I hope you do get to read his memoir and that you like it as much as I did.

Book No. 45: The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens. 3.6 stars.

I finished listening to this one a few nights ago and admit that I lost a little sleep over it. I always set the timer in case I fall asleep and had to reset it two nights in a row for more time because it stopped right in the middle of the action. I don't read a lot of suspenseful books so I'm not a good judge as to how it compares to others, but it had me on the edge of the bed for at least two nights! The manhunt during a Minnesota blizzard was incredibly intense. This is Allen Esken's first book and he seemed a little too much in love with his descriptions with some over-the-top metaphors. As far as the story goes, however, I liked the way he told it with the twists and turns of solving a cold murder case, the flashbacks to Viet Nam of the supposed murderer, and the psychological drama of a drunken mother and a younger brother with autism. Lila added some romantic interest and some comedy at the beginning of their relationship when Joe was making a fool of himself trying to get her attention.

Joe is a college student who seems older than his years, probably because he had to be the adult in his family for much of his life. He became involved with a convicted murderer as the result of a college assignment. It consumed his life along with the worry about his brother living in an unhealthy situation. Joe came across as a real person who was compelled to do the right thing when he uncovered some discrepancies in the rape and murder trial of his new friend. The book was written with lots of heart. The mystery was too predictable and I wish there would have been a strong female character. Lila was so passive that I failed to see Joe's attraction to her. All in all, a decent debut and another author to keep track of. Thanks to Kim(berly) for calling this book to my attention.

A quick note about the narrator, Zach Villa. At first I thought his voice was too bland. When he started doing the voices of the different characters, I was impressed. He didn't overdo it, but the subtle changes in his tone made the dialogue come alive.

How lovely you have the girls for a week! Can't wait to see the pics!

>286 Donna828: - I just finished that one on audio, too! I think we liked it about the same - and I agree about some of the over-the-top metaphors. I'm going to try his second book at some point, and I saw he has a third coming out in the fall.

Great review of The Life We Bury, Donna. What a good idea to set a timer when listening to audiobooks in bed. Can't count the # of times I've fallen asleep listening, only to wake up hours later with no clue where I am in the novel, or what's happened, LOL. Then it's a pain to try to find where I was ...

>287 Carmenere: Lynda, I do plan to take lots of pictures to send to my son and DIL. This is the first time they've left them for more than one night Wish me luck!!!!

>288 katiekrug: Hi Katie, I liked this one well enough to read more by Eskens. Isn't it fun to discover new authors? We wouldn't want to run out of books to read…

>289 lit_chick: Thanks, Nancy. Yes, the timer is a great help to me. 30 minutes is usually about right. Longer than that, and I probably would fall asleep and lose my place. I have The Magician's Nephew
downloaded and ready to listen to in the car when I transport Haley to and from her summer school session…about 30 minutes each way. She may be too young for it (age 5) but she'll like it better than listening to talk radio or oldies music!

The Tsar of Love and Techno by Anthony Marra. 4.2 stars.

"The fact of my arrest condemns me, everyone knows this; if I am a suspect then I am already a traitor, and traitors become prisoners, and prisoners become bodies, and bodies become numbers." (31)

The quote is from Roman Markin, an artist in 1937 Russia, who is "chosen" as a censor to erase Soviet "traitors' from official portraits or anyplace else their pictures might appear. After his brother is killed for his beliefs, Roman begins placing his face in the crowd as a tribute to him. In a way it's a shame that I liked this first story the best of the nine in the collection. Don't get me wrong. The others were very good in their own way and it was fun looking for the clues that connected the stories, but I got the feeling that the book was more about the structure than art. The "plot" was complex and it did fit together but I found myself connecting a puzzle rather than getting to know the heart and soul of the characters.

Marra did just that with his earlier debut novel, A Constellation of Vital Phenomena. He created characters and a story so real and vibrant that it's still part of my crowded memory after 3 years. I think the first story will become a permanent part of my reading memory while the other stories may fall by the wayside. I think lovers of short stories will enjoy this more than I did, which is saying a lot. Marra may achieve favorite author status if his third book even comes close to the exquisiteness of his first two books.

I went ahead and closed out my 'May Reading Life'. I just don't think I'll finish anything before Wednesday. I read a little less than normal. I took extra time to do yard work and plant some flowers. I also played a lot of duplicate bridge. I still stink at it but I think I'm having fun.

The grands are coming to stay for the next 6 days later this afternoon and tomorrow is a holiday. We have some outside projects to do l(ike painting our picnic benches pink and purple) so I hope the forecasted rain misses us.

I am going to start reading A Serpent's Tooth by Craig Johnson and will be listening to a Narnia tale, The Magician's Nephew. Nothing heavy for me this week!

Please join me on my new thread… I may not be posting much but I'll be having fun with Haley and Molly!