Joanne's (coppers') 75 Books in 2011, Ch 2

Time for a new thread! Thanks for stopping by and saying hi. I'm getting ready for warm weather and thought I'd add a picture of the view from a favorite reading place of mine. Unfortunately, it's a long flight away...Napili Bay on Maui.






January 2011
1. Search the Dark by Charles Todd
2. The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
3. Stiff by Mary Roach
4. Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin*
5. War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
6. My Reading Life by Pat Conroy*
7. A Drink Before the War by Dennis Lehane
8. Howards End is on the Landing by Susan Hill*
9. The Vows of Silence by Susan Hill

February 2011
10. Of Thee I Sing by Barack Obama
11. Darkness, Take My Hand by Dennis Lehane
12. The Red Garden by Alice Hoffman *
13. A River of Words by Jen Bryant
14. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaimen (audio) (reread)
15. Sacred by Dennis Lehane
16. Good Old Dog by Staff at Cummings

March 2011
17. Legacy of the Dead by Charles Todd
18. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand*
19. Pearl Verses the World by Sally Murphy
20. The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan
21. The Postmistress by Sarah Blake
22. Swamplandia! by Karen Russell*
23. The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown*
24. Bury Your Dead by Lousie Penny (audio, reread)

April 2011
25. At Home by Bill Bryson (audio)
26. Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson*
27. Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley*

* a favorite!

12. The Red Garden by Alice Hoffman

The Red Garden is the story of a town in the Berkshires, from its beginnings in 1750 to just about current day. Starting with the founding families, we share in the connected lives of the residents as characters from one story show up in the next, ten or twenty years older and wiser. There are tragedies, fairy tales and extraordinary events that to me are the hallmarks of a classic Alice Hoffman book. Bears and eels and collies and ghosts, the occasional historical figure, and soil which makes everything planted turn red – Hoffman can throw in all those diverse ingredients and make a story you won’t want to put down. Her magical realism shines.

If you’re an Alice Hoffman fan, this one won’t disappoint. It reminded me a lot of Blackbird House. If you’ve never read her, this is a good place to start.

Am I really first! Happy new thread, Joanne!
The beach is gorgeous!
The only Hoffman I've read is Turtle Moon. I know I want to read more; I just don't know when!

Hi, Joanne! Thought I'd pop in and say hello before I got hopelessly behind again!

Hi Peggy - Thanks! Turtle Moon is one of my favorites.

Hi Terri! - I know all about hopelessly behind. :)

Beautiful beach! Wish I was there. I really like Alice Hoffman's magical realism style, so I might give The Red Garden a try.

13. A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant

A beautifully done biography of the poet William Carlos Williams written as a picture book for younger readers. Williams followed his dream to be a poet and this is an inspiring little book of his life. The illustrations are unique – done as collages made from discarded books. They fit in perfectly and this is a Caldecott Honor Book.

I grew up in the town where Dr Williams was born and later practiced medicine. I knew just where Dr Williams house was even though he died when I was very young. Rutherford is justifiable proud of this very good man. So, of course, we all learned about WCW and his poetry beginning in elementary school. In high school, I remember doing a calligraphy project using one of his poems and it’s a favorite of mine:

This is Just to Say

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

14. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

This was a reread for me and it fit in with Fantasy February. This time, I listened to the audio which is read by Gaiman and it is fantastic, the kind of audio you don't want to have end.

Adding The Red Garden to the BlackHole. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Joanne!

Edited to correct Touchstone

Hi Anne - It is a nice beach! You'll love The Red Garden. I was very disappointed by her last one (The Story Sisters) and this one more than made up for that.

Hi Stasia - I hope you like it!

#11: My local library has the book 'in processing' so I am not sure when I will be able to get hold of it. The last book that I put on hold while it was 'in processing' took me 9 months to finally be able to check it out.

Yay, another new Alice Hoffman book! Good to hear you liked in more than The Story Sisters.

I remember that poem--so great! I also remember thinking, What makes a poem, a poem? I mean, take those words out of poem form and they sound like words quite a few people might write in a note of apology--which doesn't mean that I don't think it's beautiful in its simplicity.

#12 I remember having to wait a really long time (but not 9 months - yikes!) for an "in processing" book once (and it turned out that the book wasn't worth the wait anyway) but usually it doesn't seem to take too long. Good luck!

#13 Hey, how are you?! Yay is right!

#15: At least the one I had on hold that long, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, was worth the wait.

#14 - It's a mystery to me, Bonnie. I like poetry but usually hated having to analyze it in school.

#16 - Another one I need to get to!

Love the photo of the beach in Maui. Hope I get to see it someday! Also really loved the poem. I think I have a book or two of his poetry around here. I need to look it up. Have a great day in the heat and snow!
--BJ

Hi Joanne! Got you starred!

Beautiful beach! Even I would be happy to spend a little time there right about now. Maui is a special place.

Great reviews... I'm adding Blackbird House to my wishlist. Look like a dangerous move. Alice Hoffman wrote a lot of books! :)

Joanne, great start to your new thread. The picture of the beach is beautiful. I love that color blue.

Great reviews. I'm going to WL both the Hoffman and WCW books. Thanks for posting the poem, that always helps me know if I'm going to like more poems by the same poet.

We've been having warm weather up here the last few days too. Seems like Spring is just around the corner.

WCW is a great favorite even if I've never seriously tried to read Paterson. Now that I'm retired, ----

I've got you starred, Joanne. I love your reading place! Too bad it's so far away. You'll have to make do with the front range of the Rocky Mountains instead!

I've already got The Red Garden in the dream book on your recommendation. A thumb from me on the review. Looks like I might have to read Blackbird House, too.

I've enjoyed the few Alice Hoffman books I've read, and I have Blackbird House on the TBR shelves and The Red Garden on the to be purchased list. I understand her books can be somewhat hit or miss, but I've had all hits so far and both of these look excellent.

It's a windy, rainy, stormy day here so it was nice to open your thread and see that lovely warm looking beach. I have added The Red Garden to my wish list.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Alice Hoffman is one of my favorite authors. Her writing is so incredibly magical. I hope my library has the Red Garden.

>2 Copperskye: Glad to see the review of The Red Garden. It's one of the books that we just decided to order for our library this afternoon. It should arrive midweek next week and be out on the shelf later in the day.

Happy Valentine's Day, Joanne! Snazzy New Thread! I like it. I kind of wish I was sitting right there, with a book and a cold beer. Hey, a guy can dream!

>#8-- Joanne I could listen to Neil Gaiman read the phone book I love it when he reads his own books then every pause and emphasis is right where its supposed to be!

Hi BJ - I hope the warm air has finally reached you too and that the melting doesn't lead to any flooding.

Hey Claudia - I hope you like Blackbird House!

Hi Pat, Even though we really didn't have much of a winter here, I'm ready for spring, too. Hope you like the books!

Hi Peggy - I've never read Paterson either...too much poetry for me -maybe some day.

Hey Donna - Dream book? Is that your wish list? I like it, sounds wistful. Whereas, The Red Garden follows a town (Blackwell) and its residents through the years, Blackbird House follows the inhabitants of a house. Both are linked stories.

Hi Katie, I haven't read all of her books, I have some of her older books that I haven't tried yet and a couple I didn't like at all but of the many Hoffman books I have read, a lot of them I loved. She's got a lot to choose from though!

Hi Judy - Glad you liked it. I'm just about tired of winter myself.

Hi Linda - I hope so too!!

Hi Lori - Your patrons will be happy! It seems to take my library forever to get their orders in - I'm impressed!

Hey Mark - Sounds good to me - want a lime in your Corona?

Hi Susie - I could not agree more. I'll be looking for another of his to listen to. Of all his books, I've only read The Graveyard Book.

It was so nice to come home and find all these wonderful messages!! Thanks for stopping by you guys. I hope everybody had a Happy Valentines Day!

I was thinking of reading The Graveyard Book to the girls this coming fall, but maybe we should go for the audio instead :) I loved the book when I read a couple of years ago. I also read Coraline, which I enjoyed but found pretty scary. Some months ago we abandoned M is for Magic because it was way to mature to read aloud to a 9 year old.

"want a lime in your Corona?" Yes, please! Have a great day!

Hi Joanne, nice to stare at Maui on the screen rather than the ugly, old, can't wait to get rid of it, snow out the window.

Anne - Have you listened to audio books together with your girls? I would never think to do that except on a car ride. Gaiman really adds another dimension to the story when you listen to him, really brought a very good story up another notch or two. I never read Coraline but I did see the movie. Which means I'll probably never read the book.

Hey Mark - I did! Hope you did too!

Hi Bonnie - Is your snow melting off any this week? Except for the really big piles of plowed snow, ours is all gone. It was in the mid 60s here today, very windy though.

I'm reading three books now that I love. I adore Dennis Lehane's series and am almost done with the third, Sacred. Also vying for my time is Unbroken, Laura Hillenbrand's wonderful WWII book. And on audio, it took me a few tries to get into, but I'm enjoying listening to Bill Bryson's new one, At Home.

Joanna- As you know, I loved Unbroken. I'm glad to hear you are enjoying it I have the audio of At Home. I'll move it up or down, depending on your opinion.

Mark, I struggled with the first 30 minutes or so with At Home but Bill Bryson's reading was probably suffering in comparison to Neil Gaiman. Now that I've gotten used to his voice, I'm really enjoying it. Lot's of fascinating stuff!

Your beach picture looks absolutely divine at the moment as we just got another dump of winter wonderland. :)

>34 Copperskye: Joanne, we listened to a couple of the Harry Potter books to and from Kansas one Thanksgiving. We also listened to The Children of Green Knowe together one snowy day -- that was a great read. The girls have a few audios, but come to think of it, we rarely listen together.

>37 jolerie: - Hi Valerie, welcome! I had to take a peek at your profile to see where you are. Alberta... I picture it being snow covered all winter long (and then some!).

>38 AMQS: Listening to an audio book with your kids on a snowy day sounds lovely, Anne!

Hi Joanne, Have heard a lot of good comments about Unbroken and will be interested in your view.

I bought an Alice Hoffman book at the used book store today. Here on Earth. Have you read that one?

>40 -Cee-: I did read Here on Earth, Claudia, a long time ago. I liked it, dark though - I think it's the Wuthering Heights themed one. I hope you like it, too.

15. Sacred by Dennis Lehane

The third in the series and, sadly, I only have two more left since I've already read the last one. I'm really enjoying these Kenzie and Gennaro books and will be sorry when I finish them. Sacred was lighter than the first two, without the very dark themes. Not that there wasn't a lot of death and mayhem.

The next is Gone, Baby Gone and, as it happens, I've seen the movie not once, but three times, most recently last Thanksgiving, so I probably will give the series a rest for a bit. Maybe. We'll see.

Next up on the Nook is the fourth Inspector Rutledge book, Legacy of the Dead, but first I'm going to spend some time with Unbroken.

I see you are from Colorado Joanne so you should be no stranger to snow either. :) I saw a picture of your son on your profile? He is absolute adorable with the blond hair..reminds me of a cherub. :)
Snow days are great for reading when my little one cooperates and takes his naps..haha

I envy you reading Unbroken, Joanne. That was such a gripping story.

I'm so glad I have LT to keep me on track. I said something upthread about checking out Blackbird House, and lo and behold, I've already read it! Unfortunately, I have no memory of it. Maybe that's why I am starting to do all these rereads. Btw, I'm on the library list for The Red Garden.

Just catching up...Hello!

I love your Maui photo in message 1. Gorgeous!

>43 jolerie: Valerie - We haven't had too much snow this winter. Yet. March is our snowiest month so there's hope yet! There is a picture of my son here, but at seventeen, he wouldn't be the cherub. That would be my grandson, Noah. His mom is my husband's daughter and he's a cutie all right. He's just about 13 months old now and is staggering around like well, a toddler. How old is your little one?

>44 Donna828: Donna - I'm loving Unbroken, but, dang it, life keeps getting in the way of reading it so it's taking me a while to get through it. I like that I didn't pay much attention to the details of the story before I started the book so I don't know much about what's going to be happening. Oh, and "no memory" of a book you read? That never happens to me. Ha! :) I hope you like The Red Garden.

>45 BookAngel_a: Hello back at you Angela! Thanks!

*waving*

Hi Stasia! Hope all is well.

It's quiet here...I'm off to read.

Hi Joanne! Jupt popping by to say hi!! Nice picture! I'm just in from walking the dog and oh it's chilly outside! I could really use a nice beach read right now! Or - maybe a cup of tea!! Brrr! Great going with your reading! You've got a real variety in there!

Hi Joanne, I've still got Unbroken to look forward to:)

Hi to you too, Deb! It's cold and damp here today (and for the weekend, too) and like a lot of people, I'm ready for spring.

Hi Bonnie, I think you'll really like Unbroken when you do get to it.



16. Good Old Dog: Expert Advice for Keeping Your Aging Dog Happy, Healthy, and Comfortable by Faculty of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University

Once you’re finished with the puppy books and the training and behavior guides, this is an excellent book if you want an overview about what to expect when your good dog starts to get up there in years. I had only planned on reading the chapter on arthritis and wound up reading it cover to cover. Even the chapter on renal disease helped me to better understand my cat’s issues. Other topics include nutrition, cognitive decline, cancer, keeping your older dog comfortable, and of course, the inevitable end of life decision. There were also lots of interesting stories about dogs brought to the clinics at Tufts.

This was a chatty, upbeat, and optimistic book about helping to give your older dog the longest, healthiest life possible.

*sigh*

Was it something I said? :( It does seem pretty quiet around the threads lately. I'm off to mope..or better yet, read my book. Have a good rest of the weekend all.

Hi Joanne, I know what you mean about being quiet around here. Everyone must be over on the readathon or the March TIOLI thread. That's always a hoppin' place when the new challenges are being posted.

I hope you have a great Sunday.

Joanne- It looks like LT has been quiet pretty much all day! I'll talk to you! I should read Good Old Dog. My chocolate lab, Bailey just turned eleven last month. She's gray around the face and muzzle but very healthy.
Are you still reading Unbroken?

Company!!! Yea!! Maybe all I have to do is pout a little.

Hi Donna - I guess. I don't do readathons and the TIOLI challenges, although they do tempt me, seem too complicated for my little brain. I know they really aren't, but I see something about posting to a Wiki, and tip-toe away! Hope you're having a good weekend.

Hi Mark - A healthy 11, nice! We had a neighbor who had a westie named Bailey. She and Copper were best buds. Labs get the grey muzzle and goldens get the white around their eyes. All very distinquished. Copper just turned 9 last month (on the 29th). Her arthritis is causing her some discomfort, especially after a hike or a run. The book was really an interesting read - much more so than I was expecting. I am still reading and enjoying Unbroken, I'm just past the halfway point. Problem is, I'm reading one or two other books too. And I'm listening to Bill Bryson's At Home. You'd like it! Have a good weekend yourself!

Hi Joanne! I've noticed it's been quiet lately, too. Mid-winter blahs? I hope you are having a great weekend!

Hi, Joanne!
I wishlisted your book about dogs. We built our first fire of the year, which is funny since it is not nearly as cold as it was. Our sweet dog barked her little head off. She did not like it. We need to rearrange our furniture so the fireplace gets used more often. We are going to make smores. Can't wait to have one!
--BJ

Hi Anne - Perhaps. I was surprised that the weather was so nice today, a little windy, though. Have a great Sunday!

Hi BJ - I hope you like the book. She'll get used to the fire - maybe she's just trying to protect you. I wonder what she thought when she first saw it? Copper ignores our fireplace and it's on a lot since we have a gas insert and it's so darn easy and keeps the family room toasty. The cat is another story. His bed is about a foot away from it and he loves it. Sometimes he sits right in front of the screen and I have to move him so he doesn't overheat or scorch himself. Mmm...smores...what a great idea. Sounds like fun!

Hi Joanne. I'm one of the ones who was doing the readathon and then discovered the March TIOLI challenges were up.

The dog book looks good. Our dog is not quite 3 yet so it will be awhile before I need a book like this but I remember when our previous dogs were getting on in years, books like this were very helpful.

I wonder if the fact that Stasia is taking a break from LT has a ripple effect. She usually comments on so many threads she keeps them active.

Yea!! Sarah Vowell is going to be at the Tattered Cover in the end of March. I've got it marked on the calendar and hope I can make it.

Hi Pat! I wish I could do a readathon - maybe some day - they sound like fun. A three year old is still a puppy in my book. Especially a terrier!

I saw that Stasia was taking a break and you may be right. She does such a great job keeping everyone feeling involved and noticed. I don't know how she does it though. No wonder she needed some time off.

This was my first readathon and I only participated for 3 hours but it was fun. Very low stress and it's interesting to see what other people are reading and what they're doing when they're not reading. I'd definitely do another one.

I hope Stasia is back soon but with all she does on LT a break is probably necessary every now and then.

I know if I got the IFC cable channel I'd be watching the Independent Spirit Awards tonight. I saw them for the first time last year at a friend's house and they were so much more fun than the Oscars. If you've never seen them, they're the annual awards for the independent movies.

Pat - I just checked IFC and must have missed them because American Psycho just started. But it looks like the Spirit Awards repeats at 12:30 so I DVRd it. Thanks for mentioning it - and a plus, Joel McHale hosted.

Coming in a little late to the party (trying to catch up on all the threads), and I wanted to say that I've added The Red Garden to my wishlist - it sounds wonderful!

I just picked up The Wordy Shipmates for $1 at a closing Borders. I hope you enjoy meeting the author!

And I don't even want to think about my little dogs getting old! In 10 years I'll be asking you, what was that book you read?

> 55

*watches coppers try to tip-toe away and intercepts her*

Joanne, participating in a TIOLI challenge is nothing other that picking just one book to fit our monthly challenges, listing that book on a wiki page, finishing it before the end of the month, and marking it COMPLETED. Simple instructions for posting on a wiki page are right at the bottom of each page.

If you decide to give it a try, know that you *cannot* mess up anything - even if you make a mistake. Everything can be retrieved from the wiki history. Hope to see you on our wiki pages one day!

I'll second what Madeline says Joanne. TIOLI is so easy even I can do it. It does tend to be addictive though :)

Joanne,
I think it was her protective bark. What a wonderful dog. I love her to pieces!
--BJ

>64 scaifea: Hi Amber -welcome! I hope you like The Red Garden when you get to it. Alice Hoffman is one of my favorites.

>65 PaperbackPirate: Hi PbP! That's a great price! In 10 years you'll be saying "Where did the time go and how did my dog get so old so fast?!" I'll try to help you out with the book name though. :)

>66 SqueakyChu: Hi Madeline - you caught me, I'm a slow tip-toer! OK, I'll check out March's challenges and see if anything will fit. And I'll try hard not to screw up the wiki..

>67 brenzi: Hi Bonnie, OK, we'll see...

>68 billiejean: Hi BJ, You have a very lucky dog! Give her a hug for me!

Hi Joanne!
Perhaps I should get Good Old Dog for future reference. Loki is only 4... but I could have used this book for our last 2 dogs. Time does fly!

I was one of the quiet ones in the last few days as I was visiting grandkids in CT. It isn't often I'm so busy having fun and exhausted at the end of the day... no energy left for anything but crashing. Not much reading got done either.

So quiet around here... ahhhhh. Now I have a lot of catching up to do. :)

*unlurks*

I'm finding a combination of too much overtime, winter blahs, Facebook, trying to read a lot of threads and just all around book funk is hurting my LT conversations.

I added Good Old Dog to my wishlist. My Jack Russell, Bones, will be 6 soon and even though I want him to be as bouncey as he is now forever I know that can't happen.

>70 -Cee-: Hi Claudia, It's good to have you back! It sounds like you had a great time with the grandkids. And you could probably give that book a pass for another couple of years. :)

>71 cal8769: Hi Carrie, Agreed -there seems to be a lot of blahs going around lately. Jack Russell's sure are bouncy, aren't they? So cute. Enjoy the book!

Speaking of old dogs, I was leafing through the newest issue of Bark magazine today and the Endpiece article is one about old dogs, called Be Gentle I Know My Dog is Old by Susan Seligson. She talks about the blunt and often unintentionally unkind things people may say in passing about our dogs and I have to say she has a lot of valid points and I totally agree with her. I try to be careful about what I say when meeting an obviously elderly dog, but now I'm going to be trying even harder to not even ask an age related question. Dog walkers are a chatty bunch and we all love our dogs and don't mean to be insensitive but sometimes we might not even realize.

A link to the column here.

I loved the last paragraph.

That is a beautiful article about old dogs. Thanks for sharing. Dogs just don't live long enough. :(

Many years ago, my first dog had to be euthanized. The day I brought her in to the vet there was another woman there with a nervous dog who was acting a little antsy. As I was grieving and tenderly holding my dog close for the last time, she said to her dog "Oh! Calm down. It's not like they are gonna KILL you!"

Joanne, that was a wonderful article and unfortunately so true about people being clueless in their comments.

Claudia, I can't even imagine hearing that when you did.

Oh my Joanne, what a bittersweet article. It brought back memories of our last two dogs. I think the people who make careless remarks are, for the most part, people who have never had a relationship with a wonderful dog.

I think I'll add Good Old Dog to my wishlist. We had a Border Terrier for 15 wonderful years - and so we do know a little about older dogs. Shortly after he passed , we adopted a Bichon Frise Mix from a local shelter. We were told that she was 2-5 years old. Well - imagine my surprise when our vet was able to trace her beginnings from 1990 via a tatoo in her ear. So, in fact she was 8 years old when we adopted her -and she is now approaching her 11th birthday. We were a little sad to find that she was older after we adopted her -but we loved her so much we kept her -and we hope we are giving her the wonderful life she deserves. Gradually I can see her slowing down. She is such a sweetie!!

Thanks for the recommendation!

>73 -Cee-: - Oh Claudia, how very awful.

>74 phebj:, 75 - Glad you liked it Pat and Bonnie.

>76 vancouverdeb: - Hi Deb, I can't help but think she must be aging very well if the shelter had estimated her age so poorly. And what a lucky dog to find such a loving home!

17. Legacy of the Dead by Charles Todd
The fourth book in the Ian Rutledge mystery series which I am liking more with each book. My only complaint with this one was that the ending was disappointingly abrupt.

Currently I'm reading The Postmistress, and am about half way through. I also read the first 20 or so pages of Swamplandia! and I'm looking forward to getting back to it. On audio I'm listening to Bury Your Dead which I read a few months ago but I can't resist Ralph Coshen's voice and it's helping to alleviate my disappointment in having to return At Home to the library when I'd only finished 6 out of 13 discs. I'm looking forward to getting the chance to finish it.

Joanne

Your reading is like mine, I've started many different books today.

I'm curious re. your impressions of Swamplandia. I believe Richard liked this book a lot.

Hi Linda, I enjoyed what I read so far of Swamplandia!. It's very engaging with a wonderful young narrator. I have it and The Postmistress checked out electronically from the library and since I started The Postmistress first, I figured I should finish it up before starting another. I'll have to check it out Richard's thread, I haven't been over there in a while.

Hope you had a great weekend and are feeling well!

Hi Joanne,
I've heard great things about The Postmistress. Enjoy!

Ooh, looking forward to your comments on The Postmistress because I'm giong to read it soon - it's my RL bookgroup selection for April.

: {

too long since I was here last... Thanks for visiting me despite that!

I am going to have to give old Ian one more try..

Hi Anne and Cushla! I'm still reading The Postmistress and still enjoying it.

Hi Kath, Well, you've been pretty busy...and I'm happy to see you however often you do visit. :) So far, I'm liking Ian more with each book but he's a tough one to get to know.

I haven't given up on him.. but he is definitely on my library list, not my ammy list. I am dreaming of a new Penny

>85 mckait: Agreed, on both counts. Have you checked out her website? She has a great newsletter, too.

It's here.

18. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Wonderful. I loved Seabiscuit and this one just as much. I can't wait to see what she's working on next.

I've heard such great things about Unbroken! I can't wait to read it.

Hi Amy, I was just looking to see when I added it to my library - 8/30/10 - which was when I received my arc. I'm sorry I let it sit so long. Hope you like it too!

Joanne- I'm so glad you loved Unbroken. You are right, she's a heck of a writer. How is Swamplandia! going? I'm seriously considering buying a copy.

Hi Joanne! How is Copper doing these days?

I loved Seabiscuit, too. Even though I had no interest in horse racing at all.
So, I'm guessing Unbroken will be very good as well. Already on WL.

I've already got Unbroken on my shelf. Now all I have to di is get to it:)

>87 Copperskye:: I still haven't gotten to Seabiscuit and now another one. :-(

Yay! I read Seabiscuit last year and it was one of my favorites of 2010. Thanks for the good news!

Hi Mark - Yeah, she is wonderful. Swamplandia! is on hold until I finish The Postmistress...soon, soon!

Hi Claudia - Poor Copper overdid it at the lake today. I just helped her onto the chair to sleep and recuperate (not that she doesn't have a nice therapeutic, memory foam pad to sleep on). I love horses so I knew I'd like Seabiscuit, I wasn't so sure about a WWII survival story.

Hi Bonnie - Try to get to it soon!

Hi Tad - Both of Hillenbrand's books should get happy faces!! Both are just so good.

Hi Pirate - This was just as good, she is such a great storyteller and researcher.

Thanks for the Penny link :)
I think it was you that sent me there before, and I signed up. I never got to it the last time though.. so it was good to have a reminder :) I enjoy her newsletter.
I am reading brain candy these days.. because I wanna..

:)

Kath - Brain candy - good and good for you!

19. Pearl Verses the World by Sally Murphy

At home, Pearl is a well loved child who lives with her mother and grandmother. At school, though, she feels totally alone, a “group of one” in a world of groups. As Pearl struggles with loneliness at school and with writing a poem that fits in with her teacher’s idea of a poem, she suffers a sad loss at home. Pearl, with her sense of loss and confusion so well written, finally finds her voice by reaching straight from her heart. In finding a way to express her grief, she finds her voice.

Pearl Verses the World deftly handles some big issues and should generate some good discussions when read with younger children who may be dealing with similar issues of loneliness, loss, and isolation.

Written in verse, it is an utterly charming and heart-warming children’s story. Pearl is an endearing girl and the black and white illustrations by Heather Potter only add to her and the book's appeal. This was first published in Australia in 2009 and has won or been shortlisted for several awards.

A Candlewick book, read as an arc from NetGalley and will be available in the US in Aug 2011.

20. The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan

A relationship story told as a series of dictionary entries. I appreciated how the author could tell us so much when really saying so little. Truly a gift. For instance:

“kerfuffle, n.

From now on, you are only allowed one drink at any of my office parties. One. Preferably a beer."

or

"Yearning, n. and adj.

At the core of this desire is the belief that everything can be perfect.”

Interesting, humorous and tending towards heartbreaking, and short – it took me about 45 minutes to read. Recommended as a borrow not a buy.

Great reviews, Joanne. I'm going to see if my library has The Lover's Dictionary.

ETA: It does and it's on hold. Thanks for the recommendation.

Oh good! I'll be interested in your opinion after you read it Pat!

I've been searching for and scanning old photos for my son's after-prom collage and came across this bookish one that I thought I'd share.

Joanne, he's adorable and so into his book!

Oh my goodness! How very sweet Joanne and Cordouroy no less; one of my favorites :)

Wonderful photo!

Love the photo, too.
--BJ

Very cute!
So how old is he now? 17 or 18? Still reading?

Hey thanks for checking on my thread! I've picked up The Stone Diaries and just read a few pages in. I've been reluctant to read it , expecting the worse -but so far I think I'm going to really enjoy it! Beautiful prose, among other things!

BTW - I love your picture of your son reading! I have two sons, and I began reading to the first one as soon as he came home from the hospital after his birth!;) He was always awake, so I figured he must be bored. I read him childrens books. With my second son, I still read him plenty of children's books - but I wised up a little and let him sit in my lap while I read aloud from my current book. I still remember escaping to the Bath with The Russia House by John le Carre with my second son -and telling my husband I was in Russia! Live and learn!

Pat, Bonnie, Anne, BJ, Claudia and Deb - Thanks!! I had fun going through old pictures I hadn't seen in a while.

Claudia - He's 17 and yes, still reads, with some dry spells. He's going to be majoring in English next year, so reading is certainly in his future!

Deb - Glad to see you're enjoying The Stone Diaries. I'm looking forward to a reread. I also read my books aloud to my son when he was a baby. Had to squeeze in a good book at every opportunity! Wish I could remember which books. I loved reading children's books to him and we had/have quite a collection plus library books. It was the rereading of some over and over that started to get to me after awhile, though. :)

What a cutie!

Thanks Pirate!

That is such a sweet picture! Memories are wonderful.

>114 cal8769: - Thanks Carrie. I really did have a good time going through boxes of pictures. I tend to go a little too far, though. Tommorow I'll pick-up 107 prints. Even with trimming, I'll probably only need half of them, if that.



21. The Postmistress by Sarah Blake

I'll be looking forward to checking out Sarah Blake's second book. As for this one, well, somewhere in there was a good book. The individual stories and characters were interesting but the whole book just didn't come together very well. In London, during the Blitz, a female radio reporter rides the trains talking with refugees. Across the ocean in Cape Cod, a small town doctor struggles to redeem himself and a postmistress makes a choice. I'd say read it if you think the story sounds interesting but I wouldn't go out of my way.

I agree with you, Joanne about the Postmistress. I recall giving it maybe 2 1/2 stars. I was quite disappointed. There was so much potential for the book -but somehow it was never realized in the book. And the cover looked so good and it was a " Heather's pick" at Chapter's bookstore in Canada, which means she promises a good read, or your money back -but sadly I'd lost my reciept!;)

I'm really loving (The Stone Diaries) and nearly finished the book.

Sigh, thanks for your review of The Postmistress (and yours too Vancouverdeb) - neither of you are making me want to grab it! But it's for a book group I've recently joined, I own it, and I am already not wanting to read this month's book so I'd better get on with The Postmistress instead for April...

Finally...a book I don't have to add to the teetering tower. Thanks Joanne :)

>116 vancouverdeb: - I was disappointed too, Deb, since it really could have been better. That's funny about your receipt - would you have returned it if you had had it? I have happy memories of The Stone Diaries and I'm glad you're liking it!

>117 cushlareads: - A lot of people liked it, Cushla, so don't despair - you might too! If it helps, it's a quick read and I'm not sorry I read it. So what's this month's book...?

>118 brenzi: - Happy to help Bonnie.

I'm really, really enjoying Swamplandia!. I'm not sure where it's taking me but I'm having a good time getting there!

Hi Joanne

Oh my heavens! Your son was a beautiful, beautiful baby!

Finally catching up with you, Joanne. That's a wonderful picture of your son. I don't have one, but I envy your ability to see the child in the young man.
Meanwhile, hmmmm. I own The Stone Diaries. Wonder why I've never read it........

The Stone Diaries was wonderful, I thought, too.

Lovely photo of your son as a reading baby!

Joanne, this month's book is by Richard Powers - The Echo Maker. I've read lots of reviews and conversations on here and it looks like a book with love it/didn't like it reactions. It's not something I'd have picked up without a prod...

just a fly by hello!

>103 Copperskye:: Adorable picture. Your project sounded like it was fun. Maybe you could make a collage with the "leftover" pictures. In my opinion, you can never have too many family pictures on display.

>115 Copperskye:: We had similar viewpoints on The Postmistress. Like you, though, I'm glad I read it even if it didn't quite measure up to what it could have been.

I'm not so certain I want to read Swamplandia!. It sounds a little "out there" for me. I'll be interested in seeing your final thoughts on it, Joanne.

Hi Joanne! Thanks for stopping by my thread! It gets so busy! Yes, I would have returned The Postmistress if I'd still had the receipt! ;) That's the policy of " Heather's Guaranteed Good Reads". I've read a lot of her picks - and that was the firstone I felt was overhyped. I think I purchase so many books there , that I would not feel badly making good on the policy!;)I think I'm keeping them in business!

I did love Stone Diaries but like you, I felt that the ending could have been better.

Just finshed a blessedly short book, The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald and my Icelandic Dectetive series book is next up - Hypothermia. Well, now I'm going to click on few of your reads, to see if I should be adding them to my wishlist! :)

Hi Joanne! That is a fab looking beach! Just dropped by to check out your thread. I see from your profile that we share a lot of books. I like that!

Read my first Henning Mankell novel this winter. Said to another LT member recently that I don't know why, but his books (and I will read more of them) make me think of reading on the beach.

Happy reading : )

Hi Joanne!
Delurking to wave...

Hope you have a great day!

Wow, your son had a great head of hair. Personally, I was bald until age two...so I often experience "baby hair envy" lol...

Hi Linda - Oh, thank you!

Hi Peggy - Thanks! and I totally recommend The Stone Diaries (although its been almost 20(?) years since I read it).

Hi Cushla - Not a book I'd choose either...

Hi Kath - Thanks for dropping by!

Hi Donna - Thanks! I feel almost as if you tried to warn me off of The Postmistress! I've got about 80 pages left in Swamplandia! and I'm still loving it. So far not too far out there for me. Magical realism, coming of age - so far it works.

Hi Deb - Oh, I really liked The Bookshop. Interesting picture of a small town.

Hi Nancy - Welcome and it is a fab beach!...*sigh*... Mankell is an author I haven't read yet, but certainly plan to. I've heard a lot of good things.

Hi Claudia - Oh, how aborable - thank you! I hope your weekend is going well - it's gorgeous out here.

Hi Angela - Lol! Yeah, he had some wild hair. My grandson was here this morning and he has a similar head of curly blonde hair.

I have a lot of catching up to do on the threads - hope everyone is well and is enjoying their weekend.

22. Swamplandia! by Karen Russell

Swamplandia! is a family-owned alligator theme park in the Florida Everglades. The struggle to keep it running comes to a grinding halt when the star performer dies and there is no longer a show to go on. The star, Hilola Bigtree, was also wife to the Chief and mother to Kiwi, Osceola, and Ava and without her to hold them together, the family starts to fall apart. The Chief goes off to find some “investors” and son, Kiwi, leaves for the mainland and finds work at the wonderfully satirical competition known as the World of Darkness. Young Ava goes off in search of her sister, who has left home to elope with her literal ghost of a boyfriend.

I loved this book and was easily sucked into caring for the fabulously appealing characters. It was a wonderfully told coming of age story with a great gothic feel, lots of humor at “The World”, and a bit of true darkness. There was also the bonus telling of the history of the damage man has wrought in the Everglades.

Quirky, with a great cover, and well deserving of the exclamation point in the title(!). 4.25 stars – points off for an overlong swamp journey with an unlikely Bird Man.

Great review! Onto the list it goes. Thanks, Joanne.

Thanks Anne! It's different and it really worked for me.

Hi Joanne- Great review of Swamplandia!. This looks like a book that's right up my alley. I need to pick a copy ASAP!

now that convinced me...

A thumb for the review and thanks for convincing me...that Swamplandia is probably not my kind of book. It sounds just a little too 'quirky' for me - but I'm glad you liked it.

Can't wait to read Swamplandia!. Love the cover, too!

Well look what's staring at me from my shelf-----Swamplandia. Another quirky book eh? I guess I'll put that right next to Mr. Peanut and A Visit From the Goon Squad. They were both pretty quirky too and I liked them both so....

Great review btw.

Loved your review of Swamplandia!, Joanne. I read a short story by Russell in an old New Yorker recently and really enjoyed it. It was also set in the Florida swamps but in the 1930s. I'm definitely planning on reading this book.

Hi Mark - Yeah, I think you'll like it.

Hi Kath - Well good! :)

Hi Donna - Thanks for the thumb! And you know, with all the books that are floating around, it's as important to know which books you should steer away from as which you should read. There are too many books that you're fairly sure you'll like without wasting time with one you won't. So glad I could help!

Aw, thanks Claudia! :)

I hope you like it Katie!

Well, Bonnie, I may need to take a second look at the two you mentioned. I seem to be in the mood for quirky! And thanks!

Interesting, Pat, I may need to look for that issue of the New Yorker. I loved the setting - I have a soft spot in my heart for SW Florida. Apparently this novel grew out of a short story that Russell included in her book of short stories called St Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves which I haven't read but I do have on library hold.

Joanne, the story by Russell is called "The Dredgeman's Revelation" and it was in the July 26, 2010 NYr. I wasn't sure what to think about the ending but I just loved her writing. Very engaging. I forgot she had a book of short stories out until you mentioned it and I now have it on hold at the library too!

Joanne, you're review of Swamplandia! is a Hot Review today! Congratulations!

Pat - "The Dredgeman's Revelation" is Ch. 9 in Swamplandia!. And so you've already read some of it. :) One of my favorite sentence from the book was in that chapter - "Louis lost his true past in a few squeaks of her nun shoes on the linoleum. Carrying him away, leaving that widening blank of a woman behind him, this wimpled stranger wound the clock of Louis's life."

Hi Pirate - Thanks! I just noticed that when I sat down here tonight. And thanks for letting me know (I don't always go to my home page). :)

Well then I'll definitely like Swamplandia!. Somehow I thought because the story in the NYr took place in the 30s that it wasn't part of the book.

I picked up The Lover's Dictionary at the library this morning and even though I'm in the middle of two other books, I started it right away and am loving it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Hi coppers

Just discovered your thread via your profile via your featured "hot review" of Swamplandia! I'm always interested in Orange prize nominations but didn't know anything about this one except crocodiles were featured, so thanks for the very helpful review!

Pat - It was a story within the story. I'm assuming you finished The Lover's Dictionary by now. I thought it was such an interesting way to tell a story and I'm glad you liked it, too!

Hi Soupdragon - I'm glad you found me and thanks for stopping by! I'm happy to hear you found my review helpful. And hopefully in a good way. It was a good book. :)

I'm really, really liking my current book, too - The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown.

Yoo hoo Joanne! *smooch*

Joanne, I started The Lover's Dictionary yesterday afternoon but last night went back to this thriller I've been reading called The Dark Fields. I should finish that tonight then I'm going back to Levithan's book. Kind of a haphazard reading plan!

>148 richardderus: Happy surprise! *Smooch* right back at ya, Richard! Hope you and yours are well.

The Weird Sisters .. that one keeps calling out to me.. I keep stuffing my fingers in my ears.. and here you are loving it. Bad sign.

Hi Joanne!
I don't think I have to read The Weird Sisters as I feel I am living that title. :P

lots of books on touchstones with that name - must be a common phenomenon

Pat - Those thrillers really do push everything else aside, don't they?

Hi Kath - I have about 100 pages left. It's really a quick read so get those fingers out of your ears. Read it, read it! - especially if you have a sister or two.

Hi Claudia - LOL. It's "weird", not in the, well, weird sense, but rather in the fated sense.

Your Swamplandia! view is nudging me toward putting it on my list. Great review!

>154 tymfos: - Why thank you, Terri! I've been checking out some other reviews since I finished it and there seems to be some mixed reactions. I'm not surprised as it's a bit odd - but in a good way, imho. Oh well, I loved it and hope you do, too.

I just thumbed your review of Swamplandia! too: late, but thumbed. Looks like my kind of Orange. And somebody, Cushla?, mentioned The Echo Maker. I am a true Richard Powers fan, and *EM* is high on my list of favorites. In fact, I'm hoping to have my very own copy of Generosity: An Enhancement from PBS next week. (This is one that "they" canceled because the sender didn't send it. Same sender has offered it again; I do hope it comes this time.)

>156 LizzieD: That sounds like my cue to move The Echo Maker way up since it's been sitting on my shelf for a couple of years.

Hi Joanne!!

Just joining in with the recommendations of The Echo Maker. I haven't read anything else by Richard Powers but The Echo Maker was (as my kids would say) awesome!

I know Terry.. I shouldn't come near this thread... too many books I would like.
What can I say.. Joanne has good taste!

>156 LizzieD: Hi Peggy - Thanks! I've never read Richard Powers. I may need to check him out.

>157 brenzi: Hi Bonnie!

>158 Soupdragon: Hi Dee - Another plug for The Echo Maker...I guess I do need to take a look!

>159 mckait: Hi Kath - Aw shucks...I owe most of it to my LT friends! And I couldn't agree more that there are just too many good books in general. What a wonderful problem.

Hi Joanne- How's The Weird Sisters coming? I also saw that you added the latest Stewart O'Nan novel. I just read a review of that one and it sounded very promising.

23. The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown

I enjoyed this family story of three sisters who find themselves together again, living in their parents house in the small Ohio university town where they grew up. Rosalind, the caregiver, suddenly finds herself sharing her parents again. Bianca, who was living large in NY, returns in a hurry. And Cordelia, after living a bohemian life, needs a nest of her own. Can they go home again? Do they want to? And can they leave again or ever? Told in a first person plural narrative that ropes the reader in almost as another member of the family, it's a witty, charming, and poignant story. Having two sisters myself, I couldn't help but see similarities and recognize the wonderful complexities and dynamics that make a family unique. The ending wrapped up a little too neatly, my only complaint.

>161 msf59: Hey Mark - It took me longer than you'd think to type that up but as you can see, I enjoyed The Weird Sisters quite a bit! Emily, Alone is a sequel to Wish You Were Here which was one of my favorite O'Nan books. I hope I have time to get to it before it's due back to the library. I've just started the new Atkinson, Started Early, Took My Dog.

The only other book I've read that was written in first person plural was During the Reign of the Queen of Persia which also took place in Ohio. One of my favorite books, and also about sisters, so I'm going to wishlist The Weird Sisters in the hopes that it will at least half as good. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, Joanne.

My sisters are weird! I'm just saying.

>164 bonniebooks: Hi Bonnie - I also really liked Then We Came to an End which was also written in first person plural. I need to look into During the Reign.

>165 PaperbackPirate: LOL. Sounds like the perfect book for you then! We're all weird in our own little ways - family especially sometimes. I read the book on my Nook but I know there's a line on the cover that says "See, we love each other. We just don't happen to like each other very much." The weird of the title is the old meaning of weird, meaning fated, but weird in the odd sense works, too.

Adding The Weird Sisters to the wishlist - thanks for the rec!

Glad to see you like Weird Sister I want to read that one!

Joanne, I'm waiting for The Weird Sisters from the library. I don't have a sister -- I'd settle for a weird one! Is this the book with the Shakespeare allusions? I think that's what sold me on it in the beginning, and your review clinched the deal!

ETA: I'm going to have to think about the third person plural. Offhand, I can't remember any books I've read like that.

hmmm fortunately.... that one will make it only to the hmm maybe someday list.. even though I love the name Cordelia..

Nice review, Joanne!

I would never be tempted by the title itself. My sister is as weird as they come... I guess I am too. Don't worry... I won't write a book about it!
I'd be happy to lend you my sister, Donna.

Great review of The Weird Sisters, Joanne. I'll keep my eye out for it at the library. I'm really eager to hear what you think of the new Kate Atkinson book. I read the first two Jackson Brodie books and still need to read When Will There Be Good News?.

Hard to keep up with you Joanne but The Weird Sisters is going onto the teetering tower. I do have a sister; not really weird just slightly crazy.

I was just able to snag an audio of the weird sisters from the library download. I have three sisters and can hardly wait to dive into this one. Your review did it for me.

Great review, Joanne! I'd been looking forward to your comments. I'll look for a copy!

Hi. You've been reading or mentioning quite a few books I like recently -I love Kate Atkinson, and really enjoyed Started Early, Took My Dog. I also loved that Karen Russell short story in the New Yorker (I don't read the New Yorker, but a friend was so impressed with it she sent me the link), so I'm sure I'll like Swamplandia!. And Then We Came to the End - really unusual, but it worked so well.

I have to ask (and sorry for being so ignorant!) - what exactly is a "post-prom collage" (as per post 103)?

>167 scaifea: Hi Amber - I took a peek at your profile and I think, as a classics professor, you may especially enjoy it.

>168 susiesharp: Hi Susie - I hope you like it as much as I did.

>169 Donna828: Hi Donna - Yup, it's the Shakespeare one. I hope your library has a shorter hold list than mine does. I was lucky to get my request in for a digital copy before there was a long wait. (But the popularity here probably have a lot to do with the author being from Colorado.)

>170 mckait: Hi Kath, You're a hard sell - come on, you may like it!

>171 -Cee-: Hi Claudia - LOL!

>172 phebj: Hi Pat - I hope you try it. I'm loving Started Early, Took My Dog. Atkinson is such a smart writer!

>173 brenzi: Hi Bonnie - Keep up with me? I've been trying to keep up with you! :)

>174 tututhefirst: Hi Tina - I'll be interested in how you like the audio! I may try it.

>175 AMQS: Hi Anne - I think you'll like it!

>176 JanetinLondon: Hi Janet - I love this new Atkinson! I have the other Brodie books on the shelf ready to be reread. I'm almost sorry that I didn't do that before I started this one but I didn't want to wait. You'll like Swamplandia! -an interesting story. Ignorant? Hardly, I just didn't explain and how would you know... The after-prom collage is a photo collage that each parent of a senior at my son's high school does for their child. The collages are then all posted and line the walls of a hallway at the school during the big after-prom party that's put on to, hopefully, keep all the kids safe on prom night. The theme this year is "Up, Up and Away - Vacations" and so the template for the collage is a hot air balloon shape and the rest of the hallways will be decorated as vacation destinations (I'm helping with the National Park hallway). Games and fun and a lot of work but well worth it! (I've just typed way more than anybody probably cares...) :)

24. Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny (audio, reread)

I kept going back and forth over whether or not I should include this, but finally decided to add it - after all, it's my thread...my list. I read this as an arc several months ago and loved it. But it was also the first of this series that I read rather than listened to. I loved reading it but missed the narration. The audio is a different experience and Ralph Cosham is wonderful at bringing the characters and situations to life. I was happy to revisit this story although certain parts were especially heartbreaking to hear.

At the end of the audio there was a very short interview with Louise Penny. Good news for fans - she has great interest in continuing to develop the Three Pines characters and has no other ideas that would pull her away from this series. She also doesn't consider them to be cozy mysteries. I tend to agree. (Also from her newsletter, she's agreed to sell the TV rights to the first two books in the series. That could go either way... She'll be an exec. producer and filming would be in Quebec.)

I'm back now to listening to At Home by Bill Bryson - fascinating stuff!

Just waving hello as I try and catch up a bit, Joanne.

Good news about the Three Pines series! Thanks for mentioning it.

Of course you should include anything you want! You read it..
I am still not so good at listening to a book.. however, I am thinking of trying to get an audio book from iTunes.. put it on my iPod Touch and listen to it in the car. Actually I did try, but had some trouble with it.. I apparently have to reenter my credit card even if I am using Paypal??

Will see how that goes..
I already have my music loaded.. and will be using that in the car instead of CDs.

hmmm... you don't think Penny's mysteries are cozy? Ok. Let me back up. What is a cozy mystery? Maybe I'm confused by the endearing characters, home-like setting and lack of graphic violence? This has not been a strong genre for me over the years - I'm kinda clueless here and need to be educated. :)
Haven't gotten to Bury Your Dead yet. Perhaps her books started out as cozy and are getting less so thru the series? I might agree with that.

I have only read one Penny book -- from the middle of the series! So I guess I better start over at the beginning before the movie comes out.
--BJ

Hi Joanne, that is so interesting about a Three Pines movie. Do you remember what TV network bought the rights? Somehow it doesn't seem a good fit for HBO...more like a Lifetime kind of movie. I'm so glad they will be filmed in Quebec.

I'm interested in the "cozy" definition, too. I always think of the characters drinking lots of tea in cozy mysteries!

Add me to the list of inquisitive minds. I hadn't read a mystery of any kind in about twenty years until someone...oh yes right....you Joanne, got me into the Three Pines series and now that I've read them all I really thought they were cozy mysteries but maybe not. Inquiring minds want to know.

agreed.. Not a fan of mysteries myself for a long time. Then along came Penny to change my mind. . . with her cozy mysteries.

Hi Stasia! I'm enthusiastically waving back.

Hi Kath - I've never actually bought anything from itunes even though they have my credit card # convieniently stored in their system. I prefer my books on CD in the car anyway - it's easier than loading them into itunes. Audio books can be funny - I tend to judge within the first 20 minutes or so if a particular one will work for me or not. And since I get them from the library there's no expense involved and that's really good.

Hi Claudia - I don't know enough about what a cozy is technically to really answer that but sometimes it just seems that the 3 Pines books don't fall into what I would consider a cozy (and I'm certainly no expert). I was just happy to hear Penny say that. How about a cozy/police procedural mystery? A melding of types. Bury Your Dead didn't seem very cozy to me, as you'll see.

Hi BJ - Get to them! :)

Hi Donna, I was wondering about that too. I get a lot of media stuff at work - I'll be keeping an eye out and let you know if I see anything. I was assuming a Canadian Co for obvious reasons.

Hi Bonnie - A rose by any other name, right? Have you read Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie books? I blame them for getting me into mysteries again. Literary mysteries? Again I can't define... :)

And who cares what they're called, right Kath? as long as they're entertaining!

OK... I couldn't let it go...had to look it up. I'm such a nerd. :P

According to : http://www.cozy-mystery.com/Definition-of-a-Cozy-Mystery.html
Three Pines meets most, but not all, criteria. So, now we know...
The biggest reason (imo) this may NOT be considered cozy is because we have a professional investigator solving the crimes.

Joanne, you hit it with "cozy/police procedural mystery", I'd say.

Thanks for the link Claudia. And perhaps apropo of nothing at all, the first few cozier books were "A Three Pines Mystery" when the later books were "Chief Inspector Gamache Mysteries".

Three Pines is cozy.. despite the occasional murder and other....stuff.
sigh.

I am 3 CDs into Still Life, and I love it so far! I love the narration as well, and I'm so glad I'm finally on the Three Pines bus!

Yea! Anne is on the bus! Glad to hear you like it.

We are going to have to get a bigger bus one of these days. I am pretty sure we need a double decker by now.

true stas..

Funny...I would have described Three Pines mysteries as a bit more than a cozy mystery. Or a bit deeper than a cozy mystery. Glad to know Ms. Penny thought that too.

The more the merrier!

I agree, Angela. And deeper is a good way to put it.

>#179- I heard yesterday that Louise Penny has sold the rights to the first 2 books haven't heard yet if they will be tv or movie but I could see them as PBS Mysteries along side Lynly,Morse,Poirot and Marple.

197 OMG... fabulous!

#197...they're going to be movies here's the blurb from her blog. With the author being the executive producer I think there's great hope for sticking to the story and for us to see Three Pines as she envisions it.

Tina, thanks for the link. If I read it correctly they are going to be made for TV movies. I also read the comments where Penny asked for suggestions for actors. Most people are pushing for Linda Hunt as Ruth which I think would be perfect.

Linda Hunt would be perfect. Hopefully, they'll be more Masterpiece Mystery! productions than Lifetime movies (not that there's anything wrong with Lifetime...).

I just finished watching "His Way" on HBO, a documentary about Jerry Weintraub. Very entertaining, what a character.

Stopping by to say hello. ... I'm way behind on many threads. Sorry to be out of touch.

Hi Linda! *waves*

So glad you did stop by. Keeping up is, sadly, next to impossible.

I agree about Linda Hunt being perfect as Ruth. That is, if I cannot be Ruth. I think I would be a perfect Ruth though. If I cannot be Grandma Mazur that is. . .

How odd the differences in mental images. Linda Hunt isn't my picture of Ruth at all. I've always imagined someone who looks more like Helen Mirren, though Judi Dench's personality seems perfect.

To return to the Louise Penny series, I have had it reading everyone's raves about this series, have succumbed to the pressure and gotten the first three from my library. As if I didn't already have enough to read! That's what I love/hate about this group - always making it impossible to be caught up. ;-)

(Love you all!)

>206 mamzel: Good luck to you. I started with Still Life in January 2010 hoping to stretch them out for awhile and was done in September with a whole year to go before a new one arrives. Grrrr.

Linda Hunt does it for me :)
mamzel, you will most certainly NOT regret it !

Hi Joanne! Hope you are inundated with a beautiful spring day! :)

Hello! Just catching up.

I, too, tend to think of the Three Pines series as not being cozies. I like the "deeper than cozy" idea.

I have finished the first of the Three Pines and am half way through the second. I was not steered wrong. Do I hear a chorus of "I told you so!"?

#211: We told you so!

Hi everybody, I'm not sure I see Helen Mirren or Judi Dench as Ruth. Maybe because I like those two actresses and Ruth is actually a character I'm not really fond of (I don't know why). Should be interesting, whomever is picked for the roles,especially that of Gamache. Whoever gets picked for that role had better sound like Ralph Coshen.

And maybe why I don't think of the Three Pines books as being cozies is because I'm not a big fan of cozies. Yeah "deeper than cozy" - that works. And Mamzel, all I can say is "Yay!!" and then join in with Stasia with a good natured "we told you so!". And more good news - with each book, the writing gets better and better. Enjoy!

25. At Home, A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson (audio)

Bill Bryson looks around his home, a former parsonage, and starts to think about the everyday things around him that he had never really considered. There's lots of interesting information about everyday household items - mattresses to stairways to toilets. And bigger topics such as the Crystal Palace of 1851, the Eiffel Tower, electricity, and child labor. Read by the author who was obviously delighted by his research and his findings. This was a perfectly delightful audio book.

Hi Joanne!
Love BB's books! This sounds like another good one.
I have a long drive coming up. Might consider looking for the audio of this one. :)

It's good and long (13 discs), Claudia, so it might be perfect.

26. Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson

One of those books you can't stop reading but don't want to finish. The fourth Jackson Brodie book and as wonderfully intricate as the others. A fine literary mystery but start first with Case Histories or some of the characters (Jackson's exes) mentioned won't mean anything.

Also, I'm almost finished with Christopher Marley's delightful Parnassus on Wheels.

I really enjoyed Case Histories. I haven't read any of the other Jackson Brodie books, though. I've been looking for a copy of Parnassus on Wheels -- I have the sequel The Haunted Bookshop on my shelf.

I hope you find a copy, Anne, it's a charming story!

#218: Anne, if you have a Nook or Kindle you should be able to find a free download of Parnassus on Wheels available.

I have Case Histories languishing on my shelf.. someday...

Must continue on my Jackson Brodie quest. I have One Good Turn and When Will There Be Good News? on my shelf so....

>220 alcottacre: thanks, Stasia -- I don't have an e-reader, but I'm sure a copy will turn up at the library or library sale. Thanks!

Hi Joanne- I have "At Home" on audio. I hope I can squeeze it in soon. Glad to hear you enjoyed the latest Jackson Brodie. That's great news. Atkinson is on a killer roll!
Did you read Faithful Place? I'm getting close to the end on that one. Very good.

I know, Kath and Bonnie, too many books...

Anne - Check Prospector. You'll love it.

Hi Mark, Welcome back! At Home was especially fun on audio. It's a huge book that I probably wouldn't have read but perfect for me to listen to. I haven't read Faithful Place yet. I liked In the Woods right up to the end and then didn't finish her second book whose name escapes me. This one I should like though so I'll try it but I'm not in any rush.

eta - I've been feeling pretty crappy lately - for over three weeks now and finally (!) went to the doctor today. Bronchitis. I've got lots of drugs now and hopefully I'll feel better and more chatty soon.

Hope you feel better soon, Joanne.

I agree with one and all about At Home being a great audio...It's also an interesting, albeit intimidating, book in print. I did enjoy both versions, and think it's a fun big boy to have on the shelves to refer to and give to guests to read just a chapter or two. It's an easy read in 'chunklets.'

Thanks Pat!

Hi Tina - I like that - "chunklets". I have a short commute to work but have been doing a lot of driving lately with my husband on weekends and found that we could both listen and enjoy it even though he missed a great deal of it. I loved all those little information tidbits.

Joanne, I just saw you mention on another thread that you're loving Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley and checked it out. It looked great so I WL'd it.

Oh good Pat! You will love it!



27. Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley

An utterly delightful little book, especially for book lovers.

Written in 1917, and taking place in Connecticut near Long Island Sound, I was surprised by the first person feminine narration and the gentle to almost laugh out loud humor. Helen McGill keeps house for her farmer, turned recently successful author brother, Andrew. Helen’s once happy life is disturbed, though, by Andrew’s new found success and his leaving the farm so often to research his books. So when Roger Mifflin appears wanting to sell Andrew his travelling second-hand book wagon, rather than have Andrew buy it and go away even more, she purchases it herself, along with Peg the horse, and Bock, the dog. In doing so, she finally leaves the farm to find herself and a life of her own.

I had no idea what this book was about, only that it was a precursor to The Haunted Bookshop which I had been wanting to read. A charmingly bookish road trip and very highly recommended.

I read those two a couple of years ago.. I remember liking Parnassus better...

230- I started that book, and had to put it down for some reason. I must get back to it! :)

Thanks, Joanne -- I wouldn't be surprised, actually, if JeffCo PL has it -- I was hoping a copy would fall into my lap at a library sale or BookMooch. I'll look for it more actively now -- it looks marvelous!

Lovely review, Joanne. I have a slightly battered copy of Parnassus from 1955 that I bought years ago for the way it feels in my hands and the illustrations. Now you've made me want to read it!

I also have a library copy of Started Early, Took My Dog. I seem to be following in your bookish footsteps!

Well Joanne does bronchitis=getting under a nice warm comforter with a good book? If so, lucky you. Seriously, I hope you'll feel better soon.

I had already added Parnassus on Wheels based on what was being said on the What Are We Reading? thread.

Hi Kath - I plan on reading The Haunted Bookshop very soon.

Hi Angela - Do try it again - it's so sweet!

Hi Anne - You never know, it still might!

Hi Donna - I'll bet it's a darling copy - I wish my ebook had had illustrations. I hope you like the Atkinson book as much as I did.

Hi Bonnie - Well, yesterday it did - I napped and read all afternoon. Today was back to work... :( I'm feeling a bit better tonight, tired though. I saw all the love Parnassus was getting earlier today on the weekly thread. Yay - I loved seeing it - and about a book I'd never heard of until very recently.

Currently I'm reading Charles Todd's A Lonely Death and just started listening to Peter Temple's The Broken Shore. It has a great narrator.

#230: I enjoyed Parnassus on Wheels a lot too, Joanne. I am glad to see you did too.

I just downloaded Parnassus on Wheels and the Haunted Bookshop from Project Gutenberg. Thanks for the referral, and the great review!

I download both of them from B&N. I love when the books I want are free. Thanks for the tip!

Hi Joanne!
Based on your recs and the very cheap pricing ($0.99), I downloaded Parnassus on Wheels and The Haunted Bookshop to my Kindle. I need to go on a reading retreat! :)
Glad you are feeling better - hoping for a full recovery soon for you.

free... or .99 is wonderful for something good to read. Why was I previously anti ereader?

Hi Stasia, It was so sweet!

Hi Terri and Carrie - I still have The Haunted Bookshop waiting on my Nook and I have high hopes. Hope you both like Parnassus as much as I did! Free/$0.99 is a great deal, isn't it? :)

Hi Claudia - Enjoy! And a reading retreat would be wonderful, wouldn't it? And I'm feeling a little better every day. Thanks!

Hi Kath, I was too, but they do have their place, I guess. And you should see the size of the e-book wish list I have on my library's website. They keep adding books and I keep adding - but they're all free! And some have no wait.

I took off from work today and we had our new boat launched and safely moored in its slip at the lake. Unfortunately, it's still mid-April and was only 45 degrees this morning and very windy (sunny though, which was a big help). As soon as I unknot my hair, it's off for some lunch. Have a great day everybody!

A new boat? That's great. Maybe we can have our summer meet-up on the lake!

I'm glad to hear the bronchitis is easing, Joanne. That's icky stuff that can hang on. Some good "sea" air should cure you. ;-)

I got my copy of Parnassus out and on the current TBR pile. Unfortunately, it got covered up by a few of my new Borders acquisitions. I think a reading retreat is a brilliant idea.

I want a reading retreat - for a couple of months preferably :)

I'm in.

Hi Donna, Stasia and Anne, A reading retreat - me too, I'm in! Where can we hide out??

Joanne- Just swinging by to say hi! Sorry to hear you've been stressed lately. Hope it improves for you. Hugs!

Too much stress altogether for too many people.. we sure do need a retreat of some sort!

Did somene say Reading Retreat!!! Count me in :)

Thanks for the hug, Mark. Much appreciated!

Hi Kath and Bonnie - Looks like there'll be a lot of good company!

And it's time for a new thread so please follow me over there.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/114801#2657918