Richardderus seventh (!) thread

Okay, I *will* add an artwork later, but this made me howl with laughter.

ETA: And here it is. I watched the documentary "Who the !($&^% is Jackson Pollock?" and was mightily impressed with this little old lady fighting the art establishment. The art experts come across as so snarky and condescending that I mightily *want* the painting to be judged real.

THIS thread is for NEW books read, those published from 2009 to the present.




The Books off the Shelf thread for 2011 is up, though sort of nekkid. My goal there is now 30 books from my shelves read and donated, shared, or generally gotten out of the house.




This thread is for any book I review that was published in 2008 or before, whether I own the book or not, and for whatever reason isn't a book I will get off the shelves.




Review #1: ...thread 3
Review #2: thread 4
Review #3: thread 5
Reviews 4 & 5: thread 6
Books reviewed in post:

8. Open City: A Novel...#235.

7. Anything Goes: The Autobiography...#182.

6. Mary Ann in Autumn...#50.

Given the crown, is that an instruction to Prince Charles after the "he's so stodgy" articles yesterday?

Good Afternoon. Waiting for the art museum to open 8-)

>3 TadAD: Ya got me! Yes indeed it is.

>4 cindysprocket: Soon.

A new book is coming out: Tweets from Tahrir (hyperlink; no touchstone, no listing for this book on LT), a selection of all the tweets sent out by the young rebels in Cairo's Tahrir Square from the beginning of the rebellion to Mubarak's fall. The New York Times piece on it yesterday made me think "AT LAST! A use for Twitter that doesn't make me itch or retch!"

The publisher, O/R Books, is one I've never heard of but now intend to watch for. It's a GREAT idea and astonishingly quickly executed. I mean, Mubarak fell on 2/11 or so! And the book comes out 4/21!!!

Today it is actually semi-hemi-demi-quasi-almost balmy out there. We should start thinking about another NYC get together with all and sundry who can show up.

Hmmm... adding to Tad's comments in #3, I guess that applies to Prince Andrew as well? Could his association with Jerry Epstein be considered 'freaking out' according to the Queen?

*wonders what artwork will grace the top this thread*

Hi Richard. Seems like I don't post enough on your thread as of late. I've been following though, and I'm relieved I don't have to see a naked man's ass every time I visit your thread. :)

You took the words from my mouth Stephen. :) I was amused and surprised to find no scantily dressed and/or naked model gracing the top of your page...although it may inevitably appear at some later date. :)

starred!

*waves hello* in the brief space of time allotted to me!

Every time I logged on at work, I looked over my shoulder to make sure they wouldn't get me for displaying porno! Try to keep the next one's clothes on, please!

Hello and smooches, Padre.

@ffortsa -- oops.

Richard, I loved the story at the top and tweet book.

Looks like you're having fun. Hope it lasts!

I go awol for a few weeks to have a baby and bam - 4 or 5 threads behind... sigh. I'm not even going to bother trying to catch up - just jump into this one with a cheery wave - and the hope that everything is better for you than the last posts I read.

Just stopping in. Not able to keep up with your threads of late. Happy Reading!!

#13 Judy, you can right click on the image and block it. I had to do that, or give up reading Richard's thread at work.

Thanks for the advice!

>6 mckait: Hello dearest, glad to see you!

>7 TadAD: Good idea! There's a DC meetup in May. Something early in April perhaps?

>8 cameling: Have a look at my choice, Caro...and please watch the documentary, it's funny and thought-provoking and infuriating all at the same time.

>9 Ape: Considering I haven't even *found* your thread in over a week, I think you may count on being forgiven. *smooch*

>10 jolerie: NUdity shall reappear, never fear; I'm too old to change my tastes, assuming I ever wanted to which I don't think I ever did.

>11 curlysue: Woodellyhoohooo!

>12 tloeffler: TLo! So there you are. *smooch*

>13 ffortsa:, 19 Now you know how to prevent your co-workers from thinking you're an old perv, Judy, so it's Katie bar the door next thread.

>14 London_StJ: *smooch* back to you, dear Crypto. Have you firebombed the ashtray lady next door yet?

>15 suslyn: Me too, Suse; I contacted Jeremy about the "Tweets from Tahrir" book, as a possible Early Reviewers extra title. I'd LOOOVE to see this one get some notice on LT!

>16 BekkaJo: Having a baby is the only forgivable reason for ignoring me, Bekka, so *swoosh with Sacred Palm Frond* you are absolved! Come on in, the water's tepid!

And congratulations, w00t, and whew about the birthin'.

>17 crazy4reading: Not to worry...I'm having much the same trouble.

>18 laytonwoman3rd: LOL Linda3rd!

>22 richardderus:: Having a baby is the only forgivable reason for ignoring me

I guess the Man Bible has to contain a link here and an admonishment of "No Excuses!"

Found you Richard. Hope things are going well for you.

>23 TadAD: LOLOL

>24 calm: Hi there dearie! I'm quite well, thanks, health good at last and auntie is in rehab to work on balance and walking skills. I have hopes they'll restore some small mobility...I'm not looking for stroll-around-the-park, just move a few steps. I have all parts still crossable crossed.

Life is good when hell backs off. Wouldn't you agree, RD?

>26 -Cee-: I would, I would indeed. Too bad I seem to attract so much hell. I'm doing something wrong, it would seem...unless this is all a karma-burning exercise!

That will be awesome if your Auntie is able to walk around a bit. I imagine that might cheer her up, too. And with good cheer from her, how could the rest of us do anything but follow suit?

Just sayin' Hi...;)

>28 maggie1944: My feelings precisely, Karen44. I know that lying in bed all day every day (alone) (and unable to read anymore) would make me depressed...so moving and changing stuff up would come as a huge relief. I suspect she'd feel the same way.

>29 BookAngel_a: Hi back!

Yodelayehoooo!

Reporting for duty, sir...but I don't do windows...or floors...or much else, for that matter...in the way of housewifery.

but I give good **SMOOCH*** and my {{{{hugs}}} ain't bad, either....

;-)

(and please, more nekkid bums....yes yes...)

>31 jdthloue: No worries, sweetums, there's a cleaning service for those things. Like I'm gonna clean house...ha

>32 richardderus: If there was a decent cleaning service here, I'd probably use it....or not. I don't like people poking through my belongings....bottom line.

"Ha" back at you!

Hello, Richard,

Just had to stop and and tell you that you were travelling with me this past weekend. Whenever I fly I take a stuffed Teddy bear with me (I am a a true arctophile). Each has a name and this time Richard came with me. It was his first trip and every time I looked at him, you came to mind.

Hope you are enjoying your reading.
Cheli

Hi there Richard.

Loved the picture, Ricardo... I am not a Pollock fan. Throwing paint on canvas the way he does, IMO, does not constitute art. I remember watching a program about animals and art many moons ago, and there was a gorilla, a number of paint brushes, jars of paint and a white canvas on the ground. When it was done flinging paint on the canvas, the finished 'work' looked remarkably like a Pollock.

#22 *sighs with relief*

Hallo Richard! Fingers crossed for your Auntie...

I don't really have any strong feelings about Pollock, but I'm in favour of a lot of colour - looking around the modern art section of a gallery at the weekend I realised that almost all of it was black, brown or grey. So I went to look out the window at the view instead, which was a lot more interesting...

Caro: Hmmm, I ~sort of~ agree. Although I have to stick up for the gorilla. I used to feel the same way until I read When Elephants Weep. While I gave the book 3 stars, I definitely gained an appreciation for animal art from it. It's not so much that they have artistic ability, but that they enjoy painting.

There was a story about an elephant who liked to paint and, if it wasn't given supplies regularly it would find a stick and 'draw' in the dirt. The elephant had zero artistic ability and was incredibly clumsy with the tools, but the fact that it enjoyed doing it as an activity fascinated me.

Is it 'art?' I dunno, but I definitely have an appreciation for it now, and if the elephant enjoys the physical act of painting colors on a canvas, it's impossible to say whether or not it really isn't trying to paint specific things or express certain thoughts.

ETA: I should note that I don't feel the same way about a gorilla flinging paint at a canvas. That's just a gorilla flinging colorful liquids at a canvas. I saw on some early show or another people dipping penguin's feet into paint and having them walk across the paint. Not art, in my opinion...at least not on the penguin's part.

>33 jdthloue: The service doesn't poke through your belongings. They don't open drawers or closets or any of that stuff. Since our house has three living floors, I hear most of what's going on but still have to wander around randomly to make sure I see what's what.

>34 cyderry: Hi Cheli! Glad to see you! Clearly you are a woman of great taste and distinction, naming your Teddy so appropriately.

I Am Not A Serial Killer is my current read. So far, well, it's a WEIRD one.

>35 brenzi: *smooch* to Bon-bon

>36 cameling: Pollock has his place, and his moments...but I'd never own one voluntarily for more than the time it took me to find a museum with the spondulix to slim my walls and fatten my wallet.

>37 BekkaJo: Don't get smug, there, little missie...that was a one-time exemption.

>38 flissp: Felicity darling! Certainly this seems to be one of those bland, blah earth-tone periods in decorative matters. I prefer color, non-pastel, always always always.

>39 Ape: One of my long-ago friends had a rubber stamp that she used freely: "This Is Not Art." It made art out of the most interesting things.

Well, hello, Darling. Been looking all over for you! Found at last. And you thought you could hide.

That would be marvelous if Auntie could totter a few steps; espcially if some of those steps led to a potty chair. So much more dignitiy for all concerned, even it it was used only intermittently. Is she aware of surroundings/people at all, or in some permanent Land Far Away?

I Am Not a Serial Killer? Glad to hear it. It sounds weird, really.

I am about to embark on another Koontz, meself

Hallo Richard Dear. Smooches and hugs your way.

I just read The Attenbury Emeralds by Jill Paton Walsh - A "Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane" mystery - it gave me a fix of Peter, Harriet, Bunter, the Dowager Duchess, etc., but wasn't wonderful, so I've decided to re-read all Sayers' fiction in chronological order. Whose Body? is up first and I'm enthralled. Again. As always.

I Am Not a Serial Killer is a bit weird, but I guess that's why I liked it. :)

I havent just had a baby, but I have just had a city-devastating earthquake, does that get me off the hook for not being a regular thread-checker? :-)
(maybe its too soon for jokes about it, I take that back, sort of)

PS I love the "This Is Not Art" stamp. I'm firmly in the "anything is art" camp btw

22 - Firebombing probably wouldn't be a good idea, considering my home is connected to hers. Still, I've laid the groundwork to get serious.

I skipped through the rest of your posts because I didn't see any reviews or long rants. Hope all is well!

ETA: 45 - That's why I liked it, too.

46 - No excuse, madam. ;)

Richard & Tad
If there is a NY meet up, I'll try to make it! It would be great to see you and some of the gang again.

>42 Matke: So glad to be found, Miss Gail...The Divine Miss waved a hanky every 50mi from the train as she sped through Alabackward coming back from Mardi Gras. Perhaps your local news reported such?

>43 mckait: One of the storytellers extraordinaire in our culture.

>44 karenmarie: Hi Horrible! I have Thrones and Dominions here, goodness knows why since I'm not a Wimseyist. Should I bother?

>45 drneutron: o.O Mmm ahhh O.o

>46 LovingLit: Yes, city-levelling earthquakes are herewith validated as forgivable reasons to neglect thread-reading duties. *stamp* Your pass, ma'am.

I'm happy you're ABLE to joke about it! Bring on the black humor, says I.

>47 London_StJ: Oh yeah. I forgot that part. Well, perhaps a car bomb!

>48 Whisper1: As and when the developments occur, you shall be primus inter pares re: notification. xo

Review: 6 of seventy-five

Title: MARY ANN IN AUTUMN

Author: ARMISTEAD MAUPIN

Rating: 3.875* of five

The Book Report: At fifty-seven, Mary Ann Singleton Hawkins Caruthers has blown up her life again and come running back to the loving, welcoming arms of Mouse Tolliver, her first friend in San Francisco. The catch is, Mouse is now happily married to thirtysomething bear-daddy fancier Ben, who is less than enthralled with Mrs. Caruthers. Considering the dual crises buffeting Mary Ann, she feels entitled to come on in and set a spell anyway, and thus the plot starts moving. Mary Ann's crises, one real and the other simply her drama queen self coming to the fore, cause some tensions in San Francisco; she doesn't have to deal with her ex-husband, but pretty much all the other Barbary Lane survivors show up and interact with her, though less so with each other. A bomb from the past shows up. A BIG bomb. The resolution of that dangling storyline from book 2 (More Tales of the City), I believe, is as messy as the original ending was tidy...though both were very *purses lips* tidy-tidy in their own ways. A fitting end to this book, though, clearing the decks for Mary Ann to return to the fold. And so set us up for another book.

My Review: Maupin's trademark suds; if you like it (and I do), you'll like this latest entry in the "Tales" saga. I wondered as I wandered if some of these plots were strictly speaking *necessary*, but honestly I felt so smoothly engulfed and solicitously engaged by the mother-henning of Maupin's consistently high quality writing about these dear and familiar and aging, even becoming elderly and frail, characters that, well, I checked my coincidence-flensing knife at the door. I missed it a few times, but at the door it stayed.

I'm growing older. I find that fact reasonably agreeable most of the time, except that every once in a way I feel left out of the storytelling that makes younger people sit up and take notice. Usually it's because I've been there and done that and even have the copyright-1975 book to prove that this NEW! NOW! HAPPENIN! trope is recycled. But even the Bible is new to someone who's never read it before. And the fact is, sometimes old familiar faces are more fun to spend time with. So novelty palls, failing to be novel anymore. But the solid, tried-and-true tropes of a series of books about a group of people who remind me of me learning and groping for meaning and relevance in a world that disconcertingly looks a lot like mine but is very *un*like it in some key ways strikes a welcome chord in me.

And, like my own life, Maupin injects new people into his characters' ambits, most all of them younger, most all of them groping and seeking in ways that we *think* we'll outgrow. Reading this book, I'm soothed to realize I'm not the only one who hasn't stopped groping and seeking...and that not only is that okay, but it's a large part of the reason new friendships are possible. A worhty take-away from this warm, cozy fireplace read of a book.

OK, I love all of your reviews! This one included!
--BJ

#40 Agreed. DEATH to pastels.

#50 Do you know, I've been thinking I need to catch up with the last 3 Tales of the City books recently (it's seeing Laura Linney all over the place that did it) - I don't really know why I stopped reading them - probably because I read the first lot all at once. Thank you for the enjoyable prompt...

An enchanting review as usual, Padre.

There are moments when I wish I could go back and read "that book" for the first time again, just for the novelty and excitement of discovering what treasure is hidden. But there is always something new to be found, somewhere.

Megan.. I am damned glad to see you..

rd.. if one has not read at least one earlier book in the series..
I don't know if it would work as well? Great review though :)

I appreciate your thoughts related to aging and feel much the same. I really don't want to go back to the younger angst and drama but recognize I have some similar stuff happening now, too. When will we ever learn? Oh, well, let's just have another cuppa.

>56 Donna828:: Maupin has been on my book radar for years now. Maybe it's time I actually read one of his books. This one looks appealing, and with a 3.875 rating from you, it seems worthy enough. My question is, do I need to read the Maupin books in order?

I strongly suggest that you at least read Tales of the City first.

>56 Donna828: I strongly suggest reading the first three before tackling any others:
Tales of the City
More Tales of the City
Further Tales of the City

Then it's more smorgasbord. Without the info contained in those three books, though, none of the rest of it makes a lot of sense.

>55 maggie1944: *passes Karen44 the teapot*

>54 mckait: It would totally and completely NOT work without the first three, agreed.

>53 London_StJ: True dat, Crypto. Always something new to be found. It's what keeps me gettin' up every morning.

>52 flissp: Get to readin' there, Fliss! Don't dawdle.

>51 billiejean: Thank you ever so, Kind Miss BJ!

I kind of suspected that I had to do my due diligence before getting to Mary Ann in Autumn. I'll do it with pleasure. Thanks for the speedy response, Richard and Kath. Always glad to get a "twofer" recommendation.

I bet you can find an omnibus on ammy..... used...

Great idea! It's called 28 Barbary Lane and here they are, starting at about $9.

OK, I think you have convinced me that I need to read Maupin, who I have considered and passed on in the past.

Hi Linda3rd! Well, it's suds...pure soap opera...but it enthralled San Francisco in ~1974-1976, kinda the last gasp of the daily newspaper as cultural force. That said, read them in order, and understand that you're reading episodes published daily, so some repetition creeps in. I read them in my high school cafeteria, very ostentatiously, to Be Cool.

Nothing wrong with well-done suds. I may have missed Maupin's "moment", but I'm always looking for something to have in reserve when I just want to wallow in bubbles for a while. A lot of the reviews complain of "lack of substance". Well, you know, sometimes there's just Too Much Substance in my life, and I'm not necessarily looking for more.

loved every word of the books.. LOVE most of the characters.. have a fave or two..
eta
Love Maupin... period.

>64 laytonwoman3rd: Oh can I get a witness, y'all, who will testify to Sister Linda3rd's vision?!?

>65 mckait: I so so so miss Mouse's...oh damn, ain't no way to finish that sentence that ain't a spoiler, but I suspect you know, right?

There are a few ways to finish it, imo.. and of course Mrs. Madrigal.. and the mother of Mrs. Madrigal and the Blue Moon Lodge. memories....

#66 Nice Robert Duvall impression, there, Richard.

I have the first Tales of the City sitting on my book shelf right now...you've just made me want to read it a little bit sooner than the rest of the unreads! Nice review. :)

Not a Wimseyist? OMG. I would have predicted that you'd love Wimsey.

I don't think you should bother with Thrones, Dominations.

I didn't like it at all. It was too schizophrenic. One paragraph you'd hear Sayers' voice, the next paragraph it would be pure Walsh. It never seemed to gel for me. I did like the next one, A Presumption of Death quite a bit. It was much more Wimseyish and I enjoyed it thoroughly. The characters seemed true.

If you were to read any Wimsey at all, it should either be the first Wimsey-Harriet Vane Strong Poison or, the best standalone Wimsey in my opinion, Murder Must Advertise.

>67 mckait: Jon.

>68 laytonwoman3rd: You noticed! *blush*

>69 BookAngel_a: Thank'ee Miss Angela! Do push it up the stack. So funny.

>70 karenmarie: It was after reading Strong Poison that I found myself sorta...well...disgruntled. It was 1986, though. I'm almost twice as old now as I was then, so permaybehaps I should give it another try. I shall cogitate.

What could have ...disgruntled you? I thought the mystery excellent, the murderer particularly cold-blooded and worthy of hanging, and Harriet and Peter's banter interesting.

The interesting thing about Strong Poison is that in real life Sayers was in the same position as Harriet Vane - her lover John Cournos wanted her to live with him outside of marriage. She agonized over this for a year. When she discovered that he did this only to "test" her devotion to him, she broke off her relationship with him.

You could try it again on the off chance that 24 years may make a difference.....

Or, maybe you should read the non-Harriet Vane books, then. I've just finished Whose Body?, which was enjoyable and satisfying, and am moving on to Clouds of Witness. Of course I've read these books so many times that I can even remember particular bits of dialogue and description.

An enticement might be that Wimsey is somewhat like Ian Rutledge - traumatized in the war, sensitive yet doing work that is satisfying and needed. Much the same "feel" to the books; good evocation of Britain in the 1920s.

Thought so

I put Maupin on my library list.
I couldn't believe that I actually have Strong Poison,Whose Body and Hangman's Holiday. I do like "Whimsey" makes good for in between reading.

>72 karenmarie: It was that very thing, I guess, the sort of cavalier 'tude that the allegedly good-guy Wimsey showed. Though to be honest, I think if I'd been reading them back in the day, I'd've cheered and clapped for the honest portrayal of human relationships. Perhaps I'll try again.

>73 mckait: *sniff*

>74 cindysprocket: Good, Cindy! Now read some Wimsey and tell me why I should go back to that trough.

(((((((rdear)))))

I won't intrude on this LOVE FEST...yet

;-p

*waving limply*...one of those days.....*sigh*...

>76 mckait: *hooonk* Thagks, sweedee.

>77 jdthloue: Hiya Jude! *smooch*

>78 cameling: Oh now...there there, pat pat...are you still worried about your friends in Japan?

Stopping by to say hello!

>50 richardderus: Have duly put book 1 on the ever-growing TBR list for the next time I need a light read. Which, who knows, may be soon. I'm staring down long fantasies and nonfiction from my library list at the moment.

>80 leperdbunny: Hi Tamara!

>81 bell7: How do, Miss Mary!

It's been a weird weekend. Today was strange...a little dog's creepy owner, who never picks up after it, called the *cops* on me for harassment after I reported them for code violations to the code enforcement people. A55hole.

Quite quite happily reading Anything Goes, the autobiography (hah--delusions of grandeur--it's a memoir) of Torchwood hunk-a-liciousness John Barrowman. It's a ball to read.

I got a copy of Bootlegger's Daughter in the mail today...soon Horrible will know if We are Amused or not...but the first ten pages are fun!

I have to tell you that you've put paid to my dinner tonight, Ricardo .... grrr.. after reading that link on the bbq skate you posted on fb, all I can think of now, is grilled banana leaf wrapped seafood with the spiced marinade and my bowl of oxtail stew pales in comparison.

Oh how you're gonna hate me after I post this...but I went and got a pound of skate for dinner, which has soaked in buttermilk and Tabasco preparatory to being breaded and sauteed.

*humming as I put finishing touches on my Richard voodoo doll*....

LOLOL

#82 Richarddear - I hope You Are Amused because We Were Not Amused. For some reason I don't really like her books - can't remember enough about them to even remember why. Perhaps I'll try the first one again after I re-read the Wimseys. I'm on The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club.

Hi, Richard! I can see I've been away for far too many threads!!:)

Have a good day, sir!

#82 Thanks for the reminder---I have a copy of Bootlegger's Daughter around here somewhere.

>82 richardderus: I see we have the same taste in men.

>85 cameling: *ooch*owwww*

>86 mckait: *miff*

>87 karenmarie: Report forthcoming, Horrible...you just go on with those Wimseys...I'm getting Strong Poison from Bookmooch. I must re-evaluate.

>88 Apolline: BENTE! Hi! I'm glad to see you around. Come back often!

>89 laytonwoman3rd: I live to serve, Linda3rd.

>90 ffortsa: Ohhh ain't he dreeeeeemeeeee?

>82 richardderus:: I rather like the Deborah Knott series...at least the first part. Once her (Maron's) well begins to run a little dry, she takes Deborah out of NC for her adventures and it doesn't work nearly as well. I just recently read Sand Sharks (#15) and it really didn't do it for me for just that reason.

The first few sure were fun for me, however. I know they don't do it for everyone (nod to karenmarie) and I confess that I'm not a big fan of her other series.

>92 TadAD: I'm only really interested in the North Carolina setting, honestly, so I'll check it out with that caveat in mind. Thanks, Tad!

Ooh ooh ooh, he discovered the Deborah Knott series by Margaret Maron.....I devoured those books years before I joined LT (yes, there was LIFE then...but 'twas a paltry thing)...and can't recall at which point I stopped.....but DK was still in NC..

Life's been a tad WEIRD here too.....I countered that by doing yardwork with the Erstwhile Boyfriend yesterday..I'm tired, today..but things around the house don't look quite as crappy

*smooch*

Bringing order out of chaos always makes weirdness recede for me. I don't know, maybe there's something to this whole outside-mirrors-inside thing. I wonder which way it works...both?

>95 richardderus: You're asking me??? OY!

no wisdom here...I take it on a situational basis...sometimes it works...sometimes, I need fire power

;-P

Firepower indeed; sometimes on the order of a bazooka...

Just visiting, rdear; hoping that things are going smoothly and well up in your corner of the earth and that spring is either there or almost there.

*smooches to you*

Were you enjoying the sunshine today, Richard?

Hello Richard....catching up, so some of this is out of order..

#82...no justice in the world, but a-holes do keep life interesting..
I do hope you like Bootlegger's Daughter That series is one of my favorites, and Judge Deborah is my kinda woman. Unlike some others, I didn't notice a drop in quality when the scene shifted out of NC....I thought it kept the series fresh.

Now if you like NC setting, try the new Ellery Adams Books by the Bay mysteries.

Hello Richard, catching up at last! Will be interested to hear what you make of a re-read of Strong Poison.

#91 - are you a Bookmoocher or the recipient of angeling? If you're on Bookmooch, what's your username? (mine's predictable - karenmarie.)

Finished The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club and am reading Lord Peter Views the Body - 12 short stories. I don't like short stories nearly as much as novels, but am persevering.

Have a fantastic day, RD!

Sunshine came softly through my a-window today

oh, that takes me back. Now that will be playing in my head all day. Too bad it's raining here!

#58 Yes suh!

I quite like weird days myself. But not the kind in which people are arseholes, obviously. Bah to creepy little dog owners...

I love that song... :)

now rdear.. would you mind sauntering over to the kitchen and
answering my question there? I woul dlike to hear your answer, if you are
of a mind to give it :)

>96 jdthloue: Fire power...now THERE's an idea...*rummage through small arms closet*

>97 Matke: Hoo-hooooooo! How you, Miss Gail? Cold and rainy here, thank the Weather Goddess. Not at all ready for the 85+ of summer. Not not not.

>98 cameling: I enjoy 'em all, so long as they ain't hot, Caro darling.

>99 tututhefirst: Tina! How nice! I'll avoid going into a hysterical rant and ignore that Other Series. I am so far behind in the ones I like that adding another feels like adultery.

>100 gennyt: Hi there Genny! I'm actually looking forward to re-reading it after 25 years. I am such a different person, it could be Just The Ticket nowadays.

>101 karenmarie: Oldfan on BookMooch. That place makes me feel skeevy.

>102 mckait: AAA it's stuck in my head it's stuck in my head HEEELLLP

>103 ffortsa: The past is blasting....

>104 flissp: Bah AND humbug.

>105 mckait: ...question...? ::confused::

http://www.librarything.com/topic/109423

message 146

R- I am baaaack! Posted a picture of us on my thread. It was a delight to meet you in person, I am only sorry I was so tired! Whew, what a trip!! Next time, I'll save my feet and we'll hit the Strand. : ) xoxo

Love the pic of you and himself..
AND the one of your family :)
!!

Howdy do, Richard? Seems like things are running along quite nicely in these here parts, a welcome change from what must have been a ... uh, let's say challenging winter. *Smooch*

And, way back up there in #82, he sure is one heck of a fine-lookin' man! Don't know if you saw his hour long special on BBC America last summer (?), but since I am apparently quite the stalker I found out that his parents live about 15 minutes from me! I know! I may be forced to shop at their local grocers this summer just in case he's hangin' around these here parts. Sigh... sure is easy on the eyes.

So glad Captain Tightpants is back on TV too!

>108 mckait: I set up The Thread of Memories for further reminiscences!

>109 Berly: Berly-boo! *smooch* I shall travel over and looky-loo.

>110 mckait: see 108

>111 LauraBrook: Hi! Stalker reports to be filed here, complete with contact details. That is all.

Unlimited streaming Netflix, and Torchwood. A bad combo for being social. See y'all later, smooches, turn out the lights when y'all're done, k?

Is Torchwood back!!???!!???

Nice pix, Berly. (I mean, first things first!)

Torchwood comes back in the summer...on Starz, which means I can watch it since my $(*!^&&%_$&^$^%#^%))$&&%*(#^^ cable system doesn't get BBC America.

On Netflix, howsomeever, one can stream all three extant seasons of Torchwood for one's monthly fee. We have the four-at-a-time DVD plan, and unlimited streaming, for $28. I have a 23in HD monitor, so it's not any loss not to watch it on the 32in analog TV.

#110 and #114 -- Quite photogenic weren't we!! Thanks.

On a Torchwood break...busily crying buckets...episode called "Captain Jack Harkness" boo hoo hoooooo

Hands a tissue box over...

Pictures? Where are these pics then??

Hmmm. Don't really get the John Barrowman thing. Tell you what - you can fight over him and I'll have David Tennant?

Well, I am half way through Strong Poison. I am enjoying this one more than others that I have read. No offense is intended but for some reason I see you as Lord Wimsey.(He is just so likable) Maybe that will make you want to read the book.

Hey reeshard! Have a merry *belch* Patrick day of st...uhhh... *passes out*

And I've just re-started Strong Poison too!

Just to entice you a bit further, Richard, one of my favorite Sayers quotes:

"It's the books and paintings I want to look at. H'm! Books, you know, Charles, are like lobster shells, we surround ourselves with 'em, then we grow out of 'em and leave 'em behind, as evidence of our earlier stages of development." Peter Wimsey in The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club.

Cheerio!

>118 Berly: Thank you, Berly. *sniff*

>119 flissp: Fliss, they're in Berly's thread. Sorry, dearie, we'll be going mano-a-mano over David Tennant once I defeat and enjoy my victory over John Barrowman.

Men so purty.

>120 mckait: *waves back at freakishly smaller-than-usual Kath*

>121 cindysprocket: LOL No offense taken, Cindy, but great and strong curiosity awakened. I got the book, so now I can see for my middle-aged self!

>122 Ape: Oh dear, Stephen had a little too much and laughed at the carpet over here. Someone get his feet, okay?

>123 karenmarie: Pip pip, old thing!

(That was faux British, not a dig.)

Hi RD!

Thanks, Claudzilla! You too...is it as beautiful there as it is here? Sunshine, mid-sixties high, light breeze...aaahhh....

#124 Damn! ...and I thought I'd managed to sneak that one past the radar...

>126 richardderus: Take away 10 degrees, add a high tide -and YUP! that's what we have too. Beauteous!

>127 flissp: *snort* There is no sneaking hotties past my infallible radar, dear. Mineminemine AAALLLLL MINE!!!

>128 -Cee-: The beach *blissful sigh* I can't wait for beach season! The one 20min from here is Long Beach, and I do so love it.

The weather is wonderful here, too. In addition to being nice and cloudy, so while it's bright and sunny The Pest is actually well tucked away and not being bothersome. :)

Richard...How is auntie these days?

Chiming in on your post regarding your weird day with your neighbor...Before moving with Will, I owned a small cottage like house in Bethlehem. I was very proud of how neat and clean I kept it.

My wicked noisy neighbor (Will called her Gladys Kravitz), told me I mowed the lawn too much. Alas, I recently drove past the house to see the current owners have littered the lawn with garbage and the cute porch has a bazillion things of junk on it.

Ah, revenge is sweet!!!!

Lost your thread somewhere, it happens, but happy to find it and the Maupin review.

It's the weekend, and The Divine Miss has a working team over, and I'm running around. I'll see y'all Monday with a review!

How was dinner?

I loved this. Must share. Widely.

Cold, rainy, poopy day; shopped for new technology, so am in a good mood; now want to shop for a new car.

Ha.

Hard to type with crossables crossed for the car thing. I wish a new car for your future. That is one pissed off looking robin.

Laughed right out loud. Thanks for a great day brightener!

Actually snowing here and this is zackly what the robins are saying.

ayah....snow frizzlies here also to confuse all the birds that have arrived 'from away' over the weekend.

Speaking of new tech...we are thrilled at Casa Tutu having just quintupled our broadband speed and removed downloading and streaming restrictions by switching to DSL --can hardly wait to tell the satellite company bye bye...( we're giving everybody a month to get the word about the email change.)

Do enjoy car shopping....maybe you can find a cute young salesman to assist....

huh...that's how I felt this morning when I woke up but the robin just looked cuter than I did. Looking out the window, I'd be forgiven for thinking that Spring hasn't yet sprung. *grump*

It's very disconcerting when LT goes down, isn't it? Feels to me like daddy tossed me in the air, then walked off and forgot to catch me.

I've been re-watching the Joseph Campbell series "The Power of Myth" and, I have to say, technology (whose fan I am more often than not) gets a real rave for bringing this genial genius of man into my home to spread his light and lively erudition *any*time*I*want*!!!!!!!!!!

I love reading. I love it glowingly and passionately, and I never ever want not to be able to do it. But this doesn't keep me from adoring DVD/streaming movies and TV on the Internet/various naughty sites. ::happy::

141. exactly. Then I can never find the thread that says why it was down.

I want some ice cream.

He was a gorgeous larger than life man, eh? No Casaubon! The real McCoy.

Richard.....I agree with you about the Joseph Campbell Power of Myth series.....the book too was quite enjoyable. It is without a doubt one of the most mind expanding and interesting series PBS has done.

Hi Richard - Just wanted to say 'hi" and say that I finished Swamplandia! and loved it.

Okay, I posted a review! It's for the fierce and passionate first novel Shuck, a young male hustler's weird and wonderful world in late-90s Manhattan, just as the mainstreaming of porn was taking shape and size. Pun intended. It'll disorient those who weren't here at that time. It's worth the read, though. It's in my Homeless Reviews thread...post #42.

>143 mckait: I hope you had it.

>144 sibylline: So true, Lucy, no Casaubon indeed.

>145 tututhefirst: I liked the book fine, Tina, but the series (with all its amateurish camera goofs) rivets me. Hearing his voice made all the difference to me.

>146 Copperskye: Oh GOOD! It's a treat of a book isn't it, Joanne?

xo

Oh my. I love Campbell. I love that series, too. There's another with him as well, but can't remember the title. I love to hear him quote his students:

Let's all worship Aphrodite;
She's beautiful but flighty.
She doesn't wear a nightie
But she's good enough for me.

Wouldn't you have loved to be in a class with him?

He had just retired from SLC when I got there (literally he retired spring 1972 and I got there fall 1972) but he lectured frequently, and he was wonderful!!!!! Brilliant and beguiling.

I was lucky to attend a lecture he gave at the New School here in NYC ages ago, where he told the story of the tiger raised as a sheep. He had a wonderful time, and so did we all.

Adding accolades re. Joseph Campbell.

>149 Matke: LOL Gail! That's in one of the episodes I watched yesterday! I would indeed have loved to take classes from him, but he retired when I was 12.

>150 sibylline: Beguiling! That's exactly it, Lucy, his verve and joie de vivre were beguiling!

>151 ffortsa: He clearly loved telling stories as much as learning about them, didn't he Judy?

>152 Whisper1: What a giant among humans. xo Linda!

I seem to remember Campbell was enamoured and in awe of George Lucas and Star Wars. Am I correct?

That is correct, Linda. He thought Lucas had his finger on the pulse of myth. I remember him saying that he didn't watch movies, in general, but that he did go to see 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Star Wars. When he picked 'em, he picked 'em good. It may be a good thing he didn't live to see where Lucas went with his vision after the first trilogy.

Popping in for a quick wave, Padre. Stay warm.

Drive-By Wave.......it's started thunder-booming here...maybe snow tomorrow.....Soup is on the menu...maybe venison vegetable?????

;-}

>154 Whisper1: Like Linda3rd said, Linda, it's a fact, and it led to a long and close friendship between the two.

>155 laytonwoman3rd: Oy. So true. *smooch* to dear Linda3rd

>156 London_StJ: Hidy ho there, little Aubrey. Have you seen Oxygen's new show All About Aubrey yet?

>157 jdthloue: Looks like I'll get the boomers tomorrow, Jude. Long as it's not a thundersnow, I'm cool.

i posted a link on fb... some wild weather....

Wot!! You're cool no matter the weather...

>159 mckait: wild weather.......wild women.......

;-p

oh yeah! so wild :)

158 - That link scared me a little bit. I'm kind of glad I've never heard of the network.

>159 mckait: An inch of snow here. It's all your fault.

>160 jdthloue: Awww, Jude, that's sweet!

>162 London_StJ: Not being a TV watcher, I was pretty sure it'd slipped past you. Should watch an episode! It isn't every day a TV character is named after you!

Everyone should go look at Google's latest logo change! It's Houdini's birthday. Cute redesign!

Oooh, I love the Google logo! They always do crazy things with it, trying to use odd objects to replace the letters and whatnot, which is always interesting but also a bit tacky. This one is MUCH better, they should do it like that more often. :)

Richard Dear, how is Auntie?

maybe I should ask the goddess to give you a good bip? meanie.

So, are you going to the DC meetup? You haven't said anything in the thread.

>164 Ape: I dunno, Stephen, I like the fact they're willing to do anything at all to the logo. It shows confidence!

>165 Whisper1: She's coming home on Tuesday the 29th, Linda, ready or not!

>166 mckait: Ask the Goddess to unsnow it here! That'll teach me! Yessir, it will, I promise it wil!

>167 _Zoe_: Gadzooks and Godzilla, I forgot all about it! Best go check the thread, hadn't I?

Was hoping you'd notice the meetup thread!

I noticed, then forgot...I even got a PM from you, Doc...but events conspired to put me into a different head. I'll go look in later today. ::contrite::

No contrition necessary, just your company! :)

If it doesn't work out, that's fine, we'll get you another time.

Hi Richard, just passing through and giving a wave.

Following on the heels of B -- Hi!

Pulling up the rear .... yoohooooo, Ricardo.

Yodeleeewhoooowhooooooooooo

what a silly group we have here...

Another drive-by wave!

*waves*

Have a good weekend!

Hey y'all!

I finished and reviewed Strong Poison, a delightful old-school mystery, over in my Homeless Reviews thread...post #43.

Richard: Your yodel had me channeling the yodel song from The Sound of Music so much so I had to fish out the DVD and watch it last night .... I needed a feel-good movie after watching a good but slightly depressing Swedish movie titled 'As It Is In Heaven'

>179 cameling: Well, good heavens, darling, what did you expect? It's SWEDISH! Depressing is their stock-in-trade.

Just stay away from the bedroom curtains Caro.. and all will be well.

Review: 7 of seventy-five

Title: ANYTHING GOES: The Autobiography

Author: JOHN BARROWMAN

My Rating: 3.625* of five

The Book Report: The life and times of fabulous Captain Jack Harkness, I mean I mean JOHN BARROWMAN of course I do, silly me to get the two confused, he of the TV show Torchwood, in all his dimpled and smiling glory. With butt shots. Two.

My Review: One knows what one is getting with celebrity memoirs, right? Whitewash, excuses, justifications, and a little catty score-settling. It takes a pretty damned big ego to write an "autobiography" (which this ain't, it's a memoir) in the first place; to do it before the age of sixty is, well, it's a bit uppish.

Yeah, so what, pretty people get to do what they want. And Barrowman is nothing if not pretty. Very pretty. Very very pretty. That he is also a talented actor, a fine musical-theatre singer, and a high-maintenance mess of a man makes it all the more fun that he didn't wait to write the book (with his sister, Carole). He takes it upon himself to tell us the tale of what brought Clan Barrowman from Glasgow to Illinois, what made the clan tick, and what happened as a result of this daring and quite unsettling move, made in the Malaise Years of the middle 1970s.

Wait. Make that, he tells us the tale of what happened to John of the Clan Barrowman. This is a book that relentlessly focuses on John Barrowman, contextualizing his life with the necessary information, but skimping on the lives and times of the other people in his orbit. Quite forgivable in a memoir; less so in an autobiography, which is more about the life-and-times, less about the lifestyle.

He's not forthcoming with details of his personal life, eg what his feelings were, what his thoughts were, around his coming out. He doesn't fail to mention them, understand; it's simply that, as is the gentleman's privilege, he goes very soft-focus and moves on quickly from the topic. He writes his most passionate, his most emotional, and his most harrowing stuff when he writes about the descent of a friend into madness. It's an amazing, painful, and quite wonderful passage in the book. It brings into stark relief, though, the absence of these very qualities in some other passages in his life that could have used the same treatment.

That criticism aside, I would recommend the book to most all gay guys because here, gents, here is someone whose joie de vivre and whose enthusiasm for his work have led him down some fascinating garden paths, all the while declining to be stereotyped. It's a very instructive path he's on, for the most of us who aren't in the least famous or likely to get there. It's good to see someone skiing ahead on the trail, hollering back, "there's a crevasse over here, don't go there!" every so often. Good on him that he chose to do it. Good for us that it is, on balance, a fun book to read.

The butt shots don't hurt.

thumbed, of course...! good review!

Thank'ee kindly, miss lady. Off to pimp it in a few LT haunts.

Loving all the reviews you have been posting, Richard. I had to google who John Barrowman is, because I don't watch Torchwood and am about as ignorant of the world of celebrities as I am about...well, just about everything else. :)

Still, I read the WHOLE review before googling because I couldn't stop myself. Did you ever decide whether or not you were going to quite the whole 'read twice' rule? Because if it means more frequent reviews, I say drop it!

Awesome review dahlink!! I second Stephen's plea to review more and skip the second serving. Your clarity of mind and poise with the pen, will be undimmed I am sure!

Richard- Good review of the Barrowman memoir. I watched a few episodes of "Torchwood" but for some reason never became a fan. Maybe I'll give it another try.
I saw that you were starting Open City. I heard this one mentioned on a couple podcasts and it sounded very interesting. Hope you are enjoying it.

Re: #135--I SAW that today. It's been snowing like a you-know-what all day, and when I let Miss Cleo outside, there was a plump little robin, standing on the steps and looking at the snow with that same expression!

Oh. And Hi,Richard!

I am so glad to see that you liked Strong Poison. Hopefully you will enjoy more of Dorothy Sayers books.

>185 Ape:, 186 Y'all're gonna turn a boy's head! No, I've relieved myself of the two readings policy because I just flat don't want to re-read that many books. Tempus is fugiting and I ain't a thing of beauty and a boy forever.

>187 msf59: Mark, maybe it's just not the right fit for you. It's very much in the Whovian continuum, and if "Doctor Who" never made you light up, this won't either.

Open Cty: A Novel is extraordinary so far.

>188 tloeffler: *waves*

>189 cindysprocket: I'm sure looking forward to finding out!

xo

Just a hello because I have only skulked around lately.

Mornin', Richard!

Another drive by hola from me too - perusing LT as an antidote to yet another children's birthday party. Man those things are loud. And insane. I need a little dose of tartness to wash it down ;)

Also made me chuckle since I am currently re-watching the first season of Torchwood whilst feeding my son at night - and I had almost forgotten how good Barrowman is.

Hi Richard -- you write terrific reviews -- thanks!

>191 mckait: xoxo

>192 sibylline: Hiya Lucy! Glad to see you.

>193 scaifea: Amber, you minx! *smooch*

>194 BekkaJo: LOL Careful there, Bekka...watching Torchwood while breast-feeding could have...repercussions....

>195 AMQS: Thank you, Anne! All praise (sincere) welcomed here.

Hi RD,
You're sounding so much happier and more like yourself. :)
Let's hope those winter blahs are far, far behind us.
Great review!

#196 Gah splutter-urghhh... you just made me choke on my toasted teacake. Crumbs! LOL

>197 -Cee-: Howdy there, Miss C...I suspect it's compensation for the fact that auntie comes home tomorrow. *sigh*

>198 BekkaJo: *heeheehee*

Good luck tomorrow, Richard. At least you've had a nice long break.

Wishing you sunshine this week and a smooth transition for Auntie, Richard dear. Can you smell the kimchi I'm wafting your way now that I'm in Seoul? ;-)

>200 ffortsa: Thanks, Judy...I think it'll go okay. It says here.

>201 cameling: Wench! You **KNOW** how I adore kimchi! Cruel, cruel, cruel!

And now for something completely different:

>202 richardderus: Christ-on-a-Crutch...I love it!!

.......and am sorry for neglecting your thread....

I posted some recipe links on Kath's thread...Beer Bread & Gazpacho.....

Good luck on Auntie's homecoming......sending you a {{{{hug}}}for strength

;-}

:) a funny!

*Cackles* That's great! :D

Scandalous and hilarious!

Most funny! Big hugs -- store them up for tomorrow. No wait...use them now and I'll send more tomorrow. For you there is a never-ending supply!

>203 jdthloue: Oh...that's all right...I'll just sit over in this dark, moldy corner on wet feathers...no, really, I like it. Don't worry about me.

>204 mckait: I'm glad you got a smile out of it! I almost fell out of my chair I was guffawing so hard!

>205 Ape:, 206 I know! Makes me glad I found the blog I snagged it from. Well, that and the nudie pics of pretty mens.

>207 Berly: You are so sweet, Berly! And even AFTER you've met me, you say such nice things. I am impressed by your largeness of spirit. After all, I pretty much ignored you. ;-*

Mornin' RD! Not much on my mind yet today... but wanted to send you salutations of the pleasantest kind. Hope things are settling in smoothly at your house. :)

me too... what she said.

>209 -Cee-: Not yet, they're not...still have to go to the rehab facility and get trained on how to care for auntie's wound, and then she'll be home this afternoon, and then it's back to the grind. *sigh* I think it's time for me to win PowerBall.

>210 mckait: Hidy ho there, miss lady. *smooch*

I think so too.. get on that.. !

Lord, after all this time she still has a wound?? Poor lady.

If I win the PowerBall tonight - make that when I win - think positive - I could be persuaded to share a little piece. If you teach me to cook!

>212 mckait: Workin' on it....

>213 ffortsa: Done! It's a deal.

Hey, Moldy Feathers....

{{{{{{{{{BIG HUG}}}}}}}}} for today

Sending positive vibes your way!

.........oh, and add me to your PowerBall wishes.......

;-}

Hey, Richard. Although I've been reading your thread, haven't been saying much cause I've had a cold and that means fuzzy brain. But you reminded me that I haven't catalogued yet the section of my library with the Joseph Campbell books (and yes, I also loved the programs Bill Moyer did with him), and this morning I got notice that I'm going to receive the following ER book--can this be coincidence?

Millennial Mythmaking by John Perlich

Contemporary myths, particularly science fiction and fantasy texts, can provide commentary on who we are as a culture, what we have created, and where we are going. These nine essays from a variety of disciplines expand upon the writings of Joseph Campbell and the hero's journey. Modern examples of myths from various sources such as Planet of the Apes, Wicked, Pan's Labyrinth,and Spirited Away; the Harry Potter series; and Second Life are analyzed as creative mythology and a representation of contemporary culture and emerging technology.

>215 jdthloue: Nope, sorry, first come first served on the PowerBall wishes, nuh-uh and good luck! :-*

>216 ronincats: OOO OOO OOO That sounds WONderful! I really look forward to your review. It's such a fertile field, I'm left wondering why so (comparatively) few books for an intelligent-but-not-scholarly audience are appearing. I think, if the publishers aren't doing it for sales reasons, that can be explained by the "If you build it, they will come" theorem.

Auntie's home, and seems in fine fettle, thanks be. She's in her room now, chattering up a storm with all the deadies. Long as she doesn't fight with them, all is well.

I've got my fingers crossed for you, Richard. I hope Auntie settles back in comfortably and that wound care is contributing to rapid healing. Be well, happy, and soon wealthy! (any old lottery could work)

Hope the respite you've had helps you cope with Auntie's return, RD. Also, that the deadies don't start talking back!

>218 maggie1944: Thanks, Karen44! The lottery part, well, that would just make all the boats rise. *crossing crossable parts*

>219 laytonwoman3rd: Truth to tell, Linda3rd, I'm already worried. Auntie's still trying to slip out from under her seatbelt. Nothing, it seems, is going to stop this behavior.

:( oh no.. so sorry to hear that.

can you get a tray for her chair?
one that locks in place?? I would think that
that sor of chair would have one available.. but?

Found you again. Not even going to try to catch up, just wanted to say hi.

Same for me - I am trying to keep track, but can't manage much of LT right now (and even less reading). So I am waving and wishing a 'Happy Spring'. And all my best wishes for the auntie situation - I hope she settles in well and her wound will be healing quickly.

Just saying hello on what is a very blustery day over here in the UK. Hope this is a good day for you.

I'm here too - stopping by to say Hello and wish you a pleasant Thursday. :)

>221 mckait: I fear it's bed from now on. I don't love it, but there it is.

>222 labfs39: Hi Lisa! Glad to be found. Come back soon, though a new thread is in the offing.

>223 Deern: Nathalie, I hope you're occupied in a *good* way, not an annoying one. Happy Spring back to you, and I need to visit your thread, it's been too long.

>224 gennyt: Genny! How lovely. I don't have blusters, but I do have drizzle and 40F (I think about 4C), which led my dog to look imploringly at me, clearly wishing she had no reason to be taken out. This is, BTW, the same dog who regards snow as proof of a beneficent and all-merciful god's existence. *shrug*

Yoodleeehooowhooooo Angela! I have a book recommendation for you: Green Mansions by W. H. Hudson...an oldie that fell on top of my li'l punkin haid last night as I was getting a load of ancient paperbacks ready for recycling this morning (two whole boxes out of the wine cellar!). Not being one to ignore divine instructions, I brought it upstairs and it kept me up until 2a! Silly, romantic farb about a man disappointed in luuuuv who heads into the Amazon so as to Forget It All. Therein he meets...HER! The One! *cue trumpets and harps and the Vienna Boys' Choir* But...is she human...? ...is she a Nature Sprite who pities him...?

Hijinks ensue.

But it's GOOD farb! Really!

227- Thanks, Richard. :) I checked it out and it looks interesting, so I've added it to the list. The male lead in the book has the same first name as an ex-boyfriend of mine, and I'm trying to decide whether that will help or hinder my enjoyment of the book, haha... ;)

#226 My dog far prefers snow to drizzle too. But our snow is long gone over here.

Just stopping by to say hello! *waves*

Not even attempting to catch up, RD! lol

Hello. Back again. Even though you have been ignoring me! Or so you say...I know a lurker when I see one. Ha, ha, ha!!

Kim: You know a BAD lurker when you see one. Good lurkers wouldn't let themselves been seen... (He says while hiding in Kim's bushes)

*wants a "like" button for message 233*

Review: 8 of seventy-five

Title: OPEN CITY: A Novel

Author: TEJU COLE

Rating: 4* of five

The Book Report: The annus horribilis of Julius, a Nigerian psych resident in Manhattan. He is estranged from his mother, his only surviving parent; never knew his German maternal grandmother; is alone and adrift in the cold (too cold for his tropical self) and cruel city. He responds to his recent loss of a girlfriend to the lures of San Francisco by walking. He lives in Morningside Heights, a small college town on Manhattan's far Upper West Side; he works his last year of residency at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, one of the city's medical gems; he attends a concerts of music I'd pay money to avoid (Mahler! PURCELL! *shudder*); and he walks.

His ramblings take him to every part of Manhattan, later also Brussels where he spends a month looking quite haphazardly for his probably dead German grandmother whom he does not find; his trained ear allows him to listen to text and subtext in his many conversations with many and various people of most every ethnicity these famously open cities have to offer. He is, in Christopher Isherwood's very apt phrase, a camera ("I am a camera with its shutter open, quite passive, recording not thinking...."); we are never treated to a view of the man holding the camera, but rather we are in the camera as he swings it about. In the end, there are no actions to report of Julius, but he makes up for his passivity with his introspection, and his clearly flawed impassivity to the emotional realities of others.

My Review: I had no idea this book was coming to me. In a truly random act, Random House's Random House imprint delivered me a signed copy of the book, with the editor's card (thank you, kind sir! Nice to get a gift from someone I don't know!) and a photocopied rave review of the book from The New Yorker. I read the first 10pp anyway, since The New Yorker and I almost never agree on books.

I was hooked. I was claustrophobic and annoyed and hooked. I had no idea books like this, the truly interior novels of the nouvelle roman ilk, were still able to be published in the USA. I mentioned above that we never, ever leave the camera that is Julius's head; all experiences are filtered through his eyes, heard with his ears. It's actually physically confining, this technique; like being tied up and read to. NOT a favorite activity of mine, for the record; either of them. It's a species of intimacy that I find quite discomfiting. But it works here because the narrator is so completely unable to be anywhere but here, think about any time but now; his excursions into memory are forced, and intentionally so (I think; Mr. Cole and I aren't acquainted, so I impute motives to him on no basis but my eyes).

Anooyingly, Julius is not very good at contextualizing his world. This is the risk an author runs in writing from inside the tightest and narrowest of boxes, the human skull. Of course, no sane person runs around through the day contextualizing his or her own story, so that's hardly a mark against the author's fidelity to his vision. But it makes Julius a little less of a forceful presence and more of a miasmic infestation in his own book. I was left feeling that the bedbugs (horrible bloodsucking little fiends) resembled the narrator a little too closely. Both are simply *there* and the fact of them is meant to be enough to set action rolling. I mildly disagree, but that's neither here nor there in evaluating the book's merits.

And merits it has. The prose is begulingly poetic. The lushness of description would feel out-of-timely off-putting were it not for the sense of inevitability and rightness the descriptions provide. The structure of the book (the hardest personal and professional year of a residency, that last one) isn't in any way innovative, but it's used to excellent effect. Julius, based on reading this book, seems like the sort of man who would be interesting to run into on his walks around Manhattan. I suspect the same would be true of Mr. Cole. Whatever force impelled the author to write this book, however the shock to his system that's the sine qua non of bringing forth such a sustained and elaborate feat of craftsmanship was delivered, it's my hope that another will be delivered soon. In the meantime, I'd suggest investing in this book will prove a winner for most sophisticated readers.

*sustained applause*

Great review, Richard! Yours is the second glowing review of Open City I've read this morning. I have it on my Kindle, and will read it either later this month or early next month.

I'll give you a well deserved green thumb once your review is on the book's home page.

>228 BookAngel_a: I suspect it'll help. You'll see why.

>229 gennyt: New England got a lot of snow yesterday, poor bastages, but we had drizzle instead. Frankly, I'm not looking for more snow until December, thank you please!

>230 tymfos: *smooch* to Terri

>231 alcottacre: Kinda no point, loveycuddles.

>232 Berly: Hi snoogums! I'm pretty haphazard in my followings just now. It's a function of home life. xoxo smoochings and a big woobywooby kiss kiss!

>233 Ape: And HE is the BAD lurker!

>234 laytonwoman3rd: I just want a like button in general. They're handy little footprints for the times when an entire post is unwarranted, or impossible due to exhaustion.

>236 kidzdoc: Why thank you, you review-generatin' machine you! I'll bet you will enjoy this book quite thoroughly.

I agree about the Like button...
but there are certain individuals who do not like like, or who perhaps like nothing? Dunno.. too bad though.

Good review of Open City...though, given its claustrophobic air..the title may be a bit "off"

Green Mansions i read way back in near-kiddiehood..and loved it immensely

*smooch*
J

Another terrific review!
--BJ

And HE is the BAD lurker!

*gasp* I'm a professional! ...and I profess to being bad at it, yes... :(

Hallo RichardDear!

I was at the local Friends of the Library Book Sale yesterday (after having scored nicely the day before) and went to the "vintage book" section. While there I remembered your review of Green Mansions and looked for a copy. Lo! and Behold! I found a beautiful 1940s edition with lithographs by John de Martelly in beautiful shape with an inscription from 1945..... for $1.50.

Score KarenMarie!! Hi Richard. Another GREAT review!!

>235 richardderus:: Another for the Swamp. Thanks for the recommendation, Richard!

Love your review of Open City Richard; adding it to the teetering tower. BTW I'm now reading Swamplandia! which I added when you reviewed it a while back.

Amazing review, Richard! (I mean book #8, not that you haven't posted other amazing reviews.) On to the WL.

Glad to know you missed the snow; our relatives got snowed in. Urg.

I've been missing you, Sweetcheeks.

Richard, as always, your reviews are amazing! How I wish I could get the students to write like you do!

>239 mckait: This is LT, m'love; there'll be at least 10% who simply resist to be resisters. Irksome but true, I've found.

>240 jdthloue: Thank'ee dear Jude! Green Mansions is a book for youth, I think. It held up far better than I thought to a re-read, though I categorically refuse to watch the asinine movie made of it ever again.

>241 billiejean: Why thank you, BJ!

>242 Ape: Oh Stephen...silly boy. How loved you are around this entire forum, and how good that you know it, and trade on it. xo

>243 karenmarie: I **looooove** liberry sales for that very reason! I admit it. I am a sucker for an old inscribed book. Something about it makes me feel gently nostalgic for a life I didn't live.

>244 Berly: Thanks, Berl, it was a fun one to write.

>245 swynn: If I had to guess, NML, I'd say you're bound to find the book satisfying...AFTER you're past the irritation of the interiority.

>246 brenzi: Ooo Bonnie! You flatter me so. I sure as heck hope you like Swamplandia! as much as I did!

>247 Matke: How do, Miss Gail...much going on, so I'm not around that much. Signs of hope as of now, though. Cross whatever still crosses for me.

>248 Whisper1: How I wish I could get the students to write like you do! But that would be plagiarism!
;-P

Adding Open City to the BlackHole. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Richard!

How weird is that, I have Green Mansions in my reread section -- which is small -- I don't reread all that often and I was just looking at it the other day, thinking, when can I fit this in?

Richard- Fantastic review of Open City! This one has landed firmly on the WL. Miss seeing you around stranger!

My Hubbie gave me Swamplandia for our Anniversary! High expectations. : )

>251 alcottacre: *hehehe* *I* got *her* first after she came back, I did I did.

>252 sibylline: I consider it a sign that great minds think alike, Lucy. N'est-ce pas?

>253 msf59: Hi Mark! Getting auntie settled into hospice care is very time-consuming, I'm finding. Betcha you'll like Open City: A Novel a good deal!

>254 Berly: Oh, you're in for some fun! xo & howdy to Mister.

Today is going to be a high-traffic day, so I won't be around much. Thinking of y'all, and missing my time spent here! xoxoxoxo

So glad to see that hospice has been activated. I hope that gives you all the help you need, or at least as much as possible.

Oh, I didn't realize hospice was considered the next step.

>256 Matke:, 257 *whew* Home visits galore! Nurse, social worker, bathing aide...all now on a schedule!!! W00t! Order from chaos. Someone *else* doing the legwork if someone is sick! FOUR WHOLE HOURS EVERY DAY to myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*ahem* Not that I'm excited or anything.

And, very importantly, auntie will be assured of comfort, because the hospice care includes a lot more flexibility than ordinary Medicare for palliatives. I am thrilled. I am so very relieved to know that I have 24hr backup, and that I have a rota of caregivers who are focused on comfort and not some illusory recovery.

I might get some sense of my own life being mine back. *gasp*

Good for Auntie and Good for You !

>259 cindysprocket: Thanks, Cindy...gosh, I need to make a new thread and I just ain't got it right now. I'm going to lie flat in bed and read Karin Fossum for an hour or two. Don't anybody tell Caro, but I really love the way this woman's translator presents her writing. And apparently it was Caro, not Horrible, who turned me on to Fossum. Mean of her, don't y'all agree?

I'm really glad the support has kicked in for you. It's a monumental job, as you obviously know, caring for someone in Auntie's condition.

That is wonderful, Richard! Hospice is a marvelous organization--made it possible for my dad to stay at home in his last days. They do so much and do it so well.

guess I missed your fleeting visit..
hope you are enjoying your read.

:)

De-lurking to say how happy I am that you're going to have the support of hospice care. That made all the difference with my parents. It's probably hugely expensive and not realistic in the scheme of things but I wish all medical care could be like hospice. Your stress levels should be decreasing in a major way soon.

I am so glad to hear that you have some relief, Richard. 4 whole hours a day to yourself = heaven!

It was a godsend when my FIL was sick with cancer. The eight months or so before he died where so much better for my mother in law since she had help caring for him. I'm glad for you!

I too will chime in with high praise for the good folks in Hospice. It is one of the best benefits of Medicare--not just for the patient but for all those around - family and friends. It's sad that auntie has come to this point in her long life, but it is a huge comfort to know that her final days or months (I even know a woman who has been in hospice for over 3 years!) will be comfortable for her, and much less stressful for you and your family. We're keeping you inour thoughts.

May I join the chorus of Horray! I am so glad you are getting the support you need, and deserve, for the care of Auntie. May your days be the best possible for all of you.

Just what you both needed, RD. :)

Things will be so much better now. You are right about the comfort priority. Hospice is so good for everyone. They are very special people - don't know how they do it.

Another endorsement for the hospice angels...such kind and helpful people. Our experience with them was relatively short, but we loved them for their practical help and their compassionate care of my Dad.

Oh my my! New thread is up!

>261 ffortsa: Monumental is le mot juste, Judy. It'll be on my eventual monument that I've done this five times; it's mentally exhausting; and I think I might actually get my mental health back with hospice care!

>262 ronincats: Hi Roni! They're marvelous, these folks.

>263 mckait: I ended up not enjoying it as much as I might have. Review to come.

>264 phebj: Actually, Pat, it's a lot **less** expensive than facility-care nursing! That was a wonderful surprise to me. It's what we want for auntie...to die at home...and it's saving the overburdened system about $5k per month!

>265 alcottacre: So true, Stasia! HEAVEN!

>266 drneutron: Thank you kindly, Jim. People with experience of this type of care seem to have only the kindest things to say about it. I am not surprised.

>267 tututhefirst: Thanks, Tina. It's been a very long life, and I suspect auntie's actually living her dream... she's got no resposibility, even for her bodily functions, and that was always her preference. She would "jokingly" say, "would one of you go pee for me?" But you know...she wasn't kidding. She was really that unwilling to move. And now we see the results. Sad, to me; I suspect it wouldn't be so sad to her.

>268 maggie1944: That was beautifully said, Karen44, and thanks!

>269 -Cee-: You ain't a-kiddin' there Missus Claudzilla! How on EARTH they care so much and so well for *strangers*!! Impressive.