Mark's Reading Place: A Dialogue of Books #10

Wheatfield With Cypresses-Van Gogh 1889

Books I've read so far: **OTS: Off the Shelf

March:

24) My Dead Body by Charlie Huston 3.6 stars (OTS)
24) Fool Moon by Jim Butcher 3.6 stars (OTS)
25) Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield 4 stars (audio) (OTS)
26) Vietnamerica by GB Tran 3.8 stars (graphic)
27) Hellhound on His Trail by Hampton Sides 5 stars (OTS)
28) A Big Boy Did it and Ran Away by Chris Brookmyre 4.2 stars (audio)
29) The Financial Lives of the Poets by Jess Walter 3.7 stars
30) My Reading Life by Pat Conroy 4.3 stars (OTS)
31) House Arrest by Ellen Meeropol 3.8 stars
32) The Siege by Helen Dunmore 4.8 stars (OTS)
33) Blind Descent by James M. Tabor 3.8 stars (audio)
34) A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway 4 stars (audio)
35) Midwives by Chris Bohjalian 3.8 stars (OTS)
36) Blood, Bones & Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton 4 stars (audio)

April:

37) Savage Season by Joe R. Lansdale 3.5 stars (audio)
38) Kings of the Earth by Jon Clinch 3.9 stars (OTS)
39) Faithful Place by Tana French 3.8 stars (OTS)
40) The Paris Wife by Paula McLain 3.7 stars (audio)
41) Ape House by Sara Gruen 2.5 stars
42) A Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood 5 stars
43) The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie 3.8 stars (audio)
44) Radioactive: A Tale of Love and Fallout by Lauren Redniss 4.8 stars (graphic)
45) Swamplandia! by Karen Russell 3.8 stars (OTS)
46) The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick 3 stars (audio)

May:

47) Bossypants by Tina Fey 4 stars (audio)
48) The Redbreast by Jo Nesbo 4.5 stars (OTS)
49) Townie by Andre Dubus III 4.5 stars (audio)
50) Something Missing by Matthew Dicks 3.8 stars
51) The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley 3.5 (audio)
52) Snow Angels by James Thompson 4 stars (OTS)

**Cream of the Crop:
1) The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan 5 stars
2) Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell 4.8 stars
3) The Siege by Helen Dunmore 4.8 stars
4) A Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood 5 stars
5) Radioactive: A Tale of Love and Fallout by Lauren Redniss 4.8 stars

Wow, am I really the first one here? Beautiful image; you can't go wrong with Van Gogh, that's for sure! :-)

Wow, it's May 1st and I'm starting my 10th thread. Unbelievable and I owe it to all my wonderful and faithful visitors. Thank you!

I'm currently reading The Redbreast for May: Murder & Mayhem and it's been very good, not quite what I expected. On audio, I'm nearly finished with Bossy Pants. It's read by Tina Fey and it's been smart & funny. On the graphic front, I've been reading an excellent one called Daytripper. Expect more raving! And what's up with the lousy touchstones?

Wonderful and faithful, that's us! Love the Van Gogh, Mark. Very classy.

I'm here Mark! :)
Looking forward to what you are reading on this thread as well.

It sure seems to be the day for starting new threads! Just stopped by to drop a star, now I have to get back to The Redbreast! Love the name of this thread.

Happy May Day, Marky-Mark. And what a pretty picture you chose for the new thread.

I started The Indian Bride for my first M&M read. Looks like we both picked Scandinavian murders for our first reads for this month.

Love the picture, Mark. 10 threads already! You're a popular guy, and deservedly so.

Happy May, Mark!!

I'm up north, visiting the frozen tundra, as I occasionally do. It's even colder here than at home!! I haven't gotten any reading done, as of yet, though.

Ilana- Yes, you are Numero Uno! Funny, we both started our posts with Wow! Maybe, it'll be that kind of month.

Donna- I should have put that in my topic heading: To the Wonderful & Faithful! LOL. Hey, it would work for me.

Valerie- Big wave!

Judy- Yes, a day of New Beginnings. Everyone say ahhhhh...How far into Redbreast are you? I'm at the 200 page mark. This is good stuff. It does remind me of Henning Mankell, particularly his 3rd book White Lioness.

I just finished copying the audio cds of Townie. This memoir by Andre Dubus has been getting some excellent reviews. Looking forward to it. I also picked up the audio of The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag. I liked the 1st book and this would fit in for M & M, of course on the lighter side of the scale.

Hi Mark! I've got to get a skateboard to keep up with you!


Starred !

Caro- I plan on reading a Fossum too! I am way over due. I also plan on reading Snow Angels and this one is set in Finland. Go Scandinavia!
Have you ever been there?

Pat- Big wave!

Linda- Where you at? Green Bay? A nice and sunny start to the day here but then it clouded up and became cooler. Did not rain though! Yah!

Claudia- I love Goofy! Hope your current book is treating you well!

Hi, Mark! Found you and starred you again!

What did you think of the latest instalment of Game of Thrones? I wasn't quite as taken with this one as with the first two.

Found your new thread, Mark. Let the good reads continue!

Just caught up on your old thread in the nick of time! :) Consider yourself starred.

Hearty waves to Terri, Lynda & Wookie!

Ilana- I liked last night's episode of Game of Thrones. You need some set-up shows, to build off of. I liked Arrya, training with her sword and I love all the sequences at the Wall. I think this show will keep getting better.

Occasionally, I like to mention a film I was blown away by. I finally saw the documentary "Inside Job", about the latest financial collapse. It is both riveting and horrifying. I watched portions of this film, sick to my stomach. This film, along with Waiting For Superman, should be shown in every school & college, on a continuous loop, just to show everyone what we are up against. And it doesn't look good! Seek these films out!

Mark, I too am hooked on Game of Thrones-- just love the youngest daughter! (and I'm starting to root for the young blond wife of the Centaur-looking dude!) I'm kinda glad I didn't read the novels-- I love not knowing what's coming next. :o)

45) Swamplandia! by Karen Russell 3.8 stars

Ava Bigtree, the feisty thirteen year old, can kick things off: “My family, the Bigtree tribe of the Ten Thousand Islands, once lived on a hundred-acre island off the coast of southwest Florida, on the Gulf side of the Great Swamp. For many years, Swamplandia! was the Number One Gator-Themed Park and Swamp Café in the area.”
The Bigtrees consisted of Ava, her older brother and sister and her parents. They were not Native American, but white, with Ohio origins. Their alligator attraction is on the decline, quietly being muscled out by a much bigger competitor, the unholy “World of Darkness”.
This is a story about family. A family being broken apart and then their long grinding quest to reunite. It is not a perfect book, there is a draggy middle-part and some ugly revelations, but Russell is a very talented writer and shows much promise in her debut novel.

Love the artwork, Mark.

Yes, here in GB til Wed.

You're impossible to keep up with Mark. I'm in complete agreement with you on Swamplandia and if I were one to use decimal points in my reviews, 3.8 it would have been. It was those ugly revelations that threw me. So very uneccessary too. Thumb for the review anyway.

Another great read Mark. You have totally piqued my interest and make me want to find out what these ugly revelations are! Big thumb from me. :)

Jenny- I'm so glad you are enjoying Game of Thrones. It's been a few years since I read the book but it feels like they are capturing the tone very well.

Linda- Are you visiting up there? Have a nice time.

Bonnie- Once again, I loved your review of Swamplandia and I encourage everyone, who hasn't read it, to check yours out. Mine was a bit of a quicky. The book is not perfect but she is a talent to watch.

Valerie- It's actually a dark book, especially the last 3rd but I will not divulge any ugly revelations. I appreciate the thumb!

Hi Mark. Thumb from me on your Swamplandia review. It's one I want to read because I like Russell's writing but thanks for the warning about the draggy middle part and the ugly revelations.

I'd watch TV if I could, but still no electricity today. I have hopes that it will be on tomorrow when I get home from work. I am deep into Nemesis by Jo Nesbo and am learning to read by candlelight. However, I am terrified that if I read too late and fall asleep I will burn the place down. For one of the few times in my life I am getting lots of sleep. I go to bed at 9:30 and read until I can't stand the jumping around in the flames. I get up with the sun and starting today I am at work. UA is back in business and open. All major roads are open and cell phone coverage is back. That makes it a good day. Now, if I can just get so I can plug my cell phone in and have it charge up!

>19 msf59:: I'm not even tempted to read this one, Mark, even with your "teaser." ;-)

>25 benitastrnad:: Thanks for that update, Benita. It sounds like things are beginning to look up a bit. I hope you get your electricity back soon.

Hi Mark, My daughter recently read The Handmaid's Tale for school and she thought I would like it. Going now to read your reviews to see what good books I might have missed! Thanks for the note. Michelle

Pat- Yes, I didn't want to discourage anyone from reading Swamplandia. It's still a good book and I'm looking forward to reading her short story collection.

Benita- Getting plenty of rest, huh? And plenty of reading? At least you are making the best of it. Thanks for updating us and glad to hear things are slowly improving. I am loving Redbreast, over 300 pages in.

Donna- Actually, I was pretty excited about reading the Russell book, that's why I bought a copy. It may not be perfect but it's worth reading.

Michelle- So nice to see you! Handmaids Tale was excellent. Give it a shot. Please stop by again.

#17 & 18 I've come around to your point of you too, in retrospect. I was really rooting for the blonde lady (can't remember names) when her brother, the would-be king was nearly killed for mistreating her. He's such a... well he's such a shit (can I say that here?) And I too am glad that I'm seeing the series before having read the book because that way I have no expectations, and something tells me having seen it won't take anything away from the novel since it's a sure bet there's a LOT more going on in the original written version.

Great review on Swamplandia! (thumb from me too). I was intrigued with that one from the moment I saw the review in The New York Times. I won't rush to get to it since there are so many others I want to read ASAP, but it's on the WL.

Hi, Mark!
I love Van Gogh as well. I haven't visited the M&M thread yet because I am traveling so much this month, but I have picked out my book. I am going to read Darkly Dreaming Dexter which my daughter recommended to me. I hope it is not too scary.
--BJ

Morning everyone! A cool day here today. About 50, with rain moving in later. Come on, that's April weather and that was over a few days ago. Hello??
I'll be finishing up "Bossy Pants" today on audio and then starting Townie, which I'm pretty excited about.

Ilana- Yes, you can say shit and according to Jude, anything else you want to say. We're all adults, well most of us. Thanks for the thumb, actually my review was a bit of a rush job, but as long as I got my point across, mission accomplished.

BJ- Nice to see you. I've not read the Dexter books, I know they are pretty popular, but I have watched the 1st 4 seasons of the show and liked those.

I've seen that alot of LTer's are reading Swamplandia but had not read any reviews of it till yours which is so well written and offers up enough information to bring me to this conclusion: I just don't think this story would grab me.

I really like Tina Fey and am looking forward to your comments on Bossy Pants.

Hi Mark!
Sorry you're not getting the spring weather you long for... but compared to last January/February, isn't it a little better???

I have to say, I agree with Lynda. Swamplandia holds no real interest for me at present. But then, neither does that part of Florida really. Thanks for the review. :)

I am caught up with you now :)

and

unlike cee I love the everglades ;) and Swamplandia looks to be a hit or miss with most people, but your review has me giving it a closer look!

found, at least.. ! *waves*

I just honestly couldn't think of another word which better described my feelings about that character at that moment. You'd think I'd have a better vocabulary what with all the reading I do, but there you have it. :-)

Waving...........

*STARRED*

........and a thumb for your review of Swamplandia....just don't let the 'gators bite it off!!

;=P

Lynda- I finished "Bossy Pants", (touchstones do not like Tina Fey, must be Right-wingers) and I really enjoyed it. She did a great job reading it! I found myself chuckling several times out on the route.

Claudia- Well, at least there is an ongoing flood of "other" books to choose from, maybe I'll get you next time.
It started out sunny & pleasant this morning but by noon, it clouded up and got chilly. Mid-40s on my way home, but yes, it beats Jan & Feb weather.

Kara- Glad you got caught up and go ahead and check out Swamplandia, much better than visiting the place.

Kath- Good to see you! I've missed you!

Jude- Waving back and thanks for the Thumb! Will I see you again this month?

I felt the same way about Swamplandia!. Sometimes I wonder where her editor was.

eta: I felt the same way about the flaws, but loved it overall.

Glad BossyPants was a good one, I've still got a few weeks to wait.

Hi Mark, I see that you too did not like Swamplandia! all that well but still gave it 3.8 stars. Very generous.

Liked the Radioactive review. I just know that both of them died of radiation poisoning. Will read the book and find more.

Incidently the Van Gogh is currently my desktop background.

Joanne- You'll enjoy Bossypants. It's very refreshing. All the stuff with Sarah Palin is priceless. Have you got caught up with "The Killing"?

Gautam- Actually, my star rating is just about right for Swamplandia, because there is much to recommend, I just felt like I had to point out the flaws. She is a very talented writer.
In regards to "Radioactive": Pierre the husband, was killed by a horse cart, but Marie did die from radiation poisoning. It was surprising she lived as long as she did.
Funny, I put the Van Gogh as my desktop too!

Of course he gave it 3.8 stars.. lol
He doesn't want the book to feel bad, he is too nice :)
just joshin' ya Mark.. nice is good..
I aspire to nice.

>41 msf59: - I haven't caught up with 'The Killing' yet, but did finish the second, and unfortunately, final season of 'Party Down'. Laugh out loud funny!

I think Bossypants would be hysterical! I love her. Also have Swamplandia waiting patiently on the shelf. : )

Markie, Markie - thanks for visiting my thread!! Yes, I did love Mennonites Don't Dance and wrote a small reveiw for it , as none existed prior to mine. As soon as I finish off 84 Charring Cross - I'm be joining you for a little Murder and Mayhem!! ;) Glad to know that The Redbreast by Jo Nesbo is a cracker jack of a book!

I am about to finish Nemesis and it is just as good as Redbreast. Now I will have to find Snowman and read it. But next up on the list will be a couple of Benjamin Black books.

Kath- You stop by and josh me anytime! :-}
Hey, how is your Roku box working out?

Joanne- I couldn't find a 2nd season of "Party Down", not on Netflix anyway. It only lists one season.
BTW- There is a special on Custer, tonight, on the History Channel. I have it recorded.

Kim- Nice to see you! Yes, Bossypants was a lot of fun!

Deb- I need to get to 84 Charring Cross. It seems to be an LT fav. I saw and loved the film many years ago. Glad you will be joining us for a little M & M!

Benita- Are Nesbo's 3rd & 4th books readily available here? I haven't checked yet. Did you get your juice on, yet?

Hi Mark, Really liking Britten and Brulightly. I just wish the printing of the written word would have been a little larger. With being tight cursive it makes my eyes tired. Story is still good.

Hi Mark!
Just came by to bug you before I call it a night!

Cinderella wave - gotta run before I turn into a pumpkin!

Cindy- Nice to see you! I should be done with Daytripper, (another graphic I highly recommend), in a day or 2 and then move on to Britten and Brulightly. Glad you are enjoying it.

Claudia- Did you come by to bug me or hug me? Of course, I prefer the latter. Hope you have a nice day today.

I am deeply immersed in the audio of Townie. I always appreciate a good memoir and this is shaping up to be one of the better ones. A rough & tumble look at his very tough childhood.

Roku rocks.. thanks..
I have not yet gotten into the habit of using it .. but it is all sorted and ready to go. We were watching a comedy thing on it when Craig, who had his notebook open .. said.. you might want to turn on CNN...

He was right.

I have seen the third book Devil's Star in the book stores and The Snowman is supposed to be released in May 2011 here in the U. S. I am going to get Devil's Star on Inter-library loan if I can. These books are really good! I finished Nemesis last night and it is every bit as good as The Redbreast. I certainly hope these books get some wide publicity and that people start reading them. He is a good writer.

Still no electricity this morning, but I did have hot water. All of the major roads are now open in town and debris is starting to be hauled away. Slowly things are improving.

It's as quiet as a mausoleum over here! Kind of scary. I finished my 1st M & M: The Redbreast, which several others have also been reading. It's a keeper folks and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Next up for M & M, is Something Missing by Matthew Dicks. He was one of the Retreat authors. It looks fun and quirky.

Kath- Hope you had a good day and yes, Roku rocks!

Benita- Sorry to hear you still have not got electricity. How much longer? Glad to hear, Nesbo's 3rd book is available. I found Nemesis on audio, so I might try it, in that format. I'm sure I'll get to it faster that way.

Alright, I'll tip-toe away....

Finished Radiation: A Tale of Love and Fallout today. Interesting, although I didn't think it had the impact that Persepolis did. I'm still getting over that one! I just recommended part 1 to our school's librarian.

No touchstones?

*Waving* hello. I hope you have a great day, Mark!

Lisa- Sorry "Radioactive" didn't hit you the same as it did me. Of course, I thought it was amazing. What didn't grab you?

Morning Stasia- My best a.m. buddy is back! Miss you, my friend! I've been watching your book selections over on G.R.s. Some nice choices. You have a good day too!

A little nicer today, upper 60s, hopefully I can shed my jacket. See you tonight!

Just stopping by to wish you a good morning and a warm day :)

Hi Mark... library just contacted me to let me know Radioactive: A Tale of Love and Fallout is waiting for me. Haven't read a graphic in awhile - this one looks good. Have a good day!

glitter-graphics.com

#56 It's not that I didn't like Radioactive: A Tale, it's just that Persepolis was so powerful for me that Radioactive paled in comparison. Although not literally. Did you notice that the cover glows in the dark? I was a little freaked out when I rolled over in bed and saw a glow emanating from my bedside table!

Started in on reading Devil's Star and it is a bit different than the other two. I'm with Mark on Redbreast - it's a real thriller. Those of you who like mysteries will like these. It is sort of hard to understand why these haven't been on the best seller lists. Somebody didn't do enough publicity, but I am glad to see that is changing with the release of Snowman.

Look forward to hearing what you htink of Something Missing, Mark. As you know, I quite liked it. I have his second book - Unexpectedly Milo - on the TBR shelves.

have to agree, Snowman was good..

Worked late again today, just wolfed down a couple hot dogs, cracked open a cold one and now catching up.
Nice day too, partly cloudy and breezy but warm. BTW: Townie has kept me very good company.

Claudia- I hope you get to "Radioactive" soon. I'd like to know your opinion.

Kara- Love the fat cat!

Lisa- No, I didn't notice it glowed in the dark. I should have taken it to bed. LOL. What did you think of her use of color and all the different styles she used?

Benita- Glad to hear Devil's Star is going well. You don't mess around, do you? I like to space my books out, just one of my quirks.
Someone else mentioned that the 1st 3 books all connect, in a special way. Do you see this?

Katie- I'm 60 pages into Something Missing. I'm enjoying it. Martin is quite an interesting character. Curious where this will all go.

I, ummmm, well...I MISSED A WHOLE THREAD! :(

It's probably for the best though, I see you read "Ape House" around my birthday. Like Terri's threats weren't bad enough. :P

Mmmmm, hot dogs. It was a nice day to cook out today, Mark.

Stephen- Wow, nice to see you! I think we have fallen out of touch. You can skip Ape House. You wouldn't like it. Thanks for stopping by.

Linda- No cookouts for me, today anyway. I got home to late. These red hots were from Maxwells and they really hit the spot.

I've heard of Maxwell's but I've never been there. I'll have a hot dog at the ballpark tomorrow.

I need to take care and bring a good book. Possible rains on Saturday could mean a lengthy rain delay.

How's that cute dog of yours doing?

I was SURE I'd been here yesterday, but somehow a few days went by without me stopping over. No wonder I felt like something was amiss! :-)

I might have mentioned this over at the graphic novels thread, but they only have the French translation of Britten and Brulightly at my library, which is completely retarded! Ugh! Maybe I'll suggest they buy the original English version, seeing as... well that would be the least they could do, right?

I was going to disagree, Mark. I thought the descriptions of the book sounded good! Then I read your review, and how she doesn't focus on the apes (I'm fascinated with Bonobos, so that is mostly what made me interested) and you know what? I think you're right, I'll pass. :)

Working late? Terrible..
Bet they layed off too many people, and now they can't keep up..

Still not a fan of the graphic.. I gave Mr Mendoza to my oldest son
.. who loves it. :)

Hi Mark! Off to a ballgame today! Ha! Me! lol
I don't care who wins... I figure I am the winner having an afternoon off!

Started reading Henrietta Lacks and picking up "Radioactive" at the library on the way out today.
Hope you have a good day! :)

Hi Mark. Just stopping by to wish you a good weekend. I'm about halfway through Radioactive: A Tale of Love and Fallout and really liking it. I need to check out whether it glows in the dark before I take it back to the library. ;-)

Hi! Found your thread. :)

Great review of Swamplandia, Mark. I have it out from the library and hope to get to it soon. I really loved Russell's St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves so my hopes are pretty high.

Another late day, plus I stopped to pick up the wife a bouquet of roses, for being such a good Mom.
I stayed dry today but it was overcast and cool.

Linda- I saw that the Cubbies won in the 9th. That's cool. Was it a decent game?
And yes, Bailey (our aging chocolate lab) is doing just fine.

Ilana- You read French, though, right? Should that be a problem? Actually, I read the 1st few pages of Britten and Brulightly and it's very good. A nice noir feel.

Stephen- That's what I wanted to read about in Ape House was bonobos. They are fascinating animals but the author chose to put these apes on the back-burner for most of the novel. Bad move!

Kath- They don't make us work late very often, at least not the ones that are not on the OT list but my problem with it is, it's badly managed and certain people get screwed.

Claudia- I hope you had a nice time at the ballgame. Who did you see, some local teams?
I'm looking forward to your thoughts on Henrietta Lacks. I thought it was a great read, one of my favorites from last year.

Pat- I'm glad you are enjoying "Radioactive". I think it's a special book, regardless of format.

Marcia- Great to see you! I am keeping an eye out for St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves. It's one I would really like to read. She has a lot of talent and she's not even 30 yet. She should have a promising career ahead of her. Stop by again!

#59: Love that graphic, Kara!

#75: Kudos to you on the roses for your wife, Mark :)

ETA: I really hope you enjoy Britten and Brulightly. It is one of my favorite graphic novels.

Badly managed is a given, really......those who manage often do it badly.

Hi Mark, Yup. Local teams. I think they are called AA teams (or is that the batteries)??? Anyway, we won and it was a pretty good game I thought. But what do I know? I had my face in the fried dough.

I was sooo tired last night I could barely focus my eyes - BUT I started Henrietta Lacks when I got to bed and couldn't put it down for about 35 pages. Very interesting! Even so, maybe I should re-read those pages. I might have missed stuff.

Stasia- Yes, Britten and Brulightly looks to be right up my alley, plus it will fit right in, over on M & M! The other good news is she's a very young author, so let's hope for many more good books from her.

Kath- Yes, I had to vent a bit to the wife when I got home. How about messing with the folks that need messing with? Would that be to hard?

Claudia- Sounds like you had a nice day, watching your Double A battery team! LOL! I'll be watching for your thoughts on "Henrietta".

Mark

Harmonic convergence is in the air. I started a new thread today and posted my favorite Van Gogh portrait -- First Steps!

Sure, I read French just fine (technically, it's my mother tongue, though I learned both at the same time, more or less), so I suppose I could read the translated version. It's just that I hate reading English to French translations (and vice versa) because I can't help trying to imagine what the original text must have read like and then re-translating it again the way I think would have been closer to the intended meaning. And while I'm doing all those mental gymnastics... who has time to just relax and enjoy the story, I ask you?

Hi Mark. Goodness, a moment of inattention and I miss a new thread and fall 82 posts behind! I hope you're having a great weekend. My mom sent me the audio of Bossypants for Mother's Day -- I look forward to it!

Happy Mother's Day, everyone! I hope all you Moms have something nice planned. I'll be making us breakfast, later on this morning and then it looks like we'll be going to see "Water For Elephants". I haven't been to the show, in months.

Linda- I saw your New Thread and Van Gogh. Impressive.

Ilana- Nice explanation about the French translation. I'm not very far into this graphic but it looks to be very good.

Anne- Nice to see you. Yes, it's easy to fall behind around here. We're a chatty bunch. I probably won't write a review of Bossypants but it was a lot of fun to listen too!

You are making breakfast.... ?
Nice! I hope you have a nice time @ the movies..
:)

48) The Redbreast by Jo Nesbo 4.5 stars

First off, there would never be a main character in an American mystery novel called Harry Hole, unless it was a crime-solving porn star, but it seems to work just fine, for this Norway based police officer. Harry is a tough, complex, hard-drinking cop, who may have discovered a possible assassination attempt.
I am not going to reveal very much here, because one of the joys of reading this terrific Scandinavian thriller, was never knowing where this baby was going. It’s a very ambitious novel, spanning 60 years, focusing on several characters, past and present. This is an impressive introduction to a highly talented author and I am looking forward to seeing what Harry Hole gets into next.

I just read Judy's review of The Redbreast yesterday and added it to the BlackHole or I would have to add it again! I am glad to see you enjoyed the book too, Mark.

Kath- Big wave! Beautiful morning here. Sunny, mid to high 60s. Not bad.

Stasia- Yes, Judy (deltaqueen) wrote a very good review of Redbreast, much more detail, so if my mine didn't sell you, check out hers.

Ohh, thanks Mark, I'm blushing! Seriously, Redbreast was a great book, and I am looking forward to continuing on with this series. I think it's one of the smoothest translations I have ever read, and that had a big part in my enjoyment of the book.

Thumb from me on your review of Redbreast, Mark. I tried reading that book but never got into it (and can't remember why now). I'll have to give it another try sometime.

I finished Radioactive: A Tale of Love and Fallout last night and was blown away by it. I think I'm going to actually buy my own copy. So far all the graphics I've read have been library books but this one I know I'll want to read again and be able to refer to. Thanks so much for the recommendation. I had never heard of it until you recommended it.

Hi Mark, so Redbreast...is that part of a series? Where does it start? Your review has me interested.

I was wondering the same thing, Mark. Where do we start with Jo Nesbo books?

I'm also interested in knowing how you liked Water for Elephants. I thought Rosie stole the show!

Hi Marky-Mark ... I'm sooo behind in your thread thanks to a crazy work week. Loved your review of Redbreast ... so dare I say you're now going to look for the others in the series? I thought Nemesis was a stronger book so I'll be interested to see what you think of it when you get to it. I've got The Snowman in my obese wish list that I've got to get to some time this year. I think Kath has already read it?

To answer your question, yes, I've been to Scandinavia .. but only Stockholm many years ago. I'd love to go to Oslo and visit a friend while she still lives there. I'm bad at planning vacations.haha

I haven't read Snow Angels yet but I've heard some good things about it. So you can bet I'll be watching out for your review.

We did make it to go see Water For Elephants. It was pretty good. I'd give it a 3. It's been a few years, since I read the book, maybe 4 or 5, but I think they changed it quite a bit. The actor who played the Circus ringleader, Augusta, did a very good job. The mean bastard.

Judy- No need to blush, you wrote a good review, I just chose to be vague. And yes, I should have mentioned the seamless translation too. Superb job.

Pat- Hope you can give Redbreast another try, down the road. So glad to have someone, feel the same way about "Radioactive". Didn't she do a wonderful job?
And I am the same way, about owning graphics. I've borrowed all the graphics I have read, but would really like to own a few of my favorites. Have you ever found Essex County? That's still remains one of my top graphic reads.

Bonnie- Yes, it is part of a series. You would like this one. There is an interesting chunk of World War history in it, dealing with Norway's involvement in the war. Very well-written.

Okay, I did some quick research on the Harry Hole series. The Redbreast is book 3 but the 1st 2 are not available in the US. I think Redbreast is a good place to start. For a list of the series and an excellent video interview with Nesbo, go: Right Here

Donna- I hope I answered you, up above. And yes, I totally forgot to mention Rosie the elephant, who also gave a terrific performance in Water.

Caro- Nice to see you! Hopefully, I'll get to Nemesis in the next month or 2. I'll be starting Snow Angels very soon.

Mark, I just put Essex County on my library list. I know you mentioned it before but I never got around to getting it. I'm still thinking about Radioactive: A Tale of Love and Fallout. I need to do a review of the Hemingway biography (which was also very good) first and then I'll get to Radioactive. I had a big breakfast this morning and my brain has been foggy ever since so no reviews today.

Hi Mark: Jo Nesbo sounds a bit far afield for me but not terribly so, so I might give him(?) a try. I was looking for the first ones in the series so it's good to know that Redbreast is the first available one in the U.S.

Hi Mark, I just wanted to thank you for turning me on to Game of Thrones. Really enjoyed the show tonight. I'm actually glad I haven't read it yet, that way I have nothing to compare it to and it's all a surprise to me. But I'll for sure look out for the book eventually.

I went to the movies on Friday, was considering seeing Water for Elephants since I loved the book so much, but this time went to see Hannah instead which I thought was very good.

Thumbs-upped your review of The Redbreast, Mark!

Hi there Mark! I so enjoyed Karin Fossum's Water's Edge! I wrote a bit about the book on my thread - but I can tell you that I'll be seeking out her other books! She's a great writer who grabs you in right away, and interestingly, remains fairly sympathetic to even the pedophile in the story. She explores briefly a number of psychosocial issues, as she unravels the mysetery. Altogether a fascinating story. Now, I'm going to read your review of Redbreast which I'm sure will be fabulous.

Morning everyone! It looks like we have some warm weather this week. Finally. Didn't put the shorts on today but I think I will on Wednesday. I have to get some sun of these pale legs. Yikes.
I should be close to finishing Something Missing and on audio I'll be starting The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag. It's light but should work for M & M. I enjoyed the first book in the series.

Pat- Glad you were able to find Essex County. It's a keeper. Looking forward to your review of "Radioactive".

Linda- This is not your typical dark murder mystery, there is much depth here. I think you might like it.

Ilana- Glad you are enjoying Game of Thrones. This is one of our highlights for the week. I can't believe next week will already be episode 5, halfway done.

RD- Thanks for the thumb! It wasn't much of a review, just a bit of a teaser.

Deb- I will be reading Fossum's 2nd book, sometime this month. Try to find her 1st book, Don't Look Back and yes, try to snag a copy of Redbreast. You will not be disappointed.

I hope you have a great day, Mark! Sounds like spring is finally arriving up your way.

Sheesh! Hard to keep up with you and your reads Mark!
So, glad to hear that you are finding good reads..

I followed your lead and watched movies yesterday..
great idea! ope you have a happy day!

Mark - you are so right in your short review of Redbreast. I was a bit turned off by the Detective's name - Harry Hole -and you have so correctly said that in American/ English/ Canadian/ writing, there would be no Detective called Harry Hole unless of course it was a porn book. You have totally cracked me up with laughter. Of course in the translation from Norwegian - I guess some things don't translate well. Still!You know, the name was turning me off a little! Once I'm finished my next read I think I'll read Redbreast

Good Morning Mark

Congratulations on your hot review for Redbreast. I agree with Deb, when I read the review I laughed right out loud!

Hi Mark! Enjoy the spring weather and the sun. We won't talk about what's coming shortly. :P

Definitely embrace the spring weather. I would be doing the same on this side of the pond except we are experiencing the 10th driest spring since records began, and the warmest since records began. This means that things are already beginning to suffer a lot from lack of rain!

I know I sound like a broken record but those Jo Nesbo books are really good. Each one is better than the last. I am about 20 pages from finishing Devil's Star and want to keep reading and reading just so I can finish it. If anything I think that Mark's review of Redbreast is a little understated. If you like mystery/thrillers you will like these books. I do admit that Harry sometimes makes me want to shake him because he has these massive pity parties for himself, but the stories are very intense and the translation is wonderful.

I am headed off on vacation to Kansas where they have electricity (no mine is not back on yet) and will take Christine Falls and the second book in this series by Benjamin Black. Of course with electricity there will be less time to read and more time to do other things. Strange how no electricity has slowed things down for me. By the time I get back the curfew will be lifted and the businesses will be back to normal so I can return to my routine of coffee and books. Together.

Okay, okay, Jo Nesbo is being added to my wishlist... Love the review, Mark, I hadn't even thought of "Harry Hole" as being a dodgy name, but I almost laughed tea out of my nose when you mentioned he could have been a porn star/amateur detective. :)

Must get back into M&M soon!

Wookie--LOL, about the tea and the nose snorting! Yes, I was glad I was not eating or drinking when I read Mark's description of "Harry Hole." Redbreast is dutifully added to the list. ; )

I finished Something Missing. A very charming book. Some well-tuned suspense, later in the book, keeps it in line for M & M, but just barely. Next up: Back to Scandinavia (and dark & edgy) for Snow Angels. This one based in Finland, written by a dude from Kentucky. Interesting...

Stasia- Big wave!

Kath- I know I am overly nice but I do pick mostly good books. Let's hope the book luck continues.
What movies did you watch?

Deb- You were the first to mention my Harry Hole porn star quip. Actually I chuckled when I first thought of it too. Please don't be turned off by his odd name, he is a terrific main character.

Linda- Thanks! It wasn't really much of a review, but I'm glad I elicited some laughter.

I already have Something Missing in the BlackHole. Hopefully my local library will get a copy in soon!

Claudia- Big wave! If you are referring to the heat & humidity. Yes, lets not bring that up, yet.

Jenny- So nice to see you! We would gladly share our precipitation with you. Many parts of the country are dealing with severe flooding. Stop by again!

Benita- I'm so glad you are enjoying all of the Nesbo books. I don't know if you saw msg #95, but there are 2 books before Redbreast, they are not available here. Let's hope they eventually release them.
Have a great vacation and stay in touch.

Wookie- I'm glad the tea didn't burst from your nose. That would have stung! I think you will really like this book. BTW- Where are you at on Game of Thrones? We watched ep #4 last night. Good stuff!

Kim- Nice to see you stranger! Glad I was able to get a book on your list! Yah!

MARK! You weren't supposed to bring that up! :P

Mark, I haven't gotten past episode 2 as yet! Our supplier of illegal downloads has not yet passed on any further episodes. We might have to have a go at downloading copies ourselves... I can see that being a slippery slope however, and I'll end up downloading far more TV than I could ever watch!

I do have to keep on reminding myself to not be spoilerphobic about the TV series, since I have actually read the books (and they're quite faithful adaptations). This gave me quite a chuckle: http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2011/4/27/

I don't have HBO, so I am not watching the series.. I actually had Game of Thrones on my shelf for ages.. and think I may have given it away unread.. I haven't looked. I am not feeling it .. no attraction..

Warm day here.. hope you get a bit of a tan today Mark!

I'm off today! Hooray, but I do have a lot on my plate, mostly outside related. It's cloudy now, but it supposed to warm up nice, close to 80. My plan is to be done by 2, so I can get to the books. Come on, they need attention too!

Wookie- Hope you can get caught up with "Thrones". You will love it. I try to keep my TV watching to a minimum but there are a few shows I just can't miss.

Morning Kath- Nice to see you! I will be putting on the shorts, for my outside duties, so hopefully I get some sun. I need to tone that white pallor down! LOL.

Hurray for a day off! :) I won't get a day off for probably another 18 years...hahaha. On a positive note, we have some wonderfully warm spring weather where I am right now so hopefully me and the kiddo can squeeze in a nice walk in the park. Hope you have a great day Mark!

caliente here.....94-96 this afternoon

I just hate it! too oppressive to be outside :(

enjoy your weather and your day off :)

Hi Mark, well you've done it now. I wishlisted Redbreast and since I'm heading off to Borders on Thursday maybe I will find it there.

49) Townie by Andre Dubus III 4.5 stars

Fisticuffs and Fathers. This could have made a perfect alternate title. Yes, there is only one father featured in this tough brooding memoir but there a multitude of fights. The author, a respected novelist, looks back on a very difficult childhood, raised in a low income family, in a rough-tumble mill town in Massachusetts. These were mean streets and young Andre suffered at the fists of many a bully, repeatedly beaten and kicked. He also witnessed the torment of his other siblings, while he fearfully and helplessly watched. A worthless coward.
Turning to low-budget movies for inspiration, admiring fake working-class heroes like, Buford Pusser, from Walking Tall and the kick-ass lead from Billy Jack, Andre, began working out with weights and soon was strong enough to retaliate and began returning the punishment. Now, he was able to protect himself and his family but found himself no better than the worst thug.
The father of the story, a teacher and a respected author, left the family early on. A loving but ineffectual father, this memoir explores the relationship of the two Andres, with beautiful detail.
This is not an easy read, but Dubus is a strong storyteller, with amazing recall and creates a fascinating tale of love and redemption.

Love your review of Townie, Mark. I had heard this book was out but didn't know much about it. Now it's definitely going on the WL. Thanks for the recommendation.

Another great review, Mark. I wish I'd bought this at the Borders closeout sale. I had an armful and couldn't add one more book! As I recall, this one was on the slim side but it was a matter of reaching and shifting. Now I'm beginning to sound pathetic...talking about the books that got away!

Enjoy your day off, especially the quality time with your books. I'm off to give you a star.

Finished up outside. Got everything done I wanted to but it got warm out there and I worked up quite a sweat. I think it got up to the low 80s. Now, shower time and then book time.

Valerie- Do you work 6 days? Now, I normally do 5 days, but since we work Saturdays, we get a day off during the week instead. And yes, I'm having a good day, thanks! I hope yours is going well too!

Kara- That is hot! And you guys are just starting, right? Keep cool.

Bonnie (The Review Queen)- You will enjoy Redbreast. Yes, there are thrills and suspense, but there is also much depth and a nice dose of history to boot.

Pat- Thanks! Have you read Dubus? The only one I have read is The Garden of Last Days, which is pretty good. I have a copy of House of Sand and Fog, which is supposed to be excellent. Now, I'm interested in reading his father. He is considered an incredible short story writer. Wow ,one thing leads to another, doesn't it?

Donna- Thanks! It's a good memoir, brutally honest. Me and the author are the same age, so I could relate to much of the pop culture that is mentioned, but thank God, I was never involved in that amount of fighting. It's almost unbelievable!

Huge temp variations around the area, Mark. I heard it hit 90 in the far west and southwest suburbs. Up here along the North Shore, only mid 60s. Nice but certainly not hot.

#126 Mark, I read and loved House of Sand and Fog years ago. I picked it up at the Portland, OR airport for a flight to NY and spent the whole flight immersed in it. I haven't read any other books by him--not sure why.

Hi Mark, it's so easy to fall behind here! I'm staying away from difficult family situation type books—contemporary ones, anyway, seeing as I could (and eventually will) write a book about that based on my own experiences. But glad you enjoyed Townie. What an unusual name for an author, the III really threw me off for some reason. lol

Hey there, Marky-Mark. Loved your review of Townie ... I'm going to add that to my obese wish list. Have you read some of his other works yet? Selected Stories and Meditations from a Movable Chair are really great reads.

Linda- Yes, it got pretty warm here today, I think it topped 90. It's still warm & muggy in the house. We had the heat on, just a few days ago.

Pat- I saw the film version of House of Sand several years ago but I really want to read the book.

Ilana- That's probably a good idea. It can be a tough read at times. I hope you can put your experiences to paper, one of these days. Could be cathartic.

Caro- The other Dubus titles you mentioned are by his father, Albert the 1st. And no, I have not read him, but plan on it. I can't believe I hadn't heard of him. Bad Mark!

Dang it, I keep losing you, Mark! You're too popular, young man. Excellent review of Townie, by the way, and an excellent painting at the top of the thread. Really digging that Van Gogh! Hope it stays dry down by you tomorrow, we're supposed to have some decent storms during the day.

Mark, the only Dubus book I've read is The House of Sand and Fog and I thought it was excellent, if depressing. Haven't tried any of his other books (or his father's, and I didn't even realise his father was a writer too), but Townie sounds rather fascinating...

I will catch up on the episodes of "Game of Thrones" asap! What I've seen so far has been quite excellent.

hiya Mark

What a warm night! Could have put the air on. Crazy or what? Mid-80s the next couple days and then back to the 50s for the weekend. Its nuts. I have the work shorts on today. Yah!

Laura- Nice to see you! There is a chance of rain later today, hopefully when I'm finished. Thanks for calling me young man, I don't get that very often, unless speaking with the elderly.

Wookie- I hope to get to House of Sand, sometime in the next few months and I would love to read his father's work too. Go Game of Thrones!!

RD- Big wave back! Hope you are feeling better, sir!

Wookie's description of House of Sand and Fog as excellent but depressing resonated with me. I recall that I was blown away by how Dubus captured the nuances of the different narrators/POV characters . . . but it's a grim kind of story, a real tragedy. I hope it's not a spoiler to say that it doesn't have a fairy-tale ending.

I am hoping that my interlibrary loan of Redbreast will arrive at the library today!

I just assume that any book that says Oprah's pick on it will be depressing, but good..

We're having nutty spring weather as well, with a few days in the 80s. Today I woke up to about 2 inches of snow. I decided a winter wonderland is not so wonderful in May, but we do need the moisture!

Hi Mark, excellent review of Townie and I also loved House of Sand and Fog when I read it some years ago.

Hi Mark! I work 7 days a week. My shift usually starts around 7 in the morning when my little monkey wakes up and then I'm off around 5:30 when the hubby gets home. :) I miss sleeping in so much it hurts..haha

On May 5, Mark says, "It's as quiet as a mausoleum over here..." Ninety messages in less than a week (on his TENTH thread of the year!) to read through before I can say: Mark, you really are addicted! ;-) But since conversing on LT doesn't make you fat or sick--or cost money (except for the cost of books), I guess it's a good addiction to have, huh? Laughed at your "Harry Hole" comment too, though it's pronounced differently in his native language. You'll have to listen to the World Book Tour interview with the author--very interesting. I love those author interviews. They're nice and long, plus the interviewer frequently chooses to review an older book of the author (and usually one I've read), even though s/he frequently has a new one out.

HUGE temperature contrast again today. It says 88 in Downers Grove but only 63 in Zion.

Mark... this may be good news for you...
I started reading House of Sand and Fog a few years ago. It was so depressing (I like the word "grim" for this book). About 1/2 way through, I checked the end of the book to see who was still alive and what was going on. I went no further. Since you seem to like books that I find hard to endure, you might actually love it! Will be interested -but not surprised- in your comments. ;-)

Hi Mark! We're having a beautiful warm (but not too) weather day today. If only they could all be like this! Then again, I should be grateful we have perfect weather days at all!

eta: I just received Howard's End is on the Landing in the mail today—got it based on your rec. Kind of ironic that I had to purchase it, since they don't have it at the library, but hopefully it'll inspire me to read more from my existing tbr stock. :-)

Yes, I worked up a dandy sweat today, but it wasn't to bad, I just prefer gradual temp increases. 60 to 90, is a bit extreme. I'm really enjoying Snow Angels. It's a tough police procedural set in Finland. On the lighter side, I'm also liking the Weed That Strings the Hangmans Bag, which I'm listening to. Flavia is less over-bearing in this one.

Terri- Like I mentioned up above, I plan on getting to House of Sand in the next few months. I also NEED to read his father's work. Hope your copy of Redbreast came in.

Kath- Was House of Sand an Oprah pick? I didn't realize that.

Anne- I do not want anymore snow, that's for sure. Your snow didn't last very long though, right? Gone in a few hours?

Bonnie (Brenzi)- Thanks! Hope you are enjoying "Doc". I've been seriously considering buying a copy.

Bonniebooks- You do read every post! Yah! LOL. I guess I am addicted to this place and like you mentioned it doesn't cost anything. I manage my time pretty well, so I don't let it interfere with anything.
Of course, I enjoy my family too, but this LT family has found a special place in my heart too! Makes you kind of weepy, doesn't it?

Linda- My temp gauge in my truck read 90 on the way home. They are saying bad storms to the west & north, nothing here yet.

Claudia- "Since you seem to like books that I find hard to endure, you might actually love it!" Wow, you can read me...well just like a book!
Dark, brooding books don't bother me, as long as they are well-written and ultimately have something to say. Many complained about The Road, (Yes, you Kath), but I loved that book. Big surprise, right?

Ilana- I'm glad you are having pleasant weather too! I hope you enjoy Howard's End is on the Landing. It will add some titles to your WL, so beware.

Agree with you and Linda about the crazy temp swing today. Nearly 90 to 50-something, sun to hail, no wind to cold gusts - yuck ptooey on that noise! I've yet to get to Weed That Strings and book #3 too. Currently my Mom has both of my copies, so that's my excuse for now. And, I've had Howards End is on the Landing for at least a year now, maybe more, and I agree with you Ilana - kind of ironic to purchase a book about reading from your own shelves. But thank the heavens for Book Depository!

I'm sure my checking account would disagree with that last statement. 8-)

I'm here,too

The Biggest Pest

;-P

Wow, i did not know that, Marky-Mark. I had just assumed the Dubus I read was the author of the book you read. I should have realized something was up when your author had the generational behind his last name and mine didn't huh? ;-) They're still good books though,and ones I think you would enjoy.

When Townie came out I thought it was a VERY posthumously published book since I knew Andre Dubus had died years ago - shortly after writing House of Sand and Fog I thought. Then I read the jacket and realized there were two of them. :)
I haven't read any of Andre the Elder's novels, but he's an amazing short story writer.

Valerie- Sorry, I missed you back there! Stay home Mom, huh? Sounds like the little guy keeps you hopping. Does he nap regularly, at least?
BTW- He is adorable!

Laura- Hey, at least we aren't dealing with massive flooding or tornadoes? See, didn't I cheer you up?

Jude- You could never pest me, pal! Just keep stopping by. I love your visits.

Caro- Yes, I need to read Dubus, the Elder. I added a couple of his to BM. We seem to be on a Scandinavian tear lately. My current M & M book is set in Finland and Ilana sent me a copy of Three Seconds, which has been getting some nice buzz. I don't think I'll be able to squeeze that one in though.

Shauna- Nice to see you! Like I mentioned to Caroline, I plan on trying out Andre the Elder short story work. Sounds fantastic!

You certainly did, Mark. Thanks! :-)

All is forgiven Mark! Considering each time you log onto LT, you have about a hundred messages to catch up on, losing one here or there is really quite understandable. :)
My little guy is hit and miss. We will go for a week with GREAT naps and then another week where everything is bonkers. I just take it strides and try to squeeze in my reading time when he gives it to me. All things considered, he is a great "first" baby and very easy to care for. :)

Hi Mark, our snow turned to rain, and it rained for much of the day. Now it's snowing again. It's not supposed to last, though, and it definitely won't accumulate.

FYI, strangely... I actually liked The Road and was surprised so many didn't like it at all. I think it all seemed so unlikely to me - not really real - just a good story.

Valerie- "Considering each time you log onto LT, you have about a hundred messages to catch up on". Now, lets not exaggerate. That's a ridiculous figure. It's much closer to 70 or 80 msgs. Okay?

Anne- Rain is better than snow, at this point, as long as it doesn't get all crazy.

Claudia- Yes, that is strange, but I like the way you explained it. Maybe the distance helps. Are you sure, you don't want to give Blindness another shot?

#143 Bleak is the word, Claudia. I never read House of Sand and Fog but I did see the movie. The movie was very good but bleak, bleak, bleak. I could never read the book.

#154 Imagine the snow we would have had if all this precip had come a month or so ago!

Hi Mark! Difficult to catch up here with Mr Popular. I give up.... :)

Hhahahaha..maybe 70/80 when you log on, but it's about 100 when I check your thread. But now we are just being nitpicky. ;)

#127 Joanne, I actually thought the movie was much bleaker than the book. I think if I had seen it first I never would have read the book and like most movies made from books, the book was better.

Wash out your mouth, Mark! I made it through Blindness once - never again!

And yes, Joanne... "bleak, bleak, bleak" is a good word!

#159, 160 - Oh I'm sure the book was better since that's nearly always the case. I wonder if I could have gotten through the book. I guess I'll never know. In fact, just thinking about the story is making me uncomfortable. And then Claudia mentions Blindness! Yikes - I need to get back to my nice cozy ghost story!

Oops, computer hiccup! Double post.

143 & 157: Now, see, I loved House of Sand and Fog because I went back and forth in my sympathies for the two main characters. Both of them were unlikeable and wrong at times, and both had a case for whom the house should belong to. Yes, it could be considered depressing or bleak, but it also gave you something to think and talk about--so different from the last book I read.

Joanne- I saw the film House of Sand several years ago and remember liking it, good performances. I really want to read the book.

Valerie- Yes, lets not get nitpicky. We'll let other people, on other threads do that. Have a good day, with that little guy!

Claudia- Can I wash my mouth out with beer? Of course, not right now, but later on today? Thanks, that was very understanding. BTW- I think we scared Joanne, with the reference to the "B-book". LOL.

Have a good day, everyone! See you on the flipside!

What book did you find hard to endure?

Hi Mark, like the Jo Nesbo book. TBRed

Hey Mark! I just reviewed The Tiger's Wife which I finished earlier this week, and loved, loved, LOVED! Have started on The Paris Wife now. Just a couple of short chapters in, but so far so good. Funny, just noticed those are two 'wife' titles in a row. How strange!

Hey, everyone! Another late work day and another steamy one too! About 90, that's 3 days in a row. Crazy, huh? In the 50s on Sunday.

Gautam- Jo Nesbo is a hot author right now! He's been popping up everywhere. Of course, they're calling him the next Larsson, which is pretty unfair, but if it gets people to buy his books, good for him.

Ilana- Wow, you have been cranking out the reviews. I'm so glad you enjoyed The Tiger's Wife. I'll have to put that one back on the List.

90!! Sure, I get 15 minutes of sunshine and run out and sprawl on my driveway to soak up the rays before the clouds and torrential rains hit again!! Very jealous. Do not complain about your pallor in my presence!!

I really liked The House of Sand and loved The Tiger's Wife! Gave the latter a five-star.

Just checking in, Mark. Not sure Townie is my cuppa, but I will give it a shot if I can get hold of a copy.

Mid-70s today, which will feel nice. I'll also be wrapping up a couple books today. Stay tuned.

Kim- I've been talking to my daughter and she's been saying the same thing. Cool and rain. I'm sure the weather will improve soon. And I will not mention the "P" word again. Sorry.

Stasia- Townie, will probably not be for everyone, but it is a heck of a memoir, if it is your "cuppa". Do you listen to BOTNS? In the latest podcast, Michael also raves about the book.

FYI- The Group Read for Thousand Autumns starts on the 15th of June. Still plenty of time to land a copy. Hope we have many attendees!

No, I do not listen to BOTNS although I do get their e-mails. Like I said, I will give it a try and impose the Pearl rule if need be :)

I did not know about the group read of Thousand Autumns coming up! Thanks, I am in. I even know where my copy of that particular book is!

edited for spelling

I hope to be able to finish Sudden Sea.. too much chaos to do much reading.
frustrating.. I am sure that I will skip Thousand Autumns, but I may squeak in one more mayhem book..

Hey Mark... 90 degrees? Yuck! Hope I don't see that til July/Aug - if ever.

So glad to see others liking The Tiger's Wife. I liked it a lot - but felt a little perplexed about so many seemingly turned off by it???? Of course we all have our own opinions about books and they hit us quite differently.
Cheers for diversity! Makes us all more interesting.

Y'all can have the heat. No need to ship it Eastward. Really! Much as I appreciate the gifts the West sends us, this one's just too gaudy and overstated for us black-wearin' New Yorkers. Thanks though!

The day I arrived in Kansas the temperature was in the upper 90's. Unheard of for this time of year. Salina, Kansas set a record on Monday, May 9 - 101 degrees F. Today the high temperature will be in the 40's, so keep your chin up that cooler weather is coming. Or may be there by now. I am totally unprepared for the cool weather and will be borrowing jackets and sweatshirts from my sister.

I have my copy of Thousand Autums ready and waiting for the group read. I also have a copy of Townie and House of Sand and Fog somewhere in the Mount TBR, however, I must say that I am really enjoying the May - Murder & Meyham month. These mysteries are engrossing and somehow they don't seem to get much respect. When was the last time a mystery won a major literature prize outside of the mystery awards?

I am deep into Christine Falls and am liking this series and the main character that the author has created just as much as I did Harry Hole. They are similiar in character but also very different. I think this book may be just as good as the Nesbo books.

Mark, the newest issue of Entertainment Weekly has an article about Nesco. You might want to check it out. I started reading it and got wrapped up in Idol and somehow put it aside.

Well, I have no internet service at home, or phone or cable TV. Sucks. A repairman can't get out until late tomorrow afternoon. Sucks again. I'm at the library now, to pick up something, so I thought I would check in.
The crazy weather continues. Warm & humid this morning and by early afternoon, the wind kicked in from the N.E. and temps dropped. It was in the high 50s on my way home and maybe 40s tomorrow. Hey, it was nice wearing the shorts for a couple days anyway.

Stasia- Glad you can join us for Thousand Autumns. I can't wait to get back to Mitchell-land.

Kath- M & M has been a lot of fun. I'm starting a new one tomorrow, plus another one on audio. Like we joked about, over on the Thread, we could easily have an M & M Year!

Claudia- Yes, it was a bit steamy and you're just not used to it either. Back to jackets and long pants tomorrow. Boo!

Richard- I don't want to sound like an old man, but the weather extremes definitely get harder on you, as you mope along to the end. People always ask me, which extreme is worst, in my job. I think I have to go with the heat. Can't get away from it.

Benita- Great to see you! Hope your vacation is going well. When do you return? I'll have to move Christine Falls up in the pile.

Linda- I subscribe to EW and saw the Nesbo article but did not read it yet. The guy is red-hot right now and deservedly so. Nice Cubbies win today. Now, we need a string of them

Awww, Mark... sorry to hear about your tech troubles. But what a trooper you are to check in at the library! A true and loyal LT friend!

I also want you to know... there are mailmen in Maine that wear their shorts in the bitter cold of winter! Love it! :D

Okay, real quick, I finished The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag, on audio. It was light but a lot of fun. I also finished Snow Angels, it was neither light or a laugh-riot , but it was a good dark intense read. I also started Every Dead Thing on audio, a serial killer thriller, which begins very well. Many M & M selections.

Claudia- Yes, I will miss my morning LT fix. Boo, hiss hiss! Coffee will not taste the same. No one in my office wears shorts in the winter but most of our routes are walking routes, which would be insane. Most of your routes, in your area, probably use vehicles, right?

Have a good weekend everyone! I'll see you, whenever I can!!

O! Ah... I don't know about walking - vs - vehicles in Portland where I was most aware of the shorts thing. You could have a point! :}

Mark

What a great review of Townie! Thumbs up! I'm with Stasia on this one. I'm not sure I can read it.

Hope you have a great weekend Mark and that your internet will be back up and running soon!

No phone, cable or internet! The dark ages! Hope they get it fixed tomorrow.

Funny, I got home from the library and saw the green light on my modem and everything is working now. Hallelujah!

Linda- Nice to see you and thanks for the thumb!

Valerie- Enjoy your weekend too! That little boy of yours is so adorable.

Joanne- I just stopped by your thread. I picked up The Empty Family on audio. BTW- Are you still watching "The Killing"? We just watched the latest episode. What a terrific show!

Hah!, watching it right now on VOD. I'm several episodes behind though, I think this is the fourth. Reminds me a lot of Twin Peaks.

Glad to know the tech troubles have cleared and you can enjoy your morning coffee as usual tomorrow (or so I hope for your sake). As you may or may not know, The Thousand Autumns is first in line on my June "to read" list (which so far only has two books on it, but that won't last long!)

I've had Christine Falls on my shelves for way too long now... and M&M isn't going that well for me, seems I'm reading a lot, just not as much crime fiction as I want to for some reason. But who's complaining when there's good reading to be had anyway? ;-)

Hope you are back online soonest, Mark! Sorry to hear about all the troubles.

Hey, I made it on this morning. LT & 1st cup of coffee. You can't beat it. Well, I could think of a couple of other things but I won't get into it here...family thread.

Joanne- I can see the similarities, between the 2 shows, in atmosphere, but there is nothing humorous about "The Killing" and there are no nightmarish dwarfs.

Ilana- You are reading some great books, that's all that matters. Maybe we could read Christine Falls together, at some point.

Stasia- Yes, all that drama for nothing, although I was just going with what the phone tech said. Glad he was wrong.

Cool and rainy day, today! Boo!

It is cool here too, Mark, after being in the mid-90s earlier in the week. I wonder if we are experiencing the same front.

Glad to see your Internet is back up and running!

Well I am glad that your internet outage was a brief one. I am frankly shocked that we have had no problems considering all of the wind and rain we have been having here the last couple of days, and more to come! Good reading weather..
if I had any time to read.

Today for sure though!

*gaaak* No INternet is bad enough...really bad in fact...but no PHONE or TV?!?

Thank goodness the nightmare is over, Mark. Seconding Linda's review praise.

>186 msf59:: Yay for green lights! I'm not a happy camper when my internet is out. I'm with you...morning coffee and LT is the way to start my day...after a nice long walk with the dog. I had to dig out my warm jacket and wool scarf this morning! Brrrr...wasn't it just a few days ago I was complaining about the heat and humidity?

I'm always happy to read a book along with you Mark. Speaking of which, another sale on at audible, and I jumped on Jacob de Zoet, along with a few other titles of course... ;-)

Yaay.. Marky-Mark is back. Internet nightmare over. That would happen to us too if our Internet was out because our TV and phone's also tagged to the Internet. Only our cellphones would be working.

Bonnie (Bonniebooks) was teasing me that I'm addicted to this place. Well, maybe I am. Fortunately, the internet was out for just a couple of hours but when the tech told me it would be a couple days, I panicked. OMG, what do I do now? I can live without TV for awhile and phone, no big deal but my link to this world. No way.

Stasia- Low-50s today but just light sprinkles, which wasn't to bad. It doesn't warm up again, until later next week.

Kath- Hope you were able to get some reading in. How are you handling the stress?

RD- Yes, please don't cut our lifelines. We have AT&T U-verse, so everything is connected through the phone line. We've had this just about a year and have never had a problem.

Donna- I admire that you go for walks. Once I retire, I hope I can walk every day too. We are going to try to get back into bicycle riding. We were doing very good for awhile but the last couple of years we have been slacking.

Ilana- There is a fury of book activity going on, in your world and I love it. I finished Britten and Brulightly and it's another fantastic graphic.

Caro- That's all we had too, just the cellphones. They are connected to the account too, but fortunately remain independent. Still reading M & M books?

Mark, I also feel like I'm addicted to LT. Usually the first thing I do when I walk into the house is log on to LT to see what's happening.

I'm glad you liked Britten and Brulightly too. These graphics are just so much more varied than I would have expected. My copy of Radioactive: A Tale of Love and Fallout arrived today. I need to get my review done but this is the first graphic that I've liked so much I've wanted to own my own copy.

Mark, definately get back into the bike riding. We are avid bike riders. Really enjoy it.

Hi, Mark! Glad you have your internet back!

50) Something Missing by Matthew Dicks 3.8 stars

Yes, Martin Railsback is a thief. He breaks into homes and steals, selecting the same group of residences, repeatedly. The funny thing is, no one notices. Martin only pilfers items, that will not be missed. A roll of toilet paper, a dish towel, a can of soup. He has a touch of OCD, which works perfectly, for this unusual, but productive career. He is as meticulous, as a brain surgeon.
The twist in the story, arrives, when Martin inadvertently becomes a sort of “guardian angel” to his beloved homeowners, helping them out in some difficult circumstances. This leads to some situations, which are humorous, suspenseful and dangerous.
If you are looking for something, completely refreshing, with a wonderful lead character, give Martin a try, it’s a lot of fun.

LT is an addiction for me too, I admit it.

#202: That one is already in the BlackHole. I just need my local library to obtain a copy.

Congratulations on hitting 50 books for the year, Mark!

Pat- I loved Britten and Brulightly. What a talent Berry is and she's still in her 20s. Impressive. That's great you have your "own" copy of "Radioactive". I'm jealous.

Cindy- No bike riding today. Cold, gloomy and rainy. Yuck.

Terri- Big wave!

Kath- Yes, I think we are all LT junkies, but they are the best kind, right? At least we don't hustle in dark alleys.

Stasia- Matthew Dicks was one of the authors at the Retreat. I talked to him and he was a really nice guy, smart & funny. This was one of the books I bought there. What a good choice.

It is cool that you got to meet the author of the book at the retreat, Mark! I am glad to see that the book was a good choice for you.

Once again, I have to plug the Books on the Nightstand podcast. The latest episode was another gem. They talked about epigraphs. Do you read them? (Personally, I always do). They also talk about George R.R. Martin, Jo Nesbo and Townie. And as an added bonus, I get mentioned. Yahoo!
Find it: Right Here

Mark, Glad you enjoyed Something Missing. It is light and fun! I have his newer book, Unexpectedly Milo, waiting patiently.

Off to listen to the BOTNS podcast. Don't let the fame go to your head :)

52) Snow Angels by James Thompson 4 stars

“Endless night can drive anyone to murder.”

When I think of Finland, I see a cold, bright and friendly place. The country in these pages, is a dark, inhospitable place, a frigid alien world, where the sun refuses to rise, for months at a time, leading to a staggering homicide rate.
This is the first book in a Scandinavian crime series, featuring a tough cop named Kari Vaara. A beautiful Somali actress has been found, brutally murdered. Inspector Vaara investigates and soon finds himself, plunging into a cesspool, of hate, revenge and retribution. This well-written police procedural, might not be for the faint of heart, but if you are willing to jump aboard this exceptional thriller, it will take you to some very dark, unexpected places. Bring ear-muffs and a strong stomach.

I love quotes at the beginning of reviews! Love it!

Hi, Mark. I realized I've been over in Murder and Mayhem and forgot to check in here! It's distracting over there, bodies dropping everywhere, good and bad guys slugging it out, etc.

Glad you liked Britten and Brulightly! Such a mature piece of work for a newbie. The way she maintains the noir atmosphere is really impressive.

Something Missing sounds good. He's a new author for me. I'll have to think about Snow Angels - there sure are a lot of dark mysteries coming out of that part of the world!

Thumbs-upped both of the reviews, Mark!

Katie- Something Missing was a fun read. I am also looking forward to his next book. You'll probably get to it before me, so I'll be watching for your thoughts. Let me know what you think of the podcast and no I will not let it go to my head. LOL!

Nathan- I swiped that line from a blurb on the back of the book. I thought it was a bit cheesy but it fit.

Joe- Good to see you sir! Yes, the M & M thread can be a bit dangerous. LOL. It can leave you bruised and battered. Yes, we all have to sing the praises of Britten and Brulightly.
You would like Something Missing. A perfect palate cleanser.

Richard- Thanks for the thumbs! Hope you are having a good day.

Mark, I've tried everything I can think of (except to call in my daughter -the computer guru- from KC) to download the BOTNS podcast. Call me hopeless and/or desperately in need of a newer, better computer. I would have liked to have heard the nod to you on the show. I get the e-mail version but it's not the same as listening to the entire podcast. Someday...

I finished my second M&M book for the month. This has been a most enjoyable experience. Have a great Sunday. Get those bikes out of storage!

Guess what? After the obligatory 50 pages, I abandoned a book, which is a rare occurrence for me, like spotting a white elk. It was an ER book called Red on Red, about a pair of homicide detectives in New York, a subject I normally enjoy, but not this turgid tale. It's Joseph Wambaugh territory but minus that author's fluid, humorous style. Quickly, moving on to something else...

Donna- Glad you enjoying M & M. Everyone seems to be having a good time. Have you tried going to the BOTNS site, (link above) and just pushing play and listening to it, right there. It's pretty simple.
My wife's bike is all tuned up and ready to go. The next nice day, I'll get mine ready.

Stopping my for a quick Hello..and a wink!

Something Missing...i've heard of...don't own it but a friend does..

Snow Angels is on THE LIST

.....thumbs for both reviews!

;-}

wow, keeping up with you is a full-time job!

Something Missing sounds fun. Wasn't it featured on BOTN too?

Seattle is having its coldest, wettest spring on record. That's saying something. I heard the local meteorologist say that we are in a 10-20 year downward trend in temp in Seattle. Something to look forward to...

Hi Mark. Loved your reviews, especially of Something Missing. That sounds like something I'd enjoy. I will have to come back and listen to the BOTNS podcast (I have a party to go to this afternoon and need to get off LT). I keep meaning to try them but this one I'll definitely get to since you're mentioned in it.

Your review of Something Missing so enticed me, Marky-Mark that I've gone and bought a Kindle version. I'll read it on the plane next week.

Jude- It's so nice to see you! Hope you are doing well, my friend. I think you would like Snow Angels. Actually the author is from east Kentucky and married a Finn and they currently reside in Finland. He's an author to watch!

Lisa- Yes, I first heard about Something Missing on BOTNS. I think Ann was raving about it. They recently did an online chat about the book, and the author showed up too. Did you listen to the most recent episode? Sorry to hear about your chilly weather. You should be much warmer than that.

Pat- Once you start listening to the BOTNS podcast, you'll never miss a show. It so much like this place. Have a nice time at the party.

Caro- Something Missing may be a lighter read but the writing is so crisp and engaging and Martin is such a neat character, you will really enjoy it. Where are you flying to now? In country?

Marky-Mark - I like light reads every once in a while, especially if I've just finished something that was very thought provoking, or so wonderfully lyrical that I just want to savor it in my mind for a little while longer. I find if I move on immediately to something else that requires more space in my mind, I resent it a little for diluting my enjoyment of the prior book.

I'm off to Sydney next Saturday for a few days.

30 minutes till Game of Thrones. Woo hoo!

eta: That was one exciting show, wasn't it? I'm all hyped up now...

Well we have not had a loss of internet, phone or TV but I've been away from Lt since Friday and and find myself over 50 posts behind Mark. Geesh! I'll catch up on your BOTNS fame-making appearance tomorrow as I have a back order of those to listen to. I can't say how much I enjoyed Christine Falls and The Silver Swan.

Ack, Ack, Ack! My library system does not carry Britten and Brulightly. I'm really shocked because they've had everything you and Pat recommended. Mmmm, perhaps it's budget cuts. I'll try the neighboring county.

Hi Mark! You are practically a celebrity! lol Listened to the BOTNS you mentioned above somewhere... hey, those podcasts are pretty interesting. And, YES! I read every dang epigraph I come across. Some don't make much sense, but others are awesome.

Caro- I like your explanation of reading a light book, after a heavier one. Makes sense. I don't mind light, as long as it's good.

Ilana- I loved the episode of Game of Thrones too! It was action packed. Things are really starting to heat up, at the halfway point. I liked the scene between King Robert and the Queen. Great stuff!

Bonnie- Only my name is briefly mentioned on BOTNS, so it's not like I was interviewed or anything. It was also just a good podcast. Does this mean you have read Christine Falls or you haven't?

Lynda- Hope you find a copy of "B & B". It's a wonderful graphic.

Claudia- It was a fleeting moment of celebrity, but I'll take it. The podcasts are always worth hearing, I've learned of many fantastic books through them.

I have got to read Something Missing..
Must read it!! it looks nice and quirky. :)

thumbed your reviews :)

eta

I think I have Christine Falls here too..

I dropped an ER book and started another one, Shadow Pass, the follow-up to Eye of the Red Tsar, which I really enjoyed. I'm half-way through it already and its very enjoyable, plus it fits in very well with M & M and lastly Rasputin makes an appearance. You can't beat that!
Nice and sunny day today, just a chilly breeze to deal with.

Kath- I hope you can find a copy of Something Missing. It's a fun read and Martin is a wonderful character. Thanks for the thumbs!

Which ER book did you drop, Marky-Mark? Was it just not holding your attention or did you just not like it?

It's been raining and freezing here, which makes staying at home that much cozier.

Game of Thrones: I liked the scene between the king and queen too... the first where we see them interact in any meaningful way. This episode was shock-full of action, wasn't it? My head is still brimming with it all.

>225 -Cee-: I did love Christine Falls Mark; sorry that was so muddled.

Yes I am curious as well to know which book you dropped!

Inquiring minds want to know!

Red on Red was that bad? Wow.

#209: Well, I went to add Snow Angels to the BlackHole and discovered it was already there. Too bad my local library still does not have it.

Caro- I mentioned the ER book in msg#215. It's called "Red on Red", (no touchstones, not a bad thing). It's a 1st novel by Edward Conlon. The writing was a bit to sludgy, (is that a word?) and I began to get very impatient. Replacing it with Shadow Pass was a good move.

Ilana- Yes, I loved the episode. We are at the half-way point. I will not WANT this to end.

Bonnie- I'm relieved you loved Christine Falls. I wished I could have squeezed it in for M & M.

Valerie, Lisa & RD- Big hearty waves. See Caro above, about sucky ER book.

Stasia- I've lent my copy of Snow Angels out, but when I eventually get it back, I could send it to you?
Fortunately I won a copy of his 2nd book, Lucifer's Tears.

I would love to borrow Snow Angels, Mark. Thanks for the offer!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

No worries.. I can find anything I put my mind to! :)

yeah.. I want to know what book you put aside!

:)

trying to catch up with you...you are such a BUSY man

wait, you dropped a book???

*makes a notation on calendar and makes a notation to avoid Red on Red* ;)

That really must have been some book for you to drop Mark. Almost makes me curious enough to pick it up just to see what could possibly turn off the man who loves pretty much all books. ;)

#236 Well, I'm sure the show is drawing plenty of viewers, so whose to say they won't continue with the other books in the series, right? I look forward to reading Game of Thrones, but I'm afraid borrowing it from the library won't give me enough time to get through it, so will probably purchase this one so I can take my time and keep reading other stuff too, as I usually like to do.

Speaking of which, have you read others in the series yet? Can't remember just now...

Hi Mark!
I'm in the middle of Radioactive - great, great book! :)

Stasia- When I send Snow Angels, it will be to keep or pass on, no problem. I'm still trying to be very selective on what I decide to "keep".
Have you heard anything about Divergent? It's the 1st book, in a new series and the raves are comparing it to The Hunger Games. I'm going to order a couple copies.

Kath- Yes, you are very resourceful! If you haven't figured it out, the book I cast aside was "Red on Red".

Kara- Thanks for notating your calendar, I had to do the same thing. LOL. It doesn't happen very often.

Valerie- "the man who loves pretty much all books". Should I use that in my topic heading? Love is a bit strong but I do seem to enjoy most books I encounter. My theory is, I must have a great "book radar"!

Ilana- Game of Thrones was picked up for a 2nd season, almost immediately. I'm curious what kind of numbers it's taking in each week. I'll have to check that out.
I've read the 1st 4 books. The 5th one comes out in July, after an extremely long wait. I own all 4.

Claudia- "great, great book!" That's music to my ears. I am so glad these graphics have made such a nice impression on you. Like I mentioned above, "Radioactive" is a special book, regardless of it's format.

I will have to remember that .. Red on Red.. LoL

I'm one who thought Divergent was great, Mark. And yes, someone who liked The Hunger Games is going to enjoy it.

Oops, wrong touchstone

Ok, Red on Red gets scratched ... thanks, Marky-Mark. I'm always appreciative of warnings to steer clear of books as much as I'm appreciative of recommendations. With too many books available and too little time, I find I have to be more selective than I used to be in my younger days.

Joe- I just ordered 2 copies of Divergent. One is for my daughter, who comes in soon, for a family wedding. I can't believe how young Roth is. She's only in her early 20s. Have you read Graceling? I think Stasia mentioned it to me, the first time but this also sounds like an interesting series.

Caro- Yes, we get just excited, crossing things off, as adding them. LOL. Have you been catching up, on BOTNS podcasts? The latest features Chris Bohjalian from the "Retreat".

Game of Thrones was picked up for a 2nd season

Woo HOO! That's great news. Guess that'll give me time to read at least the 1st and 2nd book in time to watch it. I would have purchased the first book right away, but they have a 10% off at BookDepository and I'd like to take advantage of that and order several books at once. Only *trouble* is that now that I borrow most of my books from my library, there aren't that many books on my buying list. BIG problem, I know.

I'm curious about Divergent. Will keep my eye out for further comments and maybe they'll get it at the library in the meantime.

What is the consensus for June reading?

Ilana- While I was on Amazon, ordering books, I saw a book "set" of the 1st 4 books in the Song of Fire and Ice series. It was a decent price. Check it out.

Cindy- We have a Group Read of a Thousand Autumns planned for June 15th. Other than that, just chipping away at this mountain of books. Might have to add another Mystery/Crime month, maybe in the fall.

Boy oh boy, Mark!! Miss a day or two from visiting your thread -and I've missed about 100 updates! Sorry that you had to got without an internet. I've been busy reading Orange Prize Contenders - instead of Murder and Mayhem! Slap me now!!!

I finished up The Memory of Love which I wrote a bit of review about . It was fabulous! I've just begun another Orange Contender Grace Williams Says It Loud. Seems to be interesting, but tragic too. I stopped by the library today, as they has sent me an email that hold was in - Love You More by Lisa Gardner - a mystery/thriller - but they had it at the wrong branch of the library... sigh! Will get it tommorow

I'l consider joining the group read of a Thousand Autumns. I've tried once to get into it via a library book- but I could not seem to do so. But maybe a group read would be just the thing.;)

Hope you had a great day!

ayup! Radioactive: A Tale of Love and Fallout gets 5 stars! :)

Hey Mark, guess who is coming to our indie bookstore next week? Jo Nesbo. I'm tempted to go just so I could tell you about it. Not really my cuppa though, sorry.

>251 msf59: I saw the exact same box set. Considering whether I should get it or not. Sucks to be on a book buying ban. :(

Squeaking in before the Thread Police come after you, Mark.

I've read Graceling and enjoyed it immensely. I don't think it was a brilliant book, just a highly enjoyable read. (Things got resolved a bit too easily, and there was a bit too much romance. But I hoovered it up in a day or two, and am contemplating buying the second AND going to one of her upcoming booksignings in Sydney... er, tomorrow, damn, how am I going to fit it in??)

Divergent is going on the wishlist already (and I haven't even read Hunger Games yet!).

Way back up there: #176> When was the last time a mystery won a major literature prize outside of the mystery awards?

Truth by Peter Temple (sequel to The Broken Shore) won the Miles Franklin Literary Award in 2010. The Miles Franklin is Australia's most respected literary prize. (And there were a few gasps that a crime novel won!)

I'm now very behind on Game of Thrones. Will have to do something about that.

And I've requested Britten and Brulightly from the library. Yay! They have it!

Loving May M&M! And I'll be in on the group read of Jacob De Zoet.

Phew!

Claudia- I will be checking it out ASAP!!

Lisa- Come on, you got to go see Jo Nesbo. He's hot right now. Actually, you might like The Redbreast. There is depth here.

Valerie- I own the Martin books. I would prefer the trade paperback or hardback versions, due to their hefty size.

Wookie- Good to see you! Thanks for all the info. I love it, that we seem to be running on parallel lines.
You NEED to get caught up on Game of Thrones and you NEED to get to read The Hunger Games. No pressure though.

*grumbles* I have got to get my hands on Graceling!