Mark's Reading Place: A Book Life #11

Paul Gauguin. Street in Tahit.

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)
53) Britten and Brulightly by Hannah Berry 4.5 stars
54) Shadow Pass by Sam Eastland 3.7 stars (OTS)
55) Every Dead Thing by John Connolly 3.5 stars (audio) (OTS)
56) He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum 4 stars (OTS)
57) At Home by Bill Bryson 4 stars (audio)
58) The Moon Is Down by John Steinbeck 4.2 stars
59) Cat's cradle by Kurt Vonnegut 3.8 stars (audio)
60) Starvation Lake by Bryan Gruley 3.8 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

Your last thread has me impatient to get my hands on Radioactive and Graceling

Oh, Gaugin! How lovely!

Anyone who wants to read Graceling or has done so and not yet read Fire should also pick up the latter. It's even better than Graceling IMHO but it is much better to read them in order, as there are spoilers for Graceling.

She's definitely an author to look out for.

Having enjoyed The Hunger Games, I went to put Divergent on the wishlist and discovered it already there....don't know if that's a relief or not!

I've starred you once again!! My goodness, it's difficult to keep up with you and your threads!! tsk tsk!;)

Morning everyone! This has been such a good year of reading, with the added pleasure of sharing it all with you. You have no idea, how much I appreciate you for taking the time to stop by and visit. Okay, fight back the tears and move on, Book Geek!
I'll be finishing up Shadow Pass today. It's been a solid thriller. Next up: the 2nd Karin Fossum book.

Kath- You are Number One, my friend! Yes, "Radioactive" is Red-Hot right now. Remember it glows, so you should be able to find it.

Wookie- Big wave!

Jenny- Thanks for the input. I had Graceling on the list before, when I was looking for some books for my daughter. I just bought her a copy of Divergent.

Nice choice of Gaugin for your thread, Mark! The cover of the novel I'll start soon, The Prospector by J.M.G. Le Clézio, features one of the women from Gaugin's Two Tahitian Women.

Hi Mark, I'm having trouble keeping up with you these days.

**I like your "Cream of the Crop" list; I've read and liked all of these except for Radioactive - which I just put on hold at the library. Maybe this will be the graphic novel that sways me.

I love the colors in that painting, Mark!

Sorry I missed you this morning, buddy. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Keeping up with you gives me a great sense of accomplishment. The only sad part is I only manage to do so at the very beginning of the thread and then I find myself woefully behind. :) But it's a wonderful feeling while it lasts...haha

Darryl- Wow, it's great to see you! We haven't been in touch, for quite awhile. We might have to change that.

Donna- I think you keep up with me just fine. Now, what graphics did not work for you? We have to remedy this problem.

Stasia- I'm off today, so just bumming around. I need to get outside, for some yard-work, but it's been drizzling. Hopefully this afternoon.
Yes, there are some rich, warm colors to that painting.

OOO Gaugin! Top-hole, old man. Shows the Great Unwashed {>2 mckait:, 4 o.0} what a man of taste and discernment can bring to the party.

53) Britten and Brulightly by Hannah Berry 4.5 stars

“Ten years ago I began a private investigation agency with the glorious aim of serving humanity and righting wrongs. In all those years the only wrongs righted have been on my tax returns.”
Meet private detective Fernandez Britten, although he actually prefers private “researcher”. He is hired by a young woman to look into the mysterious suicide of her fiancé. Along with his highly unconventional sidekick Brulightly, Britten begins to investigate and quickly finds himself entangled in a complex web of danger and deceit.
This wonderfully atmospheric graphic mystery, has a classic noir texture, echoing both Chandler and Hammett. The illustrations, shaded in blues and grays, are beautifully rendered. This is Berry’s first novel and it’s a knock-out.

Hi Mark... I like your "cream of the crop" list, too. I've only read 2 of them. And I heartily agree with your assessments. But you are tricky. I have to be careful cuz once in awhile you go over the edge with a horrific book. Are there any here I should avoid? (I'm thinking you know my sensitivities pretty well by now.)

#13: I am so glad you liked that one! I just love the noir feel of it.

Deb- Sorry I missed you up there! Big wave to my friend from the Great North!

Valerie- Catch up when you can, no sense in getting frustrated. It just boring old book talk. LOL.

RD- Is it Gaugin or Gauguin? Or either? Hmmmm. It is a lovely picture and it gets richer, the longer you look at it.

Claudia- I will always try to keep your "sensitive" nature, in mind. Nothing wicked in the Cream of the Crop books. Snow Angels might be to rough for you. Some nasty business happening there.

Stasia- Yes, I loved "B & B". Now, that one would be one, I would like to own.

Yes, I bought a copy of B&B for my very own, so I know what you mean!

*starred*

never read a graphic...had no desire but the cover of Britten and Brulightly I really like!!

hmmmm

I have added Britten and Brulightly to my wishlist. I am acquiring quite a list of graphic novels to track down!

Mark I also loved Britten and Brulightly and am glad you did too. I saw on someone's thread that Stasia was re-reading it and I figured if that was the case it must be good.

That's a truly beautiful painting at the beginning of your thread.

I'm looking forward to the Thousand Autumns GR.

ETA: My copy of Between Shades of Gray is ready to be picked up at the library. I'm pretty sure you recommended this about a month ago.

I am not a fan of Hunger Games and have no plans to read the others in that series, but while I was in Kansas I attended an awards banquet for my niece. At that event I saw a kid, about junior high age with a book. I was amused because I was sitting in a rather inconspicuous place so that I could read my book while the long boring ceremony was going on and that was what he was doing. He was reading Catching Fire. I couldn't resist and we had a discussion about the series. I told him that I really didn't like Hunger Games, but he defended the book very well, and it was a fun discussion. His mother even got into it (she had some of the same reservations about Hunger Games that I did - violence). It was so nice to see a young person reading a book. It made me take heart that there are readers out there and there are young readers out there.

I can't believe that Mark found a book he didn't like!!!!!!! I'm with Richard. It must have been really bad because Mark likes every book. Well, apparently not.

Kara- No desire to read a graphic? Does that mean you don't trust us or are we beneath you? Just wondering...

Judy- Especially since you are a big mystery fan too, you will love B & B!

Pat- I see you are still at the top of the Hot Reviews! Right where you belong. Yes, I'm looking forward to the Group Read. It's coming up fast. I was reading somewhere, they are currently casting leads for Cloud Atlas. Wow, what a daunting task.
I have not read Between Shades of Gray, I had been reading some incredible reviews on it. Looks like you will be beating me to it.

Benita- Thanks for sharing The Hunger Games story. It's always great seeing kids read.
Yes, I did not like a book. Landmark decision. Notate your calender. I did mine.

I love the painting, Mark. My library has a series of art books I've been reading and they have a copy of the book on Gauguin. I plan on checking out sometime in the near future. :)

Mark, Thousand Autumns will be my first book by David Mitchell. I own a copy of Cloud Atlas, as well as Black Swan Green, but have never read either one of them. Hopefully, I'll squeeze in Cloud Atlas before the movie comes out.

I didn't get to the library today so I'll be picking up Between Shades of Gray tomorrow (and, knowing me, starting it immediately).

Too late to be pretty....

I'm here.......love it, or not

??????????

Somehow missed the thread change Mark. I love your cream of the crop list but it has two books on it that I apparently need to read. Another graphic huh? It sounds pretty good so I may have to check it out.

Stephen- I've been flipping through some art books too. I know what I like when I see it, just don't understand all I see. It'll come.

Pat- I can't wait to see your impressions of Cloud Atlas. I intend to read all of his work.

Jude- Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Don't forget it. Nice to see you, my friend.

Bonnie- I just started the new thread this morning. You were busy working and writing wonderful reviews. Yes, i think you are ready for a graphic. Hop aboard.

Huh, I've only read one of the books from you cream of the crop list. Keep meaning to get to The Worst Hard Time. Will do eventually. I agree with the others that you're a hard man to keep up with, but it's always fun to visit anyway. :-)

I'll be starting He Who Fears the Wolf. I'm way over due on this one. It's the 2nd in Fossum's Scandinavian series. I'm also enjoying "Lost and Found" by the incomparable Shaun Tan. It's a collection of three short graphic stories. His images are amazing.

Ilana- Try to find The Worst Hard Time on audio. That's how I enjoyed it. Excellent book.

I've been flipping through some art books too. I know what I like when I see it, just don't understand all I see. It'll come.

Yep, that's about my experience too.

Mark, Somewhere a thread/a couple of days ago, you wondered about the numbers for Game of Thrones on HBO. I happened to see this in the trades while going through my emails this morning:

"The 5th ep of HBO ’s “Game of Thrones” averaged 2.6mln viewers Sun night (3.3mln when you combine the 11pm rebroadcast—a series high for the combined plays)."

More and more popular and doesn't include DVR numbers.

eta - Lovely painting, btw!

Mark, sorry it's taken me so long to catch up. It's been a crazy few days.

Yes, Graceling is terrific, and so is Catching Fire. She's supposed to have another one coming out soon. Can't wait to hear what you think of Divergent. I didn't realize she's that young - impressive.

Wonderful review of Britten and Brulightly. What exactly about his sidekick did you find unconventional? :-)

P.S. That's a beautiful Gauguin painting up top. The colors come through really clearly on my computer.

Hi Mark, beautiful painting. Your threads have been difficult to catch up with recently. Congrats.

Mark, I already have a copy of The Worst Hard Time on my shelves. I would probably have gotten to it quicker had I gotten the audio version, but I'll get to it soon enough.

Stephen- It's amazing the selection my library has, on art and paintings. It's kind of daunting. Baby steps.

Joanne- Thanks for the info and good news too! I want a strong audience, so they can do all the books. Are you watching? My current 2 favorite shows, this one and "the Killing." Actually, "Treme" has been pretty good too!

Joe- I might have to give Graceling a try. I was going to track it down for my daughter. Did you see the cover of the latest Entertainment Weekly? Jennifer Lawrence in all her Katniss glory. She looks good. They are putting together a good eclectic cast.
My lips are sealed on B & B! LOL.

Gautam- Nice to see you! I'll have to stop by and see what you are reading.

Ilana- What did you think of the Gauguin? You are my resident artist, you know!

I had a feeling while I was gone you would have another thread up and running. Have a good night!

I love Gauguin. Great picture for your new thread, Marky-Mark.

Have you read Nothing to Lose by Lee Child, yet? I'm considering taking it along with me on my trip this weekend but as luggage room is limited, I'd rather not bring a book that's just mediocre.

Mark, I love the Gauguin. Sorry I didn't mention it before, although I meant to. Very lush, and as someone else pointed out, it's the kind of image that keeps getting better the more you look at it. Having seen a few of his pieces at museums, I can imagine the colours must be quite vibrant in the real thing.

Hi Mark!
I like the Gauguin too - but...
what is that large boulder doing in the upper right corner about to crash down on everyone? Tense.

Hi Nathan- Glad you found me! I'll have to stop by and see what your reading.

Caro- I've only read the 1st Jack Reacher. I liked it too, but have never continued the series. Many love this guy!
I'm really enjoying He Who Fears the Wolf, the 2nd Fossum. Do you own this one? If not, I'll send it along when I'm through.

Ilana- I'm glad everyone likes the Gauguin. I can't stop looking at it. I can only imagine seeing the real thing.
I finished "Lost & Found". Another winner by Tan. I liked The Rabbits but The Red Tree was my favorite. Those images. Wow!

Claudia or Bonnie (LOL)- I believe that's a large cloud in the picture or something in the sky. A blimp?

>42 msf59: I haven't read anything probably since the last time you checked, but make yourself at home wherever you go. By the way, your picture looks as good as always!

I don't know much about art, Mark. But... it looks like a humongus, runaway boulder to me! Glad it's not hanging over my head! ;-)

I think that cloud, or boulder or whatever makes the composition more interesting precisely because of the tension it creates. Gauguin was intense, so my guess is he put that element there quite deliberately.

Mark, glad you loved Lost and Found. Amazing illustrations. I just love Shaun Tan. I've ordered a bunch of other books he's illustrated from the library. Looking forward to those.

I got Tripwire, the third book in the Jack Reacher series for a song on Audible (pun intended) and have to say I quite liked the guy. I want to start the series from the beginning with The Killing Floor, am just hesitating whether I'll buy the audio or get the book at the library. If I go with the book option, chances are it'll take me much longer to get to it... I just seem to breeze through those audios! Speaking of which, I'm starting on the audio of No Dominion by Charlie Huston tonight.

Hey Mark! I'm planning to join you in your group read of Thousand Autumns. I've have it on order from amazon ca and it should arrive next Tuesday. I've got the first Karin Fossum book on it's way from the Book Depository. I'm looking forward to that -but there is a possibilty that Canada Post will go on strike next Tuesday....... * sobbing*. :)

I love taking the kids to the Art Gallery, because you can make up stories about what the art's all about (especially abstract art. :) - I'm trying to encourage them to think up their own stories, but if it's something I know (a classic myth I actually know & remember), I'll tell them what's happening.

It's also fun to ask them how the art makes them feel - happy, sad, giggly, etc. I'm no art critic, and have little artistic talent myself, but I enjoy art, and it's nice to stop and about think about it with them.

And modern art is *brilliant* for kids (although some is completely unsuitable). We've been to a couple of modern art exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art here in Sydney, and the kids have had a ball. Especially for the one that had a room full of white Lego bricks and you could build whatever you wanted. Took a while to winkle Mr Bear out of there. :) It's wonderful watching them interact with it - be it playing with shadows and light, or Lego, or noise, etc.

Miss Boo got a great art for kids book, Children's Book of Art, for Christmas. She was a bit too young for it then, but has since rediscovered it on her shelves and we had fun pottering through it last night. There was a Goya painting with far too much blood for her tastes (Third of May), but she really loved the ancient cave paintings that were reproduced.

ETA: Sorry, there was a brief mention of art above; I rather got carried away. ;) And Yay for Shaun Tan! He's a great one to read with the kids, we all love The Lost Thing.

*Sigh* My local library does not have a single Shaun Tan book. Arg!

Morning everyone. On audio, I started At Home: A Short History. I know a couple other LT friends have read this, with some mixed reactions. I like it so far, just a lot of info to digest.

Ilana- Might as well, give Jack Reacher a try. I'll be curious what you think of it. Enjoy Charlie!

Deb- I think that's great you'll be joining us for the Group Read. It's my 2nd Mitchell G.R.
Here's hoping the Canada Post doesn't strike.

Wookie- Thanks for your "art" comments. That's great how you've immersed your kids into it. i loved "the Lost Thing" too!

Stasia- That's to bad. You would love Tan's work.

I know I probably would. *sigh again*

Have a great day, Mark!

So much going on here..

first.. in Kara's defense.. I think graphics are just not for everyone.
Including me .. I think the art in the one I read was beautiful.. so does my son, Adam ( the artist) . But the experience is different for each. I don't like audio books either.. I am impressed by the fact that any media will do for you. I guess I am just not that flexible when it comes to reading? I like the feel of a book. I am still getting used to a nook, but it gives the same visual, if not the same tactile experience. Not much different than different typefaces. imo anyway.

Art. My son is an artist. I like t look at beautiful images... but, I have never felt the need to school myself for the experience. If I choose to go to a gallery, I enjoy some things a lot, like some things a little.. and do not like looking at others. Art books, or other ways to see great art.. that is a great option. But again, I know that I like looking at some things.. more than other. I recognize that there are some artists I seem to like more than others... but that is enough for me.

I think philistine is the word rdear would use. I like plain food, plain clothes and plain and simple life. I read what the spirit moves me too.. and seem to go through times when I prefer one thing over another.

As for Graceling I wish I could find it in my digital library options.. but no luck so far :)

Being true to what you like and don't like seems right on the money to me, mckait.

I hope you like the Jack Reacher books, Ilana. He's one of my favorite characters. Richard Sharpe is another - they have some similarities, albeit in very different time periods.

Yes, give Graceling a try, Mark. If you like Katniss, check out warrior Katsa. My whole gang loved it. I got the sequel (actually, it's more of a companion book, set in the same general locale) wrong up above, by the way - it's Fire. I can't find a release date for the third one, Bitterblue, but there's a touchstone, so that's a good sign.

I like plain food, plain clothes and plain and simple life. I read what the spirit moves me too.. and seem to go through times when I prefer one thing over another. I call that sensible.

Not wanting to educate yourself about art? Yeah, well, join the world. More don't than do. It's a fact, and so not really susceptible to actual, serious moral judgment. It's when someone wants to shut down the ability to learn about art (defunding NEA, slashing museum budgets, fulminating against "immorality" and censoring something because a penis or a vagina appears in a work of art) that we hit Philistinism.

Though I will continue to introduce you to new people as "my friend Mrs. Steen, but you can call her Phyllis."

;-P

I finished listening to Cathedral of the Sea while on the long jaunt back from Kansas. It was a major jolt in time and style from the May Murder and Mayhem books I had been reading. I liked this book because it filled in so many of the gaps left by Follett's Pillars of the Earth book. Cathedral had so much more technical information in it about how the cathedrals were actually built and I loved all that engineering and technical geeky stuff. It also had a huge amount in it about the medieval banking system which I also loved. I could see the rudiments of the modern stock markets and banking system in that. The translation was very good. No awkward phrasing or dialogue. The publishers put some time and money into this book and I really wish that it had a wider audience.

On the down side it had too many stock characters and simply tried to do so much that it lost its focus. Was it a book about banking? Cathedral building? Life in Medieval Spain? Who knows. In the end I rated it 3 1/2 stars because it was too good to rate it lower, but it did have some major flaws. It was worth the time to listen to it, and the reader was excellent. He truly had a melodic voice. In fact it may be that he was a major reason why I liked the story as much as I did.

There is going to be a trip to Barcelona in my future. Carlos Ruis Zafon and Ildefonso Falcones inspired that much with their writing.

Hi Mark, love the Gauguin myself and appreciate seeing it here. Here's a funny story about art here in Buffalo. Last year I accompanied our primary grades on an outing to the Albright Knox Art Gallery, which is slowly but surely selling off all of it's traditional work and remaking itself into a modern art museum, much to the chagrin of many in the community. (I'm a traditionalist myself.) Anyway, on the field trip we were in one room where the artist had taken a plastic bag, filled it with paint, and attached it to the wall about three feet off the floor. Then he cut a hole in the bag and let the paint drip onto a piece of canvas on the floor directly below the bag. Since ther artwork needed to be moved to another location in the building I wondered how that would be handled. Not to worry! The janitor (under the direction of the artist) got a new bag, filled it with paint, placed it on the wall and let it drip onto another piece of canvas. Everybody's an artist!

>55 brenzi: *snort* What a crock...though when it comes down to it, how is that scenario different from the atelier system of Michelangelo, where apprentices working under the direction of the Master painted huge chunks of "his" works?

Maybe I should start cleaning up my typos. Then again, maybe not. Seems so onerous to proofread my posts.

Mark, reading back what I said about Jack Reacher, I guess I wasn't making myself clear. I DID listen to Tripwire and quite liked it. Guess you hadn't seen my review when I posted it, or more probably, it's gotten mixed into the sea of other reviews we all read here... So yes, I started with that one, but have decided that I want to read the other books in order of publication from now on.

As for art... I guess it's true *everybody is an artist*, just as *everybody is a writer*. But the reality is if one doesn't practice their craft on a regular basis, then they're just dabblers. I've written quite a lot in my life and have done quite a few art projects, and have made a career out of being "a creative", but I still don't dare call myself an artist. Then there's the whole question of talent... which can be so subjective...

I also don't believe that everybody needs to *get* art. There's so much out there that it's impossible that all of it can appeal to any given person (same goes for books). However, I do think that art and culture is important and should be treated as such, i.e. be funded and taught and encouraged in society. But I'll stop there because I could write about it all day and still have too much to say about it.

Wow, there's some choice posts here. My pals have been burning the daytime oil. It was beautiful here today, just about perfect. Low 70s, sunny, with a refreshing breeze. Good day to be a mailman!

Kath- Thanks for your wonderful comments. I hope I never come across "pushy", in regards to graphics or audios and if I ever do, please call me on it. I do like to encourage people to try both. I didn't start either until, just a couple years ago and it really opened some fantastic doors. Nothing will replace my "real" books, but it's nice to have a few different outlets.
Hey, its All About the Books! That's why we are here!

Joe- I will try to give Jack Reacher another shot. I have Die Trying on audio. I love your endorsement of Graceling. I need to find a copy.

RD- Good to see you, sir! One question: Does Mrs. Phyllis Steen like books?

good thing I love you to bits rdear.. seriously.. lol

Mark, of course you don't!

I implore you all.. please do not keep talking about Graceling..
I can't find it at the library, and I am trying not to buy it..
LoLoLoL

Benita- Thanks for your comments on Cathedral of the Sea. There are some elements of the story that interest me, maybe I'll give it a try at some point.
Are you a fan of Bill Bryson? I'm listening to his latest, At Home: A Short History and it's been fun, although he fires an incredible fusillade of info at you. I think a lot of this you would find fascinating.

Bonnie- Thanks for sharing your Albright Knox Art Gallery experience. I'm sure there is a lot pretentious crap out there. I like what I like, what appeals to my eye, although I wouldn't mind expanding my knowledge about art, specifically paintings. It took me many years to appreciate fine literature, it's not going to happen over night.

Ilana- Yes, just a wee mix-up on the Lee Child books, no problem. Thanks for your insightful thoughts on artistry. You always add some good mind food.

#42 : Marky-Mark. I've already read He Who Fears the Wolf. I'm glad you're enjoying it. She's an amazing writer, isn't she? I've got her The Water's Edge on the pile of books to bring with me to Sydney tomorrow.

Thanks Mark (blushes)

#52 Sorry I skipped over you earlier Joe, I was in low blood-sugar mode I think. I quite liked Jack Reacher my first time around with Tripwire. I'll be listening or reading The Killing Floor soon to see how the series actually started. And I think I may have missed something, but what series is Richard Sharpe in?

#62: Ilana, Bernard Cornwell writes the Richard Sharpe series beginning with Sharpe's Tiger.

Hey, Mark! Have a nice weekend!

Another warm day, but rain moving in. I hope it doesn't hit, until I'm done.

Kath- We will not say the G-word in your presence. :-}

Caro- Yes, I'm enjoying He Who Fears the Wolf. It's completely different from the 1st book, which I admire. I have the 3rd book on audio, so I hope to get to that one in a couple months.
Have a safe trip!

Ilana- I made her blush, I made her blush!

Stasia- Was the 1st book Sharpe's Rifles? I read and enjoyed that one many years ago. Have a nice weekend too!

#64: Mark, it depends on whether you go by chronological or publication order. I started reading them in chronological order based on the list on Cornwell's website so the first is Sharpe's Tiger.

Thanks Mark.. appreciate it, but have to admit that it probably won't help.

I started with Sharpe's Rifles, like you Mark, when he and Harper and the others first get together, and then went forward in chronological order. Others have suggested starting with Sharpe's Eagle, which certainly is a good one. Most are set during the Napoleonic Wars.

I eventually read the ones set in India, starting with Sharpe's Tiger, which as Stasia says is the first chronologically. Interestingly, on Amazon.com both Sharpe's Tiger and Sharpe's Rifles are listed as "#1" in "Richard Sharpe's Adventure Series": http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_21?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&fi...

My daughter loved reading this series, too, and we watched the whole dvd series together; it stars Sean Bean as Sharpe. He makes a great Sharpe, and she seems to think he's pretty good-looking.

Mark, I blush pretty easily actually. I just happen to have a complexion that lends itself easily to that. ;-)

As for Richard Sharpe, I'm sure he's great, but I've decided to put my foot down and NOT start another series for a least... well, a while. Let's see how long THAT resolution lasts. lol

Hi, Mark! Just skimming through, trying to catch up with your thread . . . threads . . . way back on the last thread, I added Snow Angels to my list.

Despite the weather looking threatening, most of the day, I stayed dry. It sprinkled just a little.
On my way home, I hit Borders, armed with a 50% off coupon and the remnants of a gift card and picked up "Doc". It's a book I really wanted to have and got if for 10 bucks and change. Nice.

Stasia & Joe- I didn't realize the Sharpe books had different publication dates. When I 1st read Sharpes Rifles, I truly thought it was the first one. I should get back to this series, along with the Master & Commander books. BTW- Sean Bean has been excellent on Game of Thrones, probably my favorite character.

Ilana- Yes, you have to put your foot down, around here, but it sure ain't easy!

Terri- I'm so glad you liked The Redbreast. I agree with you, he is a better writer than Larsson. He definitely runs a tighter narrative. As long as you are not squeamish, Snow Angels should work for you.

#70: Mark, I did not know any kind of order for the Sharpe books when I first heard of them which is why I went to Cornwell's website. I figured he should know :)

54) Shadow Pass by Sam Eastland 3.7 stars

Stalin is in trouble. It’s 1939, the Germans are at the door and Stalin’s military is in shambles. On top of this one of his top military engineers has died, in an alleged accident. This engineer was on the brink of completing the mighty T-34, a tank with the strength and capability of being a monumental force in battle, an advantage the Soviets desperately need.
Stalin calls in Pekkala, his special investigator, who he has armed with a “Shadow Pass”, giving him the ultimate authority to look into this “accident”. Pekkala, who was first introduced in the, Eye of the Red Tsar, is back. Tough, honest and determined, wading through the thorny, dangerous world of Soviet intrigue.
This is a solid thriller. The characterizations are a bit shallow, the writing a bit light but Eastland is a good story-teller and keeps the pages turning. Recommended.

Just a keeping up and quick hello post.

#72: I still need to read the first book in the series. *sigh*

Have a great Sunday, Mark!

Morning Kath & Stasia- It's supposed to be a nice day today, chance of rain but in the mid-80s. We have company coming over later, otherwise I would get out there and get that garden in order. Running late with that.

I'm enjoying At Home: A Short History. Wow, what an absolute flood of information. He goes from the building of the Eiffel Tower, to mousetraps, to the invention of the telephone, to why bricks were created, to bed-mites in your pillow, to explaining the Gilded Age, to...well you get the idea and I'm just over half-way.

I have At Home in the BlackHole already. One of these days I will get to it!

Enjoy the beautiful day, Mark. We just took a long walk figuring the rain may keep us in later.

>72 msf59: Thumbs-upped your review of Shadow Pass, Mark!

No, no....not another series, please. And one that sounds very good at that....HELP!....I think I'm getting crushed...by my TBR pile...

Stasia- Are you a Bryson fan? This is only my 2nd and I've enjoyed both.

Joe- It is a beautiful day. That blue sky is gorgeous. I should do some yard-work, but might take my book out there instead. Enjoy your day and Go Bulls!

RD- Thanks! It was just another quickie for an ER review. Did you read the 1st one Eye of the Tsar?

Bonnie- If it's any consolation, this is not a Must Read series. I liked it but you don't have to knock yourself out to read it.

>79 brenzi: Welcome to LT! Fasten your story-belt, it's gonna be a bumpy life.

>80 msf59: Yeup! Eye of the Red Tsar was really enjoyable. The presentation of Stalin as a pragmatist of the first water was so in tune with what I sense that it felt like plain ol' fact to me.

#80: Yes, I am a Bryson fan. I have read his Shakespeare: The World as Stage, A Short History of Nearly Everything, Notes from a Small Island, I'm a Stranger Here Myself, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, and my personal favorite of his, A Walk in the Woods.

Hi Mark. Great review of Shadow Pass. I thumbed it earlier when I saw it on my LT home page. Enjoy the nice weather.

Mark, liked your review, but like I said, I'm still resisting new series. Day 2 and still holding strong! :-)

But that book makes me think of Child 44, just because of the USSR setting. Have you read that one? Has anyone else? Comments? I'm intrigued.

Also, I am proud to announce that after waiting since the beginning of the month to get The Complete Maus from the library, I finally decided to go ahead and purchase it. Should get it in a week or so.

Hope you've been enjoying your day. I should be out there too, but it's more comfortable indoors.

RD- I thought you had read Eye of the Red Tsar. Personally, I think Shadow Pass is a bit more satisfying.

Stasia- Yes, I will consider you the Bryson expert. I also loved A Walk in the Woods and definitely plan on reading his other work.

Pat- Thanks for the Thumb! Yes, it's been a beautiful day. It looked threatening for awhile, then cleared up and got cooler, but comfortably so.

Ilana- Yes, I have read and loved Child 44 and yes, there are definite similarites. Child 44 is grittier. I also have the 2nd book in that series, waiting on a shelf. Congrats on acquiring the Complete Maus. You won't be disappointed.
Game of Thrones starts in an hour. Yah!

Sounds like you're enjoying At Home, Mark - I'm glad. So much fascinating stuff and things I never really gave more than a first thought to. I can't take the stairs (cement, no less!) at work without thinking about accidents on staircases!

Wow, that was another explosive show wasn't it? They advertised that the next episode can be viewed online right now, but I think I'd rather keep the suspense going instead and wait till next week.

Figures Child 44 is part of a series... why did I not think of that? Oh well...

Joanne- There have been a couple dry spots, Bryson likes to go off on tangents, but overall its been very enjoyable. I wonder how much I'll retain. LOL.
Have you been watching Game of Thrones?

Ilana- Yes, I enjoyed another fine episode. The only character I miss, is Jon Snow and the Wall. He hasn't been on there in a couple weeks.
Wasn't it great how the Imp finds his freedom?

Hey, I'm about to FINALLY get caught up on some Steinbeck. I have a library copy of The Moon is Down and an audiobook of Tortilla Flat. Neither, I have read.
When I was at Borders the other day, they had a beautiful softcover of The Short Novels of John Steinbeck, which I really need to own. Actually it contains both the books listed above, plus The Red Pony, The Pearl & Cannery Row. Maybe for Father's Day??

Hey Mark! Thanks for stopping by my thread! Yes I have had a nice weekend - it's a long weekend up here -so I've got another day to enjoy! Sadly it is rather cloudy -but at least not raining.I'm going to go have a peak at your review... ;P

Hi, Mark! I finally got all caught up on your threads after being out of town for most of May. Hope you are safe from all this wild weather.

I'll be finishing up He Who Fears the Wolf today. Fossum is the real deal. Continuing At Home: A Short History on audio. Lets see what the next onslaught of info will bring.

Deb- Enjoy your long weekend. Hope you have been enjoying your book choices too.

BJ- Nice to see you stranger! The Group Read is getting closer. Hooray!

Howdy do, Mark. Hope you had a splendid weekend. It was a beauty over here. Hopefully, I'll be planting my little garden in the next few days, weather permitting.

What book are you reading for the group read. If I have it on my TBR shelf, I'd surely join in?

Lynda- We are doing Thousand Autumns by David Mitchell. I'm not sure if that one is in your stacks, but would love to have you along.

Speaking of Group Reads, would anyone like to do one of The Wind-up Bird Chronicles? Around, mid-July? I'd love to do at least one Murakami G.R. a year.

Linda.. I am getting the itch, as well.. lol
Hi Mark! I am watching the news about Joplin...
weather can be so angry... I hope yours stays sweet...

>88 msf59:: Hey Mark, I'm pretty certain you will enjoy The Moon is Down. It's way different (in setting) from the usual Steinbeck but the same good writing. I need to pick up my Short Novels and read Tortilla Flat while you listen to it.

>91 msf59:: I loved the psychological drama of He Who Fears the Wolf.

>93 msf59:: "Yes" from me on The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. I can always use the support while reading Murakami.

Hi Mark - don't know. Would I want to read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle? The LT Oracle says I won't like it - but get this - it said the same thing about an ER book they sent me! Go figure.

I think that Sharpe's Rifles was the first book published in that series. After Cornwell wrote about the Battle of Waterloo he went back and wrote about Sharpe when he first joins the army. This part of the series takes place in India where the future Duke of Wellington first made his name as a commander. So if you go by publication date Sharpe's Rifles is first but if you go chronologically then Sharpe's Tiger is first.

I finished reading two books this weekend. (That's what having no TV does for you.) Devotion of Suspect X and Silver Swan. Both are for the May Murder & Mayhem read so there will be more about them on that thread.

I have had Wind-Up Bird Chronicle on my TBR list for several years and think I could make room for it on my calendar to join you. I have heard good things about this book. Some like it better than Kafka on the Shore, which is my favorite Murakami book.

#88: I read The Short Novels of John Steinbeck, Mark. Definitely a good investment!

#93: I voted 'No' simply because I just read it last year with BJ.

Hi Mark. I voted "No" for the GR of The Wind-up Bird Chronicles because I've already read it but if you do the GR, I'll be lurking. I think that would be a great book to do for a GR. It was never clear to me what was going on and I think being able to discuss it as you go would make a big difference.

I agree that The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is a perfect book for a group read. (I didn't vote since I recently read it, but I do think it is an excellent choice.)

Mark, I have to say the imp is one of my favourite characters. And I loved his answers when he was asked to "confess". I was laughing out loud the whole time. I also think the whole scene at the end was brilliant. He sure had it coming, and she has been turning into a more and more fascinating character too. Also, I'm really curious to find out what lays beyond the wall... guess I'll find out soon enough, maybe? Rhetorical question, please don't answer that! :-)

Re: Steinbeck, I keep wanting to purchase some nice editions of his books to keep... like East of Eden for example, which I read last as a teenager. It's silly though because I can't quite make up my mind whether I wand to splurge on the hardcover or stick to the less expensive edition. Little decisions like that can throw me off and leave me undecided for a very long time... lol

As for The Wind-up Bird Chronicles, it was the first book by Murakami I read quite some time ago, and of course I very much enjoyed it, since I continued with him and read quite a few other books by him. Part of me wants to re-read it, because it's true I didn't *get* it all, but on the other hand it's quite massive and there are so many other books on my tbr... so guess who voted "undecided"? ;-)

Wow, another beautiful day. It rained very briefly this morning (before I hit the street) and then it just got progressively better. High 50s tomorrow though. Boo!

Kath- Yes, it was gorgeous. I like seeing people outside, walking and doing outdoor chores, kids playing, squirrels...oh never mind.

Donna- I'm so glad you were not personally involved in that devastating tornado. Yes, I remember several of my "pals" here enjoying The Moon is Down and since it's so darn short, I'll start it next.
I finished and loved He Who Fears the Wolf. It's an unconventional mystery but told so well and what a teaser ending? I really like Fossum and look forward to book 3.
Glad you will be aboard for the Murakami ,wouldn't be the same without you.

Claudia- "Would I want to read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle? That's going to a tough one to answer. It sounds like it will be quirky and a bit odd. Readers seem to love it, but others have been frustrated. (My kinda book, huh?)
Maybe someone here, who has read it, can make the case.

Benita- Thanks for the very incisive book report. I always look forward to them. Yes, I remember you as a big Murakami fan, although you didn't care much for Norwegian Wood, right? I have so many of his books to get to, its ridiculous.
You should try Karin Fossum. She's a keeper!

Stasia- I agree, The Short Novels of John Steinbeck is a must own. I like having all those titles in one volume.

Pat- Thanks for the input. I'll miss having you attend. How many other Murakami have you read?

BJ- I will miss you too! That's a couple of my favorite heavy-hitters gone.

Ilana- Your enthusiasm shines right on through! Yes, I laughed at the Imps, list of sins, also and then that creepy kid giggling in the background. Priceless stuff! I miss Jon Snow & the Wall. Maybe next week.
I own a few Steinbecks. I have a beautiful Viking Press hardback of Grapes of Wrath, with a gorgeous book-sleeve and softcovers of East of Eden & Of Mice and Men.
Maybe we can do another Murakami, at some point. I have several others of his, in the stacks.

Mark, I've just read two of Murakami's books--The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles and South of the Border, West of the Sun. I liked South of the Border, West of the Sun better because it was easier to understand and shorter.

Claudia, I was trying to figure out whether I thought you'd like The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles or not. Unfortunately, it's probably been about 10 years since I read it so I don't remember it well. What I do remember is that it can be depressing and confusing but also magical at times. It has a dreamlike quality. I doubt that's much help to you. Maybe you can take it out of the library and give it a try.

Mark, I've read, and really enjoyed The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. I think it'll make a great group read - there is a lot to talk about in the book, and it's not a straightforward story so people may also benefit from being able to discuss it as they read. But I don't think you'll necessarily get any conclusive answers from a discussion, either. To me, that is a Good Thing, I like my literature when it leaves me with questions. (Of course, I also like books that are beautifully complete in and of themselves. I'm not always consistent. :)

Now, I must remember to buy a copy of The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet sooner rather than later! I've been so caught up with Murder & Mayhem, I rather forgot there were any other books out there. :)

We've sourced episodes #3 & #4 of Game of Thrones. Now to find time to watch them! I've been suffering from a wretched headcold for about a week now, and just have had no energy for anything other than a few pages of a book and an early night.

LOL! I forgot you haven't read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle yourself! Well, I am getting intrigued and think it might be interesting. So I voted yes.
If you picked it out, it won't be boring! :)

Pat- I have read 5 of Murakami's books and really enjoyed all of them. He has an interesting range. I have not read South of the Border, I'll have to look for that one.

Wookie- Yes, please find your copy of Thousand Autumns. We would love to have you on the G.R.! Have you been on one of my G.R.s?
Watched episode 6 last night. They are doing such a good job so far. Can't wait for you to get caught up.

Claudia- I love your sense of danger. Yes, one thing this book won't be, is boring. I did forget, that it is a bit of a chunkster. 600 pages.

Mark, I did participate in one of your group reads.... Hm, I think it was for Norwegian Wood, which I wasn't a fan of. (But I do like his other, more magical realism, stuff.) I skipped Blindness because I'd just returned it to the library, mostly unread (too bleak). And I'd previously read Mists of Avalon and hadn't liked it enough to return to. And I probably have good reasons for not participating in any of your other group reads as well. :)

It was fun, reading a book with others in a fairly relaxed environment (my bookgroup has moderation and discussion questions! oh my!), and I also loved Cloud Atlas when I read it a couple of years ago (too recent to read it again!).

Hiya - just popping my head in to say that I'm also absolutely loving Game of Thrones - and in total agreement about the imp - he's done brilliantly.

Oh and enjoy The Wind up Bird Chronicle - I read it last year and it's brilliant.

I have been doing a lot more reading that LT visiting, these days..
don't think I am ignoring you :)

Always an interesting lot of books here in your thread... :)

Have a great Tuesday, Mark!

I'm taking a very brief break from M & M, to knock out The Moon is Down. I'm still churning through At Home: A Short History. This guy is an information junkie. It's like taking a couple college courses, simultaneously. I am really enjoying it though.

Wookie- I apologize, you seem to have a better grip on my past Group Reads than me. LOL. Although we didn't do Mists of Avalon, it was out-voted by Once and Future King. Hey, nobody's perfect.

Bekka- Do you know how the fan-base is taking to Game of Thrones? I don't follow the internet buzz much, so I'm curious. I'm sure the die-hards will find fault with something.

Kath- A little of you goes a long way, (I mean that in the kindest way). I'm glad to see you lost in your books. Have a good day!

Stasia- You too! Back to long pants & light jacket today. Will this weather make up its mind!

See everyone tonight!

Good to hear you about Karin Fossum, Mark, an author I've never read. I'm enjoying C.J. Box, also new to me.

I'm another one who thinks The Wind Up Bird Chronicle is brilliant. There's so much in it - it should be a good one for discussion. I'm thinking of re-reading it with the group.

Norwegian Wood was one of the lesser ones of his for me, too. But I remember reading that it's the one that established his popularity in Japan, and it still supposedly is a favorite there.

Edited to fix touchstone

I am starting to leave the murder and mayhem behind and move on to something different for my commuting time. I started listening to Angela's Ashes on the way home from work. Yes, folks, that Angela's Ashes. I have been wanting to read this book for years. I have a cassette recording of this book and decided that while I still had a car with a cassette player in it that I had better get it listened to. It captured me from the get go. I will get to hear how well this book has aged.

To my surprise I discovered that he has two other books. I knew about Tis but not the other so am thinking that perhaps instead of removing one book from the TBR pile I will be gaining two more. Oh wow and sorrow. The pile just never shrinks!

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle...oh my...so much book, so little time.

>114 benitastrnad: Benita, IMHO, McCourt's three memoirs decline in quality. AA is absolutely wonderful, 'Tis is pretty good, and Teacher Man was just okay for me. But they are all still way better than a lot of the memoirs being published...

50 degrees?!?!

so jealous!!!! enjoy it :) while I roast in this 94 degree almost 100% humidity so called tropical paradise :P

#112 I haven't heard of any massive outcries so I presume pretty well. I've never read them myself - I love fantasy but I could never get on with his writing. May have to re-visit. It's been at least 10 years since I last tried them!

I'm a day behind on it - I'll get to watch the latest episode tonight, can't wait.

Hi Mark, when are you planning the Murakami read? maybe it'll turn out to be a good time for me to join you.

Mark, I went on to read 5 more Murakami books after The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle (which I read about 10 years ago). I have three others currently waiting on my shelves: A Wild Sheep Chase, After Dark and Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, the latter being on my audio shelf. :-)

Don't remember now if I ever thanked you for pointing out the Amazon sale for the Game of Throne series to me. Unfortunately it came out to $10 more for the shipping, which is the same price they're charging on Amazon.ca. Still a good deal, but my first choice tends to be trade paperback (as opposed to mass-market), and that combined with the fact that I don't know how I'll take to his style of writing, I thought I'd play it safe when I ordered just the first one for now. Audio was out of the question when I heard the narrator... could barely make out what he was saying!

eta: Norwegian Wood probably was my least favourite one as well.

I started The Moon is Down. It is very good and the introduction, which talks about the books amazing origins, is fantastic. I had no idea they made a play and a film based on this book.
Hey, I won an ARC of Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks. I got it today. Wow, the books keep stacking up. I need to find a mountain cabin and close myself off for 6 months and just read.

Joe- You would like Fossum. If you can find Don't Look Back, give it a try. I'm glad you are enjoying the C.J. Box. I really enjoyed the 1st book in the series and have been meaning to get back to it. I may be in the minority, but I loved Norwegian Wood. That would be great if you could join us on the Group Read. Go Bulls!
BTW- I also got my copy of Divergent. Yah!

Benita- I thought Angela's Ashes was excellent. For some reason, I skipped Tis, but I also liked Teacher Man, its lighter but still enjoyable.

RD- Come on join us for The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle! Actually, we would also love to have you on Thousand Autumns too!

Kara- Nice to see you! It got up to 60, with a cool breeze and plenty of sunshine. Not bad. Sorry you are suffering. Do not miss humidity. Yuck!

BekkaJo- I read and loved all 4 of the Martin books, but it's been nearly 5 years since I read "Game", so I don't have to be so critical of every little thing.

Bonnie- Love to have you on another Group Read. The Murakami will probably be mid-July. Plenty of time to land a copy. Have you read him?

Ilana- I liked After Dark. It's a short story collection and it's pretty straight forward for Murakami. I also have Hard-Boiled Wonderland on my shelf, among others.
I think that's a very good idea, picking up Game of Thrones in trade paperback. That's a format I prefer too, and if you like it, you can pick the 2nd one up.

I'm heading out to a bar, that's having it's monthly beer and food pairing night, with a few friends. This is always a good time. The food is excellent and the beer is usually top-notch. Heavenly, for me!

I've got The Thousand Autumns on the nightstand already. I'll try to do it, but group reads don't tend to work out well with me, since I'm usually done before anyone else. Gets kinda dull that way.

Mark, you can be sure if I like the writing style in the first GoT book, I'll be following up with the others sooner than later! :-)

Sounds like you had a very nice outing there. Hope you were able to enjoy it fully.

Looks like a stormy and wet one today, Mark. Take care of yourself!

I pulled Thousand Autumns out of the stack and moved it to the nightstand, so I am getting ready for the group read.

I am now half way through with the third Benjamin Black book and even though I get irritated with the characters I like it. The descriptions of life in Dublin in the 1950's is amazing. Reading about the life style in the 1950's is almost like reading about a foreign culture. For instance, Quirke just bought his first car and is learning to drive. I take owning a car for granted. I am also amazed at the amount of cigarettes in the story. Socially everybody lights up. Its no wonder that lung cancer became so prevalent. I always wondered why all the ash trays and lighters in the second hand stores. Now I know.

I am listening to Angela's Ashes and like McCourt's voice. He even sings the songs! I was wondering last night if perhaps the reason I pulled that long overdue listen from my stash of recorded books was because of the Quirke series I am reading. Maybe it is May in Ireland month?

I have several Murakami books in my TBR pile and have read two of them. I really really liked Kafka on the Shore but thought that Norwegian Wood was only so-so. I am glad that I read both of them but of the two Kafka was just outstanding. I have had many of my reader friends urge me to read Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and they tell me that it is a quirky read more in line with Kafka than with Norwegian Wood.

The reviews of Caleb's Crossing are very positive. I have read all of her other books and enjoyed them so this one should be good as well. As always I will be interested to read what you have to say about this book.

Hi Mark!
Finally got the beautiful day here that you were so excited about there.
First healthy dose of sun for quite a long time.
72 degrees, sea breezes, blue skies ... ahhh
makes me want to be a postwoman! :)

Hi Mark. I picked up a copy of The Thousand Autumns at Border's the other day. It was on a table where you could buy one, get 50% off the second so I figured it was time to get it. Looking forward to the GR.

G'day friend! Hope all is good with you. When's the official start date for the Thousand Autumns GR? I've got the audiobook standing by...

Possible nasty weather today. Stay safe, Mark.

Then, warmer over the weekend. Either 68 or 92, depending on who you believe.

Terrible weather in way too many places.
The tornadoes just keep coming..
so frightening..

Yeah, well, I'm here...

but you have your Fan Club...and I read way too slow

{{hugs}} any way, you

Hi Mark!! Just stopping to check up on you.

Hi Mark!! Just stopping to check up on you.

Crazy weather day! Stormed pretty hard this morning, I thought it was going to rain all day. Before noon it stopped and a couple hours later the sun came out and it got humid.
I finished both my Steinbeck and Bryson, now I have to get back to my final M & M choice.

RD- Hey, if the Group Reads aren't your thing, no problem. If you want to drop by and leave a comment or 2, that would be great.

Joe- It ended up being pretty nice, but boy did it pour down in buckets earlier.

Benita- Thanks for the Benjamin Black info. I hope I can squeeze in Christine Falls, in the next couple of months. So are you joining us for Wind-Up Bird Chronicle too?

Claudia- Glad you are enjoying a beautiful day. I think you would make a great post-woman!

Pat- Glad you are joining us for a Thousand Autumns. It looks like we are going to have a nice group.

Ilana- The Group Read starts June 15th. It should be a great time.

Linda- Nice to see you! Yes, I hope the weather cooperates for our long weekend. We deserve it.

Kath- Big waves! Yes, Mother Nature has been on a rampage!

Jude- So, does that mean you aren't a member of my fan club? I always thought you were. You have that great set of pom-poms, hate to waste those!

Tammy- Good to see you, stranger!

Me, a Fan??? could be, but no effing Pom-Poms

We have been friends for too long....and my poms are sagging

;=)

*mails Jude slightly used pom-poms*

Mark, when are we supposed to start Thousand Autumns? I do not want to miss out!

What color are the pom poms.. ?

Morning everyone! I'm off today. Yah! Crappy outside too. Cold & rainy. I hope it clears up later, at least for awhile. I need to do some yard-work. I can't just sit in all day and read and check LT....actually that sounds pretty damn good.
Any Vonnegut fans out there? I'm listening to Cat's Cradle and its been a lot of fun, quite cutting edge for '63.
I'll also be starting my final M & M, Starvation Lake. This one takes place in Michigan, so I'll be wrapping it up in the Midwest.

Jude- It doesn't matter if they sag, as long as you shake those babies! Remember, we're talking pom-poms here! Hey, RD is sending you a fresh pair. Hoorah!

Stasia- June 15th. Launch day.

Kath- Since, this is my fan-club, how about blue & white? I do like those colors and I can't help but think of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.

Thanks, Mark.

Sorry to hear that the weather for your day off is not good. Oh, well. I guess you will just have to sit inside and read :)

56) He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum 4 stars

“ A person can’t see much when the Devil is holding the candle.”

Here’s the situation: We have a murdered woman, found at her home in the deep woods. Back in town, we have an early morning bank robbery, with a hostage taken. We have an escaped mental patient, last seen roaming the same woods and for good measure, throw in a fat juvenile delinquent, armed with a bow and arrow. How do all these things come together? Well, you’ll have to read this highly enjoyable mystery, set in Norway, to find out.
This is the 2nd book in a series, featuring Inspector Sejer. He is a likable character, despite his taciturn manner and the reader will find much pleasure in tagging along with him, as he attempts to piece together this thorny puzzle. Yes, the subject matter is very dark, but Fossum brings a fresh, sometimes playful, air to the proceedings. I can’t wait to continue this terrific series.

Good review (as always) of He Who Fears the Wolf Mark.

Hope your weather clears up so you can spend at least part of your day off outside.

He Who Fears the Wolf sounds like a breath of fresh air after all that depression of Quirke and Harry Hole. I like these dark noir mysteries but I am also glad that the end of the last Quirke book is coming so I can start something else. I like mysteries but am feeling like it is time to escape to a different world.

57) At Home: A Short History by Bill Bryson 4 stars

“Home” for Bryson, is a restored Victorian rectory, in the English countryside. Starting at the front door, he begins to give the history of each part of the house, (and a whole s**t load of other stuff), from front hallway to attic. It’s nearly an overwhelming barrage of information, but much of it is quite fascinating. I felt like I attended a couple different college courses. He will take you to prehistoric times, to the building of the Eiffel Tower, to Jefferson’s Monticello, to the 1st pull-chain toilet, (invented by Thomas Crapper), to bat guano, child labor abuses, corsets, powdered wigs and Roman baths. These just barely ripple the vast surface he covers.
Yes, this can cause some head-spinning and not everything works, at least not for me, but most of it I really enjoyed. I will close this out, with 2 important service announcements, I gleaned from this book: Be careful going down the stairs, especially navigating the 1st & last stair and please if nothing else, close the toilet lid before you flush. You do not want to know what expels into the air, if this is not performed. Ewwwwww…

Thomas Crapper (1836-1910)

Hi Mark,

Two great reviews in a row. Wow, you are getting to be a very prolific reviewer. I think I'll pass on the Bryson book what with all the ewwww stuff but the other one looks really interesting and...oh look...it's another series.

Great reviews as always Mark! I am just realizing that most of the books you've read I've never heard of! Thanks for broadening my horizons. :)

Good reviews, Mark! The Fossum is in my future. I've liked other Bill Bryson books, particularly A Walk in the Woods, but I had the "too much" problem with A Short History of Everything (I should've known from the title, right?) and this looks like it might have that problem, too. I like a tighter focus, I guess.

Pat- Thanks! If you haven't tried the Fossum series, you should give it a shot. The weather is till cold & gloomy.

Benita- It is a breath of fresh air, but by no means, "light". I don't do "light", at least not very often. You would enjoy the Bryson too.

Bonnie- Thanks! Yes, there is some ewwwww stuff, but not a huge amount and even if he does, he'll be rocketing onto another subject in record time.
I'm glad you are being receptive to this series fiction. There is a lot of excellent stuff out there.

Valerie- Yes, we "broaden horizons" around here. Its our specialty. I've been learning about some interesting fantasy titles, over at your place.

Joe- I loved A Walk in the Woods too and was thinking about A Short History of Everything, but I might have to take a big break in between. LOL. I don't want my little brain to explode.

Hi Mark!!

Aww 2 more 4 star books and one is part of a series. Luckily, I've already added At Home. I liked Bryson's The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid. There were a several lol moments and I could relate to much of the book.

Mark, you got me with that Fossum review, it looks like a series I would enjoy.

*big sigh*

I have added those Inspector Sejer books to my list....

if I start a series I like to know the library has them all or else forget it, not gonna start ...

soooo....checked my library and they have all of those blasted things! :)

Dallas Cheerleader. No comment.

Steering clear of as many series as possible.

>143 msf59: Thumbs-upped your Sejer review! I like how very clear and concise your reviews are. Opinions expressed without hamfistedness. Hard to do!

>140 mckait: Pongee and puce.

Hi Mark!

Tammy- I have a couple other Bryson titles on the WL, including The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid. He seems to get a mixed reaction from some readers, but based on the 2 I have read, I like him.

Kara- I know there are a couple other Lters, who have been singing Fossum's praises, I'm just the latest. The Inspector Sejer series goes down nice and smooth, like a fine cognac.

Kath- Don't chicken out my friend. You will be missing out...

Richard- Thank you sir and it especially means a lot coming from a man with such deft writing skills, as yourself. As you know, I like to convey my opinion in the simplest manner possible. Hey, maybe I'm just lazy!

Ilana- That's it?? Just a little old "hi"?

Glad to hear you're enjoying Starvation Lake though this might be mentioned on another thread. I think Gruley's got a second one out now.

Interesting fantasy eh? Well, what can I say...I am quite the oddball. :) But judging from the different threads I've visited, I can confidently say that I not alone on that..hehe ;)

Lol. I know, unusual for me, right? I'm just hopelessly behind on threads, not to mention my reviews. Also, been feeling out of sorts with exhaustion these past couple of days. So there you have it.

Oh, that Fossum sounds good... And I'm not a Bill Bryson fan, but I do like the sound of his At Home book.

Argh. I shouldn't visit here!

btw, the only Vonnegut I've read is Slaughterhouse-Five and it failed to change my world (as I had been assured it would). It wasn't bad by any means, but neither was it as wonderful as I'd been led to believe. I'm still going to read some of his others though, Cat's Cradle is on my wishlist for one. And it'll be good going in with lowered expectations now!

Currently I'm reading Homer and Langley which I think you gave a good review to, but it must've been last year because I can't see it on your list at the top of the page! Early days, but I'm enjoying it so far.

Linda- Yes, Starvation Lake has really been good. I read over a 100 pages today. Lots of hockey talk too, for any puck-heads out there. His 2nd book in the series is called The Hanging Tree.

Valerie- I think we are all here to enlighten and encourage each other.

Ilana- I hope you were able to relax and unwind tonight. You can't let this place overwhelm you. I've seen it happen several times, to other Lters. Slow down...

Wookie- Just when I thought Vonnegut was getting the cold shoulder, you popped in with a comment. I have only read 2 or 3 or Vonnegut's books, including SlaughterHouse-Five, (which I loved). He might be an acquired taste.
Yes, I did like Homer and Langley. It's a heck of a story and it's a bit low-key for Doctorow. Glad you are enjoying it.

I've been reading the 1st book in a graphic series called Sweet Tooth and it has been excellent. Think of Neil Gaiman meets The Road. It also reminds me of The Walking Dead books. There are no zombies, (as far as I know) but it is post-apocalyptic. Seek this one out.

Yup! Very true Mark!
I'm just really glad to find a community of people who love books so much although my wallet has taken quite a beating in the recent months. :)

Hi Mark, No cold shoulders for Vonnegut from me. I love Slaughterhouse-Five. Also Mother Night and Timequake. The only one I've listened to, though, is A Man Without a Country. I must like that one too, since I've read it. too. Cat's Cradle is my son's favorite.

Mr Vonnegut is well loved at my house!

I'm glad there are fans of Vonnegut out there! Makes me look forward to his other books more (although I'll try to be wary of falling into the hype trap again).

Mark, I've never read Doctorow before, he's not a name I'm very familiar with. But from the front of Homer and Langley, he's written a fair number of books! There are just so many authors out there, he must have slipped between the cracks for me.

>165 wookiebender: - wookiebender - Whether or not Homer and Langley works for you, I highly recommend trying Doctorow's Ragtime. It's a classic and a wonderful story.

Hey, Mark! I have been borrowing some graphic novels/manga from my daughter. For now I am reading the fun Yotsuba&! books. I am on book 2. But I am also going to read the second Fables book and the first Death Note book. I also keep up with the ones you are reading to suggest to her.

Unfortunately for me, the local library only has one Karin Fossum book, When the Devil Holds the Candle, and I have already read that one.

Hi Mark! Just popping by to say hi! I'm still waiting on my next Karin Fossum book -and while I forget the name of it... it's the first one in the series. I just finished Room and wrote a bit of review on it. I was a bit disappointed -perhaps because I am a veteran mystery/ thriller reader! :) I think many mystery/ thriller books are quite literary -and get the short shrift from the Literary Community. IMO Room falls into the mystery / thriller genre... and despite it's many awards - is not up to snuff!:)

ew rd.. you said pongee. And that made me think of that show... thinking of that show reminded me of the vagina dress.... ew again.

I am a Vonnegut fan.. Vonnegut makes me think of Bradbury, and I like Bradbury more.

Valerie- Yes, the wallet can take a beating around here and the sad thing is, I don't have to spend a dime because I already own a couple hundred books that I need to read. Go figure!

Joanne- Nice to hear your thoughts on Vonnegut. I just downloaded the audio of Mother Night too. The actor Tony Roberts reads Cat's Cradle and he is doing a great job. What did you think of my Bryson review?

Wookie- I've been reading Doctorow for 30 years. He has put out some amazing reads, but I agree with Joanne, start with Ragtime, that's his masterpiece.

BJ- Glad you are enjoying the graphics. If you need any suggestions just let me know.

Stasia- That's a bummer. She is an author you would like too!

Hi Mark, I'm a bit slow to catch up on your thread but am finally here. Both Fossum and Bryson intrigue me so will give them a try. Thanks for visiting my thread.

I have only tried one Bryson, and it didn't do it for me.. but I have another one or two on the shelf..

Fossum gets a big no from me.. just because I am not up for another series just yet..

Morning Mark!

>171 msf59: - I liked your Bryson review. I was obviously sidetracked by Vonnegut. At Home (that's the first time it ever popped up first on the touchstone list) is just the type of book that is perfect for me to listen to rather than read. No slight meant to the book, but all that information, some of it not so interesting, would have taken me forever to read. On audio, I could just tune out a little. Currently, I'm listening to Dick Van Dyke's new memoir, read by him, and enjoying it.

Hey, Mark. I was a big Vonnegut fan when I was younger, as was my wife, and I read a lot of his books. Besides Slaughterhouse-Five, my favorite was Cat's Cradle, and I also liked Sirens of Titan a lot. Now my son's starting to read him, and so far his favorite is the story collection Welcome to the Monkey House.

I'm not sure how well he'll last - is he such an acquired taste that only a few of his will continue to be read, or does he have a broader appeal? Anyway, I'll be interested to hear what you think of Cat's Cradle and Mother Night.

I finished reading another mystery. The third in the Quirke series Elegy for April. As always the writing in this book was very good, but I am getting irritated with the characters. It is a good thing the end of the month is coming so I can move on to some different subjects. I can't believe how many books I have finished or how much knitting I have gotten done this month. I sit in the evenings listening to the local NPR station and have gotten some quality music listening in as well. My local NPR station has everything from classical to bluegrass and I am learning a little about a whole bunch of different kinds of music. The TV people are supposed to be in this afternoon to get the TV up and running so I expect that my extraordinary streak of reading and knitting will come to an end. It seems that when the TV is on that I am not as productive. I am seriously thinking of limiting my TV watching so that I can devote more time to the other parts of my life. I have read some really good stuff this last month and think that is a good thing. Perhaps it is more conducive to my well being and that is $60.00 per month I could have to spend on something else. I may have to reevaluate my priority's and lifestyle as a result of the enforced no TV. Strange but I thought about getting rid of the cable six months ago and was too fearful to do it. Maybe I should just give it up altogether and step out into the no TV land to see how it is on a permanent basis. This last month hasn't been too bad.

I am listening to Angela's Ashes and hope to move along with it much faster than normal as I have a desk project at work and think I could listen to it at the same time as I am working. This is turning out to be one of those rare recordings where the author does the reading and does a good job. I am enjoying it.

I am ready to start on other things and am picking up Fahrenheit 451 for a short read and then will start on Thousand Autumns after June 1.

Hey Mark! Got done with A Game of Thrones and I'm going to review it later today. That book: intense.

Hallo, there!

I have several of Fossum's books...they don't stay "in house" for very long, though...thumbed your review of He Who Fears the Wolf......i love the titles of her books!

Not much going on here today...laundry and cooking...this weekend looks to be a hot one...i have my Reading Pile ready...

;-}

Like Joe, I can see a Fossum in my future as well. Thumbs up on your excellent review, it really made me want to rush out and get that book right now!

Starvation Lake is now also high on my wishlist, your mention of hockey really moved it up the line.

Oh my! So hard to stay on top of this thread. So I honestly just scanned though, but re: Kurt Vonnegut, I read Slaughterhouse-Five last year and thought it was good. No awesome mind you, but enough so that I've still got Cat's Cradle on my wishlist.

Slow down!

I know I know... been hearing that all my life. It's just hard to fit in all the things I want to do... I never seem to have enough time on my hands. Too many hobbies. That'll do it. ;-)

Gautam- Nice to see you, sir! I'll have to stop by and see what you are reading. I see you added A Visit to the Goon Squad. I loved that book.

Kath- "Fossum gets a big no from me". I hope that's not a permanent statement. I think you would like her.

Joanne- I agree, the Bryson book worked perfectly on audio. On the page, all that info flying at you, could have caused over-load. I heard Dick Van Dyke discussing his memoir on the NYT Book podcast. It did sound very good. I'm glad to hear he is narrating it. I'll have to check with my library.

Joe- Thanks for all your Vonnegut input. I would think he would be more relevant now, than then. I'm not sure writer's of his day, were taking that kind of smart-ass approach.
I'm glad I stumbled back into his books.

Benita- Thanks for sharing your TV dilemma. Some very interesting issues there. I don't live alone, so I couldn't cancel my cable. There are a few shows I really enjoy and I'm a big fan of MSNBC. I need my Rachel fix. But I do limit my TV watching. I have to. I love my LT time and of course, there are the Books! Remember Thousand Autumns June 15th.

Nathan- I'm so glad you knocked out Game of Thrones. I'll have to stop by and check out your review. I was blown away by that book. Are you moving on to Book 2?

Jude- You should try to start Fossum's Don't Look Back, at some point. She's not as dark & brooding as some of the other Scandinavian writers. Oh yeah, thanks for the thumb!

Judy- Thanks! Yes, I am one of several LTers singing Fossum's praises. She deserves it. Starvation Lake has been very good. He has a nice crisp writing style.
Start looking for Sweet Tooth. This is going to be a Must Read graphic series.

Ilana- "It's just hard to fit in all the things I want to do..." That's what I admire about you. That lust for life. It always puzzles me when people say they're bored. I honestly do not remember the last time I was bored, unless you count the time my wife dragged me to see "Cats", many years ago.

Guilty as charged. I too have a couple hundred TBR read books in my house and YET I am still drawn to the bookstore like a moth to a flame. I know it's to my own demise, but the books keep calling and I keep coming..haha :)

I think it is a permanent now.. but things change..

One of these days I will get around to reading Vonnegut. I think I own at least one of his books!

Have a great weekend, Mark!

Morning gang! I hope everyone has a nice Memorial Day weekend. I have to work today. Boo, but then I'm off a couple days. About 70 here, 80 Sunday & 90 Monday.
I have a bachelor party tonight. I haven't been to one of those in many years. I better take a long nap, when I get home.

Valerie- We are Book Junkies! Need, I say more. At least, it doesn't harm anyone, (unless there is an unfortunate avalanche) and we have such a great time.

Stasia- Have a great weekend too!

A bachelor party eh?
So you will be late popping in tomorrow..?
I am finally reading the Craig Ferguson book..
it's good, and I am glad to have found it at the library :)

I have to work today too, Mark, so we can be miserable together so to speak.

I hope you enjoy the bachelor party tonight - but not too much!

Wow Mark!! Such a wonderful review of He Who Fears the Wolf! Thumb up from me! :) I just got the first in the Fossum series - Don't Look Back...But I've just begun The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane which promises me it will be " spooky" and "bedeviling." Well - I let you know! :)

I did love my first Karen Fossum book, can't recall the title -but your review of He Who Fears the Wolf has me in a swoon!!!! ;) Onto my wish list!

Bachelor party! It has been a long time for me, too. If it ended by 11 pm, I could handle it. :-) I know what you mean about the long nap! Hope you had a good time.

Wife of the Gods was really good, by the way.

Since you liked He Who Fears the Wolf so much, Marky-Mark, I hope you will continue with the series? ;-) I've read about 4 in the Inspector Sejer series and haven't yet been disappointed.

I really stink at napping. Some people can doze off, whenever they take a notion. I lay there, mind spinning. Oh well, it still felt good to stretch out for an hour or so.
I'm leaving in a little while, long drive into the city. The party doesn't start until 10, my normal bedtime. Most of the guys will be 15-20 years my junior but I appreciate the invite and these guys are a lot of fun. At least I have a place to crash tonight, so I don't have that long ride home, in the wee hours.

Kath- Yes, it looks like I'll be late logging in tomorrow but I'll probably head home, when I wake up. Those guys sleep in very late.

Stasia- Yes, I'll behave. To old to make an ass of myself.

Deb- Thank you! It looks like several of us will be reading through the Fossum catalog. Did they take care of that bug on your Thread? That was weird!

Joe- LOL! I'm with you sir, but things will probably just start bubbling around 11. I got to think "moderation", "moderation".
I added Wife of the Gods to the List. What's up with our baseball teams, anyway? Aw, forget it!

Caro- Nice to see you! Welcome home! Yes, I plan on spending a lot more time with Inspector Sejer.

I missed all of the drama of the bug on my thread until after the fact!! :) Was it you that created it! ;) We crime and mayhem artists are always up to no good..... ;)

Hello Mark!

I hope that the bachelor party was fantastic. How did your goal of moderation work?

Or should I tippy-toe around so as not to interrupt a hangover?

Clearly he is sleeping in.. lol
Good morning, mark!

I finished American on Purpose. What a tough path he took to get where
he is today. I have no memory of him on the Drew Carey Show..
but then I didn't watch it often.. Good book and we all know the ending, as of now :)

Thank you for the recommendation!

moderation + bachelor party = HA!

Please talk in soft tones and no loud noises. Yes, I'm feeling just a little rough. I did have a great time though. I will leave out the lurid details, in consideration of my younger and more sensitive visitors.
Our niece is having her 1st birthday party today, so I'm trying to get in the right frame of mind for that. Honestly, I'm not up for dealing with a bunch of screaming kids.

Deb- I'm not sure who fixed you up, over on your thread, some helpful soul.

Karen- Nice to see you! Thanks for tip-toeing. Actually, the moderation worked pretty well. It was just so many hours, it just added up.

Morning Kath or is it Good Afternoon? Glad you enjoyed American on Purpose.

RD- You got me there!

LOL ... a 1 year old birthday party is definitely not recommended for anyone sporting a hangover. Sorry, Marky-Mark .. you're just going to have to suck it up.

#197 Masses of sympathy Mark - its seven in the evening and I still feel filthy after my sister's wedding last night. Free bar is so lethal.

Hahahaha how hilarious Mark. What could be worse after a night of , uh, partying than a houseful of people celebrating a one-year-old's birthday?? I'm afraid nothing could be worse. Good luck surviving that.

Ouch! The one year old's birthday party sounds like cruel and unusual punishment, Mark, after a festive night of imbibing. Ear plugs would probably be rude.

Good thing tomorrow's a holiday! Relax and recover my friend.

Wow, that's a bad combination of events--a bachelor party followed by a child's birthday! Hope tomorrow is nice and peaceful.

*refrains from LOUD laughter at Mark's expense*

Could be worse. The party could be at Chucky Cheese. :)

I survived. It was raining here, until early afternoon but thank God it cleared up, so the bulk of the guests (and there were a s**t load of 'em) could hang outside.
Now, I'm just tired. Hopefully, I can stay awake for Game of Thrones and then beddy-bye time. And I'm glad everyone could find humor in my sufferings. I aim to please.

BekkaJo- "Free bar is so lethal". You got that right, sister. They had top-shelf booze and excellent beer.

Joe- Yes, I'm looking forward to tomorrow, although I do have some gardening I need to do and it supposed to be steamy.

Jim- It's funny you mentioned Chucky Cheese. We brought that up at the party. We used to take our kids there a lot, when they were small. Awful pizza! I do not miss that place.

Big, languid wave to Bonnie, Pat & RD!

I knew you were a survivor, Mark!
Don't know how you pulled it all off...good job though!

I had a busy weekend too - no reading for 2 days!
I'm getting shaky!

LOLOL >200 brenzi: Bonnie, my thoughts exactly !

Glad to hear that you survived :)

Oh, I'm laughing at having to go to a one year old's birthday party the day after a bachelor's party! Glad you survived both. :)

Hi Mark, hope tomorrow is quiet and relaxing for you -- sounds like you need it!

Wow, Mark, quite the weekend. Terrible calendar planning! Remember, back in the day, when you could hit the bars all night, go to breakfast, and then actually function the next day? It's been many years since I could....Hope the morning finds you fully recovered.

#205 Hope you feel better now Mark! My hangover appears to be stretching out with a horrible headache today. I think that might be caffeine related though - far too much red bull. And Jager-bombs (shudder).

Bet you are glad to have some down time today :)

and 208> wookie.. I am still laughing @ that myself :)

Happy Memorial Day, everyone! After a good night sleep, I feel pretty good. Once my head clears a bit more, I have a review to work on. I'll be wrapping up Starvation Lake today, my last M & M.
No big plans today (hooray!). I would like to work outside for awhile, although it's supposed to get hot & muggy here.
Short week too! I'm off this weekend and then vacation next week. 2nd Hooray!

Claudia- "no reading for 2 days!"? Are you starting to get the shakes? Hope you are having a good weekend.

Wookie- Watched another excellent Game of Thrones last night. Things really heating up. How is your weather? Is it cooling off there?

Anne- Thanks! I hope your day goes well too!

Joanne- I had nothing to do with the planning, unfortunately. And yes, we do not bounce back very well, any more. Thankfully, I do not indulge in that level of "partying" very often.

BekkaJo- Actually I had a shot of something with Jagermeister in it too! I forgot the name, but only ONE! I used to love that stuff back in my military days.

Morning Kath- I hope you have a relaxing day today. Sounds like you were busy. What's your plans?

58) The Moon Is Down by John Steinbeck 4.2 stars

“The moon is down; I have not heard the clock.”

-Macbeth

In a small unnamed country, (possibly Norway), an unnamed army (clearly German) invade and quickly conquer this bucolic nation. The invaders are interested in the coal, that this country produces. Both sides settle in for a long unsettling occupation.
In this fable-like novella, told in a simple style, Steinbeck examines the affects of war on both sides: the gradual frustration and alienation of the enemy and the cold determination of the conquered, outwardly cooperating, but inwardly giving no quarter.
At first glance, this seems like new territory for Steinbeck, but it becomes quickly apparent, that the major themes of his other lauded work, begin to shine through.
I liked this short novel and also have to recommend the fantastic introduction, which maps the origins of this book, which was created as propaganda and widely circulated in Europe during World War II. A small gem.

Danger, danger another book bullet straight through my heart. I have not heard of this book by Steinbeck, Mark, and I really must locate it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Have a relaxing day off today and give those hard working feet a little down time.

Hi Mark - The Moon is Down sounds like a good one! I'm gonna check the library for this one.

Have a great Memorial Day - and thank you for serving our country!

>214 msf59: Isn't it weird that such blatant propaganda can be so lovely? It's a life-lister for me, this one.

Thumb from me Mark. I also have never heard of this book by Steinbeck.

I'm still loving Matterhorn and, even though it's hard to read at times, I'll be sorry to see it end. Marlantes is so good at making you feel you're there in the jungle with these Marines.

Hope you have a good Memorial Day.

Thumb from me Mark. I also have never heard of this book by Steinbeck.

I'm still loving Matterhorn and, even though it's hard to read at times, I'll be sorry to see it end. Marlantes is so good at making you feel you're there in the jungle with these Marines.

Hope you have a good Memorial Day.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and it was held to honor the fallen Union soldiers, after the Civil War and then sometime after World War I, it was extended to memorialize all the soldiers who have died serving our country.

Lynda- Yes, beware of the book bullets. They are deadly. Up until a year or so ago, I had not heard of this Steinbeck either and I am a big fan of this guy. A couple LT pals were raving about it. Enjoy your day too!

Claudia- It's a very short book. About 130 pages, including a long introduction.
Yes, I was in the Army for just under 7 years but fortunately all of it was during peace-time. Have a nice holiday too!

RD- As usual, you said it perfectly.

Pat- Thanks for the thumb! You will like it. Yes, Matterhorn, deals with some pretty harsh stuff, but it really is an amazing read.

Memorial Day is actually a Confederate holiday. It started down in the South and is celebrated on the last Tuesday in April. Perhaps the conflict about which day should be celebrated as Memorial or Decoration Day is the reason why it is NOT a holiday for us. Yes, I am at work. No reading time today, but I did lay around the swimming pool yesterday and read about half of Fahrenheit 451. Will also listen to some of Angela's Ashes today. I heard that the Dick Van Dyke book is very well done in audio. He is the narrator and apparently does a great job. I also caught the last of an interview by Brian Lamb of David McCullough about his new book. It sounded interesting and I thought perhaps I might have to add it to the still growing TBR pile.

>214 msf59:: Great review of The Moon is Down, Mark. I'll agree with you that this is a small gem.

>220 msf59:: Thanks for posting about the history of Memorial Day. I think I'd forgotten that it began after the Civil War until I started on my frenzy of C.W. reading.

>221 benitastrnad:: Hmmm...Union or Confederate... Shades of Confederates in the Attic? Whatever and whenever, it's a great holiday to commemorate our fallen soldiers... and to remember others who are no longer with us.

Hi Mark, been taking it easy as far as LT goes these past couple of days, but couldn't stay away for too long. And most definitely did not forget to watch the latest installation of Game of Thrones yesterday. They sure know how to end the show with a bang that leaves you dying for more. Just received the book in the mail today too!

The Moon is Down sounds great. But then... Steinbeck is a genius. I'm sure I'll get to it eventually, don't even need to put it on the WL (which means YAY, I just avoided a book bullet, sort of.) :-)

Mark, I can't keep up with your thread! :)

I recently purchased the first book in Fossum's series at a used book sale. It is high on my list of books to get to!

Benita- You know that's interesting about the origins of Memorial Day. The 1st 2 places I checked, mentioned it originating in the North and then the official M.D. site, stated that no one knew for sure where it began. Hmmmmmm....
I just requested the audio of the Dick Van Dyke memoir. Read by him too!

Donna- It's nice to see you over here! Hopefully, I get to more Steinbeck this year. I plan on doing the audio of Tortilla Flat, another one of his, I have not yet read.

Ilana- Another strong episode of "Game". Things are really beginning to heat up. It was good to see Jon Snow & Samwell back in attendance.

Terri- Good to see you too! Hope your weekend went well. I'll be watching for your thoughts on the Fossum.

I finished Starvation Lake. My final M & M read. It was a solid thriller. Next up, is Lord of Misrule. Funny, the 1st reviews I read on this one, were pretty strong and then a couple LTers were lukewarm to it. So we will see. A friend lent it to me, so I do need to get to it.
On audio, I'll be returning to Steinbeck country, for Tortilla Flat. I hope he works in this format.

I really must read some Steinbeck, I read a couple of his long works as a teenager/YA (too long ago now!), I'd like to revisit them, plus tackle his shorter works.

While we have episodes of 'Games of Thrones' to watch, we don't seem to be getting around to them. Stupid real life keeps on getting in the way! (Don works several nights a week, and we're also trying to keep up with "Doctor Who" and "Downton Abbey", which just started. With us both only being home on occasional nights, it's hard to keep up with anything else!)

Waaaay up there somewhere, you asked about the weather. May I just say that this is the coldest May in Sydney for some decades? Technically, it should be autumn, but it's more like winter. (Of course, this is Sydney. The weather's only failed to get over 20C a few days - that's 68F for you. And the sun's mostly shining, although not this week. I know, I know, we're spoilt.) The nice thing is, with the sudden *ahem* "cold" snap, a lot of trees are showing autumn colours. Generally it doesn't happen much at all, with our gentle slide into a mild winter, but there are quite a few trees out there with nice red foliage. Pretty!

Mark, what a wonderful review. I had never heard of The Moon is Down, but now I'll look for it. Thanks!

Wookie- Yes, it just proves to you, that the weather has been crazy all over. We've now gone from cool to hot & humid, pushing 90 the next couple days. Enjoy your fall colors.
Get back to Steinbeck. I've also been neglecting him, these past few years and have been attempting to at least read a few of the books, that I have never read by him.

Ann- Thanks! Nice to see you! Hope you had a nice holiday weekend.

Our A/C is acting wonky, so we have to have someone come out and look at it. Better now, than July or August.
Have a good day, everyone. See you on the flip-side.

I haven't read Steinbeck for decades..
and I never read The Moon is Down .
I don't think I had ever heard of it either.
I don't know that I will ever go back..
there are always new books..
and my Steinbecks have .. I think..
moved on. I used to have a 4-5 book set.

I hadn't heard of The Moon Is Down either, but it sounds good, and onto the wish list it goes. Thanks, Mark!

Hi Mark!

I've added The Moon is Down to my wishlist too. Haven't read Steinbeck in forever, and certainly had never heard of this one.

We've got air conditioning problems too, but since it's to a room we don't use often (the upstairs media room) we did the next best thing - bought a blue ray player for the living room media center so we can watch The Office seasons 5 and 6 (on blue ray) in comfort. How's that for decadent?

Weakly waving...it's the heat!

Good review on the Steinbeck...it's been years since I've read any of his work!

I'm just trying to keep cool...finished one book and am waiting while the review "percolates"

Started one by Alafair Burke (daughter of James Lee) Judgement Calls.....not bad for a first novel...she has her daddy's gift for dialogue and pacing...

;-}

I am dodging the Book Bullet of The Moon is Down since I have already read and loved that one.

I am glad to hear you survived your weekend, Mark, free drinks and one-year-olds notwithstanding :)

I am dodging the Book Bullet of The Moon is Down since I have already read and loved that one.

I am glad to hear you survived your weekend, Mark, free drinks and one-year-olds notwithstanding :)

Hi Mark, just catching up after being pretty much AWOL for the entire memorial Day weekend. Thumbs up for The Moon is Down which I had never heard of either. Onto the teetering tower it goes. I haven't read any Steinbeck in a long, long time but plan on rereading The Grapes of Wrath this summer.

Going back way up there: As much as I want to read the sequels to A Game of Thrones, I can't right now. As much as I want to buy all four books, I just won't. I have too many other things right now to read, but I will read the sequel later this summer. I now realize why the HBO show is so good. I mean the plot and characters are so great, that just makes it a sure win, and if the acting and visual effects are good, well then that's just the making of a very great show.

And not too far up from here: I might have to read that. I plan to read The Grapes of Wrath later this summer, and I also read three other books by them: Of Mice and Men (Great), East of Eden (Not as great, but definately good), and The Pearl (Dissapointed, but better now then what I thought previously), so I'm going to put The Moon is Down on my Wishlist.

The a/c is fixed. Hooray! The capacitor (a small electrical box) went out. Boo to the 150 bucks spent, but I guess that's better than replacing the whole unit. The joys of home-owning.

Kath- Sorry to hear you have no desire to return to Mr. Steinbeck. Are there any classic authors, that you do like to re-visit?

Darryl- I had not heard of The Moon is Down either, not until Stasia & Donna mentioned it awhile back. Isn't LT wonderful? It's the gift that keeps giving!

Karen- I heard you talking about that blue-ray player. Good for you. I don't own one yet. My biggest hesitation is I don't want to have to replace my vast dvd collection. I'm tired of upgrading.
I loved "The Office" too, but I stopped watching after the 5th season, it was starting to get a bit stale, IMHO, of course.

Jude- Nice to see you, my friend. I'll be looking forward to your thoughts on Judgement Calls. I did not know Burke had an author daughter. Cool.

Stasia- Yes, I'm pretty sure it was you & Donna, who turned me onto the Moon is Down. I had not been familiar with it.
I'm enjoying Tortilla Flat. It's a bit on the light side but still a pleasure to hear.

Bonnie- Sorry, I added to your teetering tower. Occupational hazard around here, don't you know.
I started "Lord of Misrule". (The right touchstone is refusing to come up). It's interesting so far, the quirky language is a bit difficult at times, but the woman can write.

Nathan- Yes, there is no reason to rush through Song of fire and Ice books. I'm sure the 2nd season, (the 2nd book) won't be out, for at least a year. It's a fantastic series and I'm glad you were blown away by the 1st book.
As far as Steinbeck goes: add both In Dubious Battle and The Winter of Our Discontent to that List!

I like to try to stay ahead of the dreaded Thread Police, so I went ahead and started it:
New Thread

Hi Mark, nice review. I just finished A Visit fron the Goon Squad. Nice. Cloud Atlas is up next.

Hi, Mark! I haven't been reading books very much, and am embarrassed to say that what I most want to do after catching up with your thread is go see if I can access Game of Thrones. ;-)

P.S. Pleased to see that Dunmore's book is in your "cream of the crop" as it's in my 'high priority' pile.