Mark's Reading Place- Welcome to Booktopia #18

Ansel Adams- Lake MacDonald, Glacier National Park 1942

Books I've read, so far... OTS- Off The Shelf

June:

61) Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck 3.7 stars (audio)
62) Lord of Misrule by Jaimy Gordon 3.5 stars
63) The English Major by Jim Harrison 3.6 stars
64) Autumn by David Moody 3 stars
65) Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness 3 stars (audio)
66) My Lucky Life: A Memoir by Dick Van Dyke 4.5 stars (audio)
67) Old School by Tobias Wolff 3.7 stars (audio)
68) The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell 4 stars (OTS)
69) Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams 3.7 stars (audio)
70) The Sisters Brothers by Patrick Dewitt 4.5 stars (OTS)
71) The Upright Piano Player by David Abbott 3.8 stars

July:

72) Born to Run by Christopher McDougall 5 stars (audio)
73) Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali 3.8 stars (OTS)
74) Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill 3.7 stars (audio) (OTS)
75) Doc: A Novel by Mary Doria Russell 5 stars (OTS)
76) Emily, Alone by Stewart O'Nan 4 stars (audio)
77) The River of Doubt by Candice Millard 4.7 stars (audio)
78) Being Dead: A Novel by Jim Crace 4.3 stars (OTS)
79) Soulless by Gail Carriger 3.3 stars (audio) (OTS)
80) The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami 3.7 stars (OTS)
81) Savage Run by C.J. Box 3.2 stars (audio)
82) The Bells by Richard Harvell 4.3 stars (OTS)

August:

83) Watership Down by Richard Adams 4.5 stars (audio)
84) The Reading Promise by Alice Ozma 3.2 stars (audio)
85) Divergent by Veronica Roth 3.8 stars (OTS)
86) Three Cups of Deceit by Jon Krakauer 4.5 stars
87) Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol 4 stars (graphic)
88) We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver 4.5 stars (OTS)
89) Knockemstiff by Donald Ray Pollock 3.8 stars (OTS)
90) The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie 4.3 stars
91) Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden 4.2 stars
92) The Magicians by Lev Grossman 3 stars (audio)
93) Stone Arabia by Dana Spiotta 4 stars
94) Claire DeWitt and the City of the Dead by Sara Gran 3.6 stars (audio)
95) The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan 4.3 stars

September:

96) The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers by Thomas Mullen 4.2 stars (OTS)
97) Doomsday Book by Connie Willis 3.7 stars (audio)
98) Ship Fever: Stories by Andrea Barrett 4.5 stars (OTS)
99) Still Life by Louise Penny 3.7 stars (audio)

**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
6) Born to Run by Christopher McDougall 5 stars
7) Doc: A Novel by Mary Doria Russell 5 stars
8) The River of Doubt by Candice Millard 4.7 stars

Heavens, I got here first!

And I love Ansel Adams; also a student of his, Bob Kolbrener. Reminds me he's got a show somewhere on Long Island right now; must go!

Second on the scene!!

Hi Mark.

Another lover of Ansel Adams here. That picture makes me think of Scandinavian mysteries - dark and deep.

So pretty. I love Ansel Adams ... his pictures always calm me.

I think your Ansel Adams picture is a big hit, Mark. I'm also a fan. It's good to be here with you in Booktopia.

Big hearty waves to Suz, Linda, Judy, Caro & Donna- Thanks so much for christening my new thread.

I wanted to try something different at the top and go with some b&w photography. My first Adams choice was a hilly farm landscape but I couldn't shrink it to the right size. This was my 2nd choice, I just wish the resolution could be deeper.

I am quickly running out of gas, so I'll see everyone on the other side. Nighty-night!

Hi Mark. I've been way behind on all the threads. Sorry to hear about you MiL's diagnosis but I'm glad she likes the rehab place. I also love the Ansel Adams photo.

Sleep tight!

Gorgeous Ansel Adams photo Mark. I was looking for high resolution images of his and have to say I quite like this one also.

Sweet dreams!

Hi Mark! Haunting picture to start off your new thread. :)

Hi Mark, found your new thread and starred!
Your new picture looks very ominous to me, lovely though.

Oh, Mark, beautiful photo! Have a great week.

Add me to the list of admirers of the Ansel Adams photo. I would love to see that place!

Found you Mark and I have you starred. I so glad that your mother in law is settling into the rehab place that she is in. That must be a big relief for everybody.

I love black and white photography. Ansel Adams is a personal favorite of mine. Thanks for sharing the photo, Mark!

Pat- Nice to see you! How's that reading coming? Still slow?

Ilana- That's a gorgeous photo too! I think by making the photo smaller, loses it's sharpness, but I can't post a monster pic.

Valerie- Thanks!

Chelle- Funny, I didn't see the photo as ominous, more calming but now that you mentioned it....

Anne- Have a great week too!

BJ- I have never been to Glacier either. It's at the top of my list. We were supposed to go a few years ago but had to cancel. One of these days.

Deb- Thanks!

Stasia- Glad you liked it! Have a good one!

Hi Mark!
Both pictures - beautiful! That man has vision and talent...

Hope you have a nice sunny day!

starred!

nice pic. to start off your new thread :)

16. Mark I think perhaps it's because it's in black and white, but it feels like the calm before the storm type setting to me. Beautiful though

Actually when I first saw the picture, the first thought that came to mind was The Road and my idea of what that world would look like, just empty and grey. :)

Howdy, Mark! Love the Adams photo at the top. Hope the weather holds out for you the rest of the week - it's beautiful here too, low 70's, nice breeze. I'll take it! Added Three Day Road to the TBR list. And, I've also got Divergent here, courtesy of your review. I'll be getting to it over the long weekend and hope I like it as much as everyone seems to!

Claudia- Actually it was mostly cloudy but comfortable. Looks like rain moving in.

Kara- Big wave!

Chelle- It is an interesting photo and it changes as you look at it. Once again, I wish the resolution was better.

Valerie- There is a very cool Adams photograph of a highway, somewhere out in the American West. Maybe I'll try to post it.

Laura- Now, we are a household of Divergent fans. Sue read it 1st, then moi, my daughter recently and now my son. All fans. Of course, TDR is on a much more serious level, but one I highly recommend.

I'm so looking forward to the September themed reads, Marky-Mark. I trust there is a thread for this?

I finished my last book of the month, The Last Werewolf. It was a terrific read but be forewarned: it's violent and chock-full of sex, both in graphic detail.
August was a great reading month! It's Booktopia!
On audio, I started Doomsday Book. It's big big book and my 1st by Willis. I love the way it starts and have no idea where this is heading.
I'm also starting (FINALLY) The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers. I've had this one tagged on my Must Read Shelf for over a year.

Caro- This is the link for September: Series & Sequels- http://www.librarything.com/topic/122271#2889941
Thanks to Judy for the brainstorm and the effort!

Hurrah for Doomsday Book! I do hope you enjoy it.

Yes, there was definitely something in the water in August, it was a great reading month for me too!

Oh I'm planning on reading Doomsday Book in September too Mark but first I picked up Louise Penny's latest A Trick of the Light:)

Oh my Mark!!! Immersing yourself in the Doomsday Book and the The Last Werewolf. You've taken a * Dark Turn*. A very spooky thread that youv'e got going on here!!! Enjoy your escape into the underworld!!!;)

Mark, I've been eyeing Doomsday Book on Audible ever since I signed up with them and it's on my list of possible reads for September.

Hi Mark, Nice pic!

Lots of Louise Penny reading will be going on this month...good time to hop on the bus...:)

Wookie- For some reason, I was expecting a darker more complex story when I cracked Doomsday Book but it has a light fast touch.
Yes, August was a great reading month and I didn't even mention the 5 or 6 good graphics I chugged through.

Bonnie- Would this be your first Willis? Hey, I'm going to be reading my 1st Three Pines too. I have to see what all the fuss is about.

Deb- I am very open-minded on my reading choices but I do seem to steer toward the darkside, which seems to be where all the fun is.

Ilana- The audio of Doomsday has been very good. A female British reader. I did not catch her name. It's a big book, clocking in around 25 hours.

Joanne- I plan on listening to Still Life. It will be my next audio. There's still room on this bus, right? Somewhere near the lavatory?

can't catch up.. so just trying to keep you in my radar...I liked Doomsday Book!
Have I said that already?

No, Doomsday Book is not a dark book to start with, but I did cry at least once while reading.

I've got Still Life somewhere in the house...

You're making me want to start reading Doomsday Book now - stop it! I have so many others that I'm already reading and should finish up first - Mark, you are dangerous to my "currently reading" stack! ;)

Hope you have a good Wednesday!

can't wait to hear your thoughts on The Last Werewolf Mark!

right up my alley that one is and I have added it :) my library has it!

Alright, already...I'm here



;-}

Ooh, I'd be curious to see what the picture looks like when you get a chance to post it Mark.

Lisbeth! The "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" movies are quite good.

Mark, I believe the narrator is Jenny Sterling. I listened to a long sample on Audible yesterday and wasn't overfond of her voice and style. To me she sounds like a bitter old schoolteacher who over-empha-sizes diction. It's a personal thing for sure.

I've been busy with the beginning week of school and attendant hoopla and angst. However, I have a couple of very interesting books going right now. I have a really good start on a novel, the genre of which I am not sure at this point, End of Mr. Y. This is my book discussion group's selection for November but I am trying to get it read ASAP because we are having trouble finding enough used (read that cheap) copies of it to go around. I bought my copy at a Waterstone's book store in Belfast, N.I. because somebody there was singing its praises. Another member of the book group said that there is good buzz going around about Scarlett Thomas and wanted the group to read one of her novels. So we picked this one. Lucky me! I get to take a book off the shelf and participate in a book discussion at the same time. I also started Undaunted Courage which is the discussion group selection for December. So far it is very good and I think this may be a great read.

I have added Last Werewolf to my internal wish list. It sounds delicious. (love the picture - but I do wish you would tell us why you select the pictures that you do. Perhaps we could discuss the art, which we have been doing on this thread anyway ever since you started putting those pictures in.)

The End of Mr. Y Sounds good. Good luck with your new school year!

I am hoping that maybe I can start A Trick of the Light tonight...

first have to install a water purifier. sigh

This is for Jude! This is the "new" Lisbeth Salander: Rooney Mara
She has very big shoes to fill, because the Swedish actress that played Lis, kicked ass!

Kath- Hey, I'm enjoying my 1st Connie Willis. She sets a deliberate pace, maybe a hair to deliberate, but I'm slowly being sucked into Doomsday.

Wookie- What's the next place to go after Doomsday. In the series?

Laura- Yes, I like being dangerous. So you have not read Ms. Willis yet? I thought I was the only one left.

Joe- I loved the 1st Dragon Tattoo film and liked the last 2. The actress was kick-ass in all 3.

Ilana- I'm not sure if it's Jenny Sterling or not but I really like her narration.

>41 msf59: Thank you very much Sir.......I still prefer the original Lis (i saw the pic you posted when i was looking for mine, this morning...the girl is too damned skinny...jeesh!)

;-}

Mark, I agree with you on the Swedish actress. She is gorgeous. and a good actress. Just now reading the 3rd book.

For Valerie:

Benita- Great to see you! I've missed your visits. End of Mr. Y. sounds interesting. I'll watch for your thoughts. Undaunted Courage is outstanding. One of my favorite non-fiction books, plus I'm crazy for the Lewis & Clark expedition. Enjoy.
Yes, try finding a copy of The Last Werewolf. Duncan does a terrific job.

Jude- I prefer the original too but I will still give this young actress a chance. It will be tough to avoid comparisons.

Cindy- I've missed you stranger! What the heck have you been reading? Please stop by again!

Mark...you're a better man than I!!!

;-}

Mark, when you're finished with Doomsday Book (and I do hope we haven't oversold it, and you do enjoy it), there are others with the "time travelling Oxford historians". I particularly liked Fire Watch, and from there you can continue to To Say Nothing of the Dog, but I do recommend reading Three Men in a Boat first (which is no hard task, it's a great little book).

Blackout and All Clear continue with the time travelling historians from Oxford - I'm yet to read them, although I do own them.

Of her non-time travelling books, I did like Bellwether the best, and Passage the least. And Remake was a good silly bit of fun.

But Doomsday Book remains heads and shoulders above her other works, IMO.

I found out a nice bit of information about cats in Japanese culture today that has application to the Murakamil books. It seems that there is a long tradition of cats being representative of the supernatural and demon cats often take on humanoid forms. Perhaps that is the reason why cats are always in Murakami books?

Yeah, that looks like it came straight out of the book. That is by the same photographer that you posted at the top at your thread? I like his stuff so maybe I'll go look up some more of his work. Thanks Mark! You are definitely more than just a "book" guy. :)

Is this a PG thread that your running, Mark!!! GASP!!!!!! I agree - no actress will measure up to the Swedish woman who played Liz Salander. Did you see all three of the Swedish films like I did.

I tell you Mark - this thread of yours is dark and edgy ;) Thanks for the thumb, by the way, and come visit my thread were we talk about wholesome things like the book I am reading Our Spoons Came from Woolworths.......

Just kidding you - You know I read a lot dark things!!!;)Sleep well, Mark!

Morning everyone! Back to some hot weather for the next couple days. Big Boo! It supposed to get nice & comfy for the weekend. Yah!
I'm really enjoying The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers. I'm way overdue getting to this author.

Wookie- What a perfect list! Thanks! I have a copy of Blackout in the stacks. I'll have to keep an eye out for the others.

Benita- Thanks for the Murakami & cats info! That makes perfect sense. BTW- Glad you liked the photo at the top. My selections are mostly random. I saw a Adams photo somewhere and thought it would be perfect for my thread. I'm a complete novice at art but I'm learning. This place is all about sharing and if I can turn someone onto something other than books. Why not?
Enjoy Undaunted Courage. It's a fantastic book.

Valerie- Yes, it is the same photographer: Ansel Adams. If you can find a larger photo of "The Road", seek it out. Have a good day- from the "book guy"!

Deb- Yes, I did see all 3 Dragon tattoo films. The 1st one was incredible, the other 2 were good. Did you read the trilogy too?
Yes, Our Spoons Came from Woolworths does sound G-rated, but that's okay once in awhile. I hope you are enjoying it.

My daughter just let me borrow her copy of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Should all three books be read before watching the movies?

I posted my list of book bargains in my thread from my trip out today..
I got a copy of Emily Alone for mere nickles! ( Borders)
and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind Did you read that?

Interesting photo !

Hi Mark!
Waving and cheering you on!
;-)

>53 billiejean: @billiejean I think you'd enjoy both the books and the movies more if you read the three The Girl With books first. The books of course are much broader in scope. The movies are excellent, too.

A long hot day! Stopped after work and visited & had dinner with the MIL and a clutch of other elderly and infirm. She is doing good. Positive attitude helps a lot. She has a private room now. Not to shabby!
I am enjoying Doomsday Book but Willis is a bit long in the tooth. I keep wanting to yell "Come on, lets get this story moving!" Of course, I remain silent, otherwise I might look a nutcase talking to myself on the street.

BJ- I agree with Joe! Read the books first but of course if you have a hard time getting into them, substitute the films instead.

Kath- I think you are really going to enjoy Emily Alone and no I have not read The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

Claudia- We have a couple hot days to deal with and then things get more comfortable over the weekend. Yah!

Joe- I agree with you! I'm just about done with Emitown. It is highly enjoyable, but LONG, clocks in at 400 pages. I have a whole stack of graphics waiting impatiently.

Hi Mark, Besides reading The girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest I'm reading a GN The Professor's Daughter by Joann Sfar.

Hey Mark, I passed by without commenting yesterday, wasn't in a sociable mood (didn't even want myself for company!) but when I saw the photo of Rooney Mara you posted, I was really impressed with her transformation. When you'd first told me about her and I saw all those wholesome California girl photos of her, I couldn't see it, but yeah, she looks pretty badass now. I had to find out where that shot was taken and turns out if from a shoot for W magazine and all the photos are really good, though this one is really the standout.

And a note to Jude, in the book, Salander is apparently so skinny she looks like she could break, and my only two reservations about the Swedish actress who played her was that she didn't look childlike enough compared to her portrayal in the book and also she looked more solid than I'd imagined, though she was awesome in the role. So while yes, I agree that most actresses and models are too skinny generally speaking, for this role it's actually what I would expect.

I think the American actress has a hard ...err.... act to follow. The Swedish actress did such an awesome job, especially in the first movie. I can't quite see the American version being able to bring that rawness to the screen.

Marky-Mark ... will definitely start dropping into your September sleuthing and series thread from time to time. For this weekend though, it looks like I'm not going to get any reading done with all the inlaws visiting.

Everyone here knows I'm a big fan of Books on the Nightstand, so every once in awhile I post a link to their latest show. This week was a quick episode on short story collections and of course I jotted down a few: Podcast
I didn't know Dan Chaon had a couple short story collections out.

Cindy- I've been very lax on posting my graphic reads. Bad bad Mark! I just finished Emitown which was a lot of fun. How far in the Sweet Tooth series did you get.

Ilana- Did you see the "Social Network"? That is the only time I've seen Rooney Mara. It is a small role but she's very good in it. Thanks for your astute comments on Lis's physique.
Like I mentioned to Cindy, I just finished Emitown and it's a graphic I'm going to highly recommend.

Caro- Actually Judy (Delta queen) is doing all the work on Series & Sequels. I'm just a happy bystander, with many many series books to read.
I just finished Emitown. It was alot of fun. I hope this sets her up for a long career. Hope the weekend goes well and is not to stressful!

Oh, I Googled a copy of Ansel Adam's "The Road", and it is great! Thanks for the heads up, I only really know him as a photographer of natural landscapes, it's great to see him do something different.

My daughter has been bugging me to watch the new Hunger Games trailer and I finally found it and it's pretty damn good: Trailer
I just realized this is a fan-created trailer, not a studio released one. Hey, it's still very good.

Wookie- I'm glad you liked it! I plan on exploring more of his work. I listened to another chunk of Doomsday Book. It is good but she is so deliberate in her pacing. Did you find it to be this way too?

Thanks for posting the Hunger Games trailer, I had not seen that yet! Looks good!

Mark, I didn't have any issues with Connie Willis' pacing when I first read it. But it is something I've heard others complain about, and I can see what they meant when I did re-read it. But it wasn't a detraction from the book for me, more of one of those "oh yeah, I see what they mean" moments. :)

ETA: I saw the teaser trailer for Hunger Games the other night, I must read the book! Must admit, I find the idea of children killing each other on the big screen makes me rather squeamish (although I have no such issues with reading about such things).

Hi Mark, I agree with you in that this American actress looks more like the Lisbeth that was described in the books. As good as the Swedish actress was, she didn't fit the bill at all. Much too old and filled out.

When does The Hunger Games film come out? I should plan to re-read those books -- they were excellent! But first need to re-read #3 of the Millennium trilogy...

I prefer the Swedish Salander, although she's much taller than Larsson describes her as being in the books -- there she is only a smidge over 5 feet, while in the film, she's someone no one in their right mind would tangle with. The whole idea is that she looks very fragile, and that is deceptive.

I also liked the guy who played Mikael in the Swedish films -- it's clear from the books, that he is just average-looking, and that his attraction is his personality/character, and they don't pander to audiences looking for a Brad Pitt hero. Erika is also close to her "real" age in the films -- refreshing.

Phew! I don't have to defend my preference/obsession (vis a vis the Lis Salander actress, at least)

I have only seen the first film...because I haven't read the other two books...yet.

In the book, Lis read like a starveling waif "with super powers" of the mental sort...I prefer the Swedish actress because...while being svelt...she had a bosom and a booty...and knew how to use 'em...I am very loyal to my Heroines....so will hold her to my heart...though she might scratch out my eyes

I also loved the Mikael actor in "Dragon Tattoo".....not so photogenic..but he had "presence"....and....looks like a guy i know in RL......imperfect but not someone you'd ignore for very long

;-}

#56 &57> Thanks for the input about the books and movies! I think I will read all the books first, although it is tempting to see the movies right away.

*waving* at Mark as I desperately attempt to catch up on some threads. . .

Hi Mark! Glad to hear that you will be participating in the September Sequels and Series. I've listed my possibilities on the thread set up by Delta Queen.... though I'm not sure that I will get to all of them. It's good opportunity to get back to my many series!

Chelle- You are welcome. That amateur trailer will have to do until we get the real thing.

Wookie- It will be interesting how they deal with "children killing children" in the film. Hopefully with a very deft hand. I know some readers disagree, but I thought Collins handled it well in the books.

Bonnie- Maybe I'm not as persnickety about it, but even if she didn't physically fit the bill, the Swedish actress definitely captured the spirit of the character, that was just about perfect.

Suz- Good to see you! Hunger Games comes out in March, plenty of time for a re-visit. I think they are already lined up to do the 2nd one.
Daniel Craig is playing Mikael in the American version. I think he's craggy enough.

Jude- Thanks for your thoughts on "Lis". Well stated, as usual.

BJ- Hope you enjoy them!

Stasia- Big wave back!

Deb- I'm looking forward to S & S too! There is always so many books to read, that fit that bill. Actually, my current audio Doomsday Book is part of a series. I need to get over to the Thread and post some comments.
I've been running out of time lately. I'm due a couple reviews too!

Just saying hello.. otherwise simply lurking.

I'm so oblivious.... I posted the following on your previous thread just now:

Finally catching up, Mark.

I have always been a reader. Strangely, I thought for a long time that it was my dad that influenced me in reading, but it was really my mother. Until her eyesight got bad, she always had a book in hand. Dad read newspapers and the National Geographic.

Husband reads the newspaper, magazines, and quite a bit on the internet - usually about specific technical things he's interested in. Daughter tends to read epic novels once or twice a year only Gone with the Wind, Pillars of the Earth, World without End, etc. She read Harry Potter 1-2 and 5-7 in 2 weeks just before she left for her freshman year in college.

I'm sorry to hear about your MiL, Mark. An uncle of my husband's was diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer in March, so I (sorta) know the feeling. My MiL was diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer in February, but is actually doing pretty well right now.

*shrugs off sad thoughts*

Have a great day and a great Labor Day Weekend!

***************************After reading this thread, just want to add that I'm glad MiL is doing well in the rehab, and I absolutely adored The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers. Totally excellent book.

Hi Mark!! Ansel Adams is my favorite photographer!!!

Hi Mark, just want to put my two cents in about the upcoming American "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" movie. I am looking forward to it, I've seem the Swedish version and I loved it. I just find it so rare these days to actually find movies that are plot-driven rather than all special effects, so I am hoping the American version sticks to the story driven plot. I loved the original cast, but I think Ilana has some very valid points about Rooney Mara fitting the part, and I think Daniel Craig will do a fine job in his part as well.

September Series and Sequels is off to a great start, I think we all seem to have more than a few series or sequels that need out attention!

72: Wait - Doomsday Book is part of a series???? Say it ain't so!

Mark, My library has only Vol.1 of the Sweet Tooth series. So I am not sure if it is wise to start it.

I am deep into reading a steampunk novel End of Mr. Y. I have heard some good buzz about the author Scarlett Thomas but I have to say that, so far, the book is not living up to the buzz. It is for my book discussion group, but it is also a book I had purchased several years ago and just hadn't read yet. With the nice long weekend and the anticipated hours spent basking poolside with the last of the summer sun, I should be close to finishing it this weekend. Then it will be on to the last of the Bartle Bull books. Can't wait for that one as those are so engrossing.

It was a scorcher today! Yuck! Brain-pan was fried. I'm slowly recovering. A good dinner, a good ale and LT, is a perfect remedy for me.

Kath- I love lurkers, especially the ones that leave a stray comment. Hope your day went well.

Karen- I saw your comments on my old Thread. Glad you found me. What's the status of your husband's Uncle? Did he receive any treatments? My MIL is meeting her oncologist for the 1st time, later next week, for a game-plan. Another nervous time.
I am loving Firefly Brothers. I really like his writing. I have his 1st novel in the stacks and I recently won an ER of his latest.

Tammy- Good to see you! If you find anymore of Adams work, that I might like, send me a link.

Judy- I am a bit of a film geek too, (although films have taken a backseat to books, these past few years) and I know David Fincher is directing Dragon Tattoo and he's a terrific film-maker. I think setting the right tone will be important.
I need to get over to S & S! I'm behind.

Laura- Check msg #48. Wookie kindly laid out the connections between the Willis books.

Oh I was so tempted to click on the link of the trailer for The Hunger Games but I will have to hold off until the end of the month when I actually finish the book. Do you know if there are plans to make an official movie of the book?

I hope you have a great weekend Mark. :)

Yowzaa! The Hunger Games trailer lookes awesome. Thanks for sharing. I'm debating if I should read the book first like I did with the Potter series, what do you think?

Cindy- That's a bummer! I really liked the 1st volume of Sweet Tooth but the next 2 books really kick into gear! Maybe they'll eventually get them. Fingers crossed. Hey, look for Firefly Brothers. It's one you will really like.

Benita- I NEED to get to Cafe on the Nile. It's on my Must-Read shelf, maybe I can yank it down soon.

Valerie- That is actual clips from the movie they are currently filming. Yes, it is well into production and I heard the 2nd book is also being picked up. I'm so glad you are getting to the book. It is awesome.
Have a great weekend too! Do you celebrate a Labor Day at some point in the year?

Lynda- Yes, by all means read the book first. I do not think there is another book, that I've passed around as often as I have The Hunger Games. Actually someone has my copy out right now and I don't know who it is. I passed it around work like wildfire.

* Book Geek Alert*
Aren't we obsessed with getting books off are TBR shelves? And don't we all fail miserably? Most of us add books much faster than we read them.
Ilana gave me a wonderful idea, (bless her Canadian heart!). I currently have 183 books on the TBR shelves. I also have 25 books on my Must-Read Now Shelf but I am not including these, (another brilliant Ilana idea).
Okay, the 1st person who is interested in this "TBR Random Pick", will be my partner and this lucky individual will pick a number between 1-183 and this will be a book I will read this month. I'll do the same for my partner. We can use this Random Number Generator: Pick

If anyone else is interested select a partner and lets get this going. We'll change partners every month, for a little "spice". And remember, we have books on our TBR shelves, for a reason: We want to read them. Like, duh?

Oooh, hey, count me in! I've got .... hang on .... 779 TBR's. So Mark, does this make you my partner?

Laura- You are my partner! Cool. Wow, that is a mighty TBR list! Makes mine puny. Do you have them numbered?
You can use the Random Number Generator for my selection, unless you want to try a different way.

Wahoo! Glad to have you as my partner, partner! The only place they're numbered is here on LT, and that's just by date entered. I could count my shelves, and the # of books on the shelf and you could pick that way if you'd like? Or the random number generator is fine too. How do you have yours numbered? Curious minds and all that. I'll use the RNG for you.

Your magical book number is ... 103! This is really exciting - what book is it?

ETA: I have 25 shelves. If you want to pick this way, I'll have you pick a shelf first, and then I'll let you know how many are on that shelf.

Just stopping by to say hi, Mark!

Good luck with your new TBR effort. I'm too moody a reader to do any random number pick thing.

Looks good to me Mark! I really want to encourage you to get this thing going, but I have way too many books on this month's list already. Unless... I let someone pick a number from those books from my shelves on the list... which would force me to read that specific book? I have so many on my list at this point that I know there's no way I'll be able to read them all!

May I suggest people partner up as they post here? Those who want to play that is. For instance, the next person who wants to play along could be my partner, and so on...

I like that you've labeled you shelf "Must Read Now" it's much cleared than my "TRSS". Since I apparently gave you that idea, I'll steal the title from you and make it even! ;-)

I refuse to discuss the size of my TBR list. Suffice to say that it numbers in the thousands :(

Perhaps a thread would be in order to partner up people. . .

What a great idea! If you get going with a dedicated thread, do post a link here. I don't think I can jump into this right now as my TBR list is unorganized (to say the least). But it's prodding me to organize those TBRs....

... just wandering through, catching up, waving hello ...

I really liked Doomsday Book, but I think I thought it was a bit slow ans repetitive in some of the earlier parts. The ending was remarkable, though. I've just started To Say Nothing of the Dog and I'm enjoying it a lot.

Laura- The lucky book is Perdido Street Station. It's a great choice but does it have to be nearly 700 pages long? LOL.
I keep my TBR books in alpha order, by author. It just works for me. I have a couple dozen books that haven't been organized yet but these will do for now.
Okay for your selection, I picked shelf 11, book 12. How's that?

Terri- Good to see you! Yeah, my little random game won't work for everyone but I think it'll be fun.

Ilana- I thought of that too, about partnering up as we go along. I should have mentioned that in the 1st place.
So the next reader who is interested will be your partner. If you don't want a book pick for this month, that's understandable, maybe you can just pick for your partner.

Stasia & Suz- I'll consider starting a thread for this but it's tough, (for me anyway) following anymore threads. It has become a full-time job.

Caty- Great to see you, stranger! Thanks for your input on Willis. DB is a long one. I've been listening to it all week and have just crossed the halfway point. Besides the repetitions, I'm enjoying it.

#93: it's tough, (for me anyway) following anymore threads. It has become a full-time job.

Tell me about it :)

#93 Hang in there, Mark. I hope you find the second half of Doomsday Book picks up for you!

93: Sorry for the doorstopper, Mark. I can re-pick for you and will (hopefully) not hit another nose-breaker? I keep my fiction the same way you do too, but aside from that, it's organized in no other way than how it looks most appealing on the shelf / however it fits. I've never read Mieville before, though I know he's got a lot of fans here on LT. Part of the problem is I'm never sure where to start with him!

The book you picked for me is Summer by Edith Wharton. Just about 200 pages, and it's been unread for something like 10 years. Very nice choice! And, if you would've picked book 6, it would've been Doomsday Book!

Hi, Mark! I love the random number idea, but my books are in no discernible order. I do use random numbers though when I move from shelf to shelf for my next book. Otherwise I get a headache trying to decide which book will be next!

I don't think I will follow through with the seires, I do want to read Black Out and All clear, though..

#98 Just a note: Willis's books are not a series, it's just that some themes and characters carry over. For instance, some of the characters from Doomsday Book appear in the Blackout/All Clear story, but it is not a sequel to Doomsday.

I love the idea of your random picker, Mark. I'm going to pass though because I am such a "depends on the mood" kind of reader. If I read a good book at the wrong time, I just don't enjoy it. Isn't that sad? I should be able to enjoy a good book irregardless.

Another long day! It was very warm earlier and then I got rained on a couple times and it's still looking stormy out there. It's going to cool off over night. Yah!
We just had a nice dinner and I'm feeling sated. Now some LT time...

Stasia- I still don't know how you do it! You are amazing.

Lisa- I'm into the last 3rd of Doomsday Book and things are beginning to pick up. I like the story and the characters, I just think she could have used a more aggressive editor.
Thanks for clarifying the Willis series issue!

Laura- So far it's just you and me, my friend. And Ilana needs a partner. Yes, Perdido Street Station is a door-stopper but it was my next Mieville, so I might as well tackle it and maybe I can encourage you to give it a try. I read The City and the City last year. It was my 1st Mieville.

Terri- Good to see you! Do you want to join us on Random Pick or wait til next time?

Kath- Big hearty wave!

Mark

I'm so darn far behind the posts on various threads that I'm simply starting anew from here.

Hello Friend. I hope you are well

94) Claire DeWitt and the City of the Dead by Sara Gran 3.6 stars

Claire Dewitt has been lured back to New Orleans, a place that holds many ghosts for her. She is a tough, tattooed private eye. She likes her weed and other narcotic pleasures but is also a serious student of “detection“. It’s eighteen months after Katrina and she is hired to locate a popular DA, who has gone missing since the storm.
She finds herself navigating through a crippled, damaged city and her investigation leads to a group of young “gang-bangers”, that may have had ties with her DA, who may not be as honorable or as squeaky clean as everyone has imagined.
This story is dark and gritty but it’s also sharply observant and introduces us to a memorable lead character, one I hope the author will return to again and again.
Recommended.

I am adding your latest read to my tbr pile. I attended conferences in New Orleans this year and then two years post Katrina.

Thanks for your excellent recommendation.

Mark, just for the record, I don't "need" a partner, but all the same, have 7 books off the shelf on my reading list for this month that I know I won't get to, or at least not all of them for sure, so someone picking on out for me would guarantee that I'd read at least one!

Great review of your early reviewer book! Thumb up from me!!Interesting detective- one that's into weed and narcotics... But them , most of our detectives have gritty flaw- and more is the fun.

Thank so much for you Great geek invitation, but I've got a few books that I am planning to read for Sequels and Series - and so I am kind of Booked for September. That will also get a few of my series books off the shelf!!!!

Hope you are having a great long weekend!

>102 msf59:

You done good, kid.....since I'm a fan of Ms Gran...from, what, her previous 2.....Dope and Come Closer

My usual Thumb

;-P

I love your random pick idea but I have so overbooked myself this month that I can't possibly promise to read another book. If you carry this on to next month though I will be glad to join in.

I finally got a copy of The Sisters Brothers and it has drawn me in right away, I am loving the earthy, quirkiness of it.

Hi Mark - Just dropping by to say hi and wish you well this long weekend.

Great review, Mark! Thumbs up from me.

Summer is almost over... I hope our autumn is long and dry during the day, and rainy at night!

That is a good review! I would love find a good New Orleans book series.. I have tried a book or two that have come my way, but, have not been impressed..

Morning everyone! Nice and cool today. Low 70s. The wife is taking her niece and one of her nephews to the zoo. I might hang tight here. I have some outside work to do, along with some inside reading.
What's everyone else have planned?

In regards to my Random Pick deal, I was going to try doing this each month, so if anyone is interested next month, let me know. I will be tackling A Dance With Dragons in October and it's a monster.

Linda- How are you stranger? Good to see you. I have not been to New Orleans but it looks like Sara Gran captures the tone well, in Claire DeWitt.

Ilana- Thanks for the clarification. Maybe next month?

Deb- Thanks! Yes, it looks folks are booked solid for September. Most of my S & S books will be on audio, so I had some room for a print book selection. Now, I have Perdido Street Station to deal with and it's nearly 700 pages long. Most readers love this book, so I'm looking forward to it.

Jude- Thanks for the Thumb! I will keep an eye out for her earlier work. I like her writing style.

Judy- Wow, we have an army of Sisters Brothers readers, with nearly everyone loving it. Enjoy! Yes, I'll probably carry on the Random pick for next month.

Joanne- Have a nice long weekend too!

Stasia- Thanks for the Thumb! I'll be sending it out this week!

Kath- "I hope our autumn is long and dry during the day, and rainy at night!" I'm with you on that one sister! I think you would like the Claire DeWitt book.

Hi Mark: Have a great day. Enjoy the cooler weather.

So glad we left the Cubs game during the rain delay yesterday, while they were still winning. At least we missed Marmol giving up the grand slam in the 9th to lose the game for the boys in blue.

Hoping for better today. I may actually take a jacket or hoodie.

Seriously? 54 messages to catch up on? You're killing me!

I like your TBR idea, but mine is not numbered. Plus... ultimately, I think I like to pick my own books as I tend to be a moody reader. I'll think about this.

Happy Sunday!

Hey Mark! Congrats on the Hot Review! It's on my TBR pile now, thankyouverymuch! So glad to have a break in the crappy hot and steamy weather (sorry Stasia), and a whole day to sit around and read. I didn't start Divergent yesterday afternoon as I had planned, since Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was almost done, so I listened to the last 4 discs instead. But it's on deck for today!

Have a great day!

95) The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan 4.3 stars

“Jake Marlowe is a monster…”

Jake is also very wealthy, smokes like a fiend, has a sex addiction and is a philanthropist.
Once a month, he becomes a werewolf and since he’s been doing this for over 200 years, he is showing signs of depression and weariness.
Over the years, werewolves have been systematically tracked down and exterminated and Jake suddenly finds himself, the last of his kind. He has become a “trophy”, a tool between factions. After someone close to him is brutally murdered, Jake realizes he wants to survive, but the odds are quickly dwindling.
This is a terrific update to the werewolf legend: loaded with wry humor, sex and violence galore, all presented in a smart fast-paced narrative. This might not be for all readers, but if you’re willing to take a stroll on the dark side, this should fit the bill.

Man, you're doing some serious damage to my TBR lately. Thanks! :)

Linda- Sounds like a heart-breaker yesterday. I haven't watched them at all lately, keeps my sanity in check. My BIL and his son are heading to the game. Should be a good day for it. Have fun!

Claudia- My TBR shelves aren't actually numbered either but I have it set up, for an easy count. I see you gave TDR an excellent rating, even higher than mine. Yah!

Laura- I am not positive but I think there will be more Last Werewolf books, the ending sure sets it up that way. I hope so. Enjoy your day!

Happy Sunday, Mark. Hope you're having a good holiday weekend.

Thumbs from me for your Claire Dewitt and The Last Werewolf reviews. I also liked the latter a lot, and I just got Claire Dewitt from the library. Lost in Shangri-La came in, too.

I just started another one you mentioned to me, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer. So far, so good.

Mark, great review of The Last Werewolf, which is waiting patiently for me on my nightstand-- sounds terrific! I plan to pick it up after my current read of Patchett's State of Wonder, which so far I'm liking. :o)

Now, that sounds good!!!

The Last Werewolf sounds like a good one! Added to the WL!

Happy Sunday to you Mark! I think I'm pretty booked up with the S&S books and reading Ethan Frome with Donna so I'll pass for this month but I'll try it some other month for sure. Sounds like fun.

Thanks, Mark! I'll pass this time, but I may play soon. And I"ll enjoy watching which books the numbers pick!

Mark, I feel badly that people aren't jumping on your initiative for randomizing books selections, because I know you were pretty excited about it. The reason I had that on my thread was because I saw someone else had decided to do that for a category for 12/12, and I basically copied the idea, just adapted it to the way I organize my TBR. As it is, those of us who participate in TIOLI basically already get to pick books based on other's suggestions because we never know what challenges there'll be from month to month, though I usually cheat and try to make my selected reading fit with the challenges and not the other way 'round.

I started The Sisters Brothers last night and am really loving it. Already am 1/3 of the way through, which isn't typical for me since I tend to be a slow reader, but then again there are plenty of half blank pages in the book, which makes for a quick read to begin with, aside from the fact that it's virtually unputdownable. I'm really curious to see whether it'll be selected for the Booker Prize shortlist... we'll find out on Tuesday I guess!

Ilana, want me to pick a book for you? I think you said you had 7 on your TBR pile for the month. How about number 3? And if you'd like to pick a book for me too, I have 25 shelves and around 779 books on my shelves. A random number, or a shelf and a number, whatever. I'm happy to have another random book to read this month!

Joe- You are really rockin' with the books! I've had Lost in Shangri-La on my radar since it came out. I'll be watching for your thoughts. The same with Hold Me Closer, Necromancer. I had read a good review on that one and thought it would be a good fit for us.
Gorgeous day in Chicago, huh? Hope you are enjoying your day.

Jenny- State of Wonder is very high on my WL. Maybe you'll push me over the edge on that one. Sadly, I have not read Patchett.

Kath & Chelle- I think you'll both like The Last Werewolf. It's a book worthy of it's hype, which doesn't always happen.

Bonnie- I plan on setting up my Random Pick for next month too! I might be joining you guys with Ethan Frome, since I recently acquired a copy, plus it's a shorty.

Terri- No problem! Maybe next time.

Ilana- Please don't feel bad. I'm a big boy and I can handle it. I think it's all about timing. I still love the idea: it's gets books off your shelf and you have the whole month to read it and it's a book you acquired for the sole purpose of reading! Should be a no-brainer.
I'm so glad you are enjoying The Sisters Brothers. I'm not sure if I've ever seen this many people reading one certain book and a western to boot! I love it!

Laura- I think Ilana might be overbooked already but you go girl!

#126 Laura, book #3 is Leviathan which is awesome because I had no idea when I would ever make room for it. So I'll probably push The Lies of Locke Lamora to another month since it's also a big volume and there's no way I'll be able to do both. I don't know what I was thinking by putting them both there. Was giving myself options more than anything, so thanks for helping me narrow them down. :-)

So for you now, I'm tempted to give you a big number of course, with so many books, but I'll actually make it easy for you to figure out and go with #1 on shelf #24. Curious to find out what that is!

Mark, I know you've a big boy. Man actually. Definitely man. And I'll happily pair up with Laura. Like I said, if it's choosing from a pre-selection for THIS month's off the shelf TBR's then that's fine. There's no way I can read all 20+ books I 'plan' every month so it'll just mean that the book chosen is a 'guaranteed to be read'. I'm thinking maybe that's how I'll play it every month, if you keep this thing going that is. It's kind of cheating because much not so random of course, since I'll have done a pre-selection, but with so many options, I never know what I'm going to end up reading anyway.

Boy oh boy, Mark! You are so popular! I take a little time away from library thing to enjoy the long weekend - and I've got to wade through oodles of posts!
I'm pleased to see that so many other people are enjoying The Sisters Brothers. As you say, it's even Western - and I've never read a western prior to Sisters Brothers and I could not read that book fast enough, it was so enjoyable!!!! Of course it's a brilliantly done genre bending Western...I love for it to win the Booker Prize!

Great review of The Last Werewolf. Not my style of book - I shy away from Werewolves and things -but you know I like my mysteries dark!;)Another thumb, I'm sure- I just need to find your actual review....

128: Happy to help, and I'm curious to hear how you like Leviathan. The book you picked for me? That'd be The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen. She is a favorite author of one of my bookish friends, so I'm looking forward to reading it! Thanks, Ilana!

Ilana- Leviathan is a lot of fun. It's fast & breezy and I enjoyed the illustrations. I've been meaning to get to the 2nd one, Behemoth but keep forgetting. I think the 3rd in the series comes out very soon.

Deb- I hope you didn't mind wading through oodles of posts, hope there was enough to keep you entertained. Are you enjoying a long weekend too? Does Canada celebrate a Labor Day?

Laura- Big wave! How's that book reading coming?

Laura, glad to help, but especially hope you'll enjoy The Sugar Queen. I was going to say I'm not familiar with that book or author, but now I think I vaguely remember someone here in our group posting about it. I'll probably read Leviathan a bit later in the month since there are several library books I'd really like to get to before I have to return them. Though I might be able to extend my loan for a while for a few of them.

#131 Mark, funnily enough, as you know I haven't read the first book yet, but I recently joined a group of Montreal Book Bloggers, and someone was offering an ARC copy of Goliath, book #3, which I jumped on for some reason. I certainly hope I enjoy the first and second book, but if not I'm sure I'll find another taker to pass it along to!

To answer your question, yes we do celebrate Labour Day at the same time as our US friends, so long weekend here too. Something you just reminded me of since I didn't have it in mind. I can never remember if they pick up recycling and garbage on holidays...

The Sugar Queen is great. You try this author once and you're likely to get addicted. Everyone I know who has, is.

Mark & Ilana, I think the randomly-chosen book sounds like a great idea! But I'm currently working my way through a stack of library books (some of which are due back sooner rather than later) so that makes it a bit tricky, adding in *another* random book...

I'm thinking maybe when I've got the library book situation under control (yeah, right), I'll just randomly choose one of my own books. I've pulled a few dusty tomes off the shelves lately and enjoyed myself.

Oh, I went to the movies on Friday night (with some old Uni mates, we bitched about work, ate too much Chinese food, then saw "The Guard" with Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheedle; we all thought it was a great movie) and caught the trailer for the US adaptation of Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. We were in the second row from the front, so it was rather overwhelming! (I couldn't scan the whole screen in order to read some of the words!) Looks good, but I was planning on skipping it anyhow, since I've already seen the Swedish version and can't quite see the point of the remake (apart from for people who can't cope with subtitles). Didn't realise it was Fincher however...

I haven't checked, but I assume the trailer is available online somewhere.

It's not a long weekend in Australia (wah!), but it was Fathers' Day yesterday morning, so Don got a good long sleep in while the kids and I made pancakes and squeezed oranges. Yum!

Morning gang! Hope everyone has something nice planned for the holiday. Unseasonably cool here, high 60s. We have family coming over for a cookout, later this afternoon and the MIL will be able join us. She'll be glad to "escape" for a few hours.
I'm on the homestretch of The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers, which has been a joy to read. On the graphic front, I've been enjoying I Love Led Zeppelin. This is a collection of her work. Offbeat, funny and slightly twisted. Forney did the illustrations in Part-time Indian.

Ilana- You'll probably get to Goliath long before me. I need to get to Behemoth first. This is a "true" holiday here. No garbage pickup, post-offices & banks closed.

Wookie- I've heard some good things about "The Guard". I like both of those actors. I think this same director, made the film "In Bruges" a few years ago. I good dark comedy.
I haven't seen the trailer yet for the new Dragon Tattoo but I should seek it out.
Sounds like you had a nice Father's Day. Ours is in June.

Good morning Mark, I've been up for a couple of hours, couldn't sleep for some reason. The sound of falling rain was music to my ears and was calling to me to get up and take on the day.

I just watched the David Fincher trailer for Dragon Tattoo right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVLvMg62RPA. Pretty good, but I can't help but like the original one better.

You mention In Bruges... I got that movie for cheap on iTunes and have kept it to watch it over again. Really liked it in the end, even though I didn't quite get it at first.

Don't know if I'll finish the Leviathan trilogy before you, considering how long it's taken me to get to the first book... but you'll be among the first to know when I do.

No special plans today, just my usual fare of LT, my lovely cats and Coco, good books... what more can a girl ask for?

The recycling truck just came by a few minutes ago. I'm usually in bed when they pass by, so don't keep track very well, but if I'm not mistaken, they pass by on all the holidays. No mail today though. I wish, because I have several books on their way to me.

Have a great day, family cookout and all.

Hugs.

Sounds like a nice plan for today mark..
grey and rainy here.. just the way I like it!

"The Guard" is actually written/directed by the brother of the writer/director of "In Bruges". Both are well worth seeing, IMO.

No garbage pickup?? Wow, they never skip a day in Sydney, not even Christmas.

I has been a wonderful rainy day here in T-town. I am soooo thankful for the rain. It was a great way to spend a day off. We have been so dry all summer that this good soaking is just perfect. The weather forecast is for daytime highs in the high 60's for tomorrow. I am shouting for joy. I can't believe that it will hold because fall doesn't usually get here until October, but I will take these temperatures even if it means that my days at poolside are limited now. I am about done with Zoo Station and hope to finish that one tonight and I have been eying Last Werewolf for a week now. It is getting harder to walk past it in store. I read quite a bit in End of Mr. Y today and it is finally getting good. I think this book took too long to get going so it is not going to be on my best read of the year list, but it is a good book. A fellow member wanted our book discussion group to read it and since I had it on my shelves I also voted to read it. Another friend of mine said it was steampunk, but I am not sure. But I wonder why I should even worry about genre. If it is a good book, who cares what category I should put it in.

I am amazed at how hot steampunk is getting to be. As you know, I am not a real Scott Westerfeld fan, and have only read Leviathan, but WEeterfeld has a short article available to Nook readers about wearing steampunk. I was curious so downloaded it. He said that on a recent visit to a high school the students were all tricked out in steampunk garb. He as amazed. He used this penchant for costuming as a way to start a discussion about gender and class and the role that clothing plays in perpetuating them. Very interesting short article. It didn't make me want to run right over to my shelves and pull Behemoth off and start reading it, but it was enlightening considering that my niece is so into steampunk that she wants me to make a steampunk formal for her prom dress!

Slightly twisted.. yes, that describes me as well as the book you mentioned in you last post. Yes indeed, we have Labour Day as a holiday here in Canada, and yes, after every long weekend our garbage and recycling pickup is changed.

My husband and I and some friend went and saw The Debt- a new spy thriller movie. Quite enjoyed it!

Spent the evening with family .

I've started into my series and sequels and am reading Outrage by Arnadur Indridason. Very enjoyable.

Oh! And this evening my eldest son is considering attending his best friends wedding in.... Chicago!!I thought of you right away. His friend lives here in Vancouver, and his girlfriend in Chigaco. I think that they met in Seattle, of all places , and have been carrying on a long distance romance. Anyway, I hope our eldest - aged 26 - can attend - and I'm sure that his friend will be recommending good lodging to those that travel to Chicago.

Anyway, I was quite happy to hear the big news. Now, if my son would just find a nice girl -preferably right here in Vancouver!

School in Canada starts the day after Labour Day, whereas I think school has already started in the US?

Morning! Back to work, Boo! Used a light blanket last night, nice autumn chill. Had a good time yesterday, the MIL enjoyed herself.

Ilana- "my usual fare of LT, my lovely cats and Coco, good books...". Sounds like a everyday plan! Thanks for the Dragon Tattoo trailer. It looks like it might have the right tone, dark & moody.

Kath- It looks like it'll be nice & cool here most of the week. Wish me luck today, mail will be heavy and a lot of people on vacation. Bad combo.

Wookie- Thanks for the clarification on "The Guard". I'll probably catch it on DVD. Our garbage pickup will just be off a day this week. We'll have ours on Saturday.

Benita- I'm glad you are shouting for joy, with the rain and cooler temps! Good for you. I'll be watching for your closing thoughts on End of Mr. Y. I wish I could squeeze in Behemoth this month but it's looking iffy.
Hey, I might be getting to Cafe on the Nile soon. FINALLY.

Hi Mark! Hope all the heavy mail finds a home in the first 10% of your route. Also, I hope no one ordered War & Peace (do you deliver packages too?) That sucker is heavy! I may take an axe and chop it in two... did I just say that?

OY! (as our friend Jude would say)

OK, so I'm 300 posts behind, and now I'm caught up. And now that I am...I have nothing to say. But I have to say, there is something about werewolves that kind of appeals to me. Don't what it's about. But otherwise, hello!

Hi Mark:

Just got caught up with your thread, again. Uncle is not going to have any treatment at all. Just pain control. The last I heard, it could be 3 months, it could be 3 years. But he is refusing all treatment options. He's been in serious, debilitating pain from a car accident 5 years ago, and is weary beyond measure. His quality of life has been reduced since the accident and I don't think he has it in him to fight it, even it if was fightable.

I hope your MiL keeps fighting and keeps positive.

You simply must get to Cafe on the Nile as soon as you can. Bartle Bull is, to use a word I usually abhor, awesome.

Have a good day!

Your Labor Dave cookout sounded like fun. I'm glad your MIL had a day away from those old people.

Mark, you are becoming a reading machine. It is getting difficult to keep up with you and your thread. I'm giving it the ol' college try! I'm glad the weather turned cooler for you. Let's hope this crisp air doesn't turn frosty!

Hearing dire post office news..
Hope most of it is sensationalism..

I went to see "The Debt" this weekend, too -- really enjoyed it! Very, very good -- and the first movie I've been to in months (since March, maybe??)

Mark, you prompted me to start re-reading The Hunger Games trilogy. Book one read, and am on to part two...

I watched "The Debt" last night. Helen Mirren really is queen of the screen. I Netflixed "Greenfingers" the night before and she was in it too ... that's a fun movie to watch.

Claudia- Just stumbled in just shy of 6 o' clock. I wish I could have delivered the bulk of it, in the 1st 10% of the route. Sadly it didn't work that way. Very heavy letters today. And yes, I delivered a few packages that felt like War And Peace.

Nathan- Sorry to find you tongue-tied. You didn't seem to have a problem stirring things up with your dislike of Khal Drago, over on Ilana's thread. LOL.
You should see if your library has a copy of The Last Werewolf. It's a terrific read.

Karen- Thanks for the info on your Uncle. Sounds sad. My MIL will be having her 1st meeting with her oncologist this week and hopefully a game plan will be put in place.
I'm looking forward to Cafe on the Nile, I've been dragging my feet on that one. Time to stop and jump in.

Donna- I hope you had a nice Labor Day weekend too! The MIL had a good time. She was bundled up like it was late fall, as she watched us play some outside games.

Kath- Yes, things are looking dire for the PO. I heard they are making a big announcement on the 15th. Wonder what that's going to be about?

Well.. hopefully they will find a way to save as many jobs as possible.
At least the full timers? Five day delivery? don't know. Scary situation, one
that it is hard to sit and watch ..been there.. and wishing you luck.

Just stopping by to catch up a bit, Mark. Your random reading idea is interesting and I'm wondering how I can challenge myself to random read. I could type out the titles of all my TBR's and attach it to the dart board and let a dart choose, but typing a list is too much work. Perhaps, people can just stop at my thread and say "Lynda, you should read bla bla bla and if I have it I'll read it"

I finished The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers. It's a terrific story, set during the depression, about bank-robbing brothers, who keep returning from "death". I cannot wait to read more of Mullen's work.
I just started Ship Fever. It's a story collection. I've had 2 of Barrett's books in the tbr for eons, which is puzzling, since I was crazy for her book The Voyage of the Narwhal. In our nutty book-world, there are no clear answers.

Suz- I've been a big fan of Helen Mirren for years. I loved her Prime Suspect series, which they are turning into a current American TV show. Really? Is this necessary?
I'm glad you liked "The Debt". I've been hearing lukewarm reviews.

Caro- I never heard of "Greenfingers". Sounds offbeat.

Kath- Yes, it is a little scary. Maybe it will be about the 5 day delivery. I'll let you guys know.

Lynda- Do you have your TBR books on shelves or are they stacked willy-nilly? Ilana had all her TBR books listed on LT, so they could be counted that way.
If you are interested, let me know, we'll find you a partner.

Hi Mark - got you starred now and will keep up. Great reading so far this year and very impressive opening photo! The Timothy Egan is straight to my wishlist.

Last time I saw Dame Helen Mirren, she was wielding automatic weaponry in "R.E.D.". That was fun. :)

Regarding random books, I did sneak a look over at the random number generator, and came up with a random book on my shelves, The Shark Net, a memoir about growing up in Perth during a time when there was a serial killer on the loose. I thought "wah, I don't want to read that *now*!", but now I can't get it out of my mind, so much so that I found it on the shelves last night, dusted it off and put it on the bedside stack.

Something to be said for this random book selection thing. :) Of course, I still have to get through the bookgroup read for this month, and then that stack of library books...

Just skimming through threads and waving hello, Mark!

Sorry to be away so long Mark, but I think I'm caught up with you for now. I hope your MIL's treatment goes well for her and I'm glad you are all trying to stay as positive as possible, even though it's hard. I'm glad she got a private room, too...

*Pant, pant* All caught up now. :)

I love your random number game Mark since for SO long that was exactly how I picked what book to read next (minus the partner part of it) since I had such a hard time choosing for myself. I will definitely join you next month if you are still up for it!

So far, Mark, Lost in Shangri-La is terrific. Besides the gripping story, the author has gotten hold of many photos of the people involved and sprinkled them through the text in appropriate places, which really enhances the read.

On the other hand, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer unfortunately was boring the bedoozies out of me, and I had to put it in the "return to library" pile.

Claire DeWitt and the City of the Dead is a good one, so far - woo, the main character sure has a jaundiced view of New Orleans!

Wow, another gorgeous day! Sunny, about 70, with a cool breeze. Heavenly. And I'm home early!

Paul- Great to see you! Yes, The Worst Hard Time might still be my number one book of the year. It's truly amazing. Hey, we share a sh*t load of books too. Anyone with that exquisite taste, is welcome here anytime.

Wookie- I am so burned out on the big action films, that even with Helen Mirren in attendance, I took a pass on "R.E.D.".
Glad you snagged an interesting book on the Random Pick! I'll have to watch for your thoughts on shark Net.

Terri & Angela- Good to see you both!

Valerie- See, who says LT isn't an excellent form of exercise? We should make a LT fitness video.
Glad you liked the Random Pick idea. Maybe you could be my partner next month.

Joe- Thanks for the update! Lost in Shangri-La sounds like my kind of book. Sorry to hear about Hold Me Closer, Necromancer. Bummer! The review I read, sounded very promising.
Glad you are enjoying Claire DeWitt! Are you also enjoying this glorious weather?

Phenomenal weather, Mark. Yes, I'm loving it! If we had this year-round we'd have at least triple the population. I almost didn't make it back to work from lunch - too nice out!

Blind-folded and waving.... Hi there Mark!

You guys must be having similar weather to what we on the West Coast are having right now. Beautiful warm to hot days, cooling slightly in the evenings but still lovely to walk around without a sweater on. My husband and I are getting itchy feet, this is the time of the year we like to get away on a little driving trip.

Mark, I am just starting a book by Bartle Bull called China Star. This is a sequel to his Shanghai Station. I just noticed in the cast of character list that there is a character that was in The White Rhino Hotel, I won't spoil it by telling you who.

96) The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers by Thomas Mullen 4.2 stars

In the summer of’34, Jason and Whit Fireson wake up in the morgue. Apparently both have died from gunshot wounds, possibly in a police ambush. A miracle or a second chance? You’ll have to take a ride along with the Firefly brothers, to find out. They are a pair of Depression-era bank robbers, modeled after Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd, reviled by the law and adored by the public.
This is a well-written and exciting tale, chock full of machine-guns, kidnappings, double-crosses and of course car chases, with the intrepid police always in hot pursuit.
Mullen writes in clean fast prose and he’s done his homework too. Highly recommended.

Ooh, I like the sound of that one, Mark! Oh dear, this is a dangerous thread...

I finally finished Doomsday Book! Whew! I did like this book but boy could it have used some serious trimming. I found her very repetitive. I know there are many Willis fans here: Are her other books as long-winded? Once again, I really liked the story and she did a fine job with the conclusion, but getting there was a chore at times.
Next up on audio, will be Still Life. No chuckling out there! I am completely trusting my LT pals on this one, they've rarely steered me wrong.

Joe- Rain is moving in, the next couple days but the temps stay comfy. I'll take it.

Claudia- Come on, you can peek, just a little. Do you have some handcuffs to go with the blindfold? Just wondering.

Judy- I'm sure we will be getting more hot weather but this has been a lovely respite. I plan on starting Cafe on the Nile as soon as I finish Ship Fever, which I'll describe as brainy & beautiful.

Wookie- Firefly Brothers was a lot of fun. I also have his 1st novel The Last Town on Earth, which I've heard very good things about.

I finished reading Zoo Station today and recommend it. This is the first in the John Russell series. (There are currently three books published in this series.) This is not an action spy novel but it is tension and suspense filled. Part of the suspense comes from the fact that the reader knows the ultimate fate of the world, and therefore the characters, but the reader knows that the characters in the story don't. They remain hopeful throughout the book, and that drives the tension and the action. It is a hard task to write a book in which the reader knows the ending but still keep attention, tension, and suspense viable and visceral and this author succeeds. In many ways this series is similar to the Night Soldier's series by Alan Furst in that there is little in the way of Hollywood blockbuster action, but lots of intrigue and tension. There is also a nice little plot twist at the end. This book was good enough that I started reading the second in the series Silesian Station as soon as I finished the first.

On audio I am about to finish listening to Marcello in the Real World and this YA book has turned out to be a pleasant surprise. I am not sure what I will listen to next, but am sort of thinking that it may be time to get out that account of Tony Horwitz's trip around the South Seas. Or maybe the Perfect Mile. I will see what appeals to me tomorrow.

I found To Say Nothing of the Dog to very humorous with little repetition. I think it would really help to read Three Men in a Boat before reading that one, but I muddle through it just fine. Perhaps Willis was giving extra detail in Doomsday Book because she knew she was going to write more about it and thought that more would give her threads on which to build future story lines? I understand that the bombing of Coventry is a theme in TSNOTD that she explores at greater length in Blackout and All Clear. In order to do that she would have found it helpful to have more detail in each scene of the first book.

Oh well, I'm sorry you didn't like Doomsday Book as much as I did! I'll be hanging out for your comments on Still Life, I've got a copy but am worried it might be a bit too "cozy" for me.

And the library has Firefly Brothers, so that's nice and easy. :) I'll pick it up next time I'm there (when hopefully I'll be *returning* some books!).

Sure! Sign me up to be your partner for October. :)

Hi Mark!! Just catching up ! Hey! I think you missed my post #140- as if I'd ever miss your thread! ;) You know, though I haven't read The Worst Hard Time I've read a Canadian book that I think is very similar - Under This Unbroken Sky by Shandi Mitchell. I'd send it to you - but I accidentally turned into the library and never got it back ;) It was about a family of homesteaders in Saskatchewan in the 1920's - 1930 - living in sod houses, and really having difficult time. It was a dark book, but really gave one the idea of what homesteading must have been like.

Sorry that your most recent reads have not been so great... Good luck with Still Life. I read a couple of Louise Penny's books and though I know they are very popular- like Wookie, I found the first couple to be too cozy for me. Have a great day tomorrow!

#169 Deb another for the TBR wishlist (my bank manager and wife are starting to have kittens at the amount of business I'm giving to KL's several bookshops, the book depository and amazon). Malaysia practices giving it's taxpayer a tax free allowance of RM1,000 per year (this equates to about 25 new paperbacks). My allowance is shot every month of every year and I'm sure HSBC think my book compulsion is some sort of tax scam!

If you thought Doomsday Book was long-winded and needed editing, stay clear of Blackout/All Clear! Even for a die-hard fan such as myself, I found it to be vvveeeerrrryyyy slow in places and in need of major editing. To Say Nothing of the Dog is a hoot, if you like Victorian sensibilities. Passage is different, but be careful of spoilers or it ruins half the fun. I didn't care for Bellwether or Lincoln's Dreams as much as her others.

Mark...There is no hope of reading all the posts. I hope to be able to keep in touch more often after the initial rush of the beginning of the semester.

I'm simply stopping by to wave hi.

I'm going to look for the Mullen book, Mark--sounds great. I made it through a couple hundred pages of The Doomsday Book a couple of years ago and then put it aside. Never could connect. :o)

Benita- Thanks for your thoughts on Willis. I'm planning on giving her another shot but after Lisa's (labs39) comments, I may have to reconsider. LOL. Zoo Station sounds interesting and you know I need to get back to another Furst.

Valerie- It's a date, my friend. Remind me again in a couple weeks, if I forget and maybe we can get a few others onboard.

Deb- I'm so sorry for not responding to your msg. I pride myself in acknowledging each post. Of course, I did read it though. So your son might be visiting my fair city, huh? How exciting.
Children go back to school at different times here, in the Chicago area. It's crazy. Some just went back this week and others 2 weeks ago.
Under This Unbroken Sky sounds excellent. Thanks for the rec. I'll have to add that to the List pronto.

Paul- At least all that money you're spending is going to a worthy cause.

Lisa- thanks for your Willis comments. Blackout is one I have in the stacks too! I will give her another shot, at some point.

Linda- Big wave!

Jenny- I can't wait to read more of Mullen's work. I snagged his latest, from July's ER, although I don't have it in my greedy hands yet.

Doomsday = repetitive?
hmm I never felt that.. and it was a big book that flowed so quickly.. I read it in no time..
Why is it not surprising that we do not feel the same about a book? lol

The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers sounds like a good one, Mark. Added to the list.

I agree with you that The Doomsday Book could use a fair amount of trimming. Are her others like that? Some yes, some no. To Say Nothing of the Dog isn't, nor is Bellwether. Passages was long but didn't seem repetitive or in need of trimming to me. It's an interesting take on the afterlife. Blackout, for me, suffered from the same kind of excess, and it sounds like All Clear does, too. Still, her ideas and storytelling are interesting enough that it's worth it, in my view. I'll be reading All Clear when it comes out in paperback.

P.S. I'm going to be surprised if you don't like Still Life a lot.

I was going to say you will need to remind me since having the baby, my brain tends to just drop things out of my head and they just disappear into the void. But hopefully, between the two of us, someone will remember. :)

Holy Blue Print, Batman!

Geeze Mark - sometimes on this thread I feel my reading desires drawn and quartered - too much! stop! *wimper*
Y'all are throwing a "dog" book in there, but I am still resisting.

So much going on here. I'm mostly lurking this afternoon, but wanted to say The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers sounds really appealing. The don't have it at the library though. :-( Maybe they'll get it eventually? In the meantime, I got the audio of The White Rhino hotel finally. I found Still Life to be a bit too much on the 'cozy' side for my liking, but it was still a fun read. I've been told the series gets better as it progresses, so not giving up on it.

Hi, Mark! Coming back to LT after a long break. I loved To Say Nothing of the Dog, but that was my first Willis so even enjoyed the time travel bits, but by the fourth book (Passages) the explanations got a little old, as did the whole time travel idea. I so wish you had read my favorite first, as I think the first time you experience an author, or idea, is almost always the best. That's what I get for not being here to badger you into reading TSNotD first.

Leave it to that Bonnie to mess up my whole plan. I was going to read Doomsday Book followed by To Say Nothing of the Dog like any normal person would but now....

I preferred Doomsday Book to To Say Nothing of the Dog which I thought very draggy in the beginning. I almost gave it up for good a third of the way through. But then again, I am much more interested in medieval history and catastrophic plague than I am in late Victorian twiddle. And all of the time travel difficulties just tied my poor head in knots. So tedious! By book's end I did not give a rat's bee-hind about the Bishop's bloody bird stump. Pretty much took care of any desire I had to read any more of Willis' stuff.

Marky-Mark : 'Greenfingers' stars Helen Mirren, Clive Owen and David Kelly about a group of prisoners, who, because of good behavior, are moved to an experimental prison without walls so to speak. A few of them accidentally become gardeners and with the assistance of Helen Mirren, horticulturist extraordinaire, attempt to design a garden for entry into the coveted horticultural society's competition. It's a beautiful and yet funny movie.

Kath- I think we agree on more books, than you think. Probably better than 50-50. And keep in mind, I liked DB, just had some problems with the lack of editing.

Joe- Thanks for your thoughts on the Willis books. Wow, I'm not sure I've seen this kind of mixed opinions on the same group of books. It really is amazing.
Hey, I listened to a nice chunk of Still Life today and it's been enjoyable. So far, it does not suffer from the "cozy lite" syndrome. I like these characters.

Valerie- I'm sure one of us will remember. Do you have your TBR books numbered and ready to go?

Claudia- "Holy Blue Print, Batman!" I love your sense of humor and the "dog book" comment was hysterical, because I don't think the Willis book is about dogs! LOL.

Ilana- I hope the audio of White Rhino Hotel succeeds. It's such a terrific adventure tale. I'm liking Still Life. Did you appreciate the local flavor?

HELL-o

;=P

Bonnie- You just made my day! Thank you! It's been a LONG TIME! I will give To Say Nothing of the Dog a try, along with Blackout, which I all-ready own.
I hope to see more of you, around here.

Bonnie (Brenzi)- "Leave it to that Bonnie to mess up my whole plan." Yeah, but isn't it great to have her back? BTW- I am loving Ship Fever. This type of writing really sneaks up on you. I'm getting ready to start the title story.

Charlotte- I can understand your frustrations with Willis and it doesn't seem to be just 1 or 2 of her books. "rat's behind"? You do realize this is a family thread?

Caro- I need to swing by Netflix and add "Greenfingers" into my queue! I love your description.

You'll love the movie, Marky-Mark. David Kelly who was just unforgettable in the movie 'Waking Ned Devine' is just as brilliant here.

Just don't forget, Blackout is the first half of a single book. You have to read All Clear or Blackout makes no sense. *nag, nag* :-)

>185 msf59: Oh...hahahahaha! Not about dogs? LOL

Good. I'll be ok skipping it for now ;-) Thanks, Mark!

I am deeply into Ship Fever. Actually, I only have the title story left, which is really a novella, at nearly a 100 pages. A couple interesting facts: I didn't realize that back in the 17th & 18th centuries, some people believed that swallows and other migrating birds hid under water during the winter months and a couple other nuts thought they went to the moon. Wow!

Jude- HELL-o back!

Caro- I haven't seen "Waking Ned Devine" in many years but will take your word for it.

Lisa- Ugh! LOL

Claudia- We do get our laughs in around here, don't we?

Mark, the local flavour in Stiill Life was amusing at first, since I've never read a novel set close to Montreal or in Quebec before, but when they started bringing up the language issues, it became a big turnoff actually. I live it every day, don't want to be reminded of it when I try to lose myself in my reading.

Hi Mark! I am reading Divergent and LOVING IT!!!! So glad your excellent review pushed me to read it now, instead of waiting until whenever. Alright, gotta get back to it!

Yeah, I'm one of those people who have their books logged on an excel sheet... :)

Plenty of fun discussion on your thread, Mark!! Shall we all take bets at what point you do/ do not find Still Life a cozy!!! LOL!! I read a couple of Louise Penny's mysteries before I found them too cozy. My real issue was with Inspector Gamache. He thinks FAR TOO much of himself. So smug. It got to me. And I kept reading " Ganache" instead of Gamache. Ganache is a thick chocolate icing - and then I was hungry. What can I say..............

*waving* at Mark

Oh Deb, don't mention ganache! Now I'm going to be craving chocolate all afternoon!!

LOL,Wookie!! :)

Happy Friday to everyone who has the weekend off and no I'm not one of them, thank you very much. Our lovely weather has continued, with scattered showers but perfect temps.

Ilana- You probably mentioned this before somewhere, but what are your "language issues", in the Penny books? Inquiring minds.
BTW- I'm really enjoying the narrator on Still Life. I believe he's the same guy who did Watership Down, correct?

Laura- I'm glad you are enjoying it! Divergent was a big hit in my house. Are you back to work?

Valerie- That's a smart idea. I just keep my organized on shelves, where I can look longingly at them.

Deb- You know most of my book choices, especially crime, are dark ventures, so once in awhile I can take a stroll down a sunnier lane, but of course I will never make a habit of it. And also keep in mind, my next series book will be our pal Harry Hole. I still love that name.
BTW- Ganache sounds tasty!

Stasia & Wookie- Big waves!

I try to never say never........

also if you keep reading the Three Pines.. I think you will find yourself interested.. they are not as cozy as you think! :) imo...

I started Claire DeWitt this morning on my commute. Loving it so far. I'm a huge New Orleans lover, and it feels like she is really capturing the city.

Added The Last Werewolf to the wishlist. Maybe, if I'm lucky, it will be like Claire DeWitt and be on the display shelf in the library the next time I go.

199: Yes, I am back to work, but on a very very part time basis - one client a day. Everything has stopped, medical-wise, and that makes no sense to anyone. So, I'm working a little until everything starts up again, and then it's back to bed rest. At least it give me plenty of time to work on Divergent!I was up until 2 this morning reading, and now that I'm nearing the end, I'm trying to slow down so it lasts longer, but I need to find out what happens! When does the next book come out again? :)

I'm glad you're liking Divergent so much, Laura. I did, too. Hope your health keeps heading in a positive direction.

Mark, for what it's worth, I'm not surprised by the divergent (ahem) views on Connie Willis. I'm not sure why, but it seems common outside LT, too. Maybe it boils down to, are you willing to overlook some defects for the upside experience she provides. It's good to know you'll be reading Blackout. I look forward to hearing your reaction.

Mark, you'll be hearing all about Quebec's language issue in the book. Maybe not in detail, but it crops up quite a few times; the whole French vs English culture thing. Of course, one cannot talk about Quebec without mentioning that part of our reality. All the same, I'd just as soon skip hearing about it when I'm escaping into fiction, that's all.

You're right, Ralph Cosham is the one who narrated Watership Down too.

Hi Mark: The Louise Penny books are a bit less cozy than my usual but they might be quite a bit more cozy than your usual.

During the Packers game last night, I finished the second Steve Hamilton, Winter of the Wolf Moon. Do you read him? Not at all cozy...set in Michigan's U.P. I like these.

Kath- I'm about 2/3rds through Still Life. And I'm liking it. I've also been hearing that the series gets progressively better, which is a plus for me.

Nancy- Great to see you! Claire DeWitt was a lot of fun and I'm glad you are enjoying it. I bought The Last Werewolf and I have been passing it around. I think you will really like it.

Laura- I hope that means you are feeling better. I'm not sure about the 2nd Divergent book, I'll have to look it up. Joe?
Have you read The Passage? If not, you should. I heard that the 2nd book, called The Twelve will be released next year.

Joe- It is very difficult to have patience with a writer, especially for book nuts like us, who have SO MANY other books to fill that vacuum. As you know, I like to space out my authors, so it might be awhile before I get to another Willis.

Ilana- Ralph Cosham is quickly becoming one of my favorite readers. I think the language issues, of the Three Pines, is going right over my gray (I prefer silver) head.

Linda- I didn't watch the game but it sounded like the Packers kicked serious butt! I have not heard of Steve Hamilton but Winter of the Wolf Moon does sound good.

I finished listening to Marcelo in the Real World earlier this week and really liked it. I am usually not fond of YA "disease or affliction of the month" type books as I think that they are usually over wrought. Or is that fraught? Anyway this one is finely crafted and a wonderful story. It is about a seventeen year old boy who has Asperger's Syndrome. His father is a successful lawyer and he thinks it is time for his son to learn how to function in the real world instead of the sheltered environment of the special school he attends. Marcelo starts a summer job working in the mail room of his father's law firm. The story is wonderfully told with the growth of Marcelo providing some unexpected twists and turns. I enjoyed this book and recommend it. Others must have agreed with me because it was a Newbery Honor book a couple of years ago. This is not a typical teenage angst story but rather a homey story that reminds me of cheese straws. So buttery and smooth with just a bit of nip from all that cayenne pepper.

I have Divergent waiting for me, and all this talk about it is whetting my appetite. However, there are others on the shelf that are calling my name just a little more loudly so next up is book two in the Inkheart series. Inkspell is in the car CD player right now.

By-the-way, we are having beautiful fall weather here. I am sure it will warm back up in a few days, but right now it is beautiful.

Hey, I finally picked up the audio of Stiff. I'm crazy for Mary. I won't get to it until next month but it's firmly in my greedy hands. Yesssssss!

Laura and other Divergent fans- Check this out: http://veronicarothbooks.blogspot.com/ It looks like she just finished her final draft and there is talk about a film adaptation in the works.

Yahoo!!!! At least there's a general date in mind, and the movie adaptation is not a surprise at all. Joe, Divergent must have been an even more vivid book for you since you live in the same city! I'm just glad that I've been to Chicago enough so I can picture exactly where they are when Tris & Co are romping around the city. Just 100 pages to go!!!!

>208 msf59: - Oh, Mark, the audio of Stiff is wonderful! You are in for a treat!

Yes, indeed, Mark, most of your crime books are quite dark - kinda like mine. Go ahead and enjoy some time on the sunny side of the street! :) All of those werewolf books of yours! Yikes! Get back to A Still Life! :)

GASP! Stiff That's a book I could not read!!!!

LOL! Only that other Bonnie can call me "that Bonnie" and make me laugh. Good to be back in the thick of things!

Benita- I always admire your range in books. I think that tact keeps reading fresh & interesting. I'm glad you are enjoying some fine weather.

Laura- Hope you didn't stay up to late with Divergent.

Katie- I listened to and loved both bonk & Packing For Mars. I think she's tailor-made for the audio experience.

Deb- I'll be venturing back to the dark side, very soon, don't worry.

Bonnie- And it's good to have you back in the "thick of things"!

Well good! Glad to hear that you might continue the Penny series! They do get better each book.. the last one being my favorite.

Yes, it's a great series. The last Inspector Gamache straightened out some things that bothered me in the one before. Can't wait to read the new one.

Mark, Claire DeWitt and the City of the Dead was good. She's an unusual main character with a lot of room for growth, and trundling through post-Katrina New Orleans was quite an experience. I'm looking forward to more now that Sara Gran has laid the foundation.

Still loving Lost in Shangri-La. What a story! I'll probably finish it this weekend.

>149 msf59: I could've said a whole bunch more on that subject, but I really, really didn't want to say anymore. I should've PMed her instead, but oh well.

You know, I have been thinking, and I do know why I like werewolves. You see, if the main character is not human or fully human, it makes it 2000% better (or 20x better). It's true. That's a small fraction of why I like books about dragons, or half-human mutants, or video games like Mario Kart where you can be a dinosaur or a giant turtle. And so with werewolves, they are human, except for that time where the full moon is out or every night (depending on the legend) and suddenly they aren't human anymore. That's cool.

Darn, you should really be a salesman. You just convinced me to convince myself to put it on my Wishlist. I probably would've done it eventually.

Finished Lost in Shangri-La sooner than I expected. You'll love it when you get to it.

Hey, it looks a little quiet on the Threads today! Is everyone doing something better? Come on, is that possible? It was a pleasant day on the route today but the afternoon, really dragged, this happens a lot on Saturdays, at least to me.
I'm having a cold one, visiting LT and then showering and we are meeting friends for dinner.

Kath- I finished Still Life. It's a good read, I gave it a solid rating and I'll continue the series. I know you don't do audios but this was a perfect way to visit Three Pines.

Joe- I'm glad you liked Claire DeWitt. I don't know if you felt the same way but the 1st half was really good but the 2nd half flagged a bit. I do think she created a terrific character in Claire and I'd like to see where goes next.
I NEED to find a copy of Lost in Shangri-La. It's got my name all over it.
I'm looking forward to the Bears game tomorrow. How about you?

Nathan- Good to see you! How's school? I like genre fiction but I hold it at a very high standard, like all of my reading and when I find a George R.R. Martin or another exceptional author writing in these fields, I jump on it. Glen Duncan is another one, along with Justin Cronin. Have you read The Passage?

hey Mark-- I've been reading The Last Werewolf today-- damn, so good--this guy can write! oh, and I finished a new 5 star favorite-- the new novella by Denis Johnson- Train Dreams. you must look for it :o)

Couldn't do it Mark.. they all have their own voice.. each book I read, each character has their own voice..
I think an audio would be too jarring for me.. but to each his own :)

Hi Mark,

Nope, wasn't up too late to finish Divergent, but the night before I was up until 1:30 in the morning! May 2012 seems so far away....

I haven't yet read The Passage, but I do own it. Eventually (sooner rather than later) I'll get to it. Unless you want to assign it to me to read in October?

Oh my , do you have to deliver mail on Saturdays!!!! Mark, move on up to Canada! We've not had Saturday mail since - well, perhaps not in my lifetime. We even have many Community Mail Boxes in urban and suburban areas like mine. I have to walk to my Community Mail box each day- and get my mail. A lot less work for the post people. And I live in 2. 3 million city.

Jenny- I'm so glad you are enjoying the Last Werewolf. He is a good writer and I love his dry sense of humor. Sadly, I have not read Denis Johnson, although I do own Tree of Smoke. Have you read that one?
Since it's a shorty, maybe I'll request Train Dreams.

Kath- I know you don't care for audiobooks but this type works well for me. Hey, whatever gets us to jump aboard, I'm up for it.

Laura- So glad you loved Divergent. And yes, I think you should slate The Passage for October. It's not as fast paced as the Roth book and much longer but it's such a terrific read.

Deb- We've always had Saturday delivery. The P.O has been seriously considering going to 5 day, to save money but the Union is completely against it, because of the loss of jobs.
You mentioned a community mail box. Is this for townhouses or condos or just regular old residential deliveries?

Community mailboxes are for regular old residential deliveries. Canada Post went to that about 20 + years ago. Community boxes have long been found in townhouses and rural delivery and apt's - but they made " Community Mailboxes " part of regular delivery 20 plus years ago. People that live in older neighbourhoods still get door to door delivery. All newer neighbourhoods now have community mailboxes. I rather liked having it come to my door in our previous home -but no big deal to walk 1/10 of a mile. They've got spots for parcels there too, and you can put regular mail into the box. We don't have home pickups of mail - never have in my memory.

By the way, Mark, I'm sorry for all of the difficulties with the post office in the US. Changes, layoffs etc are never a good or fun thing. My husband is in the airline business -and we know a lot about layoffs, outsourcing work, etc etc. Sorry to hear of your work troubles.

Morning everyone! Happy Sunday! It's Opening Day for the Chicago Bears, so I plan on planting my butt in my favorite chair and enjoying the game. My Cubbies were a complete wash-out this season, so maybe football can bring me a little sports pleasure.
I finished the excellent Ship Fever and started (barely) A Cafe on the Nile, the follow-up to White Rhino Hotel. I am so surprised that this author is not better known. He's such a crackshot writer!

Deb- I have not heard of community mailboxes before. Interesting idea. I'm sure your postal person can cover a very wide area with these things. Is it housed in a building or a free-standing structure?
We use "cluster boxes" for townhouses and some apartments.

LAura.. don't let the size of The Passage, or it's description put you off..
it is so much better than you think it will be :) At least it was for me .

Have fun in your chair today Mark :)

HI Mark. Have fun watching football today.

After seeing your review I picked up Three Day Road and I'm really enjoying it so far!

Here's a link to a picture of a community mail box from Canada post - http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/cmb/default.jsf?LOCALE=en&ecid=murl... .

They are free standing structures.

I know that sometimes my sister in law, who lives in a colder part of Canada, cannot be bothered to walk through the snow to her community mail box every day in the winter. Me, I get a lot of stuff via the post. Never miss a day.

Yes, I think it must be a help to the mail person. A lot less slippery stairs and sidewalks to navigate. Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world, next to Russia, and yet we have a population of only ? 39 million. I think Canada Post had to figure out a way to cut down cost in such spread out country, although about 80% of Canadians are urban/suburban dwellers.

Morning Kath- I'm glad you are encouraging Laura on the Passage. Did you see my earlier post about Cronin's follow-up, The Twelve? It'll be released sometime next year, hopefully earlier than later.
Sue might pick up my MIL and bring her back here for a couple hours, later this afternoon.

Chelle- Nice to see you! I'm glad you are enjoying TDR! He's a very good writer and I'm looking forward to reading more of his work.

Deb- Thanks for the link. Yep, those are similar to our "cluster boxes". How many do you think are in one location? 50, or more?

>218 msf59: No, I haven't heard of The passage. Let me see what it's about....

An injection given to doomed people on the goal of creating indestructable warriors, but it goes horribly wrong and turns them monsterous and bloodlusty. Can't go wrong with that, eh?

Hope you are enjoying the football, Mark. I just finished Bartle Bull's China Star and recommend you check out Shanghai Station and it for more Bartle Bull. These two books are about an exiled White Russian family. I am now looking forward to continuing on with his African trilogy.

Yep, the Bears kicked butt! 30 to 12. The Falcons could never get anything going. I hope the Bears remain consistent.
My reading has been slow today, maybe I can squeeze in some later.

Nathan- I guess The Passage is being called literary horror, which is what the Last Werewolf qualifies for, IMHO. It's a big book and there are a couple slow spots but it is a very solid epic story.

Judy- Funny, we are both reading Bartle Bull. We should get more LTers on-board. So you read the 1st trilogy? Thanks to your S & S, I moved Cafe on the Nile up.

Good Bears game, Mark. I'm particularly glad because I thought they might start out 0-3 with the schedule they have. How about that Urlacher?

Serena got crunched in the U.S. Open. Didn't see that one coming!

Glad the Bears won. They are my 3rd favorite team, based solely on my love of Chicago as a city :) My Giants are currently playing just like they did last year (which is to say, like crap) and being embarrassed by the hated Redskins.

I'm glad your Bears kicked butt, Mark. I'm afraid my Chiefs got their butts kicked, but they're used to it! We also root for the Rams who had a similar sad story. Hope springs eternal for our third team - the Broncos.

I spent most of the afternoon reading; it was much more productive. ;-)

Football makes me sad.

Yah, Bears fans!

Joe- Yes, Urlacher was a monster. I also liked Forte and Cutler, pretty much the whole team played solid football.

Katie- Sorry to hear about your Giants! That was supposed to be the "Game of the Week"!

Donna- I'm glad you have a line-up of favorite teams, hopefully at least one should win. I'm a one team guy! In baseball too!

Kath- Why the sad face, my friend?

I have a question: After dinner the wife and I played a couple games of backgammon. We always played it, that if you landed on the bar, the only way off was rolling doubles, matching an open space. The rules say, you can move off on any die move, as long as it's an open space. The wife feels this is much to easy and I think the rolling doubles is much to hard.
Any opinions?

How many boxes do I think a community box might have? Well, Mark, that's an answer I really don't know. Mine has 33, but in a neighbourhood I think it probably varies . I don't think the idea is that you don't have to travel too far to your mailbox. it probably varies according to the the layout of the neighbourhood etc? I don't know.

Sorry you've had a bad sports day. As for Backgammon - I've never been able to figure out the rules. Too spatial of a game for me.

I used to play backgammon all the time way back when. Unfortunately, I remember nothing anymore about the rules of the game.

Popping in to say hello, Marky-Mark. I've only just recovered from the shock that you haven't watched the movie 'Waking Ned Devine' yet. It's only one of the funniest Irish movies of all time. You HAVE to rent the DVD. Seriously,... you won't regret it ... in fact, I predict you'll thank me a million times over for insisting you watch this!

Hi Mark! Even I have seen 'Waking Ned Devine"! I second everything Caro just said - it's a hoot!

Deb- Once again, thanks for all your postal info! Perfect! Actually, Backgammon is a fairly simple game. It's not chess!
BTW- Correction- I had a good sports day, my Bears kicked butt!

Joanne- I think everyone tweaks the rules a bit, so it's hard to remember the official way it's played.

Caro- Wait a minute! Stop the presses! I never said I didn't see Ned Devine! I have seen it, it's been many years, but I have seen it and from what I can recall, it was very enjoyable.
I will add it to my Netflix queue, for a re-watch, though.

Claudia- Sounds like you had a nice weekend! I'm glad the wedding went well!

Hi Mark, I usually don't get too excited about our team because they seldom give us much to cheer about..... except when they open the season trouncing Donna's team. Go Bills!

Hi Mark, trying to catch up a little... I wasn't on top of threads as I usually try to be, but it was good to take a bit of a break. I look forward to starting The White Rhino Hotel. Maybe after this audio I've got going now?

You're remding me that I saw and LOVE Ned Devine when I saw it first, and that I have it on my hard drive, standing by for me to watch it again... I got it from iTunes ages ago... I just don't make time to watch movies, or hardly ever. Will have to do something about that.

Have a great week. xx

Waking Ned Divine is one of those feel-good movies that I never tire of watching; at least when in that sort of mood. I've probably seen it four or five times. The smelly soaps, the scooter, the muddy bike ride... What's not to love? ;-)

Football is very loud and sucks people in so far.. it is like half their
attention is on that funny looking ball day in and day out, even when there
are no games. :P~~~~~~~~

I am leaning toward finishing my current nook read and rereading Hummingbird's Daughter..
so I am not looking at ANYONE'S blue ( or teal ) text.

:)

We loved Waking Ned Devine, too. A charmer.

I can't remember the backgammon rules. Makes me miss playing cribbage. Sounds like a nice evening.

Hi Mark
When I play backgammon online the rules are any die roll but you can only move into an open space or a space that only has one chip.

ditto what Gogs81 said :)

that's how I play!

LOVE the Ansel Adams! Pity I got here just in time for you to need a new thread. *hug*

Hey everyone! Had a nice warm one today. Mid-80s. Temps drop the rest of the week and it struggles to stay in the 60s by Thursday. What?? To early to shed the shorts!

Bonnie- I've always liked the Bills! Yes, it's nice to them tromp somebody. (Sorry Donna)

Ilana- Films and TV in general have taken a backseat to books and other book-related pastimes and I have no problem with that.

Lisa- Big Wave!

Kath- As far as football, to each his own, right? Same with any sport. Whatever makes life a bit more tolerable, is fine with me.
Is this your 2nd reading of Hummingbird? How's it holding up?

Joe- I have never played cribbage. Any fun?

Chelle & Kara- Yes, that looks like the official rules of backgammon. It's funny how you end up changing rules, over the years, sometimes for the better and then forget what the original set-up was.

RD- Great to see you stranger! It's been awhile. Hope all is well.

I finished reading End of Mr. Y and thought it was boring. I know that this author Scarlett Thomas has garnered a cult audience, but frankly after finishing that book I can't see why. The book has some exciting parts but they got lost in all the other chatter. If the art work on the cover could have saved it the book would have been a winner, but that didn't happen. Don't be sucked in by the great design. If you have this one, put it aside and consider getting rid of it. At best it is only average. I rated it a 3.

To make myself feel better I pulled out my copy of Devil's Oasis so that I can join in reading with all us Bartle Bull fans. This is the third book in his Africa trilogy and I have already read fifty pages. Thank god for cracking good writers like this guy. This one will totally pull me out of my reading doldrums.

I have never played Backgammon but would like to learn someday. It seems like a fun and complicated game. Sounds perfect.

The weather down here continues to be very nice. Not perfect fall weather as it is a little too warm for that, but very nice indeed.

Hi Mark! Used to love games - now they either bore or stump me. My grandkids tried to teach me a Pokeman game... seemed complicated to me. This is probably the first sign of dementia :(

I'm almost done with a book! Imagine that! I'm gonna keep you in suspense til I'm done ;-)

btw - keep the shorts, just walk a little faster lol

New Thread

Benita- Thanks to you and the timing of Series & Sequels, I'm reading A Cafe on the Nile. I'm not reading it as fast as I would like but it's still highly enjoyable.
Hey, I also started Nemesis on audio. Interesting, that it's read with an American accent, but it fits well with the style. I guess Hole is pronounced Who-lay! Pretty funny.
I don't think backgammon is complicated at all. It's easy to learn and play.

Oh, I haven't played backgammon in years! Miss Boo pulled out my old set and I had to Google the rules to refresh my memory, but she's not old enough for such a game yet. She just likes stacking the discs. (And losing them. Sigh.)

No community mailboxes in Sydney, I get daily (Mon - Fri) delivery. But the least said about the 3 month period when all my parcels (books!) went missing, the better. (They did all turn up, and the mailman ran away before I could ask where they'd all been the past three months...) Australia Post subcontracted out the parcel delivery, and the new deliverers can never find where I live and by the time they work that out, they've moved onto something/somewhere else. Argh. (And apparently Australia Post doesn't care unless the contents of the parcel were worth something, more than a paperback.)

Ahem. Sorry.

Claudia- You are almost done with a book? Yah! Yes, I'm hoping to keep the shorts on, at least until mid-October. Fingers crossed.

Wookie- Thanks for sharing your postal experiences! I'm glad you finally got those books! Whew!

See you all on the New Thread!

>233 msf59: "Epic" Love that word. What exactly do you mean by "literary horror"?

Nathan- "literary" isn't an easy word to describe, for me anyway. I guess it means a writer who can write in deeper richer prose.
Can anyone else help me here?

Hi, Mark. Yes, cribbage is a lot of fun. I played a ton with my dad growing up. It's a card game where you score both on your plays on your opponent's cards, e.g. with runs and pairs and "fifteens", and then on scoring in your hand based on the starter card. You keep score by pegging on the board. It's simple enough to learn easily and complicated enough to sustain interest when played a lot.

The other one we played for quite a while was pinochle. As a kid I loved it because there was so much scoring.

Oh yeah!! Cribbage is fun! My dad and I used to play cribbage too! I just love a good card game- like Hearts, or Whist or whatever- or those fun party games like Trivial Pursuit, Cranium, or Ballderdash. Fun!

Anyway, Mark, I letting you know that I have a nice shiny new thread!!!

Cross your fingers for me that I like reading from my kindle, once I get it!!!... and that I've got the smarts to operate it! :)

>260 msf59: OK, I think I see.