brenzi Takes Another Stab at 75 - 6

Here's another painting by my favorite local artist which I'm sure you recognize as Niagara Falls. The city of Niagara Falls is where I was born and raised.

I know one husband and wife who, whatever the official reasons given to the court for the break up of their marriage, were really divorced because the husband believed that nobody ought to read while he was talking and the wife that nobody ought to talk while she was reading.
Vera Brittain

"A library isn't just a library. It is a space ship that will take you to the farthest reaches of the Universe, a time machine that will take you to the far past and the far future, a teacher that knows more than any human being, a friend that will amuse you and console you--and most of all, a gateway, to a better and happier and more useful life."

--Isaac Asimov in a March 16, 1971, letter to children at the newly opened Troy, Mich., public library








Currently Reading:



Take It Or Leave It Challenge - January

The Invisible Bridge Top Rated Books Challenge
Case Histories - First Book in a Series Challenge
The White Family - Book Rated Between 3.8-4.2 on LT
The Girls - Vowels in Alphabetical Order
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand - Book with an Official in the Title
Solo - Book Rated Below 10,000 on the LT Popularity Rating

Take It Or Leave It Challenge - February

The Children's Blizzard - Non-fiction Book About Winter
The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence - Canada Reads Challenge
Lord of Misrule - Tournament of Books Challenge
Someone Knows My Name - Canada Reads Challenge

Take It Or Leave It Challenge - March

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet Top 50 LT Wishlisted Books
West with the Night Read a Book with a City on Page 17
In the Company of Angels Read a book in which the main title words (not a, an, etc.) increase or decrease by 1 letter count
The Reluctant Fundamentalist Read a Book That Takes Place in the Middle East

Take It Or Leave It Challenge April

Through Black Spruce Book Whose Title is a Prepositional Phrase
Swamplandia 2011 Orange Prize Longlist
In the Bleak Midwinter Book Whose Title is a Prepositional Phrase
Testament of Youth Read an Autobiography or Diary
It's Beginning to Hurt Book with an Artful cover

Take It or Leave It Challenge - May

South Riding Read a Book that's Been on Your TBR Pile Since Jan. 1
Doc: A Novel Read a Book That's at Least 23 cm. High
A Fountain Filled With Blood Read a Book with a matching word to the Title above It
A Month in the Country Read a Book with a vowel that's Repeated in the Title's Main Words (o)

Take It Or Leave It - June

All Quiet on the Western Front Read a Book Used as a Screenplay
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives Read a Book on a Low Shelf
The Lost Garden Read a book with a Flower on the Cover

Take It or Leave It Challenge - July

The Memory of Love Read a woman-authored book nominated for an international prize
The Outcast Read a Book by a Hot Author

Take It Or Leave It Challenge - August

Matterhorn Read a Book where the main Character Has an Uncommon Name
Parnassus on Wheels Read a Book with a Friend
This Boy's Life Read a Western

Take It Or Leave It - September

A Trick of the Light Read a book where the Title related to your 5 senses
Ethan Frome Read a book whose title is the name of someone
The Sisters Brothers Read a Book Whose Cover is Composed Mainly of a Primary Color (red)

Take It Or Leave It - October

Obasan - Read a Book with Fewer than 150 Coversations on LT (54)
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - Read a Characteristic Work
The Age of Innocence - Read a Book Assigned to an English class
Montana 1948 - Read a Book Set Between 1920 and 1950
Jest of God - Read a Book Whose Author's First and last name Have the Same Number of Letters


BOOKS READ IN 2011

59. Howard's End is on the Landing - Susan Hill - UK - 3.5 stars
58. Jest of God - Margaret Laurence - Canada - 4.5 stars
57. Montana 1948 - Larry Watson - 4 stars
56. The Age of Innocence - Edith Wharton - 5 stars
55. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - Jamie Ford - 3.5 stars
54. Obasan - Joy Kogawa - Canada - 4.5 stars
53. When the Emperor was Divine - Julie Otsuka - 4 stars
52. Let's Take the Long Way Home - Gail Caldwell - 4 stars
51. Nat Tate - William Boyd - 1.5 stars
50. Dissolution - C. J. Sansom - UK - 4 stars
49. When Will There Be Good News? - Kate Atkinson - Scotland - 4.5 stars
48. The Sisters Brothers - Patrick de Witt - 4 stars
47. Ethan Frome - Edith Wharton - UK - 4.5 stars
46. A Trick of the Light - Louise Penny - 4.5 stars
45. The Trouble with Poetry - Billy Collins - 4 stars
44. In the Sea There Are Crocodiles - Fabio Geda - Afghanistan/Pakistan/Turkey/Greece/Italy-3 stars
43. Every Man in This Village is a Liar - Megan Stack - Afghanistan/Iraq/Palestine/Egypt - 5 stars
42. Burnt Shadows - Kamila Shamsie - India, Pakistan, Afghanistan - 4 stars
41. This Boy's Life - Tobias Wolff - 3.5 stars
40. Parnassus on Wheels - Christopher Morley - 3.5 stars
39. Matterhorn - Karl Marlantes - Viet Nam - 5 stars
38. To the Lighthouse - Virginia Woolf - UK - 4 stars
37. When She Woke - Hillary Jordan - 4.5 stars
36. One Good Turn - Kate Atkinson - UK - 4 stars
35. The Outcast - Sadie Jones - UK - 4 stars
34. The Memory of Love - Aminatta Forna - Sierra Leone - 5 stars
33. Unaccustomed Earth - Jhumpa Lahiri - India/US/Italy - 5 stars
32. Translation is a Love Affair - Jacques Poulin - France - 4 stars
31. The Hottest Dishes of the Tartar Cuisine - Alina Bronsky-Russia/Germany-3.5 stars
30. The Lost Garden - Helen Humphreys - UK - 4.5 stars
29. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives - Lola Shoneyin - Nigeria - 3.5 stars
28. All Quiet on the Western Front - Erich Maria Remarque - France - 5 stars
27. Ministry of Special Cases - Nathan Englander - Argentina - 4 stars
26. A Month in the Country - J.L. Carr - UK - 4 stars
25. A Fountain Filled With Blood - Julia Spencer-Fleming - 4 stars
24. Doc - Mary Doria Russell - 4.5 stars
23. South Riding - Winifred Holtby - UK - 4.5 stars
22. It's Beginning to Hurt - James Lasdun - UK - 3.5 stars
21. Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain - UK - 5 stars
20. In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming - 4 stars
19. Swamplandia by Karen Russell - 4 stars
18. Through Black Spruce by Joseph Boyden - Canada - 4.5 stars
17. The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid - Pakistan - 4 stars
16 The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obrecht - Balkans - 4 stars
15. In the Company of Angels by Thomas E. Kennedy - Denmark - 4.5 stars
14. West with the Night by Beryl Markham - Africa/England - 4.5 stars
13. The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell - Japan- 4.5 stars
12. Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill-Africa,Canada, UK 5stars
11. Lord of Misrule by Jaimy Gordon 3 stars
10. The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence - Canada 4.5 stars
9. The Night Bookmobile by Audrey Niffenegger 4 stars
8. The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin 4 stars
7. Solo by Rana Dasgupta - Bulgaria 3 stars
6. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson - UK 4 stars
5. Every Man Dies Alone by Hans Fallada - Germany 5 stars
4. The Girls by Lori Lansens - Canada 4.5 stars
3. The White Family by Maggie Gee - UK 4.5 stars
2. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson - UK 4.5 stars
1. The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer - Hungary/France 5 stars

45.



The Trouble with Poetry and other Poems by Billy Collins 4 stars

I loved this little collection and can't remember who recommended it but I know a bunch of 75ers have read and liked this one. This poem, entitled "See No Evil," was especially memorable:

No one expected all three of them
to sit there on their tree stumps forever,
their senses covered with their sinuous paws
so as to shut out the vile, nefarious world.

As it happened,
it was the one on the left
who was the first to desert his post,
uncupping his ears,
then loping off into the orbit of rumors and lies,
but also into the realm of symphonies,
the sound of water tumbling over rocks
and wind stirring the leafy domes of trees.

Then the monkey on the right lowered his hands
from his wide mouth and slipped away
in search of someone to talk to,
some news he could spread,
maybe something to curse or shout about.

And that left the monkey in the middle
alone with his silent vigil,
shielding his eyes from depravity's spectacle,
blind to the man whipping his horse,
the woman shaking her baby in the air,
but also unable to see
the russet sun on a rough shelf of rock
and apples in the grass at the base of a tree.

Sometimes, he wonders about the other two,
listens for the faint sounds of their breathing
up there on the mantel
alongside the clock and the candlesticks.

And some nights in the quiet house
he wishes he could break the silence with a question,

but he knows the one on his right
would not be able to hear,
and the one to his left,
according to their sacred oath---
the one they all took with one paw raised---
is forbidden forever to speak, even in reply.

Lovely isn't it??

Oh my. What a sad thing, lovely as it is. Hi, Bonnie! Glad you have a new thread!!!

Bonnie- I love the New Thread! I also love the "See No Evil" poem. Thanks for sharing.

Great start to a new thread, Bonnie!

I love the poems of Billy Collins. I understand them! He is profound in a very clear manner.
See? It IS possible. :)
Wish I could do that...

Finding my spot..

!!

47.



A Trick of the Light 4.5 stars

MY REVIEW

Dear Ms. Penny,

Can you possibly figure out a way to write faster? One book a year is certainly not doing it for me. Not at all. Sure, each book is a finely crafted mystery that keeps me furiously turning pages but you see, once a year is woefully inadequate to quell my addiction.

Take, for instance, this latest episode of the Chief Inspector Gamache series. I mean he was at the top of his form and this book rivals Bury Your Dead in it’s intricacies of plot and characterizations. And even though no one who has read the previous books could ever contemplate the idea of Clara Morrow as the murderer, there you were, putting that idea out there as a possibility; and then surprising us at the end with one of the series regulars doing a disappearing act. I mean, really. Who expected that?

And then the whole idea of chiaroscuro as the theme for the story was so sophisticated and yet so well wrought. And then indicating all the ways that human beings can demonstrate this contrast between the light and the dark was just, well, brilliant.

And what about this new development for the dour, silent Jean Guy Beauvoir? That wasn’t ever hinted at before and certainly added another dimension to the idea of “mystery” that hadn’t been there before.

And thank you, thank you for returning the lovely Three Pines to its place of prominence in the narrative. Safe, cozy, warm…..just the place for a murder to take place.

So once again I have to ask, please can’t you write faster? Another whole year to find out how these new ideas pan out? How am I supposed to carry on as if everything is normal while I go through withdrawal for another twelve months? 52 WEEKS!!! Oh the agony!!

Sincerely,
brenzi

Hi Peggy, Mark, Nancy, Claudia, Kath and Laura. Welcome all.

#9 Wonderful review, Bonnie! I think perhaps the highest compliment an author can receive is Can you possibly figure out a way to write faster?

Bonnie: I just got The Trick of the Light from the library -- I can't wait to read it. I, too, am a Billy Collins fan. He has such a great fresh way of looking at things. I liked "The Lanyard" and "The Trouble with Poetry."

i liked the poem! Sadly, I can't share your Three Pines fanaticism, but vive la difference!!

>11 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy:)

>12 BLBera: I think you'll love it Beth. I loved all of his poems too.

>13 Chatterbox: I know Suzanne, either you're a fanatic or you're not.

Oh, I'm a fanatic. Just not about three pines. *grin*

If that's a petition to Ms Penny, add me to the list of signatures, Bonnie.

I can't believe I live in Massachusetts and still haven't been to visit The Mount. I love Edith Wharton's books ... I really must make a note or place an entry in my calendar to go visit it one weekend this Fall.

>15 Chatterbox: Umm hmmm, I know you are. ;-)

>16 cameling: Will do Caro. Oh I wish I could go with you. I think I read Ethan Frome in high school but it's like a new book now and I'm really enjoying it.

Thanks for that poem, Bonnie. I think the words are lovely, but the image is tragic. Poor little guy in the middle!

I'll sign the Louise Penny petition. I don't think I'm a fanatic either, but I do enjoy my little visits to Three Pines.

I'm glad you are liking Ethan. We'll begin discussing it in class on Monday.

That's one I haven't yet read, Bonnie and I really should ... I'll add it to my obese wish list. I'll take pics if I can when I go, Bonnie and share the experience with you.

Love the letter to LP :)
eta
I think you should send it to her.. or post it on her blog :)
I think she would enjoy it.. I follow her on Fb... post it there ! :)

I love your letter to Louise Penny! You should post it as a comment to her blog (if she has comments enabled).

I'll finally be starting my 1st Three Pines book this week. As you know I don't do cozies but I have to see what all the hoopla is about.

I'm skipping your review of Penny only because it's staring at me from my shelf and I swore I wouldn't pick it up until I finish the other books I've started and HOLY COW IT'S CALLING TO ME I should drink less caffeine.

Not ALL your reviews are "gripping", Bonnie.
But I do so love them all it seems.

LOL! Very, very cool! Love that letter to Ms Penny.
I won't understand half of it till I read the book... but it's great!

>18 Donna828: Oh oh I love the frogs Donna. You should post that on the TIOLI thread. I'm looking forward to your course and I'll be able to be up front and center because I'm almost finished with it now.

>19 cameling: Oh good pics would be very good.

>20 mckait: I e mailed it to her Kath. Maybe I'll post it on FB too. I follow here there too.

>21 thornton37814: Thanks Lori, as I told Kath I did send it to her. But I'll check out her blog too.

>22 msf59: I don't think this series qualifies for a cozy Mark. No amateur detective. But you fo leave Three Pines feeling rather...uh....cozy.

Bonnie- I'm finally starting Ship Fever. I know you are a big fan of Barrett's work and I remember us discussing her a couple years ago. She is a very smart writer.

Oh I really loved Ship Fever Mark, especially the title story.

Love the clever Penny review, Bonnie!

Also love the painting of Niagara Falls. Many years ago, my husband proposed to me there (the American falls -- is the painting actually the Canadian falls?), at the Cave of the Winds!

That is the Horseshoe or Canadian Falls Terri and how romantic for you to be proposed to at the falls.

Well it looks like another author has decided to correspond with me. here is Louise Penny's e mail regarding the review of A Trick of the Light:

Dear Bonnie,

I roared with laughter - and also felt a tug on my heart. What a lovely, supportive, insightful, generous and fun message. And then to hear you posted it for others to see.

You are just wonderful! Thank you. There will always be a place at the bistro for you.

Louise

Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Cool! She even writes nice ty notes! :)

Bonnie, that is SO fun!! I'm delighted she responded : ).

Oh, how exciting!! :) I wish I could read why she roared with laughter but I don't want to read any reviews until I read the book.

I thought she seemed like a genuinely nice person when I read through her newsletters and this just confirms it. Um, do you think you could get her to extend her book tour to Co? ;)

Lovely picture up top, btw.

That's fantastic! I had a feeling that she would love it :)
Check out the interview with her on Cee's thread ( I think that's where it is.. )
It just makes me love her all the more :)

>31 -Cee-: I know Claudia. Really.

>32 lit_chick: Me too Nancy. Mary Doria Russell has responded to me in the past too.

>33 Copperskye: Thanks Joanne, but if I'm going to ask her to extend her tour don't you think I'd ask her to come here, where I am;-)

>34 mckait: I will do that Kath.

Good for you, Bonnie! I miss your thread for a bit, and here you are hob-nobbing with your favorite mystery writer! Well done!! (Alas, I don't get the 3 Pines fanaticism either. I liked the first three well enough to keep reading, but not any time soon. Oh well.)

Phew! Finally caught up with you from when I was on vacation. Struck by three book bullets: Parnassus on Wheels (a nice anecdote from all my war reading), Burnt Shadows, and at the top, Every Man in this Village is a Liar.

To go way back to your question about one book leading to another, I've been in quite a chain lately. I think it started with Return of the Soldier. Since then I have been bouncing between the first and second world wars and some post-war Germany. I like it when the books connect. I think I get more out of them, because my thoughts accumulate all at one time (so I can remember them!).

ETA: But I do have to intersperse some lighter works or I become too gloomy. Hence, I Capture the Castle between All Quiet on the Western Front and The Good German.

Yaay... another nice author. What a nice ty note, Bonnie. Why stop at CO? Please ask her to extend her book tour to MA too, while you're at it! Many thanks *said with a curtsy*

Hi There! Are you enjoying retirement?

Bonnie- You were one of the reasons I decided to try the Three Pines books. I know your taste and I also know you like the "dark side", so if you are a big fan, I need to give it a try and so far I'm really enjoying Still Life. And Ship Fever has been wonderful. People NEED to be talking more about this amazing author.

#37, going back to book linkage -- I find this happens a lot. Sometimes consciously, as when I find a footnote or reference to another book, or mention of someone else that triggers a chain of thought in my mind. For instance, I might be reading about the Duke of Wellington and his Spanish campaigns and think about Napoleon, or see a reference there to codes and code-breaking and go off and read a book about that. It's the fun serendipity element of reading, and the reason why I don't like laying out too much in the way of detailed reading plans a year in advance.

>36 LizzieD: Ah Peggy, so you haven't felt the desire to jump on a bus to Quebec just to see if you can find Three Pines? And when she describes the bistro, you don't actually smell the cappuccino brewing? And what about Gamache? Can't you just picture him as he finally solves the crime? Maybe I should just go back and start over again with Still Life?

>37 labfs39: That's exactly what I'm talking about Lisa. For me, besides the last book connection that I talked about that started with Burnt Shadows, earlier this year Testament of Youth led to All Quiet on the Western front and South Riding. It's pretty easy to get into the connection mode as a result of reading WWI or WWII books.

>38 cameling: Yes Caro r-i-g-h-t-t-t-t;-)

>39 Whisper1: I certainly am Linda!

>40 msf59: I know what you mean Mark. I have Servants of the Map sitting on my shelf too that I want to get to. I love how easily Barrett weaves science into her fiction. She's unlike anyone else writing today in that way I think.

>41 Chatterbox: It's the fun serendipity element of reading, and the reason why I don't like laying out too much in the way of detailed reading plans a year in advance.

I'm making a greater effort to follow these serendipitous reading opportunities Suzanne. It's very enjoyable.

Oh, Bonnie, I never escape unscathed. Added both Testament of Youth and South Riding to my list. When you quote Sarah saying But questioning does not mean the end of loving, and loving does not mean the abnegation of intelligence., I got chills. What a great line!

Well, apparently my work here is done Lisa;-)

How thrilling to get a response from an author you love, Bonnie! That's got to spur her on, for sure. I haven't read a series in a long time, but there's a delicious feeling about picking up a new book by a favorite author. I feel that way about authors like Elinor Lipman. I'm not saying she's the best author; I just like that feeling of picking up with an old friend. Speaking of which, I'm so glad Mark's reading Ship Fever; it's my favorite Andrea Barrett. And one of my favorite short story collections as well.

>43 labfs39:: Two excellent books there, Lisa. You will not be disappointed!

Like I said to Mark.. you are either a Three Pines person, or you are not .. :)
I am, and I miss it when I am not there ! rereading sounds great! But alas, I have a book
going ( V V good but not a breezy read ) and a thriller I want to read after.. THEN I think I will reread
Hummingbird's Daughter, since the sequel, Queen of America is coming out soon..

So.. I guess a return visit to Three Pines will not happen soon. Still.. nice to think about. I may well reread A Trick of the Light before the end of the year. I LOVED that one so much! but then.. so many unread books...

Just catching up from your old thread to this one, but feeling a bit oversized at 5' 10"! I loved your review of Every man in this village is a liar, and thanks to your and Suzanne's recommendation of it, I've bought a copy for my god-daughter who is just off to college to study English but has aspirations to be a journalist, in particular a war journalist/foreign correspondent - I'm hoping she will enjoy it.

>45 bonniebooks: How wonderful is it to have a visit from my Sis?? It's terrific to see you around here. And yes, it's really fun to hear back from a favorite author. I think Barrett's Voyage of the Narwhal is my favorite.

>46 lauralkeet: Yes Lisa, Laura recommended both of those book to me.

>47 mckait: It sounds like a good time for me to read The Hummingbird's Daughter Kath. And yes, I am certainly a Three Pines person.

>48 gennyt: Hi Genny, some of my favorite people are 5'10" or taller. I think your god-daughter will really enjoy Every Man in This Village is a Liar and it will certainly be an education for her in what being a foreign correspondent in the Middle East is all about.

47.



Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton 4.5 stars

I read this book when I was in high school but I'm sure I didn't appreciate it as much as I do now. Let's just say that Wharton has found a new fan. I loved this little gem but I won't be reviewing it. Instead, I will be looking forward to seeing the remarks that Donna's instructor makes this week and commenting on them on her thread.

In today's NY Times something about Louise Penny:

Inside the List
By GREGORY COWLES
Published: September 9, 2011

BEHIND THE WHEEL: One of the goofier, more endearing features to appear each week in The Globe and Mail newspaper in Toronto is the column My Car, in which Canadian celebrities discuss what they drive and why. (Sample headline: “Curler Likes an S.U.V. With Room for the Brooms.”) Last year, the column included an interview with the Québécois crime writer Louise Penny, who enters the hardcover fiction list this week at No. 4 with “A Trick of the Light,” the seventh novel in her Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series. (Marilyn Stasio reviews it in the Sept. 18 issue of the Book Review.) Penny, a former CBC radio host who turned to writing as a second career, said she gets most of her ideas as she drives around in her 2006 powder blue Volkswagen Beetle convertible. The best thing about the car, she said, is the color. “The salesman was going on and on — it has this feature, it has that feature, and all I’m trying to say is, ‘What color is it? Powder blue?’ ” she said. “I put a down payment on it over the telephone. There was no sort of second thought here. He could have said it was double the price and I would have said, ‘Is it powder blue?’”

I'm so glad that Ethan was a hit with you, Bonnie. I'm going to stop procrastinating and start reading tomorrow's assignment...soon!

I can't envision your friend Louise in a VW Bug. Isn't she quite tall?

>50 brenzi:: oh hurrah, a new Wharton fan! As you probably know she's one of my favorite authors.

>52 Donna828: She is tall Donna, but I've seen my son fold himself up into some pretty small cars when he didn't have any money LOL.

>53 lauralkeet: I know that Laura so what took me so long?? Anyway first Ethan Frome and in October The Age of Innocence and then, at some point, The House of Mirth. Any others you might recommend?

48.



The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt 4 stars

MY REVIEW

Thank you Mark for recommending this one originally and thank you Booker prize judges for seeing fit to push this book onto the shortlist.

Apparently, I’ve turned into some kind of a Western lover. First there was one of my all time favorites, Lonesome Dove and then, more recently, Mary Doria Russell’s Doc and now the thoroughly enjoyable The Sisters Brothers. It’s 1851 and the Sisters Brothers, hired guns out of Oregon Territory, are on their way to California to complete a job. Charlie and Brother Eli, who tells the story, are as different as night and day. Eli is sensitive and reflective. He longs for a family life with someone who loves him. Charlie is a cutthroat killer who is satisfied with the whores on offer in the desolate towns they pass through on their way to the destination.

Along the way they meet a splendid cast of quirky characters, all fully drawn and I have to wonder why I’ve never heard of this author. He is so skilled at both characterization and storytelling to say nothing of being very adept at the turn of a phrase. Here’s Eli’s take on loneliness:

“Shrugging, he put the bottle and needle away and said he wished to cross the street to the saloon. He invited me along, and though I did not much want to watch him grow hoggish with brandy I likewise did not wish to spend my time in the hotel room by myself, with its warped wallpaper, its drafts and dust and scent of previous boarders. The creak of bedsprings suffering under the weight of a restless man is as lonely a sound as I know.” (Page 53)

The feel of the old West is painted vividly throughout the narrative. When they finally reach San Francisco, the brothers meet a stranger who fills them in on the ways of the western town:

“The whores are working fifteen-hour shifts and are said to make thousands of dollars a day. You must understand, gentleman, that the tradition of thrift and sensible spending has vanished here. It simply does not exist any more….I am happy to welcome you to a town peopled in morons exclusively. Furthermore, I hope that your transformation to moron is not an unpleasant experience.” (Page 173)

Darkly comic, in the tradition of Mark Twain, exciting, and touching, this is a book that I can heartily recommend.

Bonnie- Great review of the Sisters Brothers. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Yes, who would have guessed that 2 of my favorite reads of the year have been westerns.

Wonderful review of Sisters Brothers, Bonnie. According to you and several other discerning LTers, this one definitely merits a read. Love the quote!!

Just catching up with you Bonnie! I enjoyed the pictures, your Louise Penny review, and her response to you. :)

>57 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. I think you'd probably enjoy it.

>58 BookAngel_a: Hi Angela!

Oooooo.....based on your recommendation, I read and loved Doc and would never have thought I'd like the western genre, so The Sisters brothers is going on to the 'read it soon' list.

>54 brenzi:: Bonnie, I loved The Custom of the Country, it has a heroine you love to hate!

#51, 52 Loved the Louise Penny car story - never mind the features, what's the colour! And as for her choice of a VW bug, speaking as a tall person myself who has only ever driven small cars, I can say that it's perfectly reasonable: as long as there is head-room and leg-room - and many small cars are surprisingly roomy in that way - the overall car size is irrelevant!

Hi Bonnie! drive-by hugs

I've never read any Edith Wharton but if you and Laura are fans, that's good enough recommendation for me. I picked up a few Virago Whartons from a second hand book shop in the summer so everything seems to be pointing me in her direction...

The Sisters Brothers isn't one I would usually consider, despite its Booker credentials but I've noticed it's popular in LibraryThing land and I did enjoy your review, Bonnie. I think that quote from Eli might have finally sold it to me!

A library copy of Every Man in this Village is now sitting on my bedside table, waiting for me.

>64 Soupdragon:: Go for it Dee, broaden your horizons! Wharton is an influential figure in the American literary canon -- particularly as a woman, because like in Britain that canon is dominated by male authors. I will be interested to hear what you think of her work.

>60 tututhefirst: I'm going to go out on a limb here Tina and say that if you loved Doc (and I know you did) you will also love The Sisters Brothers.

>61 lauralkeet: Ohhhh, a heroine I'll love to hate sounds divine Laura. Thanks.

>62 gennyt: Hi Genny, you're saying exactly what my other tall friends have said.

>63 richardderus: Hi Richard!

>64 Soupdragon: I've only read the one Wharton so far Dee, but I'm looking forward to reading quite a few more. I can't wait to see what you think of Every Man in This Village is a Liar although I think I know what you'll think of it;-)

Another tantalizing review, Bonnie! There it goes onto my list!

Hi Bonnie. Loved your review about Louise Penny and I can see why she would drop you a note of appreciation! Keep up the good work. : )

>67 LizzieD: Thanks Peggy. Happy to oblige:)

>68 Berly: Hi there Kim! Good to see you here. And thank you.

Wow, Bonnie, so cool that you got such a neat e-mail from Louise Penny!

I'm going to give in to temptation and order A Trick of the Light

>70 tymfos: You go girl. I think you're going to like it Terri.

I just finished it. Great read! Penny is such a literary writer for a mystery author!

I haven't read Doc yet, but I'm looking forward to it, and will keep a lookout for The Sisters Brothers. Lonesome Dove transcends the "western" genre, don't you think? When I read it, I think I compared it more to books like Shogun, though I don't remember now which one I thought was better. Probably Lonesome Dove, because I would put Shogun in the historical romance/saga category. (Though there was some major romance in Lonesome Dove, too, or was that just me putting my spin on it?)

Bonnie, you are in for a treat with Doc! Although I see why the two are being compared, for me there are two big differences between Lonesome Dove and Doc. First, Doc is based on a real person, which the author meticulously researched, and second, I don't think there is any significant romance in Doc. What goes on between Doc and Kate is not historical romance in the usual sense. It's about need and dependence; no love scenes. Anyway, my two cents. And I must admit, it's been eons since I read Lonesome Dove, which took me a long time to get through. I guess that's another difference, Doc is a fast read. :-)

>72 thornton37814: Yes Lori exactly that. Her mysteries are literary mysteries I think.

>73 bonniebooks:, 74 Hi there Bonnie and Lisa, I do think that Lonesome Dove transcends the "western" genre and I think is in a class of its own really. So I guess that was a poor correlation. But I just was surprised that two books about the West came out during the last few months that appealed to me so much. I didn't actually mean to compare them because they are very different from each other and from Lonesome Dove. The thing they all have in common is time and region I guess. Doc's author was very successful in relating the symbolism of the music throughout her book. Patrick deWitt tried his hand at symbolism also, but was not nearly as successful, at least not as far as I could see.

49.



When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson 4.5 stars

MY REVIEW

Does she ever miss a beat? Kate Atkinson that is. One book after another, unbelievably good writing. Crisp, clean, snappy dialogue. Intricate twisting, turning plot. Multiple threads that somehow, in the end all merge and you think (out loud, of course), "Oh my!"

This book may just be my favorite so far in the Jackson Brodie series. Until I read the next one anyway.

A killer who has been in jail for the last thirty years is released, his debt to society paid. His crime was that he killed a mother and two of her three children. That surviving child is now a practicing physician with a child of her own. Should she be living in fear of this murderer who changed her life completely? And how will Jackson Brodie be dragged into this case because, even though it doesn't seem as though he will you know....Oh yeah, you know Atkinson will take you around the bend, and up the block, and under the hedge, and over the hill until finally, there he is, in the middle of it.

But don't take my word for it. Go ahead, dip into a little Atkinson yourself. You won't regret it.

I just got Case Histories last week. I may have to make that next. Gotta start at the beginning...

Good review!

Great review Bonnie!

Bonnie- Good review of When Will There Be Good News?. I love your enthusiasm for these Brodie books. And now, you caught up with me and most likely pass me up, with her latest.

Great review of When Will There Be Good News. It's my favourite of the four Jackson Brodie books too!

I have to figure out the order of those Atkinson books..

>77 -Cee-: Thanks Claudia and yes, read them in order.

>78 lauralkeet: Thank you Laura. I think I'm ready to raise Atkinson to favorite authors status:)

>79 msf59: Thanks Mark, I don't know when I'll get to Started Early, Took My Dog.

>80 vancouverdeb: That's easy Kath: Case Histories, One Good Turn, When Will There Be Good News? and the latest, Started Early, Took My Dog. There are only four so you can easily get caught up.

Love your review of When Will There Be Good News, Bonnie. Woot, sounds even better than One Good Turn.

Thanks for your great review of Sisters Brothers. I had this book home from the library, but darn it I didn't get to read it and had to take it back. I'll be sure to check it out again.

>81 mckait:: I have to figure out the order of those Atkinson books
I know Bonnie already answered the question, but wanted to say LT can help with this, too!

If a book is part of a series, it will say so on the book page, at the top under the author's name. Click on the link to the series and you can see the entire series in order. Example: Jackson Brodie series.

This feature is a real godsend for those like me who obsess on reading things in order.

Bonnie, Bonnie, Bonnie you've read some amazing books this month. Needless to say, I've wishlisted them all.
I have been collecting the Three Pines books but have not begun reading them because I haven't read the first in the series. Is it absolutely necessary to do so? I really am anxious to see what all the fanaticism is about!

ETA: I too love Niagara Falls. They are mesmerizing and chillingly haunting. The painting you've posted completely captures me.

Thanks! I think I have the first two! one of these days...

>83 lit_chick: Hi Nancy, I did like it better than One Good Turn.

>84 Whisper1: I don't think you'll be disappointed Linda.

>85 lauralkeet: Thanks for reminding me of that feature Laura.

>86 Carmenere: Yes Lynda, for the Three Pines series it is necessary to read them in order. Have you found Still Life yet?

Thanks Bonnie and Laura, for giving me more reasons to read Wharton! I think I will read Age of Innocence soon.

I've started Every Man in this Village and am already taken aback by both the events the author describes and the quality of writing.

I've just added Kate Atkinson to my favourite authors after reading When will there be Good News, too! I don't know why I didn't do it earlier as I've been a fan for years and love her non-Brodie stuff too. Human Croquet is probably my all-time favourite but I put off reading it for ages because a lot of people were disappointed in it after Behind the Scenes at the Museum.

>89 Soupdragon:: Interesting, I've never heard of Human Croquet!

Human Croquet is one of my favorites too. I wish Atkinson would take a rest from Brodie; in her last book, I thought she seemed a little tired of him.

You have been reading wonderful books. I am a HUGE Wharton fan too!

>89 Soupdragon: Hi Dee, I have Human Croquet and Behind the Scenes at the Museum on my shelf so perhaps I'll read Croquet first and avoid being disappointed. Thanks for that info. Oh I'm excited for you reading Every man in this Village is a Liar; just thinking back to her gorgeous writing makes me sigh.
I'm going to be reading Age of Innocence next month and see if I can learn anything from Donna's professor.

>91 BLBera: Hi Beth, I wouldn't be surprised if Atkinson came out with a stand alone novel very soon. At the end of my copy of When Will There Be Good News?, there was an interview with her where she stated that she didn't want to be pegged as a crime writer only and it sounded like she was getting a little tired of Jackson Brodie too.

>92 sibylline: I think I'm going to be joining you in the Wharton fan club Lucy.

>80 vancouverdeb: Sorry that I seemed to ignore you Deb but I got my numbers discombobulated and messed up. I don't know if this one was my favorite or not. They're all soooo good:)

Just popping in to say hello :)

I wonder what you'll think of Behind the Scenes at the Museum after reading so many of Atkinson's mysteries? I, myself, am curious whether Behind... would seem like a completely different book to me after reading some of her mysteries. I guess I'm just too darn suspicious, because the main culprit in When Will There Be Good News seemed the obvious choice right from the start. She's still a good writer, but, for me, Atkinson's mysteries don't have the weight of that first book I read by her, but now I'm afraid I wouldn't like Behind the Scenes... as much either. Looking forward to reading your take on it.

Change of topic: What's the countdown on days left to the wedding?

50.



Dissolution by C. J. Sansom 4 stars

MY REVIEW

I didn’t really want to get involved in another series. I’ve already got the Penny series going, and the Julia Spencer-Fleming series going and I’ve already got a couple of other first books in other series but there was so much talk going on in the 75er group about this Matthew Shardlake who was an investigator for Thomas Cromwell and, well, there might as well have been a huge neon sign blinking TUDOR! TUDOR! leaving me feeling as if I had no real choice in the matter. I’m feeling pretty good about that decision at this point.

It’s 1537 and Cromwell assigns Matthew the task of investigating the murder of another commissioner at one of the monasteries slated for dissolution. Who among these monks is capable of murder? Then things get even more complicated when not one but three more murders take place to throw things into real turmoil. And Matthew’s assistant seems to be falling for one of the servant girls and that just will not serve him well as he strives to move up in the world of the courts.

Sansom does something that I haven’t encountered in other recent mysteries I’ve read. He lets Matthew make a mistake or two in identifying the killer, a virtual stab in the dark. Interesting. Left me kind of feeling like I wasn’t sure who was going to be the real killer. But have no fear, Matthew comes through in the end of this very well researched Tudor mystery. I can’t wit to get to Book 2. Highly recommended.

Series? Oh, no! I didn't know there was more. I read and loved Dissolution a while ago - there's more? *heavy sigh* Well, at least I read the first one first. :)

ETA FIVE? Srsly? 4 more to go? groan ;-)

>97 brenzi:: You liked it, you liked it! *Letting out a sigh of relief* I wasn't sure if this one would hold up for you because you recently finished a Louise Penny book. Matthew is a different kind of investigator from the kind-eyed Garmache, although I suspect M. Shardlake has kind eyes, too. Star! Er, I mean - Thumb!

>98 -Cee-:: But Cee, they read so quickly... and think about all the Tudor history you're gaining. ;-)

#97: Not looking, not looking! Can't do yet another good series! I already have too many on the go

Yay, you liked it too!!!

OK, looks like I need to start the Shardlake series some day soon. Probably early 2012.

I could have sworn I posted to this. That book is trying to drag me in..
I can't find it at the libraries..

Maybe if I cover my eyes starting now?

>95 mckait: Hi Kath!

>96 bonniebooks: Well Bonnie, I guess I can't answer that until I read one of her novels that is not a Jackson Brodie mystery. And I think I'm going to start with Human Croquet. I hope to read both books sometime in the very near future so stay tuned. As far as the wedding goes, less than a month to go now (EEK!) and we are busy as veritable bees getting everything ready. Final gown fitting for Sara is this Wednesday night! We've started putting together the centerpieces which will be baskets with gourds (grown and harvested by the bridal couple)and fall leaves and making the name tags for the tables. Very, very exciting!

>98 -Cee-: Yeah Claudia, I thought there were only three out but that's right, five. And i understand they just get better:)

>99 Donna828: Well I certainly could have been let down after Three Pines Donna but no. You're right, this is an entirely different kind of series and since I love all things Tudor (well, not Henry VIII so much, or even Thomas Cromwell) this was especially enticing.

>100 ChelleBearss: Hi Chelle and welcome, I know exactly what you mean, but this is unlike any of the other series (wink, wink).

>101 cushlareads: Yes and you were one of the ones who convinced me to try it Cushla.

>102 lauralkeet: I think you'd enjoy it Laura.

>103 mckait: Too late Kath;-)

51.



Nat Tate by William Boyd 1.5 stars

Don't waste your time.

MY REVIEW

Huh?? I don’t get the joke here. I understand that William Boyd, along with David Bowie (I guess) pulled a huge hoax in the nineties by inventing Nat Tate and presenting him as an artist who committed suicide in the early sixties after burning most of the art he’d produced. I understand that their purpose was to ridicule the pretentious art crowd in NYC in the fifties by making them believe Nat Tate was a hopeless alcoholic whose depression pushed him over the edge before his body of work could have been expected to memorialize him. What I didn’t understand was what I, or any other ordinary reader could possibly get out of this book.

I have read a couple of Boyd’s previous novels and enjoyed them so when this title appeared as an ER offer, I selected it. I didn’t realize it was perpetrating a hoax. I’m not sure when that realization hit me but I’ll say one thing: I’m really glad I didn’t spend $25 to buy the hardback copy of this book which, at 67 half full pages with lots of photos, barely qualifies as a short story. And I didn’t really “get” many of the inside jokes that only those familiar with the NYC art scene of the 50s would get. So this book didn’t work for me and I’m really disappointed with an author whose work I normally enjoy. Not recommended (as if the one and a half stars didn’t make that clear).

Ew, yuck.

Bonnie- I have not yet read C. J. Sansom. He seems to get a lot of LT Love around here. I'll have to give him a try. Sorry to hear about the stinker and from an author you admire. Bummer. I have still not tried Boyd, although I have a couple of his in the stacks.

What a waste of paper.

One thing I love so about Wharton is that she 'grew' -- her early books examine the generation before her own and her last books make a real effort to examine where things are headed as the wild 1920's get underway.

Sorry to hear that your ER book was a bummer - but, like you said, it didn't cost you anything. Whew!

Bonnie, I love your reviews. Even the 1.5 star reviews. They come thru clear and strong for me. :)

I agree with Cee.. and I especially like that you GIVE 1.5 stars if that is
what you feel.. diversity keeps it more honest to me.. :)

>106 lauralkeet: Well said Laura.

>107 msf59: Mark you need to try Sansom. I'm pretty sure you would enjoy him.

>108 sibylline: Hi Lucy, I'm really looking forward to reading more of Wharton's work.

>109 -Cee-: Why thank you Claudia. I'm happy to hear that:)

>110 mckait: Well Kath actually I don't go out of my way to find 1.5 star stinkers but when they come my way what can I do but warn everyone else off LOL. But thank you.

#97 GREAT review of Dissolution, Bonnie. I've also heard some of the LT talk on this one - think you've convinced me!

Hi Bonnie! I'm finally dropping in on your thread! Donna (Donna828) has been telling me for ages that I need to check this out -- and I'm so glad I did! The first thing I have to comment on is how great I thought your letter to Ms. Penny was and how neat it is that she answered you! (I know this is old news by now, but I just got here!)

You and I seem to enjoy a lot of the same books, especially mysteries. I'm a big fan of Louise Penny and Kate Atkinson, and I've added the Shardlake series to my TBR list -- and I suppose I also have to add Julia Spenser-Fleming! She and Sansom are both authors that weren't on my radar yet.

Thanks (in advance!) for letting me lurk. I really enjoy your thread and am looking forward to reading more of your great reviews! :-)

I knew it was a hoax, Bonnie, and know something about the NY art scene and I STILL hated that book. I thought the real hoax was on the book buying public, and William Boyd has fallen multiple notches in my estimation. A book to be avoided at all costs, and I'm even peeved that I wasted an ER pick on it... Well, at least it was a short book to read and review...

I need to read some of Kate Atkinson's non-Brodie novels. That said, Atkinson bored with Brodie is still vastly superior to many authors in love with their characters. So there.

Bleurgh to your 1,5 star book! I bought a William Boyd book last year on the strong recommendation of my brother-in-law - Restless - but haven't read it yet.

>112 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. I hope you like it.

>113 Nancy618: Hi there Nancy, any friend of Donna's is a friend of mine:-) I'm 2 for 2 as far as responses from authors to my e-mails. Mary Doria Russell has also corresponded with me. I actually was not a mystery reader at all until some LTers led me to some of the great ones out there. I still only follow a couple but that list is growing. You can lurk or speak up all you want. I'm happy to have you here.

>114 Chatterbox: Yes Suzanne, mercifully Nat Tate was short. Atkinson bored with Brodie is still vastly superior to many authors in love with their characters. So there.

Couldn't agree with you more there.

>115 cushlareads: I really liked Restless Cushla.

Sorry about your ER book; at least it was short. I must say that I'm a bit disappointed in Boyd too.
I am thrilled though, that you've become a Sansom/Shardlake disciple. Allow us to beam and say that the books get better and better. I am saving #4 since I don't have #5 yet if that makes sense. It's hard to see how it can be better than Sovereign which was WONDERFUL!!!
The wedding preps sound WONDERFUL!!! too! Enjoy every moment and keep us posted.

Bonnie, I'm disappointed that Boyd let you down so badly. I've only read Any Human Heart by him. And what a great book it was! I guess we'll have to forgive him for poor judgment and move on. I own two more Boyd books: Restless and Ordinary Thunderstorms. I'm looking forward to them.

I love the idea of gourds as centerpieces. Autumn is a wonderful time to get married. Two of my children got married in September and one in early November. We were supposed to go to my cousin's wedding on Oct. 22nd in Northern Michigan, but when I got to thinking about driving fourteen hours each way for a week end, I came to my senses. We'll visit them another time when they are less harried and we can enjoy our visit.

52.



Let's Take the Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell 4 stars

MY REVIEW

You'll need a box of Kleenex the size of Detroit to get through this this one. I'm finding that these memoirs that just tear your heart out and leave it in shreds on the floor are not all that enjoyable. But this one had a lot going for it. Two women, best friends, both recovering alcoholics, would walk their dogs together in the Cambridge outskirts and each convinced the other to take up their sport. So Gail took up Caroline's rowing and Caroline took up Gail's swimming laps. They had the kind of relationship where they would take the long way home so they could talk some more and then, when they got home they would call each other on the phone and talk even more. Real bosom buddies who truly enjoyed each others company. Until Caroline gets sick.

What makes this memoir different from some of the others I've read is the graceful way that Caldwell tells her story and the lilting, gorgeous prose that fills the narrative.

"It's taken years for me to understand that dying doesn't end the story; it transforms it. Edits, rewrites, the blur and epiphany of one-way dialogue. Most of us wander in and out of one another's lives until not death, but distance, does us part---time and space and the heart's weariness are the blander executioners of human connection." (Page 123)

We accompany her to AA meetings, to her therapy sessions, and through the horrific time as she sees her friend through her illness. She deals with the accompanying grief and loneliness with grace and honesty but it is so very hard.

"I know now that we never get over great losses; we absorb them, and they carve us into different, often kinder, creatures. Sometimes I think that the pain is what yields the solution. Grief and memory create their own narrative. This is the shining truth at the heart of Freud and Neruda and every war story ever told. The death mandates and gives rise to the story for the same reason that ancient tribes used to bury flowers with their dead. We tell the story to get them back, to capture the traces of footfalls through the snow. " (Page 182)

So, not for the faint-hearted. This is gritty, tough stuff. But beautifully written. I'm not even going to talk about the dog.

Great review, Bonnie, of Let's Take the Long Way Home. I'd have to be in the right frame of mind for it - sad is one thing, this sounds gut-wrenching. The quote, "I know now that we never get over great losses; we absord them, and they carve us ..." makes me think of On Canaan's Side which I'm presently finishing up.

>117 LizzieD: Hi Peggy, I was tempted to go right on with Dark Fire but decided to go with an ARC that I got a couple of weeks ago, a bio, Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert Massie which looks much more promising than the Boyd book.

>118 Donna828: Hi Donna, I read both of those Boyd books and they were both good but I really liked Restless. I have Any Human Heart, which I know you read, that I will get to eventually. The fall is apparently very popular for weddings. The photographer told us he's booking more October weddings than June.

Bonnie, I already have Let's Take the Long Way Home written down and starred in my dream book after Joanne, Mark, Pat (and probably some others in this group) read it. Your last line sounds mighty ominous. I'll wait until I need a good cry and after a good sale on tissues.

Btw, I read through your list of favorite books. I've read most of them and agree with you on all of those except one. It seems like we disagree on very few books.

Well, one (Samson) to add to the list, one (Nat Tate) to avoid like the plague, and one (Caldwell) to ponder wheter I'm up to it or not.

Love your reviews, Bonnie!

I'm glad to see you liked Let's Take the Long Way Home, Bonnie. It was a difficult read at times, but well worth it

Bonnie- Lovely review of Let's Take the Long Way Home. I thought it was wonderful too! And I've been meaning to read Caroline Knapp. Keep forgetting.

A thumb for your fine review, Bonnie. I first heard about this book in the New York Times Book Review, and that review alone nearly made me cry. I want to read the book, and then again, I don't.

#88 No, Bonnie, I have yet to find Still Life at a reasonable price. My library's big fall sale will be taking place in November so perhaps I'll be able to grab it for a buck.

Bonnie: I've had my eye on Let's Take the Long Way Home. It sounds like a must read. Thanks for a great review.

Bonnie....I've had the hard cover of Let's take the Long Way Home sitting here for over a year. I originially bought it last fall for my memoirs reading spree. As it got closer to the top of the queue and I read more reviews I realized that I really do want to read it, but will have to let it sing to me for the right time to pick it up. Your excellent write-up certainly helped me know I want to keep it right there front and center to get to sooner rather than later.

>120 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. Hmmm I think I want to read On Canaan's Side.

>122 Donna828: Good idea to wait for a sale Donna. I read through your list of favorite books. I've read most of them and agree with you on all of those except one What, you're not going to tell me which one?? Are you talking about the list on my profile page? Let me guess. OK I just looked at it and I can't guess. Or did you look at my favorite collection? Hmmm maybe Love Medicine? My favorite Erdrich book but not yours I think. Gah, don't leave me hanging. Oh wait. Is it We Need to Talk About Kevin? Hah.

>123 tymfos: Thanks Terri. I think the Sansom book would be right up your alley.

>124 Copperskye: Hi Joanne, I noted in my tags for the book that it was recommended by you and Mark.

>125 msf59: Hi Mark, yes Caroline's memoir is calling my name too.

>126 lauralkeet: That's exactly the kind of book it is Laura. You want to read it but then again, you don't.

>127 Carmenere: I hope that library sale comes through for you Lynda but if all else fails, take it out of the library:)

>128 BLBera: Hi Beth, I think you'd like appreciate it;-)

>129 tututhefirst: Thank you Tina, believe it or not I picked up my hardback copy at the last day of our Borders sale for $1. Can't beat that price.

I've had to set Catherine the Great aside for now. Even though I'm anxious to read this Arc from the highly respected biographer Robert Massie, I don't seem to have the concentration at the moment to concentrate on a tome like this. I knew I was in trouble when I would be reading along and, in full panic mode, it would suddenly occur to me that the wedding is only 25 days away and I have sooooooo much to do. So short and sweet for now until October 22 anyway. I looked at my shelf and picked up When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka, which has come up in conversation on Joanne's thread recently. And which is a perfect "this book leads to that" as I have two others on my shelf that deal with the Japanese internment during WWII: Obasan by Joy Kogawa and On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford (which will make me the last person on earth to read it).

I got that ARC from Vine, too! (Catherine the great bio, I mean.) I literally tossed a coin to pic between that and the Tolstoy bio (both of which are now gone...)

Will be curious to see what you think of the Otsuka book.

You will love When the Emperor Was Divine --it's perfect prose, crushingly emotional but not tear jerking story. You might also enjoy Lester Higata's 20th Century a book of short stories about Japanese Americans in Hawaii during and after the war.

Lynda Still Life is available on kindle/ nook for 2.99, do you have one?

I have had the chance for the Catherine the Great book here and on Vine.. but passed it by...
no reason, really..

Bonnie: I have not read On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, so you will not be the last :) I did like a lot When the Emperor Was Divine.

>131 brenzi:: Well, I can't leave you hanging, can I? I looked through your Favorites Collection in Your Library. I was nodding and smiling until the last page and came across... Brick Lane by Monica Ali. For some reason (probably content - I think it was about spousal abuse and affairs), I didn't like it and gave it 2.5 stars in 2004.

I was just having fun with you in response to your comment on my thread about loathing Cold Mountain. No worries, I still value your opinion about books very highly!

That wedding is right around the corner! No wonder you are seeking out shorter and lighter books that don't require as much concentration. Another book you might be interested in about Japanese internment camps is Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas. This one is set in CO and is an easy read.

>132 Chatterbox: I didn't get it from Vine Suzanne (I've never been asked to be a part of that) but I am looking forward to it. I'll probably finish the Otsuka book soon; it's very short.

>133 tututhefirst: The prose is spare and gorgeous Tina. I'll have to look for Lester Higata's 20th Century.

>134 mckait: Well that's probably why they give you a choice Kath. Not everybody wants the same books (thankfully).

>135 BLBera: Oh so you're the other one Beth;-)

>136 Donna828: Oh Brick Lane haha yeah every so often I look at those books to see if I've changed my mind about any of them or if there are any I want to add and I hover over that one but so far it's hanging in. That's funny Donna. All in all I think we pretty much like most of the same books but who could possibly be 100%? Even Laura and I, who are also usually in complete sync, disagreed on one book. So much depends on where you are in your life when you read a book, your state of mind, what's happening everyday and how that effects your thinking. I read Brick Lane way back, long before LT. I'll tell you one thing, her books since that one have not been very good at all, in my estimation.

Bonnie, I'm reviewing the last several posts and I think that the Caroline in Let's Take the Long Way Home is Caroline Knapp. If so, I read Drinking: A Love Story many, many years ago. It was also a beautiful, heart-wrenching read.

>137 brenzi:: what book did we disagree on, Bonnie? I know it's happened but now I can't remember which book it was. Not Cold Mountain (I've just come here from Donna's thread)!

That's right Nancy, Caroline Knapp. I am going to look for Drinking: A Love Story.

really. I need to look for Drinking now.
Let's Take the Long Way Home was a favorite of mine.

wow lots of books using "long way home" in the title

>139 lauralkeet: Uh I believe the title was Troubles. LOL.

>141 -Cee-: Hi Claudia!

>142 brenzi:: oh yeah! Now I remember ... :)

Hi, Bonnie! I just scored the Catherine the Great bio from the LT Early Reviewer lot!

53.



When the Emperor was Divine by Julie Otsuka 4 stars

Spare, haunting prose depicting an embarrassingly shameful period in this country's history highlight Julie Otsuka's debut novel. It's the first of three novels about the internment of Japanese Americans in the U.S. during WWII that I'm reading during the next couple of weeks. I'm not writing a review of this one, which I loved, but will kind of do a comparison of the three when I'm done. At least that's my plan right now. And you know what happens to the best laid plans of man.....

>Hey Terri, yay, when are you planning to read it?

#134 Thanks for the heads up, Bonnie. I just ordered Still Life for my Kindle! That will be a nice series to warm up to over the winter months.

I read When the Emperor was Devine a few years back and it's left a lasting impression on me. IMO the sign of a good book.

Bonnie, are all the books about Japanese Americans in internment camps by Julie Otsuka? Have you read Snow Falling on Cedars? I resisted it for a long time and then wondered why.

It's the first of three novels about the internment of Japanese Americans in the U.S. during WWII that I'm reading during the next couple of weeks.

So Bonnie, what are the other two books? Inquiring minds, you know!

You'll love Julie Otsuka's newest. It is similar in its spareness.

>149 LizzieD: I resisted it for a long time and then wondered why.
I too have resisted it, I must get onto it straight away....its staring at me no from the book shelf!

Another vote here for Snow Falling on Cedars - loved it!

Bonnie I just bought When the Emperor Was Divine for my Kindle this morning - great to see you liked it!!

This is too funny! I'm another who resisted Snow Falling on Cedars for a long time. I had no idea what it was about. And I LOVE snow... that should have attracted me.

Don't remember why I finally picked it up... might have been the title... and loved it!

Oh - Hi there Bonnie!

Hello Lynda, Peggy, Joanne, Megan, Nancy, Cushla and Claudia. How nice to "see" you all here. First of all, I read and loved Snow Falling on Cedars many, many years ago. The second book, which I'm totally engrossed in now, is Obasan by Joy Kogawa. I'd like to corner all the people who think you don't learn anything by reading fiction. My hubby used to be in that group, but over the years I've shown him how much you can learn by reading fiction. Anyway, Obasan (which I noted in my tags that Suzanne recommended, quite some time ago) depicts the relocation of the Canadian Japanese population, in an even more racist manner than was done in the U.S., which I wouldn't have thought possible. At any rate, I had no idea this was done in Canada, until I started reading this book. I learned about it by reading fiction! This is another book that's beautifully written. I will then finish up with Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford.

And I learned about it (relocation of the Canadian Japanese population) by reading your thread! I've never heard of Obasan but will have to look for it.

Obasan sounds great. I, too, didn't know that Canada had also relocated the Japanese population.

Bonnie

How I wish the students I work with could write like you do!

How I wish I could write like you do!

Have a good one :)

Obasan was a great book, but, Sis, I wish everyone who was tempted by Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet would instead read Nisei Daughter which is a true story of a girl growing up in a Pioneer Square hotel before and during WWII--so funny and charming, along with being sad, of course.

>156 phebj: Hi Pat. Well I'm happy somebody learned something here;-)

>157 BLBera: Hi Beth. Me either.

>158 Whisper1: and 159 Aw shucks.

>160 bonniebooks: Hi Bonnie, well the problem is I already own Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet; but I will look for Nisei Daughter, for sure. BTW I bought Obasan when I was in Seattle last year at the book store on Bainbridge Island.

Oooo, I like what I'm reading concerning Obasan, Bonnie. I bought it at a library booksale about a year ago but didn't know what it was about, just liked the sound of the title. I'm looking forward to getting to it sooner rather than later.

147 I was awarded the Massie book, Bonnie, but haven't received it yet. So when I read it will depend at least partly on when it arrives. I doubt I'll be reading it before November.

149, 151, 154 What is it about Snow Falling on Cedars that so many people delay reading it? LOL! I've had it on my shelf for years, and still haven't gotten to it. Why? I have no idea. Apparently, I should go on and read it . . . but not this month. I'm "booked" already.

Speaking of books about the internments of Japanese during WW II, I came across Thin Wood Walls by David Patneaude at our library today. It appears to be aimed at the YA community, but the cover blurbs were interesting enough to bring it home with me to look at.

Hi Bonnie! It's about time I made your acquaintance! I've got Obasan on my shelves somewhere, and it's high on my TBR list. I just finished reading The Hotel on Bitter and Sweet and I have to say I really enjoyed and could not stop turning the pages. I'd read a few other books that touched on the Japanese relocation during WW11, and living where I do, I recall our Canadian government giving out payment to the Japanese back in the 1980's as a sort of apology and admission of Canada's wrong doing in forcing the Japanese into internment camps. I actually knew the wife of a man who had been relocated as a very young child.

Anyway, we are in a similar reading vein for the moment.

Wow. You say that we Canadians were even harsher than the Americans. I'd better find my copy of Obasan. I'm a bit "booked" too - but I need to locate that book and read it very soon.

Well, I can't find Obasan off hand, but at least I was able to look this up

In 1988, 46 years after the first Japanese Internment Camps, Canadian Japanese were compensated for all that they had endured during the war. Prime Minister Brian Mulroney signed a compensation package giving $21,000 for each internee's survivor. In total 12 million dollars were paid out.

Small comfort, but at least Canada did try to compensate the Japanese for our dreadful treatment of them.

If I recall correctly, Obasan came out only a few years before the Japanese Canadian compensation package was announced and the book was part of what drove support for it.

I knew several people who received payments under this plan and I admit I'm ambivalent. Had they payments been made earlier, when they would have helped people restart their lives and signaled a real apology, I think it would have been fabulous. But 40 years later, when many people who suffered were dead or too elderly for such a small amount to be significant? And some of the next-gen San-sei that I knew were actually angered by the nature of the apology & even the compensation. They saw it as a way to feel better and just move on, trying to forget that we had done this. It does beg the question of when compensation can materially help someone, what kind of apology is real vs ensuring that policies take the history into consideration. For instance, should the US compensate descendants of former slaves? Well, what about African-Americans who escaped slavery? Or those like Obama? Or... Plus the fact that slavery has been over for 150 years. Is slavery responsible for today's racism? And would resources be better deployed in improving job prospects, education, social services, etc? VERY tricky questions.

Will try to catch up soon... but wanted to say hello!

I didn't realize how much conversation this topic would elicit. I finished Obasan this morning and it will be hard not to review it because it begs for that but I'm going to stick to my original plan and wait until I finish Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. But I will say that it's a beautifully written book that deftly explains all the repercussions of the Canadian relocation and internment that didn't end with the end of the war. Just terrible conditions.

54.



Obasan by Joy Kogawa 4.5 stars

Two things that I saw that made the U.S. internment different from the Canadian version were made apparent in this beautifully written novel based on the author's own childhood memories. First, the Canadian government took the houses and other property owned by the Japanese Canadians so that they had nothing to go back to after the war. In the U.S., the Japanese Americans returned to their homes after the war or what was left of their homes. Often the houses were trashed and the furniture was, er, gone but they did return to their homes. In Canada, the families were not allowed to return to Vancouver, where many of them had worked as fisherman. Instead when the war ended they were moved even farther into the Canadian interior and forced to live in shacks and work on sugar cane farms.

There's much more than that in this heartbreaking, deeply moving novel that had me holding my breath at spots.

>162 Carmenere: You will not regret it Lynda.

>163 tymfos: Snow Falling on Cedars was an excellent read for me Terri so move it on up.

>164 tututhefirst: That sounds like one I would like too Tina.

>165 vancouverdeb:/166 See #168 for my reasons for saying that Deb. Both countries left a lot to be desired as far as tolerance and citizen rights goes.

>167 Chatterbox: The book was published in 1981 and the compensation was approved in Parliament in 1988 so you may be right Suzanne. I don't see how paying off descendants does anything to help. The people who suffered are long gone but I could see how the politicians would look at it as a feel good measure. It's a horrible blot on a country's history but you can't make it go away by paying off descendants. The blot is still there. You pose some interesting questions that I don't know the answers to.

>168 mckait: Hi Kath.

Happy Sunday Evening Bonnie

I loved Snow Falling on Cedars !
Obasan looks good .. how did you happen upon it? did I miss that somewhere ?

as for but you can't make it go away by paying off descendants

so right..

>171 Whisper1: Hi Linda!

>172 mckait: Let's see, I think Suzanne recommended it somewhere along the way and I picked up a copy when I was in Seattle last summer Kath.

55.



Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford 3.5 stars

Well I have to say that of the three books I read that dealt with the Japanese internment during WWII, this was the only one that made it sound like a day at the beach. Honestly, the picture that Jamie Ford painted just didn't sound that bad. Of course the victims lost their freedom. But the conditions of the camps in this book were just much better than in the previous two books. I really wish I would have read a nonfiction book too.

Anyway, this particular book was a little too sentimental for my taste and the ending was wildly optimistic but it did hold my attention.

Of the three Obasan was by far my favorite. Besides the glorious prose, the author painted a picture that detailed the desperation that the Japanese felt during this time.

All three books taught me things I didn't know about the internment.

I also gave Hotel on the Corner 3 1/2 stars. I thought it was a little on the light side and could've been better. I know I had Obasan checked out from the library a year or so ago but I never read it. I should find it again.

Ah phooey! And I say that in the very nicest way :)

I guess Obasan is going on the WL. I just got that list down under 100 (which seems ridiculous) and yet... so many books! Maybe this is why people want to live forever????

ETA - Ha! Already there! My mind is a sieve.

>169 brenzi:: I learn something new on LT almost every day. I had no idea that Canada also interned the Japanese during WWII. Your non-review was compelling as was the haunting book cover. Duly written down in my dream book!

I concur with you and Joanne on the 3.5 rating of Hotel on the Corner. It was bittersweet but also somewhat of a disappointment to me. I think that was one of my early ER books.

That one never called out to me...
From the general consensus I am glad !

hello!
As I hoon past.....

Bonnie - it's been a while since I visited and I have no idea why - I always get so much from your thread (maybe that explains my hesitancy - too many BBs?). Any, some fabulous reviews and interesting book choices as always - my reading is so predictable compared to yours. Thank you for your bright reading lamp that lights the way!

>175 Copperskye: Hi Joanne, it was almost maudlin. I like the dark side I guess or at least that kind of book elicits more of a response from me.

>176 -Cee-: Well if your mind is a sieve, then mine has huge gaping holes in it Claudia LOL. Once again I managed to purchase a book at the used bookstore that I already had sitting on my shelves. Gah! Again?? And I'm not going to even comment on my WL because it's embarrassingly immense but how do you bypass highly recommended books by people whose taste mimics your own? It can't be done. At least, not as far as I am concerned. Which partially explains the 350 unread books on my shelves;-)

>177 Donna828: I hear you Donna. I should go back and see what my average rating is for ER books. I imagine it is quite LOW. I'm not very good at picking them with a few exceptions (Bury Your Dead comes to mind.)

>178 mckait: You must know how to pick 'em Kath :)

>179 LovingLit: As I hoon past Now there's a phrase I've never heard Megan.

>180 PrueGallagher: Hi Prue. My reading choices are almost completely a result of my reading threads on LT. What a terrific method of finding books that please my reading palate. BBs are always problematic but what a great conundrum to have!

Here's my secret, Bonnie... shhh
When my WL gets too long, I buy some of them so they become part of my library. I never said my TBR list is going down - or even stablizing. ;-)

Good point Cee.

Know how to pick 'em?
No, I just sometimes get lucky... lol

Hi, Bonnie! Obasan sounds so sad, but fascinating.

>183 -Cee-: Well Claudia there's not much I can say about that except mum's the word. I won't tell a soul:)

>184 mckait: So it's all about luck, huh Kath?

>185 tymfos: It is very sad Terri but such a good read.

Reviving my thread to say that there are less than two weeks until the wedding and we are in full panic mode here.



In addition to making the centerpieces (which are looking really good and if I get time(!!) I'll try to post some pictures) we have a couple of other projects going. We picked the mini Indian corn to add to the centerpieces so yesterday we husked two bushels of it and got it ready to go. The name tags are going to be attached to some mini pumpkins via a black pipe cleaner so we're ready to go with those as soon as we get the table assignments done. And we decided to wrap the wedding favors (small bottles of wine from a local winery) with cello and ribbon like you'd use for theme baskets which really looks great but that's another job so...I've got one more batch of cookies to make for our sweets table. I've been plugging away at all this every day, little by little and on the weekend the kids come by to help. This weekend we'll have the bridesmaids and my sister and SIL to help and we should be able to finish up. Final wedding gown fitting on Friday night:)

Hi Bonnie- Yes, it sounds hectic and daunting but also pretty exciting. Good luck, my friend. Hugs!

OMG! Less than 2 weeks! WooHoo!
Time to have a talk with the weather angel ;-)
Wish I could help you with those crafty projects... I love that kind of thing.

Deep breath! Everything will turn out fine...

Exciting times, Bonnie!

I'm exhausted just reading about it!!! It sounds marvelous, but do give yourselves time to be fresh for the big day!

I am sure it seems daunting... I am even more sure that you will pull it off beautifully!
It sounds like it will be wonderful :)

I love your panicked pic. It all sounds wonderful - I am sure you'll get everything done beautifully and have a fantastic day!

Bonnie, it sounds like you have things under control. Busy hands are happy hands. ;-) The big day is quickly approaching (as if I had to remind you!). I hope you continue to enjoy the wedding preparations. Are you and hubby getting away after the big day so you can wind down and transition back to retired living?

Hi Bonnie - These are exciting times for you and your family! I was just thinking the other day that this time a couple years ago I was doing this and this and this for my wedding. I kind of miss all the activity! It's a lovely time of year for a wedding, if I do say so myself ;-)

Hi Mark, Claudia, Laura, Peggy, Kath, Cushla, Donna and Katie! I'm sure everything will get done (somehow) and the result will be a joyous occasion where people will not even guess at how much work went into it. Someone asked me recently if we used a wedding planner. I said, "Yeah, me. That's my new job since I retired" haha.

Delurking to wave "HI!"

Hi Ren! Waving back.

Yay! 5 stars for The Age of Innocence. I thought you would like it. It has been very quiet on the first discussion thread. So far Joyce and I are having a little conversation about it, although I am not very far in my reading. We need your input, Bonnie. You can go ahead and post on all three threads while it's still fresh in your mind and then get back to wedding preparations. ;-)

56.



The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton 5 stars

How in the world did I get to be as old as I am without reading Edith Wharton? Incredible. I'm now possibly her biggest fan and have a few more of her books including her autobiography to read. Woo hoo!

Simply superb! Love that was not meant to be, loneliness, the role of the outsider and the power of the 'tribe' in 1870's upper crust New York City. Wharton was a genius who neatly displayed how this society operated while weaving a sad love story. You can't always get what you want and the tribe protects and rallies around its own are the main themes; told beautifully and poignantly in lovely prose. Who could ask for more? Very highly recommended.

Hi, Bonnie! It sounds like it's going to be a lovely wedding, and I'm sure you'll do fine and have everything ready! Hang in there!

I know you are counting down the days--and it sounds like it will be a beautiful event. Best wishes to all!

You will soon have another family member ! Good news I think?

enjoy the countdown.. marriage is like college.. it changes things forever.

57.

Montana 1948 by Larry Watson 4 stars

Larry Watson's sad, mournful story of one summer in the life of 12-year old David Hayden is heartbreaking in its simplicity: should you do what you know is right or remain loyal to your family? A small Montana town is torn apart as this question demands allegiance to one side or the other. Spare, poetic prose, beautifully rendered. Highly recommended.

>201 tymfos: Hi Terri, I'm hanging and starting to feel like everything is coming together.

>202 arubabookwoman: Thank you Deborah.

>203 mckait: Uh changes things forever? Well that may be good news since we already love our soon to be son-in-law Kath.

Well I'm sitting here watching the local weather and thanking God that the wedding isn't taking place today. Forty degrees, winds at 35 mph gusting to 50 mph, and steady heavy rain all day. it hasn't let up all day. I feel sorry for anyone getting married today. Early forecast for next Saturday? 58 degrees and sunny. Keep your fingers crossed. One week to go!

Everything crossable is crossed for you and the entire wedding party, Bonnie!

I recently finished Larry Watson's latest but Montana 1948 is my favorite of his.

Hi Bonnie!
How on earth are you managing to read with all the excitement?

Montana 1948 is waiting for me to pick it up... your review is encouraging. :)

How in the world did I get to be as old as I am without reading Edith Wharton? Incredible. Me, too! Bonnie, I LOVED your review of The Age of Innocence; think I'll read it next! Thanks for that ...

>206 Copperskye: Thanks for the crossings Joanne.

>207 -Cee-:
How on earth are you managing to read with all the excitement?

Well Claudia first of all, I'm reading the shortest books ever written and second at night, when I'm laying awake wondering how I'll get everything done, I sit up and read. Haha I should get up and actually do something.

>208 lit_chick: Thank you Nancy but you should really thank Donna and her English class for pushing it to the top of my TBR list.

Bonnie, should have added in previous post that The Age of Innocence is also a very well done movie - Daniel Day Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder. If you get the chance at some point, well worth the watch.

Thanks Nancy. I will look for it for a post-wedding treat:)

Montana 1948 was good.. I think I gave it 4 stars too..

Phew, I caught up in time for the wedding. Your daughter is lucky to have such a devoted, crafty, loving mom. Even if there are glitches, I know it will be beautiful. And the glitches make for the best stories. :-)

Added Obasan to the wishlist.

Hey, Sis! Sounds like everything is coming together beautifully. Can't wait for the pics and stories. And where are you going for vacation afterwards? I'd be heading for the couch with a stack of books and the left-over wedding mints--bliss!

Bonnie, You probably have a few million better things to do than spend time on LT in these last few days before Sara's wedding. I'm crossing fingers, toes, and eyes so that you will have a sunny day in Buffalo this Saturday. It's extremely hard to read with crossed eyes!

Remember to take deep breaths and... SMILE. I'm so looking forward to a few pictures. Have fun!

And the glitches make for the best stories. :-)

Remember that, Bonnie! We had a full-scale electrical power outage right in the middle of our wedding service, and we still laugh about it after all these years.

Thank you Kath, Lisa, Bonnie, Donna and Terri for visiting!Just checking in very briefly for probably the last time until maybe Sunday night. Everything is set to go to the reception place tomorrow. "The Dress" is safely hanging in an upstairs bedroom, my daughter-in-law and I just put together the "bouquet" Sara will carry down the aisle during the rehearsal tomorrow night from the bows and ribbons from her shower gifts (an old tradition that I was assured is still used). At this point I'm excited and nervous at the same time. The weather is about as near perfect fall weather as we ever get around here---sunny and mid-50s. Sweater or light jacket weather which is my favorite.

I managed to finish Book 58 A Jest of God by Margaret Laurence, 4.5 stars another book in her Manawaka series, taking place in the Canadian province of Manitoba. (She is another excellent Canadian writer I've grown to love.)

I'm so excited for you and your family. Have a wonderful time!

Hope you and your family have a wonderful wedding weekend!

How exciting! Good luck with everything Bonnie! I can't wait to see photos.

I am looking forward to hearing all about it!

Good luck and best wishes to all of you, Bonnie! :-)

Have a wonderful time!

Joy! Joy! Joy! Wishing you all the greatest happiness in the day and long, productive, wonderful years for the young couple and you all.

Bonnie- Have a fantastic weekend! I'll watch in the northeastern sky for a beam of light, that will be your smile.

Bonnie, I hope you're able to savor every moment of this weekend. I'm so happy the weather is cooperating. It's such a beautiful time of year and such a beautiful occasion. All the best to your whole family.

Right about now you've probably exhaled and started dancing the night away! Can't wait to here all the details.

I'm also waiting with anticipation for all the details. And hopefully some photos!

I will back to read your Age of Innocence review when I've finished reading the book myself. I am enjoying it hugely and am greatful to you, Laura and Donna for nudging me towards Edith Wharton. I can't think why I didn't start sooner!

Hi Bonnie! Hope you had a wonderful time and all went smoothly. Time to relax and remember the day. :)

Thanks for all the good wishes everyone! Here's the early report: It was all absolutely divine. Saturday morning all of us girls went to the salon (no one apparently calls them a beauty shop anymore but you know that's what it was) for hair and make-up. We got home just in time for the arrival of the photographer who likes to take shots of the family and attendants as they get ready for the wedding, (the weather cooperated so that we could take some pics out on the deck), a champagne toast, the limo arrived and we were off. The church loomed ahead we sat there watching people going in, knowing they couldn't see us. Then I got out and went into the church while Sara, hubby and the girls waited until the last second. I was accompanied down the aisle by my son, lit the side tapers next to the unity candle with the mog, and took my seat to watch hubby walk Sara down the aisle to the strings sound of Trumpet Tune by Purcell. I think that's what happened. It was hard to see through tears of joy. It was over so fast. But the festivities were not to come for a few hours yet.

I'll leave you with one picture from the reception because that's all I have loaded so far. More to follow:



I hope to start reading soon and get caught up with all of you soon.

aww congrats to the new couple! Lovely picture!

Awwwww... look at those happy faces. I'm joining you in your tears of joy just thinking about my childrens' weddings. I skipped the salon trip when youngest son got married 3 years ago and went hiking in Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. I probably didn't look the greatest, but I was relaxed... and had windburned cheeks!

Thanks for the update. I've been thinking of you and yours all weekend.

Beautiful picture! And I loved your description of the wedding, especially the tears of joy part. Can't wait to hear more about it and see more pics. Great job, Bonnie!

Oh Bonnie, what a lovely picture and thanks for the play-by-play of your morning!! You brought tears to my eyes just hearing about it. I'd have been blubbering (quietly, of course).

Beautiful photo Bonnie. I had a nice lump in my throat thinking about you watching them walk down the aisle. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Beautiful photo... and I am so happy that it was a beautiful day for all of you !

YAY! Happiness abounds... Love the pic... more! more! (you can take your time though)

Loved seeing the photo of the happy couple Bonnie and hearing about the special day - so thrilled that it went brilliantly.

Thanks for the photo of the happy couple, Bonnie -- and "thanks for the memories!" Hearing about your tears of joy sure took me back to my two daughters' wedding days! It's just such a joyful time for everyone! I'm glad it went so well for all of you.

>231 ChelleBearss: Hi Chelle!

>232 Donna828: Thanks for the good thoughts Donna. I went back and forth about the salon but finally said, "oh well, what the heck; go for it." It was just fun being with the girls, sipping champagne while we got to be lovely looking;-)

>233 phebj: Thank you Pat! I'm getting used to adding pictures.

>234 Copperskye: Hi Joanne, blubbering quietly is perfectly acceptable :)

>235 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura!

>236 mckait: Thanks Kath!

>237 -Cee-: There will definitely be more Claudia but it may take a little time.

>238 cushlareads: Thank you Cushla!

>239 Nancy618: Yes Nancy, "joyful time" describes it perfectly.

59.



Howard's End is on the Landing by Susan Hill 3.5 stars

I was expecting a little more from this book about books. Ms. Hill, a prolific writer in her own right, talks about her favorite writers and comes up with a list of forty books that she could never do without. Where it fell short for me was her delving into the author's backgrounds, instead of the books themselves. Anyway, Hill is very well-read and has pointed out some very tantalizing titles that I expect will end up on my TBR list very soon.

De-lurking to say the wedding photo is beautiful, and it's nice to see a review too. :-)

What a great wedding photo, Bonnie. Sounds like a beautiful ceremony. And now you rest. ;-)

What a radiant young couple! I know you're still beaming too, Bonnie. It sounds perfect - and after all your work, it should have been.

>241 brenzi:: Yay, Bonnie's back to reading and reviewing! I was a little disappointed with the Susan Hill book, too, Bonnie. She has lots of connections in the book world but I didn't care that much about her networking skills. I think I read it too soon after reading my favorite book about books, the excellent My Reading Life by Pat Conroy.

So how is it having free time? Probably kind of a let-down I would imagine. It sounds like the day was perfect. I can't remember if you told us the honeymoon destination. When do the lovebirds get home?

Bonnie- I'm so glad everything went so well with the wedding. And what a wonderful photo of the happy couple! Thanks for sharing!

I have that one on my TBR.. good thing books are patient!

>242 labfs39: Not much of a review Lisa haha.

>243 cameling: Thanks Caro. Yes I have to catch up on some rest and rejuvenate myself.

>244 LizzieD: I am beaming Peggy. It's hard not to.

>245 Donna828: So how is it having free time? Probably kind of a let-down I would imagine.

When I woke up on Monday morning Donna, the first thought in my head was the same as it's been for the last month: "Let's see what do I have to get done TODAY?" Then, when I realized that there was nothing left for me to do it was both a let-down AND a relief haha. Sooooo what'll I do today?? Oh yes I have to return the gift box.

The love birds are in St. Lucia and will return next Monday. I'm going to have to pick up a copy of the Conroy book. I do love my books about books.

>246 msf59: Thanks Mark!

>247 mckait: They'd better be patient Kath LOL.

Catching up on a month's worth of posts - I've missed a lot, including the build up to the wedding. I'm glad to hear all went perfectly; lovely photo of the happy couple!

I recently read the fourth Kate Atkinson Brodie novel, Started early, and really loved that one too as much as all the others - I didn't feel she was getting bored with Brodie, though as usual there are other characters' stories intertwined as well. But it would be good to see her write something different again too. I read Behind the Scenes at the Museum when it first came out, and really loved that. Although it is not a crime story there is an element of mystery involved in that one too, and some themes common to those that emerge in the Brodie books. My mother has just donated me a copy of Not the end of the world, a book of short stories by Atkinson (published 2002) - she didn't like it, but I'm looking forward to that one.

And I'm glad you liked the first Shardlake book; I've recently read no. 3 and am looking forward to 4 and 5...

#230 What a lovely description of the wedding, Bonnie and a picture perfect day to boot!!

Sara looks absolutely radiant and her husband don't look too shabby either ;)

So glad that the wedding went so well, Bonnie. Lovely photo of the happy couple!

>249 gennyt: Hi Genny, I'm looking forward to Started Early because I haven't gotten tired of Jackson Brodie at all (especially after seeing him w/o a shirt on PBS). I have two of her others to read too.

>250 Carmenere: Thanks Lynda. Picture perfect, yes.

>251 tymfos: Thanks Terri.

>252 brenzi:: especially after seeing him w/o a shirt on PBS *snort*

OK... I need some advice. I read Case Histories and was not impressed with Jackson Brodie. But maybe it was the book and I only got an introduction to him in situations that were not his best.
Does he get better in book 2 - or would I be wastin' my time? So many love him... ???

Yeah! I'm glad everything went so beautifully. I'm always happy and impressed when people can laugh later about the disasters, but I'd rather be experiencing those tears of joy. Add me to the "sob sisters" who cry when good things happen, so of course I was tearing up reading everyone's comments. Am jealous, though, of the moms with girls!

so.. a quiet weekend for you this time around?

>253 lauralkeet: :)

>254 -Cee-: Wow I don't know what to say Claudia. I guess if Jackson Brodie didn't hook you in Case Histories then it's probably just not going to happen. So I would suggest you not waste your time with #2. You'd probably think of it as "more of the same." I know I do but then, that's what I love about it;-)

>255 bonniebooks: Well I'd love to be able to say you're not missing anything by not having a daughter but you know I'd be lying Bonnie. I wouldn't have traded these last few months with Sara for all the tea in China. It really personified the word "joyous" for me.

>256 mckait: Oh yes, very quiet Kath.

Congratulations Bonnie (and to your daughter, too!). She looks beautiful and very happy. : ) And about Jackson Brodie and Case Histories...love them both! Enjoy your quiet day.

I was wondering what I could do this afternoon to cleanse my palate between books. Jackson Brodie it is! I have the first two episodes on the DVR, and I can watch the last one live this evening. Sounds like a plan.

I hope you're having a good Sunday, Bonnie. Enjoy your quiet time.

>258 Berly: Thank you Kim. They are returning from St. Lucia very late Monday night and I can't wait for them to get back.

>259 Donna828: I've only seen the first episode Donna. For whatever reason, the local PBS station delayed the last two until next weekend:(

>260 brenzi:: For whatever reason, the local PBS station delayed the last two until next weekend:(
Ooh, it makes me SO MAD when they do that. The Philly station pre-empted several Inspector Lewis episodes for a pledge drive. Fortunately we found alternative times that we could record them on the DVR. My husband used to work for the station and we're big believers in public broadcasting, so I "get" the whole fundraising thing but still ...

Tonight DH made a special request to watch football instead (Philly-Dallas, apparently, I really don't care). We'll record dear Jackson & catch him later. I'm eager to curl up with a book and a cat, anyway.

*popping in to wave hello*, Bonnie.

>261 lauralkeet: There's no fund raising going on right now Laura but I think maybe they spend less on the programming if they delay it somewhat. That's what I think anyway.

>262 cameling: Hi Caroline!! **waves back**

So what'cha reading now, Bonnie?

I'm completely immersed in the lengthy but very, very good Amitav Ghosh novel River of Smoke.

I really need to get off my back-side and get to Sea of Poppies. Bad Mark!

Oh, hi Bonnie!

You won't regret it Mark (I think;-)

I've had Sea of Poppies on my wishlist for a while based on your and Darryl's reviews. Maybe I can get it at our local bookstore's blowout sale on used books this weekend. :-)

Well Lisa, maybe my review of River of Smoke will entice you. It can be found on my

NEW THREAD!