Donna828 is Overbooked: Chapter 12

..........Haley says BOO!..........

Best of the bunch so far in 2011:
The Siege - Helen Dunmore
Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
The Invisible Bridge - Julie Orringer
The Portrait of a Lady - Henry James
The Killer Angels - Michael Shaara
The Road Home - Rose Tremain
The Memory of Love - Aminatta Forna
Fifth Business - Robertson Davies
The Water is Wide - Pat Conroy

Books Read in September
86. Once Upon A River by Bonnie Jo Campbell. 3.8 stars.
87. The Water is Wide - Pat Conroy. 4.5 stars.
88. Falling Man - Don DeLillo. 3 stars.
89. The 9/11 Report: A Graphic Adaptation - Jacobson and Colon. 4 stars.
90. Sovereign - C. J. Sansom. 4.1 stars.
91. Death of an Expert Witness - P.D. James. 3.5 stars.
92. Ethan Frome - Edith Wharton. 4 stars.
93. State of Wonder - Ann Patchett. 4.2 stars.
94. A Trick of the Light - Louise Penny. 4.3 stars.
95. Nightwoods by Charles Frazier. 4 stars.
96. My Own Country by Abraham Verghese. 4.2 stars.

11 books read in September. I own 5 of them.
Total of 3,432 pages read for the month.

Books read in October:
97. The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton. 3.9 stars.
98. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. 4.76 stars.
99. Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley. 4.1 stars.
100. The Haunted Bookshop by C. Morley. 3.3 stars.
101. Every Man In This Village Is A Liar by Megan Stack. 4.6 stars.
102. Cold Spring Harbor by Richard Yates. 3.4 stars.
103. Summer by Edith Wharton. 4.1 stars.
104. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson. 3.3 stars.
105. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. 4.5 stars.
106. The Moviegoer by Walker Percy. 4 stars.
107. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. 3.5 stars.

11 books read in October, 9 owned by me.
3,557 pages read.

Poor Undine! She was what the gods had made her--a creature of skin-deep reactions, a mote in the beam of pleasure."

Book No. 97: The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton. 3.9 stars.

You can't always get what you want, Undine, but, in the words of the Rolling Stones, you get what you need. Undine is a spoiled and larger-than-life character who wants and "needs" many things. She's not afraid to do what it takes to get them and frequently uses her beauty to take advantage of people. The ineffectual men in her life are tossed aside like yesterday's newspapers. There is always something bigger and better around the corner for her. I came to love to hate Undine, especially when she treated her son with cold indifference. She is truly one of the most distasteful characters Edith Wharton has created...and one of the most memorable.

This book is all over the place geographically from the midwest to New York City to France and back again. Undine observes others and absorbs their behavior, thus always moving upwards to attain her goal of having money and the recognition of people in high society. It's fun to see her setbacks offset by her greed and undaunted social climbing.

Wharton's writing is accomplished as always, using irony and her own astute observations to create a world of manipulation and misfortune. I'm going to indulge myself and end this review with another quote from The Stones: "I can't get no satisfaction." This is a perfect description of Undine's nature.

Got you starred! And Haley IS a star!

Another adorable picture, as promised. So cute!

Oh Halloween Haley - very cute!

Loved your review of The Custom of the Country Donna! So glad you are enjoying Dame Edith.

What a cutie! Love the Halloween shirt

Love the picture of Haley, Donna - what a cutie!

I don't think The Custom of the Country would be my cuppa. I don't like reading about obnoxious or unlikable characters, and Undine sounds like she would take the cake. :)

Great review, Donna! I finished Ethan Frome last night, and now want to read more Wharton.

Haley is just about the cutest little one ever. I think the older she gets, the more she looks like you :)

Starred! And thanks for sharing a lovely picture of Haley since I LOVE baby pictures. :)

Greetings to my visitors. I'm so glad you found me... Roni, Joanne, Genny, Laura, Chelle, Mary, Anne, and Valerie.

>7 lauralkeet:: Laura, as much as I love Dame Edith, I'm glad to have a week's respite from classes before I begin reading Summer. Back-to-back EW can be a little too much of a good thing. ;-)

>8 ChelleBearss:: Thanks, Chelle. I'm excited to have a new face around here. Thanks for the visit!

>9 bell7:: I don't like reading about obnoxious or unlikable characters...
I usually don't like these bad girls (or boys) either, Mary, but Wharton makes her deliciously devious. She's so over-the-top that it is almost comical.

Forgive me for my quick response here, but I have reading to do. I'm on page 618 in Lonesome Dove. Only 225 pages to go before tomorrow night's book group. ;-)

For those interested in reading The Age of Innocence as a group, I posted the general information page here. Feel free to read at your own pace. My class won't be starting it until later in the month, but I realize that many wanted to read it for TIOLI so we're starting Monday. I've seen people post on group read threads months after they're over. There are no Group Read Nazis around here!!!

Hi Donna- Love the new thread! I think Haley needs a story...bad! Maybe I'll try Lonesome Dove again next year but on audio this time. I'm itchin' to re-visit those wonderful characters.

Hmmm I thought that old thread was awfully quiet. And what an opening shot with little Haley 's sweet face staring out at me. You make The Custom of the Country sound irresistible Donna but it looks like The Age of Innocence will be my next read:)

Happy New Thread! I agree with Anne. The older Haley gets, the more she looks like you. She is a real cutie and has Presence. And I love to hate Undine too.

Very nice review of the Wharton book! And I hope to start on The Age of Innocence in a week or so. Thanks for organizing it all. :)

And, yes, Haley is such a cutie!

Hello! Great review of The Custom of the Country.

Haley is so cute! She's looking more and more like you!

>12 Donna828:: agree with you about back-to-back EW, Donna!

Hi Donna, love the reviews and the pics. I like the 2012 reading pyramid. I personally don't like to plan my reading.

Hello visitors...

Mark, Lonesome Dove would make an awesome audiobook to make your rounds go as fast as a runaway horse!

I'm glad you'll be joining us for The Age of Innocence, Bonnie.

Hi Peggy, I'd like to think that Haley inherited her Presence from me. ;-)

You're welcome, BJ. This will be my first time moderating a group read. I think my job consists of setting up the threads and getting out of the way!

Thanks for the kudos, Porua, on both my granddaughter and my comments on The Custom of the Country.

Laura, I guess there can be too much of a good thing.

Hi Gautam, I don't usually plan my reading for a year. We'll see how this pyramid thing goes. I've left lots of room for choices in my categories.

"This is rare country, this Montana... We might all get killed this afternoon, for all I know. That's the wild for you--it's got its dangers, which is part of the beauty. 'Course the Indians have had this land forever. To them it's precious because it's old. To us it's exciting because it's new." (744)

Book No. 98: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. 4.76 stars.

What a ride! We had 14 people at our book discussion and *surprise* everyone loved the book. Usually those talks are on the boring side, but we had a lively time. It seemed like a reunion where we were talking about the missing family members! I think that's because McMurtry created a cast of characters that seemed real.

We mourned those who had 'passed' and worried about what was going to happen to the ones left behind. Well, good news... my friend Nancy told me that there not only is a sequel to Lonesome Dove, but that there are two prequels as well! So now I have three more books to read about these guys and gals. Yippee!

I seem to be the last person on LT to have read this book so I don't need to go into any details. If you haven't read it, expect to have your life interrupted for a few days. It reads quickly but at 843 pages, it's a big book!

A *star* for your new digs, Donna, and another great review with Custom. Hope you're having a nice bookish chat right about now!

Hi Donna, Lonesome Dove looks like a goodie, waiting for those comments.

>21 Donna828:: 4.76 stars? Are you sure it wasn't 4.74? or 4.77? LOL!

>22 LauraBrook:: Hi Laura, come on in and set a spell... oops, I'm lapsing into cowboy talk. Our bookish chat was wonderful. I wore my Texas Longhorn t-shirt. ;-)

>23 KiwiNyx:: Leonie, I updated message 21 with a few comments about the meeting. If you ever want to read an epic book about the American west, I highly recommend Lonesome Dove.

>24 lauralkeet:: Laura, I'm not a math whiz and wasn't sure if 4.75 would be rounded up to 5 stars the way I intended. I didn't want the math police to get after me! I realize I could have just given it five stars but I had a few tiny quibbles with the book.

Donna, I am glad that you enjoyed Lonesome Dove. I have read all the sequels and prequels and they are all good, but none reaches the heights that Lonesome Dove does.

Your The Custom of the Country review is # 1 on the Hot Reviews! Congrats! :-)

HI Donna! Found you! Didn't even realize I lost you!

Great picture of Haley - she's growing so fast!

Hi! I've got your new thread starred now, Donna. Love the picture. What a little cutie!

Starred! And you are definitely NOT the only LTer who had yet to read Lonesome Dove - my copy is in my Melbourne TBR pile - might have to rescue it! Loved your review of Custom of the Country so much that I now have my own copy - such a temptress (you, not Undine!). Course, while I was there I added a couple of others to the order - so I now have Ethan Frome as well. You are expensive company my dear - but well worth it!

Ah I was pretty sure you'd love Lonesome Dove Donna because, well, just about everybody does. As a matter of fact, I don't think I've ever heard anyone say they didn't. At present I'm totally enjoying a book you foisted on me, The Age of Innocence:)

Wow, I wanted to get caught up on your thread and come to find I was behind on that one AND 31 posts behind on this one. In any case, you're starred, Donna, and I'm glad you enjoyed Lonesome Dove so much. It's a good one.

26. Hi Judy, I think Lonesome Dove is in a class by itself.

27. Thank you for letting me know, Porua. Those hot reviews change quickly these days.

28. It's good to be found, Cee. Sometimes I lose myself.

29. Hey there, Terri. It's good to see you again.

30. Sorry I'm costing you money, Prue. You can send me the bill care of LT!

31. Foisted, huh? You will be thanking me by the end of the book, Bonnie. At least I hope so.

32. Hi Ellen. Lonesome Dove was an awesome read. Thanks for the star.

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I am in Kansas City for a sports weekend. No, not baseball or football...it's all about girl's soccer. Sadie's team won their evening game. Both Sadie and Audrey play tomorrow. I'll try and get a picture of them in their uniforms if they can stand still long enough.

I had some creepy company on the drive up today. Stephen King and the audiobook Full Dark, No Stars accompanied me. I found it difficult to "skim" the gory scenes in the first story. I thought I was home free...until the rats made their appearance. *shudders* I hope it stays in the psychological horror realm on the way home and out of the blood and gore. On that note, I'll go be sociable with my sweet daughter and SIL - who is turning 40 on Sunday.

OK...OK...OK Just added Lonesome Dove to the WL which was down below 100.
I just checked it out and can't let a book rated this good slip by. Don't know why I have not read it yet? Whatever. I give up. Bring it on!

Sounds like a fun time in KC! :)

Yay for girls' soccer, and for soccer moms!

Haley remains a credit to her grandmother, cute as a button.

Congratulations on the Hot Review! It's an outstanding one. I love Wharton; how are you feeling about her?

Lonesome Dove is by far the best of the (maybe) five works involving those characters. The others are good, mind you, but not great. Imo, as always.

34. You won't regret it, Cee. I too don't know why I waited so long to read Lonesome Dove.

35. Hi Janet, soccer moms and dads work hard to get their kids to games and practices...and encourage them and promote sportsmanship. Whew! I'm pooped after three games!

36. Thanks, Gail. I am very much enjoying my immersion into the works of Wharton. I get a little break this week from class but may go ahead and start The Age of Innocence with the group read.

I was happy to learn about the other books related to LD. It will be fun to read the back story and sequel, although I know there is only one Lonesome Dove.

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Oh my, three children make me tired. Mom and Dad went out to celebrate with a pre-birthday dinner. I'm exhausted after feeding them, playing games, etc. Young Griffin is tucked in bed while Big sisters are being entertained by the TV. Bad Grandma. :-)

I don't think I can drive and listen to Stephen King. I would be much to spooked and jumpy to drive properly!

Also just wanted to let you know that I spent a good portion of my GC's today purchasing 3 Edith Wharton books all thanks to your great reviews! :)

Donna, I've been playing catch-up on threads, both mine and everyone else's and had missed the end of your last one, but I'm all caught up with you now and have my star in place.

I wouldn't have taken you for a Stephen King fan, but you can never tell.

Haley is an adorable munchkin, but you know that already don't you? You have every reason to feel proud of your lovely girl. Those cheeks of her just make you want to reach out and grab them. :-)

>38 jolerie:: Hi Valerie, three Edith Wharton books! I hope you're not disappointed. I feel so responsible. Yay, my work is done!

>39 Smiler69:: Ilana, I'm not sure I'd be classified as a Stephen King fan. I liked The Stand and Misery and have mixed feelings about some of his other works. It is Halloween month and that was one of the few available audiobooks at the library so I took a chance. I disliked the gore in the first story. It was actually more of a novella, lasting all the way to Kansas City. The second installment is better, although King isn't kind to the women characters in these stories. I'm not sure that I'll finish the book.

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I'm pretty worn out after a busy weekend. I may have to stretch out my visits to grandkids in the future. I had a great time, but my body is sore from playing street tennis. Playing with a 3-year-old involves lots of chasing the ball. This Grandma can't say no! I'll quickly post a few pics of my soccer stars and call it good.

Audrey (age 7), Sadie (9), and Griffin (3).

So glad you had a nice weekend with the grandkids! I'll bet you're tired :)

Love the pics . . . happy recuperating!

Well worth all those sore muscles!!

Good morning, Anne, Brenda, and Joanne. What a difference a good night's sleep makes. I'm still a little sore but worked most of it out with the dog walk this a.m.

I'm feeling particularly good because this is about the time I should be leaving for class. The rest of the class will be taking the dreaded essay mid-term while I catch up on LibraryThing. I love auditing classes!

I didn't get much reading done in KC. I took my shortest and 'easiest' book along with me. I read enough to want to get back to Parnassus on Wheels today. I need a comfort book like this to transition back to life without grandkids. It's life at a much slower pace yet I do miss them.

Here's a picture of one of our quieter times together. They were watching a movie after a long day of hard play.

Great pictures, and glad you are safely back home.

Hi Donna- Boy, you have some great looking grand-children, but they sure wear you out, huh? I can't wait for my turn, although that's not entirely true, a few more years away would be better.
Keep up those stretching exercises. Gentle hug!

There's nothing like going to bed tired and happy after a day spent romping with the grandkids!

Glad you had a lovely time with the grandchildren. I'm just dropping in to say hello and goodbye before I head off on my holiday tomorrow - I don't think I'll get a chance to visit LT much or at all while I'm away.

Hello Donna - fantastic pics - sounds like they are very fortunate to have such an active grandma to play with! The very thought of my own grandmother doing such a thing is hilarious.

>44 Donna828: Great pic! Must have been some movie!

More cutie pies! You're one lucky Grandma, albeit sore. Actually, I think I was in my 30s the last time I read one of his but he has one coming out that I'm tempted to read entitled 11/22/63.

Donna, The pics are great. Your grandchildren are adorable. Hope you enjoyed your day off from class today!

>45 ronincats:: Thanks, Roni. There's truly no place like home.

>46 msf59:: Hi Mark, you're much too young to be a Granddad. It's something to look forward to.

>47 DeltaQueen50:: I slept like a rock last night, Judy. I hope I can do the same tonight. Good sleep has been hit and miss for me the past couple months. Probably too many book plots floating through my head!

>48 gennyt:: Lucky you, Genny. Have a great time in Portugal. I look forward to your pictures. You always have such interesting shots.

>49 PrueGallagher:: Prue, I'm trying to keep up with the other Grandma who is in much better physical condition that I am. I walk quite a bit but the kids want to run, jump, and hit balls with rackets, bats, feet, hands, heads, etc.

>50 -Cee-:: Cee, they were totally immersed in Beethoven. You know, the dog story from the good ol' days? They had just seen it a few days before. At least they could alert me to the best parts coming up.

>51 brenzi:: Hi Bonnie, the rest of Full Dark, No Stars is going back to the library without being heard. I liked the second story better than the first one but not well enough to keep listening. And not enough to get the print version either. The Kennedy book will appeal more to me I'm sure.

>52 thomasandmary:: Regina! You've been missed. I had a great day today. In fact, I'll have a great week. My next class will be next Monday. Our professor has kindly given time to work on papers due in a few weeks. I'm auditing, so it's a real vacation for me. Should I feel guilty? I don't! Been there and done that.

Book No. 99: Parnassus On Wheels by Christopher Morley. 4.1 stars.

What a delightful little book. Thanks to Claudia for her recent comments which led me to pick this one up for a break after reading Lonesome Dove. I liked it so much that I'm going to jump right in to The Haunted Bookshop by Morley.

This book could have been named The Revolt of Helen McGill. This spinster sister of a respected author tires of her life of baking bread and keeping house for the brother who has all the fun. When a book peddler comes by and offers his traveling bookmobile to her, she jumps at the chance to have a vacation of sorts.

In lieu of a review, I'm going to give a few quotes from the book. It's a real quickie to read and will appeal to the bibliophiles here.

...when you sell a man a book you don't sell him just twelve ounces of paper and ink and glue--you sell him a whole new life. Love and friendship and humour and ships at sea by night--there's all heaven and earth in a book, a real book I mean. (44)

A good book ought to have something simple about it. And, like Eve, it ought to come from somewhere near the third rib: there ought to be a heart beating in it. A story that's all forehead doesn't amount to much. (126)

Parnassus On Wheels has a lot of heart. If you haven't already done so, READ IT!

I've got this one on the TBR shelves...

It is a charmer, isn't it! Glad you liked it, Donna.

I really love those Christopher Morley books. My mother had them, and they were on the window sill in the downstairs bathroom (my mother virtually never used that bathroom, so I have no idea how the books kept there were chosen - probably just because they fit), so I read them quite a few times as a child. Sadly, in the mad rush we had when we cleared out my Mom's house after her death, they didn't survive (we just had no time to go through the books, so we each grabbed a few real favorites and the rest went to a charity, can't remember which one) - unless one of my siblings has them - I should check.

>55 katiekrug:: Great, Katie, now take it off the shelf and read it. It will only take a couple of hours. It's a good one to read after one of those "forehead" books.

>56 Copperskye:: A charmer indeed. Have you read The Haunted Bookshop? It's a longer book but begins with the Mifflins at home in Brooklyn. Their bookshop is named "Parnassus at Home."

>57 JanetinLondon:: Oh Janet, that is a sad story. I hope one of your siblings has those books. I treasure the few books I inherited from my parents. Some I've read and loved (my mother's copy of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn) and some are waiting to be read. I've slowly been giving books to my children when they show an interest in a title. I think they would be overwhelmed with the lot of them (over 1,000) when I go to that big Parnassus in heaven. ;-)

Donna, I love those quotes. I think I'll run to the library today to look for that one. Thanks for sharing!

I was actually planning on only getting Ethan Frome but since I was there and since the other 2 books were so conveniently sitting there, I just couldn't help myself. :)
Your time spent with your grandkids sounds so lovely and relaxing despite being tiring at the end of the day. I imagine it must be so much fun being a grandma because you get all the fun and none of the responsibilities of raising the kiddos! ;)

So glad you loved that book - and I know you will like The Haunted Bookshop as well.
No matter how little time one has for reading - these two MUST be squeezed in... and since they are relatively short, no problem!

Both books have sooooo many good quotes! ;-)

Yes, Donna, in my way I did like reading All Quiet on Western Front. It's a bit depressing, but I've got a pretty strong stomach. It supported my world view as more or less a pacifist. I had thought it would be much more dense to get through, but I did not find that at all. It is hard to read of the putrefaction of soldiers bodies, screaming soldiers as they lay dying -and strangely enough, reading about the description of big fat well fed 'corpse mouse' really imprinted itself on my brain!

I'm just in the midst of things, but I wanted to encourage you to read the book. It is so worthwhile. I'll come back tomorrow and see what you are reading. :)

PS - no more war books for me for a few reads! Siege is off for the moment! ;)

Hi Deb... I understand your need to read something that isn't as intense as another book about war. Don't put The Siege off too long. I read it last January and had to huddle under a blanket and drink hot tea to keep warm! A book like Parnassus on Wheels would be a good comfort read after a war book. However, I think you can skip this sequel...


..."books contain the thoughts and dreams of men, their hopes and strivings and all their immortal parts. It's in books that most of us learn how splendidly worthwhile life is...Books are the immortality of the race, the father and mother of most that is worthwhile cherishing in our hearts."

Book No. 100: The Haunted Bookshop by Christopher Morley. 3.3 stars.

I was a little disappointed in this sequel to Parnassus on Wheels. The only haunting was by the ghosts of unread books. I can relate to that. My real disappointment was that the book tried to do too much. It was an amusing mystery of a lost book that was connected to an espionage plot. The details bordered on being silly in light of the possibility of dire consequences. It was also a love story between two new characters that I didn't really care about. I think I was so taken by the unlikely courtship of Roger and Helen in the first book that I wanted more about them in their new life. Helen played a very small role in this book. I missed her.

Don't get me wrong...there were lots of good things about the book. Roger Mifflin has a bookshop in Brooklyn that I would have loved. He was still expounding the virtues of books with some memorable lines. I think this is a typical case of the sequel not living up to the original.

I'm glad to see this review of The Haunted Bookshop as I was, in part, waiting to read Parnassus on Wheels until I was sure I could move right on to the sequel if I wanted to. I am having a hard time finding a (gently) used copy of THB but I am not going to let that stop me finally reading PoW :)

Donna, you had me convinced to borrow Parnassus on Wheels right away but just looked up the library catalogue and... Boooo, they only have The Haunted Bookshop. Oh well. Still adding it to the WL; I'm sure I'll come across it eventually.

Hi Donna, When you moved right on to The Haunted Bookshop after the wonderful Parnassus, I was wondering how you'd fair. I had planned on doing the same thing after I read Parnassus in April. Unfortunately, I'm still on page 70 of THB. I occasionally read a few pages, but it's really not working for me.

Hmm. I agree with the commentary on THB - but - I loved it anyway. :)

I'm in big trouble at my house if I'm going to be haunted by the ghosts of unread books! I need to get around to reading that sequel as well. I suspect it will be read within the next three months, but other things (ghosts of other unread books?) keep clamoring for attention.

>65 katiekrug:: Katie, I enjoyed reading the two books together, although now I'm wondering if perhaps a little space between them would have made me appreciate The Haunted Bookshop more. I'll never know!

>66 Smiler69:: Ilana, you could probably go ahead and read The Haunted Bookshop w/o reading Parnassus first.

>67 Copperskye:: Now that's what I call a slow book, Joanne.

>68 -Cee-:: Cee, I loved the idea of it... I just did a little eye-rolling when I read a few sections. I didn't care for the character of Aubrey at all. Titania was okay, but they were no Roger and Helen. ;-)

>69 thornton37814:: That is funny, Lori. I have a few books around here that are haunting me, too.

I picked up The Age of Innocence to read enough so I could comment on the book group thread and ended up reading 8 chapters, though they are very short chapters. I should be reading Summer by Edith Wharton as that is the next book we'll be discussing in class. Speaking of ghost stories, has anyone read Ghost Stories by Edith Wharton? The actual full title is The Ghost Stories of Edith Wharton. I think if I read it, I'll subtract half a star for the lame title. ;-)

Good morning, Donna! You've got a fine bunch of grandkids!

Sorry to hear you didn't like Full Dark, No Stars enough to finish it. I had to take a break from it because it was so, well, dark, but I thought it was good. (The last story really got to me, will stay with me a while, quite thought-provoking.)

Hi Donna! I'm reading Summer myself (Mark picked it as a random read for me last month and I'm just getting around to reading it now - oops), and so far so good. It's been a while since I've read Wharton, though she's one of my favorite authors, and I'm finding myself wondering what kept me away for so long! Only about 20 pages in, and it's already got me hooked. I was thinking of reading her Ghost Stories this month, but then again, I've got over 25 books that I'd planned on reading in October - um, overly enthusiastic, much?!? The Age of Innocence is one of my favorite books and I'm tempted to read along with you. I haven't read it since college when it was part of a "Movies and Books" class. We met 4 days a week, and one of the days was a "lab" when we'd watch the movie. It was such an excellent class and has provided me with some of my favorite movies and books. Has the group read already started for "Age"?

Sorry for the morning ramble - hope your day has started out well!

71: Good morning, Terri. I think I mostly returned Full Dark, No Stars back to the library because I had it in the audio version. That's my "thing" for road trips and I'm planning to be a homebody for awhile now. I may check out the dead tree version just to read that last story. From the reviews I read, it was a favorite of many.

>72 LauraBrook:: Hi Laura, I'll read my first assignment in Summer over the week end. It's a new Wharton for me. We've just begun the discussion about the first 13 chapters of The Age of Innocence over here. We need more people to chime in. You could catch up easily. I like the idea of your 'Movies and Books' class. I may try to get the movie when I've finished reading Age of Innocence. If I saw it, it was so long ago that I don't remember it.

In case anyone is interested, Summer is free for the Kindle at Amazon. I need to read this, along with Ethan Frome, but I've been bogged down with a John Dos Passos novel, Manhattan Transfer, and I've wanted to finish that one before starting any of the Wharton books. I've read EF, but I want to read it again. Summer is new for me as well, Donna.

Hi Becky, I'll be reading the first six chapters of Summer tomorrow in anticipation of Monday morning's class. I've been off all week which has been nice but it will be good to get back on track again.

I had to go to my profile page to follow the link to my thread. It's easy to get lost around here!

I've been enjoying the comments on the group read threads for The Age of Innocence. It's a reread for me but I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first part again. I took some notes in the (probably vain) hope that I can remember the details enough to pass the one-questions quizzes over umpteen chapters. Technically, I don't have to take these silly things but I like the challenge!

I'll be concentrating on Summer for the next two weeks and then get back to Age. I'm so glad that Edith Wharton is such a joy to read or this would be a loooong semester!

I'm reading something completely different to offset the Wharton books: Every Man in this Village is A Liar is living up to the accolades from Bonnie (Brenzi) and Suzanne (Chatterbox). It is hard to believe that a book about hate and war is written with such beautiful language. I don't think there is any possiblity of confusion in reading these two very different types of books at the same time.

Hi Donna!
You can add my accolades for Every Man in Village. That one goes well with I Shall Not Hate.
Both top notch books imo!

>76 -Cee-:: Ooops, Claudia. YOU are the most recent reason that I picked up this book! Yes, I'm shadowing you these days. ;-)

I also read I Shall Not Hate as an ER book - one of my better choices. I learned so much from the Palestinian perspective. Both of these books reiterate that there are always two (or more) sides to every story.

Donna, I started listening to the audio version of Summer today and have to say I don't at all like the narrator, who seems intent on speed-reading her way through this short novel, but that just forces me to concentrate that much more on Wharton's excellent writing.

I've got several books going at the moment and wish I could jump into The Age of Innocence right now, but that would probably be overextending myself at the moment. I don't dare have a look at the group read thread until I've gotten started, but hope I won't be too too behind by the time I get to it.

>78 Smiler69:: Ilana, I find that I can't listen to those fast-reading narrators very well. I need time to form my thoughts and mental pictures. That's why I'm purposely trying to slow down my reading rate... depending on what I'm reading, of course.

I read my latest book slowly to comprehend what I was reading and admire the lovely writing.


"It's one of the world's oldest logic problems, folding in on itself like an Escher sketch. If he's telling thre truth, he's lying. If he's lying, he's telling the truth." (Pg. 9)

Book No. 101: Every Man In This Village is A Liar by Megan Stack. 4.6 stars.

Only seven reviews of this book so I felt called by duty to write another one...

The world of war in the Middle East left its mark on this young journalist, and I'm grateful that she shared her post-9/11 experiences in Afghanistan, Israel, Libya, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt witnessing the horror of death and the even more horrific impact on the survivors. Megan Stark ends up living in these war-torn countries for six years while she tries to figure out the truth to report to the readers of the Los Angeles Times.

For six long years she subjected herself to the insanity of war after war, roadside bombs and bombs from the sky, broken bodies and broken souls. Megan's poetic words bring out the humanity on both sides of the wars she lives through observing the heartbreak and violence "of all the smashed things left behind."

This eye-opening book is subtitled "An Education in War." By reading it, I learned that "you can survive and not survive, both at the same time." You won't hear these kinds of stories on the evening news. It's a very difficult book to read, but I urge you to read it and weep.

I had no doubt that you (or anybody else for that matter) would appreciate this book Donna. It's absolutely eye-opening. Thumb!

Donna- Good review of Every Man. This one is already on the List, after other glowing reports.

Thank you, Bonnie and Mark. I know you will enjoy the book, Mark. Talk it up after you read it because I think everyone would benefit from reading this book.

I had an early Christmas last night at Friend's Night at our semi-annual book sale. I used tremendous restraint due in part to my new book in/book out policy. The other part of restraint involves a return trip on half-price Saturday.

Here are my new lovelies:

The Outlander - Gil Adamson
The Autumn of the Patriarch - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Seeing - Jose Saramago
Zorro - Isabel Allende
Hard-boiled Wonderland and The End of the World - Haruki Muraki
My Year of Meats - Ruth Ozeki (for an upcoming book group)
Infinite Jest - David Foster Wallace (because I'm crazy!)

And six Babysitter Club books that don't count because they're going right back out the door. I think it's interesting that my 9-year-old granddaughter and 32-year-old ex-student want to read the same books. ;-)

That's 13 books for $20. I'll give another update after my Saturday bargain shopping.

Great review of Every Man in this Village - it's on my WL already.

And great haul of books!! I enjoyed My Year of Meats, but it was long before LT and I can't remember much about it, except that I ate a bit less animal for a while afterwards...

Hi Donna!
Seeing? Oooooo, groan. You are so brave. Well, at least I'll find out how it is when you read it. I don't dare!

Nice haul! Love the bargains at book sales! ;-)

Book in/book out?! That's tough . . .

Great list of additions from your sale purchases! Looking forward to seeing Sunday's list. . .

Looks like you had a good time at your book sale, Donna. And even better, you get to do it again on Saturday!

The Babysitter Club books brings up such fond memories for me of my early experiences with falling in love with reading. :)

I think it's pretty awesome that your granddaughter and ex-student can both appreciate the same books together. Just goes to show just how universal books are!

Lost you; found you. ALL of the grandchildren are adorable. I can see how they'd wear you down though....
I haven't read Lonesome Dove yet either. Seems like I should read I. Doig first, and I can't do that until I've read __ and ___ and ____-----
What a great new book list! Bring on Saturday's. Inquiring minds want to know!

Ohhh Babysitters Club!! My parents spent a fortune on those when I was a teen! I think I still have them all in a box somewhere ...

Donna! You make me smile when I read of The Babysitter Club books! I have two sons - 26 and 21- so they read different series - Goosebumps is one I recall, lots of Roald Dahl, The Hardy Boys! - my mom had saved them from my brothers . Such fun memories! LOL in my day I read The Bobbsey Twins (I think they were old ones of my mom's), Nancy Drew - but a lot of non - series books too.

HI Donna

I love the photos of your grandchildren. Hayley is ever so precious. Congratulations on reading so many good books this month.

I understand your comment about the energy it takes to be with grandchildren. It is wonderful...and taxing.

All the best,

Welcome to Cushla, Claudia, Brenda, Judy, Valerie, Peggy, Chelle, Deb, and Linda. Post a list of books and get all kinds of company. I just came home from a meeting at church and have some leftover chicken salad croissant sandwiches and fresh apple cake if anyone is hungry!

For you Babysitter Club fans, did you know that they started reissuing the series in 2009 because of the overwhelming demand? And many of the current buyers of these books are adults who read them as kids. The first one was published in 1986. Fourteen years and 213 books later, the series came to an end. I read this on my e-mail today from Oprah's Book Club. Serendipity!

I remember the first time I had book envy. I was 8-years-old and we stopped in Harrisburg, PA on our way from Germany to Kentucky (I'm an army brat) to visit relatives. My heart almost stopped when I saw my teenage cousin's complete set of Nancy Drew books. I seriously think that my book collection started at that time. I still have some of my Nancy Drew and Bobbsey Twin books.

I wish I still had the Nancy Drew and Bobbsey Twin books I read as a child. Most had belonged to my older sisters and maybe they are still in a box in storage, but I kind of doubt it. I always thought I'd be home once more.

One of my brothers got our Hardy Boys collection -- most of them were from his reading time, just the last dozen -- clearly, newer editions -- were purchased in my time. I think Mom gave my Nancy Drew collection to a neighbor kid while I was in college -- either that, or they were lost in a flood a bit later.

I had an enormous collection of Nancy Drews and Bobbsey Twin books as a child. Some of them were newer (yellow-spined) editions that I acquired myself, but most of them were older editions that had belonged to my mother and aunts. Also, my favorites, and part of the same collection, but which I never hear about now, were Beverly Gray mysteries. I wonder what happened to all those books--I suspect that got handed down to younger cousins and eventually disappeared.

Hello to Joanne, Terri, and Anne. Thank you for sharing about those long lost books. I have fond memories of other books from my childhood that probably got purged in the many moves we made. I'm grateful to have a few of my favorites in my possession. I have an affinity for used books and often wonder about the previous owners.

Anne, I'm not familiar with Beverly Gray. I forgot to mention that I had a Donna Parker mystery or two in my childhood collection. She's another one that didn't age well. ;-)

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I am thoroughly enjoying my latest Edith Wharton read, Summer. At first I thought it was rather lightweight compared to The Age of Innocence, but through the class discussion, I'm beginning to appreciate it for another look at a favorite author. Charity is an intellectually stunted Cinderella figure in the story. Professor C. portrays the book as being "full of depth and awfulness."

Dr. C. writes poetry and is enamored of the iambic pentameter of several of the longish nature passages. Edith Wharton wrote Summer shortly after she was divorced and living in France full time. She was 55 and in the midst of her WWI work. She was also grieving for her great friend, Henry James, who died in 1916. Summer was the favorite work of Joseph Conrad while most of her friends thought it was way too dark and sex-filled! Those were very different times and I suppose this book seemed a bit racy for the early 1900s.

Ilana (Smiler69) mentioned on the TIOLI thread that she didn't like Charity Royall as a character because she was the town's part-time librarian and didn't like books! I'm not particularly fond of Charity either, although now that I see where the book is heading, I'm feeling sorry for her. I want to reach into the pages and tell her that the "innocent" friendship with the young architect, Lucius Harney, is not as innocent as it appears to her. Not only is Charity unschooled but she is gullible and heading for a downfall. That's all I'm going to say about the plot. I'll finish it up this week end and let you know if the second half of the book holds up to its potential.

I enjoyed Summer, but I think the classroom discussion would have made it even better. Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Donna.

My goodness, Donna, you've got me interested in Summer . It sounds really quite interesting! I'll be curious as to how it ends.

The reason I gave for disliking Charity was just a very small part of it. One of the things that bothered me most was how selfish and cruel she was to Mr. Royal. I understand he made an inappropriate advance once, but that was no reason to be so horrid to him all the time. Intellectually stunted is right. I thought she was a downright imbecile which is probably my biggest beef with her. I had a moment of sympathy with her toward the very end in her dealings with a horrid person, but that was about it.

I think I may have to read this novel again in traditional book format eventually, because I found the narrator did such a bad job on this one that my mind kept going all over the place as I was listening and I missed a lot of content. For example, what I want to know is where was the sex exactly? Because I sure didn't notice it happening! Must have been a paragraph during which I was making a grocery list in my head or something! :-)

>97 lauralkeet:: You're very welcome, Laura. Thanks for reading my comments. I know I'm getting more out of the books that I'm reading in my classes. I hope I can find something interesting to take next semester.

>98 vancouverdeb:: I'm glad you're interested in reading Summer, Deb, but you know I can't tell you how it turns out. You'll have to read it for yourself. I will share my opinion of it, however, for whatever that's worth!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


"All the sorrows of Evan Shepard's loutish adolescence were redeemed at seventeen, in 1935, when he fell in love with automobiles. His persistent bullying of weaker boys, his thick-witted ways of offending girls, his inept and embarrassing ventures into petty crime--none of those things mattered any more, except as bad memories."

Book No. 102: Cold Spring Harbor by Richard Yates. 3.4 stars.

You can tell by the words "sorrows" and "loutish" in the opening sentence that this will be a depressing book. These people drank a lot to get through their days, and I almost had to take up drinking because I felt so downcast reading it. But, as in Revolutionary Road, the writing is fine to the degree that it makes the subject matter bearable. And Gloria Drake is one of those annoyingly wonderful characters that are so pathetic it is almost funny. 182 pages make this a short but worthwhile read -- to be followed up by something with a more hopeful outlook. Here's hoping that Major Pettigrew's Last Stand will do the job for me!

My review:

One word can summarize this book. Disappointment. No, not in the writing or in the book itself, but disappointment by the male protagonists. Father and son, Charles and Evan Shepard, both fail to live out a dream of being a war hero. Charles arrived in France three days after the Great War ended and Evan doesn't pass the army physical after Pearl Harbor. These big disappointments early in the book pave the way for the drab realities of life in Cold Spring Harbor on Long Island, New York.

Yates sets the right tone in the vapid dialogue that characterizes the dailiness of ordinary lives. The despondency is palpable throughout the book in the quiet desperation of people trampled down by the vagaries of lost opportunities and downright bad luck. Richard Yates can make eavesdropping on the most pitiful of situations a captivating endeavor.

>99 Smiler69:: I share your frustration with Charity, Ilana. I didn't like her as a person but she is a very interesting character. Just by saying "How I hate everything" 2x in the first pages of the book let me know that she wasn't the type of person that I would like to hang out with. But the same would be true for Mr. Royall. The fact that he named the rescued girl from the mountain Charity rankled me. Btw, I loved your line about not liking Charity because she was a librarian who didn't like books. She can also blame Mr. Royall for her lack of education and skills of any kind.

Where was the sex? My reading ended at Chapter 11 when Charity and Lucius end up at the abandoned house and he offers her chocolate. I'll read the sexy bit tomorrow and probably be disappointed. I think this was a scandalous book for the times because of the "whore" accusation and the (maybe?) implied sex. One critic at the time said: "Summer is throbbing with awakening eroticism." I wish you could hear my professor chuckle... actually it's more of a cackle... when he thinks something is funny as he did this line.

I think I would have missed a lot of beautiful passages and clever details of Wharton's writing if I had listened to the book. It's a quick read so I do hope you read the print version some day. I forgot to mention that Dr. C. compared the people on the mountain to the characters in Winter's Bone. And there was an outlaw gang on Bear Mountain not too far from Wharton's home at The Mount in Lenox, MA.

Awe, Haley is getting so big! Such a pretty young lady and so into the spirit of the season. I think she needs more toys though ;) I remember those days well, then again, as I look around my house things haven't changed much even though my baby is 12.

I can't wait to see what you'll find for next semester. My hand is on Amazon speed dial.

Hi Donna- I know it was relentlessly grim but I loved Revolutionary Road. I have a copy of Cold Spring Harbor in the stacks. Good review.
I need to add Summer to the WL also. I love the fact that you are getting others to finally pick up Wharton's work. Have a great day.

Hi Donna, just caught up on your last couple of threads. I loved your review of The Custom of the Country. I read that on my holiday and thought it was rather wonderful. I am planning to join the group read of Age of Innocence but I haven't started reading it yet. Perhaps I'll get caught up at the weekend.

For Summer, I think the sex is not mentioned in a way us 21st century readers would necessarily recognise first off. I was reading a book about 19th century British literature which explained a lot of references to 'unmentionable things' that a 19th century reader would pick up on that we would probably miss. I think to an early 20th century reader the book probably was 'sex-filled' but we have to do a bit more work to understand it that way. There was a kiss I thought was quite steamy later on....

I'd never heard of Parnassus but it sounds delightful so I've added it to the wishlist.

>102 Carmenere:: Hi Lynda, good to see you here. Maybe if Haley had more toys she would smile more. She is a contented little person who takes life very seriously... much like her Grandma... except for the "little" part!

I'm thinking about a C.S. Lewis class for next semester. He was quite a deep thinker and I could use a guide through his books.

>103 msf59:: Mark, you'll know what you're getting into with Cold Spring Harbor. It's a slightly gentler version of the relentless grimness in RR. Summer is turning out to be another great Wharton book. I'll be sad when this class is over despite my complaints at the beginning. More hugs to you.

>104 souloftherose:: Hey there, Heather. I'm beginning to think that my professor is right and that Edith Wharton didn't write a bad book. There is no way to get behind on the group read. Your comments will be appreciated whenever you get around to it. I love it when new comments pop up on past group reads.

Ah yes, our ideas of reading about sex have changed bigtime in the past 100 years. I kind of like the implied sex... I must have a good imagination. ;-) That was quite a steamy kiss in the bleachers at the fireworks display. I can't wait to read further in the book today.

#105 Oh Donna, ever since you and Pat started posting about your classes I have been daydreaming about finding one I could go to. A C. S. Lewis class would be fantastic. Would it cover both his fiction and non-fiction?

I suspect it would cover his non-fiction, Heather. I would need to get permission to take it as it is an upper level Religion class and I have no prerequisites in that department. I probably won't know much more about it until January.

Hi Donna thanks for visiting my thread. Loved the reviews and a couple of books go to the TBR list.

I had a nice flashback thinking of the time when I was reading Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books. Thanks for that.

Donna, I must have read that "throbbing with awakening eroticism" comment too somewhere, because I had tagged the book with 'eroticism' before reading it, and then removed that particular tag when I was done with it, wondering what I could have been thinking! You are right of course about Mr. Royal's questionable choice of naming the girl 'Charity' to begin with. Every time the narrator pronounced it, it seemed to me so wrong considering who the girl actually was that it kept taking me by surprise. And of you're I'd overlooked that he had discouraged her from pursuing any kind of studies in my earlier comment, which in itself would have given her ample reason to resent him.

As Heather says, there are no doubt many references to sexuality that a contemporary of Wharton's would have immediately understood, and I was aware of this fact as I was listening, but both the medium (audio) and the fact that I don't know how to decode those clues made me miss the allusions completely. This is why I love discussing books, there are so many interesting points of view to take into consideration that I wouldn't think of by myself!

Back on the subject of Nancy Drew . . .
One of my book groups read an interesting book several years ago about the Nancy Drew writers/publishers - Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her by Melanie Rehak.
My Nancy Drew habit involved many hours in the teeny public library of our small town. I read all the Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames (student nurse) and some of the Bobbsey twins books. Fond memories . . .

>108 mausergem:: Gautam, I think the books we read in childhood have a special place in our hearts. I'm glad you had a pleasant flashback to those times.

>109 Smiler69:: You are so right, Ilana. By discussing a book we can learn so much more than by just reading it for ourselves. That's why I'm enjoying my college lit classes so much. LT provides the same kind of education for me. I love talking about books!

>110 brenpike:: I'd forgotten about Cherry Ames, Brenda. I don't remember going to the library until I was about 12 when we moved to Texas and I could go by myself. My mother was a big reader and library user and she would pick out books for me when I was younger. I think it was part of the errands that I usually avoided.

The Girl Sleuth book looks interesting.

Speaking of books... I just came back from another two hours of scouring the tables at the annual book sale. There are still plenty of books left for bag day tomorrow, but I'm done. Today was half-price day. I mainly went back for the Hermione Lee Edith Wharton biography. Over 800 pages about my girl Edith! I was too cheap to pay $7.00 for it Monday night, but was pleased to give $3.50 for a book in pristine condition. Now to find time to read it!

Other bargains:
The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Little Princes
A Handful of Dust - Waugh
Go Down, Moses - Faulkner
Last Orders - Graham Greene

and the complete Raj Quartet by Paul Scott...
The Jewel in the Crown
The Day of the Scorpion
The Towers of Silence
A Division of the Spoils

I've been looking for this series forever it seems. I ended up paying $1.00 for all four of them. The drawback is that they are mass market paperbacks, although they are in excellent condition.

I'm a happy camper this week. Now I'm off to shelve my new acquisitions upstairs in the TBR location that I cleaned out recently. Book in/ book out is going as planned. I still have room to purchase a few more books this year at the Joplin meetup next month.

Congrats on the great deals and nice selection Donna! The Raj Quartet, huh? Yet another series to keep an eye out for!

I have that Hermione Lee bio, Donna ... also snagged at a used book sale. I have absolutely NO IDEA when I will read it; it just sits there on my shelves looking all intimidating.

And I looooved The Raj Quartet. Did you see it on PBS (where it was known as simply The Jewel in the Crown)? I saw the series years & years ago before reading the books, and it really is fabulous.

>112 Smiler69:: Hi Ilana, there was a lot of talk about the Raj Quartet when I first started on LibraryThing. It stuck with me! I'm glad I can cross some of my oldest books off my wish list.

>113 lauralkeet:: And it takes up sooo much space on the shelf, doesn't it, Laura? It almost makes me want to write a paper for my class now that I have such a renowned reference book.

I haven't seen the PBS adaptation of The Jewel in the Crown. Maybe I'll treat myself to it after I read the four books!

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"Charity Royall lay on a ridge above a sunlit hollow, her face pressed to the earth and the warm currents of the grass running through her.... Every leaf and bud and blade seemed to contribute its exhalation to the pervading sweetness in which the pungency of pine-sap prevailed over the spice of thyme and the subtle perfume of fern, and all were merged in a moist earth-smell that was like the breath of some huge sun-warmed animal." (88, 89)

Book No. 103: Summer by Edith Wharton. 4.1 stars.

I've been talking about this book so much lately that it seems almost anti-climatic to write a review but here it is. Take it or leave it!

Charity Royall is a charity case who is rescued as a 3-year-old from a gritty mountain clan. She was brought up by a small-town lawyer and his wife who died while Charity was a child. Her schooling was almost nonexistent so it's quite ironic that she becomes the town's part-time librarian. Her only goal is to save money and move away from "a hideous parody of the fatherly old man she had always known." Fate intervenes in the form of a young architect who presents new possibilities in her dreary existence.

Set in a remote part of New England, Wharton compares Charity's sexual awakening to the sensuality of nature. Many beautiful passages attest to the likeness of the sun-warmed earth to a young woman in love. But nature can be cruel...and so can life.

Whether or not you like Charity as a character, I think her story is one to get caught up in and illustrate a new sense of the idea of home and belonging. I recommend this one for a change of pace from the usual New York City society books by Edith Wharton.

Hey Donna, thanks for stopping by my thread. I think part of the reason I chat about my books as I read them is because IRL I'm quite a chatty person!;) Like you, I love chatting about books. Great review on Summer. It sounds really quite interesting.

Nice haul with the book sale! I ought to frequent them instead of always purchasing them from : A ) local bookstore B) ordering from amazon C) ordering from second hand book sellers on Amazon D )The Book Depository E) Abe Books. Thankfully I am also a frequent patron of my library, but I donate to them rather than purchase! ;) I guess that's okay!

BTW I'm chuckling at your reference to needing to take up drinking as a result of reading a depressing book! Here's hoping that Major Pettigrew's Last Stand will raise your spirits. I know I really loved the book! Funny and yet full of social and class commentary. It's one of my favourite books.

Hi, Donna! So much going on!!!!
>110 brenpike: - I loved, loved, loved Cherry Ames. I thought seriously about being a nurse until I began to see what it was really like (and to feel faint around medical procedures).
My best friend collected Bobsey Twins, but I never liked them much. I was a Nancy Drew freak though, and I have a couple of my mother's copies from the 30's - or maybe even late 20's - and a few from the 50's when I was reading them.
Thanks for your review of Summer too. I hope to live long enough to get to it.
*MP'sLS* will certainly cheer you up. Unlike Deb and many others, I didn't love it, but I did find it a pleasant enough experience. On the other hand, the RAJ QUARTET is one of my favorite series, and I love the Granada videos too. The time with those 4 big books will fly. Don't neglect to get a copy of Staying On, a sort of sequel for which PS won the Booker in 1977. (I just checked.) That's sort of like giving Liz Taylor an Oscar for Butterfield 8, but the series is powerful.

Oh, Donna -- wonderful reviews as always, and some wonderful book talk around here! Hope you're having a great weekend.

Hi Donna

Thanks for visiting my thread. I've really enjoyed catching up with yours. Now I really should go and catch up properly with my own!

I was impressed by your review of Every Man in this Village. I'm reading this at the moment and think you summed it up perfectly.

Dee

>114 Donna828:: Netflix has the series on DVD. I do hope you watch it!!! And nice review of Summer, too!
>117 LizzieD:: oh yes, Staying On is good, but I think it would fall flat unless you've read (or seen) The Raj Quartet.

I've read a couple of Hermione Lee biogs: one of Virginia Woolf and one of Willa Cather. They were both excellent. I bet you'll enjoy her biog of Wharton.

>115 vancouverdeb:, 116: Hi Deb, Major Pettigrew is reviving my spirits! Thanks for stopping by for a chat.

>117 LizzieD:: Hi Peggy, thanks for that heads up about "Staying On." I have lots of good reading and viewing in my future. I knew there was a reason I persisted in looking for The Raj Quartet. I hope to read it in 2012. Let's see... it (they) could fit in nicely in either of these 12 in 12 categories: "See the world without packing" or "So many books, so little time - LT recommendations".

>118 AMQS:: Thanks, Anne. The weekend is going great. We took the dog over for a long walk in our nearby (>30 PrueGallagher: minutes away) state forest. The fall color wasn't great, but the weather was crisp and a good time was had by all.

>119 Soupdragon:: Hi Dee, the comments about Gadhafi in Every Man in This Village are particularly relevant this week. I'm not even going to look up the spelling of Moammar's surname. This is the Wall Street Journal's spelling. I think Fox News spells it with a "Q" and I've seen the "K" beginning somewhere. No wonder people in the Middle East are so confused!

>120 lauralkeet:: Thanks, Laura. Got it. First the books, then the PBS series, then the movie.

>121 labwriter:: I peeked through the Hermione Lee biography of Edith Wharton last night and it looks very readable. If and when I get through it, I'll look for the bios of Virginia Woolf and Willa Cathers, two more of my favorite female authors. Thanks for letting me know about them.

Here's a picture from our dog walk this morning. It was cool and hazy this morning at Busiek State Forest on the way to Branson. The sun came out just as we sat down to take a break!

I'm in the middle of Summer right now, and enjoying it a lot. Really, really liked your review, Donna. It's the kind that seems like it should generate some more reads of a great book. Maybe if all of us who've read Donna's review here in this thread were to go give it a thumb, it would make 'hot reviews' and get the word out. Yes, my little siblings call me 'bossy', but mainly I just like to see great books with an even wider readership. :)

Beautiful picture! It looks like where we used to live in Missouri, so I had to race over to your profile to check. What a lovely setting to take a walk!

>123 countrylife:, 124: Good morning, Cindy. Thank you for those kind words about my review. I am loving my good times with Edith Wharton.

The picture was taken fairly close to Branson, Missouri. Think Winter's Bone country! I want to get over to Big Spring this fall near Van Buren, but that's about a 2-hour drive. Hard to do during football season. ;-)

Morning Donna- Love the picture! And I love a walk in the woods. Glad you are enjoying Major Pettigrew. It's such a good read. Enjoy your day!

Love the picture! And the book talk, of course. I think the first three Bobbsey Twins books were the very first books I owned that were not picture books--I still have two of them but sans covers. I loved Cherry Ames as well, had a couple of Donna Parkers. I read Nancy Drew but was deep into the Hardy Boys (at the library) before I ever read her and always thought they had superior mysteries. My younger sister, however, loved(s) Nancy Drew with a passion.

Hi Donna! Great picture of you and Lucky... you've been doing some great reading and reviewing lately. This thread is getting dangerous :)

What a lovely spot, Donna. The hazyness gives the picture a nice autumn feel. I am off to our local pumpkin patch today, I am finding it hard to believe that Halloween is just a week away.

#122 Lovely picture Donna. I don't think I've heard of the Raj quartet before so I will look out for your reviews next year.

Yay! Donna's Summer made it to the Hot Reviews. I hope lots of people see the review and pick up the book! Thank you, everyone!

What a great fall picture, Donna! And I'm jealous of your book sale haul. I love to find bargains and support libraries at the same time!

>126 msf59:: Hi Mark, I start most of my days with a walk. It was fun to get off the beaten path so to speak of my neighborhood trail and venture into uncharted territory.

>127 ronincats:: Hi there, Roni. Thanks for chiming in on your childhood reading. I don't think I ever read a Hardy Boys book!

>128 -Cee-:: Thanks, Cee. You can tell Lucky is having fun. We let him off the leash which is something we can't do in the neighborhood. He kept looking back at us as if to say, "are you guys sure about this?"

>129 DeltaQueen50:: Oooh, I love a good pumpkin patch trip. I'll stay out of the corn mazes, though, after hearing about the young family that had to call 911! They always look hot and itchy to me anyway. I hope you had fun today, Judy.

>130 souloftherose:: This was a few years ago, Heather, when several people on LT were reading and raving about the books. I'm terrible about not giving the proper credit for mentioning a book. That's something I'm going to work on in the future.

>131 countrylife:: Thank you for your efforts, Cindy. We're all about book promotion here, aren't we?

>132 porch_reader:: Hi Amy. We typically raise over $100,000 at each of our two book sales per year. That's a lot of money for buying each other's books. I saw several of my old friends laying on the tables Monday night. Thankfully, they were gone by Saturday. I hope they found good homes.

What a nice picture, Donna! Looks like a great place for a walk. So pretty with the fall colors.

But how come Lucky's feet aren't all muddy? He's so clean! How do you keep him out of the water?

What a great result on the book sales! I've certainly done my part buying books at the Houston library's sales, but I didn't really have a grasp of how much a library system could earn.

Hi Donna, I really should be in bed at this point, so will come back to catch up, but wanted to come by and see if you'd posted a pic, and you did! and it's bigger too, yay! That looks like a wonderful spot. Wish I could have come along with Coco!

Oh, lovely picture! I love the idea of a walk every morning, too. When the weather's nice, Tomm, Charlie and I take one after dinner and it's a great way to wrap up the day (and walk off dessert!).

Lovely picture of you and your dog - and enjoying all the book talk too. I've just started watching the Jewel in the Crown series, which I think I must have seen at least some of on TV back when it first came out, but don't remember much. I've never read the books though - lucky you to have picked up a full set at a bargain price!

What a beautiful picture of you and your dog, Donna! I do a lot of walking with my little dog, but no where so picturesque as you are at there! Congrats on your hot review! Glad Mr Pettigrew's Last Stand is working out for you. It's got to be one of my favourites.

Wow I'm finding it hard to catch up with you Donna after being away from LT for a few days. Great books, terrific reviews, excellent haul from the book sale, lovely fall picture---you've got it all. I have the first book in the Raj Quartet and now that things are settling down I hope to get back to some reading and reviewing. But this catching up is, well, daunting.

>134 Copperskye:: Joanne, Lucky is a typical Lab and had to get in the water. We had that lovely wet dog smell in the car on the drive home.

>135 carlym:: Hi Carly. Good to see you here. Our Friends of the Library group purchased a state-of-the-art bookmobile for the library system this summer. I think all those $1 and $2 books add up! We have a tremendous outpouring from the community.

>136 Smiler69:: Coco and Lucky would have had a great time together, Ilana. Joanne would have to leave Copper at home, however. Lucky is not so friendly with dogs his own size or bigger than him. No fun times at the dog park for us!

>137 scaifea:: Hi there, Amber. If I don't walk first thing in the morning it usually doesn't happen. Those after-dinner walks do sound like a good way to wind down the day but after I clean up the kitchen my books start calling to me.

>138 gennyt:: Genny, I'm really looking forward to reading the Raj Quartet books. I almost hope we get snowed in this winter so I can really dig into them.

>139 vancouverdeb:: Thanks, Deb for your warm words. Major Pettigrew and I are having a little disagreement about his obsession with those guns and the hunting bit. I'll forgive him, though, if he does right by Jasmina. ;-)

>140 brenzi:: Bonnie - it's good to see you, Stranger. I know what you mean about how difficult it is to get caught up. That's why I can't take a vacation! I'm glad all my kids are married but I wouldn't mind taking some time off for another grandchild or two. ;-)

Hi Donna!! I'm working a 3rd shift and sneaking a little LT in between cleaning and paper work.

Reading through your last thread reminded me I had Sovereign and The Day The World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander Newfoundlandon my TBR list. Also I too am a Charles Frazier fan and saw Nightwoods at the book store recently. I will need to get down to the library tomorrow and reserve them.

I enjoy looking at the wonderful pictures!! Thanks for sharing!!!

Great picture, Donna! Beautiful, in fact.
Everybody, do read the Raj Quartet. The videos are excellent, but the books are not to be missed!

Looks like a nice place to take a walk! Thanks for sharing the picture
(don't you just love wet dog smell! )

>142 tjblue:: Hi Tammy, glad to see you could get in a little down time at work. Thanks for the visit!

>143 LizzieD:: Hi Peggy, there was a little bit about that time period in India in Major Pettigrew... made me look forward to the real deal in Paul Scott's books.

>144 ChelleBearss:: Chelle, that was a good place to walk but it would have been better with a waterfall like you had in your picture. The wet dog smell is just part of the package, right? I don't mind that as much as the dog slobber on the car windows!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


"Passion is all very well, but it wouldn't do to spill the tea." (321)

Book No. 104: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson. 3.3 stars.

What to say about a beloved book that didn't turn out to be my cuppa tea? I can agree that it had some charming scenes and it came close to making a point about some serious topics. However, it was written in such a light-hearted tone that I couldn't take it seriously. I'm totally blaming my mood for my lack of enthusiasm for a book that I anticipated with high hopes. The enjoyable parts outweighed the drawbacks so I'm giving it a "good but not great" rating of 3.5 stars and moving on.

Donna, Major Pettigrew has been in my audio library for a long time now. I keep meaning to get to it, but have this nagging feeling that it'll seem to me much like it did to you, but I know I should be fair and give it a chance... eventually. Probably not this month as there are so many others I'm much more eager to get to!

Hi Donna! Here I am trying to catch up on your lovely review. Great review of Summer! The Edith Wharton book that I bought is actually a compilation of two books, Summer and Ethan Frome. The reviews and conversations on your thread definitely makes me eager to start her books.
Envious picture of a place that looks wonderfully peaceful and relaxing! Hope you are doing well Donna. :)

>146 Smiler69:: Ilana, I hope you end up loving Major Pettigrew when you get to it. Most people do. It seemed a little forced to me; plus I'm not a big fan of the dry British wit which imo frequently borders on sarcasm. Oh well.

>147 jolerie:: Hi Valerie, it's interesting that you have the two volumes in one book, yet it does make sense because both Ethan Frome and Summer are set in the same remote area of New England. Let me know how it goes.

I'm doing well. This is a busy week for me. We begin discussing The Age of Innocence in my class this morning. I hope I get some little nuggets of wisdom to add to the group read. I'm going to go ahead and finish the book (for my third reading!) this week so I can count it on the October TIOLI challenge. I hope I can remember those little details for the daily quiz. It give me a little warm fuzzy when I know the answer. ;-)

Great photo, Donna! Congrats on the great haul from the book sale.

Sorry Major Pettigrew was a disappointment to you. I haven't read it, but from what I've heard I suspect my reaction might be like yours.

The wet dog smell doesn't bother me too much (Copper takes a looong time to dry and she swims once a week) it's more the wet shakes that get me wet, too!

I grew to like Major Pettigrew but I can see how it might not work for everybody.

Hi Terri and Joanne, thanks for keeping my thread alive. I was wiped out last night after a busy day. I've been cat and bird-sitting for my brother for the past week and one of the cats has decided to go AWOL. I might get committed today if I carry out my plan to go through the neighborhood calling for "Mama"! It was raining yesterday when I went over to feed them so hopefully Mama was in a cozy shelter somewhere.

I got together with my ex-tutee Cindy, after my class yesterday. She invited me to a variety show put on by the local mental health center. The talent was iffy. I enjoyed the interpretive dance and the poetry reading. There was a mime that made me laugh and lots of karaoke singing. I've never been moved so much by an afternoon of less than stellar entertainment. These remarkable people made up for lack of talent by their enthusiasm. Cindy was one of the singers. I don't think you'll be seeing her on American Idol but I admire her for getting up on stage and giving her all. She also liked the books I got her at the library book sale. I'm glad we're staying in touch.

I don't have very many days when I don't feel like reading, but yesterday was one of them. I'm going to make up for lost time today!

Sounds like a busy day yesterday, plus the stress of a cat missing! Hope she shows up today.

Have to chuckle at the image of you wandering thru the neighborhood calling "Mama". You're right, Donna. You might attract more attention than you are looking for...
Hope kitty shows up and today turns out way better for you. :)

Similarly amused by the image of your cat search . . . Too funny! I love that you bought books for Cindy. That was so thoughtful . . .

Walking through the neighborhood, calling for a cat named Mama - it reminds me of a scene in Kate Atkinson's Case Histories - calling for one of Binky Raines' cats who was named with the N-word.

Hello to Roni, Claudia, Brenda, and Caitlyn. Today was much less stressful. My brother and SIL got home earlier than I expected. Mama is still on the prowl but apparently it's normal behavior for her. I wish someone had thought to mention that to me! They have taken responsibility for six feral cats in their neighborhood, providing food, water, and shelter. When my brother called the local authorities, they said he could shoot them! Instead he trapped them one by one and took them in for spaying and neutering. No wonder my big brother is my hero.

I got lots of reading done today. I finished The Age of Innocence. It remains my favorite Wharton by a hair. When I finish the course in early December, I'll post a list of the books of hers that I read in the order that I liked them. They all have something special to recommend them.


"New York society is a very small world compared with the one you've lived in. and it's ruled, in spite of appearances, by a few people with--well, rather old-fashioned ideas." (109)

Book No. 105: The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. 4.5 stars.

Here's what I wrote about Newland and May Archer and Ellen Olenska when I last read it in 2008:

Written in the early part of the 20th century, recipient of the 1921 Pulitzer Prize, and considered a Classic for a reason. Almost ninety years later, it is still an intriguing look at the smugness of the old order of New York society. Wharton's story of the struggle between personal yearnings and the constraints of propriety combined with her eloquent writing make for an memorable story of the consequences we pay for our decisions.

Hope Mama returns safe and sound. I still have The Age of Innocence on audio, but haven't started it.

Glad to hear Mama is just being normal Mama! And hurray for your brother, taking in those kitties AND having them spayed/neutered.

Hi Donna!
Your brother is my hero too! :)

I AM goning to read Edith Wharton before the end of the year. I AM! :}

Hi Donna, at least now I have my new (?!) favorite author for the TIOLI challenge. Oh wait a minute, I've read more than one book by Wharton so I guess she won't work after all. Hmmm.

>157 AMQS:: Anne, I listened to bits and pieces of The Age of Innocence recently, mostly at night when I couldn't get to sleep. It was so relaxing.

>158 lauralkeet:: Mama's back! I'm so glad she didn't become lost on my watch. Maybe she has another litter of kittens that she visits from time to time.

>159 -Cee-:: You can do it, Cee!

>160 brenzi:: Bonnie, I need to study the categories for November. Is it okay if I use your tags for the tagmash challenge? I figure that I will end up with a book that I love if I begin with your library as a basis. I hope I'm smart enough to figure out how to do it. ;-)

I'm glad you like Wharton as an author. I need to add her to my favorite author list.

At a friend's house this evening, thumbing through magazines, I noticed an article in the Oct issue of Country Living on the value of Nancy Drew books. May merit a look for those who are holding onto those dear old books . . .

I'm glad Mama was found and that you didn't have to humiliate yourself by searching for her Donna. I always consider what I might sound like calling a name aloud before naming any of my pets!

I'm sorry I wasn't able to get around to The Age of Innocence this month. I seem to be having a hard time getting physical books read this month. Maybe because I only leave myself about an hour a day reading time? Hmmm....

Going back to your comment about dry British wit, I happen to be quite a fan of it myself, but then, types of humour preferences are a very personal thing.

Glad Mama is home safe and sound, and that you didn't have to get yourself committed hunting for her.

Donna, will be on the lookout for your Wharton list. LOVE the cover you've chosen above. Must see if I can find it!

>162 brenpike:: As if I could sell my Nancy Drew books! Errr... how much are they going for, Brenda, just in case? ;-)

>163 Smiler69:: Hi Ilana, no worries about The Age of Innocence. I do hope you get to it someday. It would fit nicely in the new TIOLI category about reading a book recommended on LT in October. I love British wit in movies, especially delivered by Hugh Grant, et al. I sometimes like it in books. I guess it just depends on my mood which was not so good last week.

>164 tymfos:: Thanks, Terri. There's always the possibility of getting committed for something else I guess... like running over someone with my cart in Wal-Mart. Heh heh... I only thought about doing that the one time.

>165 lit_chick:: Hi again, Nancy. That is a lovely cover, isn't it? It's the book that I read. I could have used the notes that some other editions have but I admired it each time I picked it up. The cover art is a painting by Whistler called "Symphony in White No. 2." Here's a full view of the lovely lady who is facing the other direction on the book cover!

Oh I forgot why I came here in the first place. I just wanted to check in after an afternoon of reading. I'm currently enjoying The Moviegoer by Walker Percy. It's a bit dated unless you like classic movie references which I do. I'm classifying it as Southern Existentialism. Deep stuff. It's definitely my kind of brain-bending book!

I hope to finish it tonight or after church tomorrow so I can fit in a quick read. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman should get me in the spirit of Halloween. Ooooooohhh... (that is supposed to be a ghostly wail)!

Lovely painting, Donna.

The Graveyard Book is fun - I hope you like it. I read it and then listened to it a year or so later. Gaiman reads the audio version and it's great.

Hi Donna! Just stopping by quickly as I was out for the evening - my sister's birthday. Anyway, yes, The Virgin Cure is an excellent book! I've not quite finished it yet. I was just released on October 25th 2011, so it might not yet be in your library. Her first book, The Birth House won a few awards in Canada, and many of us have been looking forward to the release of her second book... If you find it , I very much hope you enjoy it as much as I am!

My husband is just going onto a graveyard shift starting Sunday evening - first time in some 20 years - so I am studiously staying away from spooky reads til I get used to his new shift -no bad dreams thanks! ;)

>166 Donna828: I was trying very hard to be social, so I only glanced at the article, but I believe I saw numbers with 3 and 4 zeros at the end!

Donna- I read The Moviegoer many years ago. I don't remember it very well. I'll be watching for your thoughts. The Graveyard Book is fantastic. Enjoy!

Of course you can you my tags Donna. I'm sure I could find something I'd love using your tags but I couldn't figure out how to do the whole tagmash process so I allowed my limited tech ability to skip that one.

#166 Gorgeous painting!

Of course you can use my tags for the TIOLI tagmash challenge and I'm sure I would find many books that I'd love by using your tags. Unfortunately, that challenge proved too difficult for tech-challenged me so I was forced to skip it.

Yesterday I watched the Age of Innocence movie with Michelle Pfeiffer and Daniel Day Lewis. Excellent. I highly recommend it as a movie that closely mirrors the book. Very well done.

>168 Copperskye:: Hi Joanne, I'm looking forward to something light and eerie after the brain buster I just finished.

>169 vancouverdeb:: Deb, I love your enthusiasm for some of the books you read. I would never have known about this book if it hadn't been for you and Nancy (lit chick). If the library doesn't purchase it, I will! Good luck with the shift in routine at your house.

>170 brenpike:: Lol, Brenda. I only have a few Nancy Drew books so I think I'll just keep them in the family. My kids can sell them on ebay when I go to that big library in the sky.

>171 msf59:: Mark, I thought of you as I read the wonderfully written nod to Chicago in The Moviegoer: "Here is Chicago... the buildings are heavy and squarish and set down far apart and at random like monuments on a great windy plain. And the Lake. (It)... is the North itself: a perilous place from which the spirit winds come pouring forth all roused up and crying out alarm." (203)

>172 brenzi:, 174: We are channeling each other again, Bonnie. I just reserved the Scorcese adaptation from the library before I came over to LT!

The tagmash was fun but definitely a process. Cindy has excellent step-by-step instructions on the thread she created to go along with the challenge. I did a tagmash of Historical Fiction and Family Saga from your tags and chose Such A Long Journey, a Rohinton Mistry book I own and have wanted to read for some time. Thank you!

>173 lit_chick:: Isn't that a lovely painting, Nancy? I like it much better than "Whistler's Mother"! It bothers me a bit, however, because I think it's supposed to represent Ellen with her dark hair. But Ellen would never have dressed in that virginal white. Leave it to me to ruin a beautiful idea. ;-)

Hi Donna, just catching up on threads this weekend and had to laugh at your phrase "that big library in the sky." I like your thinking.

I hope you like Such A Long Journey. I read it for a book group a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it.

"Our neighborhood theater in Gentilly has permanent lettering on the front of the marquee reading: Where Happiness Costs So Little. The fact is I am quite happy in a movie, even a bad movie."

Book No. 106: The Moviegoer by Walker Percy. 4 stars.

I was quite taken by this book. I'm not certain I got all the philosophical ideas of this nutty guy but to me that is the sign of a good book. One that makes me think!

From my review:

John Bickerson (Binx) Bolling is a stockbroker with a talent for making money. He finds meaning in the movies he goes to with his current secretary. He's also on a nebulous search for something he can't define. He lives in solitary and wonder in a New Orleans suburb in the post-WWII years and is an excellent observer of the minutiae of "everydayness."

The rest of my observations can be found here.

>176 phebj:: Pat! What a pleasant surprise. It's good to see you trolling the threads and I'm glad you included me. I adored A Fine Balance so I'm looking forward to reading another book by this talented author.

Hi Donna, I remember people saying in the book group for Such A Long Journey that A Fine Balance was their favorite book of Mistry's. As a result, I ended up buying a copy but never got around to reading it. I really must get to it.

Your review of The Moviegoer sounds intriguing and I don't think I've ever read anything by Walker Percy. I'm off to see if my library has it!

>178 Donna828: I adored A Fine Balance

SPOILER!I did too Donna but that ending will stand as the most disappointing ending I've ever read.

#177 The Moviegoer sounds interesting! I'll have to take a peak at that one!

Hi Donna, delurking to say I remember studying The Moviegoer in college for a philosophy class's study of "time". Can't recall the book, though, and now you've got me curious for a reread. It's also rather vindicating to find someone else who didn't love Major Pettigrew. I've been alone for so long with my opinion. :o( :o)

A quick hello here to Pat and Bonnie (again)... and to Chelle and Jenny. I'm guardedly recommending The Moviegoer. I really liked it, but then I like those dense, philosophical types of books. It reminded me somewhat of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance which I got much more out of on my second reading earlier this year.

>182 GCPLreader:: Jenny, we can stand together in the corner while everyone else smiles and nods about Major Pettigrew. There are several other popular books that just didn't do it for me.

I watched the first Jackson Brodie presentation today. I'll save the others for another time. I don't want to have too much of a good thing. Besides, I took a look at The Graveyard Book. It has a few illustrations, but at over 300 pages, I thought I'd best get started on it.

I can see why people like it. I chuckled at the humor of one of the undead saying they didn't have anything to do with the suicides - and even a witch - buried in unconsecrated ground (I like how Gaiman doesn't "dumb down" the vocabulary for young readers) because "they aren't our sort of people." The real horror to me is that I read about a werewolf and enjoyed it! Maybe there's hope for me yet. ;-)

Donna, did you ever read the Mowgli stories from The Jungle Books? The Graveyard Book is a deliberate homage to them.

Hi Donna, a number of 75ers are planning on reading a Neil Gaiman book during November, so I have set up a thread. I see you are planning to read The Graveyard Book, so please come on over and join in the discussions.

Neil In November Thread

>184 ronincats:: Hi Roni, I'm about to pick up where I left off with The Graveyard Book last night. I'll read it with "new" eyes. Thanks for that information. I had no idea.

>185 DeltaQueen50:: Thanks, Judy, I already added my "two cents" about my opinion of TGB so far. I'm not sure I'll be ready for another Gaiman so soon but will follow the thread to see what my next one will be... and if I have time to read it in November, it will qualify for reading the second book by an author (TIOLI Challenge No. 8). Always thinking about TIOLI. ;-)

Happy Halloween to all who celebrate this macabre holiday! I have my pumpkin t-shirt on and have the bowl of candy on the dining room table. It's out of my path through the house but still on my radar!

I had a real bummer of a class this morning. Dr. C was feeling nostalgic and spent most of the time off-subject and about 10 chapters behind where we are in our reading. The mention of art in the book led to art as litmus test for friendship, having to "smell" the paintings in a museum, dissing of Thomas Kincaid art, etc. The word vulgar sequed into a 15-minute recap of a story by William Dean Howells that had nothing to do with The Age of Innocence. And those are just two examples! Don't mind me, I'm in a sour grapes frame of mind because I missed my first trivia question. I'd better not sign up for the Jeopardy senior tournament now!

"It is going to take more than just a couple of good-hearted souls to raise this child. It will," said Silas, "take a graveyard." (23)

Book No. 107: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. 3.5 stars

This book appealed to my imagination - what little I have. I've only read one other Newbery winner since I started keeping track in the last few years. This one didn't quite measure up to The Giver which I gave 4 stars.

I did like how Gaiman allowed Bod (Nobody Owens) to change and grow as he aged during the book. He provided teachers as needed and even a few friends, although most of them were dead. It had just enough creepiness for the intended age of 10 and up. I'm part of the "up" and found myself enjoyig many parts of this book. I'm just glad I didn't have to write a formal review. This is a well-read book around these parts with 655 reviews!

Donna, I was really glad to discover Neil Gaiman through The Graveyard Book, which I joined others in reading back in February. I did the audio version narrated by Gaiman himself, and as I like his voice very much, it certainly added a lot to the experience.

Thanks for sharing that Whistler painting. Quite beautiful.

#184 Roni, now you mention the connection between the two books, I seem to recall seeing that mentioned somewhere. Probably by you actually, but I hadn't read The Jungle Books yet when I read The Graveyard Book. I'll want to revisit it eventually and will keep that connection in mind.

Hi Donna! Drive by wave!!

Donna- I'm glad you enjoyed The Graveyard Book. Like, Ilana I loved it on audiobook but I would also like to try it in book form. I heard the illustrations are wonderful.

>188 Smiler69:: Roni had it right about the connection between The Mowgli stories and The Graveyard Book. Here is what Gaiman had to say in the beginning of his Acknowledgments:

First, foremost, and forever: I owe an enourmous debt, conscious and, I have no doubt, unconscious, to Rudyard Kipling and the two volumes of his remarkable work The Jungle Book. I read them as a child, excited and impressed, and I've read and reread them many times since. If you're only familiar with the Disney cartoon, you should read the stories.

Ilana, you're going to revisit The Graveyard Book and I'm going to revisit The Jungle Book thanks to Roni. One more reason to love LT!

>189 Carmenere:: Looking around for Lynda... guess she saw I was out walking the dog and couldn't wait for me!

>190 msf59:: I'm glad you mentioned the illustrations, Mark. The absolutely lovely drawings by Dave McKean added to my reading pleasure. I would scan an example but my copy is a future gift book for my grands and I don't want to "mash" the pages. I bought several award-winning children's books with my last Borders gift card before the big markdowns. I knew those Newbery books would go quickly... and I was right!

Hi, Donna! I finally finished my big report, so I stopped by to catch up on your thread. I loved the photo of you and Lucky! And the story about the cat Mama reminded me of a time I petsitted for hermit crabs. First, they would not eat. I put them into the food dish and they ignored the feast. Then they disappeared. I called a pet store and they told me that they had escaped. So there I was with a flashlight looking under the couch and behind the bookshelves -- everywhere! I couldn't find them. Eventually, I picked up the aquarium and looked underneath and they had buried themselves down in the dirt! Apparently, they usually just have aquarium gravel rather than dirt. So I dug them up and that really ticked them off. They just buried themselves again. Well, that was the last time I ever petsitted for those critters!

I thoroughly enjoyed all of your reviews! Have a great day!

>192 billiejean:: Thanks for that cautionary tale, BJ. No way will I be petsitting for a hermit crab! We picked up some shells on the beach at Biloxi, MS on a family vacation and put them in the motel sink to be washed before packing the next day. Woke up to *scritch scritch* noises as they tried to escape their porcelain prison. Major freak out in the middle of the night. But there's a happy ending to the story. We took them back to their beach environment the next day so the kids could see a real-life lesson in doing the right thing. I haven't been a fan of hermit crabs since that time.

Thank you for the compliment on my reviews. I hope your work situation has eased now that the big report is done. Is this the monthly report that might keep you away from the Joplin meetup? You might have to burn the midnight oil so you can leave for a day trip with a clear conscience. ;-)

192, 193 LOL!

Glad you liked The Graveyard Book, Donna!

Me too, Joanne. Next thing you know I'll be reading about zombies!!!

>195 Donna828: :)

Zombies totally creep me out. I can't read about them or watch them on tv. My daughter is currently taking a CLASS on zombie literature (?) and movies. For credit. Should look interesting on the transcript.

No, this report was an annual one. I just have my usual end of the month stuff, but with Thanksgiving right before the end of the month and company coming, I might be behind. Once I get through an entire year of work, I will better know what to expect during each season.

>197 billiejean:: We had a big zombie flashmob this year here in Springfield. I was actually tempted to go because they reeanacted Michael Jackson's Thriller video. I can't imagine taking a class on zombies!

BJ, I guess work comes before meeting up in Joplin, but I'm still crossing my fingers that you'll be able to make it.

Now I'd better go finish reading The Handmaid's Tale for my book group tonight. I'm enjoying it much more the second time around.

Thanks for the summary of The Graveyard Book Donna. This one is also sitting on my shelves, patiently waiting its turn. Seeing how it's Neil November, I might be able to squeeze this one in somehow. :)

Wow, Donna! You are nearly at 100 books! Amazing! Glad you are enjoying your 2 nd read of The Handmaids Tale. Ha! Zombies! Even I might have to read a zombie book - I'm feeling out of the loop!;)

>199 jolerie:: The Graveyard Book is a quick read, Valerie. I don't read much children's literature anymore, but probably ought to acquaint myself with some of the recent books so I can talk about them with my grandkids. I'm also thinking of being a reading buddy at the local elementary school next semester if I decide not to take another college course.

>200 vancouverdeb:: Hi Deb, we had a great discussion of The Handmaid's Tale tonight. Two of the attendees didn't finish the book and were just as disturbed as I was the first time I read it. This time I could concentrate on the beautiful way that Margaret Atwood plays with language. You can sure see her poetry background in the prose. I plan to read more of her books next year.

I'm glad to see you enjoyed The Handmaid's Tale more with your second read, Donna. It's a favorite of mine.

probably ought to acquaint myself with some of the recent books so I can talk about them with my grandkids
I love children's literature, and that's probably the best reason to read it! I love connecting with my daughters over what we're all reading. Same goes for Chorale kids -- they have led me to some great reads!

>202 Copperskye:: Joanne, there was a woman at book group last night who has read The Handmaid's Tale four times now. If I read it that many times and upgraded its reading by half a star each time, then it would be a 5-star book for me! It went from 3.5 to 4 stars from me. I'll write the review later today.

>203 AMQS:: Children's literature is so much better when you have a child to share it with. I had to dig out The Graveyard Book again to find this quote by Neil Gaiman:

*Reading is important.
*Books are important.
*Librarians are important.
*Children's fiction is the most important fiction of all.

You know, I read the first Harry Potter book to see what all the fuss was about. I decided they weren't the books for me, but I'm so grateful to J. K. Rowling for those books. They got kids excited about reading again at just about the age when too many other things inch reading out of their lives.

Totally agree with you Donna on the point about J.K. Rowling. I know that it is not everyone's cup of tea although I personally really enjoyed the series. I appreciate the fact that it made reading cool again and suddenly you saw kids who typically wouldn't pick up a book if you paid them, voraciously gobbling up her series and that in itself is commendable. :)

Rainy and cool in San Diego this morning, Donna. Maybe I'll get some reading done. Or maybe I'll finally have some time to work on some of my jewelry, since we've spent all this week doing projects in the back yard. At least all my seeds are in before this rain!

I never stopped reading children's books, especially fantasy. I so enjoyed sharing them with the kids at my schools.

Hi Donna! That's too bad that the HP books weren't really interesting to you. I know the first book was the only book that I read and felt it was a little childish. The rest grew up really quick I found.
I do agree that books like that, and a lot of YA books now, really help get kids interesting in reading now!

Hi Donna!
The Graveyard Book is a favorite of mine :)
The Handmaid's Tale I have not read yet so I will be waiting for your thoughts/review.

*hanging my head* to mumble...I have not read any of the HP books. I started the first awhile ago and never finished it. I do have all of them except for the last one, so I do intend to read them. I think Chelle has it right, the first seemed to me a "little childish" maybe that's why I abandoned it.
for now :)

>205 jolerie:: Valerie, it's especially commendable when you look at the size of those books, especially the later ones. Whew! Talk about doorstops.

>206 ronincats:: I'm glad you're getting some rain to get your seeds started, Roni. Knowing you, it will be a productive day whether it's reading or jewelry making.

>207 ChelleBearss:: Chelle, I'm just not that taken by fantasy for whatever reason. I'm trying to encourage my inner child to come out these days and not be so grounded in reality.

>208 curlysue:: Kara, The Handmaid's Tale is hard to pinpoint. It is certainly a made-up situation but Atwood made it seem chillingly possible. Is Dystopian lit considered fantasy? I'm glad Roni taught me the umbrella term "Speculative Fiction" because that's what I'm going to call THT. It is very thought provoking and well written.

I'm thinking of starting a new thread even though I haven't used this one up. Lol. I like the idea of having a month's worth of reading on the same thread. Gotta look for a picture or something to dress it up. Haley in her Halloween shirt is old news!

Okay... my work is done. The new thread is all set up and awaiting your company over here.