Crazymamie's 75 in 2012 (Page 4)

Summertime, and the livin' is easy..."

Currently Reading


June Possibilities:

Group Reads
River of Smoke by Amitav Ghosh (#8/shared read)
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (#1/shared read) COMPLETED
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury COMPLETED

TIOLI Candidates
The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan (#6)
Insurgent by Veronica Roth (#7/shared read)
The Narrows by Michael Connelly (#8)
No Longer At Ease by Chinua Achebe (#13)
Anarchy and Old Dogs by Colin Cotterill (#2)
The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan (#13)
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel (#17)

ETC.
In the Heat of the Night by John Ball (#23) COMPLETED
The Little Sister by Raymond Chandler
The Time Machine by H. G. Wells COMPLETED

Simmering on the Back Burner - Books Begun but not Yet Done
Cup of Gold - John Steinbeck (#23)
Lady Sings the Blues - Billie Holiday

Abandoned
David Copperfield - Charles Dickens

January
1. The Sense of an Ending - Julian Barnes (4 stars)
2. Daughter of Smoke and Bone - Laini Taylor (4 stars)
3. 11/22/63 - Stephen King (5 stars)
4. A Drink Before the War - Dennis Lehane (4 stars)
5. Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card (4 stars)
6. Cannery Row - John Steinbeck (4.5 stars)

February
7. The Fellowship of the Ring - J.R.R. Tolkien (5 stars)
8. The Old Man and the Sea - Ernest Hemingway (audiobook) (4 stars)
9. The Woman in Black - Susan Hill (4.5 stars)
10. City of Bones - Michael Connelly (4 stars)
11. Behind the Beautiful Forevers - Katherine Boo (4.5 stars)
12. Mockingbird - Kathryn Erskine (5 stars)
13. The Wayward Bus - John Steinbeck (4 stars)
14. Pronto - Elmore Leonard (4 stars)
15. The Snow Child - Eowyn Ivey (4 stars)
16. Riding the Rap - Elmore Leonard (3.5 stars)
17. The Two Towers - J. R. R. Tolkien (5 stars)
18. Once There was a War - John Steinbeck (4.5 stars)
19. The Coroner's Lunch - Colin Cotterill (4 stars)
20. Below Stairs - Margaret Powell (3.5 stars)
21. 84, Charing Cross Road - Helene Hanff (5 stars)

March
22. Blood Red Road - Moira Young (4 stars)
23. The Eyre Affair - Jasper Fforde (3.5 stars)
24. Thirty-Three Teeth - Colin Cotterill (4 stars)
25. King Soloman's Mines - Henry Rider Haggard (4 stars)
26. Still Life - Louise Penny (4 stars)
27. By the Iowa Sea - Joe Blair (4 stars)
28. A Share in Death - Deborah Crombie (3.5 stars)
29. A Severed Head - Iris Murdoch (4 stars)
30. The Return of the King - J. R. R. Tolkien (5 stars)
31. The Winter of Our Discontent - John Steinbeck (4 stars)
32. Don't Look Back - Karin Fossum (3.5 stars)
33. I Capture the Castle - Dodie Smith (4.25 stars)
34. Disco for the Departed - Colin Cotterill (3.5 stars)

April
35. The Moon is Down - John Steinbeck (4 stars)
36. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - Alan Bradley (audiobook) (4 stars)
37. Things Fall Apart - Chinua Achebe (4.5 stars)
38. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase - Joan Aiken (4 stars)
39. Blacklands - Belinda Bauer (4 stars)
40. Chess Story - Stefan Zweig (4.5 stars)
41. Sea of Poppies - Amitav Ghosh (4.25 stars)
42. Julie of the Wolves - Jean Craighead George (3.5 stars)
43. All Shall Be Well - Deborah Crombie (4 stars)
44. The Fault in Our Stars - John Green (4.5 stars)
45. Rules - Cynthia Lord (4 stars)
46. Darkness, Take My Hand - Dennis Lehane (4 stars)
47. The Shape of Water - Andrea Camilleri (4 stars)
48. Cinder - Melissa Meyer (4 stars)
49. Binocular Vision - Edith Pearlman (4.5 stars)
50. The Wrestling Match - Buchi Emecheta (2.5 stars)

May
51. The Redeemer - Jo Nesbo (4.5 stars)
52. Casino Royale - Ian Fleming (3.5 stars)
53. If Death Ever Slept - Rex Stout (4 stars)
54. Persuasion - Jane Austen (4.5 stars)
55. Lost Light - Michael Connelly (4 stars)
56. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson (4.5 stars)

JUNE
57. In the Heat of the Night by John Ball (4 stars)
58. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (4.5 stars)
59. The Time Machine by H. G. Wells
60. Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury (5 stars)

Last one:

An idea stolen from Heather (souloftherose), who borrowed it from Liz (lyzard): ongoing series that I am actively reading. This doesn't include series where I have the first book in my TBR pile (i.e. series I haven't started reading yet aren't included). An asterisk indicates a series where I already have a copy of the next book.

*African Trilogy by Chinua Achebe: Next Up: No Longer at Ease (2/3)

*Charley Davidson by Darynda Jones: Next Up: Third Grave Dead Ahead (3/3)

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache by Louise Penny: Next Up: A Fatal Grace (2/8)

*Commissario Montalbano by Andrea Camilleri: Next Up: The Terra- Cotta Dog (2/14)

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor: Next Up: Days of Blood and Starlight (2/3)

*Divergent by Veronica Roth: Next Up: Insurgent (2/3)

*Dr. Siri Paiboun by Colin Cotterill: Next up: Anarchy and Old Dogs (4/7)

Duncan Kincaid/ Gemma James by Deborah Crombie:Next Up: Leave the Grass Green (3/14)

Dust Lands by Moira Young: Next Up: Rebel Heart (2/3)

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan: Next Up: The Dead tossed Waves (2/3)

*Harry Bosch by Michael Connelly: Next Up: The Narrows (10/18)

*Harry Hole by Jo Nesbo: Next Up: The Snowman (7/9)

*The Ibis Trilogy by Amitav Ghosh: Next Up: River of Smoke (2/3)

*Inspector Sejer by Karin Fossum: Next Up: He Who Fears the Wolf (2/9)

*James Bond by Ian Fleming: Next Up: Live and Let Die (2/14)

*Kenzie and Gennaro by Dennis Lehane: Next Up: Sacred (3/6)

*Lady Julia Gray by Deanna Raybourn: Next Up: The Dark Enquiry (5/5)

*Matched by Ally Condie: Next Up: Crossed (2/3)

*Millenium Trilogy by Steig Larrson: Next Up: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest (3/3)

*Philip Marlowe by Raymond Chandler: Next Up: The Little Sister (5/8)

Raylan Givens by Elmore Leonard: Next Up: Raylan (3/3)

*Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris: Next Up: Dead in the Family (9/12)

Temperance Brennan by Kathy Reichs: Next Up: Grave Secrets (5/15)

Vish Puri by Tarquin Hall: Next Up: The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing (2/3)

*Wine Country Mysteries by Ellen Crosby: Next Up: The Chardonnay Charade (2/6)

OK, I was first!

Saw the "still under construction" above and wasn't sure if you meant the list or the opening of the thread.

Nice thread! Happy photo, dynamite series list. But if I tried one of those series lists, it would probably take over my thread!

Terri - Come back! I'm ready for guests!

Nice new thread! I like the series idea too. I might count mine up and add them to my next thread. I have the first Deanna Raybourn one which I keep meaning to get to.

Hi Susan! I really like the Deanna Raybourn books - they get better as they go along I think.

I was waiting to post until I was sure you were done - love the beach photo at the top of your thread.

How are you finding the Iliad? I'd like to try it later this year and was considering either the Fagles translation or the Stanley Lombardo.

OK, I re-did my original post above.

Hi Heather - I am liking The Iiliad - it is a reread for me, but I read it many years ago (like college or high school, I'm thinking). I have the Fagles translation which is wonderful.

Hi, Terri - glad you came back! Sorry about the "still under construction" part - I just copied the post from my previous thread and that was down there because I hadn't finished working on it yet when I had posted it there. Should have deleted that part when I reposted it.

*edited to add that my series list is only what I am currently actively working on. I didn't include everything, just what I want to keep track of right now.

Ah summer!!! We've had wild storms here today. Even a tornado watch, which for us, is very very unusual. No sign of any, thank goodness!

Love your series list!

Mamie- I was just getting ready to call the Thread Police on you! A Thread over 300 posts can bring a hefty fine.
Lovely new thread, though! Nothing like the kids romping in the surf. I like your idea of listing your ongoing series books but it would probably drive me nuts and wrack me with guilt. Hope you can squeeze in Divergent soon. I hope to start Insurgent later next month, after the Group read.
We are tied with the Camilleri & Cotterill books!

I love your beach picture!

Lucy - We had a big thunderstorm about 4 this morning. Lots of thunder and lightening, and the rain came down in buckets. Then it all cleared up and right now it is sunny, breezy and glorious. I would love to see your series list, Lucy; I bet it would be interesting and diverse.

Mark - Thank goodness I started a new thread before I got pulled over! I can't believe you would rat me out!! I kept the series list under control by not listing all of them - just the ones of current interest that I am actively trying to pursue. I need all the help I can get with staying organized right now. I have already read Divergent, Mark. I read it hot off the presses last year and then all of my kids read it. Even Craig read it! We all loved it and have been waiting patiently for Insurgent - but my oldest daughter beat me to the door on the day of its delivery, and now I must patiently wait my turn. (Or steal it when she isn't looking!) Tied with Camilleri & Cotterill - the game is afoot, my friend!

Carol - Thanks! We have been going down to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina for the past seventeen years, and so I can literally watch my children grow up with beach pictures! The one up top is one of my favorites.

Great picture, Mamie! Cute kids ;-)

This is the thread that will announce the sale of your home!
I can feel it...

Most of my series are fantasy or science fiction -- a few mysteries. I wonder if Richard Ford's books about Frank Bascombe count as a series??? We'll have to wait and see if he gives us Frank in his sixties.

Cee - Thanks! And good to know that this is the thread that will announce the sale of my home - I totally trust your intuition!! We did have two showings today, and we have two scheduled for tomorrow - somebody has to want my baby, right?

Lucy - See, that's what I'm saying - interesting and diverse. Mine are almost all mysteries and YA dystopian. Now I'm off to check out Richard Ford - I am learning something new everyday here on LT!

Love the cover photo Mamie - your kids looked so happy back in 99.
Congrats on the new thread. Really zipping along over here.

Thanks, Paul. Hope your Wednesday is off to a good start.

Nice new thread, Mamie.
I hope you join us for Of Mice and Men and River of Smoke!

Hi, Ellen! Planning on reading both. I have read Of Mice and Men before several times, but it has been several years, so I am looking forward to returning to an old favorite. And I am dying to see what happens next in River of Smoke because the first book sure left us hanging!

LOVE the picture up top :)
eek! a List! Lists are scary..

Morning, Kath! Glad you love the photo - it's one of my favorites. And I LOVE lists - love to make them, love to read them. Probably some kind of genetic anomaly! My sister likes to make lists just so she can cross things off of them - so if she is making a list of things to do, she purposely puts things on there that she has already done just so she can cross them off!!

Can I just mention that I am really loving both The Devil in the White City and The Worst Hard Time - and who do I think I am reading two non-fiction books at once?! I am mesmerized by all the little details about the designing and building of the Chicago World's Fair in TDitWC - fascinating! And it's amazing to me that Hunt (the architect) and Olmstead (the architectural landscaper) were working on Biltmore and the fair at the same time - and doing other projects!

Mamie- Sadly, I have only read one Ford book, Independence Day, which was many years ago. His latest novel Canada sounds wonderful. I NEED to get back to this guy.

I'm glad you are enjoying those 2 non-fiction titles. Both are excellent.

Mark - I am hoping to finish both of them up before May is over because my reading has been less than desired - only five books completed so far this month...sigh. I will have to check out the titles you mention above.

If you want to read the Frank Bascombe saga - so far there are three books -- The Sportswriter is the first one, Independence Day the second, and The Lay of the Land - which is a STUNNING book, incredible, I think, is the third. Frank is 30, then 40, then in his 50's. I eagerly await Frank in his 60's, although in the meantime I will happily read Canada.

I also fully expect to see SOLD!!! one of these fine days.

Thanks, Lucy - I will start with The Sportswriter. We have two showings today, so cross your fingers and channel your good thoughts in this direction!

Good luck with the showings! I started Silent in the Grave last night, after realising I had no library books left and having to actually decide what to read next. The opening line is such a classic :-)

Thanks, Susan! I hope you like Silent in the Grave - I adore Nicholas Brisbane for some reason!!

Hi Mamie just checking into your new thead. I managed to add River of Smoke to the TIOLI challenges at#8. Glad to hear you are loving The Devil in the White City, I thought it was fantastic.

Hi Judy! I listed River of Smoke with yours. I might join you for Hollowland - I saw you had that listed under the zombie challenge, and it's free on Kindle - gotta love that!

OK, just one brief moment of snarkiness -our last showing for today was scheduled for 6:45 pm, but the realtor (not ours) showed up 45 minutes early. 45 MINUTES EARLY!!! I know these people carry cell phones - they can't call and ask if 45 minutes early is acceptable?!

I'm done now, and feel much better for having gotten that off my chest. Thanks for listening. Lucy, I'm going back to choosing joy; everything's fine. Don't worry.

Wow 45 minutes early is really pushing the polite rules of social engagement envelope to the max......and then some. Maybe it's a good sign Mamie?

I'm sad to say that I think it was a reflection of convenience trumping politeness. She did what was easy instead of what was right. However, I also believe that you teach people how to treat you, and so if she shows up more than 15 minutes early with another client, I will tell her she has to come back at the appointed time. I want to sell my house, but I also want to be treated with courtesy. I am willing to be accommodating to a point; I am not willing to be a doormat.

Forty-five minutes early is not a good idea if the realtor would like to help sell the house, which I presume the realtor would. Sheesh.

> 37 GOOD!

Thanks, Bonnie, Ellen, and Kath! See, now I feel better!

Isn't it nice to have a place to vent? Plus there is genuine love here and it's FREE!

Sorry, to hear about the idiot realtor! Hope you and the kids managed.

I completely agree with EBT1002. If someone shows up my house 45 early for anything, they're likely to find mess. Not exactly a good plan for someone trying to sell that house!

yeah!!!! what mark said !

Aw, I'm feeling the love, guys, thanks! The house actually looked great (because we had just had a showing at 12:30 pm), but it's the principle of the thing. Plus, I do have four kids and four dogs to get loaded in the van. The funny thing is she left her card!!

Burn it in a symbolic fire made of yesterdays newspaper

I'm on it, Kath!

Mamie - hard sell and good manners don't have to be incompatible. I hope you gave vent to your feelings and that you manage to sell the property on your own terms.

That's just exactly it, Paul! Like I said, it wasn't our realtor, so I doubt it will happen again. But I will call our realtor in the morning and let her know what happened, just so she can be aware. That's why a house is for show by appointment - so things go smoothly and everyone is prepared. It would be poor form for me to agree to an appointment time and then not be ready to show the house or still be here when they arrived, and it is also poor form for a realtor to show up more than 15-20 minutes early and expect to have access to the property immediately. Yesterday the realtor that was showing the house in the afternoon showed up twenty minutes early - just as we were loading into the car to leave, and I thought that was pushing the envelope a bit, but 45 minutes is definitely out of bounds without calling first. Since we have had ten showings in five days (no showings on Sunday and Monday of the holiday weekend), I think we are doing our part to be accessible and cooperative. I just don't want to set a precedent where the realtor grapevine says "oh she's fine if you show up early; it's no big deal."

Well good. I'm glad that you are talking to your own realtor. Hopefully that will help
the situation. So many showings though, has to be good!

Fingers crossed!

I so well recall the effort to sell our house back in Oregon, when we had decided to move to Seattle. The constant tidying and accommodating was exhausting!

Good Morning, Kath, Lucy, and Ellen!

Yes, that's just it - it's a bit wearing to be constantly on guard. On the upswing, the kids are making their beds every morning which is delightful! We have gotten no negative feedback so far - everyone has said that the house shows excellently. We have also had two different realtors say that their clients loved the house and that there might be possible offers down the road. So it's nice to know that at least we are in the running.

Very positive news for sure, Mamie. I predict you'll be unpacking your belongings in Georgia very soon!

Fingers crossed for those offers.....!!!!!!

Hi Mamie- Hoping for the best for you guys! Hope all these showings pay off!

Thank you, Judy, Ellen, and Mark!

Now for some exciting news...I actually finished a book!!! That brings my total to ...um...6...but I also read the back of the Smart Start cereal box and the amount due section of each and every bill that came this month, so...



Book #56:The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

This book shows off Erik Larson's talent for making non-fiction read like a well crafted novel. This time Mr. Larson relates to us the story behind the success of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair while at the same time chronicling the devious ploys of a serial killer that used the Fair as a means to lure victims to his hotel. Larson alternates between stories so that we see the meticulous planning required both to stage and host a world fair and to stage and host multiple murders. Both endeavors require patience, skill, and forethought. Both require boldness and audacity. The tension builds as we see both stories reach their peak, knowing that at some point they will also have to unravel. The unraveling reminded me of those famous lines from the Robert Frost poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay":

So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

That expression "The devil is in the details" also came to mind as we follow the blueprint drawn by the devil in this story - Herman Webster Mudgett (aka Dr. H. H. Holmes). His hotel is crafted to his specifications as the ultimate murder weapon. If this were fiction, many critics would scoff at this incredulous story, saying that the murderer could not possibly have gotten away with building this strange hotel right under the noses of the Chicago police department. He could not possibly have been connected to so many disappearances without raising a tremendous amount of suspicion or attracting attention to himself. And yet he did.

This book is a marvel of information that reads like a thriller. It does not disappoint and never falls flat. From beginning to end it is gripping and full of suspense that has you wondering about each step even if you already know the story. Mr. Larson explains it best himself:

"Beneath the gore and smoke and loam, this book is about the evanescence of life, and why some men choose to fill their brief allotment of time engaging the impossible, others in the manufacture of sorrow. In the end it is a story of the ineluctable conflict between good and evil, daylight and darkness, the White City and the Black."

Excellent review Mamie. Thumb! I loved this book when I read it too. And you're absolutely right. It reads like a thriller. I've got to get to the two others on my shelf by Larson.

My sister likes to make lists just so she can cross things off of them - so if she is making a list of things to do, she purposely puts things on there that she has already done just so she can cross them off!!

HA!! I do that. :)

Great review, Mamie! (thumb!) I loved that book, too!

Thank you, Bonnie. I read In the Garden of Beasts last summer and absolutely loved it.

Liz - My sister will be thrilled to know that she is in good company! I don't know what it is about lists and list-making, but I love both of them!

Thanks, Terri - we posted at the same time!

Great review, Mamie. It's another one that is already in the stack o' books by the bed.....

See, Ellen, we are helping you pick those ten books to read from your shelves! Thanks for the praise.

Hi Mamie!
Doing great keeping your composure and values :)
All crossables crossed for you selling your "baby"... and to a good owner!

Loved the review - loved the book myself.

Aw, thanks, Cee! Love your thumb!

What a good review -- I'm going to have to reconsider reading it.

As I recall my daughter got quite 'into' the idea of making her room look nice - I remember thinking, "This will be good." There is no downside, not really, to selling a house fast, but another week or two of practice would have not been amiss.

Thanks, Lucy. What's that they say about habits - it takes 21 days to establish one or something like that?

So today is my birthday and we had our first early showing - can you believe that? What are the odds? We had to be up and out by 8:45am. Don't you think they should have to make an offer just for getting me out of my bed? I'm sure I could have used some more beauty sleep! Now I'll have to be only semi-stunning for the rest of the day. The weather is weird here today - cold and overcast. Hmmmm...perfect reading weather, don't you think?!

I love your posts -- hope your house sells really soon.

Welcome to my thread, Reba, and thanks!

You hit me with yet another BB, Mamie! When I read "nonfiction" and "1893 Chicago World's Fair" I thought it'd be an easy pass, but then you added "serial killer"and now the Kindle sample is on my notebook. In the Garden of Beasts sounds intriguing as well, but the Kindle price of 18+ USD will keep me away from it for a while.

That is a wonderful review. I love Larson's books. I still have In the Garden of Beasts, on the shelf,
but have read the others.

I shudder to think about showing this house. srsly.
Five pets and plenty of things that I will never be able to afford to do....
sigh

Excellent! Why are those Kindle books so expensive over there, Nathalie?

Kath - Thanks! We were posting at the same time! What should I read next by him?

We need to sell before August gets here because I don't even want to think about four kids and four dogs in the van in the August heat. YIKES!

Isaac's Storm!! Probably my favorite :)

OK - I'm adding that to my list. Thanks, Kath!

Happy Birthday, Mamie! That is early for a showing, but maybe it will be The One. I have my fingers crossed for you.

O GEEZ!!!! How could I have forgotten already!!

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Thanks, Susan! It was early, but now we have the rest of the day to ourselves which is heavenly. I put my jambes back on and am indulging myself by reading and hanging out on LT in the comfort of my bed. It's cold and overcast here, so perfect for burrowing in and enjoying a quiet day.

Oh, I LOVE the big bear, Kath - thanks! My husband called last night to say that he didn't send me flowers - this is good because he always wants to send flowers and I always say that I'll enjoy the ones in the ground all around our yard! Soooo, he asks, what do you want....um, BOOKS, I say. Please buy yourself several cases he says because I know you will want to pick them out yourself. He knows me so well!!! I will have to report back on my purchases.

A Very Happy Birthday, Mamie!!

Have a relaxing quiet day today, and then go and buy those several cases of new books. (What a wonderful husband!)

Enjoyed the review, Mamie. Thumb from me. And happy birthday!

Thanks, Nathalie! I think he's wonderful, too, but I might be biased.

Joe - Welcome to my thread! And thanks for the thumb and the birthday wishes!

Is this the first time I've posted on your thread? Jeesh. Where have I been? Asleep at the switch, I guess.

Yep, first time; I had no idea you were lurking! How wonderful!!

Yes, I've got you starred and everything. OK, I'll try to be a de-lurker more.

So excellent!

Looks like a party, here!

A little blurry but you get the point!

Happy B-Day!

Well, I'm late in the day, but my birthday wishes are no less enthusiastic or sincere.
I hope it's been a wonderful day!

I am always happy to host a party, Kath!

Mark, Carol, and Ellen thanks so much for your good wishes! Mark, I thought it was just my new bifocal contact lenses!

Happy Birthday, Mamie! I love that you jumped back in bed after the showing. I've also finally trained my husband not to buy me flowers...unless they have roots and can be planted in the ground! So, how many books can "several cases" hold? You have a generous husband. Can't wait to see what you choose.

Thank you, Donna! The kids put their Jammie's on, too, and we spent today just chillin'. A very lovely day and greatly enjoyed by all of us. I do not know how many books several cases can hold, but I am willing to investigate. I should know because we had to pack up several boxes of books in order to "stage" the house. Anyway, I intend to spend the weekend interviewing candidates for the job of books for my birthday. Mark and Paul's recent lists should be a help, and I shall also consult my giant WL here on LT where I have entered many suggestions by yourself and others. I will try to make you all proud with my final selections!

My husband does indeed have a generous heart- it's still growing. Every year, to my amazement, his heart continues to grow bigger and those of us who know him are the lucky recipients of its over abundant yield.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMIE!! I didn't know it was today so sorry to be late to the party. And yay to spending the day chilling.

Happy Birthday!

Thanks, Bonnie and Katie!

Happy Birthday, Mamie. I think I am just going to get posted while it's actually still your Birthday! Hope you had a great day.

I did have a great day! Thanks, Judy!

Quite late in the day but \

Happy Birthday, Mamie!


glitter-graphics.com

Thanks, Terri! So cute!

So, it looks like you had a good day yesterday... jammies, popcorn and happy kids!
That would make it a good day for me, too :)

It is chilly here this morning! ( yay ) My plan is to try to replicate yesterday as much as possible,
but maybe without the cleaning :)

I hope to finish the Lincoln book.. and then read the one by Will Dresser

Have you showings today? Did you say and I missed that?
anyway, hope it is a good post birthday day .. Pizza for dinner? t
is a good food for a Saturday!

Happy Belated Birthday to you dear one!

May was a blur and I hope that June affords more opportunity to post regularly on your thread. I so enjoy visiting here.

It WAS a good day yesterday. I remember last year on my birthday the weather was so beautiful that I sat out on the deck all day and read. This year the cold front was just the ticket as I have not been able to be in my jammies (my computer wants to auto correct this to be jambes!) or my bed much because of all of the showings.

Replicating yesterday without the cleaning sounds good! It will be a bit warmer here today - supposed to go to 71, but still overcast. No showings today, but the realtor called last night and said that the people who saw the house yesterday loved it and REALLY want it, so this could be excellent news. They were going to talk to their mortgage broker, asked for all of the utility info, and want to look at the house again next week. Cross your fingers, everyone!!

Pizza is good for dinner, lunch, breakfast...It is one of my favorites! However, we just had pizza on Monday with our Memorial Day company so I doubt the kids will pick that - it's their choice tonight. I'll report back on their selection.

Linda - I was posting to Kath while you were posting to me! So very great to see you and seeing more of you in June would be a treat! Thanks so much for the birthday wishes. Are you still in New Orleans? I'll check your thread.

I am always up for Pizza, too :)
We don't have it much anymore, as Dan has it at work every tuesday and doesn't want it again.
I have to talk to my Keith and ask him to bring me one when he gets it next...He goes to some
place that I can't find and gets it wit peperoni and BACON!

fingers crossed for the sale btw

Craig does not like pizza as much as I do either...sigh...but I make him eat it once a week anyway! He is probably skipping pizza while he is down in Georgia alone! However, my son Dan loves it as much as I do, so bonus.

Just realized that you have a husband Dan and a son Craig, and I have a husband Craig and a son Dan - too funny! AND we are both Geminis!

Happy belated birthday! Good to hear it went well! I hope things work out with the potential buyers!

Oh my, Happy late birthday -- I'm only just catching up! We're having that cold day here today.

Good luck with the buyers! I finished Silent in the Grave and enjoyed it, so that's another series to add to my list!

Lucy - Thanks! It's still colder than usual for June here - cold, overcast, and very windy. Some pop up showers, too.

Susan - Thanks! So glad that you enjoyed Silent in the Grave!!

We had another showing today - had a realtor call at the last minute to see if he could possibly show the house. So that makes a total of twelve showings in a total of 10 calendar days that we have been on the market - that's good, right?

Book #57: In the Heat of the Night by John Ball

This book, as some of you might remember, I bought when it was offered for $.99 on Mother's Day as part of the Kindle Daily Deal. Turns out it was money well spent as this book is very well written for the most part and I greatly enjoyed reading it.

Virgil Tibbs happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, which is how he gets taken into custody on suspicion of murder. Turns out our Mr. Tibbs is not only innocent, he is a homicide investigator from Pasadena, California on his way back home after visiting his mother. Now the small town of Wells, South Carolina could use a good homicide investigator because they are dealing with the murder of a prominent citizen and an inexperienced Chief of Police; there is just one small problem - Virgil Tibbs is African American. The police department and many of the citizens of Wells are racist. Written in 1965, this novel is set in the days of racial segregation when the color of your skin determined what options were available to you. What Ball does so well with this novel is to show how bigotry can blind people to the truth and how true character can defeat prejudice. Tibbs is allowed to stay and investigate the murder because the mayor convinces Chief of Police Bill Gillespie that it's a win/win situation. If he fails, they have a fall guy, and if he succeeds, they can take all the credit for letting him solve the case.

The three main characters are so very interesting here. Bill Gillespie is a racist, but he is also honest with himself and therefore understands that he is out of his league with a murder investigation. Sam Wood, the officer that found the body, likes and respects Virgil Tibbs, but worries about how his own choices and actions will be viewed by others - he is a man of conscience who struggles with his own weaknesses. Virgil Tibbs is a man who understands how the world around him works and who lets his own intelligence and compassion guide him through a world where a lot of the established rules are just plain wrong.

"As a boy Bill Gillespie had been, from the first, considerably bigger than his classmates and the other children with whom he associated. Because of this fact he could dictate the terms of the games that were played and impose his will on others who were not physically his equal. To his credit, Gillespie did not use his size to become a bully and he did not deliberately 'pick on' those who might have wanted to disagree with him. But his automatic leadership deprived him of an early education in one of the most important accomplishments he could have had - diplomacy. He was aware of this and it bothered him occasionally."

The writing in this novel is truly fine for the most part. A few scenes are a bit hokey (mostly the ones where women are involved), and part of the plot is a bit thin. However, these issues can be overlooked because of the wonderful job Ball does of portraying how racism in the deep South infects everything it touches. Ball presents a full spectrum from outright hatred to those who struggle with their own racist views to those who are not racist. An interesting dynamic in a small town where the leading citizens must now depend on an African American to help them solve a murder.

"You're pretty sure of yourself, aren't you, Virgil," Gillespie retorted. "Incidentally, Virgil is a pretty fancy name for a black boy like you. What do they call you around home where you come from?"

"They call me Mr. Tibbs," Virgil answered.

Rachel - Don't know how I missed you up there. Sorry. Thanks for the good wishes. I am sending my own good thoughts and wishes your way for your success in the job market.

12 showings in 10 days on the market isn't just good, it's excellent. You'll be glad you had to pack up your books soon when you have 30 days to get your household to Georgia :-)

I assume In the Heat of the Night is the book the film was based on. Saw it 100 years ago and remember it as excellent.

Hi Reba! Oh good! It has been 13 years since we sold our last house and we weren't living there at the time - we had renters as we had already purchased this house. Anyway I couldn't remember how the showings went schedule wise because I wasn't the one taking the calls about them. I am so looking forward to being in Georgia - but the actual moving...um...not so much!

Yes, it's the book the film was based on. I have never seen the film, but I know that Sidney Poitier was cast as Virgil Tibbs, and I can't imagine a better actor for that part. I NEED to see the film now that I have read the novel. What I didn't know was that it was the first is a series of books starring Virgil Tibbs, so now I have unwittingly hooked myself into yet another series. Oh well - he is a really great character, so I will at least have to read the next one.

Oh, dear, Mamie, I see that your review of In the Heat of the Night is going to hook me into a whole series of books?

I'm so sorry, Terri! In my defense, I didn't know it was a series when I started reading it.

Happy Belated Birthday, Mamie. Good to hear you had a lovely day!

Thanks, Dee! We were posting on each other's threads at the same time!

Hi Mamie- Hope your Saturday is going well. Good review of In the Heat of the Night. I had forgotten that this was a book. The film is very good, although it has it's dated elements. Rod Steiger played the Chief. They made at least one sequel.

Excellent review of In the Heat of the Night, Mamie. Thumb from me. I didn't realize the movie was based on a book. I'm going to track this one down.

Hi Mark - I can't picture Rod Steiger as Gillispie. Steiger was what, maybe 5'10'' and Gillispie is supposed to be too tall to be a police officer - 6'4" so John Wayne's height. Gillispie is only 32 and has been chief for just nine weeks. It will be interesting to see what I think of him as Gillispie because I have a very definitive picture in my mind from the book.

Joe - Thanks for the thumb! The book is definitely worth reading although, like I said, there are a few hokey parts.

You know, when I was responding to you up there, I thought that there was a TV show based on this book/film, and there is. It featured Carroll O'Connor and Henry Rollins. It came on in the late 80s. It was very popular. I remember my Dad liking it.
Also there were 2 film sequels: They Call Me MISTER Tibbs! in 1970, and The Organization in 1971. I can't remember if I ever saw them.

ETA- Yes, it looks like they changed Gillispie's character quite a bit.

Mark - I think I remember that it was a tv show, but I never saw it. Did not know there were a series of films, but then I also did not know that there were a series of books. I thought it was a stand alone book when I bought it. The second book is called The Cool Cottontail - I will eventually read it just out of curiosity to see where they take the character.

I think I have a vague memory of a tv show too.. but never saw it..
The movie though... so good. And so long ago! I'm surprised I even remember seeing it :P

Definitely going to track down the movie.

Happy Belated Birthday!! So what books did you buy? :)

Hi Mamie!
I've been kinda MIA the past 2 very-busy-for-me days - sorry I missed the party :(

But - I'm here now to say
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Sounds like you had a pretty good day.
And more goodness to come as you proceed with your interviews... have fun!

Mamie - looks like time zones have made me a td late but here's wishing you a lovely weekend and the continued celebration of your birthday. Hope that you sell the pole barn and it's accompanying buildings as a present.
Thought your comments about your husband were lovely - sure he realises that he is a lucky guy too to have his attributes appreciated as you obviously do.

Hi Chelle, Cee, and Paul!! Thank you all so much for your good wishes! This group is absolutely the best - just been here a few months and already I don't know what I'd do without you!!

Have not made the final decision about what books I will purchase for my birthday, but I do have a list of candidates. I will try to post them tomorrow, and perhaps you all will help me to decide. It's hard because I have discovered so many new authors and so many new series that I want to investigate thanks to LT. But also a lot of fun...

I did already purchase the following:
Issac's Storm by Erik Larson, recommended by Kath

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, recommended by the masses

Flags in the Dust by William Faulkner, recommended by Lucy (actually she said Sartoris, which is an earlier shortened version, but I couldn't find that so bought this longer version which is supposed to be what Faulkner wanted published - correct me if I am wrong)

Every Man Dies Alone by Hans Fallada, which Paul posted about on his thread - a recent purchase, I believe, and Mark and others chimed in to say was good

Wolf Hall is not available at my library, other than in audio. That wouldn't work for me.
I have so far avoided it...but I am pretty sure that I will read it eventually. I will find
it somewhere, somewhen.

I am dead certain that you will like Isaac's Storm, if you liked Larson's other book.
I think that will be one that you will reread .. I STILL have not read his latest one..
why not? I have it on my shelf.. sigh. Must read faster!! Must read more. Must finish this
blasted book!

Morning Mamie- You bought some good books! I still need to get to Wolf Hall. I've been dragging my tail on that one forever. I did love Isaac's Storm. My 1st Larson.
Every Man Dies Alone is outstanding!

Oooops, Happy much belated birthday, Mamie! What fun! Birthday book buying!! You've already made great choices and with all the great new authors we meet on Lt it's such a daunting task. Fun, none the less.

Mamie, I have both Isaac's Storm and Every Man Dies Alone on my TBR shelves. One of these days....

ETA I also have Wolf Hall! Too.many.books.

Oh how fun to see visitors to my thread on a Sunday morning!! HI Kath, Mark, Lynda, and Katie!

I bought Wolf Hall now because of Ilana's tutored read with Suz. Thought if I was gonna read it then I should do so when help is available and I can ask questions. Our library only has one copy, so no way I was going to be able to lay my hands on it anytime soon.

The Steinbeck read for this month is Of Mice and Men. I'll come back and put a link in here to the thread for anyone that is interested in joining in. I have really learned a lot with these group reads, and it is fun to explore multiple works by the same author throughout the year. Steinbeck is a great favorite of mine, but for anyone feeling overwhelmed by his larger works such as East of Eden or The Grapes of Wrath, OMaM is a great one to pick up because it is a novella and weighs in at just 105 pages. Brit (weejane) is hosting this month. Please feel free to grab a copy and join us!

On the house selling front - those people that looked at the house on my birthday are coming back to take a second look tomorrow!!! Please cross your fingers and think good thoughts. Do NOT do the happy dance yet, as I am superstitious and do not want to jinx our chances!!

*Steinbeck thread: Of Mice and Men

Ilana's tutored read: Wolf Hall

Some May Stats

Total Books Read for May: 6
* a total of 6 authors, 1 of them was new to me
* original publication dates ranged from 1818 (Persuasion)-2005(The Redeemer)
* I abandoned 1 book (David Copperfield, this was an abandoned reread of the book)
* 5 books were fiction, 1 was non-fiction

Author gender:
male: 5
female: 1

Author Nationality:
American: 3
English: 2
Norwegian: 1

Medium:
Hardcover: 0
Paperback: 2 (the numbers appear not to add up here, but I read and listened to Casino Royale - switching back and forth for convenience)
ebook: 4
Audiobook:1

Source:
Purchased: 2
Off My Shelf: 4
Library Book: 0

Multiple Books Read by Same Author:
None

Genre:
Mystery/Thriller: 4
Historical fiction/Literature: 1
Short Story Collection: 0
Juvenile/YA: 0
Non-fiction: 1

*what you should know about my library - I am not trying to decrease the number of books that I purchase in a calendar year, I am simply aiming to also make a significant dent in the piles of books already sitting on my shelves that are unread.

2012 STATS (Through the end of May)

56 Books Read
* 32 new to me authors
* 34 male/ 22 female
* 51 fiction/ 5 non-fiction

FORMAT
* audio: 2
* Kindle: 26
* Real Books: 28

SOURCE
* Off My Shelves: 16
* Purchased and read in 2012: 33 (+1 free download)
* Library Books: 6

Multiple Books Read by Same Author
* John Steinbeck: 5
* J. R. R. Tolkien: 3
* Colin Cotterill: 3
* Deborah Crombie: 2
* Dennis Lehane: 2
*Michael Connelly: 2

Five Star Reads
* 11/22/63 by Stephen King
* The Lord of the Rings by J .R. R. Tolkien
* Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
* 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

Best Discovery
* Dr. Siri!!

Your lists and those of others made me ponder what lists I would like to incorporate on my thread. I'm currently reading Gilead by Marilynne Robinson and I'm discovering new words. I began to read at an early age and thus developed quite a vocabulary. I think I will begin to post the words I'm learning when I read a book, and perhaps I'll also post words I know, but love the images they create.

Thanks for your inspiration.

Does anyone know the definition of the word "cranny?" or "crepuscular?"

These are two listed in Gilead that I've never heard before.

Linda - what a lovely idea! I am fascinated by vocabulary and love to learn new words. I have heard cranny used before (as in nook and cranny) - it means a small space or a narrow opening.

Here is what my dictionary says for crepuscular:

crepuscular |krəˈpəskyələr|
adjective
of, resembling, or relating to twilight.
• Zoology (of an animal) appearing or active in twilight.
ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from Latin crepusculum ‘twilight’ + -ar1.

See, now we both learned a new word!

ah, ha..thanks. Now I remember that I do know the word cranny...Thanks for this and for checking the word crepuscular...

Happy Sunday to you!

Hi there Mamie, great review of In the Heat of the Night. I vaguely remember the TV series with the same name because my father loved it. I do remember Sydney Poitier in the movie version. Add me to the list of those who loved Every Man Dies Alone.

"cranny", especially as in "nook and cranny" was a popular word in my house growing up -- had to head to the dictionary for "crepuscular" though -- interesting word.

Linda - Any time, I am at your disposal! Are you home now?

Bonnie - Thanks! This is the great thing about LT - I had never heard of that book before Paul put it on his thread, but it sounds like one that I'll really like, and with the endorsement of both Mark and yourself, I can't possibly go wrong!!

Reba - Yep! Me, too! Hope you had a great weekend.

Mamie - enjoyed your stats as usual. Hope you are getting along fine with Thomas Cromwell!

Paul - Always great to see you! I am LOVING Wolf Hall!! The writing and the humor that is woven into the story are first rate so far - I'm about 100 pages in.

Cee - Perfect! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I love your comment about Wolf Hall being "recommended by the masses." It's on the pile by my bed and I'm determined to get to it this month while Ilana and Suzanne are doing their tutored read. I plan to lurk with a vengeance.

Mamie- Fingers crossed for you! Hope it works out. Have a great day.

Cee... perfect Gif!

I am perfectly content to wait for Wolf Hall to show up from the library..
since I decided to ignore all of the raves here at LT and just live cheerfully on
never reading it at all. But then I got sucked in too. Having to wait for it makes
me feel less of a failure at my determination to NOT read it .. lol

Nothing much to share yet today. I have to go shopping this morning and I have dreadful
shopping karma so, all I can say is that I hope that I have nothing much to share later, either !

My thread was awake before I was! Morning Ellen, Mark, and Kath!

Mark - thanks for the good wishes.

Ellen and Kath - the reason I was determined to read Wolf Hall now was because of Ilana's tutored thread. I followed along on the one for Persuasion and really enjoyed it and learned so much. So following the Wolf Hall one seemed like a no brainer for me. I know that I could star the thread and come back to it any time, but I also know that I would find that daunting - so much easier to follow along as the thread is being created than to try to make my way through an older one with a bazillion posts.

I have finished my reread of Of Mice and Men, but think I will wait to post my review for a bit since a lot of people haven't started it yet. I love this book and have read it several times through the years, and every time I find something new to ponder. I just adore the writing of John Steinbeck!

Mamie, I'm already daunted by the 19 posts on the Wolf Hall tutor (not Tudor) thread, and I really want to sit down and carefully read the many before those 19. Like you, I feel like this is a perfect opportunity to get more out of a good read than I might otherwise.

Woah - 150 posts behind and a belated Happy Birthday Mamie! Sorry you had to be up so early though.

" Anyway, I intend to spend the weekend interviewing candidates for the job of books for my birthday." Sounds like a great weekend!

#111 I've not heard of that author before Mamie, but it sounds like a book worth investigating.

Exciting news about the second viewing - hope it goes well!

Hi Heather! I'm impressed that you took the time to catch up! I really liked the book by John Ball, and I hadn't heard of him before either. On Mother's Day, the Kindle Daily Deal was twenty different books that had been made into movies. Each book was just $.99. So, I had heard of the movie although I hadn't seen it, and the book sounded good - plus for under a dollar it's hard to go wrong! I am very excited about the second showing! We also have another showing scheduled for tomorrow, so at least we're getting a lot of looks! Hope you are having a great day.

Hey, I was sorry to hear (unlike Richard) that you gave up on David Copperfield, Mamie. Too wordy?

I'll be picking up my copy of Of Mice and Men from the library on my way home this evening.

Oh, that means I'd better skedaddle, 'cause they close in 38 minutes!

Hi Joe! I think the main thing with David Copperfield was just that I wasn't in the right mood to read it right now. I felt like I was forcing myself to hang in there, and I don't want to feel that way about a book. I read it yeas ago (6th grade) as an assigned book report and really didn't like it. BUT, I think I was too young to really appreciate Dickens then. I was hoping to reread it with the group and change how I felt about that particular book, but I think the timing was wrong. I am not getting rid of the book because I think I will eventually try again - and it has deckle edged pages (my weakness). I do like Dickens - A Christmas Carol (which we reread every year in December) and A Tale of Two Cities are favorites of mine. I think Dickens creates great characters and has great humor in his books, they are just long winded and take more effort for me because they drag a bit. Do not despair, it is really the only Dickens that I have read and haven't liked - and Dora really gets on my nerves!

Ellen - Did you make it?

No need for excuses.. we get to do what we want, now that we are all grown up and paying bills.
Read it, don't read it, put it aside for another time? Fling it at the wall ( but only if no one is looking). Or, when absolutely desperate toget it out of the house asap, set it free! or send it to rd....

Any news?

Morning, Kath! Here's the scoop: These people really want the house, BUT they sold their house themselves (no realtor) and now the buyer wants more time to come up with financing, so they are waiting... Our house is showing so much that they are afraid if they wait they will lose it, so they are talking to their mortgage broker - waiting to see if they can buy our house without selling theirs first. If they can, they will make an offer.

In the meantime, we have another couple who also likes the house, they have narrowed it down to two houses and ours is one of them. So, we'll see. We also have a showing scheduled for today and one scheduled for tomorrow, so things aren't slowing down any. I am feeling really hopeful that we will be able to sell our house before the summer is out, which is what I would LOVE to happen.

I expect to see SOLD in BOLD here any minute.

Ohh that sounds promising! Hopefully it sells this week :)

I'll be surprised if you haven't sold before summer really starts!

Things sound very promising on the house sale front, Mamie. :)

Like your list of books bought. I loved Isaac's Storm, am currently reading Wolf Hall, and Every Man Dies Alone is on my TBR shelf. And I keep meaning to read some Faulkner, but never seem to get around to it.

I think I mentioned on my own thread that the Seattle Times noted this morning that for the second straight month, average home prices were up in May. And perhaps more to the point, prices in May were up over 10% over same month last year. Too soon to say it's shifting from a buyer's market to a seller's market, but hopefully you can hold onto some confidence that your house will sell, even if not to this particular couple.

And I'm with Lucy - looking forward to seeing SOLD in BOLD one of these days soon......

Keep breathing, Mamie!!!!

>156 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. Kath's right, no worries, I was just curious. I was quite taken by David Copperfield reading it for the first time at my advanced age. I think if school had made me read it in 6th grade, I'd have an adverse reaction. Not a book for sixth graders, in my view, even if they're intellectually advanced.

Well HELLO everyone!

Lucy, Chelle, and Reba - Thanks so much for your positive thinking. And Lucy, I love the phrase SOLD in BOLD!

Terri - I have only read one Faulkner, and I can't say that I cared very much for it, but it has been several years ago. I feel like I should give him another chance, so I'm trying one that Lucy recommended on Paul's thread. I find my reading palate is evolving as all the wonderful people in this group expose me to so many different kinds of books. It's like a reading buffet!

Ellen - I hope the housing market continues to improve - used to be buying a home was a good investment. I feel terrible for all those people that have purchased homes only to find that their homes at the moment are not worth what they paid for them. So terrible for those who can't hang in there while the market recovers. Nice to see some improvement. I am feeling pretty confident that we will be able to get close to our asking price, so that is a huge relief. Still, we won't get our money out of the remodeling that we would have gotten several years ago, but we have enjoyed the improvements, and in the end I guess that's what really matters. Really in this economy, I feel lucky that Craig has a job that is secure and that we own a home to place on the market. I will keep breathing!

Joe - Your question didn't bother me one bit. I am always interested in what people like or don't like about a book, and in this crowd the discussion usually proves to be fascinating and non-judgmental. Please feel free to ask away!

Hi Mamie!
Wow! There is so much activity on your house - very nice to see! Sounds like it is priced right too. Competitive buyers are wonderful for the spirit! Keep smiling :)

Hi Cee! Hope you found a few moments to relax and enjoy the day - you have been so busy lately. You'll be breathing a sigh of relief once you get everything just the way you want it!

Well, I am 270 pages into Wolf Hall and really loving it. The only thing that was a bit confusing at first was Mantel's pronoun usage. She uses "he" almost always to refer to Cromwell, and so the scenes that have several men involved can have you backtracking a bit to discern whom she is referring to when she says "he" - disconcerting at first, but you get used to it as you go along. She really draws you into the story and makes you feel invested in the outcome, creating wonderful tension. Amazing to say the least since we already know what is going to happen.

Hi Mamie, I'm only about 165 pages into Wolf Hall and I'm not sure about this book yet, it's readable and somewhat interesting, but I haven't been fully engaged yet. I am faithfully following Ilana's tutored thread, and I am probably enjoying that more than the book itself at this point.

Hi, Judy! I think you have to find the rhythm of it, which takes a bit. I thought it was confusing at first, and the pronoun usage was making me crazed because I had to keep rereading passages, but now I am totally hooked. Of course, I have always been fascinated by this particular part of history - perhaps because the US does not have a monarchy? I feel invested in the characters now, and I know I will finish the book. I am stopping for tonight - just finished Part Three.

Mamie - Like our other compadres I am eagerly awaiting notification of a sale of property in the american mid west.
Loved David Copperfield myself but have had trouble recently with Dombey and Son and Martin Chuzzlewit which, as re-reads from my youth I couldn't manage and put aside for the time being.
Wolf Hall is on my 2000's list so far but I have a feeling it will get deposed soon. I think it is the paucity of my recent reading that places it so highly rather than the brilliance of the ting itself - though it is very good, at the remove of a few months, I am more of the view than ever that it fails to match A Place of Greater Safety.

Paul - I love your mastery of vocabulary! I truly believe that timing is an intimate part of perception. Some books I may love regardless of when I read them, just as some books will never be favorites, but oh how many in between those two measures fall victim to the whimsy of fate! I was definitely not in the proper mood for David Copperfield, but I feel that I might pick it up at another date, when I am feeling more generous and patient with time and truly enjoy it. I am liking the intimacy of Wolf Hall - I feel drawn into the story, invested in the outcome (even though I already know it). I did, however, add A Place of Greater Safety to the birthday purchase list based upon your comments on your thread.

Mamie, it sounds like the house is going to sell fast! I still have my fingers crossed for you, and I can blame that for all my typos :-) Glad you're enjoying Wolf Hall. I loved it when I read it, and I'm considering a reread before Bring Up The Bodies although, as you say, we do know how it all turns out...

Morning Mamie (I still love saying that!)- Fingers still crossed but they are starting to cramp up, so let's get something firm going. Glad you are enjoying Wolf Hall. I'm going to try getting to it next month.

I'm enjoying Wolf Hall too, but I also had to read for a while before I became invested in the story. My problem is that I have it on audiobook, and it's really not the type of book that should be "read" on audiobook. It's hard to keep track of the pronouns (like you said) and it's also hard to keep track of the jumps in time. However, I'm stuck with the audiobook now, because I'm not going to be able to read it this month if wait for the hard copy from the library! I think I've gotten into the groove, though.

Hi Susan! I need to go in search of your thread so that I can drop in on you and see what you're up to.

Mark - You could maybe take a small break and uncross your fingers...nope, better not. So glad you like to say Morning Mamie because I think I am the only one which means you have to come over here to say it!! That reminds me of a funny story... (do NOT groan and roll your eyes)...

As many of you know, I have five older sisters and they are all pretty close in age, then there is a seven year gap and then me. So I have always been the young aunt, which means that I get to be hip and cool (this makes my sisters crazy which is an added bonus). I was twelve when my oldest nephew was born. He was (and still is) the sweetest thing. My sister and her husband rented the house across the street from my parents which meant that I got to see him all the time. When he was little and he would ask his Mom things like "Can we go to the park?" or "Can we bake cookies?" and she would say maybe, he would come and ask me and we would do whatever it was that he wanted to do. One day he asked her something, I can't remember what, but at first she said yes, and then remembered something that she had to do that day, so then she said no, she didn't think they could, they would have to see... So he says later, which is it- yes, no, or Mamie? Turns out every time she was saying maybe, he thought she was saying Mamie, as in go ask Aunt Mamie!!

Oh, Rachel, I cannot imagine listening to it on audiobook - that would be SO confusing. I would be lost if I couldn't reread some of the passages, and the timeline would be hard to follow on audio as well.

That's a cute story about your neice. I'm three years younger than my sister, and I have an 8-year-old nephew. Last year, we were talking about something, and I said that I was an adult (I'm 32). Johnny answered: "You're not an adult!" I was rather surprised. Yes, I roll around on the floor and rough house with him more than anyone else in the family, but where did he get the idea I wasn't an adult? I probed a bit more. Apparently, his mom and dad and teachers are all adults, and his grandparents are "OLD!" But I'm just an older kid. Sometimes they get the strangest ideas!

ETA: Cross-post! Yeah, I thought about giving up, but decided that I could always re-read it in the future.

ETA II: I also notice that it was a nephew and not a niece now. :) Apparently this is my trouble with skimming!

That's too funny! That means he thinks you're cool to hang out with - and fun.

with 45 unread messages I thought I had missed the big sale, but I see I am still in time to cross my fingers along with everyone else.

I understand about David Copperfield, I always need a certain 'Dickens mood' for his longer books.

Wow! Things have been very busy here ! Hope today is a wonderful one for you.. I willbe keeping an eye here to watch for any news :)

Love the nephew story :)

Nathalie! Nope, no sale yet, we're just shooting' the breeze over here.

Morning, Kath! Somebody needs to keep an eye on me! Glad you're up for the job!! Last night I was talking on the phone to Craig and this alarm started going off. Deep and low - almost like those alarms you hear in tv shows or movies when radiation has been detected or something is wrong with the submarine. I was upstairs and by the time I got downstairs it had stopped. I couldn't tell where it was coming from. The kids were ripsticking in the driveway with a friend, so I opened the door and asked if they had heard anything. Nope. Too weird. So I go back to talking and about twenty minutes later I hear it again. I'm faster this time, but still don't locate it before it stops. My husband hears it over the phone - is it the alarm on the septic system he asks. Great - just what I need - a septic system problem. But I check the septic alarm, and it is not that. Puzzling. Later, the kids and the friend come in and we are all sitting around talking, and I am telling them my crazy alarm story when - there it goes again! Turns out it's the ring tone for the friend's phone!!

Mamie - You are fairly nifty with the Queen's english (what is the American equivalent I wonder?) yourself.
Rachel sounds like great fun - if I can get her coordinates on the Sat-Nav I'll be sending the kids to her as soon as possible! Yasmyne (my eldest) is convinced that her dad is the most juvenile parent amongst her clique at school.

I always watch out for my LT fiends...

Great Mamie story! I can see you as the Cool Aunt! I'm sure you have a great relationship with your nieces and nephews.
BTW- Start hunting down a copy of Wonder. It's been great and yes, the tears will flow.

I'm starting to feel the pressure about Wolf Hall --- it's sitting there waiting for me to open it, and I keep finding other things I "must" read first......

You have the best stories, Mamie.

Agreed, good stories here....

Good Morning, everyone!

Paul - That's a good question! I don't know what the American equivalent of the Queen's English would be - Colonial colloquialism? Patriot's prattle? And Rachel does sound like a fun aunt!

Kath - your typo yesterday had me laughing all day thinking about all the substitutions of fiend for friend! "I get by with a little help with my fiends!" It made me remember that old I Love Lucy show where Lucy and Ethel buy the same dress to wear for a duet they are performing - have you seen that one? Since they both love the dress and they do not want to be wearing the same dress (simply ISN'T done), they agree that the only fair thing to do is for both of them to return the dress and buy another. You can guess what happens - they both reason that if the other is returning the dress, then why should they have to give up such a lovely dress. So, they both show up for the duet dressed in the same dresses that they agreed to return. They go onstage and are singing that song about friendship (see, you knew I would tie it into the beginning of the conversation somehow, right?) but they are mad at each other, so while they are singing about the joys of friendship, they are destroying each other's dresses!!"If you're ever in a jam, here I am. If you're ever in a mess, SOS." I'll try to find it in YouTube and post a link.

Mark - I do have a great love for my nieces and nephews, which is good because I have a TON of them - 19 all together, 12 just on my side of the family! My four kids made it a sweet sixteen for my folk's grandchildren! And I'll check on Wonder as soon as I'm done here - think I saw someone else talking about that, but I can't remember for sure.

Ellen - Don't feel pressured. That's the good thing about books - they will sit there and behave as long as you want or need them to. Whenever you have the time, it will be there. But I know exactly what you mean - I, too, wanted to follow along with the tutored read before it became a daunting prospect with hundreds of posts. And now I am wanting to finish it before the GR of River of Smoke gets here because that's another one with a large cast of characters to keep track of. Well, that's just great, I tell you not to feel pressured and list the reasons why you should feel pressured! I'm no good to you! Go back to the start of this and just read the first three sentences!!

Thanks, Lucy! How's your week going?

Thanks, Kath! What's in the plans for today?

OK, I'm back. Here's the link to that I Love Lucy skit that I was talking about in my previous post.

Friendship Song

Ahh, very timely comment on friendship/fiendship.
It is something I have been mulling over this morning ....

I messaged an old, old friend on FB.. he had my back a few times
when it mattered, when I was a kid. More than any other friend.

Then I came here to LT :)

I think one of the hardest lessons in life is that not all friendships last forever - so very painful the first time around. Over the years I have learned to accept the mixed blessing that some friendships are seasonal. They last for that season of your life and then you both move on. That makes the friendships that do last a lifetime incredibly special. I don't do the fake friendship thing where really you mean acquaintance that you will be friendly to when you both are face to face. I never got that. It's funny because friend is such a powerful noun but such a whimsical adjective.

Morning, Mamie!

I suppose when your house does sell we won't see you as much (you'll be so busy) - so I'm enjoying your funny stories and ruminations now. Have a great day :-)

I don't know, Cee, I'm pretty attached to my technology! I think I will find time or make time for LT, as it keeps me sane in the insane moments. After all, look how much support and love and kindness you guys have given me in just the few months that I have been posting here - INCREDIBLE! Since we get to hire a moving company when the time comes, I think it will at least be as stress free as is possible with a big move. What I am really not looking forward to is all the paperwork involved - YIKES!

Hope you are having a great Thursday! Did you get your bedroom all done the way you wanted it and get moved back in there?

I agree with your comments on friendship..

oh, and I too, am attached to my technology..

:P

Yup - bedroom done and we're in!

Don't worry about the paperwork - as I recall it's just a LOT of signing your own name, getting a BIG envelope to keep everything together, and finally putting it in a safe place. Right?

See, that's what I'm talking about! I'm a mess when the technology doesn't work. I LOVE my internet.

Yeah for the bedroom! I meant the paperwork involved with changing our address, new drivers' license, new plates for the cars....UGH! And establishing new care providers - new vet, new groomer, new dentist, new orthodontist.... OKAY, now I'm stressing myself out for no reason. Just breathe...It will all work out in the end. It will all get done. And then we get to live in Georgia in a house that will NOT need to be completely gutted room by room. See - there's my happy place.

Hi Mamie, good to hear things are sounding promising on the housing front!

I loved the story about the nephew. I have a brother twelve years younger than me and my parents divorced soon after he was born. If my mum wasn't sure about whether to let him do something, she'd ask me or tell him to ask me and I was ridiculously leniant. From "should he be allowed extra chocolate ice cream" to (some years later) "should he be allowed to go to Glastonbury Rock Festival with his friends" I was always saying, "Sure, why not?"!

>199 Soupdragon: I think it's really good for kids to have old kids (or young adults) around who let them do whatever they want. Kids deserve to be kids sometimes. :)

199 -- Is he grateful? Was it a good strategy? I was very vigilant about a couple of my younger siblings (parents, totally distracted or just not interested by then) and one sib loved it and said it helped him get his act together that 'someone' cared (although I didn't know that at the time) and the other one resented it and still doesn't have much use for me, although I think after she had three girls I she grudgingly 'gets' what I was worried about (five and seven years older than those two) . I mainly just made sure I knew what substances they were imbibing...... that nothing was getting out of hand. My parents were so clueless and it was the seventies.....

There's a wonderful book out there somewhere about women and friendship - not perfect mind you -- but very interesting. I might even have a tag under 'friendship' here, wouldn't that be too good to be true.

I could write all day about the subject, all day all night for a year. The seasonal thing is big, and so hard to learn. I've watched my daughter encountering it - moving is the first huge test of real attachments. I've noticed that I usually retain 'one' friend from every thing I've done for more than 3 years: job or whatever. Those end up being FFL's (Friend For Life) but it's hard to let go of the ones you just adored at the time, but need the immediacy of shared tasks etc.

We sound very similar. Why am I not surprised!

LT kept me sane during our move.

Back with the titles I found, not under friendship, but under psychology:

Between Women Luise Eichenbaum
Just Friends Lillian B. Rubin

I only gave both of them ***1/2 stars apiece - maybe they were a bit more 'pop' - a simple point or two fleshed out with endless anecdotes and blablabla..... and who knows where they are now, I know I kept them, but what I did with them is anyone's guess..... I do feel I learned a little from both of them that helped me let go of that feeling that I'm the one who made the mistakes if the friendship has faded -- it helped me see how it just happens sometimes, or was always going to happen, and so on.....

201: Well, I didn't always have the last word and I wasn't always around but I think it eventually helped my mum create her own boundaries as she was lacking confidence after my dad left.

I don't know what my brother thought of it but he's making his own way in life pretty well now!

Me again, I got so caught up in the friendship thing, I forgot to thank you for asking about my week. A good one so far, but up and down with my daughter who is in one of her 'reaching' phases - But I think I ranted about this on Paul's thread, so I won't go on about. Always unsettling when she's pushing for more freedoms, in short. Even when some are appropriate..... some are not, and I have to go by my instinct mainly and weather the storms.

ok... I posted the recipe in your pm space. It is really the easiest recipe I have ever used.
If you happen to be boiling potatoes before you plan to make the bread, it makes the bread better
to use the water from the potatoes. I am rarely that organized. I often bake bread on a whim, and
I rarely cook potatoes ( for mashed ) which is the water to use. I often cook them whole, and cut to fry as needed. I do not use that water.

This might well be my last bread bake this summer.. as I have no a/c and it heats up the house too much.

( okay, I have a couple of small a/c units.. but not the same as whole house :P)

Really appreciate the comments on friendship, Mamie...wise oman. I'm still struggling to let go of an old friendship that I value highly but which hasn't withstood the stress of time and distance. Also really agree with you about distinguishing between acquaintances and friends. I even like the Dutch practice of having acquaintances, good acquaintances and friends.

Dee, Rachel, and Lucy - Great conversation you've got going here! I think it's great for kids to be exposed to every generation because everyone has different perspectives, and each of us, for good or ill, is a product of the timeline that we were born into. My sister's range in age for 15 years older than I to 7 years older than I, and they are each truly, incredibly different from each other. My oldest sister, Cindy, is the mother hen and she is very protective of all of us and of my Mom; she is also positively certain that she is right 100% of the time. She was not very close to my Dad, who when she was growing up he drank a bit too much and worked the swing shift of a factory job - so not around a lot. My next sister, Julie, is twelve years older than I and for all intents and purposes pretty much raised me. She is the one who got me up in the morning and fixed my hair, who always had the bandaid and the shoulder to cry on, who always knew the right thing to say even when she didn't know how to fix the problem, and who taught me everything that is true about life. My next sister, Vicki, is snarky and irreverent and sensitive - she is ten years older than I, and she moved out and far away when she was eighteen to my eight, so I don't know her as well as I know the rest. She comes home (to Fort Wayne, IN) once a year and all of us get together and realize that we don't have a lot to talk about because we are all family, but we are not all friends. The next two sisters are lost causes, and I will leave them out.

Lucy, you were asking about Dee's brother being grateful - I was the twelve year old younger sibling, and I am so very grateful to my sister for all that she did and continues to do. I am amazed, really, when I think that she was only twelve when I was born and yet she completely jumped in and did everything. She was indulgent, but also firm because she knew that she had to be the parent. She was actually a bit tougher on me than she was on her own children, but I think I needed that. I would have been totally lost without her. She is still the first person I turn to (besides Craig) for everything. With your daughter you are at the trickiest part, I think - I am there, too. It is hard to let them stand on their own two feet and make their own mistakes, while still keeping them from serious harm. I read what you posted on Paul's thread, and think that you have every right to have your inner mother grizzly bear kick in - twenty is too old! Four years difference is nothing when you get to be in your late twenties and older, but it is a century away from sixteen. Butting in can make them mad sometimes, but they will get over it - I'm the Mom, I tell my children, other people get to be your friends but I get to be your Mom, and that's an important job, so I need to do it right. Allowing children to reach, even encouraging it is necessary. Falling down is necessary. Falling off of a cliff or jumping from a great height is something that at the least injurious will leave heavy scars - so as Moms we prevent this and then take the heat and the anger.

re '>199 Soupdragon: I think it's really good for kids to have old kids (or young adults) around who let them do whatever they want. Kids deserve to be kids sometimes. :)

I thought that's what grandparents are for :-)

Agree with your thoughts on mom-hood mamie~

Kath and Reba - you posted while I was posting!

Kath - Thanks for the recipe. I will definitely give it a try, and I will wait for the boiled potato water, as we make mashed potatoes all the time. It's funny because none of my sister's make real mashed potatoes, and so for Thanksgiving all the nieces and nephews rave about the "homemade" mashed potatoes, and my kids take them for granted because we have them all the time! No a/c!! Okay, you DO NOT want to see me without central air! When we bought this house, it had central air in the main part (it's a trilevel, so most of the house on one level, but the master bedroom and bath are up 8 stairs at the back of the house, and there is a lower family room that is down 8 stairs down at the back of the house.) but no central air in the master bedroom or in the lower room - strange! The upstairs had cable ceiling heat - ever heard of that? When we remodeled we took that out, as it lowered the ceilings quite a bit and is also an antique which makes it astronomically expensive to repair. So now we have central air which I consider a necessity of life. And you're so right - small units are not the same thing.

Reba - The seasonal friendship thing was a hard and painful lesson for me, but I get it now. We are always changing as we grow and learn, and some friendships cannot evolve with personal growth. I was trying to explain this to my 16 year old daughter the other day, as she is going through this now. Some friendships are not meant to last forever, and it doesn't mean that anybody did anything wrong - this is why I think I really struggled the first time that I experienced this. I kept trying to find my misstep; what had I done wrong, what had I said or not said? It's more about incompatibility - who you are becoming no longer fits who they are or who they are becoming. I think also that Lucy makes such a great point about some friendships needing "the immediacy of shared tasks etc." This is so true because sometimes you are just sharing a life moment with someone - your children go to school together or you work together. When that moment is gone, there is not the bond that formed the friendship and so it slowly dissolves. The other thing that I often ponder is why do women cut each other down? We should be a great sisterhood of shared experiences, and instead there is competition and jealousy. We defeat ourselves - teenage girls are especially good at this. How do we effect (affect?) change in this area? Men at least seem to argue or disagree and get over it, women hold the hurt, clutching it to themselves, refusing to give it up. Why?

Kath - you did it again!! It's hard to be a Mom because they don't give you a manual or a warranty.

So much wisdom there.

189> LOL! You may not have eased my internalized pressure, Mamie, but you gave me a good laugh and helped me give myself permission to just let it be. It is what it is.
I will undoubtedly be participating in the two GRs -- River of Smoke and Wolf Hall at the same time and I'm framing it as a good exercise for my brain. After the total lightweight book I'm reading now, it will be an interesting experience.

BTW, I'm just skimming the conversation about friendships, but it interests me. I did my dissertation (lo these many years ago) on women's friendships. Truth is that the document itself ended up being a trivial piece of drivel, but the process was amazing. I read and read and read about women's relationships, identity development, etc. --- and I interviewed 45 women about their friendships. Each participant had to complete a 2-3 hour interview with me, keep a journal for two weeks, and then meet with me again for about 45 minutes. Their only remuneration was a pair of movie tickets and a 2/45 chance to win $50. 44/45 of the women completed the project with me; I have always felt proud that my doctoral research was a bit groundbreaking in (1) giving voice to women's experience (this was the late 1980s, you know), (2) progressive in applying qualitative research methods to psychological questions, and (3) effectively challenged the conceptualization of research participants as "subjects" to be studied rather than "participants" to help me understand complex questions.

Wow, what got me started on that???? :-|

*sneaks away before anyone can see the sheepish look on her face*

Ellen - What about Dandelion Wine? (I know, I'm evil, right?!) I found a used copy - believe it or not, hardback with deckled edge pages at a used bookstore in Muncie. Who knew that was a used bookstore in Muncie? Probably everyone but me! Anyway, there are a few marks on the cover, but the pages are pristine. I have not read it before, so I am excited to dig into it. I read through the intro which was written by Mr. Bradbury himself, and it was wonderful. I really want to just dig in right now.

I'm glad to see you're enjoying Wolf Hall and have figured out the he said w/o an antecedent. Surprisingly (I know) I loved the book. And then there's Bring Up the Bodies....even better.

Ellen - we were posting at the same time! That is fascinating stuff! So in their journals, did you give them specific things to concentrate on or did they just do more stream of consciousness stuff?

Hi, Bonnie! I LOVED your review of Bring Up the Bodies! It was one of the things that made me want to get to Wolf Hall sooner rather than later, along with Heather's gentle nudge.

I would read your dissertation in a heartbeat Ellen.

In the old days it was 'competition for scarce resources' I guess? Security? Is it still like that? Most young women know they can provide for themselves. I wonder how that changes the map?

Mamie - thank you for your total support of my position - the weird thing is after some initial resistance, not only has she given in about this weekend, but she seems weirdly relieved. I do think it is incredibly stressful for her to 'keep up' with this group of kids. They don't have exams, she does. I encouraged her saying this is a real opportunity to get going on some of her sewing projects and other things she's been too busy to do. And she did seem to perk up and then she disappeared up into her room (part of which is also dedicated to sewing.....)

Good for you, Lucy! I think that often kids need us to be their out - it takes the burden off of their shoulders and places it on ours. I also think they really need established boundaries, and that this is comforting to them if you are also recognizing their voice and their individuality. In other words, if you are not smothering them. Sounds like you are doing a great job.

Mamie, the journals were pretty structured and ended up being the least interesting bunch of data (okay, gotta love that; "bunch of data"). I didn't want to make the project too onerous for them, so they just had to complete the journal half of the days in the two-week period. In it, they tracked interactions with friends and acquaintances, some characteristics of those friends and acquaintances (male - female, feminist - nonfeminist, gay - straight --- it would be so different now from what it was then!!), and some reactions and feelings after the interactions. The only thing that came out of that was that the saying "birds of a feather flock together" probably has some basis in reality. :-|

Lucy, thank you for that compliment, but I'm not just being self-critical when I say it was a piece of drivel. It got me the degree that has allowed me to pursue my work; other than that, the document itself is worth little. That's not false modesty; I'm good at many things and I have produced good work in my lifetime. My dissertation does not qualify.

Friendship. What an enormous topic. So interesting that you did your dissertation on the subject.
I am not sure that I would be brave enough to do something like that. Or maybe, in my youth I would have been? I knew so much more then! LOL

Again, I am with you Mamie.. boundaries are of major importance when raising kids.
I don't think that letting them do whatever they want is ever a good idea... unless
boundaries have been established even there. Just my opinion.

Can't resist chiming in: boundaries are essential for helping kids grow up healthy. I work in college mental health and I'm here to tell you that no good comes of kids being raised without understanding that they won't always get what they want (insert Stones music here), they will sometimes have to wait for what they want, and that they can soothe themselves through the disappointment that life will inevitably send their way. Moms (and Dads) saying no sometimes is really, really good for kids. And, while "because I said so" is perhaps not the best answer to the question of "why not?", an honest answer doesn't always have to be "logical." Sometimes the answer is "because I think this is the best decision and I'm the one who has to make the decisions." Lucy, you're doing great (and someday that will be more apparent than it is now).

eta: *stepping down from soapbox now*

*applauds Ellen*

*stands up, applauding* Bravo!

thanks Kath.... :-)

clap, clap, clap

Nice and quiet here today.. good! Enjoy it while you can :)

Just swinging by to say hi! Hope you have a nice weekend. Keep cool. It's going to be a warm one.

Hi Mamie!
Great discussions on friendships and parenting. So much easier to be looking back on it than going through it!

Hugs and hope for a relaxing weekend for you :-)

Birthday Books

The City and the City by China Mieville, recommended by Rhian who says this is a good starting point

Zoo Station by David Downing, recommended by the masses - I know for sure Mark and Judy

Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury, recommended by Kath and Paul

Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami, recommended by Mark and Joe

The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett, I loved Rhian's review of this, but I know I have seen others recommend it, too

Finding George Orwell in Burma by Emma Larkin, recommended by Benita over on Paul's thread

Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cotterill, as I have said many times, Dr. Siri is da Bomb! If you haven't read any of these, you are really missing out. I picked up the first in the series after Richard's review.

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie, recommended by Joe

The Narrows by Michael Connelly, Harry Bosch is one of my favorites that I discovered last year, this is the next one in the series that I am ready for

Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson, recommended by Bonnie

Wow! Nice book haul! I liked The City and the City too. It was my first Mieville. You got a lot of terrific reading there.

Waves to Ellen, Reba, Kath, Mark and Cee.

It was nice and quiet here today - no showings. Again, the people who looked at our house on Wednesday evening said possible offer. Our realtor seems to think that we will have it sold before June is out - we'll see. Whatever the outcome, it was nice to have a breather these last two days from our whirlwind of showings. We've had 15 showings in the 16 calendar days that the house has been on the market, which we have been told is incredible - I have no idea, as thankfully I do not often sell my house.

I am more than half way through Wolf Hall and still loving it. I also picked up a book off my shelf today to read just for fun - H.G. Wells The Time Machine. What fun! It's a quick read as it is a novella so I should finish it tonight. This weekend I will be reading Dandelion Wine with the group read in honor of Ray Bradbury. Paul started a thread if anyone is interested in joining in. Believe it or not, this will be my first Bradbury.

*edited to fix my typos

Mamie - some great buys for hopefully a great birthday. Look forward to seeing your comments on Dandelion Wine.

Paul -It was a great birthday, but the first one that my husband and I have spent apart in something like 24 years. We had our first date on June 6, 1986 - I HAD JUST TURNED 19!! My how time flies! That was 25 years ago, and it went by in the blink of an eye! Since this is my first year on LT, surrounded by all of you wonderful readers, I thought it would be fitting to chose books recommended by my new friends. Or fiends, as Kath likes to say!!

Thanks for the wave :-) Here's one back. Interesting list of books -- I'm looking forward to your take on them and on Dandelion Wine. I've never read a Bradbury, although I did hear him speak at a conference once.

Birthday books!! Woot Woot!!!
See, it's true. Life is good!

#230 Glad I've been of use in the recommendations - I hope you enjoy the books now! Kafka on the Shore is another one that I've read this year and really liked.

Great list of birthday books Mamie! I think it's a sign of how out of control my own book buying has been over the last few years that there are so many on your list that I've owned for a while but still haven't read yet: The City and the City, Zoo Station, Kafka on the Shore. And the rest on are my wishlist. Happy reading!

Mamie: Delurking to add birthday wishes. You have a good list of books. I hope your day was a happy one.

Morning, Mamie! I borrowed Mark's greeting It is fun to say it.

Craig did well with those books for your birthday. Lol. I have my husband trained to look at my Amazon WL for birthday and Christmas ideas. I try to keep it fairly short as he usually just buys everything on it so he can be done!

I love the friendship discussion. I have learned to let friends go when the friendship has run its course, but I can still get sad about it if I let myself. I moved a lot as a kid and learned through experience that long distance friends were hard to maintain. That has all changed with the Internet! I intensely dislike FB, but I'm a big fan of email...and, of course, LT.

What are you people doing up so early on a Saturday?

Reba - this will be my first Bradbury, too. Are you joining the GR?

Ellen - Life is good. Did you get your audiobook picked out for the graduation? I really think you can make it work - remember, just wear one headphone, and occassionally you should talk into your wrist.

Rhian - Yes, you have inspired me in my selections. And another positive endorsement for Kafka on the Shore - must get to that one soon.

Heather - Dust those books off, and let's go. We can tackle them together. And trust me, I have plenty that have been siiting unread on my shelf for a while also. I need to work on those poor books, too.

Beth - Welcome! My birthday was actually last Friday, but I spent time deciding what books to purchase. It has been a lot of fun choosing.

Donna - So far I have picked out 14 books, and Craig says he is much more generous than that. He is a BIG spender he says!!

I think the internet can be wonderful for keeping in touch. I have never done the FB thing - my nieces and nephews are big into that, and it becomes almost like an obsession. My niece was getting really stressed out over it, and had to take a break. That's the thing about the internet - people can present whatever picture they want to, so they can make it seem like everything is always good by just not sharing the parts that are not so good. That's what I really like about LT - the people here seem genuine. They share the good, the bad, and the ugly. I like email and following blogs, but am not such a big fan of texting, which I think the next generation is using to replace actual conversation. And we need texting etiquette! I had to actually make a rule at my house for nieces and nephews that there is no texting at my dinner table! And they are in their twenties and thirties!

I'm kind of fascinated by texting, I have to admit, also by the fact that it is writing even if a weird and abbreviated form. That said, texting at the dinner table is just bad manners; so far nothing like that has been attempted hereabouts.

So the boring weekend is underway -- wonder how it will shake out for the little darling.....? I'm betting she will end up enjoying herself just fine.

Good points all - I am immune to the allure of FB and only visit when I must.

I'll take you at your word, Ellen, about your diss. I've read quite a few over the years, although I haven't written one, and I am aware of the pressures that, shall we say, dampen the creative side of the whole enterprise.....

I agree with you on texting. It's better than 10 years ago when people would answer a call on their cells in the middle of dinner, though. Personally, I try not to answer my phone or text message if I'm in company. Those things can wait! But that leads to me politely ignoring my phone while my friends are posting on twitter and texting friends... My friends accuse me of falling off the face of the earth if I stop posting on FB, so I try to post a little note about something I've read every once in a while so they know I'm still alive. :)

Hi, Mamie. I'm another one who has been praising Wonder, so I join Mark in recommending that one. And I had Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress on a faves from past ten years list, so you may have seen it there.

What a great birthday list of books! I've read and loved most of those (I need to get to Zoo Station soon, based on LT reactions to it!). Kudos to Rhian for recommending The City and the City. It's a fun and different read, and a good way to find out whether he's your kind of author.

Lucy - I love texting for simple things, but I HATE it when it is used to replace a conversation. My sister texts me and then asks open ended questions that take forever to type an answer to - I could do a much better job just talking for a few minutes on the phone. And I bet your daughter will have a great weekend even though she might have to pretend to be a bit bored just to make her point. Bet she forgets all about it as soon as she finds something that holds her attention (especially if she seemed a bit relieved when you told her no).

Rachel - We have never answered the phone during dinner unless Craig was on call. But I did use to have a friend that I met for lunch every Wednesday, and she would answer her cell phone and talk on it while we were eating lunch. I have never had a FB account even though my nieces and nephews have asked me to - too much pressure for me. I say I am always available - call me, email me, stop by...

Joe - I gave you credit for recommending Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress - that is probably exactly where I saw it! I did check out Wonder and am adding it to my WL because it does sound like something I would like. I am having so much fun trying out new authors this year - I am anxious to try China Mievielle. I also really want to try one that Lucy mentioned - Richard Ford. Have you read anything by him?

I got so excited about texting I forgot to say that your birthday list is marvelous -- I've read about half of them and can attest to the fact that you have some great reading ahead of you!

Thank you, Lucy! I think I also have to get the Richard Ford - was it The Sportswriter?

Good grief! so much going on here...
Books.. Fantastic choices !!! I hope you love them all.
Texting. I hate it, I would rather talk to a person then send weirdly spelled messages, but
live goes on, it is here to stay and it is better than no communication at all. ( IMO) AND
I heartily agree that testing at the table is bad manners.
Facebook. I am on FB. I have played games there .. ugh! Talk about addicting!
Mostly I like to be able to log in and see what it going on with my family and friends..
Again, life goes on and I am determined to flow along with it for as long as I've got left.
Lots of magic has been offered to us by the internet, including this place. New friends..
new experiences. I want to have a look at it all! or, at least most of it.

Morning, Kath - what time is the party?

No one has let me know, yet.
They tend to call me and say come over at ... whatever.
It ticks me off. Then, if I have to wait until later, or leave
early to take care of my furkids... she gets angry. She will
complain about having to do her own party for the rest of her life...srsly.
She wouldn't tell kim what she wanted to eat, or when she wanted to party..
It is a lose / lose situation.
WAH!

You poor baby! There will at least be cake, right? If there's no cake - I say boycott!

Love that you remember and celebrate your first date anniv. Mamie. SWMBO and I were six days later than you on 12 June (1995).

Boycott... I do that regularly! But a birthday ? Ye gods..
Kim will make cake :)
Deb posted the menu on fb..
chicken, basically and fruit salad
Still no idea of time.

Glad to hear there'll be cake, Kath, and no need to boycott.

I remember my first date with Walklover vividly from more than 30 years ago, but I sure couldn't tell you the date.

Mamie, Richard Ford: have not read him. I've thought about it once or twice but have never been moved to find one of his and go through it. I'll be interested to hear what you think.

I'm not sure what the GR is. Do we just read it this weekend knowing there are others out there reading the same thing or is there a "meet-up" on line? It certainly would be an appropriate time to dip my toe in the Bradbury stream.

Reba - there's a thread. I'll post a link here in a minute.

Bradbury Read

Thanks -- checked it out. If I can find a copy I'll join in. Can't get it on Kindle but main library says it has a copy so I guess I"ll have to get dressed (I know, I know but it IS Saturday :-)) and go and see if it's in.

Proving once again that a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down...
I am off to my sisters in a few, because there will be cake. . . .

Reba - you're welcome. I think it is worth getting dressed for- it is beautifully written. I am loving what I have read of it so far.

Kath- eat two pieces! Sending good thoughts your way.

Hi Mamie, I love, love, love your list of birthday books some of which I have read, the rest of which I eventually plan to. Wolf Hall has finally pulled me into the story and I am really enjoying it. What a wonderful character Cromwell is. I love how his mind works.

I haven't read a Ray Bradbury book either, but I did check his catalogue the other day and decided I would try Dandelion Wine at some point. I was surprised to see that it is the one that has been chosen for the group read. I won't be able to get to it for this weekend, but I am looking forward to seeing what everyone thinks of it.

Your reading will soon have us all putting the blame on Mamie for our huge wishlists and overloaded shelves! (Wait - is there a song in there somewhere??)

I stuck with one piece, there was ice cream. They let Oliver ( he's 3)
scoop it because he threw a tantrum..Oh dear...

It was fine, and now I am home.. whew!

How did your day go.. are you reading DW... My niece borrowed my copy...

Only one piece? But I would love to have seen Oliver scoop the ice cream (but not because he threw a tantrum)! so glad that you are fine and home again safe and sound.

I am LOVING Dandelion Wine - what beautiful writing. I am about 75 pages in because I had to run errands today - UGH. But I survived the bank, the postoffice, the pharmacy, the gas station and the grocery store. The last was the worst because it was packed full of people - which is why I really try not to go there on the weekend. It was worth it because the stuffed peppers we made for dinner were delicious. We also ran to get milkshakes in the middle of the afternoon just because we felt like it, so that was fun. Now I am ready to sit down with a glass of wine and immerse myself in Green Town. Ah, bliss. I loved where Douglass is describing what new tennis shoes feel like:

"Well, he felt sorry for boys who lived in California where they wore tennis shoes all year and never knew what it was to get winter off your feet, peel off the iron leather shoes all full of snow and rain and run barefoot for a day and then lace on the first new tennis shoes of the season, which was better than barefoot. The magic was always in the new pair of shoes. The magic might die by the first of September, but now in late June there was still plenty of magic, and shoes like these could jump you over trees and rivers and houses. And if you wanted, they could jump you over fences and sidewalks and dogs."

I know.... he does beautiful things with words, Bradbury...

The ice cream was a little drippy, as they nuked it for him so it would be easy.... :P
I love him to bits, but I hope he settles down a little

My daughter Abby is 16 now, and she is delightful and thoughtful and a lot of fun to spend time with. BUT, when she was that age she would literally throw herself to the floor and throw a fit - I had never seen a child do this before, and it was a humbling lesson because if I had seen this happen in public with someone else's child, I would have thought that poor parenting was the issue. Abby was our third child, and we had never had this problem with the others. If she did it at home, we would step over her prostrate body and go about our business, just ignoring her. The few times she tried it in public, I stopped, picked her up and returned my items to the shelves - then we went straight home and she had to sit on her bed for a bit. We were consistent, which is the hardest thing (I think) and also one of the most important things to be with parenting. It took a few months, but she realized that it was never going to be a payoff for her, so she quit doing it. We never had that problem again. I think the trick is to stick it out and not give in. If you give in even once, they will try it every time just to see if this will be the time that you give in - kids are so smart that way.

They give in every time. I am honestly worried. And not just me..
Kim's brother and sister in law, too. Keith does try sometimes ( the dad) and on
rare occasions Kim.. but .. mostly, he simply gets his way. He absolutely will not allow grown ups
to have any conversation.. he goes up to whoever is talking and screams things in their face.
Or he will put his hands on your face and force you to look at him...
He grabs things ( phones, etc) out of your hand. He insists on eating out of other peoples plates..

Lots of worrisome things. :( I saw this coming, and kept wishing Kim would get pregnant
from the time he was a year old.. thinking another baby and he would learn to share attention.

That makes me sad. He's out of control, and he needs the adults to be adults and set the rules and the boundaries. He would feel happier and more in control, too, if he knew that the adults were running the show. Kids really need that.

Yes Mamie, you're so right that consistency is key (and I don't mean consistently giving in). I so often see young mothers in the store telling a child "no" several times and then caving in and I think...oh boy are you going to regret that. It's hard but predictable boundaries are SO important.

Mamie / Kath - What a fitting epitaph for Bradbury that would be:

HE DID BEAUTIFUL THINGS WITH WORDS

Mamie / Kath - What a fitting epitaph for Bradbury that would be:

HE DID BEAUTIFUL THINGS WITH WORDS

Amen! He did absolutely amazing things with words -- like no other writer I've ever read. What a rare talent he had!

Great birthday book haul, Mamie!

Glad you are enjoying your read of Dandelion Wine. I won't get to read it with the group, but it's on hold at the library so I will do my tribute to Bradbury in my own time.

I didn't listen to an audio book or talk into my wrist at commencement today, but I had plenty to think about -- it turns out that, as marshall, I had duties!! It was a good day.

Drat, I missed your birthday! I hope it was as special as you are!

You have so many wonderful birthday books!

Hugs

Reba - I think consistency is key for parenting. But it's also really hard, especially when your little darling is throwing a fit and you feel like the eyes of the world are upon you, and what you really want is for the fit to stop. But if you give in then you will just have to fight that battle all over agin the next day. Thank goodness all those moments that, when you are in them, feel as if they will last forever, eventually pass.

Paul - So true!

Terri - Couldn't agree more. I thought that I hadn't read anything by Bradbury before, but my kids reminded me that we had read a short story by him There Will Come Soft Rains. They had to read it for an English course, and they gave to me to read. The house is the main character. It is not as lyrical as Dandelion Wine, but that's because it is so short. But, oh, the dog - my oldest daughter cried.

Ellen- Loved the graduation story you posted on your thread! So happy you survived the ceremony even though you didn't take my advice. I guess if you had duties...

Linda - so very lovely to see you! As always, you say the kindest things. Thank you.

Judy- so sorry, somehow I missed your earlier post. I am happy to hear that Wolf Hall has lured you in, and that you are enjoying it now. Cromwell is indeed a fascinating character. So smart and sophisticated and yet still human.

I am in love with Dandelion Wine. Paul is the one who chose this book, I believe. Not sure why he picked this particular one, perhaps just a personal favorite? Whatever the reason, it is a beautiful one to start with and will have me picking up another one soon.

So glad you liked my book choices. Your post made me laugh! I think putting all the blame on Mamie does have song potential, just for the rhyming possibilities alone!!

Hope you had a great Saturday!

Just staying current.. glad you are liking Dandelion Wine :)

Morning Mamie! I also started Dandelion Wine. Lots of childhood memories swirling around inside my head, as I'm reading it. Will not get much reading in today but I'm looking forward to getting back to it.

Morning Kath and Mark! I hope there are good things in store of us today - anyway, the weather here is GORGEOUS! More than half-way through DW, and it holds up. It is like Bradbury wrote an Ode to Summer. Some of the vignettes make you laugh out loud and some make you want to cry, but they all make you think about those lost summers and the stages of life.

That is the magic of the book, it brings all of the readers memories to the fore..
...sigh... so good.

We were consistent, which is the hardest thing (I think) and also one of the most important things to be with parenting. It took a few months, but she realized that it was never going to be a payoff for her, so she quit doing it. We never had that problem again. I think the trick is to stick it out and not give in.

That is so well-said, Mamie. I couldn't agree more. My wife and I worked hard at that (including my learning that the kids would try to come to me for "yes' when my wife said "no" - uh-uh, not playing that game). We have a young relative whose parents didn't do that, and he's in his late 20s, still learning how to be mature. It's been a hard road for him.

Kath - I can't believe I haven't read his books before. How did I miss this? And you're so right, the magic of the book IS that it brings all of your own memories to the fore - well said!

Joe - Kids are just so smart, aren't they? I think they all try that divide and conquer technique! We always say to choose carefully (which parent to ask) because once one gives an answer, that's it. It's a nice introduction to politics, don't you think?!

Our little darling had a few fits like that -- curiously -- she never bothered trying it alone with us at home, ONLY in highly public venues, the most memorable being airports. Both times we toughed it out - just sat there waiting for her to subside. It was kind of amazing really -- she lay on the floor pounding heels and fists and kind of squealing. People would walk by and stare. Curiously, the one in the American airport was harder (our very own Burlington International). The Europeans, for the most part, gave us understanding and approving looks. It only went on around 3 and 1/2 and lasted about six weeks, maybe four or five attempts??? All failures. There's a wonderful Berenstain bear book called something like 'The B. Bears Get the Gimmes" - I used that book with our daughter and it worked extremely well.. (If you behave, when doing errands w/parent you get to choose one small thing at the end) but we were very consistent about that as well. She didn't always choose candy and she was so busy trying to decide what it would be that she was usually alert and quiet. Plus she wasn't anxious, she knew what the rules were and that was reassuring. By the time she was six or seven she would look disapprovingly at children who were whining. Oh my goodness, I'm being like that awful mother in Mrs. Piggle Wiggle -- the one whose children are always so good because they are such clever and perfect parents!!?? Those have to be the best books ever and lasting incredibly well, our LD loved them as much as I did. I always loved the kid who got so dirty that he could grow vegetables on his skin......

Oh, we were great lovers of Mrs. Piggle Wiggle here!

I think you make such a great point with: Plus she wasn't anxious, she knew what the rules were and that was reassuring.

So true! As adults we like to know what the rules are, too. It makes us feel more comfortable and greatly reduces stress.

Kath - Don't look!

Okay, I am jumping on the list wagon, just for fun. I really enjoyed reading through everyone's lists this past week, and especially had fun with those who broke the decades into category lists. I will make lists, following the lead of Judy and Joe, for YA, Mystery/Crime/Thriller, and Everything Else (not doing a separate for non-fiction, as I need to read more in this area). My top tens are just a reflection of my own personal thoughts - the books I enjoyed most. They are not in any particular order.

Top Ten Books of the 21st Century (Um...for now)
* The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli (2010)
* The Help by Kathryn Stockett (2009)
* Binocular Vision by Edith Pearlman (2011)
* Q & A by Vikas Swarup (2005)
* The Kite Runner by Kkhaled Hosseini (2003)
* 11/22/63 by Stephen King (2008)
* The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2011)
* Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh (2008)
* The Constant Gardener by John le Carre (2001)
* Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen (2007)
* Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese (2009)

Ooh, another list!

I'm very interested to see The Night Circus on it as there is a copy at my local library which I have been dithering over and have been waiting for comments to sway me one way or another!

I keep seeing recommendations for Binocular Vision everywhere. That one is nearing the top of my wish list!

Top Ten YA Books for the 21st Century
* The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt (2007)
* Divergent by Veronica Roth (2011)
* The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008)
* Harry Potter books 4-7 by J. K. Rowling (2000-2007)
* The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (2012)
* The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
* When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (2009)
* Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine (2010)
* Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool (2010)
* City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (2007)

I would give honorable mention to:
Rules by Cynthia Lord
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Mister Monday by Garth Nix
Down the Rabbit Hole by Peter Abrahams

I'm reading Divergent at the moment and loving it. My fourteen year old finished it yesterday and loved it too.

And now you've given us some more recommendations, Excellent!

Dee - I truly loved both The Night Circus, which is just so different and is one of those books that made me want to go from the very last page right back to the beginning and start it all over again. Binocular Vision is a great collection of short stories, hadn't read that author before this year, but would read anything else by her in a heartbeat.

So glad you and your fourteen year old are loving Divergent - such a fabulous read!

Lists and lists...can't get enough of these lists. That's it...I am borrowing my friend Nancy's copy of The Lotus Eaters...soon!

Yeah, Donna - I think you will really love it!

Ah well, I can bear a list made by a friend. The reason I am a bit allergic
to them is that I find them impossible. I think I am too right brained. I think
I envy the ability to list make :P

I'm still waiting patiently for Divergent.. I think I am now patron number 31 or something :)

Oh, man! But, I can tell you that it is worth the wait.

Divergent is waiting at the library for me and I hope to pick it up tomorrow, weather permitting.

I was so lucky, I walked into our library right while the director was putting together a book order -- so Divergent should be here soon!

Susan- you're in for a treat!

Just realized that I left out Cutting for Stone in my list of top ten books for the 21st century, so I have added it. However, I felt bad to demote another book after it had already been placed in the line up, so now there are eleven. If a baker can have his own dozen, then I guess Crazymamie can have her own top ten!!

Lucy- WahHOO! This is making me so happy!

Yay - you've done your lists! Goes without saying that there are lots on there that I already know I need to read (Cutting for Stone etc) but I'm excited to see Q&A on there. I loved the film (Slumdog Millionaire) but for some reason I assumed I wouldn't love the book but it's now very firmly on my wishlist. Thank you (I think).

Hi Mamie- I love both of your lists! I have the Lotus Eaters waiting in the stacks and Binocular Vision is high on my WL.
I'm unfamiliar with several of those YA titles. Must do research...

Hi Mamie - I love lists of all kinds! But book lists are tops.

I just ordered The Fault in our Stars and have The Book Thief waiting for me.
I've read and loved many in your first list (#283).
I too LOVED The Night Circus - so much imagination. Doesn't matter to me whether it has a plot or makes sense. It's like being in a candy shop. So many delights ;-)
I just ordered 11/22/63 too due to all the raves. Goodness knows when I will get to it. I've been a little naughty today - feels good - hehehe!
Hope you had a nice day :)

Heather - I absolutely LOVED Q&A - and I didn't see the movie although my nephew assures me it was very good.

Mark - You need to get to both The Lotus Eaters and Binocular Vision - I think you would love both of them. I am wondering which of my YA titles you don't know.

Cee - You have some great reading ahead of you, that's for sure!! I think I might need one more thread to sell my house - what do you think?

Great lists, Mamie. Nice to see Garden Spells on your top 10. I really like Sarah Addison Allen's books, and that remains my favorite.

I've read all of your YAs except Down the Rabbit Hole! (That's pretty amazing, even better than the overlap I have with DeltaQueen50 (Judy's) list). And, of course, except Wednesday Wars, which with your encouragement, I'm getting pronto.

I wasn't familiar with:
Mockingbird
Moon Over Manifest
City of Bones
Rules
Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Mister Monday
Down the Rabbit Hole

Joe - I think besides the lovely writing, what I loved about Garden Spells was that it was just so different. None of her others come close, on my opinion, but they are all worth reading. You will love Wednesday Wars I predict. Down the Rabbit Hole is written byPeter Abrahams who usually writes adult stuff, but he wrote this series of three (so far, not sure if more are planned) mysteries for young adults. The protagonist is a gutsy 13 year old girl who is worth reading the book for because she is just so funny. It's a quick read and not at all dark, worth a try if your library has it. All of my girls loved this book because they loved the main character.

Mark - Trying to decide if I think any of those are up your alley - nothing dark or edgy there, but then again you loved The Fault in Our Stars. If you read Mockingbird, you would have a very good idea of what my oldest daughter, Rae, is like. The main character has Aspergers Syndrome and really reminded me of Rae at a younger age - a great look into the world of Aspergers. You might like Daughter of Smoke and Bone - I have a review of it on the book's main page as I read it earlier this year.

I will keep both of those titles in mind. Speaking of YA, has anyone read Between Shades of Gray, (nothing to do with Mommy porn)? I've heard very good things about it and just picked up the audio.

Ah, yah. Ok. Maybe one more thread to sell the house.
Didn't realize this thread was gonna go "crazy" - but as I get to know you I see it is no surprise LOL

Mark - I have not read Between Shades of Gray, but it is on my WL, so I must have heard about it somewhere on LT - trouble is, I have no memory of it whatsoever. This is a bad sign, right?!

Cee - I know, right? This thread exploded. OK, if I have your blessing - and thank you for the sweet compliment. I hate to leave my four leaf clover behind...

I'll move the clover over ;-)

Oh, Cee, be still my heart! Thank you!

What a great list of YA favorites. I've read many on your lists.

So nice to hear, Linda. And so lovely to see you here on the threads more. I LOVE the picture of Lily in your garden - it's just so sweet. She is going to learn everything and settle down and be such a great addition to your family. You can see that in her eyes!

#285 Interesting list of YA titles. I'm always on the look out for new suggestions for my son's reading. But at the moment any element of romance or relationships have to be excluded which cuts down the choice rather - give him another year or so.

Busy place! I signed on and your thread was bulging at the seams :PP
Houses don't sell on weekends.. we will see what happens this week :)

Rhian - what types of books does your son like to read?

Kath - I know it; I have Cee's blessing to set up another thread. Come join me over there.