Mark's Reading Place #15: The Dog Days!

"There are no faster or firmer friendships than those formed between people who love the same books." — Irving Stone



While looking at images for Train Dreams, I stumbled on this picture.



More Marilyn!

"The pint looked like all the prayers I'd ever hoped to have answered. The Jameson, riding point was its own glory."

-Cross

Currently Reading:



Audiobook:


Graphic:


Books Read So Far...

May:

46) Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson 3.7 stars (audio)
47) Zoo Station by David Downing 4 stars (OTS)
48) You Are Not a Stranger Here: Stories by Adam Haslett 4.5 stars (OTS)
49) Alice In Sunderland by Bryan Talbot 4.2 stars (GN)
50) Drift by Rachel Maddow 4.3 stars (audio)
51) The Shape of Water by Andrea Camilleri 4 stars (OTS)
52) The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater 3.5 stars (audio)
53) Voices: A Reykjavik Thriller by Arnaldur Indridason 4 stars (OTS)
54) The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg 3.7 stars (audio)
55) The Woman in Black: A Ghost Story by Susan Hill 3.8 stars (OTS)
56) Disco for the Departed by Colin Cotterill 4.3 stars (audio)
57) What We Talk About When We Talk About A. Frank by Nathan Englander 4.5 stars
58) Iron Lake-(Cork O'Connor) by William Kent Krueger 4 stars (OTS)
59) Defending Jacob by William Landay 4.2 stars
60) Hell and Gone by Duane Swierczynski 4 stars (OTS)

June:

61) 11/22/63 by Stephen King 4.5 stars (OTS)
62) The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman 3.8 stars (audio) (OTS)
63) Still Alice by Lisa Genova 4.5 stars (OTS)
64) Wonder by R. J. Palacio 4.3 stars (audio)
65) The Beginner's Goodbye by Anne Tyler 4.5 stars (audio)
66) The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan 3.6 stars (audio)
67) Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury 4.7 stars G.R.
68) Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys 4.3 stars (audio)
69) Immortal Bird: A Family Memoir by Doron Weber 4.2 stars (OTS)
70) River of Smoke by Amitav Ghosh 4.3 stars (OTS) Group Read
71) The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson 4.3 stars (audio) (OTS)
72) Round Mountain by Castle Freeman Jr. 4.5 stars
73) I Am a SEAL Team Six Warrior by Howard E. Wasdin 3.5 stars (ER) (OTS)

July:

74) Island of Vice by Richard Zacks 3.7 stars (audio)
75) The Odds: A Love Story by Stewart O'Nan 4 stars (audio)
76) Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 4.5 stars (OTS)
77) Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury 4.5 stars
78) Train Dreams by Denis Johnson 4.3 stars
79) Cross by Ken Bruen 4.2 stars (audio)
80) Insurgent by Veronica Roth 3.7 stars (OTS)
81) A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories by Flannery O'Connor 4.5 stars (OTS)
82) Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward 4.8 stars (audio)
83) Every Man in This Village is a Liar by Megan Stack 4.7 stars (audio)
84) Any Human Heart by William Boyd 4.5 stars (OTS)
85) The Foreign Correspondent by Alan Furst 3.4 stars (audio)
86) The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker 3.3 stars (audio)
87) Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie 4.5 stars (OTS)

Cream of the Crop '12:

1) Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick 4.8 stars (audio)
2) The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson 4.7 stars (audio)
3) Stay Awake: Stories by Dan Chaon 4.6 stars
4) What It Is Like to Go to War by Karl Marlantes 4.7 stars
5) Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo 5 stars
6) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 4.7 stars (audio)
7) Every Man in This Village is a Liar by Megan Stack 4.7 stars (audio)
Group Reads 2012:

July: East of Eden by John Steinbeck (Steinbeckathon)
August: The Red Pony by John Steinbeck (Steinbeckathon), The Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
September: In Dubious Battle by John Steinbeck (Steinbeckathon)
October: 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami, Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck (Steinbeckathon)
November: Travels With Charley and The Pearl by John Steinbeck (Steinbeckathon)
December: Sweet Thursday by John Steinbeck (Steinbeckathon)

The Best of the 21st Century:

Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa LahiriThe love I have for this woman!
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson Unadulterated beauty!
Drop City by T.C. Boyle
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki MurakamiThe start of an ongoing love affair
Essex County by Jeff Lemire Hands-down my favorite GN!
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell A classic mind-f*ck
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout The perfect linked story collection
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane One of my all-time favorite crime novels
World War Z by Max Brooks I know I'm going out on a limb on this one, but it really is an outstanding read.

Best of the 90s:

A Thousand Acres I am due a re-read on this one. I was blown away the first time.
The Things That They Carried
Plainsong I still smile whenever I think of this one
Montana 1948 Ditto
The Sparrow
The Shipping News
Interpreter of Maladies Did I mention I love this woman?
Blindness Still gives me chills
Snow Falling on Cedars
Cities of the Plain What a great finish to a fantastic trilogy

Best of the 80s:

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry This is probably my 2nd favorite book of all time
The Color Purple by Alice Walker Great film too!
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy A nightmarish western. Unlike anything else.
Remains of the Day by Kazou Ishiguro Another great film too!
Ironweed by William Kennedy
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler
The Cider House Rules by John Irving
Eight Million Ways to Die by Lawrence Block I had to throw a crime novel in there and this is one of my all time favorites!

I had to include a couple bonus NF titles:
The Executioner’s Song by Norman Mailer OMG!
Schindler’s List by Thomas Keneally Sorry, but another great film too!

Morning kids! I finished Insurgent. A nice easy time-filler. Okay brace yourselves: I'm starting Any Human Heart. My First William Boyd. Commence with the polite applause. Thank you! Thank you!
I'm about 2/3rds done with Salvage the Bones and it's been excellent. If it doesn't fall apart in the final pages, this will be a top read for the year.
I'm on the homestretch of the O'Connor story collection. She's a hellauva writer.

Cool greetings to you Mark! You really ought to request a transfer to Quebec. Whle all of you were sweating like god knows what I was basking in the cool dryness of the Canadian northeast. We enjoyed a nice brew that we picked up at the duty free and produced in Nova Scotia. It was light and refreshing, good for summertime.
ON the way home we tried and loved (I did, husband not so much) Lake Placid Ubu a rich dark stout that will really put some hair on the chest, but that's probably needed in up state NY.
Hope the week ahead will bring cooler temps for ya.
Oh, thanks for introducing me to Gillan Flynn. Looks good.

Mark - impressed with the new digs mate
Lynda impressed with the beer and would share a glass anytime.

79) Cross by Ken Bruen 4.2 stars

“A cross offers two options: you can be nailed to it…or lie on it, as a voluntary act.”

-Irish saying

Death, pain and trouble follow Jack Taylor like a shadow. He cannot shake it, even while he’s off the booze and cigarettes. Our favorite ex-guard is back and this time he is looking into the murder of a boy, who was found crucified. Of course, this takes Jack to some dark places and he gets to stare down the embodiment of evil.
I’m not sure if there is a more consistent series than this one. It’s the sixth book and it’s just as strong as the earlier entries.
“Books have been the only reliable, the only comfort zone I had left, and I swear, the bloody demented psycho, she knew, she fucking knew how to hit me.”

There is a nice little interview with Bruen at the bottom of the book's home page. I like this:

"Amazon.com: If you had to give up books or music for one year which would you give up?

Bruen: Music. I can live with silence but...no reading? Shoot me now."

I'm going to make this train with time to spare!
I love that image up top.

Hi Mark! From previous thread - Yes, I've been to Pitchfork a few times and I always seem to get roped into Lollapalooza too (but not this year!). Truth be told, I'm not a big fan of the large outdoor music festival, mostly due to drunk people and port-o-potties I guess, when I really examine the issue closely : ) However, I somehow agreed (although I don't remember the moment) to going to one day of Riot Fest this year (Sunday), which is in September. They seemed to design the Sunday line-up to appeal to 40-ish nerds like me and my husband (http://lineup-chicago.riotfest.org/?sort=day).

Lynda- What a perfect introduction! The beers look gorgeous. What is the top one? I can't make it out. I'm not a big fan of stouts, to heavy for me but that one looks tasty.

Paul- Thanks! Good to see you. I hope the review gets you back on board with Bruen.

Lucy- I'm glad you made the Marky-Mark Express. Lovely scenery, books galore.

Kerri- I should have known you have attended Pitchfork. I'm getting tired of the outdoor venues too, but I liked Pitchfork because you can bring in chairs and sit in the shade if need be. I wasn't as impressed with the line-up this year, but once again I missed Wild Flag. Bummer.
I have seen many terrific bands at Pitchfork though, including the reunion of Pavement, Sonic Youth doing the entire Daydream Nation album, Spoon & Yo La Tengo, plus many more.

#10 - Pitchfork is much more pleasant than Lollapalooza and they have better food booths, but it's gotten so crowded - same location, more tickets sold each year, it seems. I think some of my Pitchfork highlights over the years are The Thermals, Beirut, and Danielson Famile. I was just looking at the past line-ups and the last time I went was 2009.

I had to look up Wild Flag (I haven't really been with it the last couple of years, as I spend my time listening to really old country and T. Rex. Ha!). I'll have to check that out. I was never a really big Sleater-Kinney fan, but I really liked The Minders back in the day. It sounds cool. Are you on Spotify, by the way?

Mark, I love that dreamy train picture. The book sounds good, too, but I'd better read my copy of Tree of Smoke first. My progress with books off the shelf means fewer current books are being read.

I haven't been posting much but I've been lurking. Believe me, I felt your pain about the empty Bookmooch envelope. So sad, though you came up with a pretty good book haul as a bandaid!

Good review of Cross, Marky-Mark ... I haven't read this series in order because I missed the first one. My first introduction to Ken Bruen was Headstone and then after I read Sanctuary. This appears to be a series where each book stands on its own ... thankfully, because I'm not a great one for reading most series in order.

Nice new thread, Mark! Love the train pic up top - moody! Gave you review of Cross a thumb - succinct and to the point. I need to get to those books. Glad to be aboard thread 15 - congrats!

Well, I missed one entire thread, but I'm back (for what it's worth). I just purchased a book for my son called Brew in the Lou: St. Louis' Beer Culture, Past, Present, Future by Evan Benn and thought of you. It's a St. Louis Post-Dispatch publication about, well, beer culture in St. Louis.

PS Totally agree with Ken Bruen--shoot me now.

Kerri- I went to the first 2 Lollapaloozas, a few years ago, with my kids and had a good time and saw some great bands but I'm done with the heat & the crowds.
I love Wild Flag. My cousin saw them live a few months ago and said they were terrific. I've heard of Spotify but haven't tried it. Is it like Pandora?

Donna- Good to see you! Maybe I should tag along with you on Tree of Smoke, although it'll be a couple of months. You could read Train Dreams in one sitting. It's just over a 100 pages. I really think you'll like the tone of it.

Caro- I completely forgot you had read a couple of the Bruen books, but I have to say, I think these books HAVE to be read in order, to fully appreciate them. The plots and characters are constantly surfacing, like persistent ghosts. If you have a chance, start them from the beginning. If I had the bucks, I would send everyone here a copy of The Guards.

Mamie's Here! I liked that train picture immediately and thought that it has to grace my next thread. Thanks for the Thumb! It's such a great series.

Terri- What a nice surprise! And bringing a book rec, Brew in the Lou! Sounds fun. Hope all is well.

Staking my ground on your new and shiny thread Mark. :)
I like how you list the books by decades. Would you say that book reflects in your opinion the best books of that time, or just books you enjoyed the most written in that time?

Morning Mark! No mail today! Hope you have a good day.

#16 - Spotify is similar to Pandora and it lets you make radio stations, but you can also listen to entire albums and they have a very large selection. I think there is a free version, but I do the $4.99 a month version and there are no commercials. I really like it.

Hi Mark, congrats on #15! Something tells me you'll really love Any Human Heart. I'll be shocked if you don't. Guess you won't be reading the review of it I just posted yesterday then? Or at least, not quite yet!

I don't usually do this but here are my planned reads, for the coming weeks, (It's a fairly modest and somewhat flexible list):

Every Man is This Village is a Liar (audio) Bonnie rec, big surprise, right?
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress A Joe rec!
The Age of Miracles (audio) A hot title right now.
The Fang Family
Canada I requested this one from the library. We will see.
The Terra-Cotta Dog (audio)
Shadow and Bone Good buzz on this one!
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Group Read for August
Empire of the Summer Moon A friend lent it to me but it's also been on my WL for awhile

Valerie- You pitch your little tent here anytime, my friend. To answer your question, about my books of the decade: These are the highlights of those years. The books that impressed me the most. Is that clear enough, or did I fumble it?

Lisa- Thanks again for the help with saving my LT library. They do make it pretty simple. Enjoy your day.

Kerri- I'll have to give Stotify a try. Sounds interesting.

Ilana- Any Human Heart grabbed me immediately. It's beautifully written, with a delicious sense of humor. And yes, I will wait on reading your review. Ignorance, for me anyway, is bliss.
BTW- I checked with my library for the audio of Being There. Nothing in the entire system. Boo!

Hi Mark! Looks like a nice list of upcoming reads. I've thought about Any Human Heart for awhile, but didn't know anyone who'd read it (and for some reason, didn't think to check out this place - duh). Will be looking forward to your (presumably excellent) review. Have a good one, and enjoy the AC before you have to go back outside tomorrow!

ETA: I went to request Gone Girl and I'm #336 in line! Yikes!

Hi Mark, LOVE that train pic at the top of your brand new thread; very atmospheric. You got to Any Human Heart (it's on my shelf) before me although I have read a couple of Boyd's other books. I love his writing. Canada is the third or fourth in a series isn't it? I've got the first two that I want to read first I guess. I also loved Balzac and I'll be interested in your take on The Age of Miracles.

Oh my, I love that train picture, I am such a fan of the moody image :)

Hello, and happy reading to you Mark.

Okay, these are a few brews I've been sampling over the weekend:







I love all 3 but the Japanese beer is worth a mention. Perfectly light & crisp for the summer.

Great answer considering my question was convoluted to start with. :)
Will be interested to see what you think of A Tree Grows In Brooklyn since that is on my WL.
It always brings a smile to my face when I recognize some of the titles on peoples list of best reads because there is a sense of commonality there, whether we've met or not. The rest of the titles I don't recognize end up on my WL at some point in time so I win every which way!

Mark - Bruen's interest was piqued forever when I got The Guards but your review was a timely reminder to get some more.
The Japanese are wonderful imitators and they now do for beer what they used to do with cameras.

"There are no faster or firmer friendships than those formed between people who love the same books." — Irving Stone

Bonnie- Glad you liked the train pic! I thought it fit in nicely. I believe the new Ford book, Canada is a stand-alone and is not part of the Bascombe trilogy.
I am LOVING Salvage the Bones. It looks like it will be on my Best Of List.

Megan- It looks like you survived the B'day party. Yah! And yes, we love those "moody" pix.

Valerie- You should think of joining us for the A Tree Grows in Brooklyn G.R. I know I've wanted to get to it for a long long time.

Paul- You cannot beat the Jack Taylor series and like I mentioned to Caro. They have to be read in order. Everything links.
Actually, the Sapporo I picked up is not the Reserve but I guess the regular. I bought the Reserve in cans a couple months ago. I think I prefer that one.

Here I am!!!! Nice thread.
Love the train picture. It says to me - in the journey of life, get rid of excess baggage! :)
Also love the quote.
So - all that beer looks yuck! Got any wine? I'm not too fussy.

When Paul comes to Chicago, make room for me too ;-)

Cee - would be welcome of course but I'll find you in Maine too!

#29: Love that quote, Mark!

81) A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories by Flannery O'Connor 4.5 stars

“The sun was a huge red ball like an elevated Host drenched in blood and when it sank out of sight, it left a line in the sky like a red clay road hanging over the trees.”

The ninth story, “Good Country People”, would have made the perfect title for this collection written in the late 40s and early 50s and all set deep in the bible-belt South.
This was my first foray into the unsettling, racist, often brilliant, world of Flannery O’ Connor. These are dark, disturbing tales, told with insight and a wicked edge. Yes, the casual use of the “N” word or other very derogatory terms, made me uncomfortable, especially in the story “The Artificial Nigger” but her prose is so deft and sure that even that can be overlooked.
“…but the face on the moon was a grave one. It gazed across the room and out the window where it floated above the horse stall and appeared to contemplate itself with the look of a young man who sees his old age before him”.

Nice review, Mark, the quotes are great. I have yet to broach Flannery O'Connor.

Claudia- I love your interpretation of the train picture: "get rid of excess baggage!" Yes, make room for more books. Yah!
I'll overlook the nasty "yuck" beer comment, because I care about you so much.

Paul- You might just have to rent one of those huge Winnebagos and criss-cross the US. Maybe your local driver is available? Of course, we'll have to a put a capital "P" on it!


Stasia- I thought the quote fit perfectly for the LT crowd.

Lisa- Thanks! She really grows on you and I'm already looking forward to reading more of her work.

Great new thread, Mark! I particularly like that train pic, too. Why am I getting so thirsty for good beer?

I'll have to look for Sapporo.

We've (well, I've) been drinking Australian Coopers Ale. Still looking for Big Head.

Hope you had a good Sunday!

Hi Mark, congrats on a another lovely thread. That train picture is fantastic and I love Bahzah's interpretation of it.

I loved my first Ken Bruen and must get back to that series - perhaps in September. I am also looking at William Boyd and I'm thinking of starting with Ice Cream War.

Somehow I am having difficulty in picturing Paul and, even more difficulty seeing SWMBO, travelling in that Winnebago!

Hi Mark: Love that Irving Stone quote.

Still tired from the adventures in driving last night. After the Brewers game, we were heading home, only to discover that all the expressways were closed. Not nice to leave all the tourists fending for themselves, trying to get out of town in the dark.

Stay cool this week, my friend. Another week of days close to 100, if not higher.

Okay, I'm laughing out loud at your plan, Mark!! Somehow I cannot picture the lovely Hani choosing that mode of transportation. Should they bring the directionally challenged Amin (did I spell his name right - I'll check) to complete the picture? Perhaps we should rent the Winnebago and travel to wherever Paul is at? Or follow him on the road wearing our t-shirts that Ellen is designing? Then he can have groupies!! Are you feeling it? ROAD TRIP!!

Mark - hahaha Mamie and Judy quite correctly point out that it would be one heck of a job of work to get SWMBO in that jalopy. Doesn't look like it would get far from the windy city never mind the length and breadth of the country. An LT Road Trip does sound like great fun though especially considering some of the delicious recipes I see appearing across the threads!

Okay, 97 today, 100 tomorrow! Double Ugh! Another long HOT one. I should be wrapping up the excellent Salvage the Bones today and I'll also be reading Any Human Heart, which is terrific so far. I should have read a bigger chunk yesterday, that was the plan, but LT was singing that Siren Song. Bad LT.

Joe- Glad you liked the beer pics. All of those are good. You can find the Cooper's ale here, right? Have a good week.

Judy- Thanks! Glad you liked the train pic. Funny, something catches my eye, I post it and others respond. Like minds and all that. I guess it goes beyond books.
Speaking of something catching my eye, that's how it was with that Winnebago. LOL. Had to have it.
And yes, please return to Mr. Jack Taylor. It's a stellar series.

Linda- Sorry to hear about that nightmarish ride back from Miller Park and it wasn't even for the Cubbies, (who have been a nice roll lately). You keep cool too!

Mamie & Paul- I'm laughing out loud at 5:30 this morning, as I read your posts. I saw that Winnebago pic and had to post it. It actually looks like the one they used in the earlier seasons of Breaking Bad.
Paul- Yes, it's a big country and you've made new pals everywhere. Your like a rock star. Maybe a train? But not the one at the top of the page.

Lovely picture up top!
Hope you can stay cool in this next wave of 100+ days. Whew!

The spousal unit loved Canada but we are both Richard Ford freaks.

Back to add --- I'm planning to read it soon, I'm hoarding it.

Yes, Cooper's ale appears to be readily available in our area, Mark.

Drink lots of water these next couple of days - looks like we're in for a scorcher.

I just finished Istanbul Passage and it was a solid thriller.

*just lurking*

I started reading Devil's Peak this weekend. It is the first in the series that is going to be a new BBC Mystery series starring Sean Bean. It grabbed me right away. I can't wait to get back to it. It was written in Afrikaans and translated so it might prove to be very interesting. Unfortunately I only have the first one in my collection and might have to get to the public library to get the other two. I let you know how this series goes. I already know it won't be another Bartle Bull book, but it will be about Africa and it seems to have the right mixture of characters at the start.

#44
I cast covetous eyes on Istanbul Passage while at the bookstore this weekend. I might have to get that one at the public library if I can. I also want to read Stardust by the same author and just haven't done it yet.

Good review of O'Conner's Marky-Mark. I can't wait to read it at some point.

I love your list of planned reads. So glad you'll be getting to Terracotta Dog. I loved Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress. I may be tempted into a re-read of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn for the GR ... I'll put it aside, just in case. :-)

Just jumping on board your new thread with a hello, Mark. I absolutely LOVE the train photo at the top, and the quote.

Not to rub it in, but it's 68 degrees here. Have you ever considered moving to be closer to your daughter?

Hi Mark! I love your planned reading list. I have quite a few of those in my TBR and of course, I'm another who loved Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress. The Flannery O'Connor doesn't sound like one for me, but Salvage the Bones is on my WL after Ellen's review of it. Hope you survived today - very hot and sticky here. More of the same tomorrow...ugh...

Once again I'm on a fine book-tear! (Is there a better feeling? Now, let's not get dirty, folks!) I finished Salvage the Bones and it immediately jumped on my best of the year list. And what a fantastic audio presentation too, I think it only enhanced my love of the book.
I started the audio of Every Man in This Village is a Liar and this looks like another winner. (Bonnie does not steer me wrong!) And of course I'm LOVING Any Human Heart. His prose is so crisp, funny and pitch-perfect.

I wonder if I should mix a crappy one in there just to break up the monotony. Whaddya think?

Amber- Thanks! I survived today and then another brutal one tomorrow. It gets a little more comfortable on Wednesday. Good!

Lucy- I'm glad the spousal unit loved Canada. I can't wait to get to it. And I hope it kick-starts me back on Ford's work. I read Independence Day 25 years ago and that's it.

Joe- I will look for Cooper's Hawk! Always like trying a new beer. Have you read William Boyd? I think you will love Any Human Heart.

Maggie- Big wave!

Benita- Hope you are keeping cool down south! I'll be watching for your thoughts on Devil's Peak.

Mark - if I'm a star it is more of a pebble than a rock! Nice to see your reading is going so well recently - some great picks there.

I don't think you can mix a crapper in there if you tried Mr. Mark. The good ones just seem drawn to you! :)

>35 msf59: That Winnebago doesnt look like its going very far, maybe its the weeds growing up under it that is the clue there :)

Mark, dont go for a crappy one just to mix it up....keep on the great-book-bender, see where it takes you!

Caro- The O'Connor collection was a perfect tweener book. Each were about 20 pages, a few were longer. Dipping in and out worked well for me on that one.
I've never read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, so the time is right. I wouldn't mind doing another Bradbury in the next month or 2. Maybe The Martian Chronicles?

Terri- Good to see you! Glad you liked the train pic. It's been a hit.

Lisa- Go ahead! Rub it in! I can't believe you guys are still staying so cool, while the rest of us are shriveling up like raisins. Did I mention to you, that my daughter will be moving back here at the end of August? We are ecstatic!

Mamie- Once again, I appreciate the chuckles this morning. Yes, read Salvage the Bones. It's amazing.

Paul- You are a star around here, my friend! No buts about it. Are you a william Boyd fan?

Valerie- LOL. You are right this is a "Crapper Free Zone". If you saw my planned list up there (#21), all those titles hold much promise.

Megan- LOL. I love that Winnebago. It has a lot of personality, like a smart, lively homely person.
No plans to "crap" it up! It's not in my nature.

Oh yes, The Martian Chronicles - I have that one sitting right here.

Mark, add me to the fans of Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress. I loved that book so much that when I realized it had originally been written in French, I immediately got myself a copy of the original in a cool little collector's edition with a pretty sleeve and all. Can't wait to read it again actually. Another couple of books I've read and loved on there. I just know you'll love A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, another book I look forward to re-reading eventually, and Terra Cotta Dog is excellent with a really intriguing mystery. In fact, because I like it so much in retrospect, I just upgraded it from 3.5 to a full 4 stars!

I do like William Boyd Mark as Megan knows. If memory serves I bought her his An Ice Cream War whilst we were meeting up in CChurch. Need to read a bit more of him but yep - he's a good good read.

Oh yes, Paul reminds me with his mention of Boyd that I liked Any Human Heart so much recently, that I'll purchase a copy of the book no later than tonight, since I listened to it on audio and want to have the pleasure of seeing his prose before my eyes next time I get to it.

I'm away for a week and wading through two threads to catch up with you, Mark! I enjoyed your review of Train Dreams and would like to read it before Denis Johnson's fall Writers Institute visit. Time for a trip to the library.

Well, I watched the first episode and it was a dandy. It's nice to have the show back and getting to hear Walt growl; "Because I say so," was priceless. And it was great to have Mike back.

Mamie- We'll have to run The Martian Chronicles by Caro! She's our Bradbury Cheerleader.

Ilana- I plan on starting Balzac right after Any Human Heart, which I am totally loving. No wonder LTers have been praising this guy for years. I'm glad I finally jumped a board.

Paul- Boyd seems to be your kind of writer. I have Ordinary Thunderstorms in the stacks but it looks like I need to start tracking down a few others.

Linda- Great to see you! Yes, things can move a little fast around here. People keep visiting, I can't help it.
I really like Johnson's writing and I hope to get to Tree of Smoke later this year.

I've downloaded an audio of Train Dreams based on your picture alone!

I read and liked Ordinary Thunderstorms Mark but I LOVED Restless. I think you would too. Sorry you succumbed to the siren song that is LT yesterday. I think most people do. I just can't figure out how people read as many books as they do AND spend so much time on the threads.

Brazzaville Beach remains my favorite Boyd.

Porter...there's a strange man in my compartment...please remove him before he spills beer on my valise.

Another record-breaker today! 100! There is a chance of rain tonight though. We NEED it!

Kerry- I don't think my train picture is directly related to Train Dreams, although dreams of trains are mentioned in the Johnson novella. Hey, whatever, I'm glad you were inspired.

Bonnie- I do remember that you were a Boyd fan and now I can see why. I just added several of his books to my WL. It looks like Every Man in This Village is a Liar is going to be another NNF knockout.

RD- LOL. Yes, much imagery there. Did you watch BB? I'll have to add that Boyd to the LIST. This guy is a hellauva writer!

The first brew I posted was Alexander Keith's Pale ale, sorry I forgot to mention the important stuff.

Mark -- Independence Day is the middle book in the saga (so far) of Frank Bascombe - so you want to read The Sportswriter, maybe revisit ID and then read The Lay of the Land - it's breathtaking.

Hey, Mark. I'll have to take a look at William Boyd. I know Ilana also strongly recommends Any Human Heart, and it does look like one I'd enjoy.

Good idea to mix in a crappy book. I tend to do that by mistake (taking a flyer on something), but it might be just the thing if you're reading too many good ones.

I got one from LT that had that potential, as I knew nothing about the author, but The Paris Detective by Gerald Jay actually is turning out to be pretty good. I've got one more ER book from LT that could be really lousy if I'm lucky.

P.S. Have you watched any of "Longmire" on the tube? We're enjoying it.

Stay as cool as you can today!

Goodness, I'm just now checking in on your new thread. I love, love, love the quotes and images at the top, Mark. Nice.

I'm also just catching on that there is a GR for A Tree Grows in Brooklyn for August..... Hmmmmm.... I wonder if I can get a copy from my library. My just-turning-15-year-old cousin is reading it this summer (it's an assigned summer read for her class) and I looked at it when I was visiting. I'd like to read it.

I think you'll like The Terra Cotta Dog. :-)

I read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn a long time ago, and seem to recall liking it very much. I haven't read Bruen and he sounds like an author I would like! I know I enjoy Sapporo beer and I will pass on the Winnebago ride. There, all caught up again.

: )

MAGNETS!!

Great to have Breaking Bad back! Interesting fast forward at the start...

Porter...there's a strange man in my compartment...please remove him before he spills beer on my valise.
Never thought I'd hear Richard ask for a strange man to be removed from his compartment. Send him over to mine--I'll risk the beer spill.

Are you a disaster area too, Mark? They say the entire states of Missouri & Illinois. Good times, huh?

Hey guys! Yes, another scorcher! I'm a little tired but otherwise intact. I saw a great photo in the Trib this morning, recalling the grand opening of Disneyland on July 17th 1955. Unfortunately, I couldn't find that exact photo but did find this one:



The photo I preferred, had the adults/kids running into the castle.

Sorry the weather has been so uncompromising lately Mark! I hope there is some relief for you guys soon even if it's only for a short time. Hopefully good books and good company will provide you with some solace in the meantime. :)

Lynda- Have you seen Alexander Keith's Pale ale stateside? Inquiring minds.

Lucy- Yes, I did know that Independence Day was the middle book. What I plan on doing is reading all 3 from the beginning. And yes, I've heard that 3rd one was great.

Joe- You will love Any Human Heart. It's right up your alley. Do you know if the Longmire cable series follows the books closely or is it just a loose adaptation?
I don't plan mixing a crappy book in the mix, unless it happens unexpectedly. You never know.

Ellen- Good to see you! I haven't reviewed it yet but I LOVED Salvage the Bones. she's a hellauva writer and deserves all the accolades. Think about joining us for A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I have the book and I plan on grabbing the audio too!

Kim- What if I was driving the Winnebago, huh? Yes, give the Guards a try at some point. Bruen is amazing.

Joanne- There's another BB fan! Yah! It was a good episode and I did find the beginning interesting. Do you happen to know how old Walt is at this point? Because he's 52 in that flash-forward.

Terri- I don't think the northern part of Illinois is in a severe drought yet, but I know some of the southern regions are. Yep, this is bad and it's only mid-July.

Valerie- Thanks! My books are my savior in these conditions. It keeps my mind off the oppressive weather.

Two days I stay away, and I'm 75 behind already. JEEZ..........waving hello....no need to up the count by replying. I'll catch up someday.

Mark, have you seen the Any Human Heart dramatization that was on Masterpiece a year or more ago? I can't say whether it was true to the book (not having read it), but it was well done. Matthew MacFadyen played Mountstuart as a young man and Jim Broadbent took over for his older years.

Hi Mark! Just checking in over here - love the shot from Disney's grand opening.

Well, we didn't get any rain last night. There are rain storms moving through north and northwest of us this A.M. but we'll have to see if they dip down here. It supposed to be cooler today but it still feels muggy outside.

I am loving my 1-2 punch of Any Human Heart & Every Man in This Village is a Liar. Isn't that a great title?

Tina- Come on, try to keep up! LOL. The Marky-Mark Express hits all stations.

Laura- Thanks! I will see if I can find it. I wonder if Netflix has it? I love Jim Broadbent.

Mamie- Have a great day, my friend!

I found Every Man in This Village Is a Liar to be very readable and moving too. I can't imagine how she could keep writing and not get involved to the extent of helping people during the bombings. I know she needed jourrnistic objectivity, but I don't know how she did it. I would have helped and been thrown out of the country most likely. In some ways I think being an aid worker would be easier than what she did.

>75 msf59: Sorry, Mark, just kidding about the crappy book, following up on your comments. Hard to remember the last crappy one I read, although there have been disappointments.

I haven't read enough of the Walt Longmire series to know whether the TV adaptation is loose or faithful. I suspect the latter, but I'm not sure. It's a good cast and good storytelling, that's for sure.

Hope the weather cooldown is taking effect for you.

>72 tloeffler: I meant "strange" as in O.o not as in "I haven't been introduced", TLo.

What channel is Longmire on?

Good morning Mr. Mark. Just swinging by as I make my morning rounds. Hope you are having a fine day!

That first bottle that Lynda posted looks like Keith's, a Nova Scotia standard that used to be hard to find in the rest of Canada because of the country's rather silly booze distribution laws. (Another great Maritime brew: Moosehead.) I used to see it sometimes, in premium booze shops, but haven't been really looking for it in a while.

Megan Stack's book is fantastic. It's been abt 18 mos since I picked it up in the library, said to myself, meh, do I really need to read another journalist's memoirish book about the Middle East, decided to gamble on it -- and it became one of my top 2010 books.

#80 -- yes, this is the perennial problem with journalism. Nearly everyone I know who has worked in war zones has felt that urge. The problem, of course, is that what you believe to be help maybe really isn't. Pulling people out of a burning building, for instance -- as someone told me years and years ago (who was later killed in Iraq) -- do you know how to do that safely? Can you communicate with the people around you who are working with you so that you're effective? It's a similar gut instinct that drives people to send stuff to disaster zones rather than sending money -- it's a big headache for aid organizations, who often can buy more appropriate stuff for less than the cost of transporting the donations, but it's more immediately satisfying to the donor. Perhaps a clunky analogy, but... My friend above interviewed a lot of women who had been raped and survived unbelievable violence in Bosnia and Rwanda, and said it was incredibly hard to do -- but also that it was what she could do. She couldn't have stopped it; couldn't make it better because she wasn't a trained therapist. This is why war correspondents burn out and become cynical -- they have seen the worst that people can do to each other. I do have one former colleague who, after years covering wars, now works for the International Crisis Group, so folks do make that leap to non-profits and some form of "aid". But being an aid worker is possibly even more frustrating, just in different ways.

A new thread and already 85 posts! I see up top you're reading, or listening to, Every Man in This Village is a Liar--a great one, one of my best non-fiction reads this year (not that there have been so many)

I read that Flannery O'Connor collection in high school, and it was memorable--so twisted and disturbing. I would like to reread those stories one of these days.

Hi Mark! Sorry to be so late finding your thread but of course I am behind again on all the threads!

Nate and I did a tour of the Alexander Keith's brewery in Halifax a few years back and it was pretty good. I'm a big fan of Keith's Red.

So much for looking forward to a cooler day! WRONG! The humidity was brutal and it still was 92 on the way home. NOT FAIR, people! I'm sure I sweat a quart or 2.

Hey, I'm home, showered, having a cold one, visiting LT and drum roll please, I'm off tomorrow. Yah! You gotta find those silver linings!

Lisa & Suz- Every Man in This Village Is a Liar is excellent and Stack is truly a fantastic writer but boy, is this some bleak stuff. The politics, the gender bias, the religious fervor, the bombings, the corruption. It's both an eye-opener and a meat-grinder and she placed herself in the middle of it all. And she paints a pathetic vision of the US too! I find myself just shaking my head with disgust and disappointment.

RD- I think LT is on Lifetime. I may be wrong.

Joe- I know you were kidding about the crappy book thing! You had to be, right? If someone paid me, (a decent sum) to read a lousy book, I'd probably do it, but that offer is unlikely.
I'll try to watch the 1st Longmire and see. And nope, we didn't get any cool down today! Didn't happen!

Valerie- Thanks for the drive-by! It was a tough day, but I managed.

Suz- Good to see you and thanks for the info on the Stack book and your thoughts on journalism. The section when she talks about the female Iraqi reporter was heart-breaking.

Anne- People keep stopping by! What can I do? Ignore 'em? LOL. The Stack book is excellent and once again LT steering me in perfect directions. What a place, huh?

Chelle- I understand you have a lot of your plate right now, so I totally understand. I appreciate you stopping by and I hope you are squeezing a little reading in.

Yay for vacations! Are you going to be doing anything special this time or just relaxing at home?

It is raining! You know that stuff that falls from the sky - rain. However, it is not raining much, and it is so humid it is awful outside. The very hard hit southeast corner of Alabama got rain last week, but it, like all the rest of the state could use more. The Chattahoochee River is extremely low and that causes problems all the way to Atlanta.

I finished How Soccer Explains the World and rated it at two and a half. You can take this one off your list - if it is there. Really enjoying Devil's Peak. I started Presidential Anecdotes. I have had this one on my shelves for thirty years. This is one that I learned about from the Phil Donahue Show. I thought it sounded so good I ordered the book from the nearest bookstore. (100 miles away) When the book came in they called me. I sent them a check. When they got the check they sent me the book. Who needs Amazon? I just needed Varney's.

Hello Mark, I love that you are loving Any Human Heart! Every man in this village is a liar is on my WL - might have to bump it to the shopping trolley!. Only 4 degrees here this morning, but top is expected at 15, so we are in for a reasonable melbourne winter's day. I'm kind of hoarding Canada while I finish off So Long, See You Tomorrow which I am really enjoying and will probably be a 4-star read. Love the train pic at the top of your thread - and I have already placed an order for Train Dreams - surely it was good enough for a Pulitzer? (Some terrible books have received that prize, afterall). Shame really. ciao for now - hope you are coping with the heat!

Getting awfully dark here, Mark. I hope it pours.

Just hi.

Valerie- Tomorrow is just my regular day off. Since we work Saturdays too, we get a day off during the week. I'll be back to work Fri & Sat.
And yes, I plan to relax and read, among other things. No bike riding. To humid!

Benita- Thanks for the book report. Have you read William Boyd? I think you would really like Any Human Heart. This is my 1st by him.

Prue- Right now, I would love some of that cool weather, just for a break. Yes, Any Human Heart is coming along nicely, I'm at the halfway point.
You know, I don't think I have ever read William Maxwell, although I've heard good things about him over the years.

Linda- I hope those dark storm clouds are moving this way. We had another little shower this afternoon, for about 7 minutes, then it stopped and the humidity was awful.

Ellen- All I get is a "just hi"? LOL. Hope all is well and your books are treating you good.

Hi Mark

Back up to post #33, if you haven't read
A Good Hard Look, I highly recommend this book. While it is a novel, it provides wonderful insight into Flannery O'Connor.

Thumbs up on your review of A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories

It's pouring. We've gotten more rain in 5 minutes than we've had, in total, for the last three months. Looks like a lengthy storm, too. We could use it. Nice temperature drop too.

Linda

We had a storm this afternoon. After the storm I took Lilly for a walk around the neighborhood. The air smelled so very good and it was a pleasant relief from the heat.

Oh man!!! 94 messages!! Love the quote and the picture!!!

I just got OrdinaryThunderstorms and Train Dreams from the library.

LOL to the books throwing themselves off the shelf!

#95 I love it!

Benita - loved the story of sending the check and getting delivery of the anecdotal collection. A slower, nicer era no doubt. A few more posts like that and we can put you up as LTs Helene Hanff.

Mark try to stay cool in those awful temperatures.

I knew the rain was coming from the North. Linda P gave me the heads-up. It started here about 9pm and it continued through the night and it's still drizzling out there. Like most of the country, we needed it BAD. Nice day to stay inside and perhaps.........READ!

Linda (whisper)- I've added that O'Connor collection to my WL too. I think she wrote 30-35 stories. I'd like to read them all. Nice to see you stop by.

Tammy- It looks like you guys got hit with some major storms too! As long as it brought along plenty of rain and minor damage, we need it.
Train Dreams is a shorty, but packs a lot in a few pages. I'll be watching for your thoughts on Ordinary Thunderstorms. I have that one on the shelf. I've quickly become a big fan of Mr. Boyd.

Prue- Thank God, that doesn't happen in my home. Whew!

Lisa- Big wave!

Paul- Good to see you sir! Hope your week is going well.

Morning Mark! We sure could use that rain - hope we get some of it! Glad you have the day off - enjoy!

Great image opener for the thread!
I have not read one other post .. so I will just hope that all is well..
and move on from here..

Hi Mark: Great rain last night. A downpour for 1.5 hours, then a steady rain for a time. A house-shaking clap of thunder woke me up at 3:07 am and it rained for another hour.

We really needed it.

82) Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward 4.8 stars

“She left us as dark Gulf and salt-burned land. She left us to learn to crawl. She left us to salvage. Katrina is the mother we will remember until the next mother with large, merciless hands, committed to blood, comes.”

A storm is coming. Esch is fifteen and she lives with her three brothers in the coastal town of Bois Sauvage, Mississippi. They struggle along the poverty line but live a simple, content life. The father, a single parent, is an alcoholic but is a decent provider.
This story covers the twelve days leading to Katrina, as the family tries to prepare, made difficult by the sudden news of Esch’s pregnancy. Dog-fighting is also a major part of this tale, beautifully rendered but also brutal and graphic, so be forewarned.
Ward’s prose is strong, deft and vivid. She captures the hard beauty of a family dealing with everyday life and an oncoming catastrophe.

Hi Mark! No rain here. And I was looking forward to thunderstorms, too. Love the rain picture above. And if you were driving the Winnebago, I'd be on it!

A day off sounds good as well. :)
Glad to hear about the rain, no matter how short is still something!
Gave you a thumb and will be adding the book to my WL
Good day to you sir!

Nice, concise review of Salvage the Bones, Mark. I'm so far behind on my books I don't think I'll put it on the tbr, but it sounds like a good one.

I love this book cover! And I NEED to get to this one. Big fan of Shadow of the Wind.

Morning Mamie (I get to say it twice!)- They said the storms were moving East. I hope they don't just stay north of you. Enjoy your day.

Kath- Thanks for the drive-by! Always good to see you!

Linda- Every time I woke up during the night, I heard thunder, rain or saw a flash of lightning. It was nice to get rain but we NEED a whole lot more.

Kim- You guys have been nice and cool this summer. I'm jealous. You've been getting rain, right?

Valerie- Thanks for the Thumb! Always appreciated. Ward is an author to keep an eye on.

Joe- Thanks! And, I agree, our book to-do list is always over-flowing with possibilities. It's hard to keep up.

HI Mark, hope you are enjoying your day off. Is the rain bringing the temps down enough for you?

110 I love that book cover! I saw that recently and it took all my willpower not to buy it and I've actually never heard of that author!

Oh sure! Make the cover HUGE so I can't miss this book bullet. Dang. I loved Shadow of the Wind. On to the list it goes. And no, no rain. : ( They keep promising...But at least it has been nice and perfect temps (75-85). So, I am not complaining. Just using the watering can a lot.

I was goofing around last night, rubber-necking around and found this gem!

Plus I found the gorgeous one of Marilyn at the top!

I also found a link to a YA Must Read List: http://www.bookpage.com/the-book-case/2012/07/18/teen-books-that-you-need-to-rea...
Several of these sound very good.

>106 msf59: I could do without the dog fighting, so may have to leave this one even though I have heard good things about it, and it has continued on your winning streak of great reads. hurrah!

Poor little one! Subjected to bird claws
I dont have a bird phobia but had to laugh at my friend who leaped into the arms of a stranger when a seagull swooped too close to her. He probably quite liked it as she's quite the stunner :)

Chelle- It's supposed to cool off a bit this evening. I would sure like to shut the a/c off tonight, just for a day or so but the boss has final say, so we'll see. Try to find a copy of Shadow of the wind. It's an LT fav and a well-deserved one.

Kim- I wanted to make the Zafon cover big, because it looked so damn good and it's gives me a bigger reminder to pick it up.

Megan- The dog-fighting can be a little tough but the rest of it is so damn good, I highly recommend it anyway.
I don't have a bird phobia either but that girl's expression is priceless.

Didn't you read Angel's Game? That is the second in the quartet about Barcelona. I liked it but some didn't.

So when's the GR for The Martian Chronicles? Shall we make it an August GR?

I loved Shadow of the Wind too ... and still have to get to Angel's Game. I have it in my TBR Tower somewhere.

Oh my that poor child. I liked Shadow of the Wind too and have The Angel's Game sitting on my shelf. Must get to that sometime so I'm ready for the new one Mark.

Terrific review of Salvage the Bones too. I actually thought the part where China killed her own pup was harder to handle than the dog fighting.

Yup, The Angel's Game is lost somewhere in my TBR mountain, along with Shadow of the Wind. I can't even predict when I'll get to those....

I've just been noticing on your thread and a couple other how much Marilyn Monroe liked to read!

Rain? Are you getting rain?

Uh oh, and a GR for The Martian Chronicles...... I read that when I was about 13 years old and just loved it.

I think I'm going to have to pass on Salvage the Bones simply because of the dog fighting...

Have yet to read Ruiz Zafon, either. Oh dear. Too many books.

Benita- No, I haven't read Angel's Game. I have no excuse either, since I've had a copy in the stacks for at least a year.

Caro- Could we have The Martian Chronicles G.R. in September? I'm going to be joining the Tree Grows in Brooklyn G.R. in August and then we have the big boy, 1Q84 for October.

Bonnie- I agree about the part about China and her puppy. I wanted to make sure I mentioned the dog fighting, even though it plays a small part of this story.

Valerie- Try to bookhorn Shadow of the Wind in at some point. That was the 3rd photo I came across with Marilyn reading. I think she was a big reader.

Ellen- No rain through the day today but we did get some over night. Of course, we could use a lot more. I have not read The Martian Chronicles. Looking forward to it.

Suz- Good to see you! I wanted to give fair warning on Salvage the Bones, although the description of the actual dog-fighting is relatively short. It really is a terrific read.

Re: 95--ROFL!!!! Wonderful!

And just guess what Keith has talked me into downloading onto my MP3 player? All 33 hours of the first book. Sigh.

Mark - #95 is expressively brilliant. SIL has just bought and read Prisoner of Heaven - I have arranged to requisition it shortly.

#110 - I have The Prisoner of Heaven home from the library at present, definitely getting it read before the due date.

Thumbs-upped Salvage the Bones, Mark! Like that review.

Awww man, that'll teach me to fall behind on your thread. More book bullets than I can count right now, some direct, some indirect, and now I've just started looking at the YA list too... oy. As a consequence, I've reserved Train Dreams from the library which I'll fit in somehow because it's so short, and also reserved Jesus' Son while I was at it, as I found they have it on audio. I also reserved the audio of Angel's Game, which had been on my WL for a long time, but now the third book is out, I may as well get to it since I loved Shadow of the Wind of course.

I'd be up for The Martian Chronicles in September, since so far we only have In Dubious battle as a GR that month, so doable for me.

Love the new pic of Marylin, and the books committing suicide, and the kid with the bird, and... so on.

Hugs!

I'm sorry to hear about the horrible Colorado shooting! What a horror to wake up to. 14 dead, 50 injured at a midnight showing of Batman. My heart goes out to all those people! Yep, protect gun rights, that's the most important of all! Pshaw!

Terri- It's very early here, (working on the 1st cup of coffee) which book was 33 hours long?

Paul- It looks like I completely forgot about Angel's Game, so I need to squeeze that one in first, before "Prisoner".

Kerry- Did you read Angels' Game? If so, what did you think?

RD- Thanks! She's a hellava writer!

Ilana- Book Bullets! Now that's the kind of ammo I like. I'm glad you liked the YA list. You were the only one to comment on it. There were several that sounded terrific.
I forgot about In dubious Battle, I want to tag along with that one too, but at least it's a shorty.
And thanks for the fantastic idea of grabbing the audio of angel's Game. I would get to that much faster than the book, which I do own.

Oh no, I've been so wrapped up in my own little world that i hadn't heard about the shooting. How horrible.

Been freaking busy, but am currently rugged up on the sofa, iPad in lap, cat on my ankles, glass of red wine handy. It's a hard life sometimes. Been looking forward to this weekend a bit too long.

Glad to hear to hear you finally got some rain. And that you're still reading great books! Just finished Team Human which finally got me over the shock of wasting time on that dreadful Twilight. Ok, I read Twilight some years ago, but it scarred me.

And I'm making headway in River of Smoke. Great book.

I saw about that shooting in our newspapers here. How horrible!
Did they catch the shooter?

Unbelievable! I didn't know about the Colorado shootings until I saw your post, Mark. Yes, they've got the shooter, Chelle. I can't believe this - how horrible is right. People going to have fun seeing a movie. Oh my.

OK - horrified about the shooting. Didn't know about it until I saw your post. How terrible.

Catching up over here, Mark, as your thread has exploded! I love, LOVE, LOVE the bird poster! It made me laugh out loud when I saw that post and all the kids came running, and then they laughed out loud, so thanks for that. That's how I feel about aviaries - they creep me out.

Checked out the YA list you posted a link to - interesting. I think they missed a few. Did you check out the other lists they had? Like top books for this year so far, and top books of 2011? Don't you just love lists? So addictive, so thanks for the link.

I can do The Martian Chronicles in September. I also have The Illustrated Man - have you read that one? It's in my TBR. What about Fahrenheit 451? Can't believe I didn't have to read that one at some point for school. Anyway, I really want to read his other works since I have loved the three I have read so far.

Loved your review of Salvage the Bones - not sure about the dog fighting. I have Shadow of the Wind in my TBR, so I guess I need to get to that one, huh?

Whew! Think that catches me up over here! We did get the rain and it was ever so welcome. Almost finished with River of Smoke which has been great, but, for me, doesn't quite reach the heights of Sea of Poppies. Still, very good though.

Expecting this to be linked to Rush Limbaugh's rant against the film as a liberal plot.

The scum who did this should be left unprotected in a room full of the dead people's relatives for a half hour.

Just read the article about the shooting online just now as well. Just seems like there is nowhere that you can feel completely safe anymore. I think that's the scariest part of raising children nowadays. What kind of world are they growing up in??

Anyways, hope your day is going well Mr. Mark!

Just another drive by I'm afraid. I do love that book cover and the bird pic.. lol

goddess rd, I hope not. That man is insane. He is the bane of that party. One of them anyway.

#130 & 133
I really like both SOP and ROS but for me ROS was better. Strange how all of our tastes in books differ. Please post your thoughts about ROS on the group read thread. I would love to hear about them.

Since IQ84 is such a big book I plan on starting it in September. Otherwise I will be weeks behind you when we do the group read.

I am not going to say much about the shooting in Colorado since we had our own version of that down here on Monday night. That incident sent 14 people to the hospital with gunshot wounds. Fortunately nobody died, but there are still two people in critical condition.

So sad about the Colorado killing.

Sorry, Mark: it was the first book of A Game of Thrones. Took most of the evening to download it!

Perfect summer day! Low 80s, low humidity, nice breeze. (See I don't just bitch about the crappy stuff??) Now, it would be nice if we could get a string of 'em. Not gonna happen. Boo!

I finished the excellent Every Man in this Village is a Liar. This was a rough hard-hitting listen. Stack is a fantastic writer and tough as nails too! I thought Cheryl Strayed was a tough cookie but Stack takes the cake. (Lots of food metaphors, must be close to dinner) I started the audio of the Foreign Correspondent. Nice segue, huh? Totally by accident. Lots of war correspondents in my current reading. Cool how that works out.

A Wookie sighting, A Wookie Sighting! Good to see you Tania. This Colorado shooting just happened late last night, so not all the information was correct.
"currently rugged up on the sofa, iPad in lap, cat on my ankles, glass of red wine handy."
Sounds perfect! Glad you are enjoying ROS!

Joe- Another 24 year old loser, with 4 guns. 71 injured, 12 dead. How freakin' horrible. Thought he was the "Joker".

Chelle- Big wave!

Mamie- The shooting was the 1st thing I heard this morning. I turn on the news radio, while getting my lunch packed and pour my 1st cuppa. How terrible.
Glad you liked the "Birds" poster! I'm not afraid of birds or anything but I just thought the totally frightened look on that girl's face was priceless.
I'm glad you liked the YA list. I'm sure they left a bunch off too but I liked the titles that I had not heard of. I'll have to go back and check out the other lists.
I have not read The Illustrated Man but I have read and loved Fahrenheit 451. Glad you are enjoying ROS.

RD- Funny, I meant to mention the Limbaugh rant against the new Batman movie. Did you hear this? The main villain is named Bane and Rush said this was a conspiracy, formed by liberal Hollywood and Obama, to slam Romney and his connection with Bain Capital. You can not make this shit up! Here's the link, it's very short:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXrIXMUFcko

Valerie- Yes, what a tragedy. And poor Colorado, that they have to suffer through another one of these.

Kath- " He is the bane of that party." Amen, sister! Lots of Banes being thrown around lately.

Benita- Good idea about starting the Murakami monster early. I'm not sure I heard about your local shooting. Is this nuts or what?
I wonder what Ted Nugent has to say about this? I can't even look at him anymore, without the bile rising.

Terri- Can't wait to hear your thoughts on GOT! Hope you enjoy it.

Mark, I saw this and thought of you (and you've probably both seen it before and think it unfunny):



eta: (and I apologize for the bit at the bottom but I don't know how to remove it)

Well, that didn't work and I can't find the image in a better location, but here is something along the same lines (without the punch line):

Cool cat picture! One of our cats hopped onto a bookshelf and curled herself up there this morning. Miss Boo and I both reckoned she was trying to be a book.

A Wookie sighting, A Wookie Sighting!

*blush* Thanks for making me welcome, Mark! This thread is always my first port of call after a long LT absence. Too much fun happening here.

That picture of the girl with the bird on her head was used as a book cover here in Australia, I think it was for one of those quirky autobiographies or something. Was very tempted to buy that one for the cover alone. :)

breathlessly trying to keep up....

Okay, I'm meeting up with another LTer tomorrow night! It's Kerri, (DorsVenabili). She lives in the Chicago area but couldn't make my last get-together.
We are going to meet, with our spouses, for dinner and beer at a suburban brewery. Should be a lot of fun.

Ellen- I've seen birds and various bees and wasps hanging in mailboxes, but no cats. Although this guy looks very comfortable. I would hate to place a few bills between those paws. He might scratch me!

Tania- I always love your visits. I'm glad I'm one of your 1st ports of call. The girl with the bird, looks like a picture that's been around many years.

Tina- Pull up a chair, grab a book and sit awhile. No reason to get out of breath.

Hmmm....looks like my office/library....just my ceiling's not that high.

Hi Mark!
Sorry it took me so long to get here. I misplaced my blue-filtering glasses and it took me awhile to find them!
Ah! Ok. Now I feel safe...

Yay for the rain and great pictures above!
When I need to figure out what to read - I'll check out your thread for sure ;-)

We're going to need better chairs.

Book porn! I love it. Ooh! Have fun at the get together tomorrow with Kerri. Please take pictures and post them if Kerri is okay with it! :)

>145 msf59: *pantpant*droolslobber*pantpant*

145> what is that a picture of?

Mark, I hope your Saturday is good and that your part of the world gets some rain! Even if it means you get wet while making your rounds, I'm sending rain-vibes your way......

xo

**Big Wave**

Happy Saturday! I only have a few minutes, I'm meeting my work compadres for breakfast. I should be wrapping up Any Human Heart today.

Tina- Books everywhere, huh? Sounds familiar.

Claudia- Glad you found your glasses! You might need 'em. Unfortunately the rain is now a distant memory. Enjoy your weekend.

Mamie- LOL. Yes, those don't look all that comfy.

Valerie- I'm looking forward to the Meet-Up! We'll have fun.

Easy, RD, Easy! Down boy!

Ellen- I'm not sure where the photo is from. Just a huge room with lots & lots of books. Have a nice Saturday too!

Kim- Big return Wave!

Hi Mark - I'm trying to catch up here!

Salvage the Bones - I believe this is on my wishlist, although the dog-fighting will be difficult (I have to run out of the room when that darn Sarah McLachlan ASPCA commercial comes on.)

Prisoner of Heaven - I read an ARC of this last month and enjoyed it immensely. I must read the other two and it's unfortunate that I couldn't read them in order, but apparently it's not absolutely necessary.

Looking forward to the Round House this evening!

Just trunning through, skimming and saying hello :)

Have fun at your meetup tonight!

What a seductive library -- oh my -- that photo. The cat in mailbox ain't half-bad either!

Hope the weekend is going swimmingly, Mark! We're starting out slow here at Hacienda Welch, but will get some coffee and groceries soon. Still not too bad outside, although the heat is returning, darn it.

I seem to be on the run today! We'll be leaving for the Meet-up with Kerri in just a little bit. I did finish Any Human Heart. My 1st Boyd and it was excellent. the Foreign Correspondent is a bit dry and I'm having a hard time focusing on it. Maybe, it's just me.

Kerri- I think I know what ASPCA commercial you're talking about. Wow, talk about laying it on thick.
I'm glad you liked Prisoner of Heaven. I'm going to do the audio of the Angel's Game and then find that one.

Kath- You trun through here anytime, my friend. Good to see you.

Chelle & Lucy- Big heart waves!

Joe- Looking forward to the Meet-Up with Kerri tonight! Maybe next time we can all meet somewhere. Enjoy your weekend.

Anyone up for a Book Maze? Here's one:
http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/amazeme-book-maze-london-2012-festival

I like the picture with the little girl in the dress. Reminds me of the creepy scene from the movie "The Shining".

Awesome! Of all the mazes, I wouldn't mind getting lost in that one! Have fun tonight.

Hi Mark, I see you finished the Boyd and gave it 4.5 stars. I'm going to have to take that one off my shelf ASAP.

Have a great time tonight, Mark!

Miss Boo and I love the maze! We want one in Sydney. :)

Have a nice mini meetup tonight! Sunday morning here now, and I'm about to start making pancakes...

100 posts behind again!

Mark, I'd be interested in joining in on a group read of Martian Chronicles in September. I know our library has it.

Hi Kerri! (via Mark)

Oh, forgot to say that I'm about 1/3 of the way into River of Smoke and am loving it. Sadly, it does keep on getting interrupted for bookgroup reads... I may be skipping East of Eden for the Steinbeckathon, I've got a copy but no time. A re-read though, I'm still very keen to read the ones of his I haven't read before.

We had a GREAT time with Kerri & her husband! It's no fluke, LTers are an amazing bunch of people. I'll be back in the A.M.......

Way too far behind here..i'll offer a "wave"

Glad to see but not in the least bit surprised that you had a great meet-up with Kerri and her husband. Loved the book maze and I should probably get the kids to make a mini one in my reading room. Enjoy the rest of your weekend mate.

Love both the library and the amazing maze....pleased you gave Any Human heart 4.5 stars! I have just started to read Rock Springs by Richard Ford which I bought when I saw him speak in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago. Trying to delay Canada and hold back the pleasure! Glad you enjoyed your LT catch-up!

Look forward to hearing more about your meetup with Kerri and husband.

Mark, I have not yet cracked open East of Eden (some host I am), and I'm not sure I'm going to get to it this month! Yikes! It's sitting on my bedside table with five library books stacked on top of it..... Oh well. As we've said before, the Group Reads really run themselves......

And -- I want to thank you again for sending me your copy of Zoo Station. I completed it this morning and will definitely be seeking out the next in the series. It was suspenseful and engaging, a good spy novel. xo

ah! I'm so far behind. I'm stealing your books commiting suicide pic for facebook. Isn't that the truth. I caught about 10 minutes of the Kardasians yesterday and it was brain numbing.

I'll start up a GR thread for A Tree Grows in Brooklyn near the end of July and make a comment in the Kitchen as well. Your place and the Kitchen get much more traffic than my thread. (Leaves bottle of Bissell and a wet vac)

PS: I have not looked for AK in the US as yet. I'll let you know if I do find it.

#145: I want to live in that room! I wonder if my hubby would notice that I was gone (it being baseball season and all. . .)

Morning! Sunday, my day of relaxation. It's supposed get up to the mid 90s, so I think I'll be hanging inside with books & LT. My son must of had some people over after we went to bed: There are sleeping bodies strewn everywhere. No music listening, while I do my morning ritual. Boo!

Kim- I don't think any of us would mind getting lost in that maze, although most of us would probably snag a book and curl up in a corner.

Bonnie- I'm sure you'll love Any Human Heart. It made me an instant fan. I'll try to track down Restless as my next Boyd read. I've been on a Bonnie tear. Finished Every Man in this Village is a Liar and getting ready to start Binocular Vision. I took your advice and snagged it from the library, since my copy was lost in the void.

Joe- You will love Kerri! She fits in perfectly with our little Chicago group. And her husband, another Joe, is a great guy as well, plus he loves music and brews his own beer.

Tania- Yes, the Meet-Up was smashing. Everyone I've met so far is really great. Books are really the glue. Glad you enjoying ROS and I hope you find more time to read it.

Terri- Stop getting a 100 posts behind! LOL. Glad you are planning to join us for The Martian Chronicles. I've been loving these Bradbury choices.

Big Waves to RD, via.....ME!

Jude- 'Sup with the feeble wave? I want a full-on embrace next time! I know you do a mean hug! Good to see you, my friend.

Paul- Of course you were brought up in conversation. (Like, Duh!) And we explained to my wife and Kerri's husband your Crusade across America next year, which brought chuckles and amazement.

Prue- I loved my 1st foray into the Boyd world and look forward to reading many more by him. I thought this was a great place to start. Thanks for the nudge.
I'm not familiar with Rock Springs, so I'll be watching for your thoughts.

Ellen- The Meet-Up went great. Good food, good beer and good conversation. Did I say good beer? Oooh, you didn't read East of Eden and you'regroup leader. I'm telling.
You are more than welcome for Zoo Station. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Lynda- Actually, I'm armed and ready for the A Tree Grows in Brooklyn G.R. I have both book and audio.

Stasia- Good to see you! That would be a heck of a room to have but like Mamie mentioned, it's needs better chairs.

So much blue text! But since I see several that I have read ... not too scary..

This is the place we met. It's actually in Aurora. The brewery is in Warrenville. It's massive inside. Lots of wood, huge vaulted ceilings. The Two Brothers Brewery owns it now. This place once was owned by Walter Payton, back in the day.



These are just a few of their excellent brews.

Good morning Mark! We both had a lovely time last night as well and finally made it home after my boneheaded train schedule reading! I suppose there are worse places to be stranded for a couple of hours, so it was really no big deal.

Have a lovely Sunday! I plan to read, relax, and possibly write some reviews.

83) Every Man in This Village is a Liar by Megan Stack 4.7 stars

"You can survive and not survive, both at the same time."

War on Terror! Manifest or farce? Megan Stack, a foreign correspondent for the LA Times, attempts to answer that question. Shortly after 9/11, Stack found herself thrust into the Middle East, spending the next six years, in various hot zones: Afghanistan, occupied Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, Libya, Saudi Arabia and a few others.
Stack’s first hand account of many atrocities is eye-opening and gut-wrenching. She befriends a variety of people in each of these dangerous locales, putting a human face on these tragedies. She is able to witness the myriad of lies and deceptions and experience the ugly hatreds, that fuel and drive these regions. Her prose is both tough and beautiful. She is a daring, unflinching journalist, looking directly into the horrible face of war.

"Only after covering it for years did I understand that the war on terror never really existed. It was not a real thing. Not that the war on terror was flawed, not that it was cynical or self-defeating, or likely to breed more resentment and violence. But that it was hollow, it was essentially nothing but a unifying myth for a complicated scramble of mixed impulses and social theories and night terrors and cruelty and business interests.”

Whooof .... I can't take a break from LT because I get so behind on your thread, Marky-Mark. Just caught up now, with an eye on the tele watching the British Open.

I'm good for Martian Chronicles in September, so count me in for the GR. :-)

Great review of Every Man in This Village is a Liar. It sounds like a book likely to generate great discussions around a round of drinks about how we respond to lies with lies of our own and terror with terror.

Morning Mark! I'm glad you have a "cool" day in the mid-90s to look forward to. Still in the 100s here with none of that wonderful rain you got last week.

You are becoming King of the Meetups! It is great that there are so many LTers in your area.

I'm with you in trying to keep up with Bonnie. Hey, we've both read a non-Bonnie book. I loved Any Human Heart and also have more Boyd books in my future. I'm still working my way through Truman. It's so worth it as you know. Thanks for encouraging me to pick up that heavy book!

I have your review the thumb given, Mark.

Mark - As I try wander around your thread, #95 caught my eye. Great picture. You've done some wonderful reading this year. I'm glad to see any Flannery O'Connor fan.

Hi Mark: Is that the old Walter Payton's Roundhouse?

I'm reading the first Erle Stanley Gardner. Slightly different personalities and all the characters aren't there yet.

Big waves to Kath!

Kerri- We had a great time with you guys! My kind of people. Hope you have a relaxing Sunday.

Caro- Thanks! I'm glad you liked the Stack review. It's a terrific book. Are you going to set the Bradbury G.R. up? I'm sure you would do a fantastic job.

Donna- Good to see you! Yes, this heat is ridiculous. Close to a 100 tomorrow and then 90s all week. Glad we got a little rain but everything is so dry and brittle out there.
I could be more than content just following Bonnie around. Her book radar is flawless. Glad you are enjoying Truman. It's easily one of my top bios.

Thanks, RD!

Beth- Thanks for wandering by. Love to have ya! Yes, this is shaping up to be another stellar year of reading.

Linda- Yes, The Roundhouse used to be owned by Payton. We were there 10 years ago. It's actually an historical building.

Good morning Mark! EMITVIAL (wow that was long) sounds like a really powerful book. What a fearless woman to write a first hand book on the subject matter!

Thumbs from me as well. :) Have a great Sunday, my friend.

Kerri & Me! Sounds like a YA title. Over my left shoulder are a line of Two Brothers beer growlers. And yes, I had brought mine along and had it filled with a tasty beverage.

Great picture! Meet-ups are so fun!

Yay! A picture of two of my favorite LT peeps!

Mark, thumb for an excellent review of Every Man in This Village is a Liar.

Great picture! Glad to see another successful LT meetup!

Great photo! Meetups are the best!

Great photo -- looks like fun.

#189 - Awe, thanks, Katie!

"A ruined country, a country of tricksters. Rich haciendas hid within the folds of mountains. Guns lay under crates of bananas. Even green parrots practiced deception. They rested in trees, not making a sound; suddenly they rose as one, appearing and departing at the same time, leaving the observer abandoned."

-Binocular Vision

Valerie- Yes, Every Man in This Village is a Liar is an important book, however grim the subject matter can be. Thanks for the Thumb!

Terri, Katie, Chelle, Lisa & Beth- Thanks! We had a terrific time. LT is such an ice-breaker. There are no lulls & awkward silences at these Meet-Ups.

Nancy- I appreciate the Thumb!

Great photo, guys!

>179 msf59: that quote you have copied scares me, and rings true. Its what you always fear when you hear a politician spout some nationalistic rhetoric about why a war is just.

On a lighter note. Great pic of you and Kerri (Kerri & Me, publishing date to be announced!). You both look very keen! Or is that the beer in the background? ;)

Let me guess - books have helped him to reach new heights and have expanded his horizons?! Your thread is moving like a runaway train! Nice picture of you and Kerri! Sounds like a good time.

Hello there King of the Meet-Ups! Lovely picture of you and Kerri. And terrific review of Every Man in this Village is a Liar. It was amazing to me how adroitly she juxtaposed the terror of war with the must lovely and luminous pose. How do you have those two things adjacent to each other? What a book?

Mark, even though you read it first, I am first to review Charlotte Rogan's really gripping first novel, The Lifeboat, in my thread...post #183.

Great picture of two great people! Looks like you guys had a fabulous time. :)

Another record-breaker today, pushing 100 again. Is this Groundhog Day or what? I'm starting Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress. Everyone seems to adore this one. Can't wait to dive in. I'll also be reading snatches of Binocular Vision. I didn't get a chance read as much of it yesterday but this is going to be a winner.

Morning Mamie- You win a kewpie doll! Yah! Lots of train themes on this thread. I'll have to rename it the Marky-Mark Express.

Bonnie- I loved the Stack book, although it was definitely tough and heart-rending at times. I've been on a Bonnie Roll lately, lots of books you've recommended. I can already tell Binocular Vision will be outstanding.

RD wrote a review! RD wrote a review! Yah! I'll be over to check it out.

Valerie- Thanks! It was another completely successful Meet-Up. And we have a tentative bike ride planned in the near future.

Mark - Great shot of you and Kerri - I am with Katie - two of my favourite peeps too (whatever a peep is!) Look forward to a time when I can join the both of you and other Chicagoans (or Chicago visitors) in a beer or two in a haunt like that shown. Great stuff.

Great oicture :) You are probably the king of meet ups!
Paul a peep is a baby chicken :)

*passing through..

yes, we had a shooting here in Tuscaloosa. A man in his mid-forties with financial and marital trouble stood outside of a bar with an automatic rifle in plain sight. Apparently he was looking for a specific person and when they didn't come outside, he opened fire. Fourteen people were wounded. Three critically. One is still in the hospital. He had been to a home earlier in the evening and shot somebody there, then went to the bar, so the thinking is that he was looking for a specific person. The shooter was captured the next day in a town forty miles from here. He turned himself in at a FedEx store. This happened early Tuesday morning.

I finished reading and listening to two books this weekend. Songs for the Butcher's Daughter and a romance novel Hothouse Flower and the 9 Plants of Desire. Both were good but not outstanding novels. I started listening to Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded and spent a good deal of the afternoon at the swimming pool reading on Devil's Peak. So far it is good. I have never read any of the Wallender books, but it seems to me to be an Afrikaans version of that kind of detective story. However, I am still in the early stages of the book so won't make any judgements on it yet.

First of all, a big thanks to Joe for encouraging me to pick up a copy of Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress. I'm 60 pages in and it's wonderful. And it's a perfect shorty after reading a couple big guys, Insurgent & Any Human Heart.
Let the gushing continue: I am loving binocular Vision. This lady can write and it's nice to read an SS collection that's not draped in despair.
I did just finish up the audio of the Foreign Correspondent. It was okay. This is my 2nd Furst book and I like his writing but the story just wasn't as riveting on this one.

Paul- Look forward to seeing you and your lovely family! There are no words to describe this amazing LT community! I think it has enriched all of our lives.

Kath- Thanks for the clarification on "peeps". I'm not sure I'm King of anything but I am sure glad I've had this opportunity to meet some fantastic people. When are you coming through?

Benita- Thanks for filling me on the Tuscaloosa shooting. How horrible. I'm sure the Colorado nightmare is hogging most of the press these days. Glad you are enjoying your books!

Peeps can also be a short way of saying your people, i.e. your friends. I had a baby chicken named Peep when I was a little kid, but after three nights of peeping in a box in the kitchen, my parents sent her to live on a farm with her own peeps. And does anyone remember eating those bright yellow marshmallow Peeps? Even when they were slightly stale?

Sure, Marky-Mark... I can set up the GR thread for The Martian Chronicles. I'll set it up mid August.

Speaking of train express, I need to get to The Great Railway Bazaar before the year is out.

>208 labfs39: For my children, those things HAD to be stale Lisa. As a matter of fact, I had to buy them weeks ahead of time and slit open the package to encourage, er, staleness.

Peeps are crunchier when they're stale, but good whether they're fresh or stale. Yes, I admit it. I like Peeps. But not on a regular basis.

'Sup with all the peep talk? Of course I remember these synthetic treats from Easter. I don't recall them being stale or not, probably hard to tell.

"You are a time bomb." Mike tells Walt in the 2nd episode of Breaking Bad. After, an okay premiere episode, this one was excellent. Lots of Mike and good to see Hank back with more screen time, plus a very creepy final scene.

Big waves to Lisa, Bonnie & Terri (peep fans!)

Caro- Did we agree on September for the Bradbury, due to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn G.R. next month? You know I LOVED The Great Railway Bazaar and I NEED to get to his follow-up.

Hi Mark - I loved most of Theroux's travel books, but the early ones were best. I think my fav was The Old Patagonian Express.

Tomm used to use Peeps a lot in the science outreach program for kids that he organized when he was in college. Stick 'em in the microwave and see what happens...

Microwaving marshmallow peeps is funny :)

I don't expect I will be passing through Chicago any time soon... :P nothing personal..

Morning Mark! I guess I need to look up Theroux - not familiar with this author. Did you get the storms? You've got some very good reading ring on right now!

All of a sudden, I'm thinking of my teetering stacks of books as art: http://tablet.flavorwire.com/flavorwire/#!/entry/15-inspiring-cleverlyorganized-...

My daughter has a 'thing' about "Peeps". We have to track down a box, stale or not, every Easter. She eats about half of them and then that's that.

Nice photo of yr. meet-up! I've got one today, very exciting, meeting Claudia in Stowe.

Mark - Here's another fan of Paul Theroux. Travel stuff all great. Fiction pretty spiffing too. SWMBO recently read Saint Jack and I had the rare pleasure of her chuckling in bed for reasons not conducive to me blushing.

well I have a serious sugar craving now that I have visited here! Can't say I've ever had a peep though...

Hi Mark! :)

Good morning Mr. Mark! I have to second the microwaving experiment. There is something fascinating about watching them grow, grow, and just when you then they are going to explode, the timer goes off, and they rapidly shrink back. Ahhh..if only pregnancy, giving birth and losing the weight worked as efficiently! :)

Hello, Mark. Just doing a quick skim-through (I'm supposed to be working). Love the pic of you and Kerri and the growlers. :-)

And I like that books are your drug of choice (mine, too -- and all of us here on LT!) but I thinking beer might be your chaser of choice.

Growlers, yes; Peeps, sooner I would die thank you please.

Peeps: disgusting to eat but they have their non-food purposes

#1 Jousting Peeps: Place two Peeps bearing toothpick swords in the microwave, set to about 40 seconds, and see which one destroys the other first. Betting optional.

#2 For creative types, The Washington Post (and apparently other newspapers--who knew?) has an annual Peeps Diorama contest. Here's this year's winner:

LOL ... love the Peeps diorama, Anne. We started a Peeps contest at the office one year before Easter, but some people snuck over to their competitor's displays before the judging and ate some of their Peeps. I found a Peep behind my bookcase and one in my filing cabinet months AFTER the contest.

Marky-Mark - yes, I thought you said you were doing a GR of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn in August and tackling 1Q84 in October so September would be good for you for Martian Chronicles. Still good, or would you prefer to move it to November?

Hi Mark, lots of interesting stuff happening over here, as always! I had no idea "Peeps" was anything else than a way of saying "people", or you know, taking a peek. But they sure look cute. Glad you had a fun meet up with Kerri and thanks for posting a pic. I'm kind of envious you're reading Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress for the first time. It's one of those books I told myself I'd be reading every year when I first picked it up in 2010. That may not happen what with so many other great books to get to, but there is definitely more than one re-read of it in store for me in future.

Peeps. A whole new world of fun by the sound of it! And not just for eating, haha.
What a great installation, so those colourful things are all little sugary treats? What the?

Since I did ask the question I also, as did Ilana, have no idea that a Peep was so easily digestible.

Greetings from Michigan, Mark. We're having a great time goofing off. Glad you're liking Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress!

I'm enjoying The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale, kind of a more mature and detailed Tamora Pierce type book, and re-reading A Princess of Mars, an adventure story that has held up much better over time than I would've guessed.

" I was carried away, swept along by the mighty stream of words pouring from the hundreds of pages. To me it was the ultimate book: once you had read it, neither your own life nor the world you lived in would ever be the same."

-Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress

Wow, The Marky-Mark Express is hopping today! Standing room only. Another big storm rolled through this morning on my way to work. Sky was black and it poured. It was over by 8am but on the backside was some wicked humidity, that has stuck around all day. Yuck!

Beth- I have to read more of Theroux's travel books. I'll have to add The Old Patagonian Express to the WL.

Big hearty, somewhat sweaty waves to Amber & Kath!

Mamie- Try to find The Great Railway Bazaar. I think it's a nice introduction to Theroux. It's not very long and it also works very well on audio.
And yes, the storms hit early and then moved on. Small chance later too!

Tania- That book stack is very artistic! But what if you want to read one of those books? Could be trouble.

Lucy- Have a fantastic Meet-Up with Claudia! You should have a nice time.

Paul- I have to get to more Theroux. I loved Mosquito Coast, (good film too). I've never read Saint Jack but I also saw that film version. It was okay.

Waves to Chelle!

Valerie- Big wave!

Ellen- " Love the pic of you and Kerri and the growlers." We make a nice family don't we? LOL. And yes, beer is my chaser of choice! Good guess.

RD- Yes, to growlers! I'm just polishing off mine from Saturday night. Once you open it, it's recommended you finish it within 48 hours. It's a tough job but someone has to do it.

Anne- Thanks for the peep display! Hobbies are endless, aren't they?

Caro- Peeps were everywhere, huh? LOL. I think September will work, for the Bradbury, my friend. Something else might come up for November, you never know with this relentless crowd of rabid readers.

Ilana- Had a very nice visit with Kerri and her husband was a lot of fun too! He is a reader but also loves music & beer. My kind of guy.
I can see why Balzac is so beloved over here. It's been perfect. And it's short enough where I can squeeze in a few pages of Binocular Vision too. That's a title you might want to keep an eye out for.

Megan- No peeps in NZ? Well, at least there are plenty over here. I bet Lenny would love 'em.

Joe- Great to see you sir! Glad you are having a good time visiting your Dad. When do you get back?

I love the Occupeep DC diorama -- I think someone made one of those for some other cities, too, but I can't find them on the web.

Got my liberry copy of Binocular Vision yesterday so I can finally see fer myownself what the carryin' on is all about.

84) Any Human Heart by William Boyd 4.5 stars

“Never say you know the last word about any human heart".
-Henry James

Another title for this book, may have been “The Mortal Life of Logan Mountstuart”. LMS, as he calls himself, was born in 1906 and starting in 1923, he tells his story through personal journal entries, taking us through the decades of the 20th century. It’s a Zelig-like journey, as LMS, a fledgling author and correspondent, tools across Europe, bumping into a vast array of cultural icons, like Hemingway, Picasso, Ian Fleming, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Virginia Woolf and many others. We also experience his many ups and downs, his affairs, (sex plays a large frolicking role), his marriages and his life-long friendships:
“It's true: lives do drift apart for no obvious reason. We're all busy people, we can't spend our time simply trying to stay in touch. The test of a friendship is if it can weather these inevitable gaps.”
This is my first Boyd novel and his clear prose and sure-fire storytelling sold me immediately. I’m an instant fan.

You poor guy, having to drink a whole growler. How many ounces is that? Do you just bring it in and they fill it with beer?

Fans of Breaking Bad will love this- The Week’s 5 Biggest Walter White WTF Moments:

http://www.flavorwire.com/311430/breaking-bad-the-weeks-5-biggest-walter-white-w...

RD- Yah! I'm so glad you snagged a copy and I can't wait to hear your thoughts.

Linda- The growler is a half gallon. I try to drink it over a couple days, unless I get some help of course. Good to see you!

Happy Birthday, Mark!

My felicitations too on your birthday mate. Have a couple of beers for me today as I am off the pop this month.

Thanks Stasia & Paul! I'll need all the wishes I can get today. It's going to be a 100 plus. Is that nasty or what? Hopefully my books keep me cool and distracted.

Felicem diem natalem!! Hope it's the best one yet!

Happy Birthday Mark... May the weather guessers be wrong and it only be 80 with a light mist...

Happy birthday Mark!

I'm not sure if I can dodge the book bullet that is Any Human Heart...

Hi Mark. I'm finally back and trying to catch up. I think I am going to have to bump both Binocular Vision and Every Man in This Village is a Liar further up the wishlist. I do own a few unread books by William Boyd and am encouraged by your having become an instant fan.

Happy Birthday, Mark!

(And sorry about starting all that "peep" business ;-) )

Happy birthday Mark! Any books for birthday presents?

Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday, dear Marrrrkkkkk.
Happy Birthday to you!

Here's hoping it's a great one despite the heat!

Happy Birthday, Mark!!
Stay cool today.

May everyone on your route have one of these and insist you share it today!

Its going to 100 plus down here as well, and no hope of rain. It is a nice day for a birthday - just don't go outside. Or if you do, and will, take Richard's advice and find one of those slides.

I went to see a French Canadian movie last night "Monsieur Lazhar." It was wonderful. It was about a school teacher who read Balzac to his students. I put Balzac and the Little Chinese Mistress in my wishlist already. And you didn't even have to write a review.

HaPpY bIrThDaY, Mark!!!!!!!

Happy birthday!

it's my first time here. RD enjoined Joe's patrons to give you joy on your b'day so i've come to fish ewe a hippo birdie and to ooh and ahhhh at the train pic at the top.

have a good one, Mark. :)

Happy, happy Mark!! And many more to come!

Thanks everyone! You guys are great. Nothing like the online world to remember your b'day! I think I have at least 15 or 20 Facebook messages too and unlike this hallowed ground, I rarely spend time over there.

On my way home my gauge in the truck read somewhere between 100-102. Yes, it was a hottie!

Big loving waves to Amber (in Latin), Kath (wouldn't that have been wonderful!), Tania, Katie (my peep), Laura (nothing yet!), Mamie (perfectly lovely), Linda P, RD (I might have even got my old tired ass on that thing today), Ellen, Jim & Bonnie, (my LT Goddess)! Hugs to all!

Linda9- Both of those titles are fantastic and I'm only a 100 pages into the Pearlman.

Benita- Unfortunately, I spent most of the day outside and I did not see any of those slide-thingies either. I'm loving Balzac, nearly done.

Ellie- It's fantastic seeing you over here! I've seen you at the Cafe on many occasions and I'm glad you found the time to stumble by my humble abode.

I'm heading out to meet the wife and the son for dinner and BEER! I'll be back...

Happy birthday--I hope it's a great one!

Happy Birthday Mark! Many Happy Returns of the Day!

Happy Birthday Mark!! Hope you had a great day

Sending you some birthday hugs, Mark. Don't worry, I showered after my walk and watering chores. 102 degrees today! Just another day in Paradise.

Hi Mark - Happy Birthday!!! I hope the growler was enjoyable!

Thanks for that Breaking Bad link - Sunday's episode was fantastic!

A big hug to you Mr. Mark on your special, special day. Thank you for making LT such a great place to hang and so I wish you all the best on this day! :)

If you don't mind reading sub-titles (or perhaps you speak French) I highly recommend that movie. It was great!

Happy happy day, Mark! I hope your birthday was fabulous!

Huh. Beer. On your birthday. I'm shocked.

xo

Belated Birthday greetings!

Thanks for the birthday wishes, Anne, Terri, Chelle, Kerri (Yes, BB was fantastic!), Valerie, Prue, Ellen (I'm not shocked. LOL.) & Kerry!

Benita- No problem here with reading subtitles, so I'll be watching out for that one.

And once again thanks everyone, for adding to the pleasure of my day. Hugs to all!

I was talking to my daughter, (always a highlight!), at lunch yesterday, so I didn't quite finish Balzac, although I'm pretty close and it has easily lived up to it's beloved LT status. I have more mixed feelings about the Age of Miracles which I'm also nearly finished with.

I did pick up a couple titles from the library yesterday: the Giver, (prompted by Valerie, thx) and the audio of Why We Broke Up, a YA title that came off that best of YA list.

Lynda set up the Group Read Thread for A Tree grows in Brooklyn:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/140144#3507699

It starts around August 1st, so if you've been meaning to read this classic or are up for a reread, jump a board.

Happy birthday, Mark!

Isn't it the truth? a chat with the kids is always a way to brighten the day :)

Happy belated bday, Mark! Any birthday books?

Hi Mark! Happy day-after-your-birthday wishes!! Sorry about the heat. Better luck with the beer! Hugs.

You will like The Giver it is a children's and YA classic and well worth the time to read it. There are also sequels to it. The Messenger, Gathering Blue and in October of this year Son will be published. It will complete the story.

In a mini-bookfunk...can't settle in...lots of pretties want my attention.

Take a break Richard. Have one of those great beers and do some people watching. You will soon be back to books.

For you on your birthday:

#270--I love The Giver and I had no idea there were sequels! I must do something about this immediately. Thanks, B!

I just listened to a Theroux on audio and now I'd really like to listen to them - I loved it. An older one called The Cloud Forest - trip through Sout America - not sure I would have liked it so much as a read.

#274
I just read an interview with Lois Lowry and she said that with the publication of this last book she feels that the story she started in The Giver is completed so there won't be any more sequels to worry about reading after this one in October. I liked the Giver as well, and I have not read any of the sequels either. So that is three more titles to go on the giant list.

Mark
I am really enjoying listening to Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded. This would be a good listen while walking your route. I got so interested that I had to go to the library last night and get the paper copy in hopes that there was a map in that book. There is! Oh happy day!

Thanks Joe, Kim!

Kath- I'm not sure I mentioned the good news over here but my daughter is moving back here, at the end of the month. Needless to say, we are ecstatic!

Lisa- No birthday books, but I'm still acquiring them one way or another! I plan on using any birthday funds for my fishing trip, the middle of next month.

Benita- Thanks! I plan on getting to the Giver soon, probably early next week.

RD- Boo for BookFunk! Nasty malady. Did you try a couple of the stories in binocular Vision? That could do the trick.

Thanks, Ellen- Looks mighty tasty!

Lucy- Glad you enjoyed your Theroux audio! Might be the way to enjoy him. Never even heard of the Cloud Forest. Are you sure that's not Matthiessen?

I'm overdue for my new thread...