DonnaReads in August... and the heat goes on...

"What good is the warmth of summer
without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?"
~John Steinbeck

My sweeties know how to keep cool at Grandma D's house. I think we need a bigger pool!



Significant Books of the 21st Century:

2012: Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel
2011: The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna
2010: The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer
2009: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
2008: Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh
2007: Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill
2006: Half Of A Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - Orange Prize
2005: A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell
2004: Gilead by Marillyne Robinson - Pulitzer Prize
2003: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
2002: Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
2001: Life of Pi by Yann Martel - Booker Prize
2000: White Teeth by Zadie Smith

Books Read in July:

58. The Night Watch by Sarah Waters. 3.75 stars.
The lives of several young people in London are chronicled from 1941-1947. The author’s captivating prose was a joy to read, and her interesting construction made it even more memorable.

59. Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin. 4.6 stars.
The ultimate Preacher's Kid story set in 1930's Harlem.

60. The Book of Color by Julia Blackburn. 3.3 stars.
A granddaughter leads her elderly grandfather to an understanding of his cursed past. Who needs ancestry.com?

61: I Was Amelia Earhart by Jane Mendelsohn. 3.7 stars.
A dreamy look as to what could have happened if Amelia survived the plane disappearance that was never solved.

62: The Weight of Glory by C. S. Lewis. 4 stars.
A series of weighty essays to ponder by one of my favorite thinkers and writers.

63: Palace Walk by Naguib Mahfouz. 4.2 stars.
A look inside the daily life of a traditional Muslim family that mirrors the post-WWI events in Cairo, Egypt.

64: Truman by David McCullough. 4.7 stars.
A big book about a big man! Makes me proud to call Missouri my adopted home state.

65: Old Books, Rare Friends by Leona Rostenberg & Madeleine Stern. 3.4 stars.
Two rare book sellers share their stories about their lifelong passion for books.

July Recap:
3,034 pages read.
8 books read; 7 were BOMBS (Books Off My Shelves)!

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Books Read in August:

66. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. 3.9 stars.
Love overcomes cancer. Have a tissue handy when you read this!

67: Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury. 4.7 stars.
Summer, 1928, Green Town, Illinois. 12-year-old Douglas Spaulding is recording the rituals of summer vacation from school and the big truths that can be found in everyday happenings. New favorite!

68: A Bend in the River by V. S. Naipaul. 3.5 stars.
This book had so much potential but I slogged through the second half because I plainly lost interest in the lackluster protagonist.

69: The Red Pony by John Steinbeck. 3.6 stars.
A heartbreaking quartet of stories about a young boy experiencing the hardships of ranch life.

70: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. 3.9 stars.
Compelling but twisted tale of the doomed marriage of Nick and Amy Dunne.

71: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. 4.8 stars.
A reread of a sentimental favorite about growing up poor in Brooklyn in the early 20th Century.

72: Palace of Desire by Naguib Mahfouz. 4 stars.
An Egyptian family moves on after the death of a beloved son and brother in a political uprising.

Wow Donna! Great reads in July. I like your 21st century list, too. What's ahead for August? And the heat goes on -- love it. I think only people of a certain age will get it.

Congrats on your nice new thread, Donna! Love the Steinbeck quote!

Donna, how do you come up with these thread titles? Every one has been great -- and the latest is no exception! But did we really need that blazing sun? Just another reminder of this unbearable heat we've been having, right?! ;-)

Donna - congratulations on your latest thread. Noticed particularly the spectacular quality of your reading recently.
I.m of a mind with Mamie too the quote from Mr. Steinbeck is very apt and true and shows why I don't really appreciate the year round temperature and humidity here.

Lovely new thread. Of course, I'm still wearing long sleeves of an evening, but nonetheless..... :-|

You had a very successful reading July. May August be as fruitful.

True quote by Steinbeck - sometimes it seems that we never appreciate the good in life until we realize its absence! And wow, congratulations on 65 books read. Woohoo! :D

Hi Donna- What a perfect image to start your new thread! Baking in the Midwest. I love the Steinbeck quote too!

Hi Donna - love the Steinbeck quote! Hope you're getting some sweet and cool relief in this hot, hot summer!

Steinbeck has a good attitude! Marking my place, Donna.

Happy new thread, Donna! I conclude that Steinbeck was never uneasy through a peculiarly warm winter followed by a typically hot, humid N.C. summer. Whatever, you're getting through a lot of really good reading!

I just love new threads and all the visitors. Thanks to each one of you for stopping by! I'm glad the Steinbeck quote was a hit. I tried to find something positive about this yucky weather. I'll try to remember this heat when my teeth are chattering this winter!

I may be quieter than usual here for a bit. My daughter Lori is coming down from Kansas City tomorrow with the kids for a few days. Three kids demand lots of attention and I am glad to give it to them -- for about two days anyway. Audrey has a broken foot so we'll probably be playing games inside rather than our usual outside activities. It works for this Hot Grandma. ;-)

Where's Haley?

Lol, Darryl. I'm waiting for her cousins to arrive so I can take a picture of the four of them together. No worries, there will be a new photo of Haley soon.

I woke up to the sound of RAIN! I am off for my walk on what appears to be a very muggy morning.

I love the photo and the quote Donna! Good list for July!

Oo, nice Steinbeck quote, Donna! That's the problem I had when I lived in southern California - I missed the seasons too much. Lovely, moderate weather all the time - just too much (or too little) for a guy like me.

Hi Donna! Stopping by to reserve a spot on your new thread! Love your image and the accompanying quote. How fitting! :)

Happy New Thread, Donna!
It's in fact a bit cooler here today - one can step outside without immediately starting to melt, which is nice. Still need more rain, though...

New month, new threads popping up everywhere. It's Happy New Thread time! :-) I'll be starting up one of my own too now that a few people have heeded my call and helped me get to the crucial 200-message mark in time!

As always, I really love reading your one-liner recap reviews on what you've read in the previous thread. I always tell myself I'll imitate you, but of course that would entail all my reviews being delivered in a timely fashion to begin with, and I'm still working on that!

Happy reading throughout August and beyond Donna!

That thermometer up at the top says it all Donna. It's going to be a scorcher here for the next couple of days. I suppose I'll have to just stay inside the cool house and read;-)

It's nice to have visitors that come by when I don't have time to "play". These guys are keeping me pretty busy. One more day!


Griffin (4), Sadie (10 - with her new braces), Haley (almost 2), Audrey (8 - with her broken foot).

Dang, all those smiles. Must remain miserable, must be irritable...

AWWWWWW! GAWD THEY'RE SO CUTE! You're a lucky grandma, Donna. :)

Great picture of some gorgeous kids, Donna!

Too cute! I wouldn't mind so many cute wee ones keeping me busy. :)

Gorgeous grandkids, Donna : ).

Lovely grandkids, Donna - but how can Haley be nearly 2?!?! I'm sure I'm not the only one on here who remembers when she was born!

What a sweet batch of kids!

Now, that's a great photo! What a happy bunch!

I imagine that lovely group is keeping you pretty busy, Donna, especially confined to the cool of the house!

Cute kiddies.

Quadrupally blessed, Donna. What a great pic!

Great! Impossible not to smile with that troupe around!

Wonderful picture Donna! How lucky are you!

Beautiful! They must make being a proud grandma the easiest thing in the world.

Lovely pictures, Donna! I'm back in San Diego this morning and loving my 72 degrees at 11:16 this morning, even though Abilene is only 97 today. That 111 last Sunday just about did me in!

Lovely picture of the grands, Linda! Hope you're keeping cool - it's in the 90s here today, with an "air quality alert" (apparently it's not good for me to breath...). HOWEVER I will keep my spirits up reminding myself that I can easily jump in the pool to cool off, and in the meantime there's plenty of books to read when I don't have the energy to do anything else. :)

I'm playing catchup here too, Donna. Love your pictures, and, yes, you do need a new pool, I can't see where Grandma can fit into the one you have now!

Terrific pictures, Donna! I love watching your grandkids grow. Yes indeed, you need a bigger pool. One that you can relax in too.

There's Haley! Great photos, Donna!

Greetings to all my visitors. I hope everyone is having a good week end.

Grandkids gone...new life begins. I'm going to pretend this is a brand new thread and start over with individual responses from now on. It seems new to me because I am typing on my new MacBook Pro. I look forward to a long and happy relationship with Mac! My daughter Lori set it up for me and spent hours getting all my photos in order over here. She's much more organized than I am. Here we go with listing my first book for August:


"Depression is not a side effect of cancer. Depression is a side effect of dying."

Book No. 66: The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. 3.9 stars.
Read for TIOLI Challenge No. 13: Title Anagram -- "FOIST"

Observation: I am not immune to the charm of wise-cracking teens.

This is a love story with a catch. Both of the young lovers have cancer, one in full remission and one temporarily stalled. At least that's how the book started out. Sounds like a real downer, right? It would be if Hazel and Augustus felt even a tiny bit sorry for themselves but they are too busy trying to lead normal lives to feel any self pity. And because they don't want sympathy from others, I'll amend my first sentence. This is a love story. Read it...and weep.

I can't believe we were reading the same book at the same time! But I had to give The Fault in Our Stars 4.5 stars! I thought it was so well-written -- being able to make the story enjoyable (and sometimes even humorous), given the subject matter. I second your final sentence, though...."Read it and weep."

Nancy, you know me...sometimes I feel like these "tearjerkers" are just a bit too manipulative. It's one of my shortcomings that I am too critical of these kinds of books. And, yes, I did shed a tear or two! I had mixed feelings about my rating and reserve the right to adjust it at the end of the month!

Hi, Donna. What a great photo of the grandkids!

I'm so glad you read and enjoyed TFIOS. What a wonderful book.

We rated it almost exactly the same Donna. It was a tearjerker, no doubt about that. I'm just not a real fan of YA writing styles. This was probably the last one I'll read for a long time.

44: Thanks, Terri. They're keepers!

Hi Laura, John Green knows how to get inside the head of a teenager, that's for sure. This was definitely a laugh and cry kind of book.

Bonnie, speaking for myself, I think too many years and life experiences have taken place for me to relate to Young Adult books for the most part. This one was good but the teen talk got to me after awhile.

Hi Donna, I'm all caught up now. And officially exhausted :)

Your grandchildren are adorable!

It is clearly the Grand Parents that make the grand children so full of smiles - broken bones and braces notwitrhstanding. Enjoy the rest of your weekend with your pride and joys!

Such darling grandchildren, Donna! I love your list of " significant books." I hope to get to more of them , but for now I've read 5 of your picks. Hot enough -yes, though for us, today was about 84 F, which is dreadfully hot in my books. 72 F - that's my kind of temps! :)

Donna -
Very perceptive comment about "too many years of experience" making it hard to relate to YA books. I've read some excellent ones, but I agree. It's hard to make them a steady diet. I'm too far removed from teen angst.

It's good to see you here, Katie. I'm always trying to catch up around here!

Thanks for those kind words, Paul. The grand children are gone and the house is quiet, but the memory of a few fun days remains. *Sigh* of both relief and satisfaction.

Deb! While you've been away from LT there have been many 'best books' lists on various threads. I'm "blaming" our favorite trend setter, Mark! It's been fun checking out everyone's favorite books.

Beth, I'm happy to be far removed from teen angst! My oldest granddaughter is 10 now. I witnessed a few episodes of moodiness and hints of things to come.

We had a little rain overnight after a miserably hot day yesterday. The wind and 106 degree temperature made me feel like I was in the path of a huge blowtorch. I'm looking forward to a few days in the 90s. Maybe I'll even tackle the proliferation of weeds...tomorrow. Today is reading day!

Donna, enjoyed your comments on The Fault in Our Stars. Your "Observation" made me smile : ).

Thanks, Nancy, I enjoyed gently poking fun of the way these characters talked. I am pretty far removed from the teen scene so I wouldn't know true teen talk if I heard it, but some of their dialogue seemed pretty advanced, especially all the metaphors.

Oh, Happy Day...I gave myself permission to give up on a book! I got almost halfway through Narcopolis before deciding it was making me miserable. I picked up Dandelion Wine and have been tipsy on a most pleasant story ever since. I just finished the part about the Happiness Machine. This book would be included in mine if I were to invent one!

A little slow on the uptake . . . Days later, I realized the reason I wasn't seeing anything on your thread pop up was because I'd failed to star your newest! As usual, lots going on here including great pics of your cute, cute grandkids.

Agreed with your observations on The Fault in Our Stars and am concerned about Narcopolis as that is coming up very soon on my reading agenda. Looks like I am going to have to add Dandelion Wine to the ever expanding TBR list . . .

Just keeping up here, Donna. Love the pictures of your adorable grandkids - thanks for sharing. Some really good points in your observations about The Fault in Our Stars, which I read earlier this year.

What is the Joplin date?

Just curious, Donna. What was it about Narcopolis that made you miserable?

55, 58: Brenda and Linda, I hope you both enjoy Narcopolis. The writing is engaging, and I was intrigued by the hijra character of Dimple. That was a new term for me for a male who has been castrated at a young age. I rather enjoyed the early history of smoking opium in Bombay, but by the midpoint, I couldn't see any relief from the brothels and drug dens. Even good writing and a hint of unexpected humor could not relieve the misery for me. Maybe another time...

Morning Mamie, thanks for the grandkid love!

Mike, the last two meetups in Joplin have been held the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. That would make this year's date Nov. 27 if we stick to that pattern; however, this year's date is to be determined. This is Stasia and Terri's "baby" so I am waiting to hear from one of them.

I am loving Dandelion Wine!

Loving the pictures of the grandchildren and very interested in your current reading. I am now suitably warned about Narcopolis and your review on The Fault in Our Stars made me feel quite clear on why the book is so popular. It's one I would usually be tempted by but as a younger cousin of mine has cancer and has been told it is no longer treatable, I don't think I could bear to read it right now.

I'm glad you thought The Fault In Our Stars was okay! I had a lower and very negative inital reaction from the book, but it's kind of petered out into me thinking the book was "meh." Now that you mention it, I think the main thing that bugged me about the book was that the voices of the main characters that didn't convince me. They didn't sound like teens, let alone extremely smart teens - I know some EXTREMELY bright teenagers, and none of them sound like that. I don't know. Maybe there are teens like that out there, and John Green's met them, but I haven't. I'll shut up now. :)

I agree with Dee, Donna, your review makes it quite clear why Fault in Our Stars is so popular. Well done. I thought it was a knock-out, but I can understand your reservations.

Dandelion Wine was a life-changer for me as a kid, hitting me at just the right, disenchanted with school, time, and taught by the best teacher I'd ever had. It's a beautiful book. I'm slowly re-reading it myself right now.

I'm halfway through Narcopolis, and I'm having a hard time staying focused on it. It reminds me of Pure by Timothy Mo, which is set in Thailand and also features a genetically male character who passes as a female and works in the sex industry, along with frequent drug use. I'll try to finish it today, mainly because I'm ready to move on to something else.

I took the whole last week of November off for Joplin, just in case. We usually work around Stasia's days off, so I leave it to her. Besides, I have Civil War Tour #5 (I think) to accomplish that week, as well as a few more winery stamps before they close the Passport program and start something new next year. :-(

Dee, I am sorry about your cousin. That would make the Stars book a much tougher read than it already is.

Eris, I remember your displeasure with the book. You are much more in the know about how teens talk than I am. It was one of those books that I'm glad I read so that I am in the loop with others here, but also one that I can't imagine reading again.

Joe, how interesting that you read Dandelion Wine as a kid. I can see why it would have made such a good impression on you. It fills me with a sense of longing for the childhood I never had. We moved frequently and didn't form attachments in the military communities we lived in. They weren't exactly a model of small-town America.

Darryl, at least Narcopolis isn't a huge time commitment. I considered finishing it as I was almost to the halfway point when I quit. I may pick it up again at some future date...depending on what you and others have to say about it.

Terri, it sounds like you will be having a busy week at the end of November. I'm looking forward to hearing about your progress visiting Civil War sites. You are getting your money's worth out of that book!

Hi Donna!
Cute opening picture! Yup! You need a slightly bigger pool, Grandma! Those grandkids are growing up fast!

I unexpectedly LOVED Dandelion Wine. I have a much different view of Bradbury now. He is a much better writer than I knew when I was younger.

You are truly blessed, Donna - gorgeous grandkids, some great reads....and, on bone-cold bitter Melbourne winter's day, I would swap for some heat any day! I'm having a good run of books lately too - currently reading and loving Olive Kitteridge.

Cee, if we had a real pool, we would undoubtedly have more time here with the older grands. Those girls are part mermaid! Confession time: this is my first book by Bradbury. But not my last!

Prue, I visited you on your (chilly) home turf before I checked my thread. I still find it hard to wrap my head around the opposite seasons. I'm glad you have that crusty Olive with a mellow heart to help keep you warm. And then there's your upcoming trip to warmer climes to seal the deal!

Hi Donna,
First off - what beautiful grandchildren you have! I'm glad you had a good visit with them -- so important to spend that time.

I recently read Dandelion Wine and found it to be a true delight. Like you, it made me wistful for childhood, particularly the freedom and adventure of childhood summers (even if part of that memory is frankly distorted by the decades). I loved the younger brother's wise voice.... I loved the metaphor of wine made from day-to-day what-I-would-call-weeds.....

A few days ago you reported getting rain. I assume this was counted a blessing? :-)

Hey Ellen, I like your comments on Dandelion Wine. It seems to be universally loved by the recent flurry of readers on LT, including me. And, yes, our recent dab of rain was a blessing, although it didn't do much to make up an eleven inch deficit for the year! We got another shower this afternoon: "Summer rain. The rain began light, a touch. The rain increased and fell heavily. It played the sidewalks and roofs like great pianos." (DW, page 247).



"It was a quiet morning, the town covered over with darkness and at ease in bed. Summer gathered in the weather, the wind had the proper touch, the breathing of the world was long and warm and slow. You had only to rise, lean from your window, and know that this indeed was the first real time of freedom and living, this was the first morning of summer." (First paragraph)

Book No. 66: Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury. 4.7 stars.

Summer, 1928, Green Town, Illinois. 12-year-old Douglas Spaulding is recording the rituals of summer vacation from school and the big truths that can be found in everyday happenings. Along with daily life is the annual making of the Dandelion Wine by his grandfather. Dandelion Wine. "The words were summer on the tongue." (14) And when the last bottle - and memory of summer - is empty, "…the summer's gone for good and no regret and no sentimental trash lying about… Clean, smokeless, efficient, that's dandelion wine." (263)

Along with the making of the wine, there are many vignettes of small town life. These stories are mostly about the loneliness of aging, friends moving away, and interactions with community members. The passage of time is ever present as the hopes of a never-ending summer flicker away, pausing only for a nightly round of playing Statues on the lawn. Bradbury's prose is as lush as the verdant grass that spawns the dandelions and as fecund as the loamy earth which produces a bounty of things to eat, smell, and feast the eyes upon. There is much wisdom in this book along with the beautiful writing.

Can you tell I loved this book? I'm glad I used part of my B&N gift card to buy this lovely hardcover with the summery looking cover. This book makes me happy just to look at it! It's one I will return to again and again. Highly recommended.

Lovely review of Dandelion Wine, Donna, and most enticing at 4.7*! Love the expression "summer on the tongue" - great writing!

Beautifully written review of Dandelion Wine, Donna - it's on my TBR stack so I am hoping to get to it soon - though I will be sorry to end my visit with Olive - who I rather like.

Hi Donna- Terrific review of DW! It was a special book, wasn't it? I can't believe I had never even heard of it, a couple months ago. A pure gem. We are planning on doing the Martian Chronicles in November....along with Team of Rivals. Hey, what's one more in the mix? We're adults here or most of us are...

Donna - I loved your review, too! I agree that's it's a book to return to over and over agin through the years. Like Mark, I had never heard of it before the GR - so glad I found it.

Since Ellen was here today complimenting you on your beautiful grandchildren, I don't feel like the only Cinderella late to the ball. They are beautiful!
And that is a lovely review of Dandelion Wine! While I might once have been attracted to Narcopolis, I think you've done me a good turn in steering me away. Thank you, Donna!

Your grandkids are so adorable, Donna! How did Haley get so big so fast?!

Hi Donna - Lovely review of Dandelion Wine. I read it years ago and loved it. Maybe it's time for a reread.

OK. Just asking. I thought the date had been set.

I agree, lovely review of Dandelion Wine, Donna! Don't forget to post it on the book page so we can thumb it . . .

You've done it now Donna, forced me to add Dandelion Wine to the teetering tower with that scintillating review. Temptress.

Donna - I enjoyed your review of Dandelion Wine. Read the book in the immediate aftermath of the author's passing earlier this year and I think the book encapsulates his obvious humanity and is an acute observation of life and it's passing in a world gone but still fondly remembered.

Nice review of Dandelion Wine! The only Bradbury I have ever read is Fahrenheit 451--this sounds really different.

71: Nancy, I might even read some of Bradbury's Sci-Fi books because his writing is so good. I was pleasantly surprised.

Pru, I am a big fan of Olive, too. She seemed so real to me.

Mark, I may join in on The Martian Chronicles, but I don't think I can handle another behemoth book this year. Infinite Jest and Truman about did me in.

Mamie, DW was a new title for me also. I need to check in on the group read to see if anyone has ever had dandelion wine. My husband hates them and sprays if one pops up, but I kind of enjoy seeing a few of them sprinkled around...in other people's yards.

You are welcome, Peggy. And, thank you, for the lovely comment about the grands. Be careful that you don't stay out too late, Cinderella!

Joanne, I keep asking myself that question. I imagine you experienced the same thing with Noah. That baby stage is over in a flash.

Hi Beth, It's such a quick read that I can see myself reading DW every few years. It's a wonderful book to read in the summertime, or maybe to give the hope of summer during a long, cold winter.

Mike, I'll let you know about the Joplin date if I hear anything concrete. I think Tuesdays work best with Stasia's work schedule, but I'm not sure what her school situation will be then.

Thanks, Joe. There seemed to be more than enough favorable reviews of DW on the book page. I didn't add anything that hadn't already been said. You can save your thumb for next time!

Bonnie, I'm just doing my job. I'm surprised that I read it before you did. I see you read ahead of me in The Cairo Trilogy. I think I'll wait a week or so before I start that one. This month is going by quickly.

Paul, our library doesn't have Dandelion Wine and I couldn't find it at any of the local used bookstores. I had to buy a new copy. A big purchase for me but just another day in the life of book buying for you. I'm glad I did, though, because it's such a cool looking (and reading) book. It was in the science fiction section of B & N!

Carly, *gulp* I haven't read Fahrenheit 451 for some unknown reason. I must rectify that situation even though as you noted, they are completely different types of books.

I am reading A Bend in the River and liking it very much. My first book by V. S. Naipaul. This seems to be my month for "new" authors!

Donna, I'm curious to see what you think of the V.S. Naipaul book. My book group read The Mystic Masseur recently and no one thought it was that great (me included), but I think maybe we just didn't pick one of his best.

Cute photos! I do think a bigger pool is a good idea. :)

Hi Donna! Just trying to catch up on all my LT threads and of course you didn't disappoint with your last two books. I have The Fault in Our Stars on my to borrow from my library list. For some reason, I was never interested in Dandelion Wine when I read the book description, but all these glowing reviews on LT is making me want to reconsider. Dangerous. This group is so dangerous for my wallet. :)

Carly, I am making slow progress in the Naipaul book because of life interruptions. I think I must have chosen one of his "good" ones for my maiden book voyage!

I agree, Jenn, on the pool. There's no room for Grandma in there!

Valerie, when I told my hairdresser about DW last week, I could see her eyes glazing over! It's one of those books that reads better than it sounds.

*waving* at Donna - trying to catch up just a bit :)

So glad to see you enjoyed Dandelion Wine. I loved the book when I read it!

I'd highly recommend A House for Mr. Biswas by V.S. Naipaul; it's one of my all time favorite novels.

Hi Donna! LOVE the photo of the grandkids! They are darling.

I also loved your review of Dandelion Wine -- I have a copy around somewhere, but I've never read it. Don't know why I keep putting it off.

I have A House for Mr. Biswas on my TBR shelf..... :-|
I've not yet read anything by Naipaul and look forward to your thoughts about A Bend in the River.

Stasia, I was hoping you would work your way around to my thread. I've missed your posts. Enjoy the rest of your break...and let us know when you'll be ready for the Joplin meet up!

Darryl, I also own A House for Mr. Biswas which I will be reading sometime. "Bend" didn't live up to my expectations. ;-(

Hi Anne! I think you will love Dandelion Wine. It's a book to be savored...kind of like a glass of fine wine.

Ellen, your wait is over. I finished my first (and not my last) Naipaul book. I can't quite put my finger on my disappointment with A Bend in the River. I went ahead and wrote a quick review because I'm ready to move on. This month is flying by.

"…The past is something in your mind alone, that doesn't exist in real life. You trample on the past, you crush it. In the beginning it is like trampling on a garden. In the end you are just walking on ground. That is the way we have to learn to live now." (112)

Book No. 68: A Bend in the River by V. S. Naipaul. 3.5 stars.

The beauty and brutality of Africa in the 1970s come alive in this book. The narrator, Salim, has high hopes for his new life in the village at the bend in the river in an unnamed interior country that is still recovering from the uprising that gave it its independence. Salim is of Indian heritage, African by birth, and a Muslim. He buys a sort of general store from a friend and plans to make his mark in the promising modernization of his new country. The first part of the book was more about the daily life with political unrest in the background rather than a book about insurrection. There are times of peace and hope broken by periods of war and suffering, but the villagers carry on with their lives as best they can. The march to modernity continues on much like a colony of ants who go about their business despite disruptions.

As the book progressed, a sense of ennui in the face of imminent danger became more apparent. Salim realizes that the Big Man is becoming more and more powerful and, in the radicalization of the country, he loses his store to one of the natives. Still, he delays leaving. I gradually became disenchanted with the book at about the midpoint and found it to be a struggle to read. The abrupt ending wasn't helpful to my growing disillusion. I'm glad I read it, but I wish it had lived up to its potential.

This book sounds depressing. So does the quote.
Well, for sure it's not Camelot.
Doesn't sound like a book I would want to read but your review is very helpful to know that. Good job with a tough one.

No, Cee, it's not Camelot! Thanks for the laugh; you certainly don't mince words. ;-)

Your review is very helpful to me, too, Donna. Thumb for your honest review of A Bend in the River.

Hi, Donna! I am so way behind that I wouldn't even try to catch up!

I have been (and still am) mind numbingly busy! My eyes are constantly burning with lack of sleep. Luckily, in just two days time I'll be taking a much needed break from what has proven to be a most trying time. I cannot run away from life but at least I can sleep!

I have been reading books but reviewing them is another thing altogether. Currently I have at least three reviews pending.

Good review of A Bend in the River, Donna. I thought it was a depressing, bitter and overrated novel.

Great review of A Bend in the River, Donna. I have both it and A House for Mr. Biswas waiting, but maybe I'll start with the latter.

I read one Naipaul, In a Free State, because it won the Booker ages ago. I really really despised it so I've never looked for another Naipaul experience. Too much else to read ... anyway, I'm glad you got through it Donna.

The first V.S. Naipaul I read was A House for Mr. Biswas and it blew me away - a sort of padded out and improved R.K. Narayan. Unfortunately everything else I have read by him has bitterly disappointed me in its wake. I had hopes for A Bend in the River and In a Free State but let's see when I can get round to them.
I find his travel discourses on religion particularly annoying and overly opinionated.
Good review though. x

Wow--I've never read anything by V.S. Naipul, but the quote you used was stunning. However, I'm not sure I want to go somewhere depressing and bitter. Perhaps I'll try a A House for Mr. Biswas.

Thanks for the frank heads-up review of A Bend in the River, Donna. I'll start elsewhere with this author, too.

96: I try to be helpful, Nancy. Thanks for the thumb.

I'm so glad you dropped by, Porua. I've missed you. Sleep is good...so is less busyness and stress. I hope things in your life settle down soon.

Darryl, sounds like I might have liked A Bend in the River a tiny bit more than you did. It did help me better understand the situation in Africa. I wish I had marked the page that said something about the bush always reclaiming any improvements to the land.

Good choice, Linda!

Laura, I'm going to give Mr. Naipaul another chance with Mr. Biswas. I can't give up on a Nobel author that easily, especially with some good recs from LTers.

Paul, with both you and Darryl singing the praises of Mr. B., I am looking forward to it.

Hi Janet, I liked that quote, too. It gives a taste of the changes that were (and still are) taking place in Africa. The book also showed the corruption of both commerce and politics that is rampant in many African countries.

Joe, I try to be frank (and sometimes earnest) in my reviews. I also try not to turn people away from books. I can find something redeeming in most of the books that are being read by this group. Now I'm ready to move onto some books I know will be more soul satisfying to me...like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and The Red Pony.

That's the way to be, so thank you, Donna. I find so much of my reading these days via LT, so it helps to get the straight dope from the reviewer's POV. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is one high on my tbr now because of recent LT reviews, and it never would've been otherwise.

Hate to say it but The Red Pony is one of my most disliked books of all time. I'll be interested to see what you have to say.

I hated The Red Pony too...how horrible!

ETA: I WAS rather young when I read it. ;)

Hi Donna, all caught up with you again! I've read nothing but positive feedback and reviews about Dandelion Wine. It was on my wishlist, but I just now decided I MUST read it this summer, while it's still... summer, so I've reserved it from the library. How I'll fit it in is a whole different story however!

Sorry the Naipaul wasn't that satisfying. Haven't read anything by him, but I too have added A House for Mr Biswas to the wishlist now thanks to comments by other helpful LTers!

Had to skip over your comments about The Red Pony on the Steinbeckathon thread because wanted to make sure to avoid spoilers. I see readers seem to be divided on that one.

Gee thanks Donna for reading and reviewing a book that I will not have to add to my teetering tower. I really appreciate that. I will be reading his A House for Mr. Biswas which is supposed to be quite good. In all likelihood, that will be my only Naipaul.

Hi. Ignoring the Steinbeckathon. Wishing I wasn't ignoring it. It's just not possible to become immersed in Steinbeck at this time. I keep telling myself.

Joe, LT is a source I can trust for spot on recommendations...and warnings, though I do like to check some books out for myself even after being warned away!

Janet and Rachel, I can understand why The Red Pony doesn't appeal to some. Books about boys and the animals they love often turn out to be heartrending, but it is Steinbeck, so I will be sure to like the writing.

Hi Ilana, Dandelion Wine won't take much time - or thought for that matter. It's a perfect way to spend a quiet summer afternoon.

I'm glad I could help whittle down the book possibilities, Bonnie. Mr. Biswas sounds like a clear winner. I'm looking forward to it.

Jenn, don't be afraid of the Steinbeckathon. You can pick and choose the books you want to read with the group. I've read most of the big ones, but it's been great to have an excuse to read the shorter works such as The Red Pony. You can read more about upcoming titles here.

"Before today Jody had been a boy, dressed in overalls and a blue shirt--quieter than most, even suspected of being a little cowardly. And now he was different. Out of a thousand centuries they drew the ancient admiration of the footman for the horseman. They knew instinctively that a man on a horse is spiritually as well as physically bigger than a man on foot. They knew that Jody had been miraculously lifted out of equality with them, and had been placed over them." (Friends' reaction to Jody's new pony)

Book No. 69: The Red Pony by John Steinbeck. 3.6 stars.

My comments may be shorter than the quote I chose. This is a coming-of-age story, or maybe I should say quartet of stories, about 10-year-old Jody and his disciplinarian father. Jody learns some harsh lessons about life growing up on a ranch. Some of this is tough reading, and you're sure to have your heart wrenched out and stomped on at least two times! But it's Steinbeck, so one can take comfort in the beautiful writing about interactions between Jody and his parents and the memorable cowhand Billy Buck set in the shadow of the mountain ranges near Salinas, CA.

I DO want to read this book. I do! I do! I do want to read this book!
But I'm a little cowardly...

Hi Donna - You have done some good reading. The Red Pony is one of my all-time favorites, but I understand people's different opinions about it. My daughter hated it. The Naipaul sounds interesting. I think I'll start with Mr. Biswas.

Hi Donna! I think your review of Dandelion Wine has been the final straw that broke my back - I'm going to buy it as there have been so many glowing reviews of it recently.

I have a copy of A Bend in the River languishing in my TBR pile. based on your comments I think I'm going to let it languish a bit longer. Was it set in a particular country?

Enjoyed both quote and comments on The Red Pony, Donna. Thanks for those : ).

I read The Red Pony so long ago that I don't remember it at all! I think I remember liking it, though... Sigh.

No Donna. I won't look and I won't listen. My kids are starting school, it's OTS month for me here at LT and I have to resist the lure of Steinbeck. :)

Just keeping up over here - I still need to get to The Red Pony this month. Not sure I'm up to having my "heart wrenched out and stomped on at least two times"...hmm...

Donna, thanks for the honest review of A Bend in the River. I think I will start with A House for Mr. Biswas since I already own that. I'm glad you read The Red Pony with us. I agree completely with your review, including the comment about having your heart wrenched out and stomped on. Twice!

I don't know why The Red Pony doesn't catch me. It may be that I just finished East of Eden and wasn't particularly impressed with the book, so that leaves me a bit hesitant. I do have some other Steinbeck books on my TBR mountain and WILL read them someday! :)

East of Eden wasn't my favorite Steinbeck either Valerie. But Donna has made it sound enticing even with the you're sure to have your heart wrenched out and stomped on at least two times! comment.

I'm looking forward to Tortilla Flat and Sweet Thursday in the Steinbeckathon, and I may try Travels with Charley, too.

Cee, you've been warned! I'll just say that the distressing parts of the book fit the time and place. The good outweighs the bad in my opinion.

Beth, I don't think The Red Pony will be a favorite of mine, but Steinbeck does a terrific job of telling a story about life (etc.) on a ranch. I think I might have hated it if I had read it at a young age. Now I can accept that life - and the alternative - go hand in hand.

Heather, I'm glad you'll be reading Dandelion Wine, a book I can recommend without reservations. Supposedly, A Bend in the River was set in The Congo, but Naipaul never names the country. I suppose he is using his story of chaos and corruption to represent what can happen in third world countries on the whole.

You are very welcome, Nancy.

Amber, I didn't mean to imply that I didn't like The Red Pony, just wanted to give a heads up that it was a disturbing read.

Lol, Jenn. You stand firm now. Steinbeck will wait for you. I remember the excitement of those back-to-school days. It was always bittersweet to see the kids back in school...but I got over it quickly. ;-)

Mamie, perhaps my wording was a little strong? I think you will be okay with it. It is Steinbeck after all.

Thanks for backing me up on The Red Pony, Ellen. But I think you'll agree with me that it's a worthy read?

Valerie, I'm a big Steinbeck fan. I really liked East of Eden. Perhaps he isn't the right author for you. Have you read The Grapes of Wrath? Not everyone's cup of tea, but that is my favorite of his books.

Bonnie, I am beginning to regret my choice of words! After reading The Red Pony, maybe I will be able to read Salvage the Bones after all.

Joe, I really enjoyed Travels With Charley. I felt like I really got to know JS through his dog! It was a fun trip through a big part of the U. S.

Hi Donna! Just catching up...

Hi Donna,
Have just caught up on your thread - might be leaving VS Naipaul a little longer...

I think we have the Red Pony here somewhere and I'll see if I can find it. I really enjoyed Travels with Charley when I read it, and liked East of Eden.

Hope it's cooled down a bit - 106 and like a blow torch sounds horrible!

I can recommend Salvage the Bones . . . Sad, yes, but very good and unforgettable.

No, I haven't read The Grapes of Wrath, but I think it's lurking on my shelves. I'm still willing to give a couple more of his books before I can say for certain that he's just not for me. Now making that careful choice about what to read next is always the hard part. :)
EoE wasn't a bad book, and the writing was great, but I just had a darn time trying to connect to any of the characters - with the exception of Lee who was flitted in the background and Samuel, and well you know what happens to him.

The Red Pony is a Steinbeck that I haven't read, but your review is awfully tempting, Donna.

First Steinbeck I ever read - certainly not his finest but a good YA read. Have a lovely weekend dear lady.

Hi Donna, just catching up here. I was planning on re-reading The Red Pony this month, but time has slipped away from me and I doubt if I will fit it in now. I did like it when I read it quite some years ago though.

Oh, The Red Pony...much too sad to even consider rereading...

I liked your review, Donna.

My favorite Steinbeck remains The Grapes of Wrath but my recent read of Cannery Row and The Moon is Down have them up near the top, too. I know if I hadn't had to read East of Eden in HS, I never would have, or if I did, I don't think I'd have liked it. We had an excellent English teacher who discussed all the biblical references and truly brought that book alive for us.

Hope your weekend is a good one!

125: Hi Katie, it's easy to catch up here. Not too much going on these days.

Cushla, I'm happy to say that August has proved to be a much kinder month weather-wise -- at least thus far. I know Mother Nature still has plenty of time to fire up the blow torch!

Thanks, Brenda. I have heard good things about Salvage the Bones...except for the dogfighting scenes. Maybe I can read those with one eye closed?

Valerie, good for you giving Steinbeck another chance or two. So many people, myself included, rank him among their favorite authors. Maybe he appeals more to the U. S. reader.

Linda, The Red Pony is a quick read. While it is a heartbreaker in a few places, I'm still glad I read it.

Thank you, Dear Paul. I hope you are having a mighty fine weekend yourself. I guess it's just about over for you though. I am planning a lazy Sunday afternoon with a good book.

Judy, I certainly understand how these books can slip away. I've had a few slippery books myself lately. ;-)

Joanne, there are so many good Steinbeck books. I'm looking forward to reading three more in his canon that I haven't read before. I'm so grateful for the Steinbeckathon to bring him to the attention of more people.

"It seemed to me that there was nothing new to be discovered ever again. Our society was utterly, ruinously derivative (although the word derivative as a criticism is itself derivative). We were the first human beings who would never see anything for the first time. We stare at the wonders of the world, dull-eyed, underwhelmed." (72)

Book No. 70: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. 3.9 stars.

Gillian Flynn is one of my guilty pleasures. She writes about unlikable people doing unpleasant things. Her books are not for everyone and a big departure from my usual type of reading. But she writes such affecting stories that, once I begin, I find them hard to put down. I read Gone Girl in two sittings with a few breaks to stretch and grab some food and water.

So how can I give it 3.9 stars? Easy. I equate these types of books with junk food. Now, before my visitors get riled up, I have to say I love junk food. It's something I don't indulge in often but sometimes a bag of potato chips (and a thrilling book) become irresistible to me. I don't want to give away any of this beguiling story about twisted love/hate. I'll just say that if ever two people deserved each other, it would be Nick and Amy Dunne.

Great review for The Red Pony, Donna! I read it today, and my heart was broken three times. Not an easy book.

While Gone Girl sounds intriguing I think I'd better give it a pass, at least for now.

Wish you a very happy Sunday!

Hi Donna- I think Flynn's skillful writing puts her a notch or so above the usual thriller fare. There is some excellent writing in these brutal pages and I'm glad to see her get such wide-acclaim. I still NEED to get to Dark Places.
"if ever two people deserved each other, it would be Nick and Amy Dunne." I couldn't have said it any better. LOL.

I just started The Red Pony. Haven't read this one since grade school.

Love your analogy of junk food/Flynn, Donna! Perfect! I often find myself mulling over the dilemma of awarding 3.5-4 stars to non-literature. I put such books into the context of entertainment, and remind myself that my rating are mine, and as such they are purely subjective. But I like your thinking even more!

I have got to pull that book Gone Girl off the shelf and get it read. I'm too intrigued by all the reviews!

Yeah, I've been intrigued by Gone Girl too...I wish I had time to read it!

Well you and I rated Gone Girl just about the same Donna (I gave it 4 stars). Junk food is a good analogy. You would never want a steady diet of crime thrillers, at least I wouldn't.

Ohh Dandelion Wine sounds really good! I'll have to have a closer look at that book! I've been considering Gone Girl Gone. Nothing wrong with a " potato chip " book every now and then - that's the fun of reading! There has been such a buzz about Gone Girl Gone that I've got to get to in eventually! :)

We've had a nice cool summer here!! Other that us having a very cool and rainly June, I've enjoyed it! We had a couple of days in the mid eighties and I found that to be FAR to hot!!!No one here has A/C really, because it is seldom needed . 72F - that's my kind of summer temperature!

Good review of Gone Girl, Donna! I know just what you mean about junk food. I liked to sprinkle a few of those kinds of books in from time to time. A friend recommended it to me as a good airplane read.

Definitely a potato chip book, but it was just right for me at the time I read it.

Happy Almost Birthday.

I won't be on LT on the 28th, so want to send all good wishes to you for a lovely birthday as very special as you are!

"if ever two people deserved each other, it would be Nick and Amy Dunne" - I also agree with this! I read the book last week and loved it. Like you, I read it nearly all at once. I'd never heard of the author before, but I see from the online cataloge that her other books are on the shelf at my library...

Lots of visitors! Thanks for taking the time to read about my latest books.

135: Thank you Nathalie, I had a quiet day at home yesterday. Just the way I like it!

Mark, I do enjoy Flynn's writing. I liked Gone Girl slightly more than the other two books she's written, but they were also in the life-interrupting category.

Nancy, a nutritionist might not agree with me, but junk food is fuel for the body and thrillers also serve a role in the reading life. For me, they are a time to settle in with a story that both surprises me and makes me glad I'm not in that particular situation.

Terri, I'm pretty sure you will love this book. I think the setting of North Carthage is a fictitious city near Hannibal, but she has lots of accurate references to Missouri -- with one exception. I've lived in MO over 30 years now and I don't know anyone who says Missourah. Is that a common way to say it in your part of the state? My friends from St. Louis say "quahtah" for quarter so that may be an eastern Missouri thing.

Rachel, if you do find some time to sneak it in, you will find it to be a quick read. It's more psychological drama than deep thinking!

Agreed, Bonnie, but sometimes a good thriller (or some salty chips) fill that craving!

Hi Deb, I think I would have melted in July without air conditioning. Thank goodness August has been kind to us.

Amy, I think Gone Girl would be good reading for any time. The pages would really "fly by" on an airplane. Lol.

Same here, Laura, it was the perfect antidote to the somber Red Pony.

Wow, Linda, that is one sparkling cupcake! Thank you for those early b'day wishes. My thoughts will be with you the next few weeks as you recover from yet another surgery.

Welcome to my thread, Susan. If you liked Gone Girl, you will probably also like Flynn's two previous books. They are just as dark and twisted but have very different story lines.

On Missouree/Missourah: I live in NE Missouri and hear both "Missouree" and "Missourah," and can't say that either predominates.

I do know one person who consistently pronounces it "Misery," apparently oblivious to the fact that it wasn't all that funny the first time.

Donna, did I read elsewhere that you are reading *The Raj Quartet*??? Which one???? I LOVE and ADORE those books and the Granada production too, as far as that goes. Let me know, please!

I'm with you on Gone Girl, Donna. You're right, no two ever deserved each other more than those two. :-)

Donna wrote: "I've lived in MO over 30 years now and I don't know anyone who says Missourah. Is that a common way to say it in your part of the state? My friends from St. Louis say "quahtah" for quarter so that may be an eastern Missouri thing."

I'm not a native, but I've lived in Missouri for almost as long as you have, Donna (near St. Louis). The only people I know who say "Missourah" are visiting politicians who are trying to sound like they fit in--ha.

Good reads here.

Becky

Yeah, I can't say I've ever heard a real native say "Missourah" except when they're talking about the football team and they say "Mizzou-Rah!" No, we're more known on this side of the state for "warshing" or "highway farty-far."

Remember, too, Donna, how in Dark Places, she had a character go the wrong way on Highway 70? Can't remember the exact detail, but it startled me. Everything else was accurate.

Still, I like (if "like" is the right word) what I've read of hers, and I'm anxious to read this one.

By the way, Sandy & I met for frozen yogurt in St. Charles last night on her way to St. Louis. Fun times!

Hello Donna - waving hi - might give you a small breeze - great review of Gone Girl which seems like it may be ideal reading to take on my holidays! Very excited about the thought of finally meeting Our Man in Malaysia en route to Cambodia...

Hi Donna! We have been reading a lot of the same books lately: Gone Girl, The Fault in the Stars and I read The Red Pony a long time ago. Haven't read Dandelion Wine though and I probably should! Love the pictures of the kids. : )

147: Thanks for your report from NE MO, swynn. That is the area where the book is set so it makes sense to me. I think the "Misery" pronunciation was totally appropriate in July!

Peggy, I read The Jewel in the Crown earlier this year -- and haven't gotten back to it yet. I plan to watch the film adaptation to refresh my memory before I continue with the series. I agree with you on the excellence of the first book.

Joe, I've heard rumors about a sequel to Gone Girl. The book left things wide open. Anything could happen with these two characters!

Hi Becky, I liked Romney's solution about an impromptu audience poll before he commits to a pronunciation!

Terri, I had forgotten that detail. I hate when authors make mistakes like that! How cool that you saw Sandy. I try to see her when she comes down to see her grandmother in Mt. Vernon.

Prue, I'm looking forward to hearing about your meetup with Paul. I hope to catch him on his U.S. tour next year.

Hi Kim...cross-post. I guess great minds think alike! Dandelion Wine is a book that I recommend wholeheartedly.

Thanks for your review of GG, Donna! That and The Fault in our Stars are on my list to read at some point. Will probably borrow them from the library unless I can snag a really good deal at a used bookstore. :)

Yes, Donna, I would agree that The Red Pony is a worthwhile read. Cannery Row continues to be my favorite of the Steinbecks I've read so far. I skipped East of Eden because July got away from me....

Hi Valerie, my copies of both The Fault in Our Stars and Gone Girl came from the library. While I enjoyed both of them, I probably won't be doing rereads. I forgot to mention that GG came to me from the generosity of my friend Nancy. She reserved it sooner than I did so we both read her library copy before it was due. Otherwise, it would have been several months before my number came up. Thanks, Nancy!

Ellen, I loved Cannery Row but my favorites are still Steinbeck's big books including East of Eden. Lol, I totally understand how a month can get away from you. July was a busy month for me. My saving grace was the heat. I spent more time indoors than I usually do...and what better way to cool off than with a book?

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


"Serene was a word you could put to Brooklyn, New York. Especially in the summer of 1912... Serene was the only word for it; especially on a summer afternoon."

Book No. 71: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. 4.8 stars.

You can tell by the beginning quote that this will be a quiet read. There's nothing wrong with quiet in my book, especially when it evokes an earlier time. This coming-of-age story is a special one for me. I read it in my youth at the urging of my mother when she told me it was her favorite book. It garnered the "treasured" tag for that reason, and I'll let my 5-star rating stand, though, truthfully, if this had been my first reading, I probably wouldn't have rated it quite that highly because of the sentimentality and predictable plot. It still would be a recommended book because of the extolled values of hard work and faithfulness to family. I think our country would be stronger today if we did a better job of living by those strong principles of this bygone era.

A book treasured by your mom sounds pretty special to me. Passed from mother to daughter is such a great sentiment. Thanks for the lovely review, Donna. I snagged a copy for myself at the used bookstore and look forward to reading it one day. :)

Oh I love A Tree Grows in Brooklyn! Glad you enjoyed your reread.

I know just what you mean by junk food books. I unfortunately love junk food, and occasionally crave its literary equivalent. Hope it's cooled off somewhat!

A Tree Grows in Brooklin must be the hottest title in the group at them moment. Your review Donna has tipped me over the edge and it goes onto the hitlist - now to track it down in the shops here.

I think I'm going to have to buy an ecopy of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn so I can give it a reread. Everybody loves it so! Nothing wrong with quiet and old-fashioned, or even predictable, if it's the right book.

What Paul said. I was determined not to add any books to my tbr pile for the next couple of weeks, but this one seems to be a must.

A book treasured by your mother seems like a great reason to love a book! And quiet and peaceful sound wonderful too! Nice review!

Hi Donna. short but concise reviews of The Red Pony and ATGiB. In our busy world short and concise works very well for me. I'm glad we were able to drum up some interest in the "quiet" book that has a way of making a loud impact on those who read it. I love your treasured edition. If it's possible to hug and read a book at the same time, yours would be squeezed to pieces.

What could be better than a book loved by your mother? You'd have to love it no matter the quality. What a lovely remembrance Donna.

Echoing Lynda and Bonnie's thoughts - what a great remembrance. Lovely review of ATGiB. I had fun getting caught up here, Donna. I feel like this is my theme song lately as my own life gets busier and a bit crazy, but I love all of you wonderful people that I have met here, so I will endeavor to stay in the loop. Hope this week is going well for you. BTW, I have a sister who lives in Missouri, and I have never heard her call it Missourah.

Delurking to say hi!

I agree with Paul -- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is so hot right now! And getting good reviews, including yours. Still hoping to put it on hold at the library.

LOL!! I feel like I should be insulted. I love reading junk food ...even if it's not good for me. :)

Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and Sharp Objects are 2 of the best books I've read all year. I've just begun Dark Places and I'm already enjoying it.

I did pick up Dandelion Wine from the library as well. So, I guess I have some veggies? I'm listening to Unbroken....would that be a lean protein?

I need a more balanced reading diet.

159: Valerie, I think I'll give my copy of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn to my daughter. She reads mostly thrillers, but she would like to have it in her library along with the other books her grandmother gave her. I think it would make perfect reading for my granddaughters as well.

Anne, August has been mostly pleasant. We are getting some of your low humidity. It's wonderful!

I hope you find a copy, Paul. Mine is going to Kansas City!

Well said, Joanne.

Nathalie, I think it would be a refreshing story to read while you are undergoing the stress of job hunting.

Thanks, Deb!

Lynda, I try not to squeeze my books, but, yes, this is a well-loved copy.

It sure is a lovely remembrance, Bonnie. Maybe someday I'll read the other books I inherited from my parents. Lots of Louis L'Amour from my father.

Morning Mamie, I think your life will be even crazier in the weeks ahead. I'll be following your move with interest. Where in Missouree does your sister live? We're always on the lookout for the Missouri Readers group.

Hi, Roni!

Ellen, I doubt there would be a waiting list for A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

Welcome kittenish - another Ellen! I like your thoughts on a balanced reading diet. Don't forget about chocolate as a food group. Hmmm...I haven't read any lustfully sinful books lately. Lol.

Great review of Gone Girl. I am something like #103 on the library list, which is good, because I have other things to read.

The first two days of school were glorious. I could get used to this...

Donna - I had a quick look for it in the shops yesterday and couldn't find it. Will keep trying. Hope you continue to have a lovely weekend

I am still well over 1000th in the queue for Gone Girl and the library is closed for the next week. Even their website goes dormant. The nice thing is, all the books I currently have checked out get to stay in my possession for that additional week. Still, the furlough is tough on the employees and I'm glad we voted to send them more money so that next year they don't have to close for this week.

Reading (or trying to read!) Gone Girl.

Hi Donna some nice books and reviews here.

Me and my father have fairly similar reading tastes hence we share books but my mother likes books in our mother tongue i.e Marathi (my wife is not much of a reader). So when I heard of you reading a book which was your mother's favorite I got my own mother a dozen Marathi books. So thank you for the inspiration.

It's Monday morning catch-up time. I managed to visit a few threads yesterday. I'm not sure how I got so far behind. I have been catching up on last year's TV series. I'm up-to-date on The Mentalist and Glee (yes, I watch Glee!) and bid The Closer goodbye...but my reading has suffered. I'm halfway through Palace of Desire and may try to squeeze one more book into August reading so my numbers won't suffer too much.

Jenn, it's funny...my daughter said the same thing about the first day of school.

Paul, I couldn't help but notice you found a few other books while SWMBO was sleeping. Very crafty!

Ellen, that is so sad about your library closing down for a week. I'm glad the voters approved more money for a good cause.

Porua, I give you credit for trying a new book considering your aversion to them. Gone Girl is a far cry from Agatha Christie.

Gautam, you made my day. Thank you for sharing that sweet story about the books for your mother. I hope she enjoys them!

I'm a Gleek!

Stopping by to say hi! Oh! I LOVE The Mentalist, and also The Closer! I can't wait until the new season of the Mentalist! Unless we got more channels that we do, we don't get The Closer. We did for the first two years - but now I have to wait until the entire season comes out! I'm patiently waiting for The Closer season to be released....

Wow, did I get behind on your thread, Donna! I see you've done some good reading.

I'm a Gleek too, Donna, although I'd give last season very mixed reviews. I'm curious/skeptical about the upcoming one. But I will tune in and see how it goes!

I can take or leave the stories lines. I just love the music!

Happy, happy birthday, Donna!

Donna - on this day in 1963 MLK gave his "I have a Dream speech" - memorable day for great oration - hope you have a memorable day too - Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to you, Donna -- I hope you have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday Dear One!

May your day be as very special as you are!

Happy Birthday Donna! I hope you have a blessed day filled with love from family and friends! :)

happy, happy Donna! Didn't I say that already somewhere? Hmmm...

Happy Birthday, Donna!

Ooh, birthday? Happy Birthday, Donna!!

Hello to my fellow Gleeks, Closer fan Deb, and my birthday well wishers! I'm tired out from two days of wining and dining and lots of phone calls, cards, etc. -- and I still have a family brunch to look forward to this week end! I hope I get some time to read between now and then. You guys are the best!!! I appreciate each one of you.

Hope you had a great day, my friend!

Happy birthday, Donna! I hope you had a wonderful day.

A belated Happy Birthday from me! Hope you had a fun day.

I've watched all three seasons of Glee and enjoyed it. I like the songs but the drama not so much.

Oh you know how I like reading about crimes, criminals, etc. I'm not much into modern books but Gone Girl fits into my reading habits perfectly because of the genre it belongs to. The book kind of reminds me of The Killer Inside Me (a favourite BTW) and The Ninth Life of Louis Drax.

I missed your birthday? :( Happy birthday, Donna! Milady, you are awesome, and I hope you had a fantastic day! ((hugs))

A belated Happy Birthday, Donna! I wish I was as clever as Mark and many others that know how to put a cute image into the thread.

Happy birthday yesterday

Yeah, what they said. Don't count, just enjoy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DONNA!!! I hope that the capitals and exclamation points make up for being a day late. I hope you got lots of books!

>180 vancouverdeb: - Deb, I like The Closer too. There is a new show called Major Crimes that is a spin off of The Closer. Have you seen it? Their costume department bought one of my nightgowns and if they use it, it should be on the October 1st episode. I'm kind of excited about that. Actually, I'm very excited. :)

Happy Birthday, Donna! Let the celebration continue!

>201 nittnut: I've been watching Major Crimes Jenn but I'm afraid I'm suffering from Deputy Chief Brenda Lee Johnson withdrawal (although I love Lieut. Provenza and the rest of the guys too). I'm hoping that you make/design nightgowns and it's not a case of someone seeing you sitting at home in your nightgown and declaring, "We must have that nightgown for the show";-). I'll just watch for it.

LOL Bonnie. I too hope that nobody is seeing me at home in my nightgown. The horror! I design nightgowns for little girls and have made several for the daughters of someone involved with the show. That is how they found me and ended up ordering a nightgown. You can see them at www.lavenderave.etsy.com - but I've got my shop on vacation right now, so you have to click on the left sidebar where it says 206 sales to see photos.

nittnut, cuuute stuff on your site. Are those your girls modeling?

Oh gosh darn it!
glitter-graphics.com

>204 nittnut: OMG those little models are absolutely adorable! It looks like you do lovely work Jenn. I'll have to bookmark that site:-)

#207: Jenn does terrific work, Bonnie. I can personally attest to that.

*waving* at Donna - Joplin is still too far away for me and I am so ready for it! Catey is coming this year too it looks like.

Happy Belated Birthday Donna! Hope it was great!

Belated Happy Birthday, Donna!

Thanks one and all for even more birthday greetings. I will party on until Sunday when we have a family brunch at Hemingway's in (the original) Bass Pro. And I know we'll all be tuned in to see Jenn's nightgown on Major Crimes. I kind of like the new show and hope it succeeds, but it is quite different without Brenda aka Kyra Sedgwick.

On the reading front, I finished a book. It took me EIGHT days to read this one. I am losing it in my old age. Lol!

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"Life is composed of struggle, deceit, wisdom, and beauty. Whenever you neglect one aspect, you lose an opportunity to perfect your understanding of it as well as your ability to influence it in a positive way. Never scorn politics. It's half of life, or the whole of life if you consider wisdom and beauty to be above life." (154)

Book No. 72: Palace of Desire by Naguib Mahfouz. 4 stars.

My review...

The family of Al-Sayyid Ahmad Abd al-Jawad was devastated five years earlier by the death of beloved middle son Fahmy in a revolutionary uprising. Egypt is still loosely under the control of the English but tensions have eased making way for changes to come. Fahmy's sisters are both married now and play a smaller role in this book as does Amina, the long-suffering wife and mother. The remaining men of the family eventually find their way out of grief through their incessant thoughts of women. Ahmad continues to rule his family by day, although with less zeal than in the first book of the trilogy, and haunt the bars and brothels by night. 28-year-old Yasin is a chip off the old block. His particular pattern is marriage and divorce. They both are susceptible to a woman's charms without considering the consequences.

There is a sharp contrast in the behavior of Kamal who has done a lot of growing up since his role of family prankster and all-around brat in the last book. He is a sensitive young man of 17 now who seeks truth and beauty in his life as a young scholar with a keen interest in philosophy and politics. He is in love for the first time, but his is an idealized love that is pure to the point of idolatry. Unfortunately, this love was not returned and he compared the beloved Aida to Egypt with these words: "Has she dismissed the one man she could trust at a time when he was busy defending her rights?" There are hints of political strain in the background of the many lover's quarrels setting the stage for Part Three of the excellent Cairo Trilogy.

I loved the Cairo Trilogy. Excellent review, Donna!

I'm so glad you are celebrating your birthday through Sunday, Donna. That gives me a chance to sneak in a belated wish for you. Happy birthday!

I wouldn't say finishing a book in eight days is bad, Donna. I am sure it is because you are reading with much greater depth of thought and understanding. Happy belated birthday. My wish for you is that you will soon have rain, and lots of it!

>214 Linda92007: Just to clarify, Donna - I wished for you to have just rain - not tornadoes and flooding! I hope you are doing okay in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Anne, I'm looking forward to completing The Cairo Trilogy in September.

Thanks for more birthday wishes, Julia.

Lol, Linda. Our rain overnight has been on the gentle and plentiful side. So far we have a little over an inch in the rain gauge. The dog is not happy to get his walk in, but the brown grass already looks greener. I say, let it rain all day. Perfect reading weather!

Donna - It's hard to keep up with you. Happy belated birthday.

Thanks, Beth.

My apologies to you and others for not keeping up very well during the month of August. No excuses...just a desire to do better in September.

Please come visit me on my new thread...