Joe's Book Cafe 31

Painting by John Singer Sargent

Welcome back to the cafe!

Book bar courtesy of Richard

Favorite Books So Far in 2012:

Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
Unbroken by Lauren Hillenbrand
Ex Libris by Anne Fadiman
The Siege by Helen Dunmore
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron
Wild: From Lost to Found by Cheryl Strayed
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
In A Sun-burned Country by Bill Bryson
Turkana Boy by Jean-Francois Beauchemin and Jessica Moore
Shadow Divers by Ron Kurson
Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck
The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng
The Western Lit Survival Kit by Sandra Newman
Pyongyang by Guy Delisle
The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers
Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin

My fave 2012 young adult books are:

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Favorite Nonfiction from the Last 10 Years

1. Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder
2. War by Sebastian Junger
3. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
4. Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
5. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba
6. The Mold in Dr. Florey's Coat by Eric Lax
7. Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick
8. Unbroken by Lauren Hillenbrand
9. The Judgement of Paris by Ross King
10. Lost in Shangri-La by Mitchell Zuckoff

Runners-up: The Swerve and Will in the World by Stephen Greenblatt, Michaelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling by Ross King, Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder, The Lost Painting by Jonathan Harr.

Favorite Fiction from the Last 10 Years

1. Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
2. 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
3. The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
4. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
5. Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes
6. No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
7. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
8. Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier
9. Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie
10. Old Filth by Jane Gardam

Runners-up: The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes, Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen, The Blind Contessa's New Machine by Carey Wallace, After the Quake by Haruki Murakami, The Kite Runner and Life of Pi.

Books to date:

January

1. Ghost Ship by Sharon Lee
2. Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
3. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
4. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
5. Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
6. Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman
7. The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen
8. Fall Higher by Dean Young
9. Habibi by Craig Thompson
10. The Swerve: How the World Became Modern by Stephen Greenblatt
11. Malice Aforethought by Frances Iles
12. Logicomix by Apostolos Doxiadis
13. Tales from Ovid by Ted Hughes

February

14. Mister Blue by Jacques Poulin
15. The Chronicles of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg
16. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
17. A Distant Neighborhood by Jiro Taniguchi
18. The Coroner's Lunch by Colin Cotterill
19. All I Did Was Shoot My Man by Walter Mosley
20. The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to the Sports Guy by Bill Simmons
21. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
22. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
23. Strangers in Paradise Pocket 6 by Terry Moore
24. The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht
25. Thirty-three Teeth by Colin Cotterill
26. Iron and Silk by Mark Salzman

March

27. Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale
28. Echo The Complete Edition by Terry Moore
29. Don't Look Back by Karin Fossum
30. The Siege by Helen Dunmore
31. The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
32. Fault in Our Stars by John Green
33. A Zoo in Winter by Jiro Taniguchi
34. Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
35. Disco for the Departed by Colin Cotterill
36. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

April

37. Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron
38. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
39. Force of Nature by C.J. Box
40. Trail of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz
41. Anarchy and Old Dogs by Colin Cotterill
42. Finder Library Volume 1 by Carla Speed McNeil
43. Wonder by R. J. Palacio

May

44. The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection by Alexander McCall Smith
45. Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
46. The Luck of the Bodkins by P.G. Wodehouse
47. Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
48. Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said by Philip K. Dick
49. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
50. The Spies of Warsaw by Alan Furst
51. The Great Cake Mystery by Alexander McCall Smith
52. Insurgent by Veronica Roth
53. A Rage in Harlem by Chester Himes
54. Among Others by Jo Walton
55. The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck

June

56. Desolation Road by Ian McDonald
57. The Cricket and the Hearth by Charles Dickens
58. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
59. The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
60. The Incal Classic Collection by Alexandro Jodorowsky and Moebius
61. Starters by Lissa Price
62. Naked in Death by J.D. Robb
63. Glory in Death by J.D. Robb
64. Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb
65. Mort by Terry Pratchett
66. Photo Finish by Ngaio Marsh
67. Zoo Station by David Downing

July

68. Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
69. A Breath of Eyre by Eve Marie Mont
70. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
71. Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb
72. Selected Stories of Philip K. Dick by Philip K. Dick
73. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
74. Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb
75. In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
76. Istanbul Passage by Joseph Kanon
77. The Paris Detective by Gerald Jay
78. Turkana Boy by Jean-Francois Beauchemin
79. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
80. A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
81. Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
82. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
83. Second Son by Lee Child
84. The Age of Doubt by Andrea Camilleri

August

85. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
86. Parker: The Score by Darwyn Cooke and Richard Stark
87. Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cotterill
88. Dream Team by Jack McCallum
89. The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle
90. James Bond: Dr. No by Ian Fleming and others
91. horoscopes for the dead by Billy Collins
92. Any Human Heart by William Boyd
93. Moby Dick, or the Whale by Herman Melville
94. 420 Characters by Lou Beach
95. Love and Freindship by Jane Austen
96. Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson

September

97. Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George
98. Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck
99. The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny
100. Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
101. A Wanted Man by Lee Child
102. Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
103. The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng
104. The Dirty Streets of Heaven by Tad Williams
105. Native Guard by Natasha Trethewey
106. Starstruck by Elaine Lee

October

107. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
108. Pyongyang by Guy Delisle
109. The Western Lit Survival Kit by Sandra Newman
110. Adamantine by Hannah Berry
111. Underwater Welder by Jeff Lemire
112. Vulture Peak by John Burdett
113. Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb
114. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle and Hope Larson
115. Toby Alone by Timothee de Fombelle
116. Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck
117. Odd Apocalypse by Dean Koontz
118. The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers
119. Becoming Holmes by Shane Peacock

November

120. How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less by Sarah Glidden
121. Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
122. Batwoman: Hydrology by Hayden Blackman
123. Captain Vorpatril's Alliance by Lois McMaster Bujold
124. The Merry Misogynist by Colin Cotterill
125. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
126. The One Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
127. Batman Hush by Jeph Loeb
128. Say Goodnight Grace Notes by Jack McCarthy
129. Pump Six and Other Stories by Paolo Bacigalupi
130. Cold Days by Jim Butcher

December

131. Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
132. Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
133. Sweet Thursday by John Steinbeck
134. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
135. Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb
136. Love Songs from a Shallow Grave by Colin Cotterill
137. Buffy Season 9 On Your Own by Andrew Chambliss
138. Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Graphic Novel by Stieg Larrson
139. So B. It by Sarah Weeks
140. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chobsky

Hiya Joe! Congrats on the new thread and another Sargent gem. This guy is really impressive. I'll take a Stone Levitation please, (It's one of my top beers at the moment). Hope you are currently in the company of your bouncing baby boy!

Hi, Joe. Lovely picture. Sargent really isn't my favorite, but this one is lovely.

Oh Sargent. How lovely and peaceful.

Love the Sargent, Joe. Check your PM .. I sent you the eggnog recipe I used yesterday.

okay, the JSS painting isn't showing up. am i being discriminated on?

and while i'm at it, here i sit with a gazillion books next in line to read and what do i want to be reading? another Miles V book. damn and blast. well, i'm not. i'm trying A short history of tractors in Ukrainian because i came across it while scrolling through my iPod and it's short.

also picked up the GN Sailor Twain or The Mermaid in the Hudson today. John Irving and Rachel Maddow liked it, fwiw. also Gillian Flynn. so far (which isn't very far at all) i'm enjoying the pencil or maybe charcoal drawings tremendously.



Have a lovely weekend, everybody!

Very nice painting by Sargent, Joe. It seems just right for what I assume will be the last installment of the cafe for 2012 (but the cafe will be back for another year, right?).

I just had a wonderful dinner of manicotti and Pinot Noir, compliments of my sister (who is an awesome cook). Maybe for now, just a shot of espresso would be good? No, wait. No caffeine. I'm exhausted after my redeye flight and adventures on said flight. Maybe a wee shot of good bourbon.....

*takes wee shot and heads to bed with The Various Haunts of Men*

Will somebody help this poor little group grow?

http://www.librarything.com/groups/75booksin2013

Woo Hoo!!!!!! The 2013 group is up!! I'm SO excited!
Oh wait, we still have 9 days left in 2012!

oh goody. i had no idea this was a librarything thing.

This may be the last time the Cafe opens afresh in 2012 Joe but I want to thank you for being open throughout the year a proving yourself a veritable gem amongst members. I am off to Langkawi tomorrow for an anything but traditional Christmas so I want to wish you and yours all the best mate.

Any chance of a traditional Roast Turkey dinner before I go with roast potatoes, carrots and brussel sprouts?

Hi Joe! I'm embarrassed to say how many threads I am behind, but I did peruse your previous threads. So glad you loved Book of Mormon -- I saw it in Denver in August. Wonderful! I may well see it again when it returns to Denver next fall.

Happy, happy weekend!

How did we end up with two, yes, two Joe's Cafe ? Check this out http://www.librarything.com/topic/146450

Weird. I'll stick with this one. Some of my favorite people are here.

Hahaha Joe I thought all the glitches were over. Safe way to ensure you stay ahead of Kath in the posting league is to have two on the go at once. Judy is right I'll stick with this one too.

Hi, everybody! That's pretty amazing, isn't it? We like to have expansive premises for all the denizens, but the appearance of a second cafe surprised everybody! I was having trouble with the door, and then it seemed all right, and then . . . Oh well, we'll make this the hangout, and those in need of more peace and quiet can spend time in the other one.

I owe Karen a tea, and Tania a big hello! Flat black, Tania? If not, we'll get you something else.



We got our favorite and only son back yesterday afternoon, so we've been goofing off. Thanks for your patience.

Thanks for the tea. Not necessary, but definitely appreciated. I'm working on a pic of the new pup.

Morning Joe- Peet's please! Sorry about the thread snafu! It has happened to the best of us...ask dear friend Paul!

>4 msf59: Hiya, Mark! Hope you're enjoying this weekend. Federal holiday on Monday, right? So you're off, I would hope.

Stone Levitation? Great call. I want more of that most excellent beer asap. Maybe you'll share? Here you go:



Yes, the bouncing baby boy is in the house, as is his much beloved gal friend. Soon Becca and furry Sherlock arrive to go out to breakfast.

>5 ffortsa: Isn't this one a beaut, Judy? As far as I know, he never did another one like it. Lily, Lily and Rose. It's got a wonderful feel to it.

>6 NarratorLady: Isn't that lovely and peaceful, Anne? Hard to feel anything but good looking at that one.

>7 cameling: Thanks, Caro! I saw the pm. You have the grandest aunt ever. Very nice of you! I'll keep you posted. It'll probably be a couple of weeks, but I can't wait to try it.

>8 mirrordrum: The painting is Lily, Lily and Rose, Ellie. It may take a while to show up - it did for me the first time. If you still can't see it, here's a link: http://namenookdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/john-singer-sargeants-carnatio...

I read A Short History of Tractors and wasn't that taken by it, unfortunately, but maybe you'll have a different experience.

>9 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen. It's a good Sargent, isn't it? Sounds like a great dinner you had. Yes, this is likely the last of '12, and we plan on opening a new one in '13.

You know, I read The Various Haunts of Men, and I know lots of folks love the Simon S. series, but I didn't catch the bug.

Let's get you that time-jiggered bourbon! I'll have to find out more about your redeye flight and adventures over at your place.

OK, I caught one profile pic of the new dog. He is not at all comfortable with my pointing a camera at him, and I had to use the little point and shoot, as I've not yet repaired my larger camera.

Nevertheless, he's good lookin' Go take a gander here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/145153

>10 drneutron: Ah, most excellent, Jim! The answer is yes. Thank you again for making this all so much easier. We'll set up a new establishment for what's bound to be a wonderful year.

>11 EBT1002: I know, Ellen. More good times ahead in '13, thanks to our friend Jim.

>12 mirrordrum: Yes, this is a librarything thing thing, Ellie. Jim creates a handy homespot for navigating around. Can't wait to see what the new year brings.

>13 PaulCranswick: Woo, have fun in Langkawi, Paul. Happy Holidays!

My pleasure on opening the cafe. Thank you for your high velocity and always fun thread, full of bonhomie. We have a good time, don't we? Let's try to get you fixed up:



Happy Holiday Weekend, Anne! No worries. Thanks for stopping by. We did indeed love Book of Mormon, and we may go back, too. What a show!

>15 maggie1944: It's the fault of your doofus proprietor, Karen. I was trying to get the door unstuck and poof! Two cafes. Probably couldn't do it again if I tried. Glad you found this one! There's tea for you up above.

>16 ffortsa: Thanks, Judy. Yes, we're keeping the other one in reserve, in case it's needed. Not sure how the galactic forces managed to create it, but there it is. It's available for private parties, btw.

>17 PaulCranswick: Maybe we left the time jiggerer on and it timewarped a second one? The ghost in the LT machine probably said, oh well, Joe's at it again.

>19 maggie1944: New pup! New pup! Can't wait to see, Karen. What kind of new pup are we talking about?

>20 msf59: Ah, I didn't know (or forgot) Paul had a duo, too. Sure surprised the heck out of me. I'm glad everyone settled on one of the two.

Let's get you that Peet's. (It's Uzuru African Blend today - smooth). We're heading out to Kitsch'n on Roscoe for chilaquiles. They're the best I've had, except for down in San Antonio.

>22 maggie1944: Oh what a great-looking little furster you got there, Karen! He looks like a sweet one. Greta says thumbs (paws) up?

So, Joe, the "fur-ster" is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He has soft silky fur, a lovely feathery tale which wags all the time, big soulful eyes, and loves to be with his people. He is definitely a people dog. The kids love love love him because he gives them kisses (to their Mother's chagrin), wags his tale, and lays on his back wanting a belly rub. He loves them, too. He will be perfect for us, I think.

Wow that roasted veggie dish looks good! We're having sauteed greens instead of roasted brussels sprouts for Yule dinner, but I confess I'll miss 'em.

Are you in Ann Arbor yet? How's dad doing?

I am very late to the party, Joe - sorry about that! I'll just settle n over here with a latte. I love your choice of thread topper fort this one - just lovely.

Merry Christmas and much happiness to you and yours sweet Joe!
hugs

>25 maggie1944: He sounds perfect, Karen. We were just talking about Cavaliers. Great dogs! And what a good-looking one he is.

We're decorating the tree now in our celebrate everything house.

>26 richardderus: Hey, RD! We're in Chi-town today, drive to Ann Arbor tomorrow. My dad's been doing great, a long stretch of good health after frustrating infections that were making him dizzy. Can't wait to see him!

>27 Crazymamie: Hiya, Mamie! Thanks for stopping by. I love the feeling of that painting. Good one for the holidays. Hope you're having a great holiday weekend. Latte? Here you go:



Plus we've got a little something for the cafe tree:



>28 mckait: Hugs to you, Kath! Thanks - I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and much happiness, too!

What a cute tree ornament,Joe.

Spiced nuts are a roasting in my oven, and I'm just sitting back for a few minutes with a mug of ginger tea...and a maple bacon cupcake.

well since its Xmas eve morning here .... Seasons greetings to you & yours - eat, read & be merry !

Have a lovely season, folks, however you celebrate it. thanks for everything, Joe, and thanks to all who make this place such a delight.

Wishing you a very happy Christmas and New Year!

Have a lovely trip, Joe. Hope the snow treats you gently, and you have a great time with your dad.

Yes, do have safe travels and a great good time with the whole famn damily together. I am glad your father is feeling better and I am sure he will enjoy the holidays with all the group together! Happy Times, folks.

>30 cameling: Isn't that a fun one, Caro? You sure eat and drink well. You're an inspiration to all of us. Hope you're having a great holiday weekend.

>31 roundballnz: Seasons greetings to you, too, Alex. Enjoy Christmas Eve! You're way ahead of us here. We'll be celebrating Christmas Eve tomorrow night.

>32 mirrordrum: Thanks, Ellie. I have no idea what Nerf is (other than a type of foam ball you goof around with your friends with), but I like Peet's on anything, thanks to you. Thanks for helping to make it such a fun year. Happy holidays to you and JB!

>33 SandDune: Thanks, Rhian. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!

>34 ffortsa: Thanks, Judy. Knock on wood, it's looking pretty dry between here and there. My sisters will be there, too, with their hubsters, and some nieces and a nephew. We all have a good time together. We're looking forward to seeing all of them.

Hope you have a great time, too. It's a good time of year for family and friends.

>35 maggie1944: Thanks, Karen. Can't wait to get the whole famn damily together. My dad's going to be a happy guy - he loves having "lots of life" in the house. There'll be Ruby the pug and Sherlock the poodle, too.

Hope you and yours have a great holiday, and Greta and Mr. Cavalier have fun together.

We're going to be on the road starting early tomorrow, for a long drive, so I may not be back with you for a while. I hope everyone has a relaxing, peaceful and happy time.

Ah, thanks for the pointer to the *correct* cafe! I thought it was awfully quiet over there. :)

Too hot for a hot coffee today in Sydney, an iced coffee would be delightful. One of those ones which is just a shot of espresso with lots of ice cold milk and maybe a dollop of vanilla icecream. No cream, thanks.

Xmas shopping done (apart from an emergency dash to the corner shop for bread and eggs!), beer and champagne is on ice, Xmas tree is laden, prawns and oysters in the fridge, all is right with the world. We'll probably be up until 1am wrapping all the presents, sigh. But that's what the champagne is for. ;)

And we have our tickets to The Hobbit for Boxing Day morning. (For the Americans, Boxing Day is the day after Xmas, and it's another public holiday. It's more relaxed than Xmas day, more of a beach day than a family day.) We have an open house in the afternoon, once The Hobbit is over, which is good fun, relaxing and catching up with friends.

And I'm having fun starring 2013 threads to keep up with in the New Year (and hopefully I'll have a better work/life balance in the New Year!). Merry Christmas to everyone out there! Happy and safe holidays to you all.

37> Hobbit - Now thats what I Should of done went along today & the queues met me at the door ..... try not to melt

Merry Christmas Joe!! Hope you and your family have a great holiday season!

Hi Joe, far too many posts to catch up. I am not even trying. Therefore, I just wish you and your family a wonderful, magical and relaxing Christmas!
Of course, with lots of nice food!

Happy Christmas Joe

All the best for the New Year.

Hi Joe, glad to hear that your family is all together for the holidays. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. I've enjoyed your hospitality and following your reading this year, so I will look for the cafe on the 2013 threads when I get back in the New Year.

Slurping a hot toddy and wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas, Joe.

My Mom is in the ICU with aspiration pneumonia. We've gotten past the severe sepsis, but we aren't out of the woods yet. She is awake now and sat up for two hours today. Please keep her in your prayers and positive thoughts!

A peek at my Christmas Swap gift wrapped beautifully by Karen, maggie1944!

Merry Christmas to everyone at the Cafe!!

Now that it's officially past midnight (at least in my neck of the woods), I just thought I'd take a minute off my busy night in work to wish all the denizens of this cafe a very merry Christmas. Hope you all wake up to wonderful things that Santa has left for you and may any troubles disappear quicker than a magician's assistant.

Have a good one everybody!

Glitterfy.com - Christmas Glitter Graphics

I want to wish you a glorious celebration of that time of year when we all try to unite around a desire for Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward All. Merry Christmas, Joe!

>44 luvamystery65: LOVE that wrapping- excited? (of course)

Hi Joe, festivities abound here, love the booze assortment and feel compelled to state: I have started drinking again! After a good few weeks off I gave myself the gift of allowing myself a few glasses of some fancy wine at our big Xmas dinner last night (Xmas Eve). When its such lovely quality (read expensive) wine it is hard to say no. (t'was an Astrolabe Sav Blanc, followed with some fancy champagne).

tra la la la la, la la la laaaa indeed!

Joe, I hope you and your family have a glorious Christmas! Thanks for all the free refills.

Joe Merry Christmas! Thank you for your wonderful presence throughout the threads and your kind, gentle manner.

Wishing you wonderful holidays Joe, and looking forward to continued exchanges about life and great books in 2013!

glitter-graphics.com
Dear Joe and all the café habitués:
Wishing you all wonderful holidays and all the best in 2013. I've so enjoyed reading your reviews, thoughts and musings this past year. I look forward to *seeing* you here and on your threads in the coming year! - Peg

Merry, merry Christmas to you, Joe!

*dashing in for a quick cup of cafe au lait before facing the annual fun of watching kids open gifts* Happy Christmas to those who celebrate! And best wishes for the season for the folks who have other traditions to note the turning of the seasons. Longer days are coming for those of us in the Northerns, and shorter for the Southern. Time marches on ~

Merry Christmas to you, your family, and especially the busiest chef on LT, Joe!

Merry Christmas to Joe and all the regulars and irregulars at the Cafe!

Happy Holidays, Joe! I hope you had a safe trip up to Michigan. Have a great time with your Dad. Check in when you can!

Just dropping by with some Christmas cheer from me and the Moomins (another great LT find). Hope you're having a great time with your family, Joe.

Merry Christmas, Joe! Hope it was filled with wonderful moments and fabulous things!

Woo, way behind on the cafe thread, but it sure is looking good!

>60 phebj: Moomintrolls! Thanks, Pat. I had to start with that. Read them with my daughter when she was wee, and we loved them. We used to pronounce the author's name with a flat Midwestern accent and learned from a Finnish girl that it's Tove-uh Yann-sen.

>37 wookiebender: Son Jesse saw The Hobbit, Tania, and said it's very well done, although Peter J. does like to stretch out the dramatic moments. We do have Boxing Day here in Ann Arbor, MI, maybe because of the Canadian influence.



>38 roundballnz: I get the idea it's hot waiting to see The Hobbit, Alex. I bet that's a popular one in your part of the world - although it's getting queues here, too.

>39 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle! We have the whole gaggle gathered (pretty much - a couple of much-missed exceptions) and silliness reigns, as usual. A special tradition is singing carols at my mom's grave, which was beautiful, and my dad played harmonica - a Creole song called Aye-o (probably spelled differently) that he and my mom loved.

Hope you're having a wonderful Christmas, too!

>40 drachenbraut23: It's hard for me to catch up, and I work here! Thanks for the lovely card. We been relaxing and eating well. It my nephew's birthday today, so we just had celebratory key lime pie (excellent taste he has), Michigan triple berry pie, and pumpkin pie.

>41 avatiakh: That's a beaut, Kerry, thanks! I wouldn't mind hanging out with Santa in that locale. We just walked young Sherlock around icy, snowy Gallup Park, and he got so cold we bundled him in coats and carried him back to the car. He thought all that was pretty great.

>42 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Judy! You were a major part of the fun here this past year, so thanks for stopping by. There'll be a new cafe in '13, for sure. Too much fun not to. We're having a great holiday here, and I hope you and yours are, too.

>43 cameling: Hah! Thanks, Caro! Beautiful Christmas sign. I'm slurping some eggnog coffee after pie and champagne.

BTW, my bartender nephew says he'll make the eggnog next year, and I promised him I'd help by mashing the eggnogs. Do I have the right idea?

>44 luvamystery65: Oh my, Roberta, I hope your mom's okay now. All positive thoughts heading your way.

That's a beautifully wrapped package from Karen!

Well, I've been mispronouncing Tove Jansson's name too, Joe, although only to myself. Thanks for giving me the correct pronunciation. I never heard of the Moomins until LT and feel somewhat deprived missing out on them in my childhood. I'd love to get a mug or a stuffed animal of them but they only seem to be available in the UK or Japan and are a bit pricey.

Your pies sound very mouth-watering. Glad you're having a good time and keep warm!

>45 EBT1002: Thanks, Ellen! Hope you're having a great holiday. We'll have to keep Richard away from the kitten-card, but it's quite charming.

>46 AHS-Wolfy: Thanks, Dave. Sorry you had to be at work, but I hope you get a chance to celebrate a bit, too.

Santa was very good to yours truly, with books for the most part - go figure.

>47 ronincats: Merry Christmas, Roni! Thank you. Hope you and yours are having a great holiday, too.

>48 LovingLit: Hah! Good for you, Megan. You're like my dad. He's normally a non-alcohol beer guy (e.g. O'Doul's), but today he had some of the good champagne. We were getting him to talk a bit about the Christmases of his youth, including his getting a harmonica at age 13 and loving it, much to the delight of his very musical mom.

>49 -Cee-: Thanks, Cee! Merry Christmas!

>50 Donna828: Hah! Thanks, Donna. And we can get Santa a free refill any time!

>51 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda! My much better half always rolls her eyes when folks call me kind and gentle and easygoing, and says, try living with him. She knows whereof she speaks. But I appreciate it. It's been quite a year, hasn't it? A tough one for you at times, I know. Thank you for your wonderful presence her and on LT. Hope you're having a relaxing, peaceful holiday.

>52 Smiler69: Thanks, Ilana! What a great picture of Coco. I hope you're having a great holiday season, and I look forward to continued exchanges about life and books in '13, too!

>53 plt: Thanks, Peg! What a beautiful snowy picture that is. Thanks for helping make the cafe such a fun place this past year. Looking forward to more fun in '13!

>54 AMQS: Thanks, Anne! Merry Christmas! I hope you and yours are enjoying the holidays.

>55 maggie1944: Hi, Karen! Good to see you - we have your favorite table ready when you're ready. Best wishes for the holiday season.

Let's get you that cafe au lait!

>56 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl! Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and all your cherished ones - and I know I'm covering a lot of the country with that one.

Thanks for having such an interesting and informative place yourself, not to mention your high level reading that is so inspirational.

>57 luvamystery65: Hi, Roberta! Happy holidays to you. Regulars and irregulars - well put! Even our regulars are irregular in one way or another. And I've got a daughter who aspired to be a Baker Street Irregular.

>58 msf59: There's Mark! Hope you're having a great holiday, my friend! We're having a great time. My dad is enjoying the heck out of it, by all appearances. Lots of people reading, computering and talking - plus he and Sherlock were fast pals from the git-go. Not to mention all the good food.

>59 laytonwoman3rd: Very nice, Linda. thanks. Merry Christmas! Peace in '13 - as much as we can all create.

>60 phebj: Moomintrolls! Did I already say that?

>63 phebj: The Moomintrolls have made some inroads in the U.S., Pat, and you might find a mug somewhere here. Here's a virtual one:



Because we haven't eaten enough for several thundering herds of voracious aardvarks, pizza is now appearing (post-pie, go figure), so I'll sign off for now.

Ooh, where'd you find that one, Joe? I love the image and might even pay $25 for it (which seems to be the price for one Moomintroll mug as far as I can see).

Enjoy the pizza!

You can find it on this site, Pat, but I think despite the ".com", it's a UK site? http://bibliomouse.com/tag/website/

The pizza was delish. Now it's time to play with Sherlock. What a rough life!

Thanks, Joe! Lucky, Sherlock. My dog loves when people play with him.

*oink* After ham, collards, cornbread sausage and apple stuffing, and *sinfully* delicious scalloped potatoes, the mere idea of pizza is not making it for me.

I love southern holiday food. Glad it was such a good day!

Merry Christmas Joe, to you and yours! Glad you are having what sounds like a simultaneously fun and belt-busting time in Michigan - just what the holidays should be like! Enjoy the family, and have a safe drive back!

Ooooh, pizza! ounds like a great way to polish off a day of opulent over-eating.

Oooh...scalloped potatoes. There's a dish that hasn't gone on the menu around here for a while. Soon as all these leftovers are cleaned out of my fridge....

sounds like you had a, er, um, fulfilling time, Joe. hope it was joyous and warming to the cockles of the heart without fretting too much the coatings of the stummuck.

and a happy boxing day, all ye who dwell across the pond or down under the beneath.

we got our holiday gift. our annual visit from the Christmas red-tailed hawk who comes down to eat bread in the yard (organic, thank you). not uncommon. breathtaking creature. s/he lifted up into the wind giving us a stunning view of wing and tail bars in full array. oh my! what could two old women want for more than that? Anna Dominoes made ratcheting noises but the hawk didn't care and since s/he's a broadtail, the small birds went right on feeding with great gusto batting nary a wing.

finished A short history of tractors in Ukranian last night. i can't say i enjoyed it but i'm very glad i read it. it will stay with me for a long time and i may read it again. superb narrator.

I got an early start on reviewing story collections for my 2013 challenge, reading Better Living Through Plastic Explosives and posting my review of it too.

It got a cumulative 3.5 stars.

Belated seasons greetings Joe!

There was a documentary about Tove Jansson last night on BBC TV, very interesting. I grew up with the Moomin books, and have only fairly recently discovered that she went on to write adult novels too (eg the wonderful The Summer Book) but saw herself primarily as an artist.

I'm coming down with my traditional post-Christmas virus: sore throat, chesty cough, aches and pains. I could do with some kind of hot toddy, if not to make me better, at least to help me forget about how rough I feel!

My greetings, like Genny's, are belated too but no less heartfelt. Trust that you had a great Christmas mate and I look forward to more bonhomie from the host with the most next year.

*drive-by HAPPY NEW YEAR and all that*

:D

Scary, but after all I've been eating for the past few days, I may be ordering a salad at my first visit to the new (2013) cafe! Sigh.

I've finally re-read and written a love letter to Dodie Smith's kid's classic The Hundred and One Dalmatians over in my thread...post #299.

Hi Joe, I hope the cafe is still open at this busy holiday time. I wont have a coffee though thanks, as I just had two and am feeling a bit shaky from it all! Maybe a calming peppermint tea would work ;)

Hey, Joe, I'd like lots of non-caloric dark chocolate with nuts, and a tall dark brew mocha with Baileys--that should make my evening!

Good morning, You all won't mind if I bring my puppy in to sit on my lap. He is feeling poorly this morning. I think something minor is wrong with one of his big beautiful eyes. I think perhaps I am having a trip to the vet today. Oh, well, it will keep my kids entertained while they are on "vacation" from school.

I'll have a quick latte to do, thanks.

>68 phebj: Sherlock came home exhausted but happy, Pat. He gets too excited around other dogs normally, but Ruby the pug is 13 years old and very mellow, so she was perfect for him. Plus he got tons of attention. Last night he just stumbled from one lap to another back home, then dropped into a heavy sleep.

>69 richardderus: Hah! Glad you had a scrumptious Southern repast, Richard. I can have pizza any time of the day, I must admit. If it didn't threaten to inflate me way beyond clothing dimensions, I'd have my nose in deep dish on a regular basis.

>70 LauraBrook: Thanks, Laura! We had a great time. My dad even managed to beat our brainiac son in chess, which made them both happy - our son is always amazed how sharp my dad remains at an advanced age.

The drive back was the toughest, maybe ever. Heavy traffic, not great weather. But we made it safe and sound.

>71 scaifea: Hah! Just the right topper, don't you think, Amber? More pie showed up, too. Oh my goodness.

>72 laytonwoman3rd: I always have loved scalloped potatoes, too, Linda. My grandmother used to make really good ones.

>73 mirrordrum: I love red-tailed hawks, too, Ellie. I'm a pushover for just about any kind of hawk, but those are faves. How great to have one make a house visit.

Glad A Short History of Tractors resonated so much with you. Maybe audio would've improved it for me. I just finished a good YA, So B. It, and I'm working on another, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which is the favorite book of my daughter's best friend.

>74 richardderus: Thanks, RD. I'll go take a look in a bit. I'm not ready to get a jump on anything yet. Maybe it's time to go grab a cup of Peet's.

>75 gennyt: Hi, Genny! Seasons Greetings to you, too!

I've heard The Summer Book is excellent; I believe Ellie and/or Anne has recommended that one, too. My daughter and I had a lot of fun with the Moomin books when she was growing up.

We've got the time jiggerer warmed up, so let's get that hot toddy to you. Hope you start feeling better soon.



>76 PaulCranswick: Hah! Good to see you, Paul. Hope you're having a great holiday in that beautiful tropical location, my friend. Yes, we had a mighty good time, with a bit more to come with the New Year's celebration. Our best to you and your family, and we're looking forward to lots more LT cheer in '13.

>77 dk_phoenix: *waves to Faith as she drives by* Nice looking sleigh you have there. Hope you're having a good holiday season!

>78 EBT1002: I happen to be one of those oddballs who really enjoys salads, Ellen, so I'm with you on that one. Sometimes you got to balance out all the goodies. Here you go (hope you like strawberries):



>79 richardderus: I've read her I Capture the Castle but never 101 Dalmations, Richard. I will read the review with great interest.

>80 LovingLit: Hiya, Megan! You bet - I'm still at the coffee stage of the day, with some Uzuri African blend. But we're open indeed, even if the proprietor's a little lackadaisical. Here's some peppermint tea for you:

Good morning Joe. I have Perks of Being a Wallflower waiting TBR in 2013. I look forward to your review.

>81 ronincats: As you know, Roni, we specialize in non-caloric. Here you go on that dark chocolate with nuts and the mocha brew with Baileys:



I got my much better half a couple of bars of Vosges chocolate for the holidays and she's been loving them. A little bit goes a long way, she says.

>82 maggie1944: Ah, I hope the puppy is okay, Karen. I know we had to take young Sherlock to the vet a few times at the beginning with various maladies. No problem - keep him here as long as you like. A quick latte coming up:

>85 luvamystery65: Hi, Roberta. So far The Perks of Being a Wallflower is quite good. It's epistolary, which normally is not my fave form for a novel, but I'm living with that aspect and liking the rest.

I don't mind epistolary if it is done well. If it isn't then the book can be quite trying. Reading should never be trying. I am fully onboard with the Pearl Rule. I never heard of it before RD but I am glad I know about it now.

I like the Pearl Rule, too! It's Friday, Joe! I think I need a good dose of pecan pie and a cup of Peets, please. I did stop in to wish you a Merry Christmas, Joe, but you missed me (post 61) - hope it was a good one! Cannot believe that the New Year is almost upon us! Now I'm off to find Richard's review of 101 Dalmatians - one of my all-time favorites.

So B. It by Sarah Weeks is a good YA novel. Not at the level of some of the great ones we've seen lately like The Fault in Our Stars or Wonder, but solid and good. Twelve-year-old Heidi is the able-minded daughter of mentally deficient So B. It, a sweet woman who only knows a few words and gets easily flustered. They came upon agoraphobic neighbor Bernadette when Heidi was a baby (under circumstances explained late in the book), and Dette has raised Heidi, homeschooled her, and taken care of her mother. Heidi and her mother do the shopping under instructions from Bernadette, and Heidi becomes capable in the outside world.

Heidi is now insatiably curious about her mother's past and whatever family Heidi may have elsewhere. Clues lead her on a cross-country bus journey from Reno, Nevada, to Liberty, New York. She is helped by her uncanny knack for lucky gambling (slot machines, guess the number of jelly beans, etc.), which she uses sparingly. Accepting that knack takes some generosity on the reader's part, but Heidi's search for her family and its history is compelling, and the characters she meets up with are well-rounded and engaging. If you're willing to take the story in the spirit it's given, it's a likable one from a prolific author that will pull on your heartstrings.

Uh oh, I felt a *twang* as one of my heartstrings snapped...nice review, Joe!

>88 luvamystery65: I won't be Pearl-ruling this one, Roberta, but I also am fully on-board with invoking it when appropriate. The letters are fine, but so far it seems to me it could just as easily have been done in more conventional form.

>89 Crazymamie: Darn, sorry I missed your earlier post, Mamie! It's been a bit up-mixxled over the holidays. Belated Merry Christmas to you, and I hope you've been having a great holiday.

Yeah, it's pretty good to come into work and have it be Friday, with the weekend waiting. :-) I do not plan on making my usual Saturday sojourn to here, so I'll be sleeping in tomorrow!

Let's get you that pecan pie and cup of Peets:



>91 richardderus: Thanks, RD. Good to know you have some heartstrings in there. :-) I believe chili cheese fries make for a quick repair when snapping occurs.

No worries, Joe. And hooray for sleeping in tomorrow!!

Oooh lovely! I needed me some chili cheese fries! What luxury to be served them in the comfort of my own bed.

While you sleep, I think I'll be reading. It is all good!

>93 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. I know, a rare treat that I'll thoroughly enjoy!

>94 richardderus: Excellent, Richard. It was well worth the effort to fit that bed into the cafe. It's a wonderful time of the year.

>95 maggie1944: That does sound good, Karen. I may even wake up, read a bit, and fall back asleep. One of life's great pleasures.

Hi Joe, I never made my way over to this lightening fast thread to spread some Christmas wishes your way but I think I'm in time for a little Happy New Year wishes. So B. It was a book that our fifth graders read when I was still working and I know they loved it. Great review!

Thanks, Bonnie! I hope you've been having a great holiday, and a Happy New Year to you, too.

Linda (Whisper1) got me to read So B. It with her own excellent review. I'm glad to hear it was a well-received read for fifth graders at your school. There are a lot of good lessons to be had in it, including the importance of compassion for others.

So B. It by Sarah Weeks is a good YA novel. Not at the level of some of the great ones we've seen lately like The Fault in Our Stars or Wonder, but solid and good
I have The Fault in our Stars next to my bed and have done for nearly a year. Maybe i need to get onto it!? tsk tsk Megan.

Joe- Welcome back! We missed you over here and we were getting mighty thirsty! A Mission St. Pale Ale please!
Good review of So B. It! I'll have to add that one to the WL. Friends recommended The Perks of Being a Wallflower a few weeks ago, so we have the book and the audio waiting near-by. I heard the film version was pretty good too!

Mega, Megan, Megan- Shakes head sadly!

Hi Joe, I'm about to start the end of year readathon so wouldn't mind a perky cuppa coffee to get me going. I got up too early this morning and after my gym session am feeling more like napping than reading.

I'm also guilty of long term housesitting a copy of Fault in our stars though I've just finished two books that have been on my must-read list all year, Lunch with the Generals and Crow Country.

>99 LovingLit: I can sympathize with tbr backups, Megan but The Fault in Our Stars is well worth your getting to sooner rather than later.

Hope you have a good weekend!

>100 msf59: Thanks, Mark! It's good to be back, especially with the weekend here. :-)

I've heard the same about the film version, and it has had the benefit of reminding people about The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which I'll be returning to on the train soon.

BTW, I had an Arrogant Bastard yesterday (hah! What a name!) and it was mighty good. Let's get you that Mission St. Pale Ale.



>101 avatiakh: Hiya, Kerry! We'll get you that coffee to help you with your end of the year readathon. What are you readathonning?

Lunch with the Generals and Crow Country are new to me, but I can certainly recommend The Fault in Our Stars.

Cuppa coffee coming up:



And off to the train I go!

Too. Far. Behind. :(

Joe
So B. It is one of my top reads for 2012. How right you are in saying it pulls at the heart strings.

Happy New Year!

I am heading over to the End of the Year Read-A-Thon, too, and I hope to finish The Dovekeepers, get a good start on Anna Karenina and dig into my ER book: The Liberator: One World War II Soldier's 500-Day Odyssey from the Beaches of Sicily to the Gates of Dachau by Alex Kershaw. What a contrast between Czarist Russia and WWII in Italy! Concentration camp is in it also, I believe.

Then, for fun....do you think I'll get any where near the 5 books I received for Christmas? Maybe as a break from the heavy reading outlined above.

BTW, small tidbit on the dogs. The two of them had a real play fight tonight in the living room. I have a couple of snap shots I may post over in my thread later.

Progress has been made! I think they are buddies.

>103 mckait: Just right, Kath. It's all for fun anyway. Just glad you could stop by. Hope all is well in Kathville.

>104 Whisper1: Happy New Year, Linda! And my thanks to you. You're the reason I read So B. It, with that excellent review of yours, and I'm really glad I did. I'm now passing it on to my much better half.

>105 maggie1944: Sounds like lots of great end of the year reading, Karen. If I can find the group read, I plan to join you on Anna Karenina. The Liberator looks quite intriguing.

Glad to hear the dogs are starting to buddy up. Becca's Sherlock still gets way excited around other dogs, but made huge progress this last trip, thanks to the endlessly mellow Ruby the Pug. We didn't think Sherlock would be able to hang in there at my dad's house, but thanks to Zen Master Ruby he calmed down and had a wonderful time.

Dunkers does not enjoy the company of other dogs... Amy's Steve is calm and quiet...Zen, like Ruby..
but Sloany is another story. She is a dear sweet dog.. but very rambunctious. And she likes to taste cats. So..due to that habit, they can't visit. Too bad that.

Hope all is well with all...

>107 mckait: We've learned that there are a lot of dogs that don't enjoy, or can't handle, the company of other dogs, Kath. Sherlock is mainly over-exuberant and gets himself too worked up. Funny thing is, so far he has little reaction to cats. Seems like he can't quite figure out what they are. :-)

He loves people, thank goodness. So that part's easy.

Stuck in a large open-plan office on my own today so need something warming for lunch. A baked potato with cheese and beans for topping would fit the bill nicely please.

>109 AHS-Wolfy: Ah, my sympathy, Dave. You should be stuck by a hearty fire in a comfortable chair in the inn of your choice, or on a hyperdrive ship to colonized Mars or something, not a large open-plan office.

Glad to supply a helpful baked potato:

outrageously blessed! two women friends from Minnesota (one originally from Knoxville) brought their two kids, 7 (girl) and 18 months (boy), to see me today. it was an hour and 1/2 of delight. i so miss children and young people so what a gift. Christmas and Solstice and my birthday all in one. my heart is quite full. happy, happy me! :)

i want for nothing except some place to pass on the

Just popping in to find a quiet spot to finish The Hydrogen Sonata before heading back to work - Cup of tea with some chocolates on the side its 10am so its not too early .......

Happy, happy birthday Ellie. And two little ones to help you enjoy it. Lucky girl!

I've reviewed my first 2013 book (yes, I know, I know, it's still 2012)! It's a literary novel called Janey by Richard Matturro, and I gave it four whole-hearted stars. See why in my thread...post #96.

And in proof that I know it's still 2012, I've posted my review of a Yuletide gift, Howl: A Graphic Novel, in my 2012 thread...post #83.

Those with a passing familiarity with my highly negative opinion of comic books will want to know why I rated this one 4.5 stars.

>111 mirrordrum: Yay, Ellie! Thank you for spreading the joy. That sounds like a delight-full visit. Is it really your birthday, too? Happy Birthday!

This calls for a glass of '59 Sierra Nevada creek water and, if you're in the mood, a bit of the bubbly.



Hope the rest of the holiday season is filled with joy for you!

>112 roundballnz: Ah, I've yet to get the hang of Iain Banks, Alex. I know his fans are legion. Have you enjoyed this one?

Let's get you that tea with some chocolates.



>113 NarratorLady: I'm with you, Anne. What a lovely birthday for our friend Ellie.



>114 richardderus: I'm not sure what happened with the time jiggerer, Richard, but it seems to have affected your reviews. I will travel to the future and read your latest soon.

Joe
As I write it is snowing and the roads are very slippery out there. Meat loaf is cooking in the oven



Lilly the Sheltie is running around the yard playing in the snow, She is very true to the bred which hails from the Sheltand Islands of Scotland where it is very cold and snowy. She absolutely loves this weather. Last night the wind was whipping and as I watched her side profile, her nose was in the air and her fur was flown back. She looked like an ace pilot facing the wind head on.

I laughed right out loud.

I love your picture of Lilly playing in the snow, Linda. Our Bonnie always loved it---she'd run her nose through the snow and bound up and down through it. But Callie was never so keen. She didn't like getting her feet cold, and when it was up to her waist, she'd give us such a forlorn look....we always had to shovel out a "potty space" for her so she wasn't inconvenienced!

I assume the cafe is stocking up on bubbly?
I can recommend this one:

>117 Whisper1: Good night to stay inside and eat meatloaf, Linda, unless you're a brave Sheltie. Is Bethlehem near Pittsburgh? I've got a sister in Pittsburgh who's probably enjoying the same weather.

We were just talking about my mom's meatloaf when we were growing up. She'd sneak all sorts of healthy stuff into it, and then refuse to tell us what it was. And it always tasted great. She was a wily one.

I love the image of Lilly the ace pilot braving the wind while her fur flies. Those Shetland genes . . .

>118 laytonwoman3rd: Me, too, Linda. Is that a photo of Callie on your profile page? Young Sherlock is more like her. He gets very shivery and trembly in the cold weather. We had to wrap him in our son's coat and carry him about 2/3 of the way through a long walk in Ann Arbor. Did I mention he's smart and has us wrapped around his little paw, too?

>119 EBT1002: That's new to me, Ellen. I love their socks, but know nothing about the champagne. You're right, we need to stock up.

Hi Joe- A Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Sumpin' ale, please! It was a long cold day on the route. I should take a shot too but I'm getting ready to head out to hang with work friends. I just picked up an audio copy of The Perks of Being a Wallflower!
Lots of GNs to talk to you about. I'll be back...

I love their socks

heh

Most of us can remember at some point in high school feeling like we were on the outside looking in. In The Perks of Being a Wallflower main character Charlie seems stuck there, even though he wants to "participate". The book starts with the suicide of his friend Mike, and we learn the relative Charlie was closest to, Aunt Helen, has also died. Entering his freshman year, he's further hobbled by his extreme sensitivity and propensity for breaking into tears. But he's also one of the nicest, most decent guys you'll ever meet.

His world improves when step-siblings Patrick and Sam take him under their wing. Patrick is funny and proudly gay, although his athlete boyfriend is secretive and ashamed, and step-sister Sam is thoughtful and beautiful. Charlie is irretrievably smitten by Sam even when she warns him not to think of her that way.

Charlie struggles with periodic despondency. "I'm really glad that Christmas and my birthday are soon because that means they will be over soon because I can already feel myself going to a bad place I used to go. After my Aunt Helen was gone, I went to that place. It got so bad that my mom had to take me to a doctor, and I was held back a grade. But now I'm trying not to think about it too much because that makes it worse."

This is a moving and believable story about Charlie and others growing up. It has many ups as well as downs, with Charlie and his growing group of friends going to The Rocky Horror Picture Show and exchanging poems and mixed tapes. Normally reticent, he is always ready to step up to protect his friends. An English teacher recognizes his special ability, and gives him books like To Kill a Mockingbird and The Catcher in the Rye.

Their story is told in a series of Charlie's letters to a mystery recipient. Charlie, with the help of his friends, family members and a psychiatrist, gradually begins to come to grips with his inner turmoil. His relationship with Sam deepens even as it threatens to break through to memories he's buried and forgotten. The ending of the book changes everything in an all too believable revelation that casts all that came before in an entirely new light.

I found this a remarkable book, much better and deeper than I expected. It's not always easy to live those high school years, or revisit them, but Charlie and those close to him have a lot to teach us even now.

Terrific review, Joe. Nailed it!

Joe

Pittsburgh is five hours west of here. What a great review of your latest read. It is now on my tbr pile. Thumbs up!

>121 msf59: Sounds like it was a tough one today, Mark. I don't envy you this time of year. Have a good time hanging out. We'll get you that beer to start things off.

You'll see I just reviewed The Perks of. I think it could be awesome as an audio. Can't wait to hear your reaction.

Looking forward to hearing about the gns. Anomaly is a silly but entertaining sci-fi tale.

Here you go:



>122 EBT1002: I get groans in my house for that sort of comment, Ellen. I'm glad I got a heh out of you. :-)

>124 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! I know the YAs generally aren't your cup of tea, so I doubly appreciate it.

>125 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda! I think you'd really like The Perks of, as I know you're a YA reader.

5 hours west is a long ways. Probably not a practical meet-up possiblility. But maybe their weather is a bit better than what Shelties like.

112 > I think you can consider me part of the Iain Banks legion, esp as I bought all the books .....Now if interested Player of Games is a great one to start with

Wow, great review of The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I had heard of the movie but didn't know it was a book. Thanks for the recommendation!

another thumble and another book in my audible.com basket. will you please, please stop with the reviews now, Joe? if i keep adding recently published books to my list, when shall i ever get round to reading more Trollope?

thanks for the b'day cheer. i'll actually be 69 in about another week but am quite content with having my delicious h2o today. i think it's best to take celebrations whenever they chance to happen, y'know?

love the flying ace image, Lilly. reminds me of Snoopy as the red baron. made me think of a card i made for Janet of Casey in the cold 2 years ago. it's my primary profile pic.

As this is a virtual cafe, I trust there is no danger of me passing on my flu virus as I stagger in looking for something to make me feel better. Slight improvement today: the sore throat has lessened, but I could do with something smooth and soothing to ease my cough and clear my head. And as it's nearly lunchtime and I can't summon the energy to cook anything, how about some scrambled egg and smoked salmon on toast.

The wallflower book sounds good.

It never crossed my mind to read the wallflower book.. but I may have to consider it.. and the snail book...
hope you feel better soon, Genny.

Morning Joe- Peets please! Make it an El Grande. I will save your glowing review of "Perks" for after I read/listen to it, which will be soon. And thanks for the Little Sumpin! Mmmmmmm! Have a great Sunday.

Joe I really want to read the Wallflower book even more after your review. I'd love some cinnamon raisin toast please.

Today is day 9 in the ICU for my mom. I'll take some more positive thoughts with breakfast order.

>128 roundballnz: If you've bought and enjoyed all of Iain Banks' books, Alex, then you're definitely part of his legion of fans.

I've read Use of Weapons and Crow Road, neither of which got me legion-bound, unfortunately. I'll keep Player of Games in mind for one more try.

>129 phebj: You're welcome, Pat, and thank you! Now the movie is in my future. It'll be interesting to see whether it is as frank as the book.

>130 mirrordrum: Thanks, Ellie! I pale in comparison to our friend RD. As I said to Mark, I think The Perks of Being a Wallflower could make for an awesome audiobook. I hope they handle it well. I'm all for reading Trollope (although one was enough for me), but I'm sure he'll patiently wait.

I thought of Snoopy, too, with Lilly the flying ace. What a terrific picture (montage?) of Casey! You've got skills, girl.

You may have noticed that we have a strong belief in celebrating birthdays as many days as possible. I think you were wise to start a week ahead of time. Cake?

Off to get coffee!

Ah shoot, I've lost a bunch of posts twice, folks. Darn it.

My best to everybody. I don't have my usual computer, and my iPad is acting really wonky. I'll try again later. Please help yourselves in the meantime.

>131 gennyt: All right, let's see if 3 times is the charm, Genny. I'm glad you're feeling a bit better. Here are your time-jiggered eggs and salmon toast, and something hot and toddy to soothe your throat:

>132 mckait: Hi, Kath. I don't know the snail book, but I have a feeling you'd enjoy the wallflower book.

>133 msf59: Hiya, Mark! Hope you're having a relaxing Sunday. So far so good for them Bears. Large Peet's coming up:

Joe, the snail book is one that Bonnie Renzi reviewed most wonderfully. It sounds great, and I have requested it from my village liberry.

Happy Sunday! Are you off work tomorrow?

>134 luvamystery65: All right, looks like we'll get this done, Roberta (fingers crossed). This all started with The Perks being the favorite book of my daughter's best friend, which is a high accolade, right? I think you'll enjoy it, especially if you already had it on your tbr.

Day 9 in the ICU for your mom? Ai yi yi. That's got to be tough for all of you. Lots of positive thoughts to her and to you. Please keep us posted, and I'll stop by your place, too.

Here's that cinnamon raisin toast:

>140 richardderus: Thanks, Richard. I didn't connect that with Bonnie's great review of The Wild Snail. It does sound awfully good.

It's a good Sunday. We've got our yearly "latke party" coming up in an hour or so, with a whole slew of people. We usually do it in January, but we've got Jesse here now, so we throwing it now. Lots of folks coming who have watched him grow up.

I do have work tomorrow, but it's a half day. Then Debbi and I go to an afternoon Bulls game against Charlotte, and then to some friends' house for New Year's Eve.

Hoping to find a little time to read Robopocalypse, a gift from Jesse, who enjoyed it.

If I don't come back here tonight ( yes I am working today on new years eve) Have an excellent New Years whatever you may be doing ......

Those eggs look nice ... pity don't have time this morning going to dash out the door soon ....

Latke party! I'll be right there. Bottle of Mumm's okay?

>143 roundballnz: Happy New Year, Alex! Sorry you have to work - hope you find a way to have some fun with it. We'll be thinking of you.

>144 richardderus: Come on by, Richard! Mumm's would be just right. Debbi makes the latkes, and they're most excellent.

I looked again, it's Taittinger...still copacetic?

I'm glad you manged to post those eggs and salmon and toddy once the iPad let you - just the job! Feeling another stage or two better thanks to that.

>146 richardderus: Roger, RD, copacetic. In fact, we're looking forward more to your attendance than the champers.

>147 gennyt: Ah, good, Genny. So sorry you're feeling crummy during what should be a bit of a holiday break. We can pull out more toddies (and goodies) whenever you like.

>144 richardderus: RD, would you swing by and pick me up on your way to Joe's? i'll bring some creme fraiche and a lb. or two of smoked salmon and i promise not to even glance at your bubbly. i'll bring some Voss instead. ours is the house on the right next the cow pasture. "mind the curve" at the end of Spring Creek where it runs into Belt. just have your chauffeur honk in the driveway.

Joe, in case you don't see me amongst the throng, hope you and yours have a wonderful coupla days. l'chaim!

oh, Joe, i forgot to thank you for the tastycake. :)

Ellie dear, Perkins is honking like mad...where are y'all? The Taittinger's is steadily warming. That's never good.

oh, hon. so sorry. i got pecked by an owl and then my foot got caught in the bed spring, couldn't reach cell phone. what can one do? my apologies to Perkins. but i'm confused. *surely* you had them put a fridge in when you got the R-R Phantom 2? i know it's a bit extra, but seriously, one must prioritize.

you are a dear. how can i ever make it up to you?

I know, silly me, penny wise and pound foolish. The fridge just seemed de trop, and now of course one regrets it.

The owl is, one hopes, on its way to be taxidermied?

*smooch* all is forgiven.

>>149 mirrordrum:-152 We've got latkes, homemade applesauce, regular sour cream, fruit salad, green salad, sugar cookies, Martinelli's cider, and plenty of Major Dickason's coffee waiting for you guys. All we're missing is creme fraiche, a lb. or two of smoked salmon, some Tait's, some honking, an R-R Phantom 2, and an owl of some sort.

We've got extra cookies for Perkins, too.

.

>152 richardderus:-154 oh lord. you peeps crack me up. ROFL!

and yep, Kath, that's the one. it's the southeastern flop owl--like a fainting goat, kind of, but avian, you know. it flopped down the chimney into the fireplace that Elspeth was cleaning--thank goodness the fire was out. when i picked it up to put it outside, i think my party hat startled it. it shrieked, pecked me and then flopped again. silly thing.

You folks are nuts! Happy new year to all of you.

Hi Joe,
As part of my official LT Dream Team (and not just for the food!), I come to wish you a Happy New Year, and the best of health and happiness for 2013!
Take care and see you on the 2013 threads.

Hi Joe- Yes, the Bears won but it was another sloppy offensive performance. And then the Pack played poorly too, or at least their defense did.
Otherwise, I hope you had a nice Sunday!

Joe - I am on very safe ground in declaring that the Cafe was THE place to hang out in 2012 - thank you so much and make sure to open those doors in 2013. Happy New Year mate!

>156 ffortsa: Happy New Year, Judy! We'll add that to our list of specialties: calorie-free, germ-free, and full of nuts.

>157 LovingLit: Ah, an LT Dream Team, what a great idea, Megan. Can't wait for the meet-up. :-)

Happy New Year to you, and all the best for 2013! We plan to open up a 2013 cafe tomorrow, and look forward to seeing you there and around the LT threads.

>158 msf59: I guess the one thing I can say about the football, Mark, is Adrian Peterson amazes me. What a weapon to have! As for the Bears, I'd like to take the whole offensive line and throw it out the window. Brady, for the Patriots, only gets touched basically once all game, and Cutler is running for his life, while Forte too often has to try to create something out of nothing. Arggh.

Other than that, it was a a very nice Sunday. We had our annual latke party, and it's a fun group, including treasured little ones who are growing up and are very funny.

>159 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! It's been a lot of fun, hasn't it? We'll definitely open those doors in 2013 - maybe for more than one cafe at the same time if the doors stick again. :-) Happy New Year, my friend!

You're right Joe, Cutler has had a tough time. If Tom Brady rubs his arm, the entire northeast holds its collective breath. (Well, the football fans, anyway.) We love our offensive line. Obviously, yesterday was a good day over here.

Sure was, Anne. I'm envious of the creativity and efficiency of that offense. And the Patriots' defense was pretty darn good yesterday, too.

Happy New Year, Joe! Was this the first year for the Cafe? I can't remember but either way it was a brilliant idea well executed!

Final visit of the year to everyone's favourite cafe. Glad that it's been such a roaring success for you Joe and I hope you've found the time to read as much as you wanted to this year as well as managing this place. I know it was a concern when you first started this venture. Sorry I haven't been here as much as I should and would've liked to and I'll try to do better next year.

Happy New Year to you, your family and all the patrons that have made this place what it is. Have a good 'un everyone!

glitter-graphics.com

Wishing you another delicious year at the cafe, Joe! Thank you for your delightful and cheerful company all through this year. I'm looking forward to another year of zesty discussions and book reviews on your thread. Cheers!

Hope you are enjoying the Bulls game, Joe!
Happy New Year!!

Here's to a great new year ahead, Joe! Thanks for maintaining and decorating the cafe--it's been a wonderful hangout.

the burning New Year's NFL question: Peyton or Peterson for MVP. glad i don't have to decide.

see you all in 2013 in this most wonderful place. thank you, Joe, for a warm and welcoming year.

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere!
and gie's a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught,
for auld lang syne.

Just thought I would leave a final word here...
a wish for a Happy New Year!
hugs

I celebrated the end of 2012 by posting my final review in the good ol' 2012 thread. It's of The Sea, the John Banville novel I read with Ellen and Megan...post #121.

Woo Hoo! HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone at the Cafe!

I'm looking forward to many great reads, good food and drink, and a few laughs with this crowd in 2013.

Happy New Year, Joe! Hope it is full of fabulous!

Happy New Year Joe!

Happy New Year, Joe! I had a great year with you, my friend! The Cafe was an awesome stop, day after day!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Where is everyone? Sleeping in? OH, my. I wish for you that you have everything you wish to have, do everything you wish to do, and be everything you wish to be in 2013! And good books, too!

Let me say it again: Happy New Year.

Chez moi is beginning the new day with dogs play fighting in the living room, and red beans on the stove simmering. Pellet stove is singing, and the latte is delish! Will begin reading AK today, but also think I might have to put the Snail book and the Wallflower book on the wish list. They both sound like gems. Ah, reading..... the neverending stories.... yeah!

Bright blessings for a new year!

Wow! Thanks, everybody!

I need to catch up. Later on I'l borrow Debbi's computer to see up our new year's cafe - too hard on the iPad, and I left mine at work.

Happy New Year!

Here we go

>163 phebj: Thanks, Pat. It was the first year for the cafe all right. The brilliance just kind of happened. I thought it was a cool name for a thread, and an homage to a Joe's Cafe (no relation) a buddy and I liked. Then people started ordering food and we started responding, and we were off and running. A nice, yearlong surprise!

>164 AHS-Wolfy: Hah! Thanks, Dave. You know, I was just saying to my much better half that I'd like to read more in '13 and she said, how could you, you always have something printed with you. LT time doesn't count, of course. That's why the time jiggerer works so well, I suspect. But like everyone else here, I see all these great books I want to get to, beyond all the great books I do get to.

I'm glad you've enjoyed hanging out here, and we'd all love seeing you more in the new year if you can do it. But we'll be open regardless, so just stop by when you can. I'm looking forward to following your reading in the Green Dragon.

>165 cameling: Happy New Year to you, Caro, and cheers! Thank you for your always charming presence and story-filled life. I still think a Caro reality tv show would do well - I don't watch those types of shows, but I'd watch yours. :-)

>166 EBT1002: Thanks, Ellen. THe Bulls game was a stinker, unfortunately - the team is in a serious funk. Maybe they're finally missing start Derrick Rose after doing pretty darn well without him. Debbi and I had a good time, nonetheless. Even a bad game is fun with everything going on.

The party at our friends' afterward was a hoot, too, and we once again managed to stay up late enough to greet the new year, something that's becoming more challenging each year. May have to take an evening nap one of these years.

Happy New Year!! How great to have LT for all of us to share.

Happy New Year, Joe! I have loved visiting the Cafe, through-out the year and I enjoyed our various Meet-Ups this past year. Let's do it again, okay? Hugs to you and your family.

Happy day of the hair of the dog, proprietor. Looking forward to newer, less bit-and-chewed premises soon. O.o

>167 ronincats: Woo, that's a beaut, Roni. Happy New Year! So much of the good times in the cafe is due to denizens like you. Those of us who work here just feel lucky folks like the place. Glad you like the decorations, too. It's been a kick to find ones to feature at the top, and then we've gotten a lot of denizen contributions along the way.

>168 mirrordrum: Thanks, Ellie. It's been fun, hasn't it? Can't wait to see what we all come up with in the new year. I love the sounds of us all takking a right gude-willy waught, but do you have any idea how to do that?

>169 mckait: Hugs to you, Kath, and Happy New Year! It's been great getting to know you over the year, and I look forward to more in '13.

>170 richardderus: Good, Richard. I had high hopes you'd complete 8 zillion reviews in 2012, and you managed to exceed that. I'll stop by to read the last of '12.

>171 EBT1002: Happy New Year, Ellen! Great reads, great food and a few laughs in 2013 - check. Very doable. We're going to shoot for even more than a few laughs. We'll try to RD and Ellie going again, for starters. :-)

>172 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! Happy New Year to you - I know yours will be full of fabulous; fabulous obviously likes following you around. Looking forward to more tales from your new life in GA.

>173 laytonwoman3rd: Lovely, Linda, thanks! Happy New Year to your pack, too. We had a lot of fireworks here. Becca said it got young Sherlock worked up, but then he figured out they wouldn't hurt him or Becca.

>174 luvamystery65: Happy New Year, Roberta! Thanks for stopping by this year. We look forward to seeing you lots in 2013,

>175 msf59: Happy New Year, Mark! What a year, huh? Thanks again for encouraging me to try this. It sure turned into a lot more than I ever would have guessed.

Your great thread was a daily stop for me, and will be again in the new year. And, among other things, my beer repertoire has improved dramatically, thanks to you.

>176 maggie1944: Hi, Karen! Happy New Year! We did sleep in, that's for sure. Then we got up, walked for coffee, and picked up the makings for Debbi's phenomenal artichoke dip, which I'm snaffling up right now.

I like the sounds of your plural dogs playing together! Have a great, relaxing day.

>177 Morphidae: Thanks, Morphy! I hope you have a wonderful new year.

>179 msf59: Happy New Year, Mark! How'd you celebrate last night?

I agree - a great year of hanging out on LT, and Meetups. More is definitely in order! Hugs to you and your clan!

>180 richardderus: Happy new year, most honored denizen. We'll try to get the new cafe open soon, although I have some sentimental attachments to this somewhat worn and torn one. Even if there are some nicks and upholstery tears, it's been pretty darn good to us, hasn't it?

I'll see if can iPad something for the new year. Wish me luck!

We had some friends over to celebrate. We watched The Big Lebowski, talked and of course imbibed. My pal brought over:



This is Double Bastard, even better than Arrogant!

Old habits die hard, so I'll keep coming back to the 2012 Joe's Cafe, at least until I hear you've moved location! I'm sure you can carry the worn and torn old upholstery with you, if you are feeling so attached to it - or perhaps it will be time for a refit?

Happy New Year and very best wishes to all in the Cafe!

>184 msf59: Double Bastard - it's twice as arrogant. Sounds like a most excellent night, Mark.

I'm a happy guy - Northwestern, which has a hard time matching up physically with the other Big 10 teams, won its first bowl game in 64 years. Way to go, Wildcats!

>185 gennyt: Thanks, Genny. We have indeed brought over favorites from last year's cafe - come over to the new place and see what you think: http://www.librarything.com/topic/147272.

How are you feeling? Improved, I hope.

>181 jnwelch: here's a fine option for a right gude-willie waught (good-will draught):



May 2013 hold many such draughts with friends old and new.

and fyi, here's Robert Burns' Auld lang syne in the original. wish i could sing it so.

Oh, thanks, Ellie. That right gud-willy waught was even better than I imagined. I like the wish for many such draughts with friends old and new in '13. And thanks for the link to the lyrics - I have to admit I never made it beyond cup o' kindness before.

Ginger beer surely with this heat ...........

Here you go, Alex. See you over at the new cafe!