DorsVenabili (Kerri) Reads Many Books in 2013 (Part 1)

***CURRENTLY READING***



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Hello and welcome to my 2013 thread! Feel free to pop in and say hello!

This is my thirdish year in the 75 group and I hope to hit 100 books this time. I just finished grad school and will have a great deal more free time this year, so I hope to follow more threads and read more books than I have in the past. Yay!

I won't be doing the 2013 Category Challenge this year, but I couldn't resist having a few goals, as I'm neurotic and goal-oriented. So here they are:

1. One Virago Modern Classic per month
2. One work of working-class fiction per month
3. Six Iris Murdoch novels
4. Six Jane Gardam novels
5. Five books on U.S. history, focusing on the Gilded Age and labor history
6. (And here's the one that makes me look like a crazy person) The Coffee Can Challenge - Using the "If You Like" feature on the Library Thing author pages for authors I love, I created little slips of paper that each include an author and several of that author's book titles. Then I put them in an old (empty) coffee can and will draw one each month and read that author/novel. Eek! I'm a nerd! I thought this would be a good way to discover new authors, who are similar to the authors I already like. And I only included those authors I've never read before. I used the following favorite author names to get the results: Iris Murdoch, Jane Gardam, Keri Hulme, Kate Atkinson, Dorothy Allison, Bernice Rubens, and Colson Whitehead (the lone male).

Other than that, I have many life-long reading goals, kept track of via an elaborate spreadsheet, that I won't spell out here, as there are too many, but I'll keep track of them in my list of books for the year, which you will find below...once I start logging 2013 books.

And Go Seahawks!

Planned Group Reads in 2013
February: Excellent Women by Barbara Pym
March: Jane and Prudence by Barbara Pym
April: Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim, Old Filth by Jane Gardam
May: Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev
July: Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake
August: Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake
September : Titus Alone by Mervyn Peake
October: 2666 by Roberto Bolaño

Read in January:
1. The Line - Olga Grushin (print book)
2. The Devil in the White City - Erik Larson (audiobook)
3. The Radiant Way - Margaret Drabble (print book)

Looking forward to following you. Have a great reading year!

Me too!

Have a wonderful 2013!

Welcome back!

Hi Kerri! Found and starred!

Kerri - You are so efficient. I hope you meet all of your goals in 2013.

Kerri - glad to see that you'll be rock n rolling here again in 2013. Will shuffle my feet and hum alongside you if I may.

Dropping my star so I can keep up with your reads.

#4 - Hi Nancy! I'm off to find your thread today.

#5 - Hi Laura!

#6 - Hi Madeline!

#7 - Hi Jim!

#8 - Hi Katie! Don't see your thread yet.

#9 - Hi Beth! I made my goals ridiculously easy, so I'm sure to meet them!

#10 - Hi Paul! I'll do my best to keep the title of "Rock n Roll Princess."

#11 - Hi Lori!

Hi Kerri. The Erik Larson-book is also on my TBR mountain.

Here's my 2013 thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/146559

#13 - A new person! Hi Diana. Thanks for visiting! Yes, I just started The Devil in the White City and so far, so good. It actually fits in nicely with my Gilded Age challenge, although it takes place towards the end of that era.

#14 - Thanks, Nancy!

I'm not selling fake designer handbags, so I could visit safely :-) Good to hear about The Devil in the White City being good, I'm looking forward to reading it myself.

Kerri, you are way ahead of me in planning for 2013, so I am obviously hopelessly behind. Your three current reads are all on either my TBR or wish lists and I'll look forward to your reviews. Congrats on finishing your degree!

#16 - Good to hear! Yeah, most spam on here involves fake designer hand bags. Luckily there's not much.

#17 - Hi Linda! I am an obsessive planner - that's for sure! I look forward to your thread, but can't find it as of yet.

Hi Kerri, I'm popping by some new threads to say hello, and already hit by a book bullett. I remember hearing about The line a few years ago, am adding it to Mt. TBR.

***2012 in Review***

Best Books of the year:

1. God on the Rocks - Jane Gardam - Charming, witty, touching, perfect.
2. A Visit from the Goon Squad - Jennifer Egan - Impressive. PowerPoint chapter made me cry.
3. County: Life, Death and Politics at Chicago's Public Hospital - David Ansell - Powerful memoir.
4. A Game of Thrones - George R.R. Martin - Amazing story-telling and world-building.
5. Woman on the Edge of Time - Marge Piercy - Preachy in the most lovable way.
6. In the Heart of the Country - J.M. Coetzee - Best madness tale I've read.
7. Safe Area Gorazde: The War in Eastern Bosnia 1992-1995 - Joe Sacco - Important. Everyone should read.
8. A Five Year Sentence - Bernice Rubens - I love this lady!
9. The Red House - Mark Haddon - Should have been a Booker contender.
10. The Redbreast - Jo Nesbo - Favorite crime novel so far.

Most Dreadful Books of the Year:

1. The Orange Eats Creeps - Grace Krilanovich - Incomprehensible.
2. Stranger in a Strange Land - Robert A. Heinlein - Sexist, libertarian nonsense.
3. The Enormous Room - e.e. cummings - Racist, self-absorbed nonsense.
4. Jake’s Thing - Kingsley Amis - Midlife crisis. Don't care. Also mean.
5. The Good Terrorist - Doris Lessing - How on Earth is this the same woman who wrote The Grass is Singing?!

Heh!

I've heard that a modern day reread of Stranger in a Strange Land is not the book it once was. I think I'll skip that reread. :)

#19 - Hello, Ardene! I love new people - welcome! The Line is good so far. However, her first novel The Dream Life of Sukhanov was one of my favorites of 2011. I might recommend that one first.

#21 - It's definitely a skipper. In addition to all of that, it doesn't stand the test of time and comes off as horribly corny. He was no Asimov. That's for sure.

Kerri - I love these year end lists. You did a lot of great reading. A Visit from the Goon Squad might make my best of 2012 list, too. I also loved The Redbreast, but I'm not sure it will make my list.

#23 - I do too! I can't wait to see the list of Ms. Beth!

I was really impressed by The Redbreast. Plus, I like to give some love to genre fiction in my year-end list, but either way it was one of my favorites and I can't wait to get to the next one.

Hey Kerri,

Happy New Year to you and yours! Looking forward to reading your thread this coming year and love the 2012 wrap-up above.

You finished grad school? What did you major in?

#25 - Hi Peg! Good to see you! I'm off to find your thread as well.

#26 - Hi TJ - Thanks for visiting! I just finished a master's in library and information science. However, I'll be keeping my same job - I work for a large association connected to the world of libraries.

Hi Kerri, I'll be starting my 2013 thread on Monday. We are driving back to Dallas from Miami today and tomorrow :-P

BTW, I'm in the association world too! But for an engineering association....

Kerri - I had a smile at your comment re Lessing - the most schitzo writer ever - could be great but more often dreadfully stolid.

#28 - I suppose I'll have to wait until Monday then. I fell so behind in the 2012 group this past week, so I decided to start over here. Did I miss anything good?

I somehow assumed you were in the association world. Yay! Although an engineering association sounds much more posh than mine. : )

#29 - The Doris Lessing Problem. What to do? The sad thing is that after reading The Grass is Singing, I went out and bought several of her novels, but after The Good Terrorist debacle, I'm now afraid to read them. Eek!

And here is my reading plan for January. I indicated my personal challenges in parentheses.

Print/Ebooks:
*The Line by Olga Grushins
*The Radiant Way by Margaret Drabble (Coffee Can - Iris Murdoch)
*Mr. Fortune's Maggot by Sylvia Townsend Warner (Virago Modern Classics)
*A Walking Fire by Valerie Miner (Working-class Fiction)
*Crusoe's Daughter by Jane Gardam (Jane Gardam)
*Air by Geoff Ryman (Tiptree Award)
*Late Nights on Air by Elizabeth Hay
*Nemesis by Jo Nesbo
*As Though She Were Sleeping by Elias Khoury
*The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid

Audiobooks:
*The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
*Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger
*The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton
*Falling Free by Lois McMaster Bujold

Hmmm. I chose a book by Elias Khoury to read for January as well. The one I've started reading is Yalo. This is my first exposure to this Lebanese author. So far, he seems pretty impressive, although I'm really going to have to concentrate on what I'm reading to be sure I'm not missing anything. The trouble today was that I was all snuggled into a warm comforter (which sort of distracted from my reading and sent me off into Dreamland a few times). Do I have to sit upright on a hard chair to concentrate?

Anyway, let me know your impression of Khoury.

From your list, I'd say for you to start with The Reluctant Fundamentalist. I really loved that book because it was so thought-provoking. I now try to push it onto all my friends, but it's probably a better book for those who are interested in international relations. I can't wait to hear about your thoughts on that book as well.

#32 - I've not read Elias Khoury before, but As Though She Were Sleeping is an LT Early Reviewers book that I must get to soon, or the mysterious algorithm may turn against me. I'll let you know how it goes. I have it as a PDF on my Kindle and it's somewhat difficult to read, as the type is quite small, but I'll get through it. I just have to turn the Kindle sideways I think.

Good to hear that you liked The Reluctant Fundamentalist! I've been wanting to read it for some time, but haven't gotten around to it. I have it as an ebook, so I'm saving it for later in January when I go on my Seattle, then Portland trip (I try to stick to ebooks on trips so I'm not traveling with a bunch of books in my suitcase), but I will make it a priority, based on your recommendation.

Checking out your thread for this year - I'm Mamie, and I have seen you on the threads this past year. This is my second year in this group, and I see that you are reading two books that I really loved from this past year - the Larson book and Binocular Vision. I am hoping to read more Iris Murdoch this year (just read my first one earlier this year - The Severed Head), and I love the idea of your coffee can challenge! Looking forward to seeing where the year takes you!

Kerri - As always you have an ambitious reading plan -- and now you'll have time! After I read The Redbreast, I wanted to find out what happened with the Ellen situation, so I read Nemesis -- talk about a plot with a lot of twists. I really liked it, too. I will be reading more Nesbo in 2013 -- great reads on my Nook in the gym -- my legs were really moving.

Eek! I'm a nerd! I thought this would be a good way to discover new authors
Love that idea for new ideas! Of course you know we dont think you nerdy...actually, we do, and we love it!

>31 DorsVenabili: I have heard of none of your titles from the list, and none of the authors either! How can I call myself a book-lover based on that (tsk tsk Megan) I shall go right now and research your titles further! ;)

ETA: The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid looks good. Could this be my first 2013 BB?
:)

#34 - Hi Mamie! Thanks for popping in! I've seen you around as well. The new year is a wonderful time to star new threads, isn't it?

Anyway, I love the stories in Binocular Vision but it's taking me MONTHS to read it, due to my new short-story collection approach (reading them here and there, rather than straight through). Really, I think I just want to keep looking at that cute hat she's wearing on the cover, so I don't want it to end.

So glad you're reading Iris Murdoch! The Severed Head is good, but even greater awesomeness awaits you, in particular The Sea, The Sea and The Bell.

#35 - Hi Beth! You know I'm crazy, and I'm still not going to read them all. I've been trying to fit books into all of the TIOLI challenges lately, but it doesn't always work out.

I've decided to read The Nemesis in print or ebook (mostly because I can't get the audiobook in my library system - it doesn't look like their digital media plan offers it.) I think I'll get it in ebook format so I can read it on my trip in January.

#36 - Hi Megan! I think we were posting at the same time!

I'm TOTALLY a nerd and a band nerd at that.

All of the authors in #31 are new to me as well, with the exception of Jane Gardam. And I don't know if people know this about me, but I dream of modeling my look on Sylvia Townsend Warner's:



However, in reality, it would require too much effort and I don't think I could rock that hairstyle. I do want the Trotsky glasses though.

>30 DorsVenabili:: Definitely not very posh. Overworked and underpaid (sound familiar?). But I do like to travel so there is that.

I second Madeleine's rec of The Reluctant Fundamentalist. I read it in 2011 and still think about it.

#39 - That does sound vaguely familiar : ). I think you may travel to better places though. While I'm going to Seattle in January and that's awesome, my previous trip was to Anaheim (boo).

I'm definitely going to read The Reluctant Fundamentalist this month, due to all these ringing endorsements!

That's awesome you must really enjoy books then!

Have you read Elegy for Iris? I started it, but for some reason, which wasn't the book, didn't finish. Need to get back to it in 2013. Read Severed Head over 2 decades ago and it stuck with me. Adding The Sea, The Sea and The Bell to my wish list.

Glad to see you back with us again, Kerri!

Found your thread & I'll be starring! Thanks for welcoming me!

I loved Binocular Vision, by the way. Glad you are savoring it.

#41 - Hi TJ! Oh, I certainly do love books, but in my particular case, I chose coursework that focused on archives, records management, knowledge management, etc. There are a number of different paths to take with the degree.

#42 - Hi Nancy! It's funny you should ask that, because I just picked it up this past week on my lunch break at the little used book store near my office! (I also picked up A Question of Power by Bessie Head, since I'm listing purchases). I haven't read Elegy for Iris yet.

#43 - Hi Stasia! Good to see you!

#44 - Hi Tina! Thanks for dropping a star!

#45 - Binocular Vision is excellent. It's just taking me forever to get through short story collections. At the rate I'm going, I'll probably get through two collections per year!

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Since I don't have choir accompanying this morning, I think I might clean up my office a bit, as it's a disaster. Then it's time for football! I'm a bit nervous, because the Rams are no joke, but we're in the playoffs either way. It would just be nice to win for momentum purposes. And it's been 45 posts without a Richard Sherman photo, so here you go. Go Seahawks!

I will be looking forward to your thoughts on A Question of Power, Kerri. Since hearing Bessie Head discussed at a talk this Fall, I have been looking, unsuccessfully, for anything by her.

Have a Happy New Year!

I'll be cheering on my Packers. And my fantasy team, which I co-coach with my sister. We are in the CHAMPIONSHIP today.

#48 - Hi Linda! It was strange, because I was actually looking for the little green Virago Modern Classics (of which I found none, as usual) and came across the Bessie Head book, which has sort of been on my radar, so it popped out at me. It's a nice hard cover copy. I hope you come across it.

#49 - Oh my goodness, Nancy. A Packers fan. We'll have to keep it civil if they play each other in the playoffs, right? : ).

Hurray for your fantasy team! I think I'd like to play fantasy football next year, although I go back and forth. My husband does it and I see him cheering for Cowboys and Steelers players and it seems so very wrong. Ha! But I think I'll do it, since I'll have more time. Perhaps we can set up a 75 Group/LibraryThing league next year. I wonder if there would be much interest.

Kerri - Good luck to the Seahawks today. We're playing the Packers. We're at home, and if we play like we did at Houston last week, we can beat them. Go Vikes.

I'm going to start my new thread tomorrow. I can't believe how many posts you have already. I really need to pick up Binocular Vision -- and Iron Lake is one I have been thinking about reading during my break. I also have The Reluctant Fundamentalist here -- after reading about it in The End of Your Life Book Club, I have put it closer to the top of my pile.

It sounds almost like I have a plan...

Kerri - interesting looking reading list for January.
One of my 13 in 13 challenges is Asia Pacific writers and I plan to read a Khoury too. Still to decide between Yalo and As Though She Were Sleeping so it will be interesting to see whether the various reviews obviously upcoming sway me one way or another.
The Trotsky gigs may be ok but don't go after his ice-pick!

Morning Kerri- Congrats on the 2013 thread! I'm looking forward to spending another year, following you around your "reading life". See, I'm a book stalker!
Go Seahawks! One of the best NFL stories of the year!

#51 - Hi Beth! I certainly hope Adrian Peterson breaks that record today, although it will be difficult. I like that guy (who doesn't?). And to toot the Seahawks horn, Russell Wilson could break Peyton Manning's rookie touchdown record today. He needs two to break it.

I've had Iron Lake on my iPod for quite a while (Mark recommendation, I think), so I added it as a shared TIOLI read, as someone else is reading it. It looks good.

#52 - Hi Paul! I'll let you know how As Though She Were Sleeping goes. It's an Early Reviewers, so I'll have to write a review. Truth be told, it's probably lowest on my list this month in terms of enthusiasm.

I will stay away from those ice picks, that's for sure (poor Leon). My boss actually has those glasses and he sort of looks like Trotsky. It's a hoot.

#53 - Hi Mark! Good to see you! What a nice and lovely thing to say about the Seahawks! The future is looking good, and I hope we can do something in the playoffs this year, but you never know.

Happy New Year Kerri!

#55 - Thanks, Chelle! Happy New Year to you too!

Happy New Year, Kerri!

Hi Kerri! Looks like you have some good plans set up here! I liked Iron Lake when I listened to it last year. Though I haven't gotten around to the next one yet.

Hi Kerri, found your thread! Stopping by to drop a star so I can find my way back here and to wish you a Happy New Year!

#57 - Thanks, Katie! Happy New Year!

#58 - Hi Heather! Since I've been reading mysteries (1 year), I've started many series, but haven't quite got the hang of continuing the series. Perhaps that should be one of my goals for the new year.

#59 - Hi Lori! Thanks for stopping by! It's good to see you. Happy New Year!

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I hope everyone has something lovely planned for the holiday. We're just going to stay in, cook a nice dinner, and perhaps watch a movie. I'm not really one for going out on New Year's Eve anymore.

The office is closed today, but I brought some work home that I should probably get to, although I'd rather be lazy. We'll see how that goes.

Happy New Year!

You deserve a chance to be lazy and curl up with a good book.

Happy New Year; Rock n Roll princess!

i Kerri, Happy New Year to you! You're starred:)

Happy New Year, Kerri!

#61 - Hi Lori - Thank you! While I'm not sure I deserved it, I was, in fact, very lazy yesterday and did no work at all.

#62 - Hi Paul! Happy New Year to you too!

#63 - Hi Anne! I'm so glad you stopped by! Happy New Year!

#64 - Hi Diana! Happy New Year!

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Last night was low-key as planned. We prepared a nice dinner and watched several episodes of Homeland, which we recently started. It's good, but no matter how much time passes, to me, Mandy Patinkin will always be the singing, dancing Che Guevara from Evita. Oh well.

This afternoon, we're going to see Django Unchained. I'm looking forward to it.

And I suppose I should list my holiday book acquisitions while I'm here. Some were obtained via gift cards or Christmas cash:

*Mr. Fortune's Maggot by Sylvia Townsend Warner
*Elegy for Iris by John Bayley
*A Question of Power by Bessie Head
*The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro (from the dear Ms. Lynda via the 75 group Christmas swap)
*2666 by Roberto Bolaño (also from the dear Ms. Lynda via the 75 group Christmas swap)
*Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel
*Crusoe's Daughter by Jane Gardam
*Old Filth by Jane Gardam

I hope everyone has a lovely New Year's Day!

Cheers for a spectactular new year, Kerri. From the dear Ms. Lynda :0)

Hi Kerri!

I just came by and now I'm here
to wish a very happy year
and how 2013 looks
it will be full of fancy books.

Ok, it's not perfect... Anyway, looking forward to follow your reading experiences this year!

Hi Kerri - It sounds like you had a nice evening. Happy New Year. Nice acquisitions. I hope to get to Crusoe's Daughter this year. I have three or four Gardams I haven't read yet, including God on the Rocks, which I know you loved.

Hi Kerri, Happy New Year! Starred you.

I like your reading plan for 2013, Kerri! I'm looking forward to following along.

Hi Kerri. Congrats on that freshly minted MLIS. I think I may have lost track of you a bit last year but I'm looking forward to keeping tabs on your reading this year. :)

Happy New Year, Kerri! Thanks so much for the spreadsheet - can I just say WOW?! Totally impressed and awed by your thoroughness. It is a huge help in deciding how to set up mine, so thanks for sharing!

Just popping in to catch up and say hello!! :)

#66 - Hi Lynda - thank you! Should I refer to you as "the dear Ms, Lynda" from now on? Ok...probably not.

#67 - Hi Kathy! Thanks for stopping! I don't think anyone on LT has ever composed a poem for me. I'm touched. Ha! I think I lost track of you last year, or perhaps you disappeared (?). Either way, I'm off to find your thread.

#68 - Hi Beth! Obviously, I loved God on the Rocks and I can't wait to read Old Filth and then The Man in the Wooden Hat (like you said). Jane Gardam is delightful.

#69 - Hi Rhian! So glad you dropped a star!

#70 - Another new person! Yay! Hi Julia - welcome to my thread. I'm off to find yours in a moment.
ETA: I cannot find your thread! ETA2: I found it.

#71 - Oh my goodness, Micky! Glad to have you back! I was a rather dreadful LTer towards the end of last year, but now that I'm done, I'll have all sorts of time.

#72 - Hi Mamie! By sending that spreadsheet to people, I do risk making myself look completely crazy, but I'm glad you found it useful. Ha! Now I just have to use it to compile my 2012 statistics.

#73 - Hi Tina! Thanks for popping in, and Happy New Year!

#74: You're welcome. Both is possible - in the middle of the year I was quite busy and couldn't spend much time on LibraryThing. But this year I'll finally have more spare-time which I plan to use wisely.

#75 - Got it. Glad to have you back!

Sorry, Kerri. I was so caught up in visiting everyone else's threads that I forgot to make my own! I'm glad you found me.

Happy New Year, Kerri! I thought I was already over here. LOL. I hope you are enjoying your day. Congrats on the book haul! I also have 2666 waiting in the stacks. I should do a group read of that chunkster. Hugs!

Yay! I found you, Kerri. Happy New Year! Looking forward to more LT fun this year. I hope your year is off to a good start.

Kerri, nerds are the best! I love the Richard Sherman pic! Happy New Year! How did you like Django Unchained?

Found you! I like your coffee can method - and it sounds less painful than using the LT Unsuggester. VictoriaPL & I were planning a tandem read in January of Devil in the White City. My copy hasn't shown up at the library quite yet. We may tap you on the shoulder to see what you think.

#77 - Hi Julia - I'm glad I found it!

#78 - Hi Mark! You had already made it over, so don't worry. : ) A group read of 2666 is a great idea. It's something I might tend to read when on vacation, due to the huge page count.

#79 - Hi Joe! Good to have you back. Happy New Year!

#80 - Hi Brit! I'm glad someone enjoys my Richard Sherman photos. He doesn't get much love beyond Seahawks fans.

I loved Django Unchained. I was just telling Mark that I think it's my favorite Tarantino film, although I haven't seen the Kill Bill movies or the one right before this. Too early in the morning for a thorough film analysis, but perhaps later.

#81 - Hi Katie! So good to see you over here! What on Earth is the LT Unsuggester?

So far Devil in the White City has been good. I'm listening to it, via audiobook, and haven't gotten that far yet, but I'll keep you posted.

Way behind, Kerri! Happy New Year and dropping a star! Excellent Women was a great read for me! Enjoy!

Some great books you bought!

#83 - Hi Deb! Good to see you! I'm way behind already too - this group is crazy this year! Not that that's bad. I'm just stating a fact.

#84 - Hi arubabookwoman! Thanks for stopping by!

#1 I love all visitors who are not selling fake designer handbags

Aw, shucks!

#1 "I couldn't resist having a few goals, as I'm neurotic and goal-oriented."

A kindred spirit!

#20 Love your best books of the year list. I'm hoping to try Jane Gardam this year and hopefully read a couple of Iris Murdoch's and The Redbreast too. Woman on the Edge of Time has been in my TBR pile for years - maybe I should bump it up?

The UK publisher (abacus I think) are releasing a special edition of Old Filth in April which is the one I have my eye on but I don't know if it will be released in the US too.

#82: Hi Kerri + Mark! If you decided to do a group read, I'd love to join you. (But not in January, because I'm already participating at several GRs.)

Hope you enjoy Fun Home. It' the only one on your list of purchases that I've read, and I found it ironic & insightful. I'm putting Jane Gardam on my list of authors to watch, as you're not the only person on LT I've run across who loves her work.

#86 - Hi Heather - I'm glad you stopped by!

I'm quite sure you'll love Jane Gardam. I love her and I haven't even read the books that everyone raves about!

I also recommend Woman on the Edge of Time - excellent writing, wonderful and well-drawn characters, and a utopia that isn't corny. It is a bit preachy, in that 1970s feminist sci-fi sort of way, but I have no problem with that. In fact I love that sort of thing, but I can see it being annoying to those who do not embrace the overtly political novel.

I didn't know about that edition of Old Filth and just purchased the Europa edition. Darn! I can always order UK editions from the Book Depository, so I wish I had known.

#87 - Hi Kathy! I would certainly sign up for a group read of 2666 if it's in a month that I don't already have a group read (see message 2). If Mark sees this, perhaps he could respond as well.

#88 - Hi Ardene! I was just skimming through Fun Home and it looks great. Perhaps I'll try to squeeze it in this month, as it's rather short. I'm vaguely familiar with her comic strip, but that's it really.

I guarantee that Jane Gardam will slay you with delightfulness! I hope you get to her soon.

Morning Kerri- I would be up for a 2666 G.R. Not many openings up there though. LOL. I hate to slot it at the very end of the year. I wish you could have joined us for A.K. It does read very well.
I LOVED Fun Home. Her follow-up, not so much.

#90 - Hi Mark! I've heard the follow-up to Fun Home is dreadful. Maybe I'm thinking of your review of it?

I'm glad you're enjoying AK, and I'd love to read it one of these years. This month has turned into a busy one at work though, so I'm glad I didn't attempt it. I'll be putting in some long hours. But I shouldn't make excuses, right? Would Russell Wilson make excuses? (That's what we say in our house when someone exhibits non-champion-like behavior. Ha!)

Mark and Kathy - How about a group read of 2666 anywhere between July and October? I think I can fit it into one of the Gormenghast months.

So good to know that you have enjoyed Jane Gardam so much, Kerri! I have Old Filth in my TBR pile.

#92 - Hi Deb! Gosh, I wonder if we should do a group read of Old Filth. It seems like several people plan to read it this year. Look at me throwing myself into all these group reads. I'm out of control.

#91: July and October sound good to me! :)

#94 - I put it in October since there are only two group reads listed for that month.

I think October would work! I have a Fine Balance lined up for July and that will most likely turn into a G.R. too. Have you read that one?

#96 - I have. Loved it! 5 stars. That's a door-stopper too, but fantastic. It's been many years since I read it.

Kerri - I have the Europa version of Old Filth too. Bit oversized but I love the covers and the folded over cover in the style of a dust jacket appeals.
Have a great weekend.

Ooh, I would love a group read of Old Filth -- I've been wanting to read it for a long, long time.

Well, if you get a group for Old Filth , I'll join in, Kerri! I'm planning read A Fine Balance with Mark's GR in July - if I can wait that long.

Richard Sherman was getting a good amount of talk this morning on ESPN's Mike and Mike in the morning! Should be a good game. I heard there were still some tickets available and it's a good thing I didn't know that earlier in the week otherwise I would totally be dragging the fam down to D.C.!

OOhhhh - several years ago a woman recommended that I read A Fine Balance. I'd totally be up for a group read! Maybe it would actually get me to read it!

I'd definitely be up for a group read of Old Filth too!

Hi Everyone! I put the group read for Old Filth in April, since I'd like to get to it sooner, rather than later and it doesn't look like any of the above interested parties (other than me) have signed up for other books during that month. Also, 2666 is in October. Here is a link to the group reads thread:
www.librarything.com/wiki/index.php/Group_Reads_of_2013.

#98 - Hi Paul! I really like the Europa Editions. Due to space issues, I have some rules about keeping paperbacks in my book collection (I've been trying to weed them out lately), but the lovely Europas are allowed, as are Virago Modern Classics (of course), and graphic novels.

#99 - Hi Anne! Yay! I hope everyone is able to sign up. It should be fun.

#100 - Hi Deb! I think you'll love A Fine Balance. Like I said, it's been a long time since I've read it, but it's incredibly powerful. In addition, it's a great overview of Indian history in the 70s and 80s, a topic I knew little about.

#101 - Hi Brit! Going to the game would have been awesome, even though I find away games to be rather unpleasant. Is Whitney a Seahawks fan as well? I am a nervous wreck about the game tomorrow. Eek!

Oh, Richard Sherman. He's really making a name for himself, isn't he? I hope he manages to maintain the balance between somewhat obnoxious, yet entertaining, personality and excellent football player. That doesn't always work out so well.

#102 - Hi Heather! I hope you're able to join the group read.

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I'm really overdue for some book comments. Don't laugh, but my goal is to have something brief to say about both The Shadow of the Wind and The Stone Diaries by the end of the weekend. I'd also like to get some reading in this weekend (when I'm not watching the football playoffs, of course).

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

I leave you with this incredibly pleasant photograph of the Legion of Boom. Go Seahawks!

I read in the Guardian this morning that Old Filth and The Man in the Wooden Hat are the first two parts of a trilogy, and the third (Last Friends) is to be published this year in June.

#104 - Hi Rhain! Thank you for that information. I knew that The Man in the Wooden Hat is the follow-up to Old Filth, but I had no idea that it was a trilogy with a new book coming out. That adds even more excitement to this Jane Gardam-focused year!

Hi Kerri - I didn't Old Filth was part of a trilogy -- I'll be watching for the third. Loved the first two.

Go Seahawks. Do they play today? Go Vikes.

#106 - Hi Beth! The Seahawks play tomorrow at 3:30pm Central. Today, I will cheer for the Bengals and the Vikings (of course). I apologize to Green Bay fans, including my father-in-law. I've never met a Texans fans, so I don't think that's a problem.

I'm sort of torn when it comes to the Colts/Ravens game tomorrow. I'm leaning towards the Ravens though, although they appear to be a mess lately. Joe always points out that you really don't have to cheer for either team, but I think it's more fun that way.

I thought Old Filth was great, Kerri. I plan to get to The Man with the Wooden Hat this year. I didn't know another was coming out, either. Cool beans. Hope a Group Read of Old Filth happens. Go Seahawks!

I'm rooting for the Ravens, as I'm a big Ray Lewis fan. And this is his last season. Boo.

Kerri - Really looking forward to your review of Stone Diaries. It is one of my favorite books!

Love the play offs. Going to watch the matches this weekend, well, not the late one tonight..I'm sleeping. I'm cheering for seahawks tomorrow, so you have a fan in Denmark. Go defense :)

Go Packers! I am with you father-in-law.

#103 April sounds good to me - I've signed up!

#108 - Hi Joe! A new Jane Gardam coming out in a year that I plan to read a lot of Jane Gardam is very exciting indeed! Thank you for the Seahawks support!

#109 - Hi Katie! I like Ray Lewis too, so hopefully that's a motivating factor for the team. Did you see the Ray Lewis - A Football Life on the NFL channel? It was pretty good and they've been replaying all of that series lately. If there are two things I can't turn the channel on it's football documentaries and 80s metal band documentaries. Go figure.

#110 - Hi Peg! That helps motivate me to get it done. Although, I was thinking brief comments, rather than an actual review, but you never know. I've been doing a poor job with reviews lately and definitely have to get back on track this year.

#111 - Hi Carsten! Thank you for rooting for the Seahawks in Denmark! That's awesome!

#112 - Hi Nancy! Still friends, right? : ) Would it help if I told you that I was always very pro-Packers up until the aftermath of the-event-that-shall-not-be-discussed? We actually have several Packers fan friends, so that's been a lot of fun. My husband is from Rockford, where there seems to be an almost equal number of Bears and Packers fans.

#113 - Hi Heather! Excellent! So I suppose since I'm starting all of these group reads, I have to set them up and all that. Ha!

Lots of talk about Old Filth here. I finally picked it up as one of my first books on New Years Day and am really enjoying it. I'm just finding that I'm spending too much of my reading time here on LT at present.

Stopping by ! I have to say I personally have not been able to get into Late Nights on Air , but don't let that discourage you. On the Canadian threads I've read some discussion about the book here on LT. Some have loved it. others not so much. I read a few comments that understanding a particular political aspect of the novel helps one enjoy the novel more -and sadly I forget what that detail is. But many people love it, so give it a try. I've had the book on my shelves - but I cannot locate it at the moment.

I'll have to check into your Old Filth group read. I know I have in some in the TBR piles and shelves..

I was looking through some of the reviews of Late Nights on Air here on LT. Here is a snippet that I ran across. side note: Late Nights on Air touches on many of the issues of the time, most notably land claims, native rights, and the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline. If you're going to read this book and you're not familiar with these issues, it might be worth hitting wikipedia before you crack open the book . It seems some people love it , and others are left kind of cold by the book.

We have just started our tandem read of Devil in the White City. I'm just a bit after the point where they lay the cornerstone for the Women's Temperance Building. & I've heard the tales of Mr. Mudgins' origins - not sure if that's the right name, but it was Mudgsomething - the man sounds like an unreliable source!

Ah, the unsuggestor! You need to take a look at it just for kicks. Go to your profile page and underneath the tab, there's a blue word "recommendations." Click that and you get a new page of recommendations. There's a grey text box on the left side and the last thing in the box will say "Unsuggestions for DorsVenabli" Click "for DorsVenabli" and you'll be there. It's a list of books that compared to your library you are statistically likely to dislike. Sometimes it bombs big time - It used to think I wouldn't like Marley and Me! Ha! I'm such a dog person, but to be honest the second to last chapter of Marley was tough going. & of course, sometime the unsuggestions are pretty interesting and dead on.

#115 - Hi Kerry! Nice to see you! I didn't realize that you just started Old Filth - too bad you couldn't have joined the group read. I look forward to your comments.

#116 and #117 - Hi Deb! I hope you're able to join us for the Old Filth group read.

Regarding Late Nights on Air, I appreciate your input. I'll definitely check out some basic information on the political topics you mentioned before reading it. I remember trying to read Man's Fate without any background knowledge on the Chinese Revolution, and it was impossible. I had to give up actually, but plan to get back to it at some point in the future.

#118 - Hi Katie! I'm a bit farther along, but not by much. I'm listening to it via audiobook and have not had a lot of audiobook listening opportunities lately, with the holidays and all. It's really getting good, but in my opinion, it took a while to get going, which is not what I expected from such a popular book. Does anyone else hold that opinion? Maybe it's just my current mood. I'm not sure.

I just checked out the unsuggester. That's a hoot! I think it's accurate for me. It said I would not like:

*Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella
*Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella
*Insensitive Semantics: A Defense of Semantic Minimalism and Speech Act Pluralism by Herman Cappelen

Ha! I think that's pretty spot on.

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I'm off to do some cooking for the week, since I think I may have some late evenings at work. Don't be impressed. I never do this sort of thing. Then it's football time. I'll either be really happy, or really sad by 7pm. I'm kind of a nervous wreck. Go Seahawks!

Morning Kerri- Wow, these Group Reads are sprouting up like dandelions. I have not read Old filth either. What month is it? This is going to be one crazy reading year, I can tell already. Whew!
We went to Tap House Grill last night. Anti-Hero is their featured beer. Our server was an absolute beer fanatic. Joe would love this guy.
Go Seahawks! I'm rootin' for 'em!

Hi Kerri and Happy New Year! I'm late making my way around the 2013 threads and yours seems especially busy. I love your reading goals for the year and look forward to following along.

Hi Kerri - Go Seahawks. Now that the Vikes are done, I'll back your team.

I've read Old Filth before but I might join you for a re-read as I don't remember all the detail and plan to read The Man in the Wooden Hat before too long. It was a Secret Santa gift from another Jane Gardam fan.

#95: As I have already another group read in July, I prefer October, too. Have fun watching the game!

#120 - Hi Mark! Old Filth is in April and 2666 is in October: http://www.librarything.com/wiki/index.php/Group_Reads_of_2013.

We still haven't gone to the Tap House Grill. Maybe we can hold our February drinks night there. It sounds pretty awesome! The other option might be Brixie's, which has an excellent beer selection, but "C-" ambiance. Also, you have to be careful and make sure you avoid Grateful Dead cover band night when you go to Brixie's.

#121 - Anne - Good to see you! I'm so glad that you're back for 2013!

#122 - Hi Beth! Wow. Last night was a sad one. I'm sorry for the Vikings. I hope they sort out their quarterback troubles. Christian Ponder didn't look that bad during that last regular season game, but maybe he is not the answer. I'm not sure. Thanks for the Seahawks support!

#123 - Hi Dee! I'm glad you're still popping into the threads! Please join us for the group read. It will be fun. I plan to read The Man in the Wooden Hat this year as well.

#124 - Hi Kathy! Great! You can sign up for it here: http://www.librarything.com/wiki/index.php/Group_Reads_of_2013

I'm also rooting for your Seahawks!

#126 - Awe, thanks, Katie! I will be a maniac during our game - I'm so nervous!

I can barely focus on this Ravens/Colts game, although it's a bit more exciting than that awful Texans/Bengals game yesterday. Those were some lackluster performances, that's for sure.

Wow - they're doing another group read of 2666. So the book scares everyone so much that no one wants to approach it alone?

I might be up for Old Filth. It's on my shelves. I'm planning way to many group reads already though - Count of Monte Cristo goes through April. Actually, I'm interested in 2666 too, but am much more cautious knowing the length of that and having read what others have said about it. I intend to read a shorter Bolano before committing to that.

Dors, High Five!!! My Unsuggester says I'll hate Shopohalic too! And I agree. As for Devil in the White City, a lot of people have said it includes far too many details, so yes you are not the only one who says it's a slow start. Mostly, I've enjoyed all the details but it certainly isn't a tightly focused book. I remember reading about - I think it was some newsboy - and wonder what does this have to do with anything? Then I found out just how quickly I can really read... zoom! skimmed past that.

I imagine you're watching the Seahawks (if it's not already over). Although I live in Seattle, I don't follow football at all, so don't have a clue how they're doing. However, my three sons who now live in NYC follow them avidly (oldest son had shared season tickets while he lived here, and occasionally flies out to use one of the tickets--visiting Mom and Dad only incidentally). There is a bar in NYC devoted exclusively to the Seahawks (at least on the days they play), and my sons are there right now watching the game along with other devoted Seahawks fans in NYC!

Hi Kerri. I'm watching the Seahawks and we're up with 5+ minutes left in the game. It hasn't been too pretty....

I loved Fun Home. It's a really well-done graphic memoir. I also enjoyed Crusoe's Daughter and will try to remember to join you for the GR of Old Filth in April.

Good game!

Go Kerri! Go Seahawks! I only watched a few minutes here and there but they got it done! Yah!

Hey Folks! I've had a few Zombie Dust beers, so I'll save the literature comments until tomorrow morning.

Football comments to Ms. Arubabookwoman, Ellen, and Katie: Wow! I'm very glad we won, especially after taking the entire first quarter off (particularly, our defense). That was rather ugly and I was mad through most of the game! Also, I feel bad for RGIII (that guy is a champion). I'm not even sure why they had him out there, since Mr. Kirk Cousins is a very capable quarterback. Anyway, we still have next week. Yay!

Ooooh, Zombie Dust!!

I've had a few Zombie Dust beers
You were clearly enjoying the football game!

I feel badly for RGIII, too. His final play when you could see his knee bend in a direction not intended, ugh, that was painful to watch. But I was very glad the Seahawks decided to show up. Finally. At one point I thought they were just going to lose the game 14-13..... sheesh.

Atlanta will be tough.

#128 - Hi Katie! Are you saying there's another group read of 2666 going on somewhere? I hope you join us for Old Filth. I've never participated in a group read, and this year I've signed up for several, so we'll see how that goes.

Regarding Devil in the White City, I'm glad I'm not the only one with that thought. I've been a bit preoccupied with work (and football) lately, so I wasn't sure if I was just in a little reading funk. It is good though and, like I said, it's picking up.

#129 - Hi arubabookwoman! That is so wonderful that they have a Seahawks bar in NYC. I'm not aware of one in Chicago (I'm pretty sure I would know about it if there was - ha!), but we do belong to the Midwest Seahawkers, a group that organizes trips to games every year, usually to St. Louis, because the Rams are in our division. We've gone to Cleveland as well.

#130, 135, 135 - Hi Ellen! I'm looking forward to reading Fun Home soon. I do love a good graphic novel.

Glad to hear you enjoyed Crusoe's Daughter. The premise is intriguing and it says on the book flap that it's Jane Gardam's favorite Jane Gardam novel, so I suppose that counts for something.

Oh that game! I was in a little mini-rage through most of it, but looking back at it today, it was really just the first quarter that the Seahawks played awfully, but then they dominated (apart from some dumb errors) for the remainder of the game. It does hurt A LOT to lose Cris Clemons, who most likely has an ACL injury, thanks to that awful field. That's where Adrian Peterson was hurt last season too, and it's obviously not doing RGIII any favors. If the NFL is so concerned with player safety, it's beyond me why field conditions like that are allowed.

#131 - Hi Katie! I am touched by your Seahawks support!

#132 and 134 - Hi Mark! Oh, the Zombie Dust was good. Joe often finds it at Mainstreet Liquors on LaGrange Road in LaGrange (or maybe Countryside). I think he knows when the shipment comes in or something like that. You have to love beer nerds!

Congrats on the win - I had my doubts in the first quarter. Danish commentators were impressed with the Seahawks before the game. Well I still struggle with "jailbreak screen" and other terms and tactical plays not able to see them :)

Hey Kerri! Go Seahawks! Since, once again the Browns did not have the word playoffs in their vocabulary, I'm making Seattle my team of choice this year. So what sort of snack or brew should I have on hand to represent Seattle as I watch the games?
Thanks for the GR link, I may toss my hat into one or two.

Hi Kerri, you have a lively new thread here. I'm glad to know about the Old Filth group read in April. Count me in! This will be my first Jane Gardam book. What luck that the third in her trilogy will come out in June. I'll try to read The Man book in May. See, I can tell already that I'm going to like this author! I also like your coffee can method for trying out new authors. I'll look forward to seeing how that works out for you.

Morning Kerri! Congrats on the Seahawks win yesterday! What a great fourth quarter they had!

Congrats on the Seahawks, Kerri! They looked good. That Russell Wilson has a lot of poise for a young bloke.

I've mislaid my copy of Old Filth so if it doesn't turn up soon I might be joining you in April!

Just saying hi and will follow your comments on Old Filth when April rolls around. I'm looking forward to the third one appearing in June!

Hi Kerri... just catching up on a few threads and dropping in to say hello!

There was a group read of 2666 last year in the 12 & 12 group. I'd signed up to do it, but was too busy when the time came and I certainly didn't want to start that book late!!! I would've never caught up. It went for several months and consensus was that most people really enjoyed it but didn't want to say that they understood it. ;)

I'm thinking Devil in the White City is a good book to pick at - just let it be. Some of the details will be meaningful and some won't - just go along for the ride. I'm at the point where Mr. Holmes is building his own building. Gak!!! I sure hope that building has met with the wrecking ball by now.

#138 - Hi Carsten! I'm just glad they won, after such a terrible start! Thank you so much for the Denmark support! I've gotten a lot better with terms and formations, but I'm stumped sometimes too, especially when Mike Mayock calls games. I do appreciate his football knowledge, but I often have no idea what he's referring to.

#139 - Hi Lynda! You too! Wow! I do hope the Browns are able to secure a high-quality head coach. It seems like there's a new one every year.

As for snacks, my husband is obsessed with always having Gardettos during games, but it doesn't make any sense because all of our recent terrible seasons were accompanied by a big pile of Gardettos and it clearly made no difference. Perhaps it's because it's 5:30am right now, but I cannot think of a Seattle beer other than Red Hook and that's not all that exciting. I know there's a ton of great beer there, but because of weird distribution laws, it doesn't seem like we get much of it in the Midwest.

#140 - Hi Donna - Thanks for visiting! I'm so glad you'll be joining the group read. I think it's going to be a good one.

So far, my coffee can challenge has been a success. I started a month early (in December) and pulled Carol Shields, so I read The Stone Diaries, which was very good (book comments coming soon.) This month I pulled Margaret Drabble and will read The Radiant Way. I'll probably get to that next, as it's a library book.

#141 and #142 - Hi Mamie and Joe! I am just tickled pink at all of the good will towards Seattle that I've encountered lately. I spend entirely too much time reading the comments on ProFootballTalk.com articles, and according to those comments, Seattle is the most despised team in America, so it's nice to get a little support and respect. By the way, one of my New Years resolutions is to stop reading the comments on ProFootballTalk.com. So far, I haven't been very successful.

#143 - Hi Kerry! I'm terribly sorry that you mislaid your copy, but I'm glad that it may result in you joining us for the group read.

#144 - Hi Cushla! Thank you so much for visiting! I believe I actually have your thread starred, but have not had a chance to comment. It appears to be Jane Gardam year in the 75 group. Or perhaps every year is Jane Gardam year, and I just failed to notice.

#145 - Hi Tina! Thanks for visiting! I hope you're feeling better!

#146 - Hi Katie! Ok - good. I was worried that I may be duplicating efforts with the 2666 group read.

I listened to quite a bit more of The Devil in the White City and I'm definitely into it at this point. Yes, I'm a bit past the first descriptions of that awful building. While it may seem annoying at times, I suppose we should appreciate the rigorous building permit and inspection system that exists today. My goodness!

Kerri - Congrats on the win. Good luck going forward. I've heard lots of good things about The Devil in the White City, so it must pick up at some point.

I don't understand why Seattle is the most hated team in the country. In our house, we hate New England and Dallas equally :-)

Since when is Seattle the most hated team in the country? Seattle hardly gets on the national radar enough to be the most hated team in the country. Do we?

#148 - Hi Beth! Thank you! I think you'll like The Devil in the White City. I found it a bit slow at the beginning, which may be because I'm not wildly interested in architecture, but it really does pick up.

#149 and #150 - Hi Katie and Ellen! Oops! I don't think I was very clear. I was basically making fun of myself for reading the comments on profootballtalk.com, which is a rather smarmy website that specializes in obnoxious headlines that encourage dumb people to make dumb comments, much like what you would find on a Yahoo news article.

I think Seattle is still largely ignored, but coverage has improved significantly in the past month (as it should), since the team is playing well. That being said, I do sense some negative feelings towards Seattle for the following rather stupid reasons:

1. A lot of people hate Pete Carroll and refer to him as a cheat (I guess because someone bought Reggie Bush's mom a house while he was at USC?) I hear this a lot, even from members of my family who have absolutely no interest in college football. For the record, I love Pete Carroll.

2. The week three replacement ref call. Please note: I forbid discussion of this topic on my thread, as I can't bring myself to talk about it anymore. It wears me out and does bad things to my blood pressure : )

3. Richard Sherman's big mouth, bless his heart. I do think a lot of this is exaggerated and taken out of context.....sort of.

Katie - I'm with you on Dallas, and I used to hate New England, but I've softened up on that this season for some reason. And then there's the Steelers and, of course, the 49ers who receive the largest share of my hatred.

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Good grief! Reading-wise, this is not how I had envisioned by first month out of school. I must finish a book one of these days. I haven't had much reading time in the evenings, because I've been working long hours, due to conference preparation, and I'm completely exhausted when I get home. I'm hoping to finish The Line in the next day or two though.

Morning Kerri. I guess I'll just need to peruse the beer cooler at the store to discover something appropriate for the Seahawk games.
I listened to the audio version of TDinWC a couple of years ago and was very impressed with Eric Larson's writing style. I've got a couple of more penned by him on my shelves.
Have you seen that the movie version is in development?

Interesting, Kerri. I'm not a huge Pete Carroll fan but except for Bill Belichick, I'm not super pro or con when it comes to coaches. And the replacement ref call had nothing to do with the team itself so it's dumb if people blame the Seahawks for that. And Richard Sherman doesn't get much play in Dallas at least so I am not aware of his big mouth :-) So
I will continue to root for the Seahawks. So there!

*waving* at Kerri

@147 Yes!!! There are so many moments with Holmes where tenants, workman, passersby etc should have thought what the h??? and talked to the police. I'm sure many people had their doubts about him. Reminds me of the Dahmer victim that got out and was running around outside. The police gave the kid back to Dahmer because the kid's English wasn't good and Dahmer said he was in charge of the "crazy" kid. :( At least we now have more customs/organizations in place to protect us. The Better Business Bureau or a local Union would've shut him down if he were around today.

#152 - Hi Lynda! For non-Seattle beer, I'd suggest Three Floyds Zombie Dust. Do you get Three Floyds in Ohio? I'm not sure. Zombie Dust is my favorite lately, but can be hard to obtain, at least in the Chicago area.

I did not know about the movie, but it looks like Leonardo DiCaprio is in it, right? I'll look forward to that. I wonder if it will focus on the Holmes character. Reading the book, I'm still not exactly sure how the two parts of the story will be brought together, other than the fact that they are occurring at the same time. At this point, it feels like I'm listening to two different novels, but I do have faith that it will all make sense in the end. Well, not that it doesn't make sense, but you know what I mean...

#153 - Hi Katie! At first, I was a little wary of Pete Carroll (who is this corny dude?), but he grew on me quickly when I saw what he was doing for the team, even in the first two 7-9 seasons. We had just suffered through the awful last Holmgren year and the dreadful Jim Mora year, when I witnessed the most unenthusiastic and non-motivated team I've ever seen.

They talk about Richard Sherman a bit on the NFL Network, especially lately. He's very popular with Seahawks fans, but, um, not the rest of the country. He does a lot of trash-talking, but otherwise seems like a nice, bright young man. Also, he's one of the best corners in football today, so there's that.

#154 - Hi Stasia!

#155 - Hi Katie! Definitely! It's amazing what you could get away with back then, especially the stuff about him firing workers, so he didn't have to pay them, etc.

Does the print version of the book include photographs? If so, I may check it out from the library. I was doing a Google images search for some of the sites yesterday, but it isn't the same as having it all in one place to browse.

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I hope to get to some thread-visiting on Saturday. It's been a crazy week! Next week should be a bit less busy at work, as our conference trunks will be packed and shipped.

I hope everyone is having a lovely January!

I hope you'll get some more reading time soon. Happy weekend, Kerri!

Hi Kerri,
How's it going with reading The Line? It's on my pile for my Polish January.

This week I purchased a #24 jersey for P, must run it through the wash before Sunday so she can wear it as she roars "Beast Mode!" I'll just say this: I think Pete Carroll is an excellent coach. I do wish Mr. Sherman would let his play do the talking. I generally think that about football players when they trash talk. Like, shut up and play the game, dude. They pay you enough.

Have a great weekend!

Hey Kerri - I'm sorry that I haven't been able to get to your thread since the Hawks big win. It was quite an exciting game! Hope they can bring it this Sunday!

Hope your hectic week dissolves into the most delightful of weekends Rock n Roll Princess.

#157 - Hi Diana! I definitely hope to get to some reading at some point this weekend!

#158 - Hi Ellen! Regarding The Line, I finished it and plan to give it 4 stars and perhaps even write a review this weekend (ha! You've all heard that before). Anyway, the writing is beautiful, a few of the characters are complex and intriguing, and it's basically a fine, somewhat grim, Russian existentialist novel. All that being said, I much prefer her first book, The Dream Life of Sukhanov, which covers a lot of the same themes and uses the same sort of dream sequences to further the story, but is far more impressive, in my opinion. I wonder what others think who have read both of them? Have you read The Dream Life of Sukhanov?

How sweet of you to buy P a Lynch jersey! Do you have a jersey as well? I'd like one of the new ones, as I've been wearing my old #12 for the last two or three seasons, but I have a problem that whenever I buy a player jersey, that player immediately leaves the team. That being said, I vow to buy a Richard Sherman jersey next August, if he makes it though the off-season without losing his mind (a fear of mine is that he really is legitimately crazy). I probably would go with Earl Thomas, since that's the safest defensive bet, but Joe has already called that one.

#159 - Hi Brit! Don't be sorry! I've hardly done any thread-visiting this week, due to a hectic work schedule.

That was a stressful game last week, and I'm even more worried about tomorrow. I hope losing Cris Clemons doesn't have a huge, negative effect on the defense. Also, I'm alarmed by all the sacks that Russell Wilson has been taking in the past couple of weeks. I do hope we draft some high-quality offensive line-men for the right side.

#160 - Hi Paul! Next week should be a lot less hectic, work-wise. I plan to relax for the next couple of days.....and watch football, of course, which isn't all that relaxing.

Morning Kerri- Just checking in. I am still making my way through A.K. Just over halfway. I am so glad I decided to tackle it but it is a LONG one!
Go Seahawks!

I'll cheer for your Seahawks if you cheer for my Packers.

#162 - Hi Mark! Yay for being over half way done with AK! Due to my poor reading progress this month, I'm glad I didn't start it. I just had the hardest time finishing a 313 page book. How ridiculous is that?

#163 - Hi Nancy! Ha! Ok. That's actually not a difficult request, as they're playing my least favorite team in the universe. Have fun looking at Jim Harbaugh's facial expressions throughout the game! On a sincere note, for all the players' sake, I hope that field grass isn't as terrible as FedEx Field's was last week. Candlestick Park can be kind of icky.

I hear a lot of Packers have the flu. Wonder how this will affect them.

I'm working away on A.K. like Mark, Kerri. It's a long one all right. You have reason to be glad you didn't start it, good as it is. It's hard for me not to be reading other books for this many days, and it doesn't have the same pizzazz (from my POV) as, e.g. a long Murakami.

Most importantly, Go Seahawks! Have a good time enjoying this football-filled weekend.

#165 - I heard about the flu issue last week. Is it still a problem? I'm not sure. I just hope they beat the godforsaken 49ers, although if the Seahawks win also, that will mean that the week three footage will be on a constant loop, causing Kerri to lose her mind. Ha!

#166 - Hi Joe! Good luck on AK! I found it much easier to read doorstoppers, pre-LT, because I didn't think much about book numbers back then. I have to find a way to get past this mentality, especially since I plan to read 2666 this year. I think always having an audiobook going helps out a lot, because at least I'm able to finish something.

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Some book updates:

*I'm about to start The Radiant Way by Margaret Drabble. I certainly do read a lot of novels by middle-aged English ladies, don't I?. Also, I just found out that she is the sister of A.S. Byatt and they don't much like each other. Who knew?

*People. I'm going to come clean and admit that I'm reading a self-help book about procrastination. Since finishing school and also a bit towards the end of last semester, I've noticed that I'm developing the start of a little procrastination issue, so I picked up The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play by Neil Fiore. I'm not much of a self-help book person, but I've heard good things about this one. Has anyone read it? It's rather old, but I have the latest edition. Perhaps this means that I'll also read the book about will power that I accidentally chose for Early Reviewers a while back. It's called The Willpower Instinct. Good grief. What's happening to me?

I'd be interested if the procrastination book helps you or has some good ideas. I am a major procrastinator, both at work and at home. I found a blog post by a guy who wrote about "structured procrastination" which is what I have - it's not that I sit around all day doing nothing but I avoid the most important things I have to do, the top priority items, in favor of less important, more meaningless things. It's really annoying and I totally see it in myself but am at a bit of a loss as to how to address it! So I'll just spend more time on LT.....

Hi Kerri - I'll be interested in hearing about the procrastination book. I could use some pointers. I'm interested in The Line, but perhaps I should read her first book instead...

Go Seahawks. Good luck tomorrow.

I'm watching the Ravens/Broncos game and LTing at the same time. We'll see how that goes.

#168 - 169 - Hi Katie and Beth! Regarding the procrastination book, I'm currently working on my week-long procrastination log, where I document instances of procrastination and the thoughts that lead up to them, etc. He does talk about ranking tasks, A-C based on importance. I have the problem that I believe I work better under pressure (this is probably not true) and I wait until the last minute to do stuff. I hate this and would like to change it. Also, I haven't gotten to this point in the book yet, but a big component of the program is to schedule free time.

I have used the Getting Things Done system at work for several years, but it's an organization system and doesn't actually help with behaviors like procrastination. I recommend it though. It's helped a lot with my task organization.

Beth - I very enthusiastically recommend The Dream Life of Sukhanov over The Line. In my opinion, there is no contest.

I'm doing the same thing!----considering my husband is pulling for the Colts and I'm pulling for the Ravens, it can't hurt anything....right?

You mean Ravens/Broncos?

#171 and #172 - Hi Jennifer and Nancy! I totally meant the Broncos, of course. I updated it. After last week's rather boring AFC games, this one is rather exciting.

Kerri, I have not read The Dream Life of Sukhanov. If I enjoy The Line, it sounds like I'll definitely want to track down that earlier work of hers. For now, I'm settling in to see if I can get caught up in Anna Karenina.

And getting up early to eat waffles and watch The Seahawks!! I think Atlanta will be a very tough opponent. I hope Beast Mode gets going early and often.

Hi Kerri - I'm not sure if the print version has pictures??? My e-version has a few at the beginnings of each section. I doubt that there are more. A friend of mine told me that Holmes' hotel still exists and that they'd seen it on one of those ghost hunter tv shows. Sadly, I doubt the cops were able to get many photos of his "castle" and as for the fair, the camera permits were pretty prohibitive. I'm sure there never were many photos of the fair. Too bad, and hard to imagine now when we have become so photo happy. A lot of people have cameras with them almost all the time. They go to a restaurant, snap a photo of their food and put it on facebook. It's hard to imagine someplace as photogenic as the fair prohibiting photos, but they did.

In the 80s, the Chicago Art Institute had grill work from some of the windows and doors of the fair in their atrium. I looked a bit for photos of that but didn't find them. I did find this though. http://www.artic.edu/research/louis-sullivan-buildings-extant-chicago These are some buildings by Louis Sullivan who did the transportation building.

Happy Sunday, Kerri! The two grocery stores I stopped at do not carrie Zombie Dust. So by default, I purchased a rather pedestrian case of Labatt's. Hey, they were offering a $5 rebate, and I'm a cheapskate. So anyway, I'll be cheering on the Seahawks - 1pm ET.
I'll be waiting to see how The Now Habit helps you, if at all. If it's one thing I've taught my son it is the art of procrastination. I now I want to reverse what I've taught. It's driving me crazy!
Gooooooo Seahawks!

#174 - Hi Ellen! I'm worried about the game too (I'm always worried though). You never know. I hope Lynch's foot is ok. He's been playing through a back injury all year, but the foot thing happened last week. And losing our kicker and especially Cris Clemons. Eek!

I do hope you enjoy The Line. And I forgot to ask before, but what is the Poland connection?

#175 - Hi Katie! I suppose if the ebook doesn't include photos, the print version doesn't either. Thanks for that link. Here's a picture of the Holmes building. I didn't have time to read it, but I don't think it's there anymore:
http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/classics/haunted_places/4.h...

I do walk by the Masonic Temple everyday, walking to work, so that's cool.

#176 - Hi Lynda! Labatt's?! Ok, good for you and the $5 rebate. I'm a cheapskate too : ). I'll let you know how the procrastination book goes. Right now I'm in a holding pattern, while I log my procrastination activities for a week. I might cut that short though.

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If the Seahawks win, I'll be back to visit threads after our game and during the New England/Houston game. If they lose, I'll probably be too sad to do anything other than take a nap.

Morning Kerri- Let's hope today's games are as exciting as yesterdays. Wow! I really enjoy watching the 49ers and I'm glad they sent the Pack packing. GB just didn't look like they had it together this season.
Go Seahawks! Go Zombie Dust! Have you guys tried Pipeworks yet? It's a newer Chicago brewery. Sorry, if I already asked you that.

#178 - Hi Mark! Nooooo!!! I was rooting for Greenbay. (See Nancy? I really was.) Can't stand the 49ers. I have to watch them enough, and, no, it's not enjoyable. Ha!

No, we haven't tried PipeWorks. Is that the one near Pilson? We were talking about that the other day.

Sorry about bringing up the Packers. Sore spot, huh? LOL. I'm not sure where Pipeworks is located but they are bottling, I think mostly bombers. A buddy of mine picked up, a Red and an IPA for me.

I added my name to the 2666 G.R. Is it easy to add a Group read? I want to add the Big Rock Mountain Candy for March and A Fine Balance for July.

Hi Kerri - Good luck with your Seahawks today. I'll wait on the procrastination book;)

Ah, it wasn't their year. I am over it. Cheering for your Seahawks.

:0(

Sorry, friend.

We can be sad together...

#180 - 185 - Hi Mark, Beth, Nancy, Lynda, and Katie - Thank you for the kind words. I'm emotionally drained and ready for a nap. And, gosh, I really hope this ends the ridiculous "icing the kicker" nonsense for good. Love Pete, but he's not my favorite person this afternoon. All that being said, I'm happy for the future, and I'm proud that they got as far as they did.

Go Falcons? I guess? I really do hope they beat the 49ers next week. That would make me happy.

Hi Kerri
Uselessly behind here, but remembering to drop by to keep myself in the loop!
Ill be back :)

Sorry Kerri -- I'm with you about the stupidity of icing the kicker. Also, going for it on 4th and 1 when a field go would be a given -- arrgh! Next year.

#188 - Yes. That and the bad time management at the end of the first half. And the fact that the defense played rather horribly for the most part. I hope we fix a few things and get another chance next year.

I think Seattle is going to be an even bigger force to be reckoned with next year. So much young talent...

So ashamed here, Kerri. Not only am I way behind in the threads -but I'm not a sports fan nor a beer fan. What to say? I think my older son would like the sounds of " Zombie Dust Beer". Though I don't drink beer, or ales, my eldest son is a fan of the microbrewies in the Vancouver area and I enjoy some of the names they come up with here - like " Fat Tug".

#190 - Hi Katie! Yeah, I'm feeling pretty good about it, but we have a few issues that I hope we can fix, particularly on defense. Also, the NFC West might be freakishly good next year, so it will be even harder to get into the playoffs. There's already the 49ers and I'm guessing the Rams will be quite good next year as well. And the Cardinals really just need a quarterback.

#191 - Hi Deb! My football rambling should be coming to an end soon, as my team's season is over : (

Zombie Dust is pretty amazing, but I don't think they distribute it in Canada, or much outside the Midwest.

#180 - Hi Mark! I never answered the non-football stuff. It's very easy to add a group read. Just click on edit and copy the formatting of other group reads.

I've always wanted to read Wallace Stegner, but do you suppose I should read Angle of Repose or
Crossing to Safety before I try Big Rock Mountain Candy? I'm not sure. I may sign up for that one anyway.

Hey Kerri, Just stopping by to say hi as I try to work my way through the threads! I could definitely use help in the procrastination area myself, but maybe after all this time juggling work and school, it's your psyche's way of saying that you can take it a little easier now!

>192 DorsVenabili:: Re: Stegner. I've only read Angle of Repose so far, but it was a 5-star read for me. I'm planning to read Big Rock Candy Mountain with the March GR.

Crossing to Safety is one of my all-time favorite books , so i would say start there. But i suspect others might say Angle of repose, which i also liked.

I'm with you, Kerri, re icing the kicker. I heard a sports announcer once talk about the complete lack of any statistical evidence that doing so has any adverse impact on the percentage of made field goals. Certainly this one just gave the guy a nice practice kick. But if the Seahawks had played a little better in the first half, that would have changed the dynamic. Like you, I'm optimistic about the future. Unlike you, i'll probably be rooting for the 49ers since both the Seahawks and the Packers are out. :-(

I'm not sure it matters which Stegner you read first. Of the three you mention, I have read both Angle of Repose and Crossing to Safety and I loved them both. They were pre-LT but I'm sure they would have gotten 4.5-5 stars from me.

#187 - Hi Megan! I missed your post up there. Thanks for stopping by!

#193 - Hi Peg! The funny thing is that I think I'm procrastinating and not reading the book about procrastination. Actually, I will get back to it, but I'm supposed to be logging stuff and didn't do much procrastinating yesterday. Unless you count putting off review-writing...

#194 and #195 - Hi Laura and Nancy! Thanks for the Stegner feedback. I've only heard great things about him. I'll probably start with Crossing to Safety, as I own it already. If I can get to it next month and feel like I want to read more, perhaps I'll join the Big Rock Candy Mountain group read.

#196 - Hi Ellen! The 49ers! Oh no! : ) I'm going with the Falcons. The 49ers seem to fall apart every three games or so, so I'm hoping that happens on Sunday. If the 49ers win, I'll go with whichever AFC team makes it. Icing the kicker has always made me crazy. At least going for it on 4th and 1 is backed by science, even though I think it was a stupid decision when you could have kicked a field goal.

As I said above, I think I'll go with Crossing to Safety. I actually planned to read it at least once last year, but never did.

Stopping in to say hello Kerri! Nothing to add as of present. :)

I think I'll also do the group read of Big Rock Candy Mountain too Kerri.

Today SWMBO less I am listening to plenty of music undisturbed. Elvis Costello's Armed Forces just completed and on to Robert Cray's debut album.

Have a great weekend.

Hey Kerri! I've been avoiding most things on-line this week because I cannot bring myself to realize that Pete Carroll effed up the first half of the last game. Oh well, I guess there's always next year. . .

@177 interesting photo! Sounds like that was his first building, not the hotel. It looks like so many of the cheap turn of the century buildings that are in Chicago - especially with those weird circular not quite turrets and the fire escape ladders, that clearly didn't save anyone from Holmes. Yes, the castle burned down but people have been telling me the hotel still exists??? I'd love to see a better copy of that photo just to see the store signs - especially since he probably owned and staffed all those stores. I'm sure one of the signs is for his quack remedies!

Hi Everyone!

I've been sort of MIA for the past few days, due to the awful combination of a dreadful sinus infection and 10-11 hour workdays. I have the next three days off, then I work Tuesday, and leave for Seattle on Wednesday morning. I plan to get plenty of rest during the next few days and hope to get rid of this thing, especially since I'll be visiting my little great-nephew for the first time in Portland, following the conference in Seattle. (I'm also still suffering from football depression.)

Anyway, I'm about 120 pages into The Radiant Way and while the writing is a bit clunky at times, I'm finding it rather delightful. It's an exploration of the close friendship between three - now middle-aged - women in the late 1970s. Quite good.

I also started Iron Lake, which is ok, but I'm hoping the supernatural aspect isn't a huge part of story. Stuff like that always tends to annoy me. I think that's what ruined the first Dr. Siri book for me too. We all have our things, I suppose.

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#198 - Hi Tina! Thanks for stopping by!

#199 - Hi Paul! I used to be a HUGE Elvis Costello fan and then grew a little tired of/annoyed with him during the Diane Krall era (which I think is still going on.) I do feel that someday I will revisit all that stuff though. My favorite album of his is Blood and Chocolate. I do love a good bitter, divorce record for some reason, and I think that's one of the best.

#200 - Hi Brit! It's been a rough week. I'm definitely in the "love Pete" camp, but I agree there were 2 or 3 bad coaching decisions in that game (plus the defense played like crap and the Lynch fumble was a disaster). The weird thing is that during one of his recent weekly press conferences, Pete was talking about his natural tendency to make reckless decisions during games and he relies on his coordinators to stop him. That had been working out well this season until last week. On the other hand, if Pete were not the coach, we wouldn't have Russell Wilson and the rest of that crazy team of 5th and 6th round misfits who played awesomely this year. So there's that.

#201 - Hi Katie! I was under the impression that the hotel and castle were the same thing. I thought he turned the 2nd and 3rd floors into a hotel prior to the World's Fair. Did I miss something? That's always possible with audiobooks.

Hope those days off give you the time to beat that bug, Kerri. :)

#203 - Hi Micky! Thanks for stopping by. After a dreadful morning, I'm feeling a bit better today, so hopefully I can kick it before I get on a plane. I really don't want to be the annoying coughing lady.

Sorry to hear that you've had a sinus infection and just feeling yucky, Kerri. Yes, I know nothing about the sports talk, except for the hockey talk that greatly interests my eldest son. The hockey season is beginning to happen after all, so I am happy for him.

Sinus infections are horrible! I know! And I've put my name down for the Old Filth group read in April. Hope you are feeling better soon.

Hi Kerri - Get well. Have a good trip.
I've read other books by Krueger; somehow I started with the third in the series? and none of the other ones have supernatural elements. I like the sense of life on The Range and the setting in the other books I've read.

Kerri - Elvis Costello's earlier stuff is very good and he was prodigiously creative at the time. My own favourite is Punch the Clock as it brings back memories of my teenage schooling years.

#205 - Hi Deb! I'm not much of a hockey person, but my husband was happy that they started up yesterday too. I just can't believe that strike went on for so long. What a mess.

#206 - Hi Roni! Thanks for visiting! I actually have your thread starred, but haven't had a chance to stop by yet, but I will (you're the cool sci-fi lady). I'm really looking forward to that group read - it looks like we have a lovely group of people signed up.

#207 - Hi Beth! That's good to know. I suppose it takes place in your neck of the woods, sort of. While maybe not amazing, it is an engaging story. I may be going through a minor book funk this month, so everything is disappointing me slightly. Although, I'm loving The Radiant Way.

#208 - Hi Paul! I like your style. Punch the Clock is a great one and doesn't get enough respect, in my opinion. "Shipbuilding" is one of my favorites. See? Now I want to go listen to it.

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Also, after choir accompanying this morning, I'm going to try to get caught up on threads during the football games.

Go Atlanta! Go Baltimore! I really have to find something suitable to throw at the television for every time Colin Kaepernick kisses his biceps.

I really have to find something suitable to throw at the television for every time Colin Kaepernick kisses his Biceps. Lol, Kerri!
Dare I say, that the new Browns management shows some promise, although I don't normally care for past faces coming back to the fold, maybe this will work. I bought a nice looking new Browns t-shirt half priced yesterday, just in case.
Enjoy the games and hope you'll be clear of sinus problems for your upcoming trip!

Hi Kerri! I've gotten really behind on so many threads but I am caught up here! Sorry you haven't been feeling well - I hope you feel better for your trip. Few things in life are worse than flying while ill. I'll also be rooting for Baltimore, but there is something about the Falcons I don't like so I'll be pulling for SanFran.... *ducks objects thrown by Kerri*

Ugh. That game didn't make me happy, but at least Kaepernick didn't kiss his biceps. Jim Harbaugh did have a temper tantrum that he should have been flagged for, but what else is new?

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#210 - Hi Lynda! I hope things improve for your Browns. I feel irrationally responsible for the Mike Holmgren debacle. Sorry.

Good for you on your bargain t-shirt. I'm still going back and forth on what jersey to get next year. I'm going to wait until August to decide. Big decision.

#211 - Hi Katie! I'll cheer for the Patriots over the 49ers if that's how it turns out. The depth of my hatred for the 49ers is hard to describe with words. Ha! Football fandom is so fun, yet, admittedly, so silly.

I'm so behind on threads too! It has been a crazy couple of weeks at work. I'm hoping there are fewer 5:31am trains in my future. I'll try to do a bit of visiting during this upcoming game, but I'm feeling a bit worn out, so I probably won't get very far.

Also, I was just thinking that there is no way I can move on to a new thread without writing a review or two, so hopefully I'll get to that tomorrow. I have nothing to do but read and rest, so there's no excuse. You're all sick of hearing that, I suppose.

Hi Kerri - Hope you're feeling better. Those sinus problems are no fun at all. Trying to catch up on threads, but I think it's hopeless. The Radiant Way sounds like my kind of book, and I've added it to my (ever-growing) list.

Kerri, I am rooting for SF now that the Seakawks are out of it, but I am laughing out loud at your comment about the quarterback kissing his biceps. Ugh.

I say move on to a new thread whenever you want to. :-)

#213 - Hi Peg! I thought I was getting better, but I woke up this morning feeling awful. Mornings are always the worst though.

The Radiant Way is very enjoyable and refreshing, as I can't think of that many novels that focus so intensely on friendships between females. I also just noticed that it's on the 1001 books to read before you die list (at least one version). I was keeping track of those at one point.

#214 - Hi Ellen! Yeah, I know Kaepernick is talented, but he's just so douchy. I can't take it. Ha!

I've actually just spent a few minutes on a review of Devil in the White City. I may go off to read for a bit, but I'm determined to post one or two reviews by this evening. I simply can't have a thread without a review. That would be crazy.

Sorry you aren't feeling well--hope it gets better soon!

Boo to sinus infections and long hours at work :-( Hope you feel better soon.

Stopping by to commiserate with you and what we shall call a 'seasonal' and hopefully fleeting ailment! Hope you get better soon.

Take care and get well, Kerri.

Hi Kerri- Keeping warm? It got downright chilly the past couple days. I think Costello's 1st 2 albums are pure and perfect Rock N Roll. I also like King of America and Imperial Bedroom, along with Blood and Chocolate. The guy has had a great legacy.
You're going to the Seattle ALA, right? Did you see this:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/148784#

#216 - 219 - Hi Roni, Heather, Lori, and Beth - Thanks for the kind thoughts! I'm feeling a bit better, but it still lingers. I'm just hoping for no coughing attacks on the plane, as I hate to be that lady.

#220 - Hi Mark - I feel so bad for you in this weather! It's actually painful to be out there. I'm glad I'll be in Seattle, where it looks to be in the 40s this week. Downright balmy!

I like King of America a lot too. Also This Year's Model, and Brutal Youth. Although I do like them, I've never been super-crazy about the the first album or Imperial Bedroom, even though I know everyone says that's his best.

Regarding the Seattle meet-up, I did see that, but I'll be working during that time. I'll hopefully meet-up with Ellen though, so that's good.

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I'm off to Seattle for the conference and then Portland to visit my niece, her husband, and their adorable 4-month old baby! I'll have my lap-top and will be checking LT daily.

I hope everyone has a lovely week!

Have a good trip, Beth! I hope the weather is okay for you in Seattle! They usually have fairly similar weather to us, but not always. Same sort of climate though.

Kerri, you are heading to Seattle at a good time. The weather won't be lovely but this horrid inversion is finally "outta here." Whew.

Kerri - Sorry to hear that you have not been feeling well. And I am also sorry about your Seahawks. I am already thinking about next year's season which seems just too far away. Wishing you safe travels and good health!

Glad to see you feeling a bit better Kerri and I trust you will enjoy your Seattle trip.
Mark had me looking at more Elvis Costello.
Just listening to his 1991 album Mighty Like A Rose - the lead track "The Other Side of Summer" could have been from Punch the Clock.
Had a week trawling through C's and D's. (of course all my CDs are stored alphabetically and then chronologically) with Robert Cray, the debut Phil Collins album (actually not bad), Creedence Cleawater Revival's Green River, Rodney Crowell's Houston Kid, Ray Davies, Neil Diamond's 12 Songs, Divine Comedy, Dodgy and a few more.

Have fun in Seattle, Kerri!

Have fun at Midwinter, Kerri!

Have fun Kerri!! I hope you are feeling 100% :)

Kerri- Have a safe trip to Seattle!

Paul- I love Rodney Crowell. He is so under-appreciated. He has made some incredible music and continues to do so.

Safe travels, Kerri!

Great to see some other Rodney Crowell fans, Paul and Mark. If you don't know, he's coming out with an album of duets with Emmylou Harris this year. He was a guitarist in her band back when he was first starting out, so they've been friends a long time. I can imagine the record will be wonderful.

I arrived safely in Seattle! It was kind of a dreadful plane ride - flight was delayed, forgot to check-in early enough online (Southwest) and had a dreadful seat, screeching child kicking my dreadful seat, embarrassing coughing attack, etc. I suppose it could have been worse and I probably shouldn't complain. Anyway, I landed, had a late lunch, worked for a while, and now I'm rather exhausted and ready for bed. I did read half of Crusoe's Daughter on the plane, plus some more of my procrastination book, so there's that.

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#222 - Hi Deb! I don't mind this weather at all, although I wish I had packed my new Seahawks rain boots that Joe gave me for Christmas. Oh well.

#223 - Hi Ellen! I'll have to look up "inversion" in relation to meteorology, but it's clearly good that I missed it!

#224 - Hi Mamie! Thank you. Football season was here and gone. I'll have to muster up some basketball interest, I suppose. I'm sorry for your Broncos as well, although I'll have to root for the Ravens in the Superbowl (see above 49ers rants).

#225 - Hi Paul! I have not listened to Mighty Like a Rose in ages (that's the Grateful Dead inspired one, right?), but I did listen to Punch the Clock the other day as result of our conversation. Divine Comedy reminds my of the 90s when I was obsessed with British music magazines that came with sampler CDs! Judging from other comments I should probably check out that Rodney Crowell solo stuff.

#226 - 228 - Hi Joe, Micky, and Tina! Thanks - I'm working, but hope to do a fun thing or two, while I'm here. I'm really looking forward to my 2 days in Portland as well, where I will visit family and spend a large Powell's gift card. Book haul list to come.

#229 and #231 - Hi Mark and Julia! I will check out Rodney Crowell's solo stuff ASAP, and will definitely check-out the upcoming duets album with Emmylou, as I love Emmylou.

#230 - Hi Stasia! Thank you!

Enjoy Seattle, Kerri - just read something about Crusoe's Daughter - interested in hearing what you think of it.

Kerri - I am rooting for the Ravens, too!

Hi Kerri - Enjoy your meeting and Seattle. I hope it's warmer than it is here. I have Crusoe's Daughter on my list for this year. I'll be anxious to hear what you think of it.

Very jealous that you're in Seattle! I'm not sure who I want for the Super Bowl. . . although I'm leaning towards the Ravens for because 1. A colleague of mine is a die-hard Ravens fan; and2. John Harbaugh is much easier than Jim to handle.

@232 You've got to learn how to get those embarrassing coughing attacks to work for you. If you'd suddenly stood up, then grabbed the back of your seat and hacked in the direction of the annoying child, the mother would've called the airplane staff immediately and started howling about how her child hadn't had a flu shot yet and couldn't they do something about you... where you would've been moved up to a nice, empty first class section.

At least you got some reading done. ;) & have a great time with your grand-nephew.

Hi, Kerri. I've been neglecting you while I had stomach flu this week. I'm glad you are safely in Seattle--we were there for the first time in October and enjoyed our visit.

#232 I can sympathise with the embarrassing coughing fit having had a fair few of those in my time - being very prone to coughs. I've had a few people clearly worried that I was going to drop dead on the spot because it has sounded so dreadful, and I've been coughing too much to reassure them that, no, I'm OK really!

Watching The Killing out me off visiting Seattle. It seems to rain every day. Hope you had a dry spell for your trip though

Stopping by to say hi! We've had sun yesterday and expect more sun for Saturday.. I hope that extends down to Seattle while you are there!

Have a great time this weekend.

Kerri, I was down at the market today and saw a sign saying "Welcome Librarians."
I thought of you. :-)

Sorry the weather was so lousy, but I figure you were holed up inside the Convention Center in any case.

Hi Everyone! The conference has been quite the grind. Tonight is the first night since I've been here that I haven't had a work-related dinner, so I'm taking this opportunity to veg out in my room!

I've been working, but was able to see a decent author panel yesterday that involved Terry Brooks, Ivan Doig, Gregg Olsen, and Ruth Ozeki. I have not read any of them (and had not heard of them either, except for Terry Brooks), but I'm somewhat interested in reading Ivan Doig, after hearing him speak. Has anyone read him? His stuff seems to be kind of Western-ish, but with some elements that interest me.

And wow, there is some really dreadful smooth jazz playing somewhere in or around my hotel and I'm going nuts trying to figure out where it's coming from. It sort of sounds like it's outside, but I'm on the 18th floor, so that can't be. Perhaps I'm losing my mind and hearing phantom smooth jazz in my head, or maybe I just need more sleep. Ha!

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#233 - Hi Carsten! I'm nearly done with Crusoe's Daughter, and while it's good and I'm enjoying it, for me, it's not nearly as magical as God on the Rocks. I did read that it's Jane Gardam's favorite Jane Gardam novel, so there's that.

#234 - Hi Mamie! Phew! Good.

#235 - Hi Beth! I'll write some comments when I'm done. See response to Carsten. It's definitely warmer here than it was in Chicago, although I hear it's supposed to warm up.....after the ice storm.

#236 - Hi Brit! Yeah, I normally don't root for the other teams in our division. The only exception was when the Cardinals played the Steelers in the Superbowl a few years ago. I definitely cheered for the Cardinals in that instance.

#237 - Hi Katie! Oh gosh, why didn't I think of that! Actually, I did a pretty good job of overcoming my irritation, which is impressive. I'm a pretty laid back person who's not very fond of conflict, but if ever I'm going to snap at a stranger, it's probably going to be on a plane. Planes bring out evil Kerri.

#238 - Hi Roni! Oh no, the stomach flu! That's terrible. I still have to get over to your thread, which I'm hoping to do soon.

#239 - Hi Rhian! Coughing fits always happen at the worst possible moment - in a buffet line, at a quiet meeting or performance, etc. I feel sorry for the people in the next room over at the hotel, as I tend to have coughing attacks in the morning.

#240 - Hi Karen! The Killing made Seattle look way more depressing than it actually is. It's really quite lovely. I would definitely move out here, if I could. An umbrella and some rain boots and you're all set.

#241 - Hi Deb! I saw the sun once or twice yesterday. I'm mostly cooped up in a hotel, but there are windows.

#242 - Hi Paul! Thanks for stopping by!

#243 - Hi Ellen! I had exactly one hour to spare today, between 1 and 2pm, and I walked down to Left Bank Books. I wonder if we were there at the same time! I did buy a book, of course (no anarchist pamphlets though) - The Realms of Gold by Margaret Drabble. I truly loved The Radiant Way which I recently finished and hope to read more of her stuff soon.

Planes bring out the evil in everyone! I tried reading Ivan Doig years ago and couldn't get into it. I think it was actually a non-fiction book though. I believe he's from my alma mater, Northwestern, which makes me want to like him. I can't really imagine Terry Brooks and Ivan Doig at the same convention, let alone the same panel. Too bad you were working. Sounds like it was a great con.

I hope the football depression has lifted and your trip to Seattle went without a hitch, or a sniffle.

I love the idea of wandering down to Left Bank Books, it sounds lovely!

Kerri - I too rooted for the Cardinals a few years ago versus the Steelers. I think all true Seahawks fans understand! Don't know if you're a burger fan, but if you happen to get to Dick's Drive-In have a Deluxe and some fries for me! Or Ivar's - whatever!

Hi Kerri, I hope that you're feeling totally healthy again, that the football depression is over and that you found the possibility to relax at the weekend after such a busy work week.
Unfortunately I haven't heard of the authors you mentioned. How was the reading of Ivan Doig?
Good luck on the phantom jazz hunt and have a nice week! :)

I have read a fair amount of Ivan Doig's work and highly recommend Dancing at the Rascal Fair. If I had been on LT when I read it, I think it would have rated 4.5-5 stars.

Hearing phantom smooth jazz in your head - that doesn't sound good! Hope you got some sleep in the end.

#245 - Hi Katie! I did not know you went to Northwestern - nice job! : ) I know Doig said he has a background in journalism and then went on to get a PhD in history. Interesting fellow. It was an odd combination of authors, but they were talking about "place" in the novel and they all had some connection to the Pacific Northwest.

#246 - Hi Megan! The football depression still lingers a bit, but I'll survive. It really is silly, isn't it?

#247 - Hi Brit! Not so beef-oriented, but thanks for the recommendation, as Joe will be interested when we come back in September.

Regarding the Cardinals Superbowl a few years ago - Even though he's a little loopy in some ways, truth be told, I do like the Kurt Warner story quite a bit (arena football, grocery store clerk, etc.). He's also one of the few commentators on the NFL Network who doesn't drive me nuts.

#248 - Hi Kathy! I'm pretty much done working (finally), so I'll have a few days off where I'll go to Portland and then return home to relax.

#249 - Hi Ellen! Thank you! I put your Doig recommendation on my shopping list for Powell's.

#248 and #250 - Hi Heather and Kathy - Phantom smooth jazz is not good. It eventually became quieter, and I could only hear the occasional saxophone honk. Then (in my head) it somehow morphed into this classic work of art:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaoLU6zKaws

Ha!

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I'm going to start a new thread, where I'll post my meet-up photo! Yay!