Morphy Moseys through 2013 - Year 0

Mom and Morphy (Age minus two to three months)

This is my third 75 Books Challenge. I read about 250 books a year, so I'm not worried about meeting the challenge!

I mostly read fantasy, preferably urban, but also enjoy general and genre fiction, historical romance, classics, popular non-fiction, and will honestly try any genre at least once.

I prefer story over language and my favorite books are the ones I just want to hug after I'm done.

I don't so much review books as leave some sparse comments.

I have more challenges and lists than I know what to do with and am not going to list them here except as notes to the books I've completed.

My best book of 2012 was:

The Fault in Our Stars by Green, John

My best books of 2011 were:

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by McKillip, Patricia
Bridge of Birds by Hughart, Barry
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Wells, Rebecca
Garden Spells by Allen, Sarah Addison
Soulless by Carriger, Gail
What I Eat by Menzel, Peter and D'Aluisio, Faith
Ready Player One by Cline, Ernest

My favorite books from the last five years are:

Essential Spirituality by Roger Walsh
Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman
The Stand by Stephen King
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Katherine by Anya Seton
Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

Morphy's Mighty Monthly Reads for 2013 (Green Dragon Group Reads)

January (1001 Fantasy) - The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

February (111 Science Fiction) - The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin

March (50 Mystery) - The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

April (111 Nonfiction) - The Great Influenza by John M. Barry

May (1001 Fantasy) - Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis

June (111 Science Fiction) - A Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge

July (50 Mystery) - Gorky Park by Martin Cruz Smith

August (111 Nonfiction) - The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman

September (1001 Fantasy) - Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny

October (111 Science Fiction) - The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham

November (50 Mystery) - The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L. Sayers

December (111 Nonfiction) - Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat

Group Read Links: http://www.librarything.com/topic/146136

***

The LT Green Dragon Book Club's first 2013 meeting is at the Ridgedale Barnes & Noble on Saturday, January 19th at 2pm (tentative.) We are reading Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronvitch.

13 in 13 Challenge

1. New to Me Minnesota Author
2. Complete Lois McMaster Bujold Bibliography
3. Graphic Novels
4. Second Book in Series
5. Book to Movie
6. Around the World
7. 2011 TBR Code List
8. Cover Color
9. LT Recommended
10. If You Like...
11. Paranormal Creatures
12. Green Dragon Lists
13. LTers Choose from the Ultimate Reading List

Thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/147584

I stole this from someone else at LT and tweaked the last few ratings. I can't give credit because I don't remember who I copied it from! Since I started using this I've noticed I've been handing out more 6's and less 7's.

My rating system:

10 stars - The book completely enthralled me. Could not put it down. Got something more out of it than just entertainment -- it enlightened or educated me in some way. Can definitely see myself reading it again. Will keep forever and never loan it out.

9 stars - Not quite perfect but almost so. I will actively push this book on my friends and family.

8 stars - A really great book in all respects with perhaps some minor flaws. Highly recommended.

7 stars - Better than average but with some flaws. Recommended.

6 stars - Average. An entertaining read but probably forgettable. Will not reread. Recommended for entertainment value to readers with similar interest.

5 stars - Slightly lower than average. Some aspects of the story, characters or writing troubled me. Probably will not recommend.

4 stars - Finished but did not like. Would not recommend.

3 stars - Had some redeeming qualities or else I couldn't have finished it. Nothing to recommend it though.

2 star - I can't believe I finished this book. What am I? A masochist?

1 star - No book ever gets this rating. If it's a 1, I can't finish it.

Places I've read through 2012:


visited 14 states (6.22%)
Create your own visited map of The World


visited 28 states (56%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

Oooh, goodie I can already tell I'll be getting lots of recommendations off your reading lists! What a great fantasy novel to start off 2013 with, too--I love The Last Unicorn.

Hello morphy, I was getting worried already, because I couldn't find your thread. Although, I mainly lurk on your one. I very much appreciate your reviews and I am looking forward to your reads this year again.
I hope you and Mr. Morphy had a lovely New Year :)

Edited to add - I love that photo. So that is your mum about three month before you said hi to the world?

Hooray! You are starred even tho as you and I know I probably will read very few of the same books as you do. Nevertheless, I'll happily watch the action!

>6 willowsmom: willowsmom, I am enjoying it though there are no real surprises as it closely follows the movie which I've seen several times.

>7 drachenbraut23: Bianca, I got around to it finally. Just been very busy. We had a nice quiet New Year. Yourself? I'm not exactly sure on the date of the photo. Somewhere between one and three months before I popped into the world!

>8 maggie1944: Karen, and even jump in on occasion!

Very quiet New Year as well. I was so glad that my parents didn't give a party this year *hooray* - not that I am a party pooper - but I do appreciate something nice and calm at times :).

Hm, looking at the belly of your mom that could be about right :)

Have you read already anything by Alma Katsu? One of my collegues gave me the first two books in the trilogy and told me that they are brilliant.

Happy New Year Morphy!
I love the maps of where you've read. I think I might create a reading map as well :)

Hi Morphy! The picture of your mom is very clever, I like it! :)

The Fault in Our Stars was the best book I read in 2012, too. I hope you discover lots of bests this year.

Checking in on the new digs, Morphy! :D

Happy new thread!

Aha .. found your thread and starred you, Morphy.

That picture of your mom is so cute :-) I love how distinct her shadow is on the wall.

I wanted to go back to the beginning with the opening shots on my own thread but you have beaten me by going back to before the beginning.
So pleased to see you back and I know you'll pass 250 with ease again this year. Best to Mr. Morphy too.

Ah, finally your thread is up so I can star it. I will join in your reads for #s 2 ( a re-read, but it's been ages), 3 (on my ROOT pile), and 6 (I'll try it again--bogged down about 100 pages in about two years ago). I'll join the discussions on #s 1, 5, and 10, as I've read them recently enough that I still recall them.

*Love* the photo of you and your mom - v. cool. I don't think there are any photos of me at that stage, and I made darn-tootin' certain that there aren't any of Charlie at that point, either. *ahem*

Great opening photo! Stopping by to star your new thread.

I'm looking forward to your reading adventures in 2013, Morphy!

:) Looking forward to seeing what you read this year. Happy Reading!

Hey Morphy -

You always read so many great books - I hope we can share some reads this year.

Happy 2013!

Hi Morphy! I see the pictures if your cross-stitch on your profile... I used to love doing that but haven't in a few years. I don't have the patience anymore! Have you ever done braided cross-stitch or hardanger? I found them a little more relaxing; even though they seem more intricate they're actually really forgiving.

Will be following along with your reading selections. Looks like some fun ones. :)

And will No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by your first AMS? I enjoyed the bits of the series I read (and the tv show was magnificent), but of his books, my favorites are the 3 in the Professor trilogy. The Finer Points of Sausage Dogs had me in tears, I was laughing so hard. There are so many poor reviews for the set here, but I guess it takes a sort of dry British black sense of humor to "get it".

You are starred! I expect my tbr pile to grow as a result of following your reading again ... sigh.

Hi Morphy! *waves*

>10 drachenbraut23: Biana, no, I've never heard of Katsu. You'll have to let me know what you think.

>11 ChelleBearss: Chelle, the maps are fun but a bit of a pain as I haven't figured out how to save them. So each time I update, I have to recreate them.

>12 Ape: Stephen, she's a clever lady. Obviously since she had me. HA!

>13 SylviaC: Sylvia, I hope I have more bests this year than last. I had only one "9" and no "10" books. Blech!

>14 MickyFine:, 15 16 Thanks for visiting, Micky, foggidawn, Caro!

>17 norabelle414: Nora, she was just 18 in that picture. A baby having a baby!

>18 PaulCranswick: Paul, I was going to start with a baby picture but couldn't resist this one. It's adorable, just like I am!

>19 ronincats: Roni, yay! The more the merrier in the group reads.

>20 scaifea: Amber, awww, you'd be lovely all round and preggers, I'm sure!

>21 EBT1002:, 22, 23, 24 Glad to see you in my thread, Ellen, Julia, Melissa, Dejah

>25 UnrulySun:, 26 Kathy, no, I've stuck with the basic cross-stitch with the occasional foray into French knots. I do crochet when I want to do something less finicky. And The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency will be my first Smith, yes.

>27 Sakerfalcon: Sakerfalcon, so my work here is done then!

>28 wilkiec: Thanks for visiting, Diana!

I was anything but lovely - I was a blimp. Seriously, in the last 3 months I had people asking me if I were having twins! And I swelled *everywhere*. I didn't see my ankles for months.

Cankles! Hee hee.

#30

At least you were so big you couldn't see your ankles anyway. Imagine how annoying it would be to have a tiny bump and huge ankles ;)

Dropping a star, Morphy! I looked for you in the thread book and could not find your link - as yet. Perhaps Dr Neutron is a wee bit behind - or else I can't see for looking!

As for pregnancy, with my second, I only got to 127 lbs - up from 104 lbs. But, as I am 5' 3", I can't remember if I could see my toes, but I do remember having to change cars with my husband, as with my stick shift, my belly was so big, I could not reach the pedals. And my husband's friend suggested I cover up with a poncho!:)

Worse though for a dear friend of mine. She had twins - 7 lbs and 6'7. She used to tell me that perfect strangers remarked on how fat she was. Poor thing!

Hey, you made it back!

I was looking for your thread! Glad to see that you got this going.

Hi, Morphy! I've found you and starred you!

Here you are! And a very cute baby picture that is. Your mom is so pretty and happy thinking about her little Morphy! You had a well-traveled year last year in books. I hope you get to see many new sites this year. My maps are looking a little blah right now. Thanks for letting me steal your idea.

Morphy! Happy New Year. Cool that Day of the Triffids is on your group read list. Great story!

Ah, here you are! Star for you! Can't wait for your reading this year! :D

#29 - Couldn't agree more hahaha. Have a great weekend.

Hi Morphy! Glad to see you back! I too like the reading maps and will try to slip them into my thread. Good luck with all your challenges!

ETA: Fortgot to say, cute pic of mom and you to be.

>33 vancouverdeb: Deborah, I think the doc was a bit behind. I'm there now!

>34 drneutron: I did, I did, Dr. Jim! It just took me a couple days to get all my info together.

>35 jillmwo: Jill, yeah, I was so busy trying to meet my 300 books read in 2012 goal that I wasn't even going to look at starting my 2013 thread until the 1st and then I had to figure my stats and decide on my categories, etc. It just took me a bit!

>36 tymfos: Terri, yay! You didn't even need a map!

>37 Donna828: Donna, it took me until I was 17 or so to realize my parents were married in December and I was born in June, "MoOOOoooom!"

>38 jadebird: Renee, I'm looking forward to reading it.

>39 dk_phoenix: Thanks for stopping by, Faith.

>40 PaulCranswick: Paul, you, too! And get cracking on that 2012 most popular books list. I'm eager for it.

>41 Carmenere: Lynda, thanks! I doubt I'll finish my challenges but it's fun to work on them. I'm still working on my 888 challenge. Sheesh!

Yeah, a bit behind, but got caught up. Now I'm behind again... :)

Hi Morphy just fizzing by to wish you and Mr. Morphy a lovely and calm Sunday!

HI Morphy! Hope you and MrMorphy are having a good weekend!

Found and starred, Morphy. Very apropos opening pic for your first thread!

>43 drneutron: Doc Jim, ever feel the faster you go, the behinder you get?

>44 drachenbraut23: Thank you, Bianca! We did have a lovely and calm Sunday. I read a little, Divergent, and watched an episode of Glee. And together we watched an episode of Stargate SG-1 while eating a spaghetti supper. All in all a pleasant Sunday.

>45 ChelleBearss: Chelle, we did! How was yours?

>46 lkernagh: Lori, I thought so myself.

Today I'll be doing a lot of volunteer work. I work for WeCAB, a local charity transport for seniors, disabled and low income families. I'll be doing dispatch in the morning and then I do the "billing." We send out monthly requests for recommended donations for the rides they've taken but don't dun them if they can't or don't pay.

Next week I'll be starting my last class for my Associates in Accounting. Of course, my first day of school is the "big day" at Mayo for MrMorphy. No pressure at all here...

Lovely new Thread, Morph! Great start to a new year. And good luck for the first day of school. Do you wear new clothes? Oh, silly me, I know you are "on line" and who would see you? But maybe it could be fun....

And you know we are all pulling for Mr Morphy to have good news, the best possible.

ETA: oh, yea, I put a star on you sometime ago, just didn't tell you.

>Doc Jim, ever feel the faster you go, the behinder you get?

Story of my life... :)

Chair dancing tunes of the day:

Draggin the Line - Tommy James
Stereo Hearts - Glee Cast
She Bop - Cyndi Lauper

http://youtu.be/KFq4E9XTueY

Awww, love Cyndi Lauper!

*waving* at Morphy

Hopefully your final class goes well! I think we'll need to throw you a graduation party in the pub when you finish it!

And, of course, lots of good thoughts going Mr Morphy's way. How's he holding up? Hoping and praying that his doctors can find the perfect course of therapy-- and that you hold up well, too.

Morphy - hahaha on the books list - I'm working on it around my reading, posting, buying, work and family commitments. No sweat - I'll get there soon!

What a wonderful opening photo!

Hi there Morphy, Hoping all goes well for Mr. Morphy and you. and woo hoo for the last class for your degree.
How nice of you to volunteer your time when it seems you have so much going on. You rock!

Adding my thoughts for you and the Mr. for next week. And I love the idea of a graduation party for you here! :)

>53 streamsong: streamsong, he's doing well this week. I think we're just in a holding pattern until we get a firm diagnosis on Monday.

>54 PaulCranswick: No real pressure, Paul. Really. *bites her nails*

>55 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda! I think it's pretty fun myself.

>56 Carmenere: Lynda, when I became disabled I knew I had to find things to keep me busy. Finding volunteer work I could do at home was a blessing. And now I'm going to be the group's bookkeeper which will give me experience for when I go back to work, too.

>57 scaifea: Amber, I'll be ready to party by then, too! I've had a 4.0 GPA. Let's hope I'll keep it this semester. I'm nervous about this last class. It's a wrap up class and there is no text - it's all what you've learned the last two years. *gulps*

I hope you do great in this semester and can maintain your grades. Its awesome that you are looking to the future so positively and preparing yourself in the best ways you can, such a fantastic outlook on life. We'll keep cheering you on I'm sure :)

With your 4.0, I think you can be pretty confident of being well prepared for your wrap up class! Go Morphy!

Over-achiever. Sheesh. :)

4.0 GPA?! I can only hope to achieve that lofty height!

Good luck with your class!

Happy 2013, Morphy! I fell off of reading and LibraryThing except for cataloguing my childrens' books (read and read-aloud to them) last summer but I really look forward to what you are reading this year!

>59 lunacat: lunacat, thanks. I'm certainly not the type of person who would be happy "retiring" - I get bored too easily.

>60 Dejah_Thoris: Dejah, oh, I hope so. Having no texts really makes me nervous.

>61 scaifea: All I have to say Amber is :P~~~~~

>62 alcottacre: Hey, Stasia, I flunked out of college the first time! I'm just making up for time.

>63 jadebird: Thanks, Renee. I just found out we'll have 61 (!!!) assignments. *gulp*

>64 elfchild: Thanks for stopping by, elfchild.

I'm off to the Gillespie Center today. It's a senior center and even though I'm not a senior, the "ladies" of the second hand shop, Hidden Treasures, have welcomed me with open arms. The shop has been closed for the holidays, so I haven't seen them for a few weeks and I've missed them. There's Emmie, the earthy German woman with warm hugs and welcoming smile; June, the curmudgeonly Minnesota seamstress with a tender heart; Susie, the ever helpful tiny Japanese woman who loves to dance; Linda, the second generation Chinese woman who distractedly runs the shop; and Betty, the frail but fun English woman who originally invited me to join this bunch. There are other international ladies from Germany, Iceland, Russia, England and then some natives, for sure. But the ones I mentioned are close to my heart.

>65 Morphidae:: Sounds like the material for a lovely novel full of diverse characters!

Hello Morphy, I hope you enjoy your time at the Gillespie Center today and the bunch of people sound indeed very nice and fun to be with.

Ahem, what kind of grading is GPA? I am not familiar with that kind of grading and would be interested to find out more about that. I also wish you good luck with your final exams.

I am also someone who is impressed by all the things you are doing and agree with the other bunch here who say "Morphy you rock". Well, it's true!

>65 Morphidae: & 66: Oh, yes, agreed - Morphy, you should get started on a cozy mystery based on your friends and craft circle. I'd read it!

Hoping your class goes well, Morph! (may I call you Morph?)

#67 -- Ahem, what kind of grading is GPA? I am not familiar with that kind of grading and would be interested to find out more about that.

GPA stands for Grade Point Average. Most American colleges and universities work on a 4-point scale. In each course, your letter grade corresponds to a point value (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1), and your course grades are averaged together for your total GPA. So, a 4.0 GPA means that Morphy is doing very well indeed, with a straight-A average.

Thank you foggidawn :) Wow, that's brilliant Morphy, but then I can't understand that you worry about your last exams *scratch head*

I wish I would have had such good grades, mine were good, but not as good :)

Hi Morphy! Nice to see you here, and hope things are going well in Morphy-Land!

I know you, Morphy-dorphy, and you are a born inbred worrier. If you were not worried about your final class, I'd be worried about you. You can, if you want, call the worry "excitement". So, to settle everyone down, here, you could say, "I am so excited to do my final class where I get to demonstrate all the stuff I've learned". There. That should take care of everyone, don't you think?

>66 Sakerfalcon: Sakerfalcon, it does, doesn't it? I got lots of lovely hugs from Emmie who told me she missed me over the holidays. It was nice.

>67 drachenbraut23: Bianca, I did enjoy it. We had meatloaf, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables for lunch with caramel drizzled coffee cake for dessert. All for $5 - a great deal! I was a little annoyed by one woman who came down that dominated a lot of the conversation but I mostly had a great time.

>68 scaifea: I've always wanted to be a writer, Amber, but I've found I don't like the actual activity of writing. LOL! I have a hard enough time finding enough to talk about on my threads.

>69 EBT1002: Ellen, you can! Though most call me Morphy. :D

>70 foggidawn: Thanks for defining that for Bianca, foggidawn!

>71 drachenbraut23: Bianca, I worry because I'm overly dependent on texts. I read the text and take the tests. Everything is in short term memory. Because there are no texts in this class, it's all dependent on long term memory of what we've already learned.

>72 LauraBrook: Laura, it is! Thanks for stopping by.

>73 maggie1944: *snorts* Yeah, riiiiight, Karen. Nice try. :D

Today I'm off to my church book club. It's a very liberal church, so our book selections aren't religious for the most part. This month was one of my recommendations, Main Street by Sinclair Lewis, and I am hoping that the ladies liked it more than I did. I don't like books with a lot of description, philosophizing or unlikeable characters. However, it seems the books we like the least offer the best discussions.

I don't like writing, either, and I'm glad to be away from that part of my job!

I don't like books with a lot of description, philosophizing or unlikeable characters. However, it seems the books we like the least offer the best discussions.

That seems to be true about life in general, not just books. :O)

I see you're an excellent student. Have a good weekend, Morphy!

>75 scaifea: Amber, what type of writing did you have to do?

>76 jadebird: Renee, very true. But I only care for so much "discussion" - books are one thing, religion and politics are quite another!

>77 wilkiec: Diana, you, too. Do you have any plans?

This morning I'm off to my volunteer job, the reception desk at my church. MrMorphy is off to Mayo for an eye exam, three eye photos and an ultrasound. It's a two hour drive but he has his MP3 player, his Palm, his netbook, and a map which shows the local Barnes & Noble and coffee shop. I think he'll be okay!

I'll hold MrMorph in the Light all day today and picture as much Goodness as Possible to surround him.

OK, that done, I hope your day is pleasant, too. How busy is the reception desk on a weekday? Big church?

Karen, it's a big church but very quiet on Fridays - I get at most two dozen calls, more like a dozen, and three or four visitors in the four hour period. The ministers seem to take Friday off for the most part.

I hope this time it works out better for MrMorphy, and that he gets the results quickly.

I wrote as part of the research part of my job as a professor; my area of research was the Roman triumph, in particular its role as a literary device, and even more in particular, it use by Cicero, Livy and the poets (Catullus, Ovid, Horace). I also wrote a handful of book reviews.

Hoping that everything went well for The Mr. yesterday...

MrMorphy had a lot of hurry up and wait yesterday. That and five hours travel time made it an aggravating day for him. But today is a "down day" for him. I have a PCA coming in to help me so he has a free day with no chores or responsibilities. The last time we did this he said it was "wonderful" - he's never that complementary about *anything* so I'm glad we can do this for him.

Morphy- I finally made my way over here. Happy New Year and all that. I love the photo of your Mom and You! Good luck with your various reading challenges. It looks like you have a nice year planned.

Hugs to you and Mr. Morphy. Finger, toes and everything remotely decent crossed for you both.

Morphy - I hope that you and MrMorphy have a wonderfully calm, pleasant and un-aggravating day and rest of the weekend.

*waving hi, and sending wishes for peace and joy*

And here we go with some actual books! I swear I'm going to be better with posting these more often... really.

1. The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #7 (Letter B), Green Dragon (13 in 13)

Summary: A unicorn goes on a quest to find out what happened all the other unicorns

Opinion: I originally rated this lower but realized I only did so because I have watched the movie so many times, I felt a little bored by the book since the movie followed it so closely - it felt like a screenplay. It's a solidly good story and if I wasn't already so familiar with it, would have enjoyed it more, I'm sure.

Rating: 7

2. The Mage by Jean Johnson

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #11 (first/last in series), next in series

Summary: The finale of the Sons of Destiny series with a wrapup of the last brother's romance and Nightfall's independence

Opinion: The romance was a minor subplot. I was much more interested in the intrigue and events leading up and including the Convocation of the Gods. I sped through this book. Fun ending to an enjoyable fluff series. Some were humorous, some were erotica, this one was mostly straight fantasy.

Rating: 7

3. Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy*

Notes: TIOLI #2 (new author before LT), LT Recommended (12 in 12)

Summary: After a London constable talks with a ghost witness of a murder, his life gets even more interesting...

Opinion: I would have enjoyed this book more if the main character showed a bit more competence. Watching characters bumbling through events frustrates me. Also, the ending confused me. The villian seemed to just give up. Otherwise an enjoyable adventure and I'm sure I'll pick up the next in the series as I liked the world building and magic system.

Rating: 7

*I used to classify any fantasy set in our world as urban fantasy but that doesn't really work so I'm changed the classification to contemporary fantasy even though it's a pain in the butt to type.

4. Divergent by Veronica Roth

Genre: Science Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #8 (limited series), Off the Shelf (12 in 12)

Summary: A teen chooses a different faction than her family in a dystopian society and reaps the repercussions

Opinion: Oh, this was gooood. Only reason I didn't rate it a 9 is because it was so dark. I could barely put this book down and unlike a lot of YA, it wasn't all angsty. Or at least not enough to annoy. I found the world intriguing, the plot complex and the characters well-defined.

Rating: 8

5. The Gallery of Regrettable Food by James Lileks

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI #21 (meant to read in 2012), Nonfiction (12 in 12)

Summary: Satire and other humorous pieces alongside pictures of 50s recipes

Opinion: This guy was full of snark and, for the most part, not funny at all. The pictures were blurry and I really wanted to see the recipes, not just what the author thought was a funny interpretation of what the ingredients might be.

Rating: 4

6. Cold Days by Jim Butcher

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #11 (first/last in series), next in series, Cover Color (13 in 13 - blue)

Summary: Dresden has to deal with the mantle of being Winter Knight, several groups being out to kill him, and an island about to explode with evil - in other words, a typical day for the Chicago wizard

Opinion: Another book I could barely put down. Intense and well-written, the plot just zips along and carries you with it. Almost all our favorite characters put in an appearance. That being said, I'm glad Butcher publishes only one book a year because, frankly, reading his books is exhausting. The action is constant and relentless. I don't know where he is going with Dresden - he's almost becoming Mary-Sueish (what's the male term - Gary Sue?) - we'll have to wait another year to see and I'll need that long to recuperate.

Rating: 8

7. Main Street by Sinclair Lewis

Genre: Classic

Notes: TIOLI #3 (not by Big Six), 20th Century (1920)

Summary: Satire about a woman who marries a doctor and has to learn to deal with small town "values"

Opinion: Too much description, main character was too whiny, too few likeable characters. The plot, such as it was, was plodding. Ugly, judgmental people. Nothing good happened, mostly it was one dreary and sad event after another. Not my cup of tea.

Rating: 4

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh
Valley of Silence by Nora Roberts
Foreign Correspondence by Geraldine Brooks

On Deck:
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
To Touch a Wild Dolphin by Rachel Smolker
Eona by Alison Gooadman

Wow, Morphy .. I came to check out your thread again just in time to get hit by a couple of blue bullets! *makes a note to wear a SWAT vest before visiting the next time*

Some great books there. Some I've read and liked and some I'm going to have to put on my TBR list :)

So regarding Main Street do you think the author was intentionally describing unpleasant, judgmental people and that their lives were plodding with little good happening? Is the book good because it does a good job describing all this rather than not good because "nothing happens" and the people are "unpleasant". I don't know... just a thought. Wondering.

Several years ago I had Lileks' book on my TBR list, but I was a bit disappointed in one of his other books so I took it off. Maybe I'll read it if I happen to run across a bargain or free copy.

>92 Morphidae: Glad you liked Divergent, Morphy. Hope your week is a smooth one!

I don't know if you like quizzes, but there are a couple floating around where you can out what faction you'd belong to. I ended up with Divergent. I'm about halfway through Insurgent, but I don't think it's as good as the first book.

Oh dear, I seriously need to just go grab Divergent off the shelf downstairs and be done with it... haha.

Morphy, Divergent was one I really enjoyed while reading it, but on reflection later, wasn't as impressed with it. So many questions unaswered, if you take it too seriously. I wasn't in a rush to get to Insurgent (and haven't yet). I think the first book has been optioned for a film but no word on it being produced yet.

>97 cameling:, 98 Caro and Melissa, which bullets got you? I'm always curious to see what interests people.

>99 maggie1944: Karen, oh, I'm sure that's what the author intended. I just don't care to read about it.

>100 thornton37814: Lori, other reviewers have liked his humor but it's not for me.

>101 MickyFine: Micky, I did! I've got Insurgent on order from the library.

>102 Tanglewood: Michelle, I tried to take a couple quizzes but the bad grammar and spelling in them all annoyed me so much I couldn't finish. The back of the book quiz placed me in Erudite.

>103 dk_phoenix: Kathy, I typically don't take my reading seriously (I read romance and urban fantasy (porn) after all), so I'm still happy with Divergent. I read for enjoyment and story and if the experience of reading the book is good, I don't look much further than that.

Hi, Morphy; just dropping by. There's just too much to catch up on. Wishing you the best with your studies, and the best to Mr M., too.

I really liked Divergent until the very end. The whole world building, the story telling etc felt good and I raced through it, and then the events at the end made me stop, take a step back and look at, and I found it didn't hold up to scrutiny. I think I'd have preferred it if it had carried on the way it was going, looking at the different factions, without having the change thrown in.

I've got Insurgent and tried to read it but discovered I wasn't that interested so put it down. I hope you enjoy it as much as the first though :)

A quiet day today as MrMorphy goes out to the laundromat and then for groceries. Later friends will be coming over for dinner - sloppy joes and tater tots. R. will be staying over night as she will be going with MrMorphy to Mayo in the morning. They are leaving at 6:30 ACK EMMA!

>106 humouress: Thanks for stopping by, humouress!

>107 lunacat: I'm not sure what you mean by the "change thrown in." Can you elaborate?

*SPOILERS* for Divergent.

I mean the rebellion etc at the end. I'd have been more interested reading about the progression of each faction and a slower look at how the society evolved rather than a huge uprising that changed everything. But I guess, as a YA book, that perhaps wouldn't keep the attention as well.

Might I also mention I'm freezing my buns off? It's 2F/-17C and MrMorphy is off washing all the blankets, my warm nightie and my footies. Brrrrrr...

Exactly 50 degrees of difference Morphy here it is +33C. Another one we agree upon - I also hated Main Street when I read it many moons ago.

Happy Sunday, Morphy!

That's it. I'm moving to Malaysia.

Hi Morphy, just turning round for the second and whoops - the reviews are flying in. Some are gone already onto my wishlist. I am curious what you think about Cassandra Clare and Eona I read both of them last year.

I typically don't take my reading seriously (I read romance and urban fantasy (porn) after all), so I'm still happy with Divergent. I read for enjoyment and story and if the experience of reading the book is good, I don't look much further than that. LOL, I like that - that's what I do as well.

I wish good luck to Mr. Morphy tomorrow morning, but do hope that you will enjoy your evening with your friends.

> Jenny, do you mind taking me with you?

Stopping by to wish Mr. Morphy good luck tomorrow.

>110 lunacat: Yeah, lunacat, whereas I thought the rebellion was a natural progression. I thought the separation into factions couldn't stay the way it was!

>112 PaulCranswick: Paul, whoo hoo! See, we aren't all that different!

>113 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia. It was lovely.

>114 lunacat: Not me. I grew up in Florida and hate being hot.

>115 drachenbraut23: Bianca, I read City of Bones and thought it was okay. Not great enough that I ran out and got the second book right away but good enough that I put it on my list. Eon was a bit better and I'm getting to the sequel sooner. We'll see how they go!

We had a good time last night. We played a card game called Guillotine where the object is to collect as many nobles' heads as you can. Ha!

>116 lkernagh: Lori, thanks! MrMorphy and R. just left to head to Mayo. I am so thankful for our friends who show such care and support. R. has MD and doesn't have the easiest time physically so it's especially appreciated for her to sleep on our couch and go on a five hour trip.

***

Today I have dispatch for WeCAB, the local charitable transport, and school starts! I should hear about mid-day from MrMorphy then when they get back from Mayo we'll treat R. and M. to a pizza dinner.

Best wishes to you and Mr Morphy with the trip to the Mayo Clinic. Sorry I got so behind.

Wow! With the WeCab , and did I read that you volunteer at your church as well - you are one busy lady!

Holding my thumbs for you and MrMorphy today.

Glad that you have had a couple of good reads to start the year with; I hope it continues that way. I need to borrow Midnight riot from my mum, now that you have joined the crowd rating it so well.

All body parts contorted for you both. What great friends you have Morphy.
Jenny - why don't you come and buy the apartment next to mine I cannot stand my miserablist French neighbour and his pit-bull of a wife for another how-many years.

Agreed! However, I might need a few people to chip in as well *sigh*

Good morning, Morphy!

I think I liked Midnight Riot even more than you did. I read the third in the series late last summer and am looking forward to the next!

My best wishes to you and MrMorphy - all the best to you both.

MrMorphy just called from Mayo and the doctor wants him to come back in two months for a recheck. "And as a surgeon that's really saying something." So, for now, we wait. If it stays the same, it will be checked again in four months, then yearly. The doctor said that sometimes it just "sits there." It's a little bit of a relief anyway.

good news if the surgeon isn't urging surgery!

Hello Morphy, I am so glad to hear that Mr. Morphy will not require urgent surgery and that they are going to monitor for now. That this is a little bit of relief for you. Yes!

I think that has to be good news, Morphy.

Finger-crossed for you and yours, Morphy.

>118 SylviaC: Sylvia, it's decent news anyway. We'll see what they say in two months.

>119 vancouverdeb: Deborah, yeah, I stay pretty busy. Two mornings a week I do dispatch for WeCab from home, Friday morning I go to the church to volunteer at the receptionist desk, one day a week I go to the senior center to have lunch and chat and craft with the second hand shop ladies for 2 to 4 hours, plus school and the odd outing with friends a couple times a month! Monthly I do reporting for WeCAB and a telephone outreach program for seniors for my church. And two book club outings. Oh, and I want to try to get to the rehab pool again now that MrMorphy isn't so stressed. Don't know what I'm going to do when I eventually go back to work!

>120 Sakerfalcon: Sakerfalcon, I am, too. At the end of the year, I was in a book funk. For months, I only had a rare really good book and I only had one 9 and no 10s at all in 2012! I thought that reading was losing its appeal or something. I'm glad to find out it was just my book choices!

>121 PaulCranswick: Paul, I so agree. R. and M. are a blessing to us. They are relatively new friends - we've only know them a few months - but it feels like ages.

>122 lunacat: Good luck with the Malaysia fund, lunacat!

>123 Dejah_Thoris: Dejah, I have Moon over Soho ordered from the library. We'll see how it goes.

>125 majkia: Jean, I know! It's a good thing when a surgeon says, "Let's not operate yet."

>126 drachenbraut23: Bianca, it's a huge relief actually. Also found out that if it hasn't metastasized by now, it probably won't. That was something that terrified me. I broke down and just sobbed in relief, I must admit.

>127 ronincats: Roni, he'll have checks at 2 months, 4 months, 8 months and then yearly. We were told that 90% of the time, the type he has just "sits there." So yeah, pretty good news if his checks continue to be clear.

>128 jadebird: Thanks, Renee.

***

Started my class yesterday, "Comprehensive Review." There is a textbook, so to speak. It's just in a PDF file that she provided. What a relief! I have something in hand to study which makes me feel better. I've read the first chapter, taken the first quiz and gotten my first 100%. Hee hee.

*sending a big high 5 slap* That is great news all around.

What great news Morphy - a manly handshake proffered to Mr. Morphy and a big hug to you!

Huge sigh of relief for Mr M. I know it's still a worry, but at least it can go on the back burner.

Congrats on your first quiz. Sounds like your 4 point is in no danger at all.

Hi Morphy! I loved Divergent too. :) I thought it was better than Hunger Games (i.e. less violent and dark...but you mentioned Divergent was dark, so maybe you don't agree).

I also enjoyed Midnight Riot with reservations. We'll discuss that on Saturday though. :)

ETA: Still working on The Last Unicorn. It will be my first time reading it.

Love those 100%s. I feel uninformed though, "Comprehensive Review" of what?

Good news about Mr. Morphy. Whew.
And congrats on your first 100%!

So glad to hear good news for MrMorphy!
Did we have any doubt you'd do great at the class? ;)

Good news about MrMorphy - so glad for the two of you.
Wow, loads of books you've been reading. I'm in a bit of a funk, can't settle to a book so am reading graphic novels instead for a few days.

Hello, Morphy! :)

Glad the news from the Mayo surgeon was so encouraging.

I'm in a major depressive episode. I cried almost all afternoon yesterday. It was a major effort to even shower this morning. All I want to do is eat and read (my usual coping method.) I don't know why this hit me now. Today, I'm going to just take it easy and cocoon. Tomorrow, I'll take a deep breath and get on with my life.

Stick with things Morphy - remember how much easier it has been to cope with life and get about and be happy in yourself without the bingeing. You are a lovely woman; one of the most honest and sincere it has been my pleasure to get to know in some sort of way (even though your choice of books.......) - swallow those deep breaths, cuddle your hubby and tomorrow is another day. x

((Morphy)) Everyone deserves a cocoon day now and then. A nice cup of something warm and a book are a great idea. Or stick around LT today! We'll distract you with our ebullient wit and charm.

I like days off, too! Just do what you want to do, within reason, and then we'll see what Thursday will hold!

Your depression could be a natural response to having "held it together" during this stressful time. Emotions do have their way of expressing their importance, don't they?

**massive hug** Know you are loved.

Music always helps the mood. So far while reading threads I've listened to:

Shake Your Bon-Bon - Ricky Martin
Spanish Harlem - Ben E. King
People Got to Be Free - Rascals
Steppin' Out - Joe Jackson
We Are the Champions - Queen
All I Have to Do Is Dream - Everly Brothers
Breakfast at Tiffany's - Deep Blue Something
Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover - Sophie B. Hawkins

Oh, Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover is a wonderful song that I have not heard in years. Must go find it.

Morphy, I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling so low today. As others have said, take those deep breaths and remember that this will past. Moods have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Remind yourself that the middle is just that; and tomorrow is likely to be better.

That's great news about MrMophy, Morphy. I know from experience, though, that sometimes the reaction after good news can be as hard to deal with as that after difficult news. I'm glad you can have a quiet day to cocoon.

Excellent playlist, BTW!

Sophie B Hawkins!! Thanks for that memory! :D

I agree with Maggie...it is natural to fall apart after having toughed through a stressful time. Just accept it as a natural need for rest and tomorrow will be a new day! :)

I'm glad about your news of Mr. Morphy! :)

More LT reading playlist:

(Yeah, my tastes are a bit eclectic.)

Cecilia - Simon & Garfunkel
Ebudae - Enya
Fighter - Christina Aguilera
Live Like You Were Dying - Tim McGraw
Fire Lake - Bob Seger
All Night Long - Lionel Ritchie
Never Been to Spain - Three Dog Night
Fur Elise - Beethoven
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
F**k You - Cee Lo Green
Under the Sea - Beauty & the Beast
Holberg Suite Op. 40 Prelude - Grieg
Bust a Move - Young MC
Queen of Hearts - Juice Newton

Hello Morphy {{{{Lots of Hugs}}}} as someone said already before me, everyone needs a cocoon day, especially after all the stress you went through in the past few month. Sometimes it hits someone afterwards and then it just takes a little while to get on top of everything again.

Love your playlists - reminds me that I should start listening to a bit more music from time to time, instead of audiobooks *smile*

I hope you are having a better day tomorrow.

That news about Mr. Morphy does sound good, Morphy. You're smart to give yourself a break today, and I hope tomorrow is much better for you.

Bust a move and queen of hearts are on my list too! :)

Not sure I could listen to such a mix all at once though... my nerves would be befuzzled.

A relief reaction I should think. Feel better soon and remember that "Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have isn't permanent."
A quote I have always found reassuring.
My depression song is "Crash and Burn" by Savage Garden and the amazing Darren Hayes. That song has kept me sane at difficult times.

I've been listening to Christina Aguilera's Back to Basics lately while I'm sewing, and there are some songs on there that you just can't help but wiggle to - very catchy and up-beat. Say what you will about her - I love her voice.

Hope you're feeling better, Morphy!

Ah! Lost you there for a while. Happy New Year! (It's still January so I can say that right?) Remember, it's just the beginning of the year, so there is lots of time for the year to improve. ; ) Don't be hard on yourself. I think you are having a very normal reaction to all that has been going on. I know I can be doing great and then find that I crash after the event/crisis is over. Be gentle with yourself. Big Hugs!

Okay, I'm done wallowing. Three days of depression is more than enough. I canceled appointments, ate too much and got nothing accomplished. Today I take a deep breath and get on with my life.

>130 maggie1944: Thanks, Karen!

>131 PaulCranswick: Hugs back, Paul. Thanks for visiting.

>132 streamsong: My second quiz was an 86% though, streamsong. YUCK!

>133 The_Hibernator: Rachel, I liked Divergent more than The Hunger Games. I found The Hunger Games much more bleak. Did you see the movie, The Last Unicorn?

>134 jadebird: Renee, I'm getting an Associates in Accounting, so it's a review of the last two years of accounting classes.

>135 EBT1002: Thanks, Ellen!

>136 UnrulySun: Kathy, being the sort of person I am, I doubt I'll do good until the final grade comes in. That's just the way I am!

>137 avatiakh: Kerry, I was feeling in a funky the last part of 2012. I'm glad I seem to be coming out of it or at least finding some better books.

>138 tymfos: Thanks, Terri. We now get to join the ranks of the "wait and see" cancer crowd where nerves will be wracked every few months but we'll deal with it!

>140 PaulCranswick: Paul, thank you so much for the kind words and support. It means a lot.

>141 UnrulySun: Kathy, you made me smile even in the depression with your wit and charm.

>142 maggie1944: Karen, yeah, MrMorphy is normally the "strong one" and I don't typically handle stress well. So months of me having a stiff upper lip and being there for him took it's toll on me. But it's done now!

>144 EBT1002: Ellen, yes, one thing I've learned in decades of therapy for depression is that it does end. If I just hold out, it will pass. Thanks for your support.

>145 Dejah_Thoris: Dejah, the music did lift my mood some. Glad you enjoyed seeing the play list.

>146 UnrulySun: You're welcome, Kathy!

>147 The_Hibernator: Rachel, I am, too, now that I'm past the funk. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

>149 drachenbraut23: Thanks for the hugs, Bianca. I know you could use some yourself. You must be exhausted! What type of music do you like to listen to?

>150 jnwelch: Joe, thanks for stopping by. Today is better and tomorrow will be better than that. Just need to take a deep breath and get moving!

>151 UnrulySun: Kathy, I get bored very easily with music so my playlist has thousands of songs of all genres and decades. I can be listening to rap then classical then 60s folk then a top 40 from the 90s then something from a musical!

>152 infjsarah: infjsarah, "this too shall pass" is definitely something I keep in mind." Thanks for stopping by.

>153 scaifea: Amber, I do, too. I have a ton of her songs on my playlist! Most currently, several from the Burlesque soundtrack.

>154 Berly: Berly, thanks for stopping by and the support.

Friday's TGIF salute to you and Mr Morphy. Have a great weekend!

Thank you Morphy, I am actually in recovery mode *smile*. In regards to music - hm - very ecclectic, the same as with my reading. Whatever comes along and appeals to me. However, here at home in Germany I get mainly showered with jazz, jazz fusion, blues, funk and the like as this is the music my dad listens to. :)

I have been visiting Kathy's thread on a daily basis now, as she posts one song every day and I found quite a few songs I really enjoyed, but had never listened to. Well, LT is just cool for all kind of things.

I wish you and Mr. Morphy a lovely Friday :)

Yay; good news on all fronts now, I see. Sorry to have been away. I have to confess I know the first playlist better than the second. I'll have to check with the kids ...

Hi, Morphy! It's been too long since I dropped by. I'm glad the news was OK at the Mayo Clinic. No wonder you crashed after all that tension! Reading and eating is how I cope, too. Hugs!

I am currently doing a little book-dance, too, because your Ben Aaronovitch reviews reminded me to check my library's site - and I can borrow the third book on my new ereader! I had been frustrated because they didn't buy a hard copy (or at least not in the catalogued collection), and I really wanted to continue the series. I still prefer Dresden, but Peter Grant shows definite promise.

I love your play lists, Morphy, and I'm glad to hear the you are up and about. Oh, and I need to see if the library has the third Aaronovitch--thanks for the reminder. Take care now.

I've had Aaronovitch on my wish list forever but can't find him in print around here! I need to scour the web for an online supplier I suppose.

Have a nice weekend, Morphy!

I see that Rivers of London has a different US title-- no wonder I couldn't find it! Why do they do that? Oh well, at least I'm working with the right book now. :)

>157 maggie1944: I hope you have a great weekend, too, Karen!

>158 drachenbraut23: Bianca, my mom loves Jazz but as much as she played it, I could never get into it. In fact, after just a few minutes, it gets on my nerves.

>159 humouress: Watching Glee keeps me updated on some of the newest Top 40 songs, humouress.

>160 Cynara: Cynara, yeah, but my eating and reading got me up to almost 700 pounds at one point! I know I'll never completely get over emotional eating, but I need to keep it to minimum. It's going to take me two weeks to make up for the last four days of binges. Ugh. Cheese soup was my downfall this time...

>161 ronincats: Roni, I just got the second, Moon over Soho, from the library. Maybe it will grow on me.

>162 UnrulySun:, 163 Kathy, I had the name of the US title on my post, silly woman!

***

Today I meet The_Hibernator and a friend of hers to talk about Midnight Riot (Rivers of London) at a local Barnes & Noble. I'm looking forward to it!

Also, I start journaling my food and staying within my calorie range again. I know I'll have a gain this week but with a 178 pound weight loss, I'm nowhere near giving up. This is a long road and I'll have my ups and downs.

Lol I guess you did but I didn't put 2&2 together. :D

Morphy - so pleased to see that the blues of earlier in the week have passed. I have had blues of my own today - listening to Robert Cray!

Have a great weekend and all the best to Mr. Morphy.

*waving*

Just stopped by to say I had been thinking of you and that I'm glad that the trip to the Mayo turned out as well as it did.

As for Main Street by Sinclair Lewis, I agree that Carol Kennicott can be a bit much in terms of poor attitude and/or general whininess, but I remember reading this as an 8th grader and realizing how real she was as a personality!

Yay, a meetup!

I love your weight loss attitude, too, focusing on the long term rather than minor fluctuations.

And I'm glad that things seem to have worked out for MrMorphy.

I liked Midnight Riot. At some point I need to read Moon over Soho.

I just started Moon over Soho this morning. :)

Glad to see things are on the upswing. And congrats on losing that much weight! I new it was a big number, but not that big. You rock!

Hope you had a great meetup today!

>165 UnrulySun: Kathy, if it were a snake, it would have bit ya, my mom would have said.

>166 PaulCranswick: Paul, ha! I had to go Google him. I thought he was a politician or something that was annoying you.

>167 maggie1944: *waves back to Karen*

>168 jillmwo: Jill, reading Great Expectations in sixth grade put me off reading classics for decades. I can't imagine trying to read Main Street back then. It wasn't quite as bad, but still...

>169 _Zoe_: & 173 Zoe and Chelle, yes, the meetup was a lot of fun. We laughed so much!

>170 jnwelch: Joe, I'm just hoping the main character isn't quite as bumbling.

>171 majkia: Let me know what you think, Jean!

>172 Berly: Thanks, Berly!

***

I'm having a terrible time with Firefox crashing. I've upgraded to the newest version of Firefox, Flash, etc. I cleared cache, cookies. I've disabled Java. I've upgraded Java. I've rebooted.

Crash. Crash. Crash.

Anyone else having problems?

Oh, and I finally succumbed to the inevitable... I bought an ereader, a Nook.

Hello Morphy, glad to hear that you had such fun on your meetup with Rachel. I have got the books of that chap on my wishlist now.

I can't believe that your succumbed to an ereader now. Welcome, to the club!

Nope, no problems in Germany with Firefox crashes, but we keep getting the snow today. It didn't snow for two days and it just started to snow about two hours ago and we have got already almost 10 cm new snow. Means a lot of shoveling tonight!

Welcome to the world of eReading, Morphy! I think you'll find it to be enjoyable. I like my antique Kindle quite alot, I read faster on it than dead tree books. Buttttttttt, still love paper so I still keep plenty on hand.
Hope you and Mr Morphy are having a wonderful weekend.

I'm nowhere near giving up.
That's the spirit! Ups and downs come with the territory. If the road were easy, everyone would do it!

*takes of cheerleader uniform and looks around for her copy of Anna Karenina *

*And notes that she is in a steadily diminishing group of non-e-readers*

I read faster on the kindle too! I never thought it would be my thing... but I like it so much now. I think you will too Morphy since you read so quickly. Have you been furiously downloading ebooks? There are a plethora of decent free ones floating about

8. Foreign Correspondence by Geraldine Brooks

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI #7 (letter B), to complete bibliography, Dewey

Summary: A Pen Pal's Journey from Down Under to All Over

Opinion: This was the last of the books by Brooks that I hadn't read. Brooks is a good enough writer that she makes the mundane stories of her childhood, her pen pals and where they are now appealing. I'm looking forward to whatever she writes next - fiction or nonfiction.

Rating: 7

9. Betrayal in Death by J. D. Robb

Genre: Mystery

Notes: TIOLI #7 (letter B), next in series

Summary: Eve solves a case involving a serial killer whose victims are those close to Roarke

Opinion: It's the twelfth in the series. They are still good. I'm still reading them. As always, the best parts are the interactions with her friends, co-workers, Roarke, and in one case, her frenemy, Sommerset.

Rating: 7

10. Valley of Silence by Nora Roberts

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Notes: TIOLI #8 (limited series), next in series

Summary: The vampire and scholar get their romance in the conclusion to this fantasy romance trilogy

Opinion: Relatively strong conclusion to the trilogy. Not one of Roberts' best. As I said before, I think she tried to do too much in this trilogy - romance, fantasy, vampires, etc. - and she lost focus. But enjoyable enough for a fluff read.

Rating: 7

11. Waldo & Magic, Inc. by Robert Heinlein

Genre: Science Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #9 (13 letters), to complete bibliography

Summary: Two novellas - one about an unpleasant genius living in space station and another about a businessman living in a world where everyone depends on magic

Opinion: I doubt I would have finished the first story if I wasn't a completist trying to read Heinlein's bibliography. There was too much scientific exposition on how magic could work if it existed. The second was an interesting enough tale about how the magic business was being taken over by a monopoly and how a construction contractor tried to stop it. Both were meh and these are certainly not Heinlein's strongest stories. I've read other collections of his short stories and loved them.

Rating: 5

12. Brightly Burning
13. Arrows of the Queen
14. Arrow's Flight
15. Arrow's Fall by Mercedes Lackey

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: Rereads

Summary: TIOLI #7 (letter B) & TIOLI #8 (limited series), rereads

Rating: 7, 8, 7, 7

16. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Genre: YA

Notes: TIOLI #2 (author haven't heard of before LT), LT Recommended (13 in 13)

Summary: Anna gets sent to a French boarding school against her will

Opinion: While it was an enjoyable enough light read, it was too contemporary YA for my tastes. I was expecting something a little more. I adored The Fault in Our Stars and was hoping for something along that vein but this was too high schoolish for a higher rating.

Rating: 7

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh
Burning Water by Mercedes Lackey
Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman
The Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lang

On Deck:
Into the Woods by Kim Harrison
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
To Touch a Wild Dolphin by Rachel Smolker

Hiya, Morphy! I'd forgotten all about Foreign Correspondence. I read it just after I got out of college, right about the time I discovered the whole "travel lit" genre. I felt the same as you, it was appealing and well-written. Also, I felt the same about Valley of Silence - the whole trilogy just seemed "off" to me too, like she was trying to cram too much into the stories. It could have done with either another book and the same amount of material, or less story threads running through it all.

Hope you're continuing to feel better, my dear. We all have days, and as long as you're happier than sad and working on your eating habits more often than not, you're an okay petunia. (((HUGS)))

p.s. I loved your playlists, mine are similarly eclectic. :)

Man, you really know how to churn them out! You are inspiring. I am a Robb fan, and I usually like a Roberst now and then, but now I am not sure about this group.

Oh, I do love a re-read of that first Valdemar trilogy, Morphy!

>176 drachenbraut23: Bianca, we haven't gotten a lot of snow this winter but we just hit the deep freeze. We aren't even going to get to 0F/-17C today!

>177 Carmenere: Lynda, I'm still playing with it but seem to enjoy it. I've read my first book anyway.

>178 EBT1002: Ellen, I only succumbed because it's getting harder for me to see the print of regular books, especially at night. At night or on cloudy days, I have to turn on all the lights in the living room and put on my reading glasses in order to read a book. And I'm only 47! What happens in 20 years? I figure I better start getting used to one now.

>179 UnrulySun: Kathy, no, I haven't had to download any. MrMorphy is a big ereader and has a huge library of scifi/fantasy.

>187 LauraBrook: Laura, glad you enjoyed the playlists. I may post another on occasion as mood strikes me as they seemed to go over well.

>188 Berly: Berly, yeah, I wouldn't recommend this particular Roberts trilogy. I did like the Three Sisters Island, In the Garden, and Key trilogies.

>189 ronincats: Roni, you'll love this... I'm going to re-read every Lackey she's ever written from the beginning! Bwhahaha. I'm a sicko.

***

Speaking of sickos, for those of you that don't know, I have a weight loss blog. The nasty people are coming out of the woodwork lately. Here are some of the *lovely* posts I've been getting:

"I can't beleive people like you exist. There is no point to you and you are a drain on society"

"I pray you die soon and leave the earth for a more deserving crop of people worth the space."

"People like you make public transit unbearable."

All anonymous, of course, except for the last which was from "jonh galt." I don't publish these types of comments, but I still end up reading them. What is it with these people? Do they have nothing better to do than write nasty posts?

Oh, dang. How do *those* sorts of people exist, is what I'd like to know? How can they be so self-deluded to think that what they're saying is, what?, clever? worthwhile in any way? Sheesh. I'm sorry you had to read them at all.

I always wonder what kind of psychological hole the haters have, that needs to be filled by hurting others. I always keep the comments turned off on news sites, because they really bring out the yahoos, too.

**

We're about the same age, Morphy, and I understand about the eyes. I've had bifocals for a few years now, and reading still isn't as comfortable as it used to be.

>190 Morphidae:: I'm with Amber; truly horrible.

>185 Morphidae:: I picked up (because loads of LTers mentioned it recently) Anna and the French Kiss. Maybe if I can read it in time, I might actually be able to get some TIOLI points. If I also remember to put it under the same challenge; but I'd probably pick 2 for myself, as well.

>190 Morphidae:: A Mercedes Lackey re-read? I could join you - library books permitting.

By the way, I do hope I'm not persona non grata around here; I suppose you won't be joining us for the group read of Jhereg? :0)

Checking in to say I am glad to hear the good news about Mr. Morphy :)

Morphy - I "love" those moronic messages you've received; isn't it telling that there is a correlation between grammatical efficacy and common decency. I mean the dickhead couldn't even spell his own name properly.

I'm sorry you had to deal with such horrible comments. I really don't understand some people.

Thanks for your review on Foreign Correspondence, which I'll add to my wishlist. I've read most of her books and loved them (except for Calebs' Crossing which I haven't been able to get through. I thought her non-fiction book Nine Parts of Desire was very interesting.

>190 Morphidae: Oh, lord, some people just shouldn't be allowed to read Ayn Rand. Isn't that an Atlas Shrugged character? I'm pretty sure he didn't spend his time trolling blogs, though.

Morphy, my eyesight was perfect until I turned 45. It was all downhill from there. I'm 52 and there are any number of things that are difficult about aging, but I think losing the ability to read anything, anywhere, anytime, under any circumstances (without looking around for my glasses) is the thing I find most difficult.

I am so sorry that such unkind and, dare I say it, worthless excuses for human beings feel compelled to post on your blog. I have, over the years, explored a few different websites (although not many in the grand scheme of things) and I have abandoned so many of them because of people's incredible cruelty and lack of recognition that there is a human being on the other side of that post. I don't get it. I remember that bumper sticker that was popular for so long: "Mean People Suck." And they do. I hope you continue to keep your blog for yourself and ignore the fools who think they are clever or smart or better in any way than you are. They aren't. In any way.

ETA: One of the things I love about LT is that people are kind to one another. We certainly disagree about books, but we do so with respect and, occasionally, good-natured teasing. Never with meanness or denigration. I'm grateful for that.

>191 scaifea: Amber, I know! I mean, all the spam is bad enough, but jeez.

>192 SylviaC: Sylvia, I used to wear contacts for all hours I was awake. I used to HATE my glasses. But then my doctor fussed at me and said I need to give my eyes a couple of hours rest. Now sometimes I totally forget to put my contacts in!

>193 humouress: Anna and the French Kiss is a quick, smooth read, humouress. You could get it done, I'm sure! And it would be fun to have a companion in a Lackey re-read. I'll be reading The Oathbound next. And, haha, NO, not joining you for the group read. :D

>194 alcottacre: Stasia, thanks for stopping in and the well wishes.

>195 PaulCranswick: Paul, you made me laugh!

>196 Tanglewood: Michelle, I've now read all of Brooks' books and Caleb's Crossing is my least favorite. Nine Parts of Desire is her best, I think.

>197 Cynara: Cynara, yes, John Galt is an Ayn Rand character. Somehow I find it apropos that someone willing to call themselves John Galt is an ass.

>198 EBT1002: Ellen, I'm with you. Mean People Suck. I'd add the caveat that *for the most part* LT people are kind to each other. Just stay out of the Politics and Religions threads!

***

I was going to go to Thimble Bees today. It's a group of ladies at my church who knit/crochet/quilt items for charity. But it's just too darned cold! The high today will be 0F/-17C. Maybe next month.

>185 Morphidae: I am very fond of Anna and the French Kiss but it's definitely not quite on par with The Fault in Our Stars. If you're looking for YA along those lines I'd suggest something by Sara Zarr or Sarah Dessen. Let me know if you'd like some specific titles. :)

Hiya Morphy. Pooh on mean people. And don't get me started on the whole eyesight thing. The only good thing is I didn't have to put goggles on today while working on glass. I was already protected!! LOL (Picture on my thread. No, not of me and my glasses--the art projects!!)

Took me awhile to catch up! Wave "Hi!"

Looks like a great batch of reading Morphy! As for the posters to your blog, bitter souls like the ones you mentioned never see the sun for what it is or appreciate the beauty that is around them.

>200 MickyFine: Micky, I'm good for now. I'm about to crack open City of Ashes by Clare Cassandra. I find I prefer the SF/F YA.

>201 Berly: Berly, and, oh! What's with it taking forever for your eyes to refocus when you move from say the TV to the computer screen? Bah humbug.

>202 jadebird: Renee, thanks for stopping by! *waves back*

>203 lkernagh: Lori, I like the saying, "I may be fat, but you are ugly and I can diet."

***

Today I'm off to the senior center to meet the Hidden Treasure ladies for chat, crochet and crafts. I missed last week because I was being a hermit. We'll be having turkey and all the fixings for lunch. I'm looking forward to it!

I'm doing okay with this last class since I started Googling the answers to the quizzes. (It's allowed.) The class textbook is of absolutely no help and I don't feel like dragging out all my accounting textbooks - our other option. I don't know what I'm going to do with the mid-term actual exam which is timed though. Ugh.

>204 Morphidae:: What classes are you doing now, Morphy?

It's called Comprehensive Review for Accreditation in Accounting. It's my last class before graduating with an Associates in Accounting.

Hi Morphy-- (Throwing spitballs and erasers at the losers who left insults on your weight loss blog. Their comments don't bear dignifying my saying anything about such obviously untrue crapola). I'm sorry you were slimed.

At one point my eye doc had me doing what he called 'pencil pushups' for the near/far focus on my eyes. It consisted of holding a pencil at arm's length, focusing intently on it and then moving it slowly to my nose, focusing all the way. Then move pencil back out again. It's harder than it sounds, strengthens the focusing muscles, but gives me a bit of a headache if I did too many. I was doing several sets of reps a day.

The refocusing issue is something that my bifocals (progressives, actually) really helped. Now I can move my eyes back and forth between my book or iPad and the TV without any conscious refocusing at all.

I've worn glasses for distance since I was ten, and everything was great until I hit 40. I could remove them to read, but then I have to hold the book ridiculously close to my face, and can only see part of the page at a time. With the glasses I have now, I hold the book more comfortably, but still can't focus on the whole page. That's the biggest thing I miss about my younger eyes.

I know. I have to give myself a little break after reading before I go drive my car. Soooo annoying!! I think I may try the pencil excercises in #207!!

Hiya Morphy! Just catching up in here.
First off, you are worth more than all those stupid mean people combined. Why don't *they* all disappear and leave room for better people. Sheesh!
Secondly, you're really cranking out the books! And taking accounting classes. What're your plans after getting the degree?

Hi Morphy! Just passing through to say hello. It amazes me how cruel folks can be sometimes... but I find that usually their cruelty stems from jealousy or dissatisfaction with their own lives. So, poo to them and high fives to you -- your commitment and willpower is inspiring. :)

Hey Morphy!

As big a Heinlein fan as I am, I have to agree with you about Waldo & Magic, Inc. - not his best work by any stretch.

The first Valdemar trilogy, however is a completely different issue! I honestly have no idea how many time I've read it, but the number is substantial. I join you in a reread of a few of the upcoming books.

>207 streamsong: Did the eye push-ups help, streamsong?

>208 SylviaC: Sylvia, I've worn corrective lessons since first grade. "Coke bottles" until I was 13, then contacts after that. I have found that I can read better at night with my glasses than I can with my contacts though.

>209 Berly: Berly, let me know if those exercises work!

>210 UnrulySun: Kathy, my plan, as soon as I'm physically able, is to get a part-time bookkeeping job and then eventually a full-time bookkeeping job with a company with benefits!

>211 dk_phoenix: Thanks, Faith. High fives and fist bumps!

>212 Dejah_Thoris: Dejah, the next Heinlein up is Farmer in the Sky. How is that one?

***

Today is a quiet day at home. Meals on Wheels will bring me lunch. I'll take another chapter quiz, read LT threads, keep reading City of Ashes, work on some artist trading cards, etc. What are you doing today?

The February Morphy Mighty Monthly Read is The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin over in the Green Dragon: http://www.librarything.com/topic/148439.

Farmer in the Sky is, as I recall, another of his more YA books (one of the boy's magazine serialized books). I remember it in a general way as being ok, but it's not one I've repeatedly reread. There's something a little dark about it...obviously, it's time to reread it!

>206 Morphidae:: Um ... to be honest, I'm not really any the wiser. :0) No matter.

I went into the city to get The Last Unicorn, and picked up Elemental Magic, which is an anthology in Mercedes Lackey's Elemental Masters series. It seems to have only been published last year. Will you be reading that, too?

>214 Dejah_Thoris: Dejah, thanks for letting me know.

>215 humouress: humourous, it's a review course for the last two years of my accounting classes. And I read everything Lackey out. Sometimes to my regret.

Today, I'm pulling some collection stats for one of the branches in the library system I work for. The exciting life of a research librarian. ;)

Morphy, I always get some good book recs whenever I come visit your thread. The only Ursula La Guin I've read were Fish Soup and Tales from Earthsea. I have The Wind's Twelve Quarters in my TBR Tower that I still have to get to though.

>217 MickyFine: Micky, whoo hoo! It was more exciting than my day. It ended up being a Do Nothing But Read Day.

>218 cameling: Caro, maybe you'll join us for the group read of The Lathe of Heaven?

***

Today, volunteering at the church reception desk - time to read! I'll be reading The Oathbound by Mercedes Lackey on my Nook. Bwhahaha. Then this afternoon I'll need to do all the stuff I put off from yesterday, like my homework. Oops. Last night we watched a fun episode of Stargate SG-1 from the last season. I haven't been enjoying the last season as much as others - it doesn't have the same sense of humor since Richard Dean Anderson left. But Arthur's Mantle seemed to find the old sense of humor again.

I envy you the Do Nothing But Read Day, Morphy. I don't get those much these days. Also, on weekends when I don't do much I tend to watch more TV than read. My own fault, that.

>220 MickyFine: Micky, we canceled cable and so the only TV we watch is on DVDs from Netflix. It helps a lot!

***

Today I'm meeting my old boss for lunch at Pei Wei's - a Chinese-American restaurant. I stopped working almost four years ago and we've gone out to lunch once a month since then. One month we go out to Olive Garden (Italian), the next month to Pei Wei's, and the next month is a new restaurant each time. Then we start over again at Olive Garden. Except for November when we get together for his (with his partner) and MrMorphy's birthdays at Benihana's - a Japanese steak house. Yum yum!

Mmm, Japanese. But Pei Wei is yummy too. :) Have a nice lunch out and rest of your weekend Morphy!

Just poking my head in, as I was looking for people from the 75 books challenge who had read some books similar to ones I had read, and you have both Ready Player One AND A Tree Grows in Brooklyn as recent favorites.

I just read Ready Player One this month, as I got it as a gift from my SantaThing, and I adored it. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was a summer 2011 read for me, and it was just beautiful.

Glad to see there are others like me out there.

My thread (with a review of Ready Player One closer to the bottom) is here.

Oathbound was a favorite Lackey for me, probably my next favorite sub-series after the original series.

Though it's hard, I try to have compassion in my heart for those who are so damaged they can only validate themselves by denigrating others. But I am much more sorry that they are inflicting themselves on you, Morphy, and causing you pain. Wait--did that come out right? I feel much more for you than I do them, is what I meant to say.

>222 UnrulySun: Kathy, how was your weekend? I had beef lo mein, pork egg rolls and lettuce wraps at Pei Wei's. Yum!

>223 Esquiress: kcrisell, have you read Divergent? It's my most recent favorite.

>224 ronincats: Roni, I think my next favorite series by Lackey was Storms. I love Karal. Those nasty people were bothering me but I knew if I told you all about it, you'd make me feel much better and I could handle it again. Thanks so much for being there for me!

***

I'm struggling with my weight loss so I'm kicking off a challenge for myself. My daily calorie range is 2000 - 2200, so my challenge is that for the next 30 days that I won't ever go over 2500 - no matter what.

Yesterday I had 1993 calories so...

>225 Morphidae: *shakes pompoms* Go Morphy!

Woo hoo! Good for you!

Good luck with keeping the calories under control! Just remember not to punish yourself if you do slip, but with you setting your goals like that, I'm sure you'll succeed.

Congratulations on the calorie count! Woohoo!

Just stay out of the Politics and Religions threads...
Have no fear. I never wander in that direction. I like my blood pressure to be relatively stable.

I love your 30 day commitment. It seems important to create small challenges and goals for yourself as you move toward a larger goal. Anything we can do to help, you just call.

17. Preludes and Noctunres by Neil Gaiman

Genre: Graphic Novel

Notes: TIOLI #22 (mostly pictures), Graphic Novels (13 in 13), 1001 Fantasy

Summary: Mythic story of how the Sandman got captured, escaped and regained his power

Opinion: Confusing at first and dark in tone, it eventually became intriguing. The graphics were okay. I like them better than the pristine color and line of current graphic novels but the cover graphics were very well done. I think I'll look into further issues.

Rating: 7

18. Into the Woods by Kim Harrison

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy

Notes: To complete bibliography

Summary: Tales from the Hollows and Beyond

Opinion: I was a little annoyed that some of the Hollows stories were reprints but there was enough new stuff here to keep my interest even though a few were just re-tellings of the same theme - bad dryads. I'm not sure what it was, but some of this just felt old.

Rating: 7

19. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #2 (haven't heard of before LT), Second Book (13 in 13)

Summary: YA paranormal fantasy about a teenage girl in New York

Opinion: Oh my god. Drama, drama, drama. Angst, angst, angst. If Clare wasn't a decent writer, I don’t know if I could have finished this. As it is, I don't know if I can pick up another one of these. Too much teenage melodrama for me. I can't handle the whining lately. I think it's me more than the books. I read an old favorite by Lackey and I don't remember a previously liked character bothering me this much. I just want to yell, "Pull up your big girl panties, grow up and DEAL with the situation." I want to read about people being proactive, not "shoulda coulda woulda" as my grandmother would have said.

Rating: 6

20. Maigret and the Old Lady by Georges Simenon

Genre: Mystery

Notes: TIOLI #21 (meant to read in 2012), Around the World in 80 Mysteries (12 in 12)

Summary: A French detective gets called in to determine who killed a old woman's maid

Opinion: Thankfully this was short. The mystery and characters were quite boring. It had no charm whatsoever, though it tried. Either the characters were unlikable or two dimensional. The villain while not unexpected, was not lead up to well in the plot. It felt shoved in.

Rating: 4

21. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Genre: Children's

Notes: TIOLI #3 (not Big 6), Books Every Geek Should Read to Their Kids

Summary: An arrogant toy rabbit learns over many years to love

Opinion: The only reason this didn't get a higher rating is I felt a little emotionally manipulated at times. "Let's see what other horrible things we can do to this character." Otherwise this is a fabulous (though dark at times) story for all ages with delightful illustrations both in color and two-toned. I'm going to look into other books by this author.

Rating: 8

22. Burning Water
23. Magic's Pawn
24. The Oathbound by Mercedes Lackey


Genre: Contemporary Fantasy, Fantasy, Fantasy

Notes: Rereads

Summary: TIOLI #20 (new to me method - Nook), TIOLI #8 (limited series - trilogy), TIOLI #7 (letter B)

Rating: 7, 7, 7

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh
The Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lang\
Magic's Price by Mercedes Lackey

On Deck:
Eona by Alison Goodman
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins
The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin

Morphy, I stopped reading City of Ashes for the same reasons you almost gave up. Too... much... DRAMA!!! A friend of mine just finished reading all of them so I just had her fill me in on what happens. It's too bad, because Clare is a good writer, and the world-building was interesting and unusual enough, but... I can't handle the dramz any more.

I have an "Angst! Angst! Angst!" tag that I use for books like that.

I had the same problem with Cassandra Clare's books. I couldn't get thirty pages into the first book. But I loved Magic's Price. I'm always extremely happy when I see someone rereading or reading that series of Lackey's. Anyways, happy reading!

oh crap. I have the trilogy. I think I'll bury it at the bottom of Mt TBR and forget it there.

Another one here who can't handle the angst! At least, when it turns into crabbiness, moping, and self-pity rather than action. I have Clockwork Angel on the shelf, but keep passing it over because I'm not in the mood for moody teenagers lately. I'm sure I'll get to it eventually though; so many good reviews can't be all wrong, can they? ;)

Wishing you good luck and good choices with your calorie challenge! It always seems so very tough but I think you've set a great manageable goal so hopefully some positive momentum can carry you on forward. :)

>225 Morphidae:

Morphy,
I haven't read Divergent yet, but I definitely want to. I also bought it for a friend's teenaged daughter for Christmas :)

Did you love it? I've heard so many rave reviews on it!

-Esquiress

>238 LauraBrook: Laura, I agree. I liked the world-building and if it didn't have all the *DRAMA* I could have continued. As it is, I read the wiki summaries to find out what happened next.

>239 foggidawn: I love it, foggidawn!

>240 Kassilem: I finished Magic's Price last night, Melissa. *sigh* So sad. I think the next Lackey up is the second Oath book.

>241 majkia: Jean, if you don't like drama- and angst-laden YA, that's a good idea.

>242 UnrulySun: Kathy, there is one part where one teen realizes that another teen doesn't like him/her the way s/he wants so does a "flounce" and goes and puts themselves into mortal danger. All I could do is roll my eyes.

>243 Esquiress: I don't like a lot of YA, kcrisell, so when I like one, it means something! So, yeah, I recommend Divergent.

***

Calories yesterday: 1998



***

It's super icy today. MrMorphy said that someone pulled out of their driveway and couldn't turn so went sideways down the street. Later I heard someone with brakes squealing as they tried and failed to brake as they went down our street. We live mid-way down a short hill so it's been interesting. I called the non-emergency police line to report it about half an hour ago and they already got someone out here salting.

I've been lucky the last two months with Early Reviewers. Last month I won Animal Wise by Virgina Morell. The subtitle is "The Thoughts and Emotions of our Fellow Creatures." And I just found out I won Starting Now by Debbie Macomber. I read my first Macomber in the last month or two and it was nice and sweet. Sometimes I need something like that.

Congratulations, Morphy, on day two of your calorie challenge! Congratulations, too, on snagging a book you think you'll like.

I hope you don't have to go anywhere until the roads are clearer - icy roads are miserable.

Have a great day!

>244 Morphidae:: Yay! for the calorie count, and Yay! for the books.

ETA: I like that picture of your mum 'with' you, at the top here.

I think I have a Georges Simenon book on a TBR list. I may want to rethink that one!

Yes! Sandman. In my opinion, the series mostly just gets better from there. The last few are probably the best.

>244 Morphidae:.

YA used to really be my thing, but since I've stopped teaching high school I've kind of distanced myself from it (though not completely), so I will definitely be giving Divergent a go very soon.

Thanks so much Morphy!

-Esquiress/ kcrisell

Hurrah for day two, Morphy! You can do it!!!! Hey, I noticed you have The Moonstone lined up. I have it but it's a whopper of a book and I have to be in a certain kind of mood to pick up a chuckster or I'd join you.
And you're absolutely right, nasty blog comments are made by those with nothing better to do. Why don't they book up a book?!

I love The Moonstone.

Yay Morphy! 1998 seems just right for your challenge. :)

The "flounce" made me laugh. I'm not too into flouncing. I just can't stand when one teen stakes their whole existence on another liking them. eyerolls! Still, you know they're making a movie out of this one too, right?

Morphy - I recall you saying last year .. "300, never again" - 24 books in 29 days - please explain! (pro rata 302 books predicted).

>225 Morphidae: Go! Morphy, I am rooting for you and know how difficult it is to control eating cravings. Yasmyne tore a strip off her mother yesterday for "bringing too much food junk into the house" and she has said we will all boycott the potato chips, chocolate, pastries and cakes that seem to make up a huge slice (forgive the pun) of the household fayre. I was nodding but I think SWMBO realised I was the weak link in the group of protestors.

Waving "Hi"

>245 Dejah_Thoris: Dejah, nope, not going anywhere until tomorrow, thankfully. But the high will be only 1F! Brrr!

>246 humouress: I thought it was pretty neat myself, humouress.

>247 thornton37814: Lori, other people have liked it. If you want to try it, it's only about 100 pages.

>248 Cynara: Cynara, I'll add Sandman to my series list then!

>249 Esquiress: I go back and forth on YA, kcrisell. Sometimes the teen drama gets to me and I stop reading for awhile then a book appeals to me, like Divergent and try again.

>250 Carmenere: Lynda, those nasty bloggers tend to not be all that literate, if you hadn't noticed!

>251 Cynara: Cynara, I really liked The Woman in White by Collins so I have good hopes for The Moonstone.

>252 UnrulySun: Kathy, yeah, I saw they were making a movie. Maybe we'll be lucky and it will focus more on the action and less on the angst!

>253 PaulCranswick: Paul, well, it won't be on purpose! Besides, several of those are re-reads of old favorites and they go really fast.

>254 jadebird: *waves to Renee* Thanks for stopping by!