lindapanzo's 2013 reading--2nd inning

Back for a second inning.




BOOKS READ IN APRIL

34. Dresden: A Survivor's Story by Victor Gregg--finished on 4/1/13
35. A Killer Read by Erika Chase--finished on 4/2/13
36. A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams--finished on 4/4/13
37. The Chinese Orange Mystery by Ellery Queen--finished on 4/6/13
38. The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel--finished on 4/9/13

BOOKS READ IN MARCH

23. Unusual Uses of Olive Oil by Alexander McCall Smith--finished on 3/2/13
24. Long Shot by Mike Piazza--finished on 3/4/13
25. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque--finished on 3/7/13
26. Murder Most Frothy by Cleo Coyle--finished on 3/9/13
27. A Death in the Small Hours by Charles Finch--finished on 3/13/13
28. Princess Elizabeth's Spy--by Susan Elia Macneal--finished on 3/16/13
29. You Were Never in Chicago by Neil Steinberg--finished on 3/21/13
30. Red Velvet Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke--finished on 3/23/13
31. Easter Bunny Murder by Leslie Meier--finished on 3/26/13
32. Baseball as a Road to God: Seeing Beyond the Game by John Sexton--finished on 3/28/13
33. Good Tidings by Terri Reid--finished on 3/28/13

BOOKS READ IN FEBRUARY

17. Lost and Fondue by Avery Aames--finished on 2/3/13
18. A History of Chicago's O'Hare Airport by Michael Branigan--finished on 2/5/13
19. J.R.: My Life as the Most Outspoken, Fearless, and Hard-Hitting Man in Hockey by Jeremy Roenick--finished on 2/11/13
20. Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 by Stephen Puleo--finished on 2/16/13
21. 43*: When Gore Beat Bush-A Political Fable by Jeff Greenfield--finished on 2/20/13
22. Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia Macneal--finished on 2/23/13

BOOKS READ IN JANUARY

1. One Last Strike by Tony La Russa--finished on 1/1/13
2. Studs Terkel's Chicago by Studs Terkel--finished on 1/1/13
3. Illegally Iced by Jessica Beck--finished on 1/3/13
4. Alou Makes the Catch: An Alternate History of the Chicago Cubs--finished on 1/4/13
5. Walter's Perspective: A Memoir of Fifty Years in Chicago TV News by Walter Jacobson--finished on 1/6/13
6. Fonduing Fathers by Julie Hyzy--finished on 1/8/13
7. Cardington Crescent by Anne Perry--finished on 1/9/13
8. Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich--finished on 1/12/13
9. Death Times Three by Rex Stout--finished on 1/13/13
10. Book, Line, and Sinker by Jenn McKinlay--finished on 1/15/13
11. Killer Librarian by Mary Lou Kirwin--finished on 1/18/13
12. Wins, Losses, & Empty Seats: How Baseball Outlasted the Great Depression by David George Surdam--finished on 1/20/13
13. And Then You Dye by Monica Ferris--finished on 1/23/13
14. Faith Under Fire: An Army Chaplain's Memoir by Roger Benimoff--finished on 1/25/13
15. This is My Song: A Memoir by Patti Page--finished on 1/27/13
16. Wherever I Wind Up by R.A. Dickey--finished on 1/28/13

Happy new thread!

From me too! WHAT a month you had in January! 20 read! If I could do half that well consistently, I might read what I own before I die. As it is, I'm going to have to live a really long time.

Hi: Good to see you guys visiting here. Peggy, as good as my January reading was, my February hasn't been that good, though my most recent book, about the 1919 Boston molasses flood, was outstanding.

I tried a pair of well-regarded books for Fantasy February and did not do well with these and put them aside.

You're off to such a great start. I'm glad to be along for the ride.

Besides a new thread, I'm also starting a Spring Training read thread. I've chosen 6 baseball books of all sorts to read during the 6 weeks of Spring Training, til the league-wide Opening Day of April 1st.

If you'd like to join me on one of the baseball books I've decided to read, or if you'd rather read another baseball book or even talk about baseball books or the game, just stop by at:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/150143

Note for nonbaseball fans, one of my choices is a baseball-related Civil War novel.

Whee!!! You're cooking if you need a new thread already!

The molasses flood book sounds really good, Linda. I'm putting it on the wishlist.

stopping in to say hi, will have to check ou spring training.

Morning Linda- I hope you are deep into your 3-day weekend and enjoying every moment of it! Congrats on the 2nd inning!

Thanks for visiting. I'm not as chatty as some so 9 innings should be plenty for this year. If not, I'll go into extra innings.

It's a cool but sunny Sunday. Mom and I had a quick breakfast and then ran out to Target. We had a lovely day at the movies with an early dinner yesterday.

For the remainder of the day, the agenda includes reading, probably either Mr. Churchill's Secretary or else the Mike Pizza autobiography, as well as Chicago Blackhawks matinee watching, followed by the season finale of Downton Abbey tonight. Unfortunately, I know the big surprise. Sigh.

Linda--I'm looking forward to reading Dark Tide when I can get my hands on a copy.

wow....a new thread....I'm proud of you. Wish I had time to read a baseball book this year, but with all my Maine Readers Choice reading, I'm flat out.

Oh, a book about the 1919 Molassess Flood sounds very interesting!

Congratulations on the new thread, Linda!

Dark Tide was great, wasn't it? I thought a particularly nice job was done integrating the disaster into political/cultural situation that existed at the time. I can';t believe that I spent so much tourist time in Boston and eventually lived there for a while without ever hearing about this event!

I'm off to visit your baseball thread - it sounds like fun!

Book #21

43*: When Gore Beat Bush-A Political Fable by Jeff Greenfield--finished on 2/20/13

Though I'm enjoying my current mystery and current baseball books, I took a break to read this quick, yet interesting, alternate (political) history Kindle single by Jeff Greenfield. A year or two, I read his alternate presidential history book and enjoyed that one. This Kindle single did not disappoint either.

The author does a "what if" Gore had won the election in 2000, instead of Bush. He does not see a way that a recount would have gone Gore's way, with the GOP controlling the recount apparatus in Florida. However, he suggests, that had the Elian Gonzales situation played out differently, the election most likely would've gone the other way.

The political policy discussion was interesting but, to me, the highlight of the book was the large portion dealing with how September 11th would've happened differently, and not in the way I would've expected.

I like to think about "what if's" and so really liked this Kindle single by a knowledgeable political observer.

so send me a spoiler and tell me how 9/11 would have been different!

Book #22

Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia Macneal--finished on 2/23/13

Though it started very slowly, not picking up til nearly halfway through, I really enjoyed this first-in-the-series mystery/espionage/romance book set in World War 2 London. The lead character, Maggie Hope, is a British woman raised in America and a mathematics whiz who is about to start at MIT when she travels to London to try to sell a house she inherited but then manages to become a typist for Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

The author does a wonderful job of dealing with how it felt during the nightly bombing raids on London. My only gripe was keeping track of the characters at first. Because it's the first in the series, I think she got the book going somewhat slowly as she started developing the characters.

Wonderful book. I immediately reserved the second one in the series at the library.

Carrying on with the Mike Piazza autobiography. One baseball book during each week of Spring Training might be ambitious but I'll give it a shot.

As for fiction, I'm uncertain as to whether I want to start, at long last, the next William Kent Krueger mystery, Blood Hollow or Unusual Uses for Olive Oil by Alexander McCall Smith. It's been years since I've read a Krueger book but this "other," little-known series from Alexander McCall Smith is my favorite series among all of his.

Anyway, due to the fact that the Olive Oil book is a library book, I am leaning towards reading that one first. Later in the week, I've got a long train ride downtown to attend the opera and may take the Krueger book along for the ride.

Linda> Now I've got to add Mr. Churchill's Secretary to the TBR list.

Glad you like Mr Churchill's Secretary - I thought it was great!

At least I know if you read Blood Hollow there will be no BB since the series is already on my list!

For what it's worth, Linda, Blood Hollow is my favorite of all the Krueger mysteries I've read so far (and I've read 7). I gave it 4 1/2 stars.

Hi Linda, I thought I would post a link to the March Mystery Month . I think this theme is more in line with what you like to read, so I hope to see you over there.

Thanks for letting me know, Judy. I'll be all over this one, unlike Fantasy February, which turned out to be a flop for me.

Between baseball, mysteries, and the All Quiet on the Western Front group read and, hopefully, Mark's The Big Rock Candy Mountain group read, I should be pretty much set for March.

I've started the All Quiet on the Western Front group read thread at:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/150543

I'm sorry that your fantasy reading wasn't your taste. I'm infinitely curious. What did you try and then reject, Linda?

Peggy, I started Neverwhere. I got probably 20 percent into it maybe and just didn't like it at all.

A little while later, I started Jasper Fforde's The Eyre Affair. Okay but again, I could not get into it. With this one, I may try it again sometime.

Yay!! I got the ER book I wanted, the one about the Station Night Club fire disaster.

Hey Linda - I think you liked Mr. Churchill's Secretary a little more than I did. My big complaint was that she explained everything seemingly endlessly. I know she and her editors were assuming that many reader would not be familiar with the events/culture etc. of the time - but honestly! The second book was ok - enjoyable. The very different setting is entertaining and the look at the Royals - well, I let you find out for yourself. I'm looking forward to hearing what you think.

Congrats on your ER book!

Dejah, I think that was more of a problem in the first half. It was slow. Once she let the story happen, it picked up.

#24 - 25 lindapanzo > Fantasy, well written, can be good. My early fascination with books was fanned by sci-fi in the "golden era" of Clarke, Asimov, Heinlein, etc. There isn't much difference except that Fantasy doesn't even have the "logical" touchstone benchmark of sci-fi. Consider that Tolkien is fantasy, as well as Harry Potter, both worthy of a read. And recently I finished a series by David Drake on recommendation of a friend.

What sets fantasy / sci-fi apart is that the author can create imaginary backgrounds and characters to discuss real world issues without being tied to historical accuracy. There have been some great quotations taken from such books that rival the best of non-fiction. Don't give up on 'em.

Got home safely after driving through 7-8 inches of snow. Never once saw a snowplow. Terrible conditions.

My 40 minute commute took me over 2 and a half hours.

Linda- Glad you made it home safely. Sounds like a nightmare! Funny how it works, my commute was almost normal.
I wish I could join the group on All Quiet on the Western Front. I've never read it but I am booked-solid.

Linda - that sounds miserable. I'm glad you got home ok.

Clever March Challenge, btw.

Great review of Mr. Churchill's Secretary

Glad you made it home.

Huge reorg at work. They are totally moving things around and cutting 6% of the people.

Our group has no cuts, for a change, and is mostly staying intact. Our mgr is getting promoted and our asst mgr is moving up so things are good for us.

Awaiting word on who we know in other groups might be losing their jobs.

That commute is nothing compared to the normal 40 minute commute turned to 7½ hrs for husband a few years ago. Just count your blessings you made it home safely.

What a relief that your department is being spared the cuts, but I know it must be difficult knowing others are losing their jobs.

It IS a relief that we were spared. However, a friend from another dept, whom I've known since my first day here almost 27 years ago, lost her job yesterday. She started on the day after her high school graduation and was here for 42 years.

On a cheerier note, today's my cute little nephew's 10th birthday. No, it wasn't a leap year day but he was born a few hours before mine. He's really growing up!!

#39 by @lindapanzo> Man, did they at least offer her early retirement? That sucks.

My friend is getting a great package, plus retiree health. She deserves it.

Celebrating my special day with a matinee performance of Rigoletto at the Lyric Opera in downtown Chicago. Then dinner at a new to us Italian place.

42 at the same employer - wow. I'm glad she'd getting a good package - I hope she enjoys her retirement.

I also hope you enjoy Rigoletto!

ETA: Hey wait a minute - it just clicked in. Today's your birthday, right?

Have a wonderful day and many happy returns!

Happy Birthday, Linda! Have a good time at Rigoletto, and at your Italian dinner.

Happy birthday Linda! Italian food sounds like a perfect complement to Rigoletto!

Thanks Dejah, Joe, and Carrie.

Got off the train and went to the restaurant. They were playing Luciano singing songs from Rigoletto.

Joe, I'd forgotten how much windier it can be downtown.

Happy belated birthday!

Belated birthday wishes, Linda!

I got the ER book about the Station Night Club fire, too. I really wanted it -- so much so that I didn't request any others, even though several were appealing. Such a horrible disaster, I 've always wanted to learn more about it and how and why such an awful thing could happen.

Belated Birthday Wishes, Linda. I hope you had a lovely day.

Thanks for the birthday wishes. I've had two days of birthday festivities. Lunch out again on Monday with a friend and brunch next weeked and it'll be over. I'll have to spend my Amazon gift cards wisely, too.

Terri, I've been doing that, too. If I want something, that's all I ask for. I don't know that much about the Station Night Club fire, either, but definitely want to learn more about it.

Happy Belated Birthday Linda!

Book #23

Unusual Uses of Olive Oil by Alexander McCall Smith--finished on 3/2/13

The Portuguese Irregular Verbs series may well be the least-known series by Alexander McCall Smith but it's my favorite. The books include delightful, somewhat amusing stories about German Romance linguisttics professor Dr. Moritz-Maria von Igelfeld whose claim to fame is that he is the author of a 1,200 page tome on Portuguese irregular verbs. This is the most recent one, the fourth in the series.

If you haven't given this charming little series a try, I'd recommend it.

I actually haven't read any Alexander McCall Smith - I think I'll start with Portuguese Irregular Verbs. Thanks!

I've read the first in the African mystery series. Also most of the Sunday Philosopher's Club, though I've given up on that series. I think I also read one or two of the 44 Scotland series, I think it's called.

I'm looking forward to Unusual Uses for Olive Oil. My favorite so far in this series is The Finer Points of Sausage Dogs. It's one I have to be careful about reading in public because it makes me laugh so hard.

Carrie, I don't laugh loudly but I chuckled when I read it. I was reading this on the train.

I'm hoping, at long last, to finish the Mike Piazza autobiography today. Then, I'd like to get started on All Quiet on the Western Front and also a cozy or something light, too.

February Recap:

--6 books completed

Favorite Book of the Month: Dark Tide by Stephen Puleo about the Boston Molasses Flood

Least Favorite Book of the Month: No real duds but my least favorite of the month was probably the one about the history of Chicago's O'Hare Airport. Even that was pretty good.

Book #24
Long Shot by Mike Piazza--finished on 3/4/13

Before I read this autobiography of baseball star, catcher Mike Piazza, I thought he was a self-centered jerk. I sort of still think so but I got a lot of insights into why he is that way.

Actually, for the serious baseball fan, this is an excellent memoir. He talks about his career but offers a lot of insights into the game, as well.

Recommended for the baseball fan. Others probably would want to skip it.

Gearing up for our fourth major weekly snowstorm in four weeks. Ever since our local groundhog foretold an early spring, we've been getting a lot of snow!!

Fortunately, other parts of Chicagoland (not where I live) are expected to be harder hit, for a change, this time. Hurray!!

No more snow! Boo! Hiss! Now, I wish I was off tomorrow instead of today. And yes, the storm is tracking south for a change. Only fair. I just hope it's not as bad as it looks. All crossables crossed.

I am not driving in heavy snow like I did last week. Packing up everything and working from home tomorrow. I am not getting stuck again.

50s by the weekend. Hopefully, it'll all melt.

Now that I've finished the Piazza book, at long last, I intend to focus on a cozier mystery, as well as All Quiet on the Western Front, and possibly a baseball book.

We had flurries over the weekend, but thankfully the light accumulation was gone pretty rapidly.

Oooh, two ER books that I really want this month. A baseball book and a mystery. I hope I get one. If I do, I'll have to track down the other one and read that too.

Was the mystery His Majesty's Hope?

Yes, it is, Cheli. The baseball book is the bio of Fred Hutchinson.

I'm about to read the second Maggie Hope book and would not mind getting the third one from ER.

I requested that mystery too. I also requested several other books. I will try to check NetGalley later to see if any of the titles show up there, but for now my list is quite long. I may pare it down before the end of the month.

Book #25

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque--finished on 3/7/13

I rarely ever re-read books but made an exception for this wartime masterpiece. I read it over 30 years ago, when I was in college, so I figured it was time.

In simple, straightforward language, the author deals with the horror of wartime, for German soldiers in the trenches during World War 1. In particular, the focus is on a group of school friends who go off to war together.

Beyond what happens, though, there is a lot of discussion about how an entire generation of men was ruined for living, even for those who survived it, by that war.

Very powerful, a book I would highly, highly recommend.

Next up, I've got about a half dozen cozy mysteries I'd like to read, along with a few baseball books.

After reading the Piazza book and All Quiet, I think I'd like something lighter.

First up, I think, will be the next in the series, for me, in the Cleo Coyle coffeeshop series, Murder Most Frothy.

I think French Pressed is my next in that series. I'll think about it. I don't think I had that one scheduled to read this month. I've got a lot of other things I need to read though.

Book #26
Murder Most Frothy by Cleo Coyle--finished on 3/9/13

I enjoyed this fourth in the Cleo Coyle coffeeshop series. This one is set in the Hampton's. Besides learning about the locale, as usual, I learned about coffee and art.

Very enjoyable series, though I tend to forget about this one.

I need to try that Cleo Coyle series. I think I have the first one on the shelf . . .

Linda, I actually laughed out loud (there may have been a snort, too) when I read your review of the Piazza bio - too funny! I've always thought he was a jerk, too, but then I was never a Mets fan.

It's been years since I read All Quiet on the Western Front and I'm still not certain I'm ready for a reread. Kudos to you for picking it up again.

There are quite a few ER books I'm interested in this month - far more than last month. It's always fun to see what we all end up with!

I got absolutely no reading done today. What an exciting, momentous day. God bless Pope Francis!!

Dejah, All Quiet is a powerful book but this 50-something read it differently than my 18-year old self did.

Book #27

A Death in the Small Hours by Charles Finch--finished on 3/13/13

I really enjoyed this 6th novel in the Charles Lenox series set in Victorian era London by Charles Finch.

You'd think it'd be tough to have a member of Parliament spending a lot of his time solving a murder mystery but the author manages to get Lenox and family out to the country, visiting his uncle, while writing a Parliamentary speech.

I liked reading more about Lenox's family, while, at the same time, reading a pretty good mystery.

This series keeps getting better and better for me!!

Tonight's the long-awaited Janis Ian concert. I'm very excited about it.

I understand that she won a Grammy for "Best Spoken Word" for her reading/recording of her autobiography. Good for her!! It was an excellent book, btw.

Linda - somehow your thread got un-starred and I lost you. I've found you again only to discover that I missed your birthday. It sounds like it was a nice one - belated good wishes.

I'm not Catholic and not very knowledgeable about their players, but I was pleased they chose a non-European. The little bit of information I read about him today makes me think that Francis might be a bit of fresh air in the Vatican.

I think I have the Charles Lenox series on my wishlist - off to double check it now.

Glad I'm re-starred. That happens to me, too, especially when I read LT on my smart phone. After awhile, I think that someone's been awfully quiet. Sometimes, I inadvertently click "ignore" for people who ought to be starred. Then, as today, I'll go on my pc and see who I'm missing.

It was a good birthday. As is typical, the celebration lasts awhile. I'm getting together for a "birthday brunch" with some friends this Sunday and then the "birthday season" will be over for another year.

I was eating lunch and reading in the cafeteria yesterday when a co-worker wondered by (we all needed to get new ID photos taken) and she told me about the white smoke. I called my sister who was unexpectedly excited about it. She breathlessly told me everything she knew.

Then, when the official announcement came, she called and I sort of repeated the info so my co-workers could hear.

Chicagoland is a very Catholic area so this was exciting news. One woman, who is Lutheran, seemed most excited of all.

I don't know much about him. Of course, he's far more conservative than I'd like, but he seems like a truly humble man and I love the fact that he's focusing on social justice. I also like the fact that he not from Europe.

Overall, I like him and am warming up to him in a way that I never did with Benedict.

I'm not religious at all, but I was avidly watching the announcement yesterday. My second major was comparative religion so this stuff fascinates me to no end. I too think it's very interesting that he's so different from the status quo. The first New World Pope. The first Jesuit Pope. Someone who is very interested in alleviating poverty and not a proponent of pomp for pomp's sake. I think he's a good candidate for shaking things up a bit.

I just wish (a totally unreasonable wish at this point in time, the Church still being very conservative) that he wasn't so anti-gay.

Yes, he does seem very conservative. But, religious or not, most men of his age are conservative, so I suppose it should be no surprise. I was hoping they'd choose a younger man.

Someone who wasn't at least fairly conservative wasn't going to be elected pope - at least he's from Latin America and appears to be both deeply spiritual and humble. It's too bad he's also very anti Liberation Theology, even though he seem to feel strongly about poverty. It'll be interesting to see what happens to the Church under his guidance.

I was a bit surprised they didn't go for a younger guy too.

Staying at the hotel adjacent to the concert venue. Just got on the elevator with a man with a guitar. Looks like James Taylor. Nice guy. He's the opening act and IS James Taylor's brother.

Hi Linda- Just checking in. Winter will not go away, will it? At least it's been mostly dry. I started Candy Mountain. I think this will be a very good book but it will not be a fast read. Have you cracked it?
BTW- I have had All quiet on my to-read list for several years now. I am glad you loved it.

That wouldn't be Livingston Taylor, would it? He's recorded some good stuff. He sounds a lot like his brother, too.

What a great evening you must be having, Linda!

Carrie, it WAS Livingston Taylor. For some reason, Janis Ian performed first. Many of her biggest songs, like Society's Child and At Seventeen. Also a song for which she wrote the music, at the request of the Woody Guthrie family for a lyric of his they later found. Something about remembering how one's mother sang.

Ian was tremendous, despite sound problems and despite the simple "one woman/one guitar" and no set approach.

Liv Taylor performed second and, unfortunately, a lot of people took off at intermission. He looks like the slightly nerdy younger brother of James Taylor. Sounds a bit like him, too. He's got some clever, funny songs that he's written.

After a night of folk music, today, I went to the Lyric Opera for La Boheme. Excellent.

As for reading, I've gotten pretty far in the second Maggie Hope mystery, Princess Elizabeth's Spy by Susan Elia MacNeal. Fearful that the 14-year old future queen Elizabeth might be kidnapped, Maggie is set up at Windsor Castle as Elizabeth's maths tutor, to keep an eye on her.

Really enjoying this one. Now that many of the characters are established, from the first book, she can concentrate more on the plot.

Book #28

Princess Elizabeth's Spy--by Susan Elia Macneal--finished on 3/16/13

Last month, I absolutely loved the first in the Maggie Hope World War 2 spy mystery series, in which she worked as Winston Churchill's typist. I liked this one even more. This series is quickly becoming one my favorites and I'm really looking forward to the next installment.

In this one, due to fears that the 14-year old Princess Elizabeth might be kidnapped or otherwise harmed, Maggie is sent to act as Elizabeth's maths tutor.

I love the historical feel and "color" to these books. Memorable characters and plot. Highly recommended!!

I'm glad you're enjoying the Maggie Hope series. I tried this one and it didn't work for me, but I know I'm in the minority as most readers seem to love it. I'm a little curious about what will happen with the cliffhanger at the end of the book so maybe I'll pick up the next one at some point.

Carrie, they are almost "cozy spy novels."

Next up, I'm reading my baseball and religion ER book in earnest. After I watch the NCAA tournament selection show. Baseball as a Road to God.

After brunch with friends, I had a B&N gift card to use up. Bought a book about baseball and World War 2 Playing with the Enemy, a book about the 1963 Loyola Ramblers Ramblers, and 1001 Days in the Bleachers, a book about Chicago sports.

I'm glad you liked Princess Elizabeth's Spy, Linda. I think I must fall somewhere between you and Carrie - I didn't like it as well as you did, but possibly more than Carrie. I'll definitely read the next one. Have you requested the ER copy?

I have asked for it, Dejah, along with a baseball book. I really want the next Maggie Hope book so I may drop my request for the baseball book.

Right now, I've got three good books going. The latest Joanne Fluke mystery, Red Velvet Cupcake Murder (I'm not that far into this one but these are always "comfort reads"), along with Neal Steinberg's You Were Never in Chicago, as well as the baseball ER book, Baseball as a Road to God.

Book #29

You Were Never in Chicago by Neil Steinberg--finished on 3/21/13

My favorite book of the year, so far!!

Sixty years ago, A. J. wrote an essay calling Chicago the “Second City.” Apparently, it contained withering criticism of the city. Among the outraged responses from Chicago residents was a postcard that read, simply, “You were never in Chicago.”

The author of this book, a columnist from the Chicago Sun-Times, who moved here from Ohio to go to Northwestern University's journalism school in the late 1970s (in other words, a transplant), jas presented a beautifully written collection of stories about Chicago history and Chicago present.

What does it mean to be a Chicagoan? Do you have to have been born here? No, while those of us who were born here do tend to talk about whether we're north siders or south siders and also what parish they were from (I'm a north sider from St Hyacinth), that's only a part of the Chicago story.

Absolutely loved this book for the stories and for the fact that Steinberg is an exact contemporary of mine and a real throwback kind of guy who appreciates the past.

Even though I live and work in the suburbs and haven't lived in the city in over 40 years, I still think of myself as a Chicagoan. Some co-worker transplants to the city wonder how this could be, I ought to give them this book.

I note that the "One Book, One Chicago" choice is The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson.

Possibly just the nudge I needed to tackle this one.

Nice review, Linda! You should post it on the book page. I'll put this on the tbr. Love the background on the title. I'm a late 70s transplant, and our two kids (you met Becca) grew up in Chicago.

Really nice review Linda - I agree; you should add it to the book page. I'd be happy to give it a thumbs up!

Thanks Joe and Dejah. I rarely post reviews on the book page unless it's for an ER book but I put this one up. I sometimes do if I have a strong opinion and I certainly do on this book.

Next up is the light and fluffy Red Velvet Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke. I figure I can read while I'm watching hoops tonight.

Gracias, Linda. Thumb from me, too.

A light, fluffy mystery and hoops sounds good!

I hardly ever watch hoops, Joe, except around now. I might point out, however, that picking the opposite of me would probably put you higher up on the leaderboard.

Even though I didn't go there, my sentimental favorite is St Louis University. If I'd gone to meteorology school, instead of the career path I chose, that's where I would've gone.

You're not alone, Linda - a lot of people find the "one and done" drama of the NCAAs irresistible, while finding the rest of the hoops season highly resistible. There are a lot of St. Lou fans out there, and people who think they may be the surprise team this year. It'll be fun to find out.

Wisconsin got upset today by Ole Miss, by the way. Surprising - I thought UW would go pretty far.

I like Wisconsin. Those ladies on the train heading to the UC last week for the Big Ten tourney were Wisconsin fans and they were feeling pretty confident. I thought Wisconsin would go further after its great showing in the Big Ten tourney.

Kind of pulling for Harvard. Butler and Gonzaga are always appealing though they're in the tourney so often that they're not as appealing as underdogs anymore.

Notre Dame is always a favorite.

Also tend to root a bit for the schools that friends have gone to, such as my LT friend who I think went to Wichita State.

Book #30

Red Velvet Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke--finished on 3/23/13

This is the latest cozy in the long-running Hannah Swensen series. She's still making cookies and sleuthing. The plot was a bit more interesting than usual but she's still wishy washy.

Enough here, at least, to get me to continue with this series, I think.

Wow, my Chicago book's review is in Hot Reviews. First time for me in a long, long time.

Morning Linda- Boo! No more snow! You should be safe up in the northern reaches. Great review of You Were Never in Chicago. Another Thumb! That one really sounds like a winner. I'll have to slap it on the WL.

Mark, I think you'd appreciate some of the stories.

We might get an inch out of this, at most, sounds like.

Finally, I'm about halfway through Baseball as a Road to God.

I saw a mention of this in the local paper but Ruth Ann Steinhagen, the crazed woman who shot Phillie (and former Cub), Eddie Waitkus, in a Chicago hotel back in 1949, has passed away. There's a long obit about this in today's New York Times.

This event was included in Bernard Malamud's baseball novel, The Natural.

Steinhagen was obsessed with Waitkus, building a shrine to him. He was Lithuanian so she studied Lithuanian. Her apartment was full of pictures of him. When he was traded from the Cubs to the Phillies, she had a breakdown. Eventually, she decided that, if she couldn't have him, no one could.

On the day in question, she tipped a bellman five bucks (a tremendous sum back then) to deliver a letter to Waitkus's room in the old Edgewater Beach Hotel and, unbelievably (it was a different time, stalkers were unknown), he went to her room where she shot him in the chest, piercing a lung and damaging his back.

He recovered after surgeries and played for 6 more years. She was declared insane and spent 3 years in an asylum.

She was only 19 when this happened and quietly passed away last December, unnoticed by the newspapers for several months.

Congratulations on your Hot Review, Linda!

What a sad story - poor woman. I hope she was able to find a measure of peace and sanity the rest of her life. And I', gals that Waitkus was able to play six more years!

One wonders what he thought he was going to her room for....

Besides the baseball ER book, which is ok but somewhat disappointing, I've started the new Leslie Meier book, in honor of the upcoming holiday. Easter Bunny Murder.

I'm not sure how much of a role Easter has in it but still.

Baseball as a Road to God just arrived this morning from our lease book company. I was shocked when I looked at the label Baker & Taylor had put on it. They classified it as Fiction. I had to make a new label and put it in the right spot in non-fiction.

They thought it was fiction???? That's pretty funny!

Dejah> I thought so too. I was not going to leave it in the wrong spot, especially not on a Baptist liberal arts college campus.

Definitely not fiction.

I'm about halfway through it and I'd call it more religion than baseball.

He uses baseball to illustrate religious themes, such as doubt, faith, conversion etc.

It's also a bit more scholarly than I'd expected. Not a quick read.

It should be right in my wheelhouse, but for some reason, I just don't like it as much as I thought I would.

My mother is in 76 but is in excellent health, generally speaking. Years ago, she had a back ailment and got shots for pain. It's actually been ok for her in recent years.

However, during the big snowstorm a few weeks ago, she shoveled. Really hurt it. Then, on Friday, she somehow aggravated it.

In my 52 years, I've never seen her complain about pain, ever, or even take an aspirin for pain. However, she was begging for some relief. I got her solon pas patches just to tide her over to the dr's appointment tomorrow and have been giving her advil.

She's not sleeping, except in the recliner and we've been helping her out of chairs and other spots.

It's heartbreaking to see her going through this, not to mention how much she seems to have aged just in the past few days.

It's scary to me that she says it hurts too much to cough. I do not want her to get pneumonia.

Last night, I sat with her til she fell asleep, then sat and read nearby til I couldn't stay awake anymore. Even while I'm sleeping, I think I'm listening for her to call out.

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. I hope they can relieve her pain and then do something more long-term for her.

Oh Linda, I'm so sorry for the pain your mother is in. It's wonderful that you're able to be with her. I hope the doctor will be able to alleviate the pain and that the problem is minor and the solution is simple. Good thoughts and wishes and prayers are headed your way.

Linda, I'll be praying for your mother, and you too. I hope the doctor is able to offer a solution that will relieve her pain and allow you both to get the rest you need.

Book #31

Easter Bunny Murder by Leslie Meier--finished on 3/26/13

A few books ago, in this long running series, I got to thinking that maybe the series had run its course. Happily, the author seems to have gotten a second wind.

In this latest installment, number 20 in the series, I think, I thought there'd be an Easter theme but, in fact, there wasn't much in it relating to Easter.

Still, I enjoyed it. It's a somewhat interesting mystery, though the mystery is secondary to the look at the care and abuse of the elderly.

If you like cozies and haven't read anything in this series, I'd highly recommend it to you. Very enjoyable for the cozy lover.

? How is a look at the abuse of the elderly cozy? I believe you, but unless there are chocolate or bunnies involved, I think I'd feel mislead by that title.

I hope your mother starts doing better soon! Sounds miserable. I don't know how people can stand getting old.

Well, the person abused in this book is a multimillionaire woman who no longer gets fresh flowers. Her relatives are stealing her money and treating her badly.

My objection is that kids on hand for an easter egg roll witnessed the easter bunny's murder. Otherwise, I liked it.

Got a chuckle out of this...

My local library posted a picture of the computer catalog file showing that its copy of The Book Thief has been stolen.

Hi Linda, I stopped by to wish you an early Happy Easter, and then read about your Mom. I hope the doctor was able to help with the pain. Snow shovelling can be so very hazardous, I know my Dad suffered for the years he had to shovel snow when we lived in Ottawa.

Thanks, Judy. Mom went to the doctor yesterday. He thinks she's got a displaced vertebrae. She goes back on Wed but I don't know what the treatment plan will be.

I'm up to the "8th inning" on the Baseball as a Road to God book. My opinion of it keeps changing.

Also reading Good Tidings, the second paranormal mystery from Terri Reid.

Book #32

Baseball as a Road to God: Seeing Beyond the Game by John Sexton--finished on 3/28/13

(Early Reviewers book)

Besides attending upwards of 25 baseball games per year, I also typically read at least a dozen baseball books per year, sometimes more. This is my favorite baseball book for this year, and, indeed, probably for the recent past. Be forewarned, however. It’s not a light read. While the author writes beautifully, at times it’s a bit too academic for most readers. It’s a book to be read in small doses, and savored.

The author, the president of NYU, teaches a course on the subject of baseball as a road to God, writes beautifully about both baseball and religion. Many of the elements associated with baseball—faith, doubt, conversion, and miracles, just to name a few, are also elements associated with the religious experience. This book, which presents many of these common elements in innings, as in a 9-inning ballgame, explains how baseball evokes the essence of religion. Nonetheless, the author admits that, for many people, baseball is not only not THE road to God, it’s not even A road to God.

If you’re a numbers cruncher type of baseball fan, you may not enjoy this book, which speaks more towards of a loftier view of baseball, the meaning of the game. But if, you’re a baseball fan, like me, who loves to see the beauty and majesty of the game, someone who loves to see the big picture, you’ll probably love this book.

If you, like me, love to read about baseball, you will probably love the appendix, which provides a long list of books and articles assigned for the NYU course over the years. Lots of books to add to the wishlist.

A few minor gripes. Sometimes, the book is a bit too academic for me. How many times can one author use the word “ineffable,” for instance? The St Louis Cardinals do not play Meet Me in St Louis during the 7th inning stretch (though they do play it before the game), and, instead, play the Budweiser Clydesdale Song after the 7th inning. Also, I love Doris Kearns Goodwin’s writing, especially about baseball, so it’s disappointing to me that her foreword to this book is missing from this ER, advance uncorrected proof. In the big picture, however, these are minor details to an otherwise outstanding book.

Excellent review, Linda. Thumbs up from me.

Glad that the doctor has been able to figure out what the problem is, but what is he going to do about it? Did he give her something for the pain? If she's anything like my Mom she won't take heavy duty painkillers unless you make her. Will be thinking of your mom and you, I understand back pain. :-(

Hope it works out well for your mom, Linda.

Good review! Thumb from me.

Linda I completely missed the update on your mom. Wednesday is a long time - like Cheli, I hope the doc gave her something for the pain. My best thoughts for you both.

Thanks for your good wishes and concern.

When she overdoes things, it hurts a lot. She is a dynamo of energy so it's tough to get her to back off. Rest, Advil, and the pain medication patches are what he suggests as a temporary fix.

I think we're finally getting her to realize she needs to take it easy.

I've been giving her an arm to get up off the couch and other difficult spots.

At Easter Brunch, I'll probably get her juice and see about helping her fill her plate. Not in an obvious, embarrassing way though.

I was really hoping for the third Maggie Hope mystery from ER but I also sorta wanted the Mike Shannon biography of Fred Hutchinson.

Not too surprising but I found out, just now, that I won Hutch, the baseball bio.

I don't know that much about him, except what I've heard from old-timers so I am looking forward to reading it.

Cheli, as you said, my mother won't take painkillers. I never ever remember seeing her take aspirin or anything like that. One time, a glass soda pop bottle broke and slashed her knee open. I think I was an early teen, not yet driving. She drove herself to get help.

She's got a really high tolerance for pain so, for her to be so disabled by it, the pain must be quite intense.

Thanks for the thumbs. Another HOT REVIEW!!

Two in one week!! Woot-woot.

It's hard to know how to request for ER. There were a lot of books I wanted this month - the two I wanted most were Ancestors of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter and Hit By Pitch - and then a bunch of mysteries including the one you wanted. I only requested the first one and fortunately got it. But I was convinced for a while I wouldn't get anything at all....

I imagine you get baseball books anytime you request them, the way I get fantasy and science fiction when I do.

ETA: Way to go on the Hot Reviews! Woohoo!

I think that's right, Dejah. The only time I don't get a baseball book is when I request more than one.

I'll usually get mysteries, but not always.

I kept toying with dropping my request for the baseball bio. Actually, I thought I had more time to decide. Didn't realize that the ER announcement would be today.

On the other hand, this baseball bio is probably harder to track down while the new Maggie Hope mystery will be everywhere.

At the rate I'm going for Chicago and baseball books, maybe I need an extra category next year.

Difficulty and expense to find/acquire influenced my decision on asking for only one, too. And you're right - there will be lots of copies of the Maggie Hope mystery floating around!

Have you read Hit By Pitch? It's already been out a while...

#134, no, I haven't read that one but, years ago, I read the excellent book by Mike Sowell on that topic. The Pitch That Killed. It's been awhile so maybe I should track this one down, too.

Actually, after reading about the death of Ruth Ann Steinhagen, I'd like to track down a book about her and Eddie Waitkus.

I've learned that if I request more than one book on the ER list, I'll usually get the one that was lower on my list, so if I really want a specific book, I only request one. That said, usually the month that I really want a specific book, I really want a few specific books and then I have to decide which I want most.

If this were Louise Penny or someone like that, I would've asked for only one.

I'm glad I got the baseball book though. I've put the Maggie Hope book on reserve at the library.

I expect to finish one more book this month, at least, giving me 33. Last year, I finished the month of April with 33 books so I'm ahead of my pace.

Of course, last year around this time, I had a HUGE reading lull. No such lulls this year.

I've been following the updates about your mom - I hope she'll agree to take it easy long enough to heal. I also have healthy, active parents just about the same age as your mom. I dread the time when they are no longer able to "bounce back", but not as much as they do I imagine. Take good care of her.

Thanks, Sandy.

Mom and Dad are both 76 right now, though Dad'll turn 77 in a few months.

Bouncing back isn't as easy as it was, even in my early 50s. I'm sure it'll be worse for mom. They told her that her back is a mess so it won't be easy.

It is ironic that The Book Thief was stolen by a book thief. Hope your mom is doing well.

Book #33

Good Tidings by Terri Reid--finished on 3/28/13

Typically, I don't care for paranormal elements or stories but I make an exception for this series of paranormal mysteries. In fact, seeing ghosts, as shown in the mystery, can be useful in a whodunnit.

This is the second Mary O'Reilly paranormal mystery set in Freeport, IL, though much of this one takes place in Chicago at Christmastime.

Somewhat cozy but full of characters I like. This series is a recent discovery of mine and one that I'd recommend.

Happy Easter, everyone!!

I'll be around off and on all weekend. I've got a three-day weekend, in fact.

On Saturday, my baseball fanatic friend (even more so than I am) and I are driving up to Milwaukee to see the last exhibition game of Spring Training. Between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago White Sox. Good thing it doesn't count or this Cubs fan would be really torn.

On Sunday, Easter Brunch with my family and a co-worker whose family is all on the East Coast.

On Monday, watching lots and lots of Opening Day baseball.

You and the 99 cent Kindle price for Loose Ends have convinced me to give the paranormal series a try. I don't usually read them either.

Lori, I always get them as a Prime member. I guess that forces me not to read too many at once, since I want to grab other books, not just the Reid books.

Mom Update: Mom slept in her own bed, albeit propped up on a bunch of pillows and nearly sitting up. First time in nearly a week though.

She's also getting crankier, which I take to be a good sign. She's definitely not well when she seems too sad and helpless.

Cranky can be good - much better than sad.

I am so looking forward to Monday. I was just thinking today that if I weren't in rehearsal for a show I could be in Atlanta Monday night watching the Braves trounce the Phils....

Enjoy the game Saturday!

I think I'd rather borrow one of the $12.99 ones than a 99 cent one, Linda. I've been trying to borrow from our Library's Overdrive when available too.

Cranky is good! It must mean she's feeling a little better.

I had a great time at the White Sox/Brewers game today. The Brewers were down by 2 but took the lead in the 8th and kept it. The roof was closed, though it was beautiful out. I can understand why since it started to drizzle on my way home.

After Take Me Out to the Ballgame, in the bottom of the 7th, in Milwaukee, it's customary to sing Roll Out the Barrel. I saw Bernie Brewer doing the polka with the Easter Bunny.

MARCH RECAP

I had a good reading month in March, reading 11 books.

Three were outstanding:

--my re-read of Erich Maria Remarque's World War I novel, All Quiet on the Western Front
--Neil Steinberg's terrific book about Chicago You Were Never in Chicago
--John Sexton's baseball and religion book, Baseball as a Road to God

No duds whatsoever this month.

Lots of plans for April. I'd like to read Tennessee Williams' play A Streetcar Named Desire before I go to the Renee Fleming opera next weekend at the Lyric Opera. I'm also reading, with VictoriaPL, Monuments Men, about World War 2 Nazi art theft.

As usual, too, I'm oversubscribed with TIOLI challenges. One primary focus for me in April is to read all five Agatha Award nominees for Best First Novel.

Happy Easter, Linda! Hope you have a great day, with your family. Did you ever see my response about the Meet-up. I hope you can make it, even if it's for a little while.

Happy Easter, Linda!

I join Mark in hoping you can make the meetup.

Hi Joe and Mark: Hope you enjoyed the holiday.

I'll try to make it but it's doubtful.

Mark, who knew that you have Home Run Inn's so close to you? We love that place but haven't been since the close-by one closed. We're making plans to get down to one, soon.

Happy Easter, Linda!

I've been a little over ambitious in my planning for April, too. It's a good thing the TIOLI Challenges allow for guilt free removal....

It's almost baseball, it's almost baseball.....tonight's game doesn't count.

It counts if you're an Astros fan or a Rangers fan. Not sure why they had these two teams open the regular season, except maybe that the Astros moved from the National League to the American League. I thought the defending World Series champs, the Giants, should've opened.

Besides the Cubs tomorrow, I'll probably be tuning into ESPN, which has a quadruple header. I'm off of work tomorrow so you know I'll be watching a lot of ballgames.

I work from home and usually do not keep the tv on, but tomorrow I'll make an exception!

I've never entirely understood the rationale for the opening day teams. It'll be so weird to have the Astros in the AL - gone over to the Dark Side....

My game is during my rehearsal tomorrow night, so I'll record it. Unless they tell me not to come so I don't get the rest of the cast sick - there may be an upside to this after all.

It'll be so weird to have the Astros in the AL - gone over to the Dark Side

Mwa-ha-ha! :)

Book #34

Dresden: A Survivor's Story by Victor Gregg--finished on 4/1/13

I polished off this little Kindle single quickly, of course. The author talks briefly about his days as a British POW in Germany during World War 2. However, the bulk of the book focuses on his experiences in Dresden on the night of the firebombing in 1945, as well as his efforts at trying to rescue and clean up afterwards.

As is usual, the Kindle single itself doesn't get into much detail so I can't rate it very highly. However, the author has a full-length book out, dealing with the entirety of his WW2 experiences. I might track down Rifleman.

Phew....way far behind on threads....just breezing thru to say hello....happy spring....good reading....

Sure hope your Mom is able to get some relief and feeling better soon. Backs are nothing to mess with....since everything is attached to them, pain there just seems to make us hurt all over.

Enjoy baseball season!!

Hi Tina: Good to see you here.

I took Monday off, as I traditionally do, to watch Opening Day.

I saw all of the Cubs game (even the nailbiting part when Marmol came in, in the 9th inning), as well as parts of about 4 or 5 other games, as well as most of the St Louis Cardinals game.

I had my current reads nearby and read a bit. Erika Chase's A Killer Read, a first in the series, isn't bad. However, I am finding Monuments Men, a joint read with VictoriaPL, absolutely fascinating.

Also took a break and watched the entire Blackhawks/Predators hockey game.

Whew. Giving my eyes a rest today.

Book #35

A Killer Read by Erika Chase--finished on 4/2/13

I really enjoyed this first-in-the-series cozy featuring a Southern reading specialist, Lizzie Turner, and her mystery readers book group, the Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese Straws Society.

This month, I'm aiming to read all the Agatha Award nominees for Best First Novel, including this one.

Besides some characters I want to hear more about, even though I had trouble keeping them straight, at the start, I also enjoyed how past mysteries played a role in the present case.

I also loved how the author includes snippets from current mysteries, such as those by Cleo Coyle and Lorna Barrett, at the start of each chapter.

I've already picked up the second one in the series. For my friends who love cozies, I'd highly recommend this one.

Updated Mom news...

Mom went to the dr this afternoon and her back is "very bad" with severely displaced vertebrae. Basically, bone on bone.

For now, he wants her to swim 3 days per week. The last resort, sounds like, would be surgery to put a plate in.

The fear is that she might lose bladder and/or bowel control. If it gets any worse, I guess, but, for now, her reflexes are fine.

Oh Linda, I'm so sorry the news isn't better for your Mom. I hope they were able to come up with plan for the pain. My best wishes to you both.

Wow, no wonder she's been having so much pain. I hope the swimming helps with the pain and mobility.

The weird thing is that she is about the most phsycially active person I know, in terms of life activities, not in terms of taking exercise classes etc.

Linda, I don't know if you saw this sale on baseball books for Kindle over at Amazon. They have some great titles (David Halberstam and Roger Angell) for $2.99 each. The sale lasts until April 16. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=s9_al_bw_feat?ie=UTF8&docId=100111...

I picked up the two Halberstams and all three Angells. I've read other books by both of them and I love their writing.

Book #36
A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams--finished on 4/4/13

The last time I read a play, I think it was for a high school English class back in the mid 1970s. I think, but am not positive, that it was Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House.

However, I'm going to see Streetcar, starring famed American soprano, Renee Fleming, at the Lyric Opera in Chicago and I wanted to be familiar with the story beforehand so I read the play.

Outstanding. Powerful. Loved it.

Throughout, I was trying to think of it as how it'd be performed as an opera. They can get by without a lot of characters, besides Fleming as Blanche DuBois, along with her sister, Stella, and Blanche's brother in law, Stanley Kowalski. Probably the neighbor woman and poker players, including Mitch. Not many others, though.

Really looking forward to it.

After reading this play, also looking forward to reading another.

Good for you, Linda. The opera sounds great. Looking forward to hearing your reaction to it. Does Renee Fleming have a connection to Chicago? She sure seems to love it here.

Joe, I'm not sure of her exact title but she might be Lyric's artistic director. I don't think she plans the programming but I think she is sort of the "big picture" idea person for the future artistic direction of the Lyric Opera.

She also does an annual subscriber concert and one of these years, I'll actually get there to see her. I'm thrilled to finally hear her perform.

I heard that Andre Previn wrote the music for the Streetcar opera with her in mind.

Julia, not sure how I overlooked your baseball post but I have to check these out.

I've read quite a few of these and bought a couple of the others, such as the Jimmy Piersall book. However, I have to look carefully at each. I hate to let a good deal on a good baseball book pass me by.

Linda - I'm so excited you enjoyed Streetcar that I've written you an extensive answer about other plays you might read over on my 13x13 Category thread.

I can't wait to hear about the opera!

Interesting. In anticipation of tomorrow's Lyric Opera performance of Streetcar, I was reading up on famed American soprano, Renee Fleming. She had two children and then divorced. More recently, she was set up by author Ann Patchett on a blind date with a corporate lawyer, a man she later married.

Fleming is the Lyric's "Creative Consultant."

Have a nice weekend! And have a great time at the Opera. I have never seen an opera. How shallow is that? Come on, I am a beer & book guy!
And yes, we have a Home Run Inn, very close by.

Mark, I've been known to go to the opera and then bring a change of clothes so I can go to the hockey game after. Note that I would not wear a hockey jersey to the opera, though the matinee performances aren't all that dressy.

Have a great time at the Chicago meet-up. Hope you don't get caught up in the hoops crowds.

Busy weekend ahead. The opera and the Cubs Home Opener on Monday afternoon. My Sox fan friend called to say that her friend with the front row seats can't use them on Sunday so I'll be in the front row for the Sox game, too. Just past first base. At least there, if it's cold or rainy, we can go thaw out in the Stadium Club

Hi Linda

I'm sorry your mom has such a wicked back condition. The pain must be very difficult.

Your weekend sounds like it will be lovely!

Enjoy.

Wow - you have quite a weekend coming up! Front row seats! *faints*

#175 Even more amazing...the Cubs would charge about $350 for these seats. For the Sox, $37, including parking and Stadium Club access.

#174 Thanks, Linda. The bowel/bladder problem is scaring her. This morning, she and my father went over to the Y to take a test visit/swim. They liked it and are going to join.

So happy to hear that some people still observe a sense of decorum when dressing for public events.

You got me with the BB on A Killer Read...I notice Chèli has it on her TBR pile and have asked her to reserve it for me when she finishes. Ain't sisterhood great?

Sure hope your mom gets some relief from swimming. I know that working out in the pool (I started with a gentle arthritis stretching course and moved on to water aerobics---now I jog for 40 minutes in the pool) really helped me go from "crippled old lady" to being able to be much more active and "normal" again. Drugs help too, but I'm convinced that weight loss, exercise, and good books all add to our well being. Prayers for your Mom and your whole family.

I'm thinking of you at Streetcar while I'm watching the Cubs/Braves game (it's the top of the 8th). Given that my team is down by 4 runs, I think you are definitely having a better time than I am! I should probably add that the Cubs have the bases loaded....

I can't wait to hear about it, Linda.

Now it's the 9th and your team is only down by 1 and our so-called closer who can't ever get anyone out is up.

The opera singers, particularly Renee Fleming and the New Zealander baritone who sang the Stanley role, were amazing. However, I don't think this worked as an opera. It had a simple set and a small cast and, besides a few arias, no memorable music. In a huge opera house with no microphones, it just didn't work. It would've been perfect in a smaller venue.

After the fact, one review I saw said that this wasn't really an opera. It was a drama with music.

The couple on one side and the two middle aged ladies on the other side got up and left at the second intermission.

Oops, Marmol gave up a homer to the first Brave he faced. Tie score.

Oh brother, Marmol did it again. Cubs lost after he gave up two homers to the three batters he faced.

Thanks, Tina. I may start joining them, too. I don't have much swimming endurance but walking in water would be good, too. Lots of water-based classes, too.

Book #37

The Chinese Orange Mystery by Ellery Queen--finished on 4/6/13

This is one of those plot-driven Golden Age mysteries (from the mid-1930s) featuring sleuth Ellery Queen and his father, Inspector Richard Queen. (I loved the TV series way back when.)

Everything about this mystery was backwards. The victim was found with his clothes on backwards and everything in the room was turned around, facing backwards.

A nice puzzler. Sometimes, I love a good, clever, old-timey mystery.

Just about halfway to my 75 book goal for the year!!

Ummm...sorry, Linda. I spoke too soon. I had been reading about Marmol's issues today, but, well, who knew?

I'm sorry the show wasn't very good. Turning plays into opera must be very, very tricky. Do you think having read the play beforehand helped or hurt your experience?

I keep putting off joining the health club with a pool, even though I love to swim.

ETA: And congratulations on your 75 progress! Maybe 150 this year!

Hi Linda- We had another great time at the Meet-up! We missed you & Laura. Hopefully, everyone can make it next time. We have such an entertaining bunch. Sorry the play was just so-so. And Marmol has to go! What a basket-case!

Glad it was fun, Mark.

Dejah, at this point, I think I'm tired and crabby. It was a long day.

I think it helped reading the play right before seeing it. I thought the Mitch role was a lot bigger in the opera. The tenor who sang the Mitch role was very good.

I've got two books going right now. One nonfiction, Monuments Men, which I'm reading with VictoriaPL.

I also started the first Anne Perry World War 1 mystery, No Graves as Yet. This is the one I'll probably take on Monday for the long bus ride to Wrigley Field for the Cubs Home Opener.

Hi, Linda! Wow, somehow I got over 100 posts behind on your thread. Very sorry to hear of your mother's severe back problems. I hope the swimming therapy helps and she doesn't need surgery. I know people for whom it has been very helpful.

Also sorry I missed your birthday, way back last month.

You've done great reviews here. Sounds like you had a good reading month in March.

Hey Linda - I hope you enjoyed the White Sox game on Sunday!

Hectic times. I attended the opera on Sat. I think I've talked about that.

On Sunday, we were in the front row at the White Sox game. It was deceptively warm. I had my winter coat but left the winter hat/gloves in the car. It was so warm that we sat in our seats with our coats off. Then the wind shifted and we got really cold. Ran off into the Stadium Club to warm up.

On Monday, went to the Cubs Home Opener. It was 46 and rainy when I left home. An hour later, when I got to the spot where I catch the bus, it was 64 and sunny, but incredibly windy (50+ mph). The same at the ballpark, too.

Some people had t-shirts and shorts. At Wrigley in April?!?

I had my winter coat, again, as well as my hat and gloves this time. I didn't need them but I did wear the hat only because my baseball cap kept blowing off.

The Cubs nearly pulled it out in the 9th inning. With the bases loaded and the wind suddenly blowing in, in gale force proportions, Starlin Castro hit the ball to the warning track. Earlier, that same hit would've been out on Sheffield. Bad Cubs luck that the wind had just shifted.

Fun times. I didn't read much, however, except in the evenings.

I should finish The Monuments Men soon. However, I discovered that the movie doesn't come out til shortly before Christmas.

Hi Terri. Mom has been swimming every other day or so and her back seems better. She met one of my co-workers and me for lunch today and didn't seem to be having any problems.

Hi Dejah. I think I'm going to get back to some more of those Agatha-nominated books, after reading this excellent WW2 book.

Linda, I know I've had to wear mittens at Wrigley in July, when the wind is blowing just right. We were sitting in the shade behind home plate, and it was freezing even though it was probably in the 70s in the sun.

Marmol needs to go, I think.

He really got booed yesterday, both when he was introduced during the pre-game and also when he came into the game.

I was hoping the Rolling Stones would play at Wrigley but they opted for the United Center. Since I was enroute to the game when the tickets went on sale, I entrusted the task of buying the tickets to my friend. She was not successful. The main reason is that we refused to get the $600 tickets.

$600?! That's insane.

Why do people keep paying those crazy prices? It's all supply & demand. I seen them back in the 70s, probably paid less than 20 bucks. Good enough for me.

It is insane. I think they're playing on our feelings that this could be their final U.S. tour.

The "cheap" seats, $150, sold out instantly. I don't think it's worth it.

We are supporting and encouraging the entertainment industries (sports, music, etc.) by paying exorbitant prices for tickets. These mega-millionaires soon forget that those of us in the real world don't toss $100 bills around like Kleenex. As a retiree, I spend my discretionary money on things that I can use and re-use rather than on transitory memories. I hate to be a curmudgeon, but it just ain't worth it to me.

Book #38
Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel

I've read some terrific books in the past few and this one is another such book.

This is the story about the soldiers who, during World War 2, tracked down and saved famous and not-so-famous artwork that had been stolen by the Nazis. The author's focus is on the handful of men who worked in the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives (MFAA) section, particularly in France and other "northern European" countries (but not Italy, which had its own MFAA people).

Absolutely fascinating, in terms of both the art itself, how this unit was put together, and how these soldiers tracked down the missing art. Also interesting to read more about the German mindset, especially as to the order, as the war was winding down, to destroy anything in Germany that might aid the enemy.

I've read quite a bit about World War 2 and this was a whole new area for me. After reading it, I want to read more, especially about Rose Valland, the French art historian who did so much to save her nation's artwork during the war (but got little credit for it).

I hope he writes more on this topic, particularly on the MFAA people in Italy, as well as more on the post-war efforts to return the art. This book focuses more on wartime activity, though the author provides information on what happened to the main MFAA soldiers discussed in the book, as well as some of the Nazis and a few of the French and others.

Highly, highly recommended!! I've been saying this a lot but, once again, this one will go on my "favorites for the year" list, no doubt about it. It was a lot more fast-paced than I'd expected.

I should add, too, that later this year, Monuments Men will be released as a movie. I think it stars George Clooney and Matt Damon. Release date is 12/18/13, I think.

Looking forward to seeing it, after reading the book. Also look forward to reading more on this topic.

You can tell when I liked a book. I won't shut up about it.

I note that a Monuments Men-type book but for the rescuing of art treasures in Italy, also written by Robert M. Edsel, is due out next month.
Saving Italy.

I loved The Monuments Men when I read it last year. I'm looking forward to the movie. Right after I finished the book, I watched the movie The Train with Burt Lancaster. The movie is based on Rose Valland's book

Fascinating - I hadn't heard of Monuments Men, Linda. Thanks for reading it and advocating for it. I'm going to wishlist it.

I think you'd enjoy it, Joe. I thought it might be somewhat dry but, if anything, it doesn't go into enough detail to suit me. I definitely want to read more about this topic.

Carrie, I thought Rose Valland was one of the more interesting characters, a true font of information.

I'll have to look for that movie you mentioned.

Besides the two Robert M. Edsel books, the Lynn H. Nicholas book, The Rape of Europa looks good as well. That one looks like it might satisfy my need for more information.

Update: Very excited. The movie Carrie talked about, The Train, is free for Prime members. I need to watch that one asap.

I'm glad you found the movie! I may have to watch it again soon.

Finally caught up, whew...
Sending Mom understanding good wishes... as one with a bad back, I truly sympathize.

Mom has been swimming for a week now and says it's really helping her back. She still has pain but it's now tolerable and she can sleep etc.

That's wonderful news about your mom, Linda! I hope the swimming continues to ease her pain.

Yes, I found water aerobics helpful.

Linda, I'm so glad to hear your Mom is feeling better and the swimming is helping.

It sounds like you've had a couple of fun weekends lately - every time you talk about going to see the Cubs, I remember the game you took me to last summer and how much fun that was. Now that basketball is over, we're beginning to think about baseball. Our Royals are off to a pretty good start, so we might go to a game sooner rather than later. We don't come close to your average of 25 games per year - more like 5 or 6. Last year I think I only went to 2 home games.

Some of these books you've been talking about sound interesting - I'm going back up-thread to look more closely.

Sandy, that was a fun game and it was fun showing you around a bit.

I don't think I've mentioned it here but, after 15 years as a (partial) season ticket holder, I gave them up this year. In part because my friends I sit with gave theirs up and, in part, because I needed to expend so much time and energy to scramble to sell so many games.

As you say, I was going to 25 games a year, maybe a bit more. This year, I bought a 9-pack (pick 9) and a 6-pack (pick 6). I'll probably join my full season ticket plan friend for another game and join the friends I used to sit with for another game or two. So, I'll be down to about 18-20 games but without a need to sell any of them, unless something last-minute crops up.

I was extremely blue when I made the decision a few months ago because this has been so important to me for so long and have done a lot of second guessing since then.. However, the last couple of cold nights, I was thinking about how glad I was about not having to try to convince someone to sit outside in drizzly, 35 degree temps to watch the game.

I've continued my thread to a 3rd inning so please stop by and join me at:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/152849