Mark's Reading Place: Spring Forward #8

-Jacoba van Heemskerck/ Dutch artist (1876-1923)



-North Yorkshire Dales by George McLachlan, (thanks to Ellie for this one)

Currently Reading:



Audiobook:


Graphic:


Books Read So Far...

January:

1) Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die by Willie Nelson 4.2 stars
2) The Dog Stars by Peter Heller 4.5 (audio)
3) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 4 stars (audio)
4) Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter 4.5 stars (audio)
5) Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy 4 stars Group Read (OTS)
6) Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder 4.5 stars (OTS)
7) The Nao of Brown by Glyn Dillon 4.2 stars GN
8) Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks 4 stars (audio)
9) The Miniature Wife: Stories by Manuel Gonzales 4.5 stars E.R
10) No Easy Day by Mark Owen 4 stars (audio)
11) Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan 4.2 stars
12) The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver 4.3 stars (OTS)
13) Howl: A Graphic Novel by Allen Ginsberg 4.2 stars GN

February:

14) Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed 4.4 stars (audio)
15) A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick 3.3 stars (audio) (OTS)
16) Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay 4.2 stars Group Read (OTS)
17) Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood 4.6 stars (audio) (OTS)
18) In the Sea There Are Crocodiles by Fabio Geda 3.5 stars (audio)
19) Unsaid by Neil Abramson 3.8 stars
20) The Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi 4 stars (audio)
21) The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout 4 stars (ER)
22) The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis 3 stars (audio)
23) Rebel Heart by Moira Young 4 stars (audio) (OTS)
24) Drinking at the Movies by Julia Wertz 4.5 stars (GN)
25) The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch 3.8 stars (audio) (OTS)

March:

26) Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan 4.2 stars (audio)
27) Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel G. Marquez 4.5 stars (OTS)
28) The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie 5 stars
29) Fire (A Companion to Graceling) by Kristin Cashore 4 stars (audio)
30) Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness by Alexandra Fuller 4.3 stars (audio)
31) The Collector by John Fowles 4 stars (OTS)
32) St Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves by Karen Russell 3.8 stars (OTS)
33) Cinder (Lunar Chronicles) by Marissa Meyer 4 stars (audio)
34) My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor 4.6 stars (audio)
35) Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple 4 stars (audio)
36) Delirium by Lauren Oliver 3.6 stars (audio)
37) The Big Rock Candy Mountain by Wallace Stegner 4.8 stars GR (OTS)
38) Heads in Beds by Jacob Tomsky 4.2 stars (audio)
39) Devil's Peak: A Novel by Deon Meyer 4.5 stars

April:

40) The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters 3.7 stars (audio)

First-Time Author Challenge 2013

Gabriel Garcia Marquez- Love in The Time of Cholera- Feb (Chelle)
John Fowles- The Collector-March (Pat)
E.M. Forster- April (Katie)
Mario Vargas Llosa- May (Caro)
Dinaw Mengestu- June (RD)
Rohinton Mistry- A Fine Balance- July (Donna)
Pearl S. Buck-The Good Earth- Aug (AnneDC)
Ann Patchett- Bel Canto- September (Lisa)
Nicole Krauss- October (Nancy)
J.G. Farrell- Troubles- November (Ellen)
Tim Winton- December (Paul)
Zoe Heller
Tom McCarthy

Once again, thanks for the participation. You guys are great! Of course, anyone is welcome to join me on any of these reads and if we have more than a couple participants, I'll set up a Group Read.

Group Reads 2013:

The Big Rock Candy Mountain by Wallace Stegner- March: http://www.librarything.com/topic/150879#t
Atwood April- Any Atwood! Start lining 'em up!
Old Filth by Jane Gardam- April (Kerri)
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller- June
A Fine Balance- by Rohinton Mistry July
2666 by Roberto Bolaño- October

**And do not forget May: Murder & Mayhem!

Hi Mark: Happy St Patty's Day to you.

You have read some great books so far this year, my friend.

I'm quite excited for Atwood April :)

Mark, I wouldn't last 15 minutes painting a ceiling. You may be too sore to turn pages! I turned quite a few in our Candy Mountain book this weekend. It is like eating jelly beans...hard for me to stop. I even posted a comment on the thread once I found it!

Gorgeous painting of the Yorkshire Dales in your first post! Nice shiny new thread, too!

Love the paintings on top Mark! Happy St. Patrick's day to you. Your reading looks good. I loved Cinder and Scarlet was a whole lot of fun too. It went by quicker because you knew the backstory already. Not sure if you were planning to read it this year but there is a group read in June for Song of Achilles.

Best of luck with man cave work!

I am fading fast, my friends! It took me forever to get through 30 pages this evening. Boo! Good night, people! I'll respond to everyone in the A.M. Gentle Hugs!

Shenanigans? Malarky? Surely not! ;)
Hoope you had a grand St Paddys day and aren't too worse for wear this morning! (or would that me tomorrow morning for you?! )

Mark - Congratulations on your latest thread. Like the picture of the "North" Yorkshire Dales above

Great thread toppers, Mark! I'll likely join your for your July A Fine Balance. I've yet to read Rohinton Mistry

"Shenanigans" always makes me think of one of my favorite comedies, Super Troopers. Ha!

Wintry Mix here this morning. Sigh. Hope you're faring better, especially since Tomm is winging his way Chicago-ward as I type...

Monday morning! Ugh! And it looks like we have early February weather all week too! Only in the mid-20s on Wednesday. Double Ugh!
Okay, enough whining. At least I'll have some good books to carry me through.

Linda- I hope you had a nice St. Paddy's Day and a good weekend.

Es- Thanks for the reminder. I'll have to get ready to put up the Atwood April thread. I am looking forward to it too!

Donna- Boo, to painting ceilings. I don't feel that bad this A.M. It'll probably catch up with me tomorrow. I am so impressed (and jealous) that you made it to chapter 7, in candy Mountain. I am still in chapter 3. I had a hard time focusing last night.

Julia- Thanks! Big hearty waves!

Roberta- I am looking forward to Scarlet. Thanks for the heads-up on the G.R. of Song of Achilles. That sounds like a great way to finally get to that one.
And yes, I want my Man Cave back in order!

Megan- "Shenanigans? Malarky?" Yes, those are two of my specialties. I am glad I found a sign. I hope you had a nice weekend too!

Paul- Yes, I thought of you when I posted the North Yorkshire painting, which I stumbled upon over on Ellie's wonderful thread.

Deb- I have not read Mistry either. I am so pleased you are considering joining us. I've had this one on shelf, 3 or 4 years.

Amber- We can't shake this winter! I want Spring! We better get a mild summer out of this deal. Have a good week.

Congrats on the new thread! Stay warm out there. Wind chill is supposed to be below zero up here tonight. SO SICK OF WNTER. Remind me I said this when I complain about the heat this summer.

My congrats, too, on the new thread, Mark. Nice paintings - Diana will be happy to see a Dutch artist up there.

You'll like Song of Achilles, methinks. I read that one after a strong positive review by RD. The Mistry is really well-written. I look forward to hearing your reaction to it.

I finally realized reading Building Stories is sort of like reading all of the Sandman series in terms of quantity. I'm on the last piece now, and it's been a good, thought-provoking journey. He really knows how to get inside people's lives, and his graphics are outstanding.

Have a good Monday Mark!

Happy Monday, new thread, and reading tonight!

>14 msf59::

Oh, don't feel like you have to put up the April thread *just* yet. I'm already panicking about how little March there is left!

If I can get The Song of Achilles through PBS, then I might join that group read. Hmm... I hope I'm high up on the list!

^I have never heard of this type of librarian, but I wholeheartedly support them! I wonder if Kerri & Benita are of this ilk?

LONG day at work! Mondays are always tough anyway but then you have a couple sick calls...chaos!

I did finish the excellent memoir, My Beloved world, which I can't praise high enough. And on audio, I started Where'd You Go, Bernadette. I know there are mixed opinions on this one but I am enjoying it in the early going, some nice chuckles too!

Nancy- "SO SICK OF WINTER." Me and you both! Crappy day today too! Sleet, rain & snow. No accumulations, just enough to be irritating.

Joe- I have been meaning to get to Song of Achilles for the past year. I'll try to jump aboard in June. I can't wait to delve into Building Stories. I know you and Caro have been singing it's praises.

Chelle & RD- Big loving HUGS!

Es- No, I just would like to put the Atwood thread up, at least a week early, so folks can starting making an Atwood game-plan. I have 2 in line for sure and I am toying with picking a 3rd.

^"Punxsutawney Phil Beheaded For Inaccurate Prediction On Annual Groundhog Slaughtering Day"

I know a couple of LTers were goofing on Mr. Groundhog last week. Here's The Onion's take on it:
Right Here
It's hilarious as usual!

Stopping in to say "Hello!" Just because I'm not here, doesn't mean I'm not thinking about you and all the great books you're reading!

>21 msf59:: love The Onion's take on the groundhog! Phil definitely messed up this year.

Hmm, since I was the one who made some overt threats toward Phil on my thread last week, I want to go on record as saying that I was nowhere near Punxsutawney at the time of the ... incident.

I wish I had been, though. Snow last night and today. High winds, freezing cold. Spring is supposed to start Wednesday. I'll believe it when I see it.

>20 msf59:: I have quite a few lined up already, including at least one of her non-fiction books (possibly two). I always overplan, though, and then I feel let down when I don't get to everything I want to read in a month.

Thought I would drop in and say hi before I get avalanched in your thread again. :-) I joined a RL book club last month; the book for April is Bel Canto and Song of Achilles is in May. It should be fun to discuss a book over wine rather than a keyboard!

Terri- " Just because I'm not here, doesn't mean I'm not thinking about you". Well, thanks! I know LT can get quite overwhelming. Moderation works, but it's not easy.

Laura- The Onion is always good for a chuckle or 2, although they can cross the line. A few lately directed toward the new pope were funny but offensive and I sure wasn't going to share those.

Julia- We were going to give Phil a light beating and a good talking to. We would not have executed the little furry fella. I think it's only supposed to be in the low to mid-20s on Wednesday. Now, that's ridiculous.

Es- I've also been considering Alias Grace for April. I've wanted to read/listen to that one for a couple of years. Maybe, if I can find it on audio.

Lisa- Wow, it's great to see you. I know I haven't been over to visit you either. I'll have to remedy that oversight. I have not read either Bel Canto or Song of Achilles, but I do plan on reading both this year. Enjoy your RL Book club! Talking to actual people. How novel. LOL.

Mark, Alias Grace is quite compelling. I do recommend it.

Some of the ones I have lined up are In Other Worlds: SF and Human Imagination (non-fiction), Surfacing, Life Before Man, Lady Oracle, and Bodily Harm. If I can squeeze it in, I'll do another non-fiction Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth too.

Whew. I hold myself to such high standards!

#27 by @msf59> Re: Phil, I believe "punch him right in the kisser" was the exact phrase I used. I agree execution seems a tad bit harsh. After all, the poor fella gets dragged out of his warm, cozy den every February by a bunch of yahoos in formal wear. That has to be disconcerting.

I really liked 'Alias Grace' for what that's worth, Mark. I think you should add it to your Atwood April list. It seems like it would make a good audiobook, too, from what I remember.

I'm going to try to get to Alias Grace in April Mark. But I have a bunch of library books that will probably be coming in too so I'll have to do some juggling.

Hiya Mark! Nice new thread here. Auction is complete, so i will be a more frequent visitor again. Atwood? I love Atwood! What thread is this? Off to prowl...

Es- Atwood has been so doggone prolific! Wow! And what a great mix of fiction, NF and short stories. The audio of alias Grace is not available in my library system and since it's nearly 500 pages, I am not sure I'll be able to get to it.

Julia- Very good point about Poor Phil! I hope no one contacts the ASPCA. Unless, I am water-boarded I will not give up any names. Marky-Mark is solid.
If I can't bookhorn alias Grace in, next month, I'll get to it, in a few months.

Bonnie- It's amazing how fast April is already filling in. It's nuts! What a crazy book-reading life we have chosen. And I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Kim made it! Kim made it! You just put a big smile on my face. Yes, we are doing Atwood April this year. The thread is not up yet. Maybe over the weekend. We will see. Hugs!

I knew I could count on you to keep schtum, Mark!

I noticed you liked My Beloved World and on reading the other LT reviews of the book, all very favorable, I stuck it right on my wish list! Thanks for the pointer.

What do most folks start with if they are Atwood virgins?

@35 - Tina you make me chuckle!! Hmm, not being an Atwood fan - I'd say stay an Atwood virgin! :) We've had couple of sunny days here.. spare the groundhog - at least for today!

I'm happy you are finally experiencing nice weather, Deborah. No, really, I am. Meanwhile, it is snowing and windy and freezing cold here — and yes, I know I sound like a broken record!

>21 msf59: that's what a groundhog looks like! haha, they are cute. Although, those teeth, Im guessing they could take a chunk out of my arm very easily.

Weather wise...as it seems to be the topic....it was cold here today! *shock* I resisted though, and wore shorts and short sleeves, but had to change later on to long legs :(

Tina, The Handmaid's Tale is an excellent start.

Snow/rain mix all day. Blech.

#20 - Ha! I like that one and may steal it.

I just heard on the radio, that it was 78 this time last year. Today, it will be the low 30s, with a chilly wind. We better get a gorgeous summer out of this deal! Shakes fist at sky. No, that's not my Native American name. Mine would probably be- Man of Many Books or something of that nature. Or, Geek With Nose in Book.

Julia- My lips are sealed. Keep warm today. It doesn't look like we get out of this cold spell for at least the rest of the week. Big Boo!

Karen- I can not praise My Beloved World higher. I am sure you will love it.

Tina- Like RD mentioned, I would go with the Handmaid's Tale. It was my first and it was amazing.

Deb- I am glad you are getting some warmth and sunshine. I hope we can get some of that soon.

Megan- Sorry you had to put your long legs on. I am wearing 2 pair at the moment.

RD- That's how it was here yesterday. I am SICK of it.

Morning Kerri- Yes, I thought of you immediately.

Paul sent me Alias Grace a few months ago, so that's the one I'm planning on reading for Atwood April.

Good morning, Mark. Yes, I am sick of cold weather, too, although I hesitate to complain as cold in my town is so much warmer than cold in yours. I think we are in the low 50s today, gray sky, with perhaps a little blue and some sun "breaks" in the gray. A few rain drops, too, no doubt.

I finished reading Dead Money last night - a quick, satisfying mystery set among horse racing and betting on the races and some murder and mayhem for spice. The touchstone is wrong... this Dead Money is by Steve O'Brien and was very satisfactory for a short fun read.

I hope your week is not too taxing, and that you have plenty of time to enjoy books!

Morning Mark! Lovely new thread - sorry that I am so late to it. I finally got Abby to read Cinder, and she loved it. Now she is reading Scarlet, the sequel, which is even better, I think. I don't know if I am joining you for Atwood April or not - I have not read anything by her, and I don't have anything on the shelves. DId you say that you recommend starting with A Handmaid's Tale? I bet the library has that...thinking...

Hope you have a terrific Tuesday!

Hi, Mark. Yay for Cinder and Scarlet! Nice to see buzz developing for them, especially Mamie buzz. :-)

I agree with A Handmaid's Tale for trying Atwood, too.
I'm seeing lots of sunshine out there at least, so that helps a little, even though this continuing cold weather is annoying. Hope it's a good day for you.

I have a copy of Alias Grace and would consider joining all the rest of you for an Atwood in April read. I have also had Cat's Eye on my shelves for a long time, but if others are doing Alias I would join in.

Hmm... Atwood April? I have The Blind Assassin in my TBR Tower to read. I'll have to mark that for an April read .. just to keep my finger in the monthly author reads. :-)

Tired of shoveling today ..ugh! Where's that darn gopher... we need to replace him with another animal that can forecast Spring with great accuracy. What about a camel?

...ponders a camel predicting snow...

Oopsie! These librarians have a hard time staying on their feet. Poor things! At least this one looks quite comfortable. Thanks to RD for this one. He's always looking out for me.

I try to keep the profanity down to a minimum on my thread, but it was FRICKIN' cold today. More like early January, than late March. There was a wicked west wind, that cut right through you. Plenty of sunshine and blue sky but it was all a devious front. Mother Nature must be laughing her fanny off.

Morphy- Paul didn't send me a copy of Alias Grace. What is up with that? What do you have that I don't? Oh, never mind.
Glad you'll be joining us for AA!

Karen- It looks like the weather in most U.S. places, has been dismal. It needs to change. BTW- The Michigan Booktopia registration is coming up on March 27th already. Can you believe it?

Mamie- Good to see you. I really enjoyed Cinder. My LT pals rarely steer me wrong. I hope to get to Scarlet in a month or 2. These work really well on audio too!
I am not an Atwood expert, far from it, but I think The Handmaid's Tale would be a good launching point. I hope you can join us.

Funny, I received 2 ER books today. the Hope Factory was from the December batch, (I was giving up on that one) and Son of a Gun, from the February batch. Both were from Random House too. Well, now I have 3 ER books, (the 3rd is the Interestings), to read & review. Goody, I think...

I also received a copy of Geek Love from BM. It's a well-worn softcover but readable. I know Bonnie recently read and loved it. Where's that blasted bookhorn?

Joe- I missed cinder on the first round. Sometimes it takes a round or 2 or 3 to get caught and I am glad I did. Yes, a very cold day and the sunshine didn't help much unless I was sitting inside my vehicle.

Benita- I am glad you are considering joining AA with us. I am trying to snag Alias Grace on audio and then I will include it for the month. I also have Cat's Eye on my shelf.
BTW- I am loving Candy Mountain. I am closing in on the halfway point.

Caro- Please join us on AA. I also plan to kick off the month with the Blind Assassin. I think I have had that one on the shelf for the longest. Are gophers and groundhogs related? I know they are both burrowing rodents.
I'm with RD, I don't have a lot of faith in a weather-predicting camel. LOL.

Time fries. No, I mean Pine flies; or flied. oh, never mind. Fine tries?

Did you say something about joining AA Mark? Maybe all that beer is problematic;-)

LOL! I was thinking the same thing, Bonnie! "FRICKIN' cold today", did you say? So I probably shouldn't mention that I got a bit of a sunburn over the weekend and that right now the kids are out sitting on the side of the pool with their feet in the water? That's what I thought. Wishing for you warmer weather, my friend.

Ahh! So it's not just me noticing all of that beer! Well, Bonnie, I think you may be onto something.... Hmmm Mark, do let me know what you think of The Interestings - I've certainly heard good things about it. As for a first in the Margaret Atwood oeuvre, I'd agree that A Handmaid's Tale would be a good start. Sorry you were so cold today! Brrrr!

"Fox has announced that actress Shailene Woodley will play Hazel Grace in The Fault in Our Stars movie!"
Shailene Woodley is an excellent actress. I loved her in The Descendents. She is also slated to play the lead in Divergent too. Do I see another Jennifer Lawrence on the horizon?

Karen- Time fries, my friend! Time fries! I have to start asking my Midwest friends if they are interested in Booktopia Michigan.

Bonnie- Fortunately, the only AA I need to worry about is the Atwood April one! Yes, I adore my beer but I keep the consumption in check. Are you joining us?

Mamie- Yes, we have had plenty of winter these past 6 weeks. I am getting tired of it. Bring on the Spring! I want to sit around a pool with my feet in the water.

Deb- I am looking forward to the Interestings. So far it's received some good reviews. Have you read Wolitzer? I have not. And stop picking on my beer love! Lone Ranger is very sensitive.

Mark
I read The Collector a few years ago. It was creepy..very creepy.

I certainly can relate to your comments about wanting to bring on spring. We had a few inches of snow again last night. Driving to work this morning was ok, but I longed for sunshine.

>50 msf59:: Geek Love was an interesting read; I read that back in college.

I thought I mentioned that I planned to read Alias Grace for April.

You are right Bonnie! You did mention that. I start to get a little fuzzy this time of night. And no, not from the beer consumption. LOL. I am up early and usually retire early.

Did you happen to see the list of authors for Booktopia Bellingham, Mark? Ann posted them a couple of days ago.

The Handmaid's Tale it is!!

Thanks for the advice. Lol at "stay an Atwood virgin"!

Hi Mark!
I love the image of the North Yorkshire Dales.
And Happy Belated St. Patrick's Day!

Hey Mark - I have read several AA's and I am still unsure what to make of her - even though I devoured the books, I wasn't sure if I found them a little boring at times. Haven't given up on her though and have a couple on the SofS to get to eventually.

Loved the swimming pool painting from the last thread. I made it my screen saver on my ipad. Some nice books but no book bullets this time round.

Just a request - Can everyone stop obsessing about the weather please.

Mark - Morphy suffers from no favouritism (well not too much anyways) she got in first on one of my threads and claimed the right to my shameless prize-giving! My stipulation on the books I send is that I must have read them and liked them as I wouldn't want to give anybody a book I don't like myself! With Morphy though there are attendant risks in that manner of proceeding as we but rarely agree on the merits of a particular tome.

Love the idea of Petosky, but getting to MI from Wi isn't so easy. 7 hour dive each way or $537 flight. What is it for you?
Might have been easier to go to VT! Maybe I should investigate the ferry at Marinette.

Yes, it's Wednesday and I am off. Yahoo. I do have a full day of errands and painting, but I can be much more leisurely about it, which includes bookhorning in some reading here and there.

Lisa- Good to see you! I did see the Bellingham author list. None of the authors were familiar but Ann & Michael have exquisite taste, so I wouldn't worry much.

Tina- I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the Handmaid's Tale. I hope it makes you an instant fan, like it did me.

Ellen- Thanks for the belated St. Patrick's Day wishes and the green beer. Hugs!

Prue- I have only read 2 of Atwood's books but both were amazing. What was your favorite? I hope you can squeeze another one in and join us on AA.

Gautam- So good to see you, sir. I'll have to try a bit better with the book bullets. I usually hit you at least once. Sorry about all the weather chatter. Since I work outside and have to deal with it daily, I like to groan about it a little.

Paul- I completely understand my friend. Sending books here is a major expense. I wish we all lived close enough, that we could just pass them over the fence. Wouldn't that be smashing?

Nancy- I checked the distance to Petoskey, when I first heard about it but I can't remember exactly. I think it is a shorter drive than you, because we'll take the southern route, around Lake Michigan. 537 for a flight? What? I just booked a flight for D.C. and it was less than 300.

>66 PaulCranswick: Paul, I think we agree more than you claim!

Meanwhile, I agree on the FRICKIN' COLD but in real life, I'm not so polite with my language. It's supposed to be in the 40s (F) and with windchill we are -11! (-24C)

Obsession about weather is one of the prerequisites for living in my part of the world so I'll join in the chorus! Spring, come on in!

Of course I'n not caught up... sorry.. but I really like North Yorkshire Dales up there ! Beautiful.
Green beer is rather ugh to me, did you drink some? And like most, I am hating the continuing cold. 27 now and I am not happy. UGH!

Asking Midwesterners to stop obsessing about the weather is like asking them to stop breathing. It's just never going to happen. And meanwhile, it is 13F (-11C) here in Iowa on this first day of spring. Boo, Mother Nature.

I don't post a lot of "cute" videos but this one of talking twin baby boys is priceless:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JmA2ClUvUY

If this doesn't put a smile on your face, something is seriously wrong.

Mark - Book Depository delivers for free which is why I like to use it. Some people have been negative about it but I have ordered more than a couple of books from them with very few issues. When we did the AsiaPac christmas book swap we did it largely via Book Depo without any problems as far as I know.
Morphy- I know and you know but don't let everybody else know that we agree on any books.

Morphy, Karen & Julia- Yes, we can't help ourselves about griping about the weather. It's our job. I was looking at the weather page in the newspaper and it looks like we are stuck at around 30 degrees until the middle of next week, with another snowstorm possibility on Sunday! Nooooooooo!!

Sorry, Gautam! I hope you looked away!

Kath- I don't like green beer either, especially since most of it is domestic beers that I don't drink. Plenty of the other good stuff though.

Paul- I forget about Book Depository. That has got to be a lifesaver for you! Okay, now let me start making a list of books you can send me.....kidding of course.

I missed out on the Bellingham Booktopia. I waited for a friend who wanted to go, but she wimped out, and then when I went to register I couldn't figure out if registration was still open or not. A query to Ann on Goodreads told me that it was filled and that she had failed to update the site. The registration for Petovksy will come right during my spring break in Munden so don't know if I will be able to get in on that one. It also comes at a bad time of year for me. The beginning of the semester is when I have so many library instruction classes to teach that it is hard to get away.

I had planned on taking Cinder, Omnivore's Dilemma, and Enchanted April home with me for spring break, but will have to kick one of them out in order to take Alias Grace. My guess is that Cinder won't be going back to Kansas with me. I also stocked up on the recorded books for the trip. I am currently listening to The Magicians and have Lady of the Rivers and Coral Thief from which to choose after I get those done.

I don't think I will have much time to read as I will be busy. I am hosting a Green Tea one afternoon. (Wearing green is encouraged but not required. Green tea will be served as will other green foods.) I will have some baking to do for that. My family is putting together a DVD of our family history and we will be filming on March 29 & 30 so that will take up most of those days. I hope to put together a jigsaw puzzle while others are doing the interviewing, talking, and story gathering, but I probably won't be reading during those two days.

Those of you not reading Big Rock Candy Mountain are missing out on a treat. Very good book.

Ha! Me, too, Mark. Wish I was as fast in reading them as I am in buying them!

Getting here a little later than usual. Today was our day to start pulling together tax info. Always a treat (not).

Hope you're having a good day off.

Ha! Joe! I was "toying" with the idea of pulling some income tax stuff together, too. I decided to just focus on my 2013 budget and let it go at that. Went shopping....

Mark, I'm all verklepmt because I *finally* found a use for cheap nasty Murrikin beer! Taco soup! Whisk a can of refried beans into 3 cans of cheap beer, add taco seasoning and a couple pounds of browned ground beef and bob's your uncle! Well, of course one warms it up on low heat for a while. Then it's all down to condiments: chopped onion, grated cheddar. jalapenos, crushed-up tortilla chips, sour cream...ya know.

Can't hardly get the beer "flavor" at all, but it does have a sweet tinge. Perfect!

Also...Deep Tissue...read.

I need to join the group reading Big Rock Candy Mountain.

Benita- Thanks for the update. When do you start Spring Break? Next week? I hope you can try to make one of the Booktopia's. I know a couple of my Good Reads pals are going to the Vermont one, in a couple of weeks.
I am loving Candy Mountain and just crossed the 300 page.

Joe- Sounds like a busy time for you at work. Wish you luck. Yes, my day is just fine. Got some painting done and some reading in. We are heading out for beer & chow, with my son Matt who turned 21 today. Yah, for Matt!

RD- The taco soup sounds terrific! I'll pass that onto the wife. I might have some of that cheap beer laying around. We'll see. No info on Deep Tissue, yet. Good, I take it?

Ellen- Candy Mountain has been great. Not to late, to jump in. I know some people are reading it much slower.

73.... TOO sweet!! :)

Hey Mark - We watched that Sound City documentary last night and it was really good. I think you'd enjoy it. Do you know what I'm talking about? The Dave Grohl thing.

Hi Mark!
Remember me??? Please don't let them hurt Phil! Maybe he could get a job as a weatherman!

How's that man cave coming? I have ceilings to paint and I'm not sure I can even do it anymore.

I finally caught up on the ER books I had... both were good ones. Now I can go through the new list and see what's on offer ;-)

First Day of Spring - 8 in of snow - woohoo! LOLOLOL

I like the sound of Richard's taco soup. For some inexplicable reason, there are three bottles of Bud Light in my fridge and there's no way I'm drinking them. We were out for pizza and beer the other night and I tried Kona's Coco Brown which was pretty good and not at all what I'd usually pick.

Hey, I'm one of those people reading Candy Mountain much slower! It's very good though.

In weather news, typical Colorado spring - couple cool days, couple warm days, some wind, some (not enough) snow/rain days, repeat.

I meant to mention, when you had your water problems, something that happened to a friend of mine over the Christmas break. They came home from 5 days in Iowa to find their garage door had opened and the pipes that run above the garage (it's a split level) burst. They had ice coating everything in their garage - the equivalent of 40K gallons of water. I think they still have fans going.

Another snowstorm predicted for Sunday. Possibly six inches! WTH?

Sorry, Gautam!

Tina- Glad you like the babbling babies!

Kerri- I read somewhere about the Sound City film but didn't think about it. I'll have to see if I can track it down. Of course, I liked Grohl in his Nirvana days.

Claudia- No worries, I wouldn't hit a defensive aniaml, although he's really asking for it this year! Talk about, putting your foot in it.
The painting is coming along, hopefully we'll be done with it on Sunday. And then the carpet needs to be picked and installed and then furniture priced and selected and then...Ugh!
Any photos of you doing snow angels in that 8 inches?

Joanne- I have tried several Kona beers but not the brown. It's good, middle of the road brew. I would like to try it on tap somewhere.
I just passed the 300 page mark on candy Mountain. It's so good. Sorry to hear about your friend's water problems. Ours could have been much worse too!

No! Not six inches of snow! This is completely unacceptable, Mother Nature! Joanne says Colorado needs some moisture — why don't you go drop a load over there?

Mother nature- pssht. Maybe she'll throw some sunshine your way as compensation for the snow you have been enduring!?
We have been having cold nights and mornings lately, Autumnal- would you say Fally? ;) hehe, just laughed at my own joke, woops.

RDs taco soup perplexes me. Ground beef (mince as we call it) just floating around in liquid? I just cant picture it. *puts Taco Soup on list of things to try before I die*

You've got snow storms, we've got wind and rain. I guess I'll take our lousy weather, Mark....

Hello Mark - just finished Train Dreams by Denis Johnson and my first Five Star read for the year!! Woot whoooo! Boy oh boy, for a small book it tackles some big themes. I read it on the train home each day from work (appropriately enough) and it shut out the world. I have posted a review and also on my thread...

Sorry about all the snow, Mark. It does make your life difficult!

Sweet Thursday, folks! Way back up to 31 today. Yah! They are still saying snow possibility on Sunday but most of it should stay south of us. (Gautam is never coming back. Are you guys happy?)
I should finish Bernadette today. I can see why opinion is divided on this one but I like it.

Julia- "why don't you go drop a load over there?" Thanks for my first laugh of the day. It was perfect.

Megan- I hope you enjoy your fally! I thought RD's soup sounded good, especially in the cold months.

Deb- We are sharing the weather miseries. I would take rain and warm temps at this point.

Prue- I loved Train Dreams too and I agree it packs a lot into a short novel. I'll stop over and check out your review. I hope to read more Johnson this year.

Ellen- Thanks for the splash of color. Just what I needed. Love those Cardinals. Let's hope the snow misses us. We need a break.

I have been saying for years, that cooking with beer adds taste.. it makes food yummy

Pretty cardinal..

eta

oops! Hi Mark :)

Liking that cardinal, too. I'm with you on razzing Mother Nature. This is ridiculous.

Old Goriot is more entertaining than I expected. Reminds me of Dickens sometimes. What will RD think?

Heh. Glad I could brighten your morning, Mark. Enjoy that nearly-not-freezing spring weather today!

I am one of those who is reading Big Rock Candy Mountain much slower than Mark. I am on page 230. 250 pages would be half way. My edition has 515 pages. It is very small type, but when I read it I feel like I am there. This guy can really write. There is so much in this book.

^I am not exactly sure what the meaning of this photo is. Does Darth Vader like Guinness and will order his stormtroopers to do his dirty work? Hey, that works for me. I just hope he's not washing his hands.



^This one is straight and to the point! I like it.

Don't wish the snow too far south! I'm done with winter.

Once again, plenty of sunshine but still chilly. Diminishing winds did help a lot. (Sorry, Gautam!)

I finished the audio of Where'd You Go, Bernadette. I really like this book but can easily see why it would rub the right reader in the wrong way. She also spiked my interest in visiting the Antarctic, which will probably never happen. What a fascinating and desolate place.

Kath- I know my wife uses beer now and then, with certain foods. I definitely like it with sausage. Do you use Guinness in any recipes?

Joe- Let's hope this snow they are talking for Sunday, stays far south. We have had enough, thank you very much! I am not sure who "Old Goriot" is. I'll have to stop by your thread and take a peep.

Julia- I love a good sense of humor, nearly as much I love books & ale.

Benita- I read a healthy chunk of Candy Mountain today. I am deep into chapter 6. This is such a terrific read and despite it's length it's never boring or lagging.

#88 - Hi Mark - Regarding the Sound City thing, the first two-thirds is a straight documentary of the recording studio, its world-class soundboard, and the albums that were made there. Only the last third deals with that new album that Dave Grohl made with a bunch of people (including Paul McCartney)...Just in case you might avoid it thinking it's all about the perhaps slightly self-indulgent Dave Grohl project.

You guys hit me again: Big Rock Candy Mountain is on my wishlist; and I bought the Sonja Sotomayer bio, it should be in my mailbox tomorrow, or Saturday. I'll finish Cairns: Messengers in Stone by then for sure, maybe tonight, and read the bio over the weekend, in between my final adventures with photography!

Ah, life is good.

>99 msf59: I love that picture, probably as its made of 2 things that I love but that seem odd to link visually. But hey, it stands that I like it. And to prove it I am going to steal it and put it on facebook :)

Awake in the middle of the night. ER visit. Prednisone. Grrrr! I have to figure out what Atwood I am going to read. I have read: The Handmaid’s Tale, The Blind Assassin, Oryx and Crake , Alias Grace, Cat's Eye, The Robber Bride, The Year of the Flood and Surfacing. Can you tell I like her? Hmmmm, what to choose....

>99 msf59:: Cute! I'm trying to figure out if there's some connection to Alec Guinness...?

Happy Friday! On audio, I will take another classic left-turn and start Heads in Beds. It's a memoir about a guy's experiences in the hotel business. It is supposed to be quite funny and it has been getting good reviews. Stay tuned...

Kerri- Thanks for Sound City info! I will take a look for it.

Karen- Candy Mountain is a Must Read. I am sure everyone who is attending the G.R., will agree with that. You will LOVE the Sotomayer memoir. It might even have your name stamped right on it.

Megan- "its made of 2 things that I love." Nicely put. Share away. Are you FB?

Kim- Boo to an ER visit. I hope you are feeling better this A.M. Well, it sounds like you are quite experienced with Ms. Atwood. Sadly, I have only read 2 so far but that will change very soon. I am sure you can find one you haven't read.

Morning Amber- Bravo! I love the Alec Guinness connection. That's the best explanation I have seen. Have a great weekend and let's hope Spring "really" arrives soon.

Heads in Beds sounds quite interesting, Mark! I'll be checking up on that one. Had a great day yesterday - sunny and about 45 F. Supposed to be the same today! Have a great day and The Hound of the Baskervilles was a fun and I think Sherlock Holmes " scariest " novel so far. It's quick and kinda creepy - but not for a guy like you who loves dark reads .

Morning, Mark! Looks like good reading going on in Markville. I finished Building Stories, and it lives up to the hype (no surprise). Nearing the end of Old Goriot, and poor daughter-loving, self-sacrificing OG seems quite Dickensian to me. There's even a Magwitch-type character. Would that comparison horrify Balzac? Apparently his writing influenced Dickens, so I guess it's more a case of Dickens being Balzac-ian.

Well, Mark, finally the powers that be are after groundhog Punxsutawney Phil for predicting an early spring. Apparently he has been indicted for Authorities in still-frigid Ohio have issued an "indictment" of the furry rodent, who predicted an early spring when he didn't see his shadow after emerging from his western Pennsylvania lair on Feb. 2.

"Punxsutawney Phil did purposely, and with prior calculation and design, cause the people to believe that spring would come early," Mike Gmoser, the prosecutor in southwestern Ohio's Butler County, wrote in an official-looking indictment. Gmoser wrote that Punxsutawney Phil is charged with misrepresentation of spring, which constitutes a felony "against the peace and dignity of the state of Ohio."

The penalty Phil faces? Gmoser says - tongue firmly in cheek - is death.

Punxsutawney Phil does not have a listed phone number.

Bill Deeley, president of the Punxsutawney club that organizes Groundhog Day, said Phil has a lawyer and would fight any extradition attempt by Ohio authorities.

I take this very seriously, though personally I am against the death penalty. Still, it does explain the bad weather. Though today it is sunny - just 45 F or so.

Here is the link to the news.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/punxsutawney-phil-indicted-over-inaccurate-spring-fo...

I saw some daffodils poking through the soil, right outside the office entrance. Also saw a blue jay this morning, too.

Sounds like we could get anywhere from 0 to 16 inches of snow on Sun/Mon.

Couldn't happen to a nicer groundhog, Deborah! It's about time that people are holding Phil accountable for his reckless predictions. :-)

I have been wanting to re-read some of Atwood's earlier works--probably will try for Cat's Eye during April.

Glad to hear that you liked Bernadette--it's on my wishlist.

Guinness.. only in stew... once in a while chocolate cake.
I prefer Killians for most lighter cooking :) And I mean with many things from sausage, as you mention..
burgers, fish, pork chops and tortilla soup.. a few other things I think?

Oh and regarding Phil...he never said he saw or didn't see his shadow... he had an old guy in a hat speak for him. Just saying...

^ Wouldn't this be the perfect T-shirt? Although it might be to much reading for certain people.

I had an audiobook glitch, so I couldn't start Heads in beds. It looks like I was missing the 1st 3 parts, which I am correcting at the moment. I did start Delirium on audio, instead. The 1st in another YA fantasy series. It's light & fun. Thanks to Chelle for the nudge on this one.

Deb- I'll have to delay Heads in Beds until later next week. I have read The Hound of the Baskervilles. It's been awhile but I do remember really enjoying it.
Yep, it looks like everyone wants to beat up on Poor Phil!

Joe- I want to get to Building Stories. I know both you & Caro raved about it and that's good enough for me. I have not read Balzac. Where do you think I should start with him?

Linda- Great to see you stranger! I've missed you around here. Please, let's not mention snow accumulation. Taboo for Marky-Mark.

Julia- I see you are still working over Phil, for past digressions. Give him a little kick to the ribs for me.

Rhonda- Good to see you! I also have Cat's Eye waiting impatiently on the shelf but I do not think I'll get to it next month.
Give Bernadette a try. Some LT readers were turned off by it but I think you should at least give it 40-50 pages and see for yourself.

Hi Mark, thought I'd just stop in to see what you've been up to. We've had more snow in the last two weeks than we had all winter. I see they're going to close most of your city's schools. Don't kids need to learn in Chicago;-)

>105 Berly:: Oh dear, Berly. At first I thought you meant a visit to the list of ER books this month! I am silly.

>115 mckait:: Oh, those Punxatawnians and their silly hats! I can't even believe what they look like :)

Hi Mark
Glad to see you've started Delirium! How are you liking it so far?

I am sleepy. I'll see you guys in the A.M....

120 Love it!!! :)

Mark, I'm way too far behind to really catch up, but wanted to say hello

#120 by @msf59> Well, he does look remorseful, doesn't he? Kath does have a point — I'm sure if it was up to him he would just stay in his nice warm burrow and sleep. So I guess we should forgive him.

Unless it snows Sunday. Then all bets are off. :-)

Mark - I was on the Guinness myself last night entertaining clients and if Darth Vader doesn't drink it he should.
Like RD's recipe and would suggest that Guinness may be an appropriate substitute for the cheap beer.
Have a great weekend mate.

Oh Mark, you really do need some spring to head your way. I'm loving the snow here in Montana, but it's so different when it's not what you have to live with (and work in) every day. My fingers are crossed that daffodils and tulips will bloom soon in your neck of the woods.

Meanwhile, I know this brew has been around for a while, but given my obsession with spotting a moose while I'm here, I thought I would share a six-pack with you.

^ This is not my type of chair but I sure love the sentiment. Happy Saturday! I am on the homestretch of Candy Mountain and should be done with it Monday. It's been a wonderful trip.

Morning Kath- Great point about Poor Phil! Let's beat up the dude with the funny hat. Have a good weekend.

Bonnie- Boo to snow! Let's move on Mother Nature. It's nearly April. I don't know all the details on the Chicago school closings but I know many people are not happy.

Es- Big hearty wave!

Chelle- I am enjoying Delirium. It's lighter fare than I am used to but it's entertaining and inventive. I am sure my wife will like it. She just plowed through Cinder and loved it but was mad that it ended so abruptly.

Terri- Good to see you! I need to stop by and see what you are reading.

Julia- "Unless it snows Sunday. Then all bets are off." I am with you, my friend. The storm will mainly stay south of us but we could still get a couple of inches. Crossables crossed.

Paul- I like Guinness, but I don't drink the heavier dark beers that often and when I do, I prefer it on tap. hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Ellen- I thought of your Montana experience, along with the photos, while reading Candy Mountain, which takes place in many of those Big Sky country locales.
I appreciate the Moose Drool. I believe I had this while visiting Wisconsin a few years back. Thanks!

Good morning, Mark! Sorry about your audiobook glitch! That happens to me a lot too, with the transfer to my rather ancient iPod - missing tracks, etc. It's frustrating.

I'm glad everyone is enjoying The Big Rock Candy Mountain! As I said earlier, I'm really looking forward to reading Wallace Stegner some day.

I am one of the folks who is a big fan of Bernadette. There are some aspects to the book that I can't imagine how they would translate into audio, but I don't listen to audio books, so how would I know?

Hey, I had Moose Drool when I was in Big Sky too! Pretty good beer.

I can't read Big Rock Candy Mountain just yet, but it is on my wish list. So many here are enjoying it. And it does seem like my kind of book.

>87 msf59: Mark, if Sunday's prediction involves the storm we had today, expect more snow. We got about 12 inches today. I know we need the water, but I am definitely ready for spring!

I had quite a laugh while out driving today. It was like 50 degrees, with the car windows down, and one of those message boards that MoDot has up said "Winter Storm Warning!" Gotta love the Midwest. Except when it's spring and they're putting up winter storm warnings a day in advance...

#130 by @AMQS> Oops, Anne, that might have been my fault. Joanne had mentioned that Colorado was very dry this winter and I said something to the effect that Mother Nature should dump her next load on that state instead of Iowa and Illinois. I guess she was listening!

While in Montana, I collected a short list of western authors to read, including more of Wallace Stegner and A.B. Guthrie. I'm told to read the latter in sequential order.

Happy Sunday. Bree came in yesterday, so we all went out for dinner & brews. My son turned 21 earlier in the week. It's a family affair. Yah! And then we came back here and started Life of Pi. I lasted just over halfway and retired for the evening. No LT time.

The NALC, (National Letter Carriers Union) is holding a rally today, down in the city, to preserve six-day delivery. I believe this is happening across the nation. So I plan on taking the train down and attend. I don't participate in these events very often but I think this one is important.
The snow is moving in this morning too, (sorry Gautam) but I hope most of it stays south. I know this storm system has been dumping a load on many places already. Fingers crossed.

Kerri- I have been using the digital library system, to transfer my audiobooks, to my iPod and it's been working great. I just have to double-check that everything downloaded okay. This time the 1st 3 parts were missing. Corrected now.
I was able to try the Game of Thrones beer last night. It's a blonde ale, with a good taste.

Nancy- Bernadette was an excellent audio and they managed to translate all the letters, IMs and etc, perfectly.

Jim- Moose Drool rules, eh? I'll have to give it a try.

Karen- I am loving Candy Mountain and I am sure you will too! It might take you awhile, it's a big boy but always entertaining. I have 75 pages left. I hope to read a chunk of those today.

Anne- Great to see you! It sounds like this snowstorm is dropping a boat-load across the country's mid-section. Sorry, to hear you guys got hit. The good thing about the Colorado weather is, it doesn't stick around long.

Terri- LOL. Are you expecting quite a bit of snow? Are will it stay south. Hope for the latter.

Julia- See, we have to watch what we wish for. Someone else might suffer. LOL. I say: better them, than us. Snickers, joyfully.

Ellen- I have a true fondness for the western states and I love reading about them and visiting them, whenever I can, which isn't often enough, so the former will have to do. At least it's cheaper.
I have not read Guthrie. It looks like I should.

Just wanted to say hi and share a hopeful sign of spring! Friday afternoon on the bypass around my town, I saw a little brown creature(maybe Phil), a pair of Sandhill Cranes, and a pair of geese all in the same area along the side of the road. Hopefully they know more than the weatherman. And 3 is the charm. :-)

I do think that the chair in that last book pic is comfy looking:) I like my feet up when I read...
I can picture that and my own short stack of books sitting there. thumbs up on that one:)

Okay, the Atwood April thread is up and running. This is a wide-open Group Read. Read whichever Atwood you would like and as many as your little heart desires. So far I have 2 on the agenda. Here's the link:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/151831

Be there or be square!

Square here. Nay nay nay to Dame Marge.

I must look today to see if I have any Atwood lurking on the uncatalogued shelves. I'd love to join in Atwood April.

Tammy- Good to see you! Let's hope all these signs of little critters are a positive one. You are further north than I am, so I can only imagine that you are done with this lingering winter.
Sometimes I hear the Sandhill Cranes flying above me on the route.

Kath- I am glad you found the chair comfortable. It will always be reserved for you.

RD- I know there is a love/hate relationship with Atwood, here on LT and elsewhere. Since, I'm a fan, I don't see what the problem could be, but fortunately there are multitudes of other authors to turn to out there.
We may be able to call you many different names but "square" is not one of them.

Happy Sunday Mark!
Glad to see you are enjoying Delirium! I gobbled up the second and third books in a row last week. I don't usually listen to audio books that often but I started listening while I played an online game and it seems to be working well for me!

Glad that your wife loved Cinder! Have you got her Scarlet to read yet?
Yesterday I found two short stories about the Lunar Chronicles on Marissa Meyer's website. Perhaps you or your wife would like to read those as well? They are pretty short
http://www.marissameyer.com/books/short-stories/

I posted this on Paul's thread as well, but I had to share it here too:



^Is this the best sounding ale, ever? I NEED to find me some. This is the strange, yet amusing description of Shenanigans Ale:

"We will always remember Colorado as the home of the largest domesticated monkey house in North America. There, these simians have been taught the ancient art of hops rolling and ale pressing. The result? Colorado's Odell Shenanigans. Colorado's Odell Brewing spiked the oak-aged Shenanigans with a yeast strain called Brettanomyces, which imparts a slightly tart flavor in this crimson-hued ale."

Wow!

I don't know, Mark, ale brewed by monkeys? Sounds dangerous to me, can't trust what those monkeys would put in it!

Hope you are having a great weekend, looking forward to hearing what you think of Delirium as I am planning on reading it sometime in next few months.

Now I'm off to the Atwood in April thread. See you there.

Mark, they were just showing the Loop rally on the channel 5 news but I didn't see you.

The monkey brew sounds worth trying to me, Mark. Apparently they're not just good with typewriters (banging out Shakespearean plays if they have at it long enough).

Give Sue Scarlet asap, so she can recover quickly from the abrupt Cinder ending!

Balzac: I asked around with the same question, which one first, and the most common answer was Old Goriot. It worked well for me.

No snow! No snow! Yah, for us! (sorry Gautam). The rally went well. A nice show of solidarity and it's great seeing fellow carriers from all parts of the state and some from Indiana too. One thing I learned, is that last week Congress postponed the 5-day delivery proposition, until October, buying us more time to fight it. Good news.

Chelle- I am liking Delirium but I'll have to see how strong it ends, to determine if I'll continue. It's a bit on the "light" side for me. And no I haven't snagged Scarlet yet. I'll have to ask the DW if she requested it yet.
And thanks for the story links.

Judy- I would rather not have monkeys...er....monkeying around with my brew production either. I'm sure you will like Delirium. It's light & breezy. See you at AA!

Linda- I was bundled up. I had a red ski jacket on and a black knit cap. They handed out blue T-shirts, but I couldn't fit it over my coat. I was waving a sign though.

Joe- Next time, I head to Binny's I'll check for any beers from Odell Brewery. I had never heard of it before. Colorado is a HOT brewery state.
Yes, I will get Sue, Scarlet ASAP. She is reading the latest Carriger. Have you read her? I sampled Soulless, liked it but didn't feel like continuing.
I will keep an eye out for a copy of Old Goriot, thanks!

Back during my college years, I read Pere Goriot for a lit in translation class and liked it.

I haven't been outside today but it looks cold, but no snow.

I am thinking about an Atwood. Not sure which though. I think I've read The Handmaid's Tale.

Good Golly, Mark. This is my first visit to you Lucky 7 thread. I have a few selections from my planned reads for March so I don't think I'll be joining the Atwood April GR as I had thought. Perhaps I'll take a look to see what I have that may fit Murder & Mayhem month. Are you done painting the reading room? Have you had time for a little R&R this weekend?

Hi Mark - Glad you guys had a rally today! Lots of ads here for the postal service and saving Saturday delivery.

Shenanigans! Is that a Tap Room brew? I've never seen it anywhere. Odell's Easy Street Wheat is my current favorite (she said as she finished up one from dinner).

I hadn't planned on reading any Atwood in April even though I have several I want to reread. I may think about Moral Disorder, though. I have it here but haven't read it yet.

I'll be reading The Big Rock Candy Mountain for at least the next few weeks.

Congratulations on a good rally. Sometimes they are hard to pull off these days with everyone at home on their computers, not feeling the need to "hit the bricks". Glad to see the Saturday delivery decision is kicked down the road a ways, and yes, organize. Organize. and Organize!!!

Have a great week. I will not be joining the Atwood fun, as I'm not fond of her work, but I am jumping into the Sonia Sotomayor biography. There will be some good reading going on this week for me. Photography class is over for now.

I finally finished "Life Of Pi". It was a good adaptation. It was a cinematic marvel, brilliantly realized visually. I don't think it completely captured the soul & the heart of the novel. Although, the ending of the film was better or more clearly expressed, than the ending of the book, IMHO. It's a worthwhile film though and I recommend it.

Linda- I am looking forward to my first Balzac. The Handmaid's Tale is a good place to start but Alias Grace, which mixes fiction with NF, might be a better fit for you. I have still not read it but several others are reading it for AA.

Lynda- Sorry, you won't be joining us on AA but I am glad you are lining up books for M & M. Not a lot of reading today, unfortunately, but it was still a good day. The wife has been painting, mostly touching up and going over areas, most of the weekend. She is beat. We are close to finishing, with phase one.

Joanne- According to the picture I saw of Shenanigans, it looks like it comes in "bomber", (22 oz) bottles. It might be available on tap in Colorado. You'll have to look. I am not sure if I can get Odell beer in Illinois.
Yes, AA is giving me a chance to finally get to a few more Atwood titles. I hope you can join us, for at least one. I thought I might finish Candy Mountain today but it looks like I will wrap it up tomorrow. It's such a great read.

Karen- I do not attend many union events, so I can't gripe to much about others not attending today, although this was pretty important. 5 people from our office showed up, that I saw, but 2 of them were union stewards. It could have been better.
I can't wait to see your thoughts on the Sotomayor memoir.

Just stopping by to wish you a great Monday :). I am very much looking forward to Atwood April and signed up already.
I had Delirium and the sequel on my TBR already for some time, but haven't been to sure about it. I read last year by Lauren Oliver Before I Fall which was a good, but also a partially annoying read. Obviously, I am curious about your opinion.

Hi Mark, I already put in an appearance on the AA thread. Glad to see you're enjoying your Stegner.

Hi Mark - Good news about the postponement of the 5-day week! Where was the rally?

We actually had a bit of snow here in the late evening, but nothing serious.

I'm off to find the Atwood thread, as I'll certainly participate.

Another Monday and Spring is no where in sight. Stuck in the 30s. Woe, is us. I should be wrapping up both Delirium & Candy Mountain today and then I'll pluck a couple more from Book Mountain.

Bianca- Good to see you! Delirium is on the lighter side for me but it's entertaining. Oliver seems to be very prolific. I also have Liesl & Po waiting in the stacks. I am glad you'll be joining us on AA.

Bonnie- Stegner is amazing. I will have to try to get through his entire body of work. Daunting but very worthwhile.

Kerri- The rally was at the Federal Plaza on Dearborn. I hope it did some good. We have a little snow on the grass but not a lot. I am pleased.

square here too....but have fun!

Becca loved the whole Carriger series, starting with Soulless, Mark, but it hasn't seemed like my cuppa.

BTW, I just started Benediction and got sucked in immediately. What a mesmerizing and beautiful writing style he has - simple but carrying so much within it.

Accu Weather says that spring will arrive between April 3 and 6. I hope so. I'm getting impatient.

Between Passover and spring break, almost no one's at work. What a weird day.

Hi Mark - now that I'm home I have a copy of Scarlet on it's way to my library for me to pick up sometime this week. I really enjoyed Cinder.
I probably won't join in on the Atwood April as I have The Count of Monte Cristo lined up for reading this month so don't want to over commit. What's up for May?

I finished listening to The Magicians and ended up liking it. I do think that it is very much a college age kind of book as it is about the ennui of college students of superior intellect. I did like the story. Not for everybody, but I enjoyed it. And the reader for this one was excellent.

I didn't get much read on Big Rock Candy Mountain but I did get to experience the Blizzard of Oz first hand. Driving to St. Louis on I64 was no fun. Driving through St. Louis was no fun either. Driving on I70 across Missouri was no fun either. Driving yesterday was not fun. Too much snow for making good time, but I did arrive in Kansas safely so shouldn't complain.

Share away. Are you FB?
Well, its not just me that is facebook, there are a few million other users, but yea, I am part of it ;)

Im glad you liked Life of Pi, the ending really was spelled out wasnt it! It was like "and for those of you in the back sleeping, this is what happened". haha, I think that was over done a bit,. but like you liked the film enough to forgive it.

Atwood April doesnt sound nearly as interesting to me as AA....it seems there are a few AA'ers around here ;)

Hi Mark. I'm jealous of you having Atwood still ahead of you. I have read and loved all of hers that I wish to. For some reason, I stopped enjoying her with Oryx and Crake, which I abandoned without finishing. Funny how those things go.

Oh jeepers... Atwood April already! Gah!

Atwood April! Whoohoooo... I'll be doing Blind Assassin with you, Marky-Mark.

Yah, for the librarian! And she stayed on her feet! Double Yah! And nice gams. Triple Yah!

I am afraid Gautam may never visit me again but I just can't help myself: It was cold, windy, with snow flurries throughout the day. WTH?

I only have a few pages left on Candy Mountain, which I will knock out after my LT fix. I did start, on audio Heads in Beds and it's a lot of fun in the early going, plus a nice insider look at how the hotel business runs.

Kath- Squares are always welcome here! Hope you had a good day.

Joe- Sue loves the Soulless series and she is now reading the 1st of her YA series. Like you, it's not for me. A little to romance driven, much like my latest Delirium. Have you read Oliver?
I am so jealous you are reading the new Haruf! Pouting a little.

Linda- It suppose get back to normal later in the week but I am looking forward to some above normal temps. Only fair, right?

Kerry- Great to see you! Cinder was such a nice surprise. My wife loved it too! We have requested her copy of Scarlet. I have it saved on audio.

Benita- Are you reporting from Kansas? I also listened to The Magicians on audio and agree it was a good reader. I had mixed feelings about the book. It sagged in the middle for me but I did like the beginning and end and will probably still listen to the follow-up, which has got very solid reviews.
I am just wrapping up Candy Mountain, it was fantastic and I'll be starting Devil's Peak.

Megan- We could be friends on FB, but only if you want. You might be posting information or lewd photos you do not want me to see. LOL.
Life of Pi film was not perfect but I liked it. I wish I could have seen it 3D at the theater.

Linda- I am looking forward to reading many more Atwood books. I loved Oryx and Crake but I know others haven't. What turned you off so badly?

Es- I plan on starting the Blind Assassin, early next week, if not over the weekend. i have an action-packed month coming up.

Caro- Yah! When are you starting it?

Mark - Go say something fun and chirpy at the Old Filth group read: http://www.librarything.com/topic/151901. No pressure.

^Ain't that the truth? I will be starting Devil's Peak. I know there are several LTers that love this book and series, including Benita, so I am glad to be finally jumping on board.

Morning Kerri- Mission accomplished, my friend! Enjoy your day!

I loved Oryx and Crake but I know others haven't. What turned you off so badly? I honestly don't know, Mark, other than that dystopian literature is not a favorite of mine. I loved her earlier books that I read, but just could not get into this one. I'd chalk it up to just a point in time and try it again, but I donated my copy.

Morning Mark! I think you will love Devil's Peak - I did anyway. It's very well done. I just received my latest ER book which is Philip Kerr's new entry in his Bernie Gunther series - very excited to dig into it! Hope Tuesday is kind to you!

Hmmm I must not be in a crime novel sort of mood, judging from my current reads...
Spring? What's that?

Good morning, Mark.
I'll likely read just one by Margaret Atwood, just to avoid being square!
Which I choose will depend on what they have at my used bookstore. I'm interested in Alias Grace The Year of the Flood, or Lady Oracle. We shall see.

Count me in for AA... I just picked up some Atwood at my recent haul! :)

Mark, I'll start Blind Assassin on April 1 and make it my very first read of the month. When are you intending to start it?

Drive bys as usual. Glad you enjoyed Life of Pi - I'm about a third of the way through and loving it (which I honestly didn't really expect to). It has moments of seriously beautiful writing in it.

Thanks for the enthusiasm at the Old Filth thread!

I'd like to read Devil's Peak as well, but I'm confused. The work page says it's the first book in one series, and the third in another. What is up with that?

^ See, what I can do when Spring finally arrives? I am really enjoying Devil's Peak. It reminds me of Jo Nesbo, set in South Africa. Gritty & smart. Once again my LT friends are spot-on. Who can beat this group for good recs? Let me tell you: NO ONE!

I am also really enjoying Heads in Beds. The author, who also narrates the audio, always keeps it informative and entertaining. I have found myself chuckling on several occasions.

Linda- Atwood does seem to be a polarizing author but at least in your case, you loved and admired her other work. By this time next month, I should be an Atwood expert.

Mamie- I am loving Devil's Peak. It reminds me quite a bit of Harry Hole. It is well-written and moves briskly. I want to get back to the Bernie Gunther series. Hopefully for M & M.

Kath- I know you are a fan of Sarah Waters. I am planning on starting The Little Stranger, very soon...FINALLY.

Ellen- You will never be square in my book, plus you are a well-read Atwood fan already. Many people are planning on reading Alias Grace. I am starting to be swayed...

Tina- Which one are you going to start with first?

Caro- I will start The Blind Assassin as soon as I finish Devil's Peak, which should be Sunday or Monday. Have you read Devil's Peak? It's just your cuppa!

Bekka- I was referring to the film version, in my recent post, but I really liked the book Life of Pi too. I read it several years ago, so I can't remember every detail but the film seemed to capture the tone of the book.

Kerri- I checked the pub order of the books and for once it is very interesting. The character Thobela Mpayipheli has been in 2 previous Meyer books and this is the first one featuring detective Benny Griessel. I think that is so cool, because Thobela is a very interesting character too! I hope those earlier books are available over here.

Hallo Mark! I'm just going to jump in blindly here. Will go back over your threads slowly but surely. :)

I rather enjoyed The Little Stranger, but not as much as I'd thought I would. I'm eager to see your thoughts after you've read it, Mark.

Happy Hump Day! ^How about that March Madness, huh? (I don't watch college b-ball). Mid-40s today. It's inching it's way up to normal, like a fat man climbing a steep hill.

Cathy made it! Cathy made it! I hope you can return.

Terri- I have only read Fingersmith. I am way overdue, (what's new, right?) on revisiting Waters. I know opinion on the Little Stranger has been the most mixed. We will see...

#179 - Ok - interesting. Then I'll start with Devil's Peak.

The Little Stranger is the only one of her books that I didn't like.. lol

Yeah, Delirium just wasn't calling out to me, Mark, so I haven't read it. Because she's so well-regarded, I did try a different Lauren Oliver, called Before I Fall. It was okay, but it didn't inspire me to read more of her.

I'm nearing the end of Benediction, and it's well worth your pouting over. :-) Much better than I expected, and I expected it to be good. It may give Plainsong a run for best Haruf I've read, and that's of course saying a lot.

Looking forward to your take on Devil's Peak. Sounds like it has a lot of potential.

Hi Mark, just stopping by before I head out of town. Want to wish you and your family a very Happy Easter. Of course the first things I packed were the books I want to take and Alias Grace is in there along with some others. April is shaping up to be a busy book month but I am hoping to get a couple more under my belt for March.

You caught my attention by mentioning that Devil's Peak brings Harry Hole to mind. Another mystery series to add to the growing list.

^Were these guys great or what? Actually, they look like they could use a few pints.

Were they celebrating Hump Day with the camel too, Marky-Mark? The hairstyles back then were quite a hoot.

I haven't read Devil's Peak yet and if it reminds you of Jo Nesbo, how can I resist adding it to my obese wish list? Huh.. this is rather unfair .. you're not supposed to add books to my obese wish list before you write a review for me to salivate over.

Cathy made it! Cathy made it! I hope you can return.

Was that for me? Because I must insist it's Kathy with a "K"! (Bad memories of the "C" variety. ;))

Yep, I'm trying to keep up Mark. Catching up is another story.

Kerri- I am loving Devil's Peak and I am closing in on the halfway point already. I am sure this is a series I will continue. A perfect fit for me.

Kath- Well, I know we've disagreed about books before, so we have to see with the Waters. I'll start it tomorrow.

Joe- Delirium was a fun listen and inventive but it was a little romance heavy for me and I prefer, at least a dash of dark edginess to my stories. I think Cinder had just enough of that.
The new Haruf gives Plainsong a run for it's money? You definitely made me sit up straight with that admission. Wow!

Judy- Have a wonderful and safe trip! Like you, April will be completely action-packed, as far as books go. I am hoping to bookhorn alias Grace in.

Caro- Let's hope the boys were celebrating Hump Day, although they look a bit wore down. A Hard Day's Night, perhaps? I am sure you will love Devil's Peak. I love that multi-story line approach, that Nesbo does so well too!

Kathy- This is how I treat my new visitors? How rude and offensive! I am so sorry. I should have double-checked and I also should have known better. My sister spells it with a K and so does a couple different aunts I have in the family. Bad Mark.

oh, dear, cute baby pictures. What will this world come to next?

^ It has been quiet on the threads. Is everyone on spring break? I wish I was. Sweet Thursday, folks. Actually, only semi-sweet for moi. I am working my day off today. The money is good and the weather is tolerable, so I can't pass it up. Plus we are going to a bookstore or 2 for our annual Chicago Meet-up, so a few extra bucks in my pocket will come in handy.
I am going to start the Little Stranger on audio. Let's see what side of the fence I come down on, with this one. Some LTers adore it, some....not so much.

Karen- Good to see you! Would you like to see more baby pictures? LOL. I hope you are enjoying the Sotomayor memoir.

Hi, Mark! In the 50's by tomorrow, at least for a day or two, so there's that to look forward to, no?

The baby makes it all better Mark.
*giggling nervously*

It has been quiet lately. But to catch up a little here:
I'm glad Saturday delivery is safe for now, and I agree that the ending of the movie version of Life of Pi was fantastic. I had been worried about how they'd pull it off but it turned out just right.

When is the Great Chicago Excursion?

Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to stay for the meet-up. A little too late in the day for me. Next time!

I posted my review of Benediction, Mark. Like Donna, I'm smitten. What a book.

Hope you have a good day - this improving weather should help.

Hi Mark! More Shenanigans, keep Saturday Post, hurray for Atwood, and Happy Thursday!! There... I am all caught up. Hugs. : )

^ I like this room. Not that's a Marky-Mark Man-Cave!

A nice day today. About 50 with sunshine. See, I am not demanding much. And the next 2 days will even be a little better.
I am loving the beginning of the Little Stranger. And Simon Vance is doing a stellar job reading it. Go Simon! Go Simon!

Amber- Not bad today. No gloves or hat. Let's keep moving in that direction.

Kathy- Glad you got caught up. And you don't have to giggle nervously, unless Paul makes a surprise appearance.

Nancy- Sorry, you can't make it on the 6th. We'll have to try to make it up by you guys and do a brewery tour, which never happened last year.

Joe- I will be by to check out your glowing review. I hope you are feeling better.

Kim- We love our Shenanigans around here! Thanks for the catch up! Hugs back at you!

Heya Mark,
just swinging by to wish you and your family a wonderful Easter weekend *smile*

Mark, we hit the big 5-0 here in Iowa, too! At least that's what I heard; I've been cooped up indoors with a stupid stomach flu but I heard it was really nice out. Hopefully I'll experience it for myself tomorrow.

I want a Sandhill Crane, too! Where do I find one? Oh. Google, I guess.

OH! wow.


I don't think they are in Maine. I know they are in Idaho though - since I just read a book about that state.

So, Mark. How's the Man Cave?
Love #120 Poor Phil. So maligned this year. Maybe next year they will leave him alone!

Wishing you a nice warm Spring day!

^ We are having a Chicago-area Meet-Up, on Saturday April 6th. We will meet at a bookstore in the city, about 4pm and then go for pizza & drinks. Tell, your friends, neighbors, partners and fellow booklovers. So what, if you have to drive a few hours! Stop being a big baby and join us. This group always has a good time when we get together.

Bianca- Have a great weekend too! Hopefully, you can get some prime reading in.

Julia- About 50 again tomorrow. Yah! And nearly 60 Saturday. We are creeping up slow but at least we are creeping. Sorry, to hear about the flu. Hopefully it'll be gone by the weekend.

Claudia made it! Claudia made it! Sadly, the Man Cave is going very slowly. We are trying to finish up the painting and then we have to move more stuff, including a vast amount of books, so we can put the carpet in. A long slow project but it will look fantastic when we are through.
I don't think Sand Hill Cranes are native to this area either. They just fly by.

Hope you have a great meetup!! If I still lived in Ontario I would drive down and join in as it's only 5-6 hours and a good drive, unfortunately NS is a tad too far

Happy Easter Mark!

Hmmmm. More like 20 hours for me. Gotta pass, but have fun!!

>198 msf59: OK, lose the tiles, and have wooden floor-boards, push those nesting tables in (or have them spread about the room- just not half in half out like they are), replace photos on wall with more bookshelves, make far end of room all window (floor to ceiling) and- ta daaa- Its Megan's woman-cave! hehe. I do like it in spite of the impression I'm giving.

If my name was one that could choose a C or a K, I would choose K I think. It just seems tougher :)

"While we read a novel, we are insane—bonkers. We believe in the existence of people who aren't there, we hear their voices... Sanity returns (in most cases) when the book is closed."

― Ursula K. Le Guin



^Okay, getting my April books in order. It's going to be a crazy book reading month. But seriously: Would we have it any other way?
And speaking of bonkers, I am loving both my current reads: The Devil's Peak & The Little Stranger. Don't you love it, when that happens?

Chelle- I wish we all lived a little closer and we could have this Meet-ups regularly. Happy Easter!

Kim- Come on! What's 20-30 hours of driving for 3-4 hours of blissful entertainment?

Megan- Thanks for re-tooling my Man Cave! I would change things too, including more book shelves and a beer tapper. And that looks like a great view, wish I could make that window larger.
And I agree about K for Kathy- I have several in my life and all are "K"s.

Glad you're enjoying both your current reads, Mark. Gotta love it.

We're closing after a half day today, so I'm packing up to go home. Have a great weekend!

I can't choose between C or K - I'm Katie with a K but my full name is Catherine, yes, with a C. Don't ask :-)

Hey Mark, just stopping by to say hey. Are you off today? I'm surprised to see so many places open today. I thought banks and libraries would be closed today, yet I used both today. Oh well, maybe it was just me who was off when I work for a municipality.

>207 msf59:: Love that Ursula K. le Guin quote!

>206 LovingLit:: "K" is definitely tougher :) I say this only b/c my real first name begins with a "K," of course!

Mark, a question on Chelle's thread reminded me that you are supposed to read the new-to-you author I picked for you in April - E.M. Forster. Or is that poor little personal challenge fallen by the wayside? Let me know if you do want to still do it and what book. I'd love to read along!

I have to head up for dinner. I'll be back, (in Terminator voice!)...

Hi Mark: Looks like spring might finally be here.

I've got a 3-day weekend to look forward to. Yay!!

Sad to say but next weekend is looking doubtful for me. What time do I need to be there?

Joe- I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend. Are you a Sarah Waters fan? If not, I would think she would be your cuppa. The Little Stranger is a good old-fashioned haunted house tale.

Katie- I am hurt. Do you think I would forget you? I have read my last 3 First-time Author books and continue to finish up the rest of the year. My reading month does get swamped early on but I try to remember to bookhorn that selection in.
My pick will be Howard's End, which I'll probably start the 3rd or 4th week of April. That would be cool if you would join me. BTW- I loved the film version, although it's been several years, maybe more, since I last seen it.

Lynda- Great to see you! We are NEVER off on Good Friday, so it's only just an okay Friday for us. Funny, how many customers are surprised I am working today.
Happy Easter, to you and yours!

Es- Big wave! What is your first name? Or is it a state secret?

Linda- I know you have plans on the 6th, but if you can still join us for pizza, that would be great. We are meeting at the book store around 4 and would probably get to the restaurant about 5:30. Even if you could come for an hour or so.

Hej Mark, I couldn't keep up with your thread, so I just came over to wish you a blessed Easter holiday.

>216 msf59:: State Secret :D I have my reasons...

I would make the 5 hour trip on April 6 if I hadn't already invited friends over. I'm all about the road trips.

One last weather comment, and then I swear I'll stop. Saturday, I posted that I laughed at a Winter Storm sign while driving with all my windows down. Monday we had a foot of snow. Friday (today) I was driving with the top down. Midwest: Never a Dull Moment!

Paul- Good to see you, sir! Happy Easter to you too! Stop by again.

Es- Since it is a state secret, I will not ask again. Scouts honor!

Terri- I would love to have a Missouri rep, show up at one of our Meet-ups. Maybe, one of these days. Yes, the late winter weather has been crazy. Sorry you guys got nailed with so much snow. Yes, it was very nice here today. High 50s and sunshine. More of the same tomorrow. Yah!

Good night, gang! See you in the A.M....

Late night check in, Marky. I decided to start with The Blind Assassin. That decision was based on the fact that you & several others will be reading it also. :)

>220 msf59:: Why thank you for your consideration, Mark :)

>221 TinaV95:: Oh, I think you're really going to like The Blind Assassin, Tina!

Oh, excellent! I'll pull Howards End off the shelf!

^I love this image! Happy Saturday! It's been a long week but I am finally wrapping this baby up. At least I had a couple very good books to guide me through. It is supposed to be another fine early Spring day, partly sunny and near 60. Yes, I'll take it.

Tina- Yah, for The blind Assassin! I have a busy day on Easter but I do plan on cracking it.

Es- We aim to please!

Katie- My copy is in a 3 book compilation, along with Room With a View & I think, Maurice. I know you were a big fan of the former.

Stopping by to say "hi" and hope your weekend is refreshing. I finished reading My Beloved World by Justice Sotomayor and I did enjoy it very much. She writes very well and her path has been an interesting one. The book could be quite inspiring for someone who needs an example of being able to do well, even if starting from a place of multiple deficits. Her strong extended family and personal commitment to hard work and ambition definitely made a difference for her!

I've got bunch of days off, too, and expect I'll do some reading and some more picture making. Thank goodness it is spring-like here and I can also get some yard work done.

Cool picture! It is beautiful here. Blue sky and already mid-60's at 10 in the morning. Yay!

I know they're having beautiful weather out in Seattle, too, as our descendants reported back from their get-together just a few minutes ago.

Nice here, too, yes? We took Becca's furry Sherlock on a long, long walk, and he has conked out. As Kath would say, I'm currently lap-locked.

I finished my ER mystery by C.J. Box, and it was another good one. He knows how to make those pages zip by. I think I'm going to tackle Beloved next. Have you read Toni Morrison? I figger I need to give her a try.

Hope you're enjoying the weekend, my friend.

Happy Easter Mark. (if you observe, if not Happy Weekend)
Wanted to pop over and see what you've been reading.
Hope all is well with you and yours buddy.
hugs,
belva

Sore mouth is stopping by to say hi and Happy Easter! Actually, maybe it is getting a little better today? Knock on wood! shhhh! Hey, my husband just finished the new C. J. Box, Breaking Point and he really loved it! I'm such a good wife, that I order books for him and keep up on his series. When tell him how grateful he should be, he just chuckles and says I'd better be good for something!!! Gasp! Mark! What a husband! :) Joking around is the key to a happy marriage I think.

Anyway, yes, Life after Life is a stand alone, not a Jackson Brodie series. Oh I do love Jackson Brodie.

Have a great meet up!

Glad the work week is over. Whew! Now, it's Miller time, or in my case Craft Beer time. We are just staying in, kicking back with a couple beers and watching a movie.

I LOVED Devil's Peak. My faithful visitors know I go bonkers for a good crime series and this one kicks serious butt! Thanks to the LT pals that steered me into it. You guys ROCK!

Karen- I had a strong feeling you would love the Sotomayor memoir. Hopefully, you can continue to spread the joy on that one. It deserves it.

Kim- It turned out to be mostly cloudy here, especially in the P.M. but the temps were mild, so no complaints out of this guy! Hope you are having a nice weekend.

Joe- So is Becca out in Seattle visiting? And you are Sherlock watching? Such a good Dad. I am getting far behind on the Joe Pickett books. I need to step it up.
I have read 4 or 5 Morrison books, including Beloved, which is a dark and disturbing read. I am not sure that's the best place to start with her but, then again I am not an expert. One thing is for sure: She is an AMAZING author.

Belva made it! Belva made it! It's always good to see you! Happy Easter to you and your family! Miss seeing you around the LT Homestead.

I love that one, Mark! My daughter-in-law was discussing how difficult it would be to fix me up with anyone she knew, because "he'd have to be obsessed by books like you are." Not necessarily, I said, but she said it would take a special person to tolerate all my bookcases.

Guess that's why I'm still single after all these years....

Happy Easter to you & yours, Mark!

^Now, that's what I'm talking about! Snap!

Ha! That's my kind of Easter bunny, Mark. Happy Easter to you and yours!

Hi Mark! The image in 224 is great. I love that you have to stop and look to see the book in her hands.

Have a great weekend! Hope the Big Bunny leaves you something cold and alcoholic!

Just stopping in to wish you a very Happy Easter, Mark. May it be full of fabulous...and beer, of course!

We are going to be watching The Sessions, with Helen Hunt. Has anyone seen this yet? I've heard pretty good things about it and I love the 2 leads.

Deb- Yes, you are a wonderful wife, Tonto! Keeping the DH happy and keeping his various book series in order. Not always an easy task.
I'm really looking forward to the new Atkinson. She is such a pleasure to read.

Terri- It's funny, when you meet a fellow book-nut, you just click. That has happened to me several times now, especially with LTers. What a feeling.

Julia- I have never heard of beer can hunts, but I sure love that idea. Cans are making a nice comeback in the beer world, something I would have never imagined. I just picked up 2 six-packs of cans, of course of the finest quality.

Kathy- I love that image too! "Hope the Big Bunny leaves you something cold and alcoholic!" Now, you are talking!

Mamie- I LOVE LOVE the beer bunny! Just made my evening. Thanks, my friend.

Yes, I'll be passing the Justice's bio along! The woman who chairs the Board (Home Owners Assoc) that I just joined was delighted to hear that I had the book, and was willing to let her read it. She is developing into a good friend, I think, and sharing books will be a part of the friendship! Yes!

I am now jumping into The Searchers: The Making of An American Legend after having heard many good words about it here on LT.

Enjoy the remainder of the weekend!

Hi Mark, wishing you a great weekend. I hope the Easter bunny brings you the beer you're looking for;-) I'll settle for chocolates myself.

LOL, a beer bunny....

Hoppy Easter, Mark!

>230 msf59: LOL
I love that image. It is brilliant, and encapsulates my feelings scarily well! And her tone (which I can tell from her up turned nose) is excellent!

Any chocolate stouts on the menu this fine day Mark, or is a lager style beer more to your tastes? I am off it as still suffering from a cold (terribly inconvenient in this lovely weather, as well as with me being solo-mum for 3 days- but wha' can ya do?)

I am hoovering up the kids extra easter eggs as they dont need it all....and I do? Well, yes actually, I do! :)

#232 Ooooh! *wanders of to see if by any chance, maybe, possibly, the beer bunny made it all the way to the Channel Islands...*

I'm so saving that pic to the desktop for my Hubby - I don't eat chocolate so this is an excellent replacement ;)

Happy Easter Mark.

Glad you enjoyed Devil's Peak. I did, too. Richard strikes again.

Happy Easter, Mark. Read these BEFORE you drink the beer Mamie's bunny left for you.

I hope everyone has a nice holiday! We were originally hosting today but with our house in disarray, we are all going out for dinner. So I will be doing some painting touch-ups, (we needed a 2nd coat too. Boo.) And the carpet installer said, I have to move all my books from the shelves, which of course, is a BIG hassle. Double Boo! So, I might have to start on that too.

Karen- Spreading the joy! That's what we are all about. I'll be keeping my eye out for the Searchers. That one has my name all over it, plus Mamie loved it.

Bonnie- Happy Easter to you, my friend. I was already checking in corners...no beer.

Joanne- Have a great holiday with your family.

Megan- Sorry, to hear about your cold. Bummer. I hope you get over it quickly. Fingers crossed. Yes, I am more an ale and lager guy. Not as crazy about the stouts and porters. My wife likes those though.

Bekka- Any sign of the beer bunny? Keep looking. Happy Easter!

Ellen- Yes, Devil's Peak made me an instant fan of Meyer. I can't wait to get to the next book.

Lynda- Thanks for the book basket. I should be able to blast through all of these in about 15 minutes. Have a great holiday, my friend.

Good morning, Mark! I hope you have a lovely day (if you're doing anything for the holiday).

How was the movie? I'm sort of interested in seeing in.

Oh, and Joe brewed a Zombie Dust clone yesterday.

Good morning! At least you will be off today :) I hear it's to get cold there again. Hope the weather guessers are wrong..

37) The Big Rock Candy Mountain by Wallace Stegner 4.8 stars

“the reflection of ecstasy and the shadow of tears.”

This is the story of the Mason family. Bo, Elsa and their two sons, Chet and Bruce. We follow them over thirty years, from Minnesota, North Dakota, Canada, Montana, Utah and a few other places in between. Bo is a restless, hot-tempered man, always searching for the “next best thing”, even if that includes breaking the law and continuously putting his family in danger. His sons grow to fear and hate him. Elsa tries to tolerate and support her husband but is slowly ground down, by his excessive and reckless pursuit.
This sweeping narrative, is filled with breath-taking descriptions of the West. Timber camps, Klondike mines, bootlegging, farming and running several “blind pigs”, (speakeasies). It is also filled with tension and apprehension, as this hapless family follows Bo, through one misadventure after another.
Stegner is a masterful storyteller and has quickly become one of my favorite writers.

“There was somewhere, if you knew where to find it, some place where money could be made like drawing water from a well, some Big Rock Candy Mountain where life was effortless and rich and unrestricted and full of adventure and action, where something could be had for nothing.”

Hi Mark, and happy Easter! I'll get to BRCM next month. It's great to see all the favorable reviews from the group read.

And lest you have forgotten (which I had until my husband reminded me this morning): Call the Midwife Season 2 starts tonight! Woo hoo! I'm more excited about that then the new Masterpiece (Mr Selfridge), although we will probably watch both.

Enjoyed your review of The Big Rock Candy Mountain and the quote! Great quote!

Thumb up, 4 U.

Happy Easter Mark!
Good review of The Big Rock Candy Mountain!
Will you be starting on Atwood next?

Big thumbs up from me on your review of The Big Rock Candy Mountain, Mark. That was the perfect quote to describe Bo Mason's attitude toward life. Too bad it was all an illusion and his family suffered so much because of it.

I'm still making my way through Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation. So far, it's more science than salvation but it's very well done considering how many threads he weaves together to show how widespread the pollution was and how hard it was to prove a link to all the childhood cancer cases. I know it sounds depressing (and it is) but it's also fascinating and will probably be a 5 star read for me.

I pre-ordered Kate Atkinson's new book (Life after Life) and I think I get it on Tuesday. I'm really looking forward to reading it since I love that idea of being able to come back and relive your life with the benefit of the knowledge from your past ones.

I hope you have a great Easter Sunday!

Very nice and concise review of The Big Rock Candy Mountain, Mark! Thumbs-upped.

Happy Easter, Mark. Enjoy the nice day before the cold returns. Poor Sox fans are going to be outside in mid 30s with strong winds for their opener tomorrow.

^Look what the Easter Bunny left me. Yippee! I think I deserve it to. I just finished painting for nearly 3 hours. I want to wrap this stuff up, in the worst way. I want Marky-Mark's Man Cave back in order!

Kerri- We are heading to a nearby restaurant. It sure takes a lot of pressure off us, not having to host it here. I really liked The Sessions. The leads were great and that Helen Hunt...Yowsa!

Kath- Hope you are having a good day. Yes, back to 39 tomorrow. WTH? It creeps back to 50 on Wed, so it's short-lived. Haven't safely turned that corner yet.

Laura- I am sure you will love BRCM. It's long but well worth the time. And yes, I have Call the Midwife set up on my DVR. Tonight will be Game of Thrones. Do you watch that? I'll have to pick a night for CTM.

Karen- Thanks! Always appreciate the Thumbs! I've been terrible with my reviews, but thought I better knock one out for that one. It's such a good read.

Chelle- Thanks! I hope to crack into the Blind Assassin later today but I will be starting that one next for sure. How about you?

Smart Easter Bunny! Nice review of Rock Candy Mountain, Mark. I left you a thumb!

Another thumb from me for the Big Rock Candy Mountain, Mark. Excellent choice of the sum-up quote.

Are you painting the man cave? If so, at least there'll be a good reward at the end.

Happy Easter!

Mark, I haven't watched Game of Thrones. It's certainly getting a lot of hype this season, or maybe I am only just noticing. It's kind of fantasy stuff right? Not my usual fare, but I've considered checking it out.

Quick thumb up , and Happy Easter Mark!

Lovely eggs there, Mark!

Ugh, sorry you had to spend today painting! That is one of my least favorite things to do!

I finished Oryx and Crake today. Loved it as much as when I read it last time! I think I'll save Year of the Flood for later in April.

Hope you enjoy The Blind Assassin!

Yes, folks! Game of Thrones Season 3. The wait is over...



Call the Midwife-Season 2 begins tonight!



Thank God, it's over!

Pat- Thanks for the Thumb! Stegner is such a master. I look forward to reading more of his work. I would like to try his short stories.
And yes, the new Atkinson sounds like a winner. I NEED to request that one.

RD- Thank you sir! Stegner is the real deal.

Linda- Poor White Sox! LOL. I wonder if the Cubbies will do much better in Pittsburgh.

Mamie- Yes, we like those smart, intuitive bunnies! Thanks for the Thumb!

Joe- Yes, I put in a couple of hours in the Man-Cave. The majority of the painting is done. Now, to clear the bookshelves. What a task! They need them clear to install the new carpeting. Bummer, dude.

Laura- Just like in the books, the Game of Thrones, is fantasy-related but it's all about the drama. Do you have Netflix? You could try a few episodes of season 1 and see if it works.

Deb- Thanks and Happy Easter to you! Did you ever track down Call the Midwife?

Kathy- Yes, those eggs were fabulous. Hope you had a nice Easter.

Chelle- The painting has been a pain, since we had to put two coats on everything. It seems like it's dragging on forever. Most of it, is done now. Whew!
I'll probably save the Year of the Flood for the end of the month. You are doing rereads, right?

Yes! We are liking The Game of Thrones, Season 3, tonight, too! Woo hoo. Pizza, salad, and some pot luck dessert...and a good TV show. I'm a happy girl. Our lovely spring weather has been here for Sat. and Sun. and rumor has it we will be back to gray and clouds and rains tomorrow. But not bitterly cold, thank goodness.

I have the whole week off and I'll be reading The Searchers: The Making of An American Legend for a good part of it. There are other chores to do, but reading will be a high priority.

Mark, I hope your man cave is in working order very soon. I saw CTM tonight. I sure do love that Sister Evangelina. What a hoot.

Hi Mark

I hope your Easter was a happy one!

Hi Mark! Great beer for a great guy. Enjoy GofT and Happy Easter!

>247 msf59: and running several “blind pigs”, (speakeasies)
The content of your parentheses didnt help me, unfortunately. Help?

Call the Midwife stars Miranda Hart, she's the tall one. Have you seen her comedy show, (Miranda)? It is really funny. Although in saying that I must admit, that the first few times I watched it I was a little confused and didnt rate it highly, now I love it.

I hope you're enjoying The Blind Assassin, Mark. I have it on the stack of things to read when I return to "real life."

Hi Mark!

#247 - Nice review - I can't wait to get to some Stegner!

I thought Game of Thrones was good last night. Sort of a scene-setting episode, as expected. I had planned to listen to the second book to refresh my memory before the season started, but never got around to it, because it's soooo long. Also, I've been failing a bit on the audiobook front lately. Oh well.

Happy April, people! Let's hope this month is warmer and kinder. Although, it's going to be windy and 39 today. WTH? And the Cubs play the Pirates today, in Pittsburgh. Yikes.
NO reading yesterday, so I'll be starting the Blind Assassin and I should finish up the Little Stranger.

Karen- I did not realize you were a GOT fan. Yah! You have delectable taste. It's was a decent opener. Enjoy your week off, get plenty of R & R in.

Roberta- Good to see you. We hope to get to CTM in a couple days. The DW has a busy schedule this week.

Linda- Thanks! I hope you had a lovely Easter as well.

Kim- I hope you had a nice Easter with the family. Are you watching any of those shows?

Megan- I had not heard of "blind pigs" either. It must be an American West term. This was during prohibition in the US, during the 1920s and early '30s. And the main character sold illegal liquor in a hotel or bar and this was the term they used.
I did not know Miranda Hart had a comedy show. She sure is good on CTM. How much have you seen of that?

Ellen- Looking forward to turning to Ms. Atwood! When do you return from paradise?

Kerri- Yes, GOT was just setting things up, no real fireworks. Although the scene with Tyrion and his father is devastating. I missed Arrya & Jamie.

Mark, I may give GOT a try, if I can convince my TV-watching buddy (aka husband). We have Netflix, but streaming only and it's not available there. However Comcast appears to have all episodes available on demand so we can start at the beginning.

I enjoyed reuniting with my midwife friends last night, but found Mr Selfridge rather humdrum. I dislike "brash American in England" plots and I thought they were trying to recreate a Downton Abbey feel by having both "upstairs" and "downstairs" characters and story lines. Just give me my Downton please.

Morning Mark! I'm still trying to get over the shock that it is April already. I might join you and Katie in reading Howard's End if I can figure out how to squeeze it in this month - I have not read that one before.

Happy April, Mark! The problem with clearing bookshelves for me is I start looking at the books I'm clearing, then opening them, then reading just a bit here and there, then totally forgetting why I was clearing the bookshelves . . .

Have you read Beloved? I'm finally digging in, and so far it's better than I feared. I've avoided it for years, for no particularly good reason, but the time has come.

I read the Lilli Carre gn, Heads or Tails and thought it was pretty good but not great. A couple of her "short stories" I loved, but many were just so-so from my POV. It was a bit disappointing after reading raves about her work.

Mark, I am a big GOT fan! Was able to see George RR Martin in Seattle a few months back and enjoyed him very much. Some "stupid get" asked him if he had identified someone to finish the series should he not be able to, and his answer was great. He said something like, well, you've asked me what I might plan for after my own death.... and no, I have not make any such plans.

I also bought, and he signed, A Feast of Ice and Fire which is a great little cookbook of foods the characters might have eaten. Next week for the next episode I plan on making "Bean and Bacon Soup" such as Sam might have eaten while on the Wall. Fun! We have a small group who come to my place to watch the show.

Have a great week.

Hi Mark, from sunny-and-almost-60 Long Island! heh...I am a bad bad man.

I'm back. It was a very nice week. I got to spend money - Not my own. My mother and I went shopping to remodel the bathroom. Have to replace the tub, toilet, and sink. She didn't want to do so, but they have lived in the house for 40 years and it is showing the wear.

Glad you enjoyed Deon Meyer. His books are GREAT! I have to find a copy of Seven Days. This is the third one in the Bennie Giesel series and I can't wait to read it. I would disagree. He is not at all like Nesbo. He is not nearly as gruesome, and doesn't go in for the shock value of blood and guts. His stories are fast paced with plenty of violence, but it isn't the slap you in the face and then keep slapping you with it. And he doesn't relish spitting out those gory over-the-top grizzly details. I think he is a better writer than Nesbo for that reason. He gets the point across without making you throw up or suffer severe emotional trauma while doing it. Plus, his writing is very timely given the Oskar Pistorius murder.

As soon as I get done with Big Rock Candy Mountain I will move on the Atwood in April read. For me this is going to be Alias Grace of Cat's Eye. It depends on which one I can find first on my shelves.

Did I see on one of the other threads, that you had posted the Atwood in April link? I couldn't find it when I went back, or I deleted it. Can you post it here?

Karen, that reminds me, George RR Martin was recently in town with Ernest Cline and the Delorean. Somehow, I totally missed it. It would have been cool to go be among the fans and such.

It's 75 and sunny here today...

I love your painted beer bottles, Mark. What a clever idea! Adults need a hunt too.

How about those first place Cubbies?

^Soon!

It was far from this today! Lots of sunshine but a chilly breeze. I started The Blind Assassin. She is such a goddess. This is my 3rd book by her and each one has a unique and varied tone to it. And she's so damn smart and creative too!
I finished the Little Stranger. I liked it but wish it could have been shorter and tighter. That seems to be my biggest complaint about books, mostly fiction.

Laura- Let me know, if you start to watch GOT. It's pretty addictive. I didn't really have an interest in watching Mr Selfridge, unless one of my LT pals said it was Must See TV. How many episodes is it?

Mamie- I am glad you are considering joining us with Howards End. I have been wanting to read Forster for years now.
If you do read it, we should all try to see the film version, soon after. It's an outstanding film.

Joe- I'll probably peruse my books, with a closer eye, once I put them back. Now, it's all about yanking 'em down and boxing 'em up. No time to dally.
Yes, I loved Beloved but do remember it being quite heavy and dark at times. She is a GREAT writer and I hope this puts you on the path to reading much more of her work.

Karen- It was a decent set-up episode of GOT. I hope next week, it really takes off. We didn't get to see Arrya, Jamie or Brienne. I love all 3 of those characters.
Thanks for sharing the Martin story. I am sure he gets exasperated with his fans sometimes.

RD- Yes, you are an evil man. Barely 40 here but it is supposed to warm in a couple days. Come on Spring-time.

>270 msf59: I haven't seen any of Call the Midwife. *boo hoo* Dont have satellite TV and haven't seen it mentioned on the channels we have. I think it might have come and gone maybe?

Happy Tuesday! Wilburs Kindergarten is closed today as an add-on to Easter, so we are free today to do whatever. Will probably hit the play ground this afternoon :)

I loved getting back to Call the Midwife but I didn't much care for all the abuse that took place. And more of Chummy please. God I love her. I'll finish TransAtlantic tonight. Can you say 5 stars??

Thumb for your excellent review of Rock Candy speaking of 5 stars (well, almost).

Megan it comes on PBS! So you should get it on regular TV feed I think.

Benita- Glad your trip home went well! I am sure it's great to spend time with the family. Yes, Meyer does remind me of Nesbo. The lone wolf alcoholic detective, the same narrative structure, (which I love) but I agree with you, that he is not as extreme as Nesbo, which is good, although there is plenty of darkness and edginess in this book too!
See you on the Atwood thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/151831#t

Kathy- Thanks for rubbing the 75 in my face. You are mean. I saw where Patrick Rothfuss was cruising around with Kline too! Are you an RPO fan?

Caro- Did you start the Blind Assassin? Did you? Did you? I am only 60 pages in but she grabs you pretty quick. What a strange little story so far.
Maybe the painted beer bottles will give you an idea for next year.

Linda- Go Cubbies! It looks like Jeff, (I am not spelling his last name) pitched a terrific game.

Megan- Are you able to get DVD copies of shows, from say your library system? Do you have something like Netflix (dvds by mail) in NZ?

Bonnie- Haven't watched CTM yet. Might not be able to see it until Wed. I started Galore. I didn't get very far but interesting so far.
Have you read the Blind Assassin?

Hi Mark, just checking in to see what sort of trouble you have self into now. Always so unruly! :) No, I have not tracked down Call the Midwife, but I suppose I might have to do so just to stay abreast of things. Just like Downton Abbey, it seems to be all the rage. I'm not sure, but I may have skimmed the book Call the Midwife earlier this year. A young woman who biked to her midwife training calls? I was a bit " meh" about the book - didn't count in my LT count. Maybe the tv series is much better then the book?

Happy April Mark!
Yes I am rereading Oryx and Crake and Year of the Flood because MaddAddam comes out this year and I needed a refresher. I also have Cat's Eye to read for the first time this month too.

Hope you get some warmer weather this week!

Oh I see that Megan is in NZ, oops! But I suppose whichever channel Dr who and downtown come on is your best bet. It really is a good show; if you like period dramedies you'll be hooked.

Mark, yes I'm a RPO fan! I even got my husband to read it which is an accomplishment in itself. He fell hard for it and even played the online easter egg hunt thingy Ernest Cline had running a while back. The prize was the Delorean, but I guess the winner gave it up? Idk, I didn't follow the game as much as he did.

Deb- Who's unruly? Kathy is, not me! I am gentle, quiet, sweet... You'll like CTM. It's not as soapy as DA but just a good solid drama, with nice period detail. I didn't read the book but I know others liked it.

Chelle- Amazing Atwood! How can you beat this woman? I am only 60 pages into the Blind Assassin and i am already swept away. I will get to the Year of the Flood later in the month.

Kathy- I don't play video games anymore. Not for a long, long time. But the RPO game does sound fun.

Okay, kids! Grab your books, allergy medicine, inhalers and plenty of Kleenex and come join me on Number 9. Number 9. Number 9:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/152299