Mark's Reading Place: Bibliomania! #13

"an open book is a mind that speaks: closed, a friend who waits; forgotten, a soul that forgives; destroyed, a heart that weeps."

-Tagore



-by Elinga, Pieter Janssens- late 1660s



Woman Reading Painting by Vasile Ion

Currently Reading:



Audiobook:


Graphic:


Books Read So Far...

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)
41) Galore by Michael Crummey 4.6 stars (audio)
42) The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood 3.8 stars (OTS)
43) Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal by Mary Roach 4.7 stars (audio)
44) Old Filth by Jane Gardam 4.6 stars GR
45) The Dinner by Herman Koch 3.3 stars (audio)
46) The Hope Factory: A Novel by Lavanya Sankaran 4 stars E.R.
47) Broken Harbor (Dublin Murder Squad) by Tana French 4.3 stars (audio)
48) Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood 4.3 stars
49) Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein 4.2 stars (audio)
50) The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood 4 stars (audio)
51) Howards End by E. M. Forster 4.5 stars (OTS)

May:

52) Kindness Goes Unpunished by Craig Johnson 3.8 stars (audio)
53) Benediction by Kent Haruf 4.5 stars
54) Dark Places by Gillian Flynn 4.2 stars (audio) OTS
55) Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver 4.6 stars (audio)
56) Little Wolves by Thomas Maltman 3.5 stars
57) Iron House by John Hart 4 stars (audio) OTS
58) Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala 4.5 stars (audio)
59) The Ghosts of Nagasaki by Daniel Clausen 4.6 stars (OTS)
60) The Merry Misogynist by Colin Cotterill 4 stars (audio)
61) When She Woke by Hillary Jordan 3.8 stars (OTS)
62) Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss 4 stars (audio)
63) A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness 4.7 stars (audio)
64) Nineteen Seventy-Four by David Peace 2.7 stars (audio) OTS
65) The Feast of the Goat by Mario Vargas Llosa 5 stars (OTS)
66) Life After Life by Kate Atkinson 4.4 stars (audio)

June:

67) Enon by Paul Harding 3.6 stars (OTS)
68) Black Irish by Stephan Talty 3.7 stars (audio)
69) Looking for Alaska by John Green 3.8 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-The Feast of the Goat 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:

Atwood April- Any Atwood! Start lining 'em up: http://www.librarything.com/topic/151831#t
May: Murder & Mayhem- http://www.librarything.com/topic/153380#t
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller- June
A Fine Balance- by Rohinton Mistry July
2666 by Roberto Bolaño- October

Ready for visitors?

The paintings are fab!

Hi Mark -- happy lucky 13! Love the image of Alice and Dorothy from your last thread. My, what a conversation that would be:)

Hope you're having a good weekend. Go Blackhawks! I haven't had much time to watch hockey or anything else, but like any good Coloradan I have a healthy dislike for the Red Wings, and according to Stelios, the officiating has not been impartial...?

I agree with somebody from the last thread who said that you need to get the book (hardcopy) of A Monster Calls. The book has lots of illustrations that help to tell the story that you will miss if you don't see the book. It was the same with Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Part of the story was in the illustrations.

^This is how my nightstand would always look, IF I stacked them there. I don't read in bed. The lighting isn't good and it's not comfortable sitting up. Does anyone use their nightstands for book stacking? Inquiring minds.

I'm early to the party and I love the paintings topping your new thread!

>8 msf59:: Um, that is kind of what my nightstand does look like.....

My nightstand is for water, pills, lamp.

My blanket chest, howsomever, is a completely different kettle of fish.

I just took a power-nap, (rare for me) but now I am ready for Llosa, LT and some refreshments.

RD & Claudia- Big, hearty waves!

Anne made it! Anne made it! Yah! Good to see you my friend. I'll have to drop by and see what you are reading. And yes, Go Blackhawks! They have a tough road ahead of them.

Benita- You are working today, right? Bummer. Actually, I snagged a library copy of A Monster Calls and paged through it. I'll have to find a "keeper" copy of that one. And I agree with you about, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. I read the print version.

Ellen- Nice to have you drop by. Grab a cocktail! The books in # 8 are about what I have on my "Must Read Now" shelves and every time I pull one out, 2 grow back.

RD- You'll have to take a photo of your blanket chest and I am quite sure there will be no fish hanging about.

Great looking thread, Mark.

There aren't usually books on my nightstand, but my e-reader tends to spend time there.

ooh, love the thread toppers, both the quotation and the images. how cool are the shoes and the mirror in the Janssens?

my nightstand is for meds and audiobook stuff. truly boring.

have a good memorial day. i'm going to sit in front of the boob tube and watch women's hoops for a while. i reckon those we memorialize would like to be sitting somewhere with a tall, cool one watching sports or the wind in the trees or most anything.

oh, hey, what's your take on The Feast of the Goat? sounds interesting and NLS has it in audio, all 18+ hrs. whatcha think?

Hi Mark - Great paintings at the top. I do read in bed but would be afraid to have a stack that tall. If it fell in the night, it would be a rude awakening. I'll be waiting to hear what you think of The Feast of the Goat.

Lovely photos at the top Mark. I'm actually able to read for about an hour in bed before I nod off and usually have a couple of books on my nightstand, certainly not as many as in the picture.

I am at work. We don't celebrate them there Yankee holidays. The real Decoration Day is the last Tuesday in April.

I read in bed all the time. It is what puts me to sleep. I do stack books on the nightstand, but not that many. When I want to read a book I move it to the nightstand so that it is easy to grab when I need it. It is sort of an "on deck" place for books.

So what was it the you and Joe really liked about Last Werewolf, cause I am just not feeling the love. In fact, I find it rather boring. Just when I think I am going to Pearl Rule it, the author starts to make it interesting. But overall, its not that great. Right now I don't think I will listen to the next book.

Hi Mark, I am dreadfully behind what with having company all weekend that curtailed my LT and reading time. I am not finished Nineteen Seventy Four yet, I have to admit that I am not enjoying this read and so I have to force myself to pick the book up. Unfortunately I have the rest of the quartet on my shelves and so will probably give number two a try, but if the series stays as slimy and distasteful as it has, then the books will soon find their way to a second hand store.

So many things to comment on here. You have completely sold me on Lisel and Po, and I am so glad that you loved A Monster Calls and are bringing it to so many people's attention.

Both my husband, Ken and I enjoyed the last season of Longmire, although I find the casting quite different from the books, (which remain my first love) we're looking forward to following the second season.

And on your last thread you mentioned A Constellation of Vital Phenomena which I had put on my wishlist when I heard about it on the BOTNS. I know you will get to it before me, so I am looking forward to hearing what you think.

>8 msf59: lol
I use my bedside table to store books. Not necessarily my tbr pile, just the latest lot that I dont want to lose sight of. I would never stack them that high though, in case of a rogue earthquake (not that it is likely now, but its just the way I think now).

I love the second painting on the thread topper! She looks very engrossed in her reading, and she is also clothed! Go figure, who'da thought it on your thread!??! ;)

I love the paintings and the quote in your thread opener, Mark! Hope things are going well for you on this Memorial Day weekend.

In answer to your question, I stack the books I'm currently reading on my nightstand. Actually, various book in the pile move around throughout the day (currently my stack of books I'm reading is on the table in the family room) depending on where I'm reading or what I'm reading (including the book that gets taken to work to read during my lunch break). Then at the end of the day, I stack 'em all up on the nightstand, and pick one or two to read from before going to sleep.

I'm with you--I can't read in bed. It's not comfortable and the light is bad. So there are no books on my nightstand (outside of a rarely-used journal). Now, the end table that sits next to my recliner is another story altogether.

My nightstand has 2-3 books on it. I have a nice wedge type pillow that I keep upright when I want to sit in the bed and read. I used to read in the living room, but since my house is tiny and there are two other adults now living in it, I cherish my private reading time.

Hi Mark!

On my nightstand, you would find earplugs and 2 or 3 stray socks. I don't read in bed, due to an irrational fear that if I read in bed, I will associate reading with falling asleep and will then always fall asleep when I read. I know this is probably not true, but I'm rather neurotic and that's what my brain has decided.

No room on my nightstand for books - but underneath. My nightstand has a lamp, a glass of water, some pills and a lot of dust. I can't read it bed because my husband almost always goes to bed before me and he is kept awake if I read in bed. So, you are listening to Life After Life? I'm just not good with audio - I bet I would not be able to follow the story on audio.

Mark, it's a good think you don't live in earthquake country, because your bedside arrangement could knock you cold with that kind of thing! I live in earthquake territory, though knock on wood, it 's not often that we have much of an earthquake, but they tell us we are overdue for the " Big One." We don't even have a picture over-top of our bed, so we won't get knocked out cold in an earthquake.

I'm currently reading a new mystery series I happened upon in the store Not My Blood by Barbara Cleverly. Oh a stabbed body of a headmaster was found in the boarding school in England in the 1930's and I'll tell you something is afoot, my friend and " Joe Sandilands" is one the case! I have A Conspiracy of Faith on pre- order from Amazon and it supposed to be released tomorrow, so I think that will be my next book!

I do read in bed but I don't keep a stack of books on the nightstand. The stack of books is on the bookshelf across from the bed :)

Kerri - you may be on to something; I read somewhere that one should never do anything in bed other than sleep, especially if you have trouble sleeping. Bed should only be associated with sleep. I'm a champion sleeper so I disregard this advice, but I do wonder if it means one should not do other things in bed - of the, you know, amorous variety?

;-)

Nice new thread, Mark. Boo to all the damp, chilly weather. Looks like it's not raining at the Cell on the South Side but it certainly is up north here.

We were down in your neck of the woods earlier, hoping to stop by the Darien Home Run Inn for dinner. Who knew they'd be closed for the holiday? Good thing we didn't drive there just for the pizza.

Just checking in....might be my last Check In..

Too late to play Catch Up

*Smooch*

Wow, lots of visitors! We are playing games and goofing off. I have a few minutes before, before the next round starts.

Terri- Good to see you! I am planning on finally getting an iPad, so I get to join the e-reader group. I doubt I'll use it for reading or very seldom but at least I will have one.

Ellie- Glad you like the shoes and the mirror. LOL. That painting really grabbed me the first time I saw it. It reminds me of the cover of the Handmaid's Tale. And yes, I am really enjoying the Feast of the Goat. It's a meticulously, multi-layered tale of corruption and intrigue.

Beth- No that's not a photo of my bed-side table! LOL. Even if I read in bed, I wouldn't stack them like that. ^ See my comments to Ellie about TFOG!

Bonnie- I admire readers that can read before bed. I rarely do it. I try to bookhorn my reading in, through the day. My peepers get tired quick.

Benita- That is funny about the South and Memorial Day. I know that's when the holiday was introduced to celebrate both sides in the Civil War but I thought that changed to all American wars, early last century?
I read the Last Werewolf a couple years ago. I just loved the smart-ass narrative. I thought it was an excellent book.

Judy- For some reason Nineteen Seventy-four really rubbed me the wrong way. I will not be continuing. I really enjoyed the first 2 Longmires. I hope A Constellation of Vital Phenomena comes in soon. I don't want to be stuck in the middle of a whopper when it arrives.

I'll be back. Voices calling...

Hello Mark - love the thread toppers! My 'nightstand' (we call them bedside tables down under) contains a small stack of books, but the shelf formed by my bedhead has a row of about 15 books, neatly contained by bookends. My reading lamp is also on the bookshelf. I LOVE reading in bed, propped up by pillows. And, as other half and I have separate bedrooms, there is no one to keep awake but myself. I love having a room of my own! Finished The devil in the white city and very much enjoyed it.

Stelios's nightstand looks a lot like the one in the photo. My nightstand... is books. There's no furniture or anything, just boxes and piles. Sigh. You won't see it featured in a magazine or anything.

Liking those paintings, Mark! Especially the 1660s one. It reminded me of The Handmaid's Tale, too. Great new thread.

Sounds like you had a good Memorial Day with Bree and Reese stopping by.

I don't know anything about A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, but you've got me intrigued.

My kids and their friends tried to lure me into playing a beer pong game, (yes, it involves plastics cups, ping-pong balls and of course beer). I played a couple rounds but I can't handle that anymore, especially on a work night.

Megan- Yes, earthquakes and book stacks, not a good combination. I can't believe you think I only post pictures of women semi-clad, sometimes I go all the way, like this:



Mary- Great to see you! I like your book stacking arrangements. Are you one of these readers who has a different book going in each room?

Terri- Even if I had a better light in my bedroom and it was comfortable, I would still prefer my favorite recliner. I guess it's the same reason we don't have a TV in our bedroom. When I am ready for bed...I go!

Roberta- It sounds like your bedroom reading area, is your sanctuary. I have my semi-finished Man-Cave.

Kerri- "On my nightstand, you would find earplugs and 2 or 3 stray socks." LOL. How is my favorite neurotic LT pal, anyway?

Deb- It sounds like our nightstands hold all varieties of things. LOL. I am first in bed, usually, but most of the time my reading is done by 8 o'clock or earlier.

Katie- No books in our bedroom but plenty in the Man-Cave! " I'm a champion sleeper." So, am I, although I do like to get up early.

Linda- I don't think it rained here, although it stayed gloomy all day. Sorry, Home Run Inn was closed for the holiday. We'll have to meet up there one of these days.

Jude- Great to see you, old friend! I've missed you. Big smooch back!

Prue- I love the sound of your bedroom arrangement. Sounds cozy. The joy of being surrounded by books. Glad you enjoyed The Devil in the White city. It's a terrific read.

Anne- You cracked me up. "just boxes and piles." Hey, at least if you can't sleep you can lean over and pluck a book out. Your husband is a big reader too?

Joe- We had a nice Memorial Day! My son disappeared somewhere quickly, (no big surprise) but Bree had a couple friends come over and we just goofed off.
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena has been getting, well...phenomenal reviews.

I think Stelios would read more if he had more time. He's like me -- a big pile doesn't bother him because books are cool, and there's always something to read.

What a nail-biter that game was! Good luck in game 7.

Oh, Mark, it's so hard to catch up with you! I tried, I really did, but my eyes were getting watery. Anyway, I'm here now. And I have to say, just from skimming, GET OUT OF MY HEAD! My "up next" pile includes A Monster Calls, Feast of the Goat, and A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, and I'm currently listening to Life After Life (which will undoubtedly take me forever to finish but I'm enjoying it so far).

Checking out the Grab Bag idea as I type here... hope to pick something up to help them out.

As for the nightstand... Mine would look like that above, if it were big enough. As it is, mine has a shelf underneath that is stuffed with books and magazines and puzzle books and notes-to-self. :)

>32 msf59: great pic, but it makes my elbones and neck ache just looking at it. never *could* read like that. somehow, really, i don't feel when i look at it that the painter was concerned about the reading part. me too neither, really.

okay, A Constellation of Vital Phenomena is now in my audible.com basket and if i get that, it will be the last of my credits. sounds ab fab. well, i'll just have to buy more. what else are credits for? of course, since it happened here, i blame you, Markey. :)

Congrats on your new thread, Mark!

My nightstand only holds the book I'm reading, but there are many books on the floor. I read in bed all the time, I can't sleep without reading.

Happy Tuesday! (Okay, not really!) More showers in the area today but at least it warms up to the upper 70s. Probably be a heavy day at work, like after every holiday. The price you pay, right?
I am looking forward to getting back into Life After Life, after sampling it on Sunday. And I still have a ways to go on Feast of the Goat, but at least I am really enjoying it.

Anne- "a big pile doesn't bother him because books are cool." Sounds like a heck of a good guy! LOL. Do you read the same type books? Yes, exciting Hawks game. BIG ONE, on Wednesday.

Kathy- " GET OUT OF MY HEAD". Sorry, I'll be as gentle as possible, while I am in there. Ssssh. Wow, that's a promising line-up. I hope my copy of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena comes in at the library. I want to dive into that baby.
Great to see you and I hope you had a wonderful weekend.

Ellie- I can't lie on my stomach like that either. I can't even sleep on my stomach. But that is a HUGE book she is reading, right?
I haven't read A Constellation of Vital Phenomena yet but boy is it getting some strong buzz.

Diana- "My nightstand only holds the book I'm reading." Sounds like you lead a very ordered life. LOL. Hope you had a perfect weekend.

Nope. No books on my nightstand, Just a clock, 2 x 2 lb weights, kleenex and my cell phone. Now ... there are books, and a kindle on my headboard., which is a bookshelf. I don't read books in bed anymore. Too hard to get decent light I do read kindle in bed at times, and I never lie on the floor reading while naked. For that matter, I don't lie anywhere and read while naked. Even I don't want to see that...

LOL, Kath! Thanks for my first big chuckle of the day. Hugs! Hope your week goes well.

Hej Mark, nice pictures up there.
I don't have books on my nightstand either, but they surround my bed, well, almost. I am walled in on one side.

Good Tuesday morning, Mark.

Nightstand: I have a variation on that theme. Night stand holds water, radio, pen, pad of paper, a book or two, some meds, and some other random junk.

Bookcase next to the nightstand: completely full of "waiting to be read" books, fiction and nonfiction. Random little stuff on the shelves.

Around my head, over my head, etc. Nothing. I, too, live in earthquake country and will not have anything "over" my bed. I can not imagine anything worse than having a heavy something hit me in my head while I'm in a bed.

Booktopia has this lovely practice of asking for a monetary deposit which it then returns to you as a gift certificate to be spent at the sponsoring bookstore. I have started a very carefully crafted list of possible "to buy" books for my trip to Bellingham. (only days away, now). On that list so far is: A Monster Calls and Lisel and Po. I think criteria for being on the list is something like this - needs to have some visual element which justifies owning an expensive copy of said book; or may be appropriate to pass along to a young person; or potentially could be signed by author, or illustrator. I am open to suggestions.....

Enjoy this week! Perhaps the weather will cooperate and make life a happy time.

No books on my nightstand. I don't read in bed. My head hits the pillow and I'm out for the count. On my nightstand: tissue box, fan, alarm, Vaseline (for lips), water bottle.

Mark, since inquiring minds want to know...I almost always read myself into a stupor before I fall asleep. My nightstand has several books on it, but the book I'm currently reading is the one that usually "reads" me to sleep!

I LOVE your opening book quote. Very poignant.

Have a great week!

Lovely new thread, Mark! Okay, I'm late to the party...Lovely slightly used thread, Mark! My nightstand? Well...a lamp, a bottled water, hand lotion, cell phone (we have no land line), and more than 400 books. Of course, the books are digital. I like to use my Kindle Fire for reading in bed - doesn't disturb Craig at all, and I am often wide awake in the middle of the night, as I worked the nightshift for many years and now my sleeping rhythms are completely messed up.

Hope Tuesday is kind to you!

Ha! Fun topic: nightstands.

I'm with Donna. "I almost always read myself into a stupor before I fall asleep."
I have an awesome reading light - floor lamp wedged behind and hanging over head of bed. (one on the other side for Ron - it's all balanced)
When I climb in bed, I fold my pillow in half to prop up my head and snuggle in with book and cat. Lights out and window open at midnight... sooner if I can't make it.
My nightstand has a thoughtfully selected stack of books to match the colors in my room (just for decoration - though I peek at them occasionally) and my clock sits atop. I keep my book that I'm currently reading and glasses closest to me - leaving an empty spot in case Woolly wants to climb up that way. A little sleepy fairy dust... and there you have it! Socks and dog on the floor...

My bedside table does not look like that because I do not have a bedside table. I do not have a bedside table because I do not have a bed. When I downsized from my 2-bedroom house to a 1-bedroom apartment, I had to decide whether to keep the seven bookcases and books, or the bed. I sleep on the couch.

A baker's dozen of threads already Mark. Congratulations mate on your every friendly and always entertaining place in the group.

Hi Mark - just want to echo your praise of The Dog Stars. I'm not a big fan of dystopias but this one is memorable. Thanks for your great review which spurred me to get this from the library. I also just finished the audio of Beautiful Ruins - what a terrific narrator. I was ambivalent up until about half way through and then ignored my family for much of the weekend because I couldn't stop listening. The sign of a great read! Hope you had a nice weekend - finally some sun and warm weather here in New York but it's gone today.

Mark I just picked up A Conspiracy of Faith today. Jussi Adler-Olsen is in town on Thursday to sign. Woo!!!

Hi Mark -- I love the opening quote and picture!!! :)

^Note to self: I NEED to get to more Winterson.

Well, I stayed dry all day, even though it threatened to let loose on several different occasions. A little warm to have the rain-gear on, so another bonus.
I am LOVING both my current books: the Feast of the goat & Life After Life. Two completely different authors and both kick serious book butt!

Paul- Good to see you! It sounds like you have a Moat of Books. Sure beats crocodiles.

Karen- I love your criteria for "keeper" copies of favorite books. I am extremely picky too! We have to be. Of course, the main one is the re-read factor but I also like selecting books, I know I can turn someone on to. I think Joe has a shelf or 2 of extra copies of favorite books, just to give people. Is that cool or what?

Morphy- I am so glad you pointed out the reason you had Vaseline on your nightstand. This could have caused quite a ruckus over here.

Donna- You fall into a biblio-catatonic state, huh? Sounds a little scary but also pretty fascinating. I have a hard time reading past 8 o'clock, sometimes even earlier.

Mamie- We kept the party going just for you! What's a bash without Mamie? You know, it sounds like an e-reader, is the perfect bed-side companion. It offers special lighting and can contain 100s of books, without appearing to. Very convenient.

Claudia- Eventually, I'll get a proper reading lamp for my bedroom, for those occasions when I have no where else to go. It doesn't happen often but once in a blue moon.
" Socks and dog on the floor..." LOL.

Julia- You sure seem to have your priorities straight, my friend. LOL. Great to see you, BTW!

Paul- Thanks for making time in your busy schedule. Always enjoy your visits. And yes, we have to keep the troops entertained, right?

Vivian- What a nice surprise! And bearing good news. I loved both of those books and I agree they were terrific audiobooks, especially Beautiful Ruins and the multiple narrators. Have you read any other Jess Walter?

Roberta- Congrats! I NEED to get to the second Adler-Olsen book. I was crazy about the first. Are you going to the signing?

Tina- Thanks! I snagged that quote for the Feast of the Goat. He included it in the text. This Tagore guy was a quote-machine.

Mark I will be there for the signing! #9 in line!

Mark, just heard about a tornado warning down towards your neck of the woods. Possibly a bit farther away, but still. Stay safe, my friend.

We watched last week's Call the Midwife. And that was the finale? And no one told me? Sister Bernadette's game-changing decision? Chummy's baby? Why do the good shows end so quick? That was only 8 episodes! Rant over...panting a little!

Roberta- #9 is golden. You go girl!

Linda- Thanks for the heads-up! I know it's been storming for the past hour or so.



^I had to post this after all our nightstand/bedside table chit-chat.

Hey, Mark! The Reluctant Fundamentalist is on its way to you, and I picked up A Monster Calls today in my library visit!

My bedside table is crowded, and ne'er with books, unfortunately. Clock, lamp, medicines, a few odds and ends, and room for the cats to jump up and to the window sills. The side table next to my reading chair is a different story :)

Hi Mark-
I am shocked at the lack of suitable reading lights in the bedrooms of us book lovers!? I say that as I can't imaging a world where I can't read in bed. It is my heaven

Nancy - why do you have 2 x 2lb weights by your bedside???? (and I too was relieved that Morph explained the usage of the Vaseline). And Bahzah - I'm shocked! Books just for decoration? That's like choosing pictures to match your colour scheme! (oh, and hello Mark!)

>56 msf59: hej Mark, how did get a picture of my place?? you're invading my privacy :) (well, I don't lay on them, but the walled in bed looks pretty similar)

> he Megan, I am with you here: no reading in bed? What else is a bed good for? Maybe LT should start selling an LT reading lamp - that would probably sell better than the t-shirt

Es- Thank you very much! Looking forward to it. I thought May was jam-packed with books. It looks like June will be worse. Keep 'em coming! Right?

Megan- If I read in my bedroom, I would find a better light but since I have a cozy quiet location, to read, I am golden.

Prue- You learn so much about people over here, don't you? LOL. Hey, I don't mind books as decoration, as long as that is not all they are used for.

Paul- Good idea! We'll have to design one and then begin marketing.

Hi, Mark! It's been a good while since I've been able to make the rounds on the threads, but I've got a breather in my class (they're taking an exam today) and Charlie's sleeping in for once! Hope everything is going well!

Yes, I knew with this group I had to be sure to give the non-naughty reason for that Vaseline or I'd never hear the end of it!

Happy Wednesday, Marky-Mark.

Your thread, as always, is entertaining. Hope your work day goes quickly.

We are having a little bit of rain, and gray skies today. Temps in the 40s and 50s. Typical for Seattle in May. We do not expect too much nice weather until after July 4, or maybe July 15. The reason we do not take vacations in July, August, and September is because those are the best months for us. What do you think are your best months? My recollection of Chicago is that you have awful winters, and then Bang! an awful hot summer. Must not really be like that. Just my faulty memory.

I hope you have a dry day today, Mark. We are once again scheduled for heavy thunderstorms. The flooding around these parts is getting so bad the news folks are starting to make comparisons to the hellish years of 1993 and 2008 — you know, the last two times we had a "hundred-year flood" (supposedly a flood so massive it will only occur once every hundred years).

The university where I work has evacuated the summer session students from one of the dorms along the Iowa River, and is putting up flood barriers and sandbags around several other buildings near the river, including the gorgeous new art building that was devastated in 2008 and only re-opened last year. Please, Mother Nature, send us some sun!

Morphy, my husband has Vaseline on his nightstand for his hands, as they get very dry and cracked. I make him put it in a drawer when company, service people, the cleaning lady, etc. are scheduled to come by :)

Morning Mark! I am loving hearing everyone's nightstand confessions!

Maybe LT should start selling an LT reading lamp - that would probably sell better than the t-shirt

I totally agree, Paul!

^Go Blackhawks!!

So excited about today's Hawks game. Let's hope the Madhouse in Madison lives up to its name tonight and that Hawk fans get sick of hearing Chelsea Dagger.

I didn't think they'd come back this far. Now, it'll be heartbreaking if they don't complete the comeback.

How 'bout those Cubbies? Beating up on the Sox like that. Woo-hoo.

You guys can send some of that rain down here. I need it to help feed the Big Green Monster. In April my water bill was $27.00 and in May it was $61.00. All because of that Monster. Thank goodness I don't have to mow it. ... ... yet. But it is there. ... ... Waiting.

The Monster has me so frazzled that I ordered two book from Inter-Library Loan. The first Lawn: A History of an American Obsession came yesterday and the second American Green: The Obsessive Quest for the Perfect Lawn came today. Just wait until a tear into those books and then have the Police put a citation for letting my grass get too tall on my door. I'll be loaded for bear on that one.

Last weekend a friend of mine, who is a Master Gardner (and has the certificate to prove it) told me that she doesn't waste precious water on grass. She only waters plants that are worth the time, effort, and money. I.E. food producing plants and a few flowers and shrubs. She said that even her shrubs had better be able to live or die with out watering once they are established. I said "you go girl! I'm with you all the way. Unfortunately the city ordinances don't follow the same philosophy."

^Remember this guy? If not, he's getting ready to bang a gong.

And speaking of banging a gong, it looks like I'll be wrapping up my May reading with a thunderous bang! I have a mere 30 pages left in the Feast of the Goat and it's shaping up to be a 5 star read. My top First-time Author Book, so far this year.
I am also into the last 1/3rd of Life After Life and it's been a joy to read. Atkinson Rocks!

Amber- Great to see you! I'll have to swing by and see what you are reading.

Morphy- You are correct, my friend. you have to very careful around "This Group". A more lurid or seedier bunch, you will not find.

Karen- It got warm and more humid here today, but once again I did stay dry, so no complaints. My favorite weather months, would be May, September and October. June can be pretty nice to, if it doesn't heat up. Last June was a scorcher.

Julia- I dodged another rain-bullet today and that's good because it was to warm to put on the rain-gear. There is rain & thunderstorms in the forecast for the next couple days. I hope you guys will be okay.

Katie- " I make him put it in a drawer when company, service people, the cleaning lady, etc. are scheduled to come by." That is to funny! Thanks for the chuckle!

Mamie- "nightstand confessions!" Hey, another topic heading, what do you think? I am loving the Llosa book!

Es- We could think up a whole product line for LT goodies! I am currently trying to patent the handy bookhorn!

Go Blackhawks!! Tons of rain in CO today off and on, but with our terribly dry summers, I'm glad for the water. That and I didn't have any outdoor events today:)

Linda- I agree with you on the "Madhouse on Madison". We'll take any edge we can get . This could be historic. And yes, great Cubbies win. How about that catcher?

Benita- I seldom water the grass. With all the rain we have been getting it's not necessary anyway. Grass bounces back. wish I could send you some of our rain.

Anne- I have the game on! Chicago fans will be on pins & needles. Hope they can pull it off.

That ref who disallowed the game winning goal for a bogus reason is going to live in infamy in
Chicagoland if the Hawks don't win this in OT. Quite possibly the worst call I've ever seen in 40+ years of hockey watching. Absolutely no reason whatsoever to stop the play. Ridiculous.

Horrible call! Fortunately Chicago came through -- we're thrilled! Hope you and the 'Hawks enjoy (and get ready for LA). Take care!

Game 1 Sat at 4. I'm so excited to be going.

I do not understand anyone who does not read in bed.

That may give away TMI about me, but I'm just sayin'.

Hi Mark!

*ignoring hockey talk* (it is hockey you're talking about, right?)

Blackhawks Win! Blackhawks Win! 2-1, overtime!

I am not a big hockey fan but I do love when a Chicago sports team triumphs!

“Second hand books are wild books, homeless books; they have come together in vast flocks of variegated feather, and have a charm which the domesticated volumes of the library lack.”

— Virginia Woolf

^I need to read more Woolf

Like I mentioned up above, I should wrap up the Llosa and I am on the homestretch of Life After Life. Both were 500 pagers.

Linda- Thankfully, the Hawks pulled it out and didn't have to worry about the "bogus" call. Looking forward to reading about it in the Trib this morning. Here we come Stanley Cup!

Anne- You are going to spoil me with all these lovely visits! LOL. And yes, great win!

Ellen- Like I mentioned, way up there somewhere; reading in bed is just not comfortable for me. While at home, most of the reading takes place in the "chair"!

My listening to public radio has seriously eroded my reading in bed habit. I turn on the radio while getting ready to get into the bed, become interested, and I'm sunk. Turn off the light, and listen until I fall to sleep.

I think my cataracts have seriously made reading hard for me and I look forward to being able to read for hours on end again post op.

Oh, the radio is talking about the Blackhawks game right now. I know nothing about Hockey but it does sound like a very exciting game. The Mad House on Madison is such a cool name for the venue. "It was an odd time to get strict" was their comment about the call.

So, do you think they are trying to eliminate some of the violence from the hockey game?

Congrats on the home team moving to the finals. Fun!

Mark, you seldom steer me wrong when it comes to books but this time I fell for a serious clinker. I finished listening to Last Werewolf and have started Talulla Rising. This is the second in that series. I can honestly say this is one of the worst books I have listened to in ages. If it wasn't for the fact that I had purchased the CD's of both books I would have ditched them long ago. If endless descriptions of ennui and boredom, interspersed with extreme bouts of sex, binge drinking, and gore are your thing, this book is for you. The book was only redeemed by short sections that were well written and suspenseful. If all you read of this book is the last five chapters that is all you need. They were the best written portion of the book.

This book was touted as being full of humor and sarcasm. I failed to find that. I thought the book tried to do that, but instead fell into repetitive descriptions of ennui and long passages of "what is the point of it all." Oh please. There are many ways to hunt for the meaning of life but doing it in a werewolf book? Oh come on. And the inclusion of vampires - that was a stretch and it simply confused the plot.

I have started listening to the second in the series simply because I purchased both recorded books and since I spent the money I will buck up and listen. But I am not looking forward to it. It has lots of work to do to redeem this series.

Happy Thursday Mark!!! Hope you are having an easy day!!!

Hey, Mark! Come write a six-word memoir on my thread! It's like a little party :)

Hi Mark; ole buddy, ole pal.
I too do not understand anyone who does not read in bed. That is where I do ALL of my reading. I've never had a job where I sat and my hip flexers rotate out so sitting is never truly comfortable for me unless it is a stool or something I can fling my legs over the side of. My nightstand always has my Kindle, my current book plus a spare, my cell phone, a reading lamp & a glass of H2O upon it.
Love the artwork atop your thread. Lovely.

All of this talk about books in the bedroom I just have to share the bedroom of Virginia Woolf.

Perfect. What more could one want?

A little color maybe? Just saying....Hiya Mark!

^ I am not exactly sure what's happening in this image, but I like it. I worked late, got wet and got stuck in gnarly traffic on the way home. I'll be back in a few...

Karen- Sorry to hear your cataracts are bothering your reading. Major bummer. Have you tried audio? Or is that not your thing? Yes, it was a very controversial "call" during the Hawks game but since the Hawks won anyway, no one seems to be complaining about it much.

Benita- Yes, occasionally having different opinions on a book is going to happen. I completely defend the Last Werewolf. I thought it was terrific and at just under 300 pages, a perfect length. I also really liked Talulla Rising. Hopefully, you'll enjoy that one a bit more. Did you get my PM?

Tammy- Great to see you! Hope all is well up North!

Es- I WILL be by! Can't miss a party.

Belva- Be still my beating heart! Is that how it goes? Wow! It's great to see an old lost buddy! Thanks for the description on your nightstand. Tidy and to the point. Love the photo of Woolf's spartan bedroom. Don't be a stranger.

Kim- Are you guys double-tagging me? Trying to give this old feller a stroke? Great to see you Kimmers!

#90 by @msf59> My 2 cents about what it means: Books shine a light in the darkness.

Mark, you did magnificently with your memoir :)

Mark, Whisper1 forced me, oh yes she did, to start a thread here on the 75 gig so you will be seeing me around.
hugs,

Hi Mark, I'm glad you're enjoying Life After Life. Not everybody loves it as much as I did. Is tomorrow your last work day?

I did finish the outstanding The Feast of the Goat. Big thank you to Caro for making this First-time Author selection. She has uncanny instincts.
I started Enon. This is the follow-up to the much-acclaimed, Pulitzer winning novel, Tinkers. That book fell a little short for me but contained some incredible writing. We'll have to see how this one rates. Fingers crossed.
I only have a little bit left in Life After Life. I'll be wrapping that one up tomorrow morning.

Julia- You can use my name! It's okay. We are all pals over here. LOL. Thanks for your description of the poster, up above. You are probably spot-on.

Es- That six-word memoir was just off the cuff, I should come up with something a bit more creative.

Belva back on the 75? Yahoo, buddy!

Bonnie- I don't think Life After Life will be a 5 star read, maybe 4.5 or a little less. A very entertaining and very creative read. Have you read Tinkers?
And PLEASE, book horn the Feast of the Goat into your book schedule.

Ha! I'll always think of you as msf59, dear! :D

Makes me sound like an android or something! Hasta la vista, baby!

Funny you should say that Mark. In my mind, this is you:

Haha, I like this one better!

>96 msf59:: Isn't it great how they can be spontaneous or well thought-out and they're still awesome?

Happy Friday! Wow! We have been getting some rain. Every thing is soaked out there this morning, with more chances for rain & storms later this afternoon.
Once I finish, Life After Life, I am considering starting Black Irish. I know Bonnie was a big fan and this way I can keep M & M trucking along.

Kathy- Glad you see me as cute & cuddly, R2D2, but do you want that hunk of metal banging around in your head?

Es- The six word memoir was fun. Thanks!

Stay dry out there, Mark! Any good plans for the weekend?

So far Talulla Rising is more of the same from Last Werewolf. I have never been a fan of horror books and these two are clearly in that category. I also don't like the style in which this is written. It simply drags. It is boring. The endless passages of describing the feeling of boredom is boring. I think the author is trying to be literary and this is an action book, so just get to the action. I thought that Talulla might be better. I am thinking I am going to ditch it. I am already skipping large chunks because I am listening to it, but I just can't see doing more of the same even though I paid $50.00 for the recorded version. It is not the first clinker I have paid for.

On-the-other-hand, Sovereign is a very literary mystery and it ties into the whole theme of reading for this year that I accidentally fell into - England in the 15th and 16th century. Reading those books is like reading a fictionalized account of the reign of Henry VIII from a middle class persons point-of-view. To bad I didn't have these in a recorded version.

Happy Friday!!

Happy Friday, Mark. Woo, good to get caught back up. Love the comments about the ongoing Blackhawks win. Now they've got their work cut out for them with the defending champs, but they're sure capable of taking it. Two co-workers were there for the series win against Detroit and were still buzzing about it when I got back in town.

Looking forward to hearing your reaction to Black Irish. I've got Life After Life on my radar. Right now I'm reading the follow-up to the enjoyable Breakfast with Buddha, which has the logical title, Lunch with Buddha. Also still spending time with 19th century Americans in Paris in The Greater Journey.

Hi Mark - I hope you're having a lovely Friday and you don't get caught in the storm. It's supposed to be after 4pm, I believe.

Wow, you really liked The Feast of the Goat. I've not read him. I'll put it on the wishlist.

I really liked 'Black Irish' too, Mark! I hope you do the same. Stay as dry as you can, and don't let the wind pick you up and blow you into the lake.

Mark- good morning.

Great to see R2D2 here, it reminds me to see the films again. I think Wilbur is still too young for them but i cant wait to have a Star Wars movie marathon with him when he is older :)

And Life after Life- you are loving it! Great to see.

^ Can I have a witness? Now, I have to scurry out and cut the front lawn before the storm rolls in.

#110 Amen brother!

kfjklf kdfjkaldsj kfja jdf dfjdh jhfja flkfj f !!!

(That's me overcome by the LT Spirit and speaking in tongues)

Okay! As expected, I loved Life After Life. I think it flagged a bit in the last 1/3 but it is so creative and well-written, all is forgiven. I also enjoyed, going back and listening to the first 30-40 minutes, just to see how well she tied it all together at the end. Big thumbs to Atkinson!

I did start, on audio, Black Irish, which is a solid crime story, about a place, Buffalo NY, which you seldom hear about it.

Katie- You are speaking my kind of tongue! LOL. That LT Spirit is a mighty thing! Not a lot lined up for the weekend. Work tomorrow. Getting together with friends Saturday night. Chores, in and out of the house, on Sunday. Hopefully, I can get some R & R in too!

Benita- I would chuck Talulla Rising, if it's not working for you. Wow! I can't believe you spent that much on the audios. Yikes. I will not spend half that on Audible. I am very conservative, on how much I spend for books. I have no choice.
Glad the Shardlake books are working!

Kim- Big loving wave!

Joe- It looks like it's going to be a very exciting race to the Stanley Cup! Go Hawks! Life After Life sure feels like a good fit for you! I can't imagine you, not being swept away.

I'm badly wanting a new reading chair for our study. I'm looking at these:



And of course, I'll look just like that sitting in my new chair!

Kerri- Hope you are having a good Friday! You have to read Llosa. He is in his 70s and has written 20- plus books. We have a lot of catching up to do. Guess what I'll be looking for at the book fairs?

Julia- I stayed dry all day, although it threatened off and on. It looks dark out there now. Another Black Irish fan! Yah!

Megan- I can't wait until you can watch the original Star Wars films with the boys. How exciting. I was able to take my kids to the theater to see them, during the time, they were showing the restored versions. I heard they were continuing the saga, but without Lucas. I say let it go and think up something original.

Roberta- Good to hear from an LT sister! Waves hands up in the air.

Ellen- You look very sexy in that reading chair! Your book must have fallen to the side. Guess what? We are getting new furniture for the Man-Cave, which also means a new reading chair for Marky-Mark. Lots of thought will have to go into that. My expression, at the moment, is filled with joy and a strange kind of intensity.

a new reading chair for Marky-Mark

Yay!!!

Mark, I really loved Life After Life. I am fairly confident that this 5*+ read will be in my top 10 of 2013. I also loved The Light Between Oceans. Nothing in common other than great writing and Orange Prize worthy.
Have a great weekend.

On Sal Mal Lane has been read. I'm reading to go to Bellingham, for Booktopia, and give this young woman author my very hearty congratulations. A remarkable book which takes a very complicated political situation and makes it oh, so, human! I posted a very short review on the book page.

^ I am not quite so distinguished and I don't own cowboy boots, but this could be me in my new chair. And I am fully clothed. See that, Megan?

Ellen- ^Did you see me up there?

Belva- I have had The Light Between Oceans on my WL for months. I NEED to get to it. Let me know when you start your 75 Thread or have you?

Karen- I am so glad you are enjoying your Booktopia books! That's 3 for 3. I HOPE I can get into the Michigan one! Fingers crossed.

Mark, just heard the sad story about the high school girl who was hit by lightning in DG and died today. Two days before her high school graduation.

I'll get to Life After Life. I started it but haven't gotten too far into it yet.

Hi Mark - good to hear you enjoyed Life After life. I'll be picking that up in the coming week.

^This is my idea of a dystopian future! The peepers are getting tired, so I am off to bed...

Hi Mark, just dropping by to wish you a great weekend, with lots of reading time and maybe a really good beer or more to keep the throat lubricated.

Oh, my, all those clouds in the sky. I am reminded of the advice about bad weather "go get shelter".

If not, well, take a book and settle in. I think I too will go to bed very shortly.

I hold all of the area under threats of tornadoes in the middle of the USA in my heart, and see clear skies ahead. Stay safe. Go to the Tornado shelters and read a good book for a couple of days.

Holding my thumbs and crossing my fingers.......

Catching up here Mark....

I have multiple books on and around my nightstand. It's not well organized so I'm glad no one sees it but Lisa! I read until I almost can't function before bed. Sometimes on LT, but mostly actual books. My bedside lighting is atrocious. I LOVE my lamp though. It's an antique from my grandparents & is older than I am (cough, cough). I have a 3 way bulb though so that's helpful!

I did not like The Last Werewolf so seeing that Tallulah Rising is no better makes me glad I didn't try to go along to it as a follow up.

>109 LovingLit:: I want to see your "creative," as you put it, memoir now too!

BTW: Finished Olive Kitteridge, and it was very enjoyable. Thanks for talking it up.

Hej Mark, a small addition to your reading ladies by Francine Van Hove:

Happy Saturday, folks! And happy June 1st! I do work today but I did put in a vacation day for Monday, so I will have 3 blissful days off in a row! Yessssssssss!

My May reading went very well and most of it's due to my audiobook output. How did I ever manage without these guys? Hugs to audios!

Judy- Yes, we have to keep that throat well-lubricated. I will be stopping at my favorite beer store on the way home from work and stocking up. Enjoy your weekend.

Karen- It looks like Oklahoma got hit again. Wow! Those poor people. What a bummer.

Tina- Opinion seems to be mixed on the Last Werewolf but the people that loved it, really loved it...like me! And I see no point in reading the next book if you didn't like the first. Enjoy the weekend.

Es- I'll try to work on it. LOL. So glad you loved Olive! Olive Rocks!

Paul- I LOVE the Van Hove pictures, especially the first one. Thank you. Nothing like being comfortable while reading.

Okay. This is an honest question. Now, don't get me wrong, I think Kate Atkinson is a great writer but I simply didn't enjoy Life after Life much because I found it so depressing and bleak. I feel that way about a lot of "literary" novels too. I describe them as "miserable people being miserable." I feel so icky after reading a book like that. How do you get past that darkness to rate a book so highly? What makes it appealing?

Paul's reading ladies are a perfect tonic for the weekend mate and if there is one going spare I'm sure you'll share. I will try to encourage SWMBO to do more reading au naturel but, on second thoughts, that may slow down my own reading.

Have a great weekend.

*awaiting the answer to Morphy's excellent question...*

I think that is an excellent question for its very own thread. What say you, Morph?

Speaking of Life after Life, I didn't find Ursula miserable. I do know what Morphy means; I just didn't feel that way about the Atkinson book.

Regarding the miserable literary novel issue, here's my favorite James Baldwin quote to ponder:

“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, or who had ever been alive.”
— James Baldwin

Oh, I don't think Ursula was miserable. I just found the novel overall to be bleak.

I've fought depression for almost 25 years. I know that some people who are depressed find that reading dark books make them feel better - the "somebody has it worse than me" thing - it just makes me feel more miserable. I need a bit of hope or humor, even just a bit near the end to give me a lift.

But is the appeal more than that? More than "someone has it worse than me?" Or "we're all miserable together?"

Hi Mark, lots happenin' here as usual! I'm glad you enjoyed the latest Atkinson. I would love to get the audio version, but unfortunately it isn't available here, so I'll probably have to borrow the book from the library. But I'm thinking I should get a move on and catch up on the Jackson Brodie series first. Just brought back Call the Midwife, season 1 from the library yesterday. Got it mostly based on your recommendation. Had to wait months for it too! Now I'm not sure I want to watch a show about women delivering babies though, because the whole idea of midwifery sort of makes me sick to the stomach. I'll have to see how that goes!

>87 rainpebble: I just LOVE that picture of Virginia Woolf's bedroom! Oddly enough, though my living room is stacked high with books, there are only a handful on my bedside table, and no shelves at all there, which is a situation I will have to rectify, pronto!

>119 msf59: yup- I see that ;)

"you" look cool in your new chair Mark!

>127 paulstalder: there we go, back to nude reading again! ;)
I like the first one too, and long for the kind of climate and seclusion where that kind of morning attire would be acceptable!

Re: Virginia Woolfe's bedroom? I could do with a double bed and a little more carpet.....maybe more books too :) Just saying.

Lenny has a new trick: breaks something, comes running up to me with the evidence smiling like nobody's business saying "wrecked it!". lol, dont worry, Ill have it trained out of him in no time.

I just got home from work, after stopping and picking up some FINE BREW and it has suddenly turned dark and threatening out there. Storms have been creeping in late afternoons and evenings.
We are heading out to our monthly Wii bowling event, with friends, so my time is limited. If I don't respond to you, I will in the morning.

Morphy- That is a perfectly viable question. I did not find Life After Life depressing at all. Yes, there are dark moments but I like the idea that Ursula learned from her "lives" and adjusted when she could. I think books hit us all differently and this one just didn't work for you. My only minor problem with the latest Atkinson book, was I wish it could have been a bit shorter. Is that a good enough answer?

Paul- I always share my reading ladies. That's the least I can do! Hope your enjoying your weekend.

Amber- ^ I did answer, hopefully adequately enough.

Karen- Big loving waves!

Beth- I did not find Ursula "miserable" either. I think there was a nice, even tone to this book.

Kerri- Love the Baldwin quote! Thanks!

I haven't read Life After Life yet, but I love that quote by James Baldwin! It's so true.
For me, when I consider both literature and music, it seems that some level of torment is a critical element of the artistic endeavor. I can enjoy a light read as much as the next soul, but the novels that touch me (like the songs that touch me) are usually exploring some level of human suffering.

Still, I'm wearing my "half full" t-shirt today, so it's not that I don't appreciate a bit of optimism!

You simply must purchase an Ekorness chair for your man-cave. I am sold on them. They are expensive, but so comfy. They are also perfect for reading. Mine is worth every penny I paid for it. As soon as I get it paid off I am going to buy a better reading lamp.

These things are luxuries, but they are so important for my quality of life. I recently purchased a Tivoli radio for my office and it sounds so good compared to the old radio I had. It also takes up less room. It was expensive, but worth it. Even a colleague noticed that the sound on my radio was so much better. I think my next purchase from them will be a CD player sound system that comes with an iPod dock. But I have to wait until I get my Dyson ball vacuum cleaner paid for. I just purchased that and I do have to say that after I looked at it I went home and thought about it before going back to make that purchase. The price made me pause.

I love my Dyson vacuum. Gets all the animal hair!

I have a cheap knock off version of the really comfy reading chairs, and it works well for me.

I need a new radio. I think I'll go look at the one Benita is advertising.... (-:

Hi Mark,
You even get a new reading chair! woohoo!
I googled the Ekorness stressless chairs - looks like the gold standard for serious readers... but I can't get one. The cat and dog will want to share and they can't come up with their portion of the cost.

re artistic endeavors: What Ellen said!

Happy June reading!

Woot woot. Hawks won again. We had a great time there today.

Happy Sunday! My favorite time of the week is here. Yahoo! And I am off until Wednesday. Double Yahoo!
My wife stopped at the library for me yesterday and picked up quite a haul for me. I better put my nose to the biblio-grindstone, if I intend to get through these. I rarely request more than one novel at a time and this time 3 came in. Yikes! My early June reading plans are now officially upside down. Here's the list:

A Constellation of Vital Phenomena- I told you I had the itch for this one and it's up next after Enon.
Stones for Ibarra- If Joe & Bonnie went nuts for this, I would assume I will too and it's mercifully short.
The Whispering Muse- I read a review on this one and was sold immediately. And another shorty!
Marbles- A GN memoir, Ellen reminded me to request.
Delphine- A GN, Kerry enjoyed.
El Iluminado- A GN I heard about somewhere.
The New York Five- I just finished The New York Four and really enjoyed it. Thanks to Joe for this GN rec.
Scarlet- This one is for my wife. She also loved Cinder. I am waiting for the audio.

Whew! Wish me luck!

Ilana- Great to see you! I'll have to stop by and see what you are reading. Is Life After Life available at Audible? I tried Audible for 2 months, the first was free. I think it's to expensive for my blood, especially since I can snag "most" audio titles from the library.

RD- LOL. Thanks for the Haruf link. He is one of my favorite writers. You'll have to get to his latest.

Megan- "there we go, back to nude reading again!" LOL. I guess seeing women read nude or semi-clad has been pleasurable for centuries. I sure don't mind it.
I love that Lenny! He is such a character!

Ellen- That is a great point about literature and music and those dark places they can take us. I love the dark side in both, but not a steady diet of either. Like the T-shirt.

Benita- It looks like you are trying to cost me more money! LOL. I will have to research the Ekorness reading chair. I am sure it's spectacular. At least I now have my reading lamp!

Karen- The expense we generate from LT books recs, is already astronomical, now they want us to buy chairs, stereo systems and reading lamps. LOL.

Claudia- "looks like the gold standard for serious readers.." You are not helping matters much, my friend. Luckily, I sit alone in my reading throne.

Linda- Yep, a good solid win by the Hawks! I bet you had a great time! Wasn't the Stones concert there last night too?

Yes, I know what you mean about the money. Hard on a little old lady looking to buy into a posh retirement center.

Have a great Sunday. I'm catching up on book reviews this morning, and then will sort out "bad" foods from my cupboards with my niece this afternoon, and then! This evening! The Seattle Storm opening game! Whoo hoo. I'm pumped up!

I'm checking in late, but glad to see how much you liked The Feast of the Goat, Mark. I have read some of Llosa's others, but not this one, although I can see it on the bookshelf from here.

Hi Mark: What happened to summer? It's cold out there!!

Hawks were Sat afternoon and tonight. The Stones were Fri night and Mon night, I think.

Happy Sunday. Enjoy your days off!! I'm spending the day with my 10-year old nephew today.

>149 lindapanzo: *vibrates with envious loathing through the humidity-and-heat induced sweat*

So Mark. These days off. Are you going to waste them in chores, or spend them tucked up with a few good books?

Mark, I started a new thread and posted brief comments on the last four books I've read. All caught up and ready to go to Booktopia. This weekend will be split between reading for my RL book group, and all the other stuff....

Hi Mark, I'm envious of your upcoming time off but since I've just had a week off myself, I guess I can't complain... Have fun!

What a cruddy day! Mid-50s, with light rain! WTH? At least I am not trudging through it at work. Silver linings, folks! We are heading to the BIL's for a birthday gathering, so that shoots down my afternoon of R & R, but I will get to do some visiting and knock back a couple of brews.

Karen- I can't wait to hear about the Booktopia trip! How far away from Bellingham are you again?

Linda- Great to see you! I think that was a great introduction into Llosa. I can't wait to read more of his work. What are a couple of your favorites?

Linda P- Yes, it is very crappy out there! Ugh! Hope you have a good day with the nephew and Go Hawks!

RD- We had some heat & humidity through most of the week, it doesn't sound as bad as there but we are going to have a cooling off period for a few days.
And yes, I will have a mix of chores, inside and out, but I will try to get some reading in whenever I can. I have no choice.

Joanne- Good to see you! I'll have to stop by and see what you are reading. Hope you had a nice week off.

Mark, I was getting caught up on BOTNS this morning and am now quite intrigued by A Constellation of Vital Phenomena. Can't wait to see your thoughts.

Hi Mark,
Well, I see you are in a fix with the library books. It's a situation with which I am all to familiar.
Good luck putting your nose to the biblio-grindstone! Don't forget that it's supposed to be fun. :-)

Jeepers... a day and a half away from LT and all hades breaks loose on your thread!

*waves to Mark*

has any one read the works of mary anne atwood?

^Anyone thirsty? The Blackhawks on tonight! Game of Thrones on tonight. Life is good!

Wow, that is one huge mug of beer! We sampled some beers in a can the other day called 8.6, they actually have 7.9% alcohol though. And are quite the conversation starter! We were cracking up talking about how my lovely other got an A+ at university as the lecturer was impressed that he had subverted the brief and taken a totally different stance on the essay question.
Back to my point though, if I had had that much 8.6 (^) I'd have been more than laughing, Id have been nodding off on the floor!

Wow! What a bloody ending to The Game of Thrones episode. Yikes! Only one more left for the season. A resounding NOOOOOOOO!

Laura- I was hoping to crack A Constellation of Vital Phenomena today but didn't get the chance. Tomorrow for sure. Ann & Michael rarely steer me wrong.

Ellen- " Don't forget that it's supposed to be fun." I never ever do! LOL.

Es- "all hades breaks loose" What? On this simple & humble thread? You must be mixing me up with some one else.

Greenlion- I don't know what your game is but don't come back.

Megan- She's holding a huge mug of beer?? Oh, I guess she is. That sounds like some strong-ass beer!

Ah, Mark. I can't keep up with you if I leave my computer for a day!

By the way, you still owe my thread (or the wiki!) another six-worder :) You said yours wasn't creative enough, so I assumed you would grace us with your profundity!

“He ate and drank the precious words,
His spirit grew robust;
He knew no more that he was poor,
Nor that his frame was dust.
He danced along the dingy days,
And this bequest of wings
Was but a book. What liberty
A loosened spirit brings!”

― Emily Dickinson

67) Enon by Paul Harding 3.7 stars

“I was walking in the woods, when Kate died.”

The thought of losing one of my kids, is my biggest fear. Just having it cross my mind gives me chills and grips my stomach. Even so, I cannot imagine myself wallowing in the type of drug-induced hell, this father subjects himself to, sinking into a nightmarish mix of self-loathing and hallucinations, bordering on madness. These long, grueling sections of the story, impaired my enjoyment and I nearly skipped through those painful pages. It also saddened me that this guy had no one else to help bail him out. I would hope I would have a friend or loved one, drop by and help or at least attempt, to pull me out of that bog of despair.
Harding is a talented writer and Pulitzer prize winning author. His style and subject matter remind me of Marilynne Robinson and Kent Haruf but I don’t think his prose contains the soul or depth that those two authors possess. Still, there are many potent moments:

“What an awful thing then, being there in our house together with our daughter gone, trying to be equal to so many sudden orders of sorrow, any one of which alone would have wrenched us from our fragile orbits around each other.”

I just wish it would stop raining. It's never a lot. Just enough that nothing really dries out - including the lawn that is more like a jungle.

Morning people! I have a ton of things to do today but I hope I can bookhorn in some R & R along the way. I cannot wait to dive into A Constellation of Vital Phenomena.

Es- I did leave a six-worder over on your thread. I am not sure how profound it is but still...

Morphy- I agree with you on the rain. Plenty of blue sky and sun out there right now. I think it's going to be high 60s, which is not bad. ^I think you should avoid Enon like the plague.

Losing Charlie is also my biggest fear, and in fact I have to fight against becoming obsessively over-protective because of it. Most days after taking him to preschool, I to sit in my car in the parking lot for 5-10 minutes and struggle to force myself to drive home instead of running back in there to take him home, worrying that something like Sandy Hook will happen there that day.

Enon sounds like one I'll avoid at all costs, though that quote is beautiful and very true.

"On the morning after the Feds burned down her house and took her father, Havaa woke from dreams of sea anemones."

-The opening words from A Constellation of Vital Phenomena.

Amber- I think most of us can relate to those fears, especially when our children were small, but I can attest to the fact, that even when they are young adults, like mine are, those fears and concerns never leave.

RD- Did you happen to read Tinkers? The surprise Pulitzer winner from a few years ago? It was a good novel, with some brilliant passages but like his latest..uneven.

No, Tinkers held little appeal for me when I read the description. Multigenerational flashback saga. Mmm...well...nahsomuch.

"Reading is untidy, discursive and perpetually inviting." Alan Bennett, The Uncommon Reader

#170 I like that one, Mark.

Coolish for the season but, with the sun, it's not too bad out there. Just sat outside and read a bit. I started an early-in-the-series Perry Mason.

Linda, I've read a bunch of the Perry Mason books when I was a teenager. My clearest memory is that it seemed in nearly every book, Perry ended up calling his PI buddy Paul Drake at 2 a.m. to start investigating a case. Paul Drake's favorite epithet is "Hell's bells!" which led to lots of "Hell's bells, Perry, it's the middle of the night!" My friend Diane and I still use this in our everyday conversations whenever something is particularly irritating.

Hi Mark, I can't wait to get to A Constellation of Vital Phenomena and there isn't even a waiting list at the library but I am way too overbooked for this month. I'm thinking July. Can't wait for your review.

I wasn't totally taken with Tinkers and I don't know if I will read Enon.

Haha, Julia. I don't remember him saying that but I'll have to pay more attention.

This one, The Case of the Lucky Legs is the third in the series, I think. I don't think Burger and Tragg are even in it yet.

I think Chicago's re-run channel, Me-TV (or maybe its sister station, Me-2, shows the Perry Mason shows late night. I need to put one on sometime.

Hi, Mark. A Monster Calls was a good one, so thanks to you and others for the push. I did a short write-up back on my thread. Took me back to losing my mother, so it had some extra oomph.

I think you tried the Scott Pilgrim gn series, but it didn't grab you? It's a fave of mine, and because of its success they're bringing it out in a new color set which I'm really enjoying. Just finished the third, and now I'll wait for new color editions to come out for the others.

Okay, I think I am going to take another quick shower and then burrow into some reading, at least til dinner-time.
Man-Cave update: Sue finally found a carpet sample she loves, so we just have to find out who can install it the fastest and we will be set. I am going to try mopping the old tile floor with a strong disinfectant, hopefully tomorrow. No rest, for the weary.

RD- I don't think Harding is your cuppa, plus I don't think you like those writer workshop authors. Love the Bennett quote. Thanks!

Linda- Yes, it was cool out for early June but I thought it was ideal for doing outdoor chores. I don't think I have ever read any of the Perry Mason books.

Julia- I'm not sure you'll see me but I'll wave anyway.

Bonnie- There seems to be very little fiction out there about Chechnya, so A Constellation of Vital Phenomena is refreshing in that regard. It reminds me of the Bosnia conflict. This guy is an ace writer, at least in the early going.

Joe- Good to see you! Glad you loved A Monster Calls. I am so glad a bunch of us have found it and are crazy about it. That LT Magic strikes again! I did like the first Scott Pilgrim GN but just didn't think about continuing. If you adore it so much, maybe I'll have to jump back into it.

Sorry, Mark, didn't mean to ignore you on your own thread! I just had some very important information for Linda.

Mark, not sure you'd like them. They're dated but I love reading about that time period. I think the one I started today is from 1934.

No Hawks today. No Cubs today. What to do?!? I'll probably have to read.

>176 msf59: Hmm, mulling what to tell you about Scott Pilgrim, Mark. I do adore it, but I adored it from the get-go. If the first book didn't provoke you into reading more, maybe it's just not your cuppa. I found it very funny and charming throughout, and I enjoyed the movie, too.

And I'm baaccck! Missed you lots, Marky-Mark.

Hey, have you tried a Hitachino Nest beer? It's got a cute red owl on the label. I saw it in Australia and had to try a bottle.

Hey Mark! It sounds like your Monday was a good one (no work, it sounds like, right?). I'm already looking forward to an evening with my current book, The Art of Hearing Heartbeats. It's one of my Booktopia reads, which event takes place this weekend! Yeah!

Hey Mark!! Hope all is well with you!

Back to Morphy's question... I haven't read the Atkinson Life After Life so I can't comment on the book's mood ... But I do agree with you Morphy. Many miserable books or just tortured characters are very hard for me. I feel books viscerally so there are many times I just don't read "literature" if I know the subject matter is going to be hard for me. Or... I'll read it based on recommendations but going in knowing to prepare. Often I keep to fluffy books before and after a tough read. Does that help to know someone else feels the same?

" My Best Friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read.” — Abraham Lincoln

^How about that Abe? What a guy!

Julia- All is forgiven, my friend! I will not get in between Perry Mason fans.

Linda- My Mom was huge fan of the Perry Mason TV show. I don't remember if she ever read the books. Hopefully you are getting some reading in during this sports lull.

Joe- I liked the first Scott Pilgrim enough, to give the second one a shot. I just have to remember to do it. I did like the film too!

Caro- Great to see you! I've missed you too. Are you sticking around the home base for awhile? No, I have not heard of Hitachino Nest beer. Good?

Ellen- I was off work today but I stayed pretty busy taking care of things around here but did sneak in some reading time. I hope you guys have a great time at Booktopia. I'll be waiting for all the juicy details. I am still waiting for an opening at the Michigan Booktopia.

Tina- I am just fine, thank you. Hey, if dark & disturbing books are not your thing, I completely understand. They are not for everyone. Personally, I don't think Life After Life is that kind of book.

Many miserable books or just tortured characters are very hard for me.

It depends on my general mood and current life situation, how I'll react to a book.

For example, reading Revolutionary Road made me utterly miserable, as did the beautifully done Three Dollars. But I was at a very dark place at that time.

Even though I'm having a hard time right now, I'm more upbeat than you'd expect of me, partially due to LT. So I can read sadder books and be ok with what's going on. Y'know?

I loved Tinkers, but I think I'll be skipping Enon...

Post # 58 might be the answer for Julia who gave up her bed for her books... I could NOT do that. I love my bed, and my bedroom.

Not really caught up.. a brief skim. I have been wicked busy Hope all is well ?

"The rest, with very little exaggeration, was books. Meant-to-be-picked-up books. Permanently-left-behind books. Uncertain-what-to-do-with books. But books, books. Tall cases lined three walls of the room, filled to and beyond capacity. The overflow had been piled in stacks on the floor. There was little space left for walking, and none whatever for pacing.”
― J.D. Sallinger, Franny and Zooey

^I have never read this novel but I LOVE this quote.

My supervisor called me last night and wanted me to work today, my official day off but I have another chore-filled day planned. Oh, well. I have to get stuff done when I can. This Sunday is the Lit Fest, book fair downtown, which I'll be attending with Joe & family and possibly LT Kerri. So, nothing will get done that day, other than book-hunting, book-purchasing. Sounds grueling.

Es- I agree, Revolutionary Road was a raw and powerful book, hard to read in places but I also thought it was a triumph of writing.
I think you have to adjust your reading choices to your current state of mind. Although, sometimes one can sneak in there and hit you with a curve-ball.

Joanne- I am looking forward to seeing other LTer's reaction to Enon. Maybe it just hit me wrong, in spots anyway.

Morning Kath- Good to see you! I hope you had a wonderful weekend with the "kids"!

Morning, Mark! I started Song of Achilles yesterday, and I have read one third of it now - I am loving the writing! Hope the chores don't get you down today. I am jealous of your Lit Fest plans - sounds like a good time. However, I do get to meet Tina today, so I am VERY excited about that! Happy Tuesday to you!

Swinging on through. Have a good day, whatever you have to do, and then read!

>182 TinaV95:/184 Tina & Es, yes, I feel the same. Though I can read darker subject matter with no problem as long as there is a touch of humor or hope mixed in a well. It's when it's unrelenting that the "ickiness" overwhelms however good the writing is. I think the issue I had with Life after Life was the helplessness. No matter how many lives she had, things never seemed to get any better or at least, not significantly so. It seemed so hopeless.

ETA: Also realize, I gave Life after Life six out of ten stars. So I still thought it was a decent read.

Oh my... Cotterill has released The Woman Who Wouldn't Die. I really need to get back to the Dr Siri series.

Song of Achilles is beautiful so far!

The Song of Achilles...swoon...

'Nuther Song of Achilles fan just pulled up to Mark's curb here.

Mark, when you try the second Scott Pilgrim, get it in the new color edition. I loved the b & w's, but the color is fantabuloso.

^My new banner, although I would like to substitute the coffee cups for beer mugs. Just sayin'!



^Hey, the LT Crowd! I'm Snoopy! Neener, neener!

Okay, for the Song of Achilles cheer-leading squad, (RD looks great with pom-poms, doesn't he?) I picked up a library copy yesterday! Rah, Rah! I have at least one other book to finish, beside Constellation, before starting the Miller book but I WILL get to it this month.

Karen- I have a few minutes LT time and then back to the BOOKS! I got a lot accomplished these past 2 days and needed every minute of it.

Mamie- Glad you are enjoying SOA! And have a great visit with Tina! Photos!

Morphy- "Six out of ten stars" ain't bad!

Caro- Yah, for Dr. Siri and book 9!! I have read the 1st six and hopefully I can get to #7 later this summer.

Roberta & RD! I am looking forward to diving in!

Joe- I WILL look for the color versions of Scott Pilgrim. You have not steered me wrong yet...well, there was that one time but we don't talk about that.

I generally really like, ok love, dark books, the darker the better. I don't think there's anything wrong with me, I'm not clinically depressed that I know of, it's just that I'm drawn to the dark side. I'm not usually happy with a happy ending. If Life After Life is dark, it's just barely there, from my POV.

Lucky for all you people to be reading The Song of Achilles for the first time.

>197 msf59: I told you take a left. I don't know why you insisted on steering right.

It is getting to be time to plan the LT meet-up at the ALA Conference in Chicago. It will be June 28 -July 2, 2013 at the McCormick Convention Center. More details forthcoming along with free passes to the exhibit hall. I just don't have time to get things set up tonight, but I wanted to make all of you guys drool.

The LT meet-up will be on Sunday, June 30, 2013. The exhibit hall opens at 9:00 a.m. and will close at 5:00 p.m. We can make the official time to meet anytime in-between. However, I would advise a noon or 1:00 p.m. official start time for our group because the longer you are there the heavier the load to carry out. I will set up a thread for this meet-up but won't get to it till tomorrow. So good-night guys and happy dreaming about books and all the stuff that goes with them.

I'm with Bonnie, Life After Life is only slightly dark. As for Enon - great review and thanks for reading it for me!!! I'll skip it. I've seen his other book, Tinkers in the bookstore and stopped to look, but never been grabbed by it.

Mark, I think you'd have no problem reading and enjoying How To Get Rich in Rising Asia. It's a fabulous story -and bonus - only 220 pages - you'll have that read in a day or two and well worth the read.

I have some ' good news" for you. The Orange Prize, has now become the Bailey's Prize. Yes, that is right, Bailey's Liqueur has stepped up to the plate to fund the prize. I'm not sure if that is good news or not, but I know it will be a draw for you, my friend.

So get reading the formerly called Orange Prize books! The Song of Achilles was last years Orange winner, so you are off to a good start!

>188 msf59: I really REALLY need to read Revolutionary Road and see the film too....any thoughts on the film version?

>198 brenzi: Dark books? Me too Bonnie! Love 'em love 'em love 'em. Heaps.

Ok, I've been thinking about my take on "dark books". I choose several years ago to stop going to movies which feature huge quantities of violence, and loud loud loud sound tracks. But with books, if I begin to be overwhelmed I can put the book down and take a break. I like reading the work of authors who are willing to look at the darker side of human life; and what I am usually looking for is how the evil, or violence, or ugliness informs me of how people are. Not angels, not devils. Some sort of combination and each one different.

Redemption is also helpful when it seems a natural outcome of the people and the situation. I don't like forced happy endings. But real life happy endings do happen so if it is not forced, OK.

OK, that's my POV.

>32 msf59: Good grief, didn't mean to "post and run." I got a little behind there... In answer to your question, no, I don't keep a book in every room. I probably would if I had my own house. But I rent a room from some family friends, and keep most of my books in the library. So the books in my room are books I'm currently reading and have out from the library. There's a library pile, a books I'm borrowing from other people, and the nightstand pile. The nightstand pile migrates with me, whether I'm reading in my chair, in the library or at work (also the library, just to be confusing). And I keep an audiobook in the car as well.

>62 msf59: Works for me! :)

Boy, your thread runs quickly, Mr. Mark.

looks like you survived your "grueling" day. Love the banner, and the Peanuts thing, but I refuse to be Lucy! I'll be Sally. She just missed the picture.

Hi Mark

Just a quick note to thank you for sending the copy of The ghosts of Nagasaki . It arrived today and I started to read it tonight. I've read the first 15 pages and like the stream of consciousness type of writing.

I'll be sure to return it when I'm finished.

Well, I tried to finish a film and still ran out of time. WTH? Now, Mr. Sandman is calling...

Bonnie- You know I like my books dark, so I am right along with you, but of course a steady diet of anything, is not good for the soul. Looking forward to Song of Achilles. I meant to get to that one on the first go around, it just didn't work out.

Joe- Well, you brought it up! LOL.

Benita- Good to see you and thanks for the ALA info. We were going to try and make it Sunday morning around 10am. Good point about the book storage though.

Deb- Great to see you, Tonto! A wonderful LT pal just sent me the Reluctant Fundamentalist, so I'll get to that one first. Good news about the Bailey Prize!

Megan- Revolutionary Road is excellent and quite harrowing and the film is pretty good too. Both leads are fantastic.

Karen- I like your thoughts on "dark books". And I am glad you'll sample them on occasion.

Mary- Wow! I didn't recognize you at first. LOL. "The nightstand pile migrates with me. " I like that!

Es- I have my moments!

Katie, aka Sally- I managed to get a lot done the past 2 days. I needed it. The family room is ready to be carpeted. Yahoo!

Oh boy, I'm going to finish Life After Life tonight. I think it's wonderful and I love the quirky sense of humour in her characters. Yes, there's some pretty grim descriptions but she does such a good job describing what so many people went through. I have loved reading all the comments about it on the threads! i have started my very first audio (ever!!) after hearing so much about audio on the threads (new iPod nano).The book is David Sedaris reading from his new book Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls . Interesting picture....me out walking the dog and laughing my head off!

Hello Mark - running to keep up here! Let's see: Read two pages of Tinkers and put it down again. Will probably get back to it because it is not very long and I need to boost numbers. Movie of Revolutionary Road is GREAT I think, Megan - pretty sure you would enjoy it. Song of Achilles is on the WL - must get to ordering it soon. Life after Life continues to garner praises here, doesn't it. Starting to feel left-out - maybe another one for the WL? Love the quotes you put up. I am struggling my way through The Line of Beauty, which won the Booker just a few years ago. Writing is beautiful, but I care not a jot for any of the characters and WHERE IS THE STORY? Hunh? Hunh?

Hi Mark!
*hugs and wanders out again*

"I don't trust God. Who knows what he's planning up there."

"The things in his life that caused him the most sorrow were the things he'd lived with the longest, and now that everything was falling they became the pillars that held him..."

-A Constellation of Vital Phenomena

Happy Hump Day! It's actually my first work day of the week, so I am smiling. I plan on wrapping up Black Irish, I had limited listening opportunities the last few days and can't wait to jump back into Constellation, which is shaping up to be a mighty fine read.

Mary- Great to see you! I am glad you are enjoying Life After Life. She did a wonderful job. Are you a fan of her Brodie books? Congrats on tackling your 1st audio and Sedaris is probably a good place to start. I sampled one of his a few years ago but for some reason never returned.

Prue- There was much to admire about Tinkers, it just didn't quite hold up to the end. I have had The Line of Beauty on my TBR shelf for ages. I NEED to get to that one.

Kathy- Big Hugs, back! Hope your week is going well.

Hi Mark, I'm also making a little progress with Life after Life, just juggling several books so inching forward on each one.

Love that quote.

Morning Mark! Just stopping in to see what you're up to today. Not too much on my agenda today - taking Abby to the dentist, which is not very exciting, but that's how it goes. Looks like another day of rain, which is good because we need it and it also gives me an excuse to cozy up in a chair and read. Hope work is not too stressful.

*Pstt - you skipped Linda up there in post 207.

I had a BIL recommend The Reluctant Fundamentalist, and I couldn't decide whether to try it. I look forward to hearing what you think.

I agree with you about Tinkers. Some beautiful stretches of writing, but not an overall success. I'm one of those surprised it won the Pulitzer, although that did get a lot of people to read it (like me) who probably wouldn't have otherwise.

Glad we've got a pretty nice-looking day for the beginning of your work week. Your schedule is one of the odder ones out there, which is probably good.

I'm starting Song of Achilles today. Oh boy. :-)

Happy Hump Day indeed, what with those really tempting quotes. *heaves Constellation onto the Blanket Chest*

What???? A.M. Holmes wins the Women's Prize??? Haven't read it but hard to believe anything could be better than Bring Up the Bodies or Life After Life. Guess we'll all have to read May We Be Forgiven now!

Hi Mark.. some friends wanted to stop in and wish you an Happy Hump Day

I love the camels for HUMP day! Yes, I've read the Brodie books and seen the wonderful DVDs. I did really like The Reluctant Fundamentalist but wished I had read it with a group as I had lots of questions and wonderings! Any suggestions for me for audio books? I think you are THE KING of audio!!

I read The Reluctant Fundamentalist a couple of months ago. (Actually listened to the recorded version) I confess I didn't really understand it and am still not sure what happened. I too would have liked to discuss it with somebody. This might have been a good one for a group discussion.

Yippie Cay-yi-yo! It is raining. First time in over two weeks. That means I don't have to feed the Big Green Monster for a few days. It also means I don't have to move for a few days.

Speaking of lawns - I am reading American Green: The Obsessive Quest for the Perfect Lawn and read this amazing fact. "Between 1994 and 2004, and estimated average of 75,884 American 'per year' were injured using lawn mowers or roughly the same number of people injured by firearms." pg. 8 That right there is enough to make me think that my lawn might kill me. I have said for years that lawn mower, Walmart, car washes, and soft drinks will be the death of American as we know it. Now the book I am reading proves part of that statement. I feel vindicated.

I got the thread started for the Chicago meetup. You can see it here.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/155068

It is listed under the Librarything Gatherings and Meetups group. You don't have to be a member of that group to post. I will put information in there as I get time to do so. But let's see if we can't surprise Abby and Tim with a nice sized group of Chicago LT'ers.

>203 maggie1944: (re: dark books) People have been known to roll their eyes at me and my dark books....it annoys me, like they think I like that style just to be perverse. I love your thoughts on this here, Karen.
I got the same reaction when I talked about loving travelling in the "difficult" countries as opposed to the easy ones. Eg, I loved Peru, in spite of long bumpy bus trips with crying babies and people vomiting into the aisle. In spite of other difficulties along a similar vein, I liked that is was so completely different from what I know. I think its the same with books, it takes me somewhere that I (thank goodness) know little of, and therefore I learn something about the human psyche.
ta da! *done*

Hi Mark. It turns out you dont even have to be here for an involved and multi faceted discussion to take place! What a host, so accommodating! :)
Happy Hump Day- Im already thinking "weekend"! Hooray! Another busy social one lined up for me, which is great, but also means less pages under my belt. Tough decisions.

Ugh! Long, long day! See the price I pay, for a couple days off in a row? I am pooped, but I will be back...

Poor Mark!
(((hugs)))

Linda (Whisper)- Sorry I missed you up there! Mamie kindly pointed that out. I hope you continue to enjoy the Ghosts of Nagasaki. It's the type of book, that's not for everyone but if you lock in, there is much joy to be had.

Kerry- Good to see you! I should be finishing up Delphine. I like these dark, creepy little GNs. Glad you are enjoying Life After Life.

Mamie- Thanks for pointing out the fact that I rudely bypassed Linda. I think she posted that as I was making my final post last night and got lost in the shuffle. All good now.
Cool, cloudy day here but at least I stayed dry. Yah!

Joe- Fortunately, The Reluctant Fundamentalist is a shorty! Yah, for shorties! So maybe I could bookhorn it in later this month. I did start the audio of Looking For Alaska and listened to almost half of it. It's fast & breezy.
My work schedule this week is different, because I took a vacation day on Monday and my regular day off, (this week) was Tuesday.

Ellen- I hope to get to SOA, in a week or so.

RD- Constellation is fantastic and should be another top-read for me this year. Marra is a terrific writer.

Vivian- I saw that Homes won that prize! And bumped out Atkinson and Mantel? I have only read her memoir and none of her fiction. I have a couple on shelf.

Caro- Nothing like Hump Day pals, paying a visit!

Mary- Atkinson is really at the top of her game. It sounds like The Reluctant Fundamentalist would make a fine Group Read. Check out my reading list up at the top and check out my top audio reads there. There are many fine ones. I loved Dark Places, Code Name Verity & of course anything by Mary Roach is a must.

Benita- Thanks for setting up the ALA Chicago-Meet thread. I'll stop by over there later.

Megan- She cares about me! She cares about me! Yah! I loved your thoughts on dark books & dark places. I think the dark-side of art is always the most entertaining, be it, literature, films or music.

I predict that you will enjoy May We Be Forgiven , Mark. I confess I was rooting for Life After Life , but at least I can say that I read the Bailey's Prize winner before it was awarded. L.R. I love how " Mr. Sandman calls". Sleepy guy! I'm a nightowl, so I only wish that that Mr Sandman would call me at the appropriate time , instead in the middle of the night. If I had my way, days would start at oh, say, 12 noon and end at 3- 4 am. Shhh......

^ LIKE

Oh noes! Black Irish? We had a hey day writing bad reviews on that one in the category thread. Hope you like it better, but if not, looking forward to your snarks.

Love the picture

Interesting review of the Paul Harding novel Mark. I am about to read his Pulitzer winner which I have high hopes for.

“Life: a constellation of vital phenomena—organization, irritability, movement, growth, reproduction, adaption.”

^Is that an incredible definition or what?

Sweet Thursday! A cool, damp day. At least I'll have my books and let's just hope it is just an 8 hour day. I did finish Black Irish, which was a good solid crime novel and thanks to Bonnie for the nudge. I started Looking For Alaska, which I've been meaning to read for ages, even before I knew who John Green was. I like it but I am surprised how sex-laden it is. Nothing against sex, I am a fan but for YA?
Constellation continues to dazzle...

Ellen & Karen- Getting close, you guys! I am excited and yes, darn it, jealous, that you will be attending Booktopia, in two shakes of a lamb's tale.

Katie- Not a fan of Black Irish, eh? I am as picky with crime fiction, as I am with everything else and I don't think this is top-tier work but I still liked it and I know some of my LT pals really liked it. What was it, that people didn't care for?

Paul- Good to see you, sir! I am looking forward to your take on Tinkers. Mine was mixed. At least it's only 200 pages or so. Yah, for shorties! Sorry, I mean the books!

“Let us tenderly and kindly cherish therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write.”

— John Adams

Hi Mark -

Just stopping by to say hi. It has been a while since I have been around.

I see there is another Chicago meet up - with ALA, but alas, can't make this one either. Next time...

Nancy

Yup, I spending today: packing, finishing mowing grass, getting some food organized, checking the packing, putting books and electronics in a bag with all the power cords, checking the food, and having a hard time sleeping for all the excitement.

Wish I could go to the Chicago meet up! Perhaps another year.

Hey, Mr. Mark. Glad you're recovered from that first day back. Looking for Alaska will become less breezy, but still fast and good. Green likes to take on tough issues, doesn't he?

I'm nearing the end of Lunch with Buddha, and it's been a good ride. Not destined for a wide audience, I suspect, but it works for the likes of me. Did I mention you should track down a copy of Shaun Tan's Red Tree if you can? It's quite short, but beautifully illustrated and with a good story. One of his best.

It's really great to see you Chicagoans meeting up regularly now. I might just crash your meet up one of these days as a surprise guest. ;-)

"Reading is escape, and the opposite of escape; it's a way to make contact with reality after a day of making things up, and it's a way of making contact with someone else's imagination after a day that's all too real. Reading is grist. Reading is bliss.”
— Nora Ephron

Just a quick skim and a hello.... I blame my internet and crazy life for being behind......

Hey, gang! Not a bad Thursday. Light rain & cool the first half of the day and then the sun made a welcome appearance and it became a pleasant enough afternoon.
I did finish Looking For Alaska. It was good, diverting YA but did not reach the heights on The Fault in Our Stars. Next, on audio, I was thinking of going to the Woman Upstairs, which has been getting some nice buzz.

Nancy made it! Yah! I hope you can make it down here one of these days or we'll have to come up and see you. I haven't talked to Laura in ages either!

Karen- Sounds like you were a busy bee today, getting things ready for your BIG BIG weekend. How exciting!

Morphy- It would sure be nice if you could make it down one of these days. I am sure you would fit in perfectly.

Joe- I liked Looking For Alaska but I don't think it hits the heights of Fault. And the sex talk was pretty graphic for a YA and you know I am no prude.
Thanks! I will look for Red Tree. I love Tan's work.

Caro- "I might just crash your meet up one of these days as a surprise guest." We would love it. We'll just have to make sure our collective hearts can handle the shock!

Kath- Big loving wave! I completely understand, my friend. RL can be quite distracting at times.

Hi Mark, love the GIF in 239...think you should read West of Babylon...am embarking on Ghosts of Nagasaki...still don't like comic books...am pretty sure that's all you need to know...

Hiya Mark, Happy Thursday!

Oh how I wish I were in Chicago to meet up with you guys. What fun! Does anyone know if there's ever been a meetup in TX? (At least that's been made public?) I know we have several members here but we're all so spread out...

I had no desire whatsoever to read Looking For Alaska (not a John Green fan) but my interest was piqued by "graphic for YA sex talk", lol! Now I just HAVE to know what you mean.

World Naked Bike Ride. Lots of boobies.

Thought you should know.

>244 richardderus: who'da thought, RD, a boob-spammer!?#@!? lol

Hi Mark, you are going to have such a busy Sunday.....LT meetup....The Bats that evening. ;)
lol- is my subliminal persuasion working yet? Come on, there arent that many times a kiwi ban (one of your best kiwi LT friends fave) tours in a neighbourhood near you. Are you sure you cant be tempted?

This weekend Im looking forward to a housewarming/birthday party (adults only!!! not that I mean x-rated, but you know, no kids), and a pool party (kids birthday party), and hopefully Ill knock off My Name is Asher Lev- which as you know is my most favouritist book of all time. With bells on.

^I want a set of these bookends! Is this cool or what?

“I refused to have bookshelves, horrified that I'd feel compelled to organise the books in some regimented system - Dewey or alphabetical or worse - and so the books lived in stacks, some as tall as me, in the most subjective order I could invent."

“Like a good American, I wanted to sue somebody. But like a good librarian, I just sat at my desk and waited.”

― Rebecca Makkai, The Borrower

^Has anyone read this? I have not. It looks like it's loaded with memorable quotes.

RD- Lots of boobies! You know I am in! I requested them both. Thank you, kind sir.

Kathy- I know there are several Texans on LT but it is a BIG state. Maybe you guys should try to put something together. Guaranteed- Good time!

Megan- I don't think the timing will work out for The Bats. I know, I am old fart. I would have to return back to the city in the evening and it's a work night and wah, wah, wah!
Enjoy your "adults only" party! I want pix!

Good Friday morning. Just checking in before I pack up the car and head north to Bellingham. I'll be "blogging" I guess I might call it, on my thread. Look for the adventures there. And yes, I am taking the camera.

Happy Friday, Mark! Cool again, but otherwise okay, eh?

How 'bout them Blackhawks? One more and they're in the finals.

Finished Lunch with Buddha, and just started (drum roll please) Let the Great World Spin. The beginning reminded me of that great film documentary, "Man on Wire".

Joe, I am beyond excited about the BH. Unfortunately, lots of people are jumping on the BH bandwagon so it's impossible to get tickets. Still trying, as sometimes teams turn in their extras. We managed to go to a Hawks playoff game that way, last year.

Good luck, Linda! The people I know who are going are the season ticket holders. What a year the BH are having! I was lucky to go to that regular season game because my daughter teaches Jamal Mayers' daughter.

#244 : Also a lot of rather scary people ... Oh. My. Eyes!

A perfect mailman day! Cool breeze, lots of sun and a beautiful, cloudless blue sky. I only have a few pages left in A Constellation of Vital Phenomena and this is one, I do not want to leave. It's a jaw-dropper and will probably be the Best Book of the year for me...so far anyway.
I am also really enjoying The Woman Upstairs, although I am well into this one and still have no idea where she is taking me, which of course is not a bad thing, as long as it's an entertaining ride.

Karen- Hope you have a safe trip to Bellingham and I look forward to your "blogs". Hopefully, you are smoozing with the BOTNS royalty as I type this.

Joe- Yes, Go Blackhawks! Let's wrap this one up Saturday and move on. I cannot WAIT to hear your thoughts on Let the Great World Spin. It's an amazing read and yes, the film doc, "Man on a Wire" is the perfect companion piece.

Linda- Big Chicago Wave! Hope you have a great weekend planned.

Caro- I haven't seen it yet but I better wear sunglasses. At first I thought RD was recommending a book. LOL.

Hi Mark! The lamb shook her tail and Karen and I (and her pup Benny) have already spent a bit of time together. It feels more and more comfortable every time I meet up with Karen. She is a wonderful soul.

It turns out that I was not registered for any events this afternoon, so I hung out with Karen and then took a nap and did some reading in the sunny window seat of my hotel room (where I'm sitting at present). I'm excited about the author events (Welcome Reception in about an hour) but I have to say that I could quite happily spend the whole weekend right in this spot. And, I seem to be registered for two talks tomorrow with the same author. That must be changed.

Lovely so far.

Enjoy your event on Sunday there in Chicago with some of our other LT buddies!

^"Filmmaker Ken Burns announced Tuesday that he's collaborating with Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer, for a film based on the book. The documentary, spread over three nights, is scheduled to air on PBS in spring 2015."

Is this great or what? And, I have not read this one yet but have heard nothing but fantastic things. The time is NOW!

Hi Mark! I hope you're doing well. I love the image in #228.

Anyway, yes, I'll be at the thing on Sunday, probably between 10 and 11am. I'll text you when I get there. Does that work? I may go into the office, since I'll be downtown.

Howdy, Mark! Interesting news about the Ken Burns doc. I am currently reading 'The Emperor of Maladies', though I've barely turned the first page.

Happy Saturday, folks! I am only off Sunday this week but it will be spent at a Book Fest, with fellow LTers, so that's not to shabby, right? My Thingaversary is on Monday so I should have no problem snagging at LEAST 5 books. Yah, me!
I only have 30 pages left in Constellation. Sad face.

Ellen- Glad you are enjoying Booktopia. I wish I could be there with you guys. Have a great time at the author events today.

Kerri- Look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Have plenty of cash handy and let's hope it stays dry.

Julia- I have had The Emperor of Maladies saved on audio for a couple years now. Time to try to bookhorn it in. It's a Big Boy, though. I hope you enjoy it and have a great weekend.

Love the graphic just above! I look forward to your remarks about Constellation... It's on our shelves and it keeps drawing my eye in it's direction ...

I have been thinking of your man cave efforts lately, as the bathroom project is underway. Ugh!

Howdy Mark! just swooping in to see how things are - looks like a good weekend and HAPPY THINGAVERSARY! - swooping out.

Kath- The carpet is ordered and will be installed this week!! Yah! And then putting everything back. There will be a few final touches left but for the most part, Marky-Mark's Man-Cave will be up & running.
Good luck with your bathroom! And it looks like Constellation will be my favorite read of the year so far.

Lynda- Good to see you! 5 blissful years? Can you believe it?

Yay! Man Cave!

Er, what am I saying? I lose MrMorphy to the cave every day!

Happy Saturday, Mark, but sorry you have to work. Your plans for Sunday sound good, though! And hooray for an almost-put-back-together man cave! My husband would be lost without his ;-)

Good morning, Mark. Benny has a little tummy trouble this morning EARLY so I went out at 0'dark hundred to walk him, nightshirt on me, with jacket over, walking along the next door park. This place is great. Now I want to retire here! Happens to me all the time when I travel, I always think "I want to live here for years".

After breakfast, and enough coffee, I'm off to author events. See details, later, on my thread.

Happy Thingaversary Mark!!!

I'm liking that graphic, too, Mark. Glad you have another cool, sunny day for work. Looking forward to the book fair tomorrow!

Yes, Let the Great World Spin is quite good so far. I realized it's one of those that's gotten so much buzz that I have to forget the buzz while reading it, if you know what I mean. Not be looking for it to blow me out of my shoes on each new page.

A meeting this morning, blah. But then the weekend starts. We saw a really good documentary last night that I mention to you over on my thread: "Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay." Mighty good it is.

I've got to catch up on Karen and Ellen's Booktopia adventures before getting tied up.

Happy fifth!

Hi Mark, hope I'm not too late for the dark book discussion. We human beings are basically destructive and building something is an acquired art. So sliding down the evolution scale be it morality or base actions comes naturally. Just the social structure prevents us from this decline.

Any book which explores these tendencies is interesting.

PS - Hope I made some sense.

^This book haul looks eerily similar to my summer reading schedule. Go Lisa! Go Lisa!

I'll be back in a few...

^I finished A CONSTELLATION OF VITAL PHENOMENA! 5 stars all the way! Is that a great image from the NYT Book Review? Here's the NYT Review:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/09/books/review/a-constellation-of-vital-phenomen...



Am, I subtle or what?

nooooooooo

I just expanded my library more than I'm allowing myself to do

but I did want to come say Ann and Michael of Books On The Night Stand are both delightful people and thank you for encouraging me to sign up for Booktopia

Wow, I'll have to add A Constellation of Vital Phenomena onto my tbr list.

Happy upcoming Thingaversary Mark!
Mine was the 4th... I just bought books today, but I made up for missing a few days in there. ;)

So glad to hear Constellation was amazing. I've moved it down my list though! Soon. I promise.

Let's go Blackhawks...

I actually left the Cubs game early today, something I rarely do. Wanted to get home to see the Hawks.

Hi Mark- have fun at the book fair with the fellow LTers and I hope you get more than your fair share of books, to celebrate your thingaversary, and just cos.

Never mind about missing the Bats, they are hopefully sold out so you might not have made it even if you had wanted to. You cant say I didnt try to get you there!!

All caught up now Mark, after an abysmal 92 post absence. Can't wait to hear about your Book Fest adventures! Please post pictures!!! :)

Oh, hey. I can't find the thread for group reading for Song of Achilles. I've read it in 2012 so I'm hoping that I have enough memory to contribute meaningfully to the conversation. Could someone post the link here?

Hi Mark!
Karen and I made sure to tell Ann & Michael that you said hello. They knew just who we meant when we said "LibraryThing Mark." :-)

Enjoy your book event on Sunday. I'm having a great time here (and you are going to love Booktopia in Michigan!!), but I'm envious that you're hanging out with Kerri et al in Chicago on Sunday.

I'm adding A Constellation of Vital Phenomena to the list. Folks around here were talking about it today and I knew you were reading it (but did not yet know that you were giving it five stars!).

Be interested to see what six books you pick up to celebrate your fifth year mate. Have a great Sunday.

Good to know :) Thanks Mark. Maybe I will try to read A CONSTELLATION OF VITAL PHENOMENA next. I need to know it to recommend it. Glad to hear that you liked it :)

Mark, I just read the NYT review of Constellation, and now I see you loved it too. I'll have to find a way to bookhorn it into my plans.

Go Blackhawks! Go Blackhawks! They move on to the Stanley Cup Finals! What a team!

Happy Sunday, folks! Sorry, I left abruptly last night, without replying to everyone. We went by a friend's house, had a fire, drank a few beers and shot the breeze.
A fun day, planned, at the Book Fest. Let's hope the weather holds up. Always nice to see LTers!

Morphy- I cannot wait to have the Man Cave back in order! It's been 3 months. Hope you are having a great weekend.

Katie- Love the Man Cave! Looking forward to the Book Fest! Enjoy your Sunday.

Karen- I hope you have a great final day at Booktopia. And I hope Benny is feeling better. I'll stop by your thread and check things out.

Tammy- Thanks! Good to see you!

Joe- Glad you are enjoying Let the Great World Spin. McCann is also out in Naperville this afternoon. What rotten timing. I was really hoping to get to his latest, this month. Thankfully, I have a copy at hand. See you in a couple hours!

RD- Thanks, my friend! It's been a great ride.

Gautam- "Any book which explores these tendencies is interesting." Thanks for your thoughtful comments on "dark books". I think you are on to something there. Great to see you!

Karen- Ann & Michael are wonderful, aren't they? They would fit in perfectly with our little LT community. And yes, find a copy of Constellation!

Kerry- It truly is a Must Read! I had a feeling about that one and it didn't disappoint.

Kathy- Thanks! I should have no problem picking up 6 books today. I guess the LT tradition is getting an extra one for good luck. Twist my arm. Enjoy your Sunday.

Linda- What a great Blackhawks win! I think it was worth leaving the Cubs game early. LOL. I wish you could join us today. Maybe next year.

Megan- I am sure The Bats show would have been fantastic. Sorry, I'll miss it. Do they tour often?

Tina- I'll attach the Group Read thread below. I hope to start Song of Achilles next week. I have my library copy at hand.
http://www.librarything.com/topic/154904#4128201

Ellen- Yah, they remembered LT Mark! I occasionally chat with Michael on Good Reads. What great people. I am on the waiting list for the Michigan Booktopia. Fingers crossed I get in!
Glad you are having a good time in Bellingham.

Paul- Good to see you! I will post the Thingaversary acquisitions. I think I picked up 7 last year, so finding 6 should be a breeze.

Kath- I hope you can snag Constellation. It's deeply plotted but I felt it was a very smooth read. What incredible characters. I hated to leave them behind.

Laura- I hope I can encourage many of you to pick up Constellation. It's a book worthy of it's accolades. Great to see you and have a nice Sunday!

Whew! I think I am caught up!

At the end of this day you're likely to have a lot more books, Mark!

See you soon. Go Hawks!

You guys have a great time. We are watching you and want to hear all about it. Photographs, too, please.

So nauseatingly jealous of y'all's trip to Printer's Row Book Fest! Have fun, buy lots, and think of me sitting quietly in my cloud of sadness and book deprivation.

Shop til you drop, Mark!

Have a fun day at Book Fest, Mark!

Enjoy your book-filled Sunday, Mark. We want details!

The Lit Fest was a blast! And the weather was perfect. And I bought exactly 6 books. LOL. I picked up and put down many! I'll list them on the new thread. I am so glad Kerri joined us this year but my biggest joy is scanning the myriad of bookshelves, while jabbering away with Joe...about, you guessed it, books. If I would have had a beer in my hand, that would have been pretty close to heaven.
Sorry, folks! No photos! I couldn't find my camera before I left and I suck with pictures from my cell. You'll have to use your imaginations and conjure up our smiley faces.

Joe- Great, spending time with you! We sure go over a lot of titles don't we? I can't believe I restrained myself to only 6.

Karen- I hope you had a safe return home. Your 1st Booktopia sounds marvelous.

RD- I am not sure you could have handled all the walking & standing. Even my feet are complaining.

Lynda, Lori- & Donna- Great to see you all! What can be better than browsing books with fellow LTers? Hope you all, had a great day!

Happy Sunday Mark. Glad to hear you had a great time at the Lit Fest. All you need next time is one of those beer hats so your hands are free to browse the books and you can sip beer at the same time. Are you waiting to hit 300 before you start your new thread? ;-)

Big loving waves to Caro! I saw many Llosa titles and picked up Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter. I did not see any Endo titles. WTH?
I'll be working on the new thread, pronto! I ran out of time this morning.

No Endo at a Lit Fest?! *faints*

Anyone seen the smelling salts?

Grab your books and beverages and join me over on the #14! Love to have ya!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/155183

Thanks for the SoA group link Mark!