Richardderus 2013 thread 14

"The Dramatist (portrait of Andrew Ganley)" by Brigit Ganley

“I no longer believed in the idea of soul mates, or love at first sight. But I was beginning to believe that a very few times in your life, if you were lucky, you might meet someone who was exactly right for you. Not because he was perfect, or because you were, but because your combined flaws were arranged in a way that allowed two separate beings to hinge together.” --Lisa Kleypas

I have a category called Orphans, which will still catch all the other reading I do in 2013. Thinking 60 reviews as my target.

My 2013 ORPHANED books ticker:




I want to treat the Short Story collection challenge as a ticker-to-itself thread, thinking 48 reviews as my goal. I'll keep the thread over in the Short Stories forum.

My 2013 SHORT STORY collections ticker:




I'm going to keep a mystery-genre thread over in Crime, Thriller, and Mystery forum, with a goal of 50 reviews. Way way way too many of my reviews this year, in all forums, were mysteries and thrillers, and while I love them, I don't want to get too rut-ified and read only those books while keeping up my self-made review writing census.

My MYSTERY & THRILLER books ticker:




THIS THREAD is the 75 challenge for 2013, which will be non-fiction and non-genre-fiction books published in 2012 and 2013, plus recommendations from other 75ers.

My last thread of 2012.

My 2013 NEW books ticker:




Book 1...thread one.
Books 2 & 3...thread two.
Book 4...thread three.
Book 5...thread five.
Books 6 & 7...thread seven.
Books 8-11...thread eight.
Books 12-19...thread nine.
Books 20 & 21...thread 10.
Books 22-25...thread 11.
Books 26 & 27...thread 12.
Book 28...thread 13.

Books are reviewed in post:

29. American Honor Killings...#173.

30. West of Babylon...#185.

31. A Cat Was Involved...#302.

unsaved

Ooooh, my first heathen! Now, let's discuss Our Lord and Savior Cthulhu and his plan for your life as food for all the Elder Gods....

I'm in early. Hi Richard!

Hi Diana!

I thought Cthulhu was on ice and the elder gods had melted away, to fight another day? "unsaved" was funny though--cracked meself up with that one.
ETA: like that quotation up top and think young Mr. Ganley needs a bigger chair.

I love the Lisa Kleypas quote - that is exactly how I feel about it! Lovely new thread, dear. Grabbing my seat early.

*Plumps down in the corner behind a pile of books with a bottle of tequila, a scowl and plans to hide there for some time*

Nice new thread, Richard. I've staked out my lurking spot.

Love the Lisa Kleypas quote (she was a favorite of mine when all I read were junkie romances!) - it reminds me of the reading the hubs and I had at our wedding a few years ago:

"We’re all seeking that special person who is right for us. But if you’ve been through enough relationships, you begin to suspect there’s no right person, just different flavors of wrong. Why is this? Because you yourself are wrong in some way, and you seek out partners who are wrong in some complementary way. But it takes a lot of living to grow fully into your own wrongness. It isn’t until you finally run up against your deepest demons, your unsolvable problems – the ones that make you truly who you are – that you’re ready to find a life-long mate. Only then do you finally know what you’re looking for. You’re looking for the wrong person. But not just any wrong person: the right wrong person – someone you lovingly gaze upon and think, “This is the problem I want to have.”

I love that last line :-)

Okay. I LOVE that, Katie. Totally stealing that!

Ratz!~! An hour and a half late to the party.
And just soz ya know St., we did talk about you in Philly. hee hee!~!
hugs & back to Wolf Hall.........

Katie, that's wonderful! I passed it along to my lads.

Steal away, Mamie! I need to find an attribution for it.

My cousin read it at our wedding, and he HATED it! He was so mad I made him read it, but I told him to buck up. And I got so many compliments on it. I love it because I think it captures what a good relationship is. God knows I'm a mess in many ways and have a lot of baggage, and so does my husband. But I wouldn't have him any other way because it is all part of who he is, and if I love him, I love ALL of him. I worry about relationships where one partner feels like the other needs some kind of "fixing" in a way, that s/he would be perfect except for this one little thing or that minor flaw. You shouldn't pick and choose what you love and try to change everything else - that's not what a real, lasting love is about. IMHO, of course ;-)

ETA: It's a quote from Galway Kinnell (?) And apparently there are two additional lines at the end: "I will find that special person who is wrong for me in just the right way. Let our scars fall in love." But I like where I ended it better :-)

Thanks, Tui!

Sorry for the hijack, Richard.

Nice new thread! About time, too. Sheesh!

Good quote up there...

See ya later... Do be nice, pls?

>7 tiffin: *mwaaaahaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaa*

>8 Crazymamie:, 11 I felt that way once, then he died. Dislike.

>9 BekkaJo: Perkins! Put the case of Cuervo beside that pile of cushions, with the limes and the SMALL knife. Miss Bekka needs some alone time.

>10 katiekrug: Hi Katie! I've never read a word by this lady, but she has a way with a phrase. I'm tempted to pick one up.

She writes pretty good historical romances, with a lot of humor and intelligence. I don't like her contemporary stuff nearly as much.

>12 rainpebble: Hi Belva, enjoy Wolf Hall. It gets a LOT of luuuuuv around these parts.

>13 tiffin: I agree, Tui, that it's wonderful. Have you ever read any Kleypas?

>14 katiekrug: EVERYONE has one or two or five hundred flaws, and "fixing" them is code for controlling the Other Party.

>15 katiekrug:, 18 Hijack? What hijack? This isn't some sort of classroom, we talk about what we're thinking about. Hm, maybe...which one was your favorite?

>16 mckait: Hello sweetness, it was past time. I just didn't notice what was going on with the post count. And when, exactly, am I *ever* "not nice"?! Hmmm? Not nice...sheesh...you'd think I hadn't made public the carbon-14 dating results revealing the woman's true age....

#17 Smoochies. Oh and have Perkins send over some crushed ice, there's a good boy.

>19 richardderus:: nope, not a word.

I always think of your thread as a salon where, at any given time, there is a group having a conversation.

*skipping my way through*

Hope all is good with you!

>19 richardderus: - I loved Where Dreams Begin, but honestly, it was probably a decade or so ago...

>20 BekkaJo: Perkins! The ice crusher for Miss Bekka, quick sticks, those margaritas ain't makin' themselves.

>21 tiffin: Heh, well I hope SO!

>22 maggie1944: It's 88F. All is decidedly not well.

>23 katiekrug: It was a whopping $3, so who cares. I'll probably read it in 2015 and wonder why on earth I have it.

Oh! sorry, I think I knew you were having a hot, hot day and I understand not liking it, one bit.

When I was in NYC back in the 1960s it was so damned hot that I sat in a bath tub reading a book for about 3 hours. Cool waters all about me. Worked. But you don't take baths... sorry.

>25 maggie1944: Ew! Then I'd be hot AND queasy!

I occasionally take a bath for relaxation purposes (especially when I lived with family and had almost no privacy except in the bathroom) but I always take a thorough shower, and then clean the bathtub, and THEN take a bath. Baths are gross!

Smooch. Thought I'd let you know I am alive. In case you were wondering... : )

>27 norabelle414: Showering beforehand is the sine qua non of dunking one's self in *shudder* a bathtub. I still don't see what's relaxing about having one's skin flakes, sweat, and toe jam floating in a merry circus about one's (hopefully) cringing person.

>28 Berly: Berly-boo! I was sure you were *alive* since there hadn't been a Great Disturbance in the Force, just that you were school-year-ending and suchlike. *smooch*

Nice picture, nice quote. Nice Cthulu, nice Cthulu, good Cthulu...

Hallo, RD. smoochity-smooch-smooch from your own Horrible.

I've been so busy with work that I've barely even had time to read, much less lurk or delurk on LT.

>30 Emrayfo: Thanks, Charles, I'll see what I can do about making you last to be snarfed in the return of the Elder Gods.

>31 karenmarie: *smoochiesmoochsmooch* for dear ol' Horrible the World Traveler!

I've finally written and posted my happy purr regarding Lake on the Mountain, a gay Canadian noir thriller, in my thread...post #82.

ZOMG this is so so very ME!!

Hi RD- Just checking in! Love the new digs and love the Ganley picture at the top. And Lake on the Mountain sounds like a good one. Joseph Hansen territory?

>33 richardderus: Oh my goodness, I could just curl up in that chair right now...

Hope all is well with you, Richard!

>34 msf59: Hi Mark! Thanks, I'm likin' it a lot too. Hansen, well, not quite that adept but that end of the market, with more darkness thrown in.

>35 bell7: Hi Mary! It's summer, dear, I *aspire* to ~meh~ since I hate the hell out of the season. But nooks like that one make me smile all over!

>33 richardderus: My throne! My throne! Who stole my throne?!?!

Waves and smooches all around!

Just makin' my mark...

Didja pee on the doorpost Terri, to mark that spot? lol!~!

oh oh oh that is a very nice book alcove.

marking my place...

Oh dear, here I am swooning over your library teases again.

If I did, Belva, it was an accident. Did you ever see the T-shirt that says "I laughed so hard that tears went running down my leg?" Yeah, I need one of those...

>37 avidmom: I repatriated it. There's a difference.

>38 tloeffler: *brings out Brillo and Pine-Sol*

>39 rainpebble: *sour look* I expect so.

>40 sibylline: Isn't it? Oh me oh my it's a dream of a small space, plus I like that shade of green.

>41 msf59: *more Brillo and Pine-Sol*

>42 London_StJ: It is one of my more charming qualities, eh what?

>43 tloeffler: ...oh dear...Perkins! Order a case each of Brillo and Pine-Sol, there's a good chap.

Oh, Pine Sol -- It makes me quiver and shake. I swear my cleanaholic mother had gallons of this stuff which she used throughout the house each and every day.

Oh the horrors. Oh the horrors.

Not a lovely scent then. Maybe plain ol' bleach?

She used that also. I think she went to her grave proud of the fact that she never once used a mop.

She always scrubbed the floors on her hands and knees.

New thread! Hooray!

Drool over #33, laugh over #43, hold nose for #46.

Oh my - I'm just about keeping up with all the wonderful banter and your lovely new thread.

*smooch*

"more Brillo and Pine-Sol*! Thanks for my first big chuckle of the morning, RD! Enjoy your day!

Good morning. Shiny, shiny, shiny......

Mornin', Darling. It's hot, sunny, and southern here, a slightly bilious combination. Still, we have books, we have LT, we have other assorted pleasures. Even so, Alabackward is just not the right place to be, surface beautiful as it may be.

A good, pain-free (or as nearly so as possible) week-end for you, Sweetcheeks.

Morning dear! We made it to Friday! FRIDAY! You know how I love those!

>48 Whisper1: What a sicko. Being proud of being mentally ill.

>49 EBT1002: Yay! Wait...why are we all excited about a new thread again?

>50 Berly: Permaybehaps I should tell Perkins to get the lavender-scented version.

>51 calm: Hi calm! *smooch* How's Wales holding up after that earthquake? You're at the other end of the place, but did you feel it too?

>52 msf59: Hey Mark, chuckles dispensed all hours, so see you soon.

>53 maggie1944: Pine-Sol does that, especially when assisted by Brillo.

Earthquake! What earthquake? Didn't feel a thing.

Please make sure Perkins doesn't mix that up with my order ;)

>54 Matke: Good morning, Danvers, perchance a coffee will improve the morning fo our scholarly visitor when served from the "States" pattern of porcelain:



>55 Crazymamie: Hiya Mamie! Oh whee! Friday at last. And it's 86 already. *retch* I hate summer.

I'm pleased that my review of Lake on the Mountain made Dundurn, the publishers, happy enough to tweet about it for BEA. Maybe it's quixotic of me, but I feel strongly that Canadian publishers are underpenetrating the Murrikin market. Canadian authors, the bulk of them, don't get noticed here unless they're called "Munro" or "Atwood" or the like. Why, f/ex, should the about to be raised brows and about to be quirked lips react that way when I mention Paul Quarrington's name? Whale Music is hilarious! Pierre Berton likewise...Just Add Water and Stir has amusing profiles of people like Robert Service and Milton Berle. Ain't that enough to make it at least a little bit interesting, even 50 years later?

...and the crowd snores...

86 already! What's it going to? It's only 77 here, and I live in GEORGIA!

>58 calm: This earthquake. Felt from Galway to Abersoch, wherever the heck that is. Dinky by California standards at 3.8, but major for the area.

>59 BekkaJo: Perkins, blessedly, is able to distinguish Pine-Sol from Cuervo even yet. He might dodder a bit, but he's still sharp!

>61 Crazymamie: That gawd person hates me. It's the only explanation. Hates me with a vitriolic hate. Waaaaahhhhh

Oh I slept through it and all my books were still on the bookcases when I woke up that morning.

Abersoch is on the Lleyn Peninsula (the jutty out bit of North Wales) so not that far away as the crow flies.

>63 calm: *admires calm's sangfroid* Earthquakes completely flip me out.

We don't have earthquakes in Portland. Yet. When we do it will be a doosey!! I have only experienced one in California and it was MOST unsettling.

>65 Berly: I keep thinking that Portland sounds like a great place to move....

Yes, and the temperatures are very pleasant. : )

Oh Perkins! Pack the trunks, we're relocating.

Most excellent plan. Do hurry Perkins!

BTW, 3.8 is nearly imperceptible for earthquakes. Only very, very sensitive people are likely to feel them, at all. There are lots of 3.somethings around here and no one notices. The last one I really noticed was up into the 6.something.

I agree we need to note Canadian authors more often!

>69 Berly: He's doddering as fast as he can. Poor old guy.

>70 maggie1944: It's certainly not perceptible out there. Here in the east, a 2.0 was perceptible, and in Merrie Olde Englande the 3.8 was perceptible. Different geologies, don't you know.

Happy Friday, Richard (even if the temperature is appalling; hope it's a little cooler where you are than it is here). I thought you might enjoy perusing this: http://flavorwire.com/392332/incredible-reading-rooms-around-the-world/view-all

>72 bell7: Happy Friday, Mary! No, it's *appalling* here. High humidity and 87. *retch*

Ooo...pretty pretty rooms...

Perkins can Pine-Sol me all he wants, as long as he shares the Cuervo...

>74 tloeffler: Heh. Oh Perkins! A heavy-duty Pine-Sol-ing for Madam TLo, and a shaker of margaritas.

The Axis of Evil, aka Linda Lipko, Paul Cranswick & Megan Apse, have neither ceased nor desisted from their nefarious and cruel tauntings with lists of titles they have acquired. The unkindness of it! The Axisites know that they are inciting poor, innocent biblioholics to fall off the bookmobile and acquire acquire acquire.

Today I got Dark Eden, winner of the 2013 Arthur C. Clarke Award
and
Stealing History, a SIGNED collection of poet/leftist Gerald Stern's essays that came as part of my subscription to World Literature Today.

>62 richardderus: we had a 3.9 this morning! Just when I was showing off about it being soooooo long since I felt an earthquake. Sheesh.

>75 richardderus: I have struck again, go me!

Oooh, Signed. I'm a whore for Signed books...

why are we all excited about a new thread again?

I have no idea, but since I have been in a rather grumpy mood all day, I thought I would cheer about something. Your new thread seemed as cheer-worthy as anything.

My mood will improve. In 20 minutes I get to go home and read. :-|

Happy Weekend, Richard!

St., you cannot move whilst I remain in the cold and damp vestibule!

>77 tloeffler::
I could comment but will refrain. ;-)

There aren't supposed to be earthquakes in Wales. It's just wrong.
>33 richardderus:: would you like being stuck in an alcove like that to read?

I love, love, love the quote in your thread topper RD! And Katie (#10) -- what a honestly lovely quote about *real* love!

From last thread, hi Natalie of the No-Name cake. I'm fasting on desserts currently but it sounds soooo very tempting! Maybe you could post the recipe on my thread (or send it in a message) so I can find it again later?? Please :)

Hi everyone else!

>76 LovingLit: 3.9 in Chch is negligible, though. In WALES it'd be megaweird. There? *pffft* we don't fear no stinkin' 3.9!

You have. You are EVIL.

>77 tloeffler: Heh. That's what the boy at the beach said.

>78 EBT1002: Happy weekend, sweetiepopsicle! It's a sparkly new thing, this weekend before us!

>79 rainpebble: ...but you're so good at hanging all the cold, wet, drippy overcoats and mackintoshes. Really, an entire afterlife spent *near* books should be enough, right? Even though you can't actually touch one or read it. *evil Muttley laugh*

>80 tiffin: Agreed. And yes, indeedie-do I would!

>81 TinaV95: Hi Tina! You know about "favoriting" messages, right? At the bottom left of each message, there's a little "more" tag. Click on that, select "add to favorites," and the message turns a sort of lemon-meringue color. To find it again, go to the nav bar on the top left side of your page. Select "More options" and then "favorite messages", and you'll get a list of threads where you've favorited messages. Click on the name of the thread, and *poof* it takes you to the message in that thread that you favorited. If there's more than one message in a thread that you've favorited, it takes you to the last (ie, numerically highest) one.

A happy sight on any street.

I would like that on the back of my house!

I love open air booksellers. These cabinets are particularly nice.

>85 Crazymamie: ME. TOO.

>86 Emrayfo: Me too! They are quite solid looking. I suspect they're permanently in place, not mobile like most outdoor fixtures. Looks like they fold up.



Another groovy little nook!

I WANT that one, too! SO charming!!

*fantods*

Richard, darling, did you start a thread for short stories in June? Did I miss it?

No, not yet, but I will shortly and let you know.

"Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel." Sam Walton...does anyone else see the irony here?

New at Shelf Inflicted! All month long we're featuring interviews with the Forbes 25 from Goodreads. This spring, Forbes magazine featured Goodreads' 25 most influential reviewers (I'm #14) in a piece about the huge added value of social media to book purchases. First up: MJ Nicholls at #25 http://tinyurl.com/mpha9pk

Someone's got my priorities down.

>83 richardderus: I don't know if Tina knows about favoriting messages, but I didn't until now. Thanks for the lesson. Four years on LT and I'm still trying to find my way around!!!! :) I want to go to #89. Do you have directions?

Pray to Marty McFly's ghost? Other than that, I dunno.

RD all your groovey little reading nook pictures make me want to demolish parts of my home to create some! Im nit sure we can do without a hot water heater though, so I better leave that cupboard alone (for now).

Marty McFly! Ha.

Hi Richard, i want to go to >89 richardderus: and 94, they look awesome. Where are you finding these?

>89 richardderus: oh yes. yes yes yes. fantods indeed.

howz yer ribs, m'dear?

eta first recorded use of fantods: "You have got strong symptoms of the fantods; your skin is so tight you can’t shut your eyes without opening your mouth."

The Adventures of Harry Franco, by Charles Briggs, 1839.

i didn't realize it was a USeanism

You've got some good book porn going here, Richard.

>97 LovingLit: Pofflepiff! Wimpy Kiwis, take cold showers and have a warm, cozy mom-cave. Sacrifices must be made in the name of reading.

>98 johnsimpson: Hi John! The internet is awash in great book-themed photos. Those two came from Facebook, a page I liked called Bookshelf Project.

>99 mirrordrum: I'm still missing one. *hawhawhaw*

I've always liked "fantods" for its onomatopoeia.

>100 EBT1002: It's so wonderful to have good book porn.

Hallo again, Richard Dear. Love the book porn pics although that red chair does NOT look very comfortable. Horizontal on couch with nice supportive pillow is much better.

*smooch*

>102 karenmarie: Hiya Horrible! It's always good to have options, position-wise. *smooch*

Sunday's serious book porn.

Morning RD! ^ Love the book porn. Now, that's a room, that's all about the books, right? Hope you are having a good weekend.

>105 msf59: Hi Mark! Been too effin' hot for me to enjoy, has this weekend, but most of the time I'm in my bedroom huddled in front of the a/c, set to "Antarctican Wintertime Blizzard" setting.

Plus I made no-name cake, Natalie's recipe from last thread, for some visitors last evening. It is *scrumptious*!

>104 richardderus:: Yep, that is a good one. I like the look of the chair (you know, I'm contemplating the purchase of a new reading chair for our study).

>107 EBT1002:

Model is an extra-cost option.

Book porn! Perkins! Please remove the stupid flowers, thanks.

OOOH AAAH

> 109 - Ha,ha,ha. Love the book porn and the flowers and would instead request Perkins remove that rather uncomfortable looking chair and replace it with something padded and reclining, with a foot stool preferred. ;-)

Hope all is well with you, Richard and that you have had a lovely weekend!

>111 lkernagh: Hi Lori! It's chilly and rainy today, so all is so so so well!! No more almost-90 days for the week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Oh yes yes yes.

^How much is that model in the window? Arf, arf! And what a killer chair!

>113 msf59: Ha! Yeah, the Ekornes chairs are somethin' special. Y'all can fight it out over the model, unless she does housecleaning in which case she's mine.

http://tinyurl.com/n5wwvkh ALL MONTH LONG Shelf Inflicted interviews the Forbes Magazine 25 Most Influential Goodreads Reviewers. Today it's #23, Baba, who's a Swiss reader of English-language romances. eReaders come in for special attention here.

>107 EBT1002: That is my dream chair, Richard! I was just showing that to Craig! A Good Monday Morning to you, dear.

>115 Crazymamie: Hiya Mamie, happy Monday indeed when it's so chilly out there! *bliss*

It's supposed to be overcast and rainy here all week. At least that's what the weather forecast says today. Tomorrow it could be completely different. LOL! I have never seen the forecast change so often as it does down here in Georgia - is that a Southern thing?

#104 beautiful indeed but I don't think it would stay like that too long when lived in. Books must be scattered around me and I'd want a turntable/cd system giving my succour with my books.

The chair looks comfy and so does the model.

>117 Crazymamie: Not Southern so much as coastal. There in Albany you're not all that far from the Atlantic AND the Gulf, and sea = changeable weather. It's one reason I like living on Long Island. "Static" isn't on the list of qualities here!

>118 PaulCranswick: She does look like she's well stuck in to that book.

That IS what you meant, right?

Heh.

Poochie is snoring away on her side of the bed. She hates going out in the rain for her duties, but is ready to sleep the day away when it's gloomy out. I realize it's impossible, but I think somehow she's got my DNA.

#112 = me this morning. New office and stressed, I was three coffees in before I realised I had eaten nothing and was making it rather strong for their tiny cups and that I had just about started vibrating.

And yet I still want more...

>120 BekkaJo: Self-medicating with coffee is a darn good idea with that kind of stress! *smooch* for a better week than a Monday.

#112 My thinking this A.M.
Semi-conscious self: "I should write a little blip on my LT thread about those last two books I read."
More conscious self: "What? You haven't even had a full cup of coffee yet and you know you need at least two before you can think straight! Are you crazy?"

More conscious self totally wins.
*goes off to make more coffee*

>122 avidmom: Yuh-huh! Perzackly. Sensible sensible self-talk.

>104 richardderus:: that works for me!
And here are a whole bunch of Ekornes chairs for you to choose from: http://www.ekornes.com/us/stressless-recliners

I hope this is a good reading day for you. Do not check my thread later today. You will NOT want to see the books I brought home for .10 each from the library sale table.

I'll share the wealth...IF you do visit, and if there is something you would like, I'll send it along.

I am totally in the 'need. more. coffee.' state today - so much driving........ but I am home and so glad to be here.

Magnificent book porn as ever. I come running here to see it and be soothed.

LOL ... i love the coffee squirrel. I'm not a coffee drinker but i can see the squirrel switching over to hot dark chocolate.

>124 tiffin: *sigh* A lad can dream.

>125 Whisper1: *skedaddles for darling Linda's thread*

...what? I'm totally elozable.

>126 sibylline: Glad the book porn is doing its job, cuz! *smooch* Relax and read. Driving is very wearing inside and out.

>127 cameling: I think the sentiment is common, if the remedy varies from normal person (ie, coffee drinker) to abnormal person (ie, Yankees fan).

Stopping by trying to catch up. I have been so busy I was really really far behind. So did some skimming and I am happy to say I love the book porn as usual. Smooches to you and Stella my dear Richard.

>129 MonicaLynn: Hi Monica! Smooches and slurps back!

Elozable: hmm.

I love the coffee set! I would glad make and serve coffe all day with nifty stuff.

>109 richardderus: and 110: Beautiful. I trust I'm not the only one who peers at the screen trying to discern the titles on the old tomes.

Gad. One week of art class =s fun+. First look at The Fiction of Relation syllabus =s not-so-much fun. Mayhap I will audit. Or do the first half only as a student, auditing second half. Not sure. Lotta paperwork there.

And how are you this fine Monday? Smooches to you, Dearie.

>131 Matke: Danny darling! *smooch* I'm all the better for seeing you here.

Been a drizzly day, though it's stopped raining and is now merely cloudy and cool. I'll take it with a grin! I'm physically okay, and all tilt-a-whirl over my ER read of American Honor Killings. Very Very VERY hard to read. I want this review up by Thursday, so it can be on my group blog. I confess it's damn close to killin' me. I thought it was impossible to deepen the well of loathing I possess for religion, and blacken the cynical, hopeless view I take of humankind.

I was wrong.

I've got the Twice Sold Tales package. I am royally pissed.

I paid $5 each, on average, for FUCKING MASS MARKET PAPERBACKS in crap condition. Packaged, to put it mildly, carelessly.

No wonder this...lady...is going out of business. I placed the order for HARDCOVER books. That's why I was willing to pay extra in order to get specific titles, not simply a grab bag.

Plus the books have a strong odor.

Straight to the charity bin, and me out $100. And PISSED.

sorry that the twice sold tales package isn't what you wanted. You have saved $ and anger! I won't place an order with them.

Nice graphics, rd! Not caught up.. but at least stepping in... Sorry about the books. That totally and apparently literally stinks.

:(

>108 richardderus:: How did you get that picture of me in my new chair???

Richard, I'm tempted to go find the Twice Sold Tales people and complain at them, f2f, long and loud! Dang!

Book people are not supposed screw other book people, IMHO.

Thank you for the lesson on favoriting messages! I "favorited" that one so I can find it again!! My nav bar and internet is all wonky tonight and won't let me see it, but I'll figure it out (maybe.one day.soon.).

UH OH on the Twice Sold Tales books.... I'm guessing the grab bag won't be any better when it comes. Glad I only got one then. That really stinks, RD. Are you going to call and complain?

Thanks, ever'body, for the sympathy. It is potentially worse than I originally thought. I ordered a large grab bag at the same time I ordered specific titles. I instructed that the grab bag be sent to a friend in Georgia.

It is my strong suspicion that I've got BOTH shipments.

There's no place to call, because their warehouse is out of business. Their bricks-and-mortar store is a separate entity. I've emailed the address where I placed the orders in the first place. If I don't hear anything in a day or so, I'll contact PayPal and bitch.

This experience hasn't been good. I should know better than to try doing nice things for people I don't know. I'd never done business with them before, and now I'm very glad in one way and sorry I didn't know beforehand in another.

Looking at my PayPal statement, it looks as if they refunded $11 for specific titles I'd ordered that were sold before I got to have them. Big effin' deal. I want all the money back. And NO there is NO chance I'll send the books anywhere except my pal in Athens.

Oh Richard! This is just the worst!

I'm pretty damned angry. I hate being duped. I hate worse being cheated.

I am pretty damned angry with you! Being duped and cheated...a pox on them for doing this to you!!!!!!!!!!!

>142 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda. As of now, no response from my email. If there's none by this time tomorrow, I'm contacting PayPal to file whatever formal complaint there is for me to file.

Perfect, perfect day. Sunshine, 65, breeze...wild roses blooming...bees in the clover. Stella and I sat on the front stoop for a half hour soaking up sunshine. (Well, she chased squirrels and I soaked up sunshine.) *bliss*

Morning dear! So sorry to hear about your book rip off - that is just terrible. Hope there is some avenues of retribution available to you. On the bright side, the weather sounds GORGEOUS! Sitting on the front stoop soaking up sunshine with Stella sounds like good medicine for the soul. *smooch for you, scratch behind the ears for Stella*

Smooches and slurps back! Yes, I was revived by the natural world's unstinting gifts this morning. *aaah*

I'm also angry on your behalf! Yes, Twice Sold Books deserves to go out of business if that is an example of how they treated their patrons. And to help them out you were lobbying on their behalf to get others to buy, too! I'm so glad I resisted (although it was so very tempting). They should be ashamed and shamed.
Log your complaint with Paypal so they can get involved.

Grrr! Well they've just peed off half the book buying community by screwing over our Richard. So they are def in trouble S:

And for some reason half my message isn't showing...

I am so glad I did not go ahead an place an order with Twice Sold. I am also pissed off on your behalf, Richard dear. It sucks that your generosity and kindness were paid back by nastiness. I hope Pay Pal will get your money back for you.

Thanks also for the lesson on favoriting messages...so much to learn here on LT.

Hugs to you!

Richard how did I miss a whole thread! Aaack!

Mama is keeping me really busy lately.

Boo hiss your grab bag drama!!! #$%@!!!

Hugs and smooches to you and hugs and slurps to Stella.

>146 nmcognito: I'll give them 48 hours to reply, then escalate. Must be reasonable here.

>147 BekkaJo:, 148 I wonder why that shouldn't show up. Hmmmm. xo

>149 Cobscook: Hi Heidi! I hope it was just me, and others haven't had problems. I'd feel dreadful if they had ordered on my recommendation and not had a good experience.

>150 luvamystery65: Hi Roberta! I hope mom's getting better. Glad to see you! *smooch* and Stella sends ear-flattened return slurps.

At least you won't be Twice Fo'led...... (ow).

I just posted a message here that seems to have disappeared into the ether. I am offering coffee, snickerdoodles, interesting and light-hearted conversation to ease your distress from dealing with the unscrupulous

And a smooch of course.

>152 sibylline: OOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW stop hurting me!!!

>153 Matke: Technology has more moods than an Old Testament gawd. *smooch* just leave those snickerdoodles riiiight there...I'll watch 'em for you.

*GOBBLEGOBBLEsmacksmack*



I want this to be true.

Me, too.

Did you see the Seattle Public Library's promotion for the summer reading program on Facebook? It is a hoot.

smooches to you and to your pup - a good belly rub

>155 maggie1944: Thanks, Karen44! Stella's waving her paws in ecstasy at the tummy rub.

I haven't see that promo. I'll go look it up.

>154 richardderus: That's what I've been telling the HS kids I work with when they tell me they don't like to read. I would love to give that poster to a teacher! (By the way, I've seen a definite uptick in reading for fun in that group over the years.) :)

It is true!

154> Just checked out the SPL's video. I pity the poor book page who has to put all those books back on the shelves. It was quite a way to kick off the program, though.

>155 maggie1944: That. Was. AWESOME!

>104 richardderus: You know, I could almost stare at that picture instead of read...

Sorry to hear about your troubles with Twice Sold Tales. Hope things get settled without too much more aggravation and hair pulling. :(

Just a quick hello before I head out to the book mines. Nice night last night. Kathy from B F Library was there, and she just had a birthday too, so John sang Kathy's Song for us. Tired today. . . .

Morning, darling! Thought I'd bring you a cup of coffee to get the day off to a good start.



*You didn't expect me to carry it myself, did you?

Sorry you got burned by the Junk Book Jerks. I had a bad experience once with a bricks and mortar used book shop....gave me a $25.00 credit for several very nice hard covers (LOA editions, and some modern firsts) I "traded in", and when I tried to use it I was told it could only be done by taking a 10% reduction in price on their "good stuff" (meaning no paperbacks, not even trades were eligible) until the $25.00 was used up. I wrote off the "credit" and the shop. I wish I had donated those books to the library sale.

>157 avidmom: What a great idea, pass out posters of this to teachers. Might inspire some of them to step up the book-pushing.

>158 NielsenGW: Heh, yes indeed Gerard. And it was a great kick-off! Thanks for coming by.

>159 avidmom: Agreed!

>160 bell7: HA! Pull the other one, Mary, it's got bells on. Although it *is* appealing...*stares*

>161 mckait: Hello sweetness! Glad it was a good time. Being serenaded? How kind of him! I'll bet you are, what with hexing Comcast all night long.

>162 Crazymamie: Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo yesyesyes!!! *slurpchugslurp* Oh you angel you! Lurvely to get a coffee delivery to my very own doorstep.

>163 laytonwoman3rd: Oh Linda3rd, I'm so sorry, that kind of cheapassery and dumbfuckery riles me up to no end.

Morning, Dearie. What's shaking in your neighborhood?

Here's a question for you: do you find that the older one becomes, the more one feels compelled to share the details of one's bodily functions? I'm speaking of a general rule, of course, and one with many exceptions.

Just a way to start your contemplations for the day.

Any snickerdoodles left, or must I make some other goodies?

I'm waiting until close of business PDT today before I get PayPal involved in my irritating situation.

Last night, thanks to Auxiliary Axis of Evilite Kath, I gave in to my basest promptings and ordered food delivered. I got baked potato skins, loaded for bear. I ate every single one and THEN ate the jalapeno poppers I was going to save and eat today.

Heeeeere piggy piggy piggy



I need one of these to stop myself from gorging!

Love today's word!

It's a beaut, ain't it?

I'm not sure I'd recommend it for pleasure...no, I'm sure I wouldn't recommend it for pleasure...but anyone with sons should read AMERICAN HONOR KILLINGS. I wobbled between having an aneurysm in fury and sobbing my eyes out at the stupidity and waste of murder.

>170 richardderus: I have two sons but I don't think I could go there. Sounds incredibly painful.

aneurysm in fury and sobbing my eyes out at the stupidity and waste of murder.
That's something that touched my life personally a few years back; never thought it would.

The grim part, to me at least, is that there are no rhymes or reasons to make sense of these things. They are never, ever, ever justified, correct, acceptable...this is simply horrifying painful tragedy playing itself out time upon time after time.

I can certainly understand not being able to go there.

Review: 29 of seventy-five

Title: AMERICAN HONOR KILLINGS: Desire and Rage Among Men

Author: DAVID MCCONNELL

Rating: 5* of five

The Publisher Says: In American Honor Killings, straight and gay guys cross paths, and the result is murder. But what really happened? What role did hatred play? What were the men involved really like, and what was going on between them when the murder occurred? American Honor Killings explores the truth behind squeamish reporting and uninformed political rants of the far right or fringe left. David McConnell, a New York-based novelist, researched cases from small-town Alabama to San Quentin's death row. The book recounts some of the most notorious crimes of our era.

Beginning in 1999 and lasting until the 2011 conviction of a youth in Queens, New York, the book shows how some murderers think they're cleaning up society. Surprisingly, other killings feel almost preordained, not a matter of the victim's personality or actions so much as a twisted display of a young man's will to compete or dominate. We want to think these stories involve simple sexual conflict, either the killer's internal struggle over his own identity or a fatally miscalculated proposition. They're almost never that simple.

Together, the cases form a secret American history of rage and desire. McConnell cuts through cant and political special pleading to turn these cases into enduring literature. In each story, victims, murderers, friends, and relatives come breathtakingly alive. The result is more soulful, more sensitive, more artful than the sort of "true crime” writing the book was modeled on. A wealth of new detail has been woven into old cases, while new cases are plumbed for the first time. The resulting stories play out exactly as they happened, an inexorable sequence of events—grisly, touching, disturbing, sometimes even with moments of levity.

My Review: It is no secret that I'm a leftist, anti-religion queer. I loathe the existence of the systems of "Rightness" that the murderers in these crimes use to justify their actions. The mere ability of a person to point to a bible and have any segment of society secretly or not-so-secretly justify or even agree with the heinous crime of murder is shameful to us as a society.

That said, it's still true. These accounts of the motives and actions of some seriously mentally ill young men, certain that they are Right and they are Correct in the actions, are enlightening and chilling.

I spent most of the time I read this book alternating between scaring my dog with loud, rasping screeches of outraged indignation that such stupidity is allowed to exist by this gawd person most of these boys, their families, and their communities profess belief in, and miserable, hopeless weeping of sympathetic pain at the agonies of loss, grief, and longing that the families, the parents, the loving friends of the murdered men will spend the rest of their lives experiencing, because the holey babble and its hellspawn idiot-friendly "culture" don't like the idea of men having sex with each other.

Who cares what you think? Did someone ask you? Drag your mind out of the prurient gutter of thinking about what other people do in their bedrooms.

McConnell has written a book as horrifying and as necessary as In Cold Blood, and as likely to stand the test of time as a document of the consequences of sociopathic thinking. I can't recommend that you read it; but really, you should. Depressingly, most of you won't. It's not YOUR friend, brother, cousin, so why bother?

Because until people confront the horrible consequences of their smug, exclusionary language of "salvation" and the like, this won't be the last time a book like this is necessary.

I received a review copy of the book from Akashic Books.

Seriously, I think I could only read this book if it really were NOT my friend, cousin, cousin's child, etc. Thinking of people I care about as potential targets of these zealots is too frightening.

>174 laytonwoman3rd: Now imagine living it. I have, so I don't need to imagine it.

Thank you for being willing to read and review the book. I hate that religions can and have justified those murders.

>176 maggie1944: It's too important a subject to ignore. *smooch*

Well. Today, boys and girls, the Axis of Evil (you know, Paul Cranswick & Megan Apse {Linda Lipko bribed her way off the list}) have only a small addition to their Roster of Sins Committed Under Their Influence. I got a package from the Science Fiction Book Club:

2312 -- the guy who wrote the Mars Trilogy goes after Earth's future
Stone Spring -- what if someone, as sea level rose at the end of the Ice Age, had thought to build a wall around her middle-of-the-Channel-to-be home village?

I also got an ARC of Close My Eyes from St. Mutant's Press. I don't know why, exactly, but the first couple pages are very interesting. So yay me!

Good review of American Honor Killings. It's amazing, and horrifying, the views people can talk themselves into, or let themselves be talked into. Delusional doesn't begin to describe it. Sorry you've had to experience this one.

>178 jnwelch: It is indeed horrifying. Humans have ever been thus, I fear.

I seriously could not read that book. It would probably kill me.

>180 tiffin: There were moments I wished it would kill me. So very very hard to read insane people's religious/honor "justifications" without buying a gun and going on a spree myself.



I need something to happy me up.

>177 richardderus: the flightless kiwi crusader swoops in and strikes again.
Mwa haha. Ha.
*you're welcome*
I hope the purchases are better that the grab bag debacle.

>181 richardderus: love the shelves, the windows, the ladder, the rugs, the wood- but hey- lets get rid of those knick-knacks shall we?
*perfection*

Honor killings- not my happy place. Perhaps a must read though....

>182 LovingLit: Evil, evil laugh; Dickens fan; tempter into the ways of book-buying wickedness. Yes, time to call for Lenny and Wilby's rescue. *smooch*

It's so sad to see a lovely room spoiled by "decorative objects." They never are.

Hi RD- Just a quick check-in. We are having a couple days of cooler & cloudier weather. Hope you are enjoying some of that too!
I was scanning the ER list, (not a shabby list) and saw one, you might like: Smokin' Hot Firemen!



^To bad, he's rescuing a kitten and not a puppy.

Review: 30 of seventy-five

Title: WEST OF BABYLON

Author: TED HELLER

Rating: 4* of five

The Publisher Says: The Furious Overfalls came together in the sleepy, mundane suburbs of Long Island in the seventies and, with their gritty, bubbling gumbo of rock, blues and country music, sold millions of albums and toured the world to packed, adoring houses. But then, almost as quickly as it began, it all stopped: Music changed, the world changed, everybody got older, the cigarette lighters went out, and the records stopped selling. Still, all four band members—now in their mid to late fifties, their hair thinning and gray, their bodies slowly breaking down—stay together and play.

Each player in the Overfalls band has his own demons: Danny Ault, the group's founder and lead singer, has his corrosive anger and his two teenage daughters; Jules Rose, the lead guitarist, is a notorious womanizer who's losing the power and urge to womanize and who is haunted by the one woman he ever actually loved; Howie Grey, the bassist, worries he might be going insane by worrying too much; and Joey Mazz, the band's drummer and certainly not the sharpest tool in the shed, has now fallen seriously ill.

Danny cannot take the road anymore and has decided to break the group up for good. The Overfalls will go out for a final goodbye tour, though, a grueling journey across the country playing shabby, boisterous, booze-soaked, often dangerous clubs. Will this last tour bring them together or pull them further apart? Can Joey, his health failing daily, make it? His wife has urged Danny to bring Joey back home alive, but each show the band plays takes its toll. But this is what Joey wants to do, and this is what the band HAS to do. Because without the music and without each other, they just don't know how else to live.

My Review: I read a tweet from Salon magazine about a writer who was self-publishing his fourth novel, after three with regular old publishers that got nice reviews, reasonable sales...so why go it alone, I wondered, and read the piece. It made me smile, so I tweeted the author and offered to review his magnum opus for him.

Within moments, he had a PDF (ugh) of the book in my inbox. With an apology for not getting it there sooner. (Like before I said I wanted to read it? What?) This, laddies and gentlewomen, is the sign of someone who wants your attention.

Four hundred PDF (ugh) pages later, I'm glad I gave Ted Heller my attention, because what I got in return was a damn good read.

I'm over 50. I live on Long Island, a much-maligned place of suburban peace and quiet. I spent a chunk of years (twelve) living in Manhattan, and loving it...though a little less each day by the end of that time. If the Frumious Bandersnatches or whatever the faux band's name is (I never could tell, it read differently for me every time) had played in Manhattan, I probably would've been in the audience. I am, in short, the audience that Heller was writing for.

Which is why he's self-publishing this novel. I am labeled Not Wanted by the publishing industry by virtue of my X chromosome, the duration of my possession of the said chromosome, and general culpable lack of young-womanness. Heller's book won't appeal to someone graduating from Twilight to more meaty fare, it will appeal to those of us, male and female, who remember The Twilight Zone on prime-time three-network TV.

Why, I ask in annoyed frustration, does that make this book undesirable? When did we, entering our recliner-and-book-is-fun years, stop being a coveted market segment? Most of us have Kindles, tablets, smartphones, and the like, or we'd never see or hear from our kids, or be able to redeem our Father's Day iTunes gift cards. We're still able to read through the trifocals. Social Security isn't bankrupt yet, and a book isn't so expensive that we can't manage one or two.

But the cult of the teenaged girl runs rampant in the halls of publishing companies, and if it can't be marketed as YA (ugh), it is at best marginal. Which means, by extension, I and the several million other male babies born the year I was are now marginal.

So here's a bulletin from the margins: The adventures of Danny, Jules, Joey, and crazy-ass OCD loon Howie are just the ticket for cutting through the acne cream and enjoying an adult pleasure. One of the characters (I could find out who in a tree book) muses, "When did I stop drinking Old Grand-dad and become one?", which so exactly encapsulates my own and many others' experience of aging that I chuckled while weeping. (Main reason I hate PDFs and Kindlebooks for reviews: Can't find highlights. Yes, I know I put one on; howinahell do I get back to it?! UGH!)

Living on Long Island, I appreciate the local color; being of an age with the bad, I appreciate the humor; and liking books that make me smile, chuckle, wince, and blanch at the antics of the good guys doing their best and making their peace with their lives, I liked this read. I'd like to meet up with the men I spent 100,000 words with, drink some Old Grand-dad, play some John Mayall and a side of Spirit.

If none of that meant diddly-squat to you, this book will be like hieroglyphics. But if it resonates even a little bit, go and get acquainted with the boys in the band. Ted Heller's relaxed, easy storytelling makes this a single-malt quality read that deserves your attention.

>182 LovingLit: & 183: awful snobs, both of you. My William Shakespeare action figure (his arms move) is not a knick-knack, he's a, well, an action figure standing guard over my grandfather's complete works of Shakespeare. And the photos of my lads as babies are staying right there on my bookshelves no matter what you say, as is the figurine of the Chinese water carrier an old lady gave me when I was 8. So there.

Nice review, Ricardo. I still have all my John Mayall albums on vinyl!

>186 tiffin: Thanks, Tui! Omigosh, you know who John Mayall IS?! *swoon*

Tchotchkes are the Devil's Own. Useless damned things.

>139 richardderus:: Furious on your behalf. Grrrr.

And I will not read American Honor Killings. I have enough problems with insomnia; that looks like it might send me over the edge.

>183 richardderus: rescue me from them, and we have a deal. Just a day week, its all I need to re-calibrate.
"come on kids, its time to hop on the plane and go visit uncy RD, that's right aaaaall the way to Ameeeerica!! Wont you have fuuuun!?"

*sets up reading table next to fire, crock pot for a weeks wroth of soup and thermos' of coffee in anticipation*

>195 richardderus: I do so like your reviews RD.

That last review, read in the middle of the night, was a gift. I love John Mayall. And I hate pink fuzzy slipper novels. Thanks Richard.

Hi RD. Interesting books reviewed, beautifully written as always.

Insomnia has struck. I'm in Wilmington NC with daughter (who is actually in another dorm entirely with all the other transfer students). Today is orientation day for transfer students. We'll spend tonight at a hotel then head on home tomorrow some time. A nice break from nasty ol' work, for sure.

*smooch*

Hey Richard how come Linda gets to pro-offer bribes and have them accepted!?

It is no secret that I'm a leftist, anti-religion queer No wonder I couldn't find your name on the Barry Goldwater appreciation society's roll of honour.

Richard, great review of American Honor Killings. It sounds like an important work.

#184 : Mark - that fireman can come rescue me any time! I hear he loves Dickens so Richard won't want him.

>184 msf59: Ooo. Drop that kitten, little mister! THIS was in the ER selections?! ON LT?! The LEAST gay place on the Internet? huh

>188 EBT1002: Thanks, Ellen, and while it would cause you pain, the book could be useful in your professional capacity....

>189 LovingLit: Heh, know that feeling well, Maudie. And thanks!

>190 maggie1944: Oh good, Karen44! I love John Mayall, too, but am more accustomed to blank looks and uncomprehending grunts when I bring up the name.

>191 karenmarie: Transfer time is always a load of fun. QUITE a change from Pfeffer! Happy you're getting a break from nasty ol' work. *smooch*

>192 PaulCranswick: She offered. Very simple. Yeah, my membership in the Tinfoil Hat Brigade lapsed a while back. I forgot to swear allegiance to the Right while flapping my left hand on a bible. Sin and error await! WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

>193 Emrayfo: Thank you, Charles. It is indeed a very important work. Depressingly enough it remains a timely topic, despite the cases going back to 1995.

>194 cameling: So, he's not suitable as a marital partner. Oh dear. Heck, that wasn't what I was looking for in someone that purty!

So I posted my review of American Honor Killings on Shelf Inflicted. If a click isn't too much to ask, the blog-hit helps the publisher and author gauge positive response to the book. No, I don't get paid, no matter what. I do want them to know that word is spreading.

I'm off to go "Clicking"

Enjoyed that review of West of Babylon, Richard. Did you post it on the book page? I went via the link, carrying my thumb the whole way, and didn't see it.

>198 maggie1944: Thanks, Karen44! *smooch*

>199 jnwelch: Thank you, Joe...I guess I didn't. I was so concerned about getting on my own blog that I skipped a step here. Things get dropped when you're a klutz trying to juggle! Off to fix it now.

link to Shelf Inflicted works now. Comment posted. (-: Glad to help.

>200 richardderus: Thanks for fixing that. The thumb was getting heavy and I didn't want to put it down.

Clicking duly clicked!

>201 maggie1944: Thanks, Karen44! More *smooches*

>202 jnwelch: Heh, thanks Joe.

>203 Emrayfo: Hi Charles, that's quite kind of you. I shall forego the smooches.

Ok I read (mostly) the reviews and thumbed them.

Hope you are feeling well, and are reasonably happy, and not outraged or stressed any more?

Long couple of days here, but now i'm off for the weekend :)

Thanks for the thumbs, still outraged, feeling chipper because Doctor Who Season 7 is finally on Prime and I've just watched Dinosaurs on a Spaceship again. So fun! Debating about The Angels Take Manhattan...dunno if I feel like sobbing like a baby again.

Hmmm I wouldn't mind a good cleansing sob...

" Drop that kitten, little mister!" LOL. I thought you might not have seen my book rec! So is Good Reads more gay than LT? Inquiring minds.

>207 mckait: well me lurve, that's the episode that'll give it to you! *sniff* Amy, AND Rory, AND River? *snivel*

>208 msf59: Oh my gracious goodness me, yes! The hairpins are a-droppin' all over Kingdom Come over there! 10K-plus members of the gay romance readers group, plus an annual anthology of the writing contest for same called "Love is Always Write" plus the perfectly astonishing number of m/m novel writers who home-base there. Yeah. LT is not remotely in it on that subject.

Meow

Here kitty kitty kitty

This guy had the best costume in the World Naked Bike Ride.

I can see your Tutu!

Resisting temptation to post kitten porn.

*smooch*

yep. I do remember it. Now if only I had the time to watch :PPP

Oh my seared retinas (not the tutu guy but some of the others). Serves me right for looking.

>213 Emrayfo: I think it's the saucy little bow that won me over.

>214 EBT1002: Wise. Most most wise. *smooch*

>215 mckait: Heck, it's just a TV show, make time to read!

>216 tiffin: There were a few, well, let's just say some folk were ill-advised to take the name literally. *shudder*

I am in terminal lust for this oven/bookcase arrangement.

So perfect for a bureau lamp.

Richard, my love, you hath no idea how much I have missed the porn. *tackle hug and enthusiastic smooches*

And that lamp is perfect! 'Specially because it makes me think of my story. UGH I WANTS IT.

>218 richardderus: I LOVE that. I'll take two.

Other than electricity, you don't even have to feed it. Perfect. My only concern would be waking up in the middle of the night and thinking it was attacking. But maybe that's the idea.

>220 ErisofDiscord: ERIS!! *smoochiesmoochsmooch* At last, another True Whovian!! Yeah, ain't that the cat's meow?

All done for summer? Whatcha readin'?

>221 Crazymamie: I am so so so there. What a perfect arrangement.

>222 jnwelch: ...so how much you drinkin' before bed these days, eh? O.o

#219 : Love that. I want a couple too.

Now that Matt Smith is hanging up his coat at the end of the year, I wonder who is going to replace him as the Dr.?

#224 - Hopefully someone who is an unknown. Even if I kinda hanker for Chiwetel Ejiofor. :)

Wafting through your thread with a wave, Richard! I bet that octopus lamp is a lot cheaper than the other one.

So Roni took wafting, hmmm, skittering??? Enjoyed the Heller review and the book porn - the bookshelf/oven nexus is very very nice indeed.

My daughter has been scouring the 'net for clues as to who the next Who will be.....

Richard, I got a copy of Lake on the Mountain from the library yesterday. It looks good, as you said.

I'm sitting in the sun in a window seat looking out at the bay as the loooooong northern afternoon progresses. *Happy sigh.*

Hi RD- We had a perfect early summer day here. Cool, high 60s, with plenty of lovely sunshine. Hope you got something nice.
Thanks for the World Naked Bike Ride link! Yes, plenty of boobs but plenty of other creepy stuff too! No one wants to see my middle-aged naked butt on a bike.
See if you can track down Constellation. I think this one might work for you. It's more on the Yellow Birds side of things.

I've read, I've smiled, I've growled, and I've caught up once again. Well, I'm pretty sure I missed something important, but there was a neon tutu...

Good luck with your weekend.mi saw that there are guests? That probably means even nicer food and desserts...and you may enjoy it more than you expect to. If not, you can toddle off with a book and hide :)

Good morning, Richard, from one far edge of continental America to the other. Looking out the window this morning is a delight, Bellingham Bay is truly lovely. Books talking today for me! What's up with you, and I hope its swell.

As always, my mind travels in many directions when reading your posts.

a) Your reviews are incredible
b) Do you want to help me teach the yearbook and newspaper staff how to write like you do? Never mind, I think very few (if any) would be able to write like you.
c) Did you hear anything from that rotten, nameless institution that sent you terrible books? Any resolution from PayPal?
d) I love Karen's image of books talking for her! I'd allow Lake On The Mountain to talk to me, but alas I have three books clamoring as I write.

e) Finally, I want to say that in reading your review (three times), I know I should be more realistic re. human kind and the ability to be evil. God sakes, I'm 60 years old and it is time to stop being naive!

After visiting the Rosenbach museum in Philadelphia, where some of Herman Melville's original manuscripts reside, and after seeing the wonderful original illustrations of Maurice Sendak, I'm on a mission to re read Billy Bud, Sailor and to study the life of Sendak.

Sendak was a curmudgeon and had little, if any hope for man kind.

I found this and posted it on my thread. In an interview with Bill Moyers, he said "evil wins!"

http://www.pbs.org/now/arts/sendak.html

Silly me, I go blithely into this world, hoping/praying that good, kind, nice wins. Then, get smacked by cruelty time and time again.

>224 cameling: I can't even imagine. It would be my personal dream for them to get Rupert Grint! A ginger Doctor at last.

>225 ErisofDiscord: Oh yes! That'd be excellent.

>226 ronincats: Quite a lot, in fact. A real real lot. This one's about $150.

>227 sibylline: Isn't that just the bee's knees? Tell my cryptocousin to start spreading rumors that it'll be Rupert Grint!

>228 EBT1002: Perfection! Just...wow! *envious sigh*

>229 msf59: *grumble* We're still dealing with Andrea's leftovers...and like I need another book to read, vile tempter...*stalks off to Amazon in a huff*

>230 London_StJ: ...with a saucy little bow...yeah, I get how that could distract one. *smooch*

>231 mckait: Yep, guests. Mom, dad, daughter from Rome. I'm making pineapple upside down cake (two actually, one for Caro and Darryl) as Herself's birthday cake. Dinner? No idea. Don't much care. I've still got an uncracked bottle of scotch, I'll be fine.

>232 maggie1944: G'daaiiieee maaeeyyt! (That's how Aussies sound to me, like they're always in pain. All that sunshine, I wouldn't wonder.) Oh how wonderful this will be for you! So glad you're there and ensconced. Jealous too, sadly. I'm not a good person....

Guests. *sigh* Oh well. *smooch* Have a lovely, lovely time.

>233 Whisper1: Hi Linda! *smooch* You say such sweet things, thanks.

You do just fine teaching the youffs to write. All I'd do is scare 'em, leering at the boys and snarling at the girls.

No, and not yet. I haven't got a lot of hope, but I'm sure gonna give it a whirl.

Karen's at Booktopia in Bellingham, talking about books. Ellen's there too. Couldn't you just open fire on 'em out of sheer jealousy?

Realism? *snort* Cynicism. I fully expect Humankind to fail in most attempts, unless the attempt is to be cruel, vicious, unkind, hateful, destructive, vile, cruel (can't say it often enough) and dreadful.

Billy Budd, Sailor! "Do you...like me, Billy Budd?" No, Melville wasn't queer. Nuh-uh. ::eyeroll::

Sendak was the real article: A sour, snarling old man with no desire to be jollied out of his bad mood. My hero!

Rupert Grint for the next Dr. Who! Where's the petition?

Hola Señor Richard! I just finished The Song of Achilles. I wept and sighed. What a beautiful, beautiful book.

I will add American Honor Killings to my TBR.

Tried to click on the blog site and comment, but I couldn't leave a comment for some reason. So I'm saying here... I love your review and although the book will break my heart, I cannot skip it. I will sandwich it between lovely, light hearted fluff when I get to it. Oh, and I also wish listed West of Babylon.

:)

How goes the weekend? Too busy here, as usual.
Bah.

Just in case you missed how pretty Bellingham Bay was during our lovely dinner, I thought I'd drop in and show you:



I hope your Sunday is excellent!

Isn't this the best word ever?! I adore it! Let's bring it back into common use. "Don't try to honeyfuggle me, Senator Snort, this bill is outright thievery of middle-class money!"

>237 luvamystery65: I know, right? Grint's a natural! Oh, the ending of The Song of Achilles...*sniff*

>238 TinaV95: Oh good! I hope West of Babylon makes the grade for you. I enjoyed the read.

Roberta and Tina...use caution when reading American Honor Killings. It's deeply unsettling.

>239 mckait: I'm having a rotten weekend, thanks, but it's still better than what you're doing. HIRE SOMEONE.

>240 maggie1944: ...I'm sorry, did anyone else see who left that photo here in my thread? I need to HUNT THEM DOWN AND KILL THEM.

You do like multi-legged lamps, don't you, RD!

Yes, I was able to take 3 whole days off without looking at work e-mail once. AND, even though I logged on to the work computer from home today it was to let husband get onto the mfg system and I saw e-mails but didn't even open them.

So there. Bliss. No work. And, I think I've found a new author (for me, at least) - Mo Hayder.

>242 karenmarie: Yay for time off! Bliss is good, Horrible.



Book porn!

Yes! Though I am not loving the chair. And honeyfuggle!! Simply delightful!! This is a word that begs to be embraced!!

#243 - That photo is bliss, RD! I love that room. Want it for my very own.

Yes, Mo Hayder. Jack Caffery series. Unfortunately I read Gone, the fifth book in the series first, but I went into instant gratification mode and bought Birdman for my Kindle and am happily immersed in it. Not for the faint of heart.

That room is so so sexy.

Rupert Grint, eh. Not bad not bad!

>244 Crazymamie: The chair is mobile. Pitch! Agreed, o honeyfuggler in chief.

>245 karenmarie: Me too!! I am so sorry...whatever can have happened...some sort of blur over what look to be blue words. *tsk*

>246 sibylline: I think Grint is the obvious choice, not some yutz called Rory Kinnear:



I mean, Matt Smith is homely, but this guy's downright plain.

Book owns me. But I think hubby is willing to share :)

That's how you know you married well.

Smiling, I am.

Book porn!

Yes! I do like this one, too. Feels very cozy.

All this month! Shelf Inflicted, my group blogging home, features the Forbes 25 Most Influential Goodreaders. Take a look! We've got lots of good reviews, too...Tana French reviewed by James, The Dispossessed in all its ambiguous glory considered by Sesana...lots of quality food for thought. Join us for a course or two.

>253 maggie1944: And it's no doubt an old attic. What a second life!

@ 252: Perfection! Natural light, just enough room, good-looking chair, and, most importantly, seclusion to read in peace. That is what a true paradise would look like.

>256 Matke: Agreed!

#252 I want to move into that cozy corner room and live there forever and ever.

At home today with a vomiting kid....oh the joy.....hope your day is ever so much better!

>258 Cobscook: It is, thanks. Oh that is SO not a way to spend a day! For you, or the kid. *there there, pat pat* for Heidi.

My sweet Stella, aka Poochie, because that's how she looks right this minute.

What a beautiful girl she is!

That attic is heavenly.

I am about to have my second cuppa....... on the upward curve, fer sher.

>261 sibylline: Thanks! Caro took that photo of her this past December. We were sitting on the sunporch and she took that same position.

#260 Awww...da baby. *sniff* I have a hard time looking at sweet doggies since we lost ours. When is this going to stop?

>263 laytonwoman3rd: I know, and it rots on ice. *there there, pat pat* it's never easy to lose such a friend.

Oh, yes please! It's been two weeks, can I get a double?

>252 richardderus: there's definitely a there there and you may color me in it in suitably subdued tones. gosh wouldn't i just!

So, Richard, if you have not read A Monster Calls, I think you would appreciate it. Good writing, good illustrations, no cotton candy. I loved it, and will keep the book, and will talk about it for days, no doubt.

Hi RD- Just checking in. I love honeyfuggle! How did they come up with these words. I also liked the book dialogue up there.
I am loving the song of Achilles. Miller really kicks butt with this one. And a first novel? Wow!

Did you see the graphic on FB... I put RedBull in my coffee / I can see sounds !

248= Sookie. I am in serious withdrawal.

Hope all is well :)

>266 mirrordrum: I can't think of too many who wouldn't want a piece of that, Ellie. xo

>267 maggie1944: I haven't read it, and you sound as though you think I should. *lalalalalala* can't heeeeeearrrrrrrrr you

>268 msf59: Hiya Mark! It took her ten years to create The Song of Achilles, so I don't expect to see the like of it again. But it's so gorgeous, who cares?

>269 mckait: I did see that! Ha...I fully empathize with your Sookie withdrawal. I twinge from time to time, wondering about Alcide and the pack.

All seems to be functioning within normal parameters. This is a good thing.

>133 richardderus: etc.

Hiya Richard! Karen (maggie1944) mentioned last night that you received a disappointing package from Twice Sold Tales in Seattle. I've been in Seattle for several weeks visiting friends and took the opportunity to run by the warehouse when I heard about the sale here on LT. All I can really say is that I am not in the least surprised that your books were not as you expected. The place was literally 3 warehouses with endless shelves of completely unorganized books, many of which were in rough shape. I had hoped to browse for a bit and walk away with a nice little heap to haul home with me, but I couldn't even process what I was seeing. Apparently they just shelved books as they came in by the box full so multiple copies of books might not even be in the same warehouse.

They directed me to some computers where I could search their inventory and print a shopping cart and then they would give me A MAP to locate my choices by SKU number. It seemed like insanity but I gave it a bit of a try. There was no way to search for hardbacks only (as I'm not interested in TPBs) and I ended up leaving frustrated and empty handed.

Sorry you too had a bad experience.

>271 leahbird: Oh my heck! No wonder! It's no excuse, but it IS an explanation. Thank you very much for letting me know. I feel more annoyed than wounded now.

So, remember the cat fountain that I was putting together? Angus is terrified of it. Fortunately Dan was able to make the other one work.. I have the new one on the floor by Dunkers water to try to desensitize him... everyone.. but so far......

Then apparently my phone and internet were out again that same night. Dunno. I went to bed early. I am tired for no reason :P Woke tired again. Bah! How are you doing?

"So, being cynical and believing the worst that can happen is but a prelude to the true hell to come, it seemed and seems to me likely that Amazon's ownership of Goodreads will mean happy-clappy fivestarland with extra soma for all is but a breath away."

That's me, in my Shelf Inflicted interview posted today. Life, reviewing, friendship...I go for them all with pinking shears.

>273 mckait: It's a beautiful day, I hurt in relatively few places, and there is a sufficient caffeine-to-blood ratio to prevent headaches and surliness. We must, therefore, conclude that I am doing well. *smooch*

#275 Thumbs up for that review of life, RD!

>276 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks, Linda3rd! *smooch*



A word that badly badly badly needs reviving.

I sent my papers in to the certifying body last lifetime. My card's still good.

>277 richardderus: Ha! Another great one. I work with a mammothrept, who surely would have benefited from a Mommo who kept after him.

#278 My name is Roberta M. and I have a problem.

I will NOT GO to rehab!!!

>279 jnwelch: Isn't it a shame one can't retroactively smack 'em upside the head when they're four?

>280 luvamystery65: That's the spirit! You go girl! I mean, you stay girl! Wait, that sounds like you're a dog...well, you know what I mean.

I would much rather be spoken to as a dog by a dog lover than spoken to as a human by most humans. LOL I know you know what I mean. xoxo ;)

#277 Oh, oh, oh....I am so using that word in a sentence. Soon. Out loud.

>282 luvamystery65: LOL Good girl, good girl, here's a book treat!



And I do my bit to shorten their wait every day.

I am impressed with your humanity serving ambitions, Richard. (>284 richardderus:)

What can I say? I'm a giver.

Awesome interview...not that I would expect any less!

Mammothrept - now that's my kind of word!

>287 Cobscook: Thanks, Heidi! *smooch* Your check's in the mail.

>288 Emrayfo: Planning on spoiling your kids, Charles?

>278 richardderus: Yes. And proud of it.

>277 richardderus: Mammothrept? No. No mammothrepts here. Is there a word for a spoiled adult? :)

Great interview by the way.

If there is a volunteer program for your worthy humanitarian efforts, I'd like to sign up!

Hello, Darlin'.

Glad to see the health probs. are in abeyance (wait, did I already say that somewhere? It's only because I can't spell the adverbial form of temporary) today; let's hope that works tomorrow as well.

Mammothrept...a plague upon the earth.

*gasp*tremble*

>290 avidmom: There is indeed: Tea Partier.

>291 nmcognito: *thwap* application approved. You may fire at will.

>292 Matke: mammothrept, n. unusually spoiled child
mammothreptocracy, n. coll. the form of gov't desired by the GOP for the USA

I shared "mammothrept" with one of the attorneys in our office. He has a classical education, and has a working knowledge of Greek and Hebrew. He was puzzled by the roots of this word, so he went to his Greek dictionary, and found that it originally meant a child who was raised by its grandmother. Easy to see how the "spoiled child" definition derived from that.

Makes a ton of sense, when the roots are laid bare. We need this word, and "honeyfuggle," during the 2014 election season.

>293 richardderus: What a most lovely room.

>293 richardderus: Absolutely YES!

My unabated book-envy has brought more books into my poverty-stricken abode. I must say I love Ammy's Marketplace most immoderately.

--Regeneration: Well, it was inevitable, wasn't it. So many voices joining in choruses of rapturous praise. Siegfired Sassoon. WWI. I mean, go fight those odds.

--A Constellation of Vital Phenomena: Oh dear. Ann Patchett *retch* whose Bel Canto is on my list of this century's most ridiculously, absurdly overpraised womanbooks, praises this book highly; the author has an MFA (uh oh) from IOWA (NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!); and he lives in Oakland, the New Hip Capital of Cali (shrieeeeek)! I better love it from the get-go or Kath's liberry will get it next week, and shame on me for not looking into the book more carefully.

--Black Irish, a first novel, a first-in-series mystery, and a first for me in that it's set in Buffalo! Most curious to get to this one.

That attic room is rahther! And there are a lot of people waiting to be offended by something, aren't there! You can't read any thread, blog, whatnot without someone coming in doing a Hyde Park all over the place.

That last room is nearly perfect, but it needs a footstool or ottoman for the chair.

Review: 31 of seventy-five

Title: A CAT WAS INVOLVED

Author: SPENCER QUINN

Rating: 3.5* of five

The Publisher Says: Spencer Quinn’s first original e-short story reveals how everyone’s favorite detective duo—Chet the Dog and P.I. Bernie Little—came to meet before their first big case in Dog On It.As fans know, Chet first met Bernie on that fateful day when he flunked out of K-9 police school. The details of that day though have always remained a little vague (like so much in Chet’s doggy brain). All we know is that Chet had been the best leaper in his K-9 class, but for some reason he failed his final leaping test...and that a cat was involved...and that there was some blood. But whose? The test, the cat, the blood—all pieces of a puzzle that, when solved, will bring down a dangerous gang of thieves—and signal the start of a beautiful friendship.

This fateful day has been alluded to in every book in the series, and now fans of Chet and Bernie will finally get to find out what actually happened. For these two beloved characters, it was something like love at first sight—and, for Chet, at first smell, too.

My Review: Here's what you need to know...it's exactly as much fun as you'd expect it to be; it's got the trademark Chet narration that leaves nothing to a human imagination except why we don't get to think this way; and it breaks from the canon of history set up in the first two books about Bernie's marriage and Chet's place in it.

Like all !&$^!%(^%!$*$$(^$)&%)^(%*!$ ebooks, I can't quote anything to you because how? But the story's only 39pp or so, and it blows by faster than one actually wants it to, and it costs a whopping ninety-nine cents. It's actually not necessary to read from a series standpoint, but heck, for chump change, buy it, read it, and smile for a half-hour. Sounds like a win to me!


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

>300 tiffin: I *so* agree on both counts, Tui. I make an effort to reserve my huffs, miffs, grumps, and shoutings for here on my own threads. Elsewhere I strive for silence and absence.

>301 ronincats: And the horrible flowers have to go, too, but basically it's YUM!