DorsVenabili (Kerri) Reads 75 in 2013 (Part 6)

      PRINT BOOK            AUDIOBOOK            PRINT BOOK                    


All Reading by Month

Read in January:
1. The Line - Olga Grushin (print book)
2. The Devil in the White City - Erik Larson (audiobook)
3. The Radiant Way - Margaret Drabble (print book)
4. Crusoe's Daughter - Jane Gardam (print book)
5. The Reluctant Fundamentalist - Mohsin Hamid (ebook)

Read in February:
6. Children of the Jacaranda Tree - Sahar Delijani (print book) (Booklist)
7. Excellent Women - Barbara Pym (print book)
8. The Death of the Heart - Elizabeth Bowen (print book)
9. Fun Home - Alison Bechdel (print book)
10. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness - Michelle Alexander (audiobook)
11. Holding the Line - Barbara Kingsolver (print book)
12. The Shape of Water - Andrea Camilleri (audiobook)
13. The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play - Neil Fiore (ebook)

Read in March:
14. Are You My Mother? - Alison Bechdel (print book)
15. Moon Tiger - Penelope Lively (print book)
16. Necessary Errors - Caleb Crain (print book) (Booklist)
17. Jane and Prudence - Barbara Pym (print book)
18. The Absent One - Jussi Adler-Olsen (audiobook)
19. Kindred - Octavia Butler (print book)

Read in April:
20. Old Filth - Jane Gardam (print book)
21. We Have Always Lived in the Castle - Shirley Jackson (audiobook)
22. A Wizard of Earthsea - Ursula K. Le Guin (audiobook)
23. Lady Oracle - Margaret Atwood (print book)
24. Desert of the Heart - Jane Rule (print book)

Read in May:
25. During the Reign of the Queen of Persia - Joan Chase (print book)
26. Mr. Fortune's Maggot - Sylvia Townsend Warner (print book)
27. Slow River - Nicola Griffith (print book)
28. The Realm of Last Chances - Steve Yarbrough (print book) (Booklist)
29. Foundation - Isaac Asimov (audiobook)
30. The Bean Trees - Barbara Kingsolver (print book)

Read in June:
31. The Various Haunts of Men - Susan Hill (audiobook)
32. The Sparrow - Mary Doria Russell (print book)

Read in July:
33. The Speed of Dark - Elizabeth Moon (audiobook)
34. Strangers on a Train - Patricia Highsmith (audiobook)
35. Gillespie and I - Jane Harris (ebook)
36. A Conspiracy of Faith - Jussi Adler-Olsen (audiobook)

Read in August:
37. Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison - Piper Kerman (audiobook)
38. Hild - Nicola Griffith (print book) (Booklist)
39. Dirty Work - Larry Brown (print book)
40. A Far Cry from Kensington - Muriel Spark (print book)
41. Betwixt and Between - Jessica Stilling (print book)

Read in September:
42. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter - Carson McCullers (print book)
43. The Hired Man - Aminatta Forna (ebook)
44. What is the What - Dave Eggers (audiobook)
45. The Year of Magical Thinking - Joan Didion (audiobook)
46. To Marry Medusa - Theodore Sturgeon (audiobook)
47. The Invention of Wings - Sue Monk Kidd (print book) (Booklist)
48. The Well of Loneliness - Radclyffe Hall (print book)
49. Binocular Vision - Edith Pearlman (ebook)

Read in October:
50. Accelerated - Bronwen Hruska (ebook)
51. Ammonite - Nicola Griffith (print book)
52. The Spinning Heart - Donal Ryan (print book) (Booklist)
53. In the Woods - Tana French (audiobook)
54. Summer Will Show - Sylvia Townsend Warner (print book)
55. Under the Banner of Heaven - Jon Krakauer (audiobook)

Read in November:
56. An Unnecessary Woman - Rabih Alameddine (ebook)
57. Unterzakhn - Leela Corman (print book)
58. Houseboy - Ferdinand Oyono (print book)
59. Blood and Guts in High School - Kathy Acker (print book)
60. My Friend Dahmer - Derf Backderf (print book)
61. Hotel du Lac - Anita Brookner (print book)
62. Devil's Peak - Deon Meyer (audiobook)
63. Life in the Iron-Mills - Rebecca Harding Davis (audiobook)
64. Palestine - Joe Sacco (print book)
65. The Blue Place - Nicola Griffith (ebook)
66. The Testament of Mary - Colm Toibin (print book)
67. Herland - Charlotte Perkins Gilman (audiobook)
68. So the Wind Won't Blow It All Away - Richard Brautigan (print book)
69. In My Father's Den - Maurice Gee (audiobook)
70. Quartet In Autumn - Barbara Pym (print book)
71. Susan Sontag: The Complete Rolling Stone Interview - Jonathan Cott (print book)

Read in December:
72. Childhood's End - Arthur C. Clarke (audiobook)
73. Faces in the Water - Janet Frame (print book)
74. And the Dark Sacred Night - Julia Glass (print book) (Booklist)
75. Still Life - Louise Penny (audiobook)
76. There But For The - Ali Smith (print book) (Objective Rating: 3.79/5.00)
77. Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me - Ellen Forney (print book) (Objective Rating: 4.00/5.00)

List of All Bookers Read:

Winners:
*The Siege of Krishnapur - J.G. Farrell (1973 winner)
*The Conservationist - Nadine Gordimer (1974 winner-shared)
*The Sea, The Sea - Iris Murdoch (1978 winner)
*Life & Times of Michael K - J.M. Coetzee (1983 winner)
*Hotel du Lac - Anita Brookner (1984 winner)
*The Bone People - Keri Hulme (1985 winner)
*Moon Tiger - Penelope Lively (1987 winner)
*Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha - Roddy Doyle (1993 winner)
*How Late It Was, How Late - James Kelman (1994 winner)
*The God of Small Things - Arundhati Roy (1997 winner)
*Amsterdam - Ian McEwan (1998 winner)
*Disgrace - J.M. Coetzee (1999 winner)
*Wolf Hall - Hilary Mantel (2009 winner)

Shortlisted:
*The Bookshop - Penelope Fitzgerald (1978 shortlist)
*A Five Year Sentence - Bernice Rubens (1978 shortlist)
*God on the Rocks - Jane Gardam (1978 shortlist)
*Jake's Thing - Kingsley Amis (1978 shortlist)
*The Good Terrorist - Doris Lessing (1985 shortlist)
*Illywhacker - Peter Carey (1985 shortlist)
*Last Letters from Hav - Jan Morris (1985 shortlist)
*The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood (1986 shortlist)
*Such a Long Journey - Rohinton Mistry (1991 shortlist)
*The Stone Diaries - Carol Shields (1993 shortlist)
*A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry (1996 shortlist)
*Family Matters - Rohinton Mistry (2002 shortlist)
*Oryx and Crake - Margaret Atwood (2003 shortlist)
*Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro (2005 shortlist)
*The Reluctant Fundamentalist - Mohsin Hamid (2007 shortlist)
*Room - Emma Donoghue (2010 shortlist)
*The Lighthouse - Alison Moore (2012 shortlist)
*Narcopolis - Jeet Thayil (2012 shortlist)
*Swimming Home - Deborah Levy (2012 shortlist)
*The Testament of Mary - Colm Toibin (2013 shortlist)

Longlisted:
*The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon (2003 longlist)
*Elizabeth Costello - J.M. Coetzee (2003 longlist)
*A Short History of Tractors in Ukranian - Marina Lewycka (2005 longlist)
*Skios - Michael Frayn (2012 longlist)
*The Spinning Heart - Donal Ryan (2013 longlist)

List of All 1001 Books to Read Before You Die Read:

*Please note: 1 through 102 were read before LT and are in no particular order. The rest are in order of completion.

1. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – Mark Haddon
2. Family Matters – Rohinton Mistry
3. The Corrections – Jonathan Franzen
4. White Teeth – Zadie Smith
5. Disgrace – J.M. Coetzee
6. Amsterdam – Ian McEwan
7. The Poisonwood Bible – Barbara Kingsolver
8. The God of Small Things – Arundhati Roy
9. Fugitive Pieces – Anne Michaels
10. A Fine Balance – Rohinton Mistry
11. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle – Haruki Murakami
12. Beloved – Toni Morrison
13. The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
14. White Noise – Don DeLillo
15. Neuromancer – William Gibson
16. The Color Purple – Alice Walker
17. Confederacy of Dunces – John Kennedy Toole
18. The World According to Garp – John Irving
19. The Sea, The Sea – Iris Murdoch
20. Delta of Venus – Anaïs Nin
21. The Shining – Stephen King
22. Song of Solomon – Toni Morrison
23. Humboldt’s Gift – Saul Bellow
24. Breakfast of Champions – Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
25. Sula – Toni Morrison
26. The Bluest Eye – Toni Morrison
27. Slaughterhouse-five – Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
28. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? – Philip K. Dick
29. The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test – Tom Wolfe
30. Sometimes a Great Notion – Ken Kesey
31. Herzog – Saul Bellow
32. One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich – Aleksandr Isayevich Solzhenitsyn
33. A Clockwork Orange – Anthony Burgess
34. A Severed Head – Iris Murdoch
35. To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee
36. Things Fall Apart – Chinua Achebe
37. The Bell – Iris Murdoch
38. On the Road – Jack Kerouac
39. Giovanni’s Room – James Baldwin
40. The Lord of the Rings – J.R.R. Tolkien
41. Lolita – Vladimir Nabokov
42. Lord of the Flies – William Golding
43. The Adventures of Augie March – Saul Bellow
44. Go Tell It on the Mountain – James Baldwin
45. Invisible Man – Ralph Ellison
46. The Old Man and the Sea – Ernest Hemingway
47. Foundation – Isaac Asimov
48. The Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger
49. The Grass is Singing – Doris Lessing
50. I, Robot – Isaac Asimov
51. Nineteen Eighty-Four – George Orwell
52. The Plague – Albert Camus
53. Brideshead Revisited – Evelyn Waugh
54. Animal Farm – George Orwell
55. Cannery Row – John Steinbeck
56. Native Son – Richard Wright
57. The Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck
58. Their Eyes Were Watching God – Zora Neale Hurston
59. The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien
60. Absalom, Absalom! – William Faulkner
61. Passing – Nella Larsen
62. All Quiet on the Western Front – Erich Maria Remarque
63. The Sound and the Fury – William Faulkner
64. Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit – Jeanette Winterson
65. Les Enfants Terribles – Jean Cocteau
66. Orlando – Virginia Woolf
67. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
68. Billy Budd, Foretopman – Herman Melville
69. Babbitt – Sinclair Lewis
70. Of Human Bondage – William Somerset Maugham
71. Tipping the Velvet – Sarah Waters
72. The Iron Heel – Jack London
73. The Jungle – Upton Sinclair
74. Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad
75. Sister Carrie – Theodore Dreiser
76. The Awakening – Kate Chopin
77. The Time Machine – H.G. Wells
78. Jude the Obscure – Thomas Hardy
79. The Yellow Wallpaper – Charlotte Perkins Gilman
80. News from Nowhere – William Morris
81. Tess of the D’Urbervilles – Thomas Hardy
82. The Picture of Dorian Gray – Oscar Wilde
83. The Mayor of Casterbridge – Thomas Hardy
84. Germinal – Émile Zola
85. The Death of Ivan Ilyich – Leo Tolstoy
86. The Brothers Karamazov – Fyodor Dostoevsky
87. Return of the Native – Thomas Hardy
88. Far from the Madding Crowd – Thomas Hardy
89. The Idiot – Fyodor Dostoevsky
90. Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dostoevsky
91. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll
92. A Tale of Two Cities – Charles Dickens
93. Moby-Dick – Herman Melville
94. The Scarlet Letter – Nathaniel Hawthorne
95. Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë
96. Jane Eyre – Charlotte Brontë
97. The Interesting Narrative – Olaudah Equiano
98. A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian – Marina Lewycka
99. The Namesake – Jhumpa Lahiri
100. Annie John - Jamaica Kincaid
101. The Dispossessed - Ursula K. Le Guin
102. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao – Junot Díaz
103. The Turn of the Screw - Henry James
104. The Island of Dr. Moreau - H.G. Wells
105. Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro
106. Quicksand - Nella Larsen
107. How Late It Was, How Late - James Kelman
108. The Big Sleep - Raymond Chandler
109. Miss Lonelyhearts - Nathanael West
110. The Optimist's Daughter - Eudora Welty
111. Life and Times of Michael K. - J.M. Coetzee
112. The Enormous Room - e.e. cummings
113. In the Heart of the Country - J.M. Coetzee
114. The Day of the Triffids - John Wyndham
115. Stranger in a Strange Land - Robert A. Heinlein
116. The Siege of Krishnapur - J.G. Farrell
117. Waiting for the Barbarians - J.M. Coetzee
118. The Quest for Christa T. - Christa Wolf
119. Elizabeth Costello - J.M. Coetzee
120. The Stone Diaries – Carol Shields
121. The Radiant Way – Margaret Drabble
122. The Reluctant Fundamentalist – Mohsin Hamid
123. Excellent Women – Barbara Pym
124. The Well of Loneliness – Radclyffe Hall
125. Blood and Guts in High School - Kathy Acker

Century (and a Half) of Reading Challenge:

1850 - The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
1851 - Moby Dick by Herman Melville
1852
1853
1854
1855
1856
1857
1858
1859 - A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
1860
1861
1862
1863
1864
1865 - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
1866 - Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
1867
1868
1869 - The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky
1870
1871
1872
1873
1874
1875 - Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy
1876
1877
1878 - The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy
1879
1880 - The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
1881
1882
1883
1884
1885 - Germinal by Émile Zola
1886 - The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy
1887
1888
1889
1890 - News from Nowhere by William Morris
1891 - Billy Budd, Sailor (An Inside Narrative) by Herman Melville
1892
1893
1894
1895 - Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy
1896 - The Island of Dr. Moreau by H. G. Wells
1897
1898 - The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
1899 - The Awakening by Kate Chopin
1900 - Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser
1901
1902 - Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
1903
1904
1905
1906 - The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
1907
1908 - The Iron Heel by Jack London
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915 - Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham
1916
1917
1918 - My Ántonia by Willa Cather
1919 - Demian by Hermann Hesse
1920
1921
1922 - Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis
1923
1924
1925 - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
1926
1927 - Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis
1928 - Quicksand by Nella Larsen
1929 - The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
1930 - As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
1931 - Sanctuary by William Faulkner
1932 - Light in August by William Faulkner
1933 - The Disinherited by Jack Conroy
1934
1935 - It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis
1936 - Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner
1937 - Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
1938 - The Death of the Heart by Elizabeth Bowen
1939 - The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
1940 - Native Son by Richard Wright
1941 - Out of This Furnace by Thomas Bell
1942
1943 - The Human Comedy by William Saroyan
1944
1945 - Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
1946 - The Street by Ann Petry
1947 - The Plague by Albert Camus
1948
1949 - Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
1950 - The Grass Is Singing by Doris Lessing
1951 - Foundation by Isaac Asimov
1952 - Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
1953 - Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
1954 - The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien
1955 - Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
1956 - Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
1957 - On the Road by Jack Kerouac
1958 - Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
1959
1960 - To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
1961 - A Severed Head by Iris Murdoch
1962 - Another Country by James Baldwin
1963 - City of Night by John Rechy
1964 - Herzog by Saul Bellow
1965 - Dune by Frank Herbert
1966 - Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany
1967
1968 - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
1969 - The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
1970 - The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
1971
1972 - The Gods Themselves by Isaac Asimov
1973 - Sula by Toni Morrison
1974 - The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
1975 - Humboldt's Gift by Saul Bellow
1976 - Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy
1977 - In the Heart of the Country by J. M. Coetzee
1978 - God on the Rocks by Jane Gardam
1979 - Kindred by Octavia Butler
1980 - Loon Lake by E. L. Doctorow
1981
1982 - Foundation's Edge by Isaac Asimov
1983 - Ironweed by William Kennedy
1984 - The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
1985 - The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
1986
1987 - Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively
1988 - Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler
1989 - Geek Love by Katherine Dunn
1990
1991 - Such a Long Journey by Rohinton Mistry
1992 - The Children of Men by P. D. James
1993 - Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha by Roddy Doyle
1994 - How Late It Was, How Late by James Kelman
1995 - Blindness by Josè Saramago
1996 - A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
1997 - The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
1998 - The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami
1999 - Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee
2000 - White Teeth by Zadie Smith
2001 - The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
2002 - Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry
2003 - Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
2004 - The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
2005 - Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
2006 - The Road by Cormac McCarthy
2007 - The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
2008
2009 - Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead
2010 - A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
2011 - Zoo City by Lauren Beukes
2012 - The Red House by Mark Haddon
2013 - The Hired Man by Aminatta Forna

Since I saved an extra spot, in error, here's a little Lou Reed Tribute:

RIP Lou

I don't suppose photos get any better than this:



And my favorite Lou Reed song ever:

"Pale Blue Eyes" (Velvet Underground)

and

"Pale Blue Eyes" for those who don't quite embrace Lou's vocal stylings - one of my favorite covers of all time by Alejandro Escovedo.

Hi Everyone! My crazy work schedule should get better from now on (I hope). I'm looking forward to many 8:30am to 4:30pm work days and should have more time for LT.

I've added my Booker list and 1001 list up at the top. I used to post them in their respective groups, but I never get around to it, so I thought I'd just keep them here from now on. These are not timed challenges, but I enjoy keeping track, so there it is.

I'm going to post the review of my niece's book next (and please note it has also received an excellent review in Publisher's Weekly and a starred review in Booklist that had nothing to do with me.) So what I'm trying to say is it's truly a good book and I'm not just gushing because I'm the aunt.

Tomorrow, I'll try to post brief reviews of most of what I've read since early September and longer-ish reviews of The Hired Man and Accelerated (I received them from Netgalley, so should really try to write something remotely substantial for them.) I passionately loved The Hired Man. It will definitely be in my top ten of the year.

If I don't get to threads today (very likely, since I'm tired and have worked 7 days in a row and would like to just sit on the couch and watch football), I'll definitely get to them tomorrow, as I'll be off for two days. Yay!

I hope everyone's having a lovely Sunday!

Title: Betwixt and Between
Author: Jessica Stilling
Publication Year: 2013
Format: Print Book
Stars: Four and a half

Following the unexpected death of young Preston, Claire and Matthew grieve as they attempt to live life without their only child. The novel’s action moves from present-day Massachusetts, to Peter Pan’s Neverland (where Preston appears after his death), to turn-of-the century London where the reader gains insight into what inspired Peter Pan’s creator, J. M. Barrie. Despite what may seem like a complex plot, the action moves smoothly, and the transitions between the three settings are flawless. The elaborations on the Peter Pan story are fresh, consistent, and well done, and familiar characters come alive in fascinating, new ways as Stilling explores the innocence of childhood in this magical context. But it’s not all magic. Particularly moving are the devastating scenes of Claire’s grief as she processes Preston’s death. Stilling portrays both the mother/child bond and the devastating effects of loss in an honest and realistic manner. This is a heartfelt and touching novel that works on multiple levels. Highly recommended. I look forward to Ms. Stilling’s next offering.

Hi Kerri - it's good to "see" you! The Stilling book sounds good. I will throw it onto the list :-)

Hi Kerri - Welcome back - great lists at the top of your thread. Nice review of Betwixt and Between. I will check it out. Have a wonderful, relaxing Sunday filled with winning football.

Welcome back, Kerri! Your niece's book certainly sounds interesting.

Congrats on the new thread, Kerri! Hope you and Joe the Mysterian have been having a good weekend.

Pretty new thread, Kerri! Nice to have you back around these parts.

Welcome back, Kerri!

Hey Kerri! Happy new thread!
I was enlightened by Under the Banner of Heaven when I read it a few years back. I haven't rea a Krakauer that I haven't appreciated.

Lovely to see you back Kerri! And congratulations to your niece on her novel - I like the sound of it from your review.

Welcome back, Kerri. :)

Hi Kerri! Welcome back from the black hole of work days that were too long.

I think it's very cool that your niece's book is getting such good reviews (and from people who didn't know her when she was an itty bitty human!). I think I'll add it to my Christmas SWAP wishlist. :-)

Hoping for a big Seahawks win this evening!

#10 - Hi Katie - So glad you'll throw the book on the list! I hope you enjoy it.

#11 - Hi Beth - Thank you! I had a nice, relaxing Sunday. I failed to watch the Packers/Vikings game though. I now know it did not go well. :-(

#12 - Hi Roni - Thanks for stopping by!

#13 - Hi Joe - Joe the Mysterian is actually in St. Louis to watch the football game - his brother got two free tickets from work.

#14 - Hi Julia - Thanks! It's good to be back.

#15 - Hi Laura - Thanks for the welcome!

#16 - Hi Lynda - Thanks! I'm about a third of the way through Under the Banner of Heaven and it's exceptional.

#17 - Hi Heather - Thank you! I'm not sure about the release in your neck of the woods.

#18 - Hi Micky - Thank you!

#19 - Hi Ellen - I think the black hole is over...for now. Looking forward to shorter days. I hope you enjoy Jessica's book! Go Hawks! We should win this one.

*******************************************************************

I've been reading most of today and just finished Summer Will Show by Sylvia Townsend Warner. I enjoyed it, but would only recommend it to certain people (like maybe only Heather. Ha!).

I just started An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine. It's about a 71 year-old woman who is a translator of books and also a recluse. Promising so far. Here's the first sentence:

"You could say I was thinking of other things when I shampooed my hair blue, and two glasses of red wine didn't help my concentration.

Let me explain."

Finally, since I saved an extra space up at the top, I inserted a Lou Reed tribute in #7. That's a tough celebrity loss. I do love Lou. I was lucky to see his cranky, surly self a few years ago and it was rather magical.

Hi Kerri - An Unnecessary Woman sounds intriguing. I love the first line.

Do your Seahawks play tonight?

#21 - Hi Beth - Me too!

Yes, the Seahawks play tonight. You would think it's a sure win (especially since the Rams lost Sam Bradford), but one never knows.

Welcome back, Kerri!

Kerri is back! Kerri is back! Yah! Love the Reed photo. What a trio. I agree with you on Pale Blue Eyes. I think those 4 VU albums are amazing. My favorite might be Loaded. Reed was one of the great songwriters, no question.

#20 I enjoyed it, but would only recommend it to certain people (like maybe only Heather. Ha!).

I feel very special :-)

Oops, I hope Joe isn't too much of a St. Lou fan. Of course, without Bradford, against Seattle, probably fans weren't expecting much. Bet he had a good time regardless.

#23 - Hi Lori - It's good to be back!

#24 - Hi Mark - Loaded is fantastic. My favorite is probably the self-titled. I admit to having a hard time with that live one - At Max's something, something...whatever it's called. Lou will be missed.

#25 - Hi Heather - Well, it's true. I think you said Dee likes STW too. I keep meaning to send her a message to get recommendations. I just received Lolly Willowes and will read that sometime soon. I think we've talked about this before, and you've not read her yet, correct?

#26 - Hi Joe - Joe the Mysterian is a Seahawks fan. I'm actually glad I didn't go. While we did win, that game was somewhat heart attack inducing.

*******************************************

I spent a good portion of the day reading An Unnecessary Woman and I love it so far (of course, books can always fall apart, but I'm currently thrilled.) I'm at the 35% point. Here's another quote:

"Beirut is the Elizabeth Taylor of cities: insane, beautiful, tacky, falling apart, aging, and forever drama laden. She'll also marry any infatuated suitor who promises to make her life more comfortable, no matter how inappropriate he is."

Has anyone read anything else by Rabih Alameddine? This is my first, and I'd like to seek out more.

Hi Kerri - It is so wonderful to have you back. I had never heard of Alameddine before, but I added An Unnecessary Woman to my wishlist. I love the quotes!

Yes, the game was exciting -- and the outcome was good for you Seahawk fans.

Hi Kerri,
the quotes from An Unnecessary Woman are making it sound like a book I would like. I'll be interested in your final assessment.

I didn't get to see the game, of course (I was at the Stone Brewery here in San Diego, enjoying tastes of several ales and some fried brussels sprouts), but I'm glad the Seahawks held on at the end to win.

Hey Kerri!

I think I've missed some of your previous thread... so catch me up. Betwixt and Between is written by your niece??!! That's awesome! Added to my wish list and a big thumbs up for your review!

#28 - Hi Beth - I hadn't heard of Alameddine either. I saw this one while browsing NetGalley offerings, and it looked interesting. Then I was talking to a friend of mine who reads a lot of Middle Eastern authors (and who has lived in Lebanon for spells throughout the years) and she said it was very good.

...the game was exciting. Herm. That's one way to put it. :-)

#29 - Hi Ellen - I think you'll like this one...although I'm not sure. I'm at about 65% through and still loving it.

Very glad you enjoyed Stone! And what's not to love about brussels sprouts in any format.

Regarding the Seahawks, here's something I never thought I'd say out loud: " Gee, I really miss Breno Giacomini and can't wait until he returns!"

#30 - Hi Tina - Thanks for stopping by! I can guarantee that you've missed nothing from the previous thread. Yes, that's my dear niece! I used to babysit her when I was a teenager. Go figure.

Some brief book comments on recently finished audiobooks:



Title: To Marry Medusa
Author: Theodore Sturgeon
Publication Year: 1958
Format: Audiobook
Stars: Two and a half

Why do I keep reading this stuff!? Anyway, a tough guy/pseudo-criminal/all-around loser picks up a discarded hamburger in an alley and eats it. It contains a pod that when ingested, incorporates the ingestee into an alien hive mind that seeks to take over Earth. Unfortunately for the aliens, their vessel is extremely dimwitted and complications ensue because of this fact. There’s not much to say other than that I’ve come to the conclusion that sci-fi writers in the late 50s and 60s were clearly smoking too much cannabis. In short, this is boring and tedious, much like trying to have a conversation with a very smart, but extremely stoned, friend. All that being said, Sturgeon was a talented writer and I enjoyed his More Than Human when I read it a while back. This doesn’t live up to that.


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Title: The Year of Magical Thinking
Author: Joan Didion
Publication Year: 2005
Format: Audiobook
Stars: Three and a half

I appreciate this more now that some time has passed. In this memoir of the aftermath of her husband’s death and daughter’s life-threatening disease (all of which happened in the same month), Didion takes us through the ensuing year, filled with both a flood of memories and what seems like a concerted effort to avoid emotions. In addition, she examines the various ways humans cope with grief and loss - what is accepted, what isn’t, etc. I notice that many readers are offended by Didion’s apparent coldness and distance from the subject matter. I don't really know what to say about that, other than that I appreciate her honesty and avoidance of sentimentality.


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Title: What is the What
Author: Dave Eggers
Publication Year: 2006
Format: Audiobook
Stars: Four

A fictional telling of the life of Valentino Achak Deng (real person), a Sudanese Lost Boy who immigrated to the United States and settled in Atlanta, GA, in the early 2000s. Eggers is a great story teller and this works despite what could have been a corny delivery method in less capable hands – the novel is told in first person, with Deng directing the narration at various minor characters he encounters throughout the novel. Most interesting (and heartbreaking) were the moments when Deng grapples with the disappointment and lack of opportunity he has encountered in the United States while juxtaposing these disappointments with the daily horrors he suffered growing up in refugee camps.


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Title: In the Woods
Author: Tana French
Publication Year: 2007
Format: Audiobook
Stars: Four

While perhaps a tad long-winded (ok…really long-winded), I liked this! It contains interesting, refreshingly atypical, and well-fleshed out crime-fighters and an adequately compelling mystery. I found parts of Detective Ryan’s back story somewhat implausible, but I was able to look past that and enjoy the novel for what it is. Not a life-changer, but most crime novels aren’t, really. I’ll be continuing this series, as it entertained me thoroughly.

SPOILER ALERT:
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Did anyone else find Detective Ryan incredibly disturbing and creepy? I really like how she wrote him. I never knew what to think.

Kerri, it's been a while since I read 'In the Woods' but I don't remember thinking Det. Ryan was creepy. I did think he was pretty screwed up mentally by what happened during his childhood.

I'm glad you're going to continue the series. It might be helpful for you to know, if you don't already, that it's an unusual series in that the main characters are not the same in every book. For example the next one, The Likeness, puts Cassie in the starring role and Det. Ryan is pretty much absent. I didn't know it would be like that and at first I was disappointed, but i've come to see it as a real strength of the series.

I want to know how Julia did that cool "click to see" thingy in her post!!

ETA: I agree with her assessment of Det. Ryan. I really liked the book but haven't picked up the next in the series for some reason...

Katie, I learned that from Mary's (bell7) thread, and she got it from someone else on LT. The tags are {spoiler} and {/spoiler} replacing the curly brackets with the usual caret ones used for HTML code. Isn't it awesome?! I've been dying to use it ever since she showed me how. :-)

Me, too! Julia - how DID you do that?! SO cool! And ditto to the rest of Katie's comments as well. I do really want to get back to that series.

Hi, Kerri! SO fabulous to have you back! And I want to know how you created that thread topper - love your presentation there!

Oh, thanks for that, Julia!! And yes - it IS awesome!

#33 - 37 - Hi Julia, Katie, and Mamie! I agree that the spoiler thingy is an outstanding development - thank you, Julia! I will use it from this point forward. Here's my first try: I wonder if my perception of Det. Ryan had something to do with the narrator, whose voice did sort of an unhinged thing at certain points?

#33 - I'm fine with a focus on Cassie. Honestly, I'd much rather spend 500 pages with her, than Det. Ryan.

#36 - Mamie - It's just an image I made in Microsoft Paint, because I wanted a bigger font size. You can right click on it and steal it if you want.

I just might do that, Kerri. Thanks!

Some brief book comments on recently finished print and ebooks:



Title: The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
Author: Carson McCullers
Publication Year: 1940
Format: Print book
Stars: Four

A 23-year-old wrote this? What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Fascinating stuff – a wonderful cast of lonely, isolated characters, including a non-irritating teen protagonist; a sensitive exploration of poverty and class conflict; and a healthy dose of coded gay content. What’s not to like?


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Title: The Well of Loneliness
Author: Radclyffe Hall
Publication Year: 1928
Format: Print book
Stars: Four

Despite the fact that my Virago edition has a quote on the cover stating that this is “The bible of lesbianism,” I would categorize it as a transgender novel. Our main character Stephen (named thus because his/her parents expected a boy) was born a female, but identifies as a male. We follow Stephen from a privileged, yet horribly sad and maternal love-deprived childhood, to an adulthood that involves a successful writing career, several thwarted attempts at love, and a stint as an ambulance driver in World War I. Sure, it’s as depressing and melodramatic as everyone says it is, but it’s also a page-turner, People. For real. I couldn’t put this book down. Most importantly, it was a very brave thing to write in 1928 and a profound plea for understanding.


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Title: Binocular Vision
Author: Edith Pearlman
Publication Year: 2011
Format: Ebook
Stars: Four

It took nearly a year, but I finished this! And it's really good! Most stories depict modern Jewish life in and around the Boston area, plus a few European, World War II settings. My short story notes are at home, so I’m having a hard time with details! Perhaps I’ll come back later to update. Sorry!


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Title: Ammonite
Author: Nicola Griffith
Publication Year: 1992
Format: Print book
Stars: Four

My third Nicola Griffith of the year! And my least favorite, although it’s still quite good. A gifted anthropologist arrives on a human-inhabited planet where males have been wiped out by a virus. However, that’s ok, because females can reproduce without them! There’s an evil, scheming Earth corporation in the background too. A fairly gripping plot, but it sometimes veers off into some cheesy territory (drum circles, too much New Age-y stuff, etc.), but it’s ultimately a good read.

#39 - Hi Mamie - Steal away! You can steal the thick line under the book covers too.

Well, okay then!! And here's some fireworks for you for finishing up Binocular Vision.

Hi Kerri! Nice use of the spoiler thingy. I liked In the Woods too, despite thinking Det Ryan was a bit of a douche. I keep meaning to read the next one. I might even have it on my shelves ... I will have to check.

I agree with your thoughts on The Well of Loneliness: both that it's really a transgender novel (maybe that is too new a term to have been in use when your edition was published?), and how riveting the novel was. I find it hard to imagine homosexuality being illegal. How awful it must have been to live day to day fearing discovery and punishment.

Kerri, it's very possible that the narrator may have influenced your read of Det. Ryan's characterization. I read the e-book so I didn't have that additional "input" of his character.

I'm pretty sure I have a paperback of 'The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter' around here somewhere. I remember starting it long ago and somehow got away from it even though my dim memory is that I was enjoying it. I wonder what happened? So weird.

#42 - Thank you, Mamie! I totally deserve fireworks for that, don't I? Ha! My current short story collection is a lot shorter, so I'm hoping it takes a bit less time to get through. I'm aiming for one per week and there are 13 stories. You do the math.

#43 - Hi Laura! I agree that Det. Ryan is a douche. His woe-is-me-I'm-so-wounded-that-I-can't-make-a-commitment schtick got old...but, overall, he was kind of an interesting character.

I think my edition of The Well of Loneliness is from the 90s. It's not the dark green old one, and it's not the latest edition. Terminology has certainly changed over time. If I'm not mistaken, the term "lesbian" wasn't widely used in the 1920s and it's not used in the novel either, but "transgender" was pretty common in the 90s (I'm pretty sure). Really, I just wanted an excuse to insert the phrase "The bible of lesbianism" into my review, because it sounds so silly. Ha! It's apparently a quote from the Irish Times. It's an interesting question though - How to label Stephen? And even, Should we label Stephen?

I find it hard to imagine homosexuality being illegal. And it still is today in many countries.

#44 - Hi Julia! Clearly that's what happened with Det. Ryan, then. The other weird thing about my audio version is that no one had an Irish accent! I know Det. Ryan didn't have one, but everyone else should have. I mean, how hard would that be? Maybe they thought an English accent is easier to understand (especially for Americans), and I suppose it is.

I think you should dig up that copy of The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter. It's a good one.

Hi Kerri- I love your little explosion of books! I've been meaning to get to What is the What. I take it, it was a good audio? I snagged a copy of The Circle, so I'll be reading that with the group, later next month.
I liked the Didion and in the Woods just a bit more than you. I would LOVE to revisit the McCullers. And like you, I was very impressed with Binocular Vision..

Kerri, it is good to see you back here after your break. Sometimes one just needs to get away to breathe a bit, right? I hope things at work have slowed down for you. What a great run of reviews you have posted. And I'm so eager to use that clever "spoiler" thingy Julia did. Very cool.

#46 - Hi Mark! I think you'd like What is the What. Oh, and the narrator was excellent - I should have mentioned that. I hope you like The Circle. I may check that out next year. I have Zeitoun on the TBR pile too.

You may have liked the Didion more than me, but I really liked In the Woods (four stars). Maybe you're thrown by the above character assassination of Det. Ryan. Ha! Quite frankly, I enjoy not liking characters, so I didn't mind that he is a creepy douche bag.

#47 - Hi Donna! Good to see you! Yes, I think that temporarily giving up a few commitments helped me through the insanely busy patch. This has been my first year in my current position and I'm hoping that I've figured some stuff out and made adjustments that will make my life a bit easier for the next cycle.

Hi Kerri - I loved What is the What, too. I used it in a class, and the students loved it. They surprise me sometimes. Like today, we're reading A Visit from the Goon Squad, and the students had a GREAT discussion -- one mentioned that they haven't had such a lively discussion all year. I was really concerned about using the book, but so far it's a big success.

Zeitoun was really good, too.

I also loved The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter when I read it. It might be time for a reread.

Actually, all of the books you've read recently sound great...

One of the best bits of news about returning full time to LT after my eyes have finished their strike action is to see the rock princess back fully in the fold so to speak.

Congratulations on your new(ish) thread and have a lovely weekend.

#49 - Hi Beth - You assign some delightful novels to your students! I loved A Visit from the Goon Squad and am glad to hear your students had a great discussion. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea. I'm looking forward to Zeitoun too and his new one.

#50 - Hi Paul - Thank you! I'm glad to hear that you're back full time and the eyes issues have improved.

Morning Kerri! Sounds like you have a perfect day planned. You'll have to make it over to Urban Legend. My daughter has been working over there for the past 2 Fridays. I can try to meet you over there?
Yah, for Goon squad!! Wow, I loved that book!

#52 - Hi Mark - That's a good location for the November thing! We've not been there yet. Let's confirm a date.

Yesterday's book haul from Myopic Books:
*The Hakawati by Rabih Alameddine
*I, the Divine by Rabih Alameddine (I'm now on a mission to read everything he's written.)
*This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen by Tadeusz Borowski
*A Month in the Country by J.L. Carr (Someone around here recommended this, plus it's a NYRB edition.)
*Lefty Frizzell: The Honky-Tonk Life of Country Music's Greatest Singer by Daniel Cooper (I think I now have three country singer biographies in my TBR pile. Also, I would argue that Faron Young was country music's greatest singer, but I love Lefty Frizzell as well.)
*A Natural Curiosity by Margaret Drabble (Last in the trilogy I started this year.)
*Troy Chimneys by Margaret Kennedy (VMC)

A couple I ordered from the interwebs last week:
*Sylvia Townsend Warner: A Biography by Claire Harman
*Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warner

Very nice book haul, Kerri! I like Lefty Frizzell's music a lot, too. What are the other country singer biographies that you have?

Hi Kerri! I'm trying to dig out from under after my conference. Work has been crazy and then there are things like bills to be paid, laundry to be washed. I am appreciating the extra hour we got last night!

I read This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen last year and it was remarkable. Not an easy read but worth every painful page.

I'm still intrigued by Sylvia Townsend Warner even though you have said you weren't sure I would like her work. I'll be interested to see how the biography reads.

As you know, I'm focused on achieving my 100 books this year (too much so for my own taste, but it won't change until New Years Day), and life is too busy, so I'm looking for good and relatively quick reads. I have had Goon Squad on my TBR pile forever so maybe I'll add that one to the November-December sprint.

I'll be interested in your take on Devil's Peak. I read that last year, too, and thought it was a good thriller read.

I'm not sure if I'll be in front of a television at 1pm today but we're trying to rearrange part of our day so we can watch at least the first half. The talk in the Seattle Times is that the offense needs to "feed the beast." Give the ball to Marshawn. I don't care what they do as long as they win.

#55 - Hi Julia - I have Dolly by Alanna Nash (looks to be a bit cheesy, but has a cool cover) and Buck 'Em! by Buck Owens and Randy Poe. The Buck Owens is new. I guess he'd been working on an autobiography for a while before he died. I'll probably read that one next.

#56 - Hi Ellen - Glad that you've dug yourself out!

I recall reading a few wildly positive reviews of This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen last year. I finally bought it, because it was mentioned (along with many other books and authors) in An Unnecessary Woman (A book I'm trying hard not to gush about, but I'll write my review this week).

I really don't think you'll like STW, at least the ones I've read so far. Lolly Willowes will be the next one I read. I'll let you know how that goes.

Oh, I do hope you read Goon Squad, although I wouldn't call it a quick read. If I were the LT recommendation machine, I'd say that I think you'll like it, but with low prediction confidence.

Not ready to discuss that awful football game. Ugh. At least we won, so there's that.

Morning Kerri- I did not watch any football yesterday. We have the game tonight, which I am looking forward to with trepidation. I hope the Bears do not embarrass themselves.
Try to have a good Monday!

#58 - Good morning, Mark! I'll be watching the game, hoping the Bears don't let Jordy Nelson rack up more than 13 fantasy points so I can win my game this week :-) (the guy I'm playing has Jordy Nelson). The games were odd yesterday. That's for sure.

Kerri, I've not read either of those country singer biographies, but I think Alanna Nash is a pretty good writer. Last year I read an ARC of a Marty Robbins biography, Twentieth Century Drifter that I thought was very good. Just in case you're looking for more books to pile on the TBR. ;-)

#60 - Thank you for the recommendation! I would definitely check out a Marty Robbins biography. Also, I'm still looking for that book about "He Stopped Loving Her Today" that you told me about a while back. I haven't found it yet. My library doesn't have it either, so I may just break down and buy it, even though both the ebook and print editions are rather expensive (even the used copies.)

Catching up, Kerri ...

Re: Alameddine: Yes! I haven't read An unnecessary woman, but I did read The Hakawati several years ago when the ALA chose it as one of their notable books of the year. I loved it.

After that, I sought out I, The Divine which tells a story in first chapters. The narrator tries a variety of ways to begin her story, and by the time we've seen all her chapters One, we know her story. This one didn't resonate with me the way The Hakawati did -- few books do -- but it was an interesting experiment.

Hope you enjoy them!

Oh, yes. I had forgotten about that one. It's really good, too. What a shame that it's on the spendy side. IF you're doing any Christmas swaps, perhaps those should go on your wishlist. ;-)

#62 - Hi Swynn - I'm thrilled to hear of your enthusiasm for The Hakawati! While I want to read both, that's the one I'll get to first, probably early next year. I hope you give An Unnecessary Woman a try. It was a five-star read for me. Quite frankly, it blew my mind. I think it comes out in February, but I found it on NetGalley.

#63 - Hi Julia - Well, I'm probably being a little dramatic. :-) It's not that expensive. I was just hoping to come across a $7.50 used copy somewhere.

Oh, I'm a big fan of the cheap used copy for pretty much everything! I'm trying to remember the last time I actually bought a brand-new book ...

#65 - Me too! I probably buy about 80% used. It seems the only time I buy new books is when I'm using a gift card.

Hey there Kerri!

I am finally reading Orange is the New Black. It has taken me that long to make it to the top of the library request list! Can you imagine??!! I'm midway (or so) through... I started it yesterday while in the unemployment office. Yes, I was the only person there with a book and probably looked like a dweeb since everyone else was on their smart phones, but I was as happy as a clam, even though I was stuck waiting for 1.5 stupid hours.

Oh, and I have The Well of Loneliness on a shelf just waiting for me to get to it. After that review, I may have to push it UP the list! :)

#27 No, I still haven't read STW.

#32 "Anyway, a tough guy/pseudo-criminal/all-around loser picks up a discarded hamburger in an alley and eats it. It contains a pod that when ingested, incorporates the ingestee into an alien hive mind that seeks to take over Earth. Unfortunately for the aliens, their vessel is extremely dimwitted and complications ensue because of this fact. There’s not much to say other than that I’ve come to the conclusion that sci-fi writers in the late 50s and 60s were clearly smoking too much cannabis."

Your review of To Marry Medusa is hilarious! Anti-wishlisted.

#40 The Well of Loneliness is another Virago that I want to read and haven't got round to.

#54 Great bookhaul! I'll be interested in your thoughts on Lolly Willowes and the STW biography. I know one day I will want to do an STW read-through and it's good to get prepared :-)

#67 - Hi Tina - I hope you like Orange is the New Black! Clearly, the characters are having more fun on the television version, but I thought the book had other strengths. And I doubt you looked like a dweeb reading in the unemployment office. Ha! At least I imagine you looked less like a dweeb than I usually do. I can typically be found in public places reading a book, with my notebook and pen on my lap and headphones on (piping in white noise, so I can concentrate.)

Yeah, I really thought The Well of Loneliness was going to be terrible, so I was very pleasantly surprised. I know it's quite hated (see the reviews), but I think that's because some readers want Stephen to have a circa-2013 social/political consciousness, and....well...the novel was published in 1928.

#68 - Hi Heather - I do look forward to your STW reaction! I think Lolly Willowes is supposed to be the show-stopper, so I'm looking forward to that. Once I read that, I'll move on to the biography. I like to read at least 3 works by an author before I read his/her biography. It seems like the right thing to do. This reminds me that I have a Jack London biography that I really want to get to, but I've only read one Jack London book. I must work on that.

I'm glad you appreciate my To Marry Medusa review! I failed to mention that it's a shortened version of a novel called The Cosmic Rape. I would probably stay away from both, as I can't imagine any more piled onto this tedious story. Like I said though, More Than Human (1953) was quite good, so I don't want to totally bad-mouth Mr. Sturgeon. However, I think the next time I feel the urge to pick up a sci-fi novel written between roughly 1957 and 1971, I'll take a step back and ask myself if it's really a good idea. I hate to generalize, but in this case I think I'll go ahead and generalize. :-)

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I finished Houseboy today - quite good. Moments of humor, but mostly a disturbing portrait of French colonial rule in Cameroon.

Since I knew I was going to finish Houseboy at lunch, I brought both Offshore by Penelope Fitzgerald and Blood and Guts in High School by Kathy Acker in my bag today, not knowing what I'd be in the mood for. I decided to go with the latter, since I've been meaning to read it all year. I'm only a few pages in and so far it's very weird and very disturbing. We'll see. While I'm vaguely familiar with Acker's philosophy, I still feel like I'm missing context...or something. I did solve the problem of covering up the risqué drawings contained within while in public (the train) by cutting a piece of paper the size of the book and placing it over the drawings when they pop up. Yay for simple solutions!

Morning Kerri- Love all those wonderful blue words. Make sure you have your raingear with you. It looks wet and ugly out there. Ugh!

#70 - At first I read that as "all those wonderful blue worlds" and wondered if Sue may have put something in your coffee this morning. Ha!

I'm sorry to report that I don't have proper rain boots (I do have improper rain boots that leak, though), so that made this morning rather miserable, but I'm over it now.

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I'm happy to report that Blood and Guts in High School has been an interesting journey so far. I don't read a lot of wildly experimental fiction, but I think I "get" it and I'm buying a lot of what she's selling. I should finish it today.

Hi Kerri - I'll be interested in hearing about Blood and Guts in High School. Your initial comments make me think that maybe it's not my thing.

Just swinging through, Kerri, but without anything really to add to the conversation.

#72 - Hi Beth - I will try to get some book thoughts together by the end of the weekend. It's actually not my thing either, and I don't think I'd recommend it to anyone in this group, but I'm glad I read it. It's definitely outside my comfort zone.

#73 - Hi Roni - Thanks for stopping by!

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In the spirit of keeping it weird, I'm now reading My Friend Dahmer (read by both Mark and Ellen earlier this year), a graphic novel by a high school acquaintance of serial killer Jefferey Dahmer. So far so good.

So far, I'm flying through books this month! Not going into work two hours early is helping quite a bit with my reading production.

I finished My Friend Dahmer on the train - I thought it was very well done. Profoundly sad and terribly disturbing. It's interesting, because I think everyone comes in contact or knows of this sort of character in high school. There's probably a good chance that he wouldn't have fallen through the cracks in today's world of rather vigilant psychological disorder diagnosing, but this all happened in the 70s. More thoughts later.

Anyway, on the train I started Hotel du Lac by Anita Brookner, winner of the 1984 Booker Prize. I think this will be a nice change of pace after my last two harrowing reads.

Hi Kerri! Have you written a review of An Unnecessary Woman yet? I see that you're trying not to gush but your giving it five stars is persuasive enough. And I'm pleased that you liked My Friend Dahmer. I agree that it was very well done.

I'm nervous about tomorrow's Seahawks game. They have walked away victors by the skin of their teeth one too many times. If they play as badly tomorrow as they have been doing, I predict that it will catch up with them. I plan to have balled-up socks at the ready so I can throw them at the television. Then we are going over to friends' house to watch SNF, Cowboys vs. Saints. I think they are brewing a special beer for the evening.

#76 - Hi Ellen - Have you written a review of An Unnecessary Woman yet? No, but I will!...soon. I'm behind on reviews again. I can't imagine it not being my #1 book of the year. I think most will find it a very good read. However, I think I found something in the main character that sent my love for the novel over the edge. Hopefully that makes sense. It really touched my heart. I was crying through the last quarter of the book, and it wasn't freakishly tragic, really. That being said, I also cried during a Big Star documentary last night, so maybe I'm just unusually weepy lately. Ha!

I'm nervous about the game too, but I think I may keep a slightly more positive Seahawks attitude than you. The last two games have been rough, but we are, you know, 8 - 1, so there's that. The offensive line stuff is the problem, and now we won't have Max Unger again, so I don't know. And we won't have Red Bryant either (on the defense). We'll see. I do hope there's one more bunny, and then we should start getting players back.

Kerri, I'm definitely wanting to read An Unnecessary Woman after your comments. I will find a copy! Also, I just read a weird little graphic book (I don't really know what to call it) called Hyperbole and a Half and I think you would find it funny. It cracked me up a few times and made me chuckle several other times. And it has dogs. Funny dogs.

I didn't go to the Huskies' game tonight (I was supposed to work) because I was feeling a bit under the weather. I watched on t.v., though, and it would have been a good game at which to stand on the sidelines. Huskies won 59-7. Maybe the Seahawks will have as good a day. :-)

#78 - Oh, I frequently read Hyperbole and a Half online! I love it. My favorite is the one where they move across country with the dogs. The depression one is good too, although perhaps not quite so funny. I don't know which ones she put in the book though. This reminds me that I should buy the book to show some monetary appreciation.

I hope you're feeling better. 59-7 sounds like a convincing win!

Maybe the Seahawks will have as good a day. :-) That's the spirit! :-)

Hi Kerri,
I'm going to check out her blog. I thought of you as I read the one about moving across the country. It's one of the ones that had me laughing out loud and I thought you would like it.

^Yep, I'm optimistic. We'll be eating pumpkin spice pancakes with P's brother and SIL during the game (they're coming over around 9, so we may be done eating). Too early for beer. :-|

Morning Kerri- I can not believe I've already been online for 2 hours and have not even visited the threads yet. Maybe, I should take a typing class again, although I don't think my little mind could keep up.
I stopped at Urban Legend after work, (I brought a pair of jeans along, and kept my zip-up hoodie on). A good friend and his girlfriend met me there, for a few half pints. I like their double IPA. I think there is room for improvement on their beers but it is sure nice to have one in the neighborhood. Have a great Sunday!
And thanks so much for the Baldwin info. You go girl!

Hi Kerri - Have a great Sunday and good luck with the football.

#80 - Hi Ellen - Yes! Seahawks optimism! Enjoy your pumpkin pancakes - sounds scrumptious. I'm heating up Trader Joe's spanakopita appetizers to serve along with hummus and veggies. I suppose that's football food in this house. I do hate the noon games, and much prefer the 3:30 games. Oh, well. At least we don't have too many. And I guess I shouldn't complain, because my noon games are your 10am games.

#81 - Hi Mark - I so very much want to go there! I hope the 6th of December works out. The one in Lyons should be opening soon too. I think it will the same sort of deal - limited hours of operation.

You're welcome for the Baldwin info! He's one of my favorite authors (obviously).

#82 - Hi Beth - Congrats on your win on Thursday! That ending with the time-outs was odd, but at least it ended well. I'm glad the Vikings won, but I'm also glad that Pierre Garcon got me 17 fantasy points against them. It all worked out, I suppose.

I finished Hotel du Lac this morning. It took a bit longer than it should have, due to the acute boredom caused by the first two-thirds of the novel. Beautiful writing though (It felt odd to be both bored and enchanted at the same time). I was torn between giving it 3 or 3.5 stars, but bumped it up due to the loveliness factor.

I'm behind on reviews again, but will try to get caught up. I have a Booklist review due this week too, so it may all take longer than I'd like.

I'm about to start Palestine by Joe Sacco, a graphic novel enthusiastically recommended by a good friend of mine who is an expert on such matters. I loved Sacco's Safe Area Gorazde when I read it last year.

Hi Kerri - Way to persist with Brookner - I have the same problem with her. I usually give up, though. :)

#85 - Hi Beth - Ha! I've always known you're much smarter. :-) I couldn't stop, because I Must. Read. All. Booker. Winners. It was a bit of a slog though, although it picked up towards the end (and thankfully it's short). It's hard to imagine picking her up again.

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I also finished my audiobook this morning - Devil's Peak - Great! It may be my favorite crime novel of this year.

I plan to start the audio of Life in the Iron-Mills by Rebecca Harding Davis on my walk to the train this evening. Some call it a short story. Others call it a novella. I'm going with novella, since I want to count it towards my 75. It's a re-read, and I love it in all it's preachy glory. I think I may have even written a rather pretentious paper on it, back in the day. Ha!

There's an interesting discussion in the Comics group of Palestine (a book I haven't read) starting here, Kerri: http://www.librarything.com/topic/159663#4342591. Obviously, a complex area of the world.

#87 - Hi Joe!

Obviously, a complex area of the world.
Oh, indeed. One might even say a hopeless mess. I'm not sure.

Thanks for the link - that's a fascinating discussion...and one in which I will not involve myself (eek!). I have actually avoided reading this for a long time, due to the controversial nature of the subject and the obvious bias of the author (which I, quite frankly, have no problem with - I don't believe he's required to present both sides of the story...and I'm baffled that some people think he is required to do so). So, in order not to offend anyone (well, the 7 or so people who still visit my thread), I will probably just rate it and mark it as read without much comment. That seems like the way to go. We don't have to solve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict on my thread. I actually thought about reading it secretly, but I want the darn credit towards my 75. Ha!

Yeah, I know what you mean, Kerri. Fascinating that an area where three of the world's major religions started remains in turmoil all these years later.

We don't have to solve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict on my thread.
Wait, we don't? Hang on, I need to call John Kerry back and tell him nevermind...

:-D

Sounds like the way to go, Kerri!

#89 - Indeed, Joe. Indeed. (Do you like how I just did that?)

#90 - Well...you all can give it whirl. I'll just sit back and smile/nod. :-)

#91 - Roni - always the crystal-clear voice of reason!

************************************

This topic has made me wonder if I avoid reading certain books, or adjust my reading in any way, because of the public nature of my reading during the past 2 or 3 years. If I'm being honest, I think I do to some extent. Certainly not a lot, but it's definitely "a thing," if only a very small thing. I suppose avoiding the reading of Palestine is the best example of this, but I know there have been other instances (and other reasons.)

For example, this summer, I purchased the ebook version of Thich Nhat Hanh's Reconciliation: Healing the Inner Child and then I thought, "Kerri. Are you really going to admit in public to reading something with such a ridiculously sappy, self-helpy title?" And I know people will say, "But I love Thich Nhat Hanh! You shouldn't be embarrassed to read his books!" And I would respond, "I agree with you! I love him too, and I've read several of his books, as well as a gazillion Pema Chodron books and the whole shebang! I don't have a good answer!"

So yeah, there it is. It sounds like I have some issues to sort out. :-) I wonder if this happens to others. It's always possible that I'm a tad more neurotic than some, but I can't be totally alone, right? And, like I said, it's not a huge issue, but it's an occasional thing.

I just don't list the books I don't want y'all to know about. :)

I think more than 7 people visit your thread, Kerri. And if not, I'm glad to be among those 7 :)

I'm not sure being "public" on LT has made me change what books I read, but I do think about things twice. Like, "Really, Katie? Are you going to read - and admit to reading - that cheesy romance? Shouldn't you read something in the original 18th c. Urdu instead?" But I pretty much always end up reading what I intended to. So there.

Interesting question, though. I'm going to be hyper-aware of it now!

ETA: Ha - Julia has solved this problem :)

#90 -- bwahahahaha!!

Was curious to see what you thought of the other Nicola Griffith books, but it seems that if I stick to Hild and wait for a sequel, I'll be just fine.

I absolutely LOVED A Month in the Country, both book and film. It was a very early film for Colin Firth, Kenneth Branagh and Natasha Richardson -- I think 1982 or so?? I know I went to see it about three times in ten days. Back in the days when I did stuff like that.

Shall be looking for your comments on This Way for the Gas, which is a book I've eyed on a couple of occasions...

ETA: I don't think I edit what I read (heck, I still read the cheesy chick lit and pulp mysteries), although I think I do less re-reading of old favorites and more reading of newer books or those by new-to-me authors. I think my reading has been more affected by encountering new books via others' threads, however, rather than by self-consciousness. That said, maybe I will participate in the categories challenge after all next year and devote the whole thing to re-reads. That's the bit I've missed.

Kerri - I'm also happy to be one of the seven. I think you are right - reading "publicly" does change our reading - at least a little. Sometimes in a good way. I might pick up books I've never heard of or that are not on my list of "usual" reads. That's a good thing, I think. But I sometimes feel that I also get caught up in book fever - especially when the prize lists come up. I'm usually pretty skeptical about prizes but have found myself reading more of the books on the lists in the last couple of years, with mixed results.

BTW - I have gotten lots of great ideas from you. You are one of the more intrepid readers here.

#93 - Hi Julia - Ha! Problem solved! Although that doesn't quite work for me this year, with my dreadful book count and all. Every book must count. (Also, I'm now trying to imagine what you're reading that you're not telling us about.)

#94 - Hi Katie - I think more than 7 people visit your thread Ok. Perhaps I was being a tad pitiful. It's been known to happen. It, of course, goes without saying that I'm thrilled to have all of you as my LT friends! :-)

I'm going to be thinking a lot about it now too. I don't know if that's good or bad.

I like your style, Katie! Go on with your cheesy romance novels.

#95 - Hi Suzanne - Actually, I also loved Slow River. I can't remember whether or not you're a sci-fi person, but, it's set in the future. It doesn't involve space travel though - but identity stuff, water decontamination plants, and family drama. Fantastic! Also, I just bought the ebook version of The Blue Place, which is the first in her mystery series.

Ok - You're the one who recommended A Month in the Country. I hope to get to it soon.

With a few exceptions, I've never been a huge re-reader, but I want to be. I'm listening to a re-read currently, and I've also collected a few other audiobooks that will be rereads. We'll see how that goes.

#96 - Hi Beth - Yes, being here has expanded my reading in many ways. I think, most importantly, I now read (or listen to, actually) mysteries/crime fiction. What a wonderful addition that's been! I had been a Booker prize follower for a while (not so much reading the longlist every year, but just trying to read most of the winners), but I've been introduced to yet more prizes here (I don't know if that's good or bad. Ha!)

You are one of the more intrepid readers here. Awe. Thank you? I think what you're really trying to say is that you're thankful I read Kathy Acker, so you don't have to. :-)

#88 - We don't have to solve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict on my thread.
Which is probably a good thing. It seems, as you say, such a hopeless mess. It's quite discouraging.

Hi Kerri! Sorry I've been so scarce. I did my presentation to the prez' cabinet (that sounds so big deal but it's really not so much) yesterday and survived to tell the tale. Of course, I've been stewing about all the stupid things I said (trust me, from in here they sounded really stupid), but I keep reminding myself that done is better than perfect.

I really agree with some of the comments here on your intrepid thread (I like that -- and I agree that you're an intrepid reader). I own up to everything I read and I believe LT has expanded my reading to a very large degree. New authors, authors I always "meant" to read, even re-reads of things I didn't read carefully the first time. And I figure if we can't allow for difference on this website, the world is indeed doomed. My sister once said to me "it doesn't matter what you read, it matters that you read." I'm not sure I agree with her completely, but it is permission-giving. Sometimes one just needs a cheesy romance (okay, not so much for me, but a good mystery will do).

I hope you have a lovely Wednesday!

I think there are more than seven of us, also. I don't edit my reading for LT, but I am reading a lot differently since LT - expanding my horizons and trying new authors. I think also that there are seasons of reading - I know when the kids were little, I was mainly reading mystery/thrillers and cheesy romance books. Mainly because I didn't want to have to think or worry about the fact that constant interruptions meant picking up the book and putting it back down a million times a day, making cohesive thought processes impossible. Also because that's what circulated in our neighborhood at the time - we had a great round robin system of trading books that was so much fun. I needed/wanted easy, low maintenance reads. As the kids grew, so did my reading, and over the years it continues to evolve. I think we should never have to apologize for our reading choices or explain our reading motives. That being said, I do think that discussing why we read what we read (when we feel like it) does lead to some very interesting conversations.

#98 - Hi Ellen - Good to see you! Being the champion superstar you are, I find it hard to believe that you said stupid things in front of the President's cabinet (that does sound important, by the way.)

I own up to everything I read and I believe LT has expanded my reading to a very large degree.
I agree with both points. However, I still must admit that I've avoided a thing or too, because of the public nature of the reading, but I'm going to try to overcome this tendency. Please wish me luck.

My sister once said to me "it doesn't matter what you read, it matters that you read."
It's hard to argue with this...I think. :-)

#99 - Hi Mamie - While I don't have children, I can totally relate to tailoring reading choices to what happens to be going on in my life at any given time, especially lately, as my tra-la-la approach to book selection takes over. And though I was born without a romance gene and can't get into romance novels, I'm very pro-genre fiction and feel that we should all fly our genre fiction flags proudly!

I love that you had a book trading system in your neighborhood! I'm quite jealous, in fact.

I think we should never have to apologize for our reading choices or explain our reading motives.
Well, too true, and like I said to Ellen above, I'm going to work a bit on my reading self-consciousness in the coming months. Ha!

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Here's something exciting: I'll be attending my first living room concert this evening. Joe and I are seeing Will Johnson (one of my favorites) at some dude's appartment in the city. Should be interesting. It will be the third time I've seen Will Johnson this year, but the first time I've seen him in a stranger's apartment. We're instructed to bring our own cushions to sit on and our own beverages (not a problem).

And since the poor man is touring people's living rooms, I feel a need to promote his music:
"Mighty Midshipman" by Centro-Matic
"Twenty Cycles to the Ground" by Molina and Johnson (Poor Jason Molina died earlier this year.)
"Flashes and Cables" by Centro-Matic
"You Will Be Here, Mine" by Will Johnson (I think I've posted this before)

And, gosh, one more:
"Calling Thermatico" by Centro-Matic

I read more outside my favored genres of science fiction and fantasy since interacting with this group, because they make so many books sound interesting. But I don't think I edit my reading choices as a result. I've always loved children's fantasy, and proudly report it. And the occasional romance I read. I do think that if I read erotica, that would be something I'd be reluctant to report here. But just because something is controversial--no, I don't think that would affect my choice.

Also, I'm now trying to imagine what you're reading that you're not telling us about.
I could tell you, but I'd have to kill you ... :-D

Actually, it's mostly when I re-read something. If I've read it fairly recently I won't list it again because it feels like cheating. If it's been a couple of years since I read it, it goes on the list.

I agree with lots of your other readers (are you sure there's only 7 of us?) said. I read much more widely as a result of this group, because you all make books sound so darn good! Plus, I am always being introduced to authors I've never heard of. The one that comes immediately to mind is Mary Doria Russell, whom I had never heard of and whose The Sparrow is now in the Top 5 of my all-time favorite reads.

Oh, I'm so glad A Month in the Country came up. I had meant to wishlist that one, and lost track of it. It's on the WL now.

>100 DorsVenabili: Will Johnson looks a bit like the singer Adam Levine in that pic. Third time? A sure sign you think highly of him.

The ones I read that I don't bother mentioning are graphic novels with little redeeming social significance, like Batwoman or Buffy, although I do mention them over in the LT Comics group.

Hi Intrepid Kerri - Yes, thanks for reading the Acker. I try to keep an open mind and expand my horizons, etc..., but I think that is beyond me.

I am a completely transparent reader. Nothing to hide. When I was reading the wonderful Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, I wore it like a badge of honor, especially on public transportation. I made many new friends that way.
Okay, most of that is B.S. but I am a still transparent reader.

I hope you have a great time seeing Will Johnson. How very cool.

ETA- I am so glad you loved Devil's Peak. That is a great crime novel and the second one is pretty good too.

#101 - Hi Roni - Yes, I've expanded outside my favorite genres as well, and that's a wonderful thing. I know it sometimes seems like I'm not exactly in the same reading stream with my fellow 75ers, but I really do pick up a lot of recommendations here, most recently My Friend Dahmer and Devil's Peak, both of which I've enjoyed immensely. And I'm going to start that darn Vorkosigan series soon.

#102 - Hi Julia - Ha! Well, then you don't have to tell me, as I want to live.

I happen to think rereading should always count and that it's a noble pursuit. So there.

you all make books sound so darn good! This is so true, although, for some reason, it helps me to wait until the book excitement dies down, before I read the beloved book. I think it helps with nailing down my pure reaction.

#103 - Hi Joe - I'm off today and sitting around reading. I thought about reading A Month in the Country next, but decided to go with another Nicola Griffith novel instead. I'll probably read it by the end of the year though.

I had to look up Adam Levine. He seems to be a bit more beefcakey than Will Johnson. Ha!

Batwoman and Buffy don't have redeeming social significance?!

#104 - Hi Beth - Yes, I would definitely recommend that most people stay away from Kathy Acker. It would be interesting to hear the opinion of someone else who has read it, but I'm not aware of anyone (around this group) at this point.

#105 - Hi Mark - Ha! You had me going there for a second. But, hey, like Ellen's sister says, "It doesn't matter what you read, it matters that you read." I was all ready to validate your choice.

The Will Johnson show was magical. We were literally in a living room listening to him sing songs unamplified. The setting was beautiful too. It was a condo (apartment?) that was basically a big room with cathedral ceilings. The lighting was great - there were candles everywhere. Just marvelous. And an interesting set list too.

Devil's Peak was great. I'm looking forward to the next one!

Kerri, because I mostly read books from the library it's almost always a good while after the hubbub has died down and I like it that way. As you say, it's easier to focus on my own reaction to the actual book, and not my reaction to the book as filtered through the expectations I had from reading reviews. Fortunately, I have a terrible memory so unless I read a book right away after reading a review I will never remember it!

Interesting discussion. I think it's entertaining to think of all the brainy LT-ers secretly reading romances and comic books. I don't THINK that I edit my reading for that reading, but my reading has definitely moved up a notch since joining LT, because I am more aware of really excellent books, and don't want to spend my time on thinngs I don't like as well.

There is a problem, I think, with having a numerical goal for reading (75) because it can be a deterent to reading long, hard books and also makes me want to finish up on stuff that I'd otherwise abandon. And I don't know if more is always better, I am a fast reader and plow through a lot, but sometimes slower readers absorb more from what they do read.

But I think people should read whatever they want. There is enough censorship in the world--we shouldn't censor ourselves. I saw Salmon Rushdie speak last month, and he was so funny. He talked about Shades of Grey and how awful the writing was (apparently he read the first page or two) but then he added "Still, she should be allowed to live."

And I am really curious about your reaction to Kathy Acker. I did read something about her in another book I read last year, and it sounded like, ick.

>106 DorsVenabili: Batwoman and Buffy don't have redeeming social significance?! Ha! Good point. I may need to rethink that.

#107 - Hi Julia - I totally agree. I remember reading Wolf Hall - not exactly during its own hubbub, but during the Bring Up the Bodies hubbub - and I felt sort of confused about my own initial reaction (I actually wasn't crazy about it, but thought that couldn't be right.) I ended up changing my rating later, after I had sorted it out in my brain.

#108 - Hi Rhonda - ...my reading has definitely moved up a notch since joining LT That's interesting. I think I've sort of gone, not necessarily in the opposite direction, but I've expanded my horizon quite a bit. I don't think I was ever an actual horrible snob about books (at least I hope not), but now I'm definitely a lot more willing to try various genres. Before this group the only genre fiction I read was sci-fi. So there's that.

"Still, she should be allowed to live." Ha! I would have to agree with Rushdie in this instance.

And I am really curious about your reaction to Kathy Acker. Me too! I'm still trying to figure it out. I was actually having quite the conversation about it with myself in the shower this morning. I will definitely post some thoughts on it, but I'm not sure how coherent they will be.

#109 - Hi Joe - Make sure you report back to the class. :-)

**************************************

Just now, while doing some household chores, I attempted to listen to the LibriVox audiobook of Maggie: A Girl of the Streets and I couldn't understand a single word the narrator was saying, due to a combination of sub-par audio quality and some sort incredibly difficult Irish (I think) accent (bless her heart). Then I tried In My Father's Den by Maurice Gee, but soon realized that the ebook I'm currently reading is also a mystery and I don't want to confuse things. So, now I'm going to try Loitering With Intent. I said I would give Muriel Spark another try on audio, so we'll see how this goes.

I should add that my last LibriVox recording (both narrator and sound quality) was wonderful (Life in the Iron-Mills), so I suppose it all depends on who is making the recordings. They're all donated I believe, so I'm not surprised that quality will vary from book to book.

Oh, and here's this:

My tra-la-la approach has been keeping the the Book Funk at bay, so I'll probably keep doing that. However, I may pop in on Mark's American Author Challenge, if I'm feeling these particular books at those particular times.

*Willa Cather - Death Comes for the Archbishop or The Song of the Lark
*Cormac McCarthy - Most likely nothing, but possibly Blood Meridian. To clarify, I don't dislike him (I thought The Road was excellent). I'm just not in the mood for his product these days.
*William Faulkner - The Hamlet or Intruder in the Dust
*Toni Morrison - Tar Baby or Jazz
*Mark Twain - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Somehow, I've gone my entire life without reading him. Odd. I'm thinking of an audio version of this.)
*James Baldwin - The Evidence of Things Not Seen or The Devil Finds Work
*Edith Wharton - The House of Mirth (I've also gone my entire life without reading Wharton. Hopefully this is the right choice, but, if not, I'll take suggestions.)

House of Mirth is a great place to start!!

#111 - Hi Laura - Oh, good! I'd heard that. I'm glad you agree.

***************************************************

As it turns out, I'm not in the mood for Muriel Spark at this moment. On my walk home this evening, I'm going to try starting the audio of Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. I hope this is the one! Sigh. I sometimes have the hardest time finding a suitable audiobook. It can be frustrating.

Hi Kerri - I know what you mean about audiobooks. I just started one that I think you abandoned earlier in the year, Iron Lake. I've liked other books by Krueger, but the narrator, from the first sentence is making me crazy. I think I'll have to read this and find another audiobook.

#113 - Oh, yeah! I remember that one. I think I was about 70% through the thing before I realized that I couldn't take any more and didn't care who the killer was. I don't think the narrator bothered me though, but then I do have a high tolerance for mediocrity when it comes to audiobook narration.

The great thing about that book is that the frustration it caused led me to seek out recommendations for crime novels from my LT friends. I got a lot of good ones.

I started the series on about the third or fourth book, and I've really liked the ones I've read. Maybe the first one isn't very good.

Kerri, I liked that question about whether or not posting our reads on LT influences them. I'd have to say "no" for myself. I always thought Robert B. Parker was such a lightweight that I would never want to read his books; however, I'm on the seventh one in the Spenser series, and I'm enjoying it immensely. I think I've learned that books don't necessarily have to be deep to have merit. I like Spenser's moral standards and his sensitivity to others -- even those he feels it is necessary to maim or kill!

In answer to yr question, nope, I'm not a sci-fi person at all. That said, I kinda like time-travel and dystopian stuff, so to the extent there's an overlap, I can be convinced to try something out. But aliens? Other planets? Different world? Nah.

I did just get a NetGalley approval for an upcoming sci-fi novel which fits into a kind of alternative history trope -- another interest. The premise seems to be that the Egyptian empire never died. We'll see...

#115 - Hi Beth - That first one definitely didn't capture my attention. I haven't read any of the others, but I know you (and others with good taste) really like them, so I've always been a bit confused about the whole thing, truth be told.

#116 - Hi Donna - Well, we seem to have had a similar experience with LT - mind expansion, willing to read stuff we had previously scoffed at. All good things in my opinion. (Perhaps I should check out Robert B. Parker?)

I think I've learned that books don't necessarily have to be deep to have merit. This is so true! And my last read - The Blue Place wonderfully illustrates this point. While not terribly deep, it was exactly what was needed.

#117 - Hi Suzanne - Got it. I do think Slow River would work for you if you have a hankering to read more Nicola. I don't do a lot of time travel, but I really want to get to Doomsday Book next year and have been avoiding it due to length.

The premise seems to be that the Egyptian empire never died. That sounds interesting. I missed that on NetGalley. I think I tend to skim the stuff labeled sci-fi on NetGalley, as most of it looks rather awful. This will teach me. If you like alternate history, have you tried The Years of Rice and Salt? I read it a couple years ago (because I love KSR), and it was very good (although not quite my cup of tea). The premise is that the plague outbreak of the 1300s killed 99% of the European population and history progressed without Europeans.

**********************************

I'm off to choir accompany and will be back later to visit threads and hopefully post some book comments during the noon football games.

I finished The Blue Place last night and will start The Testament of Mary next.

I hope everyone is having a lovely Sunday!

Morning Kerri- Football & books! That is my game-plan. Did you go to Monster Magnet? I saw Joe's post on FB. I listened to them many years ago and thought they were pretty good but my hard rock days are behind me....I think.
I think you would love my current Munro collection. I might save that one for you as well.

Hi Kerri - Have a lovely Sunday. I will be interested to hear what you think of The Testament of Mary. I won't be cheering for the Seahawks today. :)

Well, I have fallen desperately behind here, Kerri. I've now skimmed through the very enjoyable discussion about transparent reading as well as your (not so enjoyable in itself, but the discussion has been interesting) book funk and your attempt to find something engaging, particularly with regard to audiobooks. As you know, I have not been a great listener to books although I think your general approach of listening to mystery/crime/thrillers makes sense. My ability to focus on audio gets in my way, I think.

I will be very interested in your reaction to The Testament of Mary. I'm not sure why, but I have this image of you throwing it across the room. Maybe not.

Love Beth ^ though I do, I hope she is disappointed today. Go Seahawks!!

How was the living room concert????

P and I saw "Dallas Buyers Club" yesterday and it was brutally wonderful. They ran a trailer for "Blue is the Warmest Color" which looks like a lovely film. It might fit with some of the reading you've been doing lately. I certainly plan to see it.

Weather stress has changed my plans a bit for the day - storms, hail, tornadoes, winds! I think we might be in the clear though now. Phew!

************************************************

#119 - Hi Mark - I sat out the Monster Magnet show. While I'm a fan of particular metal bands (really, it's true), I'm not a huge Monster Magnet fan. And I suppose, as you said, they're more of a hard rock outfit, but still. I am going to see Kvelertak with Joe in a week or so, a Norwegian metal band I actually like quite a bit. I like Mastodon a lot too. Do you like them?

I think you would love my current Munro collection.
I'm currently reading a different Munro collection (see currently reading up at the top) and I love it so far. I would love a copy of the one you're reading, if you decide you can part with it. I have to see what books I have to give to you!

#120 - Hi Beth - Well, I won't be cheering for your Vikings either. :-P

I'm getting the feeling that you and Ellen think I'm going to hate The Testament of Mary. I wonder why?

#121 - Hi Ellen - Good to see you! Yeah, audiobooks can be difficult. It took me a while to get used to it, and I still can't handle anything but straightforward, linear stories. And I often have a difficult time getting into a new audiobook, especially after I've just finished one I've really enjoyed, for some reason.

I have this image of you throwing it across the room. What?! Ok. I finally decided to read it, after coming across this wildly compelling review on one of my favorite book blogs: http://anzlitlovers.com/2013/10/23/the-testament-of-mary-by-colm-toibin/
So there. Also it's a library book, so I can't very well throw it across the room.

How was the living room concert???? See my response to Mark in #106

Oh, yes! I want to see both of those films. (And I think you just subtly made fun of my Nicola Griffith obsession. Ha!)

#92 Going way back to the public reading discussion - this definitely happens to me and I definitely get neurotic about it. I'm either worrying that people are going to judge me for reading some fluffy, fun, young adult book rather than the entire Booker longlist (so much admiration for people who do the latter btw) or considering whether to read something more controversial (like the Zealot book that's been going the rounds) and risk arguments or offending people. I think I overthink it but I worry I might not be! So far, I don't think I've not reported anything I've read but it has been something I've been thinking about if I were to go back to reading more non-fiction books about religion which is something I used to do a lot of and was thinking of trying to kickstart again.

Did someone say neurotic?

#100 A living room concert? Sounds fun!

#106 It was a condo (apartment?) that was basically a big room with cathedral ceilings. What? Wait, that doesn't count as a living room where I come from!

#110 I thought The House of Mirth was excellent so I really hope you enjoy it (but I have loved everything I've ever read by Edith Wharton so I am a little biased).

Hi Kerri,
I had heard about the weather in Chicago and thought of you. The Bears game is underway so hopefully that means the worst of it is over.

I can't say why I am hesitant about your possible reaction to The Testament of Mary. I'm not convinced you'll hate it by any means, I'm just not sure. So I'll be interested to see what you do actually think of it. I hope you like it. And yes, avoid throwing library books in any case.

Ah, the concert was magical. That's good. I've never been to a living room concert so I'm glad this one was so enjoyable. It sounds like a cool experience.

I'm glad you're loving the Munro collection that you're reading. I just got a copy of The View from Castle Rock from the library so I'll be joining Mark in that one. Also, as a loose association and vaguely apropos of nothing, I see that Doris Lessing died so I suppose there will be much reading of her work in December.

I would never, ever make fun of your Nicola Griffith obsession. Never. Ever. xo

Okay, it's almost time to don the Kam Chancellor jersey and poor myself a beer. :-)

ETA: I think I'll join you for The House of Mirth next year.

>122 DorsVenabili: Hmm, I think I'll take the snowstorm we had here yesterday over that kind of weather. Hope there's some readin going on in the midst of all that craziness.

I am impressed that you refrain from throwing library books across the room. You are more civic minded than I am.

#123 - Oh, Heather! My long-lost, neurotic sister! I knew I wasn't alone. Thank you for sharing! Yes, I especially feel it for non-fiction of a political nature. I definitely used to read a lot more of that sort of thing. But I'm going to try to not censor my reading, going forward. We'll see how that goes.

Wait, that doesn't count as a living room where I come from! Nor I! And then there was a spiral staircase (With. A. Lighted. Candle. On. Each. Stair.) towards the back of the room that led to a curtained-off loft of some sort. It was amazing. And the outside was very unassuming, so it was shocking when we stepped in the door.

#124 - Hi Ellen - We made it through the weather. It was bad, but the worst of it went around us. There was a lot of destruction to the south. Just awful.

Well, I've only read the first few pages of The Testament of Mary, but so far I love the writing. I'd not read him before this.

It sounds like a cool experience. And I met Will Johnson. However, all I could think of to say to him was, "Thank you for the rock, Sir." Oh well. We all know I'm a dork.

I see that Doris Lessing died so I suppose there will be much reading of her work in December. Actually, I may read The Golden Notebook, due to my niece's enthusiasm and Donna's positive review.

I would never, ever make fun of your Nicola Griffith obsession. Hrmft. :-)

#125 - Hi Micky - I didn't get much reading done, but since we didn't lose electricity and there wasn't much satellite disruption, I was able to watch a lot of football, so there's that.

#126 - Hi Rhonda - I don't know if it's that, or if I'm just terrified of the mean ladies who work at the check-out desk at my library. They are rather punishment-oriented. (Please note: I'm not referring to the librarians, as they are quite nice.)

Morning Kerri- I do not think I have heard Mastodon. My heavy metal days, pretty much peaked in the early to mid-80s. I am so old.
I wish I could join you on The Testament of Mary. I was hoping to hear the audio version, read by Meryl Streep.
I have not heard of that Munro collection. Good?

#128 - Hi Mark - My heavy metal days, pretty much peaked in the early to mid-80s. So I guess you've missed the metal Renaissance! I really do recommend Mastodon. Crack the Skye is probably their most excellent album (it's also fairly melodic and accessible, unlike some of their earlier stuff.) Here are some samples:

From Crack the Skye:
"Oblivion" (this is a shortened version)
"Divinations"

From Leviathan (an older, heavier concept album based on Moby Dick):
"Blood and Thunder"

I was hoping to hear the audio version, read by Meryl Streep. I bet that's delightful, but I think I would have a hard time with this as an audiobook, as it's kind of stream of consciousness-ish. But you seem better at handling more complicated narratives on audio than I am (and it's not really that complicated - I don't want to misrepresent it), so I say go for it.

I have not heard of that Munro collection. Good? Yes! A colleague who is obsessed with her loaned it to me. I'm not sure why he chose it though. I'll have to ask him.

I'm another one looking forward to your reaction to The Testament of Mary, Kerri. I keep going back and forth on trying it.

#130 - Hi Joe - I have about 20 pages to go - it's beautiful, and it's only 82 pages long, so what do you have to lose? Right or wrong? :-)

Some brief book comments:



Title: The Blue Place
Author: Nicola Griffith
Publication Year: 1998
Format: Ebook
Stars: Four

As we all know, I've been exploring Ms. Griffith's fiction this year. So far, I've covered the sci-fi and historical fiction, so I thought I'd give her mystery/crime series a try. And I enjoyed it!

The mystery here involves a faked painting, a big pile of cocaine, a house explosion, a banker, and a Southern gentleman. It's adequately interesting, but admittedly lacks a wow factor. However, that's ok, because the strength of the novel lies in the characterization of Aud Torvingen, a 6-foot tall, Norwegian crime-fighter living in Atlanta, Georgia. She's tough, has an appreciation for appropriately meted-out violence, and has a habit of assessing all the ways in which she might kill an individual upon meeting him/her (you know, not in a menacing way, but as an intellectual exercise). Oh, and she makes really high-quality furniture in her spare time.

A former police officer, Aud recently inherited a large sum of money and works when she feels like it, mostly as a body guard, but in this case as a private investigator. We eventually learn her back story and what led to her career path, worldview, and various odd personality quirks (very interesting!). There's also a love story that I quite enjoyed (and I'm typically a romance-hater, but this was realistic, touching, and non-dramatic). I wouldn't recommend this to someone who only wants an exciting mystery with lots of twists and turns, but if the other stuff interests you, I'd give it a try. It's entertaining. I enjoyed it thoroughly and plan to read the other two novels in the series.


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Title: Unterzakhn
Author: Leela Corman
Publication Year: 2012
Format: Print book
Stars: Three

This graphic novel depicts the lives of twin sisters growing up in a working-class, Jewish neighborhood at the turn of the 20th century. Set in New York City, with an extended (and rather dull, I might add) flashback to Russia, the sisters take opposite paths in life, while striving for the same goal - independence. I admit, I'm not wildly impressed with this. The text is sparse, resulting in a lack of depth, and the drawings aren't impressive or detailed enough to overcome this deficit. It's hard to recommend this. My three stars are probably rather kind.


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I wrote something for Blood and Guts in High School during lunch, but I'll sit on it for a day.

Hi Kerri - Nice reviews. What is your favorite Nicola Griffith? The Blue Place sounds good, but it sounds like maybe you liked some of her other stuff more?

I'm adding The Blue Place to my list -I'm always looking for books set in Georgia, I love mysteries, and that main character sounds interesting.

#133 - Hi Beth - Hild is my favorite and also the one I think you'll most appreciate (it also seems to be getting universally rave reviews, so it's not just me. Ha!). Slow River is next, but I don't think you read much sci-fi.

#134 - Hi Mamie - I hope you like it. As long as you're not expecting a jaw-dropping mystery that will change the way you look at life, you should be fine. Georgia definitely features prominently, almost like a character.

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I finished The Testament of Mary this morning and thought it was lovely. So much has been written about this lately, and I don't have much to add to the general comments of my LT friends. One thing I'm wondering about though: While not wildly religious myself, I've been a choir accompanist at a United Church of Christ congregation for many years. Anyway, the church book club lady and I often chat about and exchange books (she's a retired English teacher) and she's actually chosen a couple of my recommendations for the book club (The Reluctant Fundamentalist and County: Life, Death and Politics at Chicago's Public Hospital). So, I know The Testament of Mary is technically blasphemous (right?), but it would make such an excellent book club selection! - short, thought-provoking, etc. I'm thinking about recommending it, but I don't have a good sense of whether or not this is offensive. I mean, I don't think it is, but that's often not a good gauge. Are there any Christians who've read this and who might chime in and give me some advice? Please keep in mind that the United Church of Christ is about one step from the Unitarian Universalists in terms of being liberal and open-minded.

Ok. I'm about to start Blinding by Mircea Cărtărescu (even though the the touchstone says Sean Cotter, who is actually the translator.) It's a Romanian novel and according to Amazon, it's "Part visceral dream-memoir, part fictive journey through a hallucinatory Bucharest..." Eek! I guess I'm still keeping it weird around here. I'm sort of in the mood for this sort of thing though, so I'm going to go for it.

Title: Blood and Guts in High School
Author: Kathy Acker
Publication Year: 1978
Format: Print book
Stars: Four

I'm not an expert on Kathy Acker's philosophy, often referred to as sex-positive feminism (an odd term, but that's another conversation), but I think I was able to tease out a theme or two from this strange, experimental, fictional mishmosh.

On the surface, this is the story of ten-year-old Janey, who is on a sort of nightmare journey, first being dumped by her father/boyfriend in Mexico (I'll get to this in a moment), then off to New York City where she joins a violent gang. At some point, she's the prisoner of a Persian slave-trader, and finally she meets up with author Jean Genet and they bop across North Africa. The inclusion of a disturbing incestuous relationship between Janey and her father is perplexing. I can't figure out if it's meant to be a comment on family relationships and the role of girls within the family unit (the compliant, people-pleaser who suppresses her own desires - that sort of thing) or if Janey isn't actually 10 years old at all, but simply represents the treatment of women as children. Gah! I don't know, but it's thought-provoking. Less difficult to grasp is the underlying (and sometimes not so underlying) critique of capitalism and its tendency to create forms of female oppression.

This is a jarring work and a variety of techniques are used throughout - straightforward prose, detailed drawings of genitalia, poetry, dream maps, and a smattering of lit crit (she plops in an enjoyable critique of The Scarlet Letter). Despite the scattered nature of the narrative, it actually flows quite well. I found that my mind was jolted (I tend to be a far less confrontational feminist) and I was sent off on a grim and disturbing journey where I was forced to confront issues about which I tend not to focus. Certainly the imagery and language is shocking and not for the faint of heart, but all in all, I'm glad I read this.

So there it is - perhaps more thinking out loud, than an actual review. It's funny. It's unlikely that I'll make a steady diet out of Kathy Acker's catalog (I mean, I could have easily gone the rest of my life without reading a sadomasochistic sex scene featuring Jimmy Carter.), but the more I think about this, the more I appreciate it (I actually increased my star rating). I believe in a good jolt now and then, and this definitely had a rather profound effect on me. I've been thinking about it ever since I finished it.

Way up there: all I could think of to say to him was, "Thank you for the rock, Sir."
See, this is why I don't go to book signings. What is one supposed to say to an artist? I love your work. Well, duh. If I didn't, I wouldn't be here. Anyway, I'm glad you had fun and got to meet the musician whose work you admire.

Great reviews you're writing, Kerri! I must get my hands on The Blue Place. I'm biting my tongue from saying anything about Nicola Griffith other than that she is lovely. No, really, I'm starting to share your obsession.

I'm very glad you enjoyed The Testament of Mary. Blasphemous, indeed, but so insightful.

I don't know if I'll read Blood and Guts in High School but I'm intrigued. I agree that a good jolt now and then is a good thing (in fact, I kind of count on reading to provide that for me every once in a while) and it sounds like she pushed some boundaries. Hmmmm. Maybe.

I hope you're having a good week!

Hi Kerri - Great comments. Ditto what Ellen says about Blood and Guts in High School - this actually sounds like something some of my students would read...

I can't help you with your question about The Testament of Mary - many LTers who read it are Christians, and the comments were overall positive.

I'm going to look for Hild and The Blue Place. I like mysteries.

The staff at my local library is super nice. (points for Portland). You would think that this would cause me to be extra respectful of library books, but I am afraid it just leads me to treat them like my own books.

I loved your comments about Blood and Guts. You have almost convinced me to give it a try. And maybe Testament of Mary as well.

#137 - Hi Ellen - I agree - I'm not a huge fan of meeting artists and musicians I admire. In fact, I usually go out of my way to avoid it. I am interested in going to more author talks though, but that's something completely different.

I don't want to represent The Blue Place as being a great mystery, but it definitely is entertaining and was exactly the thing I was in the mood for when I read it. I almost posted that Nicola-with-beer-in-hand photo on your thread, but then changed my mind. Ha!

it sounds like she pushed some boundaries. Yes, I don't think she ever left a boundary standing. A Kathy Acker biography might be interesting. I'll have to see what's out there.

#138 - Hi Beth - this actually sounds like something some of my students would read... Yeah, I don't mean this in a dismissive or condescending way, but I can see where this would appeal to those in their late teens/early 20s who are forming their opinions about the world. I know Acker was part of the punk scene and was an influence on the Riot Grrrl movement back in the day.

I think I'll probably mention The Testament of Mary to my book club lady friend, but I'll be clear about its blasphemous nature. I did think it was respectful and not mean-spirited. I suppose that's why I'm confused as to its power to offend, especially the more open-minded religious people.

I really do think you'll like Hild! I can't wait to get my own real copy (I read the ARC) as I hear it comes with a map, something that was missed greatly in the ARC.

#139 - Hi Rhonda - Well, who isn't nice in Portland?! :-) I mostly take out audiobooks, so there's not much chance of abuse, as they just sit on my desk until I load them into iTunes. The check-out desk ladies are notoriously mean at my library. I even met a woman in my MLIS program who worked at another library in our system, and they were always afraid to call my library if there were any ILL issues, because they're so mean. However, it's improved ever so slightly in recent months, as there is a new director.

I would be interested to hear another reaction to Blood and Guts in High School. The reviews posted so far have not been particularly helpful. They seem to either say, "This is the most disgusting thing I've ever read!" or "This changed my life!" Not a lot of analysis.

I'd never heard of Kathy Acker, but have to say I'm intrigued. The Scarlet Letter criticism sounds interesting, and Jimmy Carter S&M sounds so repulsive it just might be irresistible. Into the swamp with it!

#141 - Hi Swynn - It sounds like you're the target audience then! Ha!

Hi Kerri- You really cracked me up with Norwegian death metal band. I think Dissing Updike would be absolutely perfect. LOL.

#140 - I almost posted that Nicola-with-beer-in-hand photo on your thread
Oh, when such an impulse strikes you again in the future, please succumb. :-)

#143 - Hi Mark - I'm glad you enjoyed it - you came up with the outstanding name! I just found a home for it. Also, did you not like my Mastodon recommendations in post 129?!

#144 - Hi Ellen - Oh, when such an impulse strikes you again in the future, please succumb. Ok. I will never make that mistake again. :-) You know you missed all sorts of talks and author parties in Seattle this week to celebrate the release of Hild (I read about them after the fact.)

******************************************

Oh, my. I think I have to abandon a book. It rarely happens, but Blinding isn't working for me. I've read about 65 pages, and so far, it's a series of dreams, memories, and hallucinations. Normally, that would be fine if I could identify some point or theme, but they don't seem connected in any meaningful way...or in any meaningful way that I can recognize. Rather than suffer through 400 more pages, I'm going to put it aside.

Anyway, I think I might try So the Wind Won't Blow It all Away by Richard Brautigan. I'm also going to start In My Father's Den by Maurice Gee as my next audiobook.

Title: Herland
Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Publication Year: 1915
Format: Audiobook
Stars: Two

Three American men discover (and become the "guests" of) a hidden, utopian, all-female society that reproduces by asexual reproduction. Most of what we learn about the society (it's 2000 years old and values motherhood above all else) is through endless monologues by the narrator (one of the three men). Aside from these tedious and dry descriptions of the society's history and customs, little actually happens, resulting in an unbearable and didactic narrative. I wanted to like this, but must admit it's quite awful (And why?! "The Yellow Wallpaper" is so good!). With the exception of H.G. Wells' novels, I've not come across speculative fiction from the late 19th/early 20th century that didn't make me cringe. I keep trying though. Sigh.

Morning Kerri- I am sorry. I intended to come back and listen to the tracks and it slipped my little mind. Bad Mark. I will return.
I have been intending to read Brautigan for years.

I agree, Herland isn't the greatest. Disappointing, to be sure.

#147 - Hi Mark - I hope you enjoy the Mastodon (if you remember to come back and listen to it. Ha!) It really is quite good.

I have been intending to read Brautigan for years. I think I read a short story of his in a class, but can't remember much about it. My tra-la-la approach to reading led me to choose this next for some unknown reason (Short length? I'm in the mood for kooky style?). I'm not sure why, especially since I know he's classified as a later Beat writer and I tend to passionately despise Beat Era writing. However, I've heard this one is a bit more somber and sincere than some of his earlier work.

#148 - Hi Laura - I'm so glad that you're back on the threads and hope you're doing as well as can be expected. I know it's hard.

Yes, Herland is a disaster. I am perplexed, to say the least.

Hi Kerri - Herland has moved down to the bottom of my list. Sorry it didn't work. I hope your next book is great.

#150 - Hi Beth - Oh, was it far up your list then?

But thanks. The audiobook I'm listening to right now actually is quite good. I wonder if anyone has read Maurice Gee around here. I hadn't heard of him until I read a blog post about this book. It's a mystery. Apparently there's a movie too.

Kerri, I've never heard of Maurice Gee but it sounds like he might be worth checking out. I'll wait until you finish your book and can report back before I seek him out, though. Please tell me it's not a series!

#152 - Hi Julia - Does not appear to be a series! It's sort of a literary fictionish mystery set in New Zealand in the late 1960s. The narrator has a New Zealand accent too. I feel like I'm at a Crowded House concert.

Hi, Kerri! Saw on Heather's thread you very thinking of venturing into Trollope - I hope you enjoy the experience! If you do start with The Warden I would certainly encourage you to access the tutored read thread and use it as a resource; the novel itself is not difficult but it is full of references to contemporary church politics that are a bit mystifying these days! The threads are meant as an active resource, too, so please feel free to add any comments or questions of your own.

Hi Kerri- What a horrible Bears game! Football doesn't get any uglier! We had to scrap our Bavarian Lodge plans last night but we did make it to the Tap House in Lemont and they had Enjoy By. Yes, I was very pleased.

ETA- We stopped at The Beer Market on Friday. Have you been to one of these? I did have an excellent Belgium called St Bernardus Tripel. YUM! Have you heard of it?

#132 Hmm. Sci-fi, historical fiction and crime novels, this Nicola Griffiths sounds interesting. The library has Ammonite so I might try that.

#135 "Are there any Christians who've read this and who might chime in and give me some advice?"

Yes, I loved The Testament of Mary and found it really thought provoking. I didn't feel Toibin was trying to provoke controversy or, as you say, being mean-spirited in the book, just that he was exploring a natural what-if scenario and did that in a thoughtful way. I know a couple of other Christian LTers who also read it and weren't offended. I think it would be a great book to suggest - just maybe make them aware that Toibin is exploring a non-Christian view so that's not a complete surprise.

#140 "I suppose that's why I'm confused as to its power to offend, especially the more open-minded religious people."

You and me both, although I should add that I'm not really clear what blasphemy is, let alone why it should matter, so perhaps not the best person to shed light on this. I can understand it being unsettling (I admit I found it unsettling) but I'm baffled by someone finding it offensive.

#146 Sorry to hear Herland was disappointing - although I think that's one of those pivotal feminist novels I'll probably read anyway.

#154 You know, I think Liz has some kind of Trollope radar. Whenever someone mentions they're thinking of dipping their toe into his books - she's there! Luring them in with promises of tutored read threads where she'll answer all your questions. You think you'll be fine, you're only going to read one book, and then you're hooked....

There is, however, no truth to the rumour that I hang out in dark alleyways with Trollope novels tucked into internal pockets in my trenchcoat and try to lure in innocent passers-by.

Pssst...

#146 - I remember Herland being kind of popular in my circles back in the 1980s. I never read it and your review makes me glad I preserved those few hours.

I hope you are having a good Sunday, even without a Seahawks game to watch (I admit that it has me a bit off balance).

Katie and I want you to join us in registering for Booktopia! in Asheville.

Just sayin'.

^What Ellen said!!!

#154 - Hi Liz - Thank you! I will definitely get to Trollope - probably early next year, and I will use the tutored read thread as reference. I do remember doing some frantic, rudimentary C of E research while I was reading Excellent Women and Jane and Prudence earlier in the year, but perhaps that won't be wildly helpful for something set in the 19th century?

#155 - Hi Mark - That was a terrible game (although Zac Stacy got me 15 fantasy points before he left the game.) The Rams have been showing up lately. That's for sure.

I did have an excellent Belgium called St Bernardus Tripel. I love that beer (and Belgian tripels in general)! However, here's the tragic thing: I've finally had to admit that I get an allergic reaction from most Belgian beers - the thing where it feels like your throat is closing. So I think I'm going to hold off from now on (just the Belgian stuff, of course). Ha!

#156 - Hi Heather - I actually think you'd really like Hild. I'm not sure it's out in your nation yet, but if it is, you might want to snatch it up. Ammonite is good too, but Slow River is my favorite of her sci-fi.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful contribution to the Testament of Mary conversation. I didn't have a chance to chit-chat with the book club woman today, but based on the feedback I've received, I feel comfortable recommending it.

I think that's one of those pivotal feminist novels I'll probably read anyway. Yeah, you might as well. That's why I read it. Keeping in mind when it was published, I was careful not to critique the actual content, but there are a lot of surprising backwardisms, if looking at it through 2013 lenses. It was kind of shocking actually, but that's to be expected and it didn't figure into my low rating.

You know, I think Liz has some kind of Trollope radar. Clearly...bless her heart. :-)

#157 - Oh, Liz! There you are! (Would a Trollope novel actually fit in one's internal pocket?)

#158 - Hi Ellen - I remember Herland being kind of popular in my circles back in the 1980s. That's interesting. It's worthwhile to read as a historical document, but I'm surprised that it would actually be popular in your 80s circles.

I took many women's studies classes in the 90s and, while we read The Yellow Wallpaper (of course), I don't remember being subjected to Herland (thankfully).

even without a Seahawks game to watch Bye weeks are sad, aren't they? Of course I watched the Red Zone Channel all day though, so there's that.

#159 and #160 - Hi Ellen and Katie - Oh! That sounds like it would be so exciting! I'm not sure I could swing it in 2014 though. I already have two vacations planned and don't think a third would fit in the budget. :-(

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Hopefully I'll have a review of So the Wind Won't Blow It All Away in the next day or two. I meant to write it this weekend, but have been constantly occupied. It was a great read. I'm surprised how much I liked it.

I started Quartet in Autumn by Barbara Pym and so far, so great!

Oh well, we tried. I'm not sure I'll be making it to Asheville, either, since it's just a couple of weeks before the big Scotland trek. But I can always register and see if I can make it work.

I'm glad you're enjoying Quartet in Autumn!

So far behind... I have to go back to the public reading discussion.

I'll admit with you Kerri that I have let LT posting influence some of my choices. I'm less likely to pick one of my cheesy vampire romances (although I still will do so occasionally) because I know I will post it on my thread and I'll think, "Do I really want all these smart, intellectual folks to know that I read this trashy crap?" LOL

But, sometimes I just do it anyway. Other times, I will just pick another book. Maybe (just maybe), I'll start doing like Julia and read it anyway and just NOT post it! Genius! :)

I SO want to go to Asheville Booktopia, but with no job currently, but hopefully a brand new one, I can't even think about it. :(

#162 - Hi Ellen - Oh, well. Maybe in 2015. It sounds like it would be quite a feat for you to make it right before that Scotland trip, but I hope you're able. What a hoot it would be! And don't you have family around there?

Quartet in Autumn may become my favorite of the three Pyms I've read this year, and that would be saying a lot, since I gave the other two 4.5 stars. Sadly, I'm guessing you would not like Ms. Pym very much, but I could be wrong.

#163 - Hi Tina - I agree - attending a Booktopia and hanging out with LT friends for the weekend would be delightful! However, it's just not feasible for me this year either. :-(

The important thing I've taken away from this public reading discussion is that we should all be proud to document our most embarrassing genre (and other) selections. I mean, who cares, really? And if they do, they're snobs and not worth dealing with anyway. :-)

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This leads me to a confession: Over the years, I've acquired a small pile of books on the topic of concentration (a skill I desperately need to gain). They range from meditation-based books written by kooky mystics (Concentration a Guide to Mental Mastery) to gimmicky things written by obnoxious corporate trainers (ConZentrate) to seemingly respectable things written by folks who seem marginally qualified to write on the topic (Find Your Focus Zone). To this point, I haven't been able to concentrate enough to get through them. Ha! But I'm trying to devote a half hour each morning to reading through these darn things in the hope that I might glean some useful information from them. We'll see. I'm starting with the cheesy, gimmicky one (ConZentrate) - so far it's really annoying and I want to poke my eyes out while reading it, but who knows? I'm trying not to be too cynical.

I'm not going to post these in my currently reading and I may or may not write comments about them, but they'll appear in my list of books read (into next year too, unless I really get sick of this project, which is very possible.) I'm taking suggestions too, if anyone has any - books on concentration that is.

Yeah, the Booktopia! thing right before the Scotland thing might be a bit unrealistic. My sister lives there so I would have a place to stay...... but we'll see. I even recommended the location and the bookstore to the Booktopia! people (I'm sure that my recommendation is the thing that made it happen) so I was very disappointed to see it scheduled at such an inconvenient time for me. I mean.

ConZentrate. I can't believe that title. I will be interested to see if it ends up having any merit at all in your, ahem, eyes. (And please don't poke them out. They seem useful.)

Hi Kerri - Good luck with your project. And, echoing Ellen, please don't poke out your eyes.

No books on concentration, but have you tried the Pomodoro method? That's been my best tool. Frankly, I don't think you have a problem with concentration, however. I think the modern world just demands too much of us. There is a lot to be said for procrastination and wool-gathering.

Ellen, it is completely realistic for you to attend Booktopia in Asheville a week before you leave for Scotland. I really don't see a problem - suck it up!

;-)

^ I. Can. Do. It.

Um, about our Seahawks. First we lose our cornerback for four games and now Browner has been suspended for a full year for his second offense! I sort of figure he'll never play in a Seahawk jersey again. As P and I were saying, it would be admittedly hard for us to give up ETOH for six months out of the year, but if our jobs depended upon it, we'd do it. And that's not even the same thing.

Sigh.

I hope your Thanksgiving week is off to a good start, Kerri!

#165 - Hi Ellen - I'm sure that my recommendation is the thing that made it happen No doubt. Ha! Well...I suppose it could have been...

ConZentrate. I can't believe that title. I know! It's the best, right (in sort of an awful way)?

#166 - Hi Beth - I'm really going to try, but I can't make any promises. :-)

#167 - Hi Rhonda - I just looked up the Pomodoro method - thank you! I will investigate further. I try to do a thing with a timer sometimes (not in such an organized fashion), and it helps, but I feel like I need something to get at the underlying problem. I totally agree that the modern world (mostly digital distractions) has a lot to do with it.

#168 - Hi Katie - Don't encourage her! :-)

#169 - Did you tell P about this brilliant idea? :-)

#170 - Oh, it's a nightmare, isn't it? I've never thought Browner was the sharpest tool in the shed (and he had these problems when he was in Denver too), but I'm really disappointed in Thurmond. They'd better get rid of both of them to send a message. I believe in Byron Maxwell and Jeremy Lane (although perhaps not against Drew Brees, so that worries me.)

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I finished In My Father's Den yesterday and it's a little gem that I recommend to all my LT friends. I can't believe I'd never heard of this guy. More later.

I'm going to start Childhood's End today (published in 1953, so it passes my "No Sci-Fi Written Between 1957 and 1971" test that I recently developed.) This will be my second attempt to read Clarke. I abandoned Rendezvous with Rama last year, but I've heard good things about this one, so I'm hopeful.

Morning Kerri- Do you get a long weekend this week? I sure hope so. Then you could work on your conzentration.
thanks for the In My Father's Den rec. It sounds good. Have you read Troubles? I am starting it today. It looks like a Kerri book.

Aw, I'm sorry you didn't like "Rendezvous with Rama", Kerri. It's one of the few science-fiction books I actually liked when I read it a long time ago. Can I ask what led to your developing your sci-fi rule? It sounds like there's a story in there somewhere!

Childhood's End is one of his best, IMO, Kerri. I expect you'll like it better than Rendezvous with Rama by a good margin. I did like RWR, like Julia - what got me with that one is the sequels weren't anywhere near as good, so a fun premise, for me, ended up wasted. CE is tighter, with classic themes.

>153 DorsVenabili: The narrator has a New Zealand accent too. I feel like I'm at a Crowded House concert.
haha, I like that.

One of my recent favourites from mid 20th C NZ was The God Boy by Ian Cross. It certainly has a NZ feel, not sure about the accent :)

>168 katiekrug:/169 lol- or course you can do it! :)

Okey dokey, picked up The Blue Place during my afternoon jaunt to the library. I like mysteries that are character-driven... :-)

#172 - Hi Mark - I do have a four-day weekend and I will be holed up in my office room, diligently practicing my concentration skills. Ha! (ok...not really.)

I have not read Troubles, but I have read The Siege of Krishnapur, which I liked, but perhaps didn't love as much as many others did. Troubles is sort of on my radar, but in a very vague and far off way (and, quite frankly, my interest level in the subject matter tends to be rather low.) I'm looking forward to your reaction though.

#173 - Hi Julia - Can I ask what led to your developing your sci-fi rule? Well, it's just the kooky, vaguely psychedelic quality that many of them have (not my favorite thing), add to that (especially the ones from the late 50s/early 60s) high levels of unbearable sexism, and you have a very annoyed and unhappy Kerri. I just can't take it anymore. I've really tried. I should also add that I reserve the right to make exceptions to this rule. :-)

#173 and #174 - Hi Julia and Joe - I did keep Rendezvous with Rama on my iTunes, so it didn't get the worst cast-off possible. There's still a chance I'll go back to it. I remember listening to it as an audiobook and the scene towards the beginning where the guy is exploring the cylinder thing was killing me. However, it may have just been my mood at the time, which is why I've left the door open.

I got a bit into Childhood's End today and quite like it!

#175 - Megan?! Good to see you! I thought I scared you away. :-)

Yes, between the stage banter on my Neil Finn solo show bootlegs (oh, yes) and watching those two seasons of Flight of the Concord, I was in pretty good shape to deal with that narrator. I will check out Ian Cross. The name sounds familiar.

#176 - Hi Suzanne - Great! I hope you enjoy it. And just so everyone knows, I do not work for Nicola Griffith. Ha!

I finished Quartet in Autumn yesterday - fantastic! My favorite Pym of the year! I plan to get caught up on some proper book comments in the next few days, as I have a long weekend ahead.

I'm now reading (it's hard to make out on the image in post #1) Susan Sontag: The Complete Rolling Stone Interview. It's the full interview - apparently only a third of it was printed in Rolling Stone. I read a Sontag essay here and there in school, and I'd like to get to a couple of her novels. I'm finding this to be a wonderful introduction. It's chatty (obviously) and accessible.

On a related note (since we've all been talking so much about Updike around here), I was watching Susan Sontag interviews on YouTube this morning and in one of them, she expressed her love for John Updike's writing. Needless to say, I was a bit shocked and couldn't quite believe it, but I know it's true, because I actually saw her head say the words. So there it is. This, of course, does not change my plan to avoid him like the plague.

Kerri - I'm with you about avoiding Updike. So many books by authors I love. I am taking a world lit class next semester for my sabbatical. I'll let you know which books we'll be reading.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving, Kerri!

Happy Thanksgiving, Kerri!

Kerri! Hi and happy Thanksgiving.

I have plenty to be thankful for Kerri - LT has opened up the world for me to a wonderful group of people from around the globe whose friendship is treasured and for one of whom this message is sent to wish a Happy Thanksgiving weekend.

#179 - Hi Beth - I agree. There are just too many books that I want to get to... When I complained about playing Bach, my piano teacher used to say, "But Brahms loved Bach." It never helped.

#180 - Hi Roni - Thanks! I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving as well. We visited relatives. It was nice.

#181 - Hi Joe - Thanks for the Scooby-Doo Thanksgiving greeting! Happy belated Thanksgiving to you and your family!

#182 - Hi Lynda - Thank you! I hope the day was splendid for you!

#183 - Hi Paul - What lovely words. Thank you so much! Indeed, you are treasured as well. And to show my appreciation, I've started a Doris Lessing challenge for December's TIOLI. Ha!

***************************************************

Ok. I'm off to start Faces in the Water by Janet Frame, which I just picked up from the library. I'll be back later to visit threads and hopefully post a few book comments.

I realize this is not going to be interesting to very many people, but it's exciting to me, because it was filmed at that lovely apartment where I saw Will Johnson a couple weeks ago. I was going on and on about it above. This is before all the candles were set up, and he didn't play this song that evening, which is from an old Centro-matic/South San Gabriel record, but still: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCOOlJS5lAU&feature=youtu.be

Kerri - you are too kind!

Kerri, I know you don't work for Nicola Griffith, but she would be seriously psyched to know she has such a big fan! I talked to her briefly at BookExpo, and said that Hild had been generating a tremendous amount of buzz among the historical fiction cognoscenti, and she was surprised and so excited that she called over her editor and agent to tell them. Struck me as a rather shy but very pleasant person.

#186 - Ha! Yes. Oddly enough, not a very popular challenge so far. I think it's just me and Suzanne. Join the party, Paul!

#187 - Hi Suzanne - It's turned into the Year of Nicola Griffith for me! Slow River had been on my wishlist for years and I finally found a copy at Powell's in Portland. Then I was assigned Hild for Booklist and the rest is history.

I'm glad that Hild is getting so much positive attention and great reviews. It certainly deserves it, and I hope it results in more mainstream acceptance for her (I think it will).

Hi Kerri! You know, you may not work for Nicola Griffith but the woman may still owe you a bottle of wine. You have turned me and several others on to her work and that's a wonderful thing. I looked for a copy of The Blue Place at Elliott Bay Books when I was meeting Katie there last week but they didn't have a copy. I bet her works will start showing up more reliably with Hild getting such press. I plan to read Hild (thank you very much) early in 2014.

Griffith will know she's really made it when the touchstone for Hild is, well, Hild. :-)

Enjoy your weekend! You know that P and I will be camped in front of a television Monday evening, probably in a Nashville sports bar, to watch our Seahawks. My fingers are crossed that Pete has them ready to move on without their two starting cornerbacks (grrr).

Of course Kerri I will go where I am summoned. I have plenty of her books with me even though I have disparaged some of her more throwaway stuff.

A Lessing challenge? I should join in.

Hi Kerri - I loved the Will Johnson video. I will look at more by him. I, too, plan to read Hild next year. I did pick up a copy of The Blue Place -- maybe I'll read that over break.

Good luck with your Seahawks.

#161 Hild is out soon here so I will hope the library gets a copy. No, dang it, amazon uk has the American copy listed. I could kindle it but they're always priced higher when they're US versions.

#177 "Troubles is sort of on my radar, but in a very vague and far off way (and, quite frankly, my interest level in the subject matter tends to be rather low.)"

Just butting in to say I had zero interest in the subject matter but I loved Troubles and found it very funny (something I don't expect from Booker winners).

And belated happy thanksgiving wishes!

Great Will Johnson video, Kerri. I am with you..... it is pretty cool that the video was shot in the same apartment you were in for the concert!

#189 - Hi Ellen - Well, I'm glad I've encouraged a few people to check her out, although I think Slow River won the Nebula Award, so it's not like she's that obscure. :-) I hope you like Hild! (Eek! - I'm a little worried, truth be told.)

I will be camped in front of a television Monday evening, probably in a Nashville sports bar Oh, I didn't realize you were going to be in Tennessee that long! Did you bring your Kam jersey? I believe in Byron Maxwell and Jeremy Lane! Just remember, we had that string of blow-out wins last year without Browner and Thurmond.

#190 - Hi Paul - Oh, I do hope you'll join us, even though you occasionally hate on poor Doris. It's still only me and Suzanne (I excel at creating unpopular TIOLI challenges. Ha!)

#191 - Hi Rhonda - Yes, you should join us! It's in the December TIOLI. By the way, are you the one who recommended her Children of Violence series?

#192 - Hi Beth - Oh, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! That's actually not one of my favorite songs of his, but the setting is lovely. I hope you enjoy both of those Nicola Grifiith novels. I think you will.

#193 - Hi Heather - Oh, I hope you're able to find it eventually! Darn!

Thanks for the tip on Troubles. It helps. I remember expecting that The Siege of Krishnapur would be serious and heavy-handed and was surprised that it is a subtle satire. I assume Troubles is the same sort of thing.

Thank you for the Thanksgiving wishes!

#194 - Hi Lori - I'm glad you enjoyed it! That show was such a lovely experience, and I'm glad I now have a way to remember it.

*********************************************

I realized that I haven't cataloged my Kindle purchases since April, so I've been trying to enter them when I get a chance. I finally finished today and it's amazing what I've purchased that I completely forgot about. The funniest one is American Gods, as I'm always wondering out loud on LT which Neil Gaiman I should purchase. Other gems I completely forgot about: Painter of Silence, Shards of Honor, and Solitaire. Sigh.

That's the thing about ebooks, it's so easy to forget you have 'em. I just rediscovered a few on my Kindle too, and am thinking of reading one or two at Christmas.

Thanks to you, Kerri, I will be looking for books by Nicola Griffith. Hild has been getting quite a bit of buzz (13 holds at the library on one copy). I am #14 on that list now. I think I'll look for some of her older books when I go to the Joplin meet-up on Tuesday. Those Kindle books are easily forgotten by me too. I don't have a lot accumulated but I obviously wanted to read them at some point in time. I loved Painter of Silence and hope you get to it soon!

#196 - Hi Laura - It certainly is easy to forget them, but then it's kind of a joy when I realize what I have! Maybe if I declared them on my thread, I could keep better track. I may start doing that...except for the free, goofy ones like 101 Campfire Packet Recipes or whatever (I don't even camp).

#197 - Hi Donna - 13 holds! That's awesome...well, except for the fact that you want to read it.

I put all my ebooks in their own collection now ("Ebooks") and that seems to help when I'm trying to figure out what to read. The problem is remembering to catalog them in the first place. It's just so east to click that button and immediately forget you've made a purchase.

HI Kerri - I am in the same boat regarding ebooks. I found some on my Nook that I had forgotten I have. I haven't catalogued them at all so far, at least until I read them. There have been a lot of good deals lately and it's so easy to click and buy.

By the way, I loved Painter of Silence.

Oh, the "click it and forget it" dangers of e-books! So many books, taking up virtually no space. Kerri, I also have an ebooks collection but it's not up to date. I should get cracking on that.

Hi Kerri!
I have been absent from here for a while (before my last 2 posts)- I am not even sure why! Perhaps we post at different times, and my reactionary way of coping with the volume of people to visit (ie- up top posts get more attention) may have left you out. :(

I loved Faces in the Water, btw, and am happy to hear you are on a New Zealand culture bender!

I put all my ebooks in their own collection now ("Ebooks") and that seems to help when I'm trying to figure out what to read.

Brilliant idea.... I am not quite there yet. For some reason, I treat e-books just like I do library books - I downloading them but don't add them to my library until I read them. ;-)

Hi Kerri- I hope the week started well for you! And I hope you are having a good time watching the game. Go Seahawks!
I am nearly done with Troubles. It's a terrific book.

#199 - Hi Beth - I haven't catalogued them at all so far, at least until I read them. Are you a don't-catolog-until-read person? I don't think I could do that, because I would never remember what I own, particularly when shopping. I'm bad enough with duplicate-purchasing as it is. Well, and plus, I enjoy the cataloging process.

Glad to hear you endorse Painter of Silence!

#200 - Hi Julia - I'm the queen of "click it and forget it"!! I didn't even let myself look at that big ebook sale yesterday - too dangerous!

#201 - Hi Megan - Oh, I wasn't even around for most of September/October, so you didn't miss much. :-)

...happy to hear you are on a New Zealand culture bender! I'm out of control with the New Zealand! What's next?! Katherine Mansfield?!

#202 - Hi Lori - I used to tag them as ebooks, but then decided to only use tags for work content information, rather than format information. So you're another add-when-read person...I can't get behind that :-)

#203 - Hi Mark - Well, the week started off great with that game last night! That was pretty amazing!

I'm looking forward to your Troubles comments. I may just read it, with all this positive talk.

I have most of my e-books tagged "Kindle" but I probably need to add a collection (or two). I suspect that I'll need to update it to "Kindle" and "iPad" (and perhaps by app on the iPad) after Christmas!

Kerri - If you look at my "to read" category, you will see that I am not a "don't catalog until I read" person! If I didn't, I would own two or three copies of every book I ever want to read. I just haven't figured out or gotten to cataloguing my ebooks. And in some cases, I own an ebook and the hard copy. What to do then?

The Seahawks looked pretty unbeatable for the part of the game that I watched. Nice start to your week.

I've been thinking about you as I get ready for my world lit class. I think you might like some of the books assigned.

#205 - Hi Lori - Ohhh! An iPad and a Kindle! You are a lucky woman indeed. Yes, I've thought a lot about tags versus collections lately (perhaps too much. Ha!). I do love LT though and all the neat bits of information we can enter. It seems I'm always discovering new things.

#206 - Hi Beth - Silly me! I should have checked first. You have a rather gigantic "To Read" collection!

And in some cases, I own an ebook and the hard copy. What to do then? I've run into instances where I have an ebook and an audiobook, and I think I assigned one work to both collections. However, I know that's not logically sound practice, and I'm thinking about entering them separately.

The Seahawks looked pretty unbeatable for the part of the game that I watched. They did look rather fantastic. Even I was surprised, and I tend to be a fairly positive, Rah-Rah fan. I thought it would be closer. Now on to the hated 49ers on Sunday! That's going to be tough.

I think you might like some of the books assigned. Please share titles! I'll go check your thread too.

**********************************

Also, I'm going to start the audio of Still Life by Louise Penny...again. I tried it a couple months ago and nearly died of boredom, but admittedly, I didn't get that far and may not have been in the mood. I really want to get to the later books in the series that everyone raves about, so hopefully this isn't too painful.

Ok. I'm a jerk. Still Life is fine. I got a bit farther than the first time and I no longer want to poke my eyes out. And she name-drops Vita Sackville-West, which I think is what won me over (It's the little things.) I suppose it could still fall apart, but I'll be fine.

My dream is to work on some book comments this evening, but that's been my dream for several evenings and I've resorted to laziness and/or football programming instead, so we'll see...

I finished both Faces in the Water and Childhood's End today and they both get 4.5 stars! I feel like my ratings are unusually high this year, and I keep second-guessing them (Is it really that good?!), but yes! These two are great, so 4.5 is the only option.

Finally, I'm about to start And the Dark Sacred Night by Julia Glass for a Booklist review. I guess I'll have to figure out how to enter a book, because I can't find it on LT. Has anyone read her? I haven't. I know Three Junes is very well regarded though.

Hi Kerri - I loved Three Junes. I read something else by her, but I can't remember the title. I didn't know she had a new one out.

#209 - Hi Beth - It comes out in April. I'd be happy to send it to you when I'm done, as I do not keep ARCs (not that I wouldn't be happy to send you a non-ARC). I'm glad you admire her. I've not come across her for some reason, but I see that Three Junes won the National Book Award.

Hi Kerri,
I read Three Junes a really long time ago and my memory is that I liked it but, well, you know me. I can't tell you a thing about the book now (at least that whole "I read it but can't remember a thing about it" thing is better since finding LT).

Unlike you and Beth, I am a don't-catalogue-it-until-you-read-it sort of person and it is indeed a problem at times. I have double purchased my share of books.
Maybe over the winter break when I have all kinds of free time, I'll go through my stacks of TBRs and catalogue them into a TBR list! That would be kind of cool, actually...... we'll see.

I'm planning to join in the Lessing challenge. I purchased The Golden Notebook in my favorite (well, the only respectable) bookshop in Nashville and today I ordered The Grass is Singing and Love, Again. I have no idea which one(s) I'll read this month, but my heart is in the right place!

I already can hardly wait until Sunday. If the Seahawks can play again and again like they did on Monday night, I don't think anyone can stop them. Now I hope I didn't jinx them.

I'm a leave-it-in-the-wishlist-until-you've-read-it type. That way all books are in the overall collection, so I don't double up, but the details are not full and correct until I've read it.

Kerri - You are so sweet. I will take you up on your offer -- if it's good. :) I can return the favor. Let's talk. Well, I'd better go and teach. Othello.

Morning Kerri- Glad you gave Still Life another shot. The good news is, they get much better.

Hi Kerri!

I plan to read A Fatal Grace, the second one in the series, because everyone says so vehemently around here that they get better. P read it on our vacation and her reaction was still "meh." I'll be interested to hear how Still Life ultimately lands on you, Kerri, and whether you're willing to give Louise Penny a second try.

Kerri, there were no Nicolas Griffith books at the used bookstore in Joplin. :-( I will read what our library has before looking elsewhere. Good luck with the Penny books. It took me awhile to warm up to them. The last two have been very good imo.

I did recommend the Children of Violence series, and I have Martha Quest ready to read, but I may end up waiting to January, and reading it for the Reading Globally Africa theme read. I haven't gotten into the TIOLI's because for some reason they confuse me. The Children of Violence series covers pretty much the same ground as the Golden Notebooks, but I liked the Children of Violence better. But then, I read them all in my late teens, early 20's; so who knows what i will think now!

Oh good, I hoped you'd enjoy Childhood's End, Kerri. Are you going to review it in any way? I'd be interested in your thoughts on it.

#211 - Hi Ellen - Oh, good! More positivity regarding Julia Glass! I'm about 60 pages in, and so far, so good. Family secrets, family drama, lots of flashbacks. That type of thing.

I am a don't-catalogue-it-until-you-read-it sort of person and it is indeed a problem at times. Well, I did the bulk of my cataloging long before I was involved in any of the groups here (I wasn't actually aware of them), so I essentially used all my LT time on cataloging. That would be difficult now, time-wise, what with keeping up with book socializing and all.

I'm planning to join in the Lessing challenge. Great! Only Suzanne and I have posted books so far. I thought it would be much more popular (Perhaps I should try to be a better cheer-leader?...Oh, nevermind.) I loved The Grass is Singing, so you can't go wrong with that one.

Now I hope I didn't jinx them. I feel confident that you haven't. :-) This is going to be a very tough game though. And, actually so are the Rams and Cardinals. I'm worried about them all, yet optimistic, as I tend to be with football. It really would be wonderful to get home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.

#212 - Well, look at Liz doing crazy stuff like keeping her books on the wishlist (But then where is your actual wishlist? I think my head is going to explode!). That's an interesting strategy though. I guess one of the things I'm trying to do is to create better tags (Although I think I'm failing so far.) and you can't really create decent tags until you've read the book.

#213 - Hi Beth - You are so sweet. No kidding, right? :-) I'll contact you for info. And good luck with Othello!

#214 - Hi Mark - Yeah, it's quite good, so far. I think the problem is that sometimes I have a hard time getting into audiobooks, especially after I've just listened to something I enjoyed. Much more so than print books, I'm likely to abandon an audiobook if it doesn't grab me quickly.

#215 - It sounds like you're skeptical. So, P gave #2 a "meh" as well? Is this her sort of book? I guess I tend to prefer the bleaker Scandi-crime stuff, but I can get used to this, I suppose. Looking ahead, as the series continues, I'm trying to understand how such a tiny little town is going to support multiple murders/murderers.

#216 - Hi Donna - No Nicola in Joplin?! I do hope you get to one of them. Hild is worth the wait at your library, and I believe that would be the one I'd recommend to you first, although I don't necessarily fancy myself a recommending machine.

#217 - Hi Rhonda - It was you! I thought about trying them out. Perhaps I'll read the first one in January. I've starred the necessary threads over in the Reading Globally group to keep up with the Sub-Saharan African theme read, so perhaps I'll read it with you.

Yeah, it seems TIOLI is not for everyone. I've changed my relationship with TIOLI over the last couple months. I'm trying not to let it exacerbate by OCD tendencies (Ha!), so I'm doing less planning ahead, and more plopping them in if they fit. This seems to be working.

#218 - Hi Joe - It was wonderful! I do plan to throw a few thoughts together (obviously that didn't happen last night, but maybe this weekend). I'm afraid of spoilers for that one, but I'll see what I can say without saying...so to speak.

Good! I'll look forward to it.

"...what with keeping up with book socializing and all." Perfectly described.

"It really would be wonderful to get home-field advantage throughout the play-offs." That is, at this point, the most important goal. Having home field advantage all the way through would be huge for this team and wonderful for this city!!

I'm also surprised that your Doris Lessing challenge isn't garnering more followers. I've added a couple to the list; hopefully we can generate some more interest. Or not. Whatever. :-)

Kerri> My Kindle is actually the old black & white Kindle with a keyboard on it. It's a great reading device, but it's not great with things that need color. I think I'll enjoy the iPad (when I get it) for those things.

I'm planning to read my first Doris Lessing this month - probably The Grass is Singing - but I usually only put books on the TIOLI wiki once i've started them...

#220 - Hi Joe - Great! I do hope I have time this weekend to put some comments together, but I fear it's going to be a busy one.

#221 - Hi Ellen - I've added a couple to the list; hopefully we can generate some more interest. I saw that. Yay! I just posted on your thread that I received my copy of The Golden Notebook, and now realize it's 640 pages long. Eek!!

Yes, home field advantage would be a wonderful thing. It would be lovely not to have to play in New Orleans or in the Panthers stadium all the way across the country if they end up winning that division, which is possible.

#222 - Hi Lori - I see. I'm very happy with my Kindle Fire, although I tend not to use it much as a tablet-like device when traveling. I prefer to take my laptop. Truth-be-told I'm not the biggest Apple enthusiast, mostly because I'm bitter about the number of iPods I've gone through over the years. It's like they're designed to self destruct in 3 years. It's infuriating. And the inflated prices, but enough complaining. Sorry. I know people love Apple and I did have a G4 back in the day (early 2000s?) that I was quite fond of.

#223 - Hi Katie - Oh good! I think you'll like The Grass is Singing. I usually only put books on the TIOLI wiki once i've started them... That's what I've been doing lately too. However, since I started the Doris Lessing challenge, I figured I should post a book beforehand. Maybe others are waiting too. I wonder if I should have started a thread. Maybe I'll ask on the TIOLI thread.

Kerri, I missed out on the faact that you are doing a Doris Lessing challenge, but I'd be interested in joining in. Is there a thread somewhere?

Sounds like you've had some really bad luck with iPods. I still have all of mine, from the first black-and-white chunkster that must be 6 or 7 years old by now to my sleek little iPod shuffle. Each of them has a different job now, which is fairly indulgent of me. But if I had your luck, I'd certainly be bitter, too.

"...The Golden Notebook, and now realize it's 640 pages long. Eek!!"
It will come as no surprise to you that this is giving me pause. I mean, I'm closing in on that century but it's why I ordered copies of The Grass is Singing and Love, Again. If Katie will join me for The Grass is Singing, so much the better!

Sometimes I wait, and sometimes I pre-post. Inconsistent, that's me.

Hey! It's almost the weekend!!!!!

For some reason, I thought The Grass is Singing was longer than it actually is. I should definitely get to it this month.

Oh. Oh! I am reading The Grass is Singing!!

Well, I just checked at amazon and they have not yet shipped the order that includes The Grass is Singing and Love, Again. They're still saying it should arrive by December 16, though....

I want to read The Golden Notebook, but it's not going to happen this year.

#225 - Hi Julia - There doesn't seem to be much thread interest within TIOLI (I asked), so perhaps we can just chat away on our own threads. What are you planning on reading?

Sounds like you've had some really bad luck with iPods. I have! Maybe I use them too much or I have an odd magnetic force that causes them to self-destruct. Ha! Anyway, we're in the market for another MP3 player, as mine recently died (I've been using Joe's). We're researching the non-iPods, but there's not much out there with enough space.

#226 - Hi Ellen - It will come as no surprise to you that this is giving me pause. It would not surprise, nor disappoint. I totally understand. I almost passed out when I saw the size of the package on my doorstep (I bought it used online). I thought, "What on Earth is that? It can't be The Golden Notebook!"

#226, #227, #228 - Ellen, Katie, and Mamie - The Grass is Singing is a great choice! I can't wait for your comments!

#229 - I think you'll have time after the 16th, but no pressure! :-)

#230 - Hi Beth - It looks like I'm the lone wolf with The Golden Notebook. Oh, well. That's fine.

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Joe and I had a lovely, brief meet-up with Mark yesterday. A new brewery opened in my town and we went to the grand opening. Good beer and book talk! Yay!

I have a freakishly busy weekend ahead, but hope to get to some threads at some point. I'm not sure there will be much time for book comments, but I'll try. I must get some reading in there too, or there's not hope for The Golden Notebook.

#207 "Also, I'm going to start the audio of Still Life by Louise Penny...again. I tried it a couple months ago and nearly died of boredom" *Gasp* Heresy! :-P

#208 "I got a bit farther than the first time and I no longer want to poke my eyes out." Yay!

#208 4.5 stars for Childhood's End - I need to read me some Arthur C. Clarke.

#231 Yay for beer and book talk! Have a great weekend.

Ah, a TIOLI challenge. No wonder I wasn't aware of it; I've never quite gotten the hang of those. I've never read any Lessing. Do you have a recommendation for a good first read? The library appears to have quite a few available.

Julia - I'm about 60% of the way through The Grass is Singing, and I'm really liking it. It's my first Lessing.

Thanks, Mamie! Seems a number of folks have opted for that one, and I know you wouldn't steer me wrong. :-)

Well, not intentionally!

Mamie and Julia, I'll hop on the The Grass is Singing train as soon as my package arrives.

I'm envious that you and Joe got to have a beer and book talk meet-up with Mark. I'm glad you had fun! No pictures, I suppose?

Sunday. Big game.

#232 - Hi Heather - Oops! Are you a Chief Inspector Armand Gamache fanatic? :-) I'm about halfway through Still Life and it's decent, but certainly not a non-stop, roller-coaster ride of exciting twists and turns. I guess I would call it subtle?

I definitely think you would like Childhood's End. I keep hearing it's his best, so maybe it's a good place to start.

#233 - #237 - Hi Julia, Mamie, and Ellen - I wholeheartedly agree that The Grass is Singing is a great place to start - I loved it. The only other Lessing I've read is The Good Terrorist and it was awful (my review is on the page). She has such a big catalog, that some of it is bound to fail, I suppose.

#237 and #238 - Hi Ellen - Well, we took one, but it didn't turn out, so it won't get posted. :-)

Yes, very big game! I'm my usual combination of worried and optimistic. Go Seahawks!

Morning Kerri- I had a good time visiting with you & Joe. Time just goes to fast. We barely made a dent in any book-talk. How do those books look on the TBR pile? LOL.
Hope you have a nice Sunday planned. Go Seahawks!

ETA- Like we mentioned before, Still Life is slow out of the gate but the series quickly redeems itself. Take it from a non-cozy reader.

#240 - We had a great time too! And the books - thanks again! I'll post my recent acquisitions below - there have been a few odds and ends, including those.

It should be an exciting Sunday, what with football and all. Our dear friend is coming over (one of the few people allowed to watch Seahawks games with us. Ha!), so it should be fun. She's a Bears fan, but since they play Monday night, it works out.

I'm going to persevere with Still Life - no turning back now.

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Recent Book Acquisitions:

From a little bird named Ellen:
*My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

From a little bird named Mark:
*Troubles by J.G. Farrell
*A View From Castle Rock by Alice Munro
*The Sound of Things Falling by Juan Gabriel Vasquez

From my pocketbook/the interwebs:
*The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing

Nice acquisitions, Kerri. I have The Sound of Things Falling from the library, so I hope to get to it this month. I wouldn't worry too much about the Gamache books. There are many mysteries out there that you might prefer. There's always your Scandicrime, which you like, right?

Good luck with your game today. I don't even know who you play.

#242 - Hi Beth - I've been hearing such great things about The Sound of Things Falling. I'll probably get to it sooner, rather than later.

No, I'm determined to get to the good Gamache books. And the first one certainly isn't bad, just perhaps a bit...plodding.

I don't even know who you play. The hated and despicable 49ers! Very big game. If we win, we clinch the division.

#239 A bit of a fanatic (can you be a bit of a fanatic?). They're not roller-coaster rides but I love all the people and I want to move to the Three Pines and the food....! I think I prefer my crime novels at a slower pace - anything faster and I get too scared to read them!

Well, NBC switched us over at the end of the SD-Giants game just in time to see San Francisco's interception at the end of the game. So, sorry, Kerri.

>231 DorsVenabili: Joe and I had a lovely, brief meet-up with Mark yesterday. A new brewery opened in my town...
I could have guessed there would be beer. It sounds perfect!

#244 - Hi Heather - can you be a bit of a fanatic? Hmmm. I think not. :-) I agree that Three Pines seems like a delightful place (although I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to live there) and those sandwiches are clearly to die for.

#245 - Hi Roni - Thanks for the sympathy! It was disappointing, but we're still in very good shape. So you're a Chargers fan? It looks like their hopes are still alive. I've been hoarding Philip Rivers on my fantasy football bench just to be a jerk (i.e. for strategic purposes - so no one else can play him.).

#246 - Hi Megan - Mark and beer sort of go hand in hand, don't they? I suppose so does Kerri and beer. :-) But yes, it was lovely.

Now I want to add The Sound of Things Falling to my wishlist.....

Hi Kerri! I got an email from Amazon today that The Grass is Singing and Love, Again have shipped (along with The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For, The Blue Place, and Stay). Expected arrival is this Friday so I'll definitely be participating in your TIOLI challange.

Tough day yesterday but the newspapers today are saying it may be good for the team in the long run (always a spin, right?). We need to win two out of the last three to absolutely secure home field advantage throughout. Of course, if someone would beat the Saints, it would help us, I believe.

Have a good Monday, Kerri!

#248 - Hi Ellen - That's quite an Amazon order! I think I'll read Stay and Always on my work, plus family, trip in January (Philadelphia and NYC). I think they will be the perfect travel companions, and a nice change of pace from what I normally end up reading on work trips (stuff that's too heavy).

I wonder if I should revisit the Dykes to Watch Out for stuff. It was everywhere during my early uber-lesbian years (for those reading who may be confused, I identify as bi), and I did appreciate it, but the fact that it sort of depicted a slightly older generation made it a little less relatable. In other words, it wasn't the coolest thing at the time, if that makes sense (and I feel bad saying that). But now that I'm totally enamored with Alison Bechdel, due to Fun Home and Are You My Mother?, I should probably give it another chance.

Of course, if someone would beat the Saints, it would help us, I believe. I think their remaining schedule is ever-so-slightly more difficult than ours (including 2 road games with one at the Panthers), and if our records end up the same, we'll win the tie-breaker. I worry about the Panthers too, but we win that tie-breaker too. Hopefully we're ok.

"...it wasn't the coolest thing at the time...(and I feel bad saying that)."
No need to feel badly saying that, Kerri. I believe I'm just about a decade older than you, so Dykes to Watch Out For was all the rage when I was coming out in the latter part of the 1980s. I could relate to it 100%. It was me. It was my life. I loved it.

My enthusiasm continues.

"Hopefully we're ok." It will be a fun ride!!

I've never read Dykes to Watch Out For but it was on my radar back in the 90's.... I don't know why I never got around to it... Probably because I was so darn closeted?

Anyhoo... You're making me scared to ever try to pick up Still Life. I checked it out of the library on audio, then found out about the lay off and returned it un-listened-to, so now I'm realllly hesitant. ;)

#250 - Hi Ellen - I will give it a try - I do love Alison Bechdel. Of course, now it's more a look back at history, because so much has changed since the 80s/90s (except maybe lesbian folk music. Ha! I KID!). I should also add that I've never been much of a comic strip follower, so that could have something to do with it too.

It will be a fun ride!! Yes, and not to be too demanding, but I'd like a fun ride, plus a Superbowl.

#251 - Hi Tina - I was not wildly closeted in the 90s. Ha! But the 90s were rough (probably much rougher in the South than they were in Chicago). Certainly not as rough as some previous decades, but there was a lot of hatred flying around. Thankfully a fair amount of progress has been made, with hopefully more to come.

Oh, please don't let me scare you away from Still Life! I'm liking it just fine - it's rather cute, actually, and very well-written. Setting, food description, colorful characters, and literary references go a long way in this one. The actual mystery is a little ho-hum though, to be honest (I think that's my review!)

Book comments on recent audiobooks (before I completely forget what they're about!):



Title: In My Father's Den
Author: Maurice Gee
Publication Year: 1972
Format: Audiobook
Stars: Four and a half

When Celia Inverarity is murdered, her mentor and English teacher Paul Prior becomes the initial suspect. Set in suburban Auckland, the novel follows Paul as he deals with both the accusation and the devastating loss of his protégé (and perhaps inappropriate love interest.)

Woven into the narrative are flashbacks to Paul's tumultuous childhood, where he and his father are in constant conflict with his mother and brother, for reasons mostly related to religion. The den referred to in the title is a secret poison shed where his father keeps shelves of books and art works not allowed in the house by the pious matriarch (stuff like Walt Whitman.) Paul's early introduction to the den changes the course of his life and shapes the man he is to become.

I'm not sure what to compare this to (I guess "literary mystery" is the best description), but it's poignant, lovely, and quietly suspenseful and creepy. It's a moving portrait of the father/son bond and an in-depth exploration of the forces that quietly tear a family apart and scar it forever. On top of that, it's a compelling mystery that will keep you turning the pages. Loved it!

I hope I've managed to convince a few others to read (or listen to - the narrator was very good) this little gem (it's short!). I'm looking forward to reading more by Maurice Gee. Any suggestions?

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Title: Childhood's End
Author: Arthur C. Clarke
Publication Year: 1953
Format: Audiobook
Stars: Four and a half

Following a relatively peaceful alien takeover of Earth (complete with hovering spaceships over all major cities and curious-looking aliens who do not reveal themselves physically for the first 50 years of the occupation), the planet is led into a seemingly golden age of Utopia - war is abolished, poverty is eradicated and everything seems great. Of course, there are a significant number of humans who oppose the occupation and fear the loss of complete control over their own lives.

There's a lot going on here: Perhaps a critique of the utopian ideal, putting forward the idea that humans need a certain amount of friction/conflict to propel society and idea generation forward. In addition, there's an unflattering portrait of colonization and colonizing powers - we see the more advanced alien colonizers as non-violent (and perhaps benevolent?), but yet arrogant and condescending in ways they don't even realize. But whatever to all that business, because then some crazy stuff happens that will completely blow your mind (I won't tell you about it, because I'm trying to avoid spoilers), but it will make you ponder your ultimate significance in the grand scheme of things. Sigh.

So, this is a wonderful and thought-provoking work and I highly recommend it, although I should note that it's heavy on ideas and light on character development (which I understand is typical of Clarke). One complaint: I had to dock it half a star, because it's far into the future and women are still seemingly banned from positions of power and influence. I mean, really?! Not even a scientist?! Of course, this is typical of sci-fi from this era, but it's still annoying (and baffling.) Otherwise this is a fantastic achievement, and one of the best sci-fi classics I've read.

In My Father's Den sounds intriguing. My library doesn't have it and the paperback is $22 on Amazon. Hopefully, I can find it in one of the secondhand stores around here...

I just did some research and Dykes to Watch Out For started in 1987. I didn't follow it all the way through to its demise in 2007, but those first few years were pretty key for me. In any case, I think as a historical look at a thriving sub-culture, it would be great for anyone who is interested. I'm looking forward to the collection's arrival on my doorstep!

I'm going in search of a copy of In My Father's Den after your excellent and intriguing review, Kerri.

Hi Kerri - Nice reviews. I've never read anything by Maurice Gee and In My Father's Den sounds like something I might like. I haven't read any Clarke for a long time, but this one sounds good. Just what I needed -- two more books on my "to read" list.

I loved Dykes to Watch Out For, back in the day. The strip really was of its time, though, so I can see how it might not work for a younger generation.

#254 - Hi Katie - Oh, no! I saw a copy yesterday on Abe Books for $4.44. I was lucky that my library has a copy of the audiobook. I didn't realize it was out of print. I read about it on one of my favorite book blogs: http://anzlitlovers.com/

#255 - Hi Ellen - Interesting - I thought it was a tad older than that (early 80s). Like I said, I'll definitely check it out now.

Thank you! I do hope you enjoy In My Father's Den. I do feel bad about recommending a book that's out of print, but I'm guessing most library systems will have it. Apparently there's also a movie based on it.

#256 - Hi Beth - Thank you! I definitely think you'll like In My Father's Den.

Childhood's End was a wonderful surprise, because (as mentioned above), I recently abandoned Rendezvous with Rama. I'll now have to go back to that, as I think I just wasn't in the right frame of mind. I should also read 2001, but I've seen the movie already, so I have a decent grasp of that one.

#257 - Hi Rhonda (and Ellen) - It's interesting. I now feel like I'm "of the same age" as Alison Bechdel and the characters depicted in Dykes to Watch Out For, but when you're in your 20s (especially early 20s), people in their 30s sometimes seem old and difficult to relate to (if only because their lives seem more established.) Another interesting thing is that I have no idea why "relating" was so important when it comes to this comic strip, since a good 90% of what I read is not directly relatable to my life in any way (although, we often find stuff to relate to in the most unlikely places, which is one of the reasons why reading fiction is such a wonderful thing, but that's another conversation.) Finally, I don't want it to seem like I shunned the thing , or disliked it in any way. It just wasn't really part of my life at the time. I hope that makes sense.

I'm guessing most library systems will have it.
Sadly, the Seattle Public Library does not. They have three other works by Maurice Gee but not that one. Oh well.

I hope you have a lovely Wednesday, Kerri!

Regarding relatability (not a word, but...) I think Dykes to Watch Out For in the late 1980s and 1990s probably did have a pretty narrow audience. I agree that the decades shrink in terms of identity as we progress through life, but the difference between 25 and 35 is rather large. And I think the world changed a lot between 1987 and 1997 with regard to lesbian culture. It was a HUGE decade in that regard.

Anyway, I must go to work.

#259 - Hi Ellen - Oh, poop! Leave it to me to recommend a book that isn't available to most humans. I had no idea. I think I'll make a point to look for it in used bookstores, so I can send it to friends.

I hope you have a lovely Wednesday as well!

#260 - (not a word, but...) I like to believe it's a word...although perhaps an "up-and-coming" word.

I agree that the decades shrink in terms of identity as we progress through life Funny how that works, but it's very true.

This is a fascinating topic and it sort of makes me want to seek out some reading on recent lesbian social history (Really, it does.) I read Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers years and years ago and it's very good (although a bit dry and academic), but I believe it stops in the 80s (unless it's been updated.) On a related note, I recently received a Netgalley called Eating Fire: My Life as a Lesbian Avenger (no touchstone yet), which is journalist Kelly Cogswell's memoir about life as a radical lesbian activist in the 90s. It looks interesting, so perhaps I'll get to that soon.

Hi Kerri - Eating Fire sounds good. I think you're right about that decade between 25 and 35. HUGE difference -- at least as far as I remember from these advanced years....;)

Love your comments on Childhood's End. it's heavy on ideas and light on character development (which I understand is typical of Clarke) Yes, quite, as is the lack of women. I read 2001 and decided that was my exposure to Clarke, but Childhood's End sounds worth the time as long as you know what you're getting into.

#262 - Hi Beth - Well, 25 was a looong time ago for me too!

Yes, Eating Fire does sound good, and I'm sure it will be a fascinating trip down memory lane.

#263 - Hi Katie - Are you back?! Anyway, I think you might like Childhood's End. Like I said, I haven't actually read 2001, but if comparing that film (and it's a darn good film, in my opinion) and this book, Childhood's End comes out on top. It does make me want to explore Clarke's other stuff.

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I finished up And the Dark Sacred Night yesterday. I can't post my review, because it's for Booklist, but I will say that it's very good and I would recommend it to those who enjoy these sorts of large scale family dramas. From what I understand, some of the characters from Three Junes appear, but you don't have to have read that to read this. It's also written in that same format - 4 or 5 sections written from the perspective of different characters. It does make me want to check out Three Junes at some point.

Anyway, I'm going to squeeze in There but For the by Ali Smith before I tackle The Golden Notebook, as (1) it's on the shorter side, (2) it's a library book, and (3) I've been wanting to read it for ages. I'm home today, due to a combination sick day (just a bad cold) and oh-good-grief-the-hot-water-heater-is-dead-and-I'm-waiting-for-the-new-one-to-arrive day. So, I hope to get a good deal of reading and review-writing done, but hopefully some resting too.

Oh, and here's something I posted on the Interesting Articles thread yesterday, but I'm not sure if my potential Hild-reading friends follow it:

If anyone is reading the wonderful Hild by Nicola Griffith, she posted a list of all the characters on her blog today (there's an enormous number of characters with strange names, so this is very helpful): https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Byb97AHGihASbndRaUlZQ01nSGc/edit

Kerri, this is not the time of year you want the hot-water heater to stop working! Although it is a good day to stay home and rest if you're under the weather. I hope you're feeling back on top soon!

Hi Kerri - It's nice that you haven't read Three Junes; it's been so long since I read it that if I had to remember all the characters and relationships to appreciate And the Dark Sacred Night, I would probably never read it.

I'll check out the Hild link - I hope to read that early next year.

I hope you feel better and your hot water is working soon.

#265 - Hi Julia - this is not the time of year you want the hot-water heater to stop working! It certainly isn't, but the new one has been installed and there were no problems...other than the gigantic expense, my favorite part being that the town I live in requires a $105 permit to install a hot water-heater. I thought that was odd, but I guess it's not that uncommon.

#266 - Hi Beth - You're good. You definitely don't have to know anything prior to reading it. The back cover gives a good description of the relationship between the characters in both books.

Yes, when you read Hild, having that list will be invaluable. Hear me now, believe me later. :-)

What? What a weird thing to charge money for, Kerri. I guess they have to get money somewhere, now that nobody ever wants to pay anything actually called a tax. I wonder if my town has anything like that. I did have to have a new water heater installed a couple of years ago, but that's my landlord's problem and expense, thankfully.

A permit for a hot water heater? That's ridiculous! We got a new one a few months ago==amazing how much nicer our showers are now.

#268 and #269 - Hi Julia and Rhonda - Yes! I thought it was odd too. The governments of the Western suburbs of Chicago tend to be a bit...shall we say shady and occasionally Mafia-oriented, so I was skeptical, but it's a real thing. You actually need a permit to install an appliance. In any case, I'm very thankful for the hot water!

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I finished up Still Life yesterday and thought it was solid (3.5 stars). While it's slow to get started and drags a bit in the middle, overall it's engaging and very well-written. As I said above, setting, food description, colorful characters, and literary references go a long way in this one, but the actual mystery is a little ho-hum. I do plan to continue with the series, as everyone says it gets better.

And I think that gets me to 75 on the year (at one point, I didn't think I would make it)!

My next audio will be The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It seems silly that I've never read this, but it's true, I haven't. I believe it's due to my aversion to the mixture of comedy and sci-fi, but I'm going to set that aside and approach this with an open mind.

Morning Kerri! Yah, for hitting 75! You go girl. Glad you made it through Three Pines. You are quite the trooper. I listened to The Hitchhiker's Guide a couple years ago. It was a lot of fun. Have a great Friday!

ETA_ I have not read Smith yet but I have one or 2 on shelf.

Happy Friday, Kerri. Congrats on 75. I'm glad you made it through Still Life. I'll be interested in hearing what you think of the Smith - I've never read her, but maybe in 2014. Her books all sound really original.

Congrats on the 75, Kerri! I'm glad Still Life held up well for you. As you've heard, I'm sure, the series just gets better in subsequent volumes.

I look forward to hearing your reaction to Hitchhiker's Guide. I enjoyed it, and it's one of my sci-fi-loving son's favorite books. But who knows, the humor may not be your flavor.

#271 - Hi Mark - Thanks! I am a trooper! Too true. In the end, Still Life was quite a bit better than I thought it would be. So there's that.

I'm a tad skeptical about the Hitchhiker's Guide, but like I said - Open mind. And it's short!

#272 - Thanks, Beth! I've been wanting to read Ali Smith for a very long time. I own The Accidental, but There but for the is the one that I'm most interested in. I didn't get much reading done yesterday, so I'm not very far in, but it definitely has me chuckling quite a bit. I like her style and use of language. Pretty much give me a pun and I'm happy.

#273 - Hi Joe - Thanks! So your son likes it then. I actually haven't started listening yet, as I was more in a music mood this morning, but I'll probably start it on my walk to the train this evening. I'm giving it a go, and I suppose that's the important thing. (I'm making it sound a bit like mild torture, aren't I? )

And, um, please note that I posted my Childhood's End comments. Weren't you badgering me about them? :-)

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Since I hit 75 books, I'm thinking about next year. The following are some changes I plan to make (they're all terribly nerdy, but that's typical, I suppose):

1. I'm going to overhaul my star rating system. The plan is to go out two decimal places and use all values between 0 and 5, not just the halves (I hope I said that mathematically correctly.) I've also developed a list of rating criteria that I may or may not share. The important thing is that I'm hoping this will make my ratings more consistent and accurate.

2. If a book is 550 pages or more, I give myself permission to count it as two books. I feel that I've (unfortunately) avoided chunksters since joining this group, and this seems like a good way to fix that problem. Some chunksters I'd like to get to eventually: Cloudsplitter, Possession, various Iris Murdoch novels, a couple China Miéville novels, and others. I'm not sure I'll get to them all next year, but I have good intentions.

3. The most exciting change(!!): I'm going to have thread toppers! I left them off this year, after posting photos of Geezer through 2012. My 2014 theme is going to be "Photos of Classic Country Artists in Sparkly, Outrageous Outfits." I will probably add links to music samples as well (of featured artist.) Brace yourselves, People. That's all I can say.

My 2013 theme is going to be "Photos of Classic Country Artists in Sparkly, Outrageous Outfits." I will probably add links to music samples as well (of featured artist.)

Oh, boy. I wish I could travel forward in time to go ahead and star your 2014 thread right now!

#275 - Oh, boy. I wish I could travel forward in time to go ahead and star your 2014 thread right now! Ha! I bet you do! It's going to be epic.

>274 DorsVenabili: Did I forget to tell you how much I enjoyed your Childhood's End comments, Kerri? Sometimes I think things in my head and just assume I posted them. (Sometimes I don't think anything in my head, and go ahead and post that, which is worse).

I liked the book a lot for all the reasons you give, including that colonization perspective, be careful what you wish for (utopia), and crazy stuff that happens that will completely blow your mind. It's my favorite of his. I remember liking Against the Fall of Night and The City and the Stars a lot, too. Glad you had a good time with it!

>258 DorsVenabili: Apparently there's also a movie based on it.
The film version of In My Father's Den is brilliant. I cannot recommend it enough, although it sounds like it might be a little different, as I am sure it is set in rural Otago, in the south of the South Island (as opposed to urban Auckland, in the north of the North Island). But really, track it down. It has gorgeous scenery, and is a lovely film.

*bracing self for sparky outfits next year*

Hi Kerri! I'm killing my last half hour or so at work this Friday afternoon checking in on some threads.

#261 - "I recently received a Netgalley called Eating Fire: My Life as a Lesbian Avenger (no touchstone yet), which is journalist Kelly Cogswell's memoir about life as a radical lesbian activist in the 90s."
That sounds very interesting!!

#274 - "Some chunksters I'd like to get to eventually: Cloudsplitter, Possession, various Iris Murdoch novels, a couple China Miéville novels, and others."
Oh good. I have read (and absolutely loved) Cloudsplitter but would love to have a reading companion for Possession and some Iris Murdoch novels (I own about three of them, but other than The Sea, The Sea, which I know you've already read, I can't remember what's in those stacks at home). I'm also interested in reading something by China Miéville, though I don't yet own any of those.

"My 2014 theme is going to be 'Photos of Classic Country Artists in Sparkly, Outrageous Outfits.'"
I can hardly wait. :-)

I look forward to your thoughts about there but for the.

Congratulations on reaching the 75 book mark! And I can tell already I'll be looking forward to your thread-toppers next year.

Ooo!!! Looking forward to the sparkly outfits!!! & I've had the books over 400 pages = 2 books rule for a while now, just for the reason you said. I didn't want to avoid chunksters. But it was pretty hard trying to decide how many books The Count of Monte Cristo should be. You'll love Hitchhiker's Guide. There are so many little things in it that just make sense. Really. Never go anywhere without a towel.

& I think I'm back. I'm going to be super busy 'till the end of December, but the shiny newness has worn off Spotify and I'm enjoying my biography of Woody Guthrie so far.

Congrats on the 75, Kerri!

I'm very fond of Hitchhiker's but I appreciate it's not for everyone. Is the audiobook read by Stephen Fry?

Congrats! Any thoughts on who the first thread topper will be? I vote for Tammy Wynette!

Congratulations on hitting 75, Kerri!

Morning Kerri- I love your ideas for next year. I will have to join you on Cloudsplitter, if I can bookhorn it in. I can't believe next year is already filling in. We are masochists, but of course in a very nice way. Speaking of chunksters, I am kicking off the year with Bleak House. I think I will try to do that every January. A classic tome.
I tried Surly Furious the other night: Excellent! Mention it to Joe. I also picked up their American IP ,which is also tasty. We LOVE our beer.

#277 - Hi Joe - Ha! I was just giving you a hard time, but I'm delighted that we had similar impressions of Childhood's End. It's definitely a winner. I will check out the two Clarke titles you mentioned, as I've never heard of them. It's just nice to read a winner from this sci-fi time period. I was getting terribly frustrated, but now there's hope.

#278 - Hi Megan - I've read that the movie is a bit different in terms of a few details. I know the location is altered and the main character is a photographer, rather than an English teacher. Sadly, I can't find the movie anywhere (and I desperately want to see it now!)! Netflix doesn't have it, the library system doesn't have it, and all the DVD copies available on Amazon won't play on U.S. DVD players. Clearly, it was not released in the U.S. I'll keep looking for a playable version though. :-(

#279 and #280 - Hi Ellen - Yes! Now I'm very much looking forward to Eating Fire. Perhaps a January read. There's also another newish memoir I've been looking for. It's called When We Were Outlaws by Jeanne Cordova and is similarly-themed. I'll have to order it online, as I've been unable to find it at any stores and I don't think my library has it.

Ok, good! Possession shared read it is! That's one that I want to read for my Booker project, plus it's the favorite novel of two good friends who have good taste. However, it's long and doesn't really describe well for me, so I've tended to avoid it.

Regarding China Mieville, I've only read Perdido Street Station (and loved it) and want to continue that trilogy, but I'm pretty sure you'd hate that (trust me). Maybe someone with more Mieville experience can steer you to something else. I know he's branched out into several different territories. Just please don't start with that trilogy. I'm trying to look out for you. :-)

#281 - Hi Roni - Thank you! I promise that next-year's thread-toppers will blow your mind!

#282 - Hi Katie - Yay that you're back then! So you did 400 pages? I might change mine to 500. I think that will let a few more in.

Glad to hear you like The Hitchhiker's Guide! I still haven't actually started it. Perhaps this afternoon in the car.

A Woody Guthrie biography sounds good. I look forward to your thoughts!

#283 - Hi Mickey - Thank you! Another endorsement of The Hitchhiker's Guide! Yay!

#284 - Hi Jim - Thanks! Tammy Wynette is a good idea. I might go with George and Tammy though, because I think I prefer her in a duet context. I have my first two thread images picked out, but it's going to be a surprise. My first one will be my favorite male country artist and his famous band. Unfortunately, my favorite female country artist (Emmylou Harris) has never been a big wearer of sparkly outfits, but I'm still searching...I'd like to squeeze her in somehow.

#285 - Hi Stasia - You're back! I must go find your thread. And thank you!

#286 - Hi Mark - I'm glad you'll join me on Cloudsplitter Yay! Bleak House sort of intrigues me too, but I'm not sure January is a great time for it, as it seems like I'll be traveling half the month and will rely on ebooks (and not very deep ones at that).

Glad you got some Surly Furious! I'll tell Joe. Have you tried the Coffee Bender? That's good too. I think we may have had the American IPA, but I can't remember.

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Ok. Very busy Saturday (practicing, then long rehearsal, then family Xmas party) and busy Sunday morning (big choir performance), but I'll be back tomorrow afternoon to visit threads after the game. I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Hi Kerri - A lovely weekend to you, too. I loved Possession -- maybe it's time for a reread? Although I have been wanting to finish Byatt's tetrology; I read Virgin in the Garden and Still Life years ago, but never finished it. I should probably start from the beginning again... Cloudsplitter is also one I would like to read.

#253 Hi Kerri. Your review of Childhood's End has made me keener to try some Arthur C. Clarke. Your comments about heavy on ideas and light on character development and lack of women in prominent positions in the future reminded me of Isaac Asimov, whose books I generally enjoy despite those flaws.

#258 "I should also read 2001, but I've seen the movie already, so I have a decent grasp of that one."

I have tried to watch the film so many times and given up in bafflement.

And congratulations on reading 75 books!

#274 My 2014 theme is going to be "Photos of Classic Country Artists in Sparkly, Outrageous Outfits." Excellent! Sounds like a great way for a non-country music listener like me to enjoy country music :-)

#287 Possession? That massive A.S.Byatt tome I've been too scared to read for several years....? Hmm..

I read Possession when I was 13? 14? and an insufferable teenager to prove to my even more insufferable older sister that I was just as smart as she was. I remember almost nothing about it but when asked, I say I liked it. I think I should try re-reading it. I know I skipped all the 19th c. poetry in it - some of it went on for pages and pages....

I am another who skipped most of the poetry in Possession. Didn't seem to be overly relevant to the plot and I don't think I missed anything by doing so.

Not my favourite of the Bookers but by no means the worst of the winners and at least it is "worthy".

Have a lovely weekend, Kerri.

Hitchhikers is a good car book. So far I'm liking the Woody Guthrie bio. He had such a tragic life, but for some reason, the bio is sounding a bit like a tall tale. Today, I read he was running around Texas trying to find a gold and silver mine his Grandfather had found. ???

Sci-fi from earlier days: I imagine you've read good portions of Ursula LeGuin and Isaac Asimov, Kerri (woo, there are two very different writers!) Philip K. Dick turned out all sorts of thought-provoking sci-fi (he may get the "most-filmed" award). Did you ever read Flowers for Algernon? Ray Bradbury is great, of course. Dan Simmons' Hyperion books grabbed my sister and me. The Mote in God's Eye and Ringworld are challenging and good, although again it's the ideas and the stories that are engaging, not the characters.

I like the old Jules Verne stuff, which is where I started with sci-fi, and among those I've always had a soft spot for The Mysterious Island, which to some extent is more of an adventure novel than sci-fi.

#288 - Hi Beth - I welcome a Beth addition to the Possession and Cloudsplitter reads! A Byatt's tetrology...that sounds daunting. I do like her sister though - Margaret Drabble. Pity they don't quite like each other. That's a sad story. :-(

#289 - Hi Heather - Well, yes, I guess it's kind of similar to Asimov in that way: No major female characters in the original Foundation trilogy either, but there was Vasilia Fastolfe, the robot scientist (in the Asimov Robot novels) and (of course) Dors Venabili the...well, I always feel like it's a spoiler to say what she is, so I'll keep quiet.

I have tried to watch the film so many times and given up in bafflement. Ha! Yes, I think it took me a couple tries, but I finally made it. It's good.

Join us for Possession, Heather! You can do it!

#290 - Hi Katie - Ha! Is this the same young Katie of Pretentious Paper Title fame? I did my fair share of ill-timed reads in my teens as well. The big ones were probably Orlando and The Death of Ivan Illych. Both of those would benefit from an older, wiser reread. :-)

#291 - Hi Paul - I must admit, I wasn't aware of the poetry - not that that's bad, unless it's bad poetry... Well, at least it's worthy, right? I hope you had a lovely weekend as well!

#292 - Hi Katie - I still haven't started that darn book! Hopefully tomorrow.

Regarding the Woody Guthrie bio - Huh. That's interesting. Sounds about right. I also want to read the novel he wrote that was recently published. Someone around here was reading it earlier this year.

#293 - Earth to Joe! Who is amber?! :-) Anyway, I love both LeGuin and Asimov. I've liked the PKD and Bradbury that I've read and everything else you've mentioned is on my TBR pile! As long as you don't try to get me to read Robert Heinlein we're good. Stranger in a Strange Land was hands down one of the most awful books I've ever read.

>294 DorsVenabili: I think I'm losing my marbles, Kerri. I changed the "Amber" up above. That's twice in two weeks I've done that. My only excuse is I try to squeeze in these posts while my MBH is conveying incredibly important info and instructions to me. Amber is scaifea. I probably came from posting on her thread. Oops. Next beer is on me.

Yeah, I stayed away from mentioning Robert Heinlein. He turns a lot of folks off, although he was a very popular sci-fi author. I liked Stranger in a Strange Land as a teen, but I haven't been tempted to re-read it. I thought I remembered you've read Asimov. The Foundation books were intriguing; I, Robot, too.

>294 DorsVenabili:: Yep, same one. Sometimes I just want to slap my younger self :-)

Hi Kerri. Happy Seahawks Victory Day! (aka Sunday) :-)

Regarding Mieville --> "Just please don't start with that trilogy. I'm trying to look out for you."
I do appreciate it and I do think you have a sense of things I won't like (although I gave The Red House one-half star more than you predicted). I think Mieville is one of those authors who I keep thinking sounds really great and then I read about one of his novels and think "um, no." But I do want to give him a try.

Okay, we're on for a shared read of Possession sometime in 2014. That, and maybe Eating Fire if I can get my hands on a copy.

Have a lovely Monday!

If you stick to early Heinlein, you'll be okay. Between Planets, The Star Beast and The Door into Summer should be fine. And I like early Clark best too, before Rendezvous with Rama and 2001. The Deep Range and Between Planets were some of the earliest science fiction I ever read.

#295 - Hi Joe - Ha! It's probably good policy to listen to MBH when she's speaking to you, so the mix-up is completely understandable. I will take the beer though. :-)

From people who've reread it after liking it as a young person, I've heard that Stranger in a Strange Land doesn't age well. Imagine that!

#296 - Hi Katie - Well...yeah. Me too. Meaning, I'd like to slap my younger self, not your younger self, as that would be rude.

#297 - Hi Ellen - Yay to a shut out! Now I'd like to finish off with two wins. I'm glad we'll be at home, but both the Cardinals and the Rams worry me. I don't think it will be easy. This division is crazy!

I think Mieville is one of those authors who I keep thinking sounds really great... Hmm. I don't assume that I can predict what you'd like, however, if I was your personal librarian, I would probably steer you away from more sci-fi or fantasy novels, as they don't seem to be your thing. I know Mieville is a different brand of weirdness and isn't exactly either of those two things, but it's sort of in that same general category. Then again, I've only read the one and perhaps one of his other novels would be a good fit for you. I'm not sure. I also understand wanting to try certain authors that I think I should try (like my current audiobook), so I respect that journey too. So, yeah, basically ignore whatever I say. :-)

#298 - Hi Roni - If you stick to early Heinlein Thank you. You're wonderfully sweet and I do appreciate the suggestions, but, in reality, you couldn't pay me to read anything else by him. I mean, words can't quite describe how much I hated that novel. It was like all the things I despise most in the world wrapped up in one awful package. I actually can't believe I finished it.

I do appreciate the Clarke recommendations though! I actually own The Deep Range, so I may read that next.

"...if I was your personal librarian,..." This is what I need! I need a personal librarian!
That, and a condo on Kaua'i. :-)

ETA: I tried The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy eons ago because everyone I knew seemed to have read and loved it. I think I gave up after about 10 pages. But that was definitely in my less patient phase of life. Ha.

I remember reading "Hitchhiker's Guide" probably 10 years ago as part of a program where adults (that's me) were paired with junior high and high school students for a shared read that involved exchanging journal entries about the week's reading each week. I remember liking it but not loving it so much that I had to go out and read all the rest. I also remember listening to the radio play version on NPR even before that and having absolutely no idea what the heck was going on, having never heard of the book before. :-)

#300 - Hi Ellen - If you ever get hold of a condo in Kaua'i, I'd be happy to live in your servant's quarters and serve as your personal librarian. From what I understand, you also have some book organization needs as well.

I think I gave up after about 10 pages. Ha! I can see that happening. I can be a jerk about comedy. I'm very picky (and I don't think it always ages well - cultural references disappear, things become cliché, etc.) Joe thinks I'm brutal, but I really do appreciate certain comedians and comedy writers. Comedy is a tough art.

#301 - Hi Julia - That sounds like a delightful program, except for the part about interacting with teenagers. I KID! Sort of.

Yeah, I have a feeling I'll stop at this one. It's not exactly "my thing," but I do want to give it a whirl. I actually just started it this morning and it's not so bad, really. Quite goofy.

Kerri, reading the young boy's journal was interesting. The in-person meetings were a little bit excruciating, because although he seemed like a nice enough kid I have pretty much zero experience with teenagers and had no idea what to say. I'm more comfortable with smaller kids (and even then, no more at one time than the number of hands I have , please). Clearly we are all breathing a sigh of relief right now that I never became a mother. :-D

#303 - Clearly we are all breathing a sigh of relief right now that I never became a mother. Ha! I can relate.

I never know what to say to teenagers. At one point in the past, I considered getting a degree in secondary education, but after doing some soul-searching, realized I probably wouldn't excel in that field, so went in another direction. Some people just have a gift when it comes to relating to teens, but I don't. I did have a few teen students when I taught piano, but they were all very well-behaved and well-adjusted. I don't think I could handle either large groups of teens, or difficult teens.

"Comedy is a tough art."
Yep, I fully agree.

Kerri, I think most people would agree that Heinlein suffered a brain freeze when he hit male menopause and started trying to be cook and grok the 60s and explore sexuality and all that. His earlier stuff is NOTHING like SIASL or all that Lazarus Long stuff. Trust me on this. It's like a totally different person.

#305 - Hi Ellen - Yep.

#306 - Hi Roni - ...Heinlein suffered a brain freeze when he hit male menopause Ha! Is that what happened? Good to know. I should add that the politics really got to me too. Nothing makes my head explode like that particular brand of political thinking (I'm avoiding naming it, so I might avoid a potentially heated political discussion on my thread.)

Oh, dear. I decided to abandon The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy yesterday. I got through 3.5 discs (out of 5) and just couldn't go on (I really did try!). It's not for me. It's like sitting through a never ending series of Monty Python skits (i.e. the ultimate torture for Kerri.) I will say that it's very well done if you like this sort of thing, and Stephen Fry is a most excellent narrator (which is probably what caused me to stick around for so long). I may see if he's narrated anything else I'd like to listen to.

For a complete change of pace, I'll start Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital by Sheri Fink for my next audiobook. I think a few LT people have read this. It deals with New Orleans’ Memorial Medical Center during and following Hurricane Katrina.

I do have a question. I had planned to give Terry Pratchett a try in the near future, but since The Hitchhiker's Guide was such a painful experience, should I abandon this idea? Something tells me it's the same sort of humor and goofiness. Am I correct?

Morning Kerri- I hope your week went well. I loved the Fink book. Powerful stuff. I hope it works for you. The only Pratchett I read was good Omens, with Gaiman and I liked it.

What Mark said. The only Pratchett I've ever read was "Good Omens" and I thought it was hilarious. There is a lot of humor, but in my memory it wasn't as bad as "Hitchhiker". At least I can say I liked it a lot more.

Good morning, Kerri. The only Terry Pratchett I've read was Guards! Guards! and, if you don't like Monty Python-esque humor, I predict you would not like that novel. I DO like Monty Python (well, some of his/their stuff) and I enjoyed parts of Guards! Guards! but it wore thin quickly. It also has a bit of an YA twinge, which I believe you (like me) tend to shy away from. Still, that is only one of his works and perhaps not the best one on which to focus if you're considering giving him a go.

#309 - Hi Mark - My week has been action-packed, but not bad. In fact, in a bit, I'm off to the roughly five-hundredth holiday lunch/party in the past two weeks. While that's certainly nothing to complain about, I think I need a little sit-in-my-comfy-chair-and-read time.

Oh, right! You read Five Days at Memorial. I'm looking forward to it. I actually didn't start it this morning, because I was on a T-Rex thing. It happens. Often.

#309 and #310 - Hi Julia (and Mark) - Hmm. So Good Omens will take care of both Gaiman and Pratchett, two authors I'm convinced I should read. I might try that. Thank you!

#311 - Hi Ellen - Oh, right. I remember your reaction to Guards! Guards!. Eek! I will stay away. And I didn't even know about the YA angle.

but it wore thin quickly. Yes! That's exactly what both Hitchhiker's Guide and Monty Python did for me. They wore thin quickly. I tried to like Monty Python in my younger years, because I had nerdy friends who liked it (or were they trying to like it too. Who knows?), but it just never really did much for me. If you have to pretend to laugh, it's probably not a good sign. Different strokes, I guess.

*********************************************

And just so everyone doesn't think I'm a hater of fun, frivolity, and laughter (because I'm not! Really! ...although I do hate fireworks and parades) here are things that make me laugh out loud: Spinal Tap, Flight of the Concords, The Colbert Report, the British version of The Office, and Barbara Pym novels (well, except the depressing one I recently read).

Stand-up comedians I admire and derive laughter from: Chris Rock, Sarah Silverman, Louis C.K., Paul F. Tompkins, Tig Notaro (well, I've only heard the famous Taylor Dane thing, but that's hysterical).

So there it is. :-)

Oh, the Taylor Dane bit is hysterical! There aren't many comedy bits that stand up to repeated listening like that. OK, you've convinced me you're not a grinch. :-D

Apparently I need to go look up this Taylor Dane thing....

#313 - Phew! I'm glad I convinced you. :-) It totally stands up to repeated listening.

#314 - Hi Katie - Here you are: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V97lvUKYisA. Thank me later. Actually there's a better version out there, but I can't find it. If you use Spotify, the better version is on her comedy album. She kind of screws it up here.

Paula Poundstone? Might she make you laugh?

I'll click on the link and listen to the Taylor Dane thing when I'm not at the front desk at work. :-|

I had a feeling Hitchhiker's Guide wouldn't work for you, Kerri. No worries. Humor may be the single iffiest quality in writing - personal tastes differ so much on it. An endless series of Monty Python skits sounds pretty darn good to me, but I know that sure isn't true for a lot of folks.

I'm trying to get Five Days at Memorial from the library, and I guess I'm glad that it's popular enough to make that hard. It sounds really good. I look forward to hearing what you think of it.

>308 DorsVenabili: Not all books are for all readers, Kerri. Don't feel bad. As for other books Fry has read, I know he did the UK Harry Potter audiobooks.

#316 - Hi Ellen - Well, she doesn't make me cackle uncontrollably, but I don't think she's unfunny. These days, I think I've only heard her on Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me, so I haven't heard much of her current stand-up. It feels like she's often speaking at the conferences for the large organization that employs me, so she must be doing a lot with libraries and/or literacy, which is lovely.

I'm going to look for the better version of that Tig Notaro thing. The one I posted isn't the best.

#317 - Hi Joe - I was really trying to like it! I'm a little bummed about the whole thing, but what can you do? Comedy writing and performing is probably one of the most difficult arts to do well, and I have tons respect for comedians and comedy writers, even if what they do isn't my cup of tea. Obviously, The Hitchhiker's Guide is a beloved classic. It just happens to not be my thing. :-(

I hope you get Five Days at Memorial quickly! I got the audiobook from the library and it, surprisingly, didn't take as long as I thought it would.

#318 - Hi Micky - That is so true. I actually haven't read the Harry Potter books, but I've been told (this afternoon, in fact) that I should at least read the first one, if I know what's good for me. Knowing that Stephen Fry is the narrator is a helpful nudge.

Hi Kerri (Hater of fun)- I would love to see you put "I do hate fireworks and parades" on your profile page. I think it speaks volumes. LOL.
Guess what? I received a copy of Jude the Obscure today. It's an old Signet paperback, with small print but at least I have it on shelf now. Happy, Hater?

"I would love to see you put "I do hate fireworks and parades" on your profile page."
That would be kind of cute.

Hi Kerri. I've mostly heard Paula on Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, too, and I'm always glad when she is one of the comedian guests. I also saw her at a theater here in Seattle about five years ago and she was quite funny. I'm glad she likes libraries.

I have had Five Days at Memorial on hold at the library since Darryl reviewed it (a couple of months ago?). I have no idea when I'll get it but I can predict it will coincide with several other acquisitions. There are worse things. :-)

Happy weekend!

#315: Maybe there is a better one but that is a wonderful 12 minutes with Tig Notaro.

Five Days at Memorial sounds terrific and - bonus!- my local library actually has a copy :)

#320 - Oh, c'mon, Mark! I'm a fun-loving ball of sunshine! Everyone knows that. :-)

Oh, goody on the Jude the Obscure acquisition! Are you going to read it soon? You do know it's a bit of a downer, right? Just a warning.

#321 and #322 - Hi Ellen - Maybe I'll check her stand-up out. I don't honestly listen to Wait Wait Don't Tell Me very often, but she seems to be on it, every time I happen to catch it.

I still haven't started Five Days at Memorial, but I have faith that it's going to be a good one! I guess I'm lucky I didn't have a long wait, as it seems that everyone else does.

I'm glad you enjoyed that version of the Tig Notaro thing! She does seem a bit nervous and she screws up a little, but I suppose she recovers well.

#323 - Hi Stasia - Oh, good! I hope you're able to get to it soon!

*******************************************

So, I have another busy weekend, with minimal time for reading, but I'm off until Thursday, so hopefully I'll get some quality time in on Monday and Tuesday.

I'm almost done with There but for the, which I'm enjoying, but perhaps not as much as I thought I would (My expectations may have been too high). However, I will admit to being terribly excited when I came across the shout-out to Bartleby the Scrivener: "No, really, Miles keeps saying, I'd prefer not to." And that really solidified my belief, early on, that this is a modern-day retelling of that story. (Kerri loves her alienation tales. That's for sure.)

Anyway, when I'm done with that, I'll try to fit in Marbles (a graphic novel) and then Martha Quest, which I'll read instead of The Golden Notebook.

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend!

Inspired by Ellen's post of her top five of 2013, here is mine:

1. An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine
2. Fun Home by Alison Bechdel
3. The Hired Man by Aminatta Forna
4. The Radiant Way by Margaret Drabble
5. Hild by Nicola Griffith

Because I said I'm going to come clean about ebook purchases, here are the latest. All three were daily deals over the past couple weeks (I think).:

*The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin (I think this is a Ms. Beth recommendation.)
*Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out by Mo Yan (I have a feeling this isn't going to be my cup of tea, but it was $1.99.)
*Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver

Also, while bopping around the city yesterday, I stopped in at Women and Children First and purchased the following, along with a lovely pair of earrings for my sister (go figure):

*When We Were Outlaws by Jeanne Cordova

Morning Kerri- I have only read "Fun-Home" off your "Best of" list. I would love to get to the Alameddine and the Forna.
I have both The Orchardist & Flight Behavior saved on audio.
Hope you have a nice Sunday planned.

Hi Kerri - I've only read the Bechdel from your top five, but the others are all on my wish list. Have you read Flight Behavior? I loved, loved it. I read The Orchardist at the beginning of the year and remember liking it, but I wasn't as over-the-top about it as some reviewers.

Have a wonderful Sunday -- good luck on the football front.

I'll be mailing your package tomorrow. I don't know how long it will take...

I read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, but didn't love it at all. I just finished it because I'm a masochist that way (and this was before LT and my introduction to the "pearl" rule). So you have company. ;)

I wish listed Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers and would love to read Eating Fire too... So many good recommendations in this thread!

Oh, and I LOVE your plans for 2014. I was so miffed after spending a month on Anna Karenina last year and only getting to count it as one book! I love the "rule" for if it's over a certain page count, you can count it as 2 books. I may steal borrow that rule!

I love Women and Children First--haven't been there for years though.

I was going to try to convince you that you would like Pratchett. I read a couple YA things, with my daughter, and liked them and they weren't as silly as Hitchhiker. But then I remembered that I like Monty Python. So maybe I am not a good judge.

I am excited that you are trying Martha Quest.

#327 - Hi Mark - I think you would especially like The Hired Man!

I had a busy morning with choir accompanying and all, but now I plan to sit around and watch football all day. I'm also looking forward to the cave aged Gruyère cheese that I impulse bought at Whole Foods yesterday. Sigh.

#328 - Hi Beth - No, I haven't read Flight Behavior, though I've read several other Kingsolvers, including two this year. Hmm. Maybe it was someone else who really liked The Orchardist...

I mailed your package yesterday too (and Ellen's and Mark's)! I sent them media mail, so it could take a week or so.

#329 - Hi Tina - I'm typically a reading masochistic too, but when it's an audiobook, I find it harder to persevere when I'm not enjoying it.

I hope you enjoy Odd Girls and Eating Fire. The memoir I bought yesterday - When We Were Outlaws - looks similar to Eating Fire, but it takes place in the 70s, I believe.

I'm definitely using that rule for chunksters! I'm also not going to be wildly pre-occupied with my book count next year. Not that I really was this year (until the last couple months), but perhaps even less so. :-)

************************************************

I have another book giveaway! I was given a second copy of Vegetarian Suppers from Deborah Madison's Kitchen as a gift this week, so I'm giving away my old copy. It's an excellent cookbook, perfect for special occasions (some of the recipes tend to be a bit involved). I should point out that it's not, over all, wildly healthy (a lot of recipes involve cheese). My favorite recipes are "Yellow Peppers Stuffed with Quinoa, Corn, and Feta Cheese" and "Wine-Braised Lentils Over Toast with Spinach and Red Pearl Onions." There are also several exciting frittata recipes, but I haven't tried any yet.

#330 - Hi Rhonda - We were cross-posting! Oh, did you used to live in Chicago?! From what I understand, they are selling Women and Children First (the owners are retiring), but I think they're trying to find a buyer who will keep it going. I hope they do. It was definitely hopping yesterday!

Oh, Pratchett. I may try, but I have a feeling the result is going to be similar. Feel free to make suggestions though. I got a couple from Roni and Swynn a while back.

Martha Quest is much shorter. I'm hoping to end my year with it.

Kerri, I have a copy of Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out sitting on the shelves and, after I was terribly disillusioned by my reading of Pow!, I haven't even been tempted to read it. And I paid more than $1.99 for it. :-|
I also own The Orchardist and am very much looking forward to reading that one. I liked Flight Behavior, though it was not my favorite Kingsolver. I will be interested to see if you like it when you get to it.

Regarding your top five, I am looking forward to reading Hild (thank you for sending it). It's one of the chunksters I have been saving for 2014, along with The Luminaries, 2666, and The Bone People. And maybe one or two others that I've forgotten.....

I also loved Fun Home and have An Unnecessary Woman on my wishlist based on your review earlier this fall.

I have wonderfully fond memories of Women & Children First! It was a must-visit stop when my grad school friends and I ventured up to Chicago about four times a year. I purchased The Bean Trees there before anyone had ever heard of Barbara Kingsolver. I remember purchasing it. This is remarkable (for me).

I hope you have a lovely few days off with lots of reading, relaxation, and revelry!

#333 - Hi Ellen - I think I remember you not liking Pow!! Yeah, I'm quite skeptical and it's not a reading priority, but I thought since it's $1.99, it couldn't hurt, which, of course, is how they get you with the Kindle Daily Deals. Hrmpft.

Good news! I wouldn't say The Bone People is a chunkster, and as long as you remember that there's a glossary in the back, you'll be fine. I think it has a reputation for being more "difficult" than it actually is.

...and have An Unnecessary Woman on my wishlist based on your review earlier this fall. Actually, I haven't officially reviewed it yet, so you have that to look forward to! :-) I think I'm not supposed to post reviews of certain NetGalley books, until shortly before they've been released...also, I'm lazy...and also, it's hard to write a review for a book I love so much. Sigh.

That is a remarkable story about Women and Children First! You would be surprised by how much more exciting that neighborhood (Andersonville) is nowadays! There's no end to the fun near the intersection of Clark and Foster. I mean, I lived near there in the 90s and it was boring.

****************************************

BEWARE: Extreme nerdism ahead.

I finished There But For The and I'm going to try out my new 2014 rating system. I plan to give each book two ratings - an objective rating (this will be the official rating) and a personal taste rating. The objective rating will use all the decimal places, and the personal ratings will be stars (using halves, but not all the decimal places.) I think the two ratings will often be similar, but sometimes they aren't. So, here is what it will look like next year on my list of books read:

76. There But For The - Ali Smith (print book) (Objective Rating: 3.79/5.00)

So, in this case, my objective rating is slightly higher than my personal rating, but not by much. I'm not going to write an official review about this one, but I said a few things in post #324. I'll add that I think it's clever and I get it, but I don't think it consistently works across the four different points of view, and I found myself getting terribly impatient at times. However, I will say that Brooke, the brilliant 10-year-old, is adorable and perfectly written.

How I Arrive at Personal Ratings:
Here is my scale for the personal ratings (I just slapped it together, so I may change it a bit in the future, but this is the general idea.) I credit Ms. Ellen for convincing me to use the entire rating scale, making 2.5 an average book. Ellen is right. Kerri was wrong (but now sees the error of her ways). I've said it publicly. Ha!

5 = Amazing! Perfect!
4.5 = Wow, this was great, possibly among my favorites of the year
4 = Very good. Definitely recommended.
3.5 = This probably didn't change my life in any way, but it was good and has several redeeming qualities.
3 = Pretty good, with a few things done well.
2.5 = Average. This didn't kill me, but I probably won't seek out this author in the future, as life is too short to read average books.
2 = A bit below average. A waste of time.
1.5 = Nearly no redeeming qualities. Really rather bad.
1 = Among the worst books I've ever read.

How I Arrive at Objective Ratings:
I put together my objective ratings by rating the book in the following categories using the scale posted below, and then averaging the score. The following is for literary fiction. I have other scales for sci-fi, crime fiction, graphic novels, and non-fiction. Please note that I've "borrowed" these categories from other people who do a similar thing, although Lori is the only person I can think of off the top of my head.

*Character Development
*Articulation of Key Ideas
*Style
*Writing Skill
*Pace
*Premise
*Imagery/Visualization

And the scale I use for each category is the following:

5 = Perfect
4.5 = Nearly perfect
4 = Very good
3.5 = Quite good
3 = Pretty good
2.5 = Average
2 = A bit below average
1.5 = Really rather bad
1 = Absolutely awful

So, there it is. Yes, I'm completely insane, but the rating thing has been bothering me, so this is my (perhaps imperfect) solution. I will say that it sounds a lot more complicated than it actually is. Now that the system is developed, it takes very little time to come up with the numbers.

Kerri, as you know I have been wrestling with the whole ratings conundrum myself, so I'll be really interested to follow along next year to see how it works out for you.

Kerri> I keep trying to come up with a rubric myself. While I was going through some stuff in the closet in my Dad's house, I ran across a mimeographed sheet from high school English class about reviewing fiction. (The sheet is probably 35 years old.) I decided not to throw it out for the time being. I plan to try to decipher the faded blue ink to see if it helps me be more consistent. I do think that my ratings are closer to true than they were a couple of years ago, but I'm still not completely satisfied. At least the sheet may give me some more things to consider as I evaluate a book.

Kerri - Have a wonderful Christmas, Rock n Roll Princess!

As always it has been a pleasure to share a little slice of your life via these pages.

btw. Started Lessing's The Summer Before the Dark for your TIOLI today. xx

Kerri, best wishes to you and yours the Christmas season, here's a little something to enjoy after the festivities are over

#335 - Hi Julia - You know, my system felt good after implementing it that one time, but we'll see... I hope you figure out a system for yourself too!

#336 - Hi Lori - That's very cool! Once you decipher the sheet, I hope you share your additional criteria with the class. :-)

#337 - Hi Paul - Thank you!

Started Lessing's The Summer Before the Dark for your TIOLI today. You're a trooper! That's for sure.

#338 - Thank you, Lynda! I will put that beer in the fridge right away!

Merry Christmas Kerri and Happy 2014. Your package is on the way.

Kerry, have a great Christmas and new Year!

#340 - Thanks, Beth! Oh, goody on the package!

#341 - Thanks, Rhian!

LibraryThing friends! Here is the best holiday-themed video you'll ever gaze upon. Thank me later:

http://vimeo.com/33679107

Kate Bush singing "December Will be Magic Again"

^ Well. Interesting. I like "Running Up that Hill" better. :-)
But I do like the red jammies!

#334: "Ellen is right. Kerri was wrong (but now sees the error of her ways). I've said it publicly. Ha!"

And Ellen simply has to repost that, right? You'd lose respect for me if I didn't.

Actually, to be serious, I think your Personal Rating Scale is very much like what I've tried to create with mine. You know that I have also struggled with the whole rating scale thing and, with your permission, I may borrow somewhat from yours to more clearly articulate my own. I found myself really thinking about the rating scale issue last evening, after I completed The Grass is Singing and didn't feel like I was going to want to give it the full five stars. But how can that be?, I thought. I would give Kate Southwood's lovely Falling to Earth five stars and give the Nobel Laureate Lessing only 4.5 stars? But Southwood's novel made me cry and Lessing's did not. So, the idea of a Personal Rating Scale is really appealing. Since you write official reviews for real book-related publishing entities, it makes sense that you would try to achieve that objective rating. I'm wondering if I can let the notion go for my own self, though.... We'll see.

So, nerdiness aside, thank you for posting about your rating scale!! I think it's fabulous.

Oh, and, I do look forward to your review of An Unnecessary Woman when you get around to writing it. I must have registered your high praise (and did you say that it is perhaps your top read of the year? or did I imagine that?) and then morphed that into a review in my swiss cheese memory.

Happy Christmas, Kerri!

Merry Christmas, Kerri!

Kerri, your new rating system is awesome but too much work for me. I sort of do the same thing in my head and average the two with my fuzzy math. Lol. I haven't read even one of your Top Five books, although Hild is on reserve at the library. I'll try and get my favorites list posted before I head to Colorado after Christmas. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and lots of good reading in 2014!

Dear Kerri, oh boy I have missed a lot! Congrats on reaching 75! I'm holding out hope for myself, but I am determined to make up for lost LT time!

Merry Christmas to you and your family! Hope to see you in CO this year -- we've got great beer:)

Merry Christmas, Kerri! It's been great to have a new LT friend this year.

Love how you nerded out up there! It was inspiring...

Hi Kerri! Thanks for the "nerdiness" alert ~ LOL. More power to you if you can keep all that straight in your head! I'm doing well just to get a few thoughts jotted down, but I totally understand why you struggle with the rating system. You are just so much more motivated than I am. ;)

I hope you have wonderful holiday tomorrow!!! Enjoy your family & eat well, relax, etc. Like this guy here!

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!!

Catching up ... congrats on 75 and Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Kerri!

Merry Christmas, Kerri! Hope it was full of fabulous!

Hope you guys had a great Christmas! Try any good new beers?