TinaV95 ties up 2013 with a bow!

Happy FINAL thread, LT peeps!


.....and a Merry almost Christmas, my lovelies!

Edit to correct the author's dumbness in multiple picture posts.

Nothing to see here... Move along folks...

2013 Reading up to present

1. Case Histories Kate Atkinson 4 stars
2. Wyrd Sisters Terry Pratchett 4.5 stars
3. A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan -- via audio book 3.5 stars
4. Swamplandia! by Karen Russell 3 stars
5. The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien 4 stars
6. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy 2.5 stars
7. Graceling by Kristin Cashore 5 stars!!
8. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde 4 stars
9. Wake by Amanda Hocking. 3.5 stars
10. Fire by Kristin Cashore 5 stars!!
11. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren 3.5 stars
12. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman 4 stars
13. Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore 4.5 stars
14. The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club by Duncan Whitehead 3.5 stars
15. Selected Poems of Emily Dickinson - 4 stars
16. Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich 3.5 stars
17. Approaching the Hunger Games Trilogy by Tom Henthorne 4 stars
18. The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group by Catherine Jinks (mostly audio book -- last CD was missing from the library audio, so I had to finish reading it by print) 2.5 stars
19. Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn 3 stars
20. Cinder by Marissa Meyer 4 stars
21. Hex Marks the Spot by Madelyn Alt 3 stars
22. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris 3.5
23. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka 3.5 stars
24. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 4 stars
25. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie 4.5 stars
26. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Long Way Home my FIRST Graphic Novel *no idea how to rate these things
27. The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood 4.5 stars
28. The Night Circus re-read" to hear the audio performed by Jim Dale 5 STARS AGAIN! Jim Dale is superb!!
29. Beautiful Creatures by Garcia and Stohl - enjoyable 3.5 stars
30. First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones -- 3.5 stars
31. Life After Life by Jill McCorkle -- 4 stars
32. Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris -- 3.5 stars
33. Lisel & Po by Lauren Oliver 4.5 stars
34. The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland by Catherynne M. Valente via audio book 4.5 stars
35. Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen 4 stars
36. Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown 4 stars
37. Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer 3 stars (via audio book)
38. A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home by Sue Halpern 4 stars
39. Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones 3.5 stars
40. Fallen by Lauren Kate 3 stars
41. The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There by Catherynne M. Valente 4 stars
42. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness 5 STARS!!
43. Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx 4 stars
44. Claire of the Moon by Nicole Conn 2.5 stars
45. Haldol and Hyacinths by Melody Moezzi 5 STARS!!!
46. Soulless by Gail Carriger 3.5 stars
47. Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente 4 stars
48. Chocolat by Joanne Harris 5 STARS!!
49. What Was Lost by Catherine O'Flynn 4.5 stars
50. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters 4 stars
51. The Leper's Companios by Julia Blackburn 2 generous stars
52. La Vida Vampire by Nancy Haddock 4 stars
53. Last Vampire Standing by Nancy Haddock 4 stars
54. Warm Bodies by Issac Marion 4 stars
55. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman 4 stars
56. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 5 STARS!
.57. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare 4.5 stars
58. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson 5 STARS!
59. Real Vampires Get Lucky by Gerry Bartlett 3 stars
60. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan 3 stars
61. A Fistful of Charms by Kim Harrison 4 stars
62. Undead and Uneasy by MaryJanice Davidson 3
63. Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl 3.5 stars
64. The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith 4 stars
65. Crown of Embers by Rae Carson 5 STARS!
66. Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan 4 stars
67. Bite Me: A Love Story by Christopher Moore 4 stars
68. What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality by Daniel Helminiak 4 stars
69. Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson 4.5 stars
70. Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs 4 stars
71. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman 4 stars
72. Grave Peril by Jim Butcher 4 stars
73. Hounded by Kevin Hearne 4.5 stars
74. More than This by Patrick Ness 4.5 stars
75!!!!!! The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman 3.5 stars
76. NOS4A2 by Joe Hill 4 stars
77. A Hint of Witchcraft by Anna Gilbert 3 stars
78. Ghost Shadow by Heather Graham 3 stars
79. The Boy in Striped Pajamas by John Boyne 4 stars
80. Team Human by Sarah Rees Brennan 3.5 stars
81. The Wolfman by Nicholas Pekearo 4 stars
82. The King's Guard by Rae Carson 4 stars
83. Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia 3.5 stars
84. Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman 4 stars
85. 1984 by George Orwell 3.5 stars
86. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell 4 stars
87. After Dead by Charlaine Harris 4 stars
88. Summer Knight by Jim Butcher 4 stars
89. How to Write Better Resumes and Cover Letters by Patricia Criscito 4 stars
90. Gilead by Marilynne Robinson 4 stars
91. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater 3.5 stars
92. Guests on Earth by Lee Smith 4 stars
93. Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman 5 stars
94. The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully by Joan Chittister 5 stars
95. Halfway to the Grave by Jeanine Frost 4 stars
96. Maus II: A Survivor's Tale and Here My Troubles Began 5 stars
97. One Foot in the Grave by Jeanine Frost 4 stars
98. The Orphanage of Miracles by Amy Neftzger 3.5 stars
99. It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini 4.5 stars
100. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 5 stars

Favorite reads of '13
Young Adult Genre

**= 5 star read

Graceling trilogy*
Cinder
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian
A Monster Calls*
The Book Thief*
Clockwork Angel
Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy*

Favorite reads of '13
All other genres (these are my guesses on the books basic genre or sub genre)

**= 5 star read

Wyrd Sisters - fantasy
The Blind Assassin - literary fiction
The Night Circus** - literary fiction / fantasy (reread for audio)
Haldol and Hyacinths** - memoir (mental health) / NOTE: Early Reviewer book
Chocolat* - literary fiction
Mr Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore - contemporary fiction
Hounded - fantasy
Maus: A Survivor's Tale - Graphic Novels
The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully - Psychology / Aging / Religion
It's Kind of a Funny Story - Mental Health / YA fiction
To Kill a Mockingbird**- classics

Woohoo!

I'm second!

Ro!! You're first!! I should send you a surprise when I send you your thank you note! :) I still haven't figured out Hexed. They say I have to call them, so I haven't had a chance to do that since I started the new temporary job. I'm technologically inept, so I'm sure I've screwed it up somehow, but it said something at first about it wasn't available due to my geographical location. Weird-o.

Oh No! Let me know if there is a problem and I will call them too. PM Mark. He is a pro at downloading audible books from various sources into various devices. LOL!

ETA: No surprise necessary. Save your $ until you are done with Christmas and you have a permanent job. Then you can lavish me with surprises. ;-) Ha!

Seriously, y'all are super fast tonight! Hey Julia RONI!!

OK, I'll ask Mark after I call if they can't tell me what's up. I'm on standby to work tomorrow so if I don't go in, I will call then. I'll bet he knows ALL the tricks!

ETA: Edited to fix tired brain fart!

Ha! That sounds like a deal! What I'd love to do is 1) get that job, then 2) fly to Houston (since we don't get to come for Christmas to see my niece bc of the $$ stuff) and just-so-happen to 3) see the niece while I'm 4) squeezing in a meet-up with YOU!! :)

"I'll bet he knows ALL the tricks!" I have a few up my sleeve. LOL.

Congrats on the new thread. Glad you loved Gilead. Home is a good companion piece too. We really want to see Catching Fire! As soon as time allows, we are going!

Hey Mark! I'm pretty sure I have Home on a shelf around here somewhere too. I'm excited to see your take on Catching Fire so I'll be "catching" your thread soon -- har, har, har.. ;)

Be on the lookout for a PM with audible questions in the near future!

Congrats on the new thread! And a very merry christmas to you! :) You sure have read a lot of books this year Tina, a lot of really good ones it seems.

Hi Tina!

Thanks Nicole! I have read the most this year I have ever read! It is being in this group, specifically!! I'm in league with folks who read 100-150 a year so I feel like a reallllllly slow reader now :O LOL. I've found some good ones too! :)

Hi Nora!! :)

Happy new thread, Tina! Snagging a good seat for all the fun.

Happy New and Final Thread, Tina! I'm right with you in feeling slow - or at least not managing my time better so that I can read more. Hope the temp job turns out to be satisfying enough to tide you over until the real work comes.

Hey, Tina! Did I see my name mentioned up there? Or have you been seeing another Julia on the side? :-D

Mamie Hi love! Have a comfy chair... How's this one?



Peggy Hi there.... Thanks for the good wishes for the temp job! I'm liking it so far! Just so very nice to be able to be productive!

JULIA You KNOW you're my only Julia! I was tired and must have been thinking of you! I saw RONI, but wrote Julia! I'm so sorry to you both!

I was wondering! Glad you weren't just ignoring me. ;-)

Well, I'm certainly not insulted by being confused with Roni. She's good people. :-)

Wow! You seem well on your way to get to 100 books!

Just peeking in at the new digs, Tina. :)

Hi Tina-
ficking down your list it looks like you have had a good number of 5 star books this year! Always a great feeling - I hope you can squeeze in one more before the end of the year.

Roni - Joe wished you a Happy Thanksgiving on my thread this year. Poor guy. Too much turkey. It was a sweet greeting. I'll share the link with you.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/159872#4383012

;-)

*smoochiesmoochsmooch*

You devilish lassie!

And even a new thread...wow...where does the time go, I ask you, where.

That chair looks like the perfect spot, Tina. Thanks, dear!

Got way behind Tina but I'm all caught up now. You've been reading some great books...I just loved Eleanor & Park!

I will be reading Death Comes for the Archbishop as well for the AAC in January. I really liked My Antonia so I have high hopes for it.

I want that comfy reading chair for Christmas...

Grabbing the next available seat, maybe next to Mamie, to view the festivities Tina. Happy new thread:)

You can't go wrong with sitting next to Mamie ...

Nice new thread and you're flirting with 100 books for the year, Tina!

I love that reading chair!

I'd love to snuggle up in that chair, though admittedly I'm afraid I'd get coffee stains on it the instant I sat down... o_O

Roni I wouldn't dream of ignoring YOU!! Looking back, I think what happened in my addled brain was that I just saw the "Ro" and I converted it to Julia's name. I'm sorry... but the two of you are both lovely and both wonderful company in my mind! :)

Julia I'm glad you're not insulted! I've made much larger mistakes! At least this one was a nice one! :)

Piyush I have NEVER come close to 100 before, so IF I can do it, I am going to do ONE heck of a happy dance, P!!! I'll spare y'all the gory details and not post a video, but it's my new (no-longer-secret) goal!

Mickey Welcome, welcome, Ms. Fine! Glad to have you!

Megan I would love to add one more 5 star read... it would be a great end to the year. I'm thinking I might try to end my year on a classic that I've been saving. Something like To Kill a Mockingbird or something that I think may really end the year on a high note for me. Opinions welcome!

Roberta That was my fault too, I think. I called you Ro and he went for Roni.... I'm batting 1000, as the saying goes! ;)

Richard Ah, my favorite smooch-master!!! How goes it, dear sir??

Mamie I aim to please!! :)

More on the way....

Hi Mrs. Lisa! I'm happily chomping on some Newman's Own Organics Ginger-Os, courtesy of a certain party who shouldn't have, and reading the Kindle edition of Pilgrim at Tinker Creek for the second time, again courtesy of a certain party who shouldn't have. *smooch*

Heidi Ooooh... another Eleanor & Park fan! It was a good one, right?? I'm glad to have more company reading Death Comes to the Archbishop. Cather is new to me, so I have no idea what to expect.

Foggi & Roni Merry Christmas.... courtesy of Google images!!

Bonnie Hi there! Welcome ~~ happy viewing... Not sure what's coming next, but it will be happy if I have any say so! hehehe

Julia Right on, there. She's a good egg! :)

Ellen I'm close...whispering of a new / never-thought-possible-before goal, but looks like it might be in reach???

Faith The biggest problem I see with the chair now that you mention it, is there is no side table to place one's coffee, water, or other choice of beverage!! That makes it NOT the perfect spot. Drat. I'll have to find another perfect spot...

Richard Party should have, because she wanted to say thank you and a Merry Christmas to a certain sweetie who she loves dearly.

So did anybody else watch "The Sound of Music: Live" last night with Carrie Underwood? Am I the only musical theater devotee who stayed up to watch???

Nonsense, I'm sure I can find an occasional table or even a bookshelf, or better yet, to go by that chair!

Was it good, Tina? I had to go to the pottery studio and work so I missed it.

Tina, I don't have a television so I didn't watch the "Sound of Music" but so many people I follow on Twitter were live-tweeting it that I feel like I did watch it! So, did you like it? Folks on Twitter seemed less than impressed.

I believe you are in for a treat with Death Comes for the Archbishop.

You and Diana are still competing over the rookie of the year award (for most thread posts). Congratulations on another thread and have a gret weekend my dear.

Happy weekend, Mrs. Lisa! Tell Mrs. Tina I send holiday baked-good greetings.

Hi Tina! I just caught up from your last thread. I saw Catching Fire too. I took my son and we both loved it. (I cried, he didn't.) I agree that the preview for Divergent looked intriguing. I read the book last week so that I'll be ready for the movie.

Have a good week!

Roni That's a lovely table to go by the chair! And look how many books it will hold! You did great!

Roni & Julia Re: Sound of Music I thought they did a pretty darn good job. There were folks on my FB feed that were kind of nasty about it, which is why I was asking for opinions. Here's my thinking... Of course, NOTHING can replace the original Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, but it was a MOVIE that had take after take. These folks performed LIVE. When Carrie Underwood nearly tripped in her opening scene, she just kept on singing. I grew up singing with my mom and sister and I KNOW how hard live performance is to pull off. I think they did a wonderful job. That's my $.02 for the day on that subject. I wanted to be ugly back to the folks that were complaining about it, but I just left it alone. :)

Ellen I hope so!!!! :)

Paul Hey there! Doing my best to keep up with posting and still working through life stuff, so if I don't make the "rookie" title, at least I will know I've done my best! ;)

Richard Will do, my friend!!

Amy Oh, I'm so glad you both enjoyed it! Also glad to see I have more company in the crying section! I'm going to need to re-read Divergent soon! Both to prep for the movie and to get ready to re-read Insurgent, so I can get to the third one... Allegiant.

Guess who got a job offer today????????????? From the company that I did all the consulting with... the one I flew back to Atlanta during Linda's surgery... that one!

I was supposed to be at the temporary gig, but have had a stomach bug this weekend and I couldn't leave the house this morning. Supposing I was meant to be at home so that when the call came in I could do the not-so-pretty happy dance and squealing that I did, along with all the calls I needed to make and coming here to make the announcement.

Now if I can just pass the background check.... that murder I committed a few years back has hopefully dropped off my record. LOL

I am ONE happy gal today!!

Congratulations Tina!!! Good guys and gals do finish first!

Wooooooop!!!!!!!! See - fabulous things arrive as ordered for a fabulous lady. So happy for you.

Ha! I KNEW you would get it. They knew you too well from your work with them to let you go. Of course, you couldn't believe that until it happened.

Congrats, Tina! That is wonderful news! Yay!!

#48 Well done! Basically, what Roni said!

>49 luvamystery65: #51 +1

*smooch*

No better xmas gift can I imagine. Even if all it was was relief from stress, it would be excellent, but this is a place you already know and a job you're very happy doing. So so so pleased for you, Mrs. Tina, and your clients.

Congrats Tina!

Whoop-whoop, Tina! Way to go, young lady. Everything happens for a reason. And if you need someone to help you hide a body, just holler. :-)

#48 Heartiest congratulations! And don't worry about those past murders, all taken care of ;)
And for disposing off any fresh Bodies (read Bosses), contact Julia.

Ro You've made me cry twice today. Stop it!!! Love you!!!!!!!!!!!! You are too much wonderful for one person!

Bekka Thank you!!! I've been waiting for fabulous for a minute and HERE it is!!! :)

((((Roni)))) You're so sweet! I was really starting to doubt it! Thank you for your vote of confidence in me!

Kerri Thank you, Kerri!!!

Heather Thanks, Heather! Roni does always say things so well, doesn't she?? :)

Richard You are SO right on that! This is the BEST Christmas gift I could have asked for! Thank you so much for your kind wishes for me & Mrs. Tina! :)

Nora Thank you, Nora!!

Julia Thanks, kind lady! I can always count on you for comic relief AND for practical assistance (i.e. hiding the bodies!) LOL!!

Piyush You handled the expunging of my record, P?? Thank you!!! :) LOL on fresh "bosses"... had to literally giggle on that one!

EXACTLY what Roni said and did!!!! Virtue rewarded!!!!! I am very, very, very happy for you - and for the company. They don't know yet what a fine new employee they have snagged.

Tina, congratulations! This is just the best news. I am so super happy for you,I have a grin from ear to ear.

Congratulations, Tina! That is excellent news! :D

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! on the job offer!!!! WOO HOOO!!!!!

And....

Maybe you and Diana will end in a tie. :-)

Woot Woot!! Congrats on the job offer. They are lucky to have you!

Peggy Awww... Your wonderful words are very sweet!!!

Nicole Thank you! I'm glad I made you smile today yesterday!

Ellen Thanks!! And, wouldn't a tie be best??? Much less pressure! ;)

Heidi Thank you for saying that! I feel very lucky to have gotten the offer!!

I had to tell the Administrator at the temporary facility today. She was sweet, but sad. I was happy, but sad. I told her I would let her decide if she wants me to stay on until the other job starts before I say anything to the other folks there and she was very appreciative of that. I did warn her on the interview that I had interviewed with this company (she used to work for them) and was fearful of accepting their temporary position in case I got the full-time offer, but her words were "let me worry about that." So I felt bad about having to break the news to her today. :( Oh well, full time and benefits wins every time. A girl has to pay the bills, ya know.

Congratulationies and felicitationies to TINA~ great news on a job offer. To think how scary and uncertain the future was not long ago....and somehow it just works out. (somehow in this instance = much planning, forethought and work on your part).

Good work!

And it sounds like you are showing your current workplace much courtesy in giving your notice. I always find it pays to do the right thing, if only for your own peace of mind so good for you!

But- back to me... ;)
I have a headache today (which is so rare for me that I automatically assumed it was because I was late with my strong coffee...), and it is v v v annoying! I shall drink water and if that doesn't work, shall swap to wine.

Congrats Tina, on the job offer! How exciting. Hope it works out. All crossables crossed, although some of them hurt a little, but it will be worth it.

Congratulations, Tina! I am happy for you. (But not surprised)

Congrats!!! It sounds as though it will be a very Merry Christmas for you indeed. :)

Congratulations, Tina! I'm so thrilled for you. What a well-deserved blessing!

What wonderful news for a most deserving person! This will make your holidays perfect.

>40 TinaV95: I watched SOM and loved it. I thought it was fresh and fun to see something done live. No disappointments in the cast, either. I had seen the program the week before on how they chose the cast. It's on Demand and I plan to see it again.

I am way, way behind.. but I did catch the news about the job... well done !! I'm happy for you . It's pretty scary out there with no work to bring in a paycheck.. we have been there a few times..

Smoochings spread around for all who need them

Megan You crack me up!!! I hope your headache is LONG gone, whether with application of caffeine or wine!! ;) And thanks for the well wishes!

Mark Hey! Thanks for crossing those crossables ~~ even the hurtful ones! It worked! I start on Monday!

Rhonda Happy, but not surprised??? That just made my day! :)

Faith It WILL be a Merry Christmas here! Between the miraculous recovery of Lisa's mom and the news of the much-prayed-for job... we couldn't ask for more!

Amy Thank you so much! I'm thrilled too!

Diane Amen! This will make the holidays perfect!

Kath Thank you for sharing a SMART approach to the live version of SOM!! :) It's so nice to 'talk' to intelligent folks about these things! And thanks for the congrats on the job... I have been quite scared at times, but have tried not to let the anxiety overwhelm me. Easier said than done!

Richard Smoochings back to you, dear sir!! :)

Tina my sweets, good to see you here!

Work update

Last day at temporary gig was yesterday. They found someone else to come in and take over starting Monday.

I JUST got the email (not 10 minutes ago) that said my background came back clean (thanks to Julia for getting that murder charge all taken care of!!) and that I'll start my orientation on MONDAY!

I am one stoked woman!! I have books to update you on and threads to catch up on, but right now I have to go take lunch to my sister who just had shots in her back yesterday (she and my mom do these shot things regularly to help relieve pain...it's beyond me, really!!)

Anyhoosie... I will try to come back later on if I can get my heads out of the clouds.

*skipping* *smiling* *goofily waltzing around*

*tra-la-la-ing*

Ro, Ro I love you!!!!!! **Smooches**

#76 Yay!

*skipping* *smiling* *goofily waltzing around*
I should think so! Super big virtual hugs going out in congratulations, Miss Tina. I hope this makes the holidays even more special for you and Lisa to not have the worry over job searching hanging over you.

When it's right, the path is made smooth. You're on the smooth path!

Haven't been here in forEVER, Tina and am so happy that I came here now to read of your good news. Congratulations! It's always great to get news like this, isn't it?

Hope you have a fantastic day on Monday. I would wish you good luck but I am sure that you don't need it.

I've been lurking and lurking, waiting for the new job announcement... then when it came, I missed it!
So happy for you. I KNEW that job was yours. Hope you love it everyday.

Starting right in on Monday is great. Hugs for you!
Keep smiling :-)

All the very best of luck with your orientation on Monday and occasionally lfe does come right for the good guys too. xx

Rookie of the Year in terms of posting numbers you will be almost certainly. Diana was actually top three for a short while and has flown the Dutch flag wonderfully this year. My good buddy John Simpson has also overcome plenty of family blues with his father-in-law to be top male rookie barring final spurts of epic proportions of course.

Sending lots of have a great day tomorrow mojo for your new job. I could not be happier for you!

Good luck tomorrow! Be sure to take care of yourself. New jobs are exciting, but stressful; so make sure to eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, and maybe get a massage soon. (I say this as one who has many times gotten a cold or flu right after starting a new job)

Thanks, Heather!

Julia You've got that right! The stress-elimination in itself is a HUGE gift! Even though the first paycheck won't hit until after the first of the year probably, we'll be breathing easier all throughout the rest of the season now!

Richard It finally DOES feel smooth! :)

Fourpawz Welcome back, stranger!! :) Thanks for your visit and the kind words!

Thank you, Nicole!

Cee You did?? Well, I had HIGH hopes, but not certainty, so I'm glad you stayed certain!! Thank you!

PaulThanks, sir! It is nice to know that good things do happen eventually!

Awww... thank you Kath! That's very sweet!

Such a good point, Rhonda! I'll use that as my reasoning for scheduling our next massages in the super busy-- we don't really have any spare time for it -- coming weeks! :D

Reading Update

So I don't have time tonight to do reviews, but I am lamely behind on listing my reads. IN case Paul swings by for more stats, here's where I am in the numbers. I just MAY make it to 100, ladies and gents!!!

92. Guests on Earth by Lee Smith -- Early Reviewer, so I owe a real, proper review
93. Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman
94. The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully by Joan Chittister
95. Halfway to the Grave by Jeanine Frost
96. Maus II: A Survivor's Tale and Here My Troubles Began

Weekend update
We had Christmas shopping all day on Saturday; then today has been filled with the church cantata, lunch with folks, Lisa's work party, then a get together with friends this evening so we have been running ALL weekend long.

I am too excited and nervous to sleep, but this is literally the first spare second I have had to breathe to grab the computer and come check in. I haven't even had a chance to check the threads on my tiny iPhone. That's how busy we've been.

I woke up yesterday morning to singing in the shower the following mix of songs (see if you can guess my mood):
Madonna's "Get into the Groove"
KC & the Sunshine Band "Walking on Sunshine"
Toby Mac's (Christian singer) "Burn for You" -- lyrical assistance "I am alive again, I feel revived
again. You've got me lifted and lifted. You lift me up."

After shower music was followed by a on purpose off pitch operatic mash up of random Christmas songs. Lisa was looking at me like I had lost my mind. I just kept giggling and dancing. If I didn't know any better I would have thought I had suddenly become bipolar and slipped into a manic phase. All I knew to do was apologize to Lisa for my weird euphoria. She was thrilled as she's never seen me so over-the-top goofy. It lasted for most of the day.... Weird accents, bizzare breakouts into songs, etc. At one point in the Publix parking lot she hurried me into the car so no one would see me. ;) I think I was trying to be "Tina from the Block" at that time. Anyway, I'm back to a "normal" level of happy now. Probably a good thing no one other than Lisa saw that side of me. I might have scared a few folks. I guess I was a bit more depressed than I had realized so when it lifted, I went REALLY high into the clouds. That's my best guess anyway. NO drugs OR alcohol were involved, folks. Part of the problem might be that the celebration started on Friday night when we went to a Movie Tavern with our friends. They serve dinner WITH the movie (so much fun!!) and we saw Madea's Christmas. We laughed so much that my sides hurt. That probably started the hilarity!

Oh well.... if you can't tell by now, I am feeling very, very blessed and extremely happy. Not that I'm not nervous and worried about the new job. I'm anxious. But I'm just feeling so overwhelmingly blessed right now that I'm focusing on the good and not letting those stupid anxious insecurities have any say so in my mind. :-)

I appreciate ALL the love and support you guys and gals have given me the past year, but most especially the past 3 months. This has been, if not THE hardest, then some of the hardest months of my life. I don't know what I would have done without this forum and the constant support from you all here.

YOU GUYS ROCK MY SOCKS OFF!!! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Have a great day tomorrow. Start off with a rendition of "O! What a Beautiful Morning, o what a beautiful day! I've got a beautiful feeling...everything's going my way!"
{{{{Tina}}}}

Tina best of luck tomorrow and go get em girl!

Thank you so much for my surprise! I was at work today and my mom's caregiver texted me that we got a package from Amazon. Well, I do ship and save a LOT so I told her to open it. She texted me that it was two books gift wrapped. I texted her back YAY! I thought it was toilet paper. LOL!

Good luck today, my friend! Looking forward to your thoughts on the Maus books. I was a huge fan of both.

I hope you had a great first day today :)

I hope it was the bestest first day imaginable, Mrs. Lisa!

yeah.. what they said :)

:)

(((hugs)))

Hoping today was awesome, Tina!

Tina, your thread somehow got unstarred and I lost you for a while. But I am all caught up now and so happy about your new job! What a load off your mind, and now you can enjoy the holidays and rest a little easier...

Good morning, Tina! I'm sure your first day at a new job was exhausting and emotional and all those other 'e' words (exciting, ecstatic, enervating ...). I hope it's all going well and you've figured out where all the important stuff is, like the restroom. :-D

Hi Tina! I hope your first week is fantastic! Lots of forms, orientations, and lunches, I'd guess. Take care!

Thanks for all the love and good luck wishes everyone!

Roni That's a great song for every day this week! :)

Roberta I hope you like what I picked! ;) You deserve so much more for all your sweetnesses to me!

Mark I loved the Maus GNs!

Piyush It was pretty great, P!

Richard Ditto what I said to P... It was boring as far as orientation goes, but they were all so welcoming, that it was just so darn great!

Kath :) Thanks!

Megan (((Hugs))) back to you!

Ellen It was awesome! I was working! :)

Katie Hi! Welcome back! You're so right about resting easier with having the new job... it is a load off the mind for sure!

Kerri Howdy! The first week is going so well~~ Very wonderful! :)

Second Day
Today was a Christmas party with the Clinical Services team. That's what we did all day. Eat and party. I've worked with most of these folks for 10 years as an outsider (a 'consultant' and on the outskirts of their team), and they could NOT have been more welcoming! TONS of hugs and "we are THRILLED to have you officially" and things. I am feeling pretty stoked. I know the hard times are coming. I was joking about how blown away I was when I got the email telling me my second day would be a Christmas party and thinking "Wow, what a GREAT second day of work..." and one particularly funny gal says... "The bad news is, it's all downhill from here." My boss and I are meeting tomorrow to start brainstorming on how we are going to tackle this new program and developing our priorities and categorizing what is most important. We talked a lot during the party and didn't mingle as much as we should have, but it was our first day together, since I was in orientation yesterday. I'll probably start writing the training materials next week, but we are starting from scratch since the old company I worked with had everything and did everything for them. So, that's the stuff I'm excited about. :)

Now I shall try to catch up on some bookish things while doing some laundry!

Book 92
Guests on Earth
by Lee Smith



NOTE - I received a copy of this book in exchange for review from Library Thing's Early Reviewer's program

Guests on Earth begins with a quote from a letter that F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote to his daughter, Scottie... "The insane are always mere guests on earth, eternal strangers carrying around broken decalogues that they cannot read." This quote is poignant in and of itself. But when one knows more about the true life story that Lee Smith has based her novel on, the quote breathes life into this blending of fact and fiction.

Asheville, North Carolina. Highland Hospital. 1948. A tragic fire. The novel begins with the newspaper story of this event that is the backdrop of the novel. One of the nine patients killed in the fire at this mental institution was Zelda Fitzgerald. Yes, that Fitzgerald; F. Scott's wife.

But the novel isn't just about that night. Oh no. We begin by meeting a young girl whose mother commits suicide and ends up committed to Highland. She is our eyes and ears and it is through Evalina's life that the reader experiences what it might have been like to live in Highland during the 1930s.

Highland is NOT the same picture you have when reading One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. At Highland Hospital, the founding psychiatrist believes in the importance of treating patients with arts, exercise, music, and dance. It is a much nicer picture of a mental institution than I was expecting for this period of history. *Smith does cite her sources in the back of the novel for you skeptics. ;)

I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I thought Smith's writing was well done. I was bereft at the end; even though I knew what was coming from the first page. I truly cared about the patients. I cared less about Evalina as the book progressed and more about the other patients, though. This was my first book by Lee Smith, but it will not be my last.

4 stars

Books 93 & 96
Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History and Maus II: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began

by Art Spiegelman



So before these I have only ever read one Graphic Novel (and it was a Buffy the Vampire Slayer). I'd say Maus set the bar PRETTY high! I'm giving them 5 stars!

Ever since I read The Diary of Anne Frank sometime in my youth, I have had a special something about holocaust stories. It was re-awakened earlier this year when I listened to The Book Thief. And then followed that with The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

In a totally unexpected medium, Spiegelman tells his father's holocaust tale. Sad. Gripping. Moving. Heart-wrenching. Maddening. Un-put-downable. Go to your library and get them now.

Have to go do more real life stuff... I know I owe more reviews or "semi-reviews"...

Back soon??

Just a quick drop in to say that I'm so glad everyone has been so welcoming (as well they should be!). I hope the work is enjoyable - sounds like its a really good fit.

>102 TinaV95: I've had a tough time with Holocaust stories (they're just so heart-wrenching), but I do love Maus which was happily my first graphic novel experience during my English degree. If you want a memoir account of the Holocaust, I recommend Night by Elie Wiesel. I had to read it in high school and it's always stuck with me.

I second the recommendation of Night. And as a bit of "small world" trivia, my husband's grandfather was in the same concentration camp as Elie Wiesel. He was young & was caught stealing a loaf of bread to feed his family, and thrown in the camp. Also interesting is that while Wiesel's writings reflect a bitterness that seems to have stayed with him for the rest of his life, my husband's grandfather (as I've heard through stories since I barely know him, he's very elderly now and "barely there" mentally except for brief moments of shocking clarity) forgave his captors and, according to his children, never showed an ounce of bitterness but instead felt sorry for them.

That said, I find that no matter whose perspective you hear these stories from, it's all very fascinating and horrifying at the same time...

Ha! I already *have* Maus and have read the first one. It's extraordinarily good for a comic book. SO nyahnyah missed me missed me!

*smooch*

Much happiness at good second day, with multiple crossed bits for continued goodness in days to come.

A JOB!!! Hooray for a full time job doing what you love! Way to go, girl! I am so excited for you and wishing you only the very best. Sending you joy.

One half of the $648MM MegaMillions jackpot from last night went to some luck Georgian, Mrs. Lisa...'fess up, it was you, right? I sure hope so, and it fits with your winning ways here lately!

Hi Tina.
Hey, your second day: "That's what we did all day. Eat and party."
Well, that sounds like a lovely work place! Truly, I'm glad they have been warm and welcoming. They clearly know what a good thing they are getting.

I've just put Guests on Earth on hold at the library. Richard tagged it over on my thread and I looked it up and saw your review. I have liked other things I've read by Lee Smith and I have a soft spot for that part of the country, so it sounds worth reading. So, thanks for the recommendation! :-)

> 103... So I'm back "not-so-soon"! I know you will all forgive me, but I'll ask anyway. It's been crazy busy with the new job! I am seriously happy to be so busy so even though I miss you all like MAD, it has been wonderful to be running around working and then getting home and preparing for Christmas stuff too... So, I'm not going to complain about missing a few days of threads as I normally would! :) I'm feeling OH so blessed!

Bekka It's just been wonderful how welcoming everyone has been! And the work is a GREAT fit (what I LOVE to do!!) so that is even better! :)

Mickey They really are SO hard to read emotionally, but the pay off is just incredible!! I have put Night on my wish list!

Faith Thanks for the seconded recommendation.... I WL'd Night! You know, I'd like to think I'd fall on the side of forgiving my captors, but I KNOW me. I tend to hold a grudge over much smaller things. I'm thinking I would have an extremely hard time forgiving the people who tortured me and murdered my loved ones. I think it it truly amazing that your grandfather was able to do that! That speaks volumes about his character!

Richard Dang it! I was aiming for you too! ;0) Big smooches, RD dear! Oh, and to answer your other question... it wasn't me who won the lottery in GA. :( I forgot to play, so.... Can't win if you don't get your fat butt to the store to buy a ticket!

Mamie Awww... You're so sweet to send me JOY! I am so happy already and now I'm just overflowing!!! Give all my hugs & smoochies to the gang at Pecan-land!!! Love you!

Ellen You know, I actually was thinking you would enjoy Guests on Earth when I began reading it because of your Asheville connection AND profession! :) It will be (hopefully) right up your alley! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

In humbled amazement at your heartful generosity, your competent kindness, and your diamond-hard toughness under it all, my dear and valued friend Mrs. Lisa:



Celebrate the return of the light with feasts, merriment, and gratitude for all the wonders of this wide green earth.

RMD

Book 94
The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully
by Joan Chittister



I find it odd that there are no reviews for this very wonderful book. In the introduction, Joan Chittister states that "This is a book for those who are on the brink of 'old age', for those who have just received their first mail message from the Association of Retired People, and knowing themselves to be young and healthy, are very surprised by it." But she also goes on to say that she writes for those who might be concerned about their parents; or those who are "facing the time of life for which there is no career plan." I knew I would love this book the moment I read the line, "The thing most wrong about this book could well be that I may be too young to write it. I am, after all, only seventy. So in the interest of full disclosure, I reserve the right to revise this edition when I am ninety."

If you know me at all, you know I love working with the elderly. I consider myself somewhat of an 'expert.' Saying that, let me say this. I LEARNED from this book. I have turned down nearly half of the pages of this library book (gasp!!) and I am going to have to purchase my own copy. It is so good that I will be referring back to it as I develop training and need points to consider and quotes to include. Chittister has done an excellent job (in my opinion) of breaking down the most important concerns and tasks we face in aging and how we cope (or don't) with them. Chapters include themes like Regret, Meaning, Fear, Ageism, Adjustment, Tale-Telling, Letting Go, Spirituality, Faith, Legacy, etc. and she begins each with a poignant quote. She ends each chapter by summarizing a burden of the years and a blessing of the years related to the chapter / theme.

My current boss recommended this book to me months ago at a training when she was reading a "book on aging written by a former nun." When she mentioned it again in my interview, I knew I'd better go get it from the library immediately. Boy, am I glad I did! It was well worth it and I see the reason she was encouraging me to read it now! Hey you!!! READ this one!! :)

5 stars

Books 95 & 97
Halfway to the Grave & One Foot in the Grave
by Jeanine Frost

4 stars



Terribly enjoyable urban fantasy / paranormal / vampire romance fluff! The heroine in this tale is the bastard child of a human woman who was raped by a newly turned vampire. Therefore, she is a one-of-a-kind "half breed" blend of vampire / human who hunts vampires in an effort to find the monster who raped her mother. During one mission she finds Bones, who turns out to be a nice-guy vampire. Bones trains her to become a truly lethal vampire killing machine. And the fun begins from there...

Pure brain candy, this one!

I read the first one many years back and thought it okay, but I've enjoyed it much better this go around by listening to it on audio. The narrator does such a great job with the vampire Bones' voice (it's a Cockney accent) that I just love it!

Richard

You sneaky thing... I didn't see you while I was posting reviews!!

What a sweet, sweet post!!! You've made my day, dear sir!

Happy Solstice to you!! :)

*smooch*

You are closing in on 100. Go, Tina!!

Happy Solstice!

#114 That sounds eerily similar to the Blade, movie trilogy, brain candies are nice once in a while, to relieve the stress and all.

Nice review of The Gift of Years. I will look for it.

I'm trying Ellen!!! Don't want to ignore the wife, or anything but I'm trying desperately reach the never-before-seen 100!!!! :)

I've not seen Blade, Piyush but it sounds like it would be right up my alley! I read a LOT of brain candy these days, it seems. But I'm okay with that. It makes me happy.

I hope you'll enjoy it, Rhonda. I really did!

Book #98
The Orphanage of Miracles



I loved the title of this Early Reviewer selection; that's what sparked my attention. The fact that it was billed as a YA fantasy type novel was the icing on the cake!

The novel has two plots that occur simultaneously. The first takes place at the "Orphanage of Miracles" where the children are expected to make miracles. The novel begins with a quote "The most astonishing thing about miracles is that they happen" (G.K. Chesterston). And that is about as much instruction as our orphan protagonists receive in their tasks. The orphanage is a place of mystery and rules and the frustration the children feel while trying to figure out exactly WHAT a miracle is and HOW they are supposed to go about making one is palpable.

The second plot line involves a young girl on a quest to find a miracle to save her village and family from poverty and starvation. Along the way, she meets many other characters and several join her on her journey. I really liked this line about quests: "Quests are a huge inconvenience. Don't let anyone tell you differently, even if that person has experience. The problem is that people forget the pain and aggravation as soon as the quest ends succesfully, and they they remember only the glorious parts. In this way quests are a bit like childbirth, even to the point of say that quests often give birth to glory. Maybe."

I did have a hard time getting fully interested in the first few chapters, but once I was past the beginning, I found myself more involved in the story. This is clearly a tale for middle grades; older teens might find some of the 'lessons' too clearly foreshadowed.

Overall, I did enjoy it and would read the next in the series. A really nice bonus is that my Early Reviewer copy was signed by the author! So, I will definitely be keeping it!

So glad you enjoyed your latest read, Tina! I agree about the title; that's pretty irresistible. Only 2 more to go to the magic 100!

I've read several Chittister books and really enjoyed them--I've now added The Gift of Years to my wishlist. And you liked The Orphanage of Miracles a little better than I did--I thought the message got in the way of the story too much. Hope your Christmas preparations are done and best wishes for a very Merry Christmas.

Julia--- I know, right?!? It hooked me immediately. :) Here's hoping I'll make 100 by years' end!

Roni--- The Gift of Years was my first Chittister, but it won't be my last! Any recommendations? I'll admit, Orphanage wasn't great, but it wasn't horrible. :) I thought there were a few things that could really have been done better but I did enjoy it overall. Did you review it? I'll have to go look next.

Ok Roni... I found your review from June!!! Yours was a much earlier release (i.e. hardcover you said?). Mine was trade paperback & I didn't see any typos but I totally get what you said! Gave your review a thumbs up while I was at it, too. ;)

So, did anyone else hear the news that Ned Vizzini committed suicide? I've had It's Kind of a Funny Story on my shelves for a few years but haven't gotten around to it. With my background, I enjoy reading novels set with the mental health setting so I'm not sure why it hasn't been at the top of my list before now.

Anyway, I didn't hear details, but just read a short article online. So, IKoaFS will be my #99 book.

Tina, I read this news the other day. Very sad. I have read his recent book which Ned Vizzini wrote with Chris Columbus. Which I really enjoyed! Sad to see this brilliant talent gone too soon.

"Don't want to ignore the wife, or anything..."
She'll understand. How often do we get to complete 100 books in one year? I mean, lots of folks on LT do it routinely, but I know that, for me, it was a very big deal. I got P kind of invovled in the countdown; it helped that she felt involved and she kind of got into rooting for me to make it.

Nicole I saw that he had written one with Chris Columbus when I was reading the article. That sounds like a really good combination of talents! I'm midway through Funny Story (thereabouts)... what's the name of the book you're talking about?

I think I've got Lisa convinced it's a big deal now too, Ellen!! It is a HUGE deal for me too. It would be the FIRST time I've ever managed it, so last night I showed Lisa where I was in the book I had just started so she seemed proud. :) I can't see your picture in post #128 though.

Tina, wishing you and Lisa a very merry 1st (official) Christmas together!

Hi Tina,

Thanks Lynda! It is our first official Christmas as a married couple!! :)

That is such a cute picture, Diana! Thank you so much!

Tina, wishing you a great Christmas and a happy 2014!

Happy Holidays to you and Lisa! 2014 is going to be a great year. I can feel it!

Tina, the two I know I have read are The Friendship of Women and In search of Belief--the latter parses the Apostle's Creed in such a way that I can actually believe it.

A very Merry Christmas to you and Lisa, Tina!

Rhian Thanks!! I hope you have a great Christmas too!

Kerri YES, it is!!! :) Thank you, dear friend!

Roni I've wish listed both Chittister's! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Dearest friends....

I hope I'll be able to make it around to threads today to wish you each a Merry Christmas, but I'm not sure how realistic that is. So I will at least post my overall message here.

This year Christmas will be a "skinny" one at our house in the material sense. Lisa and I are not exchanging any presents for financial reasons (as you can all imagine why if you've followed the thread these last months), but my gifts this year are innumerable in an intangible sense. I've kept you all abreast much more so than my Facebook "friends", but just to recap:

Over the past 3 months, I have both lost my job and we've been told that Lisa's mom had no chance to live. Not only do I have a NEW job... that will eventually pay me MORE money (miracle!!), we now have Lisa's mom back in "fine fettle" AND she loves me (TWICE the miraculous happenings, if you knew how she felt before). Not only that, but I have watched God take a small amount of severance that on paper should have lasted for a month and a half (at max) for bills. Every time I have paid bills, my hands have quite literally shaken from nerves. Somehow the money has stretched and covered the bills so that everything has remained paid. Wants were not met of course, but all needs were taken care of. Never did we go hungry or lose utilities or not pay the mortgage. All I can attribute this to is faith, the power of prayer, and a whole LOT of support from friends and family praying with and for me on our behalf. Even for those of you who don't pray... I know you have sent energy, white light, good wishes, and healing thoughts our way over the past months. I thank each of you from the bottom of my very grateful heart.

This year (seems so long ago), I married my soul mate. I also joined this great group of folks and found a community of love and support here. So, while there may not be shiny packages under my tree (okay, so we didn't even have time to put up a tree), this just may be one of the best Christmases I have ever had. My heart is full-to-bursting with love and gratitude.

Now, if you'll all excuse me while I go mop up the tears.

I love you all. Lisa and I send you our best wishes for a wonderful Christmas with your family!

Merry Christmas, Tina!!

Happy happy happy to read your delightful post, Mrs. Lisa! Sending love and hugs down there to Dixie.

#137 Wow you know how to make me shed a happy christmas tear. Love to you and Lisa - and believe me when I say we are at least as happy to have you as you might be to be here. Your humour and loving nature have made me smile so many times this year. Here's hoping that next year is a hell of a lot calmer for you and Lisa both.

Merry Christmas!

Tina, I believe posting rookie of the year is in the bag. You have quickly become an essential part of the fabric of the group and we have followed your ups and downs this year avidly. Have a wonderful festive season. xx

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!!

Merry Christmas Tina and Lisa!

How wonderful your Christmas message is so full of hope and gratitude. It is full of the essence of you. I have loved getting to know you this past year and now I can't imagine life without you my friend.

Thank you for all your kind words of support and humor through my difficult year. I count you among my blessings. Make no mistake that no matter how tough things get we are never without blessings. Thank you for being one of mine.

Merry Christmas to you and Lisa! You've had quite a year - ending in much happiness! Enjoy each other and your love...

Wish a Merry Christmas to you Ms. T, and happy holidays!

I hope you and Lisa have a wonderful Christmas! Big hugs to you both.

Merry Christmas, Tina!

Merry Christmas Tina!

Beautiful post Tina, Merry Christmas to you and Lisa!
The Ned Vizzini book that I was talking about is called House of Secrets. I really enjoyed it and felt it had a lot of elements similar to A Series of Unfortunate Events, but a little bit more exciting.

Hoping that your Christmas was filled with wonder, Tina. It was such a blessing getting to know you this year, and I am so very thankful that we got to meet in person. I have been constantly amazed by your honesty and your ability to pick yourself back up again after being knocked down. I know that this past year has been filled with both ends of the spectrum for you - you shared it all so eloquently with no holds barred. I am wishing for you joy and tranquility in the New Year - a pulsing steadiness of love and laughter. Where ever the new year takes you, know that all of us here at the Pecan Paradisio are along for the ride. Merry Christmas my dear, dear friend.

Merry Christmas, Tina!

Hi Tina - Stopping by with belated Christmas wishes and a

Merry belated Christmas, Tina!

Happy Friday, Newly Re-employed one!

Congratulations!!!!! What wonderful news!!!!

All good wishes to you and Lisa for a lovely holiday and a happy, healthy New Year.

Love to you!

Only 150+ posts behind? LOL - must try better to keep up in the new year.

Happy Holidays, Tina!

Dear loved ones... We are currently on our way to south Ga to have Christmas with Lisa's family! I'll have individual responses when we get back, because I owe you some love for those kind & heartwarming words! Until then, I'll share a few pics to tide you over.

By the way, I'm reading book 100 & am hoping that even with family time coming, I'll have enough down time to make it by Dec 31!

Lisa & I on our way to our Christmas Eve candlelight service.

What we did all day on Christmas... This was Tux's first fire... She was enchanted by the flames for hours. It was so cute to watch!

This is why we had a pretty quiet Christmas...
My folks are off in Texas, playing with this little angel!

This is my niece who is 14 months old at the end of this month!

We didn't get to go this year, but we'll make up for that later!

Isn't she adorable?!?

Tina! Howdy friend! Adorable baby above... and a lovely shot of you two a little higher. Hope your holidays have been merry and bright! ♥

What a sweetie! And your niece isn't bad, either. Happy second xmas!

Christmas pictures!!! I love them. So glad that you had a wonderful holiday. I wish you all the best in 2014!

Beautiful photo of you and Lisa! You both look so happy :). I love spending all day in front of a roaring fire with a good book, too bad that it is summer here. Good luck with book 100. What an achievement!

You ladies look lovely in your Christmas portrait, Tina! I love how your cat is staring at the fire. Don't you wonder what she's thinking?

LOVE the photos - you and Lisa look so festive!

Love the photos! Happy new year and here's hoping for a GREAT 2014!

Thank you for the Christmas and New Year wishes, everyone!!!

Specifically, Ellen, Richard, Bekka, Paul, Chelle, Roberta, Cee, Piyush, Mark, Katie, Bonnie, Nicole, Mamie, Mickey, Lori, Faith, Linda, Stasia, Kathy, Amy, Julia, and Rhonda! Hope I got everyone in! :)

Some special remarks

140 (Bekka) -- You made my day when I read that comment!!!

141 (Paul) -- Reading your words "essential part of the fabric of the group" made my heart swell! Thank you!

143 (Ro) -- I definitely count you as one of my blessings, as well. I can't wait to meet you in person one day and give you the world's best hug!

149 (Nicole) -- House of Secrets is now on my wish list! :)

150 (Mamie) -- What a beautiful and sweet, sweet post. Made me misty-eyed. Love you, my friend!

Thanks all for the photo love... I do wonder what the kitty was thinking. She was mesmerized. We got back last evening and we watched a little TV tonight and she kept getting into the fireplace over and over again. Her little white paws are now covered with soot. I have no idea what the creature is thinking.

Guess who finished book 100 this weekend???????????????

I'll do official reviews tomorrow,

but

Book 99 -- It's Kind of a Funny Story AND

wAiT fOr iT

DrUmRoLL pLeAsE............................

Hello Dear Tina

I send all good wishes for a wonderful 2014. It is a delight to have you here with the 75 challenge group. I've enjoyed our posts.

Ending 2013 with To Kill A Mockingbird is quite marvelous. It remains my all-time favorite book. I get teary when I talk about the marvels of this one hit wonder by Harper Lee.

You did it! Congrats on your 100th read of 2013, Tina!

Oh, and a few more pictures to show what we did this weekend. Ashlin wanted to play "Spa Day" on Saturday.

Somehow, she convinced all of us to partake in this event (meaning me, Lisa, and Lisa's parents). Here is her list of services and prices. Oh yeah. She charged. When I texted her, "I thought this was all for practice for you", she says, "Oh no girl, ask Nana." LOL. I responded that I'd have to think about it because I wasn't prepared to pay... The child can't spell. Her text response was "i will do a awsom gob." It took me a while to figure out that meant she would do an "awesome job."

Here are the child's prices:



I mean, she works cheap, so I had two back massages (I had to negotiate for the 5 minutes I got for the advertised price). Notice the cheap price of the nails???? JUST LOOK at the (lack of) quality of the work! ;)



As soon as she left the house I was taking the mess off!!

She convinced Lisa to let her do her makeup... She didn't do half bad; Lisa said she looked like a clown. :) She poked her in the eye with the mascara wand so Lisa's eye got all red and icky (bless her). She didn't really want to play along in the first place, but I kept telling her that these would make great memories later... Hopefully she'll forgive me soon. ;) Lots more pics on Lisa's phone. Mine is an old one with virtually no memory, but you get the drift.



The little monster made $20 off of us and who knows how much her grandparents gave her. Her Pa squeaked by with no services; and her Nana got left in the foot bath and got short changed there. So the spa day was kind of a bust. I told Ashlin she overestimated what she could do. ;) I tried to give her friendly advice that she should be sure her Nana was a happy customer (i.e. not let her feet sit in cold water), but she wouldn't listen). Nana is a much bigger tipper than Lisa and I. Oh well, she'll learn one day!! ;)

Linda I think I saved the best for last for sure!!!!

Julia Whoooooop Whoooooop!!

Congrats on the job AND 100 books (and what a great book to be #100!) - wonderful accomplishments to close out the year!!

Congrats on 100!

The spa day sounds hilarious. You will have stars in your crown.

Congrats on reading 100 books! what an achievement!

Felicitations on reaching 100 books, Tina!

Tina congrats on the 100 reads this year! Woo!

Lisa has what my Aunt Martha calls "survivor smile". Ha! Now she can call herself a warrior woman, survivor of the glamour wars! Tell her to put in for short term disability for that eye wound. ;-)

What a wonderful 100th book! *smooch*

Tina, I am as happy for you now as I was concerned for you a month or so ago. I do wish you and Lisa the happiest, smoothest, most productive and satisfying of new years!

I know I need to start my 2014 thread, but first I must give official book thoughts and final thoughts to y'all here!

Joanne & Richard I wanted 100 to be something special, so I've been waiting on TKaM for this honor! I wanted it to be #75, but that kind of slipped past me without me realizing it. Now I'm glad it did!

Rhonda It really was pretty hysterical... Especially Lisa trying everything in her power to avoid being a part of it. Between Ashlin, me and her mom, she was bombarded on all sides with cajoling and begging, so she pretty much had to give in. ;)

Nicole & Mickey Thanks for the visits and congrats! I didn't think I could do it, but YIPEEEEEE! I can't believe I actually made it to 100!!

Roberta That's funny... "survivor smile" -- that's exactly what it was! Shortly after this picture, she allowed Ashlin to put gel in her hair and she wound up looking even funnier. LOL Not long after that she was begging to take a shower and get all of the product off of her face and out of her hair. She said she felt like her face was on fire. What we suffer for beauty, huh?? ;)

Peggy It has been such a roller coaster of a year for us, hasn't it?? I'm really not bipolar at all... It has just been a year filled with many ups and downs. Quite dramatic ups and downs, as I recollect on them. Life seems wonderfully blessed at the moment remembering all the trials we've experienced.

Book 99
It's Kind of a Funny Story
by Ned Vizzini



I've had this on my shelf waiting for me for several years... I loved the movie and bought it shortly after it came out. I picked it out of the huge stacks since Vizzini recently committed suicide and this book is a fictionalized novel that he wrote shortly after leaving a mental hospital. I gave this one 4.5 stars.

Without getting into too much of my own drama, you all know that I am a bit of a oxymoron myself -- I'm a gay Christian. And coming out as such in my college years was very, very difficult for me. I had bouts of depression and suicidal ideations at that time. Never have I been seriously ill, nor have I ever made an attempt. However, someone I love deeply has attempted suicide multiple times in her younger years and it is something that I find extremely sad. I marked multiple passages where Vizzini writes of what it feels like to be in that moment of just thinking there is no other option. I distinctly remember thinking at 18-ish that my family would rather that I be dead rather than gay, and the language and feelings in those passages hit me in the gut. Hard.

Although this book is written as fiction, I had a hard time reading it that way. Especially since he had just ended his own life. His ending passage of the book was particularly sad for me, as I wish he had remembered it and held on...(the "character" in the book is Craig) "So now live for real, Craig. Live. Live. Live. Live. Live."

Book 100
To Kill A Mockingbird
by Harper Lee



What can I say about this masterpiece that has not been said before now?

I loved it!!! 5 HUGE stars!! Why have I waited so long to read this??

This may be one of my favorite books OF ALL TIME.

>183 TinaV95: A near-perfect book. An amazing story. A beautiful piece of writing. This is one for the ages. I hope people read this book in 3013 and find as much to love as we do now.

And yet, for all that, I'm not a fan!

Congrats on 100!
I love the photo of Tux and the fire. Our Abby adores our gas fireplace; she will lounge in front of it for hours!

Happy 2014 to you and Lisa!!

A little late to the party but I am here. Congrats on the job and reaching 100 books!! That is awesome!

I loved the pictures for the spa day and the cat in front of the fire.

Glad to see that you had a nice quiet Christmas.

Happy New Year!!

ditto regarding comments about To Kill A Mockingbird. If you are interested in learning more about Harper Lee, may I suggest the following:


Harper Lee Up Close by Kerry Madden


Harper Lee Racism History in Literature: The Story Behind the Book by Haydn Middleton


I am Scout: The Biography of Harper Lee by Charles Shields


Readings on To Kill a Mockingbird by Terry O'Neill


Scout, Atticus and Boo: A Celebration of Fifty Years of To Kill A Mockingbird by Mary McDonagh Murphy



Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee by Charles Shields


The Book That Changed My Life: 71 Remarkable Writers Celebrate the Books That Matter Most to Them bt Roxanne J. Coady

The description of this life changing book brought tears to my eyes...highly recommended!

In addition, the character of Dill was based on her childhood friend Truman Capote. You will find numerous references to her in books regarding Truman. Harper Lee was very instrumental in helping Truman research and interview those impacted by the brutal murder of the Clutter family in his book In Cold Blood. While not giving her the credit deserved, in his later alcohol obsessed snarky life, he claimed credit for writing Harper's book.

Tina, I guess you can kind of glean how much I love To Kill a Mockingbird.

Richard NOT a fan? Really?? I'm shocked! I mean, I hate that the racism in the book ever existed and still has to be discussed and that we haven't totally eradicated it, but you're not a fan? Huh. Gobsmacked. ;)

Ellen I would love to have a gas fireplace one day! We said if we would have known how well she would have behaved in front of a fire, we would have burned one all summer long!!! LOL

Monica Better late to the party, then never to have arrived!! :) Welcome! Hope to see you in 2014 ~~ thanks for the visit!

Linda I'll be adding some of these to my wish list! Thanks for all the information. It really was an awesome book. I'm going to go to the group thread now. I've had it starred for a while; just didn't want to go and look and have ANY spoilers! :)

I would have sworn I'd been by to congratulate you on book #100, but I don't see it. So, Congratulations!!

And best wishes for an awesome New Year!

I was so wrapped up in shock that RD does not like To Kill a Mockingbird that I almost forgot the congratulate you on 100 books read and to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thanks Roni!!

I know, Lori! That one shocked me too! Thanks for the congrats on 100!

My 2014 thread is up, ladies and gents!

Here's the link: http://www.librarything.com/topic/163186

Please join me for a wonderful year!

Tina, i have been meaning to read Vizzini's The Other Normals for a while now, and was sad to hear of his death just before Christmas. I've added Funny Story to the "must reads" also, but I think I'll probably get to the other first since it's looking at me right now. I lost a nephew to these sorts of issues and I think Funny Story may be difficult for me also.

Kathy Let me know what you think of The Other Normals after you get to it... I may add it if you recommend it. Just know when you start Funny Story to be ready. (((hugs)))