Joe's Book Cafe 1 2014

Welcome back to the cafe!

Santorini, Greece; Berry Head Arch, Canada; Antelope Canyon, USA

15 Life-changers

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - opened my eyes to so many creative possibilities, including wordplay
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury - got me believing in school again after a soon-to-be favorite teacher assigned it
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White - took a typical self-centered kid out of himself and got me thinking about others; broke my heart for the first time, too
James Wright Collected Poems - midwestern poet caught me and fueled a lifelong interest in poetry
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - read it way post-college and got walloped; started lifelong Austen fandom

Dune by Frank Herbert - got me excited about the possibilities of science fiction, and thinking about environmental effects
Dr. Strange by Stan Lee and others - this hokey, mystical comic book was my favorite as a kid, and fueled my lifelong graphic fandom
Future Shock by Alvin Toffler - he took on emerging issues like economic disparities, overpopulation and pollution; trying to look into the future fascinated me
After the Quake by Haruki Murakami - my entry into his world that started me on lifelong fandom
Remember, Be Here Now by Ram Dass - matched my youthful hippiness perfectly, still working on some of its ideas

The Chosen by Chaim Potok - for the first time, got me enthralled by lives very different from my own
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki - what a mensch this man was; still the best on this subject I've read
Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder - made me a fan of both Paul Farmer and author Tracy Kidder, and got me involved with Partners in Health
T.S. Eliot Selected Poems - bowled me over, so I felt like a patient, etherized upon a table; got the complete works later
Thank You, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse - fueled my appreciation of the absurd and started a lifelong fandom for this author

Best of 2013

Top 5

1. Longbourn by Jo Baker
2. Benediction by Kent Haruf
3. Stones for Ibarra by Harriet Doerr
4. Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
5. The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey by Walter Mosley

Second Five

6. The Greater Journey by David McCullough
7. Wizard of the Crow by Ngugi wa'Thiong'o
8. Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
9. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
10. A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki

Favorite Graphic Novel: The Nao of Brown

Three that were hard to keep off the list: Housekeeping, Song of the Lark, and How the Light Gets In

2014 American Author Challenge (kudos to Mark)

Willa Cather- January The Professor's House
Cormac McCarthy- February The Orchard Keeper
William Faulkner- March The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Toni Morrison- April Sula
Eudora Welty- May The Optimist's Daughter
Kurt Vonnegut- June Cat's Cradle (re-read)
Mark Twain- July Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Philip Roth- August The Ghost Writer
James Baldwin- September Notes of a Native Son
Edith Wharton- October Ethan Frome
John Updike- November The Witches of Eastwick
Larry Watson- December Let Him Go

2014 Books

1. Mad Mouse by Chris Grabenstein
2. A Conspiracy of Faith by Jussie Adler-Olsen

New thread! Love the toppers...

We have been to Santorini. It's really a fantastic island.

Hi Joe- You guys are tearing up the threads! You go boy! I might have to start posting more puppies or naughty librarians or something to keep up. Love those gorgeous toppers!

You did think I would like the 5th Wave, right? I just snagged it on audio. Did you read Hounded?

>3 drneutron: Thanks, Jim! By tradition, you get something on the house. How about bourbon pecan pie?



>4 Ameise1: Oh, you're a fortunate one, Barbara. It looks gorgeous. Yet another example of the need for a teleporter.

>5 msf59: No worries, Mark. You'll zip by me soon enough. Although I must encourage you on your naughty librarians idea.

Yes, you'll enjoy The 5th Wave. A lot of the invasion is pretty darn plausible, actually. We were just talking about the danger we'd be in right now if the power got knocked out for a good while.

I don't know Hounded, but I've seen folks liking that Iron Druid series.

I was in Santorini two years ago. The beautiful blue is breathtaking.

I've ordered The Nao of Brown from the library and it's on it's way!!

>6 jnwelch: You're a lucky one, too, Anne! Yeah, that blue is a knockout.

Oh good - Ellie liked The Nao of Brown, and I hope you do, too.

Joe, Iron Druid is a lot of fun!

Just catching up with everybody. Writing to you from a Starbucks in Hopkinsville, KY and it is time to hit the road. I want to get back to my house and my fatbacked TV in time to watch THE EPISODE that is in every magazine and newspaper. I hope to have time to go back and read your first thread of the year, but if I don't have time will just have to be content with starting in right here.

I do have to say that the weather here is a balmy 50. won't turn cold until later this afternoon. Then it will get to 20. I heard from a friend that schools in northern Alabama are going to start late tomorrow due to the cold. With what I have been feeling in the last week this will be positively a Caribbean vacation.

^Looks like we have to throw a log on the fire.

I'll have what Jim's having! And a latte! Congrats on thread #2, Joe! The photos up top are just gorgeous!

Yum, that pecan pie looks good.

All good wishes for a year of wonderful reading. You are starred and I'll be back often. Happy Sunday to you Joe!

Good evening Joe! Lovely new thread, I absolutely love that picture of Berry Head Arch! Sherlock on the last thread is as cute as ever.

Another lovely cafe, Joe. Santorini is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. I've never visited the other locales, but they are also stunning!

Hi Joe! Coming by to set up my corner. I absolutely love the Greece picture. I would love to visit Greece someday. Sigh.

>9 luvamystery65: Is this another book cult, Roberta? I've got reason to be wary of those, based on recent experience.

>10 benitastrnad: Hiya, Benita! Good to see you. Starting in right here is fine. Probably lots of folks here other than me know what THE EPISODE is, but I'm watching football right now, so you can see I have limitations.

You're definitely in a saner part of the country for weather. Stay as long as you can! It's just this side of ridiculous here. Moving toward utterly. Good thing we laid in a big supply of books.

>11 msf59: I'm feeling warmer, Mark, thanks. You're a very thoughtful guy. Personal acquaintance?

>12 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! Doesn't that look good? And I'm glad you like the toppers. Definitely time for some daydreaming - how's the weather at the Pecan Paradisio? We've got plenty of bourbon pecan pie:

It's cold here, Joe. I'm told it hardly ever gets this cold here - tomorrow high is supposed to be 39 and Tuesday just 34. Probably sounds good to you, huh? We're fine with it since we are just one year out of the midwest winters, but the people down here are not used to it.

Hi Joe, I finished Five Days at Memorial and it was a doozy, if you get my drift. Those thread toppers look amazing. Do you know where the one in Canada is?

>13 tloeffler: I can't believe Mamie can eat a whole pie (see >12 Crazymamie:), Terri, so I imagine you can have a slice. Unless the rest of her clan gets wind of it.

>14 Whisper1: Happy Sunday, Linda! And Happy 2014! I look forward to a year of visiting with you.

>15 Thebookdiva: Good evening, Abby! Isn't that Berry Head Arch something? Sherlock is having a blast today. Running around in the snow is just the thing as far as he's concerned. I should be able to get another pic from seasonsoflove at some point.

>16 AMQS: Thanks, Anne. Sounds like we should have an LT meetup in Santorini. It does look gorgeous, doesn't it? Personally, most of the time a beautiful location with wonderful weather just isn't my cuppa, but I'm taking a different perspective today.

>17 leperdbunny: Hi, Tam. Yes, please settle in in your favorite spot. I know, as Kath would say, *le sigh*. Greece - me, too. Right now, please.

>18 jnwelch: Hi, Bonnie. Can't wait to read that one. We're on an amazing planet, aren't we? Berry Head Arch is on the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland. I'm hoping some of our Canadian patrons can comment more on it.

I'm always happy to share, Joe.

>21 jnwelch: Ha! No surprise there, Mamie.

We were just talking with our awful son in Seattle, who was thoroughly enjoying hearing how bad it is here, while razzing us about how much nicer it is there. His biggest problem was deciding whether or not to wear a hoodie over his t-shirt. We're tempted to disown him.

Ha ha! Jesse sounds like he would fit right in with our clan!

Mmmmm. Pie!

Belated New Years greetings, Joe. I can't believe I've missed your first thread entirely. Things are popping around here. I suspect I have missed Paul and Mamie's first threads as well.

Looking forward to all the yummy food and bevvies that you so generously supply us with, and, of course, all the great book conversations that are to be had here.

I scored a number of books for Christmas but my secret favorite just may be the newest Elizabeth Jane Howard's Cazalet book, All Change. Really looking forward to that one. Such a shame that she just passed away recently.

Is this another book cult, Roberta? Joe, Iron Druid is more like a plate of lemon ricotta donuts. If they are in front of you then you will eat them all. Otherwise they can wait. Perfect for a road trip or a nice lazy day off.

>24 Crazymamie: I was tempted, after his latest remarks, to say we'll ship him over, Mamie. But I'm afraid he'd have too good a time, and miss the point of being tossed out on his ear. Plus we like him too much. But he'd be a good match for the Paradisio clan, I have no doubt about that. He might even go back to blue hair.

>25 drneutron: Concise, and obviously deeply felt, Jim. Whatever else may happen in the cafe this year, I can promise you there will be . . . Pie!

>26 DeltaQueen50: Happy New Year, Judy! LT is running at high speed right now, isn't it? I'm way behind all over the place, too. Thanks for the nice thoughts; it's a pleasure. Looking forward to visiting with you this year.

I have the second Cazalet, and have to find time to get to it. I'm sorry she's left us, but glad she left books that will be read for a long, long time.

>27 luvamystery65: Nice comparison, Roberta. I have some familiarity with lemon ricotta donuts now, so you've caught my attention.

Joe - Congratulations on thread # 2 mate. Great, though pretty big, trio of topper photos. Santorini is where my sister got herself married.

Love all the pecan being dispensed and the combination with bourbon sounds like a winner.

Did someone say Pecan Pie? Yes, please.

Glad to hear that Sherlock is enjoying the snow; the temperature has already dropped so much here that poor Tuppence was limping into the house after only 3 minutes and I had to clean her paws of the ice clumps that had formed. It's times like these that one thanks the PTB that we don't need to squat in the snow to do our business. It's the little things in life, you know.

Joe - You sure have a knack for finding the most awesome pictures (incl food). Love the toppers and the pecan pie!

Looks like you are getting a bit of weather there in Chicago - take care and stay warm!

Wow- the café is so busy. I'll just pick a quiet corner and get a simple breakfast, thanks. Gorgeous fantasy views on this side, too.

>29 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. Glad you like the toppers. We've got a passel of LTers so far who have been to Santorini. Not just discriminating readers, but discriminating travelers, too. Was it as gorgeous as it looks?

Bourbon pecan pie is most excellent.

>30 scaifea: Sherlock has crashed, Amber, lifting his head only at the word "food". Right now he's curled up with my MBH, thoroughly quilted but for his snout. He was friskily enjoying the snow when the temp was up near 30 F, but has no interest now that we're at 5 degrees out there. Sorry about poor Tuppence. That sounds pretty lousy.

I can't tell you how many times I've thought, I'm glad I don't have to squat in the snow to do my business. Well, maybe never, but you've got me thinking about it now. And yes, I'm grateful.

Pecan pie? You got it.



>31 -Cee-: Thanks, Cee. Nothing is more important than daydreaming about gorgeous places and eating pecan pie, right?

We're hanging together here in the warmth, and have jettisoned any plans to go outside again. It's heading for negative digits, and we have no interest in joining it. But I'm sure it ain't easy in Maine right now - are you all doing okay?

>32 humouress: Hi, Nina. It does seem busy, doesn't it? We're expecting it to slow down some once we get further into the new year. A quiet corner is always a good idea. Glad you're liking the views. Simple breakfast? You got it. If this isn't what you had in mind, just let us know.

>33 jnwelch:: Thanks Joe. Though it wasn't what I did have in mind, it looks delicious. Think I've changed my mind; I'll take it.

Have to admit Joe that I haven't been to Santorini. Julie (my sister) got married there and it was at a time when I could scarce afford the airfares from Malaysia to there for Hani, Yasmyne, Kyran and me (it was before Belle) as I had just started my company and was paying my staff from my own pocket as we struggled to get going. Would love to go there one day though.

I am still reeling from the pumpkin streusel cheesecake bar with ice cream from your last thread #1
:)

But in case that is gone, I'll have anything pictured from your current thread's menu. Anything (so long as it comes with a latte with a gazillion shots in it).

That rock bridge in your topper is spectacular! I want to go there, be there, read there, live there.....you get my drift. Sometimes nature is so beautiful it makes my chest feel tight....I think there is a word in Japanese maybe? for feeling overwhelmed by the beauty of nature.

More gorgeous landscapes in your thread topper, Joe. What we wouldn't give to be in that beautiful blue water and sunshine in the Greece photo, eh?

Is there anything chocolate lurking in the café kitchen? I've got a sudden craving for something sweet.

Hiding from me won't help. I'll still come and demand chili cheese fries with extra jalapenos on the side and massive ladles of onions.

Happy New Thread, Joe. Lovely toppers!

>34 humouress: Ah, good, Nina. The chef will be pleased. :-)

>35 PaulCranswick: Ah, too bad, Paul. Understandable. We never had to miss an event like that, but I know the issue. I'm sure you look back some times and wonder how exactly you managed to get where you are now. Hope you do get to Santorini some day. Perfect spot for an LT meetup, don't you think?

>36 LovingLit: That pumpkin streusel cheesecake bar with ice cream did look particularly irresistible, didn't it, Megan?

I don't know the Japanese word for being overwhelmed by the beauty of nature, but I'd like to. I know what you mean about the Berry Head Arch. It almost looks like something out of a storybook. Spectacular place to hang out, live, read.

We need to time-jigger you some vittles with a super-loaded latte for you. It's the wee hours of the morning for you if I've got the clock right, but it will be waiting for you when you get up. We'll try to match up with your part of the world.



>37 rosalita: Aren't those gorgeous, Julia? Yes, we'd be lucky indeed to be in Santorini right now.

We've got 15 below F, 40 below F wind chill going on here. Crazy.

Let's find you something good with chocolate. How about German chocolate pie?



>38 AuntieClio: Is this balance for Mark's naughty librarian, Stephanie? If so, well done!

>39 richardderus: Darn. And we all thought we'd hidden so well. No clues as to where the new place was, no gorgeous photos of expansive vistas, and a name given in an obscure code that most folks would find impossible to decipher. Oh well. We're glad you're here, Richard. Here you go:



>40 wilkiec: Thanks, Diana! Glad you like the toppers. Good to see you - hope all is going well in your part of the world.

A 75ers convention in Santorini, Joe would certainly be exotic it may also get quite lonely as the absence of millionaires amongst us might thin down the numbers just a little.

I have said already that when my companies put me in the position of being literally able to roll in it, I'll be flying a group of all my group buddies to KL for a long weekend for face stuffing and book buying and guzzling and chit-chit-chatting.

Mmmm, thanks for the German chocolate pie! If you see my landlord sitting at a table in the café this morning, could you ask him to answer my freaking calls about the burst pipes in the laundry room? Thanks!

I have said already that when my companies put me in the position of being literally able to roll in it, I'll be flying a group of all my group buddies to KL for a long weekend for face stuffing and book buying and guzzling and chit-chit-chatting.

Note to self: Be nicer to Paul. Much, much nicer.

Wonderful looking food as always Joe! Just stopping by to say hello!

Hahaha Julia - You would be on the invitation list just as you are my dear don't worry.

I'm going to add a picture of a marvel of nature that I heard about for the first time this weekend:


The Giant's Causeway

It really looks as if it were created by someone, doesn't it?

The Giant's Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. It is located in County Antrim on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland, about three miles northeast of the town of Bushmills

(from Wikipedia)

>42 PaulCranswick: I'll look forward to your rolling in it, Paul, and hope to be counted among your fly-able buddies. I am at least getting nearer to the stage in life when I'll have plenty of time for a long weekend in KL for face stuffing and book buying and guzzling and chit-chit-chatting. I sure like the sounds of that.

>43 rosalita: Oh jeez, how lousy, Julia. We've got our daughter here with us because her landlord wasn't responding on her refrigerator not working - plus we were worried her heat wouldn't work either, with what's going on here. If I see your landlord, I'll verbally smack him/her upside the head and connect you.

>44 rosalita: *making same note to self re being nice to Paul*

>45 Thebookdiva: Hello, Abby. Thanks for stopping by. Always good to see you. Pic of furry Sherlock coming up below.

>46 PaulCranswick: I'm a close friend of Julia's now, Paul, so she'd probably like to have me on the list, too. Just saying.

>47 fuzzi: That is very cool, fuzzi. Thanks for posting it. We were in southern Ireland way back when, but not the north. Bushmills is a favored name for whiskey, too.

OK, seasonsoflove just sent an outstanding pic of the charming Sherlock, so here you go:

#41, Joe, Darn you caught me! ;-)

I'll settle in for a piece of german chocolate pie when I return from going to the post office.

Ohhh, the Giant's Causeway is so cool! Beautiful picture, thanks fuzzi.

The chili cheese fries went down a treat, thanks Joe, and even though it's warm here today (47° presently) it will be very very cold tonight and tomorrow, so I feel the need for warming comfort foods. Howzabout a couple pounds of macaroni and cheese?

I've finished another really good book.

I've always wanted to visit the Giant's Causeway in person. It's just so fantastic looking!

Joe, my landlord finally responded, and a plumber and furnace guy are here now working on the problem. Crisis hopefully mitigated, for now at least. I want to remember how this feels today next summer so I actually follow through on my threats to move out and find someplace else to live.

That face of Sherlock's is just killing me with the cuteness. What a charmer!

>49 AuntieClio: LOL!! I figured, Stephanie. Your pie will be waiting for you.



>50 richardderus: Isn't the Giant's Causeway cool, Richard? Glad those chili cheese fries hit the spot. I agree with you on comfort food. We're digging into pizza for lunch here. What was the really good book? I'll try to stop by your thread to find out more.

Mac and Cheese? Good idea!



>51 drneutron: Me, too, Jim. The Giant's Causeway and the Berry Head Arch, and I'd be a happy guy.

>52 rosalita: Glad to hear he responded, Julia. Hope they get it all functioning well. Yeah, sometimes it takes that last straw to get a healthy decision made.

Isn't that Sherlock a charmer? He's having a great day, with his human mom home instead of working, and his human grandparents paying lots of attention to him.

Happy Monday, Joe! I've been out watering the garden, which really needed it after our extended absence and the unusually warm and dry spell of weather we've been having. Blue sky and temps in the 70s--just saying. I think I could beat your son's weather hands down.

Ohhh yes, that macaroni and cheese will do nicely! I need all the energy I can muster to go to San Diego and dismember Roni.

Aaaaww! That dog is too cute. Also, I want to see The Giant's Causeway myself just for the sake of taking my own pictures. It's unreal sometimes what nature can do.

>54 ronincats: You definitely win, Roni! That sounds as swell as swell can be - blue sky, 70s, working in the garden. Lovely.

>55 richardderus: Ha!! Oh, you got me with that one, Richard. Glad the mac and cheese hit the spot; there's going to be a lot of envy out there after Roni's post.

>56 Thebookdiva: Glad you're liking Mr. Sherlock, Abby. He just rolled over on his back to get a belly skritch; now, of course, he must rest.

It is unreal what nature can do sometimes, isn't it? Hope you get there some day, and we get to see some of your photos.

(48) one...two...three...all together....

"AWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!"

What a snugglebum...

Addendum:
Regarding the Giant's Causeway, the only reason I heard about it was due to reading about a thoroughbred racehorse who was named "Giant's Causeway" for some reason:

http://thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com/2014/01/05/bathed-in-glory-coolmores-gi...

He was a good'un, too. Still standing at stud and making lots of winners!

Oh yum! Thanks for the german chocolate pie ... love it.

Back from the PO with two LT ARCs. I love how the lady at the counter plays guessing games with my packages. She comes up with interesting guesses which aren't even close. One had a return address of Chapel Hill, NC and so she went on about how it must be an alumni kit or something. That's amusing in another way because I got my degree from University Illinois Springfield. Not that I expect her to know that but it's still amusing to me.

#58 fuzzi, I like him! His socks don't match, just like mine don't match.

@AuntieClio, ha!

Check out the videos on the page I linked to. He was a fighter in the sense of not giving up when another horse started to pass him. I like to see "heart" in horse racing.

Hi Joe, just breezing through. I have to scroll very fast past all those pictures of tempting desserts but I always stop and pause to look at the pictures of Sherlock. He is a very handsome dog! I also like the looks of the quilt he's lying on.

Well, heck, Joe! Your thread can be a dangerous place to visit, that's for darn sure! Between the pictures of beautiful places to travel to and mouthwatering pictures of food, a person could get in trouble right fast! Have a great Monday!

>>58 fuzzi:, 61 He's sure got us all wrapped around his paw, fuzzi. He just tried to get at our daughter's cell phone when it rang. I told her it's just a matter of time before he starts texting.

Unusual name for a horse, but I can see his owner being thrilled by the Giant's Causeway. I rode horses as a young guy on a friend's farm, but it's rare for me to read about them. I keep thinking I should pick up Seabiscuit, as I liked her Unbroken a lot.

>>59 AuntieClio:, 60 I echo your yum for German chocolate pie, Stephanie. Glad you liked it. Keep that lady at the counter guessing. Somebody who likes books a lot will probably never cross her mind - we're all pretty unusual in that regard, seems like. You went to school in our part of the country - great! I've got a number of U of I friends.

I usually get my socks matching, but to the horror of our daughter I often wear white socks and sandals at home. In her honor I'm wearing green ones today to match lots of green I have on. She's mollified for the time being. She wears socks which have all sorts of things going on - I don't pay good enough attention to describe them, but there are characters and stripes and I don't know what all. She sometimes deliberately wears mis-matching ones, because her pre-school students love that.

>62 phebj: That's a sweet breeze you're traveling on, Pat. Thanks for stopping by. It's sometimes exhausting for Sherlock to be that cute all the time - kind of like Beyonce or David Beckham, so he often has to find warm spots where he can nap. The quilt was made by his great-aunt, my sister. Our SIL also has made quilts just for him. Maybe this is where the expression lucky dog comes from. He's living the good life. He's a rescue dog, so we figure he probably thinks he's in heaven now. How someone could have mistreated him and left him on the street is beyond us.

>63 Storeetllr: I know what you mean, Mary. I get in trouble here all the time, although it's for a wide variety of reasons. I have the same knack at home. Happy Monday! This is an unusual one for me - work is closed due to the dangerous weather. Not complaining here about adding a day to the weekend. No sirree.

#64, Jim
Oh I wear mismatched socks on purpose all the time. People have actually asked if something was wrong if it looked like my socks matched.

What kind of socks are we talking about, Stephanie? An illustrative photo some day would be welcome. I like the idea, although in my case mis-matching one boring sock with another probably would just be shrugged off as another sign of my cluelessness.

Wow, I had no idea Sherlock was a rescue dog. He should be spoiled as much as possible (which is what it sounds like is happening ;-)).

#66, Joe
Brightly colored (pink, purple, blue mostly) socks which complement each other. I'll try to remember to take a picture next time.

(64) Joe, Seabiscuit: An American Legend was one of my top 5 reads this year. I highly recommend it.

And I have borrowed Unbroken from the library. It's on my January read list. :)

Orlando Bloom, Sherlock, and mac and cheese? What am I gonna do with myself?

As I don't wear socks, I have no contribution to offer.

>67 phebj: I know, Pat, it's hard to believe after the wonderful job seasonsoflove has done. We have a pic of him on the day she got him that maybe we'll post some time - pathetic. Scrawny, unhealthy, yet even then a charmer. We're doing our best to help her raise him right, but he does indeed get treated awfully well.

>68 AuntieClio: Sounds way more interesting than my boring black, blue and brown (and occasional green), Stephanie. Becca would like them, sounds like.

>69 fuzzi: Good to know, fuzzi, thanks. That fits with other accolades I've read about Seabiscuit. Unbroken is some book all right. How does she do it with her health condition?

>70 leperdbunny: Ha! Dig in and enjoy, Tam! It's Tam Day at the cafe. :-)

>71 richardderus: Ha! A sensible, money-saver approach, Richard. Plus your ankles presumably always match. I know you don't do the outside jaunt much; I couldn't get away with that here.

Bizarrely enough, my ankles *don't* match, which is one reason I don't wear socks...and tonight's last walk will be done in trousers covered by pulled-down sweatpants for that very reason!

*shiver* Ugh, I don't wanna do it. May I have some garlic soup in preparation for the misery?

Yikes. Sorry about that, RD. Doesn't sound like fun.

Garlic soup we can do.

>69 fuzzi: Good to know, fuzzi, thanks. That fits with other accolades I've read about Seabiscuit. Unbroken is some book all right. How does she do it with her health condition?

Perhaps it is her therapy?

From back on your last thread Joe, no I have never been to Tanglewood, though I have heard of it I think. Is it a summer camp near Danvers?

Love the photo of the Giants Causeway (not the horse although he was handsome too!). Yet another place to add to my someday I'd like to visit list!

Hi Joe- Thanks for your concern! I will live to see another day! Well, at least one anyway! Hope you had a good day. Do you do any work from home?

>75 fuzzi: Maybe so, fuzzi. Seems like a tough burden to work with.

>76 Cobscook: In the Berkshires near Lenox, Heidi. It's a music venue: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanglewood,_Massachusetts. My MBH grew up in the Berkshires. It's beautiful there.

The Giant's Causeway looks like a worthy destination, doesn't it?

>77 msf59: You bet, Mark. A few minutes out there in the arctic for the furry guy was a big event for us today. Scary stuff. I did get some work done at home, although I have to admit it's tougher to be productive here. I'm going to have to scramble a bit tomorrow to get things done, but that's okay. It's the morning commute that's a bit worrisome, as the wind chill warning is going to be in effect until noon. Things start getting a bit better tomorrow afternoon, supposedly.

BTW, so far I'm liking Eleanor and Park. I can see why it has gotten the ink it has.

*waves* at Joe!

I saw a recipe for a different version of garlic soup earlier today and pinned it.

OMigosh Lori that looks amazing! I've pinned it too. Thanks!

You're welcome.

Alert to WWI readers! The Daughters of Mars is a kindle daily deal today!

I skimmed through your two early year threads; I will never never never find the time to read my books if I spend my reading time reading threads. Sigh.

I am glad to see you are doing your best with serving patrons lovely foods and coffees. yay! I hope the weather is giving you many excuses to relax and read. I loved "snow days" when I was teaching. Could sit in my big chair, and read to my heart's contentment.

Happy week, Joe.

Morning, Joe! That mac & cheese up there looks pretty amazing - Charlie and I may just have to make some for lunch today. Hoping Tomm doesn't get stuck in your neck of the woods on his way home from Phoenix today...

The feral cats I feed are not stupid: I have a couple "paper" boxes on the porch, with a door cut out on one end and old towels on the inside, just in case the cats desire shelter. This morning I went out to feed them, and as I poured the cat food onto their feeding tray, "Momma Cat" came out of one of the box shelters. She's about 6 or 7, and has survived this long by being smart.

Oh, it's 14F this am, but with wind chill, it's +5F. It might not seem cold to others, but for us it's the coldest it's been in 20 years, and most places do not have the insulation needed to keep pipes from freezing. I left my faucets dripping all night (old trick from New England) to prevent pipe freeze-up.

Joe, I may have to stop coming to the café; the menu is just too delicious! I finally persuaded my husband to join me in trying to eat more healthily and lose weight, and today we started. But I won't be able to keep it up if I keep coming here :0(

;0)

ETA - stay warm, folks. I heard on BBC World Service that you have some really cold weather heading for you.

>79 luvamystery65: Hi, Roberta! I sent you a pm a little while ago.

>80 thornton37814: Hmm, intriguing, Lori. Much more tomato-ey. I bet it's good.

>>81 richardderus:, 82 Good to see collaborating gourmands, Richard and Lori. Stay warm today!

>83 ffortsa: That looks awfully good, Judy. I've WL'd it, even though it's on Kindle, as I'm uncomfortably behind on the books I have on hand. No Paul C. am I, I admit.

>84 maggie1944: Hi, Karen! I know the problem; no worries. I'm glad you could stop by. The threads are starting to slow down a bit, seems to me, as we settle into the new year.

I did have some good reading time yesterday. I'm reading an excellent YA, Eleanor & Park, a mystery on my Kindle, Kindred in Death, and some often literary humor in You're All Just Jealous of My Jetpack by Tom Gauld.

I hope all is going well with you. Happy week!

>85 scaifea: Oh my, I'll keep my fingers crossed for Tomm, Amber. We've had probably the equivalent of a small country's population stranded here, as hundreds and hundreds of flights have been canceled due to the weather. I do understand that things are starting to get back to normal. A friend's husband is a pilot for American, and he's flying today for the first time in several days.

>86 fuzzi: Smart is right, fuzzi. We were thinking that if furry Sherlock were still on the streets right now, he wouldn't have survived this weather. But with the help of someone like you, maybe he would have. He's certainly a bright little guy. We keep thinking we're going to hear reports of pets who have passed away in this frigid period, but so far we haven't.

Yeah, 5F is way too cold for where you live. The body adjusts to the usual, wherever you are, methinks, and this is way out of the usual. My MIL used to come from Florida to visit in Chicago, and just freeze her tail off, even in what was, for us, moderate weather. Plus, as you say, homes and apt. buildings aren't going to be insulated the same way in (usually) warmer areas. Yes, we've used that old New England faucet drip trick, but this time we didn't have to worry, and we just had our key pipes re-insulated recently. We brought our daughter over to our place, because our house is much more reliably heated than her apt.

Hope it warms up soon for you.

>87 humouress: Hi, Nina! What I've said to folks before in your situation is remember our food here is zero calories. Can't beat that. It's been crazy weather here in large parts of the U.S. We've been envying some of our more fortunate (wiser?) LTers like Roni, who have been missing the lousy weather because they live in places like San Diego. Our son raised in Chicago has been razzing his parents here while he enjoys the much more tolerable weather of Seattle.

Hi Joe. Quite the blast, eh what? I'm ready to get back to *normal* winter, thankewveddymahch.

Speaking of which, are there any pecan pancakes going begging?

You and me both, RD. Enough already! We deserve a warm-up. And some pecan pancakes. Good call. Here you go.

Oh my. We really need to hit up the Old Pancake House.

^What Morphy said.

Good news for those who prefer "paper" books:

http://twosidesus.wordpress.com/2013/12/02/scientific-american-why-the-brain-pre...

>>92 Morphidae:-93 I'm in.

>94 fuzzi: Fascinating, fuzzi, thanks. That does match with my experience. I've forwarded it to our voracious online reader son for his reaction. What it may show, among other things, is the need to improve the online reading experience, like Kindle Paperwhite vs. old-style Kindle.

I have caught up with you, Joe! Fun conversation, furry photos of Sherlock (adore him!), and fabulous looking food! Speaking of which, I'll take some of those pecan pancakes and a latte, please. And we have hit winter temps all the way down in southern Georgia - just 25F here right now.

Ha! Way to go, Mamie! I think the crazy new year's LT pace is finally slowing down. We've been having a good time though, you're right.

Can't believe the chill is even making its way to the Pecan Paradisio. Only briefly, I hope. Let's got you those pancakes and a latte. Sounds good to me.

This is just what I've been looking for.

Thanks, Joe! And I WANT that remote!

I want the remote — and the floor-to-ceiling wall of bookcases that goes with it!

I need a like button! I agree with Julia's comment.

You mean accio book doesn't work for you?

>99 Crazymamie: I know, Mamie - with extensive range, as we have our books all over the place.

>100 rosalita: Agreed, Julia. Our daughter would add, "with a rolling ladder." Who needs a rolling ladder when you have the remote, you might say. Well, she just loves rolling ladders on bookshelves. Remote or not.

>101 thornton37814: Me, too, Lori. We could make a mint if we could get one to work.

>102 luvamystery65: LOL! I wish, Roberta. We tried getting through at Kings Cross Platform 9 3/4 and didn't make it, darn it.

Too cold for Stella's walk, sorry carpets you'll just have to endure a little sprinkling. It's -23° windchill and puppydaddy don't play that. No.



Book porn! Napa Valley home liberry.

104> I would enjoy those bookshelves but I think I'd change the furniture.

Joe, I love the way the rolling ladders look so I'm with your daughter. We should have the ladder AND the remote.

Ha! I completely missed the sofa. I focused on books, shelves, Eames chairs, TV, in that order. And then, Oh! look there is a sofa, and oh, yes, over there... a window. And stairs.

I could read there. But I like cozy reading rooms better.

>98 jnwelch: Yes, yes! I want one of those.

PAUL: I have said already that when my companies put me in the position of being literally able to roll in it, I'll be flying a group of all my group buddies to KL for a long weekend for face stuffing and book buying and guzzling and chit-chit-chatting. All your buddies... (she asks, hopefully)...? And can one get to KL and back in a weekend?

(98) Love it! Book by remote...

(105) Agreed, @thornton37814. And the couch does not look comfortable to me. I'd like an oversized recliner, with blankets and pillow and a cat or two...

My in-laws have a *gorgeous* library room with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and rolling ladders, but - wait for it - hardly any books on those shelves. Mostly doo-dads and frames and crap. Just horrifying. Makes me nauseous every time I go in there (well, that and other reasons, too).

>104 richardderus: Richard: Oooh, nice. Fully equipped with two Frasier chairs, even!

>42 PaulCranswick: I'll be flying a group of all my group buddies to KL for a long weekend for face stuffing and book buying and guzzling and chit-chit-chatting.
How is it that now I have my fingers crossed for someone other than myself to win lotto!
Go Paul!

>89 jnwelch: Our son raised in Chicago has been razzing his parents here while he enjoys the much more tolerable weather of Seattle.
Ah well, you can razz him back when an earthquake strikes his place....or maybe it is not good to awaken the earth-beast. Scratch that!

>104 richardderus: hmph- they cant be true book-lovers having that much money and not even having the shelves full. It wouldn't stop me from begging them permission to stay there though.
What a sweet set up!

#111, Megan
No waking the earthquake beast please. I live farther down the coast from Seattle and I'd like to continue not having earthquakes.

Hi Joe, hope you and the family are all staying warm. That garlic soup that Lori posted looked so good that I've scarfed the recipe. I'm still trying to find a good balance between LT time and RL time these days, as LT seems to have exploded in the new year!

>98 jnwelch: I bet there are some creative engineers who could put something together for us. .:P

Gorgeous photos at the top, Joe.

#111, 112: I also ask that the earthquake beast not be wakened. They keep saying "the big one" is going to come and I don't look forward to it. Of course, I don't move, either.

#94: I must go read that article about our brains and paper books (vs e-readers).

I hope the cold breaks soon, Joe, and that you are staying warm.

Anne / Megan - Anyone putting nice messages on my thread would automatically get an invite so both of you are defo.

Like Fuzzi's picture; it is a place I visited about 25 years ago when I did a construction claim on failed boiler insulation at the nearby Kilroot Power Station.

Hi, Joe - got any french pancakes (crepes) with plenty of lemon - this place always makes me famished.

OK, just arrived.

>104 richardderus: Beauteous, RD. Loving that book porn. Sorry about poor Stella. I think she has lots of canine company on staying inside.

>105 thornton37814: I'm with you, Lori. The one closest to us in the picture looks like someone had comfort in mind, but the rest not so much.

>106 rosalita: Ha! I'm sure she'll be pleased to know there's a kindred spirit out there. Her school re-opened today, so she's probably busy taking care of those little ones.

>107 maggie1944: I do like natural light, Karen, so that window is welcome from my POV. I also like light colors, but I'd like to see more comfortable furniture.

>108 AMQS: I want one of those, too, Anne. A there-and-back for a weekend in KL does sound challenging, but we could take advantage of Paul's kind rolling-in-it offer and stay longer, don't you think? As long as we're there?

>109 fuzzi: We probably couldn't do the cat or two because of asthma in the family, fuzzi (young Sherlock is hypoallergenic), but otherwise I like your plan. All those books to read - why not be comfortable doing it?

>110 scaifea: Ha! "for other reasons, too" - check. :-) I was thinking well of your in-laws for the library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and rolling ladders until the doodads and geegaws came up. Terrible when those with no clue get rooms of our dreams.

>111 LovingLit: We'll figure out ways to razz our ungrateful wretch of a beloved son, for sure, Megan. He may even have learned the skill from his parents, to be honest.

>112 AuntieClio: We have "no earthquakes" on the agenda, too, Stephanie, although Mother Nature never seems to check with us first. Son #1 experienced a small one a month or so ago.

>113 DeltaQueen50: You and me both on the time-balancing, Judy. It's such an interesting, friendly and humorous crew on LT that recently, with all the new year buzzing, it's been possible to spend most of the day on here. It does seem to be settling down, though. I've managed to get in some good reading, finishing the well done YA book, Eleanor and Park, and starting The Professor's House by Willa Cather for the American Author Challenge.

We're all staying warm, and it's warming up here - although a start to the day of 0 degrees F normally wouldn't be cause for excitement. As the newspaper said, at least we're not colder than the South Pole any more.

>114 leperdbunny: You're probably right, Tam. Maybe Jim (drneutron) will stop by with some ideas for a book remote.

>115 EBT1002: Thanks, Ellen. This time of year is made for daydreaming (I can hear my MBH pointing out that all times of year are made for that for me); anyway, they are gorgeous, and I'm up for visiting all of them.

The article on the paper vs. e-reading study makes intuitive sense to me, but as I mentioned, I suspect it will change as e-readers improve on reading quality.

No earthquake sounds like a good idea to me. You never know, we even get them here in the midsection (we're in the New Madrid quake region). It could be a thousand years from now, or tomorrow. So we better enjoy our reading while we may, right?

We've been hit with a wave of warmth and, I just checked, are all the way up to 9 degrees Farenheit. Yippee! Shorts and t-shirts will be coming out soon.

>116 PaulCranswick: *note to self: put more nice messages on Paul's thread* You've been to the Giant's Causeway, Paul? Is it as cool as it looks? And why do the Giants need a power station?

We've got crepes galore with plenty of lemon.

Hi Dad! Back at work and it is going well :) Hope your day is too! Also Rolling Ladders for the win! Hee hee.

Could I have a big, warm mug of salted caramel hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows please? And perhaps a working fridge and freezer too ;D

>119 jnwelch: *Bambi eyes* ...lemon crepes...I love lemon crepes with sour cream...

>120 seasonsoflove: There she is! Glad the first day back is going well, Becca. Yes, so far so good for me. The balmy 0 degrees start to the day really helped. Rolling ladders - I'm making a note for a holiday gift for you. Given the space issue at your apartment, maybe we'll get tiny ones that Sherlock can use, too.

You're welcome to use the fridge and freezer here until your malfunctioning ones get replaced by the landlord. Or maybe come visit us again at the house. Big, warm salty carmy hocho with mallows coming up (we're going to have to let you put the mallows in to taste):



I thought this looked great, but didn't think you'd like the chocolate chip marshmallows:



>121 richardderus: You can have some, too, RD. Although those bambi eyes are a bit disconcerting. :-)

OOOOOOOOO

So yummy! I love lemon flavored most-anything, but crepes are the most ut.

You know me very well-as pretty as the chocolate chip one is, that's too much chocolate for me ;D The other one looks perfect :)

Thanks to you and Mom, I have a variety of foods that do not need to be refrigerated or frozen to choose from (though I still can't wait until I get a new fridge and freezer of my own!). And it has worked out highly conveniently that I am going out for three meals this weekend, which helps a lot.

Well, I'm happy to take those chocolate-chip marshmallows off your hands, Joe. I've never heard of such a thing, but they look scrumptious.

>123 richardderus: I agree, Richard - to me, they're the fab pre. No, wait, that's not right.

>124 seasonsoflove: Ah, good, Hon. We'll save the other for the chocolate aficionados.

I'm hoping your frigidation issues get solved sooner rather than later. But I'm glad you've got enough to tide you over for a while. I believe we're supplying one of those highly convenient meals you speak of, right?

>125 rosalita: There we go - thanks, Julia. We appreciate your stepping up like this in a time of need. "We specialize in scrumptious" is our motto. We're still working on the jingle. No doubt my MBH and Becca will ask that I please, please not sing it.

You are indeed kindly supplying some delicious food at the United Center ;)

Hi Joe- I have neglected the Cafe! My fingers are finally thawed and I can now visit threads. How about a fine ale, my friend.
I have added Eleanor & Park to the List and like I mentioned I picked up You're All Just Jealous of My Jetpack from the library.

I am loving Death Comes. You have been inspiring we to read her and now I want to make my way through her entire catalog.

>127 seasonsoflove: Ha! I thought so. Good to hear it'll be delicious.

>128 msf59: No worries, Mark. We're just glad you survived the arctic blast in good shape!

She is such a good writer, isn't she? She;s been a major discovery for me, as I didn't read her books when I was younger. You can see her influence on Haruf and Early and others. I've started The Professor's House, and once again the writing is superb.

A fine ale? Let's do it. I'm ready for one, too - they're on me:

I have been to the Giant's Causeway and believe me it does not look like that in real life. In real life it is crawling with tourists. Every one of those rocks would have a happy tourist sitting atop it. There is a road right to it that has a bus on it every few minutes. The best part of the whole thing was the hike along the cliffs surrounding the Causeway. However, that trail was being closed as soon as a new trail farther back from the cliff was done. I think it was completed in 2012. I was there in 2009.

Bushmills - the town - was much better than Busmills - the distillery. I loved the town and spent a wet later afternoon there in a coffee shop waiting for the bus to Portrush. It was such a nice place I went there the next day for another pot of tea. On that day I found a used book store and purchased one book from them. Bushmills and Portrush are great towns and the bus drivers for Ulster bus that go between the two are wonderful people.

98 Now that's what I call a useful remote control!

Wow, what great pictures on this thread. Some really yummy looking food.

(119) Those lemon crepes look scrumptious!

>110 scaifea:: Amber, if you happened to … um … 'borrow' that rolling ladder on one of your trips, do you think they'd notice? Might even thank you for getting it out of the way?

How about a hot toddy before bedtime, Joe? I feel a "little something" coming on, and that might head it off.

>133 humouress: Nina: Yes, well, I can't imagine them even thanking me for anything... (We're not best friends, you see...)

Morning, Joe!

>130 benitastrnad: Thanks, Benita. Makes sense, although it's too bad it can't be seen more often in its pristine, relatively tourist-free condition shown in the photo. Glad you had such a good visit in Bushmills and Portrush. I like the sounds of that cafe and of course the used bookstore.

>131 tymfos: I know, Terri, it's the perfect remote for our LT contingent, isn't it? We try to come up with appetizing food here, often with guest chef posters. Not infrequently someone will come up with a delicious edible that most of us hadn't heard of before, like lemon ricotta donuts.

>132 fuzzi: Don't they look good, fuzzi? We had a crepe place near us that closed down, unfortunately. Next time I get near some crepes, this is what I'm having.

>>133 humouress:, 135 Morning, Nina and Amber! I could see how the thought might cross your mind, Nina. Seems like a perfectly fine rolling ladder being wasted on the unappreciative. Including unappreciative of our Amber! Maybe we need a Robin Hood of rolling ladders, who takes from the don't care muches and gives to the book lovers.

>134 laytonwoman3rd: We've got the time jiggerer warmed up, so we'll get that hot toddy to you, Linda. A good hot toddy can head off any number of things, can't it.

Ha! I love the Robin Hood idea!

Good morning Joe, nice new thread! Those crepes look delicious, any cherry ones?

A Conspiracy of Faith is the third in the Department Q mystery series by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen. A family man who has cautioned his wife that he can't tell her about his business turns out to make his living on the ransom from kidnapping children. The book kicks off with a kidnapped boy being held in a hut near a fjord writing a mesage in blood and sending it onto the water in a bottle. Dept. Q investigates what we might call cold crimes, and the bottle eventually ends up with its eccentric head, Carl Morck. He is assisted by Assad, a mystery man from Syria who started as a janitor, and Rose, a punkish independent who has no qualms about telling Carl where he can stuff it. Gradually they decipher the waterlogged message and begin to assemble the clues necessary to bring down the meticulous and elusive kidnapper.

We get to see what drives the religion-hating villain, and the harm he causes all around him. But most of the fun derives from the interactions of crusty, wise-ass, bureaucracy-bucking Carl, the suspiciously competent but language-hampered Assad, and the ball-busting Rose, along with her quite different twin who fills in for a while. There are back stories arcing through the books, and in this one we get more tantalizing information about the ambush that crippled Carl's colleague Hardy, international intrigues involving Assad, and a surprising home life for Rose. There's good action, particularly as two women imperiled by the kidnapper race through the night trying to take him down. Meanwhile, Carl continues to evade his now regretting separated wife, and it looks like his awkward attempts to romance self-possessed psychologist Mona may be making some headway.

I've not really gotten caught up in the Scandicrime craze, but the wit and shenanigans of this series have hooked me. Looking forward to number 4.

>137 scaifea: Hmm, maybe our Robin Hood also could swipe attractive coffee table books from those who never open them, Amber, and give them to book-loving homes where they'd be enjoyed and treated with admiration.

Lot of possibilities here.

>138 Thebookdiva: Good morning, Abby! Thanks. How are you feeling? Yes, I believe we do have some cherry ones on hand. Here you go:

135: I remembered, Amber; it resonated.

That hot toddy looks tempting, Joe. I seem to have a slightly stuffy nose - any recommendations? Drinks-wise, that is.

How about some hot buttered rum, Nina? Good for what ails ya.

Oh, yum! I feel better already.

LOL! Glad to hear it, Nina.

Thanks Joe. I'm still under the weather but feeling a little better than yesterday.

Glad to hear you're improving, Abby. Lousy weather to be under right now, too. Hope you're able to be distracted by some good reading.

Regarding Tanglewood from way up thread...I got it mixed up with the 4-H camp in Maine that is also named Tanglewood. I went to college at Wheaton which is in Norton. Norton is between Boston and Providence basically. I never did get out to western Mass much.

I'll have some of those crepes with the cherries please! Yum!

Joe help help it's cold! I need curried prawns! Extra hot!

Oh yeah not reading review because book sits here next to me emitting seductive coos.

>147 Cobscook: Western Mass is beautiful, Heidi. Williams College is out there, and the Clark Art Institute, and all sorts of interesting places, along with the Berkshire mountains. I mainly knew the Boston area, where my dad grew up, and Cape Cod, where we would vacation, when I was a young guy. My MBH is from Pittsfield in the Berkshires, and visiting her family there got me hooked on the area.

Cherry crepes? Mais oui!



>148 richardderus: Ha! Help is on its way, Richard! Curried prawns, extra hot:



>149 richardderus: I'll bet it is, Richard. That's Roberta's doing - she has somehow enchanted the Dept Q books.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell is a beautifully told story of 16 year old high school outsiders in the '80s who fall in love while riding the school bus. This young adult novel features very strong but realistic language, and cringe-worthy behavior by bullying high schoolers and a monstrous stepparent. Park is the short, half-Korean son of a war vet and his Korean wife. They are the best-depicted parents I've come across in a YA novel: affectionate, in love, imperfect, trying to do the right thing. Eleanor is a big-boned, red-haired girl who others call Big Red and who compares herself to a bar maid. Her family, relocated in a small house after her mother re-marries, is cripplingly poor. She shares her room with several siblings, and tries to make herself invisible at home to evade the wrath of her alcoholic step-dad. She's intelligent but put-upon at school, in part because she dresses so oddly. Park is accepted, but barely, and lives in his own world of comics and 80s music. After a shaky start on the bus, Eleanor begins to read Park's comics over his shoulder, and he's smitten. Soon they're sharing music as well. She corrects him when he tells her she looks "nice". "Eleanor was right: She never looked nice. She looked like art, and art wasn't supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something. . . . Eleanor made him feel like something was happening, even when they were just sitting on the couch."

As they start to get to know each other, they're honest and funny, e.g., after he gives her the Watchmen graphic novel and she finds parts boring, he says, "I'm beginning to think you shouldn't have started reading comics with a book that completely deconstructs the last fifty years of the genre." She responds, "All I'm hearing is blah, blah, blah, genre." Nonetheless, reluctantly, she's just as smitten as he is. "When she saw Park standing at the bus stop on Monday morning, she started giggling. Seriously, giggling like a cartoon character . . . when their cheeks get all red and little hearts start popping out of their ears . . . it was ridiculous."

They love to touch each other, and there are beautiful passages about simple hand-holding and face-caressing, along with more extensive canoodling. Park's mother is resistant to Eleanor at first because of her odd ways and shaky family, but both she and her husband start realizing what Park loves about Eleanor and what a difficult situation she is overcoming. The cards seem everywhere stacked against their romance, and one final, horrifying family revelation may doom it, despite their best intentions. You'll likely find yourself re-visiting your own days of young love. I can see why this one has gotten so many raves. It's a standout and the best of the past year for me.

Ha! You didn't get me with that book bullet, Joe, because I already have that book on the (virtual) shelf. Whew!

Hi Joe, that hot buttered rum looks inviting. You know, I've never had it but I remember 'butter rum' flavor lifesavers were always my favorites as a kid. It's time I grew up and tried the real deal. I loved your review of Eleanor & Park although I doubt I will read a book about young love. Those days are past for me! I must admit I almost succumbed with that "blah, blah, blah, genre" quote. Maybe I'll see the movie if they make one. I did love "Juno".

>152 rosalita: You have Eleanor & Park on the virtual shelf, Julia? Good - it's one you'll enjoy reading, methinks. The review is just more support for the original BB. :-)

>153 Donna828: I hadn't thought of butter rum lifesavers in forever, Donna, but I liked those, too. All the other flavors were pretty fruity, as I recall, so that one stood out as "one of these is not like the others", as they'd say on Sesame Street.

Do you ever read YA? Are there any you've particularly liked? This one is way up there on the quality scale. John Green wrote a rhapsodic review of it in the NY Times, which is what got me going on it.

Fabulous review of Eleanor & Park, Joe. I generally don't read YA books, but I think I'll have to make an exception for this one.

Great review of Eleanor & Park, Joe. The book jacket didn't interest me when I saw it at the bookstore, but having read your review.... well .. i have to add this to my obese wish list.

>155 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl. Great, yes, give it a try. It's very well done. For me, the stripped down storytelling can be a nice change-up from the more complex reads we take on, and when it rings true this kind of YA title can be quite compelling. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is another one that comes to mind.

>156 cameling: Thanks, Caro. It's not the greatest cover, but I've sure seen worse. It does fit in terms of the sharing that brings them together. I think you'll be a pushover for this one. As you can tell, I was.

I had been resisting putting Eleanor & Park on my TBR list, but you got me.

Joe your review of A Conspiracy of Faith was spot on. You touched on all the points that made the book for me. Also, this installment redeemed the series from the second book for me. This is only Scandi Crime because it take place in Denmark. This is a good thriller series and it would be just a good based almost anywhere else.

I have Eleanor and Park on my wish list already. You just make me want to read all that much more.

Hi Joe, like Roberta, your review of Eleanor and Park has made me want to nudge it up toward the top of the wishlist. A nice big thumb for you!

I'm halfway through Eleanor and Park and really enjoying it. Thanks for not including any spoilers in your review! I don't know where the story is going but Rainboow Rowell is such a deft young writer, I 'm sure I'll be pleased.

>151 jnwelch: lovely review, Joe. I'm feeling indulgent-Can I have a brownie fudge sundae, please?

Joe, you are such an inspiration to me. I am going to make lemon pancakes tomorrow morning. I am wondering though, if I should put a cream custard filling in there, to offset the tart lemon. That could be delicious!

Great review of Eleanor & Park, Joe. I just put it on my library list.

Hi Joe- I loved your review of Eleanor & Park. It sounds like a real winner. Also good review of A Conspiracy of Faith. What a terrific series.

>151 jnwelch:: Thumbed. But you didn't get me with a BB; because I've already been hit by that one - just deepened the wound.

>162 leperdbunny:: If you're doing brownie fudge sundaes, I could be tempted …

>163 LovingLit:: Hah! See - you said this thread only provides virtual calories. Now you're encouraging people to produce the real stuff! I'm going to have to go for my second breakfast now. ;0)

>163 LovingLit: Oh oh oh yyyeeesss the utter yum of simple vanilla custard inside a lemon pancake oh my yes please now please

For dinner tonight, we went to Asian Box, where we got to pick the elements to combine for our dinner. I had the shrimp with tamarind vinaigrette. My friend had the tofu with Miss Jones' Siracha, plus tofu spring rolls with the tamarind vinaigrette. Super yummy and very affordable.

Eleanor & Park - wishlisted! Lovely review, Joe.

*waving* at Joe - it is cold and rainy here. Could I trouble you for a cuppa Earl Grey, please?

Great review of Eleanor & Park Joe. Thumbed it, and added to the WL.

>158 benitastrnad: Ha! Thanks, Benita. You'll be glad you added it.

>159 luvamystery65: Oh good, Roberta. I sensed somehow that this Department Q series was close to your heart. Not sure what tipped me off - maybe the parades and praisesongs? I'm glad you thought the review did the third one some justice.

>160 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Judy! Appreciate the thumb. It's a good 'un. I know it's tough this time of year (post-holidays) for a book to climb to the top of tbr, but I'm glad this one made it to the top of mine.

>161 NarratorLady: Best thing I could've heard, Anne. First, that you're halfway through Eleanor & Park and enjoying it (we are simpatico readers, aren't we?), and second, that you didn't see any spoilers. For me, the #1 hardest thing in reviewing is to avoid spoilers, but also to give enough detail so that people will want to try the book (or in some cases, not bother). So thanks for letting me know.

Can't wait to hear what you think of the book! She is a deft young writer, as you say. Now I want to make time for her Fangirl. Which ones of hers have you read?

>162 leperdbunny: Thanks, Tam, glad you liked the review. Brownie fudge sundae sounds like a grand idea. We've found a way to make it with no calories whatsoever.

>163 LovingLit: Ah, you're kind, Megan. Lots of great food ideas come up here, don't they? But most of them ain't coming from me. I think Paul and Richard were the lemon crepe guys. A cream custard filling sounds outstanding to me. Please let us know.

>164 phebj: Thanks, Pat. It's outstanding. I didn't try the library for this one (had to have it), but it's been out long enough that hopefully you won't have a long wait.

>165 msf59: Thanks, Mark. I'm heartened that you and Roberta liked the Department Q review, as you've both been out ahead of me on the series. It is a really good one, isn't it? We seem blessed with great series - the new Dr. Siri is out now, too, so I'm looking forward to squeezing that one in somewhere. Can't wait to hear what you think of Eleanor & Park when you get to it. Although the content is very different, as I mentioned to Darryl, the depth of it reminds me of The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

>166 humouress: Ha! Thanks, Nina, and I appreciate the thumb. Normally I don't like the thought of deepening a wound, but for an Eleanor & Park BB I guess it's a good thing. :-)

Take a look up above; if you like the looks of the brownie fudge sundae, I'm sure the staff can put together another.

>167 richardderus: Agreed, RD. Looks like you have to bring a lively appetite for this one.



>168 AuntieClio: That sounds, and looks, really good, Stephanie. Asian cuisines seem to supply some of the best high quality/low cost food, don't they?

>169 scaifea: Glad to hear it, Amber. Thanks!

>170 alcottacre: Hey, good to see you, Stasia! I know, seems like we've had a spate of particularly lousy weather all over the place, especially the midwest and east U.S. Is this unusual for your area? I think of Texas as being much warmer this time of year than up by us.

>171 SandDune: Thanks, Rhian! Appreciate the thumb. I sometimes wonder how very American high school stories like this translate across the pond. The basic issues, like being an outsider, poverty, and romance, are universal, so the answer probably is, just fine.

Have a wonderful weekend, Joe!

Hi Joe, I have not read The Perks of Being a Wallflower, but it is on my reading list for this year. After I read it I plan on watching the movie. Being an Emma Watson fan it is an absolute must. Hope you have a good weekend!

>175 wilkiec: Thanks, Diana. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, too!

>176 Thebookdiva: There's our Abby. Hope you're continuing to feel better.

I only read The Perks of Being a Wallflower fairly recently myself, after my daughter told me it was her best friend's favorite book. It's so good! I need to see the movie - I've heard nothing but good things about it. Consider Eleanor & Park some time, too. Eleanor doesn't have blue hair like someone we know, but I think you'd relate.

Hope you have a good weekend, too, at the Pecan Paradisio!

Here's something to brighten all your days, some of the results from an art project we did in my Pre-K classroom yesterday :D


If you can't read them (sorry for the small print), it says When I Grow Up I Want to Be...

and the four answers are:
-in Star Wars
-a cheetah
-Barbie
-Hulk

The other Pre-K classroom did their projects today, and got answers like "Shoveler" and "unicorn"

:D

I want to be in Star Wars, too!! I understand Jabba the Hutt retired. I'm *perfect* for the role!

Richard you are NOT Jabba the Hutt! Absolutely not! An evil villain, yes, but not that one.

>178 seasonsoflove: I love those, Becca. I particularly admire the ambition to be a cheetah. We could use a Shoveler when the next snowstorm hits, so please send the contact info for that one.

>179 richardderus: I had you picked for (a grumpy) Obi Wan Kenobi when they do the new version, Richard. Wouldn't Sydney Greenstreet have made a great Jabba? "Han, my boy, you disappoint me. Have you any conception of how much money can be got for that black bird?"

>180 luvamystery65: That is so sweet, Roberta. *wipes tear from eye*

Heh. It'd be Luke in the slave-boy costume, not Leia, in my interpretation of the role....

Sydney Greenstreet would've been *superb* as Jabba.

>182 richardderus: Ha! I think I understand your different perspective on Luke/Leia, Richard. That Princess Leia poster was everywhere for awhile. I'm surprised no one tried to merchandise a Luke version.

And face the Wrath of Lucas('s Lawyers)? No thonks. But it makes an interesting angle on the mythos. Leia the warrior, Luke the plucky plaything.

>178 seasonsoflove:: Ha! Love it! I think my 4k-er would likely answer that he wants to be Mr. Gru. He's a big fan of him and his minions right now...

>184 richardderus: I will say I thought Leia was a warrior, and sharper than either of the boy heroes. But I can understand your imagining Luke as a plucky plaything.

>185 scaifea: That sounds like the Despicabilians, Amber. I know Becca is quite the fan, too.

I am quite the fan of Gru and his daughters and minions. In fact my students run around yelling "Banana!" thanks to those movies :D

My text message alert is Agnes yelling, "It's so fluffy I'm gonna die!"

Okay, okay, okay! Fine. I've been book bulleted. Shot to the heart. Succumbed. Eleanor & Park added to Mount TBR.

(178) I adore those answers, well, maybe not *Barbie*...

...I wanted to be a wolf. No wonder White Fang was my favorite book for years!

Stephanie's Asian meal looks good, but now Joe has me salivating for Hot Fudge Cake. It's a good thing my cat has parked himself on my lap or I'd probably be heading to Buddy's BBQ to get one.

>178 seasonsoflove: that is too cute! I'm curious as to the star wars one since it is white, does that mean they are storm troopers? ;P

>166 humouress: I've got two spoons!

I also brought tiramisu

OMG! Did I just see, way, way up this thread, German chocolate pie?! I absolutely love German chocolate cake but pie..... well I need to investigate this further..... but wait..... no coconut?! :-(

Ah, the Department Q series.... I really need to get started on that one. I have books 1 and 2 waiting for my on my TBR bookcase (book 2 was courtesy of Roberta (luvamystery)!) so I probably should get cracking on those. ;-)

As for Eleanor & Park, Rainbow Rowell is on my author to read list so no BB on that one.... lovely review, by the way!

I hope you have a delightful weekend, Joe.

We are indeed simpatico readers Joe. Eleanor and Park was a wonderful read, Rainbow Rowell did not disappoint. Her Attachments is high on my list. By the way, have you seen her photo? Put her name in the search box above. I think she's the fabulous Eleanor!

Your thread continues to be delicious buddy. RD and myself got the crepes and RD snagged some scrummy looking curried prawns but I was most taken my Mark's row of beer pulls. Fine ale and a ploughman's lunch if you please mate.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend Joe.

btw I finished 77 Dream Songs and you get a mention in my review over at my place.

@leperdbunny, that will go great with my morning cuppa java...thanks!

>187 seasonsoflove: I yell "Squirrel", but I will have to learn the meaning of this "Banana" of which you speak, young Despicabilian.

>188 AuntieClio: I saw that one in a preview, Stephanie, and it cracked me up. I couldn't pull that off as a text message alert; I travel on crowded trains too much.

>189 Morphidae: Yay! Your evasive tactics are impressive, Morphy, but I'm glad this one tagged you. You'll be glad, I'm pretty sure.

>190 fuzzi: A wolf is a good choice, fuzzi, and would have been my choice for many years. As I got older and more enamored of goofing off, I started hoping to grow up to be an otter.

>191 thornton37814: Well done, parked cat! Virtual victuals are the most effectual for intellectuals, don't you think, Lori? Bonbons for the neurons?

Hello Joe, I see the desert is already out for breakfast. Excellent! In that case I'll have a slice of red velvet cake with my coffee.

Red velvet cake with coffee! Sounds perfect for breakfast.

>192 leperdbunny: Mmm, tiramisu. Well done, Tam.

>193 lkernagh: Thanks, Lori. I see Roberta is working her Department Q magic on you, too. She won me over as well.

I'm going to read more Rainbow Rowell. I'm glad you've got Eleanor & Park on your radar, and that you liked the review.

I know, German chocolate pie (as opposed to cake) was new to me, too. With coconut? Sounds good to me. Here's German chocolate pecan pie in a coconut crust:



>194 NarratorLady: Ha! Glad you enjoyed E & P as much as I did, Anne. I have seen RR's photo, and yes, dye that hair red and she could be Eleanor. :-)



>195 PaulCranswick: Oh, I'll have to stop by to see your Dream Songs review, Paul. If they grabbed you at all, I hope you track down the rest beyond the first 77, Mark's row of beer pulls are over at microbrewer Goose Island, which our families toured a ways back.

Oh man, I loves me a ploughman's lunch. The whole family did last time we were across the pond. Here you go, with some Old Speckled Hen:



>196 fuzzi: That Tam is a good 'un, fuzzi, isn't she?

>>198 Thebookdiva:, 199 Ha! I like your concept of a good breakfast, Abby and Roberta. Here you go:

>186 jnwelch: & 187: Yep. We're big Despicable fans here at Scaife Manor. Santa brought Charlie a minion plush doll for Christmas, and they are only separated when Charlie goes to school (I convinced him that minions are too prone to getting into mischief to go with him to school and he pretty readily agreed with me.

>188 AuntieClio:: Ha! Love it! Charlie quotes that line a lot, and does a fair Agnes impression. He also trots out, "Knocked oooovverrrr!" frequently, and does a good Gru voice, too.

>202 scaifea: It seems to be a Despicable world out there, Amber. Our persuasive daughter has convinced us that at some point we need to catch up with the looniness.

Speaking of which, I finished a collection of cartoons I can recommend, by Tom Gauld. They're from the Guardian, and the name of the book is You're All Just Jealous of My Jetpack.

Here's the title cartoon:



Another one I liked:



As you can tell, a lot of them have a literary bent, and he has an engaging, absurdist take on life.

*snork!* Those are great!

The title of the Gauld collection is *priceless*! Happy warm weekend, Joe!

That second cartoon really cracked me up!

>203 jnwelch:: Something like 'Insanity Streak'; have you come across those, Joe?

>204 scaifea: Aren't they, Amber? He's a clever guy.

>205 richardderus: Ha! I love that title, too, Richard. I'm reveling in the warmup. Hope you have a happy and warm weekend, too!

>206 ffortsa: Me, too, Judy! Concise, with memorable plot.

>207 humouress: Insanity Streak is new to me, Nina. I found this one.

*snerk*

Thanks for the old speckled hen Joe - a companion piece to the wife.

Mmm, plowman's lunch, yum yum.

Dear Joe, I hope you're having a lovely weekend. The cafe is hopping as usual! What a terrific review of Eleanor and Park -- thumb from me! I have seen it reviewed favorably a few times here, so it is on my wish list. Having said that, I decided to "do" something about the giant, perilously tall stack of books around my bookcase in the bedroom (the bookcase being double-full, of course), and to get rid of the giant box in front of the bookcase, also filled with books. I am donating quite a few, have sent away a few on Book Mooch, filled said box with titles to move to the basement (non-urgent titles, perhaps?), and I am left with probably ten piles of books I need to "do" something about but I;m not sure what and in the meantime they're blocking my path to my closet. New Year resolution (for the umpteenth time): read those books! This time I mean it!

>209 drneutron: Joining you in that snerk, Jim.

>210 PaulCranswick: Ha! I have a feeling you get yourself in trouble nearly as often as I do, Paul.

>211 leperdbunny: I'm a pushover for those, Tam - as is the rest of my family. Comfort food of a different sort, I guess.

>212 AMQS: Thanks, Anne! I'm glad you liked the review, and thanks for the thumb. E & P deserves all the favorable reviews it has been getting.

I know what you mean about the books buildup. We periodically "purge", and give away books or trade them at used bookstores, and we try to lower the expense of our bibliophilism by using the library a lot, but it's still a challenge. One partial solution - we're putting in more bookshelves!

Hope you're having a lovely weekend, too. Ours has been quite lovely so far. Nice Bulls win last night.

ETA: Finished The Professor's House and it was quite good. This Cather appears to have the potential for an excellent career.

Morning Joe! Coffee please. Unfortunately, I have a few chores to do around here but I WANT to get plenty of R & R in too! Bleak house started out a bit slow, (usually his books seem to take off in the early going) but it is picking up.
Have you heard of Reality Boy? I've heard some good things about it and I managed to snag it on audio. Have you read King?

Good morning, Mark! Good idea and pics about relaxing. Hope your chores aren't too extensive. I've nothing major on my end. You know how I like those Montalbano books and tv movies; I've got a few more of the tv movies taped from a local cable station, so I'm figuring on watching one of those before the football starts up. Our Seattle-ians should be happy after yesterday, and I believe we've got some Broncos fans who'll be on the edge of their seats today.

I hadn't heard of Reality Boy; as I'm not much for reality tv (unless it's sports), I wonder whether that'd be a problem in reading it? I haven't read any of his/her other stuff. Bleak House, for me, wasn't exactly one that "picks up" further in, but as you get into its rhythm you just start rolling along with it. I'm enjoying that Great Expectations gn I mentioned; I keep thinking of how it's like a movie, but different. How profound is that?

I'm trying to decide what to read next. Luminaries feels kind of ambitious to start on a Sunday, but that may be the one.

Coffee? You bet:

Hi Joe- Thanks for the coffee. I don't watch reality shows either but the premise of Reality Boy sounds fascinating:

"Gerald Faust knows exactly when he started feeling angry: the day his mother invited a reality TV crew into his five-year-old life. Twelve years later, he is still haunted by his rage-filled youth--which the entire world got to watch from every imaginable angle--and his anger issues have resulted in violent outbursts, zero friends, and clueless adults dumping him in the special education room at school. No one cares that Gerald has tried to learn to control himself; they're all just waiting for him to snap. And he's starting to feel dangerously close to doing just that...until he chooses to create possibilities for himself that he never knew he deserved."

^Just my cuppa!

Hi Joe, late start after bad night equals need for coffee in greater-than-usual amounts. I couldn't focus to read, but on the plus side I stayed awake for an entire David Attenborough show. Ask me anything about the Burgess Shale. (Of which I'd never heard before last night.)

So let's see...positive mentions of Chuckles the Dick *retch* and comic books *snore* and reality TV *sniff*...yep. I'm in the right spot.

Good Morning, Joe. I thought I'd better say hello before you moved on to a new thread. Sherlock is adorable!

I think I gained 10# here - thank god they're virtual!

Hope you have a good week with warmer weather on the horizon.

Afternoon Joe. Love the pic of the coffee. It speaks of warmth and comfort to me.

>216 msf59: Sounds intriguing, Mark. Look forward to your further reactions to it.

>217 richardderus: Jeez, I read a Stephen Jay Gould book ages ago that was about the Burgess Shale. Pretty cool stuff. Makes me think of Remarkable Creatures.

Ha! I knew you'd smoke me out on the Dickens gn. Plus I'm re-watching the beautifully-filmed House of Flying Daggers, which I suspect wouldn't be your cuppa either. Vive le dfference?

Let me at least get you that coffee! (Don't mind our slightly deranged server).

Wonderful review of Eleanor and Park Joe and onto the teetering tower it goes. And thanks for another nudge for the Jussi Adler-Olsen series. I have the first one on my iPad and keep meaning to get to it. I wouldn't mind some of the German chocolate pie you were offering back a ways too.

#139 - Nice review! I liked this one two (after being disappointed by the second). I'm looking forward to #4, but anticipate a loooong wait for the audio at the library.

Have you read The Fifth Beatle? It's a graphic novel about Brian Epstein that was recommended to me by a graphic novel-oriented friend. She says it's very good. I just got it from the library, so it will probably be my next read.

>218 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! I'm a little slow today, so forgive me for the Good Afternoon from my end.

We're having a good weekend, and it'll be a much more normal week weather-wise. Hope you're setting up for a good one, too.

>219 Thebookdiva: Afternoon, Abby. Hope you're feeling improved. Yeah, hot coffee on a cold day - comfort and warmth. There are many silver linings in the cold months.

>221 brenzi: Thanks, Bonnie. It's very well done - and Roberta will be very happy to hear I had a positive effect on you re the Jussi Adler-Olsen. I like a series that rewards you on the longer story arcs and relationships as you get further in.

I'm pretty sure we have some German chocolate pie left, despite the many scarfitupagusses.



>222 DorsVenabili: Thanks, Kerri! Yeah, you may be right about the library. Word is spreading on this series, isn't it?

I had seen a positive review of The Fifth Beatle but haven't read it. Sounds like Brian Epstein overcame a lot. Look forward to hearing what you think of it.

That German Chocolate pie looks very tasty.

That is absolutely perfect!

Mmmmm.....tiramisu! That hasn't appeared in the cafe in a while. My MIL always calls it timmimisu, or some such thing. I think she assumes it was named after the people who invented it...Timmy and Sue.

c

>224 thornton37814: I thought that one looked particularly tasty, too, Lori. I've never had it in pie form, but I miss the days when a family friend used to bring us German chocolate cake.

>225 msf59: Ha! Thanks, Mark. Very meta!

>226 Thebookdiva: Agreed, Abby.

>227 laytonwoman3rd: LOL! I'd like some timmysue, please. I like that. Most places would understand what she was trying to order, I suspect.

I find that's a dessert that can vary a lot in quality. Good tiramisu is mouth-watering, and the lesser variant is disappointing.

You might want to dig into that Crime and Punishment or The Brothers Karamasov now if you're in winter mode.

I just started The Luminaries, and it looks like it will be a good one.

How have I managed to miss starring your thread.

Department Q and Eleanor & Park - loved them.

Conspiracy of Faith was my last book of 2014 and I'm looking forward to reading number 4 soon.

Don't mind me, just galumphing through.

>230 SuziQoregon: I'm glad you found and starred us, Suzi! If you liked A Conspiracy of Faith and Eleanor & Park, you're definitely in the right place. I'm looking forward to the 4th Dept. Q book, too. Have you read any of the Dr. Siri series by Colin Cotterill, set in Laos? That's another good one.

>231 richardderus: Good morning, Richard. That all looks pretty spectacular. Nice job of galumphing! What do you call this delectable creation?

Apparently it is called "cake Annie." I myownself call it "stunningly decadent proof that life as we know it is ending."

>232 jnwelch: I'll bet he calls it "Mine, mine, mine" and he's just teasing us.

EDIT: Oh, I see he was typing while I was typing. Still think he's unlikely to share.

No I haven't read any of the Dr. Siri series yet but I've had the first one on my wishlist at the library for a while. Perhaps I should move that up the list.

I'm not up to eating much just now. Even looking at pictures of food is wearing thin. I'm sure it'll change, but the pain levels make me a little queasy.

>236 richardderus: Now, that's just not right! A medical emergency, in fact. I used to have "sick headaches" that did that to me; thankfully they retreated with the hormones. I wish you relief, and soon.

Loved the Dostoyevsky cartoon. I always seem to be out of synch with everyone else's reading.

Mmmm. German chocolate pie!! (*purr. purr*)

Wow, I'm getting hungry browsing through this thread.....

I've just read number four in the Department Q-series and I'm happy to report that Jussi Adler-Olsen continues with another good suspenseful story with some serious sinister crimes.

>233 richardderus: Cake Annie? Perhaps a cousin to TimmySue tirimisu? If we're going to have life as we know it end, good to know it's going to be with a sweet tooth-satisfied smile. I wonder what life as we don't know it is going to be like?

>234 laytonwoman3rd: LOL! He's now said Cake Annie, but I would've said you've got it right anyway, Linda. Turns out he's feeling a bit peaked, so we probably need to go to a two-part plan: (1) be nice to RD, because he's feeling sub-par; and (2) tactfully sneak away with some of that delicious cake he brought. But maybe leave him some flowers or something like that.

>235 SuziQoregon: Yes, you might give it a bump up the wishlist Suzi. It's one of those rare ones where it's been widely read on Librarything, and I've yet to see anything but a positive reaction. That doesn't happen often.

>236 richardderus: Sorry pain issues are causing you to feel lousy, Richard. Take it easy on yourself, and maybe find some tolerable distractions? I tend to read mysteries at times like that, or sci-fi.

I should avoid this thread when it's time to eat, and I'm hungry!

>237 laytonwoman3rd: Me, too, Linda. I'm going to hop over to Richard's thread after this and commiserate some more.

>238 michigantrumpet: Glad that cartoon gave you a chuckle, Marianne. I know, I get razzed by my family for some of the books I bring on vacation, in particular. I did bring our friend Dostoyevsky one time. I know, that German chocolate pie makes me purr, too. Yum!

>239 ctpress: Getting hungry seems to be a common reaction as folks go through this thread, Carsten. Not sure why that would be . . . :-)

Ah, very glad to hear that the #4 Dept. Q stands up as another good one. Looking forward to that. He's got me intrigued on the various back stories, too, and I imagine we get a bit more on those, too.

I noticed you're reading My Side of the Mountain. I just read that a month or so ago, and enjoyed it. A ways back we all had a discussion on childhood favorites, and now I'm trying to catch up on ones I missed. Sarah Plain and Tall was a another good one I hadn't read, and at some point soon I'm going to get to Hatchet and Ring of Bright Water.

ETA: >241 thornton37814: Or, let it inspire you when it's time to eat, Lori. :-) We get a good bit of that, here, too.

Can't focus on a book, so I've been watching Poirot on Netflix, and newer ones on Amazon Prime. I've battled with the grumpys because of this and am not in the mood to let them win.

(229) Love that cartoon!

And richard's dessert looks wonderful...but it's labor intensive I'm sure. I'll just mooch some from whoever makes it... ;)

>243 richardderus: Ah, been there, RD. Poirot is a smart choice. Annoying when the grumpys try to take over. Good luck with the battle. We were going to pitch in some chili cheese fries, but you're in a rare non-eating state of mind. How about some Calvin and Hobbes?


>244 fuzzi: Hiya, fuzzi. Glad you like that Dostoevsky cartoon. We've got a different take on Cake Annie, but maybe it will suit you:

...are those Twix bars around the outside of that cake? Omigosh!

Enjoying My Side of the Mountain - it's an audiobook. I can recommend The Hatchet - very good - and also a good audiobook-reading by Peter Coyote - if you're into audiobooks.

I enjoy the cartoons - I would also be a little suspicious. He doesn't strike me as a typical Dostoevsky-reader. Hmmm...if there is such a type :)

Hi Joe - I see that you liked Eleanor & Park which is high on my list (just waiting for my name to come up on the library queue!). I wonder if you've read Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock which I just finished on audio. It's a YA novel written by the author of The Silver Linings Playbook and I thought it was a very authentic and heart-wrenching story. Probably not for my 12 year old daughter yet....but very worthwhile.

>246 richardderus: I know, they look like that, Richard. The description of this Chocolate and Raspberry Gateaux says they're Kit Kats. Looks like they're keeping in a bounty that would otherwise spill out, don't they?

>247 ctpress: Ha! Good point about him not looking like a Dostoyevsky reader, Carsten. Maybe someone more disheveled and hirsute? On the other hand, I probably don't look like one either. I've had people who don't know me well be surprised I'm reading him - of course, they probably would've been surprised at anyone other than lit professors and students reading him.

Good to hear another positive reaction for Hatchet. I do like audio books, but normally only have time for them on car trips. I read much faster than I listen.

>248 vivians: Hi, Vivian! I'm glad you found your way to this cafe.

Thanks for the tip on Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock. I haven't read it. That sounds like a high potency book all right. Those of us who have had good (or at least non-harmful) parenting should count our lucky stars, and all of us of course should try to do well for our own kids. This sounds like a rough ride for the main character. In Eleanor & Park you get the contrast between Eleanor's situation and the relatively happy home life Park experiences (although even that isn't perfect by any means). I agree, both books seem advanced for a 12 year old. In E & P, I don't think the story would resonate as much with someone younger, and might even scare them a bit about the high school experience. On the other hand, the frank and realistic depiction of difficult events and emotions in E & P makes it a suitable and engaging read for a lot of adults.

Love the Dostoyevsky cartoon!

Those are definitely KitKat bars. And it's really really too bad Richard doesn't have an appetite. Really.

>250 kidzdoc: That's a good one, isn't it, Darryl? The New Yorker cartoonists generally are very clever.

>251 laytonwoman3rd: I know, Linda. Richard without an appetite is like water without wet. Disconcerting. I feel like I've wandered into some alternate universe.

So I'm sitting in a design review with NASA all day - we're demonstrating the mission in front of a bunch of expert reviewers. I passed the Calvin and Hobbes cartoon around among our management team and we've decided to adopt his philosophy! :)

Hi Joe, I thought I'd should drop by before you move on to the next thread, if it hasn't been done already while I was scrolling along here. The food looks scrumptious of course and I enjoyed your review of Eleanor & Park. I take YA in small doses and not sure this one is for me, but I'll keep it in mind all the same. Really love the cartoons you've posted. The Dostoyevsky is hilarious, and yes, I've always been a bit intimidated by him so winter months might be a good time to tackle him; will definitely consider it. In the meantime, I've just now reserved You're All Just Jealous of My Jetpack from the library after seeing your post and while I was at it also reserved Goliath which I know Mark really enjoyed last year. Did I see some pecan pie somewhere up there? I'd be in the mood for some of that. Mind you, I just made an apple crisp with a topping in which I incorporated maple glazed pecans, so that might do the trick too, in which case I wouldn't mind a latte, and maybe a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Thanks! :-)

Cake! Wonderful, rich, chocolaty cake! Plus kit-kat bars? Magnificent!

>253 drneutron: Ha! Love it, Jim. Of course, I suspect a lot of what you're discussing with your colleagues and expert reviewers would sound like Calvin's language to me, anyway. I'm glad you're keeping it light and having a good time even in a design review with NASA!

>254 Smiler69: Great to see you, Ilana! I'm glad you stopped by. Yeah, your instincts are good. We usually move to the next thread somewhere around 250 posts, so that will be soon. I'm glad you liked the Eleanor & Park review; the book has pretty strong stuff in parts, I must say, so I don't know whether you'd like it or not, even with the sweet romance. Which small doses of YA have you liked in the past?

Dostoyevsky does seem like a match for the winter months, doesn't he? Maybe it's that snowy Russian-ness that makes him feel that way. I'm glad you're picking up You're All Just Jealous of My Jetpack. That one you'll have some fun with, for sure.

Oh my, your apple crisp with a topping infused with (ha! probably using that wrong, but doesn't it sound knowledgeable?) maple glazed pecans sounds luscious. Let's get you that, with the ice cream and a latte.



>255 Thebookdiva: Ah, you snuck in there, Abby. Doesn't that cake look great? I will say, as someone who isn't as wowed by chocolate as so many our, I'd be lining up for Ilana's maple pecan topped apple crisp with vanilla ice cream, but that just leaves more cake for you.

(245) KIT KATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

::tucks tongue back into mouth with difficulty::

>257 fuzzi: I know, fuzzi, my MBH is the same way. Finds them irresistible. When the time is right, the kids and I like to surprise her with some Kit Kats.

All right, whenever you're ready, the new cafe is open, so come on over.

245/246 > I am sure those are Kit Kat bars ......

You're right, Alex. Kit Kat-ness has been confirmed. We're talking about snakes, hips and glamping over at the new cafe if you're interested. Plus books, of course. :-)