Mark's Reading Place: A New Start Continued......#2

^ Hey, a guy can dream a little dream, right?

Audiobook:


^Ditto!

Graphic:


Books Read So Far...

December 2013:

157) Troubles by J.G. Farrell 4.6 stars
158) A Conspiracy of Faith (Dept Q) by Jussi Adler-Olsen 4.3 stars (audio)
159) Un Lun Dun by China Mieville 2.7 stars (audio)
160) Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain 4.5 stars (audio)
161) Night Film by Marisha Pessl 4 stars
162) Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan 4 stars
163) The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough 4.2 stars (audio)
164) Mrs. Somebody Somebody by Tracy Winn 4 stars
165) We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler 4.3 stars (audio)
166) Bellman & Black by Diane Setterfield 2.5 stars (Ouch!)
167) Doctor Sleep by Stephen King 4.5 stars (audio)
168) Visitation Street by Ivy Pochoda 3.8 stars (audio)
169) Dirt Music by Tim Winton 4.2 stars
170) 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff 4.5 stars

January:

1) The Tortilla Curtain by T. C. Boyle 3.6 stars (audio)
2) Little Failure: A Memoir by Gary Shteyngart 4 stars (E.R.)
3) Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne 4 stars (audio)
4) Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather 4.6 stars AAC
5) Snapper by Brian Kimberling 3.8 stars (audio)

American Author Challenge 2014

Willa Cather- January
William Faulkner- February
Cormac McCarthy- March
Toni Morrison- April
Eudora Welty- May
Kurt Vonnegut- June
Mark Twain- July
Philip Roth- August
James Baldwin- September
Edith Wharton- October
John Updike- November
Larry Watson- December

Mark's picks:

Willa Cather- Death Comes for the Archbishop *
William Faulkner- Light in August
Cormac McCarthy- Suttree *
Toni Morrison- Undecided. Tar Baby *, Paradise, a reread?
Eudora Welty- The Collected Stories *
Kurt Vonnegut- Mother Night. Possibly a second title. *
Mark Twain- Life on the Mississippi- Thanks to RD *
Philip Roth- The Plot Against America *
James Baldwin- Giovanni's Room- Thanks to Kerri *
Edith Wharton- The Custom of the Country
John Updike- Rabbit Run *
Larry Watson- Orchard or White Crosses or both. *

* On shelf

**If you are interested in the American Author Challenge, check out the main thread. This is shaping up to be a highlight of the year, IMHO:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/162960

Yay! After almost missing your first thread entirely, here I am right at the top of this one.

Ha! Wishful thinking up there in #1, eh? Looks lovely, though.

Happy New Thread, Mark! Lovely toppers :-)

Ah, it was a pleasure to gaze upon the beach pic and painting! It's amazing what they can do to a f,f,f,f,frozen soul.
Is it possible that you are off today?

Mark - Your opening shot smacks to me a little of wishful thinking buddy. I am also feeling wish full today - full of wishes that the cold doesn't get you down too much.

Congratulations on the 2nd of many this year.

Sweet Wednesday! This will be an off day I will savor. Plus, the Good Wife signed me up a massage later this morning, where she works. Yippee! I haven't treated myself to one of those, in ages. I expect to walk out of there like jello-man.
Other than that, not a whole lot planned. A few errands, library run and hopefully plenty of R & R!

Linda- Congrats on the number #1 Spot! Yah! always enjoy your visits and thanks for the guidance on the AAC.

Amber- All we have is wishful thinking at this point. I'll take it.

Diana- Briefly, I considered putting winter images up there. Glad I changed my mind.

Lynda- Yes, I took my day off today. My supervisor practically begged me to come in, stating that it would be much warmer today. It's going to be 14! No, thank you.

Paul- Sometimes wishful thinking is all we have and it beats getting down about it. I am off today and the warm up begins tomorrow. It could be almost a 40-50 degree difference, (from the coldest temps on Monday) by the weekend. Yahoo!

Nice new thread!! I'd love to be in a beach somewhere.

I realize that the trend is up in terms of temperature but it's still 11 below and I'm about to venture out...

Happy new thread, Mark! And hooray for a day off that comes with its own massage!

Mark has a new thread! Enjoy your massage and your day off.

Mmm...a massage.
*starts planning*

Listed my books over on the other thread. The only author I'm hesitant about is McCarthy, but surely I can read one book by the man. The only other challenge I'm even thinking about is ROOTS with modest target of 28. Very helpful that many of your authors are already on my shelves.

Hi Mark,
I'm a bit late chiming in but I agree with Linda's comment that DA was good, not great. I will continue to watch it but I may shift my attention more to CtM -- although I don't even know where I am in that series. I think we had watched all the old episodes.....

I hope you stay warm out there again today. According to our paper, you're supposed to get a high all the way up to 14F. Keep those ears protected!

It looks like this is the Month of Apologies. Sorry, I haven't been around to the threads, but rest assured, I WILL. I did get my new thread up and I did get the Faulkner thread up. I also have been making some arrangements for the Asheville Booktopia. If it makes anyone feel better, I have not cracked a book yet either. WTH, you ask?

Linda- " I'd love to be in a beach somewhere". That is the dream, my friend. Good luck at work.

Mamie & Roberta- Good to see you both! I am getting ready to leave shortly for the MASSAGE!! Ahhhhh..

Gail- Glad you are considering joining us for AAC. Yah! I left you a comment or 2 over on the AAC thread.

Ellen- Maybe, I was disappointed in much of season 3, that this felt a bit better. We will see. And I agree with you and Linda about CTM being the better show.
The Great Portland Meet-Up is just over 3 weeks. Yahoo!

Congrats on your new thread. The beach pictures have to wait because we are looking forward to getting some snow. :-D

Good day to take off, Mark. The weather is supposed to keep getting better.

I liked Eleanor & Park quite a lot. YA, with realistic but cringeworthy language and behavior, leavened with a sweet romance.

>15 msf59: I have not cracked a book yet either. WTH, you ask?
WTH indeed- I blame the weather.

Nice new thread, and nice tropical island reading shot. I guess that is about as far away from 3 feet of snow as you can get.

Glad to hear that you are getting a day off, Mark. We here in Canada have been informed that home mail delivery is going to be phased out over the next year or so and we will be assigned lock boxes at some as yet undisclosed location. Apparently packages will still be delivered to the door which is really my main concern. I don't get much in the way of paper mail but need my book deliveries!

Hope you enjoy your massage, it sounds like just the thing for your weary muscles.

I say sometimes wishful thinking is the best we can do! You got the Faulkner thread up already? I need to go find it then... Then I really DO need to get back to work. You guys are taking my concentration away. ;)

"Hurt so good
Come on baby, make it hurt so good."

John "Cougar" Mellencamp

The massage was great. Lots of snap, crackle and pop. Thought I was wolfing down some Tony the Tiger. Once, I am done, I always intend to go back every couple of months but it never happens. Maybe, I'll get better.

Barbara- Thanks! Good to see you!

Joe- Eleanor & Park sounds good. I've added it to the list. I just picked up the "Jetpack" GN. Looks like a quickie!

BTW- I think you will love Hounded. It features a wise-cracking canine sidekick, that keeps things amusing.

Megan- I can't blame the weather this time. I've been indoors. LOL. Everything always seems to take forever online. Maybe, it's just me. I NEED to take a typing class.

Judy- Welcome back. Yes, I've heard about the phasing out of house delivery. I am sure we will eventually go that route too. I think they already use community boxes in many places up north, right?

Tina- It's probably good I can't get online while working. I could easily see it being a distraction, but what a lovely distraction!

**I will be back in an hour to jump on some neglected threads.

Hi Mark! Nice new thread that I nearly missed. Glad you're enjoying your day off!

CTM?

Morphy, CTM=Call the Midwife

Wow, your threads are flying by me. I thought I had better jump in before I miss too much of another. Once I see the number of unread posts go skyrocketing, I tend not to check in because I never have time to catch up. A new thread gives me a new chance to keep up. ;-)

Surprisingly, Mark, I haven't found Jetpack a quickie. I only read a few at a time. I did treat myself to Boxers and Saints, so I'll be getting to those in a bit.

Hi, Mari! Nice new thread . . . with some real wishful thinking.

I seem to have some kind of mental block as far as getting started with Death Comes for the Archbishop. I put it on hold this weekend but forgot to check it out & take it home Monday. Today I checked it out, and even read a little on my lunch break . . . but forgot to bring it home with me!

Ah, a short thread! I'm in on the first two months of your American authors, although I haven't selected my Faulkner yet. I haven't read anything of his except The Sound and the Fury which I read in college. Right now I'm enjoying Death Comes for the Archbishop. It's episodic structure reminds me of Cannery Row and, like that book, I think it best savored a chapter or less at a time, over an extended period. I love the writing.

Read a chunk of Death Comes. Her writing and settings are simply gorgeous. And this was written in 1925? WOW! I visited a few threads and will return to visit a few more.

Julia- Yes, no regrets taking this one off! And I am already considering taking next Thursday off too!

Morphy & Linda- Big Waves!

Lisa- Many of the threads are really flying this year. It's a major task to keep up. I can't believe the Great Portland Meet-up is in just over 3 weeks. Yah!

Joe- I just quickly flipped through "Jetpack" and it looked like a quickie. Glad it's one to be savored. You will love Boxers & saints. Sweet!

Terri- Please do not call me Mari! LOL. I will get a complex. I think you will fall hard for Death Comes, as soon as you start it.

Roni- Happy New Year. Good to see you. We switched Faulkner and McCarthy, so Faulkner is up for Feb but plenty of time to pick something. The Faulkner thread is up too, so stop by and get some ideas.
I love and agree with your thoughts on Death Comes.

Mark, I read somewhere that less than 50% of Canadian homes receive home delivery of their mail now. Any new subdivision that has been built in the last few years has included a mail station area. And I suspect a lot of the rural routes and places up north don't get home delivery either.

I need to make my hotel reservation!

I am glad you got to enjoy a day off today and a massage to boot! WooHoo!

I am 90% complete on Death Comes for the Archbishop. It's a winner for sure. I love the structure and the beauty of it.

Gorgeous book...unquestionably Cather's best novel. In the top rank of 20th-century novels, possibly even the top 10 American ones.

Hi Mark!

Wow RD, why didn't you post that before I chose a different one? My Antonia was also pretty darned fine but just tailed off a little towards the end.

Oh Mark, I love Death Comes for the Archbishop, and I'm so glad you're enjoying it! I can't remember: were you planning a trip to Santa Fe, or did you go in the last year or so?

Happy New Thread Mark!

>34 PaulCranswick: I did...it was in one of my threads you didn't pay attention to...*sniff*

Beautiful beach scenes, Mark! I am thoroughly enjoying O Pioneers :)

RD - You got me checking. Checked your first thread of the year. Apart from yourself you had a staggering 65 other visitors posting to your thread. Three of those posted more than ten times on the thread: Stephanie, Roberta and little old me. Mamie, Barbara and Morphy nine times each. You are not too badly served methinks.

*sniff*

There there, RD. I dont feature on anyone's first thread stats anywhere, having actually started it in the new year.
But betcha bottom dollar, I will visit yours now and shower you with affection and rain upon your head $100 notes.
(OK, some of that was not true)

Hi Mark.
All your acronyms are getting me confused! CTM I have now though, thanks to your friendly visitors. I have only seen a few episodes of that and felt it didn't move very quickly, or encompass much of the drama that I felt was in the book. I guess too much drama on TV becomes a melodrama...

Morning, Mark! Tomm's home and the thermometer be reaching as high as 20F today - all is right (or at least a little better) with the world. Hope things are looking good there, too!

Sweet Thursday! 26 today! Sounds downright balmy. Now, we need to get some of this snow & ice melted. I hope my route went out yesterday and I don't go in and see a mess. Fingers crossed.
I should finish up the audio of Hounded, which has been perfectly breezy and fun. I have about a 100 pages left in Death Comes.

Judy- That will be the future of mail-delivery. We could be going to curbside and community boxes in five years.

Lisa- I need to chat with Kim, (Berly) and finalize our Meet-Up plans.

Heidi- Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the Cather. I should wrap it up tomorrow.

RD- I am loving Death Comes. I want to make my way through all of her work.

Paul- You sound like an Australian Sheep Dog, nipping at Richard's heels. LOL.
65 visitors? Yowza!

Anne- I have never been to New Mexico but would love to visit one of these days. I can't believe how fresh Cather's writing remains.

Ilana- Big, loving hug!

Tam- More Cather love! Yah!

Megan- Sorry, about all the abbreviations. It's a time-saver. Sorry, you didn't care as much for CTM. I think it is very well-done without the gooey sentiment.

Amber- Yah, Tomm made it home! Yes, it should feel much better today and even better Friday. Have a good one.

Fun to have so much Cather talk, isn't it, Mark? Great way to kick off the AAC. I'm enjoying The Professor's House. Hers are so good, it seems like everyone lines up behind their favorite. Some (like A.S. Byatt) call this one her "masterpiece", and I'm certainly liking it so far. Shadows on the Rock, which I haven't read yet, apparently was her first bestseller and has its own avid fan base. As you know, My Antonia and O Pioneers really grabbed me, and I liked Death of the Archbishop and Song of the Lark a lot, too.

Glad the temperature finally is returning to normal. Hope you have a good one today.

All the mailboxes in my city are curbside or community boxes. We don't have any walking post delivery people here.

Stopping by to quickly congratulate you on thread #2, Mark and to say how happy I am to see that you survived working in that crazily frigid weather earlier this week! Brrrrr City!

Ahh... I'll be able to take beach photos next week when I'm in Puerto Rico, Mark! Your thread toppers are already making me wish I was already there!

Like Morphy, all the mailboxes in my town are curbside so we don't have walking postal officers either. How do you keep your face from freezing?!

Insulated Carhartt overall's. Wonderful things. (and they used to made exclusively in the U. S. In Detroit to be exact. But I think that Detroit is only their company headquarters now and the overalls are made overseas. What a disappointment from a great American company.) Standard issue for farmer's in the Great Plains. Maybe the Post Office could have some of those made for their postal workers in postal blue instead of that yucky calf scours brown?

Hi Mark! Glad to see you survived the brutal cold we had earlier in the week. And did I see you got a massage upthread? Good for you! I know what you mean about meaning to get back more often, it just doesn't happen for most people. I got through the cold just in time to come down with the flu (yay) so I've been cooped up at home since Sunday. Seeing as how I can keep food down now, I'll be back at work tomorrow.

Picked up Shadows on the Rock and a few other Cathers at work last week, and I'm hoping I can keep my eyes open long enough to get tucked into the story before bedtime. Stay warm tomorrow!

Long work day! My route never went out yesterday, so I had double the volume today, plus the stops that were not taken out Monday & Tuesday. That made for some hefty bundles. Fortunately it wasn't as cold but walking remains very tricky and really slows me down. I know! Wah, Wah!
I did finish Hounded, which was a lot of fun. Thanks to Tina & Roberta for the nudge.

Joe- I will give you credit for putting Cather back on my radar, which led me to selecting her for the AAC. She really is an important American author and I can't wait check out more of her titles.
We are up to the mid-30s tomorrow. Yah! Now, we need to melt off some this snow.

Morphy- The town I work in, is mostly house delivery, with some curbside and cluster-box sections, which are in the townhouse communities. The town I live in, is mixed.

Lori- Thanks! I read in the paper, that we can expect another arctic blast in February. I hope it's not as harsh.

Caro- Is the Puerto Rico trip, strictly for fun? I sure hope so.
You asked about keeping my face warm. I haven't had luck wearing face masks. It's itchy and uncomfortable, so I usually wrap my face with a scarf, leaving just my watery eyes visible.

Benita- I do own one big insulated postal coat, that someone gave me years ago and I bring that one out, when it's single digits or colder. Otherwise, I prefer, and many of us do, is just wearing layers, that way you can adjust as the weather changes. i may not even wear the long under-wear tomorrow. Yah!

Laura- I am so sorry you are not feeling well. Bummer. I hope you get healthy soon. Yes, the massage went well. She was really kneading the flesh. LOL. She also reminded me, that I really need to do more stretching. I am bad at that.
Hope you enjoy your Cather!

Oh boy Mark I clicked on this thread not realizing that I missed much of your last thread during my exile. Looks like I missed all the DA chatter. I thought it was a pretty good opening but I really love CtM and can't wait for the new season. Massage is so good at getting the kinks out isn't it?

Hi Mark, just dropping by as my BBQ guests are already over an hour late- what the *&%#@$ is with that!?
So I have some time on my hands.

I do like CTM, just comparing it to the book was tricky. The book was wonderful I thought. One thing I do love about CTM is Miranda Hart being in it. I really like her comedy show (imaginatively titled Miranda) and think she is a cool chick. In fact, she just made it onto my famous-dinner-guests list. So far it is her and Judy Dench plus Jim Mora (not the US sports coach, the NZ afternoon announcer on our national broadcaster who I have a secret crush on).

Hi Mark. I'm so glad you were able to get a massage. I swear by them. And I'm also glad you're enjoying Death Comes for the Archbishop. I loved that book as well as My Antonia. I wasn't going to join in reading Cather in January but I have O Pioneers! on my shelf and after reading Lynda's rave review, I've changed my mind.

I need to go back and catch up with the end of your last thread and see what everyone had to say about the new episode of DA.

And, I thought of you, when I saw Books on the Nightstand's FB post about the Asheville Booktopia selling out all 90 spots in a minute. Did you get in?

Hi Mark, thanks for dropping by this evening. I still haven't watched the first episode of DA. That's a pretty nice treat to look forward to.

Cather, Cather everywhere, but nary a novel in this house to read! I blame you for all this Cathering, and for the unavoidable Amazoning you're forcing me to do...

I was to busy wallowing in self-pity last night, after work, I forgot to mention that I am registered for Booktopia Asheville! All thanks, to Katie, who was able to register us both. Ain't she sweet? All 90 spots sold out in 2 minutes. Let's all give Katie a hug!

Also, on the good news front: It will hit nearly 40 here today! Yahoo! Now, I need this snow to melt, so I can navigate safely and quickly.

On audio, I plan on starting Snapper. Joanne gave me the nudge on this one and I believe we heard it first on BOTNS.

Bonnie- There wasn't much DA chatter this week. I didn't finish it until mid-week. LT opinion seems to be mixed. I am close to wrapping up Death Comes, (wonderful) and I should start Bleak House tomorrow.

Megan- I hope you had a good time with the BBQ. Did you have any good beer? Thanks for the CTM comments. I should read the book at some point.

Pat- I am glad you are considering bookhorning in Cather. Yah! Not much DA chatter. Like I mentioned to Bonnie, opinion seems to be mixed. I liked it and my patience was beginning to wear thin.
Yes, I did get into Asheville, along with Katie!

Ilana- DA was solid. It is a show with a certain format and it does not look it will veer from that, which can get tiresome but as long as it is well-done, I'll probably continue.

Ooooh, just came across a new Jo Walton book, What Makes This Book So Great - http://www.abbeys.com.au/book/what-makes-this-book-so-great.do

I may have to dip my toe into the scary waters of non-fiction with this one. :)

Hope all is well!

Amber- Here a Cather, there a Cather, everywhere a Cather, Cather! Hooray! I am glad to see you buckling. You will thank us later.

Tania- Thanks for the Walton link. Among Others was such a joy to read and I need to read more of her work. I hope your week is going well.

What Makes this Book so Great looks like one I would love. Unfortunately they don't seem to be publishing it in the UK at the same time.

*waving* at Mark - sorry I missed your first thread entirely :(

Hi Mark, happy Friday. Looking forward to those warm temps today but not the possible flooding.

I've started Bleak House and am trying to read two chapters a day. It probably won't be my exclusive book but I hope to make continual progress on it. I've started it several times before and never got past chapter 1. Glad I stuck with it this time.

Not much reading today. Going out to dinner and Saving Mr Banks with friends from work tonight.

I'm glad the temperature is rising, Mark. Have a wonderful weekend!

Hope this weekend is warmer than the last for you Mark. Have a good one!

Way better weather today, isn't it, Mark? I read some reviewer's comment that some day Cather will be recognized over Hemingway as the best American author. Ahem, that comment has a major assumption in it (maybe at the end of the AAC challenge we can vote on best American author?), but I do think she's got exceptional staying power.

Any plans for the weekend? We've got a Bulls game tomorrow night, but otherwise it'll be a quiet one for us. These days I'm all for quiet weekends, I must admit.

I hope you have a light-bag Friday and a wonderful weekend, Mark!

Hi Mark,

I am home now and opened the book sitting here before I did the suitcases even. Thank you SO MUCH for Hellhound on his trail!!! I wishlisted it last year after you gave it 5 stars. It's also really good timing because I watched The Butler on the plane trip home and was thinking how long it's been since I read any books about the civil rights era.

I will go and post on the Secret Santa thread too.

Really glad to see it is starting to warm up, and great news about Booktopia too! I have a ton of BOTNS podcasts to catch up on.

Howdy Mark!

Has this been a crazy weather week or what? Monday was one of the coldest days, if not the coldest day, I have ever worked and today it poured, starting in the afternoon and I was soaked. I was sloshing through a few inches of water in spots and doing the white boy shuffle on all these slushy, slippery sidewalks and stairs. My calves are burning. I guess, that was better than getting another foot of snow. Silver linings!

Rhian- Big Wave! I'll have to see if the Walton book is available stateside.

Stasia- Happy New Year! Are you back to school?

Linda- I put my rain-gear on right away and I was still soaked. Everything is hanging up to dry. The drive was rough too!

I am so glad you are giving Bleak House another try. I plan on starting it tomorrow.

Diana & Abigail- Thanks! Hope you both have a great weekend too!

Joe- Hope you brought your umbrella. It poured here and it is still raining. Interesting about the Cather/Hemingway debate. I love Hemingway too and haven't read enough Cather, to offer an opinion, but one thing is for sure she should be as well known as any of the American Top guns.
We are going out to dinner with friends tomorrow and I am relaxing on Sunday, maybe doing a few chores around here.

Julia- The volume wasn't bad today and everything is finally is cleaned up, on my route anyway.

Cushla- That is great news! I've been worrying about that all week. I love the fact that you put Hellhound on your WL after I raved about it. So, very cool. I hope you love it.

Roberta- Big, loving waves!

Marktastic!!! How goes it, my friend? Warming up, I hope!?

Hi, Mark! Thanks for stopping by my thread tonight!

Cather's works are wonderful, aren't they?! I love both My Antonia and Death Comes, though everything else I've read of hers ~ even the least of them (Song of the Lark) ~ is also enjoyable. I also like Hemingway, at least the ones of his I've read. To my mind, there's no way to compare the two authors, really.

How lovely you got that massage! I think everyone should indulge at least every month! (Like you, I intend to go once a month, though it's usually every other month or two.) So therapeutic, I find, both physically and mentally.

Enjoy the clearing weather on Sunday. It's supposed to be up to around 40F!!! Quite a change from earlier this week!

Is it Sunday, yet?

Normally, I am an early-riser but I sure had a tough time getting up this morning. The snow, slush and ice must have knocked me out.

I am enjoying Snapper and should wrap it up. I have only a few pages left in Death comes and then I will dive into Bleak House, which is one Big Boy. I have it both in print and audio, I may utilize both.

Tina- Mid 30s today, which is good. I want the rest of this snow melted off the walkways. Have a great weekend.

Mary- I WILL read another Cather at some point this year. She sure got a well-deserved boost here on LT. I am not sure I will do a massage every month but I would like to try every other month. We will see. Enjoy your Saturday.

Mark - The Eagle has landed! I received the books you sent me! Thank you so very much. I already have a spot for Starvation Lake in one of my 2014 Challenges.

..... and all over the world, bookstores and librarians are wondering about the sudden rush on Cather books ......

ugh-- slush! I think it's harder to navigate than snow. And you never know where the frozen parts are on the bottom. Stay safe and dry!

Morning, Mark! We all got a slow start this morning, too - Charlie actually slept past 5:30 and it was glorious.

Happy Saturday!

Morning, Mark! Just checking in over here and catching up. Hoping that your weekend is full of fabulous!

#73 LOL! I was just thinking the same as I head off to find it!

It was coming down pretty steady when I went home last night, Mark, and it's mighty sloppy out today, but what a pleasure to have the warm-up!

I'm nearing the end of The Professor's House, and I'm liking it more and more. Striking switch in locale in the middle of the book. I'm also reading the eight-zillionth in that in Death mystery series, and a GN of Great Expectations that is adapted by Jen Green and well done. (Woo, wouldn't RD shudder at a combo of Dickens and graphic novels?)

Hope the day goes well for you.

Hi Mark! Love the beach scenes!

Happy Saturday, Mark. Stay safe as you walk around today. Still a bit slippery out in spots in parking lots and sidewalks but not as bad as yesterday. I haven't fallen but I feel sore and I think that might be from all the twisting and turning and close calls on the ice.

Hey gang! Just a very quick check in. It is not snowing. It is not raining and it is not freezing. All good. And as an added bonus I finished and adored Death Comes. The Cather love continues!

Janet- You really cracked me up with your Cather thoughts. They are selling like hot cakes!

I'll see you guys, tonight!

Mark, we got that driving rain yesterday as well. It cleared off our street so it is not like an ice rink anymore. I went for my first real walk of the year today. It felt fabulous! I am loving One of Ours. Like you, I see more Cathering in my future. Joe, I also loved The Professor's House.

Roberta- I am so glad you got the package and that you found a home for Starvation Lake. It's a very good crime novel and I've been meaning to get to the 2nd book in the series but I keep forgetting about it.

Janet- Much easier walking around today. Thanks!

Amber- Yes, it would have been the perfect day to sleep in. Of course, I am off tomorrow, but watch, I'll be up before 6. LOL.

Mamie made it! Mamie made it! And Go Colts!

BekkaJo- Big wave!

Joe- Yep, you got to admire the Cather Lovefest, currently raging. Dickens in GN form? Wow! Talk about streamlining and yes, not a word to RD!

Suzi- Great to see you! And I hope to see you at the Great Portland Meet-up. Thanks for stopping by my humble abode.

Linda- It was pretty slick early in the day but much better as the day progressed. Easily, the best day of the week.

I am off to meet friends for dinner and beer or should that be beer & dinner?

Hmmmm I have The Professor's House sitting on my shelf, looking a little lonely, wondering why no one has picked it up, possibly getting a complex. Hmmmm.....is it too soon for another Cather, Mark??

Had a smile at Amber's description that you have Cathered us all. Quite some achievement methinks.

From the tropics to the frozen mid-west. Have a great weekend, buddy.

I'm so glad you had Willa Cather as the first in your American Author Challenge... What a great way to start the year, Mark!!

We got home early but had a nice time. Browsing some threads and watching the end of the Colts & Pats game, which has been pretty exciting.

Hi Bonnie- "is it too soon for another Cather, Mark?" I would say....NO!! I rarely read the same author back to back but in the case of Cather??

Paul- We are Completely Cathered! Do I see a T-shirt in our future?

Tina- Yes, those happy accidents! I love it! I wanted to start the Challenge strong and guess what? It's happening.

Hello Dear Mark

I'm looking forward to hearing about your upcoming meet up. You and Darryl are the kings of meet ups! It is so wonderful to meet people that already feel that you know.

I can only imagine how difficult your job is when it is so cold and the roads are icy, snowy...kudos to you!

>56 msf59: I hope you had a good time with the BBQ. Did you have any good beer?
BBQ was yummy (vege kebabs, patties, sausages, salads, cheese rolls, crazy kids x 4- what's not to like?). And beer. Yes. A little too much as it turned out. The few too many added to a ridiculous amount of sleep from little angel #2, and Saturday was a write-off. Mostly the lack of sleep is what made it hard.
Rectified today though, as we packed it in this Sunday. Swim at the pool, movie with angel #1, a walk in the botanic gardens to see some more free music, and a demolition derby in the driveway involving a trike and a tiny bike with training wheels :) Happiness restored.

>68 msf59: yikes! That weather does not sound good. Isn't it funny (funny- odd, not funny-haha) how if you walk a little differently, another part of your body knows all about it and you end up with needing a massage! I hope it warms up for you soon, Mark.

I have been conspicuously absent in your American Authors Challenge, Mark- sorry! It *has* been noted that I am absent, hasn't it?
Maybe I need to drop by just to make it clear that I am not there :)

Happy Sunday morning! Coffee+ Quiet+ LT= Heavenly. I did start Bleak House. It looks like I will switch back and forth from audio and print just to get through this CHUNKSTER! It's one of the rare Dickens books that didn't grab me in the first few pages, but it is starting to take hold.

I have a relaxing day planned, although I will do some house chores and maybe do a couple quick errands.

I finally signed up with Net Galley. I rarely hear it mentioned around here. I know there was some buzz when ebooks started to take off. Any suggestions, to get the best out of NG?

Linda- Thanks for the kind words. I am not able to travel all that much but when I do, I like to do a Meet-Up if possible. I am disappointed I didn't get into the Boulder Booktopia, but we originally had plans to go to New York, but those plans fell through. One of these days, I will get to PA!

Megan- The BBQ sounded fabulous. And so what, if you had a couple to many. You deserved it. I hope you are catching up with your sleep. I DID notice your absence on AAC. It seems to be quite a hit on LT. Were you doing a Cather read?

Morning, Mark! Our Sunday mornings sound the same, except I've got tea instead of coffee, and the quiet is about to end here, as I hear Charlie stirring up in his room...

Oh, right! Bleak House - I remember now that I'm back over here... I haven't read much DIckens, but hope to remedy that soonish, and I've heard all sorts of good things about BH.

Happy Sunday, Mark.

I may run off to Target after a stop at Starbucks and some reading. A couple of NFL playoff games and the Golden Globes. Will probably not watch DA til Monday night or Tuesday.

I read a couple chapters of the Dickens boom every day. I think I'm at about chapter 8 or 9 or so.

^I think I found a future topper! I love that image.

Amber- Tea or coffee, as long as it's hot and enjoyable, that's all that matters. I would really like to do a Dickens a year, just to get caught up on his catalog. I've never been disappointed.

Linda- I do not watch awards shows, (maybe some of the Oscars) so I'll be watching DA tonight. I am so glad you are reading along with bleak House. I am on chapter 5, I believe. After a slow start, it began picking up.
Have a great Sunday.

Morning Mark! I am still waiting on my Cather. Isn't that sad?

>93 msf59: I like that one, too, Mark. Great colors, among other things.

Good football yesterday, and I'm looking forward to more today. We had a nice Bulls win last night. These guys are something else. Their best player (Deng) gets traded away, they've had injuries galore, and somehow they manage to win 5 in a row. Fun to see. Joakim Noah is a big part of it; the guy is a fighter.

Lazy day here. Big decision is what book to read next.

^This is a Book Jar! It is an idea from someone on Book Riot and it could help you to climb MT. TBR. Put TBR book titles on scraps of paper, place them in the jar and pluck them out when needed. It sounds like a bit more work than necessary, plus you may not always be in the mood for a certain title, but then I guess, you could just draw another selection. It's a cool idea. Here is the full link:

http://bookriot.com/2014/01/07/tackling-tbr-book-jar/?utm_source=Book+Riot+Subsc...

Although I find it much easier to type them into a spreadsheet & use a random number generator. Of course, it takes a special kind of OCD (or, as I like to say, CDO, with the letters in alphabetical order as they should be) to do that....

Thank you for suggesting Death Comes for the Archbishop! What a great book! I liked it much better than I thought I was going to. One of the first 5-star books I've read in a long time! Thanks for starting the American Author Challenge!

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on the Dickens you are reading. . .Happy Sunday, Mark. :)

Mamie- See, if we were neighbors, I could just hand you my copy over the fence. That is to bad you have to wait.

Joe- Glad to hear the Bulls won another one. Just when you think they are finished, they come rolling back. Sorry, you are having a hard time picking what to read next. I don't have that problem. LOL.

Terri- I like your Book Jar idea better. I also like the idea of your LT pals picking random numbers, that match a shelf spot in your collection. I've done that before.
I am so glad you enjoyed Death comes. I thought it was fantastic too!

Thanks, Mark, for getting 2014 off to a great start. Death Comes has been on my physical shelves for quite some little time; tried it several times in the past few months, but this time it really sang for me!

The Book Jar...maybe I could just use it for next-up-in-a-series mysteries, of which I have an overabundance on the shelves. I do believe I might try that.

That's what's so great about LT: not only the endless BB's but also the nifty ideas on how to handle them all.

Hope next week is sunny and warmer for you.

The book jar is an amazing idea :-D

#89 Hang on with Bleak house - once you are in to it you are really in. I'll admit to loving it - it helps that I do deal with some seriously silly legal cases and the whole mockery of the legal system appealed...

Happy Sunday reading, Mark!

^ Did anyone else read The ExPats from a couple years ago? It about a super-spy housewife? I thought it was a fun thriller and I just snagged an ARC of his new one, the Accident, which also sounds good.

Tam- Well, I haven't cracked a book yet. LOL. I have another errand to run and then I am visiting Mr. Dickens. Are you a fan of old Chuckles?

Gail- " but this time it really sang for me!" That's great. And that is why LT is the Magic Kingdom. It never stops giving. I don't have exactly a clear plan on shedding those pesty TBR books but I WILL get to a few a month or at least I hope so.

Barbara- Sometimes we have to find creative ways to clear those shelves. My stacks move like a glacier. That is one reason I thought the AAC was a good idea.

BekkaJo- Thanks for the encouragement. He is really an amazing storyteller and each book does seem like it has a different feel.

RD- Big hearty waves! I hope that awful pain subsides.

**Hey, no thoughts on Net Galley?? Taps foot, impatiently...

I like Net Galley but they almost turn down my requests. Once in awhile I get lucky like on that new Wrigley Field book I won.

I used to do Net Galley when I had a blog where I reviewed books. Then, I don't know, I stopped blogging and sort of forgot about Net Galley. I did obtain a few really excellent books from that source.

One of the publishers turned me down once too, Linda, and I was so annoyed. I don't remember which one, but for awhile I refused to buy any books they published. Petty, I know, but I eventually got over it. (That's the best part of getting old and having short-term memory loss ~ I can't stay angry because I soon forget I'm angry, much less why I'm angry.)

Happy Sunday Mark! Hope you are enjoying your day

Hi Mark!

I've been doing NetGalley for a few months and get most of what I request. There are a couple big publishers who always refuse me (maybe Random House, but I can't remember.) I might do ok with requests due to employment in the library world. I'm not sure. I know they prefer people with high-traffic book blogs, but whatever.... I actually have too many right now, and have to get to a few of them soon.

So glad you enjoyed DCFTA! Have a lovely Sunday!

I just snagged the audio of the latest Dr. Siri Paiboun. It is the 9th. I've read the first 7. I LOVE these books on audio! Yah, Me!

Hi Mark. Just stopping by to wish you a Happy Sunday. Counting the days until the Great Portland Meet-up!

Someone was planning on reading the Rosie Project, right? Was it Julia? I picked up an audiobook version of it, so I'll be ready to go. It does sound fun.

Linda & Mary- It looks like I'll have to check out Net Galley for myself. Honestly, I haven't even read an ebook yet, LOL, so I better take it slow. I don't want to request a bunch of titles, I'll never get to.

Chelle- Big loving waves! Hope you guys are thawing out.

Kerri- Do you request from Net Galley, as a librarian or a reviewer? To bad, we can't consider our threads as high-traffic blogs, which in a way they are. I am with you, I have a hard time keeping up with the ARCs, I already have.

I've never tried Net Galley Mark because 1. I have no blog and 2. I don't work in a library or bookstore. Plus, I have a hard enough time reading books I really want to read rather than pre-publication books that I'm just taking a chance on and may very well not have an interest in. The ER books they offer on LT are enough for me and I haven't even requested one of those in several months.

#111 - I say I'm a reviewer, but mention my profession. I don't work in a library, but I do work in the field...and I am a librarian. I totally agree that these threads are like blogs. They're probably more effective in a lot of ways too, because the relationships formed here are stronger and more personal. I do provide a link to my 75 thread and I think mention that I'm active in this group in my bio. I also mention that I'm a Booklist reviewer, but I'm not sure that has any influence, as I don't select the books I review for them, obviously.

Just trying to catch up, Mark! I'm doing a version of that Book Jar this year. Each month, I use the Folly feature here on LT to pick a random book from my "To Read" collection. This month, it picked a book in a series I wasn't up to yet, so I just read the book that was next up for me. It's kind of fun, the randomness....

Hope you had a relaxing Sunday!

Hope you had a great weekend, Mark! A bunch of us are going to read "The Rosie Project" and I'm so excited that you're going to join us! We haven't set a time yet — do you have any preferences?

Hi Mark,
Happy Sunday to you (almost over, I realize, but the sentiment is true).

I haven't felt the need for a way to randomly select my next read from Mt. TBR, but I do kind of like the idea as folks talk about their respective ways of doing this. I won't make a spreadsheet (I know I'm in the minority around here but making spreadsheets just feels like time I could have spent reading!!) but I might use the Folly feature a la Katie. Partly because I love the word "folly." :-)

#111, 113 - I agree that these threads are a very effective form of book blog and I can absolutely attest to the positive impact they have had on my book-buying behavior. If someone on here recommends a book, I'm likely to add it to my wish list. More true from some recommenders than others, of course, but I doubt there is anyone with whom I interact regularly by whom I haven't been hit by at least one (or two, or twenty) book bullets!

^On the set of "Return of the Jedi". Why, am I posting this? Oh, I don't know...

I know, I know!!! *raises hand*

Nearly-naked Carrie Fischer!!!

The problem with the Book Jar idea is finding the time to write out slips for the thousands of books that would belong in it (and finding a jar big enough to hold them all). I might need a large churn!

Bonnie- Like you, I am very selective of what I request and what I buy. I think the idea of snagging an advanced copy of some amazing title, does have some appeal. I am will check out Net Galley but I don't think I'll do much over there.

Kerri- Thanks for the Net Galley info! I think that is a fantastic idea, adding a link to your 75 thread. I think this place is hotter than any blog I've read, although I am so busy over here, I rarely have a chance to venture out. LOL.

Katie- I am not familiar with the "folly" thing. Do tell? And yes, it's been a very nice Sunday. No reading, but still...

Julia- I thought it was you! As long as it's not this month, I am open for the Rosie Project. I have the audiobook copied to my itunes and ready to roll. We'll see if we can drum up more interest.

Ellen- I talked to Suzi and she is up for the Great Portland Meet-Up! We should have a decent crowd. Have you mentioned it to Banjo?

It sounds like you have issues with spreadsheets. I will not mention them again...

^ Yes, Banjo/Bonnie is going to join us for the bite to eat and maybe the Powell's visit. She has some other obligations that will make it impossible for her to join us at the brewpub. Lisa and I are planning to drive down that morning.

We'll have a good crew! I'm saving my Thingaversary purchases for the Powell's shopping expedition.
:-)

^See, I am not just a perv!

^DA time!

117, 188: I don't know, I think Mark is trying to hint that he wants one of those uber-masculine flowered robes for his birthday.

Haven't watched any of the new DA yet, have decided to not watch TV any more tonight and will spend the rest of the evening listening to relaxing music, making my To-Do Lists for the week and rest of the month, and hopefully persuading the cats to shove over and share the couch with me. Will be an early night after a long week of shoveling and the flu, so no party animal shenanigans for me. Hope you have a good Monday, Mark!

Quick drop in catch up visit!

I am disappointed in DA. I watched this week's segment and felt blah...

All the sudden those in grief are snapping right out of it?

And, ok, we know that the miserable gossipy, back stabbing Thomas Barrow has remained true to character, but honestly, I much preferred the instances when he was allowed to be sad and vulnerable.

I'm growing weary of his same shenanigans and would like to see some change. I hate, hate, hate it that the character is homosexual and they choose to portray him as a weaselly creep. I just don't think that should be the portrayal and would like more positive, sensitive script.

Robert, Lord of Grantham? Can anyone please tell me how they feel about him? I remember a few years back, he was enamored with one of the underlings on staff. He gave her money for her son and she resigned. Somehow, this escapade didn't ring true. I didn't think he showed a depth of ability to love.
Now, he is trying to wrest the management of Downton from his grief stricken daughter Mary? Is he really quite so shallow and narcissistic to forget he previously ran it to the ground with poor investments and lost Cora's money. He cried about that, and now?

And Cora? Is she so empty headed that she would rely on Thomas for truthful information? I've thought of her as strong.

Why, oh why does Edith have to be portrayed as so darn ugly and plain?



She is rather pretty.

Thoughts anyone?

Mark, I've only read Great Expectations and Christmas Carol, so not much.

DA was just okay, chock full of self-pity. And what happens to one of my favorite characters was appalling. This is the kind of angsty stuff I don't like and it will pervade the rest of the season.

Wow, what a difference a week makes for the weather! About a 50 degree separation. A little rain here but about 40. I think I can handle that.

My current reading will be Bleak House until further notice. LOL.

Terri- You win a Kewpie doll! LOL.

Lori- I agree with you. The Book Jar could be a lot of work and we can't take time away from reading or LT, can we?

Ellen- Yah, Banjo is coming! There is a 75er called Oregon Reader, I'll give her a shout too!

Laura- I surprised you don't like that flowery robe! LOL. Hope you get plenty of rest and you feel better this morning.

Tina- Big waves!

Linda- Thanks for your thoughts on DA. I think you hit on many of the shows faults. It is far from perfect. I did like the 1st episode but had problems with the 2nd, which I don't think you've seen, otherwise you would have ranted.
I like Edith's character and I think she will be the one to really grow on this show.

Tam- Of course, Dickens is not for everyone, ask RD, but I think he is one of the great storytellers.

Morning, Mark! 40F! WooHoo!!

>126 Whisper1:: Linda, I agree with your comments about Downton Abbey's Thomas and also thought the first episode reprised too many of "the same shenanigans".

>128 msf59:: Mark, I liked last night's episode better than the first. The shocker was indeed a shocker. Wow. I suspect it will be a driving force this season. SPOILERS: Here's what The New York Times thought about it.

DO NOT click on that link unless you already know what happens.

Happy Monday, Mark. I was watching the Golden Globes last night and have dinner with friends tonight so I'll probably watch DA on Tuesday. I heard that they'll start filming next season in a few months.

Solution for the Book Jar:

Export your Wish List. Copy the titles only onto a Word table (or similar document). Print document. Cut slips.

No need to write them out!

I want Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to go around hosting my life, Mark. They are hilarious. The one about George Clooney was brilliant.

I've finally dipped my toe into The Luminaries, and it looks like it's fine for swimming. So I'll join you in chunksterness for the time being.

Another "balmy" day here - hope it's a good one for you.

Mark re: #93. Isn't it amazing how sensual some ladies can be fully clothed? It wouldn't have worked at all naked would it? Yeah, I suppose you're right, I'm wrong again!
Have a great Monday, buddy.

I have a copy of Expats on my shelf and have heard good things about it although I haven't read it yet. I have an egalley of The Accident which means I'll probably read that one first.

Haven't watched DA yet so skimmed past those comments - we usually record and watch on Monday

>126 Whisper1: I haven't seen the second episode of DA yet, but I agree with a lot of what you said, Linda. Thomas is getting really tiresome; Cora should see through him...SOMEBODY should see through him. Edith has been my favorite character from very early on. She is cast as the unattractive sister, but she has an awful lot going for her, and I do think she might "blossom" just a little in her physical appearance. Although, really, the hairstyles and dresses aren't flattering to ANYONE.

Mark, I'm joining the chorus of grateful readers who want to thank you for getting us off on such a strong footing with Willa Cather. I loved Death Comes for the Archbishop when I read it 2 or 3 years ago, but I hadn't gone back to her, for some reason. I had read My Mortal Enemy before, which I don't think anyone has selected for this challenge, have they? I wasn't crazy about that one, and didn't get excited about Alexander's Bridge either. But My Antonia is really wonderful. Here's a case, I think, where the author's "major" works are truly her best works. I won't get to it this month, but I'm putting Oh Pioneers! high on my TBR list too.

I realized the day before yesterday that I have not watched any TV in 2014. No wonder I've read 7 books already. LOL! I was shocked when I finished my sixth book and I had to think about it really hard. It took a bit to realize I hadn't watched any TV at all.

I'll try the new season of DA but if it doesn't pull me in by episode 2 then I can always catch up in the future on Netflix. I look forward to Sherlock, Call the Midwife and Bletchley Circle.

I look forward to Sherlock, Call the Midwife and Bletchley Circle.
+1

Hiya Mark, this is 2wks in a row of just ok DA IMHO. I didn't care for the fave character's appalling experience either, yet I wonder how common that might have been.
Care to join my I Hate Edna club.

ETA have you watched Foyle's war or Midsomer Murders on Netflix? My husband enjoys them both, both shows are from England, both are mysteries. A younger Mr Carson appeared in the later.

Hi Mark - Happy Monday. I hope the temps continue to be kind. I always go out and spread salt for my mail carrier :)

I'm glad to see all the Cather love here. Maybe I'll pick up an unread one this year.

The Jo Walton book sounds good. I'll have to check it out.

I'm feeling a little blah about DA, too. Maybe it's time to wrap it up?

>93 msf59: I like that painting too Mark! She looks so serene, and I have always had a thing about day beds.

>117 msf59: I think you posted that because of the floral dressing gown Mark Hamil is wearing!!@!$! Me and Wilbur just watched (half) of Empire Strikes Back again, he likes it and so do I!
I remember in a making of the Star Wars films doco, Carrie Fisher talking about how George Lucas would not let her wear a bra, as "jedi dont wear bras". She was very dry about recalling it. lol, poor her.

Oh, and sorry but I am not joining you guys on the Willa Cather-a-thon this time. I might tag in on a later read.

Phew! I think I might be all caught up! I finally watched the first episode of DA this week and my first reaction was my oh my is this ever a soap opera or what?! A very well done soap opera, but a soap all the same. Haven't figured out if I'm getting tired of the formula or whether on the contrary it's a cozy place to keep visiting. I don't mind that Thomas is gay AND a weasel. There are many gay people in the world, and like the non-gay humans, there a nice ones and nasty ones and in-between ones, but that the Upstairs people don't see through his act is rather surprising and I hope he gets caught out eventually.

Mark, I was of course tempted to try the audiobooks for the Dr. Siri series, but really couldn't stand the narrator on the samples I heard. Glad he works for you. I need to get back to that series, haven't touched one of those books last year. It took me a while to get into Bleak House, and I don't know that I was really 100% into it till the very end, but strangely enough I found myself liking it a lot more once I'd finished it, and I'm certain I'll want to revisit it eventually. Haven't read my dose of Willa Cather yet this month, but it's definitely on the programme!

^Of course, this is not how my TBR shelves look, but it sure feels like they do. (This is supposedly a still from the film V For Vendetta. I saw it, but it was moons ago.)

Mark - Oh dear a vision of my future, with hopefully a double bed instead.

Not a bad day in the trenches. Very mild. Like I mentioned earlier, there was over a 50 degree difference from last Monday. That whole week feels like a bad dream.
I am enjoying Bleak House. The audio narrative moves quickly, so I really have to pay attention. I've scrolled back many times and finding my spot in the print book is a challenge too but I am managing.

Amber- A perfect winter day. I kept my winter ball-cap on but no hood and I really didn't need gloves.

Laura- Thanks for the DA comments. I am glad you liked last night's episode better than I did. I'll check out the NYT's article.
ETA- I read the article. Of course, opinion is divided. I just see it as an ugly plot device.

Linda- Stop back after seeing DA and let me know.

Morphy to the rescue! Morphy to the rescue! Thanks, Morphy!

Joe- I do not watch many awards shows. I would if they had a book awards or an LT awards. But I do like Fey & Poehler. Glad you are enjoying the Luminaries. Sadly, I'll have to wait until March. Are you reading an ebook?

Paul- " Isn't it amazing how sensual some ladies can be fully clothed?" I think you nailed it, my friend.

Suzi- I think these Pavone books are both stand-alones, so it shouldn't make a difference. Stop by and let me know what you think of DA.

Linda (layton)- Edith has become one of my favorite characters too, starting last season and I noticed her outfits have become more jazzy and stylish.
I had no idea the Cather Challenge was going to explode. I just wanted a reason to read more of her work. LOL. I plan on reading at least one more of hers, later in the year.

Roberta- I haven't watched a lot of TV either but I like having a few shows lined up for the evenings. Sometimes I am to tired to read and watching the idiot box, is much easier. For some reason, Sherlock doesn't click with me, although I love the leads. I agree with you on CTM and Bletchley.

RD- Big Waves!

^ I love my librarians, but I do find this one a bit creepy.

Lynda- No, I wasn't happy with the "appalling incident", but why couldn't it have been Edna? Kidding, of course. I'll give the show a couple more episodes. I do like watching it with my wife & daughter.
Laura has recommended Foyle's War, so it's on my To-watch list and in my streaming queue. I've never heard of Midsomer Murders.

Beth- We will be returning to winter temps, about mid-week but as long as we don't get snow & ice, I will not complain.

"I'm feeling a little blah about DA, too. Maybe it's time to wrap it up?" I felt that way last season. LOL. I thought it might get better...

Megan- I love the idea of watching Star Wars with your kids. I did it too. I even took them to the show, when they brought up the remastered versions. Are you watching them in order? I heard that story about Carrie Fisher and the no-bra thing. Funny!
I really think you would appreciate Cather. Just sayin'...

Ilana- I know you were having issues with DA last season too. I think his writing has just got lazy. Maybe he should bring in some fresh writers.
I am enjoying Bleak House but I have to keep on my guard. If my mind wanders a second, I have to do the rewind thingy.
I would like to try Cather on audio. I think she would fit that format.

Paul- I did think of you when I posted that book stack pic! LOL.

Downton Abbey has turned into a pretty costume soap opera. Nothing wrong with that, particularly, but it's not very interesting to me. Call the Midwife is still captivating to me.

RD- I agree! I loved the first season and some of the 2nd. They do have a terrific cast but it's the writing that has to keep it interesting. CTM's complete lack of pretension is it's biggest strength.

I think that's it, it's an unpretentious story about people doing the best they can in some pretty rotten circumstances. I find that more appealing than one-percenters behaving badly.

Oooh, did someone mention a second series of "The Bletchly Circle"? That'd be brilliant!

Also looking forward to "Sherlock" and "Doctor Who". "Orphan Black" starts tonight in Australia, I've got the recorder all lined up. Woot!

I'm also reading more than watching TV so far this year. Distinct lack of quality TV this time of year. (Something to do with beautiful weather and summer holidays, but what about those of us who are back at work already?? Sob.)

I'm looking into that Book Jar idea...

Well, I'm finally chiming in to say that I think Julian Fellowes felt the need to do something intense for the second episode of the new season. It was more engaging than the first episode, IMO, but it was tough to watch at moments. I agree that Edith will be allowed to grow as a character this year. As for why she "must" be portrayed as "ugly," I guess that is just meeting the need for some tension in the characters and plot. The actress is lovely, but the plot benefitted from having one of the three sisters be characterizes as less than beautiful.

I need to get back into "Call the Midwife" as I can't even remember where we left off. It is so good.

Morning! We are expected to get an inch or 2 of snow today, just when all the walkways and stairs have been cleared and mostly dry. Well, it is January.

RD- Yep, let's continue to spread the CTM joy. I think everyone here has loved it.

Tania- I think someone mentioned that Bletchley starts here in March. Do you also get the shows after they are broadcast in England? We watched and enjoyed the first couple Orphan Blacks but NEED to get back to it. Let me know what you think.

Ellen- Thanks for the DA comments. I know they needed a big dramatic plot device for this season but why something so unpleasant to one of the sweetest characters?
Yes, try to get back into CTM. It is consistently good without the clunkiness.
I fly to Portland in exactly 2 weeks! Yah!

Tomm just came back in from his morning walk with Tuppence and told me that he slipped and fell on the already-slippery and snowy walks. Be careful out there today...

Uh oh. I hope to watch DA tonight but, based on the "sweetest" comment, I think something happens to Anna.

More snow today. Initially, they'd said during morning rush hour. Now, maybe I can get to work before it starts snowing. Hope it doesn't mess up your day too much, Mark.

Oh no, more snow for you? I know how appreciative I am when the walks clear, sorry to hear you are facing another cold and slippery one.

For some reason, Mark, I wanted to have The Luminaries in old-fashioned hardcover, rather than on Kindle. I'll be glad when it's sitting on the shelf after I finish, but right now I wonder each morning why the bag I haul things in is so heavy - oh yeah, it's the book.

Having said that, so far it's very good storytelling.

Apparently you can read more about your favorite scary librarian:

Hi Mark! Thanks for the morning chuckle over at my place with Bad Mark : ).

Downton Abbey has turned into a pretty costume soap opera. Yes, it has! And I find that soooo disappointing.

Thanks - I agree that the Pavone books look like Standalones.

Watched DA last night - not sure I'm going to like where they're going this year. They can't seem to decide if it's a soap opera or a workplace drama.

Foyle's War is really good. It is a BBC detective story set on the Isle of Jersey during WWII. Some of the Channel Islands were occupied by Germany and they had a sort of marshal law policy. Foyle was the police detective who worked with the military and the government during that time.

Then starting about two seasons ago Foyle retired from the police force and then was called into service at MI5. The two new seasons are stories about him working in MI5. The stories are a little different but Foyle is the same. The last season of the "new" Foyle was really good (as were the original seasons). It is a show I will keep watching.

Downtown Abbey has always been an OK show for me, but it is no Poldark or Upstairs Downstairs, in my opinion. My favorite has always been Call the Midwife.

I dislike intensely the BBC version of Sherlock Holmes with Benedict Cumberbatch. He is rude, obnoxious, and utterly without charm as a person. The character is mean and cruel to the people who try to be his friend, and I simply can't abide that. (Did I just describe Old Bat Grantham?) The shows are so obviously trying to sex Sherlock up that it is a turn off.

I was interested in Orphan Black but didn't get to watch the first two shows so couldn't figure out what was going on later.

Bletchley Park was downright intense. Wonderful scary thriller of the first class.

My mother is going to have withdrawal symptoms today. The Scare-Old-People-to-Death Channel, otherwise known as The Weather Channel won't be on Direct TV any more due to a dispute over broadcasting fees. Oh dear, what will she watch now.

I don't feel so bad about that situation. The Weather Channel stopped broadcasting the weather many years ago, and so lost me as a viewer, and Direct TV is owned by Rupert Murdoch so for me the whole thing is a win-win. Weather Channel if off the air so Mumsey can't worry about the weather in parts of the U. S. far removed from her, and Rupert will lose some viewers. Nothing wrong with that picture.

^Word of the day. Yep, that sums up Marky-Mark's moves, usually after a few beers and normally at a wedding. You can easily confirm this with my better half.

Bleak House update: I am on chapter 25, just about 350 pages in, so that means I should be over the halfway point, sometime tomorrow. This is a vast army of characters to remember and he still keeps introducing more. He does adore his creations and gives each one a unique spin. I am enjoying it so far and I am interested in seeing how he will pull all this together.

Amber- Sorry to hear Tomm slipped and fell. I stayed on my feet, although there was some icy spots and they were hard to see. But boy, did it get cold in blustery in the afternoon. Yikes!

Linda- Not so fast, my friend. Mrs. Hughes is very sweet and in her own way, so is Mrs. Patmore. I think Cora is sweet too. And Alfred is kind of sweet...Check back when you see it.

Kath- Fortunately, the snow didn't amount to much and most of it on the paved surfaces melted. It did get raw and cold though.

I need to get round to Bleak House soon. I sound like a broken record lately, just insert a gazillion various titles in for 'Bleak House.' Sigh.

It was pretty blustery here this afternoon, too. Sheesh.

^On the YA front, has anyone read Will Grayson, Will Grayson? I see that it is one of Audible's daily deals and I do like Green. Keep in mind, I only have until bedtime.

Joe- I am glad you are enjoying The Luminaries. If I like it enough I might just buy it, you never know. Have your read any of the Ninja Librarian GNs? LOL.

Nancy- Many of my faithful visitors know that I have many Bad Mark moments. It's just who I am. LOL. Have you watched Call the Midwife?

Suzi- DA has been a soap opera from the beginning, but early on it was fresh and well-written. It's become stale. I will continue to watch it with my wife and daughter, until I storm out of the room in a huff.

Benita- What a perfect description of Foyle's War. I will have to get around to this, especially since they have it on Netflix streaming. I might have to start trimming back my LT time in the evenings. Oh, the horror!
We only watched the first couple episodes of Orphan Black, but we are going to get back into it and I will give a report.

"The Scare-Old-People-to-Death Channel, otherwise known as The Weather Channel." That is funny. Poor Mumsey.

I'm laughing that some of you think DA has turned into a soap opera. It always has been. It just gets more over the top. I haven't seen this season yet but I finally saw CTM Christmas episode today. My first TV of the new year. I loved it.

ETA: I see you agree with me Mr. Mark!

Wasn't anybody else put off by how out of character Anna was acting early in the episode and before the attack? She was always demure and mature and all of a sudden she's playing this card game and being loud and rowdy like we've never seen her before. The Anna we've come to know (and love) would not have acted that way especially when her husband disapproved. The whole episode seemed off to me.

I'm ignoring the DA talk as haven't watched the latest episode yet. Did I say it's become a soap opera? If I did that was a slip of the tongue because Roberta is right of course in saying it always was so. I'm with Ellen too that having one of the daughters not be a beauty and having her story revolve around that is refreshing. Not everyone in RL looks like a movie star, so why should all characters on TV shows?

Mark, I jumped on the Will Grayson, Will Grayson Audible offer because I've been wanting to read more John Green after The Fault in Our Stars and at that price, you can't really go wrong can you?

Okay, I'll give you Mrs. Patmore, Mrs Hughes, and Cora as all sweet. Not as fond of Alfred.

I'll probably put DA on after the Blackhawks game.

With the Grammy's coming up, as well as the Olympics, I think I'll be a late watcher of DA most weeks.

Mark, have you seen the Bleak House adaptation that aired on Masterpiee a few years ago? If not you really must watch it after you finish the book. The cast includes Anna Maxwell Martin (of Bletchley fame, which is what made me think of it just now), and many other fine actors.

I'm seconding the recommendation of the Bleak House adaptation! I didn't see it all, but what I did see, I liked.

Mark, in Australia, we sometimes get British TV before you, and sometimes after you. You get DA first (I think we'll get the latest season in February), but we got other shows (can't remember what, now) before you. I guess it depends on the scheduling with the local stations.

I enjoy DA, but I rarely catch it.

Hi Mark! I still love DA...

But I also love Call the Midwife. Just on a different level.

But what do I know, I used to love Knots Landing. Lol. In my defense, I was much, much younger...

You asked a thread or two ago if I was still watching The Returned. I am, but I'm waiting for the DVD from the library. I missed dvring an episode.

Did you watch True Detective on HBO?

Hey Mark!! Trying desperately to catch up/keep up - but things really move fast in your neck of the woods. Looking at the beach toppers is a sore reminder that it is over the century here today - as it has been all week and will be until the weekend. I am over it!

Mark, I love that your thread is a forum for sharing thoughts and feelings...

Do I remember that originally you were a member of the 50 challenge and stopped by and stayed with us? Or, are all these pain meds making me forgetful?

Didn't like episode 2. Not at all.

I do like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa but hate what they did.

As a newcomer to Downton Abbey (only up to Season 1, Episode 3), I can say definitively that Thomas is a filthy liittle prat (paraphrasing John Bates) and O'Brien a nosy troublemaking b*tch, and I can't stand either of them. In fact, the only characters I find at all sympathetic are Bates, the housekeeper, and the mother of the heir-apparent (though he himself seems also kind of a prat) and, of course, Violet as played by the redoubtable Maggie Smith is magnificent!

ETA I also like the Earl so far, mostly for the way he kept on Bates, his sense of honor, and his obvious love of the land.

Happy Hump Day! I especially want to get through this one, because I am off tomorrow. Yah, Me!

Roberta- Wasn't that CTM Christmas episode good? And shows a lot of promise for the new season.

Bonnie- That is very interesting about Anna and I agree with you. I wonder if they were showing a glimpse of a younger wilder Ann? I still did not like it.

Ilana- You gave me the nudge I needed on Will Grayson, Will Grayson and ordered it in time. Thanks. I like what they are doing with Edith on DA, which started last season. The only thing that remains fresh. They better NOT dump on her.

Linda- "Not as fond of Alfred." Good, because I was kidding. LOL! Sorry, if we spoiled anything for you, but it seems like you felt the same way I did. Dress warm today!

Laura- Everyone seems to be raving about the bleak House adaptation. I WILL have to see that one.

Tania- Another BH recommendation! Now, I have no choice. Thanks for the info on your TV programing. It looks like you have to keep an eye out for shows to pop up.

Joanne- Yah, for Knots Landing! Actually, I never watched it. My folks were huge Dallas fans too. We have about 3 or 4 episodes left in The Returned. It is a creepy, nicely atmospheric show.
Has True Detective started already?

Prue- Good to see you! Yes, keeping up with these crazy threads is nearly a full time job. I need to stop over and see what you are reading.

Linda (Whisper)- "Do I remember that originally you were a member of the 50 challenge and stopped by and stayed with us?" How could I forget? Your memory is perfect. I could handle the 50 but was intimidated by the 75. Coming over, was one of my greatest achievements. LOL.

Mary- You go ahead and let her rip, my friend. LOL. If you feel that way in the early going, it's probably only going to get worse. Just try to focus on the few positive things. If you are not sold in the 1st season, I wouldn't bother with the rest. Watch Call the Midwife instead.

Whew, I finished! My clumsy little fingers were churning away...

Morning, Mark! All this Call the Midwife talk really tempts me to put it on our 'watch someday' list...

Good morning, buddy. I have to admit, I'm wishing I'd gotten an e-copy of The Luminaries. It's going to remind you of Dickens in some ways. This is a vast army of characters to remember and he still keeps introducing more. He does adore his creations and gives each one a unique spin. I am enjoying it so far and I am interested in seeing how he will pull all this together. What you said about Bleak House could just as easily apply to what Eleanor Catton does in The Luminaries.

I've got another in Death mystery going, and Brian Wood's The Massive arrived from the library. While I admire his ambition in the latter (it's a post-environmental-apocalypse story), so far it's lacking the in-depth character portrayals featured in his ones I've liked best.

Hi Mark! Stay warm - it was a tad brutal out there this morning. Of course, compared to last week it wasn't so bad, but still.

I'm feeling more and more confident in my decision to abandon DA. Ha!

Yesterday, we started watching the one with Elisabeth Moss (I'm a fan, to be honest) called Top of the Lake - no opinion yet.

Kerri, I binged on Top of the Lake recently, and found it delicious!

Hi Mark! When Joe compares Catton to Chuckles the Dick, he is doing the former a disservice. Yes, her novel is large and sprawling and well-peopled with fun-to-follow characters. This makes it un-Dickensian because the characters do not twirl their mustachios or clasp their hands in reverent prayer or any of those other ridiculous tropes that Dickens' cardboard cutouts plastered to oak planks, oh dear me I mean characters, succumb to.

I hope you're having a good day, Mark! I have tomorrow off, too; isn't it a glorious feeling? :-)

I bet you blat out the baltering on the dance floor Mark! I love a good dance, my lovely other not so much. But he will always do one dance with me at a wedding or somewhere there is music. I make him.

I have never seen Downton Abbey, and am not looking for any TV things to watch, so probably will never see it! I get very disillusioned with tv here, I scan the listings sometimes ans cant believe how much crap there is in prime time slots. It actually disgusts me.

Re: Star Wars, I saw Return of the Jedi at the movies when I was 8. I remember it clearly as we hardly went to any movies then. It was so so so exciting. I watched them in order with Wilbur, recently. But only Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. He then goes to his Lego Star Wars encyclopedia and lists off all the characters, or his other picture and word books and goes over the story again. It is sweet!

I have rapidly skimmed through your thread, Mark, to avoid all the DA references. I have not finished watching all of season 3 yet. Bad Heidi! There seems to be a lot of love for British tv series here on LT. Anyone else a fan of Doc Martin? I absolutely love that show. I have seasons 1-4 on DVD which I inhaled in one month two years ago. I watched season 5 online and I just got season 6 on DVD for Christmas. I'm only allowing myself one per week this time because who knows if there will be a season 7.

By the way, I'd like to add my thanks for starting the AAC. It spurred me to read Cather again and she is too great to be languishing on the shelves!

Here is the link to the Great Portland Meetup thread.

Trying to catch up, Mark, but have to run. As regards Call the Midwife, if you like the show, try the autobiography. It's a trilogy and fabulous. The show is fairly close to some of the stories in the book, but the book takes them so much deeper. I loved 'em.

The Scare-Old-People-to-Death Channel, otherwise known as The Weather Channel

Oh, that makes me laugh. My mom is a HUGE Weather people channel watcher and she has been known to call me all in a panic because of weather we are having up here in Minnesota. (She's in Florida.) I end up having to calm her down, telling her it's not as bad as they are saying it is.

I go a'baltering, too!

Hello Mark, stopping by to say high!

Heh, I've always been a balterer.

Now that I have an iPhone, I don't miss The Weather Channel so much. Instead, I get my weather forecasts from the iPhone ~ either a quick check of the weather app or I watch the latest weather segment from one of the TV channels whose link I keep on the main "page."

My sister seems hooked on DA, so I imagine I'll watch the first season and see if I warm up to it. I'll check out Call the Midwife too. (I never even heard of it before. I'm really not much of a TV person, though now we have this big screen monstrosity on the wall (between the bookshelves), and a recliner loveseat facing it, I'm watching more than I had in the previous 5 years!)

Haven't watch any of the new DA yet, but my Mom told me what happens in episode 2, and I'm none too happy. Just looking forward to new Sherlock, and season two of Call the Midwife. Mark, how did you miss out on Midsomer Murders? It's been on for an age, and they're good and funny. Maybe a little slow sometimes, but some of the murders are pretty inventive and stick with you. I think they're on season 20 or something like that, so you've got some catching up to do.

Hope you had a safe, ice-free day at work today!

Mark, I'm waiting for my AppleTV to finish updating so I can finally watch the second episode of DA. Seems every time I tune into that device I need to update again, but in all fairness I don't use it very often.

I'm sure you will love Will Grayson, Will Grayson. Just a feeling I have. Don't know if that'll be the case for me too, but I figure I've little to lose. There haven't been lots of tempting Daily Deals for me, and the few that I was interested were usually already in my library, but a deal is a deal!

About that Bleak House BBC adaptation, I remember that being strongly recommended to me too some time back, so I'm reminded now that I should borrow it from the library. At the moment I'm swamped with adaptations of Pride and Prejudice and between that and DA, my agenda is pretty full, but I'll probably borrow BH from the library once I've finished with all the current shows on the watching queue.

We didn't have time to prepare anything for dinner for tonight so I picked up Mexican and just tore through a steak burrito, with beans & rice. Of course, I am following that up with a tasty Modelo. Now, that's a palate cleanser. Ahhhhhh...

It was about 17 today, but with a bone-chilling wind. Brrrrrr.... Glad that is behind me, at least until Friday.

Amber- You might be able to request CTM from your library. And then watch the first couple. I am sure you will be sucked in.

Joe- That is very cool news about The Luminaries. I am so glad you are enjoying it, despite the aching wrists. I hope to slot it in in March. Sorry, about The Massive. I was underwhelmed too!

Kerri- It was a cold one out there today. I think you made the perfect decision to skip DA. I am sure you would be getting very hot under the collar. He needs fresh writers.
I also like Elisabeth Moss, although I did not like that last season of Mad Men. Yuck! Have not heard of Top of the Lake.

RD- This is the first I have heard of Top of the Lake. What channel is it on? I might have to give it a shot. Yes, Richard, I guess we will just have to agree to disagree on Chuckles.

Julia- My supervisor bugged me this morning about coming in tomorrow and caught me again before I punched out. NO, THANK YOU! Plus, my left foot has really been bothering me, so I have a doctor's appointment. Hope it's nothing serious.

Megan- If we ever have a chance to meet, we'll have to do some baltering. Just keep in mind, I need at least 3 or 4 beers to get ready. My wife LOVES to dance.
Most of our TV sucks too, but there are a few shows worth watching. Programs like Breaking Bad are Must-Watch TV!

Hi Heidi- I love Bad Heidi! LOL. I think we watched the first season of Doc Martin. I liked it, but the wife was indifferent, so we never returned to it. I know it's a beloved show.
Yes, lots and lots of Cather love! How cool is that?

Ellen- Thanks for setting up the Great Portland Meetup thread. Excellent job. It should be a lot of fun.

Lisa- I have Call the Midwife, on my To-Read list. I would love to give it a try. I'll have to see if they are on audio.

Morphy- So your Mom watches "The Scare-Old-People-to-Death Channel" too, eh? LOL. And yes, I could imagine her freaking out, with you up there in Minnesota, in the winter.

Abby came by! Abby came by! Yah! Ask, your Mom, I sometimes get excited.

Mary- Give DA and CTM a try. The latter is the better and more consistent show but DA had a terrific 1st season.

Laura- I know you recommended a slew of shows to me, mostly British imports, but I just have a hard time squeezing these programs in. I don't remember hearing about Midsomer.
You'll have to see if you can track down The Returned. A very creepy French import.

Ilana- Check back after you see, DA. Since Will Grayson is a shorty, I am sure I'll squeeze it in. I plan on seeing the BBC Bleak House, as soon as I finish. I am approaching the 500 page mark in BH. I am enjoying it but there are some chapters that are better than others.

The only place I know of that has Top of the Lake is Netflix, Mark. It's somethin' else, though. I like it because it's very pretty to look at and because it's got a story that gripped me.

Check back after you see, DA

I've seen it! Poor dear (youknowwho). Good going for Edith's boyfriend (forget his name).

Richard, thanks for the inadvertent rec for Top of the Lake!

Mark, is The Returned you're talking about set in the Alps? Is it a TV series? Or is it a horror movie? Seem to be a few options on Netflix, but I'm thinking it's the one set in the Alps. I know what you mean, it's hard squeezing new TV shows in, especially the longer-running ones. Been an Anglophile my entire life, so I've had a whole lifetime of absorbing great British TV shows. It's a blessing and a curse. ;)

RD- I have Netflix streaming, so that is perfect. Thanks!

Ilana- What did you think of the episode? I know you can be tough on this show and it deserves every bit of it.

Laura- I guess The Returned is a horror show. It deals with people returning from the dead but not in zombie fashion. It's more of a creepy human drama and I think it's set in or near the French Alps.

I loved The returned - especially the French Alps location....but it became very hard to 'get' in the last couple of episodes. Felt like I needed someone to explain the significance of certain things....Creepy indeed, though.

Hi Mark!

We just watched the Christmas special of CtM last night (I didn't realize we had a recording of an episode we hadn't watched!) and I'm still mad about that series. I have been thinking I'd like to read the memoirs on which the series is based. Another item for the wish list..... At this rate, I'll have to invoke Paul's version of Thingaversary buying when we're at Powell's.

I was just telling Mark that the memoirs are great, Ellen. I liked the show too, but the books go more in depth with the people she meets and their stories. Fascinating stuff.

ETA: Mark, Deborah (arubabookwoman) is thinking of coming to Portland!

>179 richardderus: Re: Top pf the Lake. Filmed in a pretty part of NZ, that is all I have to say as I know nothing more than that. :)


Oh, and Hi Mark! I'll leave a space for you on my balter card, if the situation should ever arise. :)

Hi Mark! Also, Top of the Lake is written and directed by Jane Campion, so there's that too. And Holly Hunter plays an odd cult-leader of sorts (at least that's what it seems like after one episode.)

#179 - Oh, good, Richard! We've only watched the first episode, but definitely plan to go on.

Sweet Thursday! I will be enjoying a day off. I have a doctor's appointment to check out my left foot. It's been painful. I am sure it's plantar fascia, but I think it also might be something else too. I rolled it, while walking, a few months ago and it's never been quite right. Last week, with the snow and ice, really aggravated it. Fingers crossed.

Prue- Thanks for your thoughts on The Returned. We have 3 episodes left. Both my kids finished it. I hope it finishes strong, so many things need to come together.

Ellen- " I'm still mad about that series." Pray, tell, my friend? I'll be showing my Marky Mark restraint at Powell's. I have to haul those books home! LOL.

Lisa- Glad Deborah is considering going. The more the merrier. Did you direct her to the meet-up thread?

Megan & Kerri- You sold me on Top of the Lake! I LOVE Jane Campion and of course I love NZ. I was crazy about Campion's early work but haven't really followed her in the past decade or so. And of course, Holly is a jewel! Thank you, my friends!

**Okay, I have both Top of the Lake and Bleak House in my streaming queue! Now, to find time to watch them. LOL.

Heidi

I love Doc Martin. I also have season six and like you, I've had season six since Christmas, but only watched three episodes thus far.

It is incredible.

Mark

Please keep us posted regarding your appointment today with the foot doctor. That sounds so painful.

What Linda said in #203. Fingers crossed!

Morning Mark! Hoping that your doctor's appointment goes well, and that he or she can give you some insight into what's causing your pain.

#197 Ellen I'm curious why you are mad at CTM too.

Mark - Good morning. I'm sorry to hear your foot is bothering you. I hope it is nothing serious. I'm listening to Out Stealing Horses and rereading the first Harry Potter. OSH is really good and HP is one of my all time faves.

I think Ellen means she's mad about it as in she is crazy about that show.

#207 ahhh....

Thanks Mamie! Not enough coffee for me yet. ;-)

Kim sent me some info, on what is close by Powell's in Portland. I found Deschutes Brewery within walking distance. Yeah, baby! And there are a couple coffee shops nearby, for a little LT Shoot the Breeze session before we go to the BOOKS! This should be a lot of fun, but where are the fellas, it looks like I'll be flying solo and you know how bashful I am.

Linda- thanks! I've been rolling my foot on a frozen water bottle, while I am on the computer and that gives some relief.

Diana- Thanks!

Mamie- I just hope I don't have to wear one of those funky walking boots. It's like wearing a sign: Here comes the Gimp!

Thanks for clearing that up with Ellen and CTM! I was not sure either.

Roberta- I loved Out Stealing Horses. How is the audio presentation? And how is the accent? LOL. I would like to revisit HP in audio. I only listened to the last one and it was fantastic in that format.

I forgot you had read The Massive, Mark. Underwhelming, yup. Too bad, as his ambition in it is admirable. I'm looking forward to switching over to Boxers soon.

I'm another one who really enjoyed the Bleak House adaptation. Gillian Anderson seems like an unlikely Lady Dedlock, but in fact is quite good.

Enjoy your day off!

Mark, I'm smiling at the image of rolling your foot on a frozen water bottle...that's ingenious.

When pain is very bad, I head to the refrigerator and grab a veggie pack of the day. Peas are best to place on the back of my neck... I don't recommend broccoli or spinach...too lumpy.

Sending healing vibes in the hope the doctor has a solution and be day's end you will feel better.

Perhaps a cortesone shot? They hurt like...... when rec'd. in the foot, but they do work.

Mark - Richard Poe does the audio for OSH and he doesn't read it in an accent but he does pronounce the Norwegian names as they "should". I'm sure someone familiar with Norwegian might cringe but I appreciate that he's not trying to do it in an accent. The Three Pines bothers me because I work with a couple of people from Quebec and it just didn't ring true for me. ;-) Richard Poe narrates Border Songs by Jim Lynch. Have you read/listened to that one? I enjoyed it!

HP in audio is wonderful! I am actually reading it this time so I get to see how all these names are spelled. I would love to get my hands on the Stephen Fry audio edition but I did love the Jim Dale version.

Thanks for the BOTNS podcast recommendation.

Good morning, Mark! Sending lots of good and healing thoughts your way for your foot doctor appointment. I hope whatever it is is easily fixed. You of all people need two good hooves to walk on!

Joe- I forgot for a moment that I had read The Massive, that's how memorable that one was and we are only talking a few weeks ago. Ouch!

Gillian Anderson sure likes her British period dramas, doesn't she? Did you see that she is releasing her first sci-fi/fantasy novel? It will be the first in a series. Wow!

Linda- The frozen water bottle works fine. Rolling anything, like a soup can, also is effective. I've dealt with plantar for many years now. It usually just comes and goes. I have done the shots too but it's been quite a few years.

Roberta- I have Border Songs in print but I might just try it on audio, since I'll get to it faster. I just saw Richard Poe's name in something...what was it?
ETA- Oh, yeah! It was Blood Meridian. He also does East of Eden. I can't remember if I heard him before.

Mark, I know how very painful this condition. Years ago I tried everything. Finally, I had surgery on both feet, and it worked. I've not suffered since.

I hope today's visit brings relief. I remember that each step brought pain and it was so darn frustrating.

A mail carrier with a bad hoof...not a happy thought. I hope you get some relief, good man. A woman I work closely with has multiple foot problems, and it's very frustrating for her. She gets help with one condition, and another one crops up; plantar fascitis, neuromas, hammer toe...dreadful.

Enjoy your day off, Mark! I hope the doctor can provide some relief.

My husband loves Deschutes beer - hmmmm, wonder if I can convince him to make a short-notice, whirlwind trip to Portland in a couple weeks... ;-)

Morning Mark! Hope your feeling better soon.

Sorry to hear about your foot Mark. The Hubster has battled plantar fasciitis often. It's why there are always golf balls in my freezer - the frozen water bottle is good too.

Okay, back from the doctor and did get the x-ray. No amputation necessary... at this point. The doctor thinks, based on the length of time, since I injured the foot, that it is mostly likely a damaged tendon, the one that runs along the outside of the foot. We'll know more with the x-ray. I am on a strong anti-inflammatory for 10 days, plus doing my little foot exercises, plus my frozen water bottle routine. He also suggested drinking lots of beer and I said that should be no problem. Of course, the last part I made up, but I really like that idea.

Julia- Thanks! Yes, need those hooves. Talking more snow on Saturday. I would like not having to walk through any for a few days. Ugh!

Both Lindas- Besides, the plantar issues, I've been very lucky with my feet, these oh so many years! Knock on wood.

Katie- "whirlwind trip to Portland in a couple weeks.." OMG! Would that be great. I'll buy the first round.

Abby- Thank you! I try to keep my health issues to a minimum, at least on my thread, otherwise it gets depressing.

Suzi- Oh, I forgot about the old golf ball trick. I'll have to dig one out. I never froze one. LOL. Thanks!

Good to know that amputation is not necessary, Mark. When is the x-ray? I hope the medicin will work.

Hope your foot improves. I had plantar fascitis (sp) once and it's no fun...and I don't even need to walk around at all.

Moving right along on Bleak House considering that I'm spending most of my reading time on other books. I think I'm about a third of the way through. I like it but don't love it, at least not yet.

Do you use Superfeet in your shoes? They really helped with my plantar fasciitis. This spring I had tendonitis on the inside edge of my foot and the cortisone shot killed it dead. Gotta love it when the fix is that easy. Good luck! I would hate to have to piggyback you up and down the aisles of Powell's!

Hooray! I am making my very first batch of chili! Yes, this is more embarrassing than celebratory but still...Everything is in the crockpot and will simmer for the next few hours. Actually, I can do basic cooking. I have to because the wife works until 6:30, 4 nights a week, although she tries to prepare a meal or 2 on Sunday, for the week. So, I am far from helpless.

Why, am I not reading? Good question. I better get cracking...

Diana- I did get the x-ray. I needed to take care of it all, while I am off today. Hopefully, there is no break.

Linda- Glad you are still hanging in there with Bleak House. I am at the 500 page mark, which leaves just over 300 left. Of course, I am doubling up listening and reading and I am glad too.

Lisa- I have not used superfeet but I have used inserts that help with plantar. Since I started wearing a sturdier shoe, it has helped cut down on the discomfort.
Come on, I want a piggy-back ride in Powells!

LOL at the thought of piggy back rides in Powell's! Hope your foot is doing better soon Mark. It sounds like you have a good plan in place to start the healing. I had plantar fasciitis for the better part of a year and finally got rid of it for good after faithfully doing my foot exercises. They became such an ingrained habit I still do them to this day.

Hey Mark-a-doodle-doo. Passin' through, sympathizing with foot pain, Pointedly Silent on jealousy-inducing meet-up/book binges.

The ancients used beer for foot pain, finding that downing a glass or two while sitting usually eased it.

^To Dare Mighty Things: The Life of Theodore Roosevelt

I do not read many picture books but when I saw that book cover of my 2nd favorite president, I had to check it out. It's beautifully rendered and very quick to read. This would actually be a perfect gift and I am thinking of adding it to my collection. It would be ideal, for lending it to friends who could NEVER read a 500 page book.

"We are not building this country for a day. It is to last through the ages" - T.R.

"As president, Roosevelt created
eighteen national monuments,
fifty national forests,
fifty-one bird reservations,
four national game preserves,
five national parks,
and twenty-four reclamation projects, saving 230 million acres."

Yes, you may pick your jaw up off the floor. No one will say a word.

Mark, the Roosevelt book looks great and I just put it on hold at the library. Thanks for the recommendation!

Pat- I think once you get plantar, you are susceptible. Mine usually flares up for a day or 2 and then subsides, but this time it did not. It feels good right now but I am sure tomorrow will be a whole different ballgame.
I do not think anyone will be giving anyone else piggy-back rides, but it is a thought.

RD- I know you are King of Foot Pain, so I know you can relate. Short version: It sucks! Yes, the Portland Meet-Up is really taking shape.

Joe- LOL. You can not beat those ancients, can you?

Pat- If you have never read the Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, try to make room for it. It's the first of a trilogy but is one of the top presidential bios I have ever read.

I also love TR but I also am reminded every so often that in some ways he was a product of his times, too, and did on occasion spout some god awful comments which were at best prejudiced, at worst very racist! He also loved war which I do not. But after all that is said he did many wonderful things for preserving our natural environment.

My high school was named after him and so I heard many quotes from him!

Foot pain when you're on your feet for work must be the worst. Hope it all resolves quickly and easily.

Shame your doctor didn't actually recommend drinking beer, but I'm sure it's not contraindicated, at any rate. :)

"The Returned" is coming to Australian TV (free-to-air, I'm too stingy to pay for cable) next month, woot! And I've heard mixed things about "Top of the Lake", I really should track down a copy and make up my own mind.

Reading my first Stephen King, The Shining. Only reading it during the daylight hours in crowded areas, but still rather freaked out. I think this may be my last King, I haven't got the nerve for him!

#232 There are good King books and novellas that are not scary! Joyland is very good and I've only read two of the four novellas in Different Seasons, The Body and Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption. They were good. The other two might be a little creepy. Mark could probably give you better examples.

A day off! How nice, Mark. SOrry it was spent in pain. Hopefully homemade chili will make it better in some way.

I finally finished Orange is the New Black! I have no idea why it took me forever, because it was a consistently good show. My wife bailed early, maybe that was one of the reasons. At least I am now closer to the new season, whenever that is supposed to be. If you haven't gave this one a shot, give it a try! Great cast! Good writing!

Karen- Once again, I am so glad you are able to attend the Great Portland Meet-Up. It should be a blast. I can not read enough about T.R. The man is endlessly fascinating. If I can find the audio of the Bully Pulpit, I am going to try to bookhorn it in this year.

Tania- Yah, for starting your first King. It is one of the greats. Did not remember you being such a scaredy-cat! LOL. Roberta does have a good point, not all of his books are full-throttle horror. 11/22/63 comes to mind too!
I am glad The Returned is landing on your shores. Looking forward to your thoughts on that one.

Roberta- Thanks for chiming in on the King. The only one I NEED to catch up with, is Under the Dome. Have you read that one?

Anne- Good to see you! The chili was very good, if I must say so, myself. I made elbow macaroni to go with it too! I work the next 2 days but then I am off to with MLK on Monday.

Mark, you must read Under the Dome immediately; it is excellent. I will haunt your thread until you do.

(How does it feel to be on the other end of the book prod, my friend?)

You better stop cracking me up, my friend! I just read a King, so maybe in a few months. Did you watch the TV series?

Just a quickie to say I hope you had a good day off :)

I did not watch the TV series; I don't have a television so anything I watch has to be available online. The reviews I read were pretty meh, though.

Oh I'm glad you're able to get some relief from your foot pain Mark, but are you saying the doctor didn't make you take time off from work? That can't be right. Sending healing vibes your way.

What? The doc didn't cut your leg off? No Peg-Legged Mark?

((Hugs)) Mark, I hope your foot gets better.

2) Little Failure: A Memoir by Gary Shteyngart 4 stars

The Immigrant Song…

Gary Shteyngart is the author of several acclaimed novels. I have not read him but I was immediately engaged by his memoir. He was born Igor Shteyngart in Leningrad, in the late 1960s and then immigrated to New York in the late 70s. Igor was an only child and was nicknamed the “Little Failure” by his father. The boy was a lonely oddball, doted on by his Jewish mother, thrashed by his father and bullied by his classmates. The last kid to be picked for kickball. He finally finds refuge in books and writing.
This is his family’s story and it is filled with wonderful anecdotes, offbeat relatives, his stoner college years and his heavy drinking, all told with a sharp wit and uncanny insight. I will now have to dig out my copy of Super Sad True Love Story.

ETA- The photos in the book including that great cover are a hoot! This was also an E.R. selection.

Boy, I miss a day of Mark's thread and I nearly miss an amputation! Whew!
I hope you get some relief for your bum foot soon, Mark. No fun.

Also, every time I see the words "Bleak House" around here, I can't help but think of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrBx6mAWYPU

I think you've convinced me to give Shteyngart's memoir a try Mark even though Absurdistan is the lowest rated book in my library.

I want to know what happened to the kiddie-sized Studebaker that little loser's in on the cover! I want that! The book, nahsomuch.

Sorry, folks, I was at work and not around to clarify my statement. But Mamie nailed it: I'm mad about "Call the Midwife." I love it. I am not mad at it.

I might be a wee bit mad at Julian Fellowes, though.

Regarding Stephen King, I am a horror wuss. I can cope with blood, werewolves, vampires, zombies, but one little thing going bump in the night, and I'm freaked. A small portion of my brain spent a bit of yesterday morning going "NOOOoooooOOOOO! Don't go into room 217!!! What are you doing??? NnnnnnNNNNNNoOOOOOoooOOO!" etc.

Only reading it during daylight hours, in public areas (buses are great, and yay for nice long summer days). But I still woke up at 5am this morning and had to wait until the sun came up before I could close my eyes and get back to sleep. Every creak of the house shocked me straight back into gibbering wakeful terror.

Thanks everyone for the recommendations of less-scary King books, I think 11/22/63 is probably highest on my list because I like the concept and it got some good buzz. I do think The Shining is better written than I expected, and scarier than I expected (or I'm even more of a wuss than I realised ;).

Oh, and I can't always cope with zombies, as I realised a few weeks' ago when I put down my zombie novel, turned off the lights, and then freaked out when Don gave a wheezing zombiesque snort in his sleep.

Hi Mark, I don't know how I go so far behind here! I finally watched Episode 2 of Downtown Abbey, I wasn't impressed with the incident involving Anna. I got a Smart TV for Christmas and had the son-in-law set it up for me last weekend. I now have Netflicks and have been going crazy lining up programs to watch. We don't have quite the extensive library available in Canada that the U.S. has, but I certainly have enough stuff lined up to keep me busy for ages. Will have to add Orange is the New Black to the line-up.

I guess with the extra TV watching my reading and LT time have suffered, but the novelty will probaby wear off soon.

Sorry to hear about the foot problems, a mailman with a bad foot - who woulda thunk it!!! Take care of yourself and maybe follow Joe's recommendation of at least 2 beers and a good sit-down. Take care my friend.

Happy Friday! Another cold one, about 19, with a couple more inches of snow coming tomorrow. Vacation is coming up, in just over a week and I NEED it bad.

Kath- Big wave! I hope you are feeling better.

Julia- I thought the Under the Dome series was fairly well-received, but I might be wrong. I know they are bringing it back for a 2nd season.

Bonnie- No, the doctor didn't suggest taking off and I didn't ask. I'll tough it out. This drives the wife crazy too. thanks for the vibes.

Morphy- Nope! I am keeping both feet for now. Actually feels okay this morning but then again I was off yesterday.

Tam- Thanks! Hugs back!

Amber- "I nearly miss an amputation." You sure did! It was touch and go there for awhile. Thanks for the link. I will check it out.

Pat- It wasn't much of a review, but I am glad I snagged you. His fiction seems to be very polarizing.

RD- There are some bizarre photos in the book. There is one, where his father built him a ladder in the house, so he could get over his fear of heights. Funny, it worked.

Ellen- "I might be a wee bit mad at Julian Fellowes, though." You are not alone, my friend! He has become a lazy writer.

Tania- At least you are finding the merit in King's work. Maybe I can convince you to read doctor Sleep, after a recovery time, of course. It's a terrific sequel and his only one.

Judy has a new toy! Judy has a new toy! Netflix streaming is quite infectious. My whole family uses it regularly. I have to be very picky. I just have no time.

Maybe it's just the critics I read then who didn't like it. I usually agree with them on programs, so I wasn't ever motivated enough to seek it out, assuming it's even available online. Whatever. I have too many books to read, anyway.

Adding my plug for The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. Excellent book!!!

Glad you liked Orange Is the New Black. The year I read it, I think it was one of my favorites for the year.

It looks like they've reduced our snowfall forecast. Maybe more south, for a change? I hope so. Anyway, I hope it all holds off enough for me to run out to the library to pick up all the reserve books that have come in. Some typical Linda, quirky books, including one about print media during the Great Depression and another one that is TV weatherman Harry Volkman's memoirs.

Just discovered that the Gillian Anderson adaptation of Bleak House is free on Amazon Prime video so I'll watch that version. There's also a Diana Rigg version.

Popping by to say hi. So happy to hear that you have a vacation coming up, I would say that you MORE than deserve it! Get lots of rest and relaxation, feel better soon.

>248 wookiebender: wheezing zombiesque snort in his sleep. Tania, you made me laugh out loud....at work. That gets me strange glances. But I know precisely the sort of noise you mean. My husband does it too. I never knew what to call it before! Wait 'til I tell him he sounds like a zombie.

>250 msf59: It's a terrific sequel and his only one. If you don't count the Gunslinger books?

Happy Friday, Mark!

Good review of the Shteyngart book. The one I read of his was The Russian Debutante's Handbook, which was très bizarre.

Hope you had a great day off. Sounds like you did. RD may be onto something - someone could do a great parody of Bleak House to the Commodores' "Brick House".

Looking forward to the PDX meet-up! I loved Orange is the New Black (the TV series) and am anxiously awaiting the next season. Also, a fan of Little Failure and glad to see it getting lots fo positive press.

Hey Mark, sorry to read about your tootsies. After 30 yrs of daily high heels, no problems, then I retire and I get Planters Fascisomething or other. Doc said where nothing but good walking shoes outdoors and in. It worked! after a few months it was gone and has not come back.
Hope your results are just as good if not better.
Have a great weekend.

Happy Friday, Mark!

We watched Season 1, Ep. 4 last night, and I enjoyed it a bit more than the first three. Maybe I'm getting into it more, maybe your and others' words of encouragement helped. Anyway, I still dislike Thomas a lot and find myself hoping he comes to a very bad end someday.

I think we all need to take care of our feet. Good walking shoes, and comfortable, good supportive slippers. No high heels, ladies. No no no.

I bought a pair of "tennis shoes" that have the barefoot thing going on, and then saw on TV that knee pain can be reduced, or eliminated by wearing those type of shoes. A very flexible sole so you can feel your feet working the pavement. I love them! I also always buy very supportive tennis shoes. My artificial hips appreciate my being careful with the shoes.

Please take care of yourself, Mark. You would hate to be in Powell's bookstore and not be able to go to every knook and crannie! And I think the plan is to walk to the refreshments both before and after, eh?

I survived. My foot felt fine this morning but by the end of the day it was aching again. Boo, hoo. I work tomorrow and then off 2 days because of the holiday and then I will work 4 days and then vacation! Unfortunately we are going to get hit with another arctic blast early next week. Ugh! It feels like it's been a long winter. Yes, more boo-hooing!

Bleak House update: On chapter 49! About 180 pages left, so I am seeing daylight. It's good story-telling and I am curious to see how Chuckles will wrap it all up.

Julia- I probably won't watch the Under the Dome either, unless an LTer chimes in and says it's a "Must Watch"! Any luck finding Tinker Creek? Fortunately I keep most of my TBR in alpha order.

Suzi- Did you read the other 2, T.R. books? I read Theodore Rex but not the last one.

Linda P- I have not read "Orange" yet, only saw the Netflix series. I'll probably try to read it at some point. You should try to watch the show. I have Gillian Anderson's Bleak House saved on Netflix. How are you coming with the book?

Abby- Thank you very much for checking in on me. You are sweet. This will be a perfect vacation for 2 reasons: This has been a tough winter and I will be attending an LT Meet-Up! Sighs, happily...

Linda L- Yes, I did not think of the Gunslinger series by King. You know, I only read the 1st one or 2. I'll have to go back and check them out one of these days.

Joe- Another bone-chilling day! We sure haven't got many breaks. Shteyngart seems to be pretty divisive. I'll give one of his novels a try and see what happens. Moving right along on Bleak House...

Rhonda- Oh, it is so good to see you! I am so glad you will be making the Portland Meet-up! We will have a nice crowd. Glad to hear you are a fan of "Orange". It was definitely worthy of the hype. Have you read any other Shteyngart?

Boo on winter weather. . .this winter has not been kind.

This has indeed been a brutal winter. Too much cold in some parts, too little rain in others. California's governor declared a state of drought emergency. I could imaging Washington being not far behind.

Nice review of Little Failure, Mark. I tried his Super Sad True Love Story a while back and bailed on it rather quickly.

Just a little more than one week until you'll be in Oregon!

Lynda- 30 years of high heels! Wow! No wonder you got "Planters Fascisomething or other." Overall, I've taken pretty good care of my "tootsies", but with all this walking, something has to give. Have a good weekend!

Mary- If DA is not rocking your world in the early going, I wouldn't hesitate to dump it, if it starts to slide. Thomas does not get any better. LOL.

Karen- I've taken pretty good care of my feet over the years. I try to wear very good shoes, but whenever I have to wear overshoes, I lose the support and I get problems, plus walking through snow and ice, it is hard on the "tootsies"!

Tam- I think at this point this is the 7th worst winter, as far as cold and snow and we have a ways to go.

Mark, I haven't looked for my paper copy of Tinker Creek. I decided to just buy the $2.99 e-book version instead. Talk about lazy, eh? :-)

Happy Saturday! We are supposed to get more snow. REALLY? Let's hope it's no more than a couple inches. Yearning for spring...

Ellen- I heard that about California and the drought. Wow! We were gladly share with some of our precipitation. Readers seem to love or hate Super Sad True Love Story but since that is the one I own, I'll give it a go.
I can't believe we are going to have 10-plus for the Meet-Up! Nice!

Julia- Lazy, but also smart. Once I finish the Dickens, I will be free. I'll be watching Megan and see when she starts Tinker Creek. Also, let me when you want to do the Rosie Project?

Have a great Saturday, everyone. See you on the flipside...

I missed your foot problems last visit. You have good suggestions here.. they all work.. I avoid recurrences by wearing Halflingers when I have to be on my feet for any length of time... I don't know if that would work for you, as all I have are clogs. They work wonders but are very expensive. the other hand, they last forever, and provide a lot of support ...

Morning, Mark! Have you looked at that link yet (>244 scaifea:)? I won't be able to get that song out of my head until you all finish reading Bleak House, so it's only fair that you be earwormed along with me.

De-lurking with slight snow envy :/ Though I imagine you guys have opposite sort of envy...

Hope the feet aren't too bad and that you have a lovely weekend.

Mark, I'm thinking next month for The Rosie Project, most likely. I'll keep an eye on both you and Megan for Tinker Creek and between the two of you I ought to be able to figure out when you start it. :-)

Have a good weekend, friend!

Boo hiss more cold and snow, a loud fan-rapping of disapproval for plantar fasciitis. The new Flavia deLuce is deLicious. Happy two-days-off!

Morning, Mark! Just stopping in to wish you a weekend full of fabulous and to make sure that I keep up with you! Now I'm off to see what Tinker Creek is about.

Sorry to hear about your foot pain Mark! Hopefully you can get some relief on your days off and on vacation!
Take care of yourself and drink enough beer to numb the pain! ;-P

Hi Mark, happy Saturday. Just a bit of snow today, I expect. Maybe an inch. Tom Skilling said this would be our 35th day with snow this season. I thought it seemed like a lot.

We went to see Saving Mr Banks last night. Finally. Emma Thompson should've been nominated for that. Very nice story.

I didn't read much of BH yesterday. I'm still on chapter 20, I think. It hasn't grabbed me yet to the point where this is the only book I'm reading. I've been lacking in nonfiction reading lately. Oh, I mean I have plenty of nonfiction books to read but just haven't done any NF reading.

Hope today is okay, Mark - and then two days off, a short week and vacation! That sounds good indeed.

Glad you're getting into the home stretch with BH. He is a good storyteller, isn't he? If you're like me, you'll never forget the horrible "Jarvis v. Jarvis". Yeesh.

I'm putt-putting along on The Luminaries, and have gratefully turned to the well-done Boxers. A major relief after the disappointing The Massive. I'm in good hands with Yang.

Wishing you a great weekend Mark with only a light frosting of snow on the ground to keep things pretty.

Hi Mark, I'm going to be joining you guys for Tinker Creek. I found my copy and started it last night but it looks like it will be a slow read for me so it's probably good I'm getting a little bit of a head start.

Hope you just get a minimal amount of snow. We finally got rid of most of ours but lately have been dealing with frozen fog. It's pretty but it also looks like a nuclear winter out there.

Sorry to hear of your aching foot, Mark, especially with all the walking your job demands. (Note: no typos on your name this visit!)

I'm enjoying the discussion of the King books. Funny, I consider myself a bit of a 'fraidy cat, but scary books don't really scare me very often any more. Even mildly scary books could terrify me when I was young, but I seem to have swung to the other extreme in my older age. It's kind of sad, really, as I miss that creepy little shiver a good ghost story could once provide.

>220 msf59: He also suggested drinking lots of beer and I said that should be no problem
You are a good and diligent patient, Mark. Exemplary. (PS can I have your Drs number? I like the sound of him!)

Sorry to hear about your foot, what a hassle.

>270 rosalita: Pat and Mark and Megan and Julia and maybe Mamie are all possibly in for Tinker Creek- I think this deserves a thread of its own! I am heading for a library today (if it is open) to grab my copy, otherwise, Monday.

eta: the library I wanted to go to does not open til tomorrow, it is a temporary one (they are always getting shifter about- earthquake fallout still). But there is a copy across town also, so I will take a drive with Little Lenny and collect today!

Mark, I'm so sorry to hear about your sore foot. I hope it isn't something dramatically.
I wish you a lovely weekend

^Does any one here have this kind of bookshelf space to goof around with? I know I don't, but of course it would be nice.

Also, do you put place your books horizontally? I've never done that.

We have quite a bit of bookshelf space for books, but that's because I keep buying more book cases! Also I do place some of the books horizontally - I can get more on the shelf that way (and it adds visual interest, I think) and also create stacks on the top of the case that don't need bookends to hold them in place.

Hi Mark! Sorry to hear about the foot pain! Isn't that the same thing as "turf toe," like what the football players get?

Also, I can't believe we got that much snow today. Gahhh.

Anyway, I hope you have some good beers lined up for the evening.

^ I stopped at our little neighborhood brewery on the way home, (I haven't stopped there in over 6 weeks) and had a couple half pints, of 2 new beers and they were both terrific and filled a growler with Otis Campbell, a Double IPA, which is one of my favorites. Does anybody know who Otis Campbell is? If you guess correctly, (no Googling!), I will buy you a beer, next time I see you!



^This is Tim, one of the brewmasters! One of the miracle workers! FYI- My daughter still works here most Friday nights.

I am back wandering through the threads to see if I can keep up with at least some of you talkative folks. I finished my January AAC book: Death Comes for the Archbishop; and, my first World War I book: Maisie Dobbs; and now I'm going to read my F2F book group's Feb. selection: Redwall. That is right after I drift through these threads.

Oh, hi, Mark. I hope the feet are healing.

Kath- I try to take care of my feet, with good shoes, but I think this problem is related to a tendon injury. I just hope it's not serious. How are you feeling today?

Amber- I love Brick House! Thanks! It doesn't quite fit the tone of Bleak House, LOL, but it sure makes you want to dance.

BekkaJo- I would gladly share the snow with you, along with the bitter cold. There is more than enough to go around. I hope you are having a fine weekend.

Julia- I might sneak in an ARC, before Tinker Creek. It's called Mother, Mother. I snagged it back in June. It got terrific reviews but no LT time. I want to change that.

RD- I think the plantar issue, can be handled. The side of my foot seems to be the problem. Knock on wood, that it's not serious. I liked the Flavia series but bailed after 2. Should I have stuck it out?

Mamie- What did you make out with tinker Creek? It is supposed to be a "Must Read" by Dillard. I've been meaning to get to it for a couple of years.

Chelle's here! Chelle's here! Yes, I get excited! I am looking forward to vacation, especially after this next Arctic Blast, which arrives in a couple of days.

Linda- It looks like it will be about 2 or 3 inches here, which isn't terrible. I do love Emma Thompson and she looks perfectly suited for that role.
Sorry, BH isn't grabbing you. Listening to large chunks of it on audio, really helped me. The last 1/3 is really good, if that helps at all.

Joe- Like I mentioned to Linda, BH is really coming together in the last third. It would still be amazing to see what he would have done with less words. Crazy about some of those characters.
I knew you would love Boxers!

Mark. This may surprise you that I have no available shelf space. No horizontal stacking other than right on top of the vertical ones where space above allows.

Paul- The snow wasn't horrible, just made for a tricky commute home. Hope you are getting in plenty of R & R!

Terri- Good to see you! I like a good scary story but there are very few books that deliver. For some reason, there is a major lack of that type fiction, in the past decade or so. Joe Hill comes to mind, but that's about it.

Megan- I will give you my doctor's phone number. LOL. Just let me know when you will start tinker Creek. I have it on hand.

Barbara- Thanks! I hope you have a terrific weekend too!

Mamie- I thought I saw some of your bookshelf photos and noticed you stacked horizontal. I also noticed you were utilizing every inch, which is a difference. I have no space on top of my bookshelves. LOL. I am not sure the wife would want me stacking books up there anyway. Party Pooper!

Kerri- I am not sure what "turf toe" is, but plantar originates in the heel, where the tendon is attached. This can also form bone spurs, which fortunately I haven't experienced.
Urban introduced a couple more fine beers: a red ale and a Belgium pale. Yum!

I do not understand people who have space to put photos, vases, or clocks on their shelves.
I have done some horizontal stacking - it looked very fashionable and trendy, but then I couldn't get to books I wanted so most of them ended up back right way up. I do have some still stacked that way only because, as stated in #282, I fit more in the space that way.
And like Paul in #287, I have many a book horizontally sitting on top of other vertically placed books where space allows.

When are you reading Pilgrim at Tinker Creek? I own a copy...

Hi Karen- Who is talkative? Me? Mister Bashful? What did you think of the Cather? I've had Maise Dobbs on my T-read list forever.

Paul- " No horizontal stacking other than right on top of the vertical ones where space above allows." I have done this too, but I do not like the way that looks. LOL. Come on! It has to look good!

Laura- OMG! It's good to see you! It's been eons! I hope all is well and I agree with your book stacking thoughts!

Linda- Probably very soon. I only have about 50 pages left in Bleak House, then I might jump into something else real quick and then Tinker! Wow! Would I actually be reading 2 of the same books with you?

Probably more, Mark, if I read the same book for the American Authors Challenge.

So I need to get through another third of BH before it gets good. I hope I can hold out that long with it.

Linda- I am thinking of Saturday, April 19th for the Chicago Meet-Up, since it is my weekend. How does that look?

Are you reading light in August?

April 19th is good for me. April 20th is Easter but that shouldn't be a problem.

I'm skipping Faulkner and substituting Wallace Stegner, I think. Probably The Big Rock Candy Mountain though I'm not positive. I want to finish BH and I'm also read Snow by Orhan Pamuk for the Middle Eastern/North Africa GeoCAT challenge. Lots of chunkier books than usual upcoming.

>293 msf59: *SQUEALS* really?!? Woohoo!

Mark, I am getting a little jealous hearing about your meet-ups. Actually, I just wish one would take place somewhere between Chicago and Portland…like St. Louis or Kansas City so I could attend. Oh well, at least you post pictures and give lots of details so I can go along vicariously with you. I hope the weather is kind and your feet hold up so you are in tip-top shape for your visit to Powell's.

I hope all of you that are reading A Pilgrim at Tinker Creek love Annie's nature writing as much as I do. I haven't read it in quite awhile but that used to be my go-to book when I needed something soothing.

So sorry to hear about your foot issues, Mark. Crossing my fingers the the meds & other remedies bring relief fast. Isn't beer used as an anti inflammatory in some cultures?? (*now I'm just making crap up to make you feel better!)

I'm in for The Rosie Project and loved Orange is the New Black. I've only watched one episode but intend to watch more eventually.

Mark, my friend, it's Saturday night and you get two consecutive days off. Tomorrow is football. Not your Bears, but I assume you'll do some watching. You know I'll be pathologically glued to the telly.

Thinking tomorrow is a good day for some local brew. I'm going with Elysian.

Hi Mark--Can't wait to see you in person! And I am very glad that our locations are very close together for the Portland Meetup--I am having a foot issue as well. Pout. In my zeal to lose a little weight (down 7!) I seem to have done something to my left heel. Walking around on crutches today. Drinking should help. ; )

>290 lindapanzo: I got my copy this morning. And will start it tonight (which is Sunday here). So how's Monday-ish!? Pat has just started but she is self-confessed slow, as am I. I will start a discussion thread and advertise it here, and on my thread. I feel it is my duty.

Hi Mark, enjoying your beer? Me too. I decided to self-medicate my cold and have one on this very hot day. 32 °C, which is nearly 90°F. One cold beer was loverly but now it is back to vitamin C drinks.

Hi Mark! Sorry to hear you have the polar vortex still happening; one Australian wag called our current heatwave a "solar vortex", so we're in sympathy with you on horrid weather, at least. :)

Although the heat wave hasn't hit my corner of Sydney - we haven't gone much over 30C (some parts of Australia have had a number of days over 40C - Google tells me that's 104F - IN A ROW, the poor dears). But the nights are not cooling down and I'm just hanging out for a cool breeze to finally hit. (I'm in a townhouse, so the cool breeze has to be east/west, otherwise it's just going across the front door, not coming in any of the open windows, sigh.)

Did you think The Shining needed a sequel? My copy is relatively new, so it has some sample chapters from Doctor Sleep and I just couldn't get enthused. I may need some time away from scary books, but I was also just happy with where it ended. Off to read some Pratchett, he's always good for a laugh.

Went out to the movies last night (saw "Her" and I did like it, although it's quite cerebral; but we had lots to talk about afterwards which is always excellent) and had a beer beforehand, a "Rocket Science" American pale ale which was rather nice (passionfruity). We're going to the same pub tomorrow night to discuss The Shining so it'll be a good chance to try it again. ;)

Still, finishing my first cup of the morning...House chores, R & R and football on the agenda for the day. I hope to finish up Bleak house. I only have 50 pages left. Yes, it is ridiculously long but I think I miss some of these characters.

Linda- Glad the 19th of April will work for you. I have to mention it to Joe & Kerri. I really liked The Big Rock Candy Mountain but I also suggest Crossing to Safety. I've heard good things about Snow, the book, not the pesty white stuff.

Tam- So you think you can make it up to Chicago again? That would be great. You did attend my very first Meet-Up!

Donna- Good to see you! I wish I could have made the Booktopia Boulder. Maybe, something will work next year. I need to stop by and see what you are reading. I've been neglecting my pal.

Tina- " Isn't beer used as an anti inflammatory in some cultures??" Yep, that's my girl! I am anxious to see these x-ray results. I just hope this foot thing doesn't drag on forever. I'll have to ask Julia when she wants to start the Rosie Project?

Ellen- Thanks for the beer. I will save it for the playoff games later on. Hope you have a great Sunday too,. Go Seahawks!

Kimmers made it! Kimmers made it! Yes, it looks like this Meet-Up will be a blast. Originally, I thought there might be 3 or 4 or us, but 10 or 11? Sweet! Sorry about the foot issue. i hope it clears up quickly. Hugs!

Megan- I guess the timing is perfect for Tinker Creek. I should finish Bleak House today and might even take a peek at the Dillard. I am glad we will be keeping you company on this read. And yes, beer & vitamin C, works every time!

Tania- I hope you are surviving the "solar vortex"! LOL. I could use a bit of that heat right now, but after awhile I would probably complain about that too!
No, I do not think a sequel was necessary for The Shining. It is perfect the way it is, but since King did it, I am glad he made it such an enjoyable read. I've heard good things about the film "Her" and I love the sound of "Rocket Science" American pale ale. Yum!