coppers' (Joanne's) 2014 Challenge - Part 2

Welcome to my second thread!

Continuing with Maui church theme, this is the Kahakuloa Hawaiian Congregational Church in Kahakuloa, Maui. Kahakuloa is a very small, isolated village on the northwest coast, along an extremely narrow mountain road.

My 2013 Favorites in the order I read them:

Fiction
1. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
2. The Big Rock Candy Mountain by Wallace Stegner
3. Benediction by Kent Haruf
4. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
5. How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny
6. Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
7. Let Him Go by Larry watson
8. Snapper by Brian Kimberling
9. Someone by Alice McDermott
10. The Given Day by Dennis Lehane

Favorite audios, both memoirs:
1. My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor
2. Still Foolin' 'Em by Billy Crystal

Favorite memoir not on audio:
1. When We Were the Kennedys by Monica Wood

Favorite non-fiction:
1. Salt, Sugar, Fat by Michael Moss
2. Last Train to Paradise by Les Standiford
3. Lost Cat by Caroline Paul

January 2014
1. The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B. by Sandra Gulland 4.25 stars, OTS#1
2. Stitches by Anne Lamott 4 stars (audio)
3. Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather 4.5 stars OTS #2
4. The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell 4.25 stars OTS #3

February 2014
5. Doc by Mary Doria Russell 5 stars OTS #4
6. Buff:A Collie by Albert Payson Terhune 4 stars OTS #5
7. The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon by Alexander McCall Smith 4.5 stars (audio)
8. The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell 4.25 stars
9. Still Life with Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen LTER 4.25 stars
10. The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye by Jane Yolen 4.5 stars
11. Paper Towns by John Green 3.5 stars
12. Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith 4 stars (audio)

March 2014
13. Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow 4 stars
14. Dead Water by Ann Cleeves 5 stars
15. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler 5 stars OTS #5
16. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 4 stars
17. This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Anne Patchett 5 stars (audio)
18. Pale Grey for Guilt by John D MacDonald 3.75 stars OTS #6
19. Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler 4 stars

April 2014
20. The Kalahari Typing School for Men by Alexander McCall Smith (audio) 4 stars

Hey, nice new thread! Lovely topper! Imagine having a church service with the warm ocean breezes and sound of the waves coming through the windows!

Hi Mary, Thanks! It's a very picturesque little church but of late seems to have fallen into disrepair. I think I saw somewhere about an upcoming fundraiser. A couple of years ago it was the backdrop of an LL Bean catalog. It's in a lovely spot!

6. Buff: A Collie and Other Stories by Albert Payson Terhune

Terhune's Sunnybank books were favorites of mine from childhood and I'm having a good time revisiting them now. Written is 1921, a couple of the stories were a bit on the violent side but for the most part they were all very enjoyable, especially the title story. Recommended for anyone who likes old fashioned dog stories.

I love the cover!

Just keeping up... and agree, beautiful thread topper :)

Definitely a beautiful little church in a great spot!

Congratulations on the new thread, Joanne! That's a pretty church in a beautiful location.

We have a number of 2013 favorites in common. I was particularly glad to see Benediction on your list, as I thought that was exceptionally well done.

Hi Pirate, I do too! My ecopy has a fairly generic looking photo of a collie (which honestly looks more like a sheltie) but this cover is the one I remember when I read it as a kid.

Hi Kath, Thanks! Glad you're keeping up! :)

Hi Jim, It is lovely!

Hi Joe, Thanks! Benediction was wonderful and I'm very tempted to read Plainsong again.

7. The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon by Alexander McCall Smith Audio, LTER

The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon is the 14th entry in Alexander McCall Smith’s No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Here Mma Ramotswe and her assistant, Mma Makutsi, seek to uncover who is behind the scare tactics and misinformation being distributed about a new beauty salon and, also, they try to ascertain whether or not the young man poised to inherit a local farm is truly who he says he is. Each of these cases is interesting but the true joy of this book is the characters, the Botswana location, and the gentle whimsy of Smith’s writing.

I admit to only having read the first book in this series and finding it slow. When I saw that the audio version offered through LTER was read by Lisette Lecat (I’d previously enjoyed listening to her read Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight), I thought I might give it a try. Lecat reads all the audio versions of this series and she does a spectacular job here – her voice is lilting, pronunciations beautiful and unerring, and she makes the book come alive. Any parts of the story that I may have felt were slow or repetitious were actually an advantage when listening while driving. The story and the performance were both delightful.

But I think the highest compliment I can make is to say that by the time I started the final CD, I had the audio version of an earlier book in the series waiting for me at the library. 4.5 stars

I'm happy to jump in early on your new thread, Joanne. Lovely topping picture!
Happy Reading!

Hi Peggy! Jump in any time you please!

I hope you're safe and sound and staying clear of the storm!

Hi Joanne, May I ask where you obtained a copy of Buff: A Collie and Other Stories by Albert Payson Terhune? I love the old fashioned feel of the cover. And, of course, anything about Collies and Shelties, is of interest to me.

Hi Linda, The copy I read was an ebook. Terhune's books are available electronically for just a dollar or two. And some are reprinted as paperbacks but I don't think the cover would be the same.

But funny you should ask - yesterday I ordered a used copy of Buff: A Collie through Amazon Marketplace. The copy I bought is supposed to be in VG condition with the DJ. I hope the cover is the same as it is the cover of the copy I read as a child. I also ordered a physical copy of His Dog.

Several years ago I ordered a copy of The Further Adventures of Lad and the copy I received was very nice. We'll have to see how these other two are. Sometimes what the seller considers to be a VG copy is not quite what I expect. But they are old editions from the 20s.

As you can see, I love my Sunnybank books! If you've never read Lad: A Dog or Bruce, I highly recommend them.

Thanks Joanne. I'll try to locate copies of the Sunnybank books.

Lad: A Dog! OMIGOSH

I'd completely forgotten these books. My mother's parents had them.

You're very welcome, Linda!

Hi Richard, the timing sounds about right - I'll bet they had some nice, new copies. I adore the Sunnybank stories.

Joanne, I've never hard of the Sunnybank stories, but they sound really wonderful. One more thing to look for when I'm haunting the used-book stores, I guess.

Love the Maui church Joanne and the rest of your thread as well. Alfred Payson Terhune is such a familiar author name but I don't really know which of his I've read. But that name has stayed with me.

Happy weekend!

#11 you nailed it!

Hi Joanne,
I've read a few of the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency books and loved them. Fun books. Unfortunately, I can't remember anymore which I've read. Is this one a new one? If so, I can guess I haven't read it yet.. I can check the library for it :)

Julia, Lad: A Dog was my very favorite book when I was a kid. Several of Terhune's books are available for free electronically so it's easy to give one a try. Terhune was a writer and journalist who one day wrote a magazine story about one of his collies and things took off from there. Sunnybank was the name of his home and kennels in New Jersey. What remains of the lakeshore estate, about 10 acres with some outbuildings and the graves of the dogs, is now a park. The local collie club has a gathering there every year. It's about 20 miles from where I grew up. Why I don't have a collie is a bit of a mystery. More than anyone wanted to know.... :)


Lad, Bruce, Wolf, and The Master

Hi Bonnie, Thanks! I was chatting about Terhune a year or so ago, and his Lad: A Dog was very popular.

Hi Richard - I hope you're having a very happy weekend and that the sky stops snowing on you. :)

Hi Tina - Thanks! I'm guessing you listened to it too? An early review win? I loved it and now I'm enjoying listening to Morality for Beautiful Girls.

Hi Cee, It's the latest - number 14. I think it was published late last year. The audio versions are terrific. Thoroughly charming and feel-good without being too sweet or cloying.


And happy Friday!

Joanne, I love hearing the background about Terhune and his lad. I'm going to look for his books on Project Gutenberg. You don't have a collie but you ended up with a couple of pretty sweet pups anyway!

Julia, I was thrilled when I found so much info and photos of Sunnybank and the collies on the internets. And with the books mostly out of print, electronic copies fit the bill. Yay for technology!



Here's Copper to say hello and thank you all for your good wishes. Her right eye looks a little dark because earlier this week she had a stitch (I can't spell or pronounce the name of the procedure) put in the eye lid to keep her eyelash out of her eye so her corneal ulcer will heal. Next Wednesday she is going in to have the lipoma removed and then hopefully, she'll feel better without it pressing on a nerve. We've spent a lot of time at the specialty vets' office lately and more to come! She's a great little patient though, sweet and uncomplaining.

I've just caught up with your great news about Copper on your last thread. Yay!!!!!! I hope the procedure to remove the lipoma goes easily, and makes her more comfortable. Thanks for the recent pic -- love her sweet face. :)

Hi Carol, Thanks! We have our fingers crossed that this will be it. I really want her to feel better (although she was running around pretty well today. I'm sure her pain meds helped).

Happy new thread, Joanne, and congrats with the great news about Copper!

Sweet and uncomplaining? Sounds not at all like any members of my family!

Great news on the eponymous woofie and I hope it healds a lovely weekend. xx

Just passing through to say Hi, Joanne. Best wishes to you and Copper!

Great to see Copper looking so happy!

Yes, good to see Copper looking happy and enjoying the (relatively) warm weather and sunshine, fleeting though they (the warm weather and sunshine) might be around here. Have a great weekend!

Happy new thread, Joanne! That's a lovely photo of Copper, and also the thread-topping church.

#26> There's our girl! She's looking lovely as always. And it's nice to see some bare ground along with the snow. We haven't seen that for a while around here, but they say next week it will be in the 40s for a few days!

Great picture of Copper, Joanne. She looks really happy. I will be thinking of you and hoping all goes well on Wednesday.

Dear Copper -- how sweet she is! Glad her pain is more bearable. Great thread topper, Joanne!

Hi Joanne- Congrats on the new thread! Great shot of Copper! Try to make time for True Detective. You will thank me later. Hugs!

That girl Copper is so photogenic! I love the smile and the sunshine effects.
I never get tired of looking at her :-)

Hi Diana, Thanks!

Hi Paul, I'm sure you're selling your family short, but then again, the dogs are pretty much the only non-complainers around here.....

Hi Becky, Thank you!

Hi Kath, She's feeling pretty good sometimes.

Hi Mary, it was nice this morning except for the big wave cloud. We didn't get any of that wind here. 60 tomorrow!

Hi Terri, Thanks!

Hi Julia, We really haven't had much snow lately and it was in the mid 40s today. Which means the grass is pretty smooshy and the trail where Skye and I walked today was a big mud puddle. Felt like spring!

Hi Pat, Thanks! To the surgeon, Copper's procedure will be relatively minor, but to us it's anything but!

Hi Anne, Good to see you and thanks!

Hiya Mark! I hope to at least start watching True Detective some time this week. Sometimes a good TV show is like anticipating a good book - it's nice to know it's there, waiting in the wings! We watched All is Lost tonight, the Redford movie - it was good, not great, and different. And then tomorrow night is The Walking Dead and DA....

Hi Cee, Thanks, that's so sweet. I've got a couple hundred, or so, pictures I could post... :)

I should mention some books: I'm reading Still Life With Breadcrumbs and The Hand That First Held Mine, and listening to Morality for Beautiful Girls.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Hi, Joanne ~ Just touching base. Are you off for Presidents' Day?

Hi Mary, no, no day off for me today. We do get Memorial Day though! :) I'm not really complaining, I get 4 weeks of vacation now, but it is a long stretch between New Years Day and Memorial Day!

But I did sneak out early today so I could give Skye a walk before it got dark. What a beautiful afternoon!

Hi Joanne!
Hugs for Copper, one of the most beloved LT mascots.
I'm glad you had a beautiful day and got to take Skye for a walk. This is why I need a dog: so I would have someone to take me for walks.

We just finished a re-watch of the HBO series of The Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency with Jill Scott. I'm really sorry the series didn't get into a second season because I thought it was delightful.

We just watched the 5th True Detective. Still going strong. Another good DA. Hope it ends capably.

Hi Ellen, I'm happy they give me a reason to get out. You need a dog to run with you! I'm also rewatching #1Ladies- it's a lot of fun.

Hi Mark DA was good, I like the new story lines and I'm sorry the seasons aren't longer. Bates is annoying though. He should have gone to NY instead of Thomas and stayed there.

Joanne, Thanks for posting that wonderful photo of Coopers. What a charming lad! I continue to hold you and Coopers in my thoughts.

Thanks Linda! We just dropped her off for her surgery.

Sending Copper happy healing thoughts this morning!

Thanks Julia! I'm off to work - have a great day!

Good luck to sweet Copper! Hugs to Mom...

Happy surgery outcome *whammy*

Just checking in to see how Copper is doing after her surgery.

Hi Joanne- Happy Hump Day! How about Bates and Thomas, both go to New York and start a vaudeville act? And send postcards occasionally?

How is dear Copper?

Just checking to see if there's any news about Copper....

Copper came home a couple of hours ago. Her surgery went well, mass came out in one smooth piece. She's groggy and disinterested in food, water, or potty breaks but one step at a time, I guess. Just this second she's licking at some plain frozen yogurt that I left in front her. Yay! It remains to be seen if the lipoma removal will fix her limping issue but I still have my fingers crossed...

Cee, thanks for the hug!

Richard, the whammy worked, so far!

Mary, it'll be a long couple of weeks but the surgery was uneventful, so we're off to a good start!

Mark, sounds like the start of a new series! Might as well get Carson in on it as he's got the experience...

Hi Bonnie, thanks for checking on us!

I appreciate your concern you guys, you're the best!!

So glad to hear the news about Copper! I hope she is feeling chipper very soon. It's always a relief to have them get through the procedure and come out the other side, isn't it?

Whew! I'm glad that's over. Let the healing begin. I'm glad Copper came through her surgery with flying colors, but it's hard on Mama, isn't it?

Oh, I'm so happy to hear that the surgery went well! YAY! Still keeping you both in my thoughts - hoping that the limp and the pain will be gone!

The good energy from our LT friends helps us, and it helps our dogs......
Glad for the good outcome.

Hugs to you and Copper! I'm so glad to hear that the surgery went well!

I'm so glad Copper's surgery went well. Hope she's resting comfortably today.

That's very very good news, Joanne, and licking frozen yogurt bodes well. Copper will be better than her old self in no time!

Hi Joanne! We finally have internet at our house and I'm getting caught up. Hope Copper did OK today and that she mends quickly. Hope you're getting some rest too. :)

sending healing mojo for Copper. >>>>>>

Julia, Copper is still recovering - she's sleepy and not very hungry. I'm feeding her her wet food out of my hand a few bites at a time. Yuck! I'm sure she'll turn the corner in a day or two.

Hi Donna, yes, I'm glad that's over!

Thanks Amber, I'm hoping she's feeling better soon!

Hi Kath, Yes, we've both had a rough week, haven't we... :) our LT friends are wonderful! Thank you for all your support!

Hi Terri, Thanks for those hugs!

Hi Pat, Thanks! The first night was rough, but each day gets better!

Hi Richard, I hope so! She's very good at eating treats but healthy dog food, not so much. She's like a second child that way.

Hi Jenn! A house with internet! Yay! What an adventure you're living - I can't get over it! I need to get to your thread and check for pictures.

Hi Kath, Thanks and back at you! I hope Duncan is feeling chipper today and every day.

Happy weekend all!

So glad to hear Copper is on the mend. I had to smile at your tale of hand-feeding her. When my dog, Odie, was about 11 years old he became diabetic, and I ended up doing all sorts of things I would never have thought I could do: chase him around the yard to pee on a test strip and give him insulin shots twice a day chief among them. As I'm sure you know, it's important that diabetics eat predictable amounts at predictable times which was never his strong suit. I would always just leave his dry food out for him and he would eat a little here, a little there. So I was reduced to hand-feeding him each day before his insulin shot so I knew he had eaten. I really think he deliberately refused to eat on his own just so I would hand-feed him; I'm sure he saw it as me finally giving him the focused attention he deserved!

Hi Julia, do cats ever act predictably? That a cat would want to be hand fed wouldn't surprise me at all. :) I also had a diabetic cat so I know what a struggle it can be with them sometimes but I don't remember ever having to hand feed her. My son spent some time hand feeding our last cat after he had had a bout of pancreatitis and decided he didn't want to eat anymore. I think Copper's starting to get annoyed with me - I'm either coming up to her with pills to swallow or food she doesn't want! Not that I don't mix it up a little with treats...

The things we do for our furry friends, eh? And don't even consider it a sacrifice because we know if they could they would do the same for us. Well, dogs would anyway. I'm not sure about cats. :-)

Lol, I'm sure you're right about that!

I'm glad the surgery is over and the Coopers is home with you. What a trooper she is...and you too!

8. The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell

This is the third book I've read by Maggie O'Farrell and she is fast becoming a favorite author for me. This one has two alternating story lines which slowly converge to tell a taut, beautifully written tale of motherhood and love and memory. Lexie's story, which takes place in London in the late 1950s-60s, moves forward at a brisk pace while the current day story of Elina, struggling with postpartum depression after a difficult birth, and her partner, Ted, is initially more languid. I struggled at the start with that slower moving story line but trusted O'Farrell to take me somewhere interesting. I was not disappointed and soon didn't want to put down. Highly recommended, just be patient at the start. It won the Costa Award in 2010. 4.25 stars.

Thanks Linda! I'm glad the surgery is over too - now we just have to wait and see if that's what the problem was.

Just stopping by to see how Coppers is doing.. I left some info in my thread for future need of e-collars..
This has been a rough week for or several.. for LT pets..

I hope Coppers eats more readily today and feels better altogether...
I know that wil make things eaasier...for you!

Morning Joanne- I'll be watching for the Copper Recovery Report! In the meantime, I hope you have a restful weekend. Hugs!

Maggie O'Farrell had not been on my radar until I read your review. Off to find one of hers. Sounds like something I might enjoy. Is she anything like Rosemary Pilcher or Maeve Binchy?

Hi Joanne,
Here's hoping Copper is doing even better today and getting her appetite back. She has been through a lot, poor baby.
You are such a good doggie nurse ;-)

Good morning, Kath. Copper ate a spoonful of breakfast today but eagerly eats any treats offered. She doesn't usually eat breakfast anyway. I'm glad Skye is a more typical golden in that she will any and all things dropped in her food bowl! We have a collection of ecollars and the one that works best is a typical one that's clear and not too long. I noticed this morning that she seems to have scratched where her shoulder is all shaved. I'm sure it itches. I'm going to have to dig out an old sock for her rear paw. Maybe that'll help.

Hi Mark, nothing on the agenda here today so I guess it will be a very restful weekend...although I should join my husband who seems to be in a cleaning mood this morning. Or maybe I'll just stay out of the way with a book... :)

Hi Tina, I did make it sound Maeve Binchy-ish, didn't I? I'd say, no, not really. O'Farrell books are edgier, I think while I find Binchy to be cozier, if that makes any sense. I'd recommend any of the three I recently read - the others were Instructions for a Heatwave and The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox. I thought they were all wonderful!

Hi Cee, I think Copper would disagree about me being a good nurse. I think she's getting tired of me giving her pills and trying to feed her! We're done with her antibiotic so that's two less pills a day anyway. She stopped falling for the pill hidden in food trick years ago.

This weekend I'll be reading Dead Water, the latest in Ann Cleeves' Shetland series and I'm also reading John Green's Paper Towns.

Good nurses are usually not properly appreciated. Surgical patients do get tired of being encouraged to eat, bathe, get up, walk, and take pills when they don't want to...
The only fool-proof treatment to smiles and cooperation is a massage at bedtime.

I recognize a good nurse when I see one. You're doing great :-)

Glad to hear that Copper is still on the mend! I'll be looking forward to your thoughts on Paper Towns. It was the first book of John Green's that I read, and I was so taken by his unique voice.

Joanne, did you see my post about the shirt? Duncan didn't mind it..
For the shoulder a tee shirt might work, no need for long sleeves.
The feeding thing really is a problem/ Duncan isn't a morning eater, either. Very difficult time to try to feed him. calm suggested scrambled eggs, and that works well. I sort of pushed them through the space in back of his mouth between teeth, you know? Protein, and easy to swallow. She probably has a sore throat, too. I think that the preds sped up Dunkers healing? He is eating somewhat better now, but again, I have quadrupled his preds, and that helps. And I am still hand feeding him. He won't go to his bowl to eat. I thought maybe he would yesterday.. but no go.

Cream cheese holds pills well, so does peanut butter. Duncan was eating treats better, too. So I started putting peanut butter on them. I give him as much as he wants. I have gone through a lot of cooked chicken.. he won't eat any pasta or rice, but he will eat the chicken. And btw, cream cheese will hold a pill on a bite of chicken. Will she eat oatmeal and yogurt?

Sending hang in there mojo to you, and healing to Copper >>>>>>>>

Glad to hear Copper's on the mend! Hope your Sunday was restful and you got to enjoy some of that lovely sunshine!

Hi Cee, Thanks for the encouragement! You're a sweetie. I owe any and all nursing skills to my Mom, who was an RN. She, however, had people for patients....

Hi Amy, I'm enjoying Paper Towns but I know I wouldn't want to have a steady diet of YA lit.

Hi Kath, oh, those are all wonderful suggestions! I put an XL t-shirt on Copper the other day, to protect the shaved area that she's scratching, but it was too small. It was snug right where I didn't want it to rub, so I took it off. She's wearing a sock now on her hind leg. She also has to wear the cone of shame when we aren't right here so she doesn't scratch the stitch on her eyelid. Her appetite seems to be improving although she doesn't eat much at one time. I poached some chicken for her yesterday. I haven't given her oatmeal in awhile but she usually eats it. I'll be happiest when she just eats a can of dog food.
We've tried all the tricks for hiding pills but she doesn't fool easily. We're done with the antibiotics and those were the worst. Hanging in there mojo back at you. I hope you had a good Sunday!

Hi Mary, wasn't it a pretty day?! I noticed my perennials are starting to green up - spring is on its way! I heard some finches and robins singing over the weekend, too, while I was outside reading in the sun. I can hardly wait for warm weather! March is our snowiest month, however.....

Joanne, I'm glad to hear Copper is on the mend, though we would all be happier if she would just start eating again normally. I'm sure she has no idea how much stress she is causing you (if she was a cat I wouldn't be so sure, ha!). I hope you have a good start to the week.

Hi Julia, she could stand to loss a pound or two - she was 88# at her last weigh in, although she doesn't look overweight to me. As long as she wants treats- which she does - I know she's ok.

Happy Sunday night to you! Have a good week.

Glad to see Copper is doing a bit better... I agree, those abx are murder, they taste bad. Duncan had them before surgery but she gave him a shot of polyflex, thank goodness. I have been giving preds, bp med and pain med 3 times a day.. I finally was able to cut to 2x yesterday. It's hard, because they are so smart ! Duncan finally ate on his own yesterday pm. I mean he ate from his bowl.... without me feeding him. We have gone from force feeding to hand feeding to now, on his own. I gave him chicken and broth. Usually there would be some carbs and veg but not yet.

Maybe try putting the pills into some canned cat food? just a wee ball of it. Dogs love canned cat food... Dunkers can't have it because of struvites.. the reason I cook for him.

I hope today is a breakthrough day for you all :)

I find that putting a pill in a good sized blob of peanut butter (on my finger) works for Loki - as long as he can see more peanut butter on a spoon to quickly follow-up.
He no sooner swallows the pill blob when I am whipping the spoon of pb right over to his mouth. He's so intent on getting more pb from the spoon, that he actually swallows the pill blob w/o giving it a tongue check.
Did that explanation make sense?
It's like feeding a baby. Remember when they sometimes just couldn't get enough quick enough? Wow - that was a long time ago for me.

Good health vibes coming from Maine to Colorado!

March is our snowiest month, however.....

Oh, goody.

Hi Kath, I'm so glad to hear that Duncan is eating on his own now - what a relief for you to know that he is feeling better! What a good boy. Copper ate a little canned food today but then I put some dry in their treat balls and both dogs rolled them all over, getting their dinner as they walked. She feels better, I can tell. Trust me when I say nothing works more than once to hide Copper's pills. We're down to 2 or 3 times a day now so it is much more manageable, especially since the pills are small and don't smell awful!

Hi Cee, thanks for those good health vibes! Nope, peanut butter won't work...she separates the pill and spits it out later if we don't watch her like a hawk. I've gotten good and sliding pills down her throat.

Hi Mary, something to look forward to! :)

9. Still Life with Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen LTER

As much as I've always loved Anna Quindlen’s essays and columns in the NY Times and Newsweek, I have found her fiction to be hit or miss. I‘m happy to say that her latest, Still Life With Bread Crumbs, was a hit.

Rebecca Winter, a 60 year old divorced photographer, had seen her career peak years before when her Kitchen Series of photographs was all the rage. Now, with her income low and her savings depleted for various reasons, she finds herself having to sublet her Manhattan apartment while she rents a “cozy” cottage in a small upstate town.

I was afraid this might devolve into a typical corny, fish-out-of-water, story but it didn’t and I found that it had some wonderful depth of feeling, warmth, and humor. The narrative moves back in time and forward again, never seeming to take itself too seriously. This was a very enjoyable and engaging read. 4.25 stars.

This is just so true! Our house of late, only with just one cat (Boomer) and one large dog (Skye) who likes to stretch out... I used to have a strict no dogs on the bed policy. Whatever...

>90 Copperskye:: *snork!* Yes! So, so true.

I really liked Still Life With Bread Crumbs, too! I have liked all of the books of Quindlen that I have read, though :)

i am glad to hear that Copper is feeling better, too. Good news!

Hi Joanne- Glad everyone is feeling better. Love #90. Our dogs are not allowed on the bed. My daughter will gladly share though. Ugh! How she manages with a full-sized German Shepard, I'll never know.

Glad to hear Copper continues to improve, Joanne. I have my eye on that Anna Quindlen book, so I'm glad you like it so much. Did you read Every Last One? I loved that one.

OK. I believe you. Cooper must have a centrifuge in her mouth to separate out the nasty elements - lol

Glad to hear she is doing better eating and walking around. Any sign of her limp? Or is it too soon to tell?

#90 cartoon is pretty funny! Loki moves around way too much to sleep on the bed. He needs the whole room. The only one we have to deal with is Woolly and she has learned her place - except when she decides to get in my face for attention. This is a new behavior of hers and I am not fond of it :p~

>90 Copperskye: I used to have a strict no dogs on the bed policy. Whatever...

So so true! I don't know anyone with cat(s) and/or dog(s) who can enforce that rule.

Another reason I don't have a dog. I am still trying to get my youngest kid out of my bed. He knows if he gets in by his dad, dad won't wake up. Then I wake up at 5 am with a tiny sliver of bed...

Hi Amber, :)

Hi Kath, I was so happy that I liked Bread Crumbs. I loved One True Thing and Black and Blue but Blessings was just ok. I couldn't get through Rise and Shine. There are a couple of hers that I haven't read yet.

Hi Mark, our dogs aren't allowed on the bed either. Technically. Skye sneaks up and tries to go unnoticed.

Hi Julia, I haven't read Every Last One but I'm happy to hear you liked it. That means I probably will, too, so I'll be sure to give it a try!

Hi Cee, A centrifuge, huh....that would explain it! :) The last time my husband tried to pill her by hiding it cream cheese, I found the soggy capsule of the pill in the corner of the family room several hours later. Our cat, Boomer, lies across my throat in the morning with her front legs wrapped around my neck while she purrs and kneads. It's a new behavior. Slightly annoying. I hope I stay on her good side....

Hi Mary, Copper can't jump high enough, anymore, to get on the bed, but Skye loves to sneak up when she thinks no one is looking. I've never had a cat that didn't sleep with me.

Hi Jenn, Hmm, maybe you should get a dog for your youngest to sleep with? :) Or the dog would take your sliver of bed....it could go either way... A dog certainly would have complicated your recent move!

Glad Copper is progressing well.

Thanks Terri! Same to you regarding Sig!

>90 Copperskye:: Love that cartoon, Joanne. Lucky sleeps on the bed in the winter only. He has his own sheet down at the bottom of the bed which suits him fine as he's not a big cuddlier.

I'm so glad to hear the new Anna Quindlen book is worthwhile. Like you, her fiction is hit and miss with me but I do love her essays. I'll be glad to wait in line for a book with 'feeling, warmth, and humor.' Thanks for that excellent review.

Hi Donna! I really thought Quindlen's latest was well done which means I'll be more inclined to check out some of her other books that I missed. I did really like Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake, too.

I can't picture Skye trying to sneak up on the bed in summer. I think it'll be just a cold weather thing for her, too. Thank goodness.

The cartoon of animals in bed is priceless. I'm glad Coopers is doing better.

10. The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye by Jane Yolen

Tiger Rose is an older kitty who is ready to say good bye to her family and life itself. The best books for children should appeal to adults as well and this one would actually be good for animal lovers of all ages even though it is a picture book. Sweet, life-affirming, and beautifully illustrated, the only problem would be reading it aloud without crying. 4.5 stars

Thanks Linda (whisper1) for the rec of this lovely book!

Hi Linda, I thought the cartoon was cute, too. Copper is feeling much better! Thanks!

11. Paper Towns by John Green

I recently read John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and thought I'd try an earlier book of his. I can certainly understand why his books are so popular with the YA crowd. Entertaining even if it was a bit far fetched. 3.5 stars

Both John and Hank Green are favorite vloggers of mine. They're endearingly doofusy.

That said, the YA books make me itch in places I dassen't scratch. I avoid them like they gots the cooties.

I think the book about Tiger Lily would make me cry.

Hi Richard, I'll bet the Greens are pretty doofusy, as you say! I know what you mean regarding YA books. I tend to get halfway through and start to wonder why I'm still reading...but then I continue. I can take them in small doses only.

Hi Lori, Yeah, probably...It's very sweet, though, and only the last couple pages are tear inducing. Reading to myself I was ok, but I know if I had to read it aloud I'd be struggling.

My current book is Dead Water, the fifth book in Ann Cleeves' Shetland Series, formerly known as the Shetland Quartet. I'm so glad she decided to continue beyond 4 books. I love the setting and the characters.

Oh, Tiger Rose... I'm tearing up just looking at it.

So glad to hear that Copper is doing better -- sweet girl. Give her a gentle hug from me.

Is March our snowiest month? I always thought it was April:)

12. Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith (audio)

I'm really enjoying the audio versions of the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. This is the third book in the series. Lisette Lecat is a great reader. This is a gentle series more interested in character development and the Botswana setting than in any great mysteries. But that's OK - I'm already ready for the next one. I'm still not sure I'd have the patience to read them but the audios are a lot of fun.

Hi Ann, It's very sweet and comforting - I recommend it! But yes, it's sad.

I thought it was March, but March, April...what's the difference?...they both can be so darned snowy! ;)

>90 Copperskye: My husband had a no-dogs-on-the-bed policy before I came to live with them. I think I kinda ruined a lot of policies he had with her. Oh well. :)

And my recollection is that March was Colorado's snowiest month. But sometimes it can definitely be hard to tell!

Hi Ursula, Maybe his policy was really just a suggestion? Our dogs are so spoiled, aren't they?!

Denver weather can be so crazy, we can just go ahead and throw May into the mix, too, and really scare poor Mary. :) (The news just mentioned that Feb. is the 5th snowiest - so it's not very snowy at all. Only 3.3" this Feb while 7.5" is average.)

I am sticking to my policy of reading nothing that has anything to do with any pet ever. I just don't have it in me. All of the lost pet posts on FB make me tear up and then make me angry :-/ butst to just not go there.

Dunkers isn't a bed dog... he values his own space too much. Always has. He only uses my bed when I'm not home. I am pretty excited, because I got a twin sized memory foam mattress topper from Vine. I will be replacing the egg crates I put in his current bed with that. I will just cut it in half and either pile it up or just use half at a time. This will be comfy for him, I think? So he will enjoy his bed even more, I hope?

Hi Kath, I know you avoid animal books. I understand.

Duncan's new bed sounds very comfy!!

We have two dog beds, one is a foam ortho from Drs Foster and Smith. Both dogs seem to like it. The cat is sleeping on it at the moment....

Hope you have a good weekend and that your weather isn't too bad!

>114 Copperskye: My first foray into Colorado was in 1973. I drove from Chicago to Los Angeles in a 1966 Chevy Impala with my youngest sister (with whom I am now sharing a house). On July 26, we were somewhere in the Rockies, and there was a blizzard that closed Independence Pass, and we had to go around a different way. I don't remember the particulars, but I do remember the date because it was my birthday. So, I don't think anything about Colorado weather could really shock me.

Good morning, Mary! And you decided to move out here anyway! Wow, snow at the end of July - that's not typical but it happens.

Not too long ago we were driving back from California after the Memorial Day weekend and ran into a snow storm on Vail Pass. It was totally unexpected and about 10 at night. I wish they had closed the highway - it was the most harrowing driving I have ever done in my life.

Heh, it was nearly 50 years ago, and memories fade...

Hi Joanne - I'm another O'Farrell fan. I put THe Hand that First Held Mine on my list. I totally agree about Quindlen; I stopped reading her fiction. It sounds like I might have to reconsider.

I'm glad Copper is looking better.

Hi Joanne. Hope you are having a great weekend, and that Copper is getting back to normal. :)

My oldest daughter, Wendy, keeps making little noises about moving back to CO. She and her DH love it out there. They lived there for about 5 years when they were first married and just might pack up one of these days and head west again.

I think it's so funny that your big beautiful dogs simply tolerate a cat sleeping on the dog bed -as in the picture in your gallery :-)

Joanne, I am so far behind with threads, but I am so glad to hear Copper continues to progress AND that you have been doing some good reading. I still have not read any John Green, but I want to. It sounds like Paper Towns may not be the one to start with, though. And the Precious Ramotswe books are good gentle fun. I bet they work much better as audio, as I find reading them can get a teeny bit draggy.

Joanne, I think I'll pass on that lovely picture book for Haley. She is still talking about the dead owlet in Why Mosquitos Buzz in People's Ears. I don't shy away from sensitive topics but she grabs hold of a detail and won't let it go.

We are having a snowy morning here in Missouri. I hope that the last week in March is lamb-like in Colorado. I'll be driving out for some Hope time and a meet-up with my CO friends. Let's tentatively plan on the last week end. Maybe Anne will be back from her spring break trip by then.

Happy Sunday Joanne. I'm so glad you liked The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye. I am a big fan of Jane Yolen.

This book was my #1 read for 2013. I loved everything about it. The quietness, the calm way in which Tiger Rose systematically said goodbye to all things in her life that were special.

It continues to haunt me.

I'm so glad Coopers is betterr. I can only imagine your relief.

Hi Joanne! Your thread somehow got unstarred. I just started using our iPad to access LT and wonder if I've unknowingly unstarred threads when I fumble around on it--a horrifying thought! Anyway, I just read your review of Still Life with Breadcrumbs and as a result will pick it up again tonight and hopefully find the time to stick with it. It does sound good.

>119 Storeetllr: That's probably a good thing, Mary! That cross-country drive must have been quite an adventure for you and your sister.

>120 BLBera: Definitely add The Hand that First Held Mine to your list, Beth! And I would absolutely recommend trying Quindlen's latest. I, too, had mostly given up on her fiction and I have at least one that I want to try.

>121 nittnut: Where did the weekend go, Jenn? They fly by so fast. Copper is feeling much better, thanks!

>122 -Cee-: Hi Cee, I see you really are Cee now! I know you'd miss Wendy if they moved out here, but for purely selfish reasons, I think it'd be great - you'd come out to visit and maybe I get to meet you! The cat usually liked to sleep up high on something and I think the only reason she sleeps on the dog bed is to bug the dogs...

>123 rosalita: Oh don't take my word on John Green, Julia, I'm not a big YA fan. People like Paper Town but you should probably try The Fault in Our Stars first. I love the audio versions of the Precious Ramotswe books. I'm not listening to one at the moment and I kind of miss Lissette Lecat's voice.

>124 Donna828: Last weekend in March! Yay! I'm looking forward to your visit, Donna.

>125 Whisper1: I found the story of Tiger Rose to be very comforting, Linda. Thank you for mentioning it.

>126 phebj: I'm glad you found me again, Pat! Every now and then I notice that I'm missing seeing someone posting and discover that I have red x'd their thread by mistake. The threadbook is so helpful when that happens!

Copper had her post surgery checkup this morning and everything looks good! Well, except for that seroma (fluid pocket) she has by her elbow now, near the incision. Limited activity until it dissipates. What a relief!

ouch.. poor Copper.. sending dissipate whammy, and hugs

Glad to hear Copper's doing well, and hope the seroma dissipates soon!

Good girl, Copper!
Now... go easy and dissipate :-)
Hugs and treats for a special girl. OK. You too, Joanne.

And I do admit, if Wendy does move to CO, I will be looking forward to a meet-up.

Thanks Kath!

And thank you, Mary!

Sounds good to me, Cee!

And remember...

Hi Joanne - I love #132; in my case, it's very apt. I'm going to get a poster and hang it by my door...

Hi Beth!

Words to live by! :)

Joanne, gentle hugs to Copper, and YES to >132 Copperskye:!

>132 Copperskye:. Oh wow, I love that! It's a good laugh to start the day.

>130 -Cee-: CeeWhat is it with LT kids and their moving and threats of moving? Bah!

>132 Copperskye: Joanne, I need to try to adopt that philosophy. I am getting better at it. IT has been so snowy and messy here, that I have suspended some of my cleaning in despair. I have never had a problem with dusting.. I am good at ignoring that!

>132 Copperskye: I've always thought that myself, but it's nice to have it confirmed in writing! I'm glad Copper's recovery is progressing nicely, Joanne. I hope the seroma goes away soon.

>132 Copperskye: Ha! Love it!

>132 Copperskye: - Too true!

Hi to Anne, Becky, Kath, Julia, Amber, and Katie - I thought it was pretty cute (and true!). :)

Hi Joanne- Just checking in. If you can track down a copy of Birds of a Lesser Paradise, do so! It's a wonderful collection.
Hhow are you enjoying Perks? I loved that one.

Hi Joanne

I'm simply checking in to see if Coopers is well.

Hi Joanne, I'm sorry I have not been around to offer support and virtual hugs during Copper's post-surgery journey. I'm glad she seems to be on the mend. I know that you worry about her, as do all of us who have let furkidz wrap strings of lights around our hearts....

Hi Mark - Good to see you! I checked Birds of a Lesser Paradise out of the library several months ago but never got to it (short stories always seem to get short shrift from me). I saw that you gave it 5 stars so I guess I should try again with it. I haven't gotten much past the first few pages of Perks but that's for lack of time not interest.

I'm going to suggest Ann Cleeves' Shetland series (it starts with Raven Black) to you - the books are kind of dark, gripping, and atmospheric but certainly not as bleak as some of the Scandinavian series. I'm reading the 5th, Dead Water, and it's great!

>143 Whisper1: Hi Linda, She's doing well, thanks! I know she's feeling better than she did a month ago. She has a seroma near her incision site (near her elbow) and we think it's interfering with her gait, but it should go down in the next week or so. (I hope) And the stitch he had in her eyelid (to help keep her eyelashes out of her eye and redirect them) was taken out yesterday and, hopefully again, her eye will stay clear and not get irritated again. But the good news is she's feeling better! She's my happy girl again. And she'll be thrilled when she gets to go for walks with us. Thanks for checking Linda, you are such a dear!

>144 EBT1002: Hi Ellen, Oh, I like that - "wrap strings of lights around our hearts.." And it is so very true! Thanks for stopping by today - I get so behind in the threads and I know how that goes!

>132 Copperskye: So true!

>147 nittnut: Hiya Jenn!

Thank goodness dogs can't read....or can they?

Apparently I-70 traffic headed into the mountains today was even heavier than usual...

>149 Copperskye: HA!! Have a good weekend to all under your roof, Joanne.

>149 Copperskye: That's so Colorado. :)

>149 Copperskye: Happy Saturday, Joanne! I love the snowman in the middle of the interstate, although I don't love seeing all that snow!

>148 Copperskye: Love the reading dogs and that does explain how Buddy gets some of his more interesting thoughts;-)

>148 Copperskye: LOL

>149 Copperskye: Whoa! Ursula's right. That is so Colorado!

Yes, someone had some time on the highway. Hope you and yours are safe and not stuck in it.

>150 richardderus: Thanks Richard, I did, and I hope you have a good week!

>151 ursula: That it is, Ursula.

>152 rosalita: Happy Sunday, Julia. 70F degrees today. Snow on Tuesday...

>153 brenzi: You never know what those pups are doing when w aren't around, Bonnie!

>154 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, I agree!

>155 AMQS: Not a good weekend to be on the highways, Anne. Which is really most weekends this winter.

13. Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow

A sweet book of advice for grownups made up of pages from classic golden books. It's a nostalgic look back at favorite golden book illustrations, and each page also identifies the book and illustrator. The author was a long time editor of Little Golden Books. I smiled all the way through. 4 stars

14. Dead Water by Ann Cleeves

If this isn't my favorite mystery series, it's in my top two or three. Dead Water is the fifth book in the Shetland Series, formerly known as the Shetland Quartet. I was very happy that the author chose to go on with it, particularly after the events in Book 4. The setting is the Shetland Islands, where Insp Jimmy Perez is recovering from the aforementioned events. When a journalist is found murdered, Det. Insp Willow Reeves is brought in and Jimmy, because of his local knowledge, is slowly drawn into the case. I love the characters, especially insecure Sandy, and Cleeves changes the points of view so the reader is privy to each of the inspector's thoughts. The setting is especially unique and I find that I'm learning a lot about the Shetland Islands - there's more there than ponies and sheepdogs.

The first book in the series is Raven Black and I'd start with that one if you're interested in following the character development. This was a mystery that had me guessing until the end with characters I hate to say good bye to. 5 stars

*groan* Not another mystery series to start! But if you gave it 5/5 stars, it's something I'm just going to have to learn to live with. On the wish list it goes! :)

>159 Storeetllr: Sorry Mary! I used to be able say that, yes, it's a series but it's a quartet so not a big commitment if you happen to like the first one. I'm happy though, that Cleeves chose to continue it!

Currently reading: Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, a reread but I was a mere child in my 20s when I first read it and I remember nothing, only that I loved it (and still do).

On audio: Patchett reading her This is the Story of a Happy Marriage.

How is the Patchett on audio? I have an ARC on shelf but I would get to an audio much quicker.

I hope you can get to True Detective. It was a nearly perfect season.

>161 msf59: The audio is excellent, Mark! I love it when an author reads their own stuff and does it well. I find myself having, as NPR says, driveway moments, where I want to sit in the car and keep listening. There's 10 discs, so it's fairly long. Funny, you have the book but you might check the audio when I have the audio but the book copy is waiting for me at the library...

There's something about True Detective that's just not calling to me and I don't know why. I think I was waiting for the season to end to see what the consensus was. I saw something on the AV Club about the ending being less than stellar? I didn't read it though. Most of their comments on it seemed to be positive. One of these days...especially since you liked it.

I loved True Detective!!!

>163 PaperbackPirate: Oh the pressure is on now! Two people whose opinion I trust!

Hi Pirate!

Dan is obsessed with True Detective.... not my cuppa,, but whatevah

Slso, not a Cleeves fan. Hmmm, maybe rd is on to something.. he called me crabby. I'm going with sleepy. :P

Hope all is well

Hi Kath, You just know what you like and don't like, that's all!

And everybody gets to be crabby sometimes. Hope you get a good nights sleep!

We are well, Copper's being a picky eater again but she sure loves her treats so I'm not terribly concerned.

>132 Copperskye:, 148, 149 **LIKE!**

>145 Copperskye: Joanne, I second your recommendation of the Cleeves series to Mark -- seems like something he'd like. (Yo, Mark!)
I bought Dead Water and must get to it. I got a used copy of the Canadian edition which has been out a while -- our library just got the U.S. edition that was just released. I wish I had time to read them both and compare . . .

I think you're going to like Dead Water, Terri. Now I wish she'd write faster. I have a couple of Cleeves' books from her Vera Stanhope series, I think Crow Trap is the first one. Have you read it?

You know, it never occurred to me that the Canadian addition would be different, but I guess it makes sense. Do the changes go beyond spelling and maybe some other small changes, I wonder?

15. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler

5 huge stars. This was a reread for me. I first read it in the mid '80s, when I was in my mid 20s, so it was a long time ago. And what a wonderful read. The story revolves around Pearl Tull and her three children, Cody, Ezra, and Jenny. It begins at the end, when Pearl is dying and then weaves and circles back in time and shifting points of view. Pearl is difficult, to say the least, Cody is angry and full of rage and guilt, Jenny strives to not be her mother, and dear sweet Ezra, wants nothing more than to keep his family close and nurture them. Going so far as to open the Homesick Restaurant.

This is a rich, heartbreaking, and satisfying novel - I finished it yesterday and find myself unwilling to start something new. I just want to let it settle in and stay awhile. I've found myself dissatisfied with one or two of Tyler's more recent books. They can't compare to this gorgeous, entertaining and wholly satisfying novel.

Some quotes I especially liked:

"There ought to be a whole separate language, she thought, for words that are truer than other words - for perfect absolute truth." Pearl, pg 8

"Their growing up amounted, therefore, to a gradual dimming of the light at her bedroom door, as if they took some radiance with them." Pearl, pg 20

"She loosened; she was safe at last, in the only place where people knew exactly who she was and loved her anyhow." Jenny, pg 104

"You're old for so much longer than you're young, she thinks. Really it hardly seems fair." Pearl, pg 191

Wow! Joanne - So many book bullets. Dead Water just went on my list. I've read two or three in the series and will get back to it. I really do love Cleeves' strong sense of place.

I've heard many say Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant is their favorite Tyler. I know I have it on m shelf somewhere. Too many books.

What a nice reading streak you're having.

BTW I loved the snowman on the interstate. I hope you're seeing signs of spring.

>169 Copperskye: Ouch! Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant on the WL. How can I ignore a 5 star rating from you? Ans. - I can't.

I love the last quote up there the best - but I'm thinking it's just a phase I'm going through. LOL

Hi Beth, Another Ann Cleeves fan! Yay! Absolutely read, at least, Blue Lightning before moving on to Dead Water, though. It's important to understanding the tone of this latest. I am so happy with my reading of late, Homesick Restaurant is lingering in my mind. I read somewhere that it is Anne Tyler's favorite of her books. So far, it's mine, too, but it have some more rereading to do. Something that I neglected to mention above was one of the things I loved - there was basically a throw away line early on in the book, but then the consequence of that utterance came up much later and if the reader wasn't paying attention, they might have missed it. I love that it was never explained and left a slight mystery to the less than attentive reader.

Hi Cee, I think you'd love it! My favorite quote is the second one, where the light of her life - her children - are gone. Odd though, considering Pearl's temperament. But that's what I loved about the book, how I kept feeling differently about the characters.

I think this weekend I'm going to start, finally, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I also have John D MacDonald's, Pale Gray for Guilt, which seems promising.

And I adore Ann Patchett's reading of her This is the Story of a Happy Marriage. I should finish it this week.

This is a dangerous thread, Joanne! I've had my eye on This is the Story of a Happy Marriage, and now I'm tempted to try it on audio. And it's been a while since I read an Anne Tyler book, so I may have to try Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant. I usually love her characters. Hope you are having a good weekend!

Hi Joanne -- there you go again with those 5-star reads!! Adding the Ann Cleeves and the Anne Tyler to my list -- I should be keeping up with my namesakes' works!

Hope you enjoyed this lovely Sunday!

Got me with Dead Water. I was really unhappy with the ending of the previous book, but if you give this one a 5/5, I'll have to read it.

Hi Joanne- I hope you had a fine weekend. I loved your review and quotes from Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant. I like Tyler, but never read this one. I need to remedy that.
I hope you enjoy Perks. It's a gem of a book. I requested the audio of This is the Story of a Happy Marriage.
And lastly, I've been listening to the Winter People. It's very good and might just be your cuppa!

Good morning, Joanne. I read Raven Black a while ago and liked it. You're inspiring me to move further into the series. Also that's a lovely review of Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, which you've now got me thinking about reading.

>173 porch_reader: Hi Amy, I'm sad because I'll probably finish the Patchett audio tomorrow. It has been excellent. And if you're already a fan of Anne Tyler, you will love Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant. One of her more recent books really disappointed me a couple years ago (Noah's Compass), so it was reassuring to go back and read an old favorite.

>174 AMQS: Lol Anne! I noticed when I posted my reads on the weekly thread last week that all my authors shared the same first name. It seems to be working out well for me! I should find another Anne to read...

>175 nittnut: Well, yes Jenn, unhappy about that ending is an understatement! But I think you'll like this next one. I always like to be sure that my favorite fictional characters are managing ok. And it was nice to get back to Shetland.

>176 msf59: Mark, you haven't read Homesick Restaurant yet? Tsk, tsk...kidding, of course, but you should try to squeeze it in. I think it's a classic. And you'll love Patchett's audio! I'm sorry to be almost done with it. Winter People is on my long list. I'm hearing lots of good things about it! And I do like Perks, I'll be finishing it up soon. (I loved the movie.)

>177 jnwelch: Hi Joe, Well, that's great! I can't say enough good things about Homesick Restaurant. It's a gem, IMHO. If you liked Raven Black, you'll like Dead Water, but don't skip Blue Lightning, for the backstory.

>169 Copperskye: Joanne, I'm thrilled that you have the same reaction as I did when reading Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant. I've read most of Anne Tyler's books and while some are mighty good, none can compare to Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant.

I just may go back and re-read it. Sadly, I found that Tyler's later books were flat.

Hi Joanne,
I think I read Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant ages ago.... you make me want to reread it. :-)

We don't get HBO so I've not been watching "True Detective" despite much hoopla surrounding it. Part of me thinks I just don't need to get addicted to a television show (other than "Downton Abbey" and "Sherlock," of course).

Hi, Joanne ~ Just dropping by to say hi and to wish you, at long last, a Happy First Day of Spring! :)

>169 Copperskye: I have read a few Anne Tyler books and own all of them, but my first, Breathing Lessons, remains by far my favourite. Must get to Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant as it appears that it may give that one a run for its money.

Have a lovel weekend, Joanne.

*Happy weekend wave*

>#15 Noah's compass really put me off Anne Tyler, but I'm a native Baltimoron and Dinner at the Homesick restaurant looks like it might redeem my estimation of Ms. Tyler. I've just put a reserve on the audio (since I'm really having eye probs right now) and will hope that it lives up to expectations. Thanks for such an encouraging review.

Hi Joanne!

Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant is my favorite Tyler also, Joanne, although Saint Maybe is a close second. But like you, I read them in the 80s and wonder how they would hold up. I may have to reread also.

As far as the Cleeves series goes, I may have to succumb to that BB finally. After all, you're the one who got me started on the Louise Penny series so how could I go wrong;-)

Hi Joanne- Just checking in. I found an audio copy of This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage and I am copying the discs as I type. See, how much of a pushover I am? LOL.
Hope you are having a great weekend.

>179 Whisper1: Linda, I've been disappointed by some of Tyler's recent books, too, but Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant was so good and I'm very glad I reread it.

>180 EBT1002: Ellen, it was such a joy, I think everyone should read or reread it! And I finally started watching True Detective and it's very good! I'm four episodes in (out of eight total).

>181 Storeetllr: Thanks for the pretty spring picture, Mary! Have you noticed how much warmer the sun is, even when it's cold out and how much wetter the snow is? The browns are turning green at last. I love spring, even when it's not quite spring-like.

>182 PaulCranswick: Paul, Breathing Lessons is awfully good, too. I want to reread it and the one where the woman walks away from her family..when I figure out which one that is. I would highly recommend giving Homesick Restaurant a try!

>183 wilkiec: Happy week to you, Diana! What happened to the weekend? It and spring break week flew by way too fast!

>184 tututhefirst: I was very disappointed with Noah's Compass, too, Tina. I liked The Beginner's Goodbye, but I didn't love these later books like I did her earlier ones. That's part of the reason I went back and reread Homesick Restaurant - I was wondering if my taste had changed. But it still had the same magic, so it wasn't me... I hope you like the audio version, it should work well.

>185 richardderus: Hi back at you Richard! I hope you had a good weekend.

>186 brenzi: I loved Saint Maybe, too, Bonnie. I see a reread in my future, thanks for the reminder! And I'll happily take the blame for another series for you to add to your list. Our tastes don't always mesh so you never know, but it is a good series with interesting characters and a unique location. Start with Raven Black. I think Louise Penny is also a fan, btw.... :)

>187 msf59: It's a great audio, Mark. I think you're gonna love it! And btw, I'm halfway through True Detective!

16. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

A better than average YA book and I can totally understand why it's so popular with that audience. Charlie is starting high school, with all the typical fears associated with that milestone, plus some additional - rather huge - issues. The story is told as a series of letters written to an anonymous trusted friend which gives the reader intimate insight into his thoughts and his actions. I saw the movie a while back and managed to forget the bit of a plot twist at the end. 4 stars

17. This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett

A collection of essays about her childhood, student life, writing life, bookseller life, family life, dog life, beloved nuns life, and married life. So not just the story of a happy marriage, more the story of an ultimately happy life. And to a one, I happily enjoyed listening to Patchett narrate her own stories. If you're a fan of her writing, I don't think you should miss it. And if you've never read anything of hers, same goes. 5 stars

I've added Truth and Beauty to my "to listen to" list.

Ooo! I have This is the Story of a Happy Marriage out of the library at the moment. I didn't think I would be able to get to it but your 5 star review is changing my mind.

Great reviews, Joanne! I keep forgetting that The Perks of Being a Wallflower was a book. I need to add it to my list. I have several Ann Patchett books (there you go with Ann/e again!) but I've only read Bel Canto. This is the Story of a Happy Marriage sounds wonderful!

Hi Joanne, sinking into death's fetid swamps more slowly than I feared I would be. This plague cold is no fun, but it's receding under repeated blasts of zinc and vitamin C.

>192 phebj: Hi Pat! I probably return more library books unread than read, unfortunately. Sad, but true... But if you're in the mood for an essay or two, give it a try.

>193 AMQS: Hi Anne! Chris had to read it for his Adolescent Lit class last semester. He brought his copy home over winter break so I thought I'd give it a try. I saw the movie a while ago and liked it a lot. Both were well done. I haven't read Bel Canto yet but I really liked some of Patchett's earlier books. My current reads are Alexander, John, and Elly so I seem to be off my Ann/e kick. :) Hope to see you Sunday!

>194 richardderus: Oh dear, Richard, I'm sorry you're still under the weather. I hope your head clears up very soon!

Hi Joanne - Nice reviews. I do like Ann Patchett, so her essays go on the list . This is a dangerous thread.

Just checking in. Hope you are having a great day and enjoying the pretty weather. Just heard from Anne that I AM NOT TO PLANT ANYTHING YET. (Upper-case emphasis hers.) :)

Can't wait till Sunday; just awaiting time and place.

>196 BLBera: But dangerous in a good way, right Beth? :) It really is a wonderful collection.

>197 Storeetllr: Lol. It is tempting though...what a lovely windy day we had today! Check your email if you haven't already. I voted for the Colfax TC, but really anywhere is fine with me!

Hi Joanne - Definitely dangerous in a good way. Have a great weekend.

Hi Joanne - Happy Saturday!

Did you sign up for the Booktopia author sessions? I was a little annoyed at how they scheduled them in terms of not mixing up the line-ups in the second half, but oh well. I got ones I'm interested in (Heller, Go, McAdam, and Miles) so that's good!

Hope you have a great weekend.

>198 Copperskye: And today is even more gorgeous! And HOT! It's tempting to put out some pretty flowers, but I don't trust this Colorado weather so will be obeying Anne. :)

Yes, Colfax TC is perfect, and I'm so looking forward to our meetup!

Hi Joanne- I was just going to stop by and gush about This is the Story of a Happy Marriage and I see you have finished it gave it 5 stars! It was a fantastic collection and the audio was wonderful. She did a stellar job. Thanks for the nudge, my friend.
And like you, I really wan to get to truth & Beauty.

Looking forward to seeing you, Mary, and Donna tomorrow! Mary, did you get my email about parking? I think Callia may come as well:)

Oh, joy, another LT meet up! I look forward to photos.

>203 AMQS: Yes, thanks, Anne, I did! How fun ~ look forward to meeting her!

Oh a meet up?! Fun ! I too, look forward to photos... Have a great time !

Joanne - Have fun at your meet up. I am going to have to move. We expect photos, of course.

Hi, Joanne ~ It was great seeing you again yesterday! I posted a couple of pics on my thread and can't wait to see everyone else's pics too. https://www.librarything.com/topic/171358#4623360

>199 BLBera: I had a very good weekend, Beth. I hope you did too!

>200 katiekrug: Hi Katie, Happy Monday! :) I did sign up for author sessions and know what you mean about them not being mixed up. I know I registered for Heller in the afternoon and then two others...Heller is the only one I'm excited about.

>201 Storeetllr: It was so great to see you again, Mary! I'm wondering how the bookshelf worked out. I only have one photo to post but I know there are more so I'll be by your thread soon.

>202 msf59: Oh my goodness, Mark - those puppies are too adorable! I'm glad you loved Patchett's audio. I'm looking forward to Truth and Beauty, too.

>203 AMQS: Hi Anne, It was good to see you and I'm so glad Callia was able to join us!

>204 Whisper1: Hi Linda! Meetups are so much fun!

>206 mckait: Hi Kath! We did, thanks! We meet at the Tattered Cover, had lunch next door, and then went back to the TC for some books, of course!

The very best kind of meet-up, food and books and LT friends.

>207 BLBera: Hi Beth - If you ever come to Colorado, be sure to let us know! I'd love to meet you.

>208 Storeetllr: Mary, I'll be by your thread next!

Well, I only have one photo from our meetup but I think it's a good one! Here are Anne (AMQS) and Donna (Donna828).

>210 richardderus: Hi Richard! LT is such a wonderful place. We would never have known each other without it!

>212 Copperskye: I completely agree.

As we head into gardening season (hooray!), I've been thinking I'd like to find a good audiobook to try. This is the Story of a Happy Marriage might fit the bill. I've not yet read any of her work, although Bel Canto has been sitting on the TBR shelf for years. I have been to her bookstore. :-)

>211 Copperskye: Nice meet-up photo!

Hi Ellen, Oh I wholeheartedly recommend the audio of This is the Story of a Happy Marriage even if you haven't read any of her other works. You'll want to, though, by the time you finish it. You'll want to invite her over for coffee. I'm envious of your book store visit! She talks about that venture, too.

Great meet-up pic Joanne. 5 stars for the Patchett + Mark's raves about it = an addition to my library holds:-)

Hi Bonnie! You won't be sorry - it's a good one!

18. Pale Grey for Guilt by John D MacDonald

This is the ninth book in the Travis McGee series and probably my favorite so far. When I'm about halfway through these books, I start asking myself why I keep reading them, but then by the end, I can't wait to read the next one....

McGee's buddy, who had been struggling to make a go of his marina and motel business is found dead - an apparent, gristly suicide. But the evidence doesn't add up and McGee is determined to get to the bottom of it, turning the tables on a variety of shady characters. The romantic twist was refreshing for a change. 3.75 stars

I'm happy for you that you had a chance for a meet up and that it was good fun :)

Joanne, thanks for posting my picture. Haha. I actually borrowed it for my thread to put with the other few pictures I took. You can see them over here. Feel free to borrow! It was so good seeing you and catching up. Thanks for picking me up at Mike's. I could have gotten lost on that detour.

>219 mckait: It's so nice to get together! Wish you were closer, Kath.

>220 Donna828: Anytime Donna! It was good to see you - enjoy the rest of your visit and have a safe ride home!

Kindle deals this month for $1.99 include Dancing at the Rascal Fair, The Uninvited Guests, and Lost Cat. I have the first two but haven't read them yet but I wholeheartedly recommend Lost Cat to any cat (or even dog) lovers out there. I have the hard cover and read it last year. It's delightful!

I haven't read any of the Travis McGee series. Perhaps I should try it . . . *sigh*(another series . . .)

Thanks for the picture Joanne. Certainly my LT friends will hear about any trips to Colorado :) I loved Bel Canto. This is the Story of a Happy Marriage is on my list.

>222 tymfos: Hi Terri, The series takes some getting used to, especially the depiction and descriptions of women. I blame the time in which they were written (60s) and roll my eyes a lot. But McGee is a likable guy and the stories and settings are pretty good, mostly.

>223 BLBera: Hi Beth, You'll love This is the Story of a Happy Marriage! I have yet to read Bel Canto and I'm not sure why. I need to try it again.



19. Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler

I loved my reread of Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant and kind of fell into reading Ladder of Years again. Wife and mother, Delia Grinstead, quite literally, walks away from her family as they vacation at the beach. She feels unnecessary and unappreciated by her doctor husband and three teenage children. They, in turn, can barely describe her to the police. Delia sets up a new life for herself in a new town. She can leave her family, but can a person truly leave themselves behind?

There is a fairy tale, almost dreamlike, quality to the story, and some warm humor, but a certain amount of suspension of reality is necessary (or maybe in the 90s it was easier to rent a room and get a job with no id - no...and I can't fathom missing graduations or weddings).

I liked this book a lot when I first read it and like it still. At some time or another, doesn't everyone wonder what it would be like to live a different life? I find it thought provoking and the story has stuck with me for almost 20 years. Anne Tyler's style is unique - she's kind to her characters and makes them easy to like even as she prompts her readers to want to give them a swift kick. 4.25 stars

20. The Kalahari Typing School for Men by Alexander McCall Smith (audio)

I'm thoroughly hooked on the audio versions of this series. Warm, heartfelt, kind, and humorous without being silly. Beautifully read by Lisette Lecat. 4 stars

My current read is The Outcast Dead and I'm listening to Lady Susan.

I have never really taken to Anne Tyler, but my book club is reading Breathing Lessons this month, so I will get another chance. Your review of Ladder of Years makes me want to try it again...

I listened to the audio of Lady Susan and really enjoyed it. It was fun. Hope you like it too. :)

I'm a fan of Lady Susan, too, Joanne, and of the Precious Ramotswe series. I heard a bit of the latter on audio, and it did sound engaging.

Now I have (at least) two Anne Tylers to get to: Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant and Ladder of Years. I own both, so I have no excuse.

Hi Joanne!
Great meet-up picture! Thanks for sharing ;-)

Your thread is so dangerous for me. And now, I'm off to see what Kindle has to offer...
That wasn't an April Fool's joke, was it? heh

Eta: OK. I got Lost Cat *grin*
Thanks :-D

>226 nittnut: Hi Jenn, I'm glad your book group is giving you the chance to try Anne Tyler again - maybe Breathing Lessons will turn out to be the one you like. But I know she's not for everyone... Lady Susan on audio is a hoot!

>227 jnwelch: Hi Joe, Lisette Lecat does a great job with the narration of the Precious Ramotswe series. I have the next one waiting at the library and I'm chomping at the bit to start it.

>228 BLBera: Hi Beth, We all have so many books to get to! You didn't ask, but if you had, I'd have recommended starting with Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant. :)

>229 -Cee-: Hi Cee, you can find my picture on Donna's thread. Oh yea! for Lost Cat! I was charmed by it. I hope you like it, too!

>224 Copperskye: So weird, I don't remember reading LAdder of years, but the storyline sounds familiar... I must have read it. Where did she find work ? I swear I must have read it... hmm..

Sad though.

Hi Joanne

Since you are interested in books of Anne Tyler, I highly recommend The Clockwinder and Celestial Navigation.

Happy Friday to you!

Just a quick fly by to wish you the very best of weekends Joanne. I will probably read another Anne Tyler novel this year but I haven't the foggiest which. I think I have read five but I have all her novels waiting for attention.

Joanne, have you read Morgan's Passing by Anne Tyler? It is my librarian friend's favorite by her. I own it and picked it up a few months ago and had trouble getting into it. I guess I need some encouragement or some solid reading time.

The snow was pretty when we woke up in Limon yesterday morning. I'm so glad we didn't have to drive through Denver morning traffic with slushy streets! I enjoyed my 'Rocky Mountain High' but now it's time to do laundry, etc. It looks like a nice weekend here so I might get out and do some more yard cleanup.

>231 mckait: Hi Kath, I have that same problem. Her books tend to be similar in many ways. Delia first worked as a secretary for a lawyer and then worked as a live-in nanny type for a recently divorced man and his son.

>232 Whisper1: Hi Linda, Happy Friday to you as well! I've read The Clock Winder but I don't think I've read Celestial Navigation. I've been rereading but you've reminded me that I have some new-to-me Tyler's to get to. I'll be sure to add it to my list!

>233 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, I'm always honored to have you drop by as you fly through the threads. If you haven't read Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, I highly recommend it. I hope your weekend is wonderful!

>234 Donna828: Hi Donna, I'm glad to hear you made it home safe and sound. It was pretty snowy here on Thursday. We were supposed to get a couple inches on grassy surfaces but it was closer to six or seven all over. It was pretty though, and short lived. It's going to be rainy here this weekend (or so they say) so I may as well finish doing my taxes. :( Your weekend sounds like more fun. I'm not sure if I've read Morgan's Passing or not. I don't have it in my LT library but I would have read it pre-LT so that's not a reliable test. Another to add to my list. I think I'll reread Breathing Lessons next.

hmmm then maybe not. I read one that was similar though... I think. So many books, past present and future :)

I have 3 of her books apparently. I wonder where? At least I hope I still have them after my relentless purging in the last couple of years. I need to organize better..#bringing work home :P

>236 mckait: Usually I know whether or not I've read a certain book, but sometimes I'm just not sure. It bugs me, but what can you do? (Except keep a list...which I have been doing for almost 10 years.)

As for finding my books, that's another story...

>237 Copperskye: I'm now at the age where, after 10 years (often less), I have forgotten not only that I read a particular book but, even after I start (re)reading it, I don't remember anything about it.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

>238 Storeetllr: Oh I know! When I finished reading The Great Gatsby a few years ago, I was quite sure I had never read it (I wasn't sure when I started it). A couple of months later I was on the phone with my sister who was spending the weekend with our Mom. She commented that she was reading my copy of Gatsby from high school, with all my margin notes... :)

Weekend is good - I just finished my taxes and feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders!

I'm still reading The Outcast Dead and last night I started The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry.

Hope your weekend is good as well, Mary!

Love those meet-up pictures! I swear I have to make it to a Denver meetup someday. Looks like too much fun :-)

Congrats on finished taxes!!!!

You already got The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry? Did you get the ER? I'll be interested on how that one is...

Hi Cee, it would be so much fun to actually meet you!

And no, I didn't get the ER copy :( but I have a digital copy from the library. The physical copies haven't been delivered yet but the electronic copy was available remarkably quick. I only read the first few pages but I think I'm going to like it. It's pretty funny. And very, very bookish.

I did get the Lisa See ER, though. I'm looking forward to it.

Hi Joanne! I'll be looking forward to seeing what you think of The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry. I put that one on my TBR list as soon as I read about it. Sounds like a perfect one for book lovers!

Hi Joanne! I'm so very far behind on all the threads!

I'm sorry that I missed Copper's surgery, but I'm glad that she's doing well!

I love the cute cartoons you posted in >90 Copperskye: and >148 Copperskye:... Both made me grin like a goof. :)

Hi Joanne- Just checking in. I've been seeing The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry everywhere lately. I'll be watching for your thoughts.

>242 porch_reader: Hi Amy, I just finished The Storied Life of A J Fikry this afternoon. I absolutely loved it!

>243 TinaV95: Hi Tina, I find that I can only visit one or two threads a day so I know how that whole behind in the threads thing goes. Always nice to see you when you can stop by! Glad I made you smile!

>244 msf59: Hi Mark, I loved The Storied Life of A J Fikry! You should add it to your pile. It's short and sweet and charming.

Me thinks it's time to start a new thread...off to do just that...

Well that's weird...I used the thread continuation, but it doesn't show here but when I again click on "continue this topic in another topic", it comes up with an error message that it had already been continued and a redirect to the new thread. It also didn't star it (so I had a hard time finding it...will anyone else?).

Anyway, here's the link. Hope to be found!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/172579

Joanne, something is definitely wrong with that continuation. I don't see a new thread for you anywhere on the 75 Challenge home page!

I'm half afraid to follow your link, for fear it will take me into the Twilight Zone.

(**weird Twilight Zone music, do do do do**)

ETA To Add Oops! There it is. Never mind. Must have appeared out of another dimension. Or more likely it was just my bad eyesight. But you're right -- no star. Weird.

Reminding myself to get This is the Story of a Happy Marriage on audio.

Oh wait, you have a new thread..... I'm off to visit!