Mark's Reading Place: Chapter #6

-Winslow Homer: The New Novel 1877



^French postcard, circa 1920s. Ooh-la-la!

Audiobook:



Graphic:


Books Read So Far...

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)
6) Bleak House by Charles Dickens 4.2 stars (partial audio)
7) Reality Boy by A.S. King 4 stars (audio)
8) The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta 4.2 stars (audio)
9) Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard 4.4 stars G.R.
10) You're All Just Jealous of My Jetpack: Cartoons by Tom Gauld 4 stars GN
11) Mother, Mother by Koren Zailckas 4 stars

February:

12) Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch 3 stars (audio)
13) The Warden by Anthony Trollope 4.2 stars
14) The Testament of Mary by Colm Toibin 4.5 stars (audio)
15) On Such a Full Sea by Chang-rae Lee 3.5 stars E.R.
16) The Lions of al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay 4.2 stars (audio)
17) Andrew's Brain by E.L. Doctorow 4.3 stars (audio)
18) Hexed (The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 2) by Kevin Hearne 3.8 stars (audio)
19) Light in August by William Faulkner 4.7 stars AAC
20) Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell 4 stars (audio)
21) Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor 4 stars (audio)
22) Being There by Jerzy Kosinski 4.2 stars (audio)
23) Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Haruki Murakami 3.6 stars
24) The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey 4 stars (audio)
25) The Hired Man by Aminatta Forna 4.2 stars

March:

26) In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming 3.7 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

I thought this would be a good idea, to keep track of what is coming up and to supply links when they are available.

The Great Portland Meet-Up. Saturday, Feb 1st: http://www.librarything.com/topic/167476#

Fantasy February: http://www.librarything.com/topic/167683#

William Faulkner- American Author Challenge: http://www.librarything.com/topic/164037

March:
Cormac McCarthy- American Author Challenge: http://www.librarything.com/topic/170080

Hello! Getting in early this time. I'm half way through Flags in the Dust, my second Faulkner for February. I don't think I'll get to a re-read of The Sound and the Fury this month as I had hoped. But I'm looking forward to a new McCarthy for March. (Have I mentioned how glad I am that you had this American Author Challenge idea?)

Grabbing a seat on your latest thread, Mark!

Well I'm among the first. Happy new thread Mark:)

Happy New Thread, Mark! Love the French gal's hairstyle...

Hi Mark

I'm intrigued by your opening image of a Winslow Homer painting. I've never seen that one. It is beautiful. Here are a few of my favorites of Winslow Homer

Linda, I was just about to post that I preferred Homer's seascapes, and when I scrolled to the bottom I saw you had saved me the trouble! I love those two you posted a lot.

Hi Mark! Hope the inserts help as much as Superfeet have helped me. Warning: they may be a bit painful at first. At least mine were, because my pf was so inflamed at the time...

We were watching an episode of Orphan Black. We are halfway through that BBC series. It's good. Different.

Linda- Congrats on being number #1! I never imagined AAC would take off like this. I love shared reads and shared authors. I am glad you are having a good time with it and thanks again for the invaluable assistance with Mr. Faulkner.

Mamie & Bonnie- Big loving waves!

Amber- I selected that picture because of the hair-do......kidding of course.

Linda (Whisper)- Good to see you. Thanks for sharing the Winslow artwork. There are many of his I am fond of.

Julia- It looks like you are staring at the waves, so I'll give you another Big Wave!

Lisa- I hope I have Superfeet, once I get over this. I should have the inserts in 10 days. I am thinking I might need a cortisone shot in to that tendon. The medication doesn't seem to be helping with the inflammation.

>7 msf59: is there a book pasted on to that poster? Cool!
Nice tidy new digs so far, Mark. And some classy demure ladies too! *shhh* Don't disturb them, they are engrossed.

Beautiful Winslow Homer painting Mark. I have a book of his watercolours, but never seen that reader before. I'm not doing too well on FF this year, though I had the best of intentions...

Compliments on your newest thread, and may I say how very much I love the thread toppers, esp. the Homer painting! My desk calendar this year (as it has been the past two years) is The Reading Woman, with lots of lovely paintings of, well, women reading. No scantily dressed maidens in it, though, sorry. :)

Congrats on your new thread. I like the topper - absolutely gorgeous pictures.

I'm in early. Happy new thread!

Congrats on the new thread. Big Homer fan -- keep them coming!

Happy Friday! I should wrap up Daughter of Smoke and Bone and will continue the delightfully odd Blind Willow.

Megan- Good to see you, in the new digs. I am not sure if that is a book pasted on that poster. And I thought I was due for a couple "demure" ladies.

Ilana- Sorry, FF isn't working out this year. I still hope to jam in a couple more before the end of the month.

Mary- I will have to keep an eye out for The Women Reading calender. That is right up my alley.

Barbara & Diana- Thanks! Great to see you both.

Marianne- Thanks for stopping by. Good to see you. Glad you like the Homer!

We must have Homer on the brain. Posted a good one over on my thread just a couple of days ago.

Good Friday morning, Mark. I hope the better weather in your neck of the woods has arrived and is making your life a wee bit more comfortable.

Nice new thread Mark. Have a great Friday!

I've never seen the Winslow Homer reader painting either, Mark, so thanks for featuring it up there. I like it. Congrats on the new thread, and Happy Friday! I suspect you have one more work day before a break, right?

How are you liking the Hawkeye? I just ate up that Who is Jake Ellis. Can't wait for the next one. Tamara Drewe is kind of a written story/gn mashup, and pretty good so far. We'll see.

I decided to make The Martian my next FF book. Hope it's as good as the buzz suggests.

Happy New Thread, Mark. And thanks for highlighting one of my favorite painters :)

Beautiful Homer paintings abounding! Good taste will out.

Beautiful Winslow Homer paintings, Mark.

My reading has come to a standstill but I'm hoping to pick up the pace after the Olympics are over.

Wind, wind blow away! Better yet go away and leave me alone...
Finished Daughter and taking a quick non-FF break,with Being There, narrated by Dustin Hoffman. How cool is that ?
See everyone tonight...

Loved the Being There movie, never read the book. Dustin Hoffman would be perfect for the audio.

Hey, folks. I don't know if anyone's had a chance to visit her thread, but Morphy's having a very bad day. If you get a chance, please go by and send her some encouragement.

Certainly no fault of FF itself. I was hoping to read a lot of fantasy which has accumulated on my tbr, but as I'm going through a rough patch and it isn't exactly my comfort zone... I'll just have to spread it out throughout the year as I usually do. I still tried 4 books and managed to finish 2! Might squeeze another one or two in if I can.

Hi Mark, Happy new thread!

^This happy fellow dreams like I do!

Headed for Kansas to spend a week in the cancer ward with my parents. This time I am sending this from a Starbucks in Kansas City and thought I would let the rush hour traffic thin out a little by messing around in LT.

I am half done listening to Days of Blood and Starlight and I am loving this series. Great good adventure with twists and turns along the way. I got interrupted in my listening by a phone call from the nursing staff. It seems that my Dad had a meltdown and lost his temper with the nursing staff this morning. Last week it was my Mother who got angry. I was told my Dad is confused about his treatment and my mother has anger issues. I am beginning to wonder if maybe somebody is trying to push them either into or out of a treatment that they don't want or do want. I'm starting to get confused. I can say I would rather listen to this wonderful imaginative story than participate in my real life right now.

Marianne- A friend of Homer, is a friend of mine. I'll be over to visit you.

Karen- Hate to sound like a doomsday guy, but we have still not turned the corner, weather-wise. And it's going to be very cold all next week. WTH! Fingers crossed, we do not get any more measurable snow. Enough!!

Abby- Thanks! Hope you had a great Friday too!

Joe- You just made my day, with your comment about starting the Martian. If anyone can get the ball rolling on that one, it's you! Like I mentioned, to RD, I clearly dropped the ball on that one. Very Bad Mark.
I really liked Hawkeye forward to the next one. Not reading a GN but I have 2 sitting nearby.
Yes, I do work tomorrow. Boo!

Katie, RD & Linda- Lots of Homer fans! How very nice. It was wonderful scanning through his work again and seeing gem after gem.

Joe- I also loved the film version of Being There. It's very good and the film follows it very closely. Dustin Hoffman is doing an excellent job with the narration.

Jim- Thanks for the heads-up! I will swing by and see Morphy!

Ilana- I like reading fantasy, but I actually don't read a lot of it. I need FF each year to get caught up on a few titles. I really enjoyed Daughter of Smoke and Bone and look forward to the 2nd book.
You read and enjoyed Being There too, right?

Connie- Big Waves!

Happy new thread, Mark! I love all the Winslow Homer paintings here. Here is my Homer favorite:

Congratulations on another (nearly) new thread mate. A little bit tardy but I am in Vietnam and not enjoying such reliable internet.

Have a great weekend.

Here are a couple of interesting and amusing pin ups. Her name is Hilda and the artist is Duane Bryers.

The wife and I went for dinner. Had a couple beers and then stopped at the little local brewery, where my daughter happened to be working tonight and then had a couple more half pints. All good. Happy Camper.

Benita- I thought you might be heading out to see your Dad. I hope your visit goes well. I am sure it will be adding more stress, but you are doing the right thing. I also enjoyed Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

Lori- Good to see you. I have not seen that Homer. Another fine one! Thanks for sharing.

Paul- Thanks for dropping by. I hope the trip is going well.

Morphy- Love the Hilda! She looks like quite a character and she loves her books. Yah!

Happy Friday, Mark. Hope you have a great weekend!

Continuing with the love fest of Winslow Homer paintings, here is another of my favorites. The colors are so vibrant that they pop off the canvas.

Here is The Carnival:



I love the little girl to the left, standing away from the group.

Loving the Winslow Homer -- so bright and un-wintery. It just struck me how dissociated I feel from the outdoors right now, thanks to the weather. It has been so oppressive that I might just as well hibernate!

Happy Saturday, boys & girls! I am working today, so let's hope it's light & quick. I only have a little left in Being There. It's a novella, so it is a quick listen. I am impressed how faithful the film version was. (It's hard not to picture Peter Sellers in my mind). And then back to FF, with the 5th Wave. This one has been on my To-Read list, since it came out. I know Joe the Man, was a fan.

Joanne- I hope you have a great weekend too and that your books are treating you just fine.

Linda- Let the Homer lovefest continue...That is dazzling.

Suz- Great to see you. And I completely agree about the un-wintery feel of Homer's work. We NEED that right now.

Lots of wonderful things to look at here. I'm glad I found you :)
Hope you have a good weekend!

**waving hello** I, too, hope your work load is light today, and that work flies by quickly. I hope you'll be enjoying some excellent relaxing.

Entirely too much fun around here. Winter Is Coming (Back):



Lawren Harris's Canadian winterscape should remind all y'all hedonists that gawd is a pursey-mouthed old hater and will dump snow on the parade if you don't miserable up!

lovely painting, much more fun than the real stuff.

We are even hearing some threat of snow today, but only an inch or two if I'm lucky. Less than that probably.

Yay for the weekend.

Morning Mark! I've got to send you a thank you note. You said February is Faulkner and so the purist in me manned up and undertook OGG* As I Lay Dying. Fabulous read! I wouldn't have picked him up again if not for you. Thanks :0)

I love all the paintings. And Hilda is hilarious!

Hi, Mark!

Happy Saturday, Mark! Hope your bag is light and your footing is firm and the beer at the end is cold and tasty.

Wow, lots of morning visitors! Grins. I am getting ready to hit the route. Cold and breezy but not horrible. I'll try to check in later...

@34: LOL. I've also some other dreams ;-D

Morning, Mark! I love Julia's wishes for you, so I will second them. And I am also loving all the paintings here - hooray for the Homer love! I have to admit, though, that Morphy's posted pics made me laugh out loud - too funny! I just absolutely adore those!

Morning, Mark! Checking in to see how everything is going, love the thread toppers!

I like Rick Yancey but put that book down and go get Days of Blood and Starlight. You simply won't believe what she does with the plot! I think I am going to preorder Dreams of Gods and Monsters.

I'm enjoying the Homer very much too. I, sadly, had no notion of his work other than the sea-themed stuff. I had seen the reader in the hammock before, but didn't know it for his. How can anyone ever get bored on this planet?

Snowing here, and some genius has decided that since unincorporated areas don't bring in as much revenue as the cities, the county is not going to plow our roads any more. Brilliant. So only wealthy areas get their roads plowed now...

I like your visits from Hilda, Mark, courtesy of Morphy. Glad you're having a good time with The 5th Wave. Sorry it isn't a top level Murakami you've got there. It does have its moments, but it's not one of his best collections.

Hope you're nearly done with the work day. Getting near time to kick back and relax. We had a good time at the Bulls game last night. They crushed poor Denver. Who would've guessed they'd pull together and play this well with all that has happened? They've got Miami on Sunday, which is always a battle, and they may not have one of their best young players, Jimmy Butler. He got rammed into last night and has a bruised rib. They're not sure whether he'll be able to play. The rookie behind him, Tony Snell, played really well last night though, so we'll see.

Hi Mark, hope your feet aren't completely aching today. :-)

Honey, I am home! We have our Wii bowling club tonight, (not here, thankfully) which is mostly drinking and other shenanigans. Looking forward to it and then tomorrow is Sunday! Yah!

Kath- I am glad you like looking at my thread. LOL. And yes, my weekend has just started...sighs.

Karen- It was not a bad work day at all and of course my books helped navigate me to the finish line.

Lynda- I wasn't sure if you were kidding or not about the Faulkner but it does not seem so. LOL. I am glad you loved As I Lay Dying which is one of the tougher ones.

Connie- Glad you like the paintings and our precious Hilda.

Julia- "and the beer at the end is cold and tasty." Yes, it is, my friend. Yes, it is!

Barbara- We share the same dreams. Hooray!

Mamie- Thanks! Yes, the Hilda is a hoot! It looks like this artist has a ton of Hilda illustrations.

Tam- Good to see you! Hope you are having a great, book-laden weekend!

Benita- You sure get bossy! LOL. Have you read the 5th Wave or other Yancey?

Linda- "How can anyone ever get bored on this planet?" That is a perfect question. I ask myself that all the time, especially when it comes to reading. What is the alternative? I am sorry, but there isn't one.

Lisa- Sorry to hear about the snow. Ugh! How much are you getting.

Joe- The Bulls have been playing their behinds off. You can not beat that team's spirit. Hope you had a great Saturday.

Stephanie- Thanks for asking. Actually my left foot feels good today, probably the best in awhile. Maybe, I've turned the corner! Looks heavenward...

I like Hilda the pinup too! Not the usual pinup fare. I only noticed the cast on the second one after I'd made out the book title. Ha!

Hope you have a fun time bowling, and a hangover-free, restful Sunday... ;-)

Hi Mark! I love the Homer Winslow painting. Very nice. Actually, I love all of the Winslow Homer paintings gracing your new thread. And Hilda is a hoot.

I hope you are doing well and that you have a lovely Sunday off.

BTW, as you know, February has kicked my butt so I haven't had the mental space to pick up Absalom, Absalom! as I had planned. I'll get to it eventually, but for now my brain can handle Helen MacInnes and that's about it.

Mark I wish you a lovely Sunday

Happy Sunday, Mark!

I love the idea of a Wii bowling club! That sounds like a hoot!
Happy Sunday, Mark!

^I love the quiet of a Sunday morning. Can you say blissful? We have a family birthday hullabaloo in the afternoon, (not here, thankfully ). Call me a grump. Call me crotchety. But I would much rather stay here with my books. They are needy and so am I...
I would like to finish the Murakami collection, so that is the objective.

Ilana- We had a good time and I feel pretty good this A.M. I could have used another hour of shut-eye, but that's how the cookie crumbles.

Ellen- Great to see you! Glad you like Mr. Homer. I hope you can bookhorn in the Faulkner, at some point.

Barbara & Diana- thanks! I hope you have a fantastic Sunday too!

Morning Amber- We've been bowling like this for years now and always have a blast. We alternate homes and sometimes have a "theme" night. Last night we did a presidential trivia night. Each couple selected a president and found 5 fun facts.

I am seriously unsettled at the thought of more winter to come. YECH! Oh well. Hopefully it will pass. This is what we get for fracking and dumping and generally treating Mother Earth and Father Sky like a dumping ground. Retaliation.

Morning, Mark! It's raining here, so good thing I took advantage of yesterday's sun. Hope your day off is a good one and provides you with plenty of time for reading.

Morning Kath- Looks like we have a cold week ahead of us, even dipping back into the teens. Ugh! But I can handle that as long as the snow stays out of the picture. Fingers crossed.

Morning Mamie- I am enjoying some P & Q right now but I hope to get to the books, in an hour or so. Sundays slip by to fast.

Good afternoon, Mr. Crotchety Grump! I do hope you got a bit of relaxation in today.

I think this is my first visit to your new thread. I quite like the French postcard, actually. Have a good one!

Yay, everyone has been photo-bombing Mark's thread with books and art! What a nice treat.

>72 msf59: P & Q!!?? I have heard of it, but not experienced it in 48 hours around here. Is it full moon or something? My kids are crazy. Crazy noisy. :)

Happy Sunday, Mark. Hope the birthday hullabaloo isn't too much of a pain.

We're going to that play production of Plainsong in about an hour, so I'll report back. It's actually only a short walk away from where we live - we have a couple of theaters nearby. So we'll just mosey over. Nice.

Happy Sunday, Mark. First weekend all winter where there wasn't any snow, I'd say. Yay!!

I think I'll watch the DA finale, instead of Olympics closing ceremony. I've had an overdose of the Olympics and am looking to move on.

Reading a baseball book this afternoon and dreaming of warmer days...

Aurgh! I *thought* I had put the pic from Homer on my thread. Here it is:

This is the one that speaks to me most:

Hi Mark, I woke up to find the ground covered by snow! I can't complain too loudly though as this is only the second snowfall for us this year. I do hate to see my crocus getting a white blanket pulled over them. :(

I love all the artwork here and I especially appreciate Hilda with her "womanly" curves.

The 5th Wave looks good and I'll be watching to see what you think of it.

Enjoy your weekend.

Hi Mark!! just catching up on your thread!

Fantastic art and lots of fun here, Mark. I'm very glad the AAC took off. Normally I don't do well on these things, but this one must have been the right challenge at the right time.

Hope your health problems get sorted and you're back to normal asap.

A good week is wished for you.

Hey Mark, hope Sunday's been good to you thus far. DA Finale tonight! I managed to hold off till till now before watching it! Am going to try to fit in at least one more fantasy read this month with Moon Over Soho, which I'll probably be able to start on today (on audio, obviously).

#79> Oh, I love that one, Lisa! I want to go to there. :-)

Hi Mark - delurking to say many thanks for your (long-ago) recommendation of Call the Midwife. I've been watching 2-3 episodes a night, and absolutely love it. I'm so sorry that only two seasons were produced. Miranda Hart is just brilliant as "Chummy" - what a great character. Thanks again and hope you have a good week ahead!

Hi, Mark ~ Saw this and thought of you right away for some reason...

^Murakami with cat.

"I looked up at the sky. The moon was a cold rock, its skin eaten away by the violence of the years. The shadows on its surface were like cancer reaching out its awful feelers. The moonlight plays tricks with people's minds. And makes cats disappear."

-Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman

I finished this collection. Unfortunately, it is my least favorite of his work. By no means is it bad, it just lacks that certain H.M. magic. There are a few real gems here, like the concluding story featuring a talking monkey, with a penchant for thievery, but it also contains quite a few wispy, throwaways. If you are looking to try Murakami's short fiction, start with After the Quake or After Dark, much superior works.

Foot pain update: My foot feels the best it has in months. Am I being set up for a cruel punchline or has the medication and exercises finally given me some relief? Let's hope for the latter. Also I bought some very expensive Gortex-hikers today, which I will wear, until this winter finally moves on.

Kerri- Mr. Crotchety Grump hung in there just fine. I do like visiting with the family, but it can get loud and unruly at my BIL's Fun-House. They had Portillo's beef, which was tasty and of course I brought a couple nice beers.

Megan- Sorry, the P & Q is being elusive. I hope you find some. Hugs!

Joe- Looking forward to your thoughts on the stage production of Plainsong. Like you, the book is one of my all-time favorites. Hope you have a great time.

Linda- Olympic hangover, huh? Well, it sounds like you enjoyed most of it. I will be watching the DA finale but it's doubtful I'll watch the whole 2 hours.

Marianne & Lisa- Thanks for sharing the Homer art. Could you size them to about 300-350? We might as well be able to enjoy those lovely textures.

Judy- Boo to snow! Yah, to curvy Hilda! I am sure you will like the 5th Wave. It pushes all the right buttons.

Connie- Waves!

Gail- Great to see you! Yes, AAC has been successful, in the early going. I didn't even see an uprising or excessive grumbling over Mr. Faulkner.
Have a good week too! We will be back to the deep-freeze.

Ilana- You showed admirable restraint in not watching the DA finale. Like I mentioned to Linda, I might not stay up for the whole 2 hours but I plan on watching a sizable chunk.
Enjoy, Moon Over Soho, it might be my favorite of the series...so far.

Julia- Waving madly!!

Vivian- Great to see you! It's been ages. I am glad you've been bingeing on CTM. It's such a consistently good show. I think the new season starts in April.

Mary- You know me well, my friend. Very nice.

waning.

The moon

My favorite Winslow Homer:

I loved the finale...Good Night!

Lots of lovely paintings here!

I hope your foot pain is really getting better, Mark!

#61 Love it!

DA was a treat and a lovefest. Formulaic, yes, but for a show I was considering abandoning, it really came through with a very entertaining season. We had a ball, a king and queen, a terrific Paul Giamatti, some light-hearted sleuthing, a beach party, Lady Dowager zingers, a thawing Isobel and even nimble-fingered Bates had some swagger. The only misstep was MacClaine, once again. She is just not a pleasant or a engaging character. And of course, Thomas needs to be involved in a horrific industrial accident.

Ta Da! Time for a new week.

I'm glad to hear that your foot is doing better. It is such a bother to have the ills of our body interrupt our appreciation of the good life.

Weather: almost finished with February. We are seeing a little bit of snow north of us, closer to Canada. Otherwise, it is cold and rainy. Pretty typical winter for the area. Now we enter the slow slog through spring. The Pac NW is famous for dragging Winter along all the way through Spring. But really the yards do begin to trumpet the start of the growing season with some blossoms showing up.

Yay!

Have a great week, Mark.

Ah, yes, Homer. Love him:



Oh, wait, sorry, wrong guy. You're talking about this one, right?

I will start the Hired Man. I've been meaning to read Forna for ages and since a wonderful LTer presented me with this one, I thought I would jump in. I will also continue The 5th Wave, one of my final FF books.

It looks like it will be back to the deep-freeze this week. REALLY? Could someone up there, throw us a bone, please?

Kath- Big loving wave!

RD- Thanks! That is gorgeous!

Terri- Good to see you! Yes, the foot pain seems to be in retreat. Fingers crossed, that this continues.

Amber- LOL! Thanks for the big chuckle. First of the day. There are many iconic Homers!

Karen- Thanks my friend! I hope you have a great week too.

>94 msf59: Ditto all that...except possibly Shirley. She certainly isn't pleasant or engaging, but she's amusing, I think. I think they should put Thomas in charge of the pigs, if it wouldn't be unkind to the pigs.

>94 msf59:: My sentiments exactly, Mark. And sorry Linda, but I really despise Shirley MacLaine's character (and admittedly I'm not a fan of her in general, so that probably factors in). I liked Paul Giamatti but I don't think the show does much with their American characters. They mostly just walk around remarking on things that are different between the two countries. I like the way the Bates situation resolved itself (assuming it is indeed resolved), and enjoyed the episode all around. And the ending at the seaside ... oh how sweet was that?

Now we have a few weeks of pledge programming until March 30 when Mr Selfridge returns (which I hated it so won't watch), but so does Call the Midwife, which I'm really looking forward to.

Good morning, Marky-mark! I'm so glad to hear the foot pain may be easing for you. And good for you for splurging on some good shoes. A postie who's on his feet all day deserves the best!

Skipping all the DA chat until I can watch the episode tonight ...

I'm glad you liked "The Woodcutter," Mark...it's the sky, the amazing Homer-style sky, and the strong silhouette of the man on a bare rock, contrasted with the dark lushness of northern forest. It's just heart-hurtingly beautiful.

I love Homer's seascapes, too. But this watercolor is a step beyond.

Glad to hear your foot is feeling better, Mark. Nothing worse than constant pain, for sure.

We unexpectedly LOVED the production of Plainsong, and I talk about it some more over at my place.

I finished Stone Cold and really enjoyed it - but there was enough going on for the book to keep going. I'm already wanting the next one. The Martian continues to be good - I'm trying to think of how to describe it. He is figuring out how to survive there with the NASA equipment left behind, so there is a lot of clever engineering he does to make his living conditions last longer (hopefully long enough for rescue), and to get mobile, so he can get to a rescue site. If problem solving with clever engineering and an engaging main character sound appealing, you'll like the book. I can see a number of LTers thinking that following him as he figures out ways to create enough food, water and air, and so on, isn't their cuppa. It is mine.

I read Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp many years ago and it was great good fun. I would like to read the rest of that series. I have the Monstrumologist series on my TBR list. I also have a copy of 5th Wave. I just haven't gotten around to reading them. Yancey is a good author. It is just that right now I can't imagine any plot twists that would be as interesting as those I found in Daughter of Smoke and Bone series.

I woke up yesterday to winter. We had snow on the ground here in Kansas and will have more tomorrow. Winter is sure keeping ahold of all of us.

I agree totally with what you are saying about DA, Mark. I loved the ending at the beach, and I also really liked how they handled the Bates situation. I think the actor that plays Thomas should rein his performance in a little as he is in danger of becoming cartoonish. I am not a fan of Shirley MacLaine but thought she did less scenery chewing this time round. I enjoyed Paul Giamatti and would love to see him come back without his mother.

I liked the Paul Giamatti character.

I also have a question, which I'll ask below the spoiler alert.

Yes, that was the gist of it, Linda. It wasn't too clear where that information came from, and there wasn't any further explanation of what might have happened to him afterward You know you can now hide spoilers, as I've done here. Use the carets on either side of the word "spoiler" at the beginning, and the carets with a slash before the word "spoiler" at the end. (It's hard to describe html code without implementing it.)

#107, thanks, I will have to try that.

Cool. Easy to do and the proof is in the pudding, above.

>96 scaifea:/98 ...so many iconic Homers indeed! lol

I love the spoiler alert function :)
I really do!!!

Mark, so glad your foot is a bit better. I'll have my fingers crossed it stays that way!

I was pretty much happy with DA but the whole storyline of Anna was very poorly handled. First, she's completely traumatized (who wouldn't be) and doesn't want anyone to know who the real attacker was. Then when that information is made available to a lot of people she seems to be fine with it and then she seems happy as a clam. Very unrealistic. Next season it will be like it never happened. Didn't they do any research into what the effects of an attack like that are on a woman? And all for a storyline that was unnecessary and, initially, changed Anna from a mature, serious woman into a giddy comic, playing raucous card games. It did very little to add to the series appeal.

Shirley MacLaine, along with the other American characters, just don't seem to know what to do with themselves. I wouldn't mind if they never showed up again.

It wasn't a bad Monday. I just wish it was a bit warmer. 20 degrees, even with plenty of sunshine, is not very joyful and this could be the warmest day of the week. WTH? I am really enjoying the Hired Man. I like her no-nonsense prose. And I am continuing to enjoy The 5th Wave. It's fast-paced, clever and fun.

Linda L- Something about MacLaine's character or performance rubs me the wrong way. I am not sure which it is or maybe it's both. That was a minor blip in a very good finale. Did you like it too?

Laura- I am a MacLaine fan but I just don't like that performance. I wonder if Giamatti will return? His character has potential. I also liked the way they wrapped up the Bates situation. I seriously had my doubts.
I am thoroughly enjoying the Hired Man. I like her clean & fast prose.

Julia- Unfortunately my foot was back to being sore today. I don't know if it was the new boots or what. Hopefully, it's just a bump.
Stop back and let me know what you thought of DA.

RD- Yep, "The Woodcutter" is gorgeous. Thanks! I could use a bit of that summer setting.

Joe- I'll have to stop by and see your comments on the Plainsong production. I am so glad you loved it. I think the Martian should be a good fit for most LTers. Smart, suspenseful and fast-paced, with a wisecracking protagonist. I've been seeing this book everywhere lately. Now, we need to crank up the interest on LT.

Benita- Thanks for the Yancey info. I would gladly check out more of his work. Boo to snow. Boo to winter. When do you return?

Judy- "I think the actor that plays Thomas should rein his performance in a little." I think it might be a bit late for that. LOL. I wish they could have went in a different direction with his character. Now, he's being an ass-hat, just to be an ass-hat. It's tiresome.

Linda P- Your spoiler alert didn't come up for me!

Megan- "so many iconic Homers." Amen, my friend!

Mark, I went back and hit under the newfangled spoiler alert thingy.

Stay warm. I can't believe it's going to be this cold this late.

^If you haven't been watching True Detective, you might be missing the best show on TV. I think there are only 2 episodes left.

I will be here for the rest of the week.

What gives with this winter thing? I agree with Joe in that this winter has gone on long enough. Another reason not to read GoT! :-)

>115 msf59: One of these days...

Just finished watching Sunday's DA. I thought it was great except for Anna and Bates. Meh.

Good for Daisy!

I love Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes.

Morning, Mark!

Windchill advisories coming our way again this week. What the what?! It's almost March!?

Morning! 18 today. Aren't we going in the wrong direction? Ugh! I will be wrapping up the 5th Wave and looking forward to getting back to the Hired Man.

Rhonda- Good to see you. It might not have been a good time to break in new boots for work but it was necessary.

Bonnie- I have to agree with you on the Bates/Anna storyline, but at least they closed it out with a bit more subtlety. And yes, maybe the Americans should stay in America. I would love to see the Lady Dowager tour the U.S. LOL.

Linda- I am with you. Winter, winter go away!!

Benita- I am sure you are spending some quality time with your Dad. Taking another pot-shot at GOT, eh? LOL.

Joanne- You will love True Detective once you get to it. And it's only 8 episodes. The writer/creator of that show is also a novelist and I requested one of his gritty crime novels.

Go Daisy! Go Daisy!

We are going the wrong way temp wise, too. So Tired of it! I am more than ready for March myself.....
Hang in there...

>113 msf59: Isn't Shirley Maclaine's character supposed to rub us the wrong way? What bothers me most about it, actually, is that there is no explanation as to how Cora managed to turn into such a consummate lady having been raised by that dame. She must have spent nearly all of her formative years away at boarding school, I suppose. I keep thinking of Elizabeth McGovern's performance in Ragtime, as chorus girl Evelyn Nesbitt ("The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing"). Now THAT is how I would have expected Martha Levenson's daughter to turn out.

Can't help mate with DA as much as I enjoy reading everyone's comments as I still haven't seen a scrap of it. Loved the selection of beers further up top.

#115 - Oh, good grief, YES! So far, his Galveston is pretty good (I'm only one disc in) - same setting, time period, and tone, although the main character is a criminal, rather than a detective. That guy loves the mid-90s!

Stay warm, Mark! It's brutal out there.

RD tells us that they're going to make a movie out of The Martian, Mark, and it should make for a good one, don't you think? I do like wise-cracking Watney a lot. I'm over halfway through now, and it's a pretty fast read.

Got my Cormac McCarthy ordered up for the next leg of the AAC. Looking forward to it.

"Happy" Tuesday, Mark, and I hope your bits unfreeze soon.

Hi Mark, such good news about your foot! Did it get any better since sunday?

Yay for the process with your foot!! That's fantastic news!

Love all the art. Not to sound like a complete fool/art novice, but I think Morphy's plumbing post is my favorite... I'm still smiling at that one. :)

Howdy from the winter wasteland! I can only pop in for a minute. I am heading out to attend a visitation/memorial. It's a bit of a long drive, in the northern 'burbs. Hopefully, I can come back home early enough to respond to my wonderful visitors, before Mr. Sandman whispers my name.

I do not like to neglect my Peeps...

Drive safely, Mark. You know how we are in the northern burbs...

I'm reading one baseball book, another book about football, and may soon start my March American Authors Challenge book, All the Pretty Horses. We'll see. It doesn't feel like it's almost March.

Howdy, Mark! I finally got a chance to watch the DA finale and I liked it. I think the writers are trying too hard to draw the differences between Shirley MacLaine's and Maggie Smith's characters and it turns them both into cartoons. Especially their last exchange — did they really think viewers haven't figured out the theme is about the fall of the aristocracy and the rise of the modern world? It's like being hit on the head by an anvil! And if that's the end of the Bates drama, I'll be surprised but relieved. I have a horrid suspicion it's all going to flare up again next season.

Man, the only shows I watch are all over now. When does Mad Men start again?

Okay, I finished the 5th Wave. A good Sci-Fi, dystopian page-turner. I think this will wrap up my FF for the month. I read 6, which is not bad. Of course, I had 2-3 more I wanted to get to, but that's life in our fast-paced book-bullet world.
I decided to make my next audio, a crime pick, so I started In the Bleak Midwinter. I have not read this series and Joe and a couple other pals highly recommended it. How could it go wrong?

Kath- I am also ready for March. Actually, I am ready for a WARM March.

Linda L- I remember McGovern from "Ragtime". I loved that adaptation. Terrific cast.

Paul- I'll try to keep posting beer and naughty librarians. I have to keep you coming back.

Kerri- I loved how this recent episode of True Detective ended. That should be a helluva beer. I hope I can get my mitts on Galveston.

Joe- I hope you saw up there, that I just started In the Bleak Midwinter. It looks like it's going to be a good one. Reminds me a bit of Three Pines.
Yes, The Martian will make a fine movie, although "Gravity", covered some of the same ground. Did you see that?

RD- My bits are still thawing. 12 tomorrow. 5 on Thursday. WTF?

Connie- Unfortunately, I am breaking in a new pair of boots, so my foot pain flared back up. It's become an ugly cycle. Thanks for asking.

Hi Tina- "Morphy's plumbing post"?

Linda P- We were near Rosemont, so not super far north. About 26 miles. I hope you enjoy the McCarthy.

Julia- I agree with your thoughts on MacLain and Smith. Lazy writing. I did not like the last season of Mad Men. It felt tired, so I have not decided if I'll watch the final season.
I've been loving True Detective. Game of Thrones and CTM come on in a few weeks.

Mark, I wish you a free of pain day.

Morning, Mark!

Yes, it's still winter. And yes, it still sucks. 14 with a bitter wind. Ugh!

Barbara- Thanks for the lovely morning greetings.

Morning Amber! Keep snugly!

>37 lkernagh::Good call on your artist of the month, Mark. I am a big Winslow Homer fan ever since I attended his exhibition at the Nelson-Atkins in KC years ago. I used to think he was all about the sea and then I 'discovered' his wonderful range including the ladies who love to read. I have a copy of Lori's favorite that needs to be reframed so I can hang it back up in my library for inspiration. As if I needed a nudge to lie around with a book in hand!

I got caught up with DA while Molly was here yesterday. She just wanted to be held and was quite contented watching the last episode with me. I loved the ending. Carson and Mrs. Hughes in their bare feet at the edge of the sea. Just precious!

Stay warm, Mark. Spring is coming, although it didn't feel very spring-like on my morning walk.

I loved the last episode of DA. Even she'd a few tears. Really looking forward to GOT!

Yes, we saw Gravity and loved it, Mark. What fine acting by Sandra Bullock! I remember her first appearance in a movie that I know of, one called Demolition Man, with Wesley Snipes and Stallone. She lit up the screen from Day One.

I finished The Martian and had a good time with endlessly clever Mark Watney and the others.

I'm going to try to squeeze in one more for FF, called Necessity's Child, another one in that Liaden series that I and some other LTers like. Then it's time for The Orchard Keeper for the AAC.

Cool runnings that you're giving In the Bleak Midwinter a try. Hope you enjoy it. I think you'll find Clare and Russ to be boon companions.

>> 131 - That's to bad, Mark. Maybe it's not the right time to break in new boots. But if you have to, you have to.

Had to keep out of the pool until I'd watched DA (finally!) Shirley McLaine I can handle -- if only because she punctures some of the Granthams' pretensions. Am increasingly disaffected with Michelle Dockery. Is it her character that's wooden or her acting? OVerall , an enjoyable end to the season.

Funny you compare Millers Kill to Three Pines, Mark. I have never been at all taken with Three Pines, and Millers Kill feels like home to me.

Mark I am back in action. The cough is still lingering. Ugh.

I'm glad you got your foot plan in place. Don't forget to take a leave if you really need it to heal. We want our favorite postman in good shape.

I should finish The Hamlet tomorrow and I am halfway through the audio of Broken Homes.

I am warm & snug and I am downing a cold beer, trying to forget a relentlessly cold day. I am taking my day off tomorrow, which I am really looking forward to.

Both my current reads, the Hired Man & In the Bleak Midwinter are keeping me happy. They are my distractions. They are my saviors.

Donna- Another Homer fan! Yah! Glad we agreed on the DA finale and yes, you can not beat Carson & Mrs. Hughes.
Maybe itching for Spring is the problem. We should be just asking & praying for "normal" temps.

Ilana- You shed a few tears? I always picture you to tough for that. LOL. It was a solid finale.

Joe- I mentioned Gravity because it reminded me of The Martian. People in Space Peril! And yes, Bullock was terrific. Glad you loved the Martian. Hopefully, you can inspire a few more people to pick it up.
I am enjoying Russ & Claire. A nice team.

Connie- I went back to my regular work shoes today and it helped ease the discomfort. Thanks for the concern.

Marianne- I like Michelle Dockery. I know everyone doesn't care for Mary but I like how her character evolved this season.

Linda- The Claire & Russ series does remind me of Three Pines, but it does have a tougher edge and does not have the quaint feel of Three Pines. What don't you like about Three Pines and how far into the series did you go?

Roberta's back! Roberta's back! That put a quick smile on my face. Glad you are feeling better. How are you enjoying the Hamlet?

Hi Mark - I LOVE the Winslow Homer at the top of your thread. I'm hoping for a heat wave. You have my sympathy - what a horrible winter for all who have to work outdoors.

I'll be curious to see whether you like In the Bleak Midwinter, Mark. I read it about 3 or 4 years ago and thought it was ok. It's right up my alley so I thought I'd love it. I may give the second one a try at some point.

Hope you thaw out. Here I'm worried about traipsing around downtown on Friday for a little while when you're out in the elements all day.

Clare and Russ are an incredible team, Mark, even though I could strangle her at times for sticking her neck out unnecessarily. Millers Kill is certainly much more working class than Three Pines. Three Pines is all artsy with people hanging out at the bistro and going to art galleries. Millers Kill is more about the greasy spoon and meth labs in someone's garage.

Beth- Great to see you! Glad you like the Homer. I am waiting for a heat wave too!

Linda- I was going to mention the Claire & Russ series to you. I would think you would liked it more.

Bonnie- I like your description of Millers Kill and the contrast to Three Pines. LOL. Since you and Joe recommended it, how could I not give it a try?

^I did not realize Duncan's latest Werewolf book was just released. This is the last one in the trilogy. It seems like folks either loved these or hated them. I was a lover. Yeah, baby!

Here is a brief trilogy synopsis:

"First Glen Duncan gave us his monstrously thrilling, genre-reinventing The Last Werewolf: the tale of Jake, a werewolf with a profoundly human heart, considering bringing to an end the timeless legend of his kind . . . Then Talulla Rising: Jake’s werewolf lover, mother to newborn twins, on the run from those who want her destroyed . . . And now By Blood We Live: a stunningly erotic love story that gives us the final battle for survival between werewolves and vampires, and one last searing—and brilliantly ironic—look at what it means to be, or not to be, human."

That sounds fantastic!

I'm really looking forward to the last Werewolf book too! I reserved a copy from the library, and I think I'm pretty close to the top of the list! So, yay!

>148 msf59:: How do I not recall you all talking about this series?! I think I need to wishlist 'em.

Happy to hear that you're staying home and out of the frigidness today!

Morning! This is an Extra Sweet Thursday, for 2 reasons: It is actually Mr. Steinbeck's birthday. Happy Birthday, John! And it is my day off. Yah, me! I will have errands to run later but they will be mad dashes from the truck to the door. Of course, I have to make a library run. Things to drop off, things to pick up. I love my library.

Only single digits today! Is this ridiculous or what??

Mary- I also really liked Talulla Rising. It sounds like this will be told from multiple narrators. I also like his books, because they are SHORT!

Amber- I just saw my son off to work. It is horrifying out there. Glad I can just sip my coffee and look out the window.
The Last Werewolf was a minor hit a few years ago. They are violent and sexy but very well written.

Mark - Our high today is -3. That's right, minus. Single digits sounds pretty good. Have a great day off.

Mark, I'm stopping by to thank you for the recommendation of Eleanor and Park. I'm reading it now..it's a great book.

^This is the Fireside Room at the Sorrento Hotel in Seattle. On the first Wednesday evening, of each month, they have a Silent-Reading Party. Everyone reads quietly and has a drink of two. And, it's popular!

Is this cool or what?

Here is the full article:

http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/the-reading-party/Content?oid=3845017

>154 msf59: Jeez, we're going to be in Seattle soon, Mark. I'd love to try that. Very cool. Son #1 poetry slams at Rain City Wednesday nights, so we may have to miss it. We'll see.

Good to hear you're taking today off. Smart! It's nasty out there. Tomorrow should be better, from what they're saying.

I'm squeezing in one last FF book, Necessity's Child, and I've got an in Death mystery teed up on the Kindle. Tamara Drewe is proving to be an enjoyable gn read - not sure whether I'll recommend it, as it's different and I want to see how it ends. I'm working on a poetry book, too - Billy Collins' latest collection, Aimless Love.

Beth- Good to see you! For all my complaining, I know you have it much worse up there. Keep warm & snugly.

Linda- I am so glad you are enjoying Eleanor and Park. Have you read Rowell before?

Joe- I'll have to mention that place to Ellen too! Might make a terrific Meet-Up location. I am enjoying In the Bleak Midwinter. I am always hesitant starting a new series but this is a good one.
As you know, I don't read a lot of poetry. Let me know, if I would like the Collins.

I didn't know the third Werewolf book was out already. I haven't even gotten to the second one yet! I loved the first one, though.

^Happy birthday, Elizabeth Taylor! Wasn't she gorgeous? This was a popular day for celebrity birthdays. Joanne Woodward too!

Morning, Mark! So lovely that you have the day off!! Like Julia, I didn't know that the third book was out in that series by Duncan, and I still haven't gotten to the second one.

Hoping that your Thursday is full of fabulous!

>87 msf59:: You know I love this photo. I acquired After the Quake on our Powell's expedition and will read it in the next couple of months.

Hi Mark!

I did not know about that silent reading event at the Sorrento Hotel here in Seattle! I've never been in the hotel. I just might check out that event some Wednesday evening. I think I would enjoy it. I love my city.

And I fully agree with Donna about the ending of the last installation of Downton Abbey. Precious.

^Murakami alert! Murakami alert! His latest novel arrives in the U.S. on August 12th. And, OMG, it's only a mere 350 pages. Be still my beating heart...

Do I see a Group Read for the fall? Hmmmmmmm...

Julia- I just saw the Duncan post yesterday. Try to get to Talulla Rising. It's really good.

Mamie- What do you think of that Liz photo? I was so crazy about her films in the 50s! She rocked. And yes, get to Talulla Rising. It was terrific on audio.

Ellen- You were the only one to comment on the Murakami photo in #87. I love that shot. Let me know if you make it to the Sorrento Hotel. It looks like it would make the perfect Meet-Up site.

I love the Liz photo - why is it that the old black and white photos always seem so much more glamorous?

Mamie- I am having an itch to see "A Place in the Sun" or "Suddenly Last Summer". 2 of my favorite Liz films.

Oh, I love "A Place in the Sun"!

Good to have you on LT rather than out in this stupid weather, Mark. I'm looking forward to your reaction to the third Glen Duncan book. I liked the first one, but never made it to the second. If you like the last one as much as the second, I may have to change that.

This Steinbeck letter, released or publicized for his birthday today, is his take on falling in love. It is *marvelous* and a quick read.

Mark, thanks for the heads-up about the Duncan book. I had no idea it was already out!

Also, if you haven't already, go check out the Google doodle for today. It's in honor of Steinbeck's birthday and really cool. Be sure to click through it...

Happy Day Off Mark! Liz sure was a beauty. I'm not one for partying anymore, but Wednesdays at the Sorrento sure sound appealing!

Okay, made it to the chiropractor for my monthly adjustment. Got a haircut and I am stocking up on my seasonal allergy medicine, (very cheap at Sam's Club) which I am going to need soon.
I am now heading out to have lunch with my lovely wife, before she heads to work. Yes, it's been a grueling day...snickers.

Mamie- I have never read the book. Have you? an American Tragedy?

>170 msf59:: I read the Dreiser last year. Whew, *not* a happy book, but quite well-written. I have a soft spot for Dreiser, as a fellow Hoosier.

Back in my high school and college days, I was a big fan of Dreiser. Loved An American Tragedy, which is saying something considering it was a thousand pages and I was a high school kid.

Any day now, I think I might start Divergent. Not my usual but mother and sister have foisted it on me and it is set in a futuristic Chicago. I'd like to read it before the movie comes out.

Enjoy your day off.

^The "bear" necessities?

^^ That's adorable!

The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon

^Has anyone else heard about this one? Or read her before? I think she will be one of the Booktopia Vermont authors and Michael mentioned reading and loving this one. I just picked up the audiobook from the library. My audios are beginning to stack a mile high. Big shock, huh?

Joe- If you can find Talulla Rising, do so! If you liked The Last Werewolf, I am sure you will like this one. And yes, Boo to stupid weather.
BTW- I did pick up Over the Wall from the library. I have not picked up a GN in nearly 2 weeks. What??

RD- Thanks for the Steinbeck letter. That is gorgeous. I love how he concludes: "And don’t worry about losing. If it is right, it happens — The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away."

Glad you liked the bear! He's perfect, isn't he?

Katie- Yep, the new Duncan book just slipped in there. I am surprised too, since the Last Werewolf was a minor hit.
Thanks, I will check out the Google Doodle.

Ilana- I am loving my day off, even though I haven't cracked a book. Yes, my partying days are just a trickle now but I could handle Silent-Reading Night. LOL.

Amber- The mammoth size of An American Tragedy is probably the main reason I haven't got to it yet. The film version must be just a sliver of it.

Linda- I hope the work week is going well. It looks gorgeous out there but it is wicked cold. I'll have to An American Tragedy one of these days. He could have made the AAC cut.
I hope you like Divergent. Your timing is good. The film comes out on Mar 21st, I believe. And the first book, was by far, my favorite.

>154 msf59: I love the idea of a silent-reading party, it reminds me of those old gentlemen's clubs where people wore formal suits, read papers and sat about in leather chairs. What a cool idea.

>175 msf59: never heard of your latest audio .Do you get through so many audio-books by listening while treading the pavement with your mail?

I am too behind here, Mark, and it is only going to get worse with me I am sorry :(
So rest assured in coming months, if you haven't heard from me, I am still here- hopefully with my nose to the grindstone.

*swoon*

ETA: about the news on the new Murakami

^"A new collection of stories by one of America’s most beloved and admired short-story writers, her first in fifteen years, since Birds of America.
These eight masterly stories reveal Lorrie Moore at her most mature and in a perfect configuration of craft, mind, and bewitched spirit, as she explores the passage of time and summons up its inevitable sorrows and hilarious pitfalls to reveal her own exquisite, singular wisdom."

Sadly, I have still not read Birds of America, although I have it on shelf. Maybe it's because I had such mixed feelings about A Gate at the Stairs, which I guess isn't fair to BOA.

This one looks great though!

I liked Birds of America a lot, Mark, and thought A Gate at the Stairs was heinous...abandoned at p33. Let that be your guide.

Megan- "Do you get through so many audio-books by listening while treading the pavement." You got it, my friend. You already sound like a college student. LOL.

Of course, we will miss you, but we know your hands will be filled, with school and kids. Just don't forget about your old pals!

Stephanie- Good to see another Murakami fan. We might do another Group Read of the new one, later in the year. I've hosted 3 of his already.
What is your favorite Murakami?

RD- Everyone seems to LOVE Birds of America, but I have not run across to many LTers that were satisfied with A Gate at the Stairs. Funny, I loved the first half of the book but boy did it fizzle in the latter half.

#181 Mark,
So far I've only read after the quake (x 2). I loved it so much that I have determined I am a big fan and have Kafka on the Shore in the stacks somewhere.

Stephanie- Pull out Kafka on the Shore, ASAP and dive in. You will thank me later. It was my first and remains my favorite.
BTW- I also loved After the Quake.

Who?

>184 msf59: Nice owl!

I'm waiting for my turn with the library's copies of both The Winter People (sounds creepy!) and Bark (even though I hated The Gate at the Stairs.

Hope you had a great day off!

>143 msf59: I'm loving this brand new talk feature they've just implemented today. How cool is that exactly? (click on the link)

I was thinking about that comment you'd made this evening when I went to see the National Theatre Live presentation of War Horse and was teary-eyed for most of the play, then shedding real tears by the end. I may be tough on the outside, but I'm pure mush on the inside. I hate to think of myself as a sappy, mawkish person, but I think I must be after all!

AMAZING play by the way. The horse puppets seemed so real with the animation they were doing; they had them breathing throughout and everything. DO see it if you get a chance!

Mark, I finished Eleanor and Park a few minutes ago. It took my breath away. I'll need time to write a review. How in the world can one express the sheer beauty, and pain of this wonderful story?

>187 Smiler69: I noticed that feature but didn't think to click on it. That's great! We saw War Horse on the stage last year and agree, it's very moving. The book was good, the movie was awful, but the play was fabulous!

>189 Copperskye: I like how for one thing, it highlights the screen name of the person you're addressing the message to. Will save me lots of html mumbo-jumbo when I'm typing messages on my own thread, where up till now I was bolding people's names all the time, for which there is no shortcut here so far (that I know of).

I wanted to see the movie when I saw the previews in the cinema, but then when I saw some of the comments about it, I decided not to because I didn't want Spielberg's Hollywood interpretation to interfere with my perception of the book, which I really loved and now holds a special place in my heart. But the play! That was something else. When it was finished tonight the first thing I said to my friend was "the only thing that could make this better is actually seeing it live in the theatre". Maybe I will someday, because apparently it's going global, with local production in many countries, including Germany and Japan. One thing that was nice tonight is they interviewed Michael Morpurgo along with the director of the play onstage during the intermission.

eta: typos

>190 Smiler69:

I didn't want Spielberg's Hollywood interpretation to interfere with my perception of the book,

DO NOT see the movie!

>191 Copperskye: Duly noted! :-)

>193 msf59:: *SNORK!*

Good morning, Mark!

#184 - Oooh, lovely!

I'm trying to figure out if I'm in the mood for Cormac MacCarthy this month. I have the audiobook of All the Pretty Horses checked out, so we'll see.

Stay warm today!

Morning! Back to work after a restful day off. I wish I could have focused on more reading. I have less than a 100 pages left in the Hired Man and will continue my Claire & Russ audio. Enjoying both.
**I did get my orthopedic inserts for my shoes, so I will be trying them out today.

Karen- I saw the owl last night online and had to share.

Joanne- I heard Michael rave about The Winter People on BOTNS and he rarely disappoints. I was not a fan of The Gate at the Stairs but it sounds like short fiction is her strength.

Ilana- You softie you! I will definitely have to keep an eye out for War Horse. I know it's been in Chicago multiple times already. I really liked the book. I did not hate the film but it was bloated and syrupy.

>188 Whisper1: Linda- I am so glad you loved Eleanor and Park. We'll both owe Joe for the nudge. Every year, I read 1 or 2 very special YAs and this qualified.

Joanne & Ilana- Thanks for all the great War Horse chatter. I still NEED to read more of this author.

Amber- I knew you would like it. Better not get it for Charlie, though!

Good morning, Mark. Today is my weekday off. Yay. My only obligation is to myself. Going to the new Tai Chi class for the second time. First class went by in a flash which is a sign I was loving it. Moving meditation. Next Monday will be the first session of the second class I intend to join. I am hoping it will help me with core strength and balance. I really can not afford to fall, and I'm pretty clumsy.

I hope today's weather is not too brutal for you.

BTW, I think I am going to try to duplicate the Silent Reading Party at our clubhouse. We don't have the same population surrounding us, and I doubt many people will show up to connect for a Hook Up, but there may be some who would like a quiet reading room where it is warm and comfortable. And we do have a stash of old paperback books which need to be circulated.

>184 msf59: Love this pic!

>197 msf59: So true! Stupid winter.

My MBH loved the Silent Reading Party idea so much she's thinking about throwing one for friends. The next craze to sweep the nation? Well, maybe the book nerd nation.

It's gradually warming up into . . . the 20s! Wow, maybe we'll be able to scrape off the first layer of ice. Leaving only, what, 12 or so layers beneath? Stupid winter.

Nice to hear the love for Eleanor & Park. As you say, there are usually one or two very special YAs in a year, and it's one of them. I want to read more of her books.

>196 msf59: Hope the inserts solve your foot pain problems. Mine hurt like h*** the first few days because my pf was so inflamed. Hope that doesn't happen with you.

Have you read any John Scalzi? I just finished Old Man's War and it's sequel The Ghost Brigades. Very good sf. Hoping to pick the next couple in the series later today.

>154 msf59: The Silent Reading at the Sorrento looks like fun, but I wonder if it is primarily for book lovers who are looking to hook up, or is it for book lovers?

>200 labfs39:
Yay! Another Scalzi fan! Zoe's Tale was a great read.

I have my own Silent Reading Party every day. *snicker* But I'd love to join in with a bunch of other silent readers, especially in such a lovely room as the one in the hotel in Seattle.

I loved both the first and second of the Last Werewolf books. I ear-read them both, which was a good way of reading them.

BTW, I detested An American Tragedy, which I was assigned to read in my second year of high school. Okay, maybe "detested" is too weak a word. More like loathed. Anyway, it put me off reading anything, much less classics, for years. I continue to have to force myself to start anything literary because of it, though I usually find I enjoy the literary classics when I do read them.

^Yes, it's Friday evening and I am having a Moonman. Have a problem with that?

New Glarus is a brewery out of New Glarus, Wisconsin. This is my favorite of their brews. You can not buy them in Illinois, so I have a family member pick them up, on occasion.

>203 Storeetllr: Yeup. I still approach An American Tragedy and, in fact, all Dreiser books, with a trudging sense of Dutiful If Miserable Self-Flagellation.

>204 msf59: A Murakamism I can get all the way behind!!

Hey Marky-Mark!

^Aminatta Forna

I finished The Hired Man. I really liked this book. Her prose is strong and no-nonsense. I was expecting her to take me a bit higher and show me the stars, so it fell a bit short there but I was still impressed. I cannot wait to read The Memory of Love.

Hiya Mark! I was thinking of you last night as the hubs and I had dinner at a new place near us - Haystack Burgers & Barley. They serve only local Texas craft beers, and I think you'd like some of them. I had a boring ol' lager from Lakewood Brewing here in Dallas. Forget what the hubs had. But it made me realize that when we do get back up to Chi-town for a long weekend, we are going to have to drive so that I can bring you a nice sampling of these local brews....

>205 msf59:: New Glarus! I've been there! Ha!
It's only about 20 minutes from here. Clearly you need to come visit...

Kerri- I am glad you will be joining us on Mr. McCarthy. I think All the Pretty Horses is a fine choice and would love to hear what you think of the audio.
You should join me on Blood Meridian at some point. It is outstanding.

Karen- Glad you like the Tai Chi! Hey, whatever helps, right? I would like to see the Silent Reading Night catch on. I do not think it would work for Meet-Ups, though. That is the time we TALK about books. I couldn't give that up.
ETA- I do not get the impression that Silent Reading Night is Hook-up Night, but you never know about the powerful lure of books.

Joe- At least today was horribly stupid. Just semi-stupid. Fingers crossed with only get a couple inches of snow, over the weekend.
I am glad you and the wife like the idea of Silent Reading Night, but like I said to Karen, this wouldn't work at Meet-Ups: We are there to TALK!!

Lisa- The inserts worked great. I followed the instructions and only wore them today for a couple of hours. Funny, it only hurt when I put the old insoles in. I'll go longer tomorrow.
I have not read Scalzi. I've been meaning to get to Redshirts but I also have Old Man's War saved on audio. Glad to hear you liked it. It doesn't seem to be your cuppa? LOL.

Stephanie- Glad to hear you are a Scalzi fan. I will have to try him soon.

Mary- It sounds like you have some very deep-seated issues with An American Tragedy. Hugs of support. I am sure I will still give it a try, just to see for myself. Will you be here, to catch me if I fall?
I did listen to Talulla Rising and loved it in that format and probably will listen to the 3rd book but I read and own the first book. It's a gorgeous hardcover.

RD- I know you have issues with Mr. Murakami, so I am glad you liked the quote. It does fit our community.

Ilana- Big loving waves!

Wow. This thread is a gallery of a bit of everything. Cool.
Can't believe DA is over for the season. Sheesh! That was fast.
Ending - nice.

Most of the blue print here is already owned or on the WL.
New Murakami - interesting ;-) Looking forward to fall.... hehehe

Pamper your feet!

^Finally saw this tonight. It's a terrific film. What a story! And once again Matthew McConaughey kicked butt! This guy is on such a roll! Jared Leto was excellent too!
It was a bit unsettling to see the weight loss these actors subjected themselves too. Leto was even worse.

Katie- I don't hear much about Texas craft beer. It doesn't seem to be widespread. Come on, Texas is a big ole' state!
I do like the sound of "Haystack Burgers & Barley.".

Amber- I will make it up to New Glarus one of these days.

Claudia- Great to see you! Yes, I try to keep it interesting over here. I throw enough at the wall, something will surely stick. LOL.
I think a new Murakami Group Read, is in our future.

>203 Storeetllr: phew. I didn't have to say it first. Dreiser was on the same reading list as Cather, And thanks in part to the prof, I'm sure, I hated them all.

>211 msf59: Goes to show you should never pigeon hole someone! :-). This is my second time through these Scalzi as I want to read the others in the series, which I haven't read yet. I was looking forward to Redshirts, but my hubbie left it on the plane. For sci fi I also like Orson Scott Card's Ender books, not so much the Bean books. A few other odds and ends.

Mark, I'm glad you enjoyed The Hired Man.

>205 msf59: Mark, Glarus is a part of Switzerland and New Glarus is related to that :-D

Yes! February has been a tough month for several of our crowd and I sure hope March is a great deal easier on us all.

Happy Saturday! We have more snow coming today! Can you believe it? What a slap in the face.

It will be book turnaround day: I'll be starting Birds of a Lesser Paradise: Stories. I haven't seen much on LT about this title but I have heard good things. I'll be wrapping up the Claire/Russ mystery and then finally moving onto the Goldfinch and it's a whopper!

Lisa- " Goes to show you should never pigeon hole someone!" Amen, my friend. I am impressed how flexible many of my LT friends are or have become. It sure opens up those horizons. Must get to Scalzi.

Laura- Thank you for introducing me! She is a very gifted writer. Have you read the Memory of Love?

Barbara- Sounds like Glarus is a very special place. LOL. Have a great weekend too!

Karen- You are right about February being a tough month for our LT pals. Let's hope this one brings a bit more joy.

Glad you've been having such good reading in general lately, Mark. I hadn't heard of Birds of a Lesser Paradise, so I look forward to your comments on that one. I agree, Blood Meridian is a knockout. So far The Orchard Keeper is a combo of beautiful descriptive writing about rural Tennessee, and apparently amoral worrisome characters. That's our guy!

Can't wait for your perspective on The Goldfinch. This one seems right up your alley.

Another tough winter day. Since it's the weekend, I thought a different kind of breakfast might help.

>218 msf59: Indeed! February is usually a great month for me. I take time off work and catch up on odds and ends. I was looking forward to marathon reading but the yucks got to me. On to Marvelous March!

Hi Mark - just checking in. I was on vacation last week and today is my "catch up on all things LIbraryThing day.

More snow? It's time for that nonsense to stop.

I need to get back to the Clare/Russ series. I think it's been way too long since I read one. The last one I read was the 4th To Darkness and to Death

^I think this describes our little community very well.

Yes, it is snowing. Oh, joy! We are supposed to be getting 2-4. Hopefully it's on the low-end. We have rarely got a break this season. We are due!

I did finish In the Bleak Midwinter. I like this introduction to this series, despite the implausibility of Claire's character. I wish the author could have made that a bit more realistic.
I am loving both Birds of a Lesser Paradise & the Goldfinch. Perfect companion pieces.

Joe- Thanks for the breakfast beer. LOL. Glad you are enjoying the Orchard Keeper. I plan on starting my McCarthy next week. Hope you are having a fine Saturday.

Roberta- I hope you have a Marvelous March and can get caught up on some of those books, you couldn't get to. I had a very good Feb, book-wise, but I did have a few shorties in there.

Juli- Great to see you! Snow: " It's time for that nonsense to stop." Amen, my friend. I am so sick of looking at it. It looks like you guys are getting some well-needed rain, right?

Hi Mark - March is here! Maybe spring will come? Just think of all the slush you'll get to walk through when the snow starts to melt.

>224 msf59: oh, yeah, our kind of crazy...

Beth- I will gladly walk through slush as long as I know it's on it's way out. It will not even hit the freezing mark here, until late next week. Ugh!

Jim- We love our crazy little world, don't we?

>184 msf59: I love that owl! Well, that picture perhaps more than the owl itself. It is very moody and atmospheric. Yummy, imo.

>221 jnwelch: lol. I know a guy who insists that Budweiser is a 'breakfast beer'. I call him one step from being an alcoholic.

>225 msf59: I like this introduction to this series, despite the implausibility of Claire's character

I'd say if you feel this way with the first installment you probably will not click with this series Mark. That's who Claire is I'm afraid.

Oh, and btw, I watched a film noir film last night! I remember asking you ages ago for a rec....and then promptly forgot what you recommended me. But then I surreptitiously asked Mamie and she gave me a list....and off that I chose Double Indemnity. And, it was really good. Raymond Chandler was pointed out to me in his cameo as well. Very slick film!

*waves* >197 msf59: could not be more true!

Hi Mark. I'm glad to hear the inserts are working for you. This group is definitely my kinda crazy.

Mark - just dropping by to say hi on a Sunday morning. Hope you start to see some improvement in your feet soon. Put me down as another John Scalzi fan by the way, based on Redshirts which was great fun.

>231 LovingLit: I'm no expert on films but Double Indemnity is a really great movie. I think it was the first time I saw Fred MacMurray in anything other than the well-known (at least in the US) 1960s sitcom, My Three Sons, which doesn't really do him credit as an actor.

Happy Sunday, Mark! We are gearing up for another winter storm here. I'd like to respectfully ask that you stop sending them our way. Thank you.

Happy Sunday, Mark.

I skimmed.. sorry.. I am behind on most threads again, I fear... happy day off.

^Yep, woke up to another snowfall. I think this Steinbeck novel, The Winter of Our Discontent, really sums it up.

Happy Sunday! Just poured my 2nd cup of java and ready to spend some quality time at my second home. We have a restful day planned. We have food shopping to do, plus some snow shoveling, (UGH!) otherwise R & R. We would also like to watch a couple of the nominated films if we can, before the awards tonight.

Megan- Glad you like the owl. Did you see the cover of my current read? More owls, plus it's a wonderful story collection.
"Double Indemnity" is one of my favorite classic films. Glad you enjoyed it. I did not realize Chandler had a cameo. Cool. Did I recommend Casablanca to you?
Have you ever read James M. Cain?

Bonnie- I might still give the next Claire/Russ a try. I do like these characters but putting her in such dangerous irresponsible situations, is stretching it a bit.

Tam- We are all getting pretty sick of winter. Hope you are enjoying a nice weekend.

Stephanie- So far the inserts are doing their job. I just wish I didn't have to walk in more snow and ice, the next few days.

Rhian- Great to see you. I will have to bookhorn in Redshirts. Did you hear that they are making a TV series based on it?

Laura- Yes, it does seem like these fronts keep moving through here and then continuing east. It seems like all winter long.
Have you ever seen The Caine Mutiny? MacMurray is terrific in that one too, playing a jerk.

Diana- Big waves!

Kath- Keeping up with the threads is always a chore, so I completely understand. Nice to see you, my friend.

Happy Sunday, friend. I'm thinking of jumping off the computer and into some books for a little while this morning, with my morning coffee. I was away from home all day yesterday and I need some R&R, too. I think your example is excellent. Enjoy your day, and may your snow shoveling go very quickly and smoothly.

Morning Karen- How is your vision doing? Is it still limited? I sure hope it is slowly improving.

>231 LovingLit: Megan: Oh, yes! Excellent movie!

Morning, Mark - happy Sunday!

>239 msf59: Bonnie's right, Mark. What you see is what you'll be getting with Clare in the In the Bleak Midwinter series - she has yet to see a dangerous situation she won't charge into, and when Russ tries to exclude her or hold her back, she generally won't let that happen. For me, it works, particularly with her military background.

The play was okay, but if I was going to recommend one to you, it'd be Plainsong. Still, we had a lot of fun yesterday.

I've gotten distracted from The Orchard Keeper by a mystery and Why We Read Jane Austen, but I'll get back to it on the El commute tomorrow. Glad The Goldfinch is keeping those pages turning for you.

>241 msf59: Thanks for asking. Yesterday while at the seminar I was trying to read the text they gave us, my notes, and the overhead projector. Did not work well. I gave up and just listened, figuring I'll read the book later. I look forward to talking to the eye doctor and see if there are any solutions.

I will do some reading today, but also regular household chores.

A bunch of people in the Green Dragon are recommending London Falling by Paul Cornell. It's urban fantasy noir. It's very dark and sounds right up your alley.

Whew! Just finished snow-blowing the driveway and walkways. The snow is light but still 3 or 4 inches. Hey, the fun never stops.

Heading to the store. I'll be back to respond and looking forward to a R & R afternoon...

Good Sunday to you, my friend.

Birds of a Lesser Paradise is absolutely perfect and I am saying that, only a few stories in. Expect plenty more gushing...

Amber- Lots of sunshine out there but it is COLD. Are you staying snugly?

Joe- I will most likely give Claire/Russ another shot. These are engaging characters. I can't wait to get back to The Goldfinch. It is the only thing I am looking forward to tomorrow. LOL.

Karen- Thanks for the update. I hope you can get some reading in this afternoon.

Morphy- Thanks for the urban fantasy rec. I have not heard of this one and you know I like "dark"!

Katie- Big hearty waves! I hope you are enjoying a fine Sunday too!

Hi Mark!!

I hope you have a nice and happy week!

Hi Mark, I'm back after my overnighter in Joliet. Stopped at the Home Run Inn in Darien on the way. I absolutely love the Home Run Inn pizza and wish they'd build some of these elsewhere, not just in the southern suburbs.

Our neighbor was nice enough to plow out the driveway before we came back. Woot woot. More R&R after a whirlwind weekend.

Hi Mark! Glad you're enjoying The Goldfinch so much. I don't think I liked it as much as everyone else mainly because I was comparing it to the experience of reading The Secret History which I loved but it's a good read.

Still breaking in the inserts?

Snow yesterday, now rain for at least the foreseeable future (10 days). Ugh. I'm feeling moldy.

Okay, I didn't spend much time on LT or my PC this afternoon but I did do some reading and managed to knock out 2 more of the nominated films. Both were very good but 12 Years a slave was a stand-out and maybe the best film I saw from 2013.
I ended up seeing 6 of the 9 nominees.

Connie- I had a very nice Sunday. I hope you did too.

Linda- Hope you had a nice time in Joliet. Wow, you were in the neighborhood, next door in Darien. We haven't had Home Run Inn, in quite awhile.
I also hope you had a nice birthday weekend.

Pat- Yes, I am really enjoying the Goldfinch but I have barely started it. I did read the Secret History but it's been so long ago, I barely remember it.
Hope you had a great weekend.

Lisa- The inserts are going just fine. I just want this snow and ice to leave, so I can walk on normal pavement again.
Sorry, to hear about the snow & rain.

Hi Mark! We are having a little Oscar party of our own. Ellen is such a great host. :)

Hi Tam- I've been messing around a bit on LT, with the Oscars on in the background. My daughter came down to join me. Glad Leto won for best supporting. He was terrific.
And yes, Ellen is perfect as M.C.!

Me, too, watching the Oscars. I have seen none of these, too damn busy, I used to be such a movie buff, but not so much these days. But I am doing a remarkable job of guessing who will win. Delightful time.

They have learned a lot about moving these shows right a long, and still being sentimental and impressive.

I was referencing >39 Morphidae:.... The laughing Hilda is reading "Plumbing Can Be Fun". She cracks me up!

I absolutely love >224 msf59:!!

I got lots of books listened to and read this last week because I spent lots of time driving. I am now on my way back to Alabama and stopped for the night in Booneville, MO. The Interstate was slick and lots of cars off the road so even though I wanted to make it to Columbia I stopped early. It turned out I couldn't be picky about hotels as lots of other people had the same idea I did.

I went back to make some financial arrangements for my parents and early Tuesday morning my father died. The family started gathering from all points in Kansas and we had a very nice reunion. Things were great except for the weather. We did have a relatively balmy day on Friday for the funeral it was 20 degrees and sunny, but by the time of the sunset burial it was cold and the wind was blowing. Since then the temperature has only fallen. It will feel downright tropical in Alabama after this.

I just finished listening to Liesl & Po. I also had a copy of the book with me and was astonished to see that it has some very good illustrations in it. I don't recall anybody talking about the illustrations? I think they add to the charm of the book.

I started listening to Stardust by Neil Gaiman so my Fantasy February isn't over yet. I gave my recorded copy of Daughter of Smoke and Bone to my cousin and her daughter to listen to while they travel back to Wyoming. She called me this afternoon and told me that they loved the book. I told them to try to Inter-Library Loan the sequel because it was even better than the first volume.

I'm with you about the winter. Time for it to start ending.

"Ellen is perfect as M.C.!"
Hmmm..... the other Ellen. :-)

I have several movies to see, and I do want to see some that were nominated or won Oscars. It will be better now that P and I have found a movie theater that is convenient and pleasant. Actually, there are lots of theaters in Seattle but getting to them is not always convenient. I really want to see "12 Years a Slave."

Benita- I am very sorry to hear about your Dad passing. Thanks for letting us know, my friend. Have a safe return home. Hugs!
Glad you are enjoying Liesl & Po. I did get the book out and did appreciate the illustrations.

^Me, walking the route? Possibly...

March 3rd. 17 degrees. Ugh! Normal temp for this date: 41. Really?

I am loving my current reads: Birds of a Lesser Paradise & The Goldfinch. Yes, there is an avian theme going here, which I totally planned..........yeah, right.

Karen- I went to bed just before 10 and missed the big winners but that's okay, there wasn't any surprises. I am happy for 12 Years and McConaughey.

Tina- Hope you had a fantastic weekend!

>260 EBT1002:- Yes, the other Ellen is perfect too! I only saw 2 out of the 6, at the theater. The other 4, I managed to see in the comfort of home. I do not have a chance to make it to the show much either, plus it's getting very expensive.

Mark - Just checked and my last post here was on 25 February so I haven't been absent for too long even though it felt like it to me too. Your little nook in the group will always be a favourite abode for me mate don't you worry!

About to start Suttree soon for the Mark American Author Challenge.

Morning Mark!

Happy Monday, Mark. Hoping this is the last sub-zero weather we'll see.

I'm about a quarter of the way through Divergent and I'm loving it.

>262 msf59: :-) That's the way to do it!

Cold and more snow - lovely. Glad you've got The Goldfinch to improve your day.

I'm back to The Orchard Keeper, and no sign so far that this was a first effort for him. He could write well from the git-go.

I'm starting to load up on books for our Seattle trip. I picked up Lost Lake and Fangirl. I know we'll find some at Elliot Bay Books, too.

>259 benitastrnad: I'm very sorry to learn of your loss, Benita. Safe journey home for your father.

Mark! Mark! Mark!! Here's a YouTube video of the Authors @ Google program featuring Andy Weir talking about The Martian: A Novel. Forty-some minutes. Very interesting.

>238 msf59:: Love it!

>254 msf59:: Good for you seeing six of the nominated films for Best Picture. I only managed to get to two of them: Gravity and Philomena. Oh well, that means some good at-home viewing for us I wanted to read Twelve Years A Slave before I see the film. I notice there is an older version of the movie as well.

Mark, I'm glad you have your bird books to keep you company this week. I'll keep an eye out for Birds of a Lesser Paradise.

Howdy Mark!

Mark, Can you please show me how to copy the post with name. I'm clueless. Thanks!

>272 Whisper1: Just like that, Linda. One of these > which is then followed by the post number.

^This one is for Mr. Cranswick! You know, I've been meaning to read the book she is holding. Yes, she is holding a book! Has anyone read it?

^Paul- Hope you are happy with the eye-candy. I should also be starting Suttree very soon.

Abby- Big waves!

Linda- "I'm about a quarter of the way through Divergent and I'm loving it." Well, that is music to my ears! Yah!

Joe- I am loving Goldfinch. Sure, Tartt takes her time telling the story but there is almost a hypnotic narrative drive going on here and the pages just keep turning.
Glad The Orchard Keeper is starting out strong.

RD- Thank you, kind sir! I will check out the Weir interview. The buzz is really going on this one.

Donna- I was fortunate enough to find DVD copies of 4 of the nominated films. If I would have relied on going to the show to see them, I doubt I would have.
And yes, try to track down a copy of Birds of a Lesser Paradise. This an absolutely wonderful collection.

Roberta- Howdy, back!!

Linda 1: Did you see Linda 2's response? It's incredibly simple.

>239 msf59: I guess I am getting immune to Claire's type of behavioral response to danger. It's typical firefighter/emergency medical response... although I do have to admit the fire dept is better equipped. They have decent vehicles and boots!
I did love In the Bleak Midwinter and have the second book lined up hopefully for this month.

Keep smiling - you can do this for a few more weeks!
Spring begins on the 21st! (We hope.)

I stopped at my favorite used book store yesterday and purchased four books. That means the trip was a success. Then today I stopped in St. Louis at a Barnes & Noble and purchased 6 more off of the remainders table. The list of the purchases will be on Paul's thread.

What is with this crazy weather. I have been driving back and forth to Alabama for 22 years now (today is my anniversary date) and only once have I had to stop because the roads were impassable. Today Interstate 24 from Paducah to Ft. CAmpbell, KY was down to one lane and then it got even worse. I finally quit for the day and now I have to put up with incredibly slow network service. That means that I am a dedicated LT user because in order to get the network to work here I had to repair to the lobby.

>277 benitastrnad: oh, my, I am impressed.

Hi Mark, Glad that you are enjoying The Goldfinch I did too. Yes, it's long but when it's over you miss it! I'm going to look for Birds of a Lesser Paradise. Thanks for the tip!

Wow, my evening just slipped by me. I read another story in my current collection and then I watched the penultimate episode of True Detective. It was a good show but my eyes were getting heavy. And I visited no threads. Bad Mark.

Claudia- I'll give the Claire/Russ another shot. My LT pals rarely steer me wrong.

I know you love your snow but honestly I am sick of looking at it...

Benita- Congrats on the book haul. I'll have to check out what you purchased. I did not realize you were still making your way home. Good luck getting there.

Karen- Big wave!

Mary- It's great to see you, stranger. the Goldfinch has been a lot of fun. It really makes my work day pass quickly. Just over a 1/3rd done.
And Birds of a Lesser Paradise is fantastic. Find a copy!

Just finished Divergent. Wow, what a book.

Have you read all three plus the four shorter novellas told from Four's point of view?

Yah, for Divergent! Glad you enjoyed it, Linda. Yes, I've read the trilogy but not the shorter stories. I had mixed feelings about the other 2 books but the first one is a keeper. We are doing a movie day out, once the film arrives, in a couple of weeks.

My mother and sister both raved about the first book but liked #2 and #3 a lot less.

I think I'll read a couple of other books and then get back to #2. I definitely want to see the movie when it opens.

^"The aye-aye is a lemur, a strepsirrhine primate native to Madagascar that combines rodent-like teeth and a special thin middle finger to fill the same ecological niche as a woodpecker.
It is the world's largest nocturnal primate."

^Cute, huh? An aye-aye makes an appearance in Birds of a Lesser Paradise. Animals are featured in nearly every one of these wonderful stories. These are human stories, mostly bittersweet but interaction with nature and the animal world is a main theme.
I LOVE this book!

Morning, Mark!

Linda- I think Insurgent was a slog but Allegiant was definitely better.

Morning Amber- Didn't like the aye-aye? LOL.

>284 msf59: cute!

I wonder who we need to petition to get this winter to end.
Stay warm.

Is Birds of a Lesser Paradise the book you got at Powell's? I'm glad you are enjoying it so much.

Good morning, Mark. Hang in there, buddy, it's supposed to get better over the next few days.

Lots of good descriptive writing in The Orchard Keeper about eastern Tennessee. The Goldfinch is addictive, isn't it? I like your "almost hypnotic" comment.

I am still making my way back to Alabama. I stopped last night at a hotel just outside of Fort Campbell, KY and spent the night. Interstate 24 was one lane from Paducah, KY all the way to Fort Campbell. It was snow packed and slushy. The temperatures never got above 23 all day so no amount of salt on the highway was going to clear it. I figured that I would just find a room before the hotels filled up. They did. The restaurants and fast food places ran out of food and even Fort Campbell was closed. I figure that they got about 6 inches of snow, but they are so ill prepared for it that they could just as well have gotten 12 inches. There simply was not enough snow plows to keep the road clear. It didn't help that it did not stop snowing until Monday morning. (I thought it had stopped late on Sunday night) so I was just too early behind the snow. I do have to say that those Snowbirds can be really obnoxious. You would think that people who spent all of their life living north of places like Fort Campbell, Hopkinsville, KY., and Clarksville, TN, would be more understanding of how difficult it is to take care of snow when you don't normally have to do so. They gripped about the parking lot at the hotel not being cleared. They gripped about the side streets in Clarksville not being cleared. They gripped about the restaurants not being open, etc. etc. I kept thinking that it was bad enough that you stopped for the night so why shouldn't the same rules apply to the people who live and work here in the area?

I am now in Franklin, Tennessee, just south of Nashville, at a Starbucks and finally have a good internet connection. It will take me another four hours to get to Tuscaloosa from here. It is foggy and overcast, but it is an almost tropical 25 degrees. I may even shed my long underwear somewhere along the way between here and Tuscaloosa.

I stopped at a Barnes & Noble and picked up another group of books. See paul's thread for that list.

Running of to Paul's thread! (are we supposed to post out new books there ;-)) )

^National Grammar Day!

Mark, did you get the email from Ann about the author line-up for Asheville?

^Why is Anthony Marra smiling? Because he will be at Booktopia Asheville. Why am I smiling? Because I will be there too! As many of you know, Constellation was easily one of my top reads of last year.

Katie- I got home late from work, so I just checked my email. Yahoo! I bet you are smiling too!

Kath- Glad you liked the aye-aye. It doesn't look like anyone else did. LOL. Yes, this winter sucks. They are talking a possible 1-2 inches over night again. Really?

Lisa- Good memory! I can not believe how much I am loving Birds of a Lesser Paradise. I only have one story left and it's a bonus story for this particular edition.
How is Independent People?

Joe- I started the 2nd half of The Goldfinch, with young Theo back in NY. He has led quite a life these past couple years! LOL!
I plan on starting Suttree tomorrow.

Benita- Thanks for your trip details! At least they involve book buying. What have you been listening to?

Connie- So everyone, posts their new books over on Paul's thread? Good to know.

Good for you, Mark. This is the same event you went to last year, right, but with different authors?

Linda- This one is in Asheville N.C. I'll post more details on my new thread. Katie will be joining me too! Nice to have another LTer coming along.

>296 msf59:
Mark, not everyone posts their new books on Paul's thread.

Stephanie- Thank God! LOL!