rosalita jumps a little higher in 2014: Verse 7

I’m Julia, back for my fourth year with the 75 Book Challenge. I have no idea what 2014 will hold, but for the first time I’m going to attempt a little *gulp* planning. When it comes to reading, I am a pantser not a plotter, so I am not at all sure I will be able to follow a plan when shiny new books start popping up at the library and in other people’s threads. You might want to grab a ringside seat for what’s almost certain to be a hot mess of a reading year. :-)

2014 Category Challenge:
To help me with my planning, I am also attempting for the first time this year a Category Challenge. That link will take you to my thread over in that group, but for the record here are my categories (based on the titles of Bruce Springsteen songs):
1. Brilliant Disguise — books by pseudonymous authors
2. Growin’ Up — young adult fiction
3. Be True — nonfiction
    1. Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919
4. Book of Dreams — fantasy fiction
    1. His Majesty's Dragon
    2. Wolves of Calla
    3. Hexed
    4. The Wolves of Calla
    5. Hammered
    6. Tricked
    7. Trapped
    8. Hunted
5. Highway Patrolman — police procedurals
    1. Broken Homes
    2. The Greek Coffin Mystery
6. Dead Man Walkin’ — books about the death penalty
7. It’s Hard To Be a Saint in the City — books set in New York City
    1. Burglar on the Prowl
    2. Three-Day Town
    3. The Burglar Who Counted the Spoons
8. Reason to Believe — books with a religious theme
9. Spirit in the Night — ghost stories
    1. Shutter Island, Dennis Lehane.
10. She’s the One — female authors new to me
    1. Death Comes For the Archbishop
    2. The Goldfinch
    3. Longbourn
    4. Just One Damned Thing After Another
11. A Good Man Is Hard to Find — male authors new to me
    1. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
    2. Master and Commander
    3. Hounded
12. The Ghost of Tom Joad — books by John Steinbeck
13. Local Hero — authors with a connection to the Iowa Writers Workshop
14. Worlds Apart — books set outside the U.S.
    1. A Week in Winter
    2. The Panther
    3. Frederica
    4. The Murder at the Vicarage
    5. An Infamous Army

Let’s see, what else?

My rating scale:
★★★★★ - completely enthralling. It enlightened or educated me in some way. I can definitely see myself reading it again. In short, a "keeper" worth buying.
★★★★½ - not quite perfect, but I will actively recommend this book to friends.
★★★★ - really great book with minor flaws, still highly recommended.
★★★½ - better than average but some flaws. Recommended.
★★★ - entertaining but probably forgettable, not worth re-reading. Recommended only for fans of the genre or author.
★★½ - readable but something about the story, characters or writing was not up to standards. Not recommended.
★★ - finished but did not like, and would not recommend.
★½ - some redeeming qualities made me finish it, but nothing to recommend.
★ - finished but disliked enough to actively attempt to dissuade others from reading.
½ - could not finish, possibly destroyed by fire (unless it's a library book)

Books Read ticker:

January
1. The Burglar on the Prowl, Lawrence Block. ★★★½
2. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, John Godey. ★★★
3. A Tan and Sandy Silence, John D. MacDonald. ★★★½
4. A Week in Winter, Maeve Binchy. ★★★½
5. Cut To the Bone, Jefferson Bass. ★★★½
6. The Panther, Nelson DeMille. ★★★½
7. The Scarlet Ruse, John D. MacDonald. ★★★★
8. The Racketeer, John Grisham. ★★★
9. Christmas Mourning, Margaret Maron. ★★★★
10. The Turquoise Lament, John D. MacDonald. ★★★★
11. W Is for Wasted, Sue Grafton. ★★★½
12. The Dreadful Lemon Sky, John D. MacDonald. ★★★★
13. Death Comes For the Archbishop, Willa Cather. ★★★★½

February
14. His Majesty's Dragon, Naomi Novik. (re-read)
15. Three-Day Town, Margaret Maron. ★★★½
16. Frederica, Georgette Heyer. ★★★★
17. The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt. ★★★★½
18. Master and Commander, Patrick O'Brian. ★★★★
19. Broken Homes, Ben Aaronovitch. ★★★★
20. The Buzzard Table, Margaret Maron. ★★★½
21. The Wolves of Calla, Stephen King. ★★★★½
22. The Golden Spiders, Rex Stout (re-read)
23. Shutter Island, Dennis Lehane. ★★★½
24. W Is for Wasted, Sue Grafton. ★★★★
25. The Empty Copper Sea, John D. MacDonald. ★★★★½
Abandoned Without Prejudice™
The Hamlet, William Faulkner

March
26. Hounded, Kevin Hearne. ★★★★
27. The Murder at the Vicarage, Agatha Christie. ★★★½
28. Hexed, Kevin Hearne. ★★★★
29. The Green Ripper, John D. MacDonald. ★★★½
30. Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919, Stephen Puleo ★★★★
31. The Whole Enchilada, Diane Mott Davidson. ★★★
32. V Is for Vengeance, Sue Grafton. ★★★½
33. Free Fall in Crimson, John D. MacDonald. ★★★½
34. The Road, Cormac McCarthy. ★★★★★
35. The Burglar Who Counted the Spoons, Lawrence Block. ★★★★★
36. Hammered, Kevin Hearne. ★★★
37. Tricked, Kevin Hearne. ★★★½
38. Trapped, Kevin Hearne. ★★★★
39. Hunted, Kevin Hearne. ★★★★
40. An Infamous Army, Georgette Heyer. ★★★★

April
41. Longbourn, Jo Baker. ★★★★
42. Cinnamon Skin, John D. MacDonald. ★★★½
43. Turning Angel, Greg Iles. ★★★★
44. The Lonely Silver Rain, John D. MacDonald. ★★★½
45. The Devil's Punchbowl, Greg Iles. ★★★★
46. The Death Factory, Greg Iles. ★★★½
47. The Greek Coffin Mystery, Ellery Queen. ★★★½
48. Just One Damned Thing After Another, Jodi Taylor. ★★★★
49. The Gods of Guilt, Michael Connelly. ★★★½
50. A Thread of Truth, Marie Bostwick. ★★★½

Just a wave; hoping to do better in keeping up with your reading...

  

25. Hounded, Kevin Hearne.
27. Hexed, Kevin Hearne.

Compared to the pressure I felt reading these, the first two books in Hearne’s Iron Druid Chronicles, writing this review should be a breeze. If you’ve been following my thread at all this year, you’ve seen the unrelenting Satanic Book Warbling coming from Roberta and Richard (with able assistance from Tina, Mamie and I can’t even remember who else chimed in) about this fantasy series. I have to admit, I was thoroughly enjoying the good-natured back-and-forth with everyone as I promised I would check out the series from the library — eventually. Then Richard doubled down and sent a copy of Hounded direct from his evil minions at Amazon, and I was caught. As I picked it up for the first time, I was worried. What if after all the hugely enjoyable bantering we had engaged in, I didn’t like the book? What if (gulp!) I hated it? How could I ever break the news to R&R and their fellow warblers?

So you can imagine what a relief it was to read the first chapter of Hounded and immediately find myself engaged with the first-person narration of Atticus O’Sullivan, the last living Druid in the world. After 21 centuries, Atticus has settled in Arizona and a live-and-let-live lifestyle with his faithful Irish wolfhound, Oberon. Unfortunately, he is not destined to live a quiet and peaceful life in the Valley of the Sun, as an angry Celtic god is determined to kill him and steal his magical sword (this is not a euphemism). As if that wasn’t enough to worry about, Atticus must also do battle with a coven of witches and a passel of demons who have been released from hell specifically to kill him. Sheesh, can’t a guy catch a break?

Fortunately, Atticus is ably assisted not only by the sausage-loving Oberon but also his vampire lawyer and a friendly pack of werewolves, not to mention two beautiful Celtic goddesses who aren’t so much on Atticus’ side as they are against the god who is waging war with him. It turns out, the land of Tir na NÓg is as beset by petty political wranglings as Washington, D.C.

I won’t tell you how it all turns out, although the fact that there are nine or so other books in the series is probably a pretty good clue. Once I finished Hounded, I was entertained enough to visit the library’s website to put the second book, Hexed, on hold. It turned out there wasn’t a hold list, so I was forced (!) to check it out immediately and read it. This time around, Atticus main battles are with another insurgent coven of evil witches and a bevy of beauties in thrall to the god of wine, Bacchus. I won’t tell you how this one turns out, either, except to remind you that there are eight more books after this one.

As for the third book in the series, Hammered? It’s on hold at the library. Are those cackles of glee I hear emanation from Long Island to the east and Houston to the south? I do believe they are!

FOUR STARS!!!

Ha! Is that you and Roberta dancing there, RD??

I'm the fat one. So pleased you liked the books! Hammered, the third one, will give you a good ride; Tricked, the fourth, gets mixed opinions, but be just and fear not! The ride goes up for every dip!

>4 rosalita: Julia Whoop and yes I am dancing with Richard in post >5 richardderus: but I don't know who the skinny one is because that can't be me and Richard said he was the fat one. Maybe we are sharing the body like Granuaille and Laksha.

There is only 6 books in the series but it will be a nine book series. Book 7 will be released in June. There are two novellas out and a few short stories available on Kindle and in a couple of anthologies but they are not necessary to follow the series.

>7 richardderus: Agree.

So glad you enjoyed them, Julia!

What a relief for you that you loved the first 2 in the series. Of course, Roberta, Richard and the crew would never steer you wrong!

Have a great Sunday, Julia!

Houston, we have lift off...

Nice new thread Julia, hope you're having a good weekend my dear.

>7 richardderus: & >8 luvamystery65: I'm just taking it one book at a time. :-)

>9 ronincats: & >10 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Roni & Judy. It was a relief, I'll tell ya!

>11 Crazymamie: Love that, Mamie!

>12 johnsimpson: Thank you, John! The same to you and Karen.

Happy new thread, Julia!

Thank you, Katie!

26. The Murder at the Vicarage, Agatha Christie.

I read quite a few Miss Marple mysteries back in high school, and recently got interested in them again when Liz started posting reviews (I think she’s doing a chronological read-through, but don't take my word for it; go check out her thread if you haven't already). Vicarage is the first appearance of Miss Marple in a Christie novel, and it was interesting to contrast her characterization here compared to the ones I read way back when (which apparently were mostly from the latter half of the series). My initial impression was that she was portrayed very differently here, but after discussing it with Liz I think the differences I sensed were more in the fact that this book is told from an point of view external to Marple, while the latter books (while not first-person narration) were more-or-less from Marple’s POV. It also seemed that the other characters in Vicarage viewed Marple rather contemptuously as an nosy, gossipy old biddy, while my memory of the latter Marple books is that other characters treated her more as a lovable but dotty old lady.

Oh, the actual story! It was the usual intricately plotted Christie to me, with suspects galore, misleading and contradictory clues and time elements, and a conclusion that requires Miss Marple to spell it all out for the somewhat befuddled police. I admire Christe’s facility with mystery plotting, but I’m more drawn to character-driven novels myself, so I wasn’t thoroughly bewitched. It was nice to get reacquainted with the spinster from St Mary Mead, though, and I’m sure I’ll read more. In fact, I just snagged an ebook of the complete Miss Marple short stories, which I’ll look forward to dipping in and out of.

>11 Crazymamie: Awesome!

Whelp, I've not read the Hounded books, but I have read the Christie book and enjoyed it. I'm working my way through her stuff chronologically, too, but *very* slowly...

Happy New Thread, lady!

>18 scaifea: Hmmm...you may be next. I'm bored and need a new obsession project.

>19 luvamystery65: Roberta: Um... *ahem*. I don't know what to say... I'm terrified flattered?

>20 scaifea: Psst! Don't encourage me. LOL!

>4 rosalita:
I. will. not. succumb. to another series. Will. not.

>22 AuntieClio: It's not a series, it's an experience.

Okay, even I can't keep a straight face or eyes not rolling while I typed that.

>23 luvamystery65:
Still not succumbing. Besides I just started Dune and have several of those to get through.

>24 AuntieClio: I haven't read Dune in ages. The first three were good and then they got a little Marlon Brando in Apocalypse Now for me. I read up to book six and said I'm done.

>18 scaifea: & >19 luvamystery65: Resistance is futile, Amber. You will be assimilated.

>22 AuntieClio: Oh come on, Stephanie. You know you wanna ...

>23 luvamystery65: You are a force of nature, Roberta. And I mean that in the "sunshine and flowers and mountains and oceans" way, not the "hurricanes and tornados and earthquakes and mudslides" way.

>25 luvamystery65:
Roberta,
I have the first five, which I believe are all that he wrote before he died.

>26 rosalita:
Julia,
Wanting to and actually doing are two different things ;-)

Julia- Congrats on the new thread! I am very pleased you were happy with Oberon & Co. and I did not badger at all. I also have the 3rd book to look forward to.

>27 AuntieClio: Point taken, Stephanie. :-)

>28 msf59: No, you were very low-key about your enjoyment of Hounded, which is most unlike you. :-)

Happy new thread, Julia. I've yet to read a Marple but I've really enjoyed several of the BBC episodes so I mean to pick one up one of these days. :)

>26 rosalita: Thank you Julia! That is one of the nicest ways I've ever been described.

>28 msf59: Mr. Birds of a Lesser Paradise "needs" to stop sucking up showing off. ;-)

Hi Julia, Nothing to say, just hi!

Hi! So glad you enjoyed Hounded even after all the hounding. :)

Still resisting...

Happy new thread, Julia!

>30 MickyFine: Micky, the Marples are interesting just from a historical perspective but also because they are pretty good. I hope you try one someday.

>31 luvamystery65: Oh good! I thought I'd better explain since I didn't want you to think I was calling you a natural disaster. ;-)

>32 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne!

>33 nittnut: I'm glad too, Jenn. I will not hound you to try them but I can't speak for Richard or Roberta. :-)

>34 wilkiec: Thank you, Diana (hey, I got your name right!)

Lovely new thread, Julia! Uh-oh, I see another Iron Druids convert has been born. Guess which book I plan to read for the "A Book Your Friend Loves" reading bingo square? Between RD, Tina, Roberta, et al and now you, I think I can safely say Hounded will fit that bingo square, once I get around to reading it, that is. ;-)

I've been reading Christie chronologically for ages, Julia. I have to say that Miss M is my favorite (even though I've only gotten up to TMatV) and Monsieur Poirot is my least favorite - which is certainly a problem. The idea, originally, was me trying to cure my mystery aversion. It was reading the Louise Penny books that took care of that, but now I'm left with this quest to read all of Christie in order. Guess it's time to go snag the next one from it's home in the Serials basket.

Hounded is on my 'to read' list. Everyone seems to love it.

>37 Fourpawz2: It is a funny one because I also prefer the character of Miss Marple but I find the Poirot books, on the whole, more satisfyingly writen. Roger Ackroyd, Nile and Orient Express would be my favourites and they all feature the dapper little Belgian.

Julia - congratulations on your new thread my dear and apologies for being so tardy in getting over to wish you so. xx

>4 rosalita:: Since you've given in, Julia, I guess I'll just have throw Hounded in the Someday Swamp. What a relief that the story was worth the hype!

>35 rosalita: Well Julia on some days I am in addition to being a force of nature, a natural disaster as well. :-)

Now that you have succumbed to reading Iron Druid I am truly bored. It was fun stalking talking you into the series because you were such a good sport about the whole thing.

Hello Julia

Congratulations on reading so many books already this year.

>36 lkernagh: You can't go wrong with that one, Lori. You have enough friends who loved Hounded to make an entire bingo all on their own!

>37 Fourpawz2: & >38 PaulCranswick: Charlotte, I prefer Marple to Poirot as a character as well, but I also share Paul's sentiment that the Poirot books do tend to be more well-rounded as a whole. It's a puzzlement. And if you like fantasy (and I saw in your catalog that you have a fair number of books tagged 'fantasy'), I think you would really like Hounded. I'll look forward to finding out what you think about it if you do get around to it.

>38 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul. It's never too late for you to pop your virtual head in and say howdy! You are welcome around these parts any old time, my friend.

>39 swynn: It was a big relief, Steve. I'd say it deserves a place in your Someday Swamp (love that name).

>40 luvamystery65: I can't imagine it was more fun for you than it was for me, Roberta. I thoroughly enjoyed all of your clever ways to work it into every conversation and really looked forward to trying to guess what might prompt the next mention. I'm kind of sad that's all over now. :( You'll have to find another book obsession enthusiasm to torture encourage me with!

>41 Whisper1: Thank you, Linda! It's so nice of you to stop by my little corner.

I want to tell one quick funny story about today before I stop procrastinating and start my latest freelance editing project: the master's thesis for a dentistry student. It will be the filling in my evening and a crown to this Monday. OK, I've run out of dentist puns (and not a moment too soon, I bet.)

So, today: We had this Spring Forward thing this weekend as you all know, which I hate because it is once again pitch dark when I wake up at 5:30. Boo. My phone, my computer, and my alarm clock are all connected to the Internet and the time adjusted automatically, so I didn't give the time change much thought over the weekend. I forgot, though, that the clock on the wall in my office is just a regular old clock, not connected to the internet or equipped with some fancy DST switch or anything. So all day, whenever I looked at that clock it was an hour later than I thought it was. (Thank heavens I didn't have any meetings today.) At 4:00 (I thought) the student who works at our reception desk popped her head into my office to say "Have a good night. See you Wednesday!" I looked up at the clock, and said to her, "Where do you think you're going? It's only 4:00!" She gave me a strange look and said "No, it's time to go home." That was when I realized the one clock I look at all day is the one clock that doesn't adjust itself automatically to the time change. It explained a lot of things, like why the day felt like it lasted forever, and why I was so hungry at 11:00 when I had eaten breakfast as usual. I wonder if Christine hadn't stopped by if I would have sat at my desk until 6:00, thinking it was 5:00? Sheesh. Mondays, I tell ya!

OK, off to read "Understanding the optical properties that affect our perception of teeth color." Apparently this involves "investigating the difference between the dentin color and the tooth color as a whole of maxillary anterior teeth at the incisal, middle, and cervical thirds of the crown." I can hardly wait.

>43 rosalita: *snooooooooooore*snorp*smack*smack* mmmflllggg teef *snoooooooooooooooore*

>31 luvamystery65:- "Mr. Birds of a Lesser Paradise "needs" to stop sucking up showing off. " LOL! Thank you Roberta for cracking me up!

Big waves to Julia! Come on, I wasn't sucking up that bad was I?

Better late than never. Checking into your latest thread.

>44 richardderus: Yep, pretty much. I'm 13 pages in and we're still trying to define what color is, never mind how it relates to teeth. I just keep repeating to myself, "$30 an hour will pay for a lot of books at Booktopia" ...

>45 msf59: You did have a certain, shall we say, smugness about your post. ;-) Let's face it: You're both inveterate book warblers, and I say "bless you" to both of you!

>46 thornton37814: It's never too late to stop in and say hi, Lori!

Hope you soon drill down and sink your teeth into your editing project so you can polish it off and cap your evening with...I don't know...I bit off more than I could chew... :)

Joanne, you did so much better than I did! Bravo!

"Beware of dental puns" must be the molar of the story. I mean, moral. Don't blame me for these, I had my wisdom teeth out years ago. :-)

Wow, that thesis sounds, uh, riveting. Ha! But, hey, that should make it easier to catch mistakes, no? If you don't get sucked into the 'story'?

Good Morning, Julia! It's not Monday.

>50 scaifea: And it's as interesting as you'd expect, too. Actually, all the color theory loaded up front that I've edited so far has been fairly interesting. I'm not sure I'll be able to say the same once we really get down to talking teeth, though. The student is someone for whom English is not their first language, so there are lots of little grammar and syntax things to fix. That's kind of my bread-and-butter, so to speak.

>51 Crazymamie: Thank heavens for that, Mamie! Although the weather yesterday was glorious, and it is supposed to snow (1-2 inches) tonight, so ...

More snow?! When will this madness end? I saw that our forecast is for 80F today and a high of 55F on Thursday. Like the weather can't decide where it is going. Strange that.

Strange weather all over for sure, Mamie! I like your strange better than our strange, though. ;-)

*grin* Me, too!

Hi Julia!

>4 rosalita: Compared to the pressure I felt reading these, the first two books in Hearne’s Iron Druid Chronicles, writing this review should be a breeze. LOL!

>16 rosalita: I need to go back over to Liz's thread but I also found the first Miss Marple book portrayed her differently to how I'd remembered the character. Hope you enjoy the short stories.

>38 PaulCranswick: It is a funny one because I also prefer the character of Miss Marple but I find the Poirot books, on the whole, more satisfyingly writen. I wonder if it's to do with when she wrote the stories? Only 2 Miss Marple novels were published before 1950 whereas she'd clocked up at least 25 Poirot novels by that point.

I need to get further through my reread before I can decide whether I prefer the little Belgian or the little old lady....

I cannot decide whether I should read Hounded or not. I love Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London series but I struggled with the humour in the Harry Dresden novels. Is the Hounded series more Aaronovitch or more Butcher?

>56 souloftherose: The humor in Hounded is right in between Dresden and Peter Grant with a slight lean towards Dresden because although Atticus is 2100 years old and looks like he is 21 his humor can lean towards 12 occasionally. He is not always like that but if you can borrow the book from the library the first few chapters should tell you quickly. Sometimes I don't think Harry has much of a humor. Poor angsty fella.

>52 rosalita: I kinda love that sort of editing, though. Ha! The best editing job I've ever done was when I was in grad school. One of my advisors got the proofs of her new book from the publishers and discovered that they had introduced all sorts of errors into it (!). She needed to go through with her own copy of the manuscript and mark all of the errors in the proofs (why this wasn't a job for the people who *made* the mistakes, I have no idea), so she paid me by the hour to sit with the proofs and listen to her read her own copy aloud, marking/fixing the mistakes along the way. We met at her swanky Victorian home twice a week and she'd feed me cookies and tea. *And* she paid me nicely, and gave me a signed copy of the book when it was finally published. So I got a live-action audiobook read *by* the author of a fascinating book *and* a free, signed copy!

Have a lovely day Julia and hope spring comes soon for you.

I came down with some ickiness yesterday afternoon, and stayed home from work today, so apologies for being tardy with my responses. Sleep is a wonderful thing.

>56 souloftherose: Heather, I am looking forward to the Marple short stories, as I don't think I've ever read any. That's an interesting point about the timing of when the Marple books were written vs. the Poirot. You may be on to something there. I see that the Hounded expert Roberta has already answered your question about whether they are more like Butcher or Aaronovitch, and my limited acquaintance with all of them would tend to agree with her. For whatever reason, though, I adore the Peter Grant books and I never quite got the same love for Dresden, although they were fine. I read the first 4 or 5 and haven't gone back to them. I think the quality of the actual writing is quite a bit better in the Hearne and Aaronovitch than the Butcher.

>57 luvamystery65: Thanks for helping Heather out, Roberta!

>58 msf59: Preach it, Brother Mark!

>59 scaifea: That would be a dream editing job, for sure! You lucky girl.

>60 GeezLouise: Thank you, Rae. I've got my fingers crossed for spring.

Feel better soon, Julia.

Hope you are feeling better, Julia. I finished the fourth Iron Druid book the other day and am trying to resist buying the 5th for a few more days--I do have some other books I need to read!

>62 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Judy. A little better this morning, but not much. I'm at work, though.

>63 ronincats: I love a series that makes you want to move immediately to the next book, but I think you're wise to spread them out a little. It makes the anticipation that much sweeter.

Julia I hope you feel better today! Here are some Texas wildflowers to help wash away the dreary winter.

Oh, Julia, so sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. Poor, poor baby! Here's a little eye candy to cheer you up:

If those two photos don't make you feel better, nothing will, IMHO :)

Ohmigosh! I go away for awhile and come back to find that Julia has read the first two IRON DRUID books???? What the what? A most unexpected development but a happy one for sure. :)

I'm thrilled you enjoyed them, Julia!

I love that the Satanic Book Warbling had a happy ending, Julia. Isn't Oberon a hoot! Nice review - I'm sure you'll encourage others to give Hounded a try.

Morning, Julia! I hope you're feeling better this morning!

>65 luvamystery65: Beautiful wildflowers, Roberta! What a cheerful picture to look at when it's dreary and gray outside.

>66 Crazymamie: Hey, I know that guy! What a smile, eh?

>67 RebaRelishesReading: Every little bit helps, Reba. :-)

>68 TinaV95: I had to, Tina. Richard called my bluff. :-)

>69 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe. I am powerless before the book warbling, especially when it's in stereo from Houston and Long Island.

>70 scaifea: Not much, Amber, but thanks for the good wishes. At least it's Friday.

Uh oh - still not well? Hope that changes and you're feeling much better soon.

>57 luvamystery65: Thanks Roberta. I'll see if I can reserve Hounded at the library when I've got through my current library pile.

>61 rosalita: More Hounded encouragement - thanks Julia :-)

Feel better soon Julia.

Julia - hope you are feeling better. Matt, my 10-year-old is sick - fever, sore throat, and just no energy. We've been laying around watching basketball (although not much Hawkeye basketball). Hope you are getting to rest too.

Thanks Suzie, Heather, and Amy for coming by. I am not feeling any better and am in a dark mood these days, so not here on LT much. Please feel free to ignore my thread.

Oh, Julia! I'm sorry to hear that you are not feeling any better and that, in fact, you are feeling dark. I hate when that happens. Please know that I am thinking about you and sending some light your way. Hugs to you, dear friend.

Hi Julia - What Mamie said. Hugs and I hope you're feeling better on all fronts very soon.

Julia I'm sorry that you are in a dark mood. I too hope you feel better but I understand that these seasons happen to us all. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm here whenever you are ready to come back. Take care of you.

>75 rosalita: {{{{{Hugs}}}}} I really hope you feel better soon Julia.

Hope you feel better soon Julia it's no fun being sick.

Hi Julia! Adrian sends his best wishes for you to feel better soon. If you were close enough, I'm sure he would lick you. (Whether or not that would make you feel better is debatable!) He has an appointment with the groomer on Saturday. I'll post a picture on my thread if it turns out well.

Hi Julia, sorry to hear you are under the weather my dear, hope things get better for you and am sending love and hugs from this side of the pond all for you.

argh, so sorry you're not feeling well.

No goodie-fee-fees yet, Julia? *smooch*

^Carrol Cloar

Morning Julia- Sorry to hear about the blues! I hope things are beginning to improve. Gentle Hugs.

Sorry you feel unwell - it is a tough time of the year.

Sank your teeth into those puns, eh?

I'm having MORE trouble with the time change as time goes on - forgetting to eat lunch and staying up too late. Very annoying!

Ohhh, sorry to see your in a funk, Julia! Late winter blues perhaps? Maybe a scoop of this will help

>75 rosalita:. Please feel free to ignore my thread. Nope, won't do it.

I'm a fellow traveler when it comes to dark moods. Small steps, Julia.

Julia, my favorite mantra during those dark moods is "Depression lies." Wil Wheaton gave us that, and it helps me.

Hope you feel a bit better today.

Hugs from NZ Julia! And where in the world did the "recovery" ice cream come from? LOLOL.

Sending bright thoughts of warm spring.

>75 rosalita: NO!! Don't like that one bit!!!! :( I totally understand, though! I have those too, but please don't stay away too long. Come lurk somewhere.... Even if you don't comment??

Come read goofiness on other folks' threads and maybe that will help?

((((Julia))))

Julia

I send all good wishes for brighter days. Please know I'm thinking of you and send bright healing wishes.

Thinking about you today, Julia. And missing you. Hoping that Wednesday is kind to you.

Julia, I hope the funk and ickiness are lifting bit by bit, every day. I really like AuntiClio's mantra. Depression does lie!

Take good care ----

Checking in with my earnest wishes for an abatement of the grims.

Julia, I just came by to see why you've been so quiet. I am so sorry that you have been feeling under the weather. I sure hope you are soon feeling better and will push those blues right out the door!

Hi Julia! Just checking in and hoping you are doing better. Maybe the Hawkeye will pull out this game in overtime. They played so good at the beginning!

I hope your weekend is better Julia.

Hi Julia, hope you are ok my dear.

Checking in to wing some smooches your way.

Oh, no. I'm sorry to hear you are int he grips of the blues, Julia. I know it will pass but the now surely sucks. (((Julia)))

At the risk of offending with my terrible potty-mouth:

Big hugs for better times.

Oh, Julia, I go away for a few days and come back to find you down in the dumps! I'm so sorry that you're feeling blue and I hope things turn around for you really soon, friend.

Popping in to say hello Julia.

Hang in there Julia. Lots of people here sending you positive thoughts. Looking forward to your return.

>75 rosalita: There'll be no ignoring of your thread, dear lady, methinks. Gloom and doom are not such uncommon bedfellows in my house either surprisingly or no. I can get the blues occasionally especially when work and home combines to bare their razor sharp teeth at me.

I would normally go into my reading room, shut out the world, play some of my favourite music and singalong at the top of my lungs until I couldn't remember what I was down about and my pulse is returned to normal.

I put on a front of devil-may-care most of the time. It is a front.

Take a moment. Find yourself, because we know you and your lovely. xx

>104 katiekrug:. One thumb from me! Ha. Hi Julia, just checking in.

Missing you, Julia, and hope you're ready to come back to us soon.

Dang, it looks like you need a little spring around you, Julia. Hope this helps.

Adding my own voice to everyone else's.

Hey Julia! Adrian says hello and he hopes you feel better soon. He spent several hours at the groomers yesterday and is looking quite handsome:

Hey there, Julia ...

Someone sent me this link and it made me think of you:

http://rmsimpson.blogspot.com/2014/03/meet-me-out-in-street-bruce-springsteen.ht...

Hang in there!

Hey girl, I know you're feeling down, so how about I sing you a song?

Missing you, Julia, and hoping that the arrival of spring perks you up!

>104 katiekrug: Yes!! I'm needlepointing that and hanging it on the wall. If I ever learn how to needlepoint.

Hope life's treating you okay, Julia.

Missing you, Julia! Hoping that today goes by quickly because, you know, it's Monday.

Hope you're ok. We'll be here when you come back...

Dropping off some hugs. ((((())))))

^^^What Jenn said.

I really hope this week is better for you Julia and that you come back soon, miss you greatly.

Take care of yourself and come back as soon as you can.

As often as I plagued your thread to get you to read Hounded I can come by and wish you well. I'm thinking of your often and sending you the best thoughts and prayers Julia.

I've been thinking of you all day today, Julia. Miss you, and hope you're doing okay...

Hi Julia, hope you are ok my dear, you are really missed on here.

Julia! Please come out and play! We miss you. Bring the doldrums, blues, meanies, whatever is plaguing you out with you so I can kick their a**!

I signed up for the Booktopia sessions yesterday and got super-excited all over again! I know we are going to have lots of fun.

Here's a taste of Boulder in the spring. We can go tip-toeing through the tulips ;-)

Sending hugs and mellowness whammys

Just stopping by to say hello and send hugs Julia. We miss you!

Stopping in to echo everyone else - you are missed, Julia! We want you back!!

Where's Julia???? Miss you!!

Tip-toeing through to say March Madness basketball hasn't been the same without you.

Come back when you feel up to it ...

Stopping by with a big "Hello" and hope all is well with you, Julia.

I have not been fit company to be around lately and especially not for such a stalwart gang of lovelies such as all of you. Still, I read every one of your lovely messages (and photos) and can only say a great big THANK YOU to Mamie, Kerri, Roberta, Heather, Rae, Carrie (and Adrian), John, Stephanie, Richard, Mark, Lucy, Lynda, Becky, Joe, Reba, Jenn, Steve, Tina, Linda, Ellen, Judy, Amy, Katie, Diana, Amber, Marianne, Paul, Lori, Donna, Joanne and Ardene for stopping in even when the hostess was gone.

I am no stranger to dark moods but there is usually some precipitating event that sends me down in the doldrums, and resolving it pulls me back out. I can't figure out the cause this time — work is fine, my pain levels aren't any worse than usual — but here I am, "crashing like a drunk on a barroom floor". I have tried walling myself off from everyone/everything except work (where I can pretend to be fine long enough to get through the day) and it hasn't helped, but I just can't face being with people right now. I feel broken, fat, unloved and unlovable — familiar feelings one and all but they seem like a permanent condition right now.

I had hoped by now I would be able to jump back into the flow here but I can't. I am still reading at least, or I would truly have gone mad by now.

Thank you for your kind thoughts, one and all. Please don't be offended if I say they would be better spent on someone who can return your kindness.

Julia thank you for popping in and letting us know how you are. I'm sorry for what you are going through. I don't need you to return any kindness to me. It is freely given with no expectations. Just be you. When you feel better and come back we will dish about books and laugh about silly things. Lord knows I am not always a firecracker. I don't expect you to be.

Sending you my kindest thoughts, love, support & prayers.

Yep, pretty much what Roberta said - thanks for checking in - whew! I was really getting worried! - and come back when you can, knowing in the meantime that we're thinking of you.

Julia! It's good to hear from you. I'm glad you're still reading. We'll keep your thread warm for you until you feel like jumping in again. It's been a brutal winter in your neck of the woods. Maybe warmer temps and no ice or snow will lift your spirits.

Julia> Glad to see you. Hope your spirits are lifted soon.

>137 luvamystery65: - That Roberta is a wise woman and her words speak for many of us. You'll be back, we'll be here, and all will be well.

>136 rosalita: Kindness is not offered for acknowledgement but because you are a cherished member of the group. We all have demons of different sorts to battle and sometimes we need to be alone to do so. Come back to us when you feel up to it but remember plenty are thinking of you and have you in their prayers. xx

Julia, I'm so sorry to hear you're suffering and I hope you'll feel better soon. Take care of yourself and come back when you can.

I'm sorry to see that you're having such a bad time of it Julia. Give yourself time to feel better and we will all be waiting when you're ready to return. Take care.

First, what Roberta said. I am not loving with expectations to get loved back. I am loving because that's how I choose to live. And I am kind to you because I like YOU. I'll be here when you're ready. *gentle hugs*

Lots of love heading your way. I'll be around. :)

Yep, we'll be here whenever you're ready.

I can just add an amen to what others have said. Julia, you are an important part of my LT life, and I am so sorry that this ugly black dog is following you around. I hope he is tired of his stay and will leave soon! Sending lots of hugs and well wishes -- expecting nothing in return.

Hi Julia, I don't need you to thank me for a kind message, you are a friend and we are here for friends. I have had a few dark periods so know how you feel in a way but we will always be here for you. Hugs sent to you.

>104 katiekrug: that is the kind of positive spin on life I like to laugh about :) Not like your current situation though, that sounds un-funny in the extreme.
I am really sorry to hear that you are in the midst of a down period. I hope you come out the other side sooner rather than later, and know we are here for you now and/or when you do!

So glad you emerged even a little to check in with us all. Know that you are cherished her ein this group regardless. Please just continue to be kind to yourself. We're all here for you.

To paraphrase a Springsteen song, When you fall behind, we'll wait for you...

>136 rosalita: DARN IT!! I want to help, and I know I can't, and all I have to offer is my assurance that your presence in the group is one of my most treasured new pleasures.

Whatever you feel a need for, please please know it is NO BURDEN AT ALL for you to ask me, and if it is mine to give, it is my pleasure to do it.

>136 rosalita: I don't think we're going to go away, Julia, but will wait for you, hoping all the time that you feel better every day.

>136 rosalita: Julia, I'm sorry you're going through such a tough patch and I know how frustrating it can be trying to figure how why this is happening when there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it. As others have said, take care of yourself and come back when you can but please don't feel under any pressure to respond or comment if you don't feel up to it. When we post, it's just to let you know we're thinking of you and hoping you feel better. No acknowledgement is required or expected.

Hi Julia

I'm stopping by to send good wishes to you.

ditto what Heather said in her message above!

I'm glad you posted a status report, but as others have said, we are here for you and require nothing in return. I hope you are taking care of yourself. It's a new month, and spring is on its way. Let it embrace you. {{{{Julia}}}}

Hi Julia,
No pressure. None, zip, nada, nil..... As Roberta and others have said, my (our) kind words and warm thoughts are freely given and they leave you absolutely not in debt.

I'm just hoping your dark mood lifts soon. It's awful to be in that space and not be able to figure out "why" --- especially for those of us with a cerebral bent. Know that we're all here, caring about you and hoping for an upturn.

Take good care of you.

Just stopping by to wish you a lovely April, Julia.

Other people have expressed what I would like to say so eloquently, that I will just add my warm wishes and many hugs. Hope to see you back soon, but take good care of yourself in the meantime.

I whole heartedly agree with everyone else there is no need for you to reply just take care and come back when you are ready Julia. Hugs and happy wishes.

Yep. Love how Heather expressed it - we love and miss you, but no pressure to respond. We just want you to know that we care about you and that things are not the same here without your lovely self. OO (those are bear hugs)

Just stopping by with a Thursday Hello! and a Miss You, But Take Your Time - We'll Be Here!

I've been off LT for a few days, Julia, finally getting my first cataract procedure. Just add my voice to all the others, come back when you are ready, we will be here and we love and miss you. Take care of yourself.

Dear Julia, I saw all the activity and your thread was just so long that I was challenged to step up and read through it. Now I find that you are staying away and all the posts are from your dear friends who love and miss you. Please add me to the bunch. We are here when you want us, and we hope that that time comes sooner rather than later.

I'm glad you stopped by, Julia. I hope your weekend is kind and restful. :0)

Julia, Just stopping by to say you are in my thoughts.

Julia my RL has been rough lately but you are still in my thoughts and prayers. (((hugs)))

Thinking of you this Sunday morning, Julia...

Thank you again to all of you for your loving and supportive posts: Roberta, Amber, Carrie, Lori (thornton37814), Katie, Paul, Reba, Bonnie, Stephanie, Jenn, Jim, Donna, John, Megan, Marianne, Richard, Kerry, Heather, Linda, Roni, Ellen, Lori (lkernaugh), Mary, Rae, Mamie, Amber again, Judy, Peggy, Joanne, Lori again, Roberta again, Amber again. They have meant more to me than I can ever say.

I am feeling better, I am happy to report. This morning, for the first time in too long, I actually was happy to get up when the alarm went off instead of wishing I could just pull the covers over my head and never come back out. I truly hope the worst is over now. Well, the worst unless you count the daunting prospect of catching up on what everyone has been doing while I was under a rock.

Thank you all again so much. I can't tell you how comforting it was to read your kind words and know you took the time to stop by and let me know you were thinking of me. I wouldn't be where I am right now without all of you. xoxoxo

>169 rosalita:
Oh yay! Be patient with yourself and remember your are always worthwhile.

So glad you are feeling better, Julia!

So good to see you here, Julia! Day by day--don't rush. The lows do pass eventually, but it's an uneven process. {{{{Julia}}}}

Good to read about the positive update, Julia! Sending wishes that things continue to improve.

I thought of you this morning and scrolled around to find your thread and come to see you've been having a difficult time of late. I imagine winter has been just about as endless in Iowa as it was here in Vermont? Just these last three days with some sun and decent temps and melting of huge piles of snow has changed my mood more than I would have thought possible. Anyhow, I hope you continue to feel better.

Hi Julia- That is great news! Yah! I hope you are able to keep moving forward. We have missed you.

WOOHOO!!! Julia's back!!

I've been thinking about you off and on every day, and yesterday in particular, for some reason. I can't express how happy I am to see you here.

Elated to see you back, Julia! There will be celebrating at the Pecan Paradisio, as we have all missed your charming self.

I am so happy to here you are doing better Julia and have been thinking of you a lot. I hope things continue to improve for you. Welcome back Julia.

Julia, I'm glad to hear you're feeling better! I'm sure Adrian will be thrilled when I tell him. :-)

Good to have you back, Julia! Glad you're feeling better.

Lovely to see a post from you, Julia. Here's to continued improvement!

Hoping the weather and the spirits are quickly improving. Thinking of you! And don't we all wish we could have been at that FREE Springsteen concert in Texas this week!!

Julia I am thrilled you are back and feeling better. Take your time and be kind to yourself.

Well hello Julia, nice to see you back on here my dear, just take your time and as Roberta says, be kind to yourself.

Woo-hoo a Julia sighting! Glad to hear you are feeling better, don't let being behind get you down, just draw a line and carry on, no point in getting bogged down.

Glad to read that things are turning a corner! You're terribly missed, as has been pointed out many times.

Glad that you are back and feeling better!

GOOD to see you feeling better! Long may you flourish!!! Just keep reminding yourself that you don't have to do all the catching up at once. That's my advice.

Happy Days Are Here Again!

>169 rosalita: So so so glad you're on the upswing! As for catching up, skip that and go directly to the present. No sense worritin' all that.

*smooch*

Julia - So glad to see you here. I hope you got a chance to enjoy our beautiful weather today!

Hey there!!

So what are you reading these days, dear girl?

I'm blaming gremlins -- they ate the star atop your thread. For all I know, they may also have been responsible for the blue meanies...

This winter has, for some reason, been particularly bad for me too. There have been plenty of precipitating events, heaven knows, from the weather to "real life" sources of anxiety, but I've just found it harder than ever before to drag my carcass out of bed and face the world. The cost/benefit analysis rarely seems to compute. I can usually fake it enough for work, and that can have a self-reinforcing positive effect -- and the cats are helpful too -- but it has been a real bear of a winter, and if the next six month are like the last six, I will not answer for my mental health.

Which probably is not what you need to hear, but I do wonder how much may have to do with weather or other environmental factors?

Perhaps/hopefully with longer/warmer days, more sunlight, things will continue to improve? I do hope so! And there are always books...

Above all, though -- I know that it can feel crushing to feel responsible to others in a state of mind like this. You don't have any responsibility to us at all! Obviously, we'd love to know you're OK and happy, but not if the price of hearing from you is that you end up feeling stressed and exhausted!

Hang in there... *imagine that mental image of the 70s poster of tiny fluffy kitten dangling from tree branch by its front paws...*

*Happy Waves!!!*

You guys are the best, seriously. Thanks to Stephanie, Katie, Roni, Steve, Lucy, Mark, Amber, Mamie, Rae, Carrie, Joe, Kerry, Marianne, Roberta, John, Judy, Kerri, Lori, Peggy, Donna, Richard, Amy, Joanne, Suzanne, and Jenn for your welcome-back messages. Last night I gritted my teeth and clicked on every thread I follow and just scrolled to the bottom to get rid of all the unread messages. I admit I did slow my scroll when I spotted book covers because I'd hate to miss out on a good book recommendation. But I have resigned myself to the fact that I will have to live the rest of my life without knowing what anyone did in late March/early April 2014. If something stupendous or horrendous happened to you while I was gone, please tell me so I can rejoice/sympathize with you!

>192 Copperskye: I have been reading up a storm, Joanne, and the list of unwritten reviews is only slightly less daunting than the number of unread messages on LT! I finished the Travis McGee series (sniff!). I read The Road for Mark's AAC (loved it). I read ALL of the remaining Iron Druid books. I read Longbourn and binged on Greg Iles's Penn Cage series after finding the third book and the subsequent novella on sale at Kobo. At a time when nothing else was going right, I got some very good reading in and it was a great help in distracting me from real life. Yay, books!

>193 Chatterbox: Suzanne, I think you may be right that the weather was more of a precipitating factor than I originally thought. Coming to work when it's dark and cold, going home when it's dark and cold, and working in a windowless office all day in between takes its toll on the psyche. I hope the longer days and warmer temps have a good effect for both of us!

I will try to reestablish a beachhead on all of your threads in the next few days to repay all the kindness you have shown (even though I know that you all gave it freely with no expectations of payback). I have missed knowing what shenanigans you all are getting up to!

Let's see, Paul is finalizing his US itinerary for the fall, Amber's Charlie remains cute as a button, Mamie's darling new cat had surgery, Darryl went to London (again!), we are vicariously exploring space through Jim and assorted others have had some bumps, scrapes and undiagnosed illnesses. Plus we are in the process of bringing a class action suit against Richard for negligent warbling.

Yup. Nothing, nada, zilch happening here.

**smooch**

And we are all EXTREMELY grateful this winter is finally over.

I'm so glad you're feeling better, Julia!

Hi Julia- Glad to see you posting. Just take your time "catching up". I know it can be overwhelming.

I am sure you won't be able to make the Meet-Up but I completely understand. Maybe next year?

>196 michigantrumpet:: *snork!* Yep, that's about right.

The class-action suit will be withdrawn, I am confident, before it's certified. My warblings will soon have teeth. *evil Muttley laugh*

Julia, honestly, if you will just come back and post here until you're 110%, I'm sure that all of us will consider that more than suffices "to repay all the kindness you have shown"!!!!!

The biggest news on the Adrian front is that he has developed a fondness for my Ricola cough drops. *Ahem* They do make his breath smell sweet. I can't take my eyes off him for a minute!

I gave birth to a three-headed baby!

Naw, just kidding. But I wish I had something worth telling you about!

Julia> March was a slow-reading month for me. I'm off to a better start in April. Probably the most fun thing on my thread was a quiz that tells you which writer you write like. Lots of comments and a lot of your fellow LibraryThingers tend to write like H. P. Lovecraft. Many of us had never heard of him. However, when you use different samples of your writing, you often get different results.

>196 michigantrumpet: & 197 Wow, that's a great roundup post, Marianne! Sounds like I missed a lot of good times, and some not so good. And a big "Amen!" about winter maybe being over.

>198 wilkiec: Thank you, Diana!

>199 msf59: Thanks, Mark. Is the meet-up this weekend or next? If it's next weekend I might still be able to make it, unless you need a head count soon to make reservations or something.

>200 scaifea: Quite the roundup, eh?

>201 richardderus: I don't know; I was just over on your thread and the wolves were howling pretty loudly for your head on a platter, dear Richard. If they've got Marianne as their lead counsel you might as well start the settlement talks right now!

>202 LizzieD: Thank you, Peggy!

>203 cbl_tn: I am going to come over and see Adrian's new haircut soon, Carrie! And cough drops — what will that little dickens think of next?!

>204 katiekrug: If you were trying to scare me, Katie, just a normal one-headed baby would have done it. :-) Your lemons meme up in >104 katiekrug: has been a source of joy for me while I was gone, so that makes up for any perceived non-excitement on your part.

>205 thornton37814: Lori, the writing style quiz sounds intriguing. I'm going to come over and take it for a spin. Last Halloween I downloaded a bunch of H.P. Lovecraft stories but only read part of one. I should bust them out again and see if I do any better this time with a different story.

Heh. Giving birth to any sort of baby would freak me out :-)

You and me both, sister!

*shudder*

^ That would also be The Wayne's reaction, Richard ;-)

Julia- The Meet-Up is on the 19th and you are welcome, of course. When it comes to LT friends there is no head count. Just let me know.

I am no fancier of lady-gardens, as you know, but having been present at two births I am here to tell you I am *THRILLED* to be male. ECSTATIC. Happy as a (non-bearded) clam.

I don't which is worse to me: the idea of actually giving birth or the idea of actually having a child. No thank you vey much to both!

The having is a lot of work, but there is an amazing amount of fun, too.

Birthin' so far as I can see is a miserable hard miserable smelly miserable day's hard hard hard work.

>210 katiekrug: to >214 richardderus: LOL, as the kids say.

Best of all possible starts to the weekend (apart from the mini splurge I am about to indulge) is a return to form for dear Julia.

>196 michigantrumpet: Hahaha Marianne, a succinct summary of events indeed. & >201 richardderus: The avoidance of book bullets at Chez RD is not an easy task methinks.

Have a lovely weekend. xx

Julia! So glad you're feeling better and are back.

>214 richardderus: et al.: All I can say is that I'm so very, very glad that Charlie was pulled out the not-natural way, because, well, he was 10lbs. So, yeah. Also, with the c-section, from the time I walked into the operating room to the time the wheeled me out with Charlie in my arms = 15 minutes. No labor, no pain. Best. Delivery. Ever.

The meetup is next weekend, Julia. Oops, I see Mark gave you the info. Hope you can make it!

Did you like Longbourn?

>216 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul! I missed you all while I was gone, very much.

>217 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba! You must be off on your European adventure by now. I will stop by your thread and see how things are going.

>218 scaifea: That sounds like the way to go, Amber! Ten pounds, eh? That would have been rough. *shudder*

>219 jnwelch: I hope to make it too, Joe! I liked Longbourn a lot, actually. I liked the way she started each chapter with a quote from Pride and Prejudice as little reminders of where the "parallel" story was. I've read P&P several times but I think it would be a good read even if you had never read P&P. I'm very glad not to have been a servant in the 19th century, let me tell you!

>220 rosalita: Indeed. Plus, when the doc pulled him out, she discovered that his umbilical cord was in a loose knot, which would have pulled tight and caused all sorts of trouble had we gone the awful natural way. So, a big "whew!" all round.

Jula - good to see you back! So good to hear you're feeling better.

Hey Julia, So happy to see you're feeling more like your old self again! I've been reading a pretty interesting book with the ladies in my neighborhood, it's called The Untethered Soul. It tells us that the voice in our head that tells us "you're fat" "you're not good enough" etc etc. is not the real you. We can train ourselves to calm that voice , talk back to it and tell it that you are not fat, you are much better than the voice says you are, and so on, and so on. I've not finished it yet, but it makes some good points.

Have a wonderful weekend.

>222 SuziQoregon: Thank you, Juli!

>223 Carmenere: Lynda, thanks for the book recommendation. That sounds like something that I would be very interested in. I hope you'll let me know what you think after you finish it. I'm going to look for it at the library, but if you give it two thumbs-up I'll think about buying it.

Julia - Let me be the voice in your head. I promise to use my powers only for good. :P

>225 luvamystery65: The last time we tried that, I ended up blasting through six books in a series in a month! ;)

>226 rosalita: See what I mean. Only for good. Bwahaha! ;-)

I have done some book warbling lately but nothing that I thinks is right up your alley. You are safe for now!

Whew! Now I just have to steer clear of Richard and his warbling about whatever it is he's all lathered up here lately.

That would be The Chronicles of St Mary's:

Just One Damned Thing After Another #1 is free on Amazon
A Symphony of Echoes #2 is a whopping $3.99
When A Child is Born #2.5 is a short story for 99¢
A Second Chance #3 is, again, $3.99

My uniformly four-star reviews can be seen on the book pages or in my thread. If you like, I'd be perfectly happy to re-post them here in your thread for quick and easy reference.

Alternatively, you could go get them, read them, and enjoy peace and quiet.

Oh, lord. It begins.

:-)

>218 scaifea: Yasmyne was delivered by C-Section but Kyran and Belle - the normal way. As a father, your participation is of course needed far more in the latter eventuality and it is the most amazing feeling to actually witness your child's entrance into this world and be there to provide succour to your love. Interestingly, and I don't think there is particularly any related cause but Hani did not have sufficient milk to breast-feed Yasmyne beyond a few days but Kyran and Belle took residence at her nipples for a very long time it seemed! Yasmyne was a sickly child whilst the other two are as stong as proverbial oxes. Can't help thinking that the difference was in the mammaries. Of course C-Section is necessary when it is necessary and some ladies opt for it it seems in preference to the slog of normal birth. It is not for a guy to preach on this as it is in the final analysis a decision best for the lady to make considering all circumstances, but for the father we are torn between wanting to participate and the welfare of the mother (especially) and the child. The mother and child come first but I would not have been comfortable with a scenario whereby the father is absent throughout as was traditional a generation or two ago.

Julia, so good to see you around and about. Remember, not every book needs a review!

Hi, Julia! I had lost you for a while. I'm sorry you were having a tough time and very, very glad that you're feeling better!

(And Roni is right about the reviews)

>231 PaulCranswick: Paul: Tomm was there with me the whole time (i.e. the entire 15 minutes - ha!), but I would not let him look below the curtain that they set up between my head and the business end of things. He did hold my hand through it, though, and it was a pretty fantastic moment in our life together, I have to say.

>229 richardderus:
Julia, yeah, Richard got me SPLAT with those. And he's right, they are fantastic fun. (Consider it payback for Hounded.)

>232 ronincats: and >233 tymfos: Now that's just crazy talk! Must. Review. Everything. Well, at least a sentence or two. That's my goal this year, and I'm not giving up on it just yet.

>235 AuntieClio: Stephanie: Um, thanks? I think? :-)

>236 rosalita: Julia, at your service :-)

>196 michigantrumpet: LOL, I love that quick round-up.

>234 scaifea: et al. (sorry Julia for hi-jacking your thread to talk babies)
When I had Lenny as a planned ceasarian (because his big bro got stuck and was also in a posterior position, and my dickey hip) I could see my lower half reflected in the theater light, I was a bit excited that I might get to witness my own surgery as it was happening!...but then they flicked that light on too and my view was lost. I was quite disappointed!

>236 rosalita: I pressure myself to review books too, and to keep to my formulaic layout. Aren't we odd creatures of habit :)

Wishing you a sunny and bright weekend. :)

>238 LovingLit: Megan: They asked me if I wanted them to tilt the overhead mirror so that I could see the action, and I responded with a resounding "NO!" and forbade Tomm to look in the same breath. Ha!

Oh, uh, Hi there, Julia! How's it going? (I'll stop with the baby stuff now. Promise.)

IS there an Iowa meetup the 19th? Where? I'm going to be in Cedar Rapids, maybe I can make it?

Oh, I see it's in Chicago. Rats! Have fun!

No more birthing stories! What, do we want to frighten Julia back into silence?

Besides, do you want to put the stork and cabbage patches out of business?

Happy Saturday, Julia. Hope you are enjoying a day of blissful sunshine and blessed tranquility full of good reading.

>169 rosalita: So, so glad to hear you're feeling better and to see you back.

>195 rosalita: At a time when nothing else was going right, I got some very good reading in and it was a great help in distracting me from real life. Yay, books!

Yay, indeed!

I appear to have had an uneventful March but work has turned into a b*tch the last couple of weeks which has been keeping me busy. But I have disttacted myself with some good boos and there's the long Easter weekend to look forward to!

I can't say what's in my heart any better than Roberta did... I'll just add that I'm always here and available if you need someone to talk to who has been through dark periods too. I'm kind of a turtle myself when it comes to tough times. So I get the needing to escape.

You are truly a light in this group. I hope you can tell by how much you were missed in your absence that you are intensely loved here.

Now, what you missed on my thread:

March was a terrible reading month for me as work has blown up for me stress wise. I've been gone a lot myself because of the pressure I'm under. I've caused a few folks to worry too, so I'm still apologizing for that, lol. I'm also pretty far behind, but I find I get to a few threads at a time & it's about all I can manage.

Oh, also... I've succumbed to Richard's latest warbling over the St. Mary's chronicles. Oh boy. I've only read the first, but it's wonderful!!!! :)

Good luck resisting.

Just stopped by to say hi and see how you're doing. (Better, it seems, and I'm glad. Feeling down for no discernible reason is the pits (no pun intended). I know because I've been there the past couple of weeks. Anyway, glad you've broken free!)

Have a lovely weekend!

Stopping in to wish you a lovely Saturday, Julia, and to catch up. I love Marianne's Cliff Notes on the threads - well done! And if Roberta can't be the voice in your head, then I can I be?! I also promise only to use my powers for good.

I guess I'm too late to share my birth stories since Marianne has nixed that! That's too bad because I really love talking about giving birth. NOT.

I feel that I must add that Stephanie and Richard got me with those books, too. What can I say - I'm weak.

>239 nittnut: Thanks, Jenn! And the same to you. Say hey to the Duke and Duchess for me. :)

>240 scaifea: Don't stop talking about it on my account, Amber! I'm fascinated by grisly medical stories, and childbirth definitely qualifies. :)

>241 markon: Darn it, Ardene! Are you just in CR for the weekend? Maybe next time you come up we will finally have a meetup.

>242 michigantrumpet: It is sunny and 70 here, Marianne, and all I can say is "It's about time!" I hope it's the same up there in Beantown.

>243 souloftherose: Thanks, Heather! I don't know what we'd do without books to take us away from the icky bits of real life. And I can't imagine what people who don't read do. I hope work life gets better soon. Holiday weekends always help!

>244 TinaV95: Howdy, Tina! I'm so sorry work is dragging you down right now, and I hope it eases for you soon. You know LT will always be here when you are up to it. And I'm so sorry to hear that Richard has claimed another victim. :)

>245 Storeetllr: Thank you for the kind thoughts, Mary, and I hope you also climb out of the pit soon. It's a rotten feeling. I hope Colorado treats you to a beautiful sunny weekend.

>246 Crazymamie: So happy to see you, Mamie! I'm sorry to hear that Richard has claimed another victim with his infernal warbling. Is no one immune to his powers? As I told Amber, I'm happy to host all the gory birthing and other medical horror stories you want to share, so don't hold back on my account. :-)

Thanks, Julia, but, after two days of above 70F sunshiny weather, it's supposed to snow tonight. Slushy snow. Ugh. Well, that's Colorado in April, I'm told!

Oh, dear. That sounds like my worst nightmare — a hint of spring followed by more winter!

Hi Julia, I will keep you up to date with Grandpa and Hannah stories, she is a real monkey at the moment and running Grandpa ragged, ha ha.

Hang in there, Grandpa!

*lurk*

Good Morning, Julia! Happy Sunday!

Hello Julia, hope today is great for you.

>252 ronincats: Hey there, Roni! Hope you're having a good weekend.

>235 AuntieClio: & >254 GeezLouise: Mamie and Rae, two of my favorite LT peeps! I hope you all are having a lovely weekend as well, down there at the Pecan Paradisio. It's raining here today but also 60 degrees so I'll take it!

>255 rosalita:
Julia, I'm happy to be confused with Mamie and I'm sure she won't mind finding me now living at the Pecan Paradisio. :-)

>256 AuntieClio: Ha! Stephanie, you caught my number dyslexia in full bloom! I'm sure you're right though, Mamie won't mind if you move in to the PP. :)

Whelp, the tornado sirens just went off, so I have retreated to the only room in my apartment without windows: yep, the bathroom. Don't worry, I grabbed my phone so I can catch up on LT threads and my ereader, so I'm prepared for anything. :)

See you on the other side!

The bathroom is my "safe room", too. I'll be checking in to make sure you're OK.

Stay safe!

Hope all is well, Julia. Keeping you in my thoughts.

>256 AuntieClio: You're welcome anytime, Stephanie! You, too, Julia!

There apparently was a tornado spotted on the ground east of town but we were spared any damage here, thankfully. I have escaped from the bathroom and am back to reading in a comfy chair with my feet up. :-)

Well, thank goodness. Glad you are back in the comfy chair and all is well.

I'm glad to know it missed you!

Glad to hear about the positive outcome for the tornado warning.

The good news about tornado season is that the snow is finally gone, right? Right? Oh. Tomorrow. Rats.

Hopefully you won't have a repeat tonight, as I see bad weather is heading over the plains again.

Be safe Julia! I need my sparring partner. ;-)

>264 cbl_tn: Me too, Carrie!

>265 swynn: Seriously, Steve. What is with this snow in the forecast?! Unacceptable!

>266 ronincats: I hope not too, Roni. I was happy that my phone sounded the alert actually even before the tornado siren went off here in town. I was bringing groceries in from the car and almost dropped the bag when the loud alert noise went off in my pocket. :-)

Hope all is well in Julia-land!

Whew! I'm glad the tornado passed you by. Also, we have snow on the ground here this morning. SNOW. Ding. Dang.

Morning Julia- Hope you had a fine weekend, despite the infamous tornado warnings. Have you give any more thought to the Meet-Up?

>270 scaifea: We don't have snow yet, Amber, but we are supposed to get about an inch today. I am displeased.

>271 msf59: Good morning, Mark! I am still considering/hoping to make the meetup Saturday. I know it starts at 2:00 but I don't know any other details. Can you send me a PM?

Morning, Julia! Hoping that you don't get that snow.

Yeah, they're threatening us with that inch of snow, too, Julia. We've had cold, lousy rain after a nice weekend. Tomorrow night I've got a sister coming into town from Pittsburgh, where it's been nice, so I'm hoping it starts improving fast.

Hope we see you at the meetup!

Wishing you a fabulous week Julia and I hope you don't get any more darn snow.

Roaming through to wish you a lovely Monday. Gorgeously warm weather today, but a real chill coming on after this -- there's even talk of possible more snow! (I just keep shaking my head and saying That's not right ...)

Glad you survived the tornado scare. One thing I'm glad I left behind in the Midwest. those things terrify me. WE get them here occasioanlly, but extremely rare.

Hope you had a lovely weekend full of great reading.

First it was cloudy, then it rained, now it's sunny . . . At least it is warm.

What clothes shall I pack for my trip to Iowa? I fly in on Thursday & back on Monday (as in, I have to be seated on a plane that is leaving at 6:00 am, ugh). It's not only Easter weekend, but Mom's birthday on Saturday - 82!

Safe travels to Chicago!

We are back to winter weather today, too, Julia. Mother Nature can be a tease. Our flowering trees were coming out beautifully. I can cover my blooming flowers but the trees are on their own. I'm waiting for the first tornado warning! Have a good week!

>273 Crazymamie: Mamie, this is one of those days I don't mind working in a windowless office all day. Apparently there was indeed snow flying all day today but none of it stuck to the ground so I didn't get to see any of it. Yay!

>274 jnwelch: Joe, I hope to see you too!

>275 GeezLouise: Thank you, Rae! I hope today was the last time I will use the "s" word until December, at least.

>276 michigantrumpet: Marianne, I love thunderstorms but tornadoes are a bit much even for me. It was a good weekend despite the rain and tornado, and I hope you don't get any snow, either!

>277 markon: Ardene, the forecasts I've seen for the end of the week show temps in the 40s and 50s, if that's any help at all. Right now it's barely above freezing — 34 degrees. Happy birthday to your mom!

>278 Donna828: Thanks, Donna! If it weren't for weather, what would be ever talk about on the elevator? :-)

The snow'll be long gone by the time of the meet-up on Saturday.

Really looking forward to meeting you.

Same here, Linda!

I see I'm 54 messages behind. I'm glad things are back to normal!

We're on a weather roller coaster this week - 70s, sun, 20s, snow, 60s, sun, rain, 40s, etc. not bad though. Tornados scare me. I'm glad they aren't much of an issue right where I am.

Enjoy your week!

For the third time in this thread, I've misread "tornados" as "tomatoes". Guess what I'm obsessed with this week... (just about time to plant!).

>283 jjmcgaffey: Ha! I like that! Reading 'tomatoes' makes it all so much more benign.

Yes, but it's a little disconcerting to read "tomatoes scare me"...??? I actually had to go back and read it carefully _twice_ before the word resolved properly. Bleah. Taxes fry my brain. But I'm done now.

>285 jjmcgaffey: Would you believe that tomatoes do scare me? I'm allergic to them. If I accidentally eat anything with tomato in it I get an asthmatic reaction.

Tornadoes scare me, too. Even more than tomatoes. At least I have Benadryl and an inhaler to deal with those scary tomatoes!

>282 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! Weather rollercoaster pretty well sums it up. It was 28 degrees this morning and I had to scrape the ice from my windshield.

>283 jjmcgaffey: Jenn, you've reminded me that I need to come by your thread and see how your garden is coming along.

>284 michigantrumpet: It does make them sound much more harmless doesn't it, Marianne? I like it.

>285 jjmcgaffey: Actually, tomatoes do kind of scare me — I'm not a fan of the habit of slapping a gross tomato slice on every sandwich in sight. On the other hand, I love salsa and tomato sauce and many other tomato-y things, so go figure.

>286 cbl_tn: That's a good reason to be scared, Carrie! Too bad there isn't an inhaler for tornadoes. :-)

Howdy Julia!

Howdy, Roberta! I hope you have a lovely Tuesday.

Happy Tuesday, Julia. It's pouring rain here, so looking like a quiet kind of Tuesday. Fine by me.

Grey, drizzly day = happy bulbs and ecstatic forsythias; disgruntled dog; sore-handed puppydaddy.

>287 rosalita: You can have all my cooked tomatoes (and anything with peppers in it, from bell to hot); I'll take your nice fresh ones. Though I admit I'd rather just eat the tomato, like an apple, out of hand rather than slicing it up and putting on the sandwich - it's a little slippery and hard to deal with there.

Heh. So maybe I better a) get working on the garden and b) post about it! I am, really, working on the garden, at least a little. But not posting much, because it's pretty repetitive - "I watered. The plants are bigger. I harvested X" (mostly mint, so far). I still need to plant seeds, and the starts from earlier seed plantings.

>286 cbl_tn: Ow! That's a terrible allergic reaction - I'd hate it. On the other hand, I'm allergic to alcohol (one sip/bite of anything alcoholic and I get, essentially, an instant hangover - vicious headache and nausea). A lot of people can't imagine not being able to drink...like I can't imagine not eating tomatoes.

>290 Crazymamie: I hope you have a nice quiet day of reading by the fire, Mamie!

>291 richardderus: Damp weather is the pits, isn't it? I hope some sunshine returns to LI soon!

I could live without beer (though I'd rather not) but I couldn't live without tomatoes.

We had an inch or two of snow overnight, which shocked a lot of people now that the flowers are starting to come up and the grass has turned green. To think it was 80 degrees two days ago...

Fortunately, it's all just about melted.

I used to love tomatoes. The choice between eating tomatoes and breathing is easier than you might think. It could be worse. My mother was allergic to chocolate.

>294 lindapanzo: Let's hope that's the last we see of that white stuff for a good long while!

>295 cbl_tn: Allergic to chocolate? That's just tragic. :-)

Hi Julia, snow is a very unfair trick on the part of Mother Nature! At least at this time of year it usually melts away fairly quickly.

Sounds like the ladies of LT are going to have a very fun time in Boulder.

Julia, I think the forecast for Chicagoland on Saturday, at least for Mark's part of the area, is a high temp of about 50. Cool but not horribly so.

>297 DeltaQueen50: Judy, at this time of year any amount of snow is considered to be a lowdown dirty trick by me! I wish you were coming to Boulder, too! I'll just have to make my long-planned trip to the Pacific Northwest someday.

>298 lindapanzo: Right now, 50 degrees sounds pretty decent to me! And as far as I know there's no precipitation anticipated so the roads should be nice and clear.

SO the tornado was a non-starter? Good.
Have a great time at the meetup- what a gas you will have with that lot!! (that distinguished lot, I might add).

>287 rosalita: I have a friend who is scared of tomatoes :) It is so cute! She is vegetarian too, so it eliminates one of the best vege dishes i know....slow roasted balsamic-drizzled tomatoes. Ah well.

Hi Julia, hope you have a lovely day.

There is hope. One can grow in and out of allergies. A relative developed an allergy to strawberries in her 60s. On the other hand, my seasonal allergies, while still there, seemed to be less severe.

>300 LovingLit: Megan, I am really looking forward to the meetup — only my second one ever! If it's half as much fun as the first one, I'll be well pleased.

>301 johnsimpson: Thank you, John! And the same to you and Karen.

>302 michigantrumpet: Marianne, I never had allergies at all until I was in my 20s when I started suffering from seasonal allergies. They've gotten steadily worse instead of better, though. Maybe the trend will reverse someday.

Snow and tornadoes - good grief! Stay safe and keep reading and posting! That's all I have to say, Ms. Julia.

That's the plan, Peggy! Oh, and work. Gotta get that in, sadly.

I haven't posted what I'm currently reading in a while:

  

The last one's a reread for when I'm in a situation that doesn't allow for deep concentration since I've read it so many times.

*scurries to find Some Buried Caesar on Amazon*

The book Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee literally changed my whole life. Taking courses at a local college in the evening, there were many adults in the class. There was one person who stood out and I wasn't sure if I liked him, so avoided him.

One evening, at break, others were chatting round the table. I had nothing to offer at that particular moment. The man I was unsure of sat next to me. We discussed books, and he asked if I ever read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, I hadn't read the book and he said "You really should read it, the treatment of American Indians bothered me so much that at times, I felt like crying and had to put the book down."

I looked at Michael in an entirely different way -- a sensitive man! When he asked me for a date, I agreed, and lo and behold ended up marrying him.

Alas, the relationship lasted a long time, but eventually we went our separate ways. The greatest part of the relationship is that we adopted a lovely little girl who came to us when she was two years old. She now is 31, mature and a mother of a little girl. It was the best thing we did together!

Truly, this is a story where a book was life altering!

Are you reading any of the Booktopia authors? I haven't been impressed with the ones I've tried. I'm slogging my way through Want Not right now, and will give The Steady Running of the Hour a try, as well as The Painter. I think I signed up for sessions with two authors (McAdam and Miles) I haven't liked much. I may have to play hooky during those times...

>307 jnwelch: Have you read any Nero Wolfe, Joe? They are by far my favorite series ever. You don't need to start at the beginning. Some Buried Caesar is one of the earlier ones, and the first really good one in my opinion. But there are so many really good ones!

>308 Whisper1: What a great story, Linda! Sometimes it's the most unexpected thing that causes us to look at someone in different way, and look at everything that happened because of a book. I agree with Michael about the harrowing nature of the book. I have to take it in small doses, and am alternating between being horrified, ashamed, and deeply sad about everything that the European settlers did to the indigenous populations. I wish this book was taught in school.

>309 katiekrug: I had only read The Dog Stars previously and I loved it. So many of the books either haven't been released yet or are so new I have no hope of getting them from the library or for cheap. I admit that for the most part the descriptions don't appeal to me, either. I signed up for a full complement of author sessions but the only one I am really interested in is Heller. A little hooky might be on the agenda ...

More time for wine drinking ;-)

>310 rosalita: I have read some Nero Wolfe in my youth, Julia, and the fandom of LTers like you and Ellie (mirrordrum) has caused me to return. I saw that a lot of his readers think Some Buried Caesar is the first really good one, so you've got me on its trail. And it's now on my Kindle. Good timing, because I'm starting to finally get caught up on the in Death mystery series I've been reading.

>311 katiekrug: :-)

>312 jnwelch: Any day I inspire someone to read a Nero Wolfe is a good day! I hope you enjoy it, Joe. You can give me a full report on Saturday. :)

>308 Whisper1: Linda, what a lovely, if bittersweet, story. Thank you for sharing that.

Hi Julia- I agree with Linda, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee is excellent but it will break your heart. Keep those tissues handy.

Another "Bruce" book? Really? Shuffles away, shaking his head...

>315 msf59: Hey now, I haven't read that many Bruce books lately! This is one of the books I bought at the January meetup in Iowa City with Amber, Amy, and Steve. I have to read it. ;-)

Poking my head in to check on your thread- can't wait to visit with you! :)

Yay for meetups! Only three more sleeps.

I bought Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee at the Crazy Horse Memorial when we were in South Dakota a year or so ago. I am waiting until I am in the right mood for it as I know it's very sad and will make me both guilty and angry.

I had to look twice at Bruce's picture on the cover of Talk About A Dream, boy, does he ever look young!

>316 rosalita: I *thought* I recognized that cover...

>319 DeltaQueen50: It's definitely not a book to just jump into, Judy. It's an emotional read.

>320 scaifea: I thought you might!

What? A BRUCE book I don't own and my husband hasn't read? Can't be. Eagerly awaiting your review...

It just came out last year, Marianne. I'm happy to say that so far I haven't done what I did with the last Bruce book I read, which is throw it across the room in disgust. :-)

Bruuucce!! This gives you an inkling of how darn old I am, Julia, but I first saw Bruce and the E Street Band in Cambridge as the little-known opening act for Bonnie Raitt. They killed it, and their joy in playing just knocked all of us on our keisters. I've been a fan ever since. (yes, they played Rosalita - phenomenal).

I was greatly affected by *Wounded Knee* too, but it didn't bring me to my husband. It did take me to other books about American Indians (Black Elk Speaks, Book of the Hopi, etc.) and finally to the fiction, so I'm grateful for it. Anyway, that's a touching story, Linda!
Julia, if I haven't said that I'm another long-time devoted Nero/Archie fan, I'm saying it now. I even have a copy of The Nero Wolfe Cookbook - (lots of cream and butter)!!!

>324 jnwelch: Ah Joe, you're so lucky to have seen a show like that! I was a latecomer to the Church of Bruce and wasn't baptized until Born in the USA was released. I like to think I've made up for my late start. :-)

>325 LizzieD: Peggy, I don't think I knew you were a Nero/Archie fan! Aren't they marvelous? I have a copy of that cookbook too but I've never attempted to cook anything from it. I've often wished I had a Fritz to prepare my meals for me, though.

Wounded Knee didn't alter my life like it did Linda's, but it was one of the books I read in my early 20s that not only broke my heart but completely altered the way I look at life. I look forward to hearing what you think when you've finished reading it.

I will let you know, Mary! I suspect my reaction will be much like yours ...

__________________________

So, I've got a dilemma. Kobo is having a 70% off sale on selected ebooks and my first pass through the list landed 7 books in my cart. I removed one of them because I have already read it (library) and I only wanted a copy because I loved it so much. But I can live without it. The other 6, however, I am genuinely on the fence about and hoping some of you might have opinions:

* 5 of them are by Larry Brown: Fay, Father and Son, Facing the Music, Dirty Work, and A Miracle of Catfish.
* The 6th is The Dreyfus Affair which I remember some of you fine folks reading recently and liking.

Is it madness to buy 5 books by an author I haven't really read before? I've read some of his short works in magazines like the Oxford American, but never a full-length novel. However, all the novels have LT ratings close to 4 stars or better. And they are all set in the South, which is one of my favorite genres. The total cost for all 6 is about $15, which isn't a huge chunk of money but I am trying to stick to a book-buying budget and this would take half of what I have left for April.

So, what say you, my fine feathered folks?

I don't know anything about Larry Brown, but I say "go for it" on The Dreyfus Affair since it's high on my list of topics I want to include in my reading plans.

Thanks, Carrie! I love historical nonfiction (that's what my BA is, history) so it really appealed to me. I only know the barest outlines of what happened.

I saw Bruce only once, the Tunnel of Love tour. It was a great show and I think his last great album.

I've been wanting to read Larry Brown forever.I heard a film adaptation of his book, Joe is coming out soon. Maybe, I'll try that one.

I won't bore you all on the subject, but I will say that anyone who thinks Tunnel of Love was Bruce's last great album hasn't been listening to his music recently. In particular, Wrecking Ball which came out in 2012 can stand right up there alonside ToL and Darkness on the Edge of Town as some of the best work he's ever done.

/steps off the Bruce soapbox

Waving hello!

I didn't get a chance to say hi to the royals for you, but my son says he got to give Prince William a high 5. With no photographic proof, I am dubious, but if it's true, there you go. We high 5-ed them for you. :)

Glad you survived winter, now we just have to get you through tornado season...

We will have to butt heads on that one, Julia! You are still coming to the Meet-Up, right? LOL!

Did you see the documentary about the making of Darkness at the Edge of Town? It was excellent.

>333 nittnut: Yay for royal high-fives, Jenn! I totally believe your son. I've been reading the posts over on Go Fug Yourself and the clothes! and the cute baby! and the incredible beauty of NZ! have me nearly undone.

Oh, and I will live through 10 tornado seasons if it means winter is finally over for good!

>334 msf59: I don't know, Mark. I'm not sure I can stand to be in close proximity to someone who is so incredibly wrong-headed about music. :-) Have you even heard
any of the songs on Wrecking Ball? Should I burn you a CD?

The Darkness documentary is fantastic, of course. I am a sucker for those "how the sausage gets made" documentaries and would have liked it even if it hadn't been Bruce, but of course it was so all the better!

Mother Nature has a sick sense of humor!

Morning Julia- I wouldn't say I was wrong-headed about music, just not in agreement about late-period Bruce, which I really fizzled out on. Honestly, I don't remember much of Wrecking Ball, so sure, I will give it a fair listen and if you want to burn me a CD that would be great.
The one Bruce I really liked, the past 10 years, was his Pete Seeger sessions.

Happy Easter!

>336 michigantrumpet: Marianne, that's brilliant! I think I saw that bird outside my window the other day. :-D

>337 msf59: The Seeger Sessions are good, so there's hope for you yet. :-) I hope you know I'm totally just kidding you, right? I realize not everyone has to like the same things. You just hit a sore spot when you made that comment about none of his recent albums being any good. That always gets my dander up. But I will burn you a CD, anyway. :-)

>338 wilkiec: Oh, aren't they adorable?! Thank you, Diana. I hope you have a happy Easter as well.

>336 michigantrumpet: Oh. My. Word. I SO love that!!

Morning, Julia! Don't hate me, but you know what Bruce album I truly love? Nebraska. It feels so real and raw, and I love it for its brilliant and beautiful simplicity.

No hate for that one, Mamie. It's one of my very favorites, too. "Highway Patrolman" just kills me every time I hear it.

>339 rosalita: - Hey, man. You'd better not burn Mark a CD, before you do my mix-tape! :-)

I thought of you when watching that Bruce Springsteen tribute thing on tv...well, actually, I only watched a few things, including the Tom Morello/Jim James performance (my 2 biggest male celebrity crushes, by the way), but that was amazing. I can't imagine that it didn't steal the show, although I don't think Tom Morello should sing, especially when he's standing next to Jim James.

All the robins have been hopping about this week with little perplexed looks on their faces. (Anthropomorphize much Marianne?) :-)

Yep, Nebraska is a good one, too. And the Springsteen special was also fun...

>342 DorsVenabili: Don't worry, Kerri. I've got you covered!

>343 michigantrumpet: Marianne, you and Kerri are making me sad I don't have a television. I did not see the Springsteen special and probably won't ever see it. :-(

Julia- Once in awhile I need to be straightened out and you had honors this time. LOL!
Also a huge fan of Nebraska.

>344 rosalita: - Oh, no! I hope I didn't rub salt in a wound. I momentarily forgot about your tv status. I wonder if any of it is on YouTube. I thought the John Legend bit was compelling too, although the Neil Young/Crazy Horse performance was odd. This thing must be bootlegging out there somewhere.

>328 rosalita: At 70% off, heck, get the lot of them!

(Sorry, that's probably not much help, is it?)

>345 msf59: See? You do have some redeeming qualities, Mark. I guess I'll come to the meetup after all. :-)

>346 DorsVenabili: Kerri, I hope I can find it somewhere eventually. It may be the kind of thing that gets released on DVD, too. I'll look harder knowing it was good, so don't feel bad for talking about it!

>347 scaifea: No, Amber. That's not much help at all. Although it does pretty much reflect my original thinking as I was merrily clicking "Add to cart" on all the books!

>328 rosalita: - I forgot to mention that I read Dirty Work last year and quite liked it. I don't know if I'd buy his entire catalog at once, but he's good.

Thanks, Kerri. I did show some restraint — there were a couple other books by him available but their LT ratings weren't as high as these 5. I guess that's my definition of frugality when it comes to books!

>347 scaifea: What she said.

Hi Julia, just wanted to wish you a happy Easter weekend. I know you are heading off tomorrow for an LT meetup, and you are going to be meeting with some great people. Drive safe and have fun.

>351 richardderus: Also: no help at all.

>352 DeltaQueen50: Thank you, Judy! I am so excited for the meetup, and the weather looks to be fabulous, too! I hope you and your family have a lovely Easter as well.

Where did you decide to stay? Did you get in touch with Tamara?

I did touch base with Tamara and found out which hotel she is staying at. I didn't make a reservation; I figured I'd play it by ear and see how tired I am when it's all over. It won't be long now ...

You should have a nice smooth drive in. What time are you leaving? We will have snacks of course and then we'll order pizza.

It seems to be about 3 to 3.5 hours, so I'll probably leave here about 11. I'll need to stop for gas right before I cross into Illinois since it's so much cheaper in Iowa. :-) The weather looks like it will be fabulous.

Julia, have fun at the meet-up tomorrow. I hope your drive goes smoothly. I love a good road trip. This will be an excellent warm up for the drive to Boulder next month for you. My husband wants us to fly this time. I'm pouting because my time with Hope will be too short but will get to meet some LT friends in person to make up for it. Btw, I rather liked Want Not by Jonathan Miles.

Hi Julia, have a lovely Easter weekend my dear and enjoy your meet-up.

Have a great time at the meet-up! Nope, not jealous at all...

>358 Donna828: Thanks, Donna! I love road trips, too.

>359 johnsimpson: Thanks, John. I hope you and Karen do the same.

>360 scaifea: Man, I wish you were gonna be there, Amber!

Wishing you safe travels, Julia!

Wishing you a very blessed and

Happy Easter!

Happy meetups!

Happy Easter, Julia!

Happy Easter, Julia! Glad you made it back safe & sound. It was so nice to meet you and I am so glad you made it in. We do have a terrific time together.

Happy Easter!! Glad to finally meet you.

Wow, that was a long day with a lot of driving for you yesterday but I'm glad you made it back home safe and sound.

Happy Easter, Julia! Glad that your travels were successful and that you made it back home safe and sound!

Hello and just stopping in on what is for us a quiet Sunday - finally some beautiful weather too!

Glad you are home and enjoying the fine weather we all deserve!

So glad you made it to the meetup, Julia! It was a pleasure to meet you in person, finally. Hope you're having a relaxing Sunday.

>362 Crazymamie: & >368 Crazymamie: Thank you, Mamie! It was a great day and meetup.

>363 TinaV95: Thank you for the eggs, Tina. I hope your Easter has been lovely.

>365 Carmenere: Meetups are the best, Jenn!

>365 Carmenere: Bunnies! Bees! Sheeps! Piggies! I love it, Lynda.

>366 msf59: Same here, Mark. Thanks again to you and Sue for being fabulous hosts.

>367 lindapanzo: It was great to meet you too, Linda!

>369 sibylline: The weather today is glorious, Lucy! It's about darned time.

>370 jnwelch: I'm so glad I got a chance to meet you and Debbi, Joe! It was so much fun to see everyone.

A couple of pics from yesterday's lovely Chicago LT Meetup:


In back: Mark, Kerri, and Joe. In front: Linda, Tamara, me.


Debbi on the left, who thought she could avoid being in pictures by offering to take the group shot with everyone's phones. Sue and Joe are hanging out over there on the right.

Great meetup pics! Glad you all had a wonderful time!

Nice pictures! Looks like you all had fun.

Woohoo, meetup pics. Very cool! I am glad (and jealous) that you all had such a good time! I can say that from afar, it looks like it was a blast. (the books beer and company had it cinched really)

Great photos! Looks like great fun. :)

Hey Julia have a great week and I hope yesterday was lovely.

>373 Storeetllr: Mary, we had a great time indeed!

>374 thornton37814: It was a blast, Lori.

>375 LovingLit: Books, beer and good company are all you need, right Megan? Maybe someday I will make my way to NZ for a meetup with you and Cushla and Jenn! It's certainly on my bucket list of places to visit.

>376 nittnut: Thanks, Jenn. It was mega-fun.

>377 GeezLouise: Thank you, Rae! I had a lovely weekend and I hope you did, too.

Julia, I'm glad you got a picture of the spouses! I like posed pictures but the unposed ones are lots of fun, too. I would love to make it to one of Mark's meetups. Maybe next year.

Happy week ahead, Julia! *smooch*

>379 Donna828: I agree about the unposed photos — as long as I'm not in them, I mean. :-) You would fit right in at the meetup, of course!

>380 richardderus: Thank you, dear Richard! Did I mention I finished just One Damned Thing After Another?

>381 rosalita: OIC! And? Liked it, I'm sure...

Meetup! Glad you had a good time!

Hi Julia! I'm just barely keeping my head above water with the end of the semester in sight. But I'm glad I got a chance to catch up on your thread and see the meet-up photos. What fun!

^Here's a non-pose shot!

Tamara, Linda & happy Joe!

>384 porch_reader: The meetup was a lot of fun, Amy. I wish you could have been there.

>385 msf59: Love it, Mark!

Hi Julia, sounds and looks like the meet-up at Marks' was a lot of fun. What a nice way to spend a day - books, beer and laughs!

I survived the cooking of my big family dinner yesterday and today, I am mostly just relaxing. It's good to know my fridge is stuffed with leftovers!

Yay for a fun meetup!

I'm glad you had a good Easter, Judy! All those leftovers sounds pretty good. The meetup was a lot of fun.

Thanks, Juli!

Excellent meetup pictures, Julia! Thanks for sharing!

What great meetup photos! Thanks for posting these.

Morning Julia- Hope the week is going well and that you have fully recovered from the Meet-Up. I started Just One Damned Thing, my very first ebook. I really like it so far and just ordered the 2nd one.

ETA- How high you going on this thread? 500? Snickers...

Oh no
Mark you are joining Richard in the thread police gang.

*waves* I wish I could have chatted with you, mi amiga. Hope you are having a lovely week. :)

Hi Julia -- I'm jet lagged but trying to catch up a bit on LT. Looks like you had a great meet-up.

>390 swynn: & >391 Whisper1: & >395 RebaRelishesReading: The meetup was marvelous! I only wish every one of my LT friends could have been there, but Mark's going to need a bigger house for that. :-)

>392 msf59: I honestly didn't realize how long it had gotten, sir. I'll try to remedy the situation tonight, maybe. I hope it won't stop you visiting but if it does, I understand.

>393 Whisper1: Linda, I love the badge! Mark has earned a gold star of a different kind than we usually mean. :-)

Sneaking in before the thread turns ...

Glad to see such happy faces at the meet up. I'll have to make it one of those sometime...

Happy Thursday. The Weekend is almost here.

Me, too, sneaking in before you close this one down. Happy Thursday, Julia - hope it has been a good one for you. Anyway, tomorrow if Friday. FRIDAY!! What's not to love about Fridays?

Let's make it to 400!

Yes! We made it!!!!

Seems like even more than 400 to me.

>401 jnwelch: Why I believe you are right Joe.

>402 luvamystery65: Almost for sure.

Certainly it's more than 400.

Yes, definitely more than 400. *snerk*

My thread police days are over. I will continue to visit you, even if you get into the thousands, (God forbid). Hope the week is going well.

>397 michigantrumpet: & >398 Crazymamie: & >399 luvamystery65: & >400 luvamystery65: & >401 jnwelch: & >402 luvamystery65: & >403 jnwelch: & >404 Crazymamie: & >405 Storeetllr: Oh, you naughty people! Marianne, Mamie, Roberta (!), Joe, and Mary — you are just trying to get me in trouble with Sheriff Mark!

>406 msf59: No! It wasn't my fault, Mark, I swear. You know how this bunch gets — they do love them some shenanigans! But I'm off to start a new thread pronto, just for you!

Hey! There's a new thread! And it starts with a roundup of everything I read in March! So what are you waiting for? Make with the clicky-clicky on the link, already.

Come on, I can handle a little mild ribbing. I am Sheriff after all...