Mark's Reading Place #8: The Shenanigans Resume...

^Still waiting for springtime...

^Fabio Hurtado- Born in Madrid, 1960

Audiobook:



Graphic:


Books Read So Far...

January:

1) The Tortilla Curtain by T. C. Boyle 3.6 stars (audio)
2) Little Failure: A Memoir by Gary Shteyngart 4 stars (E.R.)
3) Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne 4 stars (audio)
4) Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather 4.6 stars AAC
5) Snapper by Brian Kimberling 3.8 stars (audio)
6) Bleak House by Charles Dickens 4.2 stars (partial audio)
7) Reality Boy by A.S. King 4 stars (audio)
8) The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta 4.2 stars (audio)
9) Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard 4.4 stars G.R.
10) You're All Just Jealous of My Jetpack: Cartoons by Tom Gauld 4 stars GN
11) Mother, Mother by Koren Zailckas 4 stars

February:

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

March:

26) In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming 3.7 stars (audio)
27) Birds of a Lesser Paradise: Stories by Megan Mayhew Bergman 4.8 stars
28) The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt 4.5 stars (audio)
29) Galveston by Nic Pizzolatto 4 stars (audio)
30) Suttree by Cormac McCarthy 4.5 stars AAC
31) An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris 4.7 stars (audio)
32) Kids These Days by Drew Perry 3.8 stars
33) The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon 4.3 stars (audio)
34) Glitter and Glue: A Memoir by Kelly Corrigan 4.2 stars
35) One More Thing: Stories & Other Stories by B. J. Novak 4 stars (audio)
36) A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny 3.8 stars (audio)
37) This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett 4.7 stars (audio)
38) Independent People by Halldor Laxness 5 stars
39) The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion 4.2 stars (audio)

American Author Challenge 2014

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

Mark's picks:

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

* On shelf

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

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

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

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

April:

Atwood April: https://www.librarything.com/topic/171813#

Toni Morrison- American Author Challenge: https://www.librarything.com/topic/171799#

Chicago Meet-Up- April 19th: My homestead.

Am I first? :D

Am I second?

>5 drneutron:- You Da Man, Jim!

>6 -Cee-:- You Da Woman, Cee!

Hi Mark - Happy new thread.

And I'm just here for the fun of it!

Love the art, above. And oh, I have had those shots in my bad wrist, too. And yes, it has continued to help.

New Thread New You? Heh.

^Munro & Atwood. Canadian Royalty. What a great photo! It looks like I will be hosting Atwood April, so start lining up your Maggie books. I'll try to get a thread up later this week. Whew! LT is like a 2nd job, but of course a very fun one.

LOVE the opening artwork Mark. I'm in for Atwood April. I've got The Handmaid's Tale which I read eons ago and Wilderness Tips a short story collection. Looking forward to it.

Some weissbiers for the new thread.

Zwei weissbier, bitte! Especially the one on the left end. Spent 2 months in Munich many years ago, got weissbier in my blood (in more ways than one)

Mark

I hope the injection helps you. It may take a few days (sometimes a week), but most of the time, they do help.

All the best!

Big loving waves to Beth, Karen, Ilana!

Bonnie- I am glad you are in for Atwood April. I am not familiar with Wilderness Tips. I have 2 lined up at this point.

RD- Thanks for the weissbiers! Very refreshing!

Jeff- Great to see you! I was stationed in Germany for 2.5 years, in the early 80s. It was a beer wonderland. I especially like the dark weiss.

Linda- Thanks! I am looking forward to some relief.

Nice new thread!!

Just over a month til we meet again.

Hi Mark! Happy new thread to you, and best wishes to you for a very happy week!

Morning Mark, just materializing to wish you happy new thread!

Ooooo, sorry to read that it's come to an injection. What you need is a nice long "sit on your arse vacation" and give those little tootsies a break.

Looking forward to Atwood April and Lady Oracle. Have you read it?

Good morning! I had a nice 3 days off, now back to the grind. At least it will be 52 today and the snow is really shrinking, just a few stubborn dirty patches. I'll be wrapping up Kids These Days, which has grown on me, as it went along. I should start Independent People next but I have a new memoir from the library called Glitter & Glue, which is due back in a week or so. I've heard terrific things about this one. Has anyone read Corrigan?
And on audio, I will continue the Winter People, which is a plum ghostly tale.

Linda- Thanks! The Meet-Up is coming up quick. Yah! We are meeting Joe & Debbi this Friday for a play at Navy Pier. A pre-Meet up deal.

Anne- Thanks and great to see you!

Lynda- Let's the see how the foot does today. I hope this will help turn the corner.

Of course, I love the idea of a "sit on your arse vacation". It's the best kind. LOL.

I have not read Lady Oracle or Surfacing but I have both saved on audio. Like to try early Maggie.

Good morning, Mark. I hope the shots helps your foot. I know walking on it is a challenge and I wish your day goes by quickly and successfully. Then, it is back to reading!

Hurtado was born the same year as me. :-)

My fingers are crossed for the foot to improve.

And I love the photo of Munro and Atkinson.

Whoop! A whoop for Atwood April! You are the best Mark!

"Still waiting for Spring" - ha! Love it! Nice paintings up there, Mark.

Glad you got three in a row off. I'll bet you enjoyed them!

Shots for your foot - man, I hope that helps. That kind of nagging pain can drive you to distraction, I know.

I've started an odd one, Dream London, and the new Sarah Addison Allen, Lost Lake. Both good so far.

>11 msf59: love this photo! (And the thread toppers, too!)

Hope you are seeing improvement from the injection. Just in time for all the walking about with the Chicago meet up!

I take it all back - starting to like McCarthy. And apropos of your question about a thread ago (been serial lurking) The Road.

Looking forward to Morrison and Atwood next month. Yay! :)

Midday check in! Nice out here. Mostly cloudy but pleasant. Bye-bye snow- don't let the door hit you in the bum on the way out.

Karen- to early to tell about the foot, but I am hopeful. Hope you enjoy your day.

Ellen- I am a year ahead of you. I'll be double-nickels this July. That seems old, fortunately I don't feel it.

Roberta- I had a blast with AA last year. I see no reason why this shouldn't be the same.

I'll be back later...

Mark, on your new thread. The paintings are magnificient. I LOVE them.

Mark, I really want to ask you: are you against using the new Talk feature which points to people's comments? I've become partial to it because it's so easy to see sat a glance who you are addressing and what comment you are replying to in particular. Of course you do as you wish on your own thread, but I'm finding it harder to navigate your thread now I've gotten used to the new convention.

Read the first 40 pages of Native Son last night very late. It grabbed me from the get-go, but my goodness, I was so agitated afterward that it must have taken me over an hour to calm down and fall asleep! Maybe I shouldn't be reading it just before lights-out, eh? ;-)

Happy new thread! Love the artwork at the top as well as the photo of Munro and Atwood.

Hope the shots help the foot!

Double nickels. I guess it's still better than the alternative. :-|

I hope that the shots provide you with long-term relief, Mark.

Happy New thread Mark!!

I have started my Atwood in April book. I am reading Cat's Eye. I talked my real life book discussion group into reading this book for April, so it will fit right in here. Got two birds with one stone on this one. But so far Cat's Eye is much like Handmaid's Tale - meh.

Joe- The foot is feeling better, especially the left side, where it was really nagging. Nice day out there today. And most of the snow was kaput.

Stephanie- Thanks! Since we have the Meet-up, right here at the house, there will be very little walking, other than to the fridge for another beer.

BekkaJo- Glad you are enjoying the Road. Not everyone likes McCarthy but those that do, become diehard fans.
Glad you are looking forward to Morrison and Atwood. Should be a nice double-team.

Barbara- Thanks! Good to have you over here.

>29 Smiler69:- I have no problem with using the new Talk feature, I just have to get in the habit of using it. If I am replying to someone, just up a few posts, I don't always think it is necessary.

Glad Native Son grabbed you right away. It's a brilliant but relentlessly tough look at race. Wright nails everything.

Juli- Thanks! I enjoy finding the right topper, that suits me at that moment.

Ellen- Sure, you can't fly in for the Meet-Up next month? :-}

Darryl- Thanks! I hope it lasts for a long while. It's been bugging me for well over 6 months.

Connie- Big waves!

Benita- I LOVED the Handmaid's Tale, (still my favorite Atwood), So I like the comparison of The Cat's Eye. Have you read her earlier work?

>35 msf59: LOVE that clip!!! SO very true!!

Sorry I missed the whole last thread due to life stuff. I'll try to do better. I find I'm making that promise a LOT lately, so here's to hoping!

Oh lord, you know that I would love to fly in for next month's meet-up, Mark!!

Happy new thread, Mark!

Wednesday Waves! Cool and rainy today. Hope it washes away some of the grime and mud. I started Glitter & Glue. This is going to be a good memoir. I love her smart & fresh voice. I should wrap up the Winter People too, which has been a terrific ghost story. These are both Vermont Booktopia authors. I am not going to that one, but still...

Tina- You missed an entire thread of shenanigans? The nerve! Good to see you, my friend.

Ellen- It's to bad the Asheville thing didn't work out. Let's hope next year's Booktopia, will work out better.

Diana- Thanks! Have a great day!

>37 EBT1002: Me, too!
>39 msf59: wouldn't a LibraryThing take over of a Booktopia be too cool! Well, maybe not a Take Over, but a major Meet-Up?

I hope today is a comfortable and easy day for you!

happy new Thread!

The snow should be even more kaput after this rain today, Mark. Can't wait until the greenery and flowers start showing up - this is a grimy, messed up time of year for the city until they do.

I'm liking Lost Lake, and having mixed feelings about Dream London. The latter has a clever concept, with a constantly changing London, but so far I don't like his treatment of the female characters. I'm hoping that changes.

The Graphic Canon continues to impress (it's huge), and I've got to remember to read the Sacco. I also just got the latest in a samurai series that I like, Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue, but it's probably too niche for most people.

The rain has stopped, just a mist and most of the snow has gone. Good riddance.

Karen- Maybe next year, LT can be even a bigger force at Booktopia. It just depends on location, location, location.

Abby- Big waves!

Joe- Thanks for the reading update. Not a bad day out here. Would like to see some green though.

>43 msf59: ...just in time for the next snowstorm, 12-18in predicted...

*mwwaaaahaaaahaaaaaaaaa*

Look what I got. Given history, this should be incredible brew. Just bottled on Saturday. If you see it, buy it.

Hmmm, I wonder if the little shop in Fremont has any "Enjoy By".....

Mark and Karen, I think the Booktopias are sort of becoming major LT meet-ups. I hope to attend another one in 2015.

I had one of those Stone Enjoy By ... s a few months ago and it was delicious.

My favorite Stone is Stone Levitation.

If you like Glitter and Glue you should read her ealier memoirs Middle Place and Lift. I thought Middle Place was very good for a memoir.

^B.J. Novak played Ryan on the TV show, The Office. He was also a writer and executive producer on that program. Now, he is an author. I just started the audio of One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories. It's a story collection. He narrates most of them but he also has many guest stars, also contributing. These are quirky, smart and offbeat. I particularly liked one called "No One Goes to Heaven to See Dan Fogelberg".

Hi Mark, I took a day or so off to catch up on my reading and when I come back I am a thread behind! Atwood April sounds like a great idea, I will have to go check my lists and see which one of hers I want to tackle next. I am getting my first cataract procedure on the 31st and I am hoping it won't interfere too much with my April reading, but just in case I have lined up a few audios to keep me company.

I finished The Winter People. If you are looking for an exceptionally well-crafted ghost story, look no further. I am also enjoying the memoir Glitter & Glue.

>44 richardderus:- Don't even kid around about something like that, Richard. LOL. I might have a breakdown.

>45 mahsdad:- Now, you are talking Jeff! Thanks! I did get the email notice and checked at my local-megastore, but they haven't received it yet. Boo! I also admire the fact that they price them so reasonable. Win, Win!

Ellen- If we get Stone Brewery beer here, I am sure you can get it in the PNW. Kerri is a big fan too. Ask, next time you go to your favorite liquor store.
And yep, we NEED to take over these Booktopias! We are very deserving.

Joe- Yum! I just picked up a six of Levitation, this past weekend. It also remains one of my favorites.

Benita- I was waiting for someone to chime in on Corrigan. Glad to hear, you read and enjoyed her first 2 books. I am really enjoying Glitter & Glue. I was hoping to get the audio but the book came in first.

>7 msf59: lol- I probably have no reason to find that so funny, but for some reason, I do!
You da host-with-da-most, Mark!

Your reading has got away this year- you are really churning through them- good for you! Of course I am jealous, but then, there will always be people in the world who read more (and less) than me, so I will just have to accept it :)

I reckon I just might join Atwood April, and read The Handmaid's Tale", and I am nearly 99% sure that I did not say this also last year.

>45 mahsdad: devastatingly dank! I love it- even if IPA is not my favourite drop.

What's the picture in 49, Mark?

To my astonishment, all the snow on the one side of the house has melted. We didn't think it'd melt til May.

Judy- Did you join us last year on Atwood April? I think I ended up reading 3 of hers, plus another later in the year. I am a big fan.
Good luck on that surgery. Keep us posted.

Megan- My audios keep me in the running. I think I would get frustrated if I only relied on print. This endless flood of TBR books is always so intimidating.

I hope you get to the Handmaid's Tale. It's such a great read.

Linda- It's a photo of B.J. Novak, the actor and now author. It's not coming up for you?

Yes, the snow really dwindled away and I am glad...

Yes, Mark, I read Alias Grace last year. My first Atwwod ever and I really liked it. I think I may plan on The Robber Bride this year.

>52 LovingLit:. I know. Did you notice the Enjoy By Date? 4/20? :) They say that Hops is a very close cousin to cannibis

Hi, Mark ~ Happy First Day of Spring tomorrow!

^Okay, 1st day of spring! Now, let's act like it!

*It's my son's birthday. He's 22. Happy Birthday, Matt!

Judy- I also read and loved Alias Grace last year. I have the Robber Bride in the stacks. I might go with the Cat's eye and her NF on writing.

>56 mahsdad:- No wonder, I like hops so much!

Mary- I am thinking! I am thinking! LOL. At least 95% of our snow is gone.

**Can everyone see the image in #49??

Nope, can't see it. Little tiny box with ? in it.

I am hoping Spring will be very enjoyable this year. We are all ready for it!

I am also hoping to have a couple of Do Nothing But Read Days right now!

It doesn't look like spring! I just walked through blizzard-like snow. Of course, it's melting immediately, but still...

>58 msf59: - Which non-fiction Atwood on writing are you thinking about reading? That sounds interesting.

Morning Mark! I'm a big audiobook person myself. Huge Jim Dale fan. Wonderful to hear that the snow is melting!

I checked the copyright date on Cat's Eye and my trade paperback has 1989 on it. I think that might make it one of her earlier books, but I haven't checked my favorite go-to source - Wikipedia - to find out for sure.

>58 msf59: >49 msf59: Yes I can see the picture of B.J. in front of the Dunder Mifflin sign

Morning, Mark! Shocker to have snow to start the day, but now it's gone and there's sunshine. Should be a decent day.

Started today with the dentist, so it can only get better. :-)

>52 LovingLit: >54 msf59: Megan, I'm the same as Mark, if it weren't for audiobooks, I think I'd struggle to even get to 75 books on any given year, but listening of the daytime more than doubles my reading capacity, which is one of the things I love so much about that format. I have Mark to thank as one of the first LTers who got me to seriously thinking about trying out that format, because until then I'd mostly thought of audiobooks as a cop-out for those who didn't really 'like' reading! Boy, was I ever wrong on that one!

Mark, I joined Atwood April last year by rereading The Handmaid's Tale for the third time, but it was probably the most memorable time too because I picked up my Folio Society copy I'd gotten almost a year before on eBay, and the experience of reading from such a beautiful edition is what started my raging fury for collecting Folio Society books. Now more than 160 FS books later, I've calmed down, but it definitely was a major turning point from which there is no going back. This year, I think I'll join you again. I have two much less exciting mass market paperback editions (I really hate those) of two books I haven't read by her yet, Lady Oracle and Cat's Eye, and I think I'll most probably go with the latter. I read The Robber Bride in the 80s in the early early to mid-90s*, and really loved it at the time. Will definitely reread that one eventually.

* eta: I had to check on her bibliography and saw The Robber Bride was only published in 1993. I know I read a couple of her books in the 80s when I was in my late teens, one of which was The Handmaid's Tale for a college course, but can't remember what the other title was.

Not feeling particularly spring-like out here, although the sun is struggling to peek out.

Karen- I will fix the picture tonight. I want a few Nothing But Reading Days. It should be a law.

Kerri- It's definitely taking it's time warming up out here. The Atwood, is Negotiating With the Dead. I just landed a print copy recently.

Abby- What do you do while listening to audios? Draw?

Benita- I was referring to her 70s work, which I have a few saved on audio.

See everyone later!

#35 Double take back. Yes McCarthy has something but more than 10 pages a night and I'm verging suicidal...

I think I'm Cat's Eyeing it too... I think...

Well, I draw, clean, take photos, walk, work outside, cook, bake, and eat while listening to audiobooks. It's a deep love I have for them. I am almost never without my iPod clip.

I can't see the last couple of pictures too, Mark.

And I really hope the weather is getting better for you!

I won't tell about the first spring day in the Netherlands!

Wow when did I ever get this late to oone of your threads mate - 70 posts in - jeez!

Suttree is richly textured for sure but I can't say I am finding it heavy going other than its incomprehensible opening passages. Sex with water-melons is mind-blowingly weird but certainly grabs the attention of the reader.

McCarthy may not be everyone's cup of Earl Grey but I think our Postie with the Mostie made a good choice.

^This has a more autumn feel to it, but I really like the colors. It look almost all day, but it finally became pleasant. Sunny, about 50.

I have to run and pick up dinner. I will return...

I was buzzing about Blood Will Out a few days ago. I just picked up a print copy from the library. I will try to plow through Independent People before starting it, since that was already on the Daily Planner.

Jeff- Once in awhile, I post a wonky picture. I'll try to find something that everyone can see. Thanks!

Joe- It seemed like it took forever to warm up today, but it finally did. 60 tomorrow! Yah! But then, back to cold. Boo!

>65 Smiler69:- Ilana, I think LT has made us all better readers. I've only been listening to audios for about 5 years, so I probably was a newbie, when I started to nudge you. Now, I can't imagine my reading life, without them. My only issue, will be when I retire, I'll have to find alternate ways to listen to them.
Right now, I have Negotiating With the Dead & Cat's Eye lined up for AA. I would love to get to The Robber Bride too, but I doubt that is possible. I also have Ms. Morrison to get to. The grueling life of a reader. Sighs!

BekkaJo- No "double take backs, allowed in these parts. I hope McCarthy pulls you back in.

>68 Thebookdiva:- I primarily listen to audios, while walking the route and commuting back and forth. I have a harder time focusing, when I am at home. Whenever I decide to retire, I'll have to find better ways to squeeze them in.

Connie- I will fix those troublesome pictures. I think our spring is going to be very slow starting. Sad face.

Paul- I am glad you are getting pulled into the allure of Suttree. It's not always a smooth read but it is so rich & rewarding. I agree with you about those " incomprehensible opening passages". I do not think I could have handled much of that.

I like to read threads with the bracket number convention because it gives user names instead of real names. I can't keep track of everyone's real name. My memory isn't that good.

>72 msf59: Why would you need an alternate way to listen to audio books?

Lots of skimming to catch up with the over 300 posts I was behind on your threads, Mark. Lurking has its disadvantages...when I don't post, the threads drift off the bottom of my page, because I use the "Your posts" feed to follow people. ANYWAY...I've got you back again, and will try harder to stay current. I may give Negotiating With the Dead a go in April...I know I have a copy of it around here somewhere. The only other Atwood I've read is Alias Grace, and I really enjoyed it. But I've avoided her dystopian stuff; that's just not my cuppa.

Mark, we definitely can get Stone ales here and there is a little market in Fremont that sometimes has the "Enjoy By." I don't get to that neighborhood more than once a month or so. Like Joe, I'm a fan of the Levitation, too.

Sorry spring hasn't found its way to you yet. I'm going to be in the midwest early next week and I was hoping for mild temperatures! Ha.

I am not familiar with Negotiating with the Dead but might see if I can snag a copy.

Here's a little spring for you with Mt. Hood in the background. Oregon, for the uninitiated.

>76 EBT1002: Nice!

60 today! 60 today! They say that we haven't been this warm since mid-Nov. We are DUE! Sadly, it will be very brief. Cool to cold temps well into next week. WTH?

I only have a few pages left in Glitter & Glue, a very sweet memoir and then onto Independent People, which looks like a heavier read. I am also really enjoying One More Thing. Novak is quite a talent.

>73 Morphidae:- I listen to audios while working and commuting. I don't listen to audios at home. I seem to get distracted more easily but if I stop working, I might have to find alternatives. Long walks, perhaps?

Linda- Glad you got caught up. It's frustrating to get behind. I know you said, you don't care for dystopia, but I think you should give the Handmaid's Tale a try. It's a more dark cautionary tale.
I also suggest the Blind Assassin, although that does have some fanciful elements.

Ellen- Glad you can locate Stone up there. It's one of my favorites. Were you going to join us on AA?
LOVE the Mt. Hood shot! Gorgeous!

Oh, crap! i just lost a whole big post I was working on here! I really hate when that happens! Is stuff like that allowed to happen on a Friday?!

Ok, so I love the image that Ellen posted in 76 -GORGEOUS! And I am excited to here that you will be getting up to 60 today in your neck of the woods - better soak it up, baby! We have two more days of gorgeous scheduled here, and then our temps are supposed to dip again - but nothing compared to what you are experiencing this year. Thank goodness.

I cannot believe that it is almost time for Atwood April again. YIKES! Last year was my first exposure to Atwood and I read both the Handmaid's Tale and Oryx and Crake - enjoyed both very mush. Atwood is certainly a gifted writer. This year I will be listening to The Year of the flood, since a certain fabulous someone tracked it down for me. Really looking forward to this. Not sure if I will get to more than one this year since I already have several planned reads for April, and I do like to allow room for spontaneous reading.

Still haven't gotten to my McCarthy read for your AAC this month, but I am ever hopeful. I have All the Pretty Horses waiting in the wings. I have it both in audio and in print format, so I am thinking that I will be switching back and forth between the two.

Hoping that your Friday is full of fabulous, dear!

Happy Friday, Mark. See you tonight!

Lost Lake was good. Now I'm back to reading Why We Read Jane Austen. Enjoying the takes on her by authors like Maugham, C.S. Lewis, and Eudora Welty. Our son cracked me up when we visited. On hearing I was reading yet another Austen book (this one), he said, "Dad, you have a Jane Austen problem." He's probably planning on an intervention at some point.

I listen to books only in my car. It is the commute thing. This spring, with all the driving, I have been racking up the recorded books. However, that will slow down after spring break. In the past I have listened to them in the evenings while I do my knitting. I don't have a computer and my iPad is one of the small memory ones so I can't have more than one book on it at a time. However, I do listen to podcasts on it. (Alot of those.) I listen to these in my kitchen and it is a smaller room so I can hear it better than in the living room where my knitting is. Maybe you should take up some kind of needle work as a hobby when you retire. That way your hands would be busy but you could still listen to books.

>78 msf59: Snow on Monday. Just sayin'

>82 richardderus: Oh NO, not again. Quick, some spring greetings from me

OK, I'm looking for spring.

I'm also looking for shenanigans. I was promised shenanigans???

Harumph.

Hola! I am only home for a few minutes. We are meeting Joe and his lovely wife, down at Navy Pier, to see a play. It will be great to see them.
I had a nice book turnover day, which included starting a Nobel Prize winner and taking a trip to Three Pines, since the weather has finally nudged forward.

Mamie- Great to see you, my friend! You always make me smile. Glad you are joining us for AA and I hope you get to Pretty Horses. I think it will be one, you'll really like. Are you tagging along for Morrison?

>80 jnwelch:- Joe, yes I think you have an Austen problem, but as far as addictions go, that's a pretty nice one.
See you tonight, bud!!

I gotta go...

>71 msf59: Wow that's really very beautifull.

Have a great meet with Joe!

Have fun!! Never did hit 60 today in the northern burbs though it is pretty nice anyway. Saw a few daffodills on their way, too.

WE finally had a beautiful day down south. It may be that spring has come to this region and it is way behind where it usually is this time of year.

Hi Mark,

*Happy weekend wave*

^Thanks to Joe & Debbi for inviting us to see Gypsy, at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, last night. What a fantastic production. I haven't been to a play or musical in years, so this really hit the spot. I think I found myself smiling for over 2 hours. High Fives!

Happy Saturday! Back to cool weather today. I am not sure it will even reach 40. Boo! I just started Independent People and can immediately tell, that this one will be special. I also started a Rule Against Murder, so back on the Three Pines bus. This one features a mailman in the opening chapter, so of course I was riveted.

>81 benitastrnad:- I doubt I will take up knitting. LOL. Hopefully, when I retire, I'll just read more print books, but I will miss the audio experience. Maybe more walking or biking?

RD- Shame on you! Unfortunately, snow is a possibility for us, early next week. WTF?

>84 Chatterbox:- Not enough shenanigans for you, Suz? I better get cracking. Great to see you, by the way!

Barbara- Thanks! I could use some blossoms, that is for sure. We NEED some color around here. Everything is drab, after sitting under mounds of snow for months.

Linda- It took awhile for it to warm up yesterday but it did get better in the afternoon. I hope you have a nice weekend planned.

Diana- Big Waves!!

Sorry to be so behind :) Gypsy! I loved the movie with Rosalind Russell and Natalie Wood. I was also a huge fan of Gypsy Rose Lee :) Does anyone else remember her tv talk show? Cher is much like her in being so open and out there and ( imo) wonderful! Funny, too.

No comment on the weather.... other than I am so over it all!

Good Saturday morning, Mark.

I listen to audio on my drive up to my Niece's house, takes about 25 minutes, maybe 30. Sometimes I get there too early and I don't want to drive her husband crazy by arriving while he is still trying to get dressed, etc. So I park the car, and continue to listen. That may be an approach: get in the car, drive to a pleasant nearby place, park, and listen! I like listening, too. I also do it while soaking in the warm tub of water. Ear buds while washing dishes.

I imagine you'll be creative when retirement arrives.

Glad you enjoyed Gypsy. That's one I've not seen and we go to stage musicals probably 6 to 8 times a year. Cats is next, I think.

I saw the Muppets movie last night. Cute. I think we're going to see The Great Budapest Hotel movie on Sunday and maybe Divergent later in the week. Or vice versa.

Enjoy your weekend!!

Happy Saturday, Mark, and may Monday's snow not stick or drift.

>92 msf59: How about crocheting? I crochet while listening to audiobooks! :D

Just checking in. Chilly, cloudy, drab. I wish I could be curled up at home, with a beverage and a book.

>93 mckait:- I don't remember that TV show. Must have been well before my time. LOL! I think I saw the film Gypsy many many years ago but did not remember the story.

Karen- I am sure I will get creative. Audiobooks have become such a big part of my reading life, I can't imagine doing without.

Linda- If you have a chance to see Gypsy at Navy Pier, do so. You will LOVE it! We are planning to see Divergent tomorrow afternoon. Trying to get a little crowd going.

RD- Happy Saturday, my friend!

>97 Morphidae:- You very very funny, Morphy!

High fives, buddy! That was a blast. So great to see you and Sue. Glad you both enjoyed it - what a great production. I posted some pics of it over on my thread.

Wish we could help you get through that work day. Take it easy tonight, and enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Interested in your thoughts re Divergent. Local reviewers have been mixed.

All caught up here, Mark. Happy Saturday!

Hi Mark, have you enjoyed a nice big snowstorm like we did today? It's stopped for now, though there might be more in store for us. Funny how I don't mind the snow, it's just the cold I could do without and somehow when it's 'warm' enough for snow, I find the humidity harder to deal with than extreme (and dry) cold.

Hope you're having a great weekend. Native Son continues to fascinate. I just left a comment about it on Ellen's thread. Really would make a fantastic book for a GR. If you wait at least a couple of years to host one, I might join in and reread it then to join into the discussion. Just sayin'.

Sunny, breezy, 64° here; tomorrow cloudy and 42°.

Are you messin' with my weather as a means of spreadin' the misery?!

No plans here to see the movie version of Divergent; didn't love the book enough. (And I don't live in Chicago, so no local interest...)

Temps up in the high 40s here, but overcast, mostly, and we've had a few spatters of rain and lotsa wind. About to indulge in some mint tea, which feels like the right kind of beverage...

Good gravy! I'm only ~100mi across the sound from you, and it's 20° warmer! Wow, that's a LOT for such a short way.

Happy Saturday!

^Color and Space: Louisa Matthiasdottir (February 20, 1917 – February 26, 2000)

^This is the stunning cover art for Independent People and I had to investigate and she happens to have been born in Iceland, where the novel takes place.

"The days were like grown-up people, the mornings always young."

-Independent People.

^It's beer time and I am slowly sipping a Kona Longboard. It's a crisp, light lager, perfect for swiping the work taste out of my mouth.

Yay! for the end of the work day. I'm just starting "work".... I get to be the Party Attendant for a 2 hour party for a 1 year old in our clubhouse's ball room. Funny. I guess I am needed because they are serving liquor... I'll have to check with the Manager and see just what necessitated our hiring an Attendant. But its a few bucks, and I can buy a book.... starting at 3 and ending at 5. Not tough duty as you can see by my being here doing this.

Oh, I hear a "oh, oh!" from the other room.

Joe- Once again, thank you sir! I am home and staying in. Sue is going out with friends and I am chilling with some brews, LT, a book and maybe a movie.

>100 michigantrumpet:- Reviews for Divergent have been mixed here as well. Since I read it, along with my wife and daughter, we thought it would make a nice outing. I hope it's good.

Amber- Big waves! Are you still in Indiana?

>102 Smiler69:- Thankfully, no snow here, just chilly. We might get some early in the week. I hope not.

I am so glad the fascination with Native Son continues. I hope you and Ellen can spark some interest in the book around these parts. Unfortunately, this classic is not mentioned very often.

RD- I wish I had the power to do something about the weather, I sure wouldn't make it more miserable anywhere else. Ugh! We are only hitting low 30s tomorrow. WTH?

Suz- If you didn't care for the book, I would completely understand not seeing the film. There are some cool Chicago landmark shots, I am looking forward to seeing.

>106 Storeetllr:- I love that cartoon, Mary! I think many of us feel exactly the same way. Come on, already!!

Mmm, that Kona Longboard looks and sounds good, Mark. I'm going to have to find that one.

We're still talking about that musical last night. What a good one.

Are you still liking Independent People? You've got me intrigued.

I'm plowing through Why We Read Jane Austen. Some of the essays are really good, some not so much. There are a lot of folks fascinated by Mansfield Park, which surprised me a bit. Probably my least favorite, but still awfully good.

Becca and I are off to see the Bulls play Philadelphia tonight. There are about a dozen games left before the playoffs start, and the Bulls are trying to move up into 3d seed behind Miami and Indiana.

Essay books seem to be like that -- a mixed bag.

Hi Mark, I'm not in a commitment frame of mind or I'd join in on Independent People which I have sitting on a shelf. I also have Native Son which I picked up when you first mentioned how much you liked it. Eventually, I will read both of those. And the winter just goes on and on and on and on....at least that's the case here.

Nah mate don't listen to the reviews - go and see the film; it is pretty good fun and I think I saw your house there too!

Wouldn't mind a share of that lager either.

Have a great Sunday buddy and it feels good to be almost caught up again.

Happy Sunday! Coffee, LT & book gab. You can't beat it.

>109 maggie1944:- How did the " Party Attendant" gig go? Easy money? Go, Karen!

Joe- Independent People is wonderful but it's a Big Boy, just under 500 pages and I am only at page 60, so I have a LONG way to go. And it's one of these narratives, that demand you take it slow.
Hope you and Becca had a great time at the Bulls game.

Lori- I have Patchett's recent essay collection waiting in the wings. I hope it's not a mixed bag. LOL.

Bonnie- Good to see you. I thought of you immediately when I started Independent People. It sure feels like your kind of book. I hope you can bookhorn it in.

Paul- That is great news about the film version of Divergent. We were going to see it regardless, making it a family outing. I don't think we've all gone to the show together in quite some time.
The lager was good but light. I like kicking off with something like this and then moving into heavier waters.

>115 msf59: The party was excellent. They partied, and I read my book. You are right: Easy Money. Nice.

Today I'm off to collect free samples at the Women's Expo. I love it when capitalists work hard to get me to spend money and I'm very clear that I will not be spending any money, today.

Hope your Sunday is all you want it to be!

^The Toni Morrison thread is on the air. Make a decision and then start making room on the reading schedule.

Here is the link: https://www.librarything.com/topic/171799

^A youthful Maggie. The Atwood April thread is up. Stop by and say hi:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/171813#

Thanks for setting up the Morrison and Atwood threads! I have them both starred.

I think that you will enjoy the family movie night.

Sampled some lovely beer from a local brewer, Jack's Abbey. Everyone here is raving over it. Feel I'm a latecomer to the party. If only you lived here and could keep me on the cutting edge!

I spent yesterday afternoon driving and finished one book and started A Soldier of the Great War by Mark Helprin on audio. I chose it because it is about the Italian Front in WWI - a largely forgotten part of WWI for most Americans.

While I was driving north it went from almost 80 degrees to 50. It is still winter up here and now my Mom says it will be cold all week in Kansas. I am spending my spring break with my Mother. We will be doing all the paperwork necessary because of my Father's death. Mom is handling things well, but she just needs some hand holding.

Mark I've starred the Atwood and Morrison threads. I just finished All the Pretty Horses and I liked it a lot.

I've starred both threads!

>121 benitastrnad: Is A Soldier of the Great War a good audio book??

Mark, IMHO, the Patchett essay collection is very consistent and very good... I think I gave it 5 stars or near as dammit. And you know how hard that is. Almost as hard as a warm day in spring in Chicago or New England...

^ We all went and we were all pleased. I think they did a decent job. I don't think it had the same style or energy of The Hunger Games films, but an entertaining & diverting couple of hours. Shailene Woodley is a good lead but she is a much better actress than her material requires.

Karen- How was the Women's Expo? I had a fine day. I am relaxing now, having a beer and getting a little LT Time in.

Rhonda- I am glad you'll be joining us on the Atwood & the Morrison. Like I mentioned, up above: the movie was fun.

Marianne- Jack's Abbey sounds good. Do they specialize in Belgium-style beer? That is one of my favorites.

Benita- Have a good spring break with your Mom. It's only going to be in the 30s the next few days. What??

Roberta- I am glad you'll be joining us on the Atwood & Morrison. Both, should be very entertaining. Glad you liked Pretty Horses. Do I see the Crossing in your future?

Ilana- I'll be curious to see your picks for both authors.

Suz- I am considering starting the Patchett essay collection soon. I think I might listen to the first half, take a break with something else and then wrap it up. Good idea?

Here is the link:

http://jacksabbybrewing.com/beer.php

Went a wedding recently where they had 6-7 pony kegs of different kinds. I suspect they will have a very happy ( or at least hoppy) marriage!

The brewery is about 3-4 miles from my house. ;-P

Mark, the women's expo was fun. I picked up a book on Lavender, and I hope to plant some this year. I enjoyed hanging out with my Niece. Frequently, we talk in the mornings about the kids, and schedules, etc. but less often just visit. She is a delightful young woman. I was less entranced with her buddy who was a very competent interrupter and dominator of conversation. The little old lady in the back seat was not pleased.

Hi Mark,
Thanks for starting the Morrison and Atwood threads. I'll star both. I definitely plan to read something by Toni Morrison in April (I'm thinking The Bluest Eye, which I've not read, or Song of Solomon which I read in 1981 and remember liking very much). I may join you for Atwood April, but I'm not going to commit at this point.

Kona Longboard, one of my favorites.

Just stopped by to say I'm halfway through True Detective. Pretty darn good!

Have a good week, Mark!

Okay, it's spring, right? Why is it going to be only 36 today and only 30 tomorrow, with a little snow expected for both days? Come on, Mother Nature! Throw us a bone here!

Foot update: Very good. This is the best it has been since last fall. The shots, inserts and exercises, all contributed, but the shots seem to be the one that really turned it around. Yahoo!

I will be continuing the wonderful Icelandic saga, Independent People and I am on the 2nd half of my Three Pines jaunt.

>127 michigantrumpet:- "where they had 6-7 pony kegs of different kinds." Sounds like my kind of wedding. It's nice having a brewery that close.

Karen- Glad you had a nice Sunday, despite the "interrupter"!

Ellen- Glad you'll be joining us on the Morrison. I would really like to get to more than one but I am not sure. She demands rereading, so I would love to go back and read her from the beginning.

Joanne- True Detective! True Detective! Aren't the leads fantastic? Hope you had a fine weekend, my friend.

Independent People sounds good, Mark.

Spring seems to have forgotten us. 16F here today.
Stay warm....

Sitting on Commuter train with temps at 18F. Nor'Easter snow storm predicted for Tues eve/ Wed morn. Wha...?

Seems March came in like a lion and is going out like a monster.

Happy Monday, Mark! Good "foot update" news. Thank goodness for shots! Tequila is good for almost anything. Wait, that's not what you meant is it?
Looking forward to your thoughts on Independent People, Iceland is not a location that's very familiar to me, though I've heard they have awesome hot tubs.
Have a good one!

I starred the Toni Morrison thread, Mark. My plan is to read Sula, although you've moved Jazz up right behind that one as my next of hers.

Glad you had a good time at Divergent, and that you're enjoying Independent People. Why We Read Jane Austen is a dense read, too. Going to take me a while, but lots of good nuggets in it. Haven't made my mind up on Dream London yet.

>118 msf59: Goodness, I think had those same shoes...

Glad you enjoyed the Divergent movie, Mark. Stay warm out there this week!!

I believe that Call the Midwife starts this Sunday, correct?

Hi Mark, just saying 'hi' again. I need to read Inwijding soon, I guess.

Glad you enjoyed the show. I'd love to see more musicals but The Hubster isn't a fan. I did get him to Spamalot a couple of years ago and that was a ton of fun.

Oh yes - Kona Longboard is good stuff.

So has that 11" of snow I ordered up they're talking about arrived?

*wicked cackle*

I am revenged, revenged I say, for the horribility that is McCarthy!!

"Slowly, slowly winter day opens his arctic eye."

"Early in the evening the moon peeped over the horizon and swept first the moorland bluffs, then the valleys, with its blue light, making the dusty ice-flats shine like gold. The silence of the moors was perfect. In this silence, this light, this landscape, the man also was perfect in his harmony with the soul within him."

-Independent People

^Yes, this continues to astound.

Kath- Only 16 as a high? Nooooooo! We were at a chilly 38. And only 28 tomorrow.

>133 michigantrumpet:- "Seems March came in like a lion and is going out like a monster." Amen, sister!

>134 Carmenere:- It looks like you got a bit excited about those shots, Lynda. LOL. I don't do shots anymore. I rather sip my cognac, scotch or Irish whiskey. It's all about savoring.

Joe- Glad you have your Morrison all lined up. That should be another good one.

>136 laytonwoman3rd:- LOL!!

Linda- It was chilly today and even chillier tomorrow. Glad I am off. And yes, Call the Midwife is on Sunday! Yah!

Connie- Inwijding, or Divergent, is not cutting-edge literature but it is inventive and a whole lot of fun.

It is not snow and I am not complaining by a long shot, but we are due for rain later in the week. RAIN in March/April? Almost unheard of. If we could figure out how to shift some of that snow into rain for California, I'm sure we would all be grateful.

Is Independent People the focus of a group read at the moment? It seems like every single thead I visit lately mentions it repeatedly!

Hi Mark!

Juli- We don't go to the theater very often, mainly because it is to expensive. The last big one, we wanted to see was Book of Mormon and that was like 150 bucks each, for the cheap seats. Forget about it! I would rather use the money on books or book events.

RD- You are really holding a grudge on the McCarthy, huh? You are a cruel man. Fortunately, we are only expecting a dusting to an inch but it will be frickin' cold.

Stephanie- I know you guys could use the rain, in CA. Fingers crossed. And no torrential downpours like last time. A long slow soak.

Ilana- It was more of unofficial group read, suggested by Lisa (labfs39). I picked the book up when I saw her in Oregon and thought I would join in. It had been on my To-Read list since joining LT.
You know me, when I get excited about something...

Morning, Mark! It's white outside this morning. Again. And just when we'd finally got rid of what we had on the ground all winter!

^No one likes my cartoon or quotes? Boo hoo....I will try to do better.

Woke up to snow. Really? It's less than an inch but...really? And a 28 high. At least I am off today, so there is that. I have a couple appointments, errands and a house chore or 2 and I want to spend some time in Iceland. I am approaching the 200 page mark.

*waving* I really don't have much news.

Amber- Yes, it is getting very discouraging. And April will be here in a week? It's ridiculous.

Karen- I've been following that mudslide in your fair state. How tragic! I haven't heard the latest though.

I like your cartoons and quotes, Mark, particularly the Literary Mafia in the recent ones. Although maybe Moby Dick would be more appropriate for a tossing a guy into the water?

Per our conversation the other night, I'm going to try to finish War and Peace some time this year. Arggh. But I remember you really liked Moby Dick. For me, I kept waiting for Melville to try to sell me some whale gimcracks, after he went to all the trouble of telling me for chapter after chapter way more than I ever wanted to know about whales and whaling.

I'm near the end of Why We Read Jane Austen, and I'm really glad I read it. In the end it's given me what I wanted - all sorts of different perspectives on how she pulls off such wonderful books, and why they stick with us the way they do. Plus it's fascinating to have authors like W. Somerset Maugham and Virginia Woolf writing admiringly about another author like this.

Hope you have a relaxing day off. Glad you're having such a good time with Independent People. It's definitely on my radar now.

Mark, I've caught up with you in one big gulp of 150 posts. I hate to fall behind! Some random thoughts...you mentioned that LT is like a second job. You do it very well by keeping things light and peppy here. I enjoy the art and pictures you post. Love the Munro and Atwood pic.

That cover art for Independent People makes me want to read the book. I look forward to your final verdict. I like to hear stories about how LT friend become RL friends. It's good to know that you and Joe and respective spouses get together to have fun. I've made some friendships here that I value deeply. Yours is one of them although we haven't YET met in person. We'll have to work on that one!

I, too, have had Independent People on my reading list forever. In my case the reason is personal. My former boss was from Iceland and I have been fascinated by this place. I want to visit there. I want to see land being made - the Island of Surtsey. I want to sit in the Blue Lagoon, and purchase yarn from Iceland. I want to go there in the winter when it is grey and dark blue.

I woke up yesterday and there was 3 inches of snow on the ground. Today the sun is out but it is cold and windy. Not at all spring like. Winter is just staying and staying. Not fun.

Today I am making the rounds of accountant, investment person, hospital, insurance agent, etc. trying to help mom deal with all the paperwork. As soon as I finish my coffee we are headed to the county appraiser's office because Mom got property tax forms in the mail and isn't sure what property it is for or why she is getting them. I told her I wasn't sure either and that we should check it out together. She wasn't happy with this idea. She wants me to take care of it and not bother her with the details. I have a much more cooperative approach that right now she isn't appreciating. It is going to be a tough day.

^Yep, that's what we are having: A Edvard Munch Winter! Lucky us.

Joe- No reread of Moby Dick in your future? Man vs. Whale. Man vs. Himself. Man vs. Society. Should I go on?

If you can wait until January, I am toying with kicking off the year with War and Peace.

Donna- I hate getting far behind on threads too. We will definitely have to hook-up one of these days, my friend. Come on, we go way way back!

Benita- I love your descriptions of Iceland. I would love to visit to. It's on the Bucket List but Australia/New Zealand take precedence.
We just can't shake this winter, my friend.

An Edward Munch winter? I love that artwork.

Linda- Munch is a Norwegian artist, who is known for dark & twisted. I am sure you've seen his work. If anyone could paint our winter, he could.

>153 msf59:- I couldn't find the title of that painting.

I remember him from an art history class I took in college. I've never seen his Winter before though.

>153 msf59: That's more like the Munch I'm accustomed to seeing than the naked men frolicking in the water over on my new thread.

^More Munch. Snow Falling in the Lane.

Hi Mark! Love the thread toppers. Literary Mafia, HAH! I'm all caught up now. What weekend did we decide to get together in April again? I tried to look back but you have sooo many threads, teehee!

Hi Mark!
Did I tell you we got tickets for the Neil Young show? Monday, I believe. Are you going? You're a fan, right?

Oh, boy - Atwood April and Toni Morrison! I'm definitely going to read a Toni Morrison (Tar Baby or maybe Paradise) and will try to squeeze in an Atwood, but I'm not sure I'll be successful.

Independent People sounds good. I think I'll put it on the wishlist.

Linda- Actually, I didn't realize he did many winter landscapes either.

Tam- The Meet-Up is for April 19th. It will start at 2pm and go to whenever. Let's hope it is sunny and 75 that day. I am glad you are going to try to make it.

Kerri- I saw the ad for Neil Young. Sadly, I have been a fan of his for 40 years but have never saw him. I've always wanted to see him with Crazy Horse. It's difficult to make concerts on work-nights but I should have made an exception.
I remember owning a cassette of Harvest and playing it over and over and...

Glad you will be joining us on the Morrison AAC and possibly the Atwood.

Accu-Weather's long-range forecast for that day is sunny and 55. The normal high on 4/19 should be 60 degrees.

I keep checking for April 4th. It's either going to be really cold or really warm that day. (I'm at the Cubs Home Opener.)

Tam, I hope you try to make it, too.

I'm glad you enjoyed the movie of Divergent. Lisa & I went this weekend with friends & had a great time!

I'm so ready for spring weather to arrive and STAY!!!

Hi, Mark. I hope your baseball game has warm weather. You so deserve a break this year.

In case you have forgotten, I hate Chicago, and your weather is the primary reason that is so. You can imagine a young lady from the temperate pacific northwest trying to acclimatize to Chicago. It did not work. For two long years, it did not work.

The slide: they are still searching for possible survivors but as in other huge tragedies hope fades. There are some quiet noises being made about why the county allowed building permits in an area which geologists have said for years is a huge slide risk. Good question, but perhaps it will not be asked too noisily for now. The small communities are rallying together and providing aid in ways and means which puts the institutional assistance people to shame. They just plain give stuff, and drive it up there. Lovely to see. The professional searchers are trying to keep the amateurs out but in that neck of the woods it just is not possible. Too many independent cusses up there just start sifting and searching on their own. Pray no one gets hurt further.

I finished reading the Downton Abbey book and if you're curious there's a brief review on my thread. Now I'm back to Blonde: A Novel and it is beginning to grow on me.

-Iceland

Happy Hump Day! Still cool here but no snow. I left Three Pines and will be listening to This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage, an essay collection, read by Patchett. I also have an ARC I snagged last summer but figured I would get to it faster in this format. I will also be returning to early 20th century Iceland. I finished Book One, of Independent People and I am closing in on the halfway point of this amazing novel.

Linda- At this point I'll take 55. LOL. I hope we have a warm April and you have a perfect Home Opener!

Tina- Glad you liked the movie. I think Woodley was well-cast. Come on, Spring-time!

Karen- I am not going to a Cubs game, at least not this early in the season. Linda was mentioning she was going.
We had an exceptionally rough winter but Chicago has many fine attributes, weather and otherwise. I would still like to move somewhere warmer, when I retire.
I heard they found more bodies in the mudslide. Sad.

Howdy do, Mark and happy hump day to you too! about 3" of snow here but it certainly isn't as bad as New England's weather.
We bought Indians tickets for June 1st - It should be a tad warmer by then but then again perhaps not.
Munch's got great stuff, but all we ever really see is The Scream. thanks for giving light of day to the other works.
Stay warm.

Hi Mark, here's more beautiful Munch work! You and Richard had the same idea :-)

I'm glad there's no snow for you today.

>167 msf59: - I'm sorry for that slip. Would like to go to a Cubs game?

Seattle might be a good retirement choice although I'm afraid the property values are inflating quickly in the backlash from this awful winter. I think the Vancouver B.C.-Seattle-Portland corridor is the next likely place for too much development.

Yes, the mud slide continues to be a very sad event. I imagine there will be people who we will never find with some places the mud is 15 feet deep.

I hope the rest of your week goes well without too much cold, and precipitation of any kind.

A happy humper dumpers to you, too!

Storm raging here, hard to believe Opening Day is on,y five days away...

Enjoying the Munch paintings, Mark. I'd say I have the Munchies, but I think it would sound like a weird pronunciation of "monkeys".

Hope it's a good one for you today. At least the sun is shining and the temps are going up. I'm off soon to have lunch with Becca, who has Spring break from teaching even though we can't seem to get Spring to show up.

I finished Why We Read Jane Austen and Dream London. Really enjoyed the first; the second was meh, unfortunately, although the author's imagination was impressive. I'm still enjoying the ginormous first volume of Graphic Canon. Next up for reading is Our Friends from Frolix 8, a PKDick, and Prisoner of Zenda, an old one I've been meaning to read for ages.

Oh Mark, when will spring arrive at your place? It looks like it'll take AGES!!!!
O.k. here some spring waves from Europe

Midday check in! Still sunny, still cold. I am really enjoying the Patchett essays, particularly the second one about her writing life. It's terrific.

Diana- We love sharing our fondness for art. No snow. Yah!

Karen- I haven't been to a Cubs game in at least 2years, mainly because they've had such a crappy team. I do enjoy a good game though.

Marianne- Happy Hump Day to you to. Good luck with that storm.

Hi Mark!

We are getting all the snow here today in eastern Maine and the Maritimes....enough. already.

I am so glad you are starting This is the Story of a Happy Marriage. That was one of my top ten books last year.

Hi Mark, are you FB friends with Chelle Bearss? Her photo of today in Nova Scotia should convert you to devout religious observance and worship of the Weather Goddess, because She spared you that!

Hi, Mark! Happy Humpday!

>166 msf59: my son Craig and his g/f plan a visit to iceland this summer.....

I feel like I am living in Icy Land myself.. brrrr

I hear it is warming up out your way, yes?

>172 jnwelch:- Hope you had a nice lunch with Becca. It was about 40 on my way home, but with a cool wind, it felt colder.

>173 Ameise1:- Thanks for the lovely splash of Spring color. We could use it.

Ilana- Big Waves!

>176 Cobscook:- Great to see you, Heidi! It sounds like you guys are getting hit pretty hard. What a drag.

I listened to a big chunk of This is the Story of a Happy Marriage and I am enjoying it. She's a fine writer and she is doing a great job narrating it.

RD- I did see Chelle's winter photo. OMG! I also saw her profile photo which was gorgeous.

Mary- Yee-Haw! LOL. Hope the week is going well.

Kath- I think Iceland would be a wonderful trip, especially at the right time of year. I wouldn't even think of visiting another cold place after the winter we've had. Ugh!
They say it might hit 60 on Sunday but then falls right back off on Monday. WTH?

*waves*

>54 msf59: >65 Smiler69: Well, I am doing it. I am reading A Handmaid's Tale in preparation for Atwood April. And as a preparatory preparation for Atwood April I listened to a whole audio book, Atwood's Up in the Tree. *ahem* A children's book, with CD in the back sleeve. ;)

Well, I am past hump day for sure here. Already Friday (in a couple of hours anyway). And I have class tomorrow, which I just finished reading some theory for. *oh my aching brain*

Sweet Thursday! It looks like it will be a rainy day, but that is okay, I want the grime, the snowpack left behind, washed away.
My current reads are keeping me content...

Roberta- Waves & Hugs!

Megan- Yah, for starting A Handmaid's Tale. Looking forward to your thoughts. I hope you like it, as much as I did.
I hope you have an R & R weekend ahead of you!

Morning, Mark!

WHAT??? getting cold again? Say it isn't so :(

Well, then! I wish for you to have the washing of grime and grit away, away, away! Let the rain be the clean. And then happy Thursday to you.

I'm still caught up in Guns of August and Blonde: A Novel. I shall carry on until I have my 10th book read this year. Can you imagine my being a happy part of this group and I've only read 10 books. Ha ha ha!

Hiya, Mark. Yeah, this warmup is welcome, even if it comes with some rain.

Had a great lunch with Becca. It's been an interesting year for her, taking over as lead teacher for her morning and afternoon classes. They split the two week Spring vacation up, so that she has a week now, and then, after two weeks of teaching, will have another week's break. She likes that a lot. Once we reach summer, we're going to send her out to Seattle to visit with her bro.

Really liking my current reads, Our Friends from Frolix 8 and Prisoner of Zenda. What a mind Philip K. Dick had! The range of his imagination is mind-boggling.

I think Louise Penny said it best on FB today: This winter has a long tail. And a forked one.

Hey Mark, sorry to hear about you getting more cold weather.

Amber- Big Waves!

Kath- Not exactly cold but not very warm either. We have a brief warm up Sunday and then cool again.

Joe- Pretty dreary out here. Books are keeping fine company though. I need to read more Mr. Dick. I am sadly behind with him.

RD- Penny could not put it more perfectly.

Abby- Great to see you! Hope you are enjoying some warmth down there.

I am about to finish Cat's Eye and finally last night got to do some knitting. Had lunch today with Mum and sister. Am worried about Mum - she is not sleeping well, but then it is only 1 month since my father died so I think all she needs is time.

I will start reading Wild Swans tonight. Well, I started it already but it will be my main read starting tonight.

Good golly! It was windy here yesterday. Winds up to 50 mph. Dirt blowing everywhere. So much dirt in the air that there was just a brown haze over everything. The wind howled clear into the night and finally dropped early this morning. Fortunately, the wind was from the south so it was much warmer. (44 is warm when it has been as cold the last two weeks as it was.) The folks here are hoping for some rain. Right now the air is so dry my hair crackles and that is a problem I usually don't have. Guess I am not in the South anymore. I will be leaving to journey back to T-town tomorrow and using hand lotion won't be as much of an imperative down there.

Just thought I'd tell you I just posted my review of Native Son. I'm pretty happy with it, hope you like it too!

>184 msf59: AMEN!! :)

I was going to skip Atwood April this year, but when I was searching for my copy of Beloved last night, guess what was sitting right next to it????? Oryx and Crake!!! Guess I'll be joining you again!

How can it be cold, dreary and completely absent of the color green, and my allergies are at full tilt? It's been coming on for at least a week but today might be the worse. I don't mind dealing with my seasonals, if at least there is something blooming and some warmth, but this is ridiculous. Maybe, it's mold. Ugh!

Benita- Thanks for the report. Make sure you stop by and let me know what you thought of Cat's Eye. I hope your opinion improved.
Yep, your Mom might need a little more time. At least, she has family there, to keep an eye on her. Hope she rebounds.
Have a safe trip back tomorrow. What's your audio?

Ilana- I will be by to check it out. I have an appointment soon, so I might have to do it on my return.

Tina- You were going to skip AA? The NERVE! I think you found the perfect title. I loved Oryx and Crake and it's not that long, which is always a bonus.
Did you find Beloved? LOL.

Hi Mark, just passing through as I work on my spring cleaning this week. I am about to pack it in for today and spend an hour or so with a book. Hope that rain helped to wash away the snow and grime in your neck of the woods.

>184 msf59: yes! Yes! A thousand times yes!

I am glad you are liking This is the Story of a Happy Marriage. Patchett seems like a really nice person.

Friday. It can't get here soon enough.
5pm on Friday is best.

Hello! Just popping in briefly, it's been too long since I last popped by. Lovely to see all is as it should be, although I think one needs more beer, given that 5pm on Friday isn't that far away (for me, at least :).

>196 msf59: It's likely mold. I read an article yesterday that predicted the worst year for allergies in a long time, and mold was at the top of the list, because of all of the moisture we've got going on. Yick. My allergies are kicking in, too, I'm afraid.

I was wondering if this happened to anyone else, but while listening to This is the Story of a Happy Marriage, she namedrops Independent People, my other current read. What are the chances, especially with something so relatively obscure? Okay, I am being a big biblio-geek. I can't help myself.
I will finish the Patchett collection today. It's been wonderful. I have only a 100 pages left in Independent People too, so I am getting close.

Judy- Don't work to hard, with that spring cleaning. Have a restful weekend.

Marianne- Big Waves!

Rhonda- Which Patchett books have you read? I still want to get to State of Wonder & Truth & Beauty.

Ellen- My Friday is tomorrow, but that is okay, I had a good day off earlier in the week. Hope you have a nice weekend planned.

Tania- You always put a smile on my face, when I see you, especially when you drop off a book & beer. I've missed you. I hope all is well and you are getting some reading in.

Amber- Bad Bad mold!! Usually, I don't feel this rough until late April and early May.

Morning Mark! Sorry to see you're already feeling the affects of allergies but I'm actually relieved too. This could be the signal we've all been waiting for - Spring has finally arrived! Yippee

I'm sorry, too, to hear you're getting roughed up by the mold. But maybe it is a better sign than Ground Hog's Day that we're really going to get to Spring this year.

We head out to NYC tomorrow for a few days, so we've got to get a bunch of stuff done at work today. As my forte is goofing off, this is going to be quite a challenge.

Hope you have a good one - the temps are inching up.

I'm told one can grow in and out of allergies as one ages. My grandmother suddenly developed an allergy to strawberries in her late 60's. I'm hoping take a hike this Spring. Not likely according to the local weather guy. Nuts.

Hope you feel better.

It is slowly clearing up...come on sunshine.

Lynda- You have a good point about allergies and warmer temps but it's tough to be still bundled up with my nose running like a faucet. LOL!

Joe- I hope you are getting through your work-load. Have a safe trip tomorrow and don't forget to check in.

Marianne- I didn't start developing seasonal allergies until I was about 30. I sure hope it fades away at some point. It wears you down.

Hi Mark - Happy Friday! I hope the Algiers clear up. I have a dreadful mold and mildew allergy as well.

The Patchett sounds good. I've not read any of her fiction yet, although I think I have State of Wonder saved on my iTunes.

Happy Friday Mark! I've read almost everything by Patchett, but mostly it's been a while. I haven't read Run or The Getaway Car. I think I read everything else on her list. Bel Canto was my favorite, and Truth and Beauty. But I really liked State of Wonder and also The Magician's Assistant; which I keep meaning to re-read.

I heard Patchett talk, when she was here in Portland. She does love to push other people's books! And apparently she has a blog of recommended reading on the Parnassus Books website.

Hi Mark: Happy weekend!!

We are going to see the Divergent movie tonight. Really looking forward to it.

I think when I read Patchett's input into some book about books (can't remember which one) that she mentioned pressing Independent People on anyone she could, Mark.

Just finished planning an evening date to a local brewery for a drink (I knew you'd approve), and then realised that I am having my nephew and niece over to stay for the night. Snafu.

>212 msf59:

:-)

I expect a movie soon... the endless winter. This is making me grumpy. It was 60 today!! It's going to snow on Sunday. How do you stand it?

Sorry, everyone! I've been on the go. We went out for dinner & drinks with friends and now I am ready for bed. See you in the A.M....

Sleep well, Mark. We know you have to work on Saturday.

Happy Saturday! We have a chilly day today but then it warms up for a couple days. I guess that qualifies as a small slightly gnawed bone.
I LOVED This is the Story of a Happy Marriage. I know she prefers writing fiction, but she also excels at NF, especially when it involves her personal life.
On audio, I started the Rosie Project. I've had this one on the To-Read list for awhile and I think Julia and I, were going to read it together at some point. It's fun and refreshing in the early going.

I will also wrap up Independent People today. For a big book, the narrative moved along pretty well, even with abrupt narrative shifts.

Kerri- Have your allergies been bad too? Mine are ridiculous. I usually don't feel this rough, until late in the spring. Ugh!
Let me know, when you'll be reading State of Wonder, maybe I can squeeze it in during the same time-frame. I've had it in the audio stacks for a couple of years. I also think you would like Bel Canto.

Rhonda- Thanks for the Patchett info. I have only read Bel Canto, up until this point, so I have some catching up to do. I would also like to hear her speak at some point and of course I would love to visit Parnassus Books.

Linda- Happy weekend! I hope you enjoyed Divergent.

I have been reading lots, just no time to chat about it online! Getting lots of face-to-face book chat in though, have been quite social of late.

I did read a rather good graphic novel called Beautiful Darkness earlier this week, you'd probably like it. It was very very very (VERY!) dark, but quite fascinating. From memory, you have no objections to dark.

Hope your Saturday workday goes well!

I am sure many of you will be amused but as I am typing away, I am also eating a breakfast sandwich I made, trying to sip my coffee, all with my nose running quite freely...lovely.

Bonnie- It looks like Patchett loves pushing books she adores. Sounds kind of familiar. She might fit in around here. LOL.
She mentioned Independent People, in the collection, because she was considering that for the name of the bookstore, she was opening in Nashville.

Megan- Bummer about the brewery. Hope you can reschedule.

Ilana- Big Wave!

Kath- Movie? Yes, it is an endless winter and I think most people are pretty burned out. We hit 60 for the next couple days but then the crap returns.

Ellen- I am usually an early to bed kind of guy, especially on a work-night but the allergies have been wiping me out even more.

Tania- 2 days in a row?? Hooray! Hey, I am glad you have been reading, that is the most important thing, although I would love to see what those books are. LOL.
Thanks for the GN rec. I always appreciate those.

**I will try to catch up on some threads after work and tomorrow morning. I promise.

I think poor Charlie sympathizes with you, Mark - we had to resort to the Children's Benadryl last night before bed, the sad little thing was so sneezy and sniffly. Hoping his normal morning dose of Claritin starts kicking in soon (I started him on it at the beginning of the week, and he'll have a dose a day until next winter).

Hi Mark

Here's hoping you feel better today!

I hope your day is a good one!

I like Ann Patchett a lot, though I've only read two of her books (Bel CAnto and State of Wonder). I have all of her others on the TBR shelves, except for This is the Story of a Happy Marriage which is on my Amazon wish list...

Hope the day goes by quickly for you and the allergies settle down!!

Mark, Happy Weekend!

>225 Ameise1: ^^What she said.

Loved the Divergent movie, Mark, even though there are quite a few (minor) differences from the book. It was nice to see it brought to life and I loved trying to identify the Chicago locales, such as Marina City, Navy Pier etc. At one point early on, Dauntless is climbing up onto the train (el) tracks and I recognized that as being those at Monroe and Wells, right near where I went to school (which was at Monroe and Wacker).

Anyway, it left me eager to read the next book.

Interestingly, when I saw the Muppets movie and also The Grand Budapest Hotel, a lot of the coming attractions were to my liking, particularly the artsy ones before TGBH. Divergent is not at all my usual and none of the science fiction/dystopian movie previews appealed. The only one that sounded good was that upcoming Kevin Costner movie about football, particularly the football draft. Draft Day, I think it's called. That one is right in my wheelhouse

Trust that your nose will slow down apace to help you towards the weekend you deserve, Mark.

Mark, I hope you're having a nice weekend. Call the Midwife starts Sunday night -- will you be watching it?

^I seriously hope one of those are for me? It's been a LONG day...

The sun is out! The sun is out! It took ALL afternoon but it finally made an appearance.

Amber- I had another tough allergy day and I am maxed out on the meds. I hope Charlie got some relief.

>223 Whisper1:- Good to see you, Linda! Thanks for the book rec!

Katie- I have State of Wonder lined up for my next Patchett. I am also hoping there is a good audio of Truth & Beauty.

Barb & RD- Thanks! I won't be drinking any champagne but beer works, right?

>227 lindapanzo:- Glad you liked Divergent, Linda. I think they did a good job with a dystopian Chicago. I hope I can catch The Grand Budapest Hotel at the show. I LOVE Wes Anderson.

Paul- The nose did not cooperate. I am hoping a couple of fine beers will plug up the flow.

Laura- Great to see you. Yes, Call the Midwife is all set on the DVR. My wife is really looking forward to it too. Do you watch Game of Thrones?

Hi Mark - I haven't had a lot of time this week to keep up with threads so I'm in catch-up mode around here.

That Iceland waterfall photo is fabulous!

Looking forward to your thoughts on The Rosie Project. It's on my e-reader but I haven't started it yet.

Good to hear the sun made an appearance!

Juli- Glad you could stop by. Always a pleasure. I am really enjoying the Rosie Project. It's a perfect palate cleanser. Very few books are set in Australia, so that is an added bonus for me.

I think I am going sit my butt down and watch The Wolf of Wall Street and sip a couple more brews...

>231 msf59: Mark I haven't gotten into Game of Thrones. No good reason, just haven't watched it even though I would probably like it.

Hi Mark,
Welcome to the weekend! I sympathize with the allergies; all the trees are blooming here, which is lovely but makes for sinus hell. Still, I do love Seattle's four-month-long springtime.

I got a couple of large bottles of the current "Enjoy By." I was pleased to see it on the shelf at the PCC (local co-op) this morning so I snagged a couple of bottles and will drink them by 4/20/14.

I heard that "The Wolf of Wall Street" is quite good. According to my hair stylist. :-)

**waving Hi**

Mark, I think if you live in Australia, you will find there are plenty of books set in Australia. :) Sadly, they just don't often get distributed outside of Australia. And I've been reading so much sci-fi and fantasy of late that I haven't read anything set in Australia for the longest time!!

And you have no idea what I've been reading because you seem to have misplaced the link to my thread (at any rate, you haven't been there all year, now I look at it). It's a bit quiet at the moment, but feel free to pop by and say hi anytime: http://www.librarything.com/topic/162805#

Day off! I brought home a movie to watch.. but I'm not sure it will happen, we shall see. I'm glad your weekend got off to a good start.

"They were allowed a little touch at each of the books, but only with their fingertips tonight, literature cannot bear dirty hands; first we'll have to back each volume with paper, the covers must not get dirty, nor the spines slit, books are the nation's most precious possession, books have preserved the nation's life through monopoly, pestilence, and volcanic eruption, not to mention the tons of snow that have lain over the country's widely scattered homesteads for the major part of every one of its thousand years."

-Independent People

^I think this was a great read. Not always smooth and the lead character could be quite unpleasant and hard-headed, (putting it mildly), but I think he stands with other pinnacle literary figures. I thank Lisa, for the nudge on this one, otherwise it would sat in the nether-regions, until another LTer opened a door.

101 posts to read in just your thread is not going to work! Hi Mark. Hoping you are having a lovely Sunday.

^Call the Midwife returns tonight. Make sure those DVRs are set. This is always a Must-See Show.

Laura- I've been backing off from watching more and more TV programs, although it is nice to have a couple to watch with my better half, which includes CTM & GOT.

Ellen- "sinus hell"! That is a perfect way to describe it. Ugh! I hope it begins to lighten up. Congrats on finding Enjoy BY. I haven't found it in bottle yet but tried one, Friday night. One of my favorites.
I have a few minutes left in "The Wolf of Wall Street". It's a good film but once again WAY to LONG!

Karen- Big Waves!

Tania- Well, that explains it then. LOL. Honestly, I thought you had been to busy to post anything on your thread and it must have been unstarred. Bad Mark.
Have you heard any buzz on the Rosie Project? It is a lot of fun.

Morning Kath- What movie did you get? We are going to hit nearly 60 today, which will feel good. It will be nice to open the windows for a bit.

Connie- How did you get that far behind? LOL. Keeping up with the threads is a mighty task. No explanations necessary. Hope you are having a fine weekend.

Poor Mark and sinuses. Knock on wood, I haven't had a cold all winter but I have had sinus trouble though milder than yours, sounds like. After I finished my cozy last night, I picked up my Cormac McCarthy book and finally started getting into it.

Enjoy the mild weather today and tomorrow. I'm off on Monday and hope to get outside to enjoy those 67 degree temps.

Mark, have a beautiful Sunday! I hope you'll like your Agent Zigzag audio; I think it's your cup of tea :-)

Mark, I feel your pain... kind of... I woke up this morning with majorly stuffed up sinuses and nose. In my case it probably is not the spring stuff but rather what I ate yesterday. Nevertheless, being stuffed up is a big fat drag, and a pain. I hope yours goes away soon, and mine too.

Enjoy the rest of Sunday, good friend.

Linda- We are heading to Oak Park for a 1st birthday party. I am glad it's early, so I can get home and suffer quietly. LOL.
Looking forward to CTM.

Diana- Thanks! I should be able to start it tomorrow or Tuesday. I haven't been reading/listening to much NF and now I have a couple going.

Karen- "being stuffed up is a big fat drag, and a pain." Amen, my friend. Hope yours is temporary and you feel better by tomorrow.

Glad you're getting some decent weather, Mark. I've been thinking about trying Agent zigzag, so I look forward to your reaction to that one. Prisoner of Zenda was a fun swashbuckler (can you swashbuckle on land? I think you can, but I'm not sure).

Hi Mark, hope you're enjoying this Sunday. Are you buried under snow like we are? It's been going all night and all day so far.

>246 jnwelch: Joe, it had never occurred to me that swashbuckling was something done at sea specifically. My online dictionary says "(to) engage in daring and romantic adventures with ostentatious bravado or flamboyance". Granted, they give the example of "swashbuckling buccaneers", but I'd always heard of The Three Musketeers, for example, being referred to as a swashbuckling novel, and because of that, until today, I thought it had something to do with swordplay.

Good Sunday, Mark! Yes, I'm de-lurking at last! Nothing like finally being able to breathe and a less cottony-head to bring me out from behind the large boulder I've been hiding behind recently.

>247 Smiler69: I'm with you Ilana, I always thought swashbuckling was just something to do with swordplay, and not that it was specifically done at sea.

We are getting ready to head out to a birthday party. Little Savannah is one. My best friend's first grandchild. I am still feeling rough around the edges but I will muddle through.

Joe- Thanks for checking in. I'll start Agent Zigzag soon. You might also like the Rosie Project. It is a lot of fun.

Ilana- No snow. Hooray! And plenty of sunshine. It should be very comfortable the next couple of days.

Caro made it! Caro made it! Glad to see you, my friend. It's good to hear you are feeling better. I am battling allergies. Ugh!

I am on my way back to Alabama. It is a beautiful day and I am trapped in a car. I hope to get back soon enough to catch CTM. I am listening to A Soldier of the Great War by Mark Helprin. This is fiction for the WWI reads. It is a long book - 24 CD's. I like it but it is long on details of the main characters life and sometimes gets boring. But it is a historical epic on a grand scale. I am now on CD number 12 but I took a break to listen to Prairie Home Companion. My reading book is now Wild Swans. I finished Cat's Eye so will be ready to put my two cents worth in on the Atwood in April thread as soon as April starts. I will also let you know what the real life book discussion group says about it.

Those cross-book connections astound me when they happen to me, so I was happy to see that you had one with the Pratchett and Independent People. Maybe it is something that only book geeks like?

Oh my, I loved Agent Zigzag Mark when I read it last year and I have The Rosie Project saved on my iPad. I'll wait for your comments.

I did start Blood Will Out yesterday. I had requested it from the library and it came in while I was deep into Independent People. This is going to be my kind of NF and I love it when the author is deeply tangled up with the subject matter. I hope to read more shortly...

Benita- I hope you are having a safe trip back. I have not read Helprin and unless you really loved it, I might take a pass.
Looking forward to your thoughts on Cat's eye.

Bonnie- I had snagged an audio copy of Agent Zigzag, after you recommended it. Diana just read and enjoyed it, so I thought it was about time.
His new book sounds good too!

Ugh! sorry to hear you're battling allergies. I never suffered from allergies before, but in the last 2 years, I've somehow developed allergies to Spring pollen. Is this part of aging? :-(

I've been wanting to read Agent Zigzag after I read Operation Mincemeat but haven't gotten round to it. I shall have to move this up my TBR Tower.

Loved Call the Midwife tonight, Mark. Glad it's back.

Linda- We really enjoyed CTM too! It did not lose a step. And A LOT more Chummy. Yah! But boy, that hour goes quick.

Caro- I think my allergies started kicking in around age 30. Now, I wish they would depart just as quickly. I also want to read Operation Mincemeat.

I see that there are 8 episodes of CTM. It goes til May 18th. Next week and Mother's Day, I'll have to watch it On Demand or else online.

No DVR? We would be lost without ours, especially Sue.

I missed CTM but I will watch it on my day Wednesday or Thursday.

Hello Mark, I am finally catching up here.

>35 msf59: "Born to Read, Forced to Work" Ha! Comrade!

>107 msf59: I just love that artwork. I also loved Independent People when I read it several years ago. It affected me deeply. My mother and brother have both travelled to Iceland recently, and both love it. My mom read an article in the Icelandair in-flight magazine that said that the Icelandic are the world's top readers and book buyers, and that the country has lots of independent publishers. She was so impressed by the article and by the country (and people) that we decided to adopt an Icelandic tradition for Christmas: rather than buy gifts for each other, we will give each other one book (excepting the kids until they're older). You can't imagine what an impact this had on my Christmas preparations this year. Less time shopping, more time enjoying the season and each other, and books to look forward to! Iceland is definitely on my list of places I'd like to visit. I also enjoyed a book called The Journey Home by Olaf Olafsson, partly set in a wild, remote Icelandic village that so captivated me I looked it up and discovered it to be a real place -- a village of about 130 residents just about as far north as you can go. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am a fan of Iceland, without ever having been there!

Hope you have a wonderful week, Mark.

Hi Mark, I love seeing those "Call the Midwife" girls pictured further up, they are a lovely bunch. Is the tall one (Chummie) still in the programme? I remember her going off somewhere with a boyfriend/husband in the last series bit I saw. I hope she is in the other series' as she is super cool. You will never see her in the same way if you see her comedy programme "Miranda".....she is a laugh a minute (well, more actually).

Morning, Mark! Are you getting rain today as we're supposed to? At least it's going to be warm(ish)!

Oh, I've heard good things about The Rosie Project, but haven't run across a copy yet.

And I think you get CTM before we do, it's always good fun, but it might be a while before I catch up with you. (Spoilers are fine, but you guys are very good at being discreet and I know usually tell when to skip.)

Like most of us working folk, I do not like Mondays but at least it will be a pleasant one. Low 60s, breezy, some sun. Shirtsleeves? I am also looking forward to returning to my current reads, Blood Will Out & the Rosie Project. I like balancing a fiction with a NF.

Roberta- You'll like CTM. They kicked off the new season in fine form.

Anne- Good to see you! Thanks for the Icelandic info. I like your Christmas idea too!. Not enough die-hard readers in my own family to make that practical. LOL.
The Olafsson book sounds good too!

Megan- Chummy is back strong in CTM. She gets lots of screen time and she is always a joy to behold. I never did see "Miranda". I'll have to see if I can find it and give it a look.

Amber- It looks like a very nice day, with rain later tonight. I wish it could stay this way all week.

Glad to see you (and everyone else) enjoyed the return of CTM as much as I did! What a great series.

The Rosie Project is new to me, and sure does look like fun, Mark. I look forward to your comments.

We're off to a recommended restaurant today called Sarah Beth's, and a new bookstore for us, McNally Jackson's, and then the Tenement Museum. I finished Prisoner of Zenda, which was like an Errol Flynn movie, and am reading the next in Death mystery. I've got Sula looking at me, too, but for the moment I'm not feeling serious enough.

Hope the weather's decent for you and you have a good one today.

Happy Monday, Mark! A beautiful day to roam the neighborhood's and perhaps reunite with a few folks you haven't seen all winter. I don't watch CTM but it sounds good from what I hear. My fave Mad Men starts up again in April and I've been rewatching the previous 6 seasons in order to get reacquainted. Have a great day!

AWWWWW babies! >241 msf59:. Mr BAnks. We haven't watched it yet..

I am glad to hear you are getting a bit of a break from the weather gods today! Enjoy it, because before too terribly long it will be TOO DAMN HOT. Right?

>265 jnwelch: Good description of the Hope book, Joe. Errol Flynn and/or Stewart Granger whom it was actually played the role(s) in one of the Hollywood versions from the 50s.

Mark, have a great week mate.

Big Waves from the sunny Midwest! Only have a minute. Duty calls. Still have on a jacket but I'll consider shucking it after lunch...

>214 LovingLit:: Mark, I too love biblio-serendipity. I was a big fan of the Patchett essays and am considering a purchase of Independent People. That beautiful waterfall picture may have clinched the deal! I looked for it at The Tattered Cover yesterday but no luck.

I hope my DVR recorded CAll the Midwife for me. It was on a season pass but I'm not sure if that includes a new season. I'll find out when I get home.

I'm going to wait and read The Rosie Project with Julia when she feels up to it. Have a good week!

Boo... it hailed this morning and then started snowing around noon but nothing's sticking at least. Hopefully this is the last before REAL Spring arrives. I'm so done with winter. I want to be done with work today so I can go home and get back to An Ice Cream War. Started that last night and am liking it so far.

Okay, I had to leave the jacket on, because it really got gusty in the afternoon, but no complaints. Mid-60s, even with a wind, felt pretty damn good.
I finished the lovable The Rosie Project, which kept me grinning and entertained. Taking a patented left-turn on audio, I started Agent Zigzag which grabbed me immediately. My LT pals, sure know how to call 'em.
I am also really enjoying Blood Will out. This has such a great creepy vibe to it, leaving you with persistent chills. I haven't felt that, since I read the Dahmer GN.

Laura- I can't imagine anyone, not enjoying the CTM opener. And it's great seeing Chummy back in force.

Joe- I think you will have a good time with the Rosie Project. It should be your cuppa. A sweet, smart love story.
How was the bookstore?

Lynda- Yes, the warm weather has started bringing the winter hermits out. It's good to see people, as long as they don't interrupt me. LOL.
When you have a chance check out Call the Midwife. I haven't completely decided if I will watch the final season of Mad Men. I did not like last season. Lots of angsty wheel-spinning.

Kath- My wife wants to watch Mr. Banks too, so we'll probably rent it. I love Emma Thompson.

Karen- Yes, today was pleasant, tomorrow not bad but then the rest of the week is pretty cruddy. Can't quite shake it!

It snowed here to start the day, but it's all melted and there's nothing more predicted...more importantly, there's no more sharp edge to the wind!

Spring was late, but I think it's here at last.

Yay, for Spring! She is so welcome, wherever she shows up. I got out and planted some strawberry plants today!

I'm working my way along in Blonde: A Novel. I've made the 40 pages a day goal so far, but only have finished a couple of pages today. Do Nothing But Read after dinner, tonight, I think.

Hope your anticipation of cruddy weather later in the week is wrong. We too are expecting rain on Thursday and Friday. I'm hoping that is wrong, too. I mean "anticipations" and "expectations" can be wrong, can't they?

^Okay, I think I have my April books lined up...

>269 PaulCranswick:- I did get past Monday, so that is always a bonus. The rest should be gravy.

Donna- I think Independent People is just your cuppa! And speaking of Patchett, have you read Truth & Beauty? After, reading the essay collection, that got bumped up the Patchett pile.
My DVR picked up CTM, from last season, but it's always good to check.

Caro- Boo to hail! Boo to snow! They say we may get a rain/snow mix on Friday. Really? I seriously need to get back to Mr. Boyd. I have several more of his in the stacks.

Richard- It's slowly changing for the best. I hope to see a vast improvement in April.

Karen- Glad you made it out in the garden. Once our ground "firms" up, I need to get out there myself and do some clean-up. We still have a back-log of dog poop out there too! Ugh!

Hi Mark! I very much enjoyed last evening's installment of "Call the Midwife."
And I feel like that giraffe as I make my list for April!

Anyone complaining about it being TOO DARNED HOT will be hit upside the head with a squid.

How about if I complain about the heat in Sydney? :) (Although it's not so much the heat as the humidity - jeez, when will autumn hit properly?? - and I don't know how Paul manages to survive in Malaysia.)

*dodges any incoming squid*

Whenever I see "Patchett", my brain reads "Pratchett", so I'm a bit confused at times in this thread... (Both are great authors.)

Ellen- It's great to see so many enjoying CTM. Unlike, DA, this show is wonderfully consistent. Were you doing Atwood?

>278 Morphidae:- LOL! I don't plan on it but maybe come August...

Tania- It should be hitting autumn there, right? To coincide with our fledgling spring? "I don't know how Paul manages to survive in Malaysia." I am also with you on that one.
I have only read 2 of Patchett's works but have been very impressed both times. The only Pratchett book, was a collaboration with Gaiman, in Good Omens.

Have I got a copy of The Rosie Project? Or have I just seen it around so much I just think I own it?
*goes to check*
Nope: I am thinking of The White Woman on the Green Bicycle, probably as the Rosie cover has a bike on it! Doh.

^Patchett Pratchett. Me too ;)

I've got The Rosie Project saved on my iPad and may read it next week, Mark. Everybody seems to love it. I am also really glad to see Chummie return to prominence on CTM. Looks like it will be another good season.

Megan- The Rosie Project is set in Melbourne. The author, Simsion was born in NZ and now resides in Australia. It's a good light-hearted book, with a sweet sense of humor.

Bonnie- Save the Rosie Project for a palate cleanser. I think it will work perfectly.

More Chummy love! Yah!

I nearly picked up The Rosie Project a while ago when the ebook was made available on OverDrive. I was sort of hoping it would show up there as an audiobook too. It's on the wishlist now with you as a recommender. xx

Looked like the same old Cubs today.

Did I mention that I am really liking All the Pretty Horses?

Ilana- The audio of the Rosie Project was perfect, so of course, I recommend that format. I also started Agent Zigzag and that is another strong audio. Hey, the hits keep coming.

Linda- I am so glad you are enjoying Pretty Horses, especially since that is not your usual style. I hope the joy continues.
Boo Cubs!!

>279 wookiebender: Airconditioning and regular showering.

Yeah Mark, I've had Agent Zigzag on the tbr (in audio, also from the library) for a good while now. I'll get to it eventually. So many books I'd like to get to 'right now', but I can only read one (or two or three or four) at a time!

I DVRd CTM because I was watching The Walking Dead. You gave up on that didn't you? This last season has been pretty darn good! Speaking of pretty darn good - True Detectives. WOW!

Now I have to start watching Justified.

I have The Rosie Project on my Nook but haven't read it yet (story of my life it seems).

I agree, Mark, that CtM is more consistent - and more consistently wonderful - than DA. I'm still watching the latter, as well, but CtM is truly spectacular.

I plan to read The Blind Assassin in April. It's on the shelf waiting for me. :-)

>285 lindapanzo: >286 msf59: Ah, All the Pretty Horses, in my dreams I have time to read that book again and again.

^ the Blind Asassin! Good luck ;) I was perplexed by it, but recall enjoying trying not to be in my reading of it :)

Mark, I wish you

^I hope April gets the memo!

Morning, Mark! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the weather yesterday - we did, too, and in fact I *did* leave my jacket at home when I went to pick Charlie up from school! But, I'm afraid it's back to coat temperatures today. Gah.

Ilana- Someone mentioned that the John Lee narration of Agent Zigzag was excellent but I don't think that is who is reading my version. I better double-check. I know your a fan of Lee.

Joanne- Yes, left the Walking Dead in the dust. I haven't watched Justified yet either. Still deciding if I will. I do like this freedom. LOL.
Yah, for True Detective! And I am sure you will love the Rosie Project.

Ellen- Good choice. I read The Blind Assassin last AA. I'll be starting Negotiating With the Dead very soon.

>291 LovingLit:- " in my dreams I have time to read that book again and again." Swoons like a schoolboy. I hope you can find the Crossing. It is also terrific.

Barbara- Thank you. I will take a cup of that!

**I will get the new thread up tonight. This one got away from me.

Today is my Monday. Ick. I read two books the last two days, a Koontz and Anne Perry. I had never read her before. Meh.

Warming up here today, they say.. we shall see.

Good day to you :)

The bookstore was great, Mark. I describe my haul over on my thread. We even managed to make it to the Strand, our old friend here. Good to be expanding our bookstore base. Judy (ffortsa) mentioned a used bookstore we'll try to get to next time.

Today we go to the Frick to, among other things, see the painting of The Goldfinch after loving Donna Tartt's book. We've read it has become like the Mona Lisa, with crowds jostling to see the painting. How about that effect from a book? Pretty cool. Will report back.

Very windy, very chilly, very cloudy! April 1st, right?

See everyone later...

You've got me intrigued and now I need to figure out if I can get The Hubster to watch Call the Midwife. It's on Netflix . . .

Good to hear you liked The Rosie Project lovable and entertaining sounds great and just what I look for when I need a palate cleanser so I'll save it for that.

Oh goody, I'm excited to be post #300!

Well, now I am off to another visitation. My great aunt passed. She was 90 and a terrific lady. The last of my grandmother's siblings. My Irish grandmother was the oldest and she passed in '05. Another family line lost...

I'll be back later...

Oh Mark, I'm sorry for your loss.

Condolences Mark on the passing of your Great Aunt. Hopefully you are able to celebrate with the family on a life well spent.

Sorry for your loss Mark. xx

>294 scaifea:- Big waves, way up there to Amber! What a windy, chilly day! Ugh!

>296 mckait:- Good to see you reading 2 back to back books. I haven't read Koontz in at least 10 years.

Joe- Glad you enjoyed the bookstore. Big shock, right? Can't wait to hear your thoughts about seeing The Goldfinch.

Juli- I hope the hubster is up for watching CTM. If not, do you ever watch anything alone? LOL. Hope you can bookhorn in the Rosie Project.

RD- You are sooooooooo Lucky!

Anne, Paul & Ilana- Thank you so much. She had a full and wonderful life. No question. She's up there somewhere with a highball and a smile.

Oops. Wrong thread.