MichiganTrumpet (Marianne) 2014 Challenge Part 5

My hometown public library. A few blocks from my house, I felt amazingly grown up when first allowed to walk there by myself. Many, many hours exploring the world from the comfort of those stacks.

Did you have an equally special place? What was it like?

Newbie to the 75 Book Challenge and posting on LT. Looking forward to a great year!




1. The Poe Shadow by Matthew Pearl
2. I Am Half Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley
3. The Last Dead Girl by Harry Dolan
4. Transatlantic by Colum McCann
5. The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
6. The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
7. The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches by Alan Bradley
8. Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
9. Lady Catherine, the Earl and the Real Downton Abbey by the Countess of Carnarvon
10. And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
11. The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew -- Three Women Search For Understanding by Ranya Idliby.
12. Charles Dickens: A Life by Claire Tomalin
13. Cockroaches by Jo Nesbo
14. A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
15. The Remedy, Robert Koch, Arthur Conan Doyle and the Quest to Cure Tuberculosis by Thomas Goetz
16. Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital by Sheri Fink
17. Sous Chef by Michael Gibney
18. Double Cross by Ben McIntyre
19. Pastrix by Nadia Bolz-Weber
20. Agent Zigzag by Ben McIntyre
21. Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor
22. A Symphony of Echoes by Jodi Taylor
23. A Second Chance by Jodi Taylor
24. When a Child is Born by Jodi Taylor
25. Longbourn by Jo Baker
26. Phantom by Jo Nesbo
27. The Tigers of '68: Baseball's Last Real Champions by George Cantor
28. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
29. The Map Thief by Michael Blanding
30. Bella Fortuna by Rosanna Chiofalo
31. Skios by Michael Frayn
32. Murder in Sentier by Cara Black
33. The Foolish Gentlewoman by Margery Sharp
34. Police by Jo Nesbo
35. The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
36. After the Quake byHaruki Murakami
37. Enon by Paul Harding
38. Murder at the Lanterne Rouge by Cara Black
39. Clover Adams: A Gilded and Heartbreaking Life by Natalie Dykstra

Repost from last thread:

Big day at the local Library Book Sale. Limited time, but managed what for me is a Cranswickian haul:

The Red Leather Diary by Lily Koppel
Miss Marple's Last Case: Sleeping Murder / Miss Marple's Last Case The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie
Chocolat by Joanne Harris
A Lawyer's Journey: The Morris Dees Story by Morris Dees
The Book of Air and Shadows by Michael Gruber
Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon
Mrs Jack by Louise Hall Tharp
John Adams by David McCullough
The Iowa Baseball Confederacy by W. P. Kinsella
Roasting in Hell's Kitchen by Gordon Ramsey
Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder
On Beauty by Zadie Smith
Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini
A Weekend in the Country: Seasonal Recipes and Ideas for Relaxed Entertaining by Sally Anne Scott
Plainsong by Kent Haruf
The Information by Martin Amis
The Dearly Departed by Elinor Lipman
The Way Men Act by Elinor Lipman
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

18. Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint by Nadia Bolz-Weber
4 Stars



Nadia Bolz-Weber rebels against her fundamentalist parents. She has tons of tattoos, swears mightily and creatively, does drugs and has lots of casual sex. She is a competitive body-builder and spends time as a stand-up comic. Then she hits them where it hurts -- by becoming a Lutheran pastor.

The title of her memoir 'Pastrix' derives from a derogatory appellation given to women ministers. Bolz-Weber takes it and owns it. A large tattoo of Mary Magdalene is on one arm. An opening line is "Sh*t! I'm going to be late to New Testament class." The evangelical right would not like Nadia Bolz-Weber.

I was struck by her many contradictions. Viewed as avant garde, her theological underpinnings are rock solid. She comes off as one of the "too cool for you kids", yet is quick to humble herself and own up to her own failings.

How did this profane, anti-establishment broad end up at seminary? What new perspectives can she give us into faith and outreach? What leads to her church's rapid growth when mainstream denominations are slowly fading? I recommend this compelling funny book to anyone willing to reach outside their comfort zone. Nadia Bolz-Weber is a great story teller with much to say about grace and God's love.

Review is here

19. Double Cross: The Story of the D-Day Spies by Ben McIntyre
4 stars



Feeling at a remove from the world of WWII-era black-and-white photos, kids these days might complacently feel the results of that vast conflict were a foregone conclusion. In truth, the Allied victory was not certain. Those same kids (if their forebears were not annihilated) came very close to speaking German and celebrating Adolph Hitler Day. To win the war, the Allied forces had to land in Northern Europe. We knew it and the Germans knew it. The big question was where the assault would take place. If the Germans guessed right, they could mass their forces in the right place and hold off the Allies. If not, the Allies would gain a foothold to work their way to Berlin.

Ben McIntyre's Double Cross recounts the remarkable stories of a group of double agents working out of England. The Germans believed they were spying for them. In reality, they were part of an imaginative and calculated espionage effort out of England. This motley group of men and women busily provided disinformation, harmless true information and true yet untimely intelligence -- all in the effort to confuse the Axis powers. Their supreme efforts convinced Germany the Northern European assault would take place far from the beaches of Normandy.

Who were these people? What motivated them to become double agents? How did they pull off this enormous hoax? Based upon newly declassified and released records McIntyre tells a walloping good tale about a little known yet critically important part of the war effort.

Review is here

20. Agent Zigzag: A True Story of Nazi Espionage, Love and Betrayal by Ben McIntyre
4 stars



Journalist Ben McIntyre has cornered the market on WWII British espionage histories, utilizing a wealth of freshly declassified and released records. Fast upon the heels of finishing his Double Cross, I picked up this remarkable story of Eddie Chapman -- one of Britain's most valuable double agents. From lowly beginnings, Chapman eases into life as a gentleman criminal, leading a safecracking ring and running various scams. Nabbed on the Isle of Jersey, he is unfortunately incarcerated when the island comes under German occupation. A series of bizarre twists lead to his offering his services as an agent to Nazi Germany.

Chapman is carefully trained at a French chateau in a variety of espionage skills, including coding, explosives and weaponry. With much invested in him, Germany is counting on him to parachute back into England, charm his way into a variety of circles, blow up key locations and relay important intelligence. He could quickly become their key espionage asset. The enormous surprise is that he manages to accomplish all this -- while acting as a double agent for the British.

Chapman is by turns charming, devious, brave, venal and enormously attractive to women. Read this book and meet the real life version of James Bond.

Review is here

>1 michigantrumpet: Marianne, congratulations on your new thread.
My favourite library would be my old middle school library where I spent a lot of quality, solitary time and discovered many of the modern poets (well they were modern then!) I love to this day.

Happy new thread Marianne! The photo of your local library is beautiful. When I grew up our public library was a tiny square box of a buliding which was falling down, even still I loved spending time browsing and requesting books from other libraries in my state. We used to go to "town" (our nearest city) once a fortnight to do the gorcery shopping, and I loved going into their library, so many books I could lose myself in there for hours. Pastrix sounds like an interesting book, I might have to see if I can buy it somewhere. Hope you are having a great weekend!

Nice "Cranswickian" haul there, Marianne. I had one book arrive in the mail today that I'd ordered from the South Carolina Dept of Archives and History. It came quickly. I didn't expect it so soon since I didn't order it until this week.

Cranswickian indeed!! So glad to see that emerging as an adjective...

Are you ready for Macintyre's new book about Kim Philby? I think it's even better than these, mostly because I knew the broad outlines but had so little knowledge of the details of Philby's case. It's one of my fave books of the year so far. Although I'm reading a book about Stefan Zweig now that may rival it.

Happy new thread, Marianne!

Lovely new thread, and awesome Cranswickian haul, Marianne!!

#237 (from last thread) Speaking of the ballet....I saw a bit of the film Black Swan last night, I missed the start so deliberately didn't watch too much, as from what I saw of it I will need to see the whole thing. And soon. It looked like a great film! Have you seen it?

That library - so close to where you live!- is amazing! That is the kind of drawcard I could use to get me moving to somewhere.....
I am lucky that we have a new library being built fairly close to my place. I am going to love the cafe, and bigger book selection there, I know it! I was never hooked on books as a kid- I was jealous of my friend who had the whole CS Lewis set of books, in a slip case. I am sure I would have read them if I had had them, I barely read as a kid.

And, a lovely book-haul to boot!

>4 michigantrumpet: *bam* Oof, book bullet :-)

Happy New Thread, Marianne!

Love the book haul and you got me with Pastrix, even though I tend to avoid memoirs or books with a religious focus. ;-)

>7 PaulCranswick: Hope you are having a lovely weekend, Paul. I love your description of your middle school library and meeting (in your mind at least) the modern poets there. That first exploration out of oneself is so meaningful, isn't it?

>8 NicolePatrick: thanks Nicole! Such effort to get to a library and yet it had so much meaning for you. No one should the importance of reading and access to books to young minds.

I enjoyed Pastrix a lot. She has made a passion of reaching out especially to those whom the Church has hurt. They prepared lunch bags emblazoned with a sticker: "It sucks you have to work on Thanksgiving. Operation Turkey Sandwich. House of All Sinners and Saints". They spread out across the city. One was given to a clerk at an adult videostore, who couldn't believe a church cared enough to give it to them.

>9 thornton37814: Thanks Lori! Not bad for 20 minutes work!

I love when books arrive so quickly like that! Now you can dive right in!

I seem to recall you were getting Five Days at Memorial. Is that still on your radar screen? I admired it a great deal. (I was going to say I liked it a lot, but that doesn't seem quite appropriate for a book about a natural disaster.)

>10 Chatterbox: thanks Suz! I think you are referring to A Spy Among Friends. Am anxious to get to get a copy, although it isn't available as yet through the local library.

I enjoy MacIntyre's writing and am on the look out for more!

Happy New thread, Marianne! Great book haul. Wow! I am glad you liked the MacIntyre books. I want to get my mitts on Double Cross.
Hope you are having a great Sunday!

>11 scaifea: Thanks Amber! Looking forward to hearing all sorts of mouse-related travel news from your way!

Happy New Thread, Marianne! Those Ben MacIntyre covers are much more interesting than the UK ones! And what an amazing book haul. I've never heard of a library sale here, but I would love one!

>12 ronincats: Thanks Roni! The haul was most unusual for me. Am afraid I got caught up in all the excitement and truly outdid myself on the purchases. At $1/book how can one go wrong?

>13 LovingLit: Hello Megan! So pleased you stopped by - particularly with everything you've got going there these days.

Yes, I've seen the movie Black Swan. Enjoyed it. Looking forward to hearing more of what you think after you've seen the whole thing.

Swan Lake is one of my all time favorite ballets. The Boston Ballet is bringing it back for a run next year. Can't wait!

The topper is the library where I grew up in Michigan. It's awfully dated and worn out now ... But still holds a special spot in my psyche. The town has built a newer one with cafe and everything just as you describe. Sounds heavenly!

Here is the library where I live now:

>14 AuntieClio: So sorry, Steph! /Not! ;-D

>25 michigantrumpet: Marianne, yeah figured you wouldn't be. ;-)

>14 AuntieClio: >15 lkernagh: and >26 AuntieClio: Nadia Bolz-Weber is pretty interesting woman. Her faith is so affirming and her stories very entertaining. It was a joy to read. If your looking for something doctrinaire, this ain't it. One can see why her congregation loves her. Love that a wonderfully flouncy queen has been given the church position of Minister of Fabulousness.

Happy New thread, Marianne. Good book haul there.

>20 msf59: Thanks For stopping by Mark! And on your vacation even! Really liked the two Macintyre books I've read so far. Fascinating stories -- particularly how they crafted the disinformation to pass along to the Germans. Let me know what you think after you read any of his stuff.

>22 susanj67: thanks Susan! Glad to see over on your thread you are enjoying your friend's visit and seeing lots of sights.

People here will often donate their books to their local public libraries. The libraries in turn will either add to their collection or sell them off at an annual or biannual book sale to make money. Ours combines it with a bake sale. Face painting and balloons for the kids makes it very festive.

>28 connie53: Thanks Connie! Hope you've had a great weekend yourself. They never seem to last long enough, do they?!

Congratulations on a great book haul!

Thanks also for pointing me in the direction of Agent Zig Zag I own this book and I need to find it. Alas, I'm hoping for book order soon. Ideally, a large wall with bottom-top book shelves would be wonder. Alas, I can dream.

My favorite library as a child is the Bangor, PA public library.

A small town, this NE Pennsylvania town is fortunate to have a small, but quality library.



My childhood was wickedly difficult. This library and the wonderful librarian were a God send.

And, now, today, I still find solace in libraries. This is the place I visit frequently:



Happily, my adult life is stable, secure and loving. Still, I find great escape in reading in a large chair, while looking out over the trees and green, green grass.

Marianne- I actually read/listened to Agent Zigzag recently and LOVED it! It was my first Macintyre.

LOVE your book haul from your last thread ~~ great job on that one!

Happy new thread, Marianne!

*lurk*

>32 Whisper1: Thanks for stopping by, Linda. Beautiful looking library. Like you, I found great solace and escape in the local library. Absolutely ADORED the children's librarian, who seemed to always have the perfect next book on hand to lend me.

Let me know if/when you get to Agent Zigzag -- will be curious to know your thoughts.

Fun library pictures! Like many here, I loved the library growing up (still do). My mother was a school librarian so my sister and I grew up with a proper appreciation for all things library-related :-)

I shared a picture of my childhood library on one of my threads last year. It was the Scoville Memorial Library in Salisbury, CT, and it has an interesting history, dating to the 18th century. The building does not date back that far but it is lovely and appropriately imposing!

KatieKrug, what a beautiful library!

I love all the photos of libraries. And I'm about to donate the copy of The Finkler Question that has been on my TBR shelf for a couple of years to my own library. You and Caro, among others, have persuaded me that I don't even want to give it a try. It will feel good to clear one book off the shelves!

>33 msf59: Hello there Mark! Hope you are enjoying your vacation!

Glad you also enjoyed Agent Zigzag. I'm definitely going to search out more MacIntyre. Caro says Operation Mincemeat is good and Suzanne (Chatterbox) says that the latest on Kim Philby is worth th effort. Keeping an eye out with the library.

>34 TinaV95: Hi Tina! Thank you! As it turns out, The book haul at the local Library sale was more than successful -- I discover I now have TWO copies of The Information by Martin Amis.

If anyone is interested in a copy please PM to let me know!

>35 ronincats: Hello there Roni! Feel free to pull up a chair and sit a spell (although I know you are awfully busy with all your crafts!)

>37 katiekrug: That is a beautiful library Katie! Of course, having a librarian in the family would have so many wonderful advantages. We have several friends who are librarians and they are the most fun -- espcially at dinner parties.

Loving the Booktopia talk over on your thread.

>38 NicolePatrick: I know, right Nicole? Can't you just see walking up through the front doors and finding a lovely spot to perch? The place just cries out "Lots of wonderful reading here -- Please come in!"

Do you have a favorite library?

>37 katiekrug: I'd never had guessed that that was a library!

>39 EBT1002: Hullo Ellen! The Finkler Question seems one of those books that invites extremes of opinion. Few people seem to occupy the middle ground. If I were to rant about something over on the Friends of Nancy P. thread, that one might be it.

Permission to toss, my friend! Too many other good ones out there to take its place.

>45 SandDune: It is lovely. Very New Englandy in my mind. What does/did your library look like, Rhian?

Marianne, I love the picture of your libraries, both past and present. My current library is fairly pedestrian on the outside but still contains all the wonders of the world inside. You've gotten me curious about Nadia Bolz-Weber. As a somewhat cranky Christian myself, I can probably identify with her faith. No tattoos for me, however!

Marianne, the first library I ever went to was the Warren County Public Library in Monmouth, Ill. This is the picture from its LT venue:



It's on the Public Square in the center of town. When I lived there, it did not occupy that big long welcoming space you see in the photo — that was a paint store, I'm pretty sure. The library entrance was through that arch in the corner, so it wasn't at all physically impressive from the outside. But oh! inside were lots of new worlds to discover. I spent many happy hours in there.

This is the first public library I became familiar with, the Louise Adelia Read Memorial Library, in Hancock, NY. It was a very short walk from the school I attended from 6th grade through high school; in fact, it was next door! I was able to go there on my lunch hour from 7th grade on, and often went after school for an hour or so, and then rode home with my mother, who worked in town, rather than riding the bus.

Hi Marianne. Here's a picture of the Niagara Falls public library where I whiled away the hours as a child:



I'm glad to see you liked Agent ZigZag which I loved last year when I read it. As a matter of fact my next read will be Operation Mincemeat by the same author. I also have Double Cross: the True Story of the D-Day Spies sitting on my shelf.

Hi Marianne, unfortunately I do not really have a favourite library. I have to admit to not visiting them very much now days. I much prefer to buy my books. I do have library envy. American/British libraries are beautiful. Here in Australia most libraries are not so pretty except for the big state libraries in the main cities.

>48 Donna828: "...My current library is fairly pedestrian on the outside but still contains all the wonders of the world inside." Love that bit about the wonders of the world. AS a little girl just learning about other worlds and people and thoughts was comepletely magical. I loved my library.

NAdia Bolz Weber is littered all over the internet. I think she has a blog out there, too. Check her out and then you can tell if you are interested enough to try her book.

>49 rosalita: Welcome back from booktopia, Julia! We missed you!

"...But oh! inside were lots of new worlds to discover." Yes! Yes!

For some reason, thr photo didn't come through, but I did check it out on the LT Venues page. I think it looks nice. Of course the best part is on the inside -- which, of course, can be said about a lot of things and people!

>54 michigantrumpet: Then I'm glad I mentioned that I stole it from the Venues page so you could go look at it. I can see it on my computer but who knows why it doesn't show up for everyone? Mysterious doings.

>55 rosalita: I'm still pretty convinced there are little gremlins toiling away in that big black box next to my desk!

>45 SandDune: Both my current library and the one I grew up with are very boring buildings I'm afraid. Just modern blocks!

Loving the library discussion and photos !!!

My favorite Saturdays when I was a kid were the ones I took the bus to the downtown library by myself and spent hours browsing, reading and selecting which books would come home with me.


The one I started going to was originally built with a Carnegie grant in 1902 and later moved to an ugly 'modern building' with absolutely no charm.

I now patronize two different county library systems (work in one county and live in another). I still prefer the older building of the Central Portland branch of the Multnomah County Library



In fact a few years ago I did a blog post about the lovely stairway in that library.

giggling at 'Cranswickian"

This was my hometown library while growing up:

Shall try to post a picture of the old Ottawa South library as it looked when I first began to use it -- a few decades after this pic was taken....

xoxo

>50 laytonwoman3rd: Linda -That is a stunning library. How wonderful to spend time there and then get to ride home with your Mom!

Who was Louise Adelia Read? (And was someone named 'Read' destined to have a library named after her?)

I love all these library photos! They just make me smile!!!

I'm enjoying all these library photos. Alas, we can never underestimate the power of libraries, librarians, and reading.

>57 SandDune: Here is a library that is worth sharing a picture of that I was a member of briefly in 1982-3. It's the Harold Acton library of the British Institute of Florence- it's the taller building in the middle.

Love seeing all of the library pictures! All of the brick and mortar libraries I have visited are pretty utilitarian but I do remember as a child the Calgary public library system had a bookmobile bus that would visit our neighborhood once a week during the summer months.... that was my favorite! Here is a picture I found in the library system's online archives:

This is the Millicent Library in Fairhaven, Massachusetts - the town across the harbor from mine. It is, needless to say, NOT my childhood library. I had no childhood library - mostly because I had a ridiculous childhood fear/loathing of them. I posted this picture because (now that I am free of that silly old childhood thing) this is the most beautiful library I know. I picked a picture of it in winter because you can see more of the building. Built by Henry Huttleston Rogers, a local boy who made a ton of money back in the old robber baron days, it is just as beautiful inside as it is outside.

Hi Marianne! Hope you are having a good weekend.

San Jose City Hall



Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Public/SJSU Library

Just beyond the mostly interesting complex that is San Jose City Hall is the monstrosity of the San Jose Public Library. It's nicer on the inside.

One of the drawbacks to using the main branch is that it's really only convenient for San Jose State University students, presuming they park on campus somewhere (if they have cars). There's a paid parking lot about a block away, which can seem a bit of a hike while navigating all the noise and cars, especially with a load of books.

Their chairs are not comfortable for people with curves.

My local branch is small, and noisy and a few blocks away. Anything I want to borrow from the library, I usually have to request for inter-branch loan.

My favorite library by far is the Mountain View Library but that's too far away for me to visit. Loved it when I met once a week with my algebra tutor for 18 months. (I can't find a good picture of it.)

I just took a picture of my neighbor's Little Free Library. I'll use it as a thread topper when I start my new thread. I can't believe how excited I was when we returned home from CO and I saw it! I hope it gets lots of use.

Enjoy the rest of your long weekend, Marianne.

^This is my favorite library...just sayin'! Hope you are having a lovely weekend, Marianne!

>51 brenzi: wow! Love the entranceway and those great trees! Another Ben MacIntyre fan! I think all the LT warbling must have contributed to his popularity!

Hi Marianne. my weekend was to short as usual! Love the pictures of the libraries!

>52 NicolePatrick: hello there Nicole! Very interested in libraries in other countries. Plus, I believe even the most unimpressive edifices can be magical places, especially to young minds.

In the early 1900's, magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated funds for the building of over 2500 libraries across the US. Many of them are still extant, although not always as used presently as libraries. Many of the look similar and influenced library architecture elsewhere.

One may have their issues with the man, but we are lucky to have those beautiful buildings!

>57 SandDune: and >65 SandDune: Love especially that photo of the Acton Library. Florence is high on the personal bucket list and Harold Acton has always seemed an interesting character. Love that you had a membership there.

>58 SuziQoregon: How cool is it to picture you taking the bus to the library as a little girl, Juli. Being able to bike/ walk to my local library as a girl was one of my first tastes at independence.

I'm a big fan of Carnegie libraries. There is one on the north shore of Boston which has been transformed into a lovely home. There was a photo essay on it in one of the local papers a couple years ago.

I just loved your blog post on the library stairs. Loved it and loved the library staff who helped put. Absolutely charming.

>59 thornton37814: Love that picture, Lori. Completely taken with how it is nestled in with the trees with those beautiful colors.

>60 Chatterbox: love the bow front windows. Good thing you said something about the photo being old -- didn't think you were driving cars like that!

>61 richardderus: Smooches right on back at you! Glad to see you back gadding about the threads. Thrilled at the slow but steady recovery and even more by the heartening generosity of our friends.

>63 TinaV95: Too right, Tina! They make me smile, too.

>64 Whisper1: thanks Linda. I agree about all the pictures what a treasure of magical places. My local library was a haven of safety, imagination and support. I carried my little girl crush on the children's librarian for years!

>66 lkernagh: what an amazing paint job, Lori! You certainly could see it coming down the street. Never had any experience with bookmobiles. The idea seemed eternally romantic to me growing up. Imagine having a big oil' vehicle filled we books that you could take with you wherever you went. ...

Thanks for sharing!

>67 Fourpawz2: hello there Charlotte! Amazing what irrational fears/dislikes one can have as a child. As a kid,I had a long phase in which none of the food on my plate should touch the other.

That is a gorgeous library. Interestingly, the one built by H.H. Roberts reminded me a great deal of the architecture of H.H. Richardson. Looks a bit like Trinity church in Copley Square, doesn't it?

>68 AuntieClio: Wowza! San Jose City Hall looks like a monument to the ego of the architect if you ask me. Sometimes design should also include the people who will actually, you know, use it. Same thing goes for library chairs not meant to be sat upon.

Hope you are having a great long holiday weekend. Checking out all the cute 75er paraphernalia. Thanks for doing that. Can always use another tote! ;-)

>69 Donna828: checked out your new thread with great topper of the Little Free Library. How cool is that!

A friend posted a picture of the one just installed in front of her house. A DPW road repair guy had it opened checking it out. Love that.

>70 msf59: Ha! Just loved this, Mark! Just perfect.

Have had a wonderful several days.

Saw a wonderful Balanchine program with the Boston Ballet. So sad the season is over. Looking forward to next year -- Swan Lake is coming!



Saw the latest Jon Favereau movie, 'Chef' which was sweet. Hard to find something in the movie theaters over the Summer suitable for adults. Nice job of recreating a working in a kitchen -- down to the oven scars on the forearms. Was jonesing for Mexican food afterwards, though.

Not looking forward to getting back to work, but no more than you, I guess!

My hometown library was a Carnegie library, and was recently remodeled with a wrap-around to the left and back addition that leaves the original library front and center.

They did a beautiful job--the upstairs of the Carnegie portion is beautifully restored and the whole library is eminently useful.

>72 connie53: it's the scrumptious Connie! Thanks for stopping by!

>86 ronincats: I love this Roni! Carnegie libraries are so distinctive, aren't they? That entranceway is so impressive. They did a marvelous job on the renovation.

It was great long weekend, but the work week beckons. Hope it was a good one for you.

>70 msf59: LOL
Here I was casually scrolling through the lovely libraries people have posted, musing on posting my own local...and there's Mark with his two-cents. haha, I love it.

I am so impressed with everyone's libraries. They are such special places.

>89 LovingLit: Megan, I hope you do post a picture when you get a chance. Aren't all the pictures so much fun?

Marianne, the San Jose Public Library is not what I would call inviting, that entire block is such a monstrosity.

I love the ballet, sadly I don't get to go very often and I've never seen Swan Lake which is one of my favorites to listen to.

Thank you for your purchase, every bit helps!

>50 laytonwoman3rd:, >62 michigantrumpet: I wish I could tell you anything about Miss Read, but I just don't remember. I know the family was prominent in town at one time (long before MY time). There was a Read Memorial Hospital there when I was a kid too. And there is a legend about a recluse (Fanny Read) who lived in one of the hotels and never left her room after her father refused to allow her to marry a soldier (I think that's a Civil War era story). Obviously I need to go back to the library and research these things!

Just stopping by to say hello, Marianne. Balanchine and Favereau sound like an uplifting (and lift-upping, for the Balanchine) combination. Hope you had a great holiday weekend, and the work week doesn't look too daunting.

>91 AuntieClio: You know, Stephanie, this is one of my issues with some aspects of modern architecture -- Its failure to provide basic usability to the end user. When done well, it's wonderful. Oftentimes not, though. I love buildings which still are scaled to the person -- at least on the street level. Here in Boston, we continue to struggle with our City Hall -- a landmark of the brutalist school of architecture. It sits alone on a barren windswept plaza which is completely uninviting. The inside is convoluted and impossible to navigate without a guide. In a city filled with pedestrians, few feel happy walking across this:

the brutalist school of architecture Aha! I didn't know there was a name for it.

Brutalist School - that has got to describe the ugly-ass buildings that make up UMass Dartmouth.

>96 Fourpawz2: You're right, Charlotte. The University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, is on this list of brutalist structures

>50 laytonwoman3rd: >92 laytonwoman3rd: Very interesting. Would like to know more. Let us know if you find anything! What restricted lives women had to live!

>93 jnwelch: Hello Joe! Glad you stopped by -- especially with everything you have on your plate! All's well here. Hope YBH is improving.

>95 laytonwoman3rd: >96 Fourpawz2: >97 laytonwoman3rd: Intersting discussion. Modernist architecture elevates the use of materials in their pure forms. Brutalist architecture took it to an extreme, with lots of raw unfinished concrete, prefabricated blocks, mammouth stuctures with little relationship to their setting.

Boston City Hall was a disaster from the start, with mechanical failures and leaks, people getting lost in a maze of unconnected corridors, etc. The area was the West End f Boston -- filled with lots of homes, schools, shops and places of worship. Leonard Nimoy was born and raised there and speaks movingly about how tightknit a community it was. The Govt. came in and took the entire area by imminent domain. Some turned over to create City Hall Plaza and bunch of other similar state and federal buildings. Some was turned over to build high rise apartments renting in many multiples of what the West Enders had been paying.

There have multiples discussions about getting rid of City Hall. It has been stymied in part by those who feel the building should be preserved as a top example of modernist architecture. I think it failed to serve the people from the start. Ugh.

Maya Angelou passed away today at the age of 86. I was fortunate enough to meet her once. An amazing lady. How sad. I know she is rocking away, telling tales with the ancestors.

Succumbed to the incessant warbling of someone. Can't remember who ...

21. Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor
4 stars



Considered dreamy dusty readers by those captains-of-industry Econ majors or builders-of-things engineering students, we liberal arts nerds are given heroic treatment in Jodi Taylor's series, The Chronicles of St. Mary's. In this first volume, the stage is set as we meet the denizens of a most unique History Department, possessed of the ability to travel in time to investigate questions of historical significance. How were the pyramids built? What were dinosaurs like in the Cretaceous Period?

I am generally not one for tales of time travel and fantasy. Intrigued by the general warbling about these pages and the low low price on Kindle, I thought I would give it a go. Geez, am I glad I did! The writing is smart and witty and the story quite amusing and entertaining. Taylor doesn't get too caught up with the mechanics of the actual time travel, but just allows her plot to go rollicking along. Young historian, Madeline "Max" Maxwell stands in for us as she is recruited to the ranks of this hidden institution. Follow her through her training, her first jump back in time and lots of delicious action and -- sex! A historian after my own heart.

Review is here.

22. A Symphony of Echoes by Jodi Taylor
4 Stars



The second installment in Jodi Taylor's The Chronicles of St. Mary's series. We follow Madeline "Max" Maxwell and her colleagues of that most unique of History Departments as they travel back in time to investigate questions of interest. These are not the doddering dusty academics of literary stereotype. They have a seat in the cathedral for the murder of Thomas Becket and are chased through the murky alleys of London by Jack the Ripper. Even more intriguing, the survival of St. Mary's itself is endangered by a mysterious group of other time traveling historians. Much is riding on our team of intrepid scholars.

Even this fantasy avoiding reader has been drawn in and enchanted by this series. Witty and amusing (Dodos!), it is also packed with action with an occasional bit of sex tossed in. Don't read the series out of order, however. There is a flow from one volume to the next with lots delicious clues dropped along the way.

Review is here.

23. A Second Chance by Jodi Taylor
4 stars



I had more difficulties with this, the third of The Chronicles of St. Mary's series. First is the relationship between our heroic couple, Max and Leon Farrell. They never seem to be 'in sync' either in time or in temperament. Way too many (in my mind) ridiculous spats and manufactured discord between the two in an attempt to create dramatic tension. An offhand comment by one sends the other off on a frenzied car ride escape. Really? Someone needs to be slapped upside the head. Second, the various jumps back in time have started to take on an episodic feel. Let's go meet Galileo! I was left wondering how this moved the story forward.

Nevertheless, there was much here that still engages. I loved the trip to Ancient Troy. Jodi Taylor managed to bring the assault on fortressed city to true life. Many cliffhangers ensure I will be along for the next installment. What the heck is Taylor doing with herself? Where is that next installment?!

Review is here.

24. When a Child is Born by Jodi Taylor
4 stars



A charming little standalone story finds our Chronicles of St. Mary's crew in 1066 England. A slight computer glitch finds them not in London for the crowning of William the Conqueror. Instead, in time for Christmas, they find themselves assisting a peasant couple during a snow storm in the birth of a new baby. Have they toyed with History or has History led them there to give a helping hand?

Review is here

Love the capsule reviews, Marianne! I raced through the Chronicles of St. Mary's books, too, after being swayed by all the warbling (particularly from ace warbler Mr. Derus). She's got us all hanging on the cliff's edge waiting for the next one.

Moi? A Satanic Book Warbler? Nay nay, 'struth I am but a humble, quiet lurker about these parts, once in a way making so bold as to mention the pleasures of the occasional title...

...stop laughing!

>86 ronincats: WOW! What a stunningly beautiful library.

Marianne, thanks for thinking of this idea which created so many wonderful posts of lovely libraries.

>97 laytonwoman3rd: & >100 michigantrumpet: - I'm shocked and surprised that I had UMass Dartmouth pegged correctly! I attended that school in the 70's and I thought not only that it was butt-ugly, but it was one of the most uncomfortable buildings I've ever had the pleasure of spending time in in my whole entire life. All that cold, rough concrete and the dingy, dark corridors. So depressing and, for me, an unpleasant venue for learning. I hated it! It must have been (and must still be) a beast to heat. For me, it was a soul-crushing kind of place.

>106 jnwelch: so right, Joe! That wicked one got us but good!

>107 richardderus: Satanic Book Warbler! J'acuse!

The one way you MIGHT be forgiven is to be sure to let us know when the next one is out!

>108 Whisper1: Thanks Linda! Aren't they all wonderful Roni's is especially lovely I like yours as well.

>109 Fourpawz2: Good call Charlotte! Clearly Brutalist school architecture lives up to its name ...

I think Tina must have made a stealth trip to Massachusetts with her cold. Achy, stuffy nose, fever, sore throat. The only thing attractive about me is my Demi Moore husky voice.

Wow, Marianne! You have been knocking out the St. Mary books! I have A Symphony of Echoes lined up as my next audio. I read the first ebook, now I get to see how the audio works.
Hope the week is going well.

Marianne, so glad you enjoyed The Chronicles of St. Mary. As a historian, I kept saying, "yes, this is the way history should be done!" And yes, Max has a bit of a hair trigger temper. The thing with the car was so over the top. Really? Anxiously awaiting the 4th.

Ha, I see you were bitten by the St. Mary's bug, Marianne. Your experience appears to mirror mine almost exactly. And when IS that next book coming out?!

Oh holy moly - library porn everywhere in here! Wow!!

Still suffering, but only one more day until the weekend. *Sniff.Hack.Wheeze.* Nuts

>115 msf59: Very interested to hear how you enjoy the audio version, Mark.

>116 AuntieClio: I so agree Stephanie! Those of us who like to read books based in other time periods do it in part to get that 'back-in-time-frisson -- to try to imagine how life really was then. This series takes that to a fanciful yet fun length. The car part wasn't my favorite.

>117 rosalita: Bitten? Apparently that warbler has got teeth? RD had better let us know when that 4th book is out. If he knows what's good for him ...

>117 rosalita: I know, right, Amber? It's like I have a whole village of libraries here (and some brutalist architecture for contrast.)

Hi Marianne, Just stopping by quickly to play catch up. I think I might have to check out the St. Mary books. They sound interesting. Have a great weekend!

Hi Marianne. Have a nice weekend with lots of reading.

Lucky you, Marianne, getting to meet Maya Angelou. I have long been an admirer of her wisdom and way with words. I'll be reading Why the Caged Bird Sings in her memory next month -- which starts tomorrow. Yikes! I'd better finish up my May book!

Kath, never shy when it comes to author contact, asked Jodi Taylor when #4 would be out...she's working on it now.

I CAN'T WAIT.

>127 richardderus: I CAN"T EITHER

Wait... Kath asked??? I'm so confused; I thought it was Richard himself who asked!!

I refused to read book #3 because a college friend who I got hooked on them sent me a ALL CAPS text insisting I stop reading immediately. She warned me of the huge and dreaded full on cliff-hanger ending to #3 and said to not even start the third until the fourth had been published or I'd be peeved. She knows me a bit too well. :)

Again... apologies for somehow passing you the dreaded URI bug, Marianne! :(

Oh man, should I wait to read the thrid book in the Chronicles of St. Mary's? I will be finishing up the second book today and was going to go right on the the thrid, but now that I know there is a huge cliff hanger I am not sure I want to. Maybe I will just read the short story and read the third closer to the release of the fourth book. Any thoughts? Hope you are having a great weekend and feeling better!

Hi Marianne!

I did some googling and didn't find a photo of my hometown library (small town in Florida and about a half-century ago) that rang any bells or generated any nostalgia. Here is the branch of the Seattle Public Library that I most frequently use. It's the Douglass-Truth branch in the Central District. You can see that the original was added onto a couple of decades ago.

This is a photo of my childhood library, the Miller Branch of the Jersey City Public Library. The original branch opened just over 100 years ago, on January 14, 1914 before it moved to this building a short time later. This is also the branch that my father used as a child in the 1930s and 1940s. This isn't a great photo, but it's the best one I've found online so far.

Oh, Marianne???? I hope this doesn't mean you're still sick! :(

>130 NicolePatrick: I'm going to wait, Nicole. That's based on what my friend told me anyway. I know how I am about those huge cliff hangers. I want to go straight on to the next one and when it's not available, I feel unfulfilled! ;) So, no thanks; I'll wait until she's ready with the fourth then I'll read them together!

That's what I'm doing as well.

So how do the St. Mary's books compare to those by Connie Willis?

>90 michigantrumpet: I was looking about on the net for a nice photo of my fave local library but became frustrated with this computer and gave up :(
I will leave a link instead, as it is a lovely library. It isnt my local one, but is worth a special trip on account of it being on the beach and having front row seats on the second floor, overlooking the ocean. You can walk out from the library's upper floor straight on to the pier.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/christchurchcitylibraries/sets/72157613182388840/

Make sure you scroll past the first few as they are the old library, not at all grand and glass-fronted! :)

I am still loving the library love around here! I am impressed with the caliber of library buildings too.

Just a drive by to see what new libraries we have showing up on Marianne's thread.

>135 Chatterbox: Different humor, more of a thriller, more violence, more sex although not huge amounts of either. Less whimsical, less concern with the small details and the tone.

Marianne I walked by Lincoln Center yesterday and they had a poster up for the Boston Ballet, coming in for a weeks stand end of June.

Definately going to give them a look

>124 NicolePatrick: and >130 NicolePatrick: Hello Nicole! So you decided to take the plunge on the Chronicles of St. Mary's, according to your thread. It is quite the world, isn't it?

>125 connie53: the delectable Connie pops in again. *waves*

>126 Donna828: I consider myself lucky indeed to have met Dr. Angelou. A remarkable woman. I may have to re-read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings myself. A great read.

>127 richardderus: and >128 AuntieClio:. I am so ready for Book Number Four! I love Kath for reaching out and checking with La Taylor about her progress on the book. Kath should have asked if there was anything we could do to hurry the process along. I, for one, would be happy to run to pick up the dry cleaning, sharpen pencils, *proofread*, what have you....

>129 TinaV95: and >133 TinaV95: Hello the Tina! Thanks for the well wishes. They must have helped. Struggled along at work as long as I could, but eventually just stayed home, pulled the blankets over my head and waited it out. Still awfully tired -- especially dealing with the work that always piles up when I'm out.

Got lots of reading done though!

So does this mean you haven't read ANY of the St. Mary's books? The first two aren't as 'cliffhangery'...

>131 EBT1002: Hello Ellen!

Love that picture of your current library. What a nicely done addition. I like that the large rectangular glass mimics the shape of the windows in the original.

I can easily see spending lots of time there! Thanks for sharing.

Saw the tail end of a story about a shooting on a Seattle campus this morning. Had to sit the entire news cycle to make sure it wasn't your campus. Whew! What a terrible thing.

So glad to see you back in action, Marianne! And especially glad that you are starting to get over your nasty bug.

>132 kidzdoc: Hi there Darryl! So enjoying your travels on your thread.

What a great looking library -- especially all the carving with the faces and books worked in. Even better is that generations of your family have used the same place. That appeals to me in so many ways. Thanks for sharing.

>134 ronincats:, >135 Chatterbox: and >138 ronincats: thank goodness you chimed in Roni -- I haven't read any Willis yet to answer Suzanne's question. Thanks for keeping the thread warm for me while I was put of commission! You both are the best!

>136 LovingLit: and >137 EBT1002: Megan--that is a seriously wonderful library! Views of the water, walking directly out onto a pier? I would never leave! So very glad you posted that!

I agree with both Megan and Ellen -- I am absolutely in love with all the library love going on here.

Keep adding pictures, folks! Clearly a market for it here!

>139 magicians_nephew:. It's Jim! Back from his travels!

I do hope you get a chance to see the Boston Ballet when they reach NYC. Just checked out the programming. I LOVED Cacti (program 1) when they performed it here this Spring. Program 1 is all very modern. Overall, though, I think I'd go to see program 2. I'm a huge Balanchine fan and there a couple other things on the program I love. Plan to B and especially, Bella Figura are favorites.

>146 rosalita: thanks so much Julia! Still absolutely exhausted -- have been falling asleep during Jeopardy a few times, even. Looking forward to a lovely weekend with few social obligations to rest and rev up the engines.

I did manage to pop into a few threads over the week. I appreciate all the lovely commentary here. Also did a good bit of reading. Hoping to get some reviews up soon.

>143 michigantrumpet: Snuck in that little *proofread* right quick, dincha? If anyone's a-gonna proofread, I am he. Nyah!


Crap picture, but one of very few I could find of the liberry I liked best growing up in 1970s Northwest Austin.

Dropping in to wish you a relaxing yet productive weekend! ;-)

>152 richardderus: Ha! Nothing gets past you, does it? Who says she won't need TWO proofreaders? I can drive to the dry cleaners, sharpen pencils and read at the same time, really I can.

Great photo. I love the little hint of trees to the left, as well as living proof they only sell white cars in Texas...

>153 ronincats: thanks Roni! That's the plan! Same right back at you!

25. Longbourn by Jo Baker
4.5 stars



When I was a little girl, I had a reversible coat – pink on one side, a riot of colors and flowers on the other. I loved that coat – the way the same coat could look so completely different depending upon which side you were seeing it. In much the same way Longbourn was a complete delight. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is well familiar to and much loved by many, the subject of many a television series and motion picture. In Jo Baker’s telling we see the story in a completely different light – from the ‘downstairs’ view of the household staff -- butler, housekeeper, maids, stable boy. Not only are their richly imagined lives colorful as flowered cloth, but this version informs and gives new perspective to the well known story. The book seems well researched, but wears the research lightly. No sense of “Hey, look at how much time I’ve spent in the stacks learning how to make soap in Olde England!” At the center is a charming love story. I was hooked from the start. In a sense, this book brings to mind “Ahab’s Wife” about the ship captain’s spouse left behind to wait for him or even “Rosencrantz and Gilderstern are Dead”.

26. Phantom by Jo Nesbo
4 stars



This ninth volume in Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole series finds our intrepid hero flying back to Norway from Hong Kong. A drug ring run by the mysterious Dubai has taken over Oslo with a popular, addictive manufactured drug called Violin. Former lover Rakel's son is somehow caught up and stands accused of the murder of another drug runner. Hole is resolved to find the true killer. That he is no longer a member of the police force poses both roadblocks and possibilities. He doesn't always have access to the information he needs, but some things are better handled outside the law. Who or what is Dubai? How far does the drug ring extend? Is the police department involved? Can he ever win Rakel's heart again? The plot races along to a truly amazing cliffhanging climax.

This Harry Hole is beaten up and weary in both spirit and body. Audiobook narrator Robin Sachs' raspy growl of a voice captures him perfectly. I have been taking this series out of order without much problem. However, I believe "Phantom" and its successor, "Police" must be read in tandem. The surprising denouement of Phantom will send you racing for the next volume.

27. The Tigers of'68: Baseball's Last Real Champions by George Cantor
3.5 stars



Every time I fill out a scorecard at the ballpark, I am always transported to my youth, sitting next to my Dad in the upper deck bleachers of Tiger Stadium learning to keep score, getting sick on popcorn and hoping a ball might make its way to my little baseball glove. For years, I was convinced alkaline batteries were named after the great outfielder, Al Kaline. No question I had to get my mitts on George Cantor's 1997 THE TIGERS OF '68 when it came out in reissue. It is quoted authoritatively in the SABRE biography project. For students of the game, Tiger fan or not, this a must have.

For some, this will be evocative of old time baseball's last hurrah -- the last year before expansion, the last year of true pennant races before division playoffs took over, World Series games played in early October and early enough for children to watch, pitchers pitching complete games and games completed in about two hours. Days before bloated salaries, bloated egos and bloated game times. Days when you could head up to the Lindell AC after a game and swig beers with Norm Cash and Willie Horton. In clear economical prose, Cantor recounts the Detroit Tigers' trek to the World Series, taking on defending champs, the St. Louis Cardinals. Interspersed throughout are where-are-they-now (1997-style) character sketches of the greats: Lolich, Kaline, Wilson, McLain, Freehan, Stanley, Northrup, Horton and others.

I loved all the chatty insider talk. Like when Jim Northrup nearly killed Denny McLain after catching him cheating at cards. Mickey Lolich serving in the National Guard during the riots in the city. Bob Gibson's take on McLain tossing a gimme pitch to Mantle to boost his career HR totals. Who did (and didn't) attend Jim Campbell's funeral. Or Norm Cash, on second base at the start of a rain delay, taking third base when play resumed:

"What are you doing over there?" he was asked by the umpire.
"I stole third," he replied.
"When did that happen?" asked the ump, earnestly puzzled.
"During the rain."

A fun read especially over a Memorial Day weekend with the game on the radio in the background.

Some good reads there, Marianne! I loved Longbourn, too. One of these days I need to check out the Nesbo books because I've heard nothing but good things about them. So many books, so little time.

I'll definitely have to check out The Tigers of'68: Baseball's Last Real Champions. Baseball is such a symbol of summertime! My dad and grandpa always has/had the Tigers game on...and now I do too :-)

Hmmm...I've been waffling about Longbourn. As you know, since you just read my review of Finn, I'm always skeptical about spin-offs, or alternate takes on classics, but it is possible to do it very very well. Sounds like this may be one of the good ones.

>159 rosalita: it's been a varied month, Julia. I've been enjoying the Jo Nesbo/Harry Hole series. Those Scandinavians can write a heck of a thriller/mystery.

>160 jennyifer24: Hi there Jen. I think your Dad/Grandpa would like the book.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought alkaline batteries were named for Al Kaline!

>161 laytonwoman3rd: you wrote a great review for Finn. I think you might enjoy Longbourn as well. Lots of us seemed to have liked it. Joe's warbling was what got me in the end.

>156 michigantrumpet: Excellent analogy on Longbourn. It's not really an Austen spinoff; it stands alongside that novel, completely on its own merits.

I really should get back to Jo Nesbø's crime novels.

Smoochling, I have applied upwardly-directed opposable-digit representations to all three current reviews...but one must work for it...the Phantom touchstone goes to a Goodkind book, and there is no touchstone in the Longbourn review...

>165 Chatterbox: thanks Suz. Absolutely right -- Longbourn does stand alone. In fact, the "main" characters of P&P appear on tangentially.

I've been enjoying the Nesbo -- the audio has been particularly good.

>166 richardderus: Thanks for the opposable digit -- and the heads up. Fixed the touchstone on Phantom.

I've been having trouble with the Longbourn touchstone for a while. It's been finicky. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Think it's good now, but it can go out again....

Happy Sunday, Marianne! I am closing in on the end of Longbourn and I am really enjoying it. My only regret is that I should have reread P & P first, just for a refresher. Hope you are having a great weekend.

>156 michigantrumpet: - I have Longbourn waiting for me to read/listen to but I have to say this: I want that reversible coat you had as a little girl - in adult size, of course. ;-0

>169 msf59: Hello Mark! I really don't think you missed out that much by having not re-read P&P. The two really are so different and the P&P characters only show up infrequently.

Just read Gaiman's American Gods. I think you were one of the ones warbling at me about it. I managed to stick it out to the end. I gave it the old college try -- while I didn't dislike it, it didn't send me over the edge either. I'm thinking that type of fction just isn't for me. Thanks for the nod, though. I'm glad I gave it a shot.

>171 michigantrumpet: Hello Lori! Looking forward to your thoughts on Longbourn.

I loved that coat. When I twirled in circles, the coat would flare out. I've tried, but I haven't been able to find a picture of it.

28. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
3 stars



Shadow's wants are few: he looks forward to his release from prison, a warm bath, reuniting with his wife and a job with an old friend. When these are quickly dashed, with the death of wife and friend in a car crash, he leaves jail in a daze. He soon encounters an all-knowing mysterious man who offers him a job of questionable legality. Thus begins an odyssey of epic proportions as he mets Old World Gods (brought to American shores by immigrants only to be forgotten) and New World Gods of modern origin. A conflict - an epic battle even-- seems inevitable. Many people have loved this book and it certainly kept me reading through almost 600 pages. I just wish Shadow, as close to an Everyman narrator as we we're going to get, had awoken from his daze at some point earlier than he did. He acts with little agency, accepting the incredible and the painful with amazing equanimity. He finally wakes up, but far too late for me to be much invested in it.

29. The Map Thief: The Gripping Story of an Esteemed Rare-Map Dealer Who Made Millions Stealing Priceless Maps by Michael Blanding
4 stars



For most, Michael Blanding's The Map Thief will qualify as an entertaining combination of police procedural and reader-friendly account of map-making and collecting. For those with a love of books, history and research libraries, Edward Forbes Smiley, III's rampage, ripping priceless maps from ancient volumes for profit, is nothing less than horror. This respected rare map dealer traveled the world on behalf of clients, while at the same time victimizing venerable institutions such as libraries in New York, Boston, London, Chicago, Cambridge MA and New Haven CT. The 'what' and 'who' of the crime are pretty well known from the start. The 'how' and 'why' are the amazing and tragic parts of this true tale.

30. Bella Fortuna by Rosanne Chiofalo
3 stars



Mind candy with wedding planning, bridal dress design and Venice wrapped up in a romance. A quick read about a young wedding dress designer planning for her dream wedding to her dream guy in a dream dress. What can go wrong? Plenty! The best parts concern her relationship with her family. Made me want to spend a lot of time in Venice.

Marianne, you may have heard me say elsewhere that my favorite story about Old World gods in the US is Jane Lindskold's Changer: A Novel of the Athanor. I think it has the heart that American Gods didn't, for me. On the other hand, the sort-of sequel to AG, Anansi Boys, is one of my favorite Gaimans of all, so be sure to give it a try.

Yay for Longbourn! I'm glad it lived up to the warbling, Marianne. I agree, it's a standalone, complementary novel from the "downstairs" perspective, not a continuation.

You've touched on what bothered me in American Gods, too. It's my least favorite of his, the one in which I was least invested, and your perspective on Shadow probably is the reason why. I've toyed with re-reading it because, as you say, so many people have loved it, and I wonder whether I might like it more a second time around.

I'm so repulsed by Edward Forbes Smiley III I can't imagine reading about him. Fascinating but so horrible. A bibliophile's nightmare.

>176 ronincats: Hello Roni! Great to see you! So, I'm curious. How does one categorize American Gods? Is it fantasy? Science Fiction?

I've tended to shy away from vampires, aliens, magic, etc. I enjoyed some of the time traveling work with the St. Mary's Chronicles so I thought I would dip my toe in.

It's fantasy. Definitely.

Good fantasy and science fiction is not about vampires, aliens, and magic. It's about what makes us human, what touches us, what excites us, what lifts us above the ordinary--like all great books. Lots of authors use those elements as window dressing for very ordinary stories--like setting a romance in an exotic country. But the great ones use them as tools to look inside ourselves and question what we take for granted.

I liked your thoughts on American Gods. I did like the book but I am in agreement with Joe, it is also my least favorite of his work. It is the only book of his, that could have used some serious editing. The last third, definitely felt long and disjointed.
Hope your next read, is much stronger, Marianne!

See, now I'm one of those who just absolutely *loved* American Gods. But for me, the love comes out of a deep-set (and shared, clearly) love of mythology. But I also really liked Shadow, so, *shrug*.

>177 jnwelch: Hello Joe! Yup, all the warbling hitme square between the eyes on Longbourn and I'm glad it did.

The amazing thing I learned from The Map Thief -- just how standard it is for collectors/dealers to take an atlas or other such book and break it up to sell off the constituant parts. So the desecrating of the book isn't considered as shocking as the removal of the important maps contained therein.

I can't even turn down pages or write in my books!

>179 ronincats: Thanks for the clarification Roni. I agree basic truths about the human experience can come in multiple forms. I guess we all must find that which speaks to each of us.

>180 msf59: Thanks for the thoughts, Mark. I enjoyed much more Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane which I read last year.

>181 scaifea: It's Amber! I found the book an interesting intellectual endeavor, but one doesn't usually like to sustain a 600 pp novel on intellctual endeavor alone. Shadow's taking everything in stride -- painful, fantastic and all -- seemed to place him at a remove from his own reaction to what was happening. In turn, I felt at a remove from the action as well.

I'm not articulating this well, but I guess I like to experience a novel as well as think about it.

I've since read quite a few of the reviews and understand my take is far from the universal glowing kudos showering down. ;-)

Anything I say about American Gods will get me into trouble, so *smooch*!

>186 richardderus: I suspect I may have gone down in a few people's estimation myself with my review.

Good thing there's lots of books out ther we can all be happy!

well I loved American Gods and wish I could get my fantasy-phobic book group to read it.

>188 magicians_nephew: Hi again Jim! I didn't hate the book by any stretch. It was worth the read.

Just dropping by to note that there is a good short story featuring Shadow in Fragile Things which I rather liked. I will also agree with the previous comment about Anansi Boys being a better book.

Just meandering by on a quick visit. I am inbetween tax forms and supermarket shopping you understand....

Hi Marianne, just popping over to say Hi and try to catch up a bit. Looks like you have been reading some good books latley! Yes the St. Mary's world is just fantastic I would like to urge Jodi Taylor to hurry up with book number four!!!

>186 richardderus: Richard: And when in the past has that ever stopped you? *snork!*

>187 michigantrumpet: Marianne: I still love you, despite your obvious misunderstanding of the Gaiman Genius... *second snork!*

Marianne- Have you tried The Graveyard Book? Hmmmmmmmmmmm....?

But good to have read All the Mowgli Stories before The Graveyard Book to see his inspiration.

>177 jnwelch: >186 richardderus: >188 magicians_nephew: >190 Oberon: >193 scaifea: >194 msf59: >195 ronincats: Joe, Richard, Jim, Erik, Amber, Mark and Roni --

So I've read two Gaiman thus far. I really enjoyed The Ocean at the End of the Lane much more than American Gods. I'm willing to keep on trying Gaiman.

Just one request -- Can you all agree on *THE* next one I should try? If there is a consensus, I'll give it a go.

And where is Julia? She usually chimes in on discussions like this...

>191 LovingLit: Hello Megan. How are you holding up now that your presentation is a happy memory?

I'm happy to be a waystation between the groceries and taxes. Stop through any time!

>192 NicolePatrick: Hello back Nicole. I see you read and enjoyed the St. Mary's novella. That Richard has a lot to answer for, doesn't he? ;-D

Madame Taylor need to get *moving*!

>196 michigantrumpet: Here I am! *panting to keep up* I think we had very similar reactions to American Gods — like but not love. For me, it was my dire lack of mythology that made me a little cranky and feeling as though I was missing some really cool sub-textual fun. But what you said about Shadow's passivity resonates with me as well.

What to read next? I would second Mark's suggestion of The Graveyard Book, given that you loved The Ocean at the End of the Lane. It's pretty terrific. I have read The Anansi Boys and I liked it fine but it didn't leave me breathless.

Also, if you haven't read Good Omens, you simply must. It is co-written with Terry Pratchett and is relentlessly hilarious. If you like that kind of thing.

The Graveyard Book was my first Gaiman, and I absolutely loved it.

I'd say either Anansi Boys or Good Omens.

I vote for Good Omens as well, because it's just so wonderful with Pratchett's input.

Where oh where did the time go, Marianne. Shoulda woulda but unfortunately, couldn'ta arranged a double date before this weekend and now Edd's off to Long Island tomorrow to spend Father's Day with his parents and sister's family while I man the fortress... well not really, but I have to stay here because a member of my staff is flying in tomorrow for the week, my boss and 2 other members of my team are flying in on Sunday so I have driver & tour guide duties this weekend, followed by a week of meetings before I heave a sigh (hopefully) of relief on Thursday evening when all but one member of my team leaves, to return to the rocks from whence they emerged. Haha..

I loved your review of The Phantom. I had been faithfully following the Harry Hole series until I got stuck at The Snowman .. started to read it, put it aside for a spell and then just never got back to it. Your review of The Phantom has given me the impetus to go dust it off my nightstand where it's been for about a year, and start it over again.

Marianne, my presentation now feels like an age ago! I am dying to get my marks back though, for that and for my essay which actually was handed in an age ago :)

Can't help with Gaiman as I wasn't taken with either Coraline or American Gods.

Marianne, Madame Taylor needs to do more than just get moving, she needs to get finished asap! :) I am currently reading Stardust by Neil Gaiman, I am really enjoying it. I have to say I did not think much of The Graveyard book. It was neither here nor there for me.

I liked American Gods (which I read earlier this year), but I resisted reading it for years - likely because all of the Gaiman hype. It was the same with Neverwhere which I liked equally well. I don't itch read more Gaiman, but I'm not averse to doing it either.

Hi Marianne! I'm just starting trying to catch up with some threads, so it's going to take a while for me to make up for all the time I've missed being away the last few weeks dealing with sickness & other life stuff.

>144 michigantrumpet: Oh no¡!¡! I've read the first two Taylor's. They are like crack for me. I start reading & I can't put them down. I told a good friend of mine from college about them (she was a history major or minor; I forget), because I knew she would love them. Well, she reached the third before I did bc of my other reading commitments and she sent me an urgent text... "Stop reading the third book immediately."

Well that just piqued my interest more and I had to know why. So she tested the last sentence and it was enough for me to see that Taylor cuts us off in a not nice way. (I want to say, "by the ____" (certain parts of a male's anatomy, but that's just crude).). So, I'm doing my level best not to read the third even though it keeps singing to me from the Kindle...."I'm here"...

Thanks >199 rosalita: >200 katiekrug: >201 scaifea: >205 Fourpawz2: Julia, Katie, Amber and Charlotte for the thoughts on Gaiman. I've been dulty hit by some book bullets recently as well as trying to clear away some of Mt. TBR, so I think I'll set Mr. Gaiman aside for the time being.

(The perpetual fret of Too Many Books and Not Enough Time!)

Doesn't look like much of a consensus yet on my next one ...

>202 cameling: >205 Fourpawz2: Hello there Caroline and Charlotte. Have confirmed with Judy (ffortsa) and Jim (Magician's Nephew) they will be here in Boston over the 4th of July weekend.

Hoping you might want to join us. Things seem pretty fluid as yet for activities/dates/time. Thought HArvard Book Store was a possibility, then something to eat in that area afterwards? The actual 4th in the city is a mess, so might look at the 5th or 6th (or evening of the 3rd if they are in town then.)

The Meet up thread:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/174113#

>202 cameling: And by the way, Caro, just finished Nesbo's next one Police. Don't start Phantom unless you are will to keep going into the next one. Nesbo sure knows how to ratchet the suspense up for a whole book! Phantom and Police certainly caught me by surprise.

>203 LovingLit: Hello there Megan and welcome! I've been lurking over on your thrtead for updates on the presentation AND on your Mom. Hoping good things for you in all ways. ;-)

>204 NicolePatrick: Thanks for the input Nicole. Seems like everyone is all ovver the map on Mr. Gaiman. Was hoping there was one book of his that everyone could agree upon. Alas and alack.

I think I'll put him aside for a while to address ol' Mount To-Be-Read. Lots of books cluttering up every where.

Hope all's well there with you.

>206 TinaV95: Hello Tina! You just completely crack me up. I can only imagine the lather we will all work up once #4 breaks!

Good Omens, by far. Although I love Anansi Boys too.

I will be at the meetup.... Maybe possibly. Although I'd definitely prefer it if it weren't the 4th.

Another vote for Good Omens, which may also lead you down the path of madness that is Terry Pratchett.

Lovely mash up of two favorite local institutions: The Boston Public Library and the Boston Ballet:

31. Skios by Michael Frayn
3 stars



Michael Frayn's farce of mistaken identity taking place on a beautiful Greek island. Lovers of Frayn's play, "Noises Off" will likely appreciate this as well. While a pleasant and entertaining read, I am puzzled by the Booker Prize nomination. Perhaps they wanted to appear as if in on the joke about academic pretension.

Boston Public Library -- all dressed up for Pride Week --

This took place outside my office earlier this month. Still have no idea why. What a bunch of pikers!

Marianne, the Pride flags are lovely...but I watched a documentary today called GONE, about an American mother who still seeks justice for her vanished (undoubtedly dead) Vienna-resident son.

Yay for flags, boo for invisibility of anti-LGBT crime.

>220 richardderus: thanks Richard for letting me know about that documentary. That is definitely something deserves to be highlighted. For more about Aeryn Gillern click here.

The local parade was wonderful, well attended and received. #loveislove #stopthehate

Watch the documentary without crying, I dare you. *spoken from under a pile of icky damp kleenex*

Hi Marianne! Just checking in. Did you decide on your next Gaiman? Hope the week is going well.

>222 richardderus: As if we didn't need more to get the blood roiling, Richard:

http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2014/06/judge-denies-texas-dads-parental-rights-to-bi...

>223 msf59: Hello Mark! I've decided to take a break from Mr. Gaiman for a while. Time to attack Mount TBR!

I'm finishing my first Murakami - a collection of short stories. Loving it so far!

Also in the midst of a biography of Clover Adams, wife of Henry Adams, grandson and great-grandson of presidents, historian, and author: The Education of Henry Adams.

>224 michigantrumpet: It's Texas, nothing bad surprises me. It makes me want to scream, of course, but really? You live in Texas! MOVE!!!

Which collection of Murakami short stories are you reading, Marianne? I'm glad you're loving it so far, whichever it is.

>217 michigantrumpet: I was the same with Skios, Marianne, puzzled by it in general actually. In fact I think it puzzled me to the point of dismissal!

And, since you mentioned it (them): I got an A- for my presentation and after a period of feeling not so good about that, I have now allowed myself to be pleased with the grade :) And, my mum: is (dare I say it) looking up! She seems to have picked up considerably in the last 4 days. Is committed to eating and drinking more than she feels like in order to improve her health, so I am really relieved.

>217 michigantrumpet: I have to say that I actually enjoyed Skios a great deal. It made me laugh out loud, which is a very rare event, so I always think favourably of any book that can do it. But I did think it was well written as well, even if not in the usual style of a Booker book, and I thought it warranted its place on the long list.

>226 richardderus: in better news Richard, the Presbyterians have voted to join we Lutherans in performing Same Sex marriages.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/presbyterian-pastors-preside-gay-marriage...

Know you couldn't give two hoots for religious things, but it is important for some people. Where religion is used as a cudgel to hurt people, action like that taken by the Presbyterians is a step towards counteracting that. Another step forward!

>227 jnwelch: Hello Joe! I've finished up After the Quake on audiobook.

In fact it was a lifesaver! Commute home on Wednesday = 1 hour 50 minutes. Commute to work Thursday morning = 2 hours plus. Thank heavens I had the Murakami to listen to as I sat and watched my life drain away on the Mass Turnpike. Finished the entire book!

>228 LovingLit: that's great news about your mother, Megan! The food/drink situation can be so difficult. It's so hard isn't it to come up with things to be different and appeal, no? Fingers crossed that she's turned a corner.

I know you were hoping for better, but an A - is completely respectable and impressive. It speaks to your drive, desire and perfectionism in striving to do better. Something to be proud of -- especially in light of everything you have going on in real life!

>229 SandDune: Rhian, quite agree Skios was an entertaining read. Quite funny in parts. Frayn certainly skewers those with academic and intellectual pretension. You are right it departs for the usual Booker fare.

Perhaps I should have read it over a longer period of time. All the farce in one big gulp was a bit of overload for me. Absolutely can understand why people loved it.

I really need to read another Murakami. I surprised myself by loving 1Q84 despite thinking I wouldn't, so I'm ready for more surprises. But how can I possibly fit in all the books I feel like I really want to get to?? The avid reader's dilemma.

>231 michigantrumpet: Oh, I loved After the Quake, Marianne! I'm glad it worked for you. It was the first one of his I read, and I went on a months-long Murakami binge after that.

>230 michigantrumpet: While I think gay people being xian is akin to someone named Goldberg joining the Nazi Party, it's a giant (and contentious) step in the direction of being less evil for the Presbyterians.

I've never read Murakami - perhaps short stories would be a good starting place

Marianne, It was years ago (okay, maybe I exaggerate) but I love your review of Longbourn. I think I have it on hold at the library....

I recently purchased After the Quake, thinking along the same lines as Juli above. I have Kafka on the Shore on the TBR shelves but I keep being intimidated by it.

Have a great weekend!

Hi Marianne! I was going to ask you which Murakami collection you were reading and now, I know it is After the Quake. I really liked that collection too and read it early on. Loves me some Murakami!

>234 rosalita: Ah, Julia -- the avid reader's dilemma! 'Tis a quandry indeed. Solve that one and I suspect you could make a mint around these here parts!

>235 jnwelch: Hullo Joe! What do you think, could you sell in your cafe Julia's elixir allowing one to read all the books one wants?

Murakami was a delightful surprise. Haven't had a chance to review, but it will get favorable marks from me.

>236 richardderus: We are indeed marching forward, Richard! WAtched some stuff on the internet from the vote and it was truly touching. Plenty of room, folks! Lots of space under this tent and oodles of space on this bandwagon.

>237 SuziQoregon: Hey there Juli! There has been a lot of love on these pages for Murakami. I'd had it in my head I would give him a chot when the chance arose. Like you, I thought the short stories would make a good starting point. Worked for me!

After the Quake popped up on Overdrive and I nabbed it -- just in time for an excruciating couple of commutes into and out of the city. Made far less painful by the great prose.

>238 EBT1002: I can see that some of Murakami's larger tomes could be a little daunting. The short stories seemed just the right length. The magical realism or surrealism or however one pigeonholes Murakami was more pronounced in some stories than others.

What the heck, give a story or two a go -- much better than wading into a 500 pp book trying to figure out if/when to bail out.

>239 msf59: Mark! So nice to see you! It was great 'starter' Murakami. I think I'll try some more in a while. Have a few others under way I need to get to.

In various stages of completion:

Enon by Paul Harding
Famous Baby by Karen Rizzo (An LT ER book)
Clover Adams by Natalie Dykstra
Murder at the Lanterne Rouge by Carta Black

Also, painted a bathroom yesterday, so feeling quite accomplished.

Hi Marianne- I liked Tinkers but Enon fell far short for me. I hope it works better for you.

Yah, for a painted bathroom!

I was definitely daunted at the size of 1Q84 before I started reading it, and procrastinated starting it for so long that I did end up losing the ebook back to the library before I finished it and having to put myself back on the hold list. But I was surprised at how "easy" and engaging it was to read, once I actually picked it up.

Stopping by and waving hi.

Marianne, I'm another fan of Murakami. I've read After the Quake twice now and loved it both times. There are others in my large stack which I will get to eventually.

*hugs*

Marianne, in follow up to your posts on libraries, I thought I would point out an enjoyable book that I read last night The Public Library: A Photographic Essay by Robert Dawson showing the diversity of public libraries across the country interspersed with essays on the importance of libraries. I enjoyed it and it is a quick read.

>246 msf59: Thanks Mark. Taping all those corners in the bathroom took for-EVAH but it's done and looking fresh for the onslaught of guests arriving this summer.

Now that I've finished Enon I see a lot of people preferred Harding's Tinkers like yourself. Haven't read Tinkers yet. Loved the writing, but found the story a little much. Will have to put Tinkers on the wishlist.

>247 rosalita: Thanks for the recommendation for 1Q84, Julia. The length of it is quite scary. Perhaps I'll brazen it out!

>248 Whisper1: Hello Linda! thanks for stopping by! I'm sending you a PM, so be on the look out.

>249 richardderus: What? She's wasting time on stand alone short stories? What does she think this is? A money making venture? Will July 24 EVER get here?

(Thanks Richard for the heads up!)

>250 AuntieClio: *hugs* right back dear Steph!

I quite enjoyed Murakami's writing and will definitely seek out more. Thanks for the comments. Glad to know I'm in good company!

>251 Oberon: Thanks for the heads up Erik! as you can tell I *love* me some library pictures and stories. The Public Library: A Photographic Essay is right in my wheelhouse:

Forward by Bill Moyers, afterward by Ann Patchett, reflections by Isaac Asimov, Barbara Kingsolver, Anne Lamott, Phillip Levine, Dr. Seuss, Charles Simic, Amy Tan, E.B. White and others? What's not to love!!

Plus it opens with this hauntingly sad picture from my old stomping grounds (Mark Twain Branch, Detroit MI):

Booooo to Texas!!! But YAY for the Presbyterians!!!! One day I'm sure the Methodists will follow (I'm claiming that right now!)... :)

Count me as another big vote for Good Omens whenever you get around to it. I laughed out loud on multiple occasions!

>258 TinaV95: From your mouth to God's ears, my friend!!