Donna has High Hopes for 2014: Ch. 4

I am so excited to have this Little Free Library right around the corner from me.
I hope to be its most frequent patron!


What is a Little Free Library?
It’s a “take a book, return a book” gathering place where neighbors share their favorite literature and stories. In its most basic form, a Little Free Library is a box full of books where anyone may stop by and pick up a book (or two) and bring back another book to share. You can, too!

Rating System:

One Star......Not worth my time
Two Stars....Finished grudgingly
2.5 Stars......Fair, but not for me
Three Stars..Liked it pretty well but had reservations
3.5 Stars.....Good but not great
Four Stars...Great book; recommended
4.5 Stars.....Excellent; a keeper
Five Stars....Superb; a real treasure.



51: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin. 4.6 stars.
A most quotable book; one that every book lover should read.

52: A reread of The Dog Stars by Peter Heller. 4.6 stars.
A character and Colorado country driven novel about using one's wits and humanity to survive.
I loved it the first time and loved it again the second time.

53: The Secret Speech by Tom Rob Smith. 3.6 stars.
Lee Demidov's attempt to settle into family life in Russia under Krushchev with wife Raisa and two orphaned girls when the oldest one is kidnapped.

54: Crimson Joy by Robert B. Parker. 3.3 stars.
Spanser and Hawk join forces with Lt. Quirk to protect Susan from a serial killer. Of course, she goes out of her way to put herself in danger. Ho hum.

55: Setting Free the Bears by John Irving. 2.7 stars.
Disappointing debut novel (1968) by a favorite author goes too far with a ridiculous plot to set free the animals in the Vienna Zoo.

56: Fourth of July Creek by Smith Henderson. 4.2 stars.
Great debut about a Montana social worker who can't keep his family together. He cares for his clients and his missing teenage daughter but isn't able to "fix" everything.

57: The Colour by Rose Tremain. 4.1 stars.
Joseph Blackstone flees England with his new wife and mother. He succumbs to gold fever in New Zealand and loses his wife in the process.

58: The Towers of Silence by Paul Scott. 4.2 stars.
The story continues in this third book of The Raj Quartet this time told through the eyes of missionary teacher Barbara Batchelor. I really enjoyed Barbie as a narrator although the story didn't progress much.

59: The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain. 3.8 stars.
MT is his typical wordy self as he rambles on about the wonders of Europe on his tour of France, Italy, Spain… I did like much of this book but it was way too much information for me!



41. All the Birds, Singing by Evie Wyld. 3.5 stars.
The title is a misnomer as the book is more suspenseful than bucolic. Set in both Australia and an island off the coast of England, it is a mystery about who or what is killing Jake Whyte's sheep in a brutal way and also a trip back in time to see why she is in hiding.

42. Pale Kings and Princes by Robert B. Parker. 3.1.
More hijinks by Spenser. This time he is investigating a cocaine ring in a small Massachusetts town that has caused the death of a young journalist.

43. The Round House by Louise Erdrich. 4.5. Reread for Book Group.

44. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. 4.0.
A raw and satirical slice of WWII in Dresden, Germany. This is my first Vonnegut, but it won't be my last.

45. The Painter* by Peter Heller. 4.7.
A guilt-ridden painter breaks out in violence when his repressed anger erupts. Wonderful sense of place along with a probing psychological study. Met the author at Booktopia Boulder.

46. Still Life with Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen. 3.9.
Another artist, this one a photographer sublets her pricy NYC apartment and moves to the country to save money and discover her true self.

47. Restoration by Rose Tremain. 3.9. (audio)
Robert Merevil finds favor with King Charles II, has a celibate marriage with the king's mistress, Celia, gets banished to a Quaker home for the insane and undergoes a personal restoration during England's Restoration in the 1600s.

48. Peace by Richard Bausch. 4.2. (audio)
A horrendous trip up an Italian mountain with a local guide during a WWII battle reveals the extreme conditions and fear of the soldiers who are expected to follow orders without question. They learn there is a fine line between being a soldier and becoming a murderer.

49. A Good American by Alex George. 3.8.
A couple from Hanover, Germany ends up in Beatrice, Missouri, and learns about the sacrifices and joys of immigrating to America.

50. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. 4 stars.
The "first" autobiography of a much-admired American who died this month.

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33. Taming A Sea Horse by Robert B. Parket. 2.7
Spenser rescues April Kyle, a teenager that ended up in a brothel in Ceremony. I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of her.

34. Hild* by Nicola Griffith. 4.3
I enjoyed Griffith's idea of the childhood and early adulthood of Saint Hilda. She became the seer for the reigning King Edwin, who was also her uncle, because of her keen observation skills and the behind-the-scenes manipulation of her mother. A sequel is planned. Can't wait!

35. The Steady Running of the Hour by Justin Go. 3.2
I read this overly ambitious book for Booktopia. Justin Go has his main character hopscotching all over Europe trying to find proof of his heritage so he can claim a large inheritance. Needed a good editor.

36. A Beautiful Truth by Colin McAdam. 3.3
Another Booktopia book about the adoption of Looee, a precocious chimpanzee, by a childless couple. Much of the book revealed what it is like for chimps and other animals who spend their lives in research facilities. Very sad.

37. The Bear by Claire Cameron. 3.2
Based on a true event of a bear attack that killed a young couple in Canada, the author added two surviving children, ages 5 and 2, and created an unlikely story of their survival in the wild. I much preferred the child narrator in Room and thought this was a copycat book to a certain degree.

38. The Rise & Fall of Great Powers by Tom Rachman. 4.2
An intriguing second book by Rachman set in Wales and New York City. Tooly (Matilda) had an unconventional upbringing that left her in doubt of who her real parents were. It wasn't that much of a surprise but the slow revelation made for some compelling reading.

39. A Curtain of Green by Eudora Welty. 3.2
The first collection of short stories by this esteemed southern author was uneven but very well written.

40. The Day of the Scorpion* by Paul Scott. 4.3.
This further exploration of the rape of Daphne Manners sheds more light on that particular story and the bigger picture of the unrest in India during the waning days of British Colonialism. Brilliant! I am at the halfway point in The Raj Quartet and can't wait to continue.

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25. Longbourn by Jo Baker. 4 Stars.
The servants of Pride & Prejudice fame have some pretty good stories of their own!

26. Regeneration by Pat Barker. 4.2
Story of the psychological trauma of soldiers in WWI.

27. Home by Toni Morrison. 3.7
Short novel about Frank Money's rescue of his sister Cee in their hometown in Georgia.

28. The Last Chronicle of Barset* by Anthony Trollope. 4.7
Wonderful book that features many of the characters in earlier Barsetshire books.

29. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. 4.0
Atmospheric true tale about Agnes who was the last person to be executed in Iceland in the 1800a.

30. Pioneer Women by Joanna L. Stratton. 4.1
Collection of journal accounts of women who worked alongside their families to make a living in mid-1800s Kansas. They battled grasshoppers and the occasional Indian and found time to write about it!

31. Lady Oracle by Margaret Atwood. 3.8
Atwood's third novel tells the story of the identity-challenged Joan Foster who made a living writing cheap romance books but gained her fame by writing a literary novel while in a trance.

32. A Catskill Eagle by Robert B. Parker. 3.0
Spenser and Hawk are in California to straighten out a confused Susan Silverman who has fallen under the spell of *shock* another man!

*Favorite for the month!

In Addition to participating in the monthly TIOLI Challenges, I will be taking part in these groups...

American Author Challenge:

Willa Cather - One of Ours (fits the TIOLI WWI Challenge for January)
William Faulkner - The Hamlet (TIOLI series Challenge for February)
Cormac McCarthy - Suttree (TIOLI Challenge #11 - A Relative Chunkster; my avg. book is 336 pp. and this one was 471 pp.)
Toni Morrison - Home - (TIOLI - Shared read on TIOLI #11)
Eudora Welty - A Curtain of Green and Other Stories
Kurt Vonnegut - Slaughterhouse-Five
Mark Twain - Innocents Abroad
Philip Roth - The Plot Against America
James Baldwin - Giovanni's Room
Edith Wharton - The Reef
John Updike - My Father's Tears and Other Stories
Larry Watson - American Boy

The Spenser Project:
(Reading with Roberta (luvamystery) and Mamie (Crazymamie);
thanks for the list, Roberta!

January – Ceremony #9
February – The Widening Gyre #10
March – Valediction #11
April – A Catskill Eagle #12
May – Taming a Sea-Horse #13
June – Pale Kings and Princes #14
July – Crimson Joy #15
August – Playmates #16
September – Stardust #17
October – Pastime #18
November – Double Deuce #19
December – Paper Doll #20

Books Acquired in 2014
January Acquisitions:
Regeneration by Pat Barker at local used bookstore. "Free" with credit.
The Eye in the Door - Pat Barker - used my credit.
The Rosie Project - Graeme Simsion - succumbed to peer pressure on Julia's (rosalita) thread! Kindle - $1.99.
The Golem and the Jinni - Helene Wecker - Kindle - $1.99
Twelve Years A Slave - Solomon Northrup - Kindle - $1.99
Lost Memory of Skin - Russell Banks - Kindle - $1.99

February Acquisitions:
American Boy - Larry Watson - Kindle - $1.99
Salvage the Bones - Jesmyn Ward - Kindle - $1.99
Mr. Britling Sees it Through - H. G. Wells - Kindle - free!
Lincoln's Melancholy - Joshua Wolf Shenk - Kindle - $1.99
The Last Chronicle of Barset - Anthony Trollope - iBooks - free!

March Acquisitions:
Valediction - Robert B. Parker - There was a wait list at the library; I paid $1.07 at my local used bookstore (I had some credit left - all gone now!)

I celebrated my 7th Thingaversary on March 25. I bought these books in March and April to celebrate my time here!

Dirt Music by Tim Winton - The Tattered Cover
The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder - The Tattered Cover
Independent People by Halldor Laxness - Amazon
Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain - Amazon
Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger - Spring Friends of the Library Booksale
Boundary Waters - Wm. Kent Krueger - Booksale
Copper River - Wm. Kent Krueger - Booksale
Thunder Bay - Wm. Kent Krueger - Booksale

I bought these books at the Boulder Bookstore during Booktopia, May 16-17:
The Dog Stars - Peter Heller
The Painter - Peter Heller
Conversation in the Cathedral - Mario Vargas Llosa
Under the Glacier - Halldor Laxness
Sky Bridge - Laura Pritchett

Kindle Purchase:
Ines of My Soul - Isabel Allende

June Acquisitions
The Eighth Day - Thornton Wilder (Kindle)
Await Your Reply - Don Chaon (JoCo Booksale)
World Light - Halldon Laxness (Bemis Library)
Slow River - Nicola Griffith (BL)
Dancing in the Streets - Barbara Ehrenreich (BL)
The Uncommon Reader - Alan Bennett (BL - 50 cents!)
I Was Told There'd Be Cake - Sloane Crosley. (The Tattered Cover)

I couldn't find my star on Photobucket so a busy bee is helping cover my squares. Four more to go for a cover-all.
Can I finish in July? I hope so!!!!
I haven't been actively searching out Bingo Books…until now…I want to move on to the other card.
Book Candidates:
A Forgotten Classic: Independent People
Author Under Thirty: The Luminaries
First Book by Favorite Author: Setting Free the Bears
Second Book in A Series: The Secret Speech

List of Starred Books…
Row #1: >500 pages - The Last Chronicle of Barset, Became a Movie - The Day of the Scorpion, Published this year - On Such a Full Sea, No. in the Title - Eleven Days
#2: Nonhuman Characters - We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves, Funny Book - Restoration (parts of it), Female Author - Doc by Mary Doria Russell, Mystery - Valediction.
#3: One-word Title - Someone, Short Stories - Runaway, "Free", Set on Different Continent - The Glass Room, Non-Fiction - This is the Story Of A Happy Marriage.
#4:Heard About Online - Hild.Best-Selling The Goldfinch, True Story - Philida, Bottom of TBR - Pioneer Women.
#5: A Book Your Friend Loves - Still Life With Bread Crumbs, A Book That Scares You (creepy) - All the Birds, Singing, More Than 10 Years Old - Slaughterhouse-Five, Blue Cover - The Golem and the Jinni.

It looks like I saved too many spots. Oh well, I wanted to post a picture of my new car. It is coming from another dealer and should arrive tomorrow. Here is a picture of it from Google Images…





Oh the places I'll go! That first image almost looks like the foothills of Colorado.
It is a 2014 Hyundai Azera with all the bells and whistles I could get!

I've occasionally come across on of those "Little Free Libraries" but there has never been anything in them. And some of them have looked shabby and abandoned, and sad! Yours looks well-patronized in comparison.

I have one in my neighbourhood as well. They are the coolest things...ever!
Happy new thread Donna. :D

Happy New Thread Donna! I don't know if Little Free Libraries are popular here in Canada, but I've seen one outside one of our most busy metro stations, which looks like it might be a municipal thing because it's the sort of metal box used for newspaper vendors. I imagine they would be more popular in the suburbs than downtown, but I'll keep an eye out for them. I wonder how many people are good at returning or replacing the books? Now I think of it, I'll try to remember to bring a couple of books along to stock that little box next time I take that route; goodness knows I always have plenty of book in need of new homes!

Will go see what I've missed on your old thread now.

Happy New Thread, Donna! I love the idea of Little Free Libraries, but haven't actually met one yet. :)

I love that you have a little free library around the corner. What goodies do you plan on leaving there Donna?

Happy New Thread! What a lovely LTF, and right in your own neighborhood! How fun!

Happy New thread, Donna! Love the Little Free Library topper! And congrats on the new wheels. How very nice. Hugs all around.

Nice car!

Congrats on the new thread! Such an exciting day, getting a new car. Love the color. Always tickled by the creative names the car manufacturers devise for the colors. Once had car in 'spinnaker blue'. In my next life I wanna be the car color namer.

>6 catarina1:: This is a brand-new Little Free Library with some decent books inside. The owner teaches in the gifted program so I think she knows a thing or two about good books! I can't tell you how happy I was to find this on our first walk after our trip to Colorado. My husband thought I'd lost my mind!

>7 jolerie:: I totally agree, Valerie. The only thing better is if it was in my front yard. Actually, this location is better. I can see it from my driveway on the street that crosses the street I live on. The LFL will get much more traffic as it is on the way to the neighborhood middle school.

>8 Smiler69:: Ilana, your LFL sounds like it is placed for frequent use. I'm sure donations will be very welcome. I made our little family (Haley, Molly, and parents) walk over there with me this afternoon so they could see what I was so happy about. My son picked up a paperback copy of The Rule of Four and Haley got a story about Super Dog! We left a Henry and Mudge book and my extra copy of A Thousand Splendid Suns that I "won" at Booktopia. So much fun.

>9 tymfos:: Terri, if you are ever in Springfield, MO, look me up and I will introduce you to your first Little Free Library! I think you would be good friends.

>10 luvamystery65:: I left two goodies there today, Roberta (see my response to Ilana in Msg. 8), and I will leave more on a regular basis. Who knows, I might look in one day and find a Robert B. Parker 'Spenser' book! Or I might leave one and recruit another fan.

>11 cbl_tn:: Thanks, Carrie. I've seen one other LFL driving around town but there certainly aren't an overabundance of them.

>12 msf59:: Mark, I can always use a hug! I'm eager to drive my new car tomorrow. I hope it quits raining. I don't want to get it wet!

>13 drneutron:: Thank you, Jim. The Azera I had for seven years was a really great car so I didn't see any reason to get anything different, although I went from tan to red in color! The only two speeding tickets I've ever gotten in my life were in the same year around 20 years ago in my red Nissan Maxima. I hope that isn't a bad omen.

>14 michigantrumpet:: That would be a fun job, Marianne. My new car is Venetian Red Pearl. I've never been to Venice so I don't know if the color is true or not. I don't like just any red car; it has to be the perfect shade and this one was it!

Congratulations on the new wheels! I love the look of your new car and can imagine you will have a lot of fun zipping around in it.

ETA: I loved Room and will put The Bear aside for now. Need a break from children in stressful situations.

Book No. 38: The Rise & Fall of Great Powers by Tom Rachman. 4.2 stars.

"…she toured Spain alone, developing an ache she couldn't explain. At a flamenco hall in Seville, she met an Argentine woman and they spoke all night about books and travel. Afterward, as Tooly walked back to her hotel, tears came into her eyes. So, so lonely…in Lisbon one evening without any reading material, she picked up a scrunched literary journal whose articles were so dull that she perused the classifieds, happening upon one that stated, 'Bookshop for Sale.' She had been nearly thirty then--perhaps time to try something rooted." (91)

Tom Rachman's second book opens in a bookstore in Wales; unfortunately, it is off the beaten path so it is not a very prosperous investment for young Matilda (Tooly) Zylberberg. But no matter, she is content listening to the ramblings of her young assistant, Fogg, who came with the store along with an old car and her choice of sleeping quarters above the shop. She enjoys her early morning walks in the countryside and the quiet life that allows her ample time for reading and ruminating on her past.

Rachman structures Tooly's story around three time periods in her life, identifying each one by the year so it is easy to keep track of Tooly as she appears at age 10 under the wing of Paul in Bangkok, then later in London at age 21 living with an older gent named Humphrey, and even later in Wales when she is in her early 30's. She is anchored by her love of literature and the reoccurrence of Venn, a con artist who seems to be paying her bills. Things are not always as they seem, however, as she travels to New York City to take care of Humphrey in his declining health and finds out more about her gypsy-like youth.

While this book is not a thriller nor even a very baffling mystery, it is a book that kept my attention throughout because I wanted so much for Tooly to triumph over her casual upbringing that made her an outsider in most situations. She was not a regular school attendee, although she was very well read, the recurring book in her life being Nicholas Nickleby and other stories by Dickens. I'm sure she identified with the waifs and outcasts in these narrations of growing up in tough times. She had every reason to turn out like the mostly irresponsible people who raised her or, rather, watched her grow up, but instead she sought to understand her past so she could build a better future. This was not a perfect book yet it was a pretty amazing story. I can't wait to see what Tom Rachman has up his literary sleeve for his next book!

>17 DeltaQueen50:: Judy, Room is one of the best books about children in stressful situations I've read. I think that's why The Bear suffered in comparison! Vroom! Who knows, me and my hot wheels might just show up in Idaho someday!

I can't believe you have a Little Free Library! That is sooo cool! Can I come visit it? ;-) And I love your new car...you'll have to do all the driving now, okay?! At least until I get a new car...and who knows when that will be!

Nancy, you can come visit it anytime. It's not mine, just in close proximity. I figure I owe you many rides to canasta games, book events, etc. I'll be more than happy to share the new car smell with you! I hope you and Mel didn't have outside plans. This weather has been a bit on the gloomy side for those lucky enough to be going to the lake. I've enjoyed staying in and watching the raindrops on our pond!

Happy new thread, Donna! And happy new car, too. It's a beautiful color, for sure. I have a Hyundai Elantra and I love it. Her, actually; her name is Emmylou. :-)

Congrats on the new car and hooray for the LFL!! They are both so cute and will provide many adventures. Enjoy!

Hi Donna! I'm just comin out of hiding to say hello on this pretty new thread. I lost track of you for a while but now you're starred again, yay!

Love the new thread, the thread topper pic - that little free library is just so darn cute! - and congrats on the new car to get around in!

>18 Donna828: - I loved Rachman's previous novel, The Imperfectionists and based on your wonderful review, I believe I will be very happy reading his new book!

Lots of stuff happening in your neck of the woods Donna: a new Little Free library, a new car (I've had mine for five years) and a Thingaversary celebration. I see you picked up several William Kent Krueger books. I have one tat was a Kindle deal but I've never read him before. Looks like you think he's pretty good so I will look forward to Ordinary Grace.

And like you, I will look forward to Rachman's next book. I think his versatility will carry him a long way. Your review gives a much better explanation of what went on in the book than mine did. Thumb!

Happy new thread and happy new car, Donna! I like red cars too although unfortunately there was a fault with my little red car and the paint has really faded (apparently this is a known issue with this particular model). I'm not too bothered though as long as the car works and I comfort myself that people will be less likely to try to break into it if it looks shabby!

I didn't get a chance to say so on your old thread but lovely photo of Hope's baptism.

Good review of The Rise & Fall of Great Powers. I should get to this one soon. Have a good week, Donna!

Hi Donna - Happy new thread. Nice new wheels. I'm sure you will enjoy. Nice review of the new Rachman - I'm going to have to read him one of these days.

>22 rosalita:: The Elantra is a good looking car, I just needed a bit more room to get those kiddos in their car seats. I have always called my cars Nellybelle with a nod to the Roy Rogers Show. Before your time, Julia.

>23 Berly:: Thanks, Kim, I will enjoy the neighborhood library and my new ride. It's good to see you here.

>24 lauralkeet:: Laura, I sometimes lose track of myself as I'm not posting as much this year and my thread gets lost in the back pages of LT. I'm glad my star is attached once again. Let's hope it stays on this time!

>25 lkernagh:: I think whoever made my local Little Free Library did a superb job. The other side is pretty darn cute, too. Rise & Fall of Great Powers has the same quality writing as The Imperfectionists but the story line is quite different. I think Mr. Rachman is a talented new writer.

>26 brenzi:: Bonnie, I loved Ordinary Grace but haven't read any of the adventure series books. I have great faith in the LTers who recommended them. Thanks for that thumb!

>27 souloftherose:: Hi Heather, my old car was looking pretty shabby with its door dings and recent hail damage. It served me well for seven years. I'm glad you liked the baptism picture. I only got the one and it was a little out of focus. My son has a video of the event which I will eventually get a copy of.

>28 msf59:: Mark, it doesn't feel like Tuesday already but I do plan to have a good week. Molly is coming over in a little while to have some Grandma time. She was here yesterday but had competition from Big Sister. I hope you like the new Rachman. He sure writes a good story.

>29 BLBera:: Hi Beth, I think you would probably enjoy either or both of the Rachman books. There are just so many good books out there just waiting for eager eyes (or ears)! I wish I could squeeze more reading time into my life.

LFL are catching on here in East Tennessee, but we still don't have as many as some places do.

>30 Donna828: I was one of the few who wasn't bowled over by The Imperfectionists, Donna. I don't know what it was, but it was just okay for me. I probably won't try his newest, as I didn't get that strong enjoyment you and others did from the first one.

>32 thornton37814:: Lori, that's good to know. I have no idea where Missouri fits into the lineup. Sounds like a Google project to me!

>33 jnwelch:: Don't rule it out too soon, Joe, as it is completely different from The Imperfectionists. I told Bonnie on her thread that I liked The Rise & Fall of Great Powers better than his first book!

Beautiful new car!! And really cool about the little free library. What a wonderful idea. I hope people treat it with respect.

Hi Donna! A LFL, a new car, and a great review of the Rachman book! There is a lot going on over here on your new thread, Donna! I enjoyed The Rise & Fall of Great Powers too. I don't know quite what to expect from Rachman's next book, but I'm sure it won't be a run-of-the-mill story.

Oh man, a Little Free Library right round the corner AND a new car?! I will not be jealous...I will not be jealous...

Hi Donna! More love for your Little Free Library pic. I'd love one on my tree lawn, it would certainly be a step up from the brown cardboard box I use to give away books at the edge of my driveway. Must Google for cost.
Is your new car really red?! I love red cars and your Azera with all bells and whistles is the best way to kick off summer! Wishing you many, many miles of happy travelling .

ETA: This is a great site for LFL's. http://littlefreelibrary.org/ The map indicates there are none in my county. Wouldn't it be fun to be the first!? I don't know, I'll need to ponder this. The cardboard box is just so darn portable.

We should have more in East Tennessee than what are listed because some of the education professors and majors were behind a push to get a lot more of them here in the spring. I'm guessing that they just haven't added those to the map yet.

>35 RebaRelishesReading:: Reba, I would be heartbroken if the LFL is vandalized. We don't usually have a problem with this in our neighborhood but it would make a good target for random thugs.

>36 porch_reader:: Amy, I love authors who surprise their readers with fresh new ideas in each book. I think Rachman will be this kind of author.

>37 scaifea:: Amber, May was a month full of surprises for me! Now if I just had that Levenger tote bag… Lol.

>38 Carmenere:: Lynda, the LFL cost seems high but they are so well made that it would be worth it. I loved looking at the variety of LFLs on the website. Yup, new car is red as in the pictures. It's officially named Venetian Red Pearl but I like to call it "knock-your-eyes-out" red! I will have to adopt a new perky personality to go along with my new car!

>39 thornton37814:: Lori, looking at that map, I can't help but notice a dearth of LFLs in Nevada. I guess the state is not known for reading.

Book No. 39: A Curtain of Green by Eudora Welty. 3.2 stars.

I slowly made my way through this first collection of short stories from an esteemed southern writer. Set in a different place and time, I could not relate to the characters and events. However, the writing was stellar and so I kept plodding along. One of my favorite stories, "The Key," about a mentally challenged couple stranded in a bus station was followed by my least favorite, "Keela, the Outcast Indian Maiden," which bordered on the grotesque. Most of the stories contained good characterization and an excellent sense of place. But Welty's way with words provided the impetus to keep reading. I have her complete collection of stories on Kindle and I will probably continue very s-l-o-w-l-y to read them. They were strangely compelling to me because of the types of people and places she writes about, and I am a lover of beautiful language:

But happiness, Albert knew, is something that appears to you suddenly, that is meant for you, a thing which you reach for and pick up and hide at your breast, a shiny thing that reminds you of something alive and leaping. ~ From "The Key")

Welty's stories may not be shiny, but they are alive! I hope they continue to grow on me.

>41 Donna828: Nice review. The thing about collections of short stories -- one is allowed to dip one's toe in and just sample. There are some authors whose writing I can only handle in small bits. I like them in nibbles, not big giulps.

Marianne, I can easily do small samples of Eudora Welty's short stories. If I read one that doesn't set right with me, I'll move on to the next one. I like the idea of being a "nibbler"!

I have many more visits to make on LT this week end, but right now I must concentrate on finishing the excellent The Day of the Scorpion, second book in The Raj Quartet. I think house and yard work will just have to wait until my book is done!

Book 40: The Day of the Scorpion by Paul Scott. 4.3 stars.

"It wasn't enough to say he was English and I was Indian, that he was a ruler and I was one of the ruled. We had to find out what that meant. He said that people talked of an ideal relationship between his kind and my kind. They called it comradeship. But they never said anything about the contempt on his side and the fear on mine that was basic and came before any comradely feeling." (Pg. 310)

The saga of British Colonial rule of India in the 1940s continues. Many new characters are introduced to join characters from Book One of The Raj Quartet, the brilliant Jewel in the Crown. The rape of Daphne Manners in the Bibighar Gardens comes up again as more information about the arrest and interrogation of the accused is put forward. The first 75 pages or so of "The Situation" had me on the edge of my seat as Hari Kumar candidly told his version of what had occurred that August night when much of the rest of India was rioting in reaction to the Quit India resolution that had been passed by the standing Indian Congress the day before.

Change was in the air as the Indian people began to resent the British occupation. Relations between the British and Indian people had been getting more tense as the factions of Hindus, Muslims, and Christians clashed. Paul Scott writes about the many layers of Indian society and the complexity of its politics in relation to the story he is telling so the reader doesn't realize that an important history lesson is being absorbed. I look forward to reading the next two books in the series and becoming even more entrenched in this mesmerizing epic.

Nice comments on the Scott book -- I am so tempted to reread... I loved those books. You should watch the miniseries when you're done -- it's one of the best Masterpieces ever.

>45 BLBera:: Beth, I am loving The Raj Quartet! I'm glad I still have two books to go. Yes, I will definitely look for the miniseries. I've already checked and my library has it. Woo too!

I'm glad that you're enjoying The Raj Quartet, Donna. I'll try to get to it in the next couple of years.

Interesting reaction to A Curtain of Green, Donna. I have yet to read anything by Eudora Welty, but I'm a sucker for beautiful writing. I have also been wanting to read The Raj Quartet and your review gives me yet another nudge. Thanks!

>47 kidzdoc:: Darryl, I see you're into long-range planning. I don't blame you for not committing to The Raj Quartet right away. Four big books is quite an undertaking! Don't put them off too long, though, because I think the series would be right up your alley.

>48 Linda92007:: Linda, Welty combines beautiful writing with some very odd characters. The combination seems to work as I'll keep reading the stories. I don't think you would be a bit disappointed in The Raj Quartet. I'm glad to nudge you in that direction.

Book No. 41: All the Birds, Singing by Evie Wyld. 3.5 stars.

"The next morning when the wind had stopped blowing, the mist came down thicker than I'd seen before. It lapped at my feet when I opened the door, like my house was an island. Dog stroke off into it, and lost his legs and hovered smoothly. In the woodshed I dug out the unopened fox bait that had ben there since I moved in…I doubted it would do anything much to an animal the size of the one I'd seen on the way home. I tried to remember the shape of the thing but all I had left in my memory was a set of yellow eyes." (120)

You can't judge a book by its title! All The Birds, Singing conjures up a bucolic scene but in the opening paragraph, there is the presence of death. Jake has lost her second sheep in a month, and it is not a pretty sight. Her peaceful hideaway isn't as peaceful as she thought -- even the coffee pot gives out a death rattle!

This atmospheric novel set in England with alternating chapters providing Jake's background in Australia, started out as a thriller but it settled down with the entrance of the drifter Lloyd and slowly whimpered to an end. I did like Wyld's slow reveal of why Evie was on the run but expected more than I got.

>44 Donna828: Great review. Love the quote with which you started, captures so much of it doesn't it?

I like the cover on >50 Donna828:.

Hope all's well!

>50 Donna828: - That's disappointing about All the Birds Singing, Donna. I've had my eye on that one...

Hi Donna - I think we both gave 3.5 stars to All the Birds, Singing, a book with many strengths, but I agree, the Lloyd thing didn't really fit. Nice review.

>51 michigantrumpet:: Hi Marianne. I try to find a quote that either gives a sense of the book or simply one that appeals to me. The cover of All the Birds, Singing gives a better idea of the book than the title! All is well here. We are expecting our first 90 degree day tomorrow. The humidity will be equally high. ;-(

>52 katiekrug:: Katie, it started out deliciously creepy but ended up with a whimper. One of the reveals had me thinking, "that's it?"

>52 katiekrug:: Thanks, Beth. The book could have been so much better. Have you read her first book? Can't say I'm too interested in it after my disappointment in this one.

*lurk*

Hi Donna! Oh! A Little Free Library -- how wonderful! I went up to check on my mom's house a couple of months back and in a fit of nostalgia I drove by our old house in Conifer. I was so surprised to find a Little Free Library just down the road aways (pretty much the middle of nowhere). Just made my day.



Hope you're having a great week -- enjoy that new car!

Missed your new thread, Donna! Love the free library near your home and your new wheels! Have taken a bullet for The Day of the Scorpion; really must get to the Raj Quartet. So many books, so little time …

Just dropping by to catch up with you Donna. I've gotten so excited about the Matthew Shardlake series, and reading them all one after the other (something I've never done before), with the consequence that I've completely put aside The Day of the Scorpion for now. I'll get back to it though. Like you, I was also on the edge of my seat during that interview with Hari Kumar. Disappointed thought that he refused to spill the beans about that fateful night in the Bibighar Gardens, as would have loved to get the story from his point of view.

Hi Donna--very nice reviews, but no book bullets for me. Not a short story person, not much on history, and All the Birds, Singing didn't grab you enough to grab me. ;) Read on!!

Donna - I didn't read her first book. I might watch for her future work; I think I liked it a little more than you did.

I LOVE the free libraries. I want one in my yard!

Hi Donna,

What great Little Free Libraries! I keep hoping to find one in my neighborhood. I did see one near a friend's house a few months ago but didn't get a chance to take a peek.

And congrats on the new car! Very nice. The color looks similar to my car and I love it. Will you be taking any road trips this month, west perhaps....?

I loved The Imperfectionists and I'm glad to see another good review of Rachman's latest.

I had checked out All the Birds, Singing from the library several weeks or months ago but it didn't grab me so I returned it. Glad to see I didn't miss a good one.

Have you started The Painter yet? I really liked it!

Yay for visitors!

>55 ronincats:: Roni, I even like having lurkers around!

>56 AMQS:: Anne, I know how excited you were about the LFL because I felt the same way! Your discovery off the beaten path was especially thrilling. And the structure fits the environment so well. Thanks for sharing the pic!

>57 lit_chick:: Nancy, that book bullet counts as four! I can almost guarantee that you would love The Raj Quartet. Very atmospheric with some great characters.

>58 Smiler69:: Ilana, I love Matthew Shardlake and was so sad when I got caught up with the series. I can understand how it is taking over your reading life. I waited several years before I read the second book in The Raj Quartet. I was surprised how quickly I got back into the story.

>59 Berly:: Hi Kim, we don't always like the same books, but I'm so glad you stopped by while your knee is healing. I hope you are reading something good to take your mind off the longish recovery.

>60 BLBera:: Beth, if you go to the web site, you will fall in love with the variety of LFL styles. We will be downsizing in a few years and I am putting a LFL on my wish list for the future. I'll have plenty of books to stock it with as I plan to downsize my library at the same time.

>61 Copperskye:: Joanne, I was in the car with Mary several months ago and almost asked to stop when we passed a LFL. That was my first sighting of one and was so excited. Yup, I love riding in your big red vehicle and decided to get a smaller version for myself. Red has always been my favorite car color. I'll have to be careful on my drive to Colorado next week. I'll be coming out a week from Sunday. The new Azera is so smooth that speeding might be a problem! I haven't gotten to The Painter yet. Glad to hear it was a good one!

Book No. 42: Pale Kings and Princes by Robert B. Parker. 3.1 star.

"Susan had a new car, a bullet-shaped red Japanese sports car with a turbo-charged engine that would go from 0 to 5 million in 2.5 seconds. She blazed around in it like Chuck Yeager, but it scared me half to death and whenever I could I drove it with the cruise control set to fifty-five so it wouldn't creep up to the speed of light on me when I glanced at the road." (86)

Spenser is investigating the death of a newspaper man going after a story about drugs in a small Massachusetts town. The police are corrupted and threatening to nosy outsiders. Some thugs threaten Spenser and burn his car so he is driving Susan's hot wheels around town. Pretty hard to remain undercover in a red sports car! As always, Spenser makes me smile with his wise cracks. Plenty of Susan in this book and a little of Hawk. It was a good way to spend a rainy afternoon.

Pale Kings and Princes does sound like a good way to spend a rainy afternoon, Donna. I got such a chuckle from the quote, and from your comments, too.

Ditto, Donna. Glad you had a good time with Spenser and friends.

Another Spenser in the done pile! One tiny correction — I think the action takes place on Cape Cod for the most part, although if I remember right he does follow the bad guys up to Maine to spy on a drug deal. Unless I'm confusing this one with another book, which could happen!

>64 lit_chick:: Nancy, I'm glad You got a chuckle from my thread! Spenser is always good for quite a few chuckles.

>65 jnwelch:: Joe, as you know, the Spenser books are a lot of fun to read.

>66 rosalita:: Ooops, you are right, Julia. I don't know how I got it in my head that Wheaton was in Maine. I am geographically challenged! Thanks for the heads up so I can set the record straight.

Those sorts of details aren't really important in a Spenser book. It's all about the snappy dialogue for me!

Happy New Thread and Happy New Red Car!!

>1 Donna828: Love the Little Free Libraries. I have a story about that. My son, when planning his Eagle, wanted to put a Little Free Library outside the bus transit station in our town. He did all the planning, got approval from the BSA for the project, arranged with the public library (conveniently across the street) to have volunteers restock it with their donated books. Then, he approached MetroDistricts about putting the little library box on the bus station property. He was told he could build and intsall it, but he would have to provide a million dollar insurance policy against loss or damage or injury or whatever. Yeah right. So we did a completely different Eagle project. Dumb beaurocrats. What exactly did they imagine people were going to do with the books? The free books?

>63 Donna828: Great Spenser review. How neat to be reading about snappy red cars when you just got one of your own! Guess you won't be investigating drug rings any time soon... ;-P

>68 rosalita:: You are so right, Julia. He does have a way with words and quick comebacks. I always think of those witty responses...about ten minutes too late!

>69 nittnut:: Hi Jenn. That was a ridiculous response to Jonah's brilliant idea. A bus station would have been an ideal location for a Little Free Library. What a loss for the bus riders.

>70 michigantrumpet:: I almost missed you, Marianne. I couldn't resist that quote about the red car. I'll keep the drugs firmly in the pages of the Robert B. Parker books!

I am off to pick up Haley for her day with Grandma. I'm not sure who has the most fun! It looks like yet another rainy day here. We may stop off at the nature center to watch the birds and other wildlife and visit the exhibits in lieu of our usual "Mother Nature" walk.

>71 Donna828: Hope you enjoyed your day with Haley.

I sure did, Lori. Thanks for asking! We were both exhausted as the rain held off long enough for some hiking at the conservation center. Haley and I both love being outside.

Here are some pictures:
1. Haley checks out a strutting tom turkey through the widow of the bird-watching room.
2. This was the only bear we saw today!

What a cutie! Thanks for sharing. Oh! And you DID get me with Pale Kings and Princes. 'Course I have't read any Sheldon mysteries yet so I got the first one, The Godwulf Manuscript. I already started! "The office of the university president looked like the..." ; )

Kim, I hope you enjoy the Robert B. Parker books. Mamie, Roberta, and I are reading them together, one per month. We are on Spenser #14 so you can easily catch up with us. You will find them fast and fun reads with an occasional philosophical thought to mull over.

I plan to catch up on some threads today and may try to put this house in order. I've been way too busy the past few days but it's been a fun whirl of activity and grandkids. I had Molly most of the day on Wednesday while her family went to Silver Dollar City, then had duplicate bridge and book group on Thursday. Yesterday was another fun day with Haley. I will be sticking close to home this week end playing catch-up!

We had some new potential members at our book group meeting Thursday night, including my sister-in-law who recently retired from Missouri State. I think there were twelve of us! Everyone really liked The Round House. Some had never read Louise Erdrich and want to check out some of her earlier books. It had been almost two years since I read it so I did my first reread of the year. I am a big fan of Ms. Erdrich and can see myself rereading all her books at some point as soon as I can figure out the order in time. I think Tracks is the way to begin.



Book No. 43: The Round House by Louise Erdrich. 4.5 stars.

My review from October, 2012...

"Joe Coutts turns 13 in the summer of 1988 on the North Dakota reservation that is the setting of many of Erdrich's previous books. It's also the summer when his mother, a tribal clerk who works with sensitive (i.e., secretive) ancestry information, comes home seriously injured after a brutal rape that leaves her in shock and incommunicado. Joe's father is a tribal judge who works within the system to seek justice. Joe is only 13, but he is intent on finding out exactly what happened in the Round House, a place built by his Ojibwe ancestors as a sacred place of worship. Joe and his three buddies combine their sense of adventure and comradeship to solve the mystery.

Erdrich has written a wonderfully suspenseful book about strong family (and friend) ties that involves the conflict of a deep moral struggle. Her coming-of-age tale propels Joe from carefree boyhood to making decisions that would test a man of the world. Joe learns that justice is not a simple matter and that it always comes with a price. This book is Erdrich at her best -- and she's always very good. Highly recommended."

…The only thing I can add to that review is that there is quite a bit of humor in the book despite the heavy topic of rape and justice. We had a great time recalling the scenes from the book that made us laugh. The comic relief was welcome. The story affected me even more the second time around. I can't wait for Louise's next book!

Excellent review of The Round House, Donna. I've not read any Erdich, but obviously that has to change. It's a talented writer who can offer humour while addressing such heavy topics.

Trying to do a quick catch up. We have to reestablish WiFi in the condo so I've walked over to the town square and found a lovely table in the shade to take advantage of the free Wifi in that area. It's pretty nice...except for the people who recently moved in to the table next to me. I'm more part of their conversation than I want to be.

Getting caught up here, Donna. Love that you live close to a conservation centre.... what a fantastic place for a day trip for you and Haley!

I am another reader who has yet to read any of Erdrich's works but your reposted review of The Round House has caught my attention.

I hope you have a lovely Sunday!

Loving the pictures with Haley -- what a cutie-patootie! Sounds like you've done a fine job converting the masses to La Erdrich!

>76 lit_chick:: Nancy, I strongly urge you to give Ms. Erdrich a trial run. I really like her early books, too, but The Round House would also be a good one to start with.

>77 RebaRelishesReading:: Glad you arrived safely, Reba. That was quite a long drive. When is your husband flying out to join you? I do look forward to your reports on the events you attend while at Chautauqua…and, again, I'm sorry we didn't connect on your trip east.

>78 lkernagh:: Hi Lori, The Missouri Conservation Center is only a few miles from our house. It's one of my favorite places to visit with the grandkids. They also offer programs for children and adults throughout the year. Haley went to a couple of story times when she was younger (a year ago!) but we haven't been there in some time now. We have our own little nature area right in the backyard. The snapping turtles were laying eggs last week!

>79 michigantrumpet:: Thanks, Marianne. Louise Erdrich is an author I do get excited about. She has a marvelous independent bookstore in Minneapolis that I was lucky enough to be able to browse in and buy a few books a few years ago.

Book No. 44: Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. 4 stars.

"Billy Pilgrim has come unstuck in time… Billy is spastic in time, has no control over where he is going next, and the trips aren't necessarily fun. He is in a constant state of stage fright, he says, because he never knows what part of his life he is going to have to act in next."

So begins Mr. Vonnegut's tale of his time in Dresden after 135,000 souls were lost in a nonstrategic air raid. So it goes… Those three words are repeated many times during the book. It is his response to any mention of death.

I remember this book when it came out in the late 60's being popular with the anti-war crowd. I boycotted reading it then because both my father and my husband were in the army ready and willing to go to VietNam if they were called, and I had no use for people protesting war. But, oh, what a little gem of a book it is.

Vonnegut transfers his war angst onto Billy in this story of reality and fantasy. Billy weeps quietly to himself in the real world and escapes into the fourth dimension where he can relive his past, present, or future; although nothing can be changed. He did find some comfort (this is where it gets weird!) on the Planet Tralfamadore where he learned to concentrate on pleasant moments and tried to forget the pain of war. It's a quick read but one that will stick with me.

Slaughterhouse 5 is a favorite of mine.

I don't know why I've yet to read The Round House.

Haley is adorable!

*lurk*

*double lurk*

*also lurking*

Donna, have never read Slaughterhouse Five. Must get to it! Great review : ).

>80 Donna828: - You have snapping turtles in your backyard? Really!?! The only wildlife that we seem to get that attract my interest are the seals one can sometimes see swimming in the Inner Harbour. Turtles are such amazing creatures.

That photo of Haley on the bear has me smiling, Donna. What a cutie she is. Sounds like you two are good pals.

Glad you liked Slaughter-House Five. It's one of my favorites of his. He's got a unique style and is unrestrained by writing conventions - is it science fiction if you have time travel and a Planet Tralfalmadore? No, not really. He gets through to me with his ideas in ways I'm not sure anyone else could.

>73 Donna828: Love the Hayley photo!

>74 Berly: That quote got me hooked on Spenser!

Hi Donna! Looks like I've been tardy over here. Bad Mark. I hope you had a good weekend. Nice review of The Round House. I have no idea why I have had such a hard time reading this author. I have at least 4 of hers in the stacks and I know I will like them.
I am glad you enjoyed your Vonnegut selection. Breakfast of Champions fell just a little short for me.

I started The Rise & Fall of Great Powers. I am about 80 pages in. I like it but i have no idea where it is going.

Hi Donna--Finished The Godwulf Manuscript. He is such a classic gumshoe. Attractive to women, but sensitive, smart, bends the rules for a good cause, and likes his booze. Not sure I can read all 14 Spensers in time to catch up to you, Crazy and Mamie. I will try to read as many as I can. Maybe I can join you guys in July? Spenser is a classic!

>91 Berly: And he can cook gourmet meals! What's not to like?

Oh yeah! I forgot about that part. I was in the grocery store today thinking he cooks better than I do! LOL

>82 Copperskye:: Hi Joanne, it took me this long to get to Slaughterhouse-Five so you have a few years left before you need to get to The Round House! Can't wait to see my Colorado book buddies again!

>83 ronincats::, >84 Berly::, >85 nittnut:: Thanks for owning up to lurking Roni, Kimberly, and Jenn! I just read a thread and blithely move on. Sometimes I feel like a Peeping Tom!

>86 lit_chick:: Wow, Nancy, and I thought I was the only LTer who hadn't read Slaughterhouse-Five! Must. Read. Faster.

>87 lkernagh:: Lori, the turtles are pretty cool. They come up from the pond and dig in my flowers, lay eggs, and I usually don't see them again until the next spring. Oh, they also manage to devour most of the cygnets. So sad. No seals in the state of Missouri outside of a zoo or aquarium!

>88 jnwelch:: Yes, Joe, Haley and I are pretty close. I hope we can stay buddies as she gets older. I read some reviews and didn't agree with those that called Billy Pilgrim's time travel Sci-Fi. To me, it was a way of coping with the war through his vivid dreams…more like fantasy. I'll be reading more by Vonnegut in the future.

>89 luvamystery65:: Thanks, Roberta. I'm trying to recruit another Spenser fan. I think Berly is hooked!

>90 msf59:: Mark, I've been lurking over on your thread, but have had nothing to add. I do want to thank you for choosing Vonnegut as one of our American Authors to read. I just needed that gentle push.
The Rise & Fall of Great Powers was quite a ride. I was hoping to stay in Wales because I liked the bookstore so much, but Rachman had bigger and better ideas than mine!

>91 Berly:: Kim, by all means jump in and read the next Spenser with us. It isn't necessary to read them in order but he does refer back to previous characters and events from time to time.
>92 rosalita::, >93 Berly:: While I appreciate his cooking, I would kill for his wardrobe! I probably wouldn't look that great in it, though, so I will settle for Susan's!

>94 Donna828: I don't know, Donna. Some of the descriptions of his outfits from those early 1970s books are pretty horrific. My memory is that Susan was pretty much always a snappy dresser, though, so you'd be safe with her wardrobe, I think.

When does Susan pop up? I think most outfits from the 1970's were pretty horrific, weren't they? LOL. Better get cracking on this series....

>96 Berly: I think Susan pops up in book #2 but by book #3 for sure.

>96 Berly: Yes, they sure were, Kim! My memory is fuzzy but I think Susan's biggest sin in the 70s books was wearing suits with big floppy bows on the blouses. And probably padded shoulders.

Yeah for a day with Hayley. She gets cuter and cuter!

>97 luvamystery65: Got #2 lined up and ready to go right after I finish The Explanation for Everything.

>98 rosalita: I actually didn't mind the padded shoulder look, but the bow.....ugh!

>99 Whisper1: Hi Linda!

>95 rosalita::, >98 rosalita:: yikes! I think I already have Susan's wardrobe upstairs in my vintage closet!!!

>99 Whisper1:: Hi Linda! Haley lights up my little world on Fridays.I'll miss her tomorrow. I'm driving up to Kansas City for a quick LT meetup and a few ball games with the grandkids -- and then on to Denver on Sunday.

A LT meetup. Who will be there? If you see Brenda, please give her a hug from me.

I sure will, Linda. How about one for Terri, too? Terri and her cousin Chris are in Lawrence tonight so they can go to the Johnson County Booksale in Olathe, Kansas, bright and early tomorrow morning. I didn't want to leave the house at 7:00 a.m. so I am driving up to have lunch with them. I am hoping Sandy will be there, too, but she had a work commitment this week and wasn't sure she would be finished in time.

I have kept up with all my commitments this week except for LT. This is more of a joy than commitment…still, I feel sad that I haven't done as much visiting as I normally do. Not sure when that is going to change as I will be with Hope in Denver for a week to ten days. And yes, another meet-up out there with Joanne, Anne, and Mary! They will have to fill me in on all the LT news! I will be listening to Restoration by Rose Tremain while I am driving north and then west.

Waaah, I wanna meet up with you and Joanne and Anne and Mary again! So unfair! *stomps foot*

Wouldn't that be great, Julia? So…get in your Elantra and come on out, Girl. You know the way! Maybe you could pick up Katie somewhere in Kansas. Our time together was way too short.

Book No. 45: The Painter by Peter Heller. 4.7 stars.

"Few stars tonight, just noticed. And then a minute later I saw why: as I watched the clouds scudding over the mountain's shoulder, a bright white light flashed on the eastern ridge. Like hunters playing with a powerful spotlight up there. It wasn't a spotlight, it was the moon. It flashed and then domed and it backlit perfectly the trees on the ridge line, made of them a finely drawn fringe. I sucked in a breath. I hadn't seen this, not since I'd been here. It rose, the moon, so fast it seemed to lift off like a big bright bird. Like a great egret rising out of the cattails, too big too white too slow. Too pure. The moon in that instant brought the mountain close, lose enough it seemed I could reach out and touch the bristle of trees." (71)

I love poetic writing, and this book has it in spades. No wonder, as Peter Heller has both fiction and poetry writing degrees. Not only does his prose read like poetry in places, he has many quotes by Rilke and T. S. Elliot to mull over. I picked up the book I bought in Boulder where I was lucky enough to meet the author to see if it would be a good one to take to Colorado with me. Could not put it down! These books with deep thoughts and conflicted characters suck me right in!

Here are the inadequate thoughts I shared on the book's page. Do yourself a favor and read Joanne's review; she did a much better job of capturing the essence of the book. It's too late for me to even think properly but I wanted to share my opinion of it while it was fresh.

Like the protagonist, Jim Stegner, the author is an artist. Peter Heller doesn't paint on a canvas, but his poetic words create a vivid picture in the mind. One can hear the rushing water of a mountain stream as Jim finds peace in the art of fly fishing. He craves peace after the violent death of his teenage daughter and two divorces in quick succession. He buys a mountain cabin in Colorado and settles in to a life of painting and fishing. Although Jim feels calm on the inside, there is grief and anger below the surface bubbling over until it erupts. So begins the adventure part of the story.

If you read The Dog Stars, you will find the same superb writing and more wonderful descriptions of the lesser traveled parts of Colorado. The only similarity in these stories, however, are in the main characters finding their worlds turned upside down and trying to keep their moral compass when situations demanded harsh behaviors that went against their natural inclinations. Both of Heller's books are highly recommended.

Edited to fix touchstone.

The Painter was such a wonderful treat - I loved revisiting it through your thoughts, Donna! Like you, I didn't want to put it down. I also didn't want it to end! Now I'm anxiously waiting for his next book.

See you soon! Have fun in Kansas City. You are the meet-up queen!

I am looking forward to reading The Painter more than ever, Donna, after reading your review and Joanne's earlier. It is patiently waiting for me at home.

I've yet to read Peter Heller, Donna, and I need to fix that. Excellent review of The Painter.

Fantastic review of The Painter, Donna. I haven't read any Peter Heller either, and, as Joe has said, I need to fix that.

I sometimes add a "lurk" or "wave" when I haven't thought of anything to say for a while but want people to know I've been following along...

"wave"

Just thought I'd de-lurk to say hi and happy weekend and safe travels! Be seeing you soon! Yay!

I read my first Vonnegut recently (Cat's Cradle) and mean to read more. Just hadn't gotten round to it yet. May have to remedy that with Slaughterhouse 5.

Hi Donna, I'm having an awful time keeping up with LT lately too. As a matter of fact, it gets downright discouraging.

You hit me with a major BB for a book I never thought I'd want to read. The Painter now sits atop the teetering tower. Have fun babysitting and visiting with the other LT friends. Lucky you!

I love the LittleFreeLibraries :)
They are a really great idea, and usually they are so cutely built!

And all of your rated books on this thread interest me too...this is dangerous territory...I had better skedaddle!

Morning Donna! Great review of the Painter. Isn't it great when an author returns with another gem? I'll have to get my paws on this one.

Speaking of coming back strong, I also really enjoyed The Rise & Fall of Great Powers, just a bit more than you and I agree about more time in Scotland. Enjoy the weekend.

>106 Donna828: I'll have to consider picking that one up to read sometime during the next year. Glad it lived up to its advance praise.

Hi Donna, I've had Peter Heller's first book on my list for quite some time and now it appears he's done it again. Will have to nudge him closer to the top. Have a nice weekend.

>107 Copperskye:: Joanne, Peter Heller's books are treats -- and so is he! I'll be heading west tomorrow morning right after the Father's Day breakfast Lori and the kids have planned for Greg! I may not have to eat the rest of the day!

>108 rosalita:: I wish I had the same patience that my books have, Julia. I hope you like the Heller book.

>109 jnwelch:: Thanks, Joe! I think you will like both of Heller's fiction books.

>110 lit_chick:: Lots of "fixing" going on around here, Nancy. I am happy to promote Pete's books!

>111 RebaRelishesReading:: Waving back at you, Reba!

>112 Storeetllr:: Hi Mary! I am looking forward to seeing you next weekend. I am truly blessed with meetups these days! I don't think Vonnegut appeals to everyone. I was pleasantly surprised with my favorable first outing with him.

>113 brenzi:: Bonnie, I know what you mean. I miss the camaraderie over here when I get busy with my other life. Wait until that baby is born. There will be another Grandma Gaga around here!

>114 LovingLit:: Megan, it's been a long time since my thread has been classified as dangerous. It's good to know that there are Little Free Libraries in New Zealand, too.

>115 msf59:: Mark, I sure hope Mr. Heller has a triple header in him! With Haruf writing about people on the plains of Colorado and Pete covering the mountains, I am a happy reader!

>116 thornton37814:: I hope The Painter makes the cut, Lori.

>117 DeltaQueen50:: Judy, my weekend has been hectic so far: the drive to Kansas City, two ball games, a fun meetup with some LTers, and the booksale this morning with my daughter and granddaughters! I'm living large these days!

Edited to put the little doohickeys in front of the thread numbers. I am dependent on my iPad this trip and it's easier to do that all at once.

Like the living large you did today!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend. I haven't made it back to #2 in the Spenser series--kinda got sidetracked. But I will soon...

Have you checked out the Little Free Libraries website? http://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/
It is so much fun to see where they are.

Happy Sunday - sounds like you may need some recovery time. LOL

Donna, I love that you have a new little free library in your neighborhood! There are four of them within a five-block radius of my house and I just love them. I have contributed as well as borrowed. I have no idea who else is adding or taking books, which is part of the fun.

I'm currently listening to -- and very much enjoying -- The Dog Stars so your review of The Painter tempts me.

I also read Slaughterhouse-Five for the AAC and loved it. I will read more Vonnegut.

Have a great week!

*waiting for the pictures*

>119 Berly:: Kim, I like to space the Spenser's out a bit as a little sassy detective goes a long way!

>120 nittnut:: Jenn, my recovery time comes when Hope naps. Two short ones a day. Then she goes to bed early. Ahhhh. I have checked out the LFL website. Fascinating stuff!

>121 EBT1002:: Ellen, we are reading twins these days. I will be reading more Vonnegut as well. How cool that you have your choice of neighborhood libraries. Ours has a little notebook inside where people can leave comments. I like that!

>122 ronincats:: Roni, you will have to wait for meetup photos. We only took one in KC, and it is on Terri's camera. She may need a little reminder to post it...or maybe I have missed it. Little time for LT these days. I do have some grandkid pics...

I have a new granddog! Meet Moses posing with Sadie, Audrey, and Oliver.
Moses is a 6-month-old Australian Labradoodle. He's a sweetie!


Hope at 6.5 months showing off her first two teeth!
She is usually smiling more than this. I had to take a bunch of pics to get the teeth to show up.

Donna - What great pictures -- both dogs and kids! Scout plays ball with her Charlie now; it is very cute. She "throws" the tennis ball in his general direction, and he nudges it back to her with his nose. He has better aim.

Nice review of the Heller book. I guess I'm going to have to add him to my list.

Lots of cuties in those pictures: Moses as well as your adorable grands. Hope looks a little perplexed at why grandma is holding that box up in front of her face. :-)

Cuties--kids and puppies!

6 1/2 months already?! She should be proud of those teeth! Moses is a lovely dog, and it looks like he's well loved. I hope you enjoy the rest of your time with Hope and have a safe trip home when the time comes.

Aren't labradoodles just the best dogs? Cute grandkid photos too. Your photo of Hope made me think about when my granddaughter was about that age. If you pointed a camera at her she started blinking her eyes immediately, in anticipation of the flash I think

Great pictures! I can't believe Hope is already 6 months old!

Hi Donna- Love the the grandkids & granddogs, photo! And Hope is so precious. Thanks for sharing.

>125 BLBera:: Thanks, Beth. Molly "throws" the ball for Lucky. She has a good arm but bad aim! I hope you like Heller. I call his books 'gorgeously gritty'!

>126 rosalita:: How ya doing, Julia? I drove a few miles out of my way to get a picture of the world's largest Van Gogh in Kansas and thought of you.


Hope was probably tired of getting her picture taken! I was quite taken with Moses. He has a beautiful coat that is so soft. He wants to be a lap dog like Oliver.

>127 Berly:: Thank you, Kim.

>128 cbl_tn:: I know, Hope is growing up too quickly! Thanks for your kind comments and well wishes, Carrie.

>129 RebaRelishesReading:: Reba, I want a Labradoodle! Moses is a great dog and a good addition to the family. I feel like a slacker having only the one dog. Mike has three boxers!

>130 nittnut:: Time flies, Jenn!

>131 msf59:: I just hope I'm not over-sharing, Mark. Oh well, it's my thread, right? I bought her an exersaucer tonight so I have a feeling there will be another Hope picture soon, probably with her signature goofy grin that I love.

>132 Donna828: Looks like you're getting the hang of a scenic road trip, Donna! That's some painting right there.

Julia, I have wanted to see this since I heard about it years ago, but my husband just laughed when I asked if we could detour. I think I got the last laugh! Of course, it isn't a real Van Gogh but it's still pretty impressive.

I came over here to write about a book I finished. Now I'm too tired, so my comments on Still Life With Breadcrumbs will have to wait until tomorrow. This babysitting is hard work! We took Hope out to eat and then went to Babies R Us this evening. I was starting to get cabin fever!

I need to check that out on my next trip to Kansas!

>124 Donna828: Adorableness! Little Hope is getting to be a big girl!

>132 Donna828: Makes me almost want to drive to Kansas!

What cutie-patooties! Moses looks like he is in very good hands, and Molly's got teeth! Woot!

>132 Donna828: Where is Kansas? We may go that way on the way home in the fall.

>135 rosalita:, >138 RebaRelishesReading:: Julia and Reba, the Van Gogh is located on the business exit at Goodland, Kansas, just off I-70. It is only a mile or so out of the way! Now you see how obsessed my husband is with "making good time" on a trip!

>136 Copperskye:: Makes me almost want to drive to Kansas!
Good one, Joanne! You would also get to see lots of wind farms as a bonus. ;-)

>137 lit_chick:: Hi Nancy! I wish Hope would get the other tooth that is making her uncomfortable. She had a fever last night that we're pretty certain is due to teething.

>124 Donna828: Well for whatever reason I can't see any of your most recent pictures Donna:-(

I'm pretty sure you'll post some more so I'll just be patient. I've never heard of the world's largest VanGogh but it's an interesting concept.

It's a mystery, Bonnie. The pictures appear on my iPad and others have seen them. As to the Van Gogh, I wish I knew the backstory. I get the connection between the sunflowers and Kansas, and maybe that's all there is...must Google.

Morning Donna! Have you read The Luminaries yet? If not, I think it is just your cuppa. Hope you have a nice weekend planned.

Book No. 46: Still Life With Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen. 3.9 stars.

"It's a funny thing, hope. It's not like love, or fear, or hate. It's a feeling you don't really know you had until it's gone." (166)

Rebecca Winter has lost her hope. She is feeling her age of 60 as her fame as a photographer wanes along with the royalties. Money is a real concern for the first time in her life. She sublets her NYC apartment and rents a rundown cottage in the country in order to make ends meet. This book is fairly predictable but nonetheless an enjoyable read. I liked the twist on the May-December romance!

>143 Donna828:: Morning, Mark! I have a standing offer of a loan of The Luminaries from my friend Nancy. She loved it as have several others whose opinions I respect. But it is so long... I am already planning my month of July. I am going nowhere and doing nothing! Well, nothing but what I want to do. It might be my best opportunity to bookhorn it in! Are you reading or listening to it?

A few meet-up pictures from the children's section at The Tattered Cover in Highlands Ranch, CO. We had a good time chatting about life and books while book shopping and enjoying lunch at The Corner Cafe. We even planned our next meet-up in Evergreen, CO...date to be determined!


Anne and Mary recall their schooldays!


Giddy-up! Joanne!


I snagged this photo from Joanne's thread.
Marina (Anne's lovely and talented youngest daughter), Mary, Anne, and me.
One of the customers took a photo of all five of us with Mary's camera.

Wonderful, as always, to see you, Donna!! I'm already looking forward to your next visit.

Safe home!! I hope the weather holds off for you.

Lovely photos! It looks like a good time was had by all!

Okay, so I didn't read the three books I brought to Colorado with me. I did read Still life With Bread Crumbs and made some progress in A Good American. I have about three hours left in Restoration which I will knock off tomorrow on the drive to Kansas City. I also made some new acquisitions:

Await Your Reply - Don Chaon
World Light - Halldon Laxness
Slow River - Nicola Griffith
Dancing in the Streets - Barbara Ehrenreich
I Was Told There'd Be Cake - Sloane Crosley.

It has been a good trip with lots of quality Hope Time!

>146 Copperskye:: Me too, Joanne. I liked that we are anticipating our next time together.

>147 cbl_tn:: We always have fun together, Carrie. It has been fun meeting Anne's daughters, too.

A lovely meetup of lovely LT ladies! You all look to be having an immoderate amount of fun.

And nice list of acquisitions, too! I've heard of a couple of them but haven't read any of them. I look forward to learning about them from you.

Finally, two more Hope pictures...then I need to get busy and start packing.


So, where is my saucer?


Now we're talking. I love it!

She's a natural in front of the camera, Donna! So cute.

Love the photos, Donna! The Tattered Cover is a perfect name for a book shop, and Hope is gorgeous : ).

Hi, Donna! It was wonderful to see you again! I posted a few more photos of our meetup on the meetup thread: https://www.librarything.com/topic/176437

Have a safe and easy trip back tomorrow!

Awesome photos. Happiness abounds!

Donna, it was lovely to see you again. I wish you safe travels back home. Hope is such a beautiful baby!

Those are great photos, Donna, both of the meet up and of Hope.

Oh, excellent photos all round! Love the meet-up ones, and that Hope is such a cutie-patootie!

Wow, I have missed an awful lot since my last visit! More great reading, a fantastic LT meetup and wonderful pictures of the little ones. I love dogs with big smiling faces like Moses has. If he is only 6 months old, how big do Labradoodles get? About the size of a standard poodle?

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and relaxing at home after your trip.

Hope is SOOOO cute. Makes me want another grandbaby...but I don't think it's gonna happen.

>150 rosalita:, >152 rosalita:: Julia, I love sharing pictures on LT almost as much as I enjoy seeing others' pics! I was most excited about the Laxness book. I own three of them but haven't read any of them yet. I hope I like the books; I must admit to being in love with the book covers.

>153 lit_chick:: Nancy, The Tattered Cover has three Denver locations. I haven't been to the LoDo store yet. We'll have to do a meetup there one of these days!

>154 Storeetllr:: Thanks for posting the pictures, Mary. I'm glad you were able to leave your company for a few hours and join us! It's always fun to get together with my CO buddies.

>155 Berly:: Happiness indeed, Berly. Now I am in KC hanging out with my older grandkids for a day. I get to see where Audrey (the 10-yr-old) is going to horse camp.

>156 AMQS:: Anne, it was fun seeing you again, and so good to meet Marina. I know your family will have a terrific summer. Looking forward to our Evergreen meetup. Maybe we can take a tour to see the hidden delights of your home town.

>157 ronincats:: Thanks, Roni!

>158 scaifea:: Glad you liked the pictures, Amber.

>159 lkernagh:: There are two Labradoodles in my neighborhood, Lori (same family) that are standard poodle size. Moses will remain smaller because of the Australian Shepherd added to the mix. He's a beauty!

>160 RebaRelishesReading:: Hope may be the last of my grandchildren, Reba. We'll see. Mike said they were planning to have two but that was before Hope was born!

Back home later today! I've been gone eleven days now. That's a long time for me to be away.

Morning Donna! Love the Meet-Up photos. Such a happy group. Glad you are considering The Luminaries for July. Fine idea, my friend.

Welcome back home (when you get there), Donna! That is a long time for anybody to be away, methinks. That looks like such a fun meetup. Lot of happy LT campers - thanks for the photos.

Glad you're getting a chance to enjoy the grandkids.

>151 Donna828: Oh, oh, oh I have one of those things sitting right here in my sun room. No I'm not talking about sweet little Hope, although I will have one of those in a few months time. I mean the bouncer:-)

Great grandchildren, puppy and meet up photos, Donna!

>151 Donna828: Double dose of adorable! And love the sleepy boxer in the background.

Are you home safe yet?

>164 brenzi: Lol, Bonnie

>162 msf59:: Between you and Nancy encouraging me, Mark, I think I'm am ready for my big book of the summer. Awaiting your final thoughts on The Luminaries.

>163 jnwelch:: I was pleased to get the warm welcome home, Joe. Just too tired last night to post. My husband took off for Atlanta today. Hmmm… We have a wedding to attend this weekend and he wanted to get this trip out of the way fairly early in the week. I am staying home the rest of June and most of July. At the very end of July, we will drive north to Marquette, Michigan for a family reunion…and some hot weather relief.

>164 brenzi:: Haha, Bonnie. Every house needs some Amazonian decor! Hope was a little overwhelmed by her rain forest and the creatures but I'm sure she will be happily bouncing away quite soon.

>165 kidzdoc:: Thanks, Darryl. It's not quite in the same league as Spain, but grandkids and meet ups with friends rock my world these days!

>166 Copperskye:: Ah, you noticed Buster, the newest addition to the Boxer trio. He is the youngest and the one that caused the most concern. You can see how much he was bothered by the new toy land! I had to detour around a big wreck 20 miles west of Limon after sitting in nonmoving traffic for almost 30 minutes. A biker came by on the outer road urging people to drive down the slope to the right to get around the unscheduled stop. After seeing a few vehicles make it safely, Nelly Belle and I followed suit. That and several periods of heavy rain were the only impediments to reaching home. Thanks for asking, Joanne. Next road trip will be to Upper Michigan but I'll be a passenger most of the way.

I'm waiting for my last load of laundry to dry. Then I will venture out for groceries and a car wash. It is good to be home.

hi Donna! :)

Hi Rachel, I see you are coming out of hibernation. Thanks for stopping by.

Book No. 47: Restoration by Rose Tremain. 3.9 stars. (Audio)

"I am, I discover, a very untidy man." --opening sentence.

I listened to this engaging book on my road trip to and from Denver. I didn't write down any details as I was the sole driver so I'll share my impressions the best I can. As the title states, the story was set during England's Restoration period under the reign of King Charles II. Robert Merivel was a fun-loving man with a keen appetite for both food and women. He came to the attention of the king when one of the royal dogs was dying. Robert's father, the royal glove maker, let it be known that his son was a gifted physician so as a last resort he was called in by the king to save his beloved Spaniel. Robert checked out the sick dog, got drunk on the fine wine left for him, and the dog recovered from being left alone to sleep off his illness. That beginning let me know I was in for a fun read…or, in this case, listen.

King Charles was charmed by this "fool" and chose him as the cuckold who would marry his mistress Celia in name only. A hilarious bawdy scene on the wedding night when the king traded places with Robert had me laughing and weaving a bit on the road. It wasn't all fun and games, however, as Robert was rewarded with a country estate and a most pleasant life only to have it taken from him when he fell in love with Celia. Do not mess with the king! He found himself banished to a Quaker home for the insane which just happened to be run by his old school friend, John Pearce. This was my favorite part of the book as I learned that Robert would undergo a spiritual change of heart and commence on his personal path to restoration.

This is the third book I've read by Rose Tremain, and I look forward to reading more. She doesn't disappoint whether she is writing historical fiction or books set in more modern times.

Book No. 47: Peace by Richard Bausch. 4.2 stars. (audio)

They went on anyway, putting one foot in front of the other, holding their carbines barrel down to keep the water out, trying, in their misery and confusion-and their exhaustion-to remain watchful." --opening line.

This was a short 4.5 hour audiobook that made WWII close and personal. Three young soldiers are chosen from a small group lost behind enemy lines in Italy during the winter of 1944. The icy rain has turned to snow, two of their fellow soldiers have just been killed, and they are chosen to go with a local 70-year-old Italian man to hike up a nearby mountain to see what is ahead. The author really gets into the heads of these four men as they trudge along, victims of fear, hunger, and cold. Then a sniper strikes and a really bad time becomes intolerable.

This meditation on the human cost of war came to my attention on the thread of JanetinLondon a few years ago. We lost Janet to cancer in January of 2012. I have kept a list of her book recommendations and think of her reading and reviewing so thoughtfully the books she loved whenever I read a book off the list.

>170 Donna828: Restoration sounds quite good-and not a rathe good review in spite of the lack of note-taking!

Donna, great review of the Rose Tremain. I read my first of her work earlier this year with The Colour. Great writer!

>170 Donna828: Great review of Restoration. I just picked up The Colour and am looking forward to reading it.

>170 Donna828: I've been meaning to try Rose Tremain. I will get around to it one of these days.

>170 Donna828: I loved Restoration when I read it (quite) a few years ago, and I have the sequel Merivel on the shelf. But I think I really need to reread Restoration first to remind myself who's who.

>176 SandDune: I was thinking the same thing, Rhian!

Okay, then, adding Restoration to my ever-growing list of books TBR. Glad it lightened your long drive, notwithstanding the weaving that went on at times!

>172 Berly:, >173 lit_chick:, >174 nittnut:, >175 thornton37814:, >176 SandDune:, >177 lauralkeet:, >178 Storeetllr:: Hi Kim, Nancy, Jenn, Lori, Rhian, Laura, and Mary…Thanks for the comments on Restoration. It was a fun and touching book. Another winner from Rose Tremain. I have Colour pulled off the shelf to read, too, Jenn. I remember how much you liked it, Nancy.

Please forgive the group response. I've had it with computers today. I spent two hours ordering pictures from Photobucket. I canceled about half of them because of cropping issues but they charged me for the entire batch. At this point, I am so frustrated that I don't even care. Apparently it's done by mail now. What happened to my one-hour service from CVS? Not happy.

Boo hiss for Photobucket! I've never tried ordering prints from them, but I'll keep your cautionary tale in mind if I ever think about doing so.

Hi, Donna

I've been lurking here in the shadows for weeks, admiring your pictures and enjoying your book reviews. I missed seeing you and the rest of the bunch at the JoCo sale a couple of weeks ago. I was thinking of all of you that day and wishing I were there.

I understand your frustration at trying to do something online when it's not turning out the way you want it. Where are the humans when you need one? Re: your one-hour photos at the CVS, if you have the photo saved on a CD or flash drive, you can probably still take it down there and get it printed right away. I've done that at Walgreens and at Target. They still employ live humans at both places.

>180 rosalita:: I spoke too soon, Julia. When I got my confirmation email, they had adjusted the price. I'm still not happy because I used to be able to edit the photos at home and order them through CVS who had them ready in an hour. Now I have to wait until July 10th which means I won't have my picture of me with Peter Heller to pass around at next week's book group. I'm sure everyone will be very disappointed. Lol.

>181 sjmccreary:: Hi Sandy, we sure missed you at Jose Peppers on Friday, June 13. It was bad luck for us that you were still working with your out-of-town client. I used to do that with my pictures all the time so I guess I'll go back to doing it that way. I don't print many pictures these days because it's so easy to see them online. I do have those cute little photo albums (Grandma's Brag Albums) for Molly and Hope. Nancy has been buying me one for each of my grandchildren. I also like to put some recent pictures out in frames so I can see my grandkids between visits.

I finished another book yesterday and am partway through my last book of the month. It looks like I will reach my goal of reading 50 books in the first half of the year; I just wish more than 19 of them had been off my shelves.

Book No. 49: A Good American by Alex George. 3.8 stars.

"My husband came to this country and fell in love. He adored this place. He loved the ideas that this nation was built upon. Tolerance. Opportunity. And, more than anything Freedom. He loved them so much that he was prepared to sacrifice his life for them. We made this place our home. Our children were born on this solid. This is my country, and I am a good American." (129)

What a patriotic speech to read as we near the Independence Day celebration in the U. S. There were a few problems with this book such as too many coincidences and the sentimentality it kept drifting toward. But it was also a good read about a family with values who got ahead in a new country (they just happened to settle in the great state of Missouri!) by sheer determination and hard work. I also liked the inclusion of music that bound the family together. If you like family sagas and feel-good books that don't shy away from the dark side of life, then I can heartily recommend this quick-reading book.

Good work to get 19 off your shelf. I just keep buying them and my TBR is 2500 miles away so it's stagnant for now and will be growing with a leap when I get home.

>171 Donna828: a lovely review! I too think of Janet(inLondon) from time to time, and have read a few from her list to remember her by.

eta: I just finished Story of a Secret State by Jan Karski, which is about the Polish underground, very WWII and very good at proving the uselessness of war.

>179 Donna828: I totally get it! I have this love/hate thing going on with photos and technology right now. I was nominated as the Historian for my son's choir this year which, little did I know, meant putting together a scrap book online and then ordering it for everyone who wanted a copy! I am doing it through Costco and it has been a learning experience. I think the end result is gonna be great though. My last challenge is to scan in the professional group photo, then upload it Costco for the cover. My version has a crease in it so I am calling everyone to see if I can get anther copy. I may have to call the picture company and ask them for a JPEG. Which will probably cost money. Sigh.

I feel your pain, just having had a similar experience with Shutterfly, and it is the last time I use them or any website. I swear, I'm going to get my photo-printer set up this weekend no matter what it takes!

Hello Donna! I gave A Good American 3 1/2 stars, but then my rating system isn't as sophisticated as yours! I loved the bits about the four-part 'Amazing Grace' and the pastor who thought he'd witnessed the second coming.

Have wanted to read Restoration ever since seeing the movie. I liked that a lot. Seeing as I always like the book better than the movie, figured it should be a winner. Your review sealed the deal!

>184 RebaRelishesReading:: Reba, there are more important things in your life right now than reducing your TBR books! Enjoy your summer at Chautauqua and forget about those unread books at home.

>185 LovingLit:: Megan, it looks like I have just been hit by a book bullet on my own thread! I still have a few more Janet books to read…

>186 Berly:: Kim, at least my learning curve only affects me. I would not be the one to put in charge of a scrapbook. I'm glad the finished product is shaping up to your liking. I hope you find the pristine photo you are looking for. I'll bet someone has it in a frame just waiting for your call!

>187 Storeetllr:: Mary, why do these web sites have to change the way they do things? It was hard enough for me to learn how to do things on Photobucket, not to mention that everything it does is s-l-o-w, and then they add new features and take away the ones I was using. Pure Frustration!

>188 michigantrumpet:: Marianne, my rating system isn't a bit sophisticated; I just needed those decimal points for when I make my end-of-year list with the books in the order that I liked them. It's a tradition for me to do after the Christmas decorations are put away. Oh yeah, I loved that part about the gullible pastor, too. There was quite a bit of humor in the book along with the darker side of life. Hmmm, I'll have to look for a copy of the movie adaptation of Restoration. It's gotta be entertaining for sure.

Book No. 50: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. 4 stars.

"Wouldn't they be surprised when one day I woke out of my black ugly dream, and my real hair, which was long and gland, would take the place of the kinky mass that Momma wouldn't let me straighten? My light blue eyes were going to hypnotize them…" (4)

Dr. Maya Angelou grew up with low self-esteem as many young black girls seem to do. It's no wonder with the way she was shunted around between her relatives. Much of her early life was spent with Momma (her grandmother) in Stamps, Arkansas. She got to know her real parents when she was a young teenager living in California. They weren't exactly good role models but they did seem to care for her as long as she didn't interfere with their lives. This book is a series of vignettes from her childhood right up until the time she gave birth to an out-of-wedlock baby boy at the tender age of 17. It ended abruptly which means if I want to find out more (and I do), I will need to go on to the other four autobiographical books she has written.

I've had Restoration sitting on my shelf for ages and have no idea why I haven't pulled it down and read it, Donna. I've loved the two Tremain books I've read so I need to read this one and it's follow-up Merivel.

I read the Maya Angelou book a long time ago and remember very little about it. Maybe a reread is in store?

Donna, lovely review of the Maya Angelou. I expect her autobiographical writing will be very engaging.

>191 brenzi:: Hi Bonnie! I didn't know there was a sequel to Restoration until I read about it here. *sigh* …adding another book to the WL. I enjoyed reading about Dr. Angelou's early life and will probably continue on. She fascinates me.

>192 lit_chick:: Thanks, Nancy. Maya Angelou can tell a good story, that's for sure. I guess when you've lead a complicated and busy life, it takes five memoirs to tell the story!

I have been reading threads for awhile now, lurking here and making a few comments there. I fell behind this busy past weekend when I usually spend some time on LT. We had a friend's wedding to attend. My son and DIL were both in the wedding so we acquired two lovely granddaughters for 36 hours. They went to the wedding with us and were perfect little angels. One of the little angels was running around the house naked swinging her party dress over her head half an hour before we were supposed to leave. I'm glad she (Haley) got that out of her system! Then, Lori and her family stopped by yesterday after their weekend in Branson so we had five of the grandkids running around (clothed) and having fun. Grandma D. is in recovery mode!

I will be starting my July reading off with The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry followed closely by The Dog Stars (a reread) for Thursday night's book group. Quiet time with two good books is just what I need...

Haha, running around the house naked swinging her party dress over her head ! What a mental image!

Like grandma, like granddaughter??

;-)

>194 Storeetllr:: Mary, if she wasn't so dang cute, I could have throttled her. At least she knows how to act civilized in public!

>195 rosalita:: Julia, you may be right. We both get excited easily. I have just learned to control myself a little better. ;-)

Molly is going to be a party girl, too. She hasn't been walking that long yet she cut loose on the dance floor and was twirling around with the older kids. They both slept well that night. As did I.

Woot! Haley is a party girl, LOL! Delighted she decided to put her dress on to actually leave the house ...

Love all the granddaughter pictures! My, they grow fast, don't they!

Nice review of Restoration. I loved the movie, so I really must read that book and compare.

Your review of The Round House makes me want to get back to it. I'd barely gotten started when it had to be returned to the library. Thanks for that reminder!

>196 Donna828: Yes, I don't think I saw you swinging your party dress over your head even once in Boulder!

>193 Donna828: Ha!

>195 rosalita: Ha! Ha!

>199 rosalita: Ha! Ha! Ha!

>197 lit_chick:: Nancy, she has fun teasing us but she wouldn't want to miss a good party!

>198 countrylife:: Cindy, having raised a houseful, you can remember just how fast those darling babies grow up! I must check out the movie of Restoration and make my own comparison. I'm betting on the book! Oh yes, do go back to The Round House. It's a good'un!

>199 rosalita:: Haha, Julia, I didn't have a party dress to swing but my husband could tell you how excited I was about the entire weekend.

>200 michigantrumpet:: Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

And now…back to books...

Book No. 51: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin. 4.7 stars.

"Every word the right one and exactly where it should be. That's basically the highest compliment I can give." (92)

Bookseller A.J. Fickry uses those words to describe a fictitious book that is used as a plot device, but it could very well apply to his own story as he grieves the death of his first wife, then springs back to life and love when a toddler is left in his bookstore and a persistent book rep gains his trust. This book came so close to being a 5-star book for me. The only thing that held me back was the borderline sentimentality. A.J. has a long list of types of books he doesn't like but "overly sentimental" doesn't appear on it. I'd love to quote the list here, but I'd much rather recommend that if any readers out there have not read this book yet, get thee to a bookstore or library and get your hands on it!. It is must reading for all LTers!

The Storied Life is a most quotable book. Several reviews I looked at were mostly quotes from the book. I thought about doing that, but again, I prefer that you read it for yourself. You will laugh, and you might even cry. One of the best takeaways for me were the chapter titles and introductions that were the names and short reviews of short stories. Okay, I can't resist this quote as it sums up so much and parallels my thoughts about books: "We are not quite novels. We are not quite short stories, In the end, we are collected works." I made a list of the fourteen short stories and plan to read all of them at some point in time. I'll also be looking at used bookstores and booksales for my own copy of this book without which my home library will not be complete.

Great recommendation, Donna. I've been thinking about reading this one, and you've convinced me.

>202 Donna828: It's already on my wishlist. Now I'm really looking forward to getting hold of it1

>179 Donna828:: I got my Photobucket pics in the mail today. I was happy to get them earlier than they promised...and at the corrected price. Now I can pass the picture of my new favorite author, Peter Heller, around the group tomorrow night. I am loving my reread of The Dog Stars. No surprise there.

>203 jnwelch:: You can thank me later, Joe. Lol.

>204 cbl_tn:: Please let me know what you think, Carrie. I can see myself reading this one every few years just to remind me about why I love to read!

Rich and wonderful rcommendation, Donna! Love the quote about the collected works.

Hi Donna! Great review of The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. You should post it, so I can Thumb It! That one seems to be a hit with my LT pals. I better try to get my hands on that one. Unfortunately, I am a bit "booked" for the rest of the month.

>202 Donna828: Your review made me go look and see where I am in the hold queue at the library for this one — I'm up to #4 so that's promising. And yes, I am still bitter about having had possession of that one briefly in the Booktopia Yankee Swap. *grumble grumble*

>202 Donna828: Gah! I sent that one back to the library unread when I was inundated by library requests. Well apparently I will have to re-request it because a nearly 5 star rating from you Donna is a rare thing indeed;-)

Hi Donna, I'm so glad you liked Fikry nearly as much as I did! I would honestly find it hard for any book lover not to be thoroughly charmed by it.

I'm also not surprised to hear that you loved your reread of The Dog Stars. I plan on listening to the audio for my reread. I just hope the narrator is a good one. I find myself being pretty darn picky about who reads to me lately! And yay for getting the Peter Heller photo printed in time!!

Chris was just ok'd to read and review The Painter for a local Ft Collins paper he works with. I think he'll love it - at least I hope so!

>124 Donna828:, As always, I enjoy the photos of your grandchildren. They are a wonderful bunch. I hope to see my Ohio contingency sometime this month. I miss them greatly.

Also, you are really clipping along with the reading!

Hi Donna! I'm so glad that you liked A.J. Fikry! It was definitely one of my favorites for the first half of the year. And I loved the stories about your spirited granddaughters! Hope you have a great holiday weekend!

Awesome review of The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry!

Yes, it sounds like a great book! Wishlisted!

I must get that A.J. Fikry D0nna. S0rry I have n0t been ar0und s0 much lately as life has been a little bit 0n the difficult side but I h0pe t0 be back in the gr00ve even if my keyb0ard d0esn't seem t0 want me t0.

Hi Donna - we're doing a lot of parallel reading and I really enjoy your reviews. You often come up with just the right words to summarize my thoughts as well! I listened to The Dog Stars on audio and loved it and am now reading The Painter which is almost equally as strong. And I just tore through A. J. Fikry as well. Merivel is on my TBR pile because I enjoyed Restoration so much. Hope you continue to have a wonderful, family-filled summer.

Hi Donna, I've enjoyed catching up here. You've caught my attention with both Restoration and The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. Both these books are on my wishlist and it sounds like both will be worth the wait. Sounds like your summer is going well, and the grandchildren are thriving.

>202 Donna828: - get thee to a bookstore or library and get your hands on it!

LOL! I am impatiently waiting for a copy to become available. I am currently at position 42 in the hold queue but with 30 copies in circulation, I am hoping to be reading it soon. ;-)

Happy Fourth of July, Donna!

Happy 4th, Donna! I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend. Hugs!

Here is a picture of Dave and me 46 years ago when we got married in a German village. We were just a couple of kids then embarking on a great journey, Three children and six grandchildren later, we are still together as we journey on…

I hope my American visitors have a wonderful 4th of July. Belated congratulations to my Canadian visitors on Canada Day. To the rest of you I wish a happy day and a good weekend! Bring on the fireworks!!!

Edited to reduce size of picture.

Aww, happy anniversar, Donna and Dave! Love the picture ;-)

>206 lit_chick:: I especially liked that quote, Nancy, although there were many good lines to choose from.

>207 msf59:: I hear ya, Mark, about being booked! My comments were not so much a review as a recommendation. I will gladly accept your 'virtual' thumb.

>208 rosalita:: Julia, there was lots of swapping in the group Katie and I were in, too. One woman told a touching story about the book she chose…she had been looking for it for some time for sentimental reasons I can't recall…and someone took it from her. I guess where new books are concerned that even book lovers can be mean-spirited.

>209 brenzi:: Yes, Bonnie, do request it again. It is a quick read so maybe you won't have to wait too long for it.
I do hate it when a bunch of library requests are fulfilled at once. I make liberal use of the "freeze" feature.

>210 Copperskye:: Hi Joanne, Yay! for A. J. Fikry, and thanks for recommending it so highly. I thought it was great. I hope you put a link on your thread to Chris's review of The Painter. How cool that he is getting experience as a book reviewer! We had a small but enthusiastic group last night discussing The Dog Stars; I liked it even more the second time around.

>211 Whisper1:: Linda, I'm glad your Ohio family is going to pay a visit in July. I get sad when too many weeks go by between visits. I have been blessed with lots of grandkid time recently AND some very good books. I hope you and Will have a relaxing holiday weekend.

>212 porch_reader:: Thanks, Amy. Your review was one of the reasons I got interested in the Fickry book. Joanne also liked it a lot as did my friend Nancy here in Springfield. I recommended it highly to our book group last night.

>213 countrylife:: Thank you, Cindy!

>214 Berly:: Kim, I hope you like it, but I can't imagine a book lover who doesn't like all the book references it contains.

>215 PaulCranswick:: Paul, your funky keyboard gives you a very distinctive style. It's always good to hear from you. Thanks for taking the time out of this challenging time in your life to stay in contact. I am wishing you and your family all the best each day.

>216 vivians:: It makes me happy to know I am not reading these wonderful books alone, Vivian. I need to check out the library to see if they have Merivel. He was a fascinating character in Restoration. I hope his personal restoration is staying on track. Funny how we think of these fictional characters as real people!

>217 DeltaQueen50:: Judy, I hope your summer is going well, too. You have some good books to look forward to!

>218 lkernagh:: Thanks for your good wishes, Lori. I'm glad your wait for the Fikry book won't be too long.

>219 msf59:: I hope you have a great day, Mark. I'm sure beer will be a part of your celebration. Personally, I am thinking ice cream sundae in honor of Ice Cream Month!

>221 katiekrug:: Thanks for sneaking in there, Katie. I thought of you yesterday afternoon when my new car let me down. Something happened to the keyless starter. I thought I had a dead battery and called roadside assistance. The battery and fuses checked out fine. By then DH got home from Dallas and managed to lock the car to be left overnight in the parking lot. I was in panic mode because I didn't want to miss my Book Group. Lol! We met the tow truck this morning…and the car started. It's going over to the service department tomorrow when they reopen to be checked out. I drove my last Hyundai seven years without a lick of trouble. You are right in your assessment of Hyundai vehicles, although I still like the way mine looks and drives…when it starts!!!!! /Rant.

I am not going to let this (hopefully isolated) incident spoil my day.

Something happened to the keyless starter.

Those keyless starters in cars have generated more than a few interesting tales to be told in my family. My Mom and Dad drive the same car brand so it is easy for them to confuse their key rings. The fact that the keyless starter works so long as the key is within a certain proximity range of the car bugs the safety conscious girl that I am a bit, especially when I hear stories of my Mom misplacing the keys in the car and just using the keyless starter to drive the car home and looking for the keys later. I must be a bit old fashioned - or a bit paranoid - but I can see where someone could potentially carjack a car - with me or someone else in it - just because the keys are in the proximity of the car and not in the ignition. They go beyond my comfort zone for security, which stems in part because back in my Uni days I thought a car was following me home one night so instead of going straight home, I randomly drove around the neighborhood. The car in question continued to follow me up until the point when I drove into the police station parking lot 5 miles from home. That was back in the pre-cell phone days. I have been very security conscious since then, locking doors when I am driving, etc. I may become more comfortable if I owned a car with a keyless starter.... or maybe I wouldn't. Don't know. ;-)

Happy 4th of July, Donna!

>224 lkernagh: Re: keyless starters. All cars built in the past few years have this capability although it may not be a "feature" button on the key. You can demonstrate that to yourself by a quick twist or press of the button without holding the starter in the "crank" position. The computer takes over and the car will continue to crank and start the engine after you release the contact.

The "old" key ignition was far more robust as far as a contact switch and not as likely to fail since the contact surfaces are constantly cleaning themselves by sliding across one another. Push buttons have no sliding contacts, so they have a much higher possibility of failing due to dirty or oxidized contact surfaces. Electronic key fob switches bypass that contact mechanism but insert a battery-dependent link and relatively fragile contacts in the key fob which is even more likely to fail. I have that capability but have only used it once to verify it. Key fob rubber button covers age and crack and then the key must be replaced from the factory for around $165 or so. Been there and done that.

Most of it is marketing - how fancy to start a car with a button press. But all cars start electronically these days - it doesn't matter how you energize the starter. Each has its weaknesses, but the ignition key twist is less likely to give you problems. The spring fiasco at GM is vastly over-hyped but I'll bet they move to push button starting and the attendant problems with that choice. Everything fails eventually.

Probably more than you want to know...sorry.

Car update: We took the new car to the service department this morning. The service manager said that sometimes the "on" switch for the starter wasn't always turned all the way on. Sure enough, ours was positioned halfway between on and off. A quick fix! I just hope it is a permanent fix. I can't even get mad at our dealership since the car came from Jefferson City on a dealer trade. They also might let their roadside assistance people in on this little secret!

>224 lkernagh:: Lori, I am with you on the skepticism on the pushbutton start cars. That is one innovation that I hope becomes an option rather than a mandatory function on the kind of car I want to drive. I like my heated and ventilated seats and don't want to give up my power sun shade on the rear window BUT I don't have to use them if I don't want to. I am worried about setting my "fob" down and losing it. I sometimes change purses so leaving it in my purse doesn't seem like a good option. That is a scary story about being followed. Good thinking to end up at the police station!

>225 mldavis2:: Mike, thanks for that information, although some of it went over my head. Ha!. You drove your point home with that last telling statement which I agree with wholeheartedly: "Everything fails eventually." I still like my car because it's so red and shiny! Now I'll just have to learn to trust it again...

Sorry about the issue with your new car, Donna. I'm glad it was easily fixed, though. I am still getting used to the keyless entry and start - it feels weird to me. And I only found out today that I can lock the car by sliding my finger over a groove in the door handle. Weird!

Hope you are having a relaxing weekend with just the right mix of reading time, Dave time, and grandkid time :)

>226 Donna828: I think we will be seeing a huge number of vehicle recalls as the lawsuit paranoia sets in from the GM "faulty" key switch. Call me a Luddite, but I don't think all the fancy (and expensive) gadgetry being used on modern cars is much more than sizzle on the steak to lure new buyers. The more links in the chain, the more likely for one of them to be defective (or misunderstood) and leave you stranded. Disclaimer: I was a new car service manager and parts director for 10 years for Chevrolet, Buick, Olds, BMW and Subaru, and a GM Certified Master Technician back in the 80's.

Sorry about the problems with your car Donna! That's frustrating. Hopefully that'll be the only problem and you'll have smooth sailing from here. :) Have a good weekend!

Hi Donna, just finished The Meadow, a book bullet I was hit with over here some time ago. Very happy to have been shot by you, once again!

>227 katiekrug:: Easy fixes are always good but no glitches with a new car are even better! It has been a good mix this weekend. We're going to cook out again tonight to take advantage of this mild weather.

>228 mldavis2:: Mike, you are a man of many talents. That was an interesting career change from car service manager to forensic scientist!

>229 The_Hibernator:: Thanks, Rachel. I look forward to some smooth sailing!

>230 lit_chick:: Wasn't that a good book, Nancy? I can't take the credit for it, though, as I got the recommendation from Anne. We just keep passing the good news around, don't we?

>202 Donna828: Great review! Have that book on the radar for sure! Hope you are enjoying the end of your weekend (now the car issues have been resolved...)

Hi Donna, I've mostly been in lurking mode on the threads lately, but wanted you to know I've been reading your reviews and enjoying them. I've read only 2 books by Rose Tremain so far, Music & Silence and Restoration and now consider myself a fan. I really enjoyed the narrator on the audio version of the latter, too. Guess I should make room for Merivel soon. I also have The Colour to look forward to on the tbr.

Wishing you a great week ahead.

>189 Donna828: I like that advice, Donna. Thanks :) I am finding lots of good things to read at the Chautauqua library so am taking good advantage of that while I'm here.

>232 michigantrumpet:: Thanks, Mariannne! I hope there are no more car issues until I have to decide on my next car in 5 to 7 years.

>233 Smiler69:: I have yet to read Music & Silence, Ilana. I'm glad to hear it's another good one. Yes, I am a fan as well. Hope your new week is a good one.

>234 RebaRelishesReading:: How nice that they provide a library at Chautauqua. I would love to visit there sometime and soak up some culture!

Book No. 52: The Dog Stars by Peter Heller. 4.5 stars. (Reread)
I liked this book just as much the second time around. I read it for my book group where the majority attending loved the book. Only one was a naysayer because she didn't like the choppy sentences. When we convinced her that they were like that for a reason, she said she didn't like post-apocalyptic stuff. You can't win them all!

Here is my review from February of 2013:

"Two very different types of men living on the Colorado plains at the edge of the Rockies join together to protect their perimeter from invasion by other survivors of the sickness that has decimated the population. Narrated by the soft-hearted Hig who just wants to fly his plane and hang out with his dog Jasper, the stark phrasing goes along with the austere life they lead where an occasional Coke is the most they have to look forward to. Hig owes his existence to Bangley, a survivalist who prefers to shoot first and ask questions later. It's a very unlikely combination of personalities but it works to keep them both alive. The life is lonely for Hig so, when he is on reconnaissance in his small plane and sees a man and woman who seem to be living well in their secluded canyon, he decides to land and make contact.

I was surprised by how quickly I was absorbed into this incredible story of survival. The short sentences allowed me to fly through this book pausing only for the poetry that Hig loved and for some of the many beautiful passages: "I could almost imagine that it was before, that Jasper and I were off somewhere on an extended sojourn and would come back one day soon, that all would come back to me, that we were not living in the wake of disaster. Had not lost everything but our lives.... It caught me sometimes that this was okay. Just this. That simple beauty was still bearable barely, and that if I lived moment to moment, garden to stove to the simple act of flying, I could have peace." (68)

This book has much to offer in the face of destruction. It is a story of friendship, grief, love, and the will to survive. It is a hopeful book that has one of the best endings I have read in quite awhile. I recommend this book to anyone who believes in humanity and who doesn't mind a little grit and violence along with an unforgettable story about the irrepressible spirit of man that shines on amidst great loss. I read it this time quickly, but I will read it again someday very slowly to savor Hig's thoughts that refuse to forget that beauty and ashes can exist together."



Book No. 53: The Secret Speech by Tom Rob Smith. 3.6 stars.

"Zoya never feel asleep easily. She'd lie in bed for hours, churning thoughts before exhaustion overcame her. She was the only person who cherished the truth: the only person who refused to forget. She eased herself out of bed. Aside from her little sister's breathing, the apartment was silent. She crept to the door, her eyes already adjusted to the darkness. She navigated the hallway by keeping her hand on the wall. In the kitchen, street lighting leaked in through the window. Moving nimbly, like a thief, she opened a drawer and took hold of the handle, feeling the weight of the knife." (41)

Another good one by the author of Child 44. TRS has made me understand what happened in Russia's semi-recent history in a way that personalizes it. In the post-Stalin era of the mid-1950s, changes were taking place so quickly that the bad guys were now the good ones and vice versa. I suppose Leo Demidov was one of the bad guys doing his job as a State Security Officer under Stalin. What choice did he have?

He is trying his best to live down his part of the past terror by settling into family life with Raisa and two orphaned girls. The older one, Zoya, resists all that he offers, however, because she knows he is the one responsible for her parents' deaths. And then there is the person out for vengeance that threatens his hopes for a normal life as the terror level rises again with the release of a speech by Krushchev in which he denounces Stalin and his ruthless ways.

This book doesn't have the same impact as Child 44 did, but it is still a riveting tale of suspense and retribution. I am looking forward to the conclusion in Agent 6.

>231 Donna828: Not perhaps too wide a stretch. I am a chemist by education but I worked for my high school and early college years in a retail construction machinery dealership where I learned to read parts and machinery diagrams. I was drafted and used as a forensic chemist by the Army but returned and got a job as a service manager because I love cars and mechanics. I moved into teaching science at the high school level when the dealerships sold out, and stumbled into a job as a forensic chemist and crime scene investigator, and worked as a part time deputy sheriff on weekends. Analysis is my backbone and I apply it to anything I know a bit about.

Hi Donna! Glad your car troubles were easily fixed. Our new car also has this keyless thing. I like it and I don't. It's awfully convenient not to need to get keys out, but I do worry about security.

Donna, your review of The Dog Stars was just as good the second time around. I'm so glad most of your book club liked it, too.

I'm definitely going to have to read Dog Stars soon!

So, I'm not sure how close you live to Independence, KS, but I thought you might be interested in this:

>236 Donna828: Wow! Some more wonderful reviews. You are really having a great year!

>237 mldavis2: Talk about an interesting background! Do you find yourself giving up on a lot of books in disgust given your intimate knowledge of how things really work?

>241 michigantrumpet: I screen my reading fairly tightly so I don't end up reading something I'll regret. There are a LOT of things I don't understand in fields apart from my own, and I read what interests me. Having said that, I also make sure the author is credible and the book is footnoted and referenced if it claims knowledge of specific areas. I think most scientists are interested in knowing how things work, and I'm pretty good on the basics, not so good in specialized areas outside of my own education, training and experience.

So, no, I finish every book I start - something of a fetish I guess you could say. I've read several that turned out one or even two stars better that I would have given them in the middle.

ooooh, Mary Doria Russell speaking about Doc!

By hook or by crook there is a Peter Heller book somewhere in my future. You certainly are sold on him and that's usually good news for me Donna:-)

Hi Donna! Glad you enjoyed your reread of The Dog Stars. I have a signed copy on my keeper shelf for future use. Now, I need to get my mitts on The Painter.
Glad you enjoyed the Secret Speech. I NEED to get to that one soon. The Farm put me back on track with him.

Donna, I don't know how I managed to miss your threads this year! I'm glad to see you're enjoying your reading, and love the photos you've included of the Little Free Library and your grands.

Hope you're having a great day!

>237 mldavis2:: Analysis is my backbone and I apply it to anything I know a bit about.
I love that line, Mike. It would make a great Twitter profile description…if you ever need one!

>238 nittnut:: Jenn, the pushbutton start was beginning to grow on me until it left me stranded! I'm slowly rebuilding my trust now that I know where that on/off button is!

>239 rosalita:: Julia, I'm beginning to think I'll just do a year of rereads next year and recycle some reviews. Kidding! I'd hate to miss out on the new books I haven't even heard of yet.

>240 Storeetllr:: Thanks for letting me know, Mary. Independence is about three hours away. If i were going to visit the daughter and family this weekend I would definitely be tempted. We have tickets for Tent Theatre at Missouri State on Saturday to see Fiddler on the Roof.

>241 michigantrumpet:: Marianne, this has been a good year for me -- reading and life in general!

>242 mldavis2:: I'm a completist, too, Mike, at least most of the time.

>243 lit_chick:: It's tempting, isn't it, Nancy. I may kick myself next week!

>244 brenzi:: Bonnie, get your hook and crook out and reel in one of those babies. I liked them both for different reasons. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

>245 msf59:: Mark, it was good to get back to Russia with Tom Rob Smith. I've heard both good and bad about The Farm. I will continue with the trilogy and then decide if I want to read it. I can't read the inscription on my copy of The Painter but I'm sure it says something nice about me. Haha.

>246 bell7:: Mary, I have lost your star as well. I'll look you up in the thread book and pay you a visit soon.

Hi, Donna! Great photos and great reviews here.

Book No. 54: Crimson Joy by Robert B. Parker. 3.6 stars.

Spenser: "Is there any way to predict what he'll do next?"
Susan: "It's what shrinks do worst. We're pretty good at explaining human behavior but we're an embarrassment at predicting it." (14)

Spenser doesn't even have to leave Boston to join forces with Lt. Quirk to investigate the red rose serial killer who has been targeting black women in the area. When the red roses start showing up in the foyer of Susan's office (which is in her home), things get more personal. Spenser and Susan have to tiptoe around each other as their careers intersect. It's a good thing Hawk is around to keep the peace! Another fun and satisfying read in the series I'm reading with Mamie, Roberta, and Kim(Berly).

>248 tymfos:: Thanks, Terri. I've fallen behind on your thread. I'll be popping in soon!

I always liked Lt. Quirk as a good secondary character. I loved how the descriptions of his buttondown style so completely at odds with Spenser's groovy '70s vibe.

Crimson Joy is almost to the top of my TBR Tower. I didn't want to read it back-to-back with the previous Spenser crime novel--spacing them out a tad. I will get to it soon though! And I loved The Dog Stars too. Have a good one.

>247 Donna828:- Take my word for it, Donna- the Farm is a terrific read. I heard it is great on audio too.

Morning, Donna! I have been lurking recently, so I thought I would delurk and say hello. Hello! I have this month's Spenser lined up for this weekend - I am greatly encouraged by your 3.6 stars!!!

I like Quirk too so I am looking forward to getting to Spenser but he may have to wait another week or so.

Thursdays and Fridays are especially busy for me. Bridge takes the entire afternoon on Thursday and much of Friday is devoted to Haley. Think I'll go to bed early and read myself to sleep!

>251 rosalita:: Julia I enjoy Quirk's character, too, especially his quirky name!

>252 Berly:: Kim, it gets old if you read too many sassy detective books in a row. That's why we're moving at a slow pace through the Spencer books. I can't believe that #15 is behind me. I think you will like The Painter by Peter Heller. Every bit as good as The Dog Stars imo.

>253 msf59:: Okay, Mark, The Farm is back on the list; just not sure when I can 'bookhorn' it in.

>254 Crazymamie:: Thanks for delurking, Mamie. I've been doing a lot of that lately. The Spenser will be a fun fit for your weekend reading!

>255 luvamystery65:: I am usually lagging behind, Roberta. The library got my copy in a timely fashion so I thought I would return the favor!

You play bridge, Donna? I never learned the game, but I used to play a mean game of pinochle (my grandma's card game of choice) and of gin rummy (my dad's card game of choice). Haven't played cards for years, except online (Spider Solitaire is my online card game of choice). I miss playing real card games. Maybe my sister and I should resurrect the activity.

Always wanted to learn how to play Bridge. Euchre is my card game of choice, but only a dedicated group of people for a slice of the Midwest seem to know how to play.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

Hey Donna! Hope all's well in your corner. I've been so lax in paying visits but I'm trying to catch up slowly.

Happy Saturday, dear!

>258 michigantrumpet: Euchre is my card game of choice, but only a dedicated group of people for a slice of the Midwest seem to know how to play.
Ah yes you're showing your midwestern roots there Marianne! Even though I grew up in Ohio, I'd never heard of Euchre until I went to Purdue (early 80s), where it was all the rage. So I guess one has to be in that northern-closer-to-Michigan slice of the Midwest.

>256 Donna828: One can never have too many sassy detective novels, but a little spacing between does keep it fresh. ; ) Reading The Martian and then probably back to Spenser. Have a great weekend!

My parents (who were from Indiana) used to play Euchre and I joined a few times as a teen/young adult. Only thing I remember about it now is that you can "pip" your cards lol

I came here a few days ago, read all your entries, and then pushed the "Home" button without saying anything.

Sigh.

I didn't realize you played duplicate, Donna. I play bridge, but social bridge. I play a pretty good game, but duplicate is is too serious for me. Or maybe I'm just not dedicated enough. Although I like to win (who doesn't?), I've lost most or all of my competitive edge and so would be a complete failure at duplicate.

At least now there is evidence that I've been here!

A good week is wished for you.

Today is a beautiful day here in Southwest Missouri. There was a definite spring in my step on our morning walk! It is supposed to be in the low 70s for a high today. Unheard of for this time of year. I am meeting Mary and the girls at the park near us this afternoon. Molly was sick on Sunday so she and Mary missed the 70th birthday party for my much older husband. He may finally retire as he is in love with his new 80-inch TV. I may even start watching TV again!

>257 Storeetllr:: Mary, I love playing cards! I like to shuffle, deal, and use a little strategy. Well, a LOT of strategy when I play bridge! We played a lot of games as a family when I was growing up. My brother liked board games and I liked card games so we played plenty of both. Good times!

>258 michigantrumpet:: Marianne, with my Michigan roots, I'm surprised that I've never played Euchre. I will have to ask my cousins at our upcoming family reunion whether or not they've played it.

>259 Carmenere:: Lynda! You have been so busy with your classes and family that I can see how LT visits have not been a priority. I see you did manage to make it to Mexico, however. Lol! I will stop by to see you soon. I have also been lazy remiss about keeping up like I used to.

>260 Crazymamie:: Thanks, Mamie. It was a good one!

>261 lauralkeet:: Hi Laura!

>262 Berly:: Lucky you, reading The Martian, Kim. I can't wait until my name comes up at the library for that one! I'm so glad you are going to be reading the Spenser books with us. They are such fun!

>263 RebaRelishesReading:: Reba, you have gotten me curious. I don't believe I've ever "pipped" my cards. I'll have to look up the term to be certain!

>264 Matke:: Gail, I like the competitive aspect of duplicate bridge. Most of the luck has been taken out of the game by comparing the scores earned on the same hands. I play canasta for fun, though, and enjoy my monthly outing of lunch and laughter with the seven other women in the group. We have been playing for about ten years now. Wow, time flies!

Book No. 55. Setting Free the Bears by John Irving. 2.7 stars.

"The Rare Spectacled Bears. They've surely not bathed since the last time we were here; they're reeking worse than ever; they seem very nice, though; they're very gentle with each other. We should decide: either we let both of them out, or we leave them both. It wouldn't do to break them up. That's where the viciousness would come in." (98)

I can only recommend this book to John Irving lovers, and then only because it is his debut novel (1968). Two young men from Vienna buy a motorcycle together on a whim and take a road trip. But first they pay a visit to the Heitzinger Zoo in Vienna and recall how 20 years earlier at the end of WWII, the animals were set free only to be eaten by the starving survivors of the war. (Loosely based on the history of the Paris Zoo where animals were slaughtered for food during the siege during the Franco-German war of 1870 -- at least that is what I found on Google).

This sounded like a fun romp with Irving's typical quirky characters. However, it goes beyond quirky and borders on the ridiculous. I saw it as a metaphor for independence with no thought for the consequences. Irving tries his best to tie the foolish antics into Ziggy's background as described by him in his "Highly Selective Biography" which at least provides a motive for their hair-brained idea. The book wasn't all bad but it did not work for me. John Irving has provided me with some of my best reading experiences, although I have had a few "misses" even in his recent novels. So it goes...

Oh, Donna. I have been too intimidated by numbers to try to catch up. Finally, I have sped through stopping for pictures and reviews, and I feel a bit more in touch. I'm sorry about the new car, and I have to say that I haven't ever been able to understand the attraction of the keyless ignition. I think I'll just drive my '98 CRV (WITH straight drive, please) until they develop a car that recognizes my voice print or iris pattern or finger prints or something.
The granddaughters are still lovely!
The meet-up pics are great! (I'm still waiting for it to rain so that my DH will take time to transfer the one of Stasia and me to his computer so I can pick it up!)
Restoration remains on my READ RIGHT NOW table!
Bridge.......... *groan* I like to get together with my friends, so I have to play, but I don't love it and don't care enough to try to learn it better so that I might like it more.

Belated happy birthday wishes to MrDonna828! Sounds like he had a wonderful celebration. I thought our 60-inch TV was outrageous, but an 80-inch TV? It boggles the mind!

Thanks for your thoughts on the John Irving book, Donna! Bears show up in more than one of his novels, though I can't for the life of me remember why. I am tempted to read Setting Free the Bears since it's his first novel, but maybe I'll read some more of his others first. I loved A Prayer for Owen Meany and Last Night in Twisted River. I have The Cider House Rules on my TBR shelf.

We've been having lovely weather here too. Matt is going to a wildlife day camp this week, and usually in July it is 90+, but he has been taking a sweatshirt for the mornings. That's my kind of July!

Keep reading books like Setting Free the Bears and I'll feel safe coming here Donna;-) No compulsion to read that one at all but I will be reading one that you recommended some time ago: A Prayer for Owen Meany.

I wasn't aware that they even made an 80" TV. Don't sit too close or you'll get neck strain, like sitting in the first row at the movies lol.

When we got a 46"er we thought we would have to put bleachers out into the backyard because the picture would be so close. You must have huge room for that 80" er.

Congrats to your DH on his birthday. Hope he had a great day.

There is always a table of committed bridge players on evening commuter rail train. I've always thought "I'm going to have to learn how to play this for when I retire."

Hi Donna! I finished Crimson Joy. Susan's role seemed pretty straightforward, but I have to go back to the earlier books to get a handle on Hawk. This one was interesting because the killer was identified even earlier in the book and then they had to figure out how to prove it. BTW, nice review-- went back to read it now that I have finished the book. ; )

Sounds like your summer is swimming along nicely and happy birthday wishes for your hubby! I won't tell my other half about his present.... we don't have a big enough living room to comfortably watch an 80 inch TV. ;-)

Happy weekend Donna!

It's Friday!! Yippee!

I didn't realize that it's been four days since I last posted. Time flies when one is having fun -- two lunches out with friends, reading books, a little Haley and Molly, a trip to the art museum, and visiting the new downtown bookstore have kept me busy.

>267 LizzieD:: Hi Peggy! I do understand about being intimidated about catching up with those high-number threads. At least mine is almost two months worth of books and stuff! I could never generate enough talk to have to create a new thread every week or so the way some of our LTers do! Life in the slow lane suits me just fine. I love your ending comment that you don't love or care enough about bridge to "learn it better so that I might like it more." Well said! With me, it's a fascination with solving the unique puzzle contained in every bridge hand and depending on my memory and powers of reason to solve that puzzle! I have a long way to go before I can consider myself a competent bridge player but I'm being patient and not giving up.

>268 Storeetllr:: Mary, it boggled my mind that he wanted an 80-inch TV because we had a 65-incher in the man cave that seemed big to me. I think he may finally retire just to spend more time with his new love!

>269 porch_reader:: Amy, I can understand why wrestling is an ongoing theme in many of Irving's books because he used to wrestle, but bears? It's got me flummoxed, too. Warmer weather is on the way so I got outside and worked in the yard today. I may pay for it tomorrow as I couldn't find a stopping place. It sounds like my reading life!

>270 brenzi:: Oh yes, do read Owen Meany, Bonnie. One of my all-time favorites. I inherited the old TV and, yes, it is huge in our smallish family room. Dave has a larger area downstairs and needed (Ha!) a bigger set. No sore necks yet!

>271 michigantrumpet:: Marianne, bridge is my retirement hobby. I took my first lesson in my early 60's; found it incomprehensible and quit. But then a friend convinced me to try again and we had some enjoyable times trying to figure it out on our own - without much luck. Another round of lessons and I made the commitment to play at least several times a month. I need to play more frequently to get better. Ah well, life (and bridge for me) is a journey!

>272 Berly:: Thanks, Kim. Hawk is my favorite character, although he doesn't always play a big role. I think Parker was wise not to overuse his secret weapon!

>273 lkernagh:: Mum's the word, Lori! The best thing about summer so far is that we haven't even gotten close to the hundred degree mark -- YET. There is still plenty of time.

>274 The_Hibernator:: Thanks, Rachel. Same to you!

>275 michigantrumpet:: And now its Saturday, Marianne, but there is still Sunday to look forward to. I don't have a single thing planned except to sit on my porch swing and read and admire the work I did in the flower garden today. I love days like that but haven't had many of them lately. I hope you are also having a good weekend.

Book No. 56: Fourth of July Creek by Smith Henderson. 4.2 stars.

"'I'll put one in that boy's brain before I let you have him. That is a solemn fuckin promise.' He leaned forward. Pete flinched. The man spat on him. Then he whipped around and heaved his naked son up onto his hip and jogged into the brush…Another day at the office." (35)

There is lots of tough talk in this debut book. The rugged setting and gritty characters reminded me of some of my favorite authors, Daniel Woodrell, Cormac McCarthy, and Jon Clinch. Set in a rural part of Montana, Pete Snow is a social worker for Child Protective Services. Looking out for the needs of children is an interesting job for a man whose daughter detests him and who is barely able to hold his own life together. We soon learn that Pete doesn't shy away from difficult situations. When he investigates the curious case of Benjamin Pearl who is malnourished and dressed in rags, he repeatedly tries to help an angry survivalist who doesn't want any help.

Young Ben is just one of his many cases that drives Pete to the bars at night for some relief. And then, there is his personal tragedy: a broken marriage and a runaway teenage daughter. The author is in no hurry to tie up the many crossroads of Pete's life as he juggles his cases and travels the country in search of his daughter. The logistics of travel are not so easy in this part of the country. Wyoming is such a vast and wild area that even the town Pete lives in is named Tenmile for its distance from "civilization." His clients are spread over a big area from the back woods to the empty spaces of the plains. Daughter Rachel uses the state name as a verb when she "wyoms" (which I interpreted as an aimless sort of wandering) through her life.

I ended up caring about (most) of these hardscrabble characters that were so difficult to like in the beginning. Smith Henderson knows something about living in poverty and the overwhelming odds against those living on the fringes of society…and he doesn't flinch or mince words when he tells their stories. This was a remarkable debut, and I look forward to seeing what is next in Mr. Henderson's arsenal.

Donna, thumb-up for a fabulous review of Fourth of July Creek. Sounds like one I'd really enjoy. Appreciate what you have to say in your last paragraph, so true: living in poverty and the overwhelming odds against those living on the fringes of society. I'm glad he doesn't mince words; we do a disservice glossing over inconvenient truths.

eta: can't type : )

>265 Donna828: "pipping" had something to do with showing a tiny corner of cards on the pile (I think)--it was supposed to bring luck

Hi Donna - Great review of Fourth of July Creek. Sigh. Another title to add to my "to read" list.

I am so far behind I won't bore you with comments that are over a week old except to say I tried to learn bridge once and was both intrigued and flummoxed; perhaps I'll try again when I retire. The problem for me was not knowing anyone to play with between weekly lessons, so that the lessons never really sank in.

I don't think I've ever read that Irving, and you haven't made me want to rush out and pick it up even though he is one of my favorite authors. I suppose I'll try to read it someday just to be completist about it but first I need to catch up with some of his newer works that slipped past me.

Re: "pipping" cards in euchre: I know we always keep score using the 5's from the deck (since euchre only uses 9-up). You keep score by laying the two 5's atop each other (top one face down) and moving the top one to expose the number of pips or symbols on the bottom card to reflect the score. Once the score gets past 5, you turn the top card face up to count 6 (the 5 on the top card plus exposing one pip on the lower card), etc.

Happy Sunday, Donna! Excellent review of Fourth of July Creek. I've seen some buzz on that one and it sure looks like my cuppa. Tailor-made in fact. Hope you are having a lovely weekend.

Great review of Fourth of July Creek, Donna! I've had my eye on that one since reading a conversation between Phillipp Meyer and Smith Henderson on the BN Review site. I especially liked their discussion about their writing processes. Fourth of July Creek is definitely on my TBR.

Another big thumb from me, Donna. You had me when you mentioned Daniel Woodrell! Fourth of July definitely sounds like it belongs on my TBR.

Added my thumb to your excellent review of Fourth of July Creek Donna. Sounds like something I'd like:-)

just waving and passing through :)

>278 lit_chick:: I'm glad you liked my review of Fourth of July Creek, Nancy. I get excited when I read a debut novel that grabs me as thoroughly as this one did!

>279 RebaRelishesReading:: Pipping: I learn something new all the time around here! Thanks, Reba.

>280 BLBera:: Thanks, Beth. Our lists gets longer and longer…

>281 rosalita:: Finding a bridge partner on my level is a problem for me, Julia. Some of the people I've played with don't know even the simple conventions and my friends who play are more advanced than I am. Maybe I should advertise for a compatible partner! So pipping is related to score keeping. Thanks for that explanation. Irving can write some amazing books, but sometimes his quirkiness goes a little too far for me.

>282 msf59:: Mark, I saw your name written all over Fourth of July Creek. I think I have "discovered" a new favorite author!

>283 porch_reader:: Amy, I took a break to read that interview. Fascinating. I bookmarked it so I can read it more slowly to get even more out of it. I enjoy learning more about the craft of writing and what drives an author to create a new world through words. Thank you for the link.

>284 DeltaQueen50:: Ah good, another Woodrell fan. He doesn't write fast enough for me, Judy, so I'm glad to add a new author to my list of ones to watch.

>285 brenzi:: Thanks for your thumb, Bonnie!

>286 nittnut:: Hi Jenn! My last book was about New Zealand. I'm in love with your new country!

Book No. 57: The Colour by Rose Tremain. 4.1 stars.

"There was a glare on the water, but beyond the glare, something else, a flicker of colour in the grey mud where the ducks had stood….He stood without moving, waiting for the sun to come out again. It returned, sparkling on the water, dazzling him…a minute patch of shining yellow dust." (57)

And, just like that, Joseph Blackstone caught gold fever. He neglected the chores of improving his farmstead in New Zealand and sneaked off to the pond to find more specks of gold, keeping his minute treasure a secret from his wife Harriet. Things were not good on the home front and got worse when Joseph left for the more productive gold fields over the mountains, leaving Harriet and his mother Lillian to fend for themselves. The story was interesting but the real star of the book was the land and the thrill of discovery. It'z amazing what people will endure in order to strike it rich.

I read this book as a precursor to reading The Luminaries. I feel as if I know what motivates people despite hardships and slim odds of finding gold. I fell in love with the stark beauty of New Zealand. I'm ready to further immerse myself in this fascinating period in history. Now to find the time… The Luminaries is a huge book!

Oh nice review! And good luck with the Luminaries. I am shying away for now. ; )

Nice review of The Colour, Donna. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, too. I mean to read more Tremain, just haven't gotten to her again yet.

I liked The Colour very well, Donna, and am glad that you did too. I don't think it's one of the great Tremains, but it's pretty darn good. I have to say that I think it is head and shoulders above The Luminaries. Maybe you will be among the many who gobble it down with delight!

>266 Donna828: I agree with you regarding Setting Free the Bears. While Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany is one of my all-time top three books, his others mystify me.

He can be such a great writer, and, he doesn't need to resort to absurdity.

Good luck with The Luminaries! It scares me. Haha. That's not to say I'm not interested in reading it, but it sounds like maybe I should go for The Colour first if I ever feel bitten by the Luminary bug, so to speak...!

Hi Donna,

Nosy me, what are your top 3 books if you don't mind sharing? A prayer for Own Meany is right up there for me also. Your posts are the only ones I follow anymore since it seems like we have many similar likes in books. In fact I just put Fourth of July Creek on my list.

>290 Berly:: Kim, I stayed away long enough. I have The Luminaries on loan from a friend and she might want it back some day!

>291 lit_chick:: Nancy, let's see...*thinking*...I have read or listened to four of Tremain's books so far. Not a klunker in the bunch. The Road Home tops the list so far.

>292 LizzieD:: Peggy, I've already failed one time to get engaged with The Luminaries. It was during the Christmas holidays when I had little time for reading. I think reading it in August will give it the time and attention it demands. I've noticed that you and others have not been impressed with it. I'll let you know how I like it next month.

>293 Whisper1:: Irving "doesn't need to resort to absurdity." I couldn't have said it better, Linda!

>294 dk_phoenix:: Hi Faith, I can and do recommend The Colour as an accessible and appealing book about the New Zealand Gold Rush. Stay tuned for my thoughts on The Luminaries.

>295 dallenbaugh:: Hi Donna, I am flattered by your comments. We do like the same books, don't we? I saw that you had entered Americanah yesterday. I really liked that one and rated it 4.5 stars as you did, but my favorite by her was Half Of A Yellow Sun. Have you read that one?

Hmmm...my three favorite books. That is like asking me to pick my favorite grandchild! Can't be done. But I can pick three that I wouldn't mind reading over and over. (Books not grands!) I've read these at least twice now and can see even more rereads in the future:

My Antonia
The Bluest Eye
To Kill A Mockingbird

Caveat: I just might come up with three different titles on another day! I have a list of 21 of my Significant Reads on my profile page.

Okay, now I need YOUR top three!
That goes for anybody with the courage to limit your favorites to three books!!!

Edited to bold last statement!

I'm stopping by regularly, Donna, even if I don't often have much to say. And I don't have that much courage.

>296 Donna828: Challenge accepted Donna!

1. Howl and other poems by Allen Ginsberg
2. On the Road (original scroll) by Jack Kerouac (this was my entree into the Beat Generation and led to my complete infatuation with Allen Ginsberg)
3. after the quake by Haruki Murakami

I've been thinking a lot about this question. While there are many books I consider fantastic and great and having an impact on my life in one way or another, these are the three which awakened me to something deeper and interesting.

Unh, uh, can't do it, Won't try. Not happening.

I'll do it if I can come and change my selections once in a while. :-)

>296 Donna828: I'm with Bonnie. My brain hurts just thinking about choosing 3 favorite books.

The usual caveats apply — snapshot in time, subject to change, depending on my mood, etc etc etc ...

To Kill a Mockingbird had a profound impact on my sense of what it meant to be a non-girly girl child, and what it meant to stand up for what's right even if it's not popular.

If Death Ever Slept for being the first book I ever read that made me want to go live in that world forever.

The Sparrow continues to make me think about some of those unanswerable questions about religion, like "why does God let bad things happen to good people?"

I was tempted to put The Road on this list but I've read it so recently I think I need to wait and see if it stands up to the tyranny of time.

Hi Donna - To Kill a Mockingbird, Tracks and How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents are books I have read multiple times and I still love them. I used to read To Kill a Mockingbird every year.

The Grapes of Wrath
Lonesome Dove
Native Son

^These 3 have been right near the top for 20 years.

>302 rosalita: The Sparrow is a fantastic choice.

It's good to see we have some courageous LTers around here!

>297 ronincats:: Roni, I'm glad you're a presence on my thread even if you have little to say. I'm kind of quiet myself...and had to really push myself to single out only three of my treasured books.

>298 AuntieClio:: Thanks for your response, Stephanie, and the reason behind your choices. I have two Murakami books on my shelf that I haven't read yet. He really makes his readers dig deep to understand his message. I'm still thinking about The Wind-up Bird Chronicle!

>299 brenzi:: I know the feeling, Bonnie!

>300 Smiler69:: Ilana, you are welcome to visit at anytime...and I do understand how a "favorite" can change from day to day.

>301 Copperskye:: I don't want to be the cause of your brain strain, Joanne. Lol.

>302 rosalita:: Yay for Mockingbird, Julia. I am still planning a reread of The Sparrow this year. I love to ponder unanswerable questions. Thanks for playing!

>303 BLBera:: Beth, why am I not surprised that a book featuring Scout is on your list. Good call on Tracks. Erdrich is one of my very favorite authors.

>304 msf59:: Old favorites are the best, Mark. Grapes of Wrath was a close contender for my Top Three. Maybe tomorrow! I am ashamed to admit I have not read Native Son. Must fix that. And soon!

Great review of The Colour! I loved The Luminaries and did not know that the Tremain novel was set in the same in the same time period. Adding it to my future reading list.

I am not going to try to list my three all-time favourite books..... that is too hard. ;-)

Just three? Okay, but only with the same caveat that this is completely changeable based on my mood and the day...

84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Ok, I'll play. According to today's mood, I'll list not books I've already read more than once, but three books I'd like to read again which I've read in the last couple of years for the first time:

Rogue Male by Geoffrey Household
The Quick by Lauren Owen
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

With the usual caveats, my top 3 are:

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor
Persuasion by Jane Austen

Wow, I like the three's that are coming up. Such a small number to work with! Here's my try:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
Middlemarch by George Eliot

Hi Donna, I was responding to message #293 when I asked what your all-time favorite books were. "While Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany is one of my all-time top three books". I thought maybe you had the 3 books ready at hand. Anyway, since my memory is not the greatest I will list three books I really liked this year:
All the Light We Cannot See
The Lotus Eaters
The Age of Innocence
and ok one more
Someone Knows My Name

So many good choices. Pride and Prejudice is also one I've read several times and still love...

My thread is getting pretty long… I may start a new one after I finish the two books I am reading. I'm almost through with The Innocents Abroad and am halfway through The Towers of Silence. The Raj Quartet continues to be a winner for me and I am enjoying Mark Twain's view of European travel.

>306 lkernagh:: Lori, I imagine they are very different kinds of books but, yes, the setting overlaps. I'm glad to hear you liked The Luminaries; it seems to have gotten mixed reactions from our LT peeps.

>307 bell7:: I loved your selections, Mary. I am looking forward to seeing the film adaptation of Unbroken. What a phenomenal story and so well-told.

>308 Smiler69:: Ilana, Rogue Male is a new one for me to check out. I must have read about it on your thread but didn't write it down because I am trying not to add to the WL. Now I'm wishing for more time to read. The problem is, I am such a good sleeper that I would probably be cranky if I cut back there. I'm addicted to Word Chums, a computer word game, so that is probably where I could gain a little more time each day.

>309 katiekrug:: Katie, I'm glad you liked Heart of Darkness so well. I thought it was pretty wonderful when I read it several years ago, but I know it's not universally loved. Probably too dark for some readers!

>310 jnwelch:: Joe, I am loving the choices so far, yours included. It has been ages since I read Pride and Prejudice. I bought the annotated version last year with the intention of reading it during the centenary year… I'm running a little late on my good intentions. Also, Kafka on the Shore is high on my WL. I want my own copy but I never find it at used bookstores or library book sales. I guess people don't want to give it up!

>311 dallenbaugh:: Donna, I guess we can "blame" Linda (Whisper1) for starting the three favorite book query. I'm glad you picked up on her comment because it is fascinating to read the responses. I have heard such good things about All the Light We Cannot See and am on the reserve list at the library. I also have fond memories of Someone Knows My Name and agree that it will make a good reread.

>312 BLBera:: Yup, P&P is a timeless treasure. I really need to get to my brand new copy of it! I real all of the Austens I hadn't previously read a few years ago and just didn't get around to rereading Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. I have a hunch P&P will retain the No. 1 place on my rating of Jane Austen's works.

Interesting you are reading Innocents Abroad. I am listening to A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court and am almost at the end. There are some very funny parts in it but I think Twain goes on a little too long about the class differences and how they seem to be absolutely rigid no matter how he tries to point out the inequities. The book could have been much shorter without any loss in content.

You are killing me! Can't pick out Top 3, but three-ish that I've read innumerable times:

Brideshead Revisited
House of Mirth
Anything Jeeves-ish by P.G. Wodehouse

Hi Donna! Great review of Hild from the previous thread! I'm so glad you liked it!

I think my three are the following, in no particular order:

The Bone People by Keri Hulme
Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
The Sea, The Sea by Iris Murdoch

Hi Donna,
The three faves is a tough one (I'm lousy at narrowing such things down).
To Kill a Mockingbird is invariably on that list for me.
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter probably makes it.
The Story of Lucy Gault.

Other contenders, though, include
The World According to Garp
The Elephant's Journey
The Gift of Rain
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena (yes, I really liked it that much)

Since I told you I'd do this, Donna...I guess I have to follow through! So here's my list (with the usual disclaimers)! ;-)

To Kill a Mockingbird
Cutting for Stone
Unbroken

It's hard to narrow down favorite books to just three! I'll have to say:

Persuasion by Jane Austen (when I was younger Emma was my favorite)
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis (which is technically 7 books so I guess I'm cheating a bit!)

I loved To Kill a Mockingbird when I read it in 8th grade but I haven't read it since. I need to reread it as an adult.

Top 3 books? What I say today will probably change by tomorrow morning because I think it depends on my mood.

1. Holy Bible
2. Anne of Green Gables - no one said these had to be adult books
3. Window on the Square - This is a sentimental favorite. I read it for the first time at the age of 11 or 12. I've re-read it may times over the years just because it was the first "romantic suspense" story I discovered. It completely hooked me on reading, and I devoured every similar book I could find in our small town library.

Ach an almost impossible task to pick only three books, but I'll try of course for you my dear.

The Lord of the Rings - by J.R.R. Tolkein
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
La Bete Humaine by Emile Zola

Reserve would be A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

Have a splendid weekend, Donna. xx

PS. I am still having the keyboard jips......every time I want to type "o", I have to paste it - another reason for my slowing down!

Wow, some great books on here! Should I have expected anything less?

I am so excited! Having not had a pet for many years, I brought home a beautiful black male cat yesterday from our SPCA. He is gorgeous, charming, friendly, medium size at 11 pounds … and presently hiding in my furnace room, completely overwhelmed. Need some help with a name. I'm hoping that he'll eventually choose his own name, but If you feel like some fun and have a minute: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/63LPMVC (shelter name was Coal, but I don't find it terribly original, and I like two syllables in a pet name).

>314 dallenbaugh:: I agree that Mark Twain can be wordy. He does the same thing in The Innocents Abroad with his stories about the places he visits. I love hearing about the places themselves and the people he is traveling with, but his experiences go into too much detail. I have found myself skimming a bit. Oh No!

>315 michigantrumpet:: This has been a great exercise thanks to a chance comment. It looks like I need to experience the world of Jeeves to see if we get along. Thanks for those choices, Marianne.

>316 DorsVenabili:: Kerri, I adore The Bone People. I have read it twice now and can see myself reading it again to explore the Maori culture and to better understand what happened in the story. So many layers to explore.

>317 EBT1002:: Huh, another vote for The Story of Lucy Gault. I read this one quite awhile ago and have little memory of it. I, too, loved A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, Ellen. And i thought The Elephant's Journey was an exquisite tale.

>318 Nancy618:: Yay! Nancy's here. I'm glad to see Cutting for Stone on your list. I wish I had been able to make that discussion at our book group. If this were a contest, I think Mockingbird would win! Thanks for joining in our little survey.

>319 cbl_tn:: Hi Carrie, I'm glad to see my favorite Dickens here. At least I think it's my fave; it's at least tied with A Tale of Two Cities. I read Mockingbird again as an adult and it truly held up to the test of time. Go for it!

>320 thornton37814:: I love that you have a sentimental favorite, Lori. Mine would have to be A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. It was my mother's favorite book and I have her well-loved copy. Oh yes, The Holy Bible. Can't go wrong there. Sixty-six books of history, adventure, poetry, and walks of faith. I read it straight through in 1996 (I think) and would like to do that again some year.

>321 PaulCranswick:: Thanks, Paul, for your participation in this difficult task. I haven't read anything by Zola! Shame on me. Loved, loved, loved A Fine Balance. It is one of the best stories of friendship I have read.

>322 msf59:: This has been fun reading all the different selections, Mark. You can certainly tell we are a well-read group!

>323 lit_chick:: Congratulations on your new kitty, Nancy. I like two-syllable names for pets, too. Lucky is the current resident canine preceded by Brandy, Rusty, and Schatzie! I will put my thinking cap on and enter my name in the survey. You have some good suggestions listed. I am so happy for you and Coal??? I look forward to some good cat stories.

Hi Donna! I tried to answer your question regarding 3 books, but I CAN NOT do it. I tried but I would hurt a books feelings if I left one off that I shouldn't have. They are already yapping at me to read them let alone another bunch crying for their being overlooked. By not saying anything all books are as happy as they're going to get. ;}

>313 Donna828: The Annotated Pride and Prejudice is a great way to revisit that book, Donna. I did that, too, and really enjoyed it. It's very much a contemporary novel of its time, and there are background details that, for me, anyway, broadened the experience.

Thanks, Donna : ). I hope others will help me out, too! I'm also now thinking about Barney because he was found in a barn hangin' with someone's horses : ).

>325 Carmenere:: Lynda, books do have feelings. I know some of mine are feeling unloved because they have been on my shelves way too long. I'm reading as fast as I can but I'm afraid they are just going to have to learn more patience! Good for you not wanting to choose favorites. ;-)

>326 jnwelch:: Yes, that was the idea, Joe. I enjoy looking at the book and I know one of these days I'll even pick it up and fall in love all over again.

>327 lit_chick:: I like the name Barney; I also suggested Inky on the survey because it seemed a way to combine love of animals with love of the written word. I'm sure whichever name you choose will be the best one!

Book No. 58: The Towers of Silence by Paul Scott. 4.2 stars.

"It was odd that Mabel should squander upon a retired missionary what Mildred had a positive right to and would grace in a way that the Batchelor woman never could. And by depriving Mildred of this right she deprived her of another: trust." (33)

I can't believe this book has only six reviews on LibraryThing. Why aren't more people reading and talking about it? This is the third book in The Raj Quartet. It doesn't so much move the story along as it provides more details of the same story through the eyes of the impulsive Miss Barbara Batchelor, an English missionary teacher in India. Facing a lonely retirement, she accepts the challenge of moving to a different region and sharing a cottage with another woman. Mabel Layton welcomes her new boarder in her usual calm manner, but her step-daughter-in-law, Mildred, is not happy with the arrangement. Huh, kind of like the way the Indian population is not thrilled with the way the Raj takes over more and more of their country.

I really like the way Paul Scott uses the intimate stories of Colonial India to give a personalized look at what was happening in India in the 1940s. He throws in elements of spirituality, philosophy, and mysticism to further shroud the political situation only to slowly reveal the levels of mistrust. This is the slowest volume so far but I so enjoyed the characterization of the Cruella-DeVil-type villain Mildred, the female counterpart to the jealousy and cruelty of Robert Merrick, and the constant gossip and grasping for power among the military wives, that I didn't mind the rehashing of plot. There was a wedding, a birth, several deaths of major characters, insanity, and the constant worry of WWII in the background to hold the reader's attention. Scott details the incidentals of daily life while keeping an eye on the big picture. I am eager to see how he wraps up this complex package in the fourth and final installment.

Edited to correct number.

Wow! Excellent review of The Towers of Silence, Donna. I've got The Raj Quartet on my list but haven't even picked up the first one yet.

>329 Donna828: Great review, Donna. I read The Raj Quartet many years ago and have very fond memories. Mildred is pretty awful, isn't she? And are there implications that Barbie is a lesbian? I've always thought that was part of Mildred's "issue" with her. Funny, when I read this book I didn't get the parallel with the Raj taking over India -- what excellent insight!

>330 lit_chick:: Thanks, Nancy. The Raj Quartet to me is the War and Peace of India. I like it that much!

>331 lauralkeet:: Yes, Laura, there were those implications which is one of many things that Mildred had against Barbie. It was really a small part of the book so I'm surprised that you remembered it.

I have a few short comments to make on the book I've been reading for most of the month. And then I'll start a new thread! Finally! Sorry I let this one get so long. I was trying to stretch it out to the end of the month but since I'll be on the road on Thursday, this will work out fine.



Book No. 59: The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain. 3.8 stars.

This book wore me out! I feel as if I've been traveling around Europe all month. Not really a bad thing but there was this one guy that talked the entire time and kind of got in the way of my enjoyment. That would be Mr. Twain! While I enjoy small doses of his wit, I got tired of his blathering on about every single detail. Don't get me wrong, there were many fine moments in this book, but it could have been shorter.

That concludes my reading for the month. I have plenty to do the next two days to get ready for our trip to Michigan so I won't have time to finish another book. I plan to start on Independent People for my first book in August. I've been wanting to read this one for months. Maybe that's why I got impatient with Mark Twain...

>332 Donna828: I kind of agree with you about Innocents Abroad. I was grateful that at least the individual pieces were fairly short, so I've been reading them one at a time and then moving on to something else. I find as I get older I find that sort of over-the-top farcical humor less and less amusing for some reason.

I've got Independent People on my tbr, Donna, after a strong recommendation from Mark. I'm trying to get to it sooner rather than later, so I may join you at some point.

Lurking as usual, Donna. I tried reading Independent People a couple of years ago but wasn't able to finish it. I've been thinking about giving it another try. Maybe I'll also join you in August. Have a great vacation and a safe trip.