EBT1002 (Ellen) reads 75 in 2014 - Part 9

Hotel in Crianlarich, Scotland

Loch Lomond, Scotland

My Rating Scale:

5 = Amazing! Perfect!
4.5 = Wow, this was great, among my favorites of the year!
4 = Very good. Definitely recommended and I'll certainly read more by this author.
3.5 = Quite good, has several redeeming qualities, I'm likely to read more by this author.
3 = Pretty good, with a few things done well. I might read more by this author.
2.5 = Average. I probably won't seek out this author in the future, as life is too short to read average books.
2 = A bit below average. A waste of time.
1.5 = Nearly no redeeming qualities. Really rather bad.
1 = Among the worst books I've ever read.

COMPLETED IN JANUARY

1. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
2. A Cupboard Full of Coats by Yvvette Edwards
3. The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
4. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
5. The Hired Man by Aminatta Forna
6. My Ántonia by Willa Cather
7. Two or Three Things I Know For Sure by Dorothy Allison
8. Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital by Sheri Fink
9. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY

10. The Blue Place by Nicola Griffith
11. The Polish Boxer by Eduardo Halfon
12. An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine
13. A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki
14. Above Suspicion by Helen MacInnes

COMPLETED IN MARCH

15. The Story of a New Name by Elena Ferrante
16. Charming Billy by Alice McDermott
17. Native Son by Richard Wright
18. Blue is the Warmest Color by Julie Maroh
19. Home by Toni Morrison

COMPLETED IN APRIL

20. Blonde: A Novel by Joyce Carol Oates
21. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
22. The Property by Rutu Modan
23. The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman
24. Someone by Alice McDermott

COMPLETED IN MAY

25. Last Train to Paris by Michele Zackheim
26. My New Gender Workbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving World Peace by Kate Bornstein
27. Laidlaw by William McIlvanney
28. Sula by Toni Morrison
29. A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra
30. The Optimist's Daughter by Eudora Welty
31. Exit Wounds by Rutu Modan
32. Truth & Beauty by Ann Patchett
33. Plainsong by Kent Haruf
34. Mission to Paris by Alan Furst

COMPLETED IN JUNE

35. Beautiful Darkness by Fabien Vehlman & Kerascoet
36. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
37. Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
38. The Two Hotel Francforts by David Leavitt
39. The Arrival by Shaun Tan
40. The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch
41. Byrd by Kim Church
42. A Death in the Family by James Agee
43. Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut
44. Henrietta's War by Joyce Dennys

COMPLETED IN JULY

45. Natural Causes by James Oswald
46. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
47. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
48. Never Go Back by Robert Goddard
49. Stay by Nicola Griffith
50. The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown

Currently reading:



Revenge: Eleven Dark Tales by Yoko Ogawa

Currently listening:



The Dog Stars by Peter Heller

Am I early?

>7 EBT1002: Right on time, Kim!

I love getting my dose of Scotland here, Ellen, each time you open a new thread. I decided to pay the extra amount and picked up Rainer Cherries to try. They are totally delicious and my hubby and I have been converted to these delectable morsels!

>1 EBT1002: Are you staying in that hotel Ellen? Sometimes it seems that all the roads in Scotland seem to go through Crianlarich!

>9 EBT1002: Phew! 'Cause there is that fine line between being first and screwing up the threads beginning. : )

Love the topper of Loch Lomond, Scotland--gorgeous!!!

And I really enjoyed The Dog Stars--hope you do too!

Ellen I'm glad to see you trying out more audios. I love the format but I get it's not for everyone. I'm excited for your trips. Have a wonderful weekend.

>10 DeltaQueen50: Hooray! Converts to Rainier Cherries! They really are the best, imho. I'm glad you like stopping by to get your occasional dose of Scotland, Judy. I enjoy finding photos to post. I think we're down to about eight weeks and counting....

>11 SandDune: Hi Rhian! I know we're spending a night in Crianlarich, so I assume it's in that hotel. I should know, but I have left all the hotel arrangements to P. Actually, the company with which we have contracted has made all the arrangements. It's going to be so great.

>12 Berly: I know, Kim! You were first and you absolutely did not mess up my thread at all. :-)

I'm very much enjoying the narration of The Dog Stars. I suppose I should spend some time in the garden this afternoon so I can listen to some more of it.

>13 luvamystery65: Hi Roberta! I believe audios will always be a minor medium for me as they only work when I'm weeding -- and sometimes when I'm walking. Otherwise I'm just not able to focus and follow the narrative well enough. The Dog Stars is working really well for me, though. It's a perfect novel for the audio format, I think.

Hi Ellen, I'm really looking forward to seeing your photos of Scotland. Is it only a month away?
Happy new thread!

Loch Lomond photo is *swoonworthy*!! Happy new thread.

Happy new thread, Ellen! From your last one -- you mentioned a great tapas restaurant in Asheville... do you remember the name? I'd love to try it when we are there in August.

Happy New Thread Ellen. Both your current reads are on my tbr. Glad you're still enjoying listening to The Dog Stars.

Happy New Thread, Ellen!!!
And, Katie, I think I can answer your question about one tapas restaurant in Asheville. (I'm SO pleased to be able to have any information about food and travel - you just can't imagine.) The one where we ate is Zambra. It's in an old rathskeller right downtown. Loved it!

>16 Ameise1: Barbara, we go in late August, so just under two months now. I need to learn how to use my new camera with its wifi!! I love the cartoon; thank you. Border Collies are among my favorite canines. :-)

>17 richardderus: It is lovely, is it not, Richard? I wonder if we will again visit the Lagan Locks on Loch Lochy..... We enjoyed them last time we were in the Highlands.

>18 katiekrug: Katie, I will ask my sister (and I'll be eating there a week from today, so I can make a note at that point). I'm also going to make a note of my favorite chocolatier in Asheville. There are several and they are all good but there is one I particularly like. Oh, and there is a place that makes their own truffles..... *swoon*

>19 Smiler69: Hi Ilana! Yes, The Dog Stars is a good listen and I'm enjoying Henrietta's War. I seem to have been reading a lot of things set in and about WWII lately (I know, I'm supposed to be reading about WWI this year!) and this one is a bit lighter than most.

>20 LizzieD: Hi Peggy. I do believe that is the one. I will double check. My sister said she has already made reservations and she said it "took some doing" (I mean, it was more than a week out!!) so that is something to bear in mind. Of course, we'll be eating there the Saturday of Fourth of July weekend......

There is also a BBQ place down in the River Arts District. 12 Bones. Not to be missed.

Thanks!! The Wayne will be especially excited to try the BBQ :)

That looks like a fun hotel. I hope you get to stay there.

*waving*

Just read the notes that one of our favorite LT buddies might move to Seattle. Wouldn't that be just the best?

Don't hurry to get The 8:55 to Baghdad, I think you can talk about it without having finished it, and it is interesting, but not compelling, in my very much humble opinion.

Loch Lomond looks so romantic!

>22 katiekrug: Katie,in addition to outstanding barbecue, they have jalapeño cheese grits that are absolutely 100% to die for. (My mouth is watering now.)
Also, my sister reports that the tapas place at which we'll be dining is called Cúrate. She also says you shouldn't miss it.

>23 Morphidae: I'm pretty sure we're staying there, Morphy. I'll be sure to take photos. :-)

>24 maggie1944: *waves back at Karen*
I can't get The 8:55 to Baghdad until my name rises to the top of the queue in any case.

*runs to assist P in the kitchen*

ETA: The second Monday in July comes late, so I have some time.

>25 banjo123: Hi Rhonda! I agree. I think all of Scotland is quite romantic. Maybe except Glasgow.

P is roasting a chicken on our old fashioned charcoal grill tonight. With fresh garlic she just harvested yesterday. And we've just opened a Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc..... I do love Saturday night.

Okay, I don't want to alarm anybody, but I am reviewing and rating a playscript written by a poet. And with high praise. Go look for yourself.

^ I am alarmed, despite your intentions. But I'm also heading over to read the review. ;-)

I'm about halfway through the charming and easy Henrietta's War.

>26 EBT1002: - Thanks for the restaurant info, Ellen! And your Saturday night sounds just about perfect. Making note of the wine...

Saturday dinner sounds heavenly!

I've just started Constellation of Vital Phenomena. I think I have you to blame for my inability to get much accomplished toddy! ;-)

>31 katiekrug: It's a nice Sauv Blanc, Katie.

>32 michigantrumpet: Marianne, I take full responsibility. I also like that you haven't gotten much accomplished "toddy" --- so perhaps there is more than an outstanding novel getting in the way of your efficiency? Hmm?

Drovers Inn in Inverarnan, Scotland
This is along our 96-mile hike.

>27 EBT1002: Saturday night sounds fuuuun!
Mine was OK too, a friend popped over and we sat about for ages and jokingly fantasized about becoming more multi-faceted types. We compiled a list of interests we would need to develop in order to be "more faceted". It was funny! My lovely other then stepped in to 'educate' us on the music we would need to 'know'. So we just played records for an hour or two :)

I am glad you get to stop at the Drovers Inn on your walk. Please have a photo of yourself taken there, with a pint of ale and a book, in front of the warm fire!?

Happy New Thread, Ellen! Love all the photos - are you sure I can't tag along with you?

Happy New thread, Ellen! It feels like I haven't been by in awhile. Hope all is well. I think I found another favorite author. Just wrapped up Border Songs. WOW! I love his writing and his characters. I know you were a fan of the Highest Tide, which I can't wait to bookhorn. At least I have a copy on shelf.
How is the Dog Stars coming?

Hope you are having a wonderful Sunday!

Oh, Scotland. Very happy for you and P, Ellen. *carefully hides extreme envy* Loch Lamond looks beautiful. 96 mile hike? Wonderful.

Hope you're having a great weekend.

>33 EBT1002: Ha! Good one! Alas, I'm having an insurance medical exam on Wednesday (hoping to get long term care insurance) so have forsworn alcohol, eating lots of veggies and oatmeal to make sure all goes as hoped. A beer after a hot several hours in the garden would have been most welcome!

At least my fumble fingered typing didn't capture "toady" instead!

44. Henrietta's War by Joyce Dennys
3.5 stars



This epistolary novel is set on the English home front during the early years of WWII. Henrietta's letters to her Childhood's Friend, Robert, tell humorous stories of ordinary folks coping with wartime from a relatively safe rural area. Without ever losing sight of the seriousness and tragedy of war, Dennys pokes fun at people's fears and foibles. I chuckled out loud more than once.

>35 LovingLit: Megan, your Saturday evening sounds like a riot! I'm dying to know what interests you and your friend decided you would "need" to develop in order to be multifaceted individuals. Ha!

It turns out that we are not actually staying at the Drover's Inn, but we'll undoubtedly see it and we may dine there. I'll keep it on the list of must-take-a-selfie locations. :-)

>36 scaifea: Amber, as long as you're willing to walk 96 miles in 8 days, I see no reason for you not to tag along. Oh, probably you would need a place to sleep each night..... ;-)

>37 msf59: Hi mark! I liked but did not love The Highest Tide but I'll seek out Border Songs since he is a local author. Does Border Songs have a strong sense of place, i.e., the Puget Sound region?

I'm still enjoying The Dog Stars although I haven't listened in a few days. I'm pretty caught up in Natural Causes by James Oswald right now -- a mystery set in Edinburgh!

>38 jnwelch: Hi Joe! Yes, I can imagine you would feel envy about our Scotland trip. We did a 13-mile hike yesterday (more about that in a moment) as part of our training. I think we are ready for the West Highland Way.

>39 michigantrumpet: Marianne, I hope your medical insurance exam goes well! It sounds like you are taking all the correct measures to improve your odds. Afterwards, you can have that cold beer as reward for hours of gardening!

Yesterday P and I did a 13-mile hike to "Alpine Lookout" in the Cascade mountains. OMG. This hike kicked our butts. It starts at 4000 feet and ends at 6200 and it is rough and rocky terrain. About a third of the way along, a cloud bank moved in and it started to precipitate. Silly me, I had left my rain gear in the car (it was so sunny when we started out!) so P and I waffled for a bit about whether it was just foolish to keep going. I was getting chilled and we had not yet seen one other soul on the trail. It was really remote. We had just decided to turn back when a group of three lovely folks about our age came along. The man said he had a poncho I could borrow if the weather worsened (it had stopped raining at this point) so we decided to push on. I'm so glad we did. It didn't rain any more at all and the hike was just beautiful. The views of the clouds at the top were lovely (ha) and the wildflowers were just starting to bloom in some of the meadows. We watched for mountain goats, as this is a refuge for them, but saw none. We did startle a grouse and her handful of chicks -- so cute!

The last 2 miles down at the end were sheer agony. So steep and my knees were complaining. We had to scramble over several wind-blown tree trunks and at one point I was straddling the tree and thought "my left leg will not hold me up long enough for me to swing my right leg over this tree. I may just stay here."

But we did it!

And now I am happily reading Natural Causes, a mystery set in Edinburgh. :-)

13-mile hike = Tenth Circle of Hell for me, but glad y'all had a good time.

We love to hike, too, Ellen, but that one sure does sound challenging. Glad there were some good folks and beautiful views to help reward you.

Happy New Thread, Ellen. I love the photos. I'm following along with you. Nice review of Henrietta's War. I think I have that around somewhere.

Congratulations on your hike! I am envious. The Cascades, and the Olympics, are so beautiful and I did some hiking when I was younger. I loved every minutes, except those when I felt I could not walk one more step. I wish I still had the snap shots I took of those hikes but they have disappeared along with lots of flotsam and jetsam from the 20th Century.

As soon as I am finished with my term as Chair of the HOA Board, I'm going back to The Mountaineers and their Photography Committee, and perhaps I'll have some old lady hikes in my future, with my camera on my back. I hope so.

I am sure you two will be really ready for the West Highland trail. My friend who walked it with her grandson did not lead me to believe it was all that rigorous. I guess your challenge will be the number of miles to do each day. Keep on training, and I'm sure you'll have a grand time.

I am counting on your learning how to use your camera to good effect and then can share when you get back.

Have a great week.

>45 richardderus: Richard, you know, as I posted the description I thought "folks around here are going to think I've absolutely lost my marbles." Well. You know me. xo

>46 jnwelch: Joe, this was one of the more demanding hikes I've done in a long time. I'm happy to say, however, that I'm getting about much more easily today than I had feared would be the case.

>47 BLBera: Hi Beth! I'm having fun with my Scotland themed threads this year. I do recommend Henrietta's War for a light read about WWII (which sounds completely paradoxical, but she pulls it off).

>48 maggie1944: Karen, I thought about you during the hike yesterday. I had my new camera along and I did take about three shots at the very top but it was pretty socked in. I knew you would still be finding lovely images to capture on film (or on data card, as it were). When does your term as chair end? (she asked hopefully).

I don't think the West Highland Way will have any days as strenuous as yesterday. For one thing, we started yesterday at almost 600 feet than the highest point in all of Great Britain!

Does your camera have wifi? If so, I might bring my camera to our next RLBC meeting and see if you can walk me through some things.....

I don't think my camera has wifi; omg, something else new in technology which may have to find a home in my brain. And I don't think I would be any help as I barely remember from week to week how to use my camera.

(smiles ruefully)

I have the July working and regular meetings, the August ones also, and then in September one working meeting, and The Annual Meeting at which new people will be elected to the Board, and I can, as General McArthur said, "old soldiers do not die, they just fade away". I'll start going to The Mountaineers Photography Committee potlucks where they critique each others photographs.

(big smile)

Sounds like you had a great hike Ellen. Kudos for sticking to it. I've been really wanting to take out my hiking boots since I picked up and finished Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail recently. Will have to make it happen somehow!

Chuckling out loud is pretty fun. I'll add you as a recommender for Henrietta's War, which has been sitting on my tbr for too long already.

That hike sounds fantastic Ellen! I'm jealous.

I am living vicariously through you and your hike. ; ) Thanks for sharing.

>41 EBT1002: Um.... huh. Oh, wait, I know! You have room to pack a Segway, too, right?

>43 EBT1002: Completely impressed about that 13 mile trek earlier. My geographical knowledge is a bit weak, but I'm thinking that Scotland can't possibly be as demanding.

On the other hand, you've had several days to rest up after that one, whereas you'll be doing much more from day-to-day. Good job on the training!

Wow - that hike sounds exhausting. A steep downhill at the end like that can be torture.

Rainier cherries at Costco today, 2# for $5.99. Jumped on it!!

>50 maggie1944: I think I like your big smile more than your rueful one. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel; that is a good thing. The Mountaineers Photography group sounds like more fun than the HOA board! (just sayin')

>51 Smiler69: Ilana, I'm proud of completing the hike. My left calf, however, is still whining about it. I hope it loosens up soon! I have Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail on my TBR pile and it would be a good read for me while I'm trying to do more mountain hiking.

>52 The_Hibernator: Hi Rachel! It was a great adventure even without the views at the top. :-)

>53 Berly: Hi Kim! Now I'm wishing I'd bothered to take more photos. I promise that I will get better about that.

>54 scaifea: LOL Amber. I think I can fit a Segway into my duffel bag here.....

>55 michigantrumpet: Marianne, you make a very important point. Scotland's terrain will be milder than this hike but I've had two days of rest and my left calf is still really tight (it's the downhill that gets me). Scotland will involve eight straight days with no exit. It will be a challenge but I hope a fun one!

>56 SuziQoregon: Yep, Juli, the steep downhill at the end just about killed me.

>57 ronincats: Excellent!

>41 EBT1002: I'm dying to know what interests you and your friend decided you would "need" to develop in order to be multifaceted individuals.
We decided the following components were necessary for multifacetation to be present (!!)
- an in depth knowledge of/keen interest in the arts, in this case, music was foisted upon us as my lovely other has, what he calls, good taste in music :) (we were made to listen to the following bands: A Certain Ratio, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Walker Brothers)
- an in depth knowledge of/keen interest in literature (obviously)
- some kind of entrepreneurial venture, preferably starting a co-operative or ethical business
- a passion for something, anything will do (that is legal and not gross or uncouth)
- an area of specialised knowledge either from working in the area, or from studying it.
- an interesting skill of some kind (whether it be arty, or athletic or intellectual didn't matter, just some skill)

That was the gist of it, I think. It was all a good laugh, and was brought about as my friend had started a new job and felt all her colleagues were "multi-faceted" and wonderful. I broke the news to her that if she listed off all her interests and achievements back to back, she would come across that way too!

>43 EBT1002: 13 miles...13 miles *off to convert to kms*....oooh, that is nearly 21 kms!! Woah.
Makes my hour long walk through the industrial suburbs of Christchurch in the weekend seem rather insignificant.Good for you!

Ellen--Good luck loosening up the calf muscle. I am sure you are doing lots of stretches! I loved reading Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. It was interesting and amusing. I still can't believe how spontaneous her trip was! Have fun reading it and think of me when you get to the Oregon part.

I don't think I quite qualify for multifaceted -- it's interesting to ponder how relatively narrow many of us have actually become in this specialized era!

Did I mention to you that poet's memoir -- Simon Armitage, I think -- about hiking the Pennine Way? If not, hunt it out.

I've done chunks of Cornish coastal path, and that's brutal -- it says it's 12 miles or so, but that's not counting the ups and the downs, just the ins and the outs. Argh. And half the time you're walking at an angle, with the leg closer to the sea at a constant tilt. I swear I did some permanent damage to my right ankle on one of those hikes; it now swells up whenever I stress it.

Hope you're still enjoying Oswald! I think he takes a bit of a supernatural short cut at the end, which annoyed me, but hey... I'll probably read book #2 this weekend.

>60 LovingLit: Hmmmm. I'm not sure I qualify.

I mean, I like music. Some music. The Beatles. Tori Amos. Annie Lennox. a bunch of others, but.... nothing really esoteric.

Literature. Check. Although it depends on to whom you compare me.

No entrepreneurial business, ethical or otherwise.

Does a passion for wine count?

Yeah, okay, I think I'm pretty knowledgeable in the area of psychology, and college mental health. God Help Me, I seem to be pretty knowledgeable about Title IX. Go figure.

A skill. An interesting skill. I used to be able to juggle. I've run one marathon and two half-marathons. I'm really good at pulling weeds. Does any of that qualify?

I know it was a lark, Megan, but it's kind of fun to think about what makes one "multifaceted." I'll give myself a 60%.

>61 Berly: Hi Kim! I'm definitely working on stretching out and loosening the calf. I think it's going to be fine. If I can get my butt out of bed in the morning, I will go for an easy run (did I mention that it's freaking HOT in Seattle today/tonight?) and that will help.

I bought Cheryl Strayed's book at Powell's in January (was that January?) and I do think it would be a good read for a hiker like me. I MISS the Oregon Cascades!!!!!

>62 Chatterbox: Suz, I agree that this is a specialized era. We end up knowing a lot about a little.

I will seek out Simon Armitage's memoir of hiking the Pennine Way.

And you are absolutely right -- official mileage is only part of the story. This 13 miles was much more difficult than some others might be. "...with the leg closer to the sea at a constant tilt" -- that is one of the most challenging situations to navigate with running or hiking!!

I can already feel Oswald sneaking into some easy-out territory. Still, it's a fun read.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Time for Ellen to go to bed.

It was sooooo hot in Portland today. Our car thermometer registered 100!! Hopefully it will be cooler in the morning for your "easy" run. I use that term loosely because I only enjoy running if it is after a soccer ball. Running for running? I suck. LOL. Keep it up.

>63 EBT1002: I am sure it takes much more to reach full-multi-facetation ;)
I think the thing with our conversation was that my friend felt un-faceted in the face of her new colleagues, so we tried to figure out ho to at least appear more interesting....I have come to the conclusion that you are as multi-faceted as you feel :)

PS passion for wine definitely counts. But if you are an alcoholic, it negates whatever multi-facet factors you earned from said passion ;)

PPS My lovely other's music snobbery is rife. He managed to contain it before we were committed, but since then has felt fine about raining on my uncool music parade. I do have some that he approves of, like the Velvet Underground, which I am sure is one of the reasons we are together...he spotted a tape in my car in our early days and was almost glowing with joy and happiness at my owning it:) But if I dare suggest putting Pearl Jam, or the John Butler Trio, or Ani diFranco or James Taylor on...he runs for the hills!

Did I hear "Tori Amos"?! Love her.

>67 scaifea: Me, too.

This is the perfect time to read Wild: Lost and Found, Ellen. You'll appreciate her bravery and naivete, and then her sheer cussed persistence. Plus it's a great read.

Just a little contrary opinion here, I found the tale a bit hard to believe. I will wait until you've read it, and then if we have the chance I'll share what seemed so far fetched to me.

I'm getting an ER book! Hooray! They are sending me Barracuda by Christos Tsiolkas. I am determined to read it within a month of receiving it and writing a review. I've been pretty lousy about that the few times I've received an ER book in the past.

>65 Berly: I think it only got up to about 91F here in Seattle, Kim. That was plenty hot for me. Of course, it being Seattle, we don't have air conditioning so we had windows open, fans running..... Abby thought it was just about right. Ha.

I did get in my "easy" run this morning. It was still warm and muggy but I'm glad I did it. I'm actually impressed by people who run after soccer balls -- because it usually means sprinting (this I do not do) and it might mean "dribbling" said soccer ball once you catch up with it. I admire but do not comprehend.

>66 LovingLit: "I have come to the conclusion that you are as multi-faceted as you feel." I like it.

"if I dare suggest putting Pearl Jam, or the John Butler Trio, or Ani diFranco or James Taylor on...he runs for the hills!" LOL - I feel that way when P wants to listen to Dusty Springfield, but then she gets tired of Shawn Colvin and absolutely cannot tolerate my desire to listen to just a tiny bit of opera. :-)

>67 scaifea: Amber, I have to admit I'm a bit of a latecomer to Tori Amos admiration, but I also love her.

>68 jnwelch: Oh good, Joe, another Tori fan. :-)

Perhaps I'll take Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail on my trip to North Carolina (yes, I fly tomorrow! Hooray!). I think I'll do a poll. I need help deciding!

>69 maggie1944: Karen, that makes me want to read it so we can talk about it!

Okay, folks, here is my dilemma: I will of course carry the book I'm currently reading with me on vacation, but I'm trying to decide what else to take. It's a short-ish vacation but I should get some good reading time in. Here are the books I'm considering:

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent (just purchased this last evening based on Suz's very enthusiastic review)
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton
The Death of Artemio Cruz by Carlos Fuentes

If I take The Luminaries, it's the only one that is going. Otherwise, I'll probably carry two of the above. Or I'll pick something completely different off my TBR shelves!

So, I'm interested in comments and suggestions but make no commitment to follow them. :-)

I'm hopeless at helping with that sort of Dilemma..... in general.... I have learned to go for the lighter fare when traveling. Even though I generally put some thing 'heavier' in at the last sec. and then never touch it....

>73 EBT1002: Fuentes and Kent.

Having read none of them, I'd say the Strayed and the Kent.

Also, this is why you need a Kindle ;-)

Haven't read Kent, so Fuentes and Strayed.

>73 EBT1002: Strayed and Kent (sorry Catton, but having all your eggs in one basket could be an issue)

Yes, this is why you need a Kindle... You could have a dozen and not worry!

But go for two of the non-Catton options. I also think that you might want longer chunks of uninterrupted time for the Catton.

My money would go on Strayed, because it's a non-fiction book (and thus a good counterweight) and a book about walking (d'uh) and the Kent (well, because I recommended it... but also because I think the structure will make it easy for you to read in short bursts, as your energy level dictates.)

But generally -- two books that balance each other, neither of which is demanding or overly intense in terms of taking an hour just to get into the narrative.

You all are so helpful! The Catton is out. I'll pick two of the others. I think the Kent has made the cut.

Ultimately, it's just SO fun to think about which books I want to take.

And yes, I need a Kindle. :-)

I don't know about that Kindle. I like books. It is hard for me to put my boarding pass, luggage ticket, etc. inside of my Nook. They tend to fall out. However, inside the front cover of a book - very secure.

I would have opted for the one book and taken the Catton, but that whole list looks like good books so whatever you choose will be a good choice.

I just got back from the American Library Association conference and I mailed back 4 boxes of books. I got some great signed books that will make very nice gifts. I also bought some recorded books that will be great listening in the car. I walked and walked. I think that I might have done 13 miles in that 100 degree heat of Las Vegas so my hikes were strenous enough. I can't imagine having to go up and then downhill. Walking in the flat was hard enough.

Enjoy Asheville, and all that nice reading time on the plane.

In your shoes, I would be having a panic attack at the idea of being anywhere with only two books. I can't even go to the grocery store without two different books...

I think you got good advice for your vacation picks, Ellen. I was going to say I've read the first three and would definitely go for the first two and ditch the Catton for now. But then I wasn't one of the fans of that title, so easy for me to say. And yes, an e-reader is a must so you don't have to limit yourself!

I was SO FAR BEHIND! I'm not sure how that happened.
I agree with ditching the Catton (I'd ditch it for all time unless my curiosity got the better of me). I also agree with biting the bullet and getting a Kindle.
Your hiking and running wear me out just sitting here. The hiking, I can sort of identify with; the running, not at all.
Enjoy your Asheville time! I wish I were not clear across the state!

I'd skip the Strayed book. Why read about hiking when you are hiking? Really. Your experience will be nothing like hers, and her book really isn't about better hiking, its about staring at your own belly button while you are hiking. She is a little crazier than you are, too. Not worth carrying over there. Just saying....

When I was in college, I used to go to every single Tori Amos concert within reasonable driving distance. She's an amazing musician and singer, and a very interesting person. Also, she's the inspiration for Gaiman's Delirium and they're great friends. How cool is that!?

When you get your Kindle, Ellen, get a Paperwhite one. It's worth it.

>87 jnwelch: I second that!

>87 jnwelch: I third that! Much more robust, worth the extra $$

I just ate a big bag of Rainier cherries. I hope I did not exceed my capacity. I'm heading out to a Storm Game tonight. I invited the woman who did the sale of my Lake Stevens house, and I want to talk her into doing some preliminary research regarding sale of my house. And of course, enjoy the game.

Looking forward to a great weekend with lots of reading.

You MUST read Wild! Just to let you know, Cheryl Strayed has a list at the end, of books read on the trail. And she carried Dream of a Common Language for the whole trip, even though she had it basically memorized and didn't have to read it.

Have a fun Fourth, Ellen!

Another lovely new thread and more wonder pics of Scotland! My other half despairs at my pronunciation of Scottish places.... we won't go into the 'oops' I made around Loch Lomond. I told him how inviting the water looks and his answer was along the lines that it is "*&$@ cold!". Still, it would probably be wonderful to be able to dip a toe in and say you did. ;-o

>40 EBT1002: - I love epistolary novels. I think the Denny's book is already on the future reading list but irregardless, the your review is the perfect reminder that I want to read it.

>44 EBT1002: - Looking forward to finding out what you think of Natural Causes.

Ellen, I wish you a gorgeous weekend full of R&R.

45. Natural Causes by James Oswald
4 stars



Tony McLean is a great detective. He never sleeps, he rarely eats, and his phone never works. When the long-dead body of a young girl is found walled away in the basement of an old Edinburgh home, Tony becomes a bit obsessed with this very cold case. As other grisly and bizarre murders and apparent suicides occur in his city with odd but indecipherable connections to one another, Tony continues to be drawn back to the case of the young girl who was crucified, raped, cut open and eviscerated in the mid 1940s. Who is she? Why was this apparently ritual murder committed? Full of twists and turns, with pretty good tells imbedded in the narrative, this is a good mystery that kept me coming back for more. It has the usual unbelievable coincidences, power struggles within the police force, good cops and lazy cops, and our intrepid Detective Inspector is nearly superhuman in his ability to keep going despite exhaustion, grief, and obstructionist colleagues. Still, I stayed up late last night to finish it.

>81 benitastrnad: I like books, too, Benita. I think that is why I have not yet purchased the Kindle, despite it being by all appearances a perfect device for me.

I thought you might be at ALA bout now. It was this time last year that Karen and I met up with you (I well remember the two of you carrying more books than you could, well, carry!), and then I met up with Kerri the next evening. I'm not surprised to hear that you shipped four boxes (!) of books to yourself!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

I brought Burial Rites and Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. I'll dig into the first of those today.

I love it when a book does that to me. Just....can....not....put....it....down! Nice.

I hope your weekend is drenched in fun, relaxation, and good food, drinks, and reads.

ETA: Good morning, I see you are posting simultaneously with me. What a lovely morning it is, too.

>82 Chatterbox: LOL. Yes, but you read at a much faster pace than do I, Suz. As it turns out, I'm finding myself needing a fair amount of sleep this vacation. I think I have been even more worn out from this very stressful year than I had realized. I did stay up last night finishing Natural Causes (I thought I would finish it on the plane, but I kept dozing off and then I finally just settled in and listened to music for a while).

>83 Smiler69: You can see above which two I carried, Ilana. I have to admit that the idea of sitting here on my sister's couch (one of my favorite places on Earth) with a Kindle full of novels is quite appealing.

>84 LizzieD: Hi Peggy! It is too bad that we are in the same state but so far apart. I hope Arthur doesn't cause you too much trouble since you are in the eastern part of NC. We woke up this morning and it was 50F out! I'm sitting here wearing a robe, for pete's sake. This is not a complaint, mind you. I figured I'd swelter during my visit here and so far the weather has been absolutely lovely!

>85 maggie1944: Well, Karen, I brought the Strayed book but I'm not yet reading it. I'm curious about her experiences. And I'm glad to hear that she is "...a little crazier..." than I am! LOL.

>86 scaifea: I've never seen/heard Tori Amos in person, Amber. She was the inspiration for Gaiman's Delirium? What is that? I can't find anything by that title ....

>87 jnwelch: and >88 lauralkeet: and >89 Chatterbox: Joe, Laura, and Suz, have no fear. When and if I click on the "purchase" button, it will be for a Paperwhite. If I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it right.

>90 maggie1944: Karen, I hope the Rainiers sat well! And of course a Storm game sounds like great fun. I hope you are now starting that weekend full of good reading.

Yesterday my sister and I went to the farmer's market here in Asheville (it's a permanent market in a barn-like structure) and they had "Washington cherries" at one of the stalls. I didn't buy them since I like to eat more locally than that, but I was tempted. We had some wonderful local corn last evening and some green beans from Carol's garden. Yum.

>91 banjo123: Hi Rhonda! I did bring the Cheryl Strayed with me and will read it after I read Burial Rites. You know, my hike in Scotland is not going to be a backpacking trip -- we've contracted with a company that transports one's luggage from inn to inn -- but I am still so wary of carrying too much weight! I'll be interested in Strayed's list of books she carried.

>92 jnwelch: Thank you, Joe! I had a lovely and rather lazy fourth.

>93 lkernagh: Hi Lori! Pronouncing the names of Scottish towns is quite the adventure. I can do Crainlarich. ;-)
I hope you enjoy Henrietta's War when you get to it. I think you will.
See my comments about Natural Causes above.

>94 Ameise1: Thank you, Barbara!

>97 maggie1944: Good morning, Karen! It is really lovely here this morning. It was 50F when my sister and got up (I slept in a bit, having stayed up late finishing Natural Causes). We're heading off to the tailgate market when Carol gets back from her morning weight-watchers meeting, and then I'm hoping to go to a couple of favorite places here in Asheville: New Morning Gallery and Malaprop's Bookshop. Unfortunately, I think we're going to miss the women's Wimbledon final, unfortunately.

So glad that you're enjoying Asheville and Asheville's weather! It's a bit cool here this morning too.....the kittens are in a permanent fighting knot and asking "Is this winter? Is this winter?"
BB: Natural Causes --- Off to investigate!

>103 LizzieD: Kittens?

I shoved Henrietta's War from TBR Someday past TBR Soon to put on reserve at library. It's interlibrary loan so it will be a couple weeks before I get it though.

yes, it was ALA time. This year the summer conference was in Las Vegas. Next summer it will be in San Francisco. I did get to talk to Tim Spaulding (The LT god himself). They had a booth in the same aisle as the big library companies, so I think things are looking up for them. I can't remember what all I got in the way of ARC's but I know I got a copy of the newest Precious Ramoste book by Alexander McCall Smith. The Isobel Dalhousie books by him are my favorite, but Random House was promoting the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books. I did get to tell Mr. Smith that I liked the Dalhousie books better. He told me that I pronounced the name Dalhousie the way the Scots would (I say it Dal Hoosey) but it was also acceptable to pronounce it (Dal housie). He was a great talker and loved meeting the many librarians in the room.

My former boss did one of those walking tours in Cornwall. She and her companion followed a map and ended up each day at a nice inn or farm house where they had supper and breakfast the next day. The company transported all their luggage and all they carried was a day pack and a rain slicker. This was before the days of cell phones and if they did not show up at a checkpoint by certain times of the day the company sent out a walker to find them. It sounded like a perfect arrangement to me.

I went to the Farmer's Market this morning as well. I got 3 beets (will roast for salads), 3 tomatoes (will use in tomato sandwiches), 3 ears of corn (will eat those), 3 onions (intend to make Italian flatbread crackers with onions for the wine club Bastille Day party next week), and a bunch of peaches (peach shortcake on the menu for lunch this week). While I was there the phone rang and I found out I was off to work until 2:00 p.m. as one of the students didn't show up for work. So much for trimming the Big Green Monster. However, the weather down here has been beautiful this weekend. I hope it is up there in Asheville as well.

>99 EBT1002: Delirium isn't a book title but a character in his Sandman series.

^Hmmm. Perhaps I should try that series.

Burial Rites is wonderful so far!!

>109 EBT1002: Et tu, Satanic Book Warbler.

Hi Ellen - I hope you're having a great little vacation.

Oh you're in Asheville, one of my very favorite places Ellen. You will have a great time. And you picked the two books I would've suggested so enjoy!

I've heard great things about Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail . Hope you like it. :)

I'm looking forward to the photos you'll be posting of your vacation, Ellen. ;-)

I have heard some people criticize Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail because Strayed was so crazy and stupid about the hike. She was very young and in a bad space. Now she is all grown-up and emotionally healthy seeming, so the hike worked!

Sounds like the most wonderful of vacations. Sleeping in, reading, a favorite Sis, friendly bookstores and markets. Heaven!

I'm about to pull a KAK here. I do await your verdict on Wild: From Lost to Found by Strayed. She is a gifted writer. I loved the story of her hike but I am not as enamoured of her as many here are. I found parts of her story disingenuous.

>110 richardderus: Richard, this one may be one of my two favorite reads of the year. So far. :-)

>111 BLBera: Hi Beth. The vacation has been lovely. Yesterday afternoon we all (my sister, her partner, and I) all sat around reading for about four hours. As she got up to start getting ready for dinner, my sis said "well, depending on your perspective, that was either a complete waste of an afternoon or it was a perfect afternoon." I heartily voted for the latter. It has been at least a year (more?) since I spent a whole afternoon reading. No laundry. No watering the garden. No anything. Just me and my book. Well, and a couple of little dozes.

Last evening we went to an excellent production of "My Fair Lady" at the Flat Rock Playhouse in Hendersonville, NC. It was excellent!! No, I mean it. It was one of the best stage productions I have seen in a very long time. I was greatly impressed by this company.

Today we went to the New Morning Gallery and I resisted a mug with which I fell in love. The $34 just seemed a bit steep. I did buy one of the t-shirts for this year's village arts & crafts festival.

It's a black t-shirt with this image on the front. I have several t-shirts from this festival, each of them by a different artist and each with a cat imbedded in the image.

>112 brenzi: Bonnie, I agree that Asheville is one of my favorite places on Earth. Today (in addition to the above) we also picked up some truffles from the Chocolate Fetish. Chocolate Gems is also worth checking out (Katie and Mark and others attending Booktopia! in Asheville next month!).

>113 The_Hibernator: Thanks, Rachel. I will read it after I finish the very wonderful Burial Rites.

>114 cameling: Hi Caro! I probably won't post any photos from this mini-vacation but I promise to post some from the great Scotland trek. :-)

>115 banjo123: Rhonda, I will read it for what it is. It will be interesting to see how it lands on me.

>116 michigantrumpet: Yes, Marianne, this is a wonderful vacation!

>117 luvamystery65: See my comment to Rhonda above. I will read with an open mind.

Thanks for the chocolate shop tip! And I looked up the Playhouse but it looks like they are doing "Miss Saigon" while we are in the area, and I absolutely *loathe* that show. I will remember the name of the Playhouse, though, because I am already convinced we are going to love Asheville and the surrounding area and be back to visit a lot :)

I'm glad you are having such a restful break, Ellen!

This morning was divided between a good long swim at the pool up the road and watching the outstanding Djokovic-Federer final at Wimbledon. Carol and I did our bombing around town and we've also been just chatting with one another. I've not read a page today.

Tonight we dine at Cúrate. Yum.

OMG .. I'm so jealous! A friend dined at Cúrate when she was out there on a work trip and she sent me photos of the tapas she ate. She had me salivating at 11pm and I had to raid the fridge for a late night supper as a result.

>121 katiekrug: Katie, you are going to love Asheville and this area! Craft beer. A wonderful arts community. A great literary vibe. Several handcrafting chocolate shops. And a beautiful setting.

As I understand it, Hendersonville is a very nice place to live. If you are a Republican. But the playhouse is worth noting. I haven't seen "Miss Saigon" but you are correct that it's the next production. I doubt anything will live up to this "My Fair Lady." Stacie Bono, who played Eliza Doolittle, was nearly perfect and there was not a single weak link in the cast. I laughed so hard at the number at Ascot Opening Day that tears fell!

>123 cameling: Caroline, I don't know that I'll take photos of our tapas but I'll make note of what we have and report back. My sister and her partner have been talking about some of their favorites and I'm definitely starting to salivate.

If you intended to post photos of your meal at Cúrate, I'm going to need to make a grocery store run to stock up on late night munchables, although your descriptions are likely to make me salivate anyway. Maybe I'll just make that munchie run just to be safe.

>126 cameling: Probably a good plan, Caro.

I think we're starting with a cold garlic soup with frozen grapes in it. Sounds weird but my sister assures me it is exquisite.

Ellen - It sounds like a perfect vacation -- hooray for an afternoon spent reading. The Wimbledon final was pretty much all I caught this year. Where did the time go? I am happy to see some younger talent making deep runs. Bouchard looks like someone to watch.

I'll try to get your books in the mail this week.

>128 BLBera: You nailed it, Beth. Perfect vacation.

I only remembered to take two photos during our feast at Cúrate this evening. The meal was exquisite!

More to come....

Here is the green asparagus in romesco sauce:



And the Spanish cheese plate:

Glad you liked the Oswald mystery! That's an encouragement to me to pick up book #2 soon -- perhaps in the next day or two. I really think you should get a Kindle before you hop on a plane. You could prowl the cheapie book sales before you head out. Also, to the extent that you have bought books from Amazon, you can "Match" them -- buy the Kindle version -- at a discount. At least, some of 'em.

I think it's SUCH an asset when you're traveling. But do pack a real book as well, as backup in case of problems or times when you simply can't read an electronic device.

I know exactly what you mean re stress and the need for a doing-nothing vacation. The emotional drain of a difficult year seems to get tougher to cope with, I find, with each year -- and, for that matter, with each fresh assault (for want of a better word). There are days that I want to scream "enough!" at the universe, very loudly indeed.

But these were not even the best of the best at this wonderful restaurant. My favorites were the piquillo peppers stuffed with spanish goat cheese; the sautéed shrimp and sliced garlic; the mussels, scallops, and clams served chilled with a roasted tomato and garlic vinaigrette; and the fried eggplant drizzled in wild mountain honey, garnished with rosemary. Oh, and the sautéed spinach, apples, raisins, and toasted pine nuts. YUM.

I also had a lovely summer cocktail made of sparkling rosé, vodka, elderberry liqueur, and orange bitters. And a very nice 2009 riserva Rioja.

Happy sigh.

I'm drooling on my keyboard.

me, too. mouth watering

Me three. I already told The Wayne we had to go there for dinner one evening :) I love having this inside track on all the best places!

>131 EBT1002:, >133 EBT1002:

Oh, dear, I am drooling so hard--excuse me!

Oh, please go to my thread and check out the tree in message 54!

>138 ronincats: On my way!

For some reason, the place-on-hold function is not working at spl.org. So, rather than hop in the car and drive to Malaprop's to purchase these books, I'm making a note of them here for later reference:

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Long Man by Amy Greene
Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast

I want to read all of these.

>136 katiekrug: Katie, I recommend making reservations well in advance. Cùrate books up.

>132 Chatterbox: Suz, that "match" option is good to know about. I have wondered about buying a Kindle when I already have SO many books sitting about, waiting for me to read them!

>134 BLBera: and >135 maggie1944: and >136 katiekrug: and >137 richardderus: and >138 ronincats:
Beth, Karen, Katie, Richard, and Roni,
It was one of the best meals I've had in a while. Now wipe your mouths. xo

I went for a lovely walk along a lake this morning, listened to The Dog Stars while I walked. I had on my new t-shirt from Malaprop's. It says "Eat. Sleep. Read." on the front and a woman I passed said to me "you're not reading." Ha. I noted that I was listening to a book and she seemed to like that.

Then my sister and I spent some time up at the pool and now I'm settled in for a little reading time.

Tomorrow I fly home. I will be sad to see the tail end of this mini-vacation but it will, of course, be good to be back home. It will be good to see P and Abby.

Idyllic. And goodness knows you deserve the decompression time after these past weeks of, shall we say, effort on behalf of others.

*smooch*

>142 EBT1002: I would also note you likely weren't sleeping either. *snort*

Check the "match" option, though -- not all books are available. AND you have to have bought the book from Amazon in the first place...

Safe journey, friend.

Safe journey, Ellen. I'm off to reserve the Doerr book at my library. How many holds will there be? (Pause). I'm # 52.

>143 richardderus: Aww. Richard, thank you. Your comment made my eyes misty. *tries to think of something fierce to say in order to reestablish control*

>144 michigantrumpet: Ha! Absolutely true, Marianne! :-D

>145 Chatterbox: Ah, well, I have bought a few from them..... Mostly I would probably end up using it to purchase new books, of which there seem to be an endless supply in any case.

>146 maggie1944: Thanks, Karen!

>147 BLBera: Thank you, Beth. I have the Doerr book on hold and I am number 632 in the queue for one of 115 copies. I may have to suspend this and some other holds while I'm in Scotland. It would totally suck to have them come available when I'm not around to pick them up. I'd have to go back to the end of the queue.

Ellen, your time in Asheville with your sister sounded wonderful and just the respite from work that you needed. I wish I was going to Booktopia with Katie and Mark. Boo Hoo - woe is me!

I put All the Light We Cannot See on a library hold yesterday. I am #77, but there are 14 copies circulating so my wait won't be too long. I have The Luminaries in my near future to read which I am looking forward to.

I don't ever have to put any books on hold at my library. (I said that just to make you guys feel bad.) My reading list is so long that if the book I want isn't available then I just move to another title. :-) Once-in-awhile, I put in a request in Inter-Library Loan for a title. I had to get one of the Benny Geissel books by Deon Meyer through ILL, and I had to get the last one of the Bartle Bull Anton Ryder series through ILL, most of the time I just move on to the next one and leave that title at the top of the queue. I do confess that I am getting tired of waiting for The White Princess. I so want to finish out that series and this is the last title in the Cousin's War.

It's nice to be able to suspend holds. I just learned that we can do that, too, so we don't have to go to the end of the list if we're gone. I'm not sure how many copies my library has, but there are a few. Still, it's not as if I don't have reading material.

Ahhh.... Asheville!!! I can see it in my mind!

So glad you had a chance to get away!

Astounded over that 13 mile bike you described. You gals are super women!! :)

Sounds like you had a wonderful, restful vacation, Ellen. Well deserved!

Just popping in to catch up on things. Looks very good (OK your life is good too, but I was talking about the food!).

Yay for great vacations, Ellen! Yay for suspending holds! Double yay for All the Light We Cannot See!

>142 EBT1002: I always listen to audiobooks while I walk / exercise / clean as well. :)

I just listen in the car and now I wonder how I managed to live without recorded books in my car.

When I had a DVD player I listened in the evenings when I was knitting. Some books are very engrossing when you have a pair of knitting needles in your hands.

Okay, so here's what I did with my evening: I reviewed a book I really loved, but wasn't quite ready to run around demanding people buy or else (like The Martian). Larry Watson, who wrote my all-time favorite novel Montana 1948, has a new and marvelous read out called Let Him Go. The review is in my thread...post #279.

Not going to catch up right now and won't be on line over the weekend. Just a couple of quick reading notations:

I completed and loved Burial Rites. 4.5 stars. Almost 5 stars. Might be 5 stars. Still thinking.

I started and am well into Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. I'm enjoying it and, while I can definitely see the points with which folks want to quibble, I'm identifying and resonating with Cheryl Strayed's experiences. I've certainly never done anything like her trek on the PCT, but I am resonating with her internal search for herself and her attempts to make meaning and develop courage. Perhaps it is because I, too, lost my mother at age 22. The circumstances were profoundly different but the subsequent psychological journey has some natural similarities. That, and I laughed out loud at her description of the first time she tried to lift her backpack. She was an idiot but that passage is hilarious.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Have a great time doing whatever it is that's more important than paying attention to us is!

:-P

Ellen - I'm glad you're enjoying Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. I still laugh at her description of trying to lift her backpack; my reaction was very similar to yours.

Have a great weekend. I suspect I will spend much of it stuck to my computer, grading. Oh well, I chose to teach this summer, so I shouldn't complain.

Given my brilliance I probably would have had a similarly heavy backpack, but luckily my camping experiences were with experienced folks who helped me weigh the behemoth before trying to put it on my back. I agree that was a funny scene.

ETA: What Richard asked. Me, too.

BTW, the counter for the book group is up, and has 2 people attending.......

>159 EBT1002: I love that you are enjoying Wild, I did too. I did solo walks in my 20s and was perhaps a bit gung-ho and fearless. But I never had any bad experiences, in fact I met a lot of really cool and nice people. But, I would never carry a pack of more than 10kg. I had a change of clothes, a tiny tent, a teensy thermarest, a teensy sleeping bag, a mini gas canister and pot and water/food/book/toothbrush. Therefore I would never walk anywhere that needed food to be carried for more than a few days running. I dont have that kind of stamina :)

Ellen, I wish you a fantastic weekend.

HI Ellen--Glad you are enjoying Wild. I loved the part about watching her shoe go down the side of the hill. Sorry we won't see more of you this weekend, but have fun!

Heading off on a Girl's Weekend myself. Hoping we both return with tons of interesting stories.

I am glad you are enjoying Wild. Strayed is also very interesting in person, if you ever get a chance to hear her speak,.

Hi, Ellen.

Woo, you've joined a large crowd of admirers of Burial Rites. I may have to succumb.

You may have said and I missed it, but have you ever read The Dream of a Common Language, mentioned by Rhonda up in >91 banjo123: and in Wild: Lost and Found? Great book of poetry that really had an impact on me when I read it.

>149 Donna828: Hi Donna! My Asheville visit was indeed just what I needed. I wish I could visit my sister more often but it's a long day of air travel. I also wish I were going to be at Asheville Booktopia with Mark and Katie! That event has SO many things going for it, Katie and Mark among the top attractions!

I will look forward to comparing notes once we each get to read the Doerr book as well as The Luminaries (which has now migrated to the floor beside my bed).

>150 benitastrnad: Oh Benita, the point is not that I have to put books on hold at the library, it's that I want to put books on hold at the library! My wish list and my TBR list are plenty long but this is one way to ease back on the immediate purchase of something someone recommended that I simply must read. It doesn't always work, of course....

>151 BLBera: Beth, the ability to suspend holds is a great treat. I still end up with a stack of books coming available all at once sometimes, but there is joy in that, as well.

>152 TinaV95: Hi Tina! Well, I'll add to your astonishment. This weekend we did a 9-mile hike, mostly on snow, on Saturday and a really beautiful 5-mile hike on Sunday. The Sunday hike involved an 1800-foot elevation gain. We calculate that the most elevation gain we'll experience in any one day on the West Highland Way will be 1000 feet. Piece o' cake. ;-)

>153 katiekrug: Thank you, Katie! And thanks for the FB tag. :-)

>154 Berly: Hi Kim! Oh yeah, that food was wonderful.

>155 brenzi: Bonnie, your post made me chuckle. I was remembering the stand full of magnets in Malaprop's Books in Asheville: they had "Yay! Books!" and "Yay! Beer!" and "Yay! Chocolate!" and "Yay! Sex!" But no "Yay! Suspending holds!"

They may have had "Yay! Vacations!"

>156 The_Hibernator: Rachel, maybe if I cleaned more often I would work my way through audiobooks more quickly. :-|

>157 benitastrnad: Benita, so many folks say they listen in the car. I have tried that and it sort of works but then something happens to which I must pay attention, and I realize that I missed a whole paragraph. Not that I can't go back 30 seconds, but I'm intrigued by some folks' ability to listen while driving.

Hey, whatever happened to that job interview and situation? Good outcome, I hope.

>158 richardderus: Richard! Dagnabbit. Now I am adding The Martian and Let Him Go to my wish list. Sigh.
I guess that means your get to say you accomplished something. *grumble*

>159 EBT1002: Oh wait. That's me.

>160 richardderus: Richard, my dear, here is what I did that was marginally more important than playing around with you fine people:

Took off from work a couple of hours early on Friday, headed (along with 47,000 of my closest friends) south on the freeway, and then veered east toward my beloved Mt. Rainier. Set up camp, read for a while, slept the sleep of gods.

Woke up early on Saturday, donned appropriate clothing and boots, loaded up the day pack, and headed for the trails. Hiked about 6 miles, mostly on snow, saw lots of marmots. Managed not to kill the idiots who were ignoring the signs and the ropes and were tramping all over the fragile wildflower meadows (it was close, though), and found another trail, snow free, and did another 3 miles. Poured cold water over my head, sat my butt down in my camp chair, and read Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail until I was done. Slept the sleep of gods. Again.

Slept in on Sunday (this means 7am), had a leisurely breakfast, broke camp, and headed to another trail head. Hiked a really beautiful 5-mile loop up to Rampart Ridge, saw a deer, sweated like mad, then enjoyed the best damn ham sandwich I've perhaps ever had. Drove home.

I missed you all but this was a heavenly weekend.

>161 BLBera: Beth, I ended up giving Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail 4 stars. More about that later but I really enjoyed it.

>162 maggie1944: Karen, I can't even imagine how idiotic I would have been if I'd tried to backpack the PCT. The idea is very appealing to me, but only in a romanticized sort of way. I doubt I would love the reality.

It was great seeing you at book group tonight. I'm glad the group was willing to change our book for August.

>163 LovingLit: Megan, I wish I had the courage or even the imagination to do some solo hikes/backpack treks. I grew up very afraid of most things; now I am braver but I would never have done what Cheryl Strayed did -- or what you did. It's sort of too bad because I think I would have enjoyed the solitude in nature. Still, I have ways of getting that now and I really enjoy the time I spend hiking in the wilderness areas of Oregon and Washington. Luckily, P and I are fine with just walking together. We talk some, but we are quiet for good stretches, too.

>164 Ameise1: Thank you Barbara, and thanks for that lovely image.

>165 Berly: Kim, that was another wonderful scene! I was totally impressed with her resourcefulness to come up with a duct-tape-and-sandal-and-sock alternative to her boots for that stretch of trail. Who knew that you needed to carry duct tape with you for a long distance backpacking trip? :-D

>166 michigantrumpet: Hi Marianne. See my weekend summary above in >172 EBT1002:. How was yours?

>167 banjo123: Rhonda, I think I would like to hear Strayed speak. I actually think I'd like to chat with her and I feel that way about very few authors. It's not that I think she is the best author on Earth, but her story resonates for me in some very heartfelt ways.

>168 jnwelch: Hi Joe! Just succumb and go get Burial Rites. It is deserving of all the praise it's receiving around here these days.

I have not yet read The Dream of a Common Language but I own it and I have every intention of reading it soon. Cheryl Strayed carried it with her on the PCT; it's one of the books she didn't burn as she read and it clearly has deep meaning for her. It seems that it has deep meaning for a lot of people (like you!).

46. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
4.5 stars

I don't know that I can write a meaningful "review" of this wonderful novel given that I've let so much time go by without getting to it. Set in northern Iceland in the 19th century, it is the story of a condemned young woman who is taken to live with a family on their farm while she awaits execution. Of course, the story of her involvement in the cold-blooded murder of two men in a nearby village has preceded her and the family, as well as their small community, have understandable trepidations about her presence. The two sisters are particularly affected by Agnes' time with them as they learn to consider her from more than one viewpoint, but the assistant minister who is assigned to help Agnes make peace with God is central to our unfolding sense of this passionate woman with a tragic and painful past. The story is based on the true story of the last woman executed in Iceland and it's a beautiful exploration of guilt and redemption, prejudice and compassion. Questions regarding truth are left unanswered but therein lies the ultimate truth.

47. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
4 stars

This is a wonderful memoir of Cheryl Strayed's summer of 1995 spent trekking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from southern California to, ultimately, the Bridge of the Gods which crosses the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington. At age 26, four years after losing her mother to aggressive cancer and less than one year after divorcing the man she married too young, Cheryl impulsively decided to make this hike. Ill-prepared and naive, she builds a plan based on the reading of one critical guide book and scattered advice from well-meaning REI employees. It's incredible that she survived this adventure. While I can definitely see the points with which some readers want to quibble, I identified and resonated with Strayed's experiences. I've certainly never done anything like her trek on the PCT, but her internal search for herself and her attempts to make meaning and develop courage rang true for me. Perhaps it is because I, too, lost my mother at age 22. The circumstances were profoundly different but the subsequent psychological journey has had some natural similarities. That, and I laughed out loud at her description of the first time she tried to lift her backpack. She was an idiot but that passage is hilarious.

It is perhaps too obvious that a memoir about a 3-month-long hike alone through the wilderness as a means of processing and moving past gut-wrenching grief repeatedly invokes the theme of persistence. But Cheryl does this well. Of course it's obvious that her external journey is a mirror of her internal journey. Still, I loved the metaphor of being on the trail, knowing that great danger is absolutely present no matter which direction you head, and choosing forward: "I simply made a leap of faith and pushed on in the direction where I'd never been." That is almost trite, but Strayed's unpretentious prose acknowledges that her internal journey was both particular and universal. She is unapologetically who she is and I enjoyed taking this journey with her.

I really do hope to visit some threads tomorrow but for now I'm taking Never Go Back by Robert Goddard to bed and hoping for the sleep of the gods. Ha.

>171 EBT1002: Ellen. I think the fact that you're driving in Seattle explains why you are not able to listen to an audiobook while driving. Now if you were driving in nice, empty Montana, there aren't many distractions. I guess my definition of 'distracted driving' is when I have to pay more attention to the car than the book.

You've convinced me to try Wild. Up until this point, I had it in my mental category called 'dumb people doing dumb things in the outdoors and living to tell about it.' (That's what happens when you spend 30 years married to a wilderness ranger). But I'm willing to give it a try on your say so.

At the Montana Festival of the Book last year, there was another woman who had also hiked the PCT (with her doctor husband) and written a book. I just tried to find the title, but there are **so many** books written by people who have done the hike, that hers is lost in the shuffle

Ellen, I liked your review of Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail. As you know, I sort of judged the book as "dumb". My judgment, when I read the book, was that she was past stupid to hike up into a wilderness all by herself, and put herself and anyone who might try to rescue her from any disaster, at great risk. I think it sets a horrible example for young people who are trying to "find themselves" that risking death is the path to self knowledge. Was it Kraukauer who wrote the book about the young man who did something similar in Alaska, and died of starvation in a trailer, out in the wilds?

That said, I agree with you there was much to appreciate about both her journey and her book. I am glad you enjoyed it, and I'll just stick with "its not my cup of tea".

I likewise had a great time at the book group last night, and I am so grateful for all of our group being willing to risk those real face to face discussions of books. Ha! And I'm think our decision about the book for August is an excellent one. I loved Boys in the Boat which is, in a way, another example of young persons' journey to self knowledge.

Happy Tuesday! and I hope the rest of your week goes well. I love summertime in Seattle.

>178 streamsong: Janet, I did have to suspend a bit of my annoyance with Cheryl's poor choices. Actually, some of the choices that annoyed me most occurred before she began the hike. But in any case, if you can get into the mindset that this was an inexperienced and somewhat arrogant young woman who was pretty desperate for something, anything, to turn her life around, and go with the flow of her internal journey, I think you'll enjoy Wild: From Lost to Found. At least she is respectful of wild flora and fauna (see my brief rant about idiots who trample on alpine wildflowers up in >172 EBT1002:).

I'm surprised that there are so many books by people who have hiked the PCT. I guess if you do something of that magnitude, you can hardly resist the urge to tell people about it.

>179 maggie1944: Hi Karen. I agree with the "dumb" aspect and yes it was Krakauer who wrote Into the Wild. At least Cheryl acknowledges her underestimation of the trail. And REI gets a nice nod. Heh.

I'm very much looking forward to The Boys in the Boat. I have been wanting to read it ever since my Idaho friend sent it to me; this gives me the nudge I have been needing.

Have a great week! Tomorrow the heat is supposed to mellow. :-)

Glad you're home and doing home things again, Ellen. How I wish I could get back to Asheville for Booktopia, but it won't happen.
Your review of Burial Rites doesn't do anything at all to discourage me from getting it as soon as I finish Americanah. I've wondered how it compares to Alias Grace, of course, but I don't think anybody has said.

What did you decide NOT to read in August?

>172 EBT1002: Sounds like a prevision of Hell to me. Glad you had "fun."

>175 EBT1002: *nyahnyah* already own it!

>176 EBT1002: nope

Hi Ellen, glad to read that you enjoyed the Cheryl Strayed book. I think I will have to push Burial Rites to the top of my TBR, I've read nothing but great comments about this book! Hope you are enjoying the streak of hot weather we are having!

The job outcome was not what I wanted. I didn't get it. Never let it be said that getting a promotion or a pay raise in academe isn't competitive.

If I let my inner sour grapes show I would say they hired a man who is twenty years younger with only 5 years of experience in libraries with only the last two as supervisory experience.

My sunny side thinks that change can be good.

Benita, I like your sunny side. I'm sorry you did not get that job, but no doubt there is something excellent waiting for you just around some corners.

Move to Seattle. I think there's a growing colony of LT people here, or longing to be here.

Sorry to grab your thread Ellen, but it seemed like a good thing to suggest to Benita.

Nice reviews, Ellen!

Burial Rites sounds like such an unlikely read for me, but you make it sound too appealing. Onto the tbr it goes.

Great reviews Ellen. : )

>183 richardderus: Richard--What is THAT?!

>186 maggie1944: Or Portland OR is great too!

Your weekend sounds lovely!

I'm refusing to be pulled in by your review of Burial Rites... Not listening. Nope. No. ;)

Hi Ellen - It sounds like your weekend was lovely -- even though camping isn't my "cup of tea." (I like a roof over my head when I sleep.) And hooray for "sleep of the gods." Like you, my sleep is iffy, so I so appreciate a good night.

Lovely reviews. I'm so glad I already read the Strayed book. I have Burial Rites, and it's in a pile by my bed. I've been so busy with school that who knows when I'll get to it.

We got a new modem! After several days of frustratingly slow internet service, it went totally kaput this morning. I had the day set aside for working at home and got lucky that the guys could come out mid-day. Faster & more reliable internet -- yay!

Yay!

GOOD for you!

Hurrah!

Great! You can spend more time on LT.

I am glad that you ended up liking Wild! Your rating was about the same as mine; except I recently revised and bumped it up 1/2 a star; because I think about it more than I do most 4 star reads. (Ratings are hard to do!). Cheryl Strayed is very personable, so I am sure you'd enjoy a chance to chat with her. I saw her at last years Wordstock, and then at the December book-signing for indie-booksellers. She was the life of the party both times. Not as glamorous looking in real life as in the photo, however.

And hooray for camping trips! We have one planned this weekend--hope it doesn't rain.

In spite of your excellent review, I think I'm going to pass on the Strayed book. I'm with Streamsong on the "stupid people doing stupid things" and somehow living to talk about them. I'm glad you found more in it than that but I think I'd bog down on the deeply stupid messing with forces of nature you don't understand part, and not really get much further. My blood pressure might just never recover!

I am glad you like Burial Rites, though. I, too, can't believe I lit it sit unread atop my TBR mountain for more than I year. I am now wondering what other hidden gems are there? I got it at BookExpo, and now I have a stack of ARCs from last year's AND this year's BookExpo there... Sigh.

Excellent news re the wi-fi!!!

Hi Ellen, Glad to see you liked Burial Rites. I just started it today and it seems like a winner!

I'm one who couldn't finish Wild.... I got about halfway in and then just couldn't stand the stupid things she did. I know I'm in the minority, most everyone seems to love it. I'll see the movie, though.

>197 Chatterbox:, >198 Copperskye:, A minority it might be, but a sizeable one. I am sure it is because I'm a teacher under my retired old lady skin, but I hate that her book, and ones like it might encourage more young people to wander off into the wilderness seriously under prepared. The risks are huge, in my mind.

Yay on the new modem!! Now back to Wild-I loved it! I thought it was funny and honest. And I think young people can find ideas for stupid things to do almost anywhere. And they do! We can't ask people to only discuss good, safe things. Some of Strayed's mishaps might even warn off a soul or two! Or at least make them pack better.

One can hope!

Um. If we didn't know you better, all this sleeping with Gods thing would be a real gossip starter! ;-P

Wishing you a VERY happy Friday!

.....and an equally happy Saturday! I wonder what great stuff you have planned for this weekend!

Hi everyone. I'll be back to write something more substantive later this weekend but just wanted to say that my heart is heavy for those who lost loved ones in the MH17 flight tragedy, and for those who are losing their homes in the raging fires in eastern Washington and Oregon. They are calling it a firestorm and it's still 0% contained. Sigh. My heart hurts for the wildlife, too.

I read on Paul's thread earlier this morning that there was a little "surviver's guilt" for having not been on the plane when he was also flying. And I confess, I feel a little of the same while looking out the window at our green, lush environment here in western Washington, while the eastern parts are having such a huge fight on their hands against the dry winds, and the fires. I am also feeling the pain. So sad.

Ellen, I wish you a fabulous weekend.

Bad times indeed. Humanity suffers so much, and so many who could do something to alleviate the suffering simply don't care.

As I was leaving Spokane yesterday, the air was hazy and we could smell the smoke. So sorry for those affected.

With regard to MH17, it was bad enough, but what really gave me pause was learning that based on the population of the Netherlands, that country lost a greater percentage of its citizens in this outrage than the US lost on 9/11. Heartbreaking.

Also, a huge tragedy for the medical community world wide. Many were traveling to an AIDS conference. I think we have lost a large number of AIDS researchers. Breaks my heart, again.

48. Never Go Back by Robert Goddard
3.5 stars



This was a good Scotland mystery read. Harry is back in England to wrap up his mother's effects after her death. Oddly, he is invited to a reunion of a group of 15 RAF alums who spent three months back in 1955 at an isolated castle in Scotland. They were research subjects but (not predictable, this) of course the research being conducted on them was not what they thought. As his former RAF compatriots begin dying off one by one, almost all by suspicious circumstances, Harry and his devil-may-care buddy Barry find themselves hoping to figure out who is committing murder before the polis simply throw the two of them in jail. Only mildly disjointed and with fewer quirky coincidences than some, this was a fun read.

I finished Never Go Back yesterday morning and felt immediately at loose ends. Mild book funk. I picked up Stay by Nicola Griffith. This has been on my shelves for several months and it has captivated me. Better than The Blue Place (yes, Kerri was right), this is engaging and fun.

Today was misty and cool here in Seattle. I hope some of this moist air is making its way across the crest of the Cascades to the part of the state that desperately needs it.

I agree.

I do love a little bit of rain fall.

>173 EBT1002: I wish I had the courage or even the imagination to do some solo hikes/backpack treks
I was such a shy and anxious teen, that when I embarked on life as a non-shy being, I really embraced it. :) I can't say I am yet fully functional, well, functional maybe, but not excellent, around people, but I am all for solo travel. I think it was what gave me confidence.

I am not sure Strayed was a dumb person doing dumb stuff. My take was that she was young and had nothing to lose so just went at life head-first. Far better she took to the wilderness than took on drugs....which was where she was headed.

There is lots to be said for self-reliance building confidence. I think there are fewer and fewer opportunities like this for young people in this country and that is sad. I think the Aussie idea of a year off in travel, a sort of modern day Walkabout, isn't a bad idea.

What would really improve and reinforce the concept of self-reliance would be to take away the cell phones from the hyper-connected young people of today.

Keeping up the review-a-day pace set by the Doubleday UK meme I'm following, day 21's review is of a novel I thought I'd hate but ended up loving: A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, first novel by an Iowa MFA writer AND blurbed by Ann Patchett. Couldn't be more effective in repelling me even if it was laced with ricin. So then this happened...post #217.

49. Stay by Nicola Griffith
4.5 stars



Well, I have downgraded The Blue Place to 4 stars because this wonderful noir novel with lesbian overtones (but no sex) is better than that first in the series. Aud Torvingen is a tough and emotionally damaged heroine, pulled into a very ugly situation by an old friend who asks her to find his missing fiancée. She does, but the finding and the rescuing lead to bloody results and the tale deteriorates (in a delightful direction) form there. I admit that the themes of loss and isolation, connection and self-sufficiency, touched a wee bit close to home for me these days, and that may have colored my response to the novel. But really, I think the writing is tight, the characters are appealing (well, except for the bad guys), and the blend of realistic cynicism and idiotic optimism about human relationships is beautifully rendered.

I owe a number of people individual responses but I need to just come to terms with where I'm at right now. Yes, work is still hectic and demanding, but I'm also just in a funk these days. I'm taking good care of myself (trite) and I'm absolutely looking forward to the great Scotland trek (true), but I'm also digging around in some personal baggage that is, frankly, consuming my emotional focus and energy these days. Ugh.

SO, I do want to acknowledge Karen, Peggy, Roni, Beth, Suz, Joanne, Karen(x2), Kim, Karen(x3), Marianne, Peggy, Karen(x4), Barbara, Richard, Katie....

THANK YOU ALL for visiting even though my thread is rather dormant and my visits to your threads are unforgivably infrequent.

And now, for a slight attempt at what counts as LT etiquette:

>213 maggie1944: Karen, today was wonderful in terms of rain! After such a dry several weeks, I was delighted with the steady downpour. And I don't have to go water the bloody garden, and hopefully the eastern part of the state is getting some relief. I know I'm a real Pacific Northwesterner given how much I have come to appreciate precipitation.

>214 LovingLit: Hi Megan! I agree about solo travel being liberating and confidence-building. Really, solo-anything is good for this and I'm glad for times in my life when I have been able to create this kind of space for myself. I love having a partner but I do admit to some longing for solo adventures. And I agree that Cheryl Strayed chose a better path by risking the trail than she would have by continuing down the heroin path. Yikes!

>215 benitastrnad: Benita, the connection with cell phones is indeed ubiquitous. I'm rather attached to my iPhone, I admit, but I also worry about today's younger folks and their apparent inability (to overgeneralize here) to entertain themselves and to tolerate solitude.

>216 richardderus: Richard! I went and left a comment on your thread before I even started here. I am so very glad that you read and liked A Constellation of Vital Phenomena. To have skeptical expectations violated in a positive direction is one of reading's greatest gifts.

From G. D. Falksen:

HA!! I love that meme. Isn't Falksen a good source of fun?

Hi Ellen - Love the Falksen. Good luck with the rest.

>220 richardderus: I love his encouragement for us to avoid being like the dinosaurs.

>221 BLBera: I wonder how this will work out since my thread has two 220 posts. It will probably fix itself; it usually does. In any case, thanks, Beth. I don't mean to get melodramatic or anything but I figured I'd let folks know I'm kind of mentally preoccupied these days. As if you all hadn't figured that out yet. Ha. It's not a big deal, just distracting.

Good Thursday morning, dear friend. Sorry about the funk, and I definitely hope "this too shall pass" is applicable.

I'm getting some good reading time in by sitting on my butt, in a car, in a grocery store parking lot, waiting for an order for grocery shipping and delivery to arrive. Ha! I am not sure what to think of t his "new job" which isn't a job yet. But I do like reading, a lot of pages, for a lot of time.

I'm liking the rain, too, for the benefit of the gardens, and cleaning up the air, but I hope summer is not over. I'm not ready for Autumn. Nooooooooo, not yet!

How soon do you guys leave? Are you already planning your packing?

>223 maggie1944: Hi Karen! You know, I should probably not call it a funk; I'm really fine. But I am doing a lot of self-reflection these days. Probably that impending birthday has me thinking.... heh.

I am SO interested in how your "new job" actually goes. It is cool that you get to build reading time into the waiting that seems built into the system.

The forecast is for sunshine and temps in the upper 70s or lower 80s, starting Saturday and into all of next week so I think summer has not yet bailed on us. We still have August, which I think of as the single month on which one can absolutely rely for summer weather!

We leave four weeks from today and we are absolutely already planning the packing. I want to pack as lightly as possible. Even though we don't have to carry our luggage from inn to inn while doing the hike, we still have to have it with us for the rest of the trip. I'm thinking I can get by with two pairs of pants and one pair of shorts. And a couple of bug-shirts. :-)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I started reading The Boys in the Boat last evening. This book about the 1936 U.S. Olympic Rowing Team is set in Seattle and that is quite fun. I know that steep hill up Yesler Way from the waterfront!

I just learned on Rhonda's thread that we lost Nadine Gordimer last week. I've not yet read anything by her but will address that soon. cammmykitty shared this quote from Gordimer:

"Truth isn't always beauty, but the hunger for it is."

Oh yeah.

That is a great quote.

I've decided that while I'm reading a nonfiction work (The Boys in the Boat is a great read so far!), I will also read some fiction. Short stories seem like the ticket, so I'm taking Revenge: Eleven Dark Tales by Yoko Ogawa along for the weekend camping trip. Yes, we'll be doing hikes. It's our last big training weekend! *big smile*

>226 maggie1944: I'm glad you like it, too. :-)

Okay, I'm totally stealing this from Mark's posting on Joe's FB timeline but this is too cute.
With apologies to Mark (and Joe).....

OMG, what a great photograph!

Hi Ellen!

>217 EBT1002: - I'm glad this was a winner. I definitely think it's the best of the three (aside from the annoying device she uses - I think you will know what I'm talking about.)

Have a lovely time camping this weekend! It's hard to believe the Scotland trip is so close.

(Oh, and good gamble on buying that Doug Baldwin jersey last season. You win.)

Have a great camping trip!

Camping sounds like a great way to spend the weekend!

I'll join in on the love for the quote in >225 EBT1002:

>227 EBT1002: Love love love. Just hoping it doesn't give you nightmares on the camping trip.

Have a great weekend. Take care on your camping trip. Revenge sounds like scary reading if you are sleeping outside...

Howdy Ellen. I look forward to your traveling adventures. The packing can be an adventure too.

Just did a mad dash through your thread so I could say "Hi!" and not feel totally guilty... but I am not a good speedreader.

So, you were trying to figure out what to take to read on vacation to Scotland, but then you already read them? I must have missed something there. You definitely need a Kindle! Paperwhite is my vote, too. I have one and love it. It doesn't bother me that I have tons of books on the shelf yet to read. I switch between real books and ebooks quite easily.

Sounds like you are having a fun summer - even snow!?! I used to do a lot of hiking, but not quite up to your level. Scotland is gonna be so fun!

>229 EBT1002: Oh! How funny!

Don't let another birthday get you down. They happen. But, really, it's just one day and doesn't change anything.

Enjoy the sunshine that comes your way ;-)

Ellen, your camping trip sounds like fun. I hope you are away from the smoke of the fires. Birthdays don't bother me much anymore. I have reached the age where I am grateful to add on another year of good health. It helps that I have so much to look forward to…more LT visits, time with grandchildren, and the upcoming family reunion in northern Michigan. Only four weeks until you are in Scotland? Lucky you. I may be as excited about your trip as you are!

Uh oh, now I'm worried about taking Revenge: Eleven Dark Tales on my camping trip.....
Maybe I should tuck another fiction book into my bag, just in case.

>239 EBT1002: Ah, yes, the perennial LT concern: Will I have ENOUGH to read? Don't want to be caught stranded! Ha! I've been there, my friend. Been there.

Wishing you pleasant days and soft ground for your camping trip, Ellen.

>230 maggie1944: I want that puppy dog.

>231 DorsVenabili: Hi Kerri! Yes, I recalled that you thought Stay was the best of the three and so far, I agree. I am still hoping I run into her somewhere in this city.... ha!

We're now under four weeks until takeoff for Scotland. I am ready to go now.

And yes, I'm pleased to have the Baldwin jersey. Wondering if we'll keep Beastmode now that he wants to be paid what he is worth (in football terms, which are of course outrageous).

>232 banjo123: Thank you, Rhonda! The weather is setting up to be perfect. :-)

>233 streamsong: I think it's going to be an excellent weekend, Janet. And I'm glad you like the quote, too.

>234 swynn: Hi Swynn! I'm going to take Revenge: Eleven Dark Tales with me; I'm glad to have someone endorse it as a good read. I'll also take Comedy in a Minor Key just in case I need a third book with me. I plan to do a lot of hiking but one of my favorite things about camping is that I always get a lot of reading time in. No telly, no phone, no computer, no chores. Just me, a fire, a glass of wine, and my book.

>235 BLBera: Thanks, Beth! It's funny, I didn't even think about Revenge: Eleven Dark Tales being a scary read for sleeping outside. I'm still going to give it a try.

>236 luvamystery65: Roberta, you cracked me up. I know -- I mean, choosing what reading material to take is a serious brain exercise!

>237 -Cee-: LOL Cee. Good to see you here. The conversation about what to take was for a different, and much shorter trip. I went to NC for a few days in early July and I was soliciting ideas regarding my reading material. For Scotland I am still totally up in the air about what to take. I won't buy a Kindle before that so it's a matter of choosing a few books to pack. P reminds me that they have bookstores in Scotland.....

Oh no, this birthday won't get me down. It ends in 4 so next year might be a bit tougher. Or not. :-)

>238 Donna828: Hi Donna! See above; no sweating the birthdays. I wish my knees and my eyes were not demonstrating the effects of aging quite so much but it is what it is and, like you, I'm grateful for each year I get to spend on this Earth. Aging sucks but it's way better than the alternative.

I love how excited everyone has been getting for me about the Scotland trip. Of course, I've talked about little else since the start of this year, so I shouldn't be surprised. And of course, I need to start a new thread soon which means finding another Scotland photo for a topper!

>240 michigantrumpet: Hi Marianne! I love that we all worry about being somewhere and running out of reading material. THAT is worse than needing glasses in order to read! LOL

>242 EBT1002: I meant picking what to take on a huge trip can be an adventure. Just don't pack like Strayed. :D

Hi Ellen - It's just me. I scare easily... I credit my mom's sisters (who are only 4 and 6 years older than I am) for taking me to see "The Pit and the Pendulum" when I was six and also letting me watch Alfred Hitchcock and The Twilight Zone when I was pretty little. I have never liked being scared - it's all their fault.

>245 luvamystery65: Ah, yes. Not only the reading material but which clothes! Yes, I will try not to pack according to the school of Strayed! :-D

>246 BLBera: Well, Beth, I scare easily too. I had a similar experience, having seen "Psycho" on television when I was a child. That, and my mom was afraid of everything and imparted that fear to me. I've worked for my whole adult life to be less scared of things --- even sleeping in a tent (and wandering to the pit toilet by myself in the middle of the night) are accomplishments, in some ways. So I don't want to mess up the courage I've mustered. Still, I'll take it along to see how it goes.

I'm not a fan of anything to scary. Horror books are off limits for me. I t get nightmares. There are even regular movies that do that to me. And I seem to be getting more and more sensitive as I get older. There are lots of things I just don't read. Or watch.

I am thinking of taking in the movie A Most Wanted Man this weekend. I have liked every John LeCarre book I have read and the books made into movies are usually very good. I have high hopes for this one as well.

As you get closer to your Bonnie Scotland trip my own excitement for you raises accordingly!

The Commonwealth Games are presently being staged in Glasgow and I will admit that you crossed my mind surprisingly so perhaps as I was watching the table tennis and boxing last night on TV.

Have a wonderful weekend, dear lady and thanks for being such a great pal. xx

Hi Ellen! Somehow, someway, I had your thread unstarred. WTH?? No wonder, I haven't been seeing your thread come up. Plus someone made a mistake on your threadbook and the latest one, opens up to someone else's thread. WTH Part Deux??

I found you this time, my friend. I will try not to lose you again.

>250 msf59: It's an iPad thing, Mark. Happens to the iDupes all the time. Not a joke, ask Kath.

Hiya Ellen, hope you're having "fun" camping!

Hi Ellen! Love the batman shadow! >229 EBT1002:. Birthdays that end in "4" are just plain fun and a birthday is ALWAYS better than the alternative. ; ) So excited for your upcoming trip. My daughter spent the fall in Ireland for school and enjoyed her forays in to Scotland as well. You are going to have a blast!

>250 msf59: mistake on your threadbook
I just fixed it so it now links to this thread.

It has been so hot and humid down here that I can't wait to hear about the camping trip. Anything to make me think cooler will be a boon.

I want to go pick blueberries this afternoon but don't relish the sweat bath I will get just to do it. But those blueberries are so good in the long term that I will brave the weather and try to get them picked before Periot comes on PBS tonight.

I have picking some blueberries on my To Do list, also. But it is not so hot here, more slightly warm. Just enough that I really appreciate the Air Conditioning in my home!

I imagine your hike this weekend was very sweet! Such a great time to see the sights in the mountains.

>229 EBT1002: LOL!
Why, oh why, is that just so so funny to me!!??

>250 msf59: don't worry Mark, I am losing people all over the show around there lately. Is there a gremlin in my computer?

I am looking forward to your Scotland trip too, Ellen :) shall be travelling vicariously through you.

I love your honesty in >218 EBT1002:. I hope one day I can be so brave as you are, my friend. I'm afraid I'm still too worried about what others think of me to be so honest (except here...sometimes I will share things here that I'd never dream of sharing elsewhere in life).

You rock. :)

Just come around to me whenever you have time. You're always welcome...never late in my book.

The blueberry picking got cut short as it was 101 out there and just too hot to stay too long. I will make my last foray to the blueberry patch on Wednesday and take them to Kansas for a really nice blueberry cobbler to share with the folks there.

>258 benitastrnad: I keep saying that I'm going to plant a few blueberry bushes, but I haven't done it yet.

I love my blueberry bushes but I do not have 100 degree weather. It will be in the high 80s today, not even 90. Blueberries are a bit small this year, but I think that is because I did not water them enough. The ones I pick are great!

I'm happily working my way through The Boys in the Boat. What a great story and very well written.

>248 benitastrnad: Benita, I loved Stephen King's works for years, read them like an addict, but realized that sleep was more important. I keep thinking I'd like to dip into that genre again from this much different (three decades older) perspective. I'll see how Revenge: Eleven Dark Tales goes for me. I think I like Dark, just not Rapist-Murderer-Preying-on-Women stuff (too real).

>249 PaulCranswick: Paul, my dear friend! So good to see you in these parts. I am all about Glasgow and the Highlands right now. I should be watching those games! Table tennis I would enjoy, boxing less so.....

>250 msf59: Mark, I am very glad you found me. I didn't know about the thread glitch; it's time for a new thread in any case, so that ices it.

>251 richardderus: Hmm, as a combo Microsoft-and-Apple user, I haven't noticed that thing..... Time for a new thread anyway.
Richard, we had a blast camping, though I know that is like telling you I had a wonderful time at the dentist. :-)
I keep meaning to download a few photos I took -- they might change your mind just a wee tiny bit. Or not.

>252 Berly: Kim, yes, birthdays that end in 4 are just fun! I'll actually work on my birthday this year but since I'm flying to Glasgow just three days later, I can hardly complain. I would love to go to Ireland (and I'm kicking myself for not making arrangements to spend some time in Iceland since we are flying through Reykjavik) but the one country will have to do for this trip.

>253 lauralkeet: Thank you, Laura!! (I didn't even know it was happening but I'm glad people can find me now!)

>254 benitastrnad: Benita, I don't miss that hot and humid weather of the southeast US. We are in the middle of a lovely patch of weather now: absolutely sunny with highs in the low-to-mid 80s, lows of 58-60, and humidity in the 40-50% range (a bit higher in the mornings, but that's okay). Still, a couple of weeks of this and I'll start getting grumpy in want of rain.

>255 maggie1944: Karen (and Benita above), I used to love picking blueberries at this one farm in Corvallis, OR. I haven't found a good place for it up here so we've just been buying them at the Capitol Hill farmer's market on Sundays.

>256 LovingLit: Well, Megan, it totally cracked me up so I'm glad I'm not alone in that!
Laura fixed the particular gremlin that was keeping people from finding me (this is like my worst nightmare: friends not being able to find me), so I don't know about those other gremlins living in your computer. :-|
I have not been planning to take my laptop with me to Scotland and I don't think I'll change my mind about that but I'm anticipating feeling a very strong urge to find me some wifi and try to download photos via my iPhone. Ha!

I am still catching up with you, Ellen, but I thought that i would just drop down here a moment to say hello. Hello!

>257 TinaV95: Tina!!! Thank you so much for those kind words. I actually do worry about what others think, and I admit to some moments of post-posting concern ("should I just delete that?") but I'm trying to push into lines that I normally just will not cross. I normally don't do vulnerable. That's really the whole point for me right now, so.....

I'm a psychologist so naturally I value the examined life, and I think it can be taken too far. I'm pretty good at practicing the philosophy of Be. Here. Now. But I also want to figure out what's going on when I'm feeling dissatisfied with a part of my life. It's all about moderation! :-)

And, for the record, I think you're pretty brave, too.

>258 benitastrnad: Benita, 101F is TOO hot for blueberry picking. It's too hot for anything except a pool, a cold beer, and a book!

>259 thornton37814: Lori, we have three blueberry bushes in our back yard and they are loaded with berries this year. Of course, getting to them ahead of the robins and chickadees is a challenge.... I like watching the robins leap up from the ground, grab a blueberry, and gulp it down. They are cute when they jump. :-)

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Almost got caught up but work calls. I have to run to a meeting. Happy Wednesday everyone!

The Boys in the Boat is picking up lots of positive buzz, Ellen, and I see you're really enjoying it, too. I may have to track it down.

Some of my favorite Stephen King novels don't have the murder/rapist thing going on.

The Stand - end of the world as we know it via flu pandemic

Firestarter - young girl who can light things on fire with her mind

Different Seasons - short stories/novellas, two of which were turned into awesome movies - Shawshank Redemption and Stand by Me

Misery - a writer's rabid fan traps him in her home

(And a few do - It has a murderous clown, Rose Madder has an abusive husband, The Shining has a haunted hotel that drives the husband into a murderous rage.)

>260 maggie1944: Karen, see my comments about our blueberry bushes and the birds, above in post >266 EBT1002:.

>264 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie! I'll come visit your thread soon, too!

>265 EBT1002: Joe, I think you would enjoy The Boys in the Boat.

>266 EBT1002: Morphy, Oh yeah, I read and loved The Stand and Firestarter, as well as The Shining, Christine, and Salem's Lot. It was It that made me bail on his works. I think some of the works of guys like Sandford are the ones that are just about sociopathic rapist killers that I don't want to read. Ugh!

I picked up The Boys in the Boat as a Kindle deal a few days ago and am really looking forward to it Ellen. So many people seem to love it. I don't know when I'll get to it but maybe September.

I thought Cheryl Strayed did a number of stupid things as she hiked the PCT but I still enjoyed reading her story and never thought of giving up on it. Very entertaining.

I'm one of the ones looking forward to your Scotland trip and am still trying to figure out a way to stow away in your luggage;-)

>270 brenzi: Bonnie, I hope you enjoy TBitB when you get to it. I'm closing in on the last bit. And I agree that Cheryl did some dumb things but she was 26 and in a tough emotional place. Her story was, for me, still quite moving and enjoyable to read.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I appear to have developed a shin splint in my right foreleg. OUCH!!!! I can hardly walk around the house, much less go for a run. I'm icing, trying to rest it, and I have a couple of medical massages scheduled for the next week or so. I have three weeks to recover. This is not good.

I forgot to mention that I received my ER copy of Barracuda by Christos Tsiolkas yesterday. I guess it gets moved up above a few others I've been looking forward to reading because I swore that if I got an ER book this last time around I would read it and review it. I've been a total slacker in this regard up 'til now.

I've reviewed a book that ends one of my favorite series reads. The Days of Anna Madrigal is the last novel in the Tales of the City cycle, and it's a wonderful way to go out. Read it here...post #224.

>273 richardderus: Richard, I LOVE the Tales of the City series! I've not read The Days of Anna Madrigal but will put it on hold at the library. I remember lying on the couch back when I was in grad school, reading this series "straight" through without a break. It was wonderful.

I did much the same thing, Ellen. It's been a wonderful companion these 40 years.

Ouch to shin splints. Take care of them. Good luck. I'm sending healing thoughts your way.

Shin splints = bad

Massage = Good

Three weeks to Vacation = Hooray!

Oh, no! Hoping the shin splints heal as well. Do those compression thingies work?

>275 richardderus: I felt like Marianne and Michael and Mrs. Madrigal were dear, sweet friends. They were so real!!

>276 BLBera: Hi Beth. I'm icing and resting. This may result in grumpy Ellen (I don't do well if I go more than a couple of days without exercise and running is my sanity) but if it gets me ready for that 96-mile trek, it will be worth it.

Luckily, I have an awesome doc who, based on my description via eCare about my symptoms, promptly sent me a referral for therapeutic massage so insurance will cover much of it. My first treatment is Friday evening.

>277 michigantrumpet: I agree with all three assessments, Marianne!

>278 DorsVenabili: Thanks for the empathy, Kerri. I don't know if those compression thingies work (I wonder if they have an actual name -- if so, I have no idea what it is). For now, I'm committing to ice, rest, Aleve, and massage. Sigh.

50. The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
5 stars



I started by giving this 4.5 stars because I don't think I've ever given a nonfiction work more than that. It seems weird to me. But the truth is that this book was almost life-changing for me. It was well-researched and well-written, with an intelligent commitment to the biographical aspect and a clear eye on the unfathomable history of that era. The eight-plus-coxswain crew who rowed for the University of Washington and then for the USA in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin were savvy, good-hearted, salt-of-the-Earth young men. They overcame obstacle after obstacle but Brown doesn't coat the story with molasses or overplay the challenging roads they traveled to get to the UW and then to the Olympics. He tells the story with crisp, straightforward prose and a keen sense of the human spirit. This was an absolute delight to read and I will be visiting the Conibear Shell House on the UW campus this fall to pay due respect to these nine men. Absolutely recommended.

And while the secondary goal of 100+ books may be out of reach for 2014, I'm pleased to have made it to 50 by the end of July.

I'm going to dig into Revenge: Eleven Dark Tales and then do my duty by reading my ER copy of Barracuda.

>280 EBT1002:: that sounds really good! It's been getting a lot of buzz around here lately, but I didn't know what it was about. The connection to UW must have made it just that more special for you.

Hi Ellen--Congratulations on 50! And sounds like your last one was stellar. I rowed for one year in college: started off as coxain and then wound up as 8-man. I will definitely have to look for this book. Sorry about the shin splints--I hope the massage does the trick. Good luck.

Well, you and Mark boy going on about this Boys in the Boat business, eh? Fine. Wishlisted.

And I sympathise with the shin issues - I suffered through those, too, when I was younger, caused by carrying heavy drums while marching on asphalt...

Hi Ellen - It sounds like your shin splints are being well taken care of. Congrats on 50. And darn you! Now I have to add The Boys in the Boat to my list. Nice review, by the way.

Nice review of The Boys in the Boat. I have it wishlisted now!! Did you read Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand? It also covers the 36 Olympics.

Added to my WL, too, Ellen. You, Karen and Mark are a formidable triumverate.

Aaaargh, what timing on the shin splint! I hope all your care will get you fixed in time for your walking holiday. Best wishes.

And what a great experience for your 50th book!

^What Roni said.

*smooch* for a happy weekend!

>282 lauralkeet: Hi Laura!
It's true that the connection to the UW made it more special. I could so clearly picture the setting!

>283 Berly: Hi Kim! This made me want to try rowing (not really, but you know, sort of). It made the experience sound sublime and painful. I'll check in tomorrow with the massage report. I've been resting and icing persistently.

>284 scaifea: Amber, you won't regret wishlisting The Boys in the Boat. :-)
Thanks for the sympathy. I am panicked with the thought that this might interfere with our vacation. We've been planning this trek for over a year!

>285 BLBera: Hi Beth and thank you. I actually made one edit to the review and then posted it on the book's main page.
I hope the massage (in just over an hour from now) helps with the shin pain!

>286 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda. I've not yet read Unbroken but several people have compared it favorably to TBitB.

>287 jnwelch: "You, Karen and Mark are a formidable triumverate." Thanks, Joe! I couldn't ask for better company than those two in our efforts to change the world, one book at a time! :-)

>288 ronincats: Thanks, Roni. I think the timing is about as poor as it could be. But I have three weeks to heal.....
And thanks for the congrats on reaching 50. I'm trying not to get frustrated that I probably won't come close to last year's record 108 books completed. I have to remember that, while I've always been an avid reader and loved reading more than almost any other activity, I've read more since finding LT than ever before!

>289 richardderus: Thank you, dear Richard. I suppose one consolation about not being able to walk or run is that I'll have to sit around the house with ice on my shin and a book in my hand. xo

Time for a new thread!