Bohemima reads as she pleases in 2014 Part 4

77. Monstrous Regiment Terry Pratchett (My shelves) fantasy novel
76. Laura Larry Watson (My Shelves) novel
75. Defending Jacob William Landry (ebook) novel
74. Rabbit, Run John Updike (ebook) novel
73. Middlesex Jefferey Eugenides (My Shelves) novel
72. Gluttony Francine Prose (My Shelves) nonfiction
71. On Writing Stephen King (My Shelves) nonfiction
70. Many Lives, Many Masters Brian L. Weiss (My Shelves) nonfiction
69. In the Woods Tana French (e-book) mystery/suspense
68. Mapp and Lucia E.F. Benson(My Shelves) novel
67. Letters from the Earth Mark Twain (e-book) fantasy
66. The Hollow Ground Natalie S. Harnett (Gift) novel
65. In the Company of Cheerful Ladies Alexander McCall Smith (My Shelves) mystery/novel
64. Doc Mary Doria Russell (My Shelves) novel
63. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Ransom Riggs (My Shelves) fantasy
62. Phineas Finn Anthony Trollope (My Shelves) classic novel
61. Magical Thinking Augeuten Burroughs (Library Book) memoir
60. Thyme of Death Susan Wittig Albert (My Shelves) mystery
59. An Unthymely Death and Other Garden Mysteries Susan Wittig Albert (Library Book) mystery sh. st.
58. A Symphony of Echoes Jodi Taylor (e-book) sci-fi/fantasy
57. The Long Way Home Louise Penny (Gift) mystery
56. The Likeness Tana French (My Shelves) mystery/suspense
55. Novel History Mark Carnes (Library Book)
54. Lost Gregory Maguire (My Shelves) fantasy
53. Laura Vera Caspary (My shelves) mystery
52. The Man Who Loved Books Too Much Allison Hoover Bartlett (My Shelves) nonfiction
51. The Full Cupboard of Life Alexander McCall Smith (My Shelves) mystery/novel
50. Just One Damned Thing After Another Jodi Taylor (e-book) sci-fi/fantasy
49. The Day I Became an Autodidact Kendall Hailey (My Shelves) memoir
48. Curiosities of Literature John Sutherland (Library Book) nonfiction
47. Bruno, Chief of Police Martin Walker (My Shelves) mystery
46. Further Tales of the City Armistead Maupin (Library Book) novel
45. Novel History Mark C. Cames (Library Book) nonfiction
44. Fighting Words James Charlton (My Shelves) humor
43. How to Read a Novel John Sutherland (Library Book) nonfiction
42. Imaginary People David Pringle (Library Book) nonfiction

Books 18 - 41 read in Second Quarter

Books 1 - 17 read in First Quarter

Mark's American Author Challenge

JULY
Letters from the Earth Mark Twain Completed

JUNE
Slaughterhouse Five Kurt Vonnegut Competed

MAY
Losing Battles Eudora Welty Reading

APRIL
Sula Toni Morrison Completed

MARCH
Suttree Cormac McCarthy Completed

FEBRUARY
Absalom, Absalom William Faulkner Completed

JANUARY
Death Comes for the Archbishop Willa Cather Completed

Best Reads Month by Month

JULY
Further Tales of the City
Really the only decent book I read this month.

JUNE
Slaughterhouse Five
I enjoyed this so much that I felt sorry for those who just don't like Vonnegut.

MAY
Farthing
This was a re-read for me, read so that I could go on to Ha'penny with the plot and characters firmly in my mind. It was just as good as the first time I read it, which can't be said for many books.

The Lace Reader
This very odd book had many elements to intrigue me: the setting in Salem MA, which borders the town of my childhood; the whole herbal lore, witchy, fortune-telling thing; and a plot which turns on magical realism or madness, however one prefers to look at it. I loved this book.

APRIL
Sula
I can't add much to what everyone else has said. Another Morrison book which had me by the second page and never let me go.

The Last Chronicle of Barset
Because Trollope, and one of his best. Many thanks to Liz for her group read, which enhanced my enjoyment.

Tales of the City
Complete fluff, but of the very best kind

MARCH
The Professor and the Madman
While I greatly enjoyed this book, March was an exceptionally lean month for me.

FEBRUARY
The Nine
This is an interesting account of the present-day (well, nearly) Supreme Court. In light of recent decisions, it's all the more memorable.

JANUARY
Death Comes for the Archbishop
While the plot is somewhat episodic, the writing and the characters--oh my, the characters--make this book sing.

Gorgon
This book re-ignited my interest in paleontology and the natural sciences.

Out of 10, 3 are from Mark's AAC challenge. Good showing, considering how many books I read. I hope the next 6 in the challenge yield up 3 favorites.

I've felt that 2014 has been kind of unproductive for with regard to books that pull me in and won't let me go. I'm hoping that this is because of circs beyond my control and that eventually it will settle down as I find the New Normal for me.

It may be that I'm just choosing the wrong books. I checked over the books I read in 2010, and that was a stellar reading year for me, with many memorable books, including several that I'd read again right now.

I'm trying hard to recapture the zest for books that I used to feel.

Now that I've written this down, I realize that 2010 was the last year that my life was quite calm and normal. Then the world caved in and I'm still digging my way out. It *will* happen.

Soon, I hope.

Of course, it could be much more mundane, and I should blame Facebook and Pintrest. Who knows?

July

I needed a laugh. This was it.

*smooch*

Just popping in to say Happy New Thread, Gail!

Hi Gail! Happy New Thread!!!!

Just flitting through to try to catch up and say Happy July!

So.. I found my way... and all was well.

Miss seeing you. Come home, all is forgiven.

I miss seeing you too. Lets have lunch!

Oh wait... damn

Sending you wishes for silent fireworks that you can see from the house !
Just wishing you a Happy Independence day :)

>6 richardderus:, >7 tymfos:, >8 mckait:, >9 EBT1002: >10 tututhefirst: Richard, Ellen, Tina, Terri, Kath: Thank you for stopping by! I've been wasting a lot of time, piddling around the house, feeling sorry for myself sometimes, whatevah. So I'm doubly glad that you all came by.

>12 richardderus: Well, Poochie, if you're absolutely sure all is forgiven--I almost dog-eared a book page, but stopped myself just in time.

>13 mckait: I hope your Independence Day is peaceful with at least a bit of fun thrown in.

Happy New thread, Gail! And Happy Holiday! Are you joining us for Twain?

So, working on the Gail Project is moving ahead, but not as quickly as I would like. The current state of being easily distracted is maddening. I used to control it when it was much milder by using some techniques that worked for me: making tentative lists, making final lists, checking everything off as I did it, and a few other little tricks I picked up along the way. Dh was moderately hyperactive and easily distracted, too; he used iron self-discipline plus lists to get things done efficiently. I've been reliably informed that this is all due to anxiety, and will calm down when the anxiety becomes manageable.

I'm going back upthread to talk about this year's reading.

>16 msf59: Mark! Glad to see you here! I am absolutely going to read Twain this month. My choice is Letters from the Earth, which I found extremely funny back in my other life--about 35 years ago. I'm eager to see how it holds up! Btw, the AAC has been great for me this year and has provided me with some of my best reads so far, so thank you for starting it.

Gail ... *hugs* and all, am invoking patience for you. You got me with The Lace Reader. Hang in there.

Oh The Lace Reader.. sigh. Happy memories of that one.

Sorry for the abrupt stop last night.... wasn't worth it :(
hugs

>19 AuntieClio: Stephanie, if I consider my life with the right attitude, I'd never complain. But never. However, I miss my best friend so much that the right attitude often escapes me. It seems as though the more time passes, the more I realize that he's not coming back. Sigh.
On a happier note, I think you'll love The Lace Reader. It's unusual and very absorbing.

>20 mckait: Kath, don't worry about anything...I'm slow to take offense (glacially slow) and very quick to let offense go. Sorry the show wasn't what you had hoped. xo

Happy New Thread, Gail.

It's still a pretty new thread, so "Happy," Gail! I am looking forward to the day, which will come, when you wake up and you are a happy Gail.
You are so right about attitude, and I have very little patience with the people who demand that we change ours as if the instruction and the will were all that it takes.

Mr. Man, the swain prior to my Gentleman Caller, wanted us to have a daughter together and name her Brunonia.

*shudder*

A lovely name, indeed..... lovely.

Distinctive and evocative.

CHEER for your new thread... you need a bit more color over here.



{{{Gail}}}

>22 connie53: Connie, I've been neglectful of most threads lately. I'll come over to visit you as soon as I finish this post.

>23 LizzieD: Peggy, how right you are about changing one's attitude. I use lots of self-talk and my hobbies to keep me as upbeat as possible, but there are times when nothing works. It needs to be lived through. The ups are more frequent than the downs, but sometimes...well, I'm sure you know what I mean.

>24 richardderus: Hello to my favorite and prolific reviewer!

What would you name a daughter, if you had such a choice? Seriously: I'm always intrigued by names.

>25 mckait: Good morning, Kathleen. What's up with you today?

>27 -Cee-: Why, thank you, Cee! I always welcome color here, as I am inept at posting pictures on my threads. Someday I'll figure it out. Maybe.

cooking. Gotta do some.

What's up with you?

Nice color there Cee!!!

Oh, what a night. I carefully planned it out: reading, some porching with the furpeople, take sleep aid at 10, in bed by 11. Didn't work out that way. I was really irritated but it was my own fault. Result? Exhausted today.

However. I did make it to the recycling center, to clean up/out some stuff. Took a nap. Read a bit.

Never mind.

I need to boil some eggs, make a sort of taco salad with chicken, vacuum, and read. Oh, and visit around here.

>28 Matke: My daughter's name is Kristin, which I surely would not have picked...so bland...if it came up (!) now, I'd name her what I'd've named my daughter then: Winter. My mother, her uncle, his mother, my sister, and no one in this generation used it!

*grumble*

I have a feeling that I will be saying something like that myself later today. I did go to bed around 10:30. I woke around 4 scratching furiously at my arm, which I left uncovered due to the adhesive issue. I tried to buy more of the good kind of giant band-aids, but all out around here.

I haven't been able to go back to sleep, and today starts my 2 week sprint at work. Who did you visit? How are you this morning?

Hi Gail, thanks for all the facebook messages this weekend my dear, amazing what can blossom once you join LT. Hope you are well my dear and I hope you have a really good day.

rilly? rilly!

hmmm. Well, time to hide in my room because baseball is loud.

Hi Gail. It sounds like you are still encountering ups and downs: to be expected, I suppose. I hope the anxiety eases soon. It does make sense that it would be the culprit in terms of distractibility and having a hard time settling down to anything. For me, that is when a run is absolutely the only thing for it. But that doesn't work for everyone.

Wishing you a peaceful rest of the week ----

I've selected, after much deliberation, my favorite Great War novel: Regeneration, the Pat Barker work, is a beautiful and challenging book to read. The Doubleday UK meme, a book a day in July, has really focused my attention on getting the excellent reading I've been doing reviewed and therefore fixed more firmly in my mind.

See my review (note: Not a suggestion!) in my Orphans thread...post #49.

*smooch*

Hi Gail, thanks for your lovely message on facebook re my Dr Doolittle impression.

So, Cory sent me an email with his planned driving tour of Ireland.. the places he will stay look FABULOUS! sigh. Is it wrong to be envious of your own child?

All the mugs ready to re-home?

>31 richardderus: , >36 richardderus: Winter is a beautiful name. I'd love to be named Winter. I dislike my name and always have. Far prefer Ann, my middle name, after my father's mother, Anna. But that's just one of the many things someone else gets to choose for us.
I've been following your astounding and outstanding rash of reviews with great delight. I'm going to check the library for the Barker.

And a sweet smooch to you as well.

>32 mckait: , >34 mckait: , >38 mckait: Well, Kath, insomnia is us--no, wait--we are insomnia, I guess. I could have handled it better, I think, so I blame myself.

Oh, pooh. You know better.

It most certainly is not wrong to be envious of your child having an opportunity to do something you've always dreamed of doing. It's not as though you're not glad for him--you simply want to go with, is all.

"Go with" is a Florida expression, as is "come with": I'm going grocery shopping. You wanna come with?

Just stick with me, kid.

>33 johnsimpson: and >37 johnsimpson: John, I've been on a Facebook binge lately--a sure sign of my distractability. I do love the story of your bird rescue; positively charming.

>35 EBT1002: Ellen, thank you for your kind thoughts. I'm not a runner, but a heavy dose of yard work can relieve lots of stress. I used to swim quite a bit, which also helped.

The two unfortunate things now are the unexpected reminders of Dh, whether it's a phrase in a book, a song lyric--they are the absolute worst--or something innocuous like a food he particularly enjoyed; the other is the blasted inability to finish anything in an organized, sensible way--even reading a book is hard. Trying to avoid the meds if I can.

So, anyway, I'm still plugging along in Phineas Finn. I quite like book because Trollope, but I just can't concentrate for a suitable length of time.

OTOH, I fiddled around with some art materials today, just getting a feel for what they can do, and found that absorbing.

Laundry is calling me. As is P. F.

Ugh laundry. Do P.F., whatever that is.

*smoochings*

Phineas Finn.

Even THAT is better than laundry, though not a lot.

xo

I'm listening to a lovely audio version of Phineas Finn ready for the tutored thread coming up, and I'm enjoying it - it's certainly better than laundry!

>45 richardderus: Oh, Richard; c'mon, it's Trollope!

>46 CDVicarage: Kerry, indeed it is better than laundry! When I can assemble my scattered wits, I enjoy it. There's only one A. T. I didn't like particularly: The Small House at Allington. I'd still rate it about 3.5 *s but it is my least favorite thus far.

This month I've read two nonfiction titles, neither of which was stellar.

Imaginary People was okay. but there was far too much information about comic book and cartoon characters, and not enough about literary characters. Still, it was interesting enough that I finished it. 3 weak *s.

How to Read a Novel is actually not a guide to reading novels. Instead, it's a chatty work about encountering novels, how to choose something interesting, and how novels are made, from the idea to the book. I liked it, certainly, but it wasn't what I was expecting. 3.5 *s

Might I be so bold as to suggest reading How to Read and Why as a source of what I think you're looking for?

Happy Thursday there in Hotlabama!

science program, roaring success. Only spent 2 hours by myself this afternoon.

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.

>48 richardderus: I think I read this, but have reserved it at the libry. All of your suggestions, and those from my other friends, are most welcome.

And it is HOT and humid enough to serve as a sauna on the back porch.

>49 mckait: Think of it this way, Kath: at least that day is in the past, where you can store it in one of the tightly-locked cabinets of your memory.

>50 richardderus: Ooo, a new Larry Watson--love him! Coming by to check out your review now.

OMG my wake up dreams.. no wonder I wake tired. This time I dreamed that I was stuck somewhere overnight with Bernie.. and we headed to her house so she could change and get her kids ( many more than she actually has) off to school. On the way, she went thru a bank drive thru and then hit someone who was siting on the road with a blanket. Then she took her sweet old time and it was her first day and I wanted to shower at home and and and... well ya know.

Hope you are less sauna-y today :P

hugs

Hi there Gail! Sorry for the long absence in stopping by. Between a vacation and starting a new job....well, you know how it goes.

Re: names....my mom's name is Gail and my daughter's middle name is Gail. I love your name!!

Remember to be gentle with yourself. Sending warm thoughts your way.

As you are fond of saying, "I got nuthin'." *hugs*

Good morning Gail, I hope you have a lovely day my dear, love and hugs to you.

>52 mckait: Kath, a good Sunday morning to ya! I hope the inmates have retreated to their rooms and your world is a bit better balanced today.

How do you remember all these dreams? I rarely remember dreams, unless they're unpleasant. Although waking dreams are a bit easier to recall.

>53 Cobscook: Hey, Heidi! Welcome back! Good to see hereabouts. I've been remiss in visiting all the threads I'd like to, so I understand. Stop by when and as you can.

And congratulations on the new job.

>54 AuntieClio: Stephanie, "I seem to have a lot of nuthin' lately. I appropriated the phrase from Kath; I hope she doesn't mind.

I seem to have misplaced your thread, but will hunt it down this morning.

>55 johnsimpson: John Wonderful to see you here! I think your time is 6 hours ahead of this time zone, so I'll say a good Sunday afternoon and evening to you. xx

So.

In what I hope is the last foolish and careless mistake from being a recent widow--that's what I'm blaming things on this year--I either

a. used up my checks and forgot to order new ones, or
b. somehow managed to throw away my checks.

Either scenario is completely possible, especially in view of the fact that I last ordered checks 11 months ago. Anyway, this came to my attention because my sweet young housekeeper called and said a check was returned because the account was closed. "What?!?!" I said, in complete consternation. Fortunately I had the checks in front of me: apparently I tossed the current account checks and saved those belonging to an account we closed two or so years ago. Another brilliant move by your correspondent.

After much cursing and castigating myself for being an idiot, a phone call to my bank last night (there are many advantages associated with Dh's military service, not the least of which is this banking/investment/insurance company), and the new checks will be here by close of business on Tuesday. I was lucky in that I'd only written 3 checks, 2 for the housekeeper and 1 for the lawn man, before I found out.

OH NO! Booo on the checks mishap. How infuriating :PPPPP

Well, that will never happen again.

Hope your sunday is a happy one !

Whatcha planning to do?

Hiya, Kath.

The check thing wasn't as infuriating (well, some of that too) as it was dismaying. I mean, how could I have done that? So far out of character for me as to be incredible. Maybe the dr was/is right about anxiety? Also, I was so upset with myself that I wanted to inflict an injury upon my person. Gak!

Today I need to visit the recycling place to dispose of paper and plastic. Don't need to buy anything, I don't think.

And then there's reading. Lots and lots of reading.

Oh, and making some guacamole. Love that stuff.

ETA Fumbling about with art materials, enjoying the cats, vacuuming.

On the upside of the check deal is the massive disposal of un-needed papers, things relating to the old house, old account statements, etc.

Oh! And finding the certs of authentication re: the signed Ted Williams and Larry Byrd photos. That will help when I can bring myself to sell them.

Well, that sounds quite productive... see? That was the silver lining.
I want to make hummus. Morgan sidetracked me this morning..

Gail, I smiled at the check story. I like to think I'm organized, but a few days ago could not find any checks at all. Alas, Will found them in his bookcase. How did they get there? Most likely when I was on a cleaning/tidying binge and moved them there temporarily so that I would remember where they were later....

Happy Sunday to you dear one! I'm glad the check story has a happy ending.

Gail, I think you are too hard on yourself. (Look who's talking.) You have a lot to deal with and it wouldn't be so hard to believe that accidents happen.

A fly by hi! I have to find some food and get dressed for work. Might just take the car, depends on the last weather report I hear.

I am both dreading tomorrow and wishing it would get here already. :P
Well, I will keep you posted and I will wish you a happy day and leave hugs

>61 mckait: Well, it was sort of a medium productive day, Kath. I seem to waste chunks of time, though. But...I keep forgetting that I'm 65. You know: old.

>62 Whisper1: Linda, we cross-posted yesterday. As I was on your thread, you were on mine!

On your check misplacement: dh and my mother would put things away "for best", and then of course not remember where they were. Finally I took to telling both of them that, "Best is right now, so we're using these nice things today." I convinced the Old Man, but my mother, not so much.

>63 AuntieClio: Stephanie, you're perfectly right. I am hard on myself. It's a long but all too familiar story from the childhood. It's the most persistent of the hangers-on from those days.

>64 mckait: Mornin', Kathleen. I know you're in a rush on weekday mornings. I would feel exactly the same were I in your position.

In my slightly frantic search for the checks, I came across a few love letters from my father to my mother. Most were from their courtship, although there is one particularly poignant one from fairly early on in their marriage.

The letters set me to thinking about all the people in my life--vital and vibrant, interesting and quirky, funny and infuriating--who are gone. Their lives seem so short, even though most of them had long and full lives, full of mischief, good deeds, laughter and tears. How can that be? I miss all of them, each and every one--some more than others, of course. I feel lonely without them.

In other news, my kindle appears to have died. As in, won't turn on. I had it plugged in all night, but this morning: nada. Good thing I didn't by that food processor yesterday.

A good week to all!

Your cheque store was a great reminder to me that I need to order more cheques! How sweet that you found love letters from your dad to your mom. I can see where that discovery would lead you to think of loved ones that are gone. It sounds like you have wonderful memories of them.

>62 Whisper1: As I have said so many, many times: TIDY IS THE DEVIL'S WORK. DO NOT SUCCUMB TO IT.

I had a rant on my blog today.

Ahhh, checks. A sore point with me. The bank excluded my name on the last group of checks they sent. Where's the love? Since we rarely write a check anymore, that situation could have gone on for years. Luckily, my husband felt me pain and asked the bank to reissue them.

Gail, I haven't begun Phineas Finn yet but Trollope's books are usually slow reads for me. I really like them but I just need to space one out for some reason. Once again, I will be lagging behind the group. Oh well. Finishing the race is more important to me than winning it!

Hi Gail, sorry to hear about your cheques but I completely understand. I have found myself forgetting a lot of things lately. I can't do more than one thing at a time anymore or I will screw both things up! Ah, getting older isn't always a pretty thing!

Thinking of you.

>72 AuntieClio: Ditto.

Gail, think of the check (mis)adventure this way: it could have happened when you were 45. (I'll bet something almost as "disorganized" did happen 20 years ago, if you think hard about it.) But then you would have laughed it off, or cussed at yourself, and let it pass into near-oblivion. But now, grief and anxiety over your new circumstances magnify it into something more significant than it needs to be. 65 isn't old. I'm surrounded by octagenarians...THEY're old. (Until I get to be 80-something, and then we'll see about that, too!)

Sorry about your Kindle! I know I was in a panic when my Nook died last year. How to finish my books! I bought another right away.

That's really sweet about the love letters. My grandmother and grandfather met through a penpal service in Boy's Life. When grandpa died, we found all of those letters in his stuff. It was really sweet.

HI, Gail! I find I'm having many more mess-ups of various kinds these days. Age? Distraction level? Dunno. It's infuriating.

Sorry to hear about your Kindle.

Wishing you good days and the ability to be gentle with yourself when errors occur. (Fine for me to say, given how hard I am on myself . . .)

Just ... hi ... and hugs

Hi Gail, sending good wishes for you today my dear.

Yeah... what ^ they said. Otherwise... nuthin' I cannot brain today.
If this doesn't end it... I just don't know what will....

Geez, I couldn't find you anywhere today. I thought you were hiding from me. :(

Gail hope that your kindle woes have been overcome and ideally you have found a new species which can also double up as a food processor.

In early with my advanced time difference to wish you a lovely weekend.

Gail, thinking of you. *hugs*

Waves...

miss ya !

*smoochings*

Taking a necessary break from the internet

Hugs

Don't blame you for breaking a bit. Don't blame you for tossing the wrong checks either - seems to me that's an easy mistake. I will not tell you what I do on a daily basis (I look on it as one of life's little - at least I hope every day that it will be little - entertainments).
When you come back, will you tell me whether I dreamed a Martin Chuzzlewit GR for August? I can't find it here, but some other group may be sponsoring it.... Or I could have made it up.
Anyway, hope you're finding some good stuff in RL with weather breaks to make everything better.

*smoochings*

So. Back, at least partially.

>85 mckait: Many hugs to you for surviving the past couple of months more or less intact. Suresh! You've had a heavy load. Quiet enjoyment energy headed your way...

>86 LizzieD: Oh, Peggy! I'd love a Group Read of Chuzzlewit! I'll check around...

>87 richardderus: Why, hello, Richard! I've been missing you.

I'm so glad to see you're back! *smoochings* again

Hi Gail ... so good to see you back. Take your time and be gentle with yourself. *hugs*

Welcome back! I've been meaning to reread Martin Chuzzlewit for a while so if you find that group read let me know...

Well, I suppose we could make a group read. Gail? Heather? I could dive right in or wait until September.

Hi Gail
I'm simply stopping by to say I'm thinking of you

Nice to see you back amongst us :)

Hi Gail, just passing by to say hello.

Good Tuesday morning to all! Sunny and cool enough to enjoy the back porch with the pets, until Sophie (the Terror of Alabama) decided once again that climbing the screens would be fun. Oh well: it was time to come in anyway.

>89 richardderus:, >90 AuntieClio:, >93 Whisper1:, and >95 johnsimpson: : Thank you all for visiting and welcoming me back. Sometimes I get over-involved and just need a bit of a break to refresh myself. I did miss being here, however. I'm always interested in what you all have been doing, thinking, and reading.

>94 mckait: Oh, Kath, I hope today goes as smoothly as possible. I'll be sending calming energy and good will your way.

>91 souloftherose: and >92 LizzieD:: I'd love to read it, Peggy and Heather, but would need to wait until September, since my ongoing read this month is Phineas Finn and that needs to take priority. If either or both of you is/are interested, do let me know. I checked every source here that I could think of, but no group exists for M.C.

>92 LizzieD: & >97 Matke: I was about to say the same about Phineas Finn but would definitely be interested in a group read of Martin Chuzzlewit in September.

So, on the reading front: Worst book funk evah for the month of July. Simply horrid. In an effort to get moving, I read Bruno, Chief of Police, which I loved. Just the sort of cozy-ish mystery I like best, with an exotic (to me) locale, a complex and compassionate detective, and a plot line that makes sense and doesn't pull the ending out of the ether.

I'm starting to get seriously annoyed with writers who bring in a previously unmentioned or barely mentioned perpetrator with a weak motive. I imagine that it's done to try to keep the reader on his/her toes, but to me it's simply a rather shabby trick, since I'm a serious fan of the "Fair Play" school of mysteries. Glad Richard pointed me to Walker's books, since they adhere to the clue-giving part of that idea.

September really suits me better too! Yay!!! And, Gail, I'll find the comment on my thread that made me think there was a GR going on....
Yep. Here it is. Gail said, "I'll be looking for your stuff on M.C. over on GR probably next month or in August. I like reading long books in the summer, a hold-over from my teaching days. "
I interpreted GR as Group Read, but it may not be that at all.

I also read, just for fun, Curiosities of Literature, which is a compendium of anecdotes about authors and books. Funny and interesting. Sutherland is an author I'll be pursing for my further enlightenment/enjoyment.

Now reading Mapp and Lucia and, of course, Phineas Finn. So far, so good.

Gail, I also am a serious fan of the fair play school of mysteries. Lazy writing drives me nuts!

Like you, I've taken breaks from LT. I miss it here, but know that right now real life and my pain level impact on my ability to be present. It must be bothering me. A few nights ago I had a dream that I was told to leave LT because I wasn't as involved as most.

>98 souloftherose: and >100 LizzieD:: Yay! We're on for September!

Now to nose around and find the book...acutally, I know exactly where it is (maybe).

>102 Whisper1: Linda, no one would dream (heh, oops) of not having you as part of LT. You're a most integral part of the group!

ah, gee Gail, thanks. I am a wierd one...insecure at times, though I see myself as strong, my dreams remind me of the roads yet to travel.

>104 Whisper1: if you get told to leave, they have a lot of people to go through first :-)

I had a dream last night that Don called me an a$$hole for something I would never do.

Hi Gail, just stopping by and waving!

>104 Whisper1: Hi, Linda. I'm awfully sorry you're having such a rough year. Keep hoping that the future will be an improvement.

>105 AuntieClio: Stephanie, that was a weird dream. I hate it when they are related to RL but still make no sense.
Wh. Wait. That is real life.

>106 connie53: Connie, hi! I've been shamefully lax about getting around to the threads. I need to make visiting them a goal.

So.
I did find Martin Chuzzlewitt right where I thought he was. It's a long 'un, but I'm looking forward to meeting some of Dickens' memorable characters.

I took time out to read The Day I Became an Autodidact, which I found quite charming and nostalgic. At last--someone who shares my interest in old movies and actors. Author Hailey didn't have to worry about money, job or career, and while she took advantage of that to do exactly as she saw fit, it didn't turn her head or make her into an obnoxious twit. Instead, she's a kind and thoughtful girl with intelligence and wit. A good one.

Then I returned to Mapp and Lucia, Phineas Finn, and added my AAC book for July, Letters from the Earth by Twain. It's just as snarky and funny as I found it the first time, and a fast and easy read. Almost done with it.

Looks like August will be considerably better than July.

Better = gooder!

Yay for a better month ahead!

Hi, Gail! I've been cutting back on internet lately, so fully understand the time you took off.

I have Bruno, Chief of Police waiting among a pile of books a friend loaned me that I need to finish reading. Glad to hear you liked it so much.

Hullo Gail *hugs*

I got nuthin...
xoxo

hugs

*smoochings*

>107 Matke: I truly understand not keeping up with threads. I have the same difficulty with keeping up.

Just thinking of you. *hugs*

Howdy do, dear Danvers!

hugs

Missing you Gail. *hugs*

*smooch* left behind

Just stopping by and wishing you well.

I'm about to start my end of the month push to finish at least 3 of my current reads so that I can be ready Martin the C on September 1. I'm looking forward to it!
Hope you're well and happily occupied.

xo

Just stopping by to say hello. I've started Martin Chuzzlewit and was pleased to find I'd forgotten how funny Dickens is.

I hope you are doing okay, Gail!

Yay! I just asked Heather whether she still planned to read *MC*, and she's already reading. I dipped into it a bit last night, so I'm committed. I'll start a thread for it right now and hope you join in!

Just stopping by with a hello, Gail. Wishing you well!

huh? where is Gail.....

Hi Gail, hope you have a lovely Sunday my dear.

Hi Gail, I hope you are reading something good these days. Thinking of you...

Thinking of you, missing you.

Sending hugs and smooches!

Hi Gail. You're being missed around here. I know you have a lot going on. I hope you're taking good care of yourself. Maybe getting to do some yard work and a swim or two?

Even in your absence, I've been hit by a book bullet on your thread. I'm taking Richard's advice and have put How to Read and Why on hold at the library.

Just coming by wistfully to see whether I've missed you in the past few days. I haven't. Hope what is keeping you from LT is something wonderful!

Hiya Danvers!

Just a quick hello . . . best wishes . . .

More smoochings scattered about.

Hi Gail, a quick hello my dear.

Trust that everything is well with you dear lady. Another of your admirers dropping by to dispense a little affection and care. xx

No Gail? I hope everything is all right!

I had some hopes that she might be back since my last lurk.
Gail, we miss you and hope that all is well.

Just passing through with good wishes, Gail. I hope everything is going well.

My heartfelt apologies to all those who have visited here and kindly wondered if I'd more or less fallen off the earth.

Not exactly.

I haven't been ignoring you and certainly haven't meant to be unkind or unfeeling. I seem to have nothing to contribute, is all.

I appreciate all the good wishes, concern, and kindness that have been shown to me by so many people here at LT.

Nice to hear from you Gail, I sometimes feel that I have nothing to say or contribute. Have a really lovely day my dear.

Glad to see your message! No apologies necessary! Be well!

Gail, we all have down time times....we're just such complex people that often our interests take us far afield. Glad to hear things are going OK. THinking of you and wishing for a glorious autumn.

Hi Gail! It's been an age since I last stopped by. I have not been very active on the LT threads since June but I still like to drop in and see what everyone's been up to. I hope all is well with you.

*waving* at Gail

Hi Gail, just popping by the say hello and hope that you are ok my dear.

Just a quick hello to you, Gail

Hello to all; thank you for visiting.

So.
Here I am, sort of dragging myself through Middlesex, which is okay but not the read of the year for me. I put several books aside to finally read this thing, which has been on the shelves forever. And, you know, it's one of those "should reads." Fine.

This morning I was sorting my kindle--Don't ask--and dipped into Snow Crash for just a moment.

Well. Perhaps I'm hopelessly middlebrow or hopelessly lazy, or incurably light-minded, but no more of this nonsense. I'm reading what I want, when I want, even if that book arrives today and others continue to languish, unread and unloved, for years. Only so much time left.

It helps that my sister is in complete agreement with me

I completely agree with you, too, Gail. Really.

I'm so sad already that there will be books I'll never get to. However, I am not letting that stop me from reading the books I want, when I want... and at my own pace.

I love knowing that if I am ever "stuck" for what to read next, I can hop on LT and get ideas. I love having a WL and recommendations from LTers I have come to trust. Bottom line though is I am the one who gets to choose.

I think you are definitely on the right track ;-)
btw, what's it like to have a sister that actually agrees with you on something?

Oh yes....go for what you want. There are simply too many books and too little time to get stuck on something that falls into the "hafta" category. The only thing you HAFTA do with those is chuck them into the nearest donate or junk pile.

BTW, I never was able to get past about 25% of Middlesex.....definitely not my cuppa and I have no desire to go back and try again. SO THERE>

My latest "hafta" (it's a tough habit to break) was a collection of plays by Aristophanes. I made it through the first one and part way into the second and realized I was getting nothing out of them, so Pearl Ruled it. My next two books reminded me of why I love to read.

Sometimes I get great satisfaction from reading something I feel I "ought" to read...but if it isn't working, I can jettison the obligation in a hurry. At our age (whatever that may be!) no one should feel guilty about setting aside the "shoulds" for the "wannas". I really loved Middlesex, but I don't see why anyone should feel it's a must-read if they don't like it.

Agreed! Read what you want to. (I need to remind myself of the same thing.)

>157 tymfos: Same here.. It took me ages to come to that conclusion. But now I read what I want. That counts for the ROOT - books too.

hi :=)

I'm such a simp that I really want to read some moderately heavy stuff in my old age - maybe not Aristophanes right now - but some moderately heavy stuff. Then, when I'm unhappy, I sideline it and promise (whom?) to come back someday. Other times, I really like it, and then I'm proud and happy. Right now I'm rereading Demelza, the 2nd book of the Poldark Saga, an old favorite. I really, really like The Ruby in her Navel, but it's going to have to wait until I get the Poldarks settled.

I get it too, but I tend to force myself to read the ones I hear are worthwhile. I hardly ever regret it.
Chin up!

I hope you're having a peaceful Thanksgiving!

>152 Matke: Dragging yourself through Middlesex? Had to double take Gail and realise that you meant the book not the 'county' in Northern London that I would also need help to perambulate.

Sorry to see you not around so much these days but on this day I do give thanks for your visits here however reduced they have become and your warm and loving presence. xx

Hi Gail!

>153 -Cee-: Cee, my sister and I agree about a wide and diverse group of things, books, people and ideas. However, we do have tiny differences of opinion regarding food and fashion. But that's okay; we continue to stretch each other's minds as much as we are able. She works hard to broaden my opinions. ;>)

>154 tututhefirst: Tina, although I haven't completely abandoned Middlesex, I'm in no hurry to finish it. I don't like it for a variety of reasons, none of which include the subject matter. I've since gone on to a variety of other books which I enjoyed or am enjoying much more.

>155 AuntieClio: and >156 laytonwoman3rd: I'm blessed by having...eclectic tastes in reading. I'm equally interested in and pleased by Trollope, Alexander McCall Smith, Plutarch, or Stephen King. So a "classic" isn't usually on a "have-to" list; more on the "Gee, I wonder if this is any good" list. I also enjoy discovering new-to-me authors, again with the "Is this any good?" idea in my head.

This year I was quite disappointed in a series that seemingly everyone else fell in love with. Never mind; still about 50 million books out there.

Up to 72 books for the year. The books are entered in a haphazard rush in Post 1 way up there; I just put them in as I recalled what I've been reading this last quarter of 2014.

This is what I've been doing lately: reading. And sleeping. Oh, and a bit of traveling: spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Hawaii with son and grand daughters. Then more sleeping and reading.

>157 tymfos: and >158 connie53: I used to read whatever I felt like. That was Pre-LT, so it was pretty much hit or miss. LT has provided many excellent recs for books I would have missed. But it's also induced a feeling similar to guilt for not keeping up with what about 50 other people, of equally eclectic tastes, are reading.

It took me some little time to settle back down, pick and choose a bit more carefully, and return to my bliss.

>159 AuntieClio:: Stephanie, hi! Stopped by your thread and stepped over to the paypal thingie to leave a modest donation. I am terribly sorry about all your troubles here at the end of 2014.

>160 LizzieD: Peggy, hard to resist a title like The Ruby in Her Navel, but I fully understand stepping back. I honestly enjoy the old classics and quite a bit of esoteric nonfiction, but sometimes a girl just needs a break!!
I have the first Poldark book on my Nook. Think I'd like it?

>161 LovingLit: Megan, my chin is up when I can stay awake! Not depressed so much, just ...unsettled. Hard to set goals, make a plan, and then get used to the new life. But it's time to pull myself together and get going. And Middlesex is almost done, so will be finished by end of this year. I'm thinking about some areas I want to learn more about next year, whether through fiction or nonfiction.

>162 tymfos: Terri, I had a very pleasant Thanksgiving. Spent a week on the big island of Hawaii. The day itself was spent with just my son and me, eating, drinking, and laughing our way through it. Different and fun.

>163 PaulCranswick: Paul, I had the same feeling about Middlesex: there's a county in Massachusetts, where I grew up, with the same name. I am determined, however, to finish that book before December 31, 2014. Determined, I tell ya.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm not sure what happened; I just seem to have run completely out of steam here. As I may have mentioned above, I sleep a lot. And read. xx to you to, Dear Man.

>164 EBT1002: Ellen! Hi! Will stop over to see what's going on over there on the left coast soon. I'll be there for Christmas as I visit my oldest for a week or so. So much traveling!

Glad to hear that you're getting around. Thanksgiving sounds perfect, and Christmas should be equally as good.
>167 Matke: You absolutely should read the first Poldark. If you don't like it, you won't have thrown away a lot of time, but I predict that you will enjoy it. I know that I'm a shade fanatical about the series, so I don't expect everybody to be as enthusiastic as I am. I do expect people to be entertained.
I think I enjoyed Middlesex. I wasn't wild about it, but it wasn't the slog for me that it seems to be for you. I envy your close approach to the magic 75. I'm trying to make it, but I'm always attracted to big books, and I need to read 7 more before the year is out. I think I can. I think I can.

Hello Gail!

"I'm blessed by having...eclectic tastes in reading."
That is so cool and I love the four examples you listed!

"Hard to set goals, make a plan, and then get used to the new life."
I bet. This sounds so incredibly understandable. I know you are hoping to start looking forward more and perhaps the new year will provide that opportunity, but I'm not at all surprised that the past few months have been filled with lots of reading and sleeping as you adjust and prepare for the next phase.

You're coming to the west coast for Christmas? Perhaps I should know, but where exactly will you be? (*hoping I can turn this into a meet up*)

I read Middlesex back when it was on the "new release" tables in book stores and I liked it quite a bit.

I'll be in the S.F area, Ellen. Arriving on the 22 and returning the 30.

In a triumph of will (not really; I just wanted to say that), I finished Middlesex. It was okay, but somehow just didn't click with me as it did with so many others. The ending was pretty good, the background about Detroit falling apart was good, the whole Greek story was good...I dunno. Maybe he's not an author for me.

I have 3 other books to finish...at least one will be done by the 31st. It would be nice if I could close up Rabbit, Run to bring my AAC total to 12, but I'm not counting on it.

You're coming to the Bay Area? Check your PMs.

I'll get with you, Stephanie, as soon as I check in with the kiddo.

Seriously considering changing my user name. My own sister can't pronounce it, for heaven's sake. I've been thinking about it for a while. Of course, I can't remember how to do it, but someone will point the way...

Well, I did it, despite many moments (oh, hell, let's be honest: many weeks) of doubt: Book 75 has been read!!!

Rabbit, Run by Updike wasn't ma fav. of all time, but I am glad I read it.

On the other hand, Defending Jacob was super, and just what I like: a courtroom drama with not too much gore and lots of suspense. There was a slight and believable plot twist; the book held me in a sort of death grip--I couldn't put it down. Just a wonderful reading experience for #75.

Yippee!

Thank you, Kath!

Not really a new thread; created by mistake.

Getting ready for my trip to the Left Coast--should be fun, but after that I'll be ready to stay home for a while.

mckait Today, 8:04am Top

No, my old mac, which I pulled out to do some stuff with photos ......has a sort of page jump malady. I try to click on one thing, but my page lurches to another spot. I saw this happening, and tried to click above it to post where I meant to, and partially due to the blasted animation in the background making the lurch worse. This happened.

I give up now.

You are not a problem for me, ever.

Carry on.

{{{{{{{{Breezy}}}}}}}