Carmenere's Reading Resort - #4

My 4th thread takes us to Bora Bora. This resort looks like the perfect place for LTer's to gather! Which bungalow has your name on it?

COMPLETED
January Thread#1
1. Mysterious Affair at Styles 3.5/5 post 47
2. O! Pioneers 5/5 post 72
3. Bleak House 4.75/5 post 99
4. The Noticer 4/5 post 129
5. The Testament of Mary audio 4/5 post 137
6. Brooklyn 4.5/5 post 150
7. Dinner at Mr. Jefferson's audio 2.50/5 post 165
8. Things that Matter: Three Decades of Passions, Pastimes and Politics audio 3.75/5 post 209

February Thread #2
9. How The Light Gets In 3.75/5 post 42
10. Storm of the Century 3.75/5 post 50
11. The Dark 4/5 post 64
12. Journey 4/5 post 83
13. The Picture of Dorian Gray 4.5/5 post 84
14. As I Lay Dying 3.75/5 post 95
15. The Book Thief 5/5 post 105
16. The Giver 2/5 post 113

March Thread #2
17. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children 4/5 post 125
18. All the Pretty Horses 4/5 post 131
19. The Husband's Secret 4/5 post 172
20. Blueberry Girl 4/5 post 190

April Thread #3
21. The Cellist of Sarajevo post 36 5/5
22. The Law of Attraction Plain and Simple post 47 3.5/5
23. Divergent post 61 3.75/5
24. Impossible to Please 3/5
25. Gone Girl 3.75/5
26. Winter People 3.75/5
27. Boy, Snow, Bird 2.75/5
28. Frog Music 4.5/5
29. Lean In 3.75/5
30. The Collected Stories of Eudora Welty 3/5
31. Know the Night 3/5
32. Pride & Prejudice Marvel 4/5
33. Best Shot in the West The Adventures of Nat Love 4/5
34. Forged 3.75/5
35. Montana 3.5/5
36. The Foreigners 1.5/5
37. The Alchemist A Graphic Novel 2.5/5

August Thread #4
38. A Game of Thrones 5+/5
39. The Outermost House
40. Let Me Hold You Longer 4/5
41. The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains 4/5
42. Mayflower 5/5
43. Manon Lescaut 5/5
44. Presidential Retreats 3.5/5
45. Jane Eyre 5/5
46. Bartleby, the Scrivener A Story of Wall-Street 3.5/5
47. Benito Cerino 3.75/5
48. Metamorphosis 3.75/5
49. A Country Doctor/ 3.75/5
50. To the Lighthouse 4/5
51. Light in August 4.5/5




Some unfinished business from 2013..........

Half baked cookies

Team of Rivals
Three Musketeers page 135
The Brothers Karamazov page 81

Early Readers to read and review

The Burgess Boys
Forged read 6/14
The Foreigners read 6/14
Across Many Mountains
Nightwoods

States visited through reading in 2013 and 6-18-14

visited 26 states (52%)


Alabama - Inside Out & Back Again Thanhha Lai
Alaska - Into the Wild Jon Krakauer
Arizona - The Devil's Highway
California - Sliding into Home Kendra Wilkinson
Florida - Hoot Carl Hiaasen
Illinois - Things Not Seen Andrew Clements
Louisiana - The Awakening Kate Chopin
Maine - Eternal on the Water Joseph Monniger
Massachussets - The Last Dickens Matthew Pearl
Michigan - Stitches David Small
Mississippi - Mudbound Hillary Jordan
Missouri - Gone Girl
Montana - Montana
Nebraska - O! Pioneers - Willa Cather
New Jersey Everyman Philip Roth
New Mexico - The Dissemblers Liza Campbell
New York - Old New York Edith Wharton
North Carolina - Joyland - Stephen King
Ohio - Summer of Shadows Jonathan Knight
Oklahoma - The Outsiders S. E. Hinton
Rhode Island - Know the Night - Maria Mutch
Texas - All the Pretty Horses - Cormac McCarthy
Utah - The Christmas Box - Richard Paul Evans
Vermont - Winter People Jennifer McMahon
Virginia/DC - The Simple Truth David Baldacci
Washington - The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Sherman Alexie

World Lit

Countries completed as of 4-4-14

visited 18 states (8%)
Create your own visited map of The World or Brazil travel guide for Androidthanks and credit for the map idea to Morphy

The Epic of Gilgamesh - Completed for January 2013TIOLI
My Name is Red - Completed for March 2013 TIOLI
The Odyssey
The Bacchae
The Bhagavad Gita
The Tale of Genji
Journey to the West
Popul Vuh
Candide
Things Fall Apart
The God of Small Things
The 1000 and One Nights

My reading journey this year hopes to include mainly books off my shelf but where noted, from somewhere else.

Mark's challenge 2014 AAC:

Willa Cather: January - O Pioneers! (I own)
OGG Wm. Faulkner: February - As I lay dying (I own)
Cormac McCarthy: March - All the Pretty Horses (library)
Toni Morrison: April - Beloved (I own)
* Eudora Welty: May - The collected stories of Eudora Welty (own)
* Kurt Vonnegut: June - Piano Player (Kindle)
Mark Twain: July - Following the Equator (Kindle)
Philip Roth: August - The Human Stain (I own)
* James Baldwin: September - The Evidence of Things Unseen (library)
Edith Wharton: October - The Ghost Stories of Edith Wharton (I own)
OGG John Updike: November - Americana: and other poems (library)
* Larry Watson: December - Montana, 1948 (library)

Legend: OGG = Oh Good Grief
* = First time author
---------------------------------

Other challenges in 2014:

Neighborhood Book Exchange: To be announced (we have 7 people signed up, so we'll probably pass books thru July)
Book 1 = The Noticer Andy Andrews
Book 2 = The Book Thief Markus Zusak (reread)
Book 3 - The Husband's Secret
Book 4 - Gone Girl
Book 5 - The First Family (I've sworn off Baldacci, sorry)
Book 6 - The Art of Fielding
Book 7 - Whiskey Rebels

GeoCAT: April - Eastern Europe - The Cellist of Sarajevo

MysteryCAT: April - Nordic Mysteries - Redbreast

RandomCAT - April - POETRY CORNER

Unofficial AlphaCAT: April - I & P - Bel Canto - Ann Patchett

Quarterly Bio Challenge:

2nd quarter Wild Swans : Three Daughters of China, from Warlords to Mao
3rd quarter Four Queens: The Provençal Sisters Who Ruled Europe
4th quarter I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban

Other Category Challenges:

2014 Category Challenge Group Reads:

YEAR-LONG

The Arabian Nights - The Arabian Nights - Anonymous

JANUARY

Bleak House - Bleak House - Charles Dickens

MARCH

The Three Musketeers - The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas

Bel Canto - Bel Canto - Ann Patchett

2ND QUARTER

Canterbury Tales

APRIL

Margaret Atwood

JUNE

The Brothers Karamazov-The Brothers Karamazov-Fyodor Dostoevsky

Then there's my personal 2014 Madmen cocktails category challenge (I'm only aiming to complete 1 book from each category:

1. Old Fashioned
- written between 1914 to 1960
1. Mysterious Affair at Styles agatha Christie 1920

2. Bloody Mary
- Mystery, thriller, scarey
1. Storm of the Century
2. The Picture of Dorian Gray

3. Blue Hawaiian
- SciFi

4. Brandy Alexander
- cozy mystery
1. How the Light Gets In

5. Cuba Libre
- Latino/Latina author
1. The Alchemist A Graphic Novel - Paulo Coelho (Brazil)

6. Classic Martini
- classics, naturally
1. O Pioneers! Willa Cather 1913
2. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte 1847

7. Mai Tai
- South Pacific venue

8. Manhattan
- (the Big Apple)= Big Books (Chunksters)
1. Bleak House Charles Dickens 1853

9. Mint Julep
- South of the Mason Dixon line venue

1. As I Lay Dying
2. All the Pretty Horses
3. The Collected Stories of Eudora Welty
4. Best Shot in the West The Adventures of Nat Love

10. Pink Squirrel
- chic lit
1. The Husband's Secret
2. Gone Girl
3. Boy, Snow, Bird

11. White Russian
- Bio of a non-American
1. Things that Matter - Charles Krauthammer - Canadian

12. Zombie
- supernatural
1. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
2. Winter People

13. Sidecar - Travel
1. The Outermost House

14. Grasshopper
- Young Adult
1. The Giver
2. Divergent

I've lined up several Coursera classes throughout the year which I will post here.

January - April, 2014 Constitutional Law
Books in syllabus: 1.Akhil Reed Amar, America’s Constitution: A Biography (Random House, 2005)
2.Akhil Reed Amar, America’s Unwritten Constitution: The Precedents and Principles We Live By (Basic Books, 2012

February/March, 2014 The Music of the Beatles
Books in syllabus: 1. William J. Dowlding, Beatlesongs, Touchstone, 1989 COMPLETED

Feb - April, 2014 Archaeology's Dirty Little Secrets

May - June, 2014 The Art and Archaeology of Ancient Nubia

AND ANOTHER THING:
Still working on the Book of Matthew (Monday morning bible study) Finished but I don't feel right about adding it to my books read. I'm not sure why.

So, if it's anything I've learned this year, it's that I don't have follow through. Challenges bore me! I want to be freeeeeeeee of any obligations to read this at that time. Having the above challenges undone makes me depressed but I'll keep them there just in case I have a earning desire to return to them.

Currently reading Game of Thrones Book #1 Wow! I can see why it appeals to men and women alike.

.

Happy New thread, Lynda! Gorgeous topper! And I am glad you are enjoying GOT! It sure snared me.

Happy New Thread Lynda, hope you are having a good day

Lynda, I'll take any of those bungalows on Bora Bora. I love your idea for an LT commune!

"Challenges bore me"… You have always struck me as a free spirit. Go, Lynda! I, on the other hand, was bored by the one Coursera class I attempted. I think I need the accountability of being in a traditional class with a "real" professor in front of me! Or perhaps I just took the wrong class?

Loved the pictures on your last thread. Are you going to tell us more about your Cape Cod vacation? I would love to go there someday and always enjoy vicarious excursions. Your neighborhood 4th of July extravaganza sounded amazing. We live in a dud neighborhood -- but then we're some of the "duds" so we feel right at home! Enjoy the rest of your summer...

Gorgeous new thread. I had to laugh as when I first saw that picture I thought what a great place for a LT meetup that would be! Then I scrolled down and saw you thought so to! Put my name on any one of those bungalows!

Bora Bora is one of those places I've dreamed of visiting. I'm in!

I spy a new thread! GOT is quite the ride! I know what you mean about feeling as though your reading is being restricted by some of the challenges. No one will mind if you revamp your challenges or even abandon them. It is all about books and reading. ;-)

>9 msf59: GOT is the perfect get away from it all novel, isn't it Mark? I can really get lost in it!

>10 calm: Hi calm! It's been good day but busy one! Always is before we set off on vacation.

>11 Donna828: Ya know what Donna? we can have wine and cheese parties or beer tastings in the roundabouts @ our Bora Bora hideaway! and discuss books of course. That would be awesome!

Sorry your Coursera class was a dud. Just like RL there are some instructors that are outstanding and others that put you to sleep.

We'll be leaving for Cape Cod in a few days. I'll be sure to post pics. I can't wait for real New England Chowda!

>12 DeltaQueen50: OK, Judy! You're in!!!

>13 drneutron: Definitely on my bucket list, Jim! Maybe someday!

Be back soon!

Oops! >14 lkernagh: missed ya there, Lori. I love the challenges and get so excited at the start if the year, I sign up for way too much. In the future I'll try to show some restraint, but it won't be eeeeeasy?

Happy New Thread, Lynda! I love the topper - just look at that water! I'd be worried, though, that I'd drop my book (or mywholeself!) in the water while reading-and-walking to my bungalow...

Morning Lynda! Every time I see a GOT update from you, I smile...

^Oooh, I love the beer and those tasty looking growlers...

>17 scaifea: yeah amber, the absence of railings makes it a bit frightening, especially at night after the wine and cheese get together. :0}

>18 msf59: I'll let you know how they are, Mark.

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Ft Ticonderoga was incredibly interesting. Now I want to read 1776 when I'm done with GOT.

You know, Lynda, I'll take any of those bungalows. Not picky. Really, whichever is available.
What a lovely place to vacation!

I can't quite tell from your lists of challenges -- have you read The Redbreast yet? I have it on my shelf and it seems like a good summertime read.....

OMG how lovely is that resort! Happy New Thread Lynda - and only 20 posts for me to catch up on. Sorry, I'll have to skip the older threads for now...

Such a beautiful photo in your topper. I want to move there immediately, and take all of you with me!

Happy new thread Lynda - that opening picture is amazing!

Bora-Bora looks a shoe-in to win in any vote for LT-Meet-up destination, Lynda, although Cape Cod and its attractions (especially the hoppy ones) would garner a vote or two surely?

Have a lovely weekend. xx

Hi there fellow readers, returned from our trip to Boston and Cape Cod Thirsday night and spent Friday with laundry and oven cleaning. You can only ignore an oven for so long before you just can't any longer.

Back to the trip, after Fort Ti we drove thru Vermont and stopped at Pres. Coolidges's homesite. What can I say, Will loves history. Stopped in Concord, MA @ Minuteman Nat'l Park and checked into Hotel ion Cape Cod about 8PM. Boston traffic is hair raising.

Week's travels: Provincetown and Cape Cod Nat'l Seashore
Brewster Ladies Library - their book sale is HUGE and goes on for a month
Hyannis: Kennedy Legacy Walk
Cape Cod Brewery
Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory
Hyannis Library Booksale
Plymouth Rock, Winery, Dining and shopping
Short trip back to Boston for USS Constitution, Kennedy's Presidential Library and the homesites of pres's John Adams and JQA.

GREAT trip! I'll post some pics and book purchases las well as responses to visitor's later on. Must get back to visiting threads now that things are slowing down.

Welcome back, Lynda! I am sure you had a great time in Boston. We have missed seeing you around.
Have a great weekend.

That thread topper, while gorgeous, is also terrifying for someone like me who has a phobia of the ocean and extreme weather. All I can think when I see it is, "what happens when a tropical storm comes in?! won't everyone get blown away?!" and "what would happen if I slipped and fell?!?!?!

I'd pick the cabin closest to the shore. :D

Hi Lynda! Am I too late to claim a bungalow? I'd like one close to the shore too. Since I have occasional bouts of vertigo I think that would be safer for me!

I'm glad you enjoyed your trip! How nice that Will enjoys history. The last time I went to Williamsburg I was appalled by the groups of students conversing with each other as they walked through town paying no attention to the historic sights around them.

I drove to Boston the only time I've been there, and the traffic was terrifying at times. If I ever go back, I don't think I'll be driving.

I love the Boston area (and Cape Cod too). I'm ready for another trip there myself.

Sounds like an amazing trip Lynda, looking forward to hearing about any book hauls:)

>20 EBT1002: hi Ellen! Consider your bungalow reserved. I specifically purchased Redbreast for the GEOchallange this year but like all my challenges it fell to the way side.

>21 Deern: hey Nathalie! I also find new threads to be the best place/time to catch up with LT friends. So glad you stopped in.

> 22 LOL, Julia if I were a gazillionaire I'd send us all there but first the wooden walkways would need to be reinforced, I can just see us all swimming to safety after the walkways cave in from the weight of our combined book collections

>23 souloftherose: Hi Heather, amazing it is.

>24 PaulCranswick: Hey Paul, I'm positive that with our hoppy sniffers present a good Bore-Bore Brew will be discovered.

> 26 yeah, I'm talking about you in the above post, Mark. You wouldn't have fellow LTers go thirsty, I know.

> 27 LOL! You're so funny, Faith! Ok, bung by the shore, you got it!

> 28 another bung by the shore reserved for you too, Carrie! I hope you n Faith will be well stocked with beverages n snacks for all LTers that pass your bungalows on their way to deeper water bungalows. Big cites are great to visit but I get claustrophobic quickly and yearn for wide open spaces.

>29 thornton37814: Hi there Lori! So much to see n do in Boston and Cape Cod is so quaint and cozy. The Cape Cod image is etched in my mind, love its easy, laid back atmosphere.

>30 calm: Hi Calm, my book haul is small but good enough. Book shopping with my husband is nerve racking, he's always looking at his watch and ready to move on to the next thing. ugh!. My son's pretty cool with it and doesn't mind the browsing. I will post my haulette later today.

? For those using Goodreads. There's a scan app but it doesn't scan my books, is there something I'm missing?

Here's my book haulette from The Brewster Ladies Library on Cape Cod:

Caleb's Crossing
Cape Cod in Color Profiles of America
Martha's Vineyard Houses and Gardens
The Outermost House

from Hyannis Public Library
From Beirut to Jerusalem

And that's it. They guys were in a hurry to explore the next adventure and they win 2 to 1.


A local library sale is starting on 7/30 and should be a more leisurely browse.

* I've reached the 1/2 way point in A Game of Thrones #1 - the excitement keeps rolling along. I just need 1 good do nothing day and I'd finish it. I'll see what I can do about that.

Aaaaah, 60 minutes of pure undisturbed reading at Will's orthondontia appt.

Hey, hey, hey! I just scanned my first book to Goodreads and it was all quite by accident. As I was studying the scan feature one more time, I realized my kitchen tablecloth was in the infrared box. Holy sh**!
The camera is picking up my tablecloth it will also pick up the ISBN, right?! Right!!!!! I got A Game of Thrones and passed the ISBN under the camera so it appeared in he red box, pressed scan and bingo! AGoT is now in my Goodreads library, ready for me to rate it etc. I deserve a glass of wine!

>25 Carmenere: - Sounds like a delightful Boston/Cape Cod trip. I've never been to either destination, but I'd like to make it there one of these days. I've also never had lobster in my entire life, which is probably strange.

>35 Carmenere: Wow, Lynda! You win today. I mean, really! :-)

Your trip does sound wonderful. I love Provincetown and Cape Cod and I would love to get back there someday.

>36 DorsVenabili: Oh, Kerri, You must run to the store at your earliest convenience and grab a package of frozen lobster tails and a lb of butter. Defrost tails and throw them on your grill, dip meat in melted butter. Have a frosty beer on the side and BAM! you've got a great dinner. Frozen is not fresh but in a pinch it will work just fine.

>37 rosalita: Lazy Lynda hasn't even downloaded her pictures yet but I've got a couple of good ones to share. Provincetown is soo cool, so many restaurants, stores and the harbor screams "You're in New England now, baby!"
--------------------

Thoughts on A Game of Thrones: Jon seems like the Harry Potter of "The Wall" and his instructor Ser Allister reminds me of Dumbledore.

Does anyone else think Darth Vader when they see the name Mance Rayder?

People actually showed up! Our neighborhood has had book exchange group get togethers in the past but were very poorly attended. So it was with mixed feelings that we decided to try again and Wow! 6 people turned out to discuss this year's books and a host of other things too. It was a great evening with BYOB and snacks on our lakeside beach and a great way to end this years group!

I'm really excited and I wanted to jot down my book haul as soon as possible. This is from a public library in a neighboring community,.

Amsterdam Ian McEwan
The Round House Louise Erdrich On my wishlist, Bonnie recommended
The Whiskey Rebels David Liss
All Together Dead Charlaine Harris also on my wishlist
The Power of Intention Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Guns, Germs, and Steel Jared Diamond
An Unfinished Life John F. Kennedy 1917-1963 Robert Dallek - For my Presidential Library
Nothing Like It in the World The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1983-1869 Stephen E. Ambrose
Things Fall Apart Chinua Achebe

Will purchased 7 books, all non-fiction all historical in nature

Total $16. Higher than my usual spree but mainly all books are hardbacks.

What a great haul. I've had my eye on An Unfinished Life John F. Kennedy for a long time.

$16 is a great price for all those hardbacks.

Isn't it great when a neighborhood get-together actually works? It can discouraging when people don't show up, so I'm glad you had a good turnout.

I thought The Round House was excellent. I think that's the only one I've read, although I have a couple of those on my wishlist (Guns, Germs and the JFK book). I for one would be interested in seeing what Will got if you were up to listing them, too. I have a weakness for historical nonfiction, myself. And that is a great price

Great book haul! Things Fall Apart was a 5 star read for me. I really liked The Whiskey Rebels. You'll be glad it isn't a "scratch & sniff" book.

Howdy Lynda! Congrats on hitting the halfway point in GOT! You have so much to look forward to.

Pick a time and I'll read Caleb's Crossing with you. I've had that on my T.R. list forever!!

>41 Whisper1: Hi Linda! It looks like an authoritative, no nonsense tome so I'll need to put on my smart hat when I read it.

>42 rosalita: I've heard good things about The Round House, Julia. I'm glad you enjoyed it too.

Here's Will's haul: (Take into consideration that he's taking Russian IV this fall so his selection is a little Russian heavy)
Perestrokia Mikail Gorbachev
The Life and Death of Lenin Robert Payne
To Shining Sea A History of the United States Navy 1775-1991 Stephen Howarth
Stalin The History of a Dictator H Montgomery Hyde
Veil: The Secret Wars of the CIA 1981-1987 Bob Woodward
A Concise History of Bulgaria R. J. Crampton
The Ghost of Freedom A History of the Caucasus Charles King

>43 cbl_tn: Re: Things Fall Apart, Ooooh that's good news too, Carrie! The Whiskey Rebels was a book in our neighborhood book exchange but I didn't get a chance to finish it so I can now read it at my leisure.

>44 msf59: Hi there Mark! I will let you know when I plan on delving into Caleb's Crossing. It won't be this year, maybe early 2015, I'll let you know.

Every chapter in GOT is exciting and full of action. It helps that we're following several people and their adventures.

>38 Carmenere: "Thoughts on A Game of Thrones: Jon seems like the Harry Potter of "The Wall" and his instructor Ser Allister reminds me of Dumbledore."

Ha! Yes, good summary :-) There's a little bit more blood, guts and rape than the HP books though...

A Game of Thrones
George R. R. Martin
807 pages
1996
5+/5

I read it now because, well, winter is coming and I want to get a jump on the series which I hope to finish during the bitterly cold months that are not too far off. Fits into August TIOLI Challenge #12.

Thoughts: Wow! Just Wow!! Martin has written an incredible start to his Song of Ice and Fire series. This huge tome has everything it it and I'd venture to say that most people will find something within its front and back covers which captures their attention and imagination. The reader will find family values, romance, infidelity, conflict, the supernatural and even zombies. Each chapter, recorded from the viewpoint of one of the main characters, is jam packed with excitement and intrigue and this is why 806 pages reads so quickly, the awe 'em and shock 'em concept captures you in its lair and motivates the reader to read on and on. It will be interesting to see just how many shocking events Martin will come up with in the next book in the series, A Clash of Kings. The simple lines of "Winter is Coming", 'The milk of the poppy", "I am the blood of the dragon",
“Swift as a deer. Quiet as a shadow. Fear cuts deeper than swords. Quick as a snake. Calm as still water.” make this a truly memorable read and define characters that are unforgettable. I highly recommend this book.

>47 souloftherose: Hi Heather! Have you read the entire series? What are your thoughts? Does the story continue to hold and intrigue?
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Taking a short break before starting A Clash of Kings to get in a few books related to my recent vacation. Included in line up: The Outermost House, Mayflower and 1776.

Oh yeah, I won an ER! Without you, There is no us. First page captured my attention but I can't continue till I finish up my planned reads.

Now, on to check out the august selection of ER books...............:0)

Grab some popcorn, find a comfy seat and I'll show you some vacation slides! Ha! Remember those days?! Ok, just a few pics from Boston and Cape Cod.

#1 Will and I @ Provincetown, Mass


#2 enjoyed my first lobster roll here. Why didn't someone tell me it's nothing but lobster salad?


#3 Will @ JFK's presidential library


#4 Me @ the Hyannis Public Library. Stumbled into their annual booksale. Some girls have all the luck!

>48 Carmenere: - I am guessing it your rating system doesn't go much higher than 5+/5! Nice! -)

Love the vacation slides!

Oh, I love the look of that library!

I am so glad you loved GOT, Lynda! It looks like we had a very similar reaction to reading it the first time. It was a game-changer. Now, you have the next 2 to look forward to. Smiles...and the HBO series...smiles again..

Hope the week is going well.

>52 lkernagh: I saw that you read GOT this year as well, Lori, so I read your review and am happy to see we're on the same page. Yup, my rating system ends at 5 and GOT of off the charts!

>53 scaifea: Cape Cod is so cozy, Amber and most of the homes and buildings follow the same style but have weathered to a medium to dark bluish hue.

>54 msf59: Mark, now that I've finished GOT #1 I felt it safe to venture into the HBO and it seems to follow the book very closely. What a joy to see faces attached to the names. Smiles? Definitely!!

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Currently reading The Outermost House. How cool it would be to spend a year in Cape Cod and watch the changing landscape. Another one for the overflowing bucket list!

My first batch of presidential books arrived yesterday. They are:
Washington by Ron Chernow
John Adams by David McCullough
Thomas Jefferson by R. B. Berstein
and the out of order American Lion Andrew Jackson in the White House by John Meacham

Now to find time to purge some old books and make some room for the 43 on my bookshelf.

>51 Carmenere:..lovely, lovely images. Years ago when my daughter and son in law lived in Waltham (near Lexington, MA), monthly, we made the 8 hour trek from PA to see them. We had great fun and many memories. Your photos bring those memories back to me. We went on a whale watch from Groton, CT. It was wonderful because we saw many of those majestic animals, one of which jumped high from the water and spun around.

I remember the captain of the boat saying he rarely saw that.

My, but Will is growing into a lovely young man. Where did our years go?

Remembering your post regaring the nostalgia of missing Will as a baby, I found a book you might like:


is delightful and poignant.

Long ago you came to me, a miracle of firsts:
First smiles and teeth and baby steps,
a sunbeam on the burst.
But one day you will move away
and leave me to yoru past,
And I will be left thinking of
a lifetime of your lasts....

>40 Carmenere: That is a great book haul, Lynda! And I love the pics of you and Will. Next year P and I are joining some friends who go to Provincetown every summer. I've never been there and they just love it. One of them will be celebrating her 50th birthday so it seems like a good year to invest the time and money to make the cross-country trip.

Great vacation snaps, Lynda! Only an LTer would go on vacation, visit a library and find out it's their annual book sale!

>49 Carmenere: Hi Lynda. I've read the first four books so far and only have A Dance of Dragons to read to get up to date. The first three books were superb, I thought the fourth dragged a bit at times and Martin introduced a lot of new characters which made it even harder to keep track. I'm still looking forward to book 5 though.

Love the holiday photos!

>56 Whisper1: Oh! you were very fortunate to see a whale breach, Linda! While on the St Lawrence, a couple of years back, we saw many water spouts and a fin or two but otherwise the whales were fairly shy.

>57 Whisper1: I just put a placed a hold on the book you recommended. I'm very blessed to have a son who receives hugs and give hugs easily. Of course I look forward to what the future will bring but we also reminisce about the past often. So many things to still cram in while he's still a "kid".

>58 EBT1002: Wow! and what a cross-country trip that will be, Ellen! So many shops and restaurants in P-town, as they call it What a fun place for a big 50th celebration!

> 59 Only an LTer would go on vacation, visit a library and find out it's their annual book sale! That is so funny, Julia! and sooo true! My guys feed my appetite and keep their eyes open for libraries and sales all the time!

>60 souloftherose: I've got all the books thru #5, Heather. I plan on taking a little breather between each and watch the corresponding HBO series after each book, just to solidify what I've read and perhaps catch something I missed.

Oh, I love the pictures of your trip, Lynda. Cape Cod is a dream destination of mine. Sounds like your summer has been a very good one.

Hi Lynda, love the pictures of your trip. And that library is adorable.

I'm reading book 4 (A feast for Crows) in the GOT series right now. Got to keep ahead of the TV-series

>62 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy!!! It's been a great summer, crappy weather but a great summer none the less.

>62 DeltaQueen50: Adorable! Thanks Connie that's the word I've been looking for to describe Cape Cod.
I'm watching the first season of GOT now and it's great but wooooo, sometimes even I am shocked to see what HBO dares to show.

I've finished The Outermost House and now I'm moving onto Mayflower to keep my Cape Cod experience going a bit longer.

Morning Lynda! Hope the week is treating you well, along with those current reads. Of course I recommended A Land More Kind Than Home to you, over on G.R. but I will add it here as well. It is a GEM!

How are you doing on the GOT HBO series?

>65 msf59: Hey Mark, we're having a spectacular October. Oops, that should read shitty August! Yet I shouldn't complain, the rain has moved off and the temps, although too chilly for me, are good to get some work done outdoors. Thanks for the rec. I've added it to my wishlist, it looks like a winner.
HBO has done a wonderful job with GOT! They nailed the characters! A bit eye-popping at times but I watch it by myself so no one can see me blush.
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It's 50F this morning! Almost turn on the furnace weather as my nose and toes are freezing. But outdoors I will soon go and continue weeding the backyard.

Band camp is over and parents previewed their first half time show. Now, Penny Lane is stuck in my head, which isn't a bad thing. Will has moved up in the ranks from 2nd trumpet to 1st. But there are 5 first trumpets in Marching Band not like 1st Trumpet in Concert Band but it's a huge improvement. And school starts on Monday And Will still needs to read The Help. I will not nag, I will not nag, I will not........ Sophomore year looks to be exciting and fun!

Now for a little review before I head outdoors.

I love Penny Lane! That's a great song for a marching band.

#39-2014
The Outermost House
Henry Beston
1928
222 pages
3.75/5

I read it now because..........I fell in love with Cape Cod and discovered this book at the Brewster Massachusetts Ladies' Library book sale. Wow, a man spends one year living on the beach at Eastham, MA, that's what I'd like to do!
Also fits TIOLI Challenge #12 Read a book which has a word (only a noun, verb or gerund) from the title in the final chapter AND the Madmen Cocktails Category Challenge 13. Sidecar - Travel

Thoughts...............In 1927/28, Naturalist, Henry Beston has a small home built on a large sand dune beside the Atlantic Ocean on what is the forearm of Cape Cod. Here, he plans to study the changes the four seasons bring to fowl, fauna and people who make this place their home, even if only for a season or two. While living a solitary life, Beston documents all he observes. By the latter portion of the book the observations get a little redundant and a tad dull for the novice birder like myself. I preferred to read about the Nor' Easter's that would confine Beston to his little cottage or the men manning the Coast Guard Station who attempted to rescue hapless ships along the coastline. Yet, that said, Beston writes of every detail with wonder and amazement and had me yearning to share in his experience and really look at the amazing world we inhabit and share with birds, fish, celestial bodies, fauna and fellow humans.

This may be the book that is a life changer for me. As the days come and go, I've been oblivious to the natural world which surrounds me. I've already begun to document the butterflies that pay my garden a visit and I look forward to studying the birds who will soon stop at my bird feeder on their migratory journey to a warmer climate or those that find my backyard is the warmer climate for which they've been searching. Thank you, Mr. Beston, you've opened my eyes.

>67 cbl_tn: I agree, Carrie! Will is really happy about the music selections. The 1st half time will be a Beatles medley and music from Shrek for the 2nd game. That will really have us jumping in the bleachers on those chilly autumn nights.

Fall weather, school starting, band season... I love this time of the year!

>66 Carmenere: - we're having a spectacular October. Oops, that should read shitty August!

LOL! You too? Stopping by with hopes for all of us experiencing the weather shift that it is a temporary thing. ;-)

>70 scaifea: Yes, it's a great time of year, Amber! That's why I chose October 2nd for my wedding.
As I was weeding the garden yesterday the aroma of autumn was loud and clear and brought back so many memories of past autumns. Love it, love it. But still, August should still be smelling of watermelon and popsicles. Not bonfires! ;0)

>71 lkernagh: Hope so too, Lori! I just can not accept this global warming story. uh uh, not in Cleveland for sure.

-----
I was going to write a review for Let Me Hold You Longer but I need to wait. My back is achy this morning from all of yesterday's yard work and instead I need to go outdoors sit in my Adirondack chair and read Mayflower So until later...ta ta!

I just registered for a new Coursera class called The Fiction of Relationship. We'll be reading the following books, some of which I've been wanting to move off my bookshelf for a long time, others will be a quick reread, the rest I'll borrow from the library.

•Abbé Prévost, Manon Lescaut (1731)
•Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre (1847)
•Herman Melville, Bartleby the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street (1853) and Benito Cereno (1855)
•Franz Kafka, “The Metamorphosis” (1915) and “A Country Doctor” (1919)
•Virginia Woolf, To the Lighthouse (1927)
•William Faulkner, Light in August (1932)
•Jorge Luis Borges, Ficciones (1956)
•Tarjei Vesaas, The Ice Palace (1967)
•Toni Morrison, Beloved (1987)
•J.M. Coetzee, Disgrace (1999)

Course begins Sept 1st for 14 weeks. I hope to squeeeeze these in with my planned reads.
There's just something about starting school in the fall that gets me motivated.

-----------

I finished the first season of Game of Thrones. Oooooh, it should be called a Tale of Two Women. Dragon lady is really taking control whereas poor Sansa's betrothed to an immature and hateful King. Either she's gonna poison him with an overdose of the Milk of the Poppy or through herself off a cliff. How could anyone live with that guy?

So looking forward to beginning Volume 2 in the series. Maybe the beginning of September - Serial's and Sequel's month!!

#40-2014
Let Me Hold You Longer
Karen Kingsbury
2004
4/5

I read it now because................Linda aka Whisper brought this book to my attention as my little guy is not so little anymore :0(

Thoughts..............This beautifully told and illustrated picture book is directed towards adults, parents actually, in particular a mom who celebrate every memorable first in her child's life. Sadly, however, every first takes a child one step further away from being dependent on their parent. Kingsbury considers all the little things her son did that she knew would some day soon be the last time he'd need her for, things like calming him when he can't sleep at night or his last midday nap, the last trip to the park together. Moments we think will never end just suddenly cease and all we have left are the happy memories. We all just hope to hold on to our kids a "little longer" a little tighter.......and I'm getting teary eyed just writing this review...........mainly because it's all so true. I'm just one page away from "College life will beckon in a brilliant sort of way....." and I wonder where the time has gone. Read this book even if you don't have kids because even family and friends are fleeting and we just need to hold everyone a little bit longer, but especially our kids.

Hi Lynda! Your Coursera class sounds fantastic. Many terrific books. Enjoy! Hope you had a nice weekend.

>75 msf59: Yeah Mark and besides being a fantastic sounding course I will also be able to knock two books off your AAC Challenge!

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Just sent Will off to begin his sophomore year of High School. Means I can get back to my schedule and put in a little LT/reading time in after the bus leaves.

Have a great day book buddies!

I just noticed and signed up for a ReadaThing taking place Labor Day weekend. That is August 28 - September 2nd for those who don't celebrate it. Check out the link http://www.librarything.com/wiki/index.php/ReadaThing-AugSept2014 and join me :0)

>73 Carmenere: - Very exciting list of books, Lynda! Those two particular Melville's blew my mind and I love Coetze too.

Oh, very interesting, Lynda. Congrats on being motivated to do some 'back to school' studying and reading. I'm lazy so I will just follow along and read your comments about your progress.

>78 DorsVenabili: Yeah, Kerri, I read the both Melville's awhile back but Bartleby sticks out in my mind a little more than Cereno. Both will be a quick reread for me.

>79 DeltaQueen50: There's something about the brisk cool are of autumn that gets me off my duff, however the cold crisp winds of Winter will make me a lazy slouch as well. Got to take advantage of that quick burst of energy!

------

So this weekend was a lovely time to weed the back yard. I got a lot done. When I pulled out a dead looking very long root that whipped around my arm, I said to myself, "please don't let that be what I think it is." Well sure enough it was and now I've got poison ivy rash on both forearms. Itches like crazy. I've used calamine lotion, Gold Bond medicated powder and a nurse even told me to dab bleach on the blisters. Does anyone out there have a remedy I can try? Last night I was this close to scratching my skin off :0(

Oh Lynda, I'm so sorry to hear about the poison ivy! I have heard that rubbing vinegar or baking soda on helps draw the poison out, but I wouldn't do this if you have scratched and opened the skin in any way. Also bathing in oatmeal is supposed to be soothing. But overall, I suspect Calamine Lotion and Gold Bond powder are probably your best bet.

Oh no!! Sorry about the poison ivy! I offer no help but lots of sympathy!
Feel better quick!

Lynda, you mentioned you were interested in the September Series and Sequels, I have set up the thread and it's open now for advance planning.

Here is the link: September Series and Sequels

Eeew... so sorry about the poison ivy!! The English wiki gives suggestions for natural treatments like oatmeal, baking soda or hot water compresses, but you sure tried those already.

>81 DeltaQueen50: Thanks for the advice, Judy! I had eczema pretty bad as a baby and my mom gave me oatmeal baths very often. Now that I would be the one cleaning the tub, I'd just as soon suffer ;0}

>82 ChelleBearss: Thanks Chelle, sympathy is graciously accepted.

>83 DeltaQueen50: Ohhhh, thank you so much for the link, Judy. I was checking hot topics for it yesterday and at that time, saw nothing. I'll post my two books this morning.

>84 Deern: Hi Nathalie! how nice of you to check for me! Hot water compresses sound divine but I'm lazy and that's too much work.

----------------
My sun and stars (aka husband for non Game of Throners), went to the pharmacy yesterday and brought home a remedy highly recommended by the pharmacist. It is called "Ivy-Dry Super" and it's a spray on remedy, so it's really easy to use for lazy people like me. Directions say to use no more than 3 x's a day so the effects last about 7 hours. When the itchy's come back I know 7 hours is about up. So far so good, It's drying up the blisters but it's a rather ugly sight to see. Long sleeves for me for awhile.

>85 Carmenere: Ha! Joe will occasionally break out the "Moon of My Life."

Hoping this poison ivy remedy does the trick. What a nightmare!

Lynda, I'm so sorry to hear about your poison ivy troubles. I hope the spray-on stuff keeps working. I've never had poison ivy but I had a reaction to a medication once that broke out both my forearms in a rash and I truly thought I would go insane with trying not to scratch. You have my deepest sympathies!

>86 DorsVenabili: Yeah Kerri, I explained to Bill what Khal's term of endearment was to his wife but it simply went over his head :0(

>87 rosalita: Thanks, Julia. The spray remedy is better than what I was using before but doesn't speed up the healing process mainly just eases the need to scratch. I look like a burn victim. My neighbor gave me a bar of Fels-Naptha soap. Her family always used it when they lived near the Smoky Mountains. She said it will dry up the weepiness. Used it last night and it doesn't stop the itching but it is drying up. So maybe the two products in tandem will do the trick.
----------

A little yoga and a cup of coffee and I'll be back with a few words about The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains by Neil Gaiman

41-2014
The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains
Neil Gaiman/Eddie Campbell - illustrator
2010
73 pages - fantasy
4/5

I read it now...........spotted ii in the new arrival section of my library. Neil Gaiman? Yup, had to get it.

Thoughts............As Gaiman writes in his post script, "It's not a pure prose, not a graphic novel. It's a story with pictures unlike anything else I've written." So what is it? It seems to be a legend told in the dark style that Gaiman's readers have come to know and expect. Basically, it is a tale of a dwarf, why's he need to be short? I don't know. He hears there's gold to be found in a distant cave and he needs the help of a man to take him there. Ok, that's all you need to know, it's a short story and I think the message is loud and clear. It's a dark tail, dark illustrations but it will certainly make you contemplate it.

"Nanu nanu" you guessed it! I'm laughing away my misery with dvd's from the first season of Mork and Mindy! My sides split with laughter back in the 70's and most of it still holds up today. RIP Robin Williams :0( Just when the world needs more laughter ........

Love the Bora Bora topper! Makes me want to go to visit pronto... ahhh, one can dream. Right? Lisa is googling as I type!

I love your vacation "slides". I do remember those! :) Looks like you had a great time!

>91 TinaV95: Oh yeah, Tina, I've been dreaming away myself. If only I could claim myself as a Kardasian! Hey, maybe with my blond hair and fair skin they put me out as the black sheep in the family. Huh! now that would be some kind of reality show!

-------------
After trying numerous remedies which only made my skin red, itchy and crusty I caved and squeezed into my dermatologist's schedule. She promptly put my on Prednisone for a period of three weeks, diminishing the dosage accordingly, and a medicated cream. Well, was I a fool to wait. Last night was the first in 4 nights where I was not awakened my itching. Ahhhh, relief is on the way!

Still reading Mayflower and the Pilgrim's are now @ Plimoth Plantation, (well, what remains of them). Philbrick, who's getting most of his info from Wm. Bradford's journal, says there is no mention that the Pilgrim's actually stepped on any particular rock when they descended from the Mayflower. He says the story is mainly myth. Gads! I wish I hadn't read that. Surprises me that a temple like structure was built to protect the rock I saw last month. Probably just for tourists to ogle. Will and Bill in front of the temple.

The rock

Glad to see you found some relief from your itching!

Hi Lynda! Love the vacation pictures and the good news about finding a book sale. Lucky you!

>73 Carmenere:: Your new Coursera course sounds interesting. September 1st sounds like the perfect timing to begin a class. I am almost tempted to join you, but I am going to follow Judy's plan here >79 DeltaQueen50::.

It has been several years since my last bout of poison ivy. The memory lingers, however; I will make a mental note about Ivy-Dry. Seven hours of itch relief sounds like a miracle to me!

>93 ChelleBearss: Hey Chelle! Yes, the itching has subsided quite a bit. However, I still look like a burn victim and I'll be wearing a sweater to the Indians game today, even though it is 80f.

>94 Donna828: Ha, ha, ha Donna! Another lazy lady huh?! Well, I don't mind updating you and Judy. I'll be knocking off a couple of Mark's AAC books so.....na na na na naaaaa!

BTW: The Ivy-Dry is a good enough product but after a few days of use, I clearly needed something more. I should have gone to the dermatologist as soon as I saw it spreading. Yuck :0P

it is such a beautiful morning, I can not resist the temptation to go down to our neighborhood lake/beach. Ptooohee! on chores. Summer is nearly gone so I'm soaking it up for the painfully cloudy, cold days ahead. Mayflower is coming with me. A wonderful book.

Great idea to abandon the chores for a lovely day at your neighbourhood lake/beach! Chores will always be there for those overcast/rainy days of fall. ;-)

>96 Carmenere: Totally jealous that you have a beach so close. It's about 6.5 hours for me to get to the Charleston, SC area which is the closest beach to me.

Hi Lynda! Just checking in after my whirlwind Booktopia adventure. I am really hoping they pick Ohio, (preferably the western part) for next year. There are many LTers and Good Readers located in that state. It is a no-brainer, my friend.

Hope you had a good weekend.

Oh, Lynda - I wish I had read about your poison ivy earlier. My (adult) daughter got a terrible case of it a few years back. Really bad - it even got infected - upset her whole system. In the old days (when we were kids) we would just suffer till it cleared up. But now, as you know, there are things a doctor can do to make it all so much easier. Anyway... I am glad you finally got relief. I got poison ivy so many times when I was a kid. I can empathize.

But the great news - - -
The course you are taking from Coursera is fantastic. I took it and loved it! Great professor and great reading. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. A few of the books were re-reads for me. After listening to the lectures I got so much more out of them.

I have heard the Plymouth Rock controversy. They can't prove or disprove the legend. They were going to get rid of it a long time ago but saved it because there was an elder who was there and said he remembered the landing and the rock. Some elders are sharp, some are not... who knows about this one?

Hey! It's not Bora Bora but this is the place I've been spending these lovely late summer afternoon's. All the kids are back at school and the beach is mine...all mine! Braa, ha,ha,ha, haaa!


Yesterday my first Monarch butterflies ever to descend upon my new butterfly bush er, Buddleia (thanks calm). Flying in tandem for their long journey to Mexico.


High school open house last night! All Will's teachers are so young and dynamic! I love em all!

-------
And now to my visitors!

>97 lkernagh: Yes Lori!! The chores never, ever go away but these beautiful summer days will not last much longer. Going for the gusto!

>98 thornton37814: Well, it's not a big beach with big water but it is within walking distance and it's really all I need to clear my head. Driving to Lake Erie would be tooo stressful and not as friendly as the ole neighborhood swimming hole.

>99 msf59: Oh Mark, western O-H-I-O would be nice but I've lived East of the Cuyahoga River my whole life and I'm calling the Booktopia gods right now ;0}
Must travel over to your thread to see all the Topia Talk!

>100 -Cee-: Ceeee! I think I'm high on Prednisone. This stuff is great! I've got energy coming out the wazoo and everything's great "cause I'm happy"!
So glad to see you enjoyed "The Fiction of Relationship" coursera course. I'm reading Manon Lescault right now and I think the writing is excellent. Really draws me into the story and wondering how Manon ended up in chains. Good stuff!
Plymouth Rock - Well, hurray for elders! Hey who's to say for sure but it is symbolic even if not the precise stone. We all need something to hold onto and mark an important point in our nations history. And I always say, " I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing." Thank you Mr. Socrates.

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Ok, a little visiting before I yoga and breakfast. Have a super fantastic day everyone!! :0))))))

Eeeep! working on my butterfly pic. They are evasive little guys, no?
Ahhh, there they are!

>101 Carmenere: - Lovely relaxation spot!

I had a monarch butterfly fly into the house the other morning and then couldn't find it, so yes they are evasive, for being relatively large! Joe found it later and released it.

>102 DorsVenabili: Well, how cool is that!? Hurrah for super sleuth, Joe! At first I thought they were leaves blowing across my deck and then their yellow wings astounded me! Glad I had my iPad in my lap or I would've missed them.

Oh yeah! I won an ER book as well! Why Homer Matters by Adam Nicolson . This will be a great companion to The Iliad and The Oddysey which I've been slacking on lately.

Not quite ready to start September as I'm finishing up Mayflower which is so awesomely good
I also began my first book for the Coursera class Manon Lescaut. So far, also awesomely good.

After reading some really great books recently I've decided to change my rating schedule a bit.

Thus: 5 stars = I love this book so much I want to hug it and keep it forever.
4 stars = Close to perfection but not quite there.
3 stars = There's just something that bugs me.
2 stars = Words, words, words, nothing but words
1 star = How many paper planes can I make with this waste of pulp. How much warmth will it generate in the fireplace?

OK, that should do it.

Hope you're all ready for a great holiday (or for some, regular) weekend!

Hey! Maybe one of you wonderful techie folks could let me know how to post those little blue stars I see on other threads. Thannnnkkksss!

Glee! Slow to warm up to my kindle app, I have finally come to see its virtues and think I can get accustomed to it. Highlighting text sends it to personal notes and I can bring up a fave quote very easily. :0D

I'm getting Why Homer Matters too! I saw a couple of news articles today about a major archaeological find in Greece. It's a very large tomb that dates to the time of Alexander the Great.

>107 cbl_tn: Yes, Yes! Carrie! I've been following the story too! The stone gate with what they are calling sphinx atop of them. I've read they will discover soon who lies within. Exciting stuff!
BTW: Congratulations on your ER win!

I'm on the distribution list of an archaeologist colleague. Every couple of weeks he sends lists of links to articles that have caught his eye, and the tomb in Greece made this week's list.

Great Monarch photo! We had a beautiful red butterfly on our porch the other day. No idea what kind it was but I had to put the dogs in the house as they were determined to snack on it! Thankfully it got away unscathed!

>105 Carmenere:: Lynda, I love your new rating system. You have a wonderful way with words. I hope all your September books are awesomely good! I have three butterfly bushes; one is more like a tree! Lots of butterflies coming through now. Yay! for those determined Monarchs. Have you been to their winter home in Mexico?

Lynda, reference your reading of Homer's works, you may want to look into this internet class put by Hillsdale College.
I'd recommend, if you don't have time, just watch the two video lectures on the Iliad and the Odyssey. They are short, about 30-40 minutes, but very much worthwhile.
Here is the link:

http://online.hillsdale.edu/course/books101/schedule

You may have to sign up to take the class, no charge of course.

>109 cbl_tn: cool Carrie! I thoroughly enjoyed the Coursera class I enrolled in earlier this year through brown University. Fun homework, terrific video lectures, just awesome.

>110 ChelleBearss: Hurray for unscathed butterflies! I can see how attractive they would be to your furry kids.

>112 xieouyang: Great! I'll check it out Manuel.

Hey guys! I can't begin to tell you what a great reading weekend I'm having over at the Readathing!
I completed 2 books and started 2 others. Best of all, I've discovered the joys of reading on my Kindle App which up to this time was not really enjoyable for me.

Morning Lynda! Yah, for the Readathing! Sounds like you are having a good holiday weekend.

>117 msf59: Hey Mark! It's been a fantastic weekend of reading. The hot, humid, often times rainy weather only helped me to accomplish all I set out to do.

And here come the comments..................

#42-2014
Mayflower
Nathaniel Philbrick
2006
461 pgs including notes, bibliography and index


I read it now because.............wanted to keep that ole Cape Magic from vacation alive. August TIOLI Challenge 12. Read a book which has a word (only a noun, verb or gerund) from the title in the final chapter.

Thoughts.............There is much not to like about the Pilgrim story. For example the hypocrisy of a group of people wanting to express their faith freely and then are intolerant to those who worship in a different manner. The brutal slaughter of Indians and Pilgrims alike and misunderstandings, fear of change and greed that leads to war and slavery. Disease and starvation were companions, as well. It certainly wasn't all pumpkin pie (actually, I don't recall Philbrick mentioning anything about pumpkins) and turkey. Yes, some of it is certainly mythical in nature but when you come right down to it......it was authentic. From the point in which Samoset first welcomes them with "Welcome, Englishmen!", from the point the Pilgrims began to learn from the Indians and work with them to build community, from the point when trade between the two cultures begins, the reader senses something special is happening here. With the level heads of Bradford, Winslow and Massasoit the first colonists enjoyed relative peace and a low level of prosperity. The generation to follow and newer residents lost sight of this co-existence and became lost in turmoil.
Mayflower's story ends with the conclusion of King Philip's war and the reader sighs and says, "Now what?" "How can these cultures begin to heal and survive together?" But that is where the American story begins. There's no sugar coating it, it's not always pretty but there it is.
Mainly, I rated this book so highly because I found Philbrick's work so readable. It moved with the gentle tides of the land of which it was written. The concluding chapter gives pause for thought and some interesting information he could not have otherwise included in the body of the work.

#43-2014
Manon Lescaut
Abbe Prevost
1731
155 pages


I read it now because................It is required reading for Coursera class "The Fiction of Relationship" presented by Brown University.

Thoughts...................I went into this book totally unaware as to what it was about,
the nature of the issue at hand nor the depth and sophistication of the theme. With that said, here is the short tale of Chevalier des Grieux, a young man fully prepared to become a member of the Order of Malta. As he was leaving Amien to return home he meets Manon Lescaut who has just arrived to begin her novitiate. The young Chevalier is immediately smitten with her beauty and "on the instant, deprived of my reason and self-control." Their relationship begins with a lie and before you know it they run away together and abandon all thought of their intended plans. Over and over again, Manon is torn away from Chevalier by other suitors, suitors who lure her away with jewels and money. Manon always makes it appear that it is her "project" to fill their coffers. They're like grifters, running from the law, devising another "project", then on the run again. It never matters to Chevalier, he will do anything to regain her love and provide for the niceties she has come to desire and expect. It is very easy to become frustrated with Chevalier, how gullible can he be? Why does he return to her? Is his love simply an obsession? Is Manon simply a prostitute or does she truly love him? And what of all the friends and relations who come to Chevaliers aid, are they enablers that allow Chevalier to continue his wayward life? What propels them to be just as gullible as Chevalier?
Lots of deep questions to address and I look forward to the lectures provided in class.
One other thing, Prevost immediately captures the reader by starting at the end and then relating Chevalier's story. In doing this, the reader is in want of answers and plows thru the novella.
Loves me, loves me not. You decide.

>111 Donna828: Hi Donna! I just realized I failed to respond to your post :0(
My treelike butterfly bush was brutally murdered by the winter of 2013/14. The butterflies are probably surprised to see its much smaller replacement. I hope to add another one in the spring.
No, I've not been to their winter home in Mexico but I do have a fabulous memory of us pulling into the parking lot of our hotel in Uxmal and being greeted by tons and tons of small yellow butterflies. They were everywhere! There would be a sea of them resting on the parking lot asphalt. Unexpected and super awesome.

Love your new rating system and those huge gold stars. However - far from wishing you a bad read - I am now somewhat curious what 1 star would look like. Small and blinking in red?

Must get to The Odyssey some time this fall. I so enjoyed the Illiad, I should have just read on last year.

Ha, ha, ha I hadn't thought about that, Nathalie. It could look like this or maybe this

BTW: First week of class for "Fiction of Relationship" is incredible. Very deep class that's surely will make me think ponder the intentions of characters a little bit more. Take them out of my myopic viewpoint and spin them on their ears.

>119 Carmenere: - Good review! That certainly sounds better than plowing through Of Plymouth Plantation, which goes down as one of my most awful forced reading experiences.

Your Coursera classes sounds great, by the way!

>125 DorsVenabili: Well, thanks for letting me know about OPP, Kerri! I considered putting that one on my to read list but an "awful forced reading experience" is not what I'm looking for, so I'll just let it go.

----------------

Hey! Anyone been to Branson, MO? I was thinking about a trip to Lincoln's Pres Library in Illinois and thought perhaps we can combine it with a timeshare swap in Branson.
Is there enough to do there? Would a 15 yr old find some sort of enjoyment there? Your thoughts are greatly appreciated. :)

>123 Carmenere: Ha! I vote for solo star #2 (with the tear under left eye)

>124 Carmenere: I've taken a few Coursera courses and liked them a lot... but "Fiction of Relationship" was my favorite. "Incredible" is the right word.

>127 -Cee-: Hi Ceeeeee! And the discussion boards have been sooooo good too! Professor Weinstein, to me, is how a top notch university professor should be.

Eeeek! Hi School football team now at 0-2. But the band, ok call me prejudice, was outstanding! They did their Beatles medley last night of Penny Lane, Let It Be and Hey Jude. Phenomenal!

>126 Carmenere: It has been years since I've been to Branson, but we have friends that have vacationed there recently. They really enjoyed the outside activities - hiking, fishing, water sports - around Branson. And there are some of the typical tourist town things, like mini golf, etc.

By the way, your Coursera class sounds great. I'm off to learn more about it!

>129 porch_reader: Thanks for your comments regarding Branson, Amy! It appears we've already moved on from Branson. I seemed to be the only one interested. Cocoa Beach is also off the list and now considering the south west. And this is why we begin planning our vacations 10 months in advance :0)

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I'm re-reading Jane Eyre for Coursera with a focus on a "backdrop of feminist concerns" & plots available to "female protagonists in mid-19th century Euro/Brit/American culture. "

Finished a very nice book Presidential Retreats in one day. I'll give a brief write up tomorrow.

Clash of Kings is progressing nicely. It's so nice to connect with the characters I've met in A Game of Thrones

I haven't visited much and I miss doing so but a lot on my plate soooooooo

It's a little early, but it's just how I feel about October.

>131 Carmenere: Oh, amen! October is my favorite!

>132 scaifea: My son and stars proposed to me on October 2nd '92 and we were married the following October 2nd. Yeesh, coming up on 21 years together! How did that happen?!

#44-2014
Presidential Retreats

Peter Hannaford
2012
338 pages
3.5/5

I read it now because.............It jumped into my hands at the library. Fits TIOLI challenge #22: Read a book from the 900 section of the Dewey Decimal System (List number) Thanks for adding that one Morphy!

Thoughts..................Easy, breezy read covering the getaways of every US president from George Washington to Barak Obama. Besides offering information on each presidential retreat the author adds a brief bio on each president and the time in which they lived. Hannaford also provides info as where the retreats are located, visiting hours and a website for further discovery.
I couldn't help but think about how easy it would be to assemble a book of this nature. One could find all this information on the internet, toss in a few pics and voila! you've got yourself a book. Yet the nice thing about this book is that all the work's been done by Hannaford and all the reader needs to do is choose which place to visit.

>133 Carmenere: That *is* an excellent reason to love fall!

>131 Carmenere: Speaking of loving fall, I just bought some really good apples. They are really juicy and crisp, they taste like fall to me!

>135 scaifea: Hey Amber, That and crunchy leaves, apple cider, apple festivals, Mmmmm, apple butter! cool looking boots and warm wooly sweaters. Oh! let's not forget friends around a cozy bonfire! Spooky stories!

>136 DeltaQueen50: I know what you mean, Judy. Apples as crisp as an autumn evening. Days filled with blue skies acting as a backdrop to leaves the color of the rainbow! aaaah! Pumpkins!

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On my quest to develop my reading goals for 2015, I'm planning on reading at least 1 reincarnated tree book from my collection, 1 off my kindle, 1 from the library and if I have any, an ER book, got to move those babies a weeee bit faster.

Unfortunately, I really haven't touched my September Series books. :o( I'm caught up in this coursera stuff and Jane Eyre. Sigh

>137 Carmenere: Yes, yes, yes, YES!! I love all of those things! We've even had our first gallon of apple cider from the local store - delicious!

>138 scaifea: Ya beat me to it, Amber. I'll pick up a jug this weekend :0)

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I stumbled upon a Surprise booksale Tuesday. Ack! NO cash on me!!! So I returned yesterday and Lookie what $2 bought me............

Finding Moon Tony Hillerman
People of Darkness Tony Hillerman
The art of racing in the rain Garth Stein
Murder in the Mews Agatha Christie
Readings on Ernest Hemingway
Readings on John Steinbeck
The Son Philipp Meyer

>139 Carmenere: - Ooh, that's a lot of book for $2.00!

Are you enjoying Jane Eyre? I remember passionately loving it as a young person (8th grade?) and I keep meaning to do a reread - a re-listen, actually, since I have it as an audiobook. Maybe next.

>139 Carmenere: I'll admit that I was surprised to see the cider in the stores this early.

>140 DorsVenabili: Hey Kerri! This is my third read of JE. It really captured my imagination in high school when I was all into gloom and gothic and mystery and English countrysides. This time I'm reading it a little more critically and zooming in on the talking points of the Coursera class which include feminist concerns and plots available to female protagonists in 19th cent literature. And then there's the social class issue.

>141 scaifea: Lookie Amber! I've brought some to share with my visitors!

---------------------------

OK Ok, get this! on my quest to develop a more fulfilling reading experience in 2015 I've devised the "Pasta Pick". I copied the list of books in my library as shown in LT. Cut it into strips and I thought wow! this is like a pile of pasta. So, when I have an empty pasta box I'll put my strips into it and draw @ least one a month to read. Absolutely random!

Yup, certifiably nuts :0}

I love your Pasta Pick challenge! I'm trying a random(ish) category next year where I start with one book and then the next book must be linked in some way to it, and so on. The links can be just about anything from author's sharing a name, to setting, to cover similarities, to tags. I can't wait to see where this leads - I just hope not to a dead end!

What a fun way to read books listed in your library!

>142 Carmenere: I tried something similar one year. It worked for me for awhile. I think I need to identify fewer books to put in the box if I ever do it again instead of all my unread books.

>143 DeltaQueen50: That's an interesting concept.

Yum, that cider looks good! I bought more at the shop yesterday.

Also, I love the pasta pick idea! I think I'd need 2 or 20 spaghetti boxes, though...

Hi Lynda. Trying to catch up with a few people with my Sunday morning cup of coffee.

To start with, a class called "The Fiction of Relationship" sounds amazing, and what a great reading list. Also, your review of Manon Lescaut has me adding it to my wish list. And your comments about how you're approaching this third reading of Jane Eyre almost make me want to read that one again....

I, too, like your Pasta Pick challenge idea for 2015. I think Judy's idea is kind of interesting too. Less random. I haven't even started thinking about how I'll approach my reading in 2015! :-D

I hope your Sunday is lovely.

Hi Linda,

catching up after few months of busy, busy time... I managed to read the Pasta pick, is a wonderful iea and I promise to do the "past" between Christmas and New year and then do this all 2015.
Because deciding on the next read it is becoming a real chore - too many i want to read and not enough willpower to prioritize them...

Enjoy a wonderfull fall

>143 DeltaQueen50: I LOVE your idea, Judy! Don't worry about dead ends. When you're really desperate you can link books that have 9's in their page numbers or have a chapter 2. ;0}

>144 lkernagh: Hey Lori, I love books, I love pasta. good way to combine both.

>145 thornton37814: Howdy Lori, It's just been so hard to choose a book when their all smiling at me and whispering "please pick me". This way every book has a fighting chance.

>146 scaifea: I think I'd need 2 or 20 spaghetti boxes, though... he he he!
That brought to mind that I need a system for my kindle books! What should I use to keep those paper strips. Hmmmmm Stay tuned!

>147 EBT1002: Hey Ellen! I'm finding JE a good follow up to Manon. 2 women, 2 different ways of approaching life and love and 2 narrators who are completely different. One thinks with her head, the other thinks with his private parts.

>148 tigerlyly: Well hello there, Liliana!
too many i want to read and not enough willpower to prioritize them I couldn't agree more! My pasta pick will make it official and no wavering allowed. The book gods have spoken and that's that! Wishing you a not so busy fall!
-----------

I'm in love! my new Food Network electric skillet is amazing! It's big enough to make a family size serving of pancakes at one time or frying up cutlets in one swoop. It's little things like this that make me smile. Gives me additional free time to read :0)

Saturday night's Band Bash at a local High School brought 10 marching bands together from across the area including my sons. All were Soooo awesome.

Off to yoga. Namaste!

Reply | More

Jane Eyre
Charlotte Bronte
1847
5/5

I read it now because...............required reading for Coursera class "The Fiction of Relationship". September TIOLI challenge #10 Read a book that takes place in a country in which you have never set foot (England), Madmen Cocktails Category Challenge #6 Classic Martini .

Thoughts............The first time I read Jane Eyre, at the age of 16 or 17, my reaction about this book was purely emotional. I loved it then but I didn't see beyond the surface of plain, though intelligent, teenager falls in love with wealthy, yet unattractive, older man who is slated to marry a haughty and beautiful woman and holds a deep dark secret in the attic. This time, my third read, I concentrated on Ms. Bronte's evolution of Jane and how she transformed herself over the course of this novel. Through a difficult childhood she was fortunate enough to have role models in her life who would lead her towards her destiny. Hers is a difficult road, one with a few detours, yet she finds happiness by staying true to herself. One could study this book over and over again and still find surprises planted by Ms. Bronte. Highly recommended.

Assignment for next week, Bartleby and Benito Cereno. I remember Bartleby pretty clearly from my first read of it a couple of years ago. I know I've read Benito, but I can not recall it at all.

I love Jane Eyre. I need to schedule a re-read sometime...

Happy autumn to all my northern hemisphere friends and happy spring to all those in the southern!!

Lynda, today is a perfect first day of autumn in Southwest Missouri. By the way, I live about an hour from Branson and would be delighted to make that beautiful drive if you make it a destination. Silver Dollar City has some awesome roller coasters including Outlaw Run which would be a dream ride for a 15-yr-old. Branson is pretty commercialized but does offer a plethora of family attractions.

>152 scaifea: Hi Amber! I was so excited about autumn arriving that I neglected to respond to your post. The funny thing about Jane Eyre is that I love it even more now than I did 30+ years ago. I think through life experience and learning that finding your soul mate is no easy task makes this book all the more enjoyable. I hug it!

>154 Donna828: Donna! A meet up with you would be beyond awesome!! I let you know what we've decided upon in advance but as of now Branson's been put on the lower end of the spectrum of possible vacation destinations. Other possibilities are Scottsdale, AZ, Las Vegas & Cocoa Beach.

This is not something you see very often in the Cleveland area so I must share

#46-2014
Bartleby the Scrivener A Story of Wall-Street
Herman Melville
1853
81 pages
3.5/5

I read it because................required for "The Fiction of Relationship" Coursera class

Thoughts..................Bartleby is hired by a lawyer with an office on Wall Street as a Scrivener. A scrivener is a copier of legal documents be for Xerox machines were an office fixture. He begins his employment diligently but when asked to check his work with his co-workers he politely begins his mantra of "I would prefer not to." He uses this for any assignment or when asked to indulge any information about himself.
This is a very thought provoking novel and the reader wonders what happened to Bartleby to make him so pleasantly disobedient and why his employer is so lenient in allowing him continue his disobedience. In addition to this obvious questions the reader is to take into account what Wall Street is all about and, then to, the reader will contemplate the walls which surround us, those we physically construct and the mental walls that isolate us.
I may have given this book a higher rating for Melville's writing is quite good but the answers to the questions are left for the reader to ponder and with no easy answers I would say it's not a book to read strictly for enjoyment but one if you like a novella which leaves room for contemplation.

#47-2014
Benito Cereno
Herman Melville
1855
119 pages
3.75/5

I read it now because.............another requirement of "The Fiction of Relationship" Coursera Class

Thoughts.................This was a difficult book to read, not only is Melville's prose a little less flowing but the subject matter is not an easy one to assess. I won't give away more than that because the story unravels itself at its own pace. Worthy of a read simply because Melville's a master.

Next up is Kafka's Metamorphosis. As many of the books have been rereads for me this one is not and really looking forward to exploring Kafka.

Hey folks! Last night at our neighborhood Octoberfest party I was fortunate enough to win the wheel barrow of booze prize. Thought I'd share it with my LT buddies

Wow!

What a great prize!

wow. That is a lot of booze. congratulations. Imagine if your neighborhood had a wheelbarrow of books. Now, that would be something eh?

Well Lynda this course is certainly not providing you many easy reads......good luck with Herr Kafka. You might enjoy it more with the wheelbarrow of beer safely inside you!

Love Octoberfest parties! Yummy! Congrats on that tasty win. Hope you had a great weekend, Lynda.

Smorgasbord! I'll be over after work... :)

>160 lkernagh: That's exactly what I said Lori!

>161 DeltaQueen50: it was part of our annual community fundraiser, Judy. Each couple attending had to bring a bottle of wine, booze or a 6 pack to fill the barrow so raffle tickets were all profit. We also had a 50/50 raffle and an electric guitar was donated for another raffle. Can't wait to learn what the bottom line amounts to.

>162 Whisper1: a wheel barrow of books is an awesome idea, Linda! Must store that thought away for later use.

>163 PaulCranswick: Ya know Paul, I'm half way through Metamorphosis and I'm being to think Kafka really wanted to title this story Metaphorsis! Lol, no, no, no! No booze while I study or read, it will just have to wait!

>164 msf59: our neighborhood parties are usually a blast! This one's especially nice because before long will all be winter hermits.

>165 drneutron: Oh Jim! You would have loved the grilled Brats with sauerkraut Yummy!

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It's a rainy fall day here and perfect to stay in and write my paper for Coursera. I'm writing an analytical paper of 300-500 words on the Madwoman in the attic from Jane Eyre. Shouldn't be too difficult to bs my way thru that one. It's peer graded so.....

Best wishes to all for a lovely weekend!

Dropping in to catch up with you Lynda, and what a bit of serendipity that you are writing a paper on the mad woman in the attic from Jane Eyre, as I am currently reading...wait for it...Wide Sargasso Sea! Wishing you the best of luck on that paper. And the wheelbarrow of booze totally cracked me up - looks like you got some good stuff there. Did I spy Dogfish Head? Yummy stuff, that.

Hoping that your weekend is filled with fabulous!

Oooooh, I want to read that one, Mamie! we talked a little bit about that in class.
BTW: switched our 'Living Dead in Dallas" to the Halloween challenge.

Love this pic from Alibris...... CAn you read the subliminal message?

Paper done and submitted! Now to complete Metamorphosis and begin A Country Doctor.

>168 Carmenere: The first line jumped at me, but it took me a while to see the rest.

Is it just the short story "A Country Doctor" or the collection of stories? We had to take those apart in high school and since then, sadly, my relationship to Kafka's works isn't at its best anymore. I reread "Metamorphosis" some years ago and liked it again, but there's something about the ACD story that still goes completely against me.

Nice prize! :)

>170 Deern: We needed to read only Metamorphosis and A Country Doctor. That's all. I really don't see how I could have read these without the professor's insights. For instance he mentioned Kafka's Letter to His Father and how Franz felt belittled by him thus Gregor as the bug being so small in comparison to his father. Here, I thought the story was some metaphor for WWI. Doingggg!
Really looking forward to what he says about ACD.

-----------------------
Ode to Homecoming...
Monday: Mom - "I'll write you a check for $15 for the dance"
Son - "Actually I need $30....I'll pay you back"

Tuesday: Mom - "Ok did you buy a ticket to help some one out?"
Son - "Ah Yeah"
Mom - "Does this person have a name or just a random person walking down the hall?"
Son - "Female person"
Mom "Female person have a name?"
Son - "E..... and ....
"mom, I need a red tie" Oh my!
"and I have to get a corsage thing" (as he motions to his wrist - Ack!
Mom "And are we going to pick her up?"
Son - "There's a party at her house before the dance"
Mom - "When were you going to tell me this?"
Son - "woe, gotta go, time for the bus"

Help! What am I supposed to do? When I drop him off, do I introduce myself to E and her parents?
Do I stay to take pics? I need advice!!!!!

Okay, here's my 2¢ worth - let him set the pace. If he wants you to come in and introduce yourself and take pictures, then do so. Otherwise just drop him off. If you don't know what he wants, then ask.

Sending you hugs because I remember those days!

>172 Crazymamie: That was my first thought too, Mamie, simply 'cause I've always been the loosy goosy type but Homecoming's so special, I just want to get it right, yet I don't want to embarrass him in any way. Yeah, I'll follow his lead. Thanks!

#48-2014
Metamorphosis
Franz Kafka
1915
51 pages
3.75/5

I read this now because.............."Fiction of Relationship" Coursera

Thoughts................Well, my initial thoughts about the message of this story were basically off. It takes a little knowledge regarding the author to fully appreciate the story of Gregor, a traveling salesman, who supports his aging, unemployed parents and younger sister, Grete. Well written and intriguing story, the reader certainly sympathizes with Gregor and his plight. Yet, questions as to why and how Gregor became a bug go unresolved to the casual reader and why his parents and sister react to his situation give one some thought provoking questions to ponder and to realize that situations like this happen everyday.

....but then again, I don't want to slight the girl nor her parents. Ya never know, they could be inlaws someday :0}

Oh, wow. I have absolutely no helpful advice about the Homecoming Gal, but instead I'll wait right here to see how you manage it and tuck that away for future reference... Best of luck!

>176 scaifea: Just wait, Amber, the time will be here in a blink! I just texted a friend of mine for advice she has two sons and probably went thru the same thing. Friday is my meetup @ Panera with neighborhood moms. I think they'll have some advice too. I'll keep you posted.

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Busy morning/day - finish this weeks Coursera lectures
yoga
Groceries for mom (check out corsages)
take said groceries to mom
Purchase aforementioned red tie.
continue basement clean up. (may take a week)
read To the Lighthouse
and write a quickie review of A Country Doctor

Saw it, saw it! and the eclipse before hand too. I can not take credit for this pic but I tried although anything I did would not have done it justice. So thanks to Hollie at WKYC in Cleveland!

Oh, I really want to know how this homecoming thing turns out!

We don't have that kind of stuff in the Netherlands. Not that official anyway. Just a festive evening with dancing.

Hi Amber and Connie! Here is the Homecoming report. Long story short, sort of.

What a great weekend. It began with the parade and pep rally on Thursday. My son's in the Marching Band so big part of parade and rally.
Friday was the football game. after a dismal start our team is now 4-2 winning 4 in a row. Again, Marching Band performs at halftime.

Saturday, the dance. My son chose the corsage. I didn't want to get it wrong! When we picked it up before the dance, I think we were both a bit disappointed. It looked like a corsage for an older person, but as it turned out it was a perfect match for dates dress and she liked it.
The night began w/a pre-dance party at her girlfriends house. A lot of parents were mulling around so I did too. Took a couple of pics and mingled with other parents.

Then dismissed myself and went out to dinner with parents of my sons best friend who was at another party. So we compared notes over Mexican food and Margarita's.

Dates parents took them to HS for dance then back to their house for an after dance party w/many people from first party. Picked Will up @ midnight, happy and exhausted.

Here's photo before the festivities
----------------------

I finished A Country Doctor by Kafka. I've yet to write my thoughts but it will have to wait till I finish To the Lighthouse which is due this week. Tough to get into but I'm trying.

Oh and tomorrow is my thingaversary. 6th I think.

Have a great week!

Sounds like it all went fabulously, Lynda! Love the photo, but I thought the tie was going to be red...

And Happy Thingaversary - you were right, six years tomorrow! Let's see, that means seven books - WahHOO! Hoping that your week is full of fabulous!

Yes, Mamie! You are exactly right. I had purchased two red ties and he decided he wanted to wear blue as it is one of the school colors. After this picture, we came back in to get the corsage and I suggested he change to one of the red ties. At that point, he didn't care, just wanted to get going so put on the red. It was a wise decision :0)

Too funny!

You look every bit the proud Mom in that picture, Lynda. :) Sounds like the Homecoming was a huge success.

Happy Thingaversary, Lynda! Lovely milestone. Glad the homecoming went well. Love the photo of you both.

A great weekend and the corsage was a perfect match to the date's dress - that is a lovely and unanticipated bonus! Sounds like a overall success for all involved!

Happy Thingaversary! It sounds like you had a great Homecoming weekend. I'm glad you didn't have our rain!

Yay for a successful Homecoming Dance! And what a handsome son you have. Also, I love the idea of a parent-run before-and-after party. (Note to self...)

Just a few words before I head back to To the Lighthouse

>184 DeltaQueen50: He's becoming a fine young man, Judy.

>185 msf59: Yeah! Today's the day, Mark! 6 wonderful years of sharing the love of books with like minded and amazing individuals! I tip my hat to all who've befriended me and offered insights into so many, many (ok sometimes too many) interesting books and genres.

>186 lkernagh: Yeah, Lori, I'd say his date liked it so that's what counts. First time I met her and it's all positive. Her parents were nice too but I think we were all feeling a little nervous and awkward .

>187 cbl_tn: Carrie it's been a gorgeous 3 or 4 days over here. It's to be 75 degrees today but as the rain moves in cooler temps are on their way.

>188 scaifea: I love the parent involvement, Amber! The first party had a huge spread of hor dourves but I don't thing anyone ate a thing. Then since the parents of Party #1 are friends with parents of Party #2 some goodies were brought over to the date's house where they watched a movie (I forgot to ask Will which movie, just to see if he was paying attention) and nibbled on cookies.

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I'll be cleaning the basement again today and read during breaks.

Marching Band concert tonight in the gym instead of the auditorium so they can spread out a bit rather than being confined to a stage. I think it's safer for the dancers too.

I'm not sure which books I'll purchase for Thingaversary but I know for certain I want The Martian and it may take awhile for me to get to the bookstore but I'll keep you all posted.

I sound like a broken record but I'm sorry not to have visited threads. Thanks for sticking with me through this hectic run of things. Namaste!

>178 Carmenere: You were lucky. It was too cloudy here to see it.

>190 thornton37814: Lucky indeed, Lori! Clouds are a staple around these parts but I've got to tell you when I went outside (in complete darkness) the stars in the sky were amazing!!!! Frankly I thought that was more awesome than the blood red moon which was small and distant and already sinking towards the horizon. WE had a great view of the eclipse and that was very cool !

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So I've spent the last few days cleaning the basement (still not done) and shelved all the books I've accumulated which were in a stack. I came to the realization that I do not need to add 7 more thingaversary books to my Tome Home. So, I'm working on books to add to my presidential collection.

News Flash! Also, I've made an executive decision to stop buying kindle books. I do not like eBooks! My brain doesn't enjoy reading them coherently. So why do this to myself? That's why I'm taking an effort to read the eBooks I have and delete.

Off to take a walk, work on coursera and visit mom. Have a good one!

#49-2014
A Country Doctor
Franz Kafka
really short
1919
3.75/5

I read it now because............."Fiction of Relationship" Coursera course. Most people wouldn't even count this novella as a book read. I am shameless!

Thoughts..........This book is "magical realism" before "magical realism" was in vogue. It is the story of a country doctor respond to early 20th century 911 call. Upon, seeing the patient and determining that nothing is wrong with him his life is threatened if he doesn't heal the boy. On second inspection and putting himself in his patients shoes does he have a revelation.
Good little story for all care givers to read.

#50-2014
To the Lighthouse
Virginia Woolf
1927
209 pages
4/5

I read it now because..........Coursera class "Fiction of Relationship" & October TIOLI Challenge 5. Read a book with an S and a T in the title that you've never read before

Thoughts..............Arguably, this novella is probably more geared to women than it is men but to gain a richer idea of your partner's thought process I would certainly recommend this little jewel to males everywhere. Main characters, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay, are said to have been created in the likeness of Ms. Woolf's parents. The relationship between her parents seems to be one of comfortable companionship. Much of the book, written in stream on consciousness, reveals the inner thoughts of the characters to the reader as they spend a day at the summer home of the Ramsay's. Mrs. Ramsay's voice resonated the most with me. Her feelings about her kids growing up or when the table is surrounded by family and friends enjoying a good meal and the days events reminds me of group gatherings in my home. Yet, with bitter sweetness, Mrs. Ramsay reminds us that all the special moments are just that, moments, fleeting and to be enjoyed to the fullest.
It's funny, the book I wanted to throw out the window by the fifth chapter will now be considered one of my favorite reads this year.

Diving in to Faulker's Light in August!

^^That looks like it is going to be a BIG splash!

Morning Lynda! Looks like you are having your own AAC! Yah! I want to read the Woolf book and I loved Light in August. Stop by the main AAC thread at some point, we are tossing around some ideas about next year.

Hope the week is going well.

>194 Carmenere: Splash! Good luck! I've enjoyed hearing about your Coursera reading.

>195 msf59: yup, Mark, I'm all in on this one. Faulkner is not a favorite of mine but this book has captured my attention. You may be sorry you invited me to checkout the AAC thread. I couldn't stop talking!

>196 souloftherose: Hi, Heather!! Glad you've enjoyed my Coursera updates. I love this course and we've only just reached the 1/2 way point. So much good stuff to come!

Off to read for a bit. have a good day my friends!

I'm well on my way!

Still rapped up in Coursera. I'll be back for thoughts on Light in August soon...ish.

Also trying to read All the Light We Cannot See for neighborhood book exchange. Yes, it's back again with even more participants. Yeah! for book lovers!!

>198 Carmenere: I'm already there! Although I've restrained myself from wearing knickers !! ;)

>198 Carmenere: I love the idea of being a crazy book lady, but why wait until we're old?

Happy Hump Day, Lynda! We LOVE Crazy Book People! And I LOVE it when you can stop by and chat on the AAC threads. Big grin.

Oooh, I want to be that person in #198 in...errr... 35-40 years, although my calves will never be that fashionably thin.

I MUST reread To The Lighthouse! That 2nd short part really got me and it was there where it became one of my favorite books.

The homecoming story is great and I am glad it all went so smoothly.
A corsage is that flower thing that's worn around the wrist?

>199 DeltaQueen50: I'm lol, Judy! No knickers for you, yeh?! Knickers or not, she looks very content, what more can you ask for in ones senior years?!

>200 scaifea: So true, Amber. Many people I know think I'm already there, so I'll just carry on as always.

>201 msf59: Happy post-hump day to you, Mark! I think I got a little long winded on the AAC board but it's so darn exciting I can't restrain myself. So looking forward to your choices!

>202 Deern: Know what you mean, Nathalie, although I wouldn't mind the knickers so much it's the wheel barrow chair I'm not so sure about! Someone would have to be near to pour me out of it :0}
Yup, a corsage is worn around the wrist (younger people & me) seem to prefer to wear it that way, others pin it near their shoulder.

----------------
Wow, Borges is really ....... different. I imagine Gabriel Garcia Marquez and others of the magical realism genre being a fan of his.

Hi Lynda! Just stopping by for a visit and I was glued to your thread topper. Considering I woke up this morning to something called "fog snow", I sure would appreciate some of that Bora Bora warmth and sunshine right about now! Hope you are doing well friend. :)

Eewwwww! Fog snow sounds like a forecast for boot slippers, blankets, hot toddy, good book and a roaring fire. Those are the forecasts I enjoy!
Speaking of Bora Bora - I'll be moving us to our next reading resort destination so stay tuned!