Richardderus thread 26 of 2014

I have a category called Orphans, which will still catch all the other reading I do.

My ORPHANED books ticker:




I want to treat the Short Story collection challenge as a ticker-to-itself thread, thinking 48 reviews as my goal. I'll keep the thread over in the Short Stories forum.

My SHORT STORY collections ticker:




I'm keeping a mystery-genre thread over in Crime, Thriller, and Mystery forum. Way way way too many of my reviews have been, in all forums, mysteries and thrillers, and while I love them, I don't want to get too rut-ified and read only those books while keeping up my self-made review writing census.

My MYSTERY & THRILLER books ticker:




THIS THREAD is the 75 challenge for 2014, which will be non-fiction and non-genre-fiction books published in 2013 and 2014, plus recommendations from other 75ers.

My last thread of 2012.
My last reviews of 2013 in this thread.

My 2014 NEW books ticker:




Books 1 & 2...thread 5.
Books 3 & 4...thread 10.
Books 5-7...thread 12.
Books 8 & 9...thread 13.
Books 10 & 11...thread 14.
Books 12-16...thread 15.
Book 17...thread 17.
Books 18 & 19...thread 19.
Book 20...thread 20.
Books 21-26...thread 22.
Books 27-30...thread 23.
Books 31-34...thread 24.
Books 35-37...the other thread 24.
Books 38-44...thread 26.

Books are reviewed in post:

45. Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie We're In Trouble!...#34.

46. The Bible Boys...#47.

THE PUBLIC SHAMING OF A REVIEW-WRITING SLACKER
updated 21 June 2014 with MORE embarrassing omissions...the bottom of the post

Books I've read that I need to write reviews for because DAMN!

Life After Life--trending towards 5 stars 9 months on
The Golem and the Jinni--settling in at 4-plus stars
The Love Box--short stories with bite, somewhere over 3 stars
The Hill Bachelors--well and truly over 4 stars, William Trevor is a story-writing demigod
An Elegy for Easterly--vacillating between almost-4 and a hair over 4 stars
The Martian--six stars out of five, the most fun I had with my clothes on in 2013 reviewed!
Outerborough Blues--a terrific Brooklyn noir, juuuuuuust misses 4 stars Reviewed!
Hedy's Folly--pretty woman with brains invents stuff the men can't understand, is condescended to and dismissed; blood-boiling almost-4 star read
Consider Phlebas--first Iain M. Banks read, not a huge success; 3 stars but they're grudging
The Player of Games--3-and-a-half because it's better than the first one, and because I suspect reading it too soon after being mad at the first one made me unfairly testy
Empire State--my first Adam Christopher read, I liked it almost 4 stars'-worth
North American Lake Monsters--over-3 star story collection infused with very very weird situations and characters
The Dinosaur Feather--I *loved* this thriller set in Denmark and am horribly ashamed that I haven't written its 4-star review Reviewed!
The Keeper of Lost Causes--simply delicious, 4 stars, go read it NOW if you haven't
Monday or Tuesday--it's Virginnie la Woolf! I'd never read it, and was very excited to; an easy 4 stars reviewed! Not quite four after all
Regeneration--late to the party; easy 5 stars; just...jaw-dropping Reviewed!
The Optimist's Daughter--at best 3.5 stars, my lady wasn't a novelist! Reviewed!
Delta Wedding--a hair more than 3.5 stars because I just *adore* hatin' on Dabney Reviewed!
Slaughterhouse-Five--six stars of five, don't anybody admit to me that they didn't like this book or it will damage our friendship...reviewed!
The Book of Matt--painful
The Daughters of Mars--trending towards almost-4 stars, the longer I'm away from it the less amazing it seems
The Goldfinch--started at 5, now down to 4-plus; another book where distance isn't making the read better
The Luminaries--oh my heck! At least 5 stars, such a joy to read!
Tomorrow-Land--the 1964 World's Fair! W00t! I'd say 3.5-plus?
1Q84--yes, I read the damned thing, 2.5 stars
Cloud Atlas--see above
Among Others--solid 3.5-plus, I like Walton a lot
The Cusanus Game--wowee read translated from the German, easy 3.5 stars
The Frangipani Hotel--a solid 3.5-star debut story collection, watch out for this lassie, there's better still to come from her pen
The Dark Vineyard--second Bruno-in-Provence mystery and I reveled in its 3.9-star glory reviewed! (and promoted to a full 4 stars
Don't Start Me Talkin'--a strange road novel, indie lit at its best and most interesting, another solid 4 stars
The Merry Misogynist--can you EVEN BELIEVE that I haven't reviewed a Dr. Siri in 2014?! The shame, the shame Reviewed!
Cold Storage, Alaska--not bad, not excellent, and worth your eyeblinks at 3 stars
Black Irish--debut thriller set in Buffalo, very very noir, pulse-pounding action that merits 3.75 stars Reviewed!

Oh gawd there are more, more, ever more, and I really need to get busy writing the reviews.

19 June additions
How can it be that I've never reviewed ANY of the Iron Druid Chronicles? Not ONE, except two of the novellas?!
Hounded Reviewed!
Hexed
Hammered
Tricked
Trapped
Hunted
Shattered (no proper touchstone yet!)
none below 3.5 stars...and I'm not gonna forget the novellas:
Grimoire of the Lamb Reviewed!
Clan Rathskeller Reviewed!
Kaibab Unbound Reviewed!--prequels to Hounded
A Test of Mettle--after Hammered
Two Ravens and One Crow
The Chapel Perilous--after Tricked

*whew*

21 June embarrassing omissions
Let Him Go--4.875 stars, Larry Watson delivers excellence but not *quite* the transcendence of which he is more than capable Reviewed!
Orchard--another Larry close-close, but only 4.5 stars...a little predictable
How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia--3.9-star wry-smirk of a read, thanks Katie!
The Faithful Scribe--3.5-star good tale, but somehow misses catching fire
The Odd Clauses--a 4-star look at the wacky world of our American Constitution, and how very strange some of it really is
Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue
Authorisms--two 3.5-plus star explorations of language, English, and its quirky, unpredictable, and downright capricious development Reviewed!
The Frackers--5-star subject, 3.5-star execution, and made me beyond boilingly furious
Hill William--4-plus stars for McClanahan's spare and simple and gut-punching prose Reviewed!
Throne of the Crescent Moon--I like the author well enough to read his Arab-culture based fantasy novel, so I should review it, right? Say three, three and a quarter stars
An Unnecessary Woman--loved this tale of hidden depths and social invisibility, at least 4 stars reviewed!

August is a-cumin in

Since July has been a big huge boost in getting unwritten reviews written, yay!, I'm going to try something similar to the Doubleday UK meme for August.

I've bought a lot of SFnal works, read many, and reviewed almost none (pace The Martian). So here's a list to be getting on with, from which I'm planning to draw a book a day for August:

The Madonna and the Starship--I like James Morrow's stuff a lot! Maybe 3.75 stars. Reviewed!
Mars, Inc. The Billionaire's Club--Ben Bova! Yowza! What a long career. This isn't perfect, though I'd've had complete fantods over it in 1984; maybe 3.25 stars?
Notes from the Internet Apocalypse--~meh~ 3 stars Reviewed!
The Cusanus Game--vivid, intense, but slow-paced and too long. 3.8 maybe?
Above All Men--postapocalyptic goodness that blows ol' Bore-max McCrappy outta the water, 5 stars
Age of Shiva--latest in a series of novels interpreting sacred texts as SF; dunno yet
Valley of Day-Glo--whoa Nelly. 4 stars Reviewed!
Dry--excuse me, I need a few gallons of water; 4 stars
The Symmetry Teacher--still digesting; maybe 3.8, 3.9 stars
Hurricane Fever--weeeeeeeeelllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll...3.75 stars?
Understories--YYYYUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMM 4 stars
At the Mouth of the River of Bees--such an excellent title! Not bad, 3.75 maybe
Salvage--an excellent YA novel, 3.75 stars
The Burning Dark--Adam Christopher's hard-SF debut, liked it 3.8-ish stars
Living Next Door to the God of Love--quirky; almost 3 stars, maybe a wee tidge over
**more to come**

The Word Exchange--fascinating! 4 at least
The Future We Wish We Had--fun little collection, 3, 3.25 maybe
Gemsigns--cool new series; 3.75 or so
Ancillary Justice--can't wait to read it! Reviewed!
Indistinguishable from Magic--Cat Valente! W00t!
Hard to be a God--Strugatsky borthers' madness
The Dark Beyond the Stars--interesting to read this one by a gay SF pioneer
Irregular Verbs--gorgeous!
Planesrunner--I like his work, can't wait to start it
Railsea--China's mah boy!
Dancing With Bears--I have no idea how this came to be here

Happy New Thread! I hope I"m not too early.

Happy new thread RD!

First place to Barbara! Happy Sunday.

>6 lkernagh: Thanks, Lori!

Smooches

Lovely new thread Richard have a lovely day, I love your thread topper.

Xoxo

>9 Ameise1: :-)

>10 GeezLouise: Thank you, Rae, and I hope your fall arrives there soon.

>11 AuntieClio: *smoochings*

Happy new thread, Richard!

Thanks, Kickassykins!

Happy new thread my friend and Hannah sends *smooches* to her American admirer. Hope you are having a good day Richard.

Happy New Thread, Richardmydear!

>15 johnsimpson: Thanks, John! Hannah too, of course, and a special healupquick whammy for Karen.

>16 connie53: Hi Connie! Amazed to see you so early in the school year. Happy week ahead!

It's still picking up speed, Richardmydear. The busy weeks for me are still ahead. The end of September and October are really hectic.

Happy week for you too!

~~~waving hello, and have a great Sunday~~~~

>18 connie53: OIC Well then, build up your fun memories while you can, for the drought ahead.

>19 maggie1944: *smooch* How's by you, Karen44?

xo and waiting with bated breath for any news...

Me too! *smooch*

Oh good gravy, hit with a book bullet in my own thread!

LOL!

I hope you do give Westerson a try! Here are links to my reviews if you wanna take a peek and see if the Guest series may be your cuppa or not....

https://www.librarything.com/topic/172371#4639501

https://www.librarything.com/topic/172371#4839705

>23 avidmom: ...how strange...very peculiar...there appears to have been a post made, and yet I am COMPLETELY UNABLE TO SEE IT. #denialaintariver

Just dropping in. I share your pain--my office is 92 degrees right now (it is only 88 outside). I hope we get a bit of the rain they are predicting from Norbert.

Rain for SD is *urgent* and if Norbert brings it, so much the better. Happy to have you drop in!

It is warm here (higher 80s). I'm making good progress in The Bully Pulpit - what a time it was, the late 1800's/early 1900's. Robber Barons, political party graft and corruption, big City Machines, yikes! My iPhone seems to have survived its dip into the toilet. Double yikes. The doctor is sending me to the MRI to check what the heck is going on with my back. (BTW, Richard, the seat cushion for the car was brilliant. I am using and enjoying it). The best thing is I've decided to one, only work 4 hour shifts, no longer and two, I get out of the car and walk about every half hour or so.

So, you asked: I'm OK. Livin' the Life.

>24 richardderus: Can you see me now?????

>27 maggie1944: Oooh..... Goodwin! I am a big fan of hers! :)

Finally got that sf/f/h survey filled out, RDear!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/179621#4840062

>27 maggie1944: ...much like today, then...

That cushion is amazing, isn't it. Made so much difference in my sittin'-down experiences. And that kind of exercise schedule will be great fer whut ails ya.

*smooch*

>28 avidmom: ...what...who...?

:-)

>29 Morphidae: I'll be over directly, Madame.

'Allo Richard! I am duly impressed with your attempts to catch up on the review front. You did a stellar job lost month--keep it up man! It was a mere 97 degrees here yesterday. Ugh.

Richard

Your situation haunts me. Any progress? My heart aches for you and what you are going through.

Richard: yes, Lordie, I keep running into quotations and descriptions which could easily be used in 2014.

Review: 44 of seventy-five

Title: SOMEBODY TELL AUNT TILLIE WE'RE IN TROUBLE!

Author: CHRISTIANA MILLER

Rating: 3.25* of five

The Publisher Says: Mara’s in hell! Neither one of the guys in her life is talking to her. Paul, her ex-boyfriend, is afraid she’s going to give birth to a baby demon—complete with horns and hooves. He wants proof that he’s actually the father. And her best friend, Gus, is so obsessed with his new boyfriend and his plans for the late, great, Lord Grundleshanks the Poisonous Toad, he has no time for anyone else.

After Gus flips the seasons and manages to bring summer into winter, everything starts going weirdly wrong. Summer refuses to leave. Household electronics start going haywire. When J.J., a local boy, vanishes from Mara's car, Mara begins to suspect he's been turned into a rat. But it’s such a crazy idea, who could she possibly talk to abut it? Then, her dead Aunt Tillie shows up to warn her that Gus is in trouble—big trouble—and it’s up to Mara to save him.

Before Mara can stop him, Gus opens up a portal to Hell and the Devil comes calling. Now, she’s got her hands full, trying to find out what happened to J.J., assure Paul she’s not going to give birth to a mythological creature, and broker a truce between Gus and the Devil before Gus becomes Hell’s newest resident.

My Review: I think there's something magical about these books. I mean that in the literal, not the figurative, sense. I was casting about for a Sunday review to tart up and post on my blog, and a random person "Like"d my review of the first Toad Witch mystery at Goodreads. Why the heck not, it's the weekend, thought I, some supernatural silliness will go down a treat. Part of posting reviews to my blog is finding a link to the publisher's information; that led to Amazon; and there was an enticement to pre-order the next book in the series, which just *happened* to be dropping onto one's Kindle the next day!

*hattip to Miller's efficacious spellmongering*

I've read it now, and found it fun, light, and charming. I enjoyed my time back in Devil's Point, Wisconsin, and was happy that Mara and Gus were sparring and bantering and charging ahead into uncharted waters (in winter, in Wisconsin!), heedless and hedonistic or hangdog and fearful, and not infrequently both by turns.

I've scored it a quarter point lower than the first installment because such annoyances as possessives used for plurals, almost-correct words (instance is used, instant is meant), and variant spellings within a line of each other (the character of Forrest is called Forest several times) should, by this second book, be ironed out by a better-paid proofreader and separate better-paid copyeditor.

Irascible and brimful of zest for living, Aunt Tillie the shade reminds me of a passed-away Ruth Zardo from Louise Penny's Three Pines. Gus and Mara are a lot like Olivier and Gabri from that series, snappish and loving by turns. These are compliments, as I'm sure most reading this would know; I'm invested in the characters. I like the ongoing problems Mara has, as a mom-to-be, with her baby-daddy, because the set-up for her pregnancy is...unusual...and caused baby-daddy "Post-Possession Stress Disorder." I like the way Miller is layering in future plots based on the Hellmouth's location under Mara's cottage and the struggle against De Debbil Hisse'f it provides.

It's kind of the anti-Garden Spells, in a way; all the sweetness ripped from the bones of the story, but left behind is the generational sisterhood of magical protectresses. If that's a trope that appeals to you, the reasonable cost of these paranormal suspense novels should make them a no-brainer one-click purchase.

It worked on me, after all.


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

>31 Berly: *smooch* How do, Berly-boo, very glad to see you around and about! 97° is evil, evil I say!, and in your part of the world is probably causing heat-stress deaths. Stay as cool as possible!

>32 Whisper1: You're so dear to worry about me! Given all that's on your plate, too. Thanks, Linda. I'm still un-newsed.

>33 maggie1944: A bit disgusting, isn't it, that the Forces of Evil have been so successful in rolling back the gains of the past hundred-plus years.

Happy New Thread, Richard!

Yes, dear man, it is disgusting that we are back to thinking that wealth is a sign that God loves you, and poverty means you are a sinful piece of dirt no one need care about.... sheech!

>36 scaifea: Thanks, Amber!

>37 maggie1944: People love having their sense of personal and group exceptionalism and their innate personal superiority catered to more than they dislike being fleeced, robbed, and cheated.

xoxo to you and Stella

Richard, any chance you can have an extension on the date. Please forgive me if you don't want to talk about it. I'll understand. Simply know I think of you.

>39 luvamystery65: *smooches* to you and *schmoozles* to the Devilles, dearie-me-lass!

>40 Whisper1: The date is simply the one on which they will commence legal action if I'm not gone. I imagine that, if I have some definite solution at a reasonably close-at-hand date, they'll forego the legal action (aka eviction).

It's just a shitty, rotten thing to do to someone you used as unpaid home health care for the old nightmare harridan who was supporting the household utilities and the like.

*smooch*

Horrible

>42 karenmarie: Hiya Horrible! *smooch*

Does someone need a doctor?

*smooches*

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH

candy little boy? *sigh*

Hi Richard, I've been seeing your praise for Alan Garner around the place these past few days and it reminded me to get back reading him. I have Boneland, Red Shift and Thursbitch on Mt tbr.

Review: 46 of seventy-five

Title: THE BIBLE BOYS

Author: DAN SKINNER

Rating: 3.5* of five

The Publisher Says: A Sin. An Abomination. Teenagers Caleb and Matthew had been told by the radical fundamentalist church that dominated their families' lives that a love like theirs—between two boys—was unnatural and forbidden. That it would damn them forever. The religion controlled their families like puppets, watched their every move, made keeping a secret almost impossible. They had only one chance to be together...and it would be a daring one right under the noses of the very people who would condemn them...

My Review: How charming this was! How wonderful the breaking-free fantasy is for all of us who don't have Golden Boy stamped on our lives the instant we're born. (Which is to say "all of us.")

But really. "I wanted to know what it felt like to be joined to you!" Spoken by a 20-year-old in the throes of passionate virginal lovemaking with his 18-year-old lover? Hell, ANYone experiencing passionate lovemaking even NOT for the first time who can be that articulate? Please. If you can focus long enough to emit a sentence like that, someone's doing something wrong.

So there's that. And then there's the religion thing, which anyone who's ever read anything I've ever posted since I got a personal ISP account in 1993 can tell you is right up my alley. Yes, religious people are unkind to those who are different, and young religious people are very unkind to everyone like all other young people. But these pantomime villains! The creepy youth pastor wantin' to nosh on some chicken! Wee bit overstated.

So it sounds like I'm going to make this a bad 3-and-a-half star review. But that's not my purpose. Mr. Skinner sets a beautiful scene with his descriptions of the Clare farm, the over-barn apartment, the flowers and the corn and the stock tank. The horse Perseus. The fireflies and the shooting stars. Just lovely, all of it.

But the stars are all for this, an essential and a true and a beautiful expression of an eternal reality we grope blindly for then so often drop and shatter when we find:

Love does not make cowards. It creates heroes.

Yes.


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Well hello there, Kerry! Sadly I can't see your photo. I think you're aware of how much I am pushing Alan Garner, and Red Shift in particular, so that would be the starting point I'd urge on you. Thursbitch is such an irresistible title, isn't it? What a card ol' Garner must be!

Happy to see you, and please visit again soon!

Thanks for the feedback, I'll probably go for Boneland first as it is the #3 in a trilogy I've been reading recently. But both Thursbitch and Red Shift will get read in the next few months, I have the books and even know where they are which is a bit of a feat in this household.

The image was a book cover to a history of gays in NZ, I really like the photo they used - http://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/Mates-and-Lovers-A-History-of-Gay-New-Zealand...

>44 luvamystery65: Oh, *that* doctor. Okay, I see now. Yep, you can have him, Richard. Ha!

Another new thread, it's always busy here. Morning Richard.

>49 avatiakh: What a great cover image! Thanks, Kerry, I like knowing a bit about what transpires in other countries' gay culture.

>50 scaifea: Heh, no not THE Doctor. No competition from me.

>51 Thebookdiva: Hi Abby! Sending hugs.

What's this about no new Longmire season?

>53 benitastrnad: A&E cancelled the show in a bid to reinvent itself as another crummy reality-TV network. USA or AMC might pick it up since it has 5MM-plus rabid fans.

>41 richardderus: "It's just a shitty, rotten thing to do to someone you used as unpaid home health care for the old nightmare harridan who was supporting the household utilities and the like." Well, yes.

Hugs.

This stinks.

>55 MDGentleReader: Thanks. I think it does.

xoxo

*smoochiesmoochsmooch*

Merry Bookmas!

If there's a place to nap in there, I'm all over it.

Lovely spot. Wishing you a nice day.

*shivering*. It turned surprisingly cold here in London, first lots of hail and lightning, then heavy snow, icy winds, and plummeting temperatures. What's going on?

Great local headline: "Kate's Pregnancy May Make Scots Vote Against Independence".

Ha! That headline is hysterical. Never did she imagine she could have such a huge influence on political affairs.

>60 AuntieClio: The chaise is behind the cameraman, dear.

>61 Ameise1: Isn't it? I thank you for the kind wishes, and return them with smiles.

>62 jnwelch: Oh dear! Why, it couldn't be a scientifically inexplicable Antarctic polar vortex, could it? *tsk*

The Duchess is pregnant again! I'll be jiggered. Mazel tov to the parents to be.

Have "fun" there in London, with Darryl and Bianca and Fliss and...

>63 maggie1944: On such moments does history hinge, eh Karen44?

Net neutrality matters. Every person on this site has a stake in it. Pay attention, or pay a lot more for every single mouseclick.

Loved the review of Volt. Boom Head shot.

Hope your day is going as well as can be expected, and more.

>66 mahsdad: Thank you most kindly, Jeff...I am a big, big fan of Volt: Stories and still pick it up now and again to enjoy it.

xoxox present and accounted for

Hiya!

Loved Volt.

Please send polar vortex blankets.

Good!

No!

Darn you. Added Somebody Tell Aunt Millie She's Dead to my huge and increasing wish list!

Love you and smoochies!

>72 TinaV95: *lapel-polish* Yep, yep, that's the stuff...impoverish the poor yet further, yep. *aaahhh*

Okay, just for you I'm going to try this. Not sure if I have ever done a meme before now.

What was the last sf/f/h book you finished reading?
Shattered by Kevin Hearne

What was the last sf/f/h book you did not finish reading and why?
The only one I can think of is The Shining by Stephen King... I finish ALL sf/f/h books!!

What was the last sf/f/h book you read that you liked but most people didn’t?
I Am Number Four -- the reviews are mostly mixed and talk about the poor sentence structure, but I listened to the audio book and enjoyed the story.

What was the last sf/f/h book you read that you disliked but most people did?
Allegiant -- do NOT get me started on this one!

How long do your 1-sitting reading sessions usually last?
On a daily basis, 2 hours at a time. I have to read to unwind.

What are you currently reading?
I don't have any sf/f/h currently reading. JUST finished Their Eyes Were Watching God and I adored it!

Do you like it so far?
See above!

How long ago did you buy the book you are currently reading (or the last book you read)?
TEWWG was a gift from Roberta earlier this year. It has been on my shelf for less than 6 months. That isn't too bad for me. :)

What was the last physical sf/f/h book you bought?
Goliath by Scott Westerfeld

What is the sf/f/h sub-genre you like the most and why?
Urban fantasy

What is the sf/f/h sub-genre you dislike the most and why?
Hard Science Fiction - over my head too thick to get through (stealing Morphy's answer on this one, cause it is just SO right for me too!!)

What is your favorite electronic reading device?
Kindle

What was the last sf/f/h eBook you bought?
A Trail Through Time by Jodi Taylor

Do you read books exclusively in 1 format (physical/electronic)?
No, but I do favor physical books. There is just something about the feel and smell of a real book to me. I can't replace it. I do love the convenience of my Kindle and tablet, but I pick my 'tree' books far more often.

Do you read eBooks exclusively on a single device (eBook reader/ smartphone / tablet)?
No - I have a Verizon tablet and a Kindle. My Kindle stays at home, but my Verizon goes on my work trips (and pleasure travel) with me because it has mobile hotspot.

Hi Sir!

By any chance, have you read the sci-fi writer Cixin Liu? I just picked up his The Three-Body Problem from NetGalley and wonder what I'm getting myself into.

>74 TinaV95: People complain about the sentence structure in I Am Number Four? Sentence structure? Weird.

Thanks for meme-ing along, Mrs. Lisa!

>75 DorsVenabili: Of Ants and Dinosaurs was a Kindle story by Liu. It was heavy, as translated into English, on the Message. I decided I'm too old to see if such an unpromising beginning will get better.

Wish I had more encouraging news.

Don't. After coffee, maybe.

>76 richardderus: - Ok, thanks. I'm debating. It's loooong.

Apply the Pearl Rule: 50pp to hook you, then out if it hasn't.

Good Thursday Morning, dear! Lovely new thread, and, no, I haven't caught up with the old one yet... I'm feeling positively ancient. Joe's in London? *mutters to self*

Hiya Mamie dearest! Yep, Joe AND Darryl are in London. I've whomped up an Antarctic polar vortex to make their stay -40° and whammyed a currency collapse to ensure they can't have fun. So far the results aren't all I'd hoped for, since they seem to be having a wonderful time.

Oh. *sob* I have never been to London. Good thinking with the Antarctic polar vortex - could you please send it here next?

Heh! I'll think about that...maybe some snow this winter instead...

If London is anything like here at the mo you'd hate it - way too hot for you my friend :) London is grim when it's roasting.

Um...no. I NEED the vortex right now. I am so over the 90s temps. Just to inspire you to take pity on me, here is a little something just for you:

>84 BekkaJo: Right now it's 27C here, so that'll do nicely. Mamie DREAMS of 27C! It's 34C where she is, poor angel.

>85 Crazymamie: *O POTENTISSIMA DEA pity thy poor wretch Mamie dearest and favor her with a month of 60° FAHRENHEIT temperatures*

Nomming of chili cheese fries to commence in 5...4...3...

The good news is that Ellen is back from Scotland, and is home in Seattle. So sad, she has to go back to work tomorrow. But Mark is still in Hawaii, and I don't know about Joe and Debbi... still in London?

>87 maggie1944: Joe, Debbi, and Darryl all in London. Hence my attempts to deliver an Antarctic blast of winter-frost, out of jealous spite.

SOMEONE remembered my birthday a little early...I thought it was my Gentleman Caller, but he (disgruntledly!) disclaimed responsibility for sending me a four-pack of Mother's brand Taffy flavored cookies, aka "Best Junk Food EVER!"

Amazon put the wrong card on the order, of this I am sure, as it says "We hope you like it, Chris and family." The only Chris I know well enough to think would send me a gift 1) spells her name "Cris" and b) would NEVER send such an unhealthful, bad-for-me thing! So, whoever it was, thanks most awfully and now I'm slicing open the first pack of the four. *smooch*

Oh, sadly it wasn't me. I didn't even know your birthday was approaching.

*smooches*

OMG OMGOMG ZOMG they are SO SO SO coconutty-cream-filledy GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!



>89 AuntieClio: Another year older. At least I'm not dead or dying.

Not me, either. But I wish I'd thought of it. What a nice thing to do for your B'day!

>90 richardderus: - Oh, I want those cookies!!!

What are they? You mention coconut but what is the cookie part and can I get them in Canada?

.... and did you mention a birthday?! Happy Birthday!

>91 maggie1944: It was indeed! Turned out to be my Goodreads/Facebook friend, Julio-Alexi, and when the Gentleman Caller found this out he went to Defcon 2. His anxiety that I might fall for someone else isn't helped by the fact we're forcibly apart and I'm in a crummy situation. Then along this comes and it hits his buttons hard.

Poor man. I spent some highly agreeable time cooing sweet nothings in a reassuring tone of voice. Put me in an amazingly happy mood to repeat "I love you, silly boy" 1937461555x.

>92 lkernagh: The coconut's in the macaroony-flavored cookie bit, and the creme is basic Oreo-flavored creme (and I DO NOT WANT to know what it is supposed to be or what's in it). I doubt they're available in Canada. Y'all already get British sweets, can't overload you with awesome.

But.... but..... but...... I want. ;-(

In the midst of all you are going through, I hope that your special day had a ray of sunshine.

Cookies? I remember the yummy cookies you so graciously distributed at your 50th bd party!

>94 lkernagh: Tell ya what: You make all the Cadbury's goodies available in the US and I'll do what I can to send you a cookie. :-)

>95 Whisper1: ...cookies...? I don't remember any cookies. I mostly remember laughing a lot, and discussing the World's Ugliest Church.

here now

xoxo

Goodeth afternooneth, good people. I'll be MIA most of today while I prep for Sunday's book circle/birthday celebration. We'll be discussing The Day of the Locust, which I'm going to re-read now.

>97 AuntieClio: *smooch*

Your review of the Malmont book... On the list it goes :)

>96 richardderus: - If I had the power to make Cadbury's products available south of the 49th, the first shipment would be sent your way. I don't know how to make yummy chocolate but I think I can attempt making the cookies. ;-)

Happy weekend RD!

Happy Birthday/Weekend/Book Circle

Sounds marvelous.

"Sunday's book circle/birthday celebration"

Best book club ever! :)

Happy Birthday. As tough as some years are, it is good for all of us that you have completed one year and started another. Thanks Richard.

Happy Birthday Richard, hope you have a great weekend.

Rdear, I wish you a lovely weekend.

Happy Birthday, Mister!! Here's hoping it turns out to be the very best one yet!

Happy Birthday RD!!! Hope your having a fantastic start to your weekend.

>99 mahsdad: Thanks, Jeff!

>100 lkernagh: There has to be a faked-up homebake recipe for these cookies somewhere on the internet. Why lookee here!

>101 avidmom: Thanks most awfully!

>102 benitastrnad: This, too, shall pass. Thanks!

>103 GeezLouise: Thank you, Rae!

>104 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara!

>105 scaifea: Thanks, Amber!

>106 Thebookdiva: Thank you, Abby!

I'm off to do more Internet chores, whomp up some views for my blogged review of What Makes Sammy Run?. I decided to make a Hollywood weekend out of it, since the book circle will be discussing The Day of the Locust on Sunday.

Happy Birthday, Richardmydear!

Happy birthday Richard my friend, I hope you have a fabulous day dear one. Smooches from me, Karen and Hannah.

It's your birthday! Who knew?

I hope it's been an excellent day with no pain and an enjoyable re-read of The Day of the Locust.

Smooches to you and Stella!

Happiest of Birthdays, Richard Dear. You've brought joy to me ever since we met on LT, and I thank you for it.

(even if you HAVE cost me hundreds of dollars in book recommendations!)

*smooches* from your own Horrible

Happy birthday!

I am still crossing all my crossables, and holding my thumbs, for your finding the next place to put your head in sweet slumber, and your books for good reading. Any progress?

Happy birthday Richard!!

Happy birthday!!

>85 Crazymamie: those jalapenos are making my eyes water, in anticipation of the eating of them! Yum.

They say it's your birthday. Happy birthday to ya, happy biiiirthday.

Somehow your thread fell down the rabbit hole. I had to hunt down an old one and do a series of hops to find you again. A therefore belated but most sincere happy birthday. I hope your new place to live comes through very soon and the year ahead is full of good reads and many laughs.

I'm late, I'm late, I'm late (I think - I suck at the time diff).

But Happy Happy Happy birthday to youuuuuu!

Today's the day! Yippee! It's my birthday. Whee!

May all your wishes come true. xx

Happy Birthday, Richard!

Just figure we're shivering and having a horrible time in your honor. (In reality it's another beautiful day in the neighborhood).

Hope you and Ms. Stella have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday, dearest! Wishing you a day full of fabulous!

Oh, I missed it. Belated, RD. I'll lift a cup of Brazil Yellow Bourbon to you, and I'll have a shot of that Ardbeg for dessert, thank you.

Sweet! Did I tell you already that the Entire Universe Danced on the Very Day when You were Born? It did! I know. I felt it.

Happy Anniversary of the very Day!

Hi Richard, have a really lovely Sunday my friend.

Hippo Birdies, Two Ewes

>110 connie53: Thanks, Connie!

>111 johnsimpson: Thank you all, John, and heartily returned.

>112 EBT1002: Well, my mother for one...

*smooch*

>113 karenmarie: Thanks, Horrible! It's a gorgeous fall day, so I'm all pickled tink.

As to those wishlist fattenin' things...thou shouldst talk, O Black Kettle.

>114 drneutron: Thank you, Jim!

>115 maggie1944: Thanks, Karen44! None that is material. Things happen when they happen.

>116 Copperskye: Thank you, Joanne!

>117 catarina1: Thank you most kindly!

>118 LovingLit: It's true, I'm 55 today. Howinahell that happened, I couldn't tell yinz.

>119 tiffin: Hiya, Tui! Not belated in the least. Today is the official day! Thanks for the kind wishes.

>120 BekkaJo: No, no, perfectly on time, and thanks for stopping in!

>122 Ameise1: Thank you, Barbara!

>123 jnwelch: *sigh* My climate-change powers clearly need sharpening.

>124 Crazymamie: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

*smooch*

>125 mldavis2: Perfectly on time, Mike, and "thanks" for the toast. No, really. I'm *so* pleased you have such yummy coffee to hoist in my honor. *glugs down tepid Maxwell House*

>126 maggie1944: *smooch*

>127 johnsimpson: Thank you, John!

>128 mahsdad: *looks out window for birthday hippo*

>129 laytonwoman3rd: Thank you, Linda3rd!

Felicitations and best wishes for your special day! So glad you will be surrounded by friends :)

September is a grand month in which to be born (my upbringing)/to be born in (the rest of the world)! Happy birthday on the real day, Richard. Very best wishes abounding.

Birthday greetings from Waikiki Beach, RD! Hope you have a fine day, my friend.

xoxoxoxo

*extra smooches*

Happy Birthday Richard

Can't figure out if for once in my life I'm on time, or as usual, a day late and at least a dollar short. Either way, since I can't be there to bake you a cake, my humble little friend extends my virtual offering. Many smooches, and best wishes for a wonderful upcoming year.

Happy "almost-on-time" Birthday!!! Looks like things are changing for you this year and I am sure it will all be most splendid!! I need some of that coffee in >77 richardderus: and I am THRILLED that you posted a review of SOMEBODY TELL AUNT TILLIE WE'RE IN TROUBLE! because I was hoping a new one was on the horizon soon. Thanks to your heads up, I will put aside my editor glasses and ignore those little spelling errors, etc. Whoopee! Smooches.

>136 katiekrug: Thank you, darling heart! It was a lovely party.

>137 tiffin: Thanks most awfully, Tui, it was a lovely day indeed.

>138 msf59: Hi Mark! Good heavens, no tsunamis yet, eh? I need to direct more energy that way. :-)

>139 AuntieClio: *smooch* It was!

>140 tututhefirst: You're precisely on time, Tina, and thanks!

>141 Berly: Hi Berly! *smooch* Put those Error-Goddess specs aside and enjoy the story. It's a lot of fun.

Happy Birthday!

I am glad it was a good day, party-wise and, I think, weather-wise.

It was a lovely day. All the way around. *smooch*

hey Richard.... Too many more lovely days... kisses

Yes, I'll pile on with tigerlily. Happy Monday and more lovely days.

Glad you had a lovely day :) I'm hoping there were many many books?

Belated Birthday wishes - you do celebrate all week don't you?

>145 tigerlyly: Thanks, Lyly! It's another gorgeous day here. *happy sigh*

>146 maggie1944: Happy Monday indeed! There's leftover napoleon cake. And leftover salmon tortellini salad. Oh dear however shall I cope.

>147 BekkaJo: Thank you, Bekka! There were Amazon gift cards, and two books that I've been pining for.

>148 Helenoel: I don't see a single reason why not, Helen. Holiday week for all!

So a Certain Satanic Book Warbler will now receive a free pass entitling her to remission from her wicked, wicked temptressy ways. Suz gave me the Westerman & Crowther mystery I haven't read yet!! Theft of Life, book 5 in the series; and another hysterical historical by Imogen Robertson called The Paris Winter.

Plus the Ammy cards from so many others...I think I just *might* survive the World-Wide Book Famine.

xoxoxo

I'm actually sitting at a desk today ...

>150 richardderus: *smooch* an omen of things to come!

Well, I swaNEE! Back in March, I won an ER copy of the novel School Board. It never came, never came, never came...I contacted the publisher, no book...I contacted the PR person, promised a paperback copy when it comes out, which was fine by me...and now the hardcover book arrives today! How fun.

I have often wondered what swaNEE meant...is it a Southern expression?

>154 tiffin: Yes, it's the more emphatic form of "well, I declare!" and more ironic-eyebrow-tilting than "what do you know!" or "isn't that something?"

>154 tiffin: It's called "dodging the curse". People say it instead of saying "I swear", because it ain't nice to swear. Same reason some say "Cripes!" instead of "Christ!" or "Darn" instead of "Damn".

#156

I remember my absolute horror when, as an eight year old, I heard my mother say 'damn' for the first time when she broke the lawnmower. I shot down from the tree I was in and went charging into the house declaring to my dad that something dreadful must have happened because she'd said a very bad word!

.

>156 laytonwoman3rd: I never knew this! How interesting.

>157 lunacat: You were eight? Wow. I come from a line of sailors, apparently.

>158 mckait: HA!!!

My review of the book circle's latest book, The Day of the Locust, is over in my thread...post #134.

Happy Birthday again sweetiepoo

Ooo! How glorious! Thanks, Stephanie, that must needs hang in my home someday.

>156 laytonwoman3rd:, >159 richardderus: I learned about "I swan" from a sweet boy from North Carolina when I was still young and innocent. He ended a lot of his sentences with that phrase and I had to know why. He said his Mamaw would have switched him if he swore, even so harmlessly as saying "I swear". (His mother, on the other hand, had a MOUTH on her...)

>163 laytonwoman3rd: I'll be hornswoggled!

Richard, maybe you like your whisky with a bit of peat, but if not, this was one of our two favorite distilleries. So, if you have room in your cupboard for another virtual birthday gift, I think you'll enjoy this!

GORGEOUS!!!

And the scotch ain't bad neither. ;-P

Book porn!

*giggle*

Ha! So cute!

Your Tuesday smooches were appreciated! What a pile of poop day this has been so far :-/

xoxo

>168 laytonwoman3rd:: giggling just as much at the husky with a stuffed version of herself as at the joke.

>170 katiekrug: Oh, good! Nothin' like a well-timed smilemaker, eh what?

>171 tiffin: I know, right?!

>165 EBT1002: Oooo, I've been to the Glengoyne distillery. They've got some great whiskies!

#156 laytonwoman3rd - I live in the south but I'm a Westerner, and just loved it when some of the most vociferous Christian ladies I knew at work would say "I don't mean to be ugly BUT..." then proceed to be total bitches about something. But they thought that saying they didn't MEAN to be ugly meant that they weren't BEING ugly. When I gleefully mentioned this to my Nemesis at work, who used the phrase regularly, she got a funny look on her face and has never used that phrase around me since.

Happy Tuesday, RD! Have fun with the Amazon cards.....

Late happy birthday wishes, but just as truly meant. I hope your birthday was fabulous and that you had a great party/book circle.

Also >167 richardderus: = LOVE.

>173 drneutron: Now I wanna go there. Just not on a walking tour!

>174 karenmarie: I'm Pantrying up a storm even as we speak. And don't you love it when you call someone's line of hoo-hah and they realize they've been sussed? Heh!

>175 bell7: Thanks, Mary! It was a lovely day. Isn't that room enviable?!

>174 karenmarie: Yes...just like "No offense intended, BUT..." followed by a remark that is clearly offensive. Good for you for calling that one out.

Happy belated Birthday Richard dear! I hope you are still celebrating as everyone deserves a birthday week if you ask me! Sending lots of smooches your way!

>178 Cobscook: Or my personal favorite: "I'm not racist or anything, but..." Oh, really...?

Morning, Richard!

>177 laytonwoman3rd: Anything that requires a prior disclaimer is the thing being disclaimed.

>178 Cobscook: Thanks, Heidi! Smooches appreciated, and enjoyment of the gorgeous fall-ness adored.

>179 scaifea: Howdy do, Amber!

Any arguments?

Book porn!

and apartment porn too, I think. Looks lovely. Of course, I have about 50 times as many books as will fit on those lovely, dustcatching shelves.

I'm assuming that any one of us would take down those...whatever the hell they are, pictures of the cold-rings on an old bar?...and shelf up the rest of the place.

Wednesday waves! It's halfway through the week - wooop!

ouch. I liked those pictures. And they're adjacent to a doorway, so no, I wouldn't put any bookshelves there.

How do you want me to send you the pictures I took at your request?

>185 BekkaJo: Hiya Bekka! *smooch*

>186 ffortsa: I would love to have the photos, Judy, to the email from the book circle mailing list. Thanks so much!

So... where are you, Stella and your books moving to at the end of the month? *Asks hopefully, worriedly*

Hugs.

>188 MDGentleReader: No idea. The overpass?

How about the home of a wealthy, lonely bibliophile looking for someone to talk books with on occasion? All one floor living in your own private suite with library with servants in another building to run errands and take Stella out when the weather is inclement or your gout is particularly bad. A temporary arrangement until you and your Gentleman Caller are able to set up a home together.

Directing energy to the Universe for the aformentioned or something better to come through - soon.

{{{Richard}}}

>190 MDGentleReader: Sounds like a slice of Himmel indeed! I like your dreams.

The tricky part is getting them to turn into reality.

>161 AuntieClio:. Woo, that's the best yet! Bonus points to Stephanie.

^^^

>190 MDGentleReader: What she said

>192 MDGentleReader: Amen!

>193 jnwelch: Amen!

>194 mckait: Amen!

My birthday indulgence arrived! The Jordan Automobile! W00t!!

xoxo to you and Stella

I do, more often than not.

One urge we should all give in to :)

>197 luvamystery65: Thanks, Roberta! Sending smooches and schmoozles!

>199 BekkaJo: So agreed.

Hello, my fine bookish friend on this rainy Thursday of a very long week. Smooch.

>198 richardderus: That's cause this:



:)

I missed your dang birthday!!! I'm dreadfully sorry, RD. I hope it was a lovely day.

Smoochies dear man!

>198 richardderus: I know right? I often have the urge to talk to people in the bookstore when they are either holding a book I love, or are talking about a series I might be interested in. Unfortunately I usually chicken out and let them be on their way without saying anything.

Yep - have had many a conversation with strangers on my train commute thanks to books. Ereaders make that harder though because you can't see what they're reading.

Love, Love, LOVE that Irving Stone quote!!

So true.

Hi Richard, today has been Hannah day and Karen has been baking, pictures are on my thread. Just thought I would let you know, hope you are well my friend and had a really good birthday.

So sorry I missed your birthday. Bad Morphy. I haven't been in most threads for over week. But I am getting lots of stuff done!

*hugs*

>201 Berly: Hiya Berly! *smooch*

>202 avidmom: What a great quote! Thank you for sharing it. I can't remember reading an Irving Stone book off the top of my head...which isn't a terribly good sign. But that quote makes me think I should go back and check!

>203 TinaV95: It's perfectly okay to say happy after the day, too. Thanks! *smooch*

>204 Thebookdiva: Well, Abby, it's not the easiest thing for most people to do. Going up to a stranger and starting a conversation is a stumbling block for many, many people.

>205 SuziQoregon: Hi Juli! It's a wonderful quote indeed. I can't think of a better conversation starter, except a dog, than reading a book in a public place.

>206 johnsimpson: Hello John, I shall be by directly to drool over the Hannah-bakings.

>207 Morphidae: It's perfectly fine, Morphy dear, no worries whatsoever. Getting stuff done sounds good to me!

Hey RD! Just checking in after my return. There was not a tsunami in sight. It stayed mostly sunny and 90ish, the entire time. Nice to come home to low 70s. Feels refreshing.
Hope all is well.

Welcome back, Mark! So disappointedelighted that you're safe and sound after your visit to Paradise!

Hi Richard, I also missed your birthday as I was away with no internet access.

At my age...twenty-one...it's less important that the day be observed than it is that the observations come from friends, Kerry, so thanks for the wishes!

'Morning RD! Happy Saturday to you. It's a crisp autumn morning here - I opened the door and the cool air feel so good! Is autumn making its way to Nueva York?

*smooches* from Horrible

*waves* I'm sorry to be skipping and skimming through but I do want to say "Hi" to you and hope your weekend is swell.

>214 karenmarie: Hiya Horrible! Are you kidding, autumn is almost to its midpoint and we've finally shook off false summer, with a few staghorn sumacs already coloring up. Bliss!

*smooch*

>215 maggie1944: Hi Karen44! Happy to see you, skimming or skipping or moseying or meandering. *smooch* for a lovely weekend for you!

Counterpunch lists the 100 best novels in translation since 1900. I like the list because it seems to choose as the one work allowed for each author a less-famous novel. That's enjoyable for me.

>217 richardderus: Thanks for posting that great list of translated literature, Richard! My favorites from it are The Trial (Kafka), The Stranger (Camus), The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle (Murakami), The Feast of the Goat (Vargas Llosa), The Gospel According to Jesus Christ (Saramago), A Heart So White (Marías), Pedro Paramo (Rulfo), Memed, My Hawk (Kemal) and The Shadow of the Wind (Ruiz Zafón). That list also reminds me that there are several books in my library that I had planned to read soon, namely The Master and Margarita (Bulgakov), The Magic Mountain (Mann), My Name Is Red (Pamuk), Nausea (Sartre), The President (Asturias), Spring Snow (Mishima), Beware of Pity (Zweig), The Mandarins (de Beauvoir), Man's Fate (Malraux), Life A User's Manual (Perec), The Emigrants (Moberg), and God's Bits of Wood (Ousmane). I'll have to keep that list in mind to help me decide which books to read in 2015.

One glaring omission from that list, IMO, is Don Quixote.

>218 kidzdoc: Provocative list, including so many lesser-known works like Rilke's The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge instead of Letters to a Young Poet or The Duino Elegies.

And Cervantes died in 1616, so he can't have been published since 1900. Just sayin'

>219 richardderus: And Cervantes died in 1616, so he can't have been published since 1900.

Yeesh. I can be so stupid sometimes...

Blame your error on jet lag. That works for the first week. Though, in your private ear, time for glasses check....

>217 richardderus: >218 kidzdoc: That's another good list to refer to.

Darryl - I read The Emigrants earlier this year, its very good. Have Man's Fate on my reading pile and like you I also failed at the group read of Life: a user's manual a couple of years ago...not sure if I want to try again, maybe at a really slow pace.

I pinched this from Bookliker Edward Lorn. I like it.

Greed
1. What is your most expensive book?

The passionate art of Kitagawa Utamaro (2 volumes in slipcase). Or this is the title I'm told it has...it's in Japanese, which I don't speak or read, but it's awesomely awesome and gorgeous.

Wrath
2. What author do you have a love/hate relationship with?

Louise Penny, for ripping my guts to shreds and for making the characters I care so much about that my guts CAN be ripped to shreds.

Gluttony
3. What book have you devoured over and over again with no shame?

The Hundred and One Dalmatians as a desperate-to-be-rescued child. I stopped reading it when the librarian refused to check it out to me again. Pursey-mouthed lacquered-haired cross-wearing wretch. I still hold a bitter grudge against her polyester-wrapped carcass. Hope she's still alive and suffering from locked-in syndrome.

Sloth
4. Which book have you neglected reading due to laziness?

Miss MacIntosh, My Darling. I am daunted by its heft and its constellation of literary lights warbling its praises. I'm sure I'll hate it and it would cause me more spiritual pain to hate a book beloved of Vonnegut than it does to admit to not having read it at all.

Pride
5. What book do you most talk about in order to sound like an intellectual reader?

Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five. And so it goes. (Lorn speaks for us both.)

Lust
6. What attributes do you find attractive in a male or female character?

Female characters? Don't care. Male characters? Over the local age of consent. NO TEENAGERS.

Envy
7. What book would you most like to receive as a gift?

The leather-bound illustrated extravaganza about Cord automobiles that languishes on my Amazon wishlist, mournfully lowing its unreadness at me. *wistful sigh*

simply checking in to say you are on my mind.

>223 richardderus:, my answers are here

It's Banned Books Week.

Reading changes you. It makes you more of what's best in humanity and it gives you better ideas and understandings than any other activity, bar none.

Don't let someone's outmoded or wrongheaded or simply stupid fear of knowledge and wisdom and empathy flowing from books shut off access to views they don't like. Remember that when you choose silence in the face of censorship, you set the stage for your own views to be silenced.

xo

>218 kidzdoc: I, too, missed that the novels had to have been written since 1900...thought the list could include new translations, which would change the dynamic somewhat.

I spent every evening last week watching Ken Burns new series The Roosevelt's. I thought it was well done, but because I am a reader it didn't really cover anything new for me. I think that for many people it was a real eyeopener. I do think he did a great job of making these people personal and not just historical icons. Wonder what you think of it?

I got lots of knitting done while watching and so my reading suffered.

Happy Belated Birthday, Richard! Hope it was a good'un!

>224 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda! *smooch*

>225 AuntieClio: I've seen them, and they're quite interesting.

>227 mckait: *smoochiesmoochsmooch*

>228 laytonwoman3rd: I think the clarifying wording would've been so cumbersome that they elected to go for brevity.

>229 benitastrnad: I haven't watched it. Until it goes streaming on a service I belong to, I'll have to gnaw my knuckles and wait.

>230 LauraBrook: OOO Alexander Skarsgard nekkid with a book! YUM!!! Thanks, Laura.

What's he reading? Why is the dust cover off? And seriously, he has a perfect body for a guy...

Hah Kath! I turned my neck to the side trying to see what he's reading too. And who is he?

>233 mckait: At a guess, something in Swedish...he is a Swede, after all.

>234 tiffin: He's an actor famous for playing a thousand-year-old vampire named "Eric Northman" on the show True Blood.

I've posted my long-overdue review of The Golden Mean, a decent historical novel of Alexander the Great and Aristotle as teacher and pupil, in my thread...post #135.

Hello darling. I have been absent LT but am dropping by to drop off a smooch!

>230 LauraBrook: Yum!

>237 luvamystery65: Thanks, luvvie! Good to see you. Hope you're holding up well.

Ain't he the bee's knees? *sigh*

Happy belated birthday from me too, Richard! I am not sure how it happened, but I lost track of your thread for an unconscionable length of time and missed your special day. Humble apologies. I've planned a little surprise for you and hope it will make up a little for it.

Wait here a minute. Let me just see if the surprise is ready yet.



Um....

>239 Storeetllr: HA!! Love love love my surprise! Thank you, Mary me lurve. *smooch*

I've FINALLY written my review of The Blasphemer, a fascinating and really really messy book, in my thread...post #136. I've read it twice, and had it for two years...so slow. I am sooo sloooowwww.

They're predicting apocalyptic weather in my home city. Did you have anything to do with this?

I'm glad you're such a fan of Slaughter-House Five. Me. too. I'd also like to have that Utamaro book. We may have occasional differences relating to a certain 19th century bearded English author, but there are many overlapping "likes" as well.

Ain't seen nothin' yet, Joe my man. The winter...! Hoo-EEE

Isn't that an interesting meme? Basing it on the deadly sins was inspired.



...but I *like* Jules Verne just fine!

>242 richardderus: Ha! Me, too - Jules Verne was my first sci-fi, and I like him just fine, too. OK, I don't know what I was thinking. (No way I'm mentioning he was French).

Yes, it's for the best.

xo I hope it's a good news days....

Please, join Diana (Wilkiec)'s thread. She needs our support. Thanks a lot.

>245 mckait: Me, too.

Sheesh, posted too soon:

{{{Richard}}} (I hope they are rejoicing-with-you-about-good-news hugs, but take whatever kind you need, I have lots just for you)

Howdy RD! I just started Giovanni's Room. Is this guy a smokin' writer or what? Swoons a little...

Hoo, a busy phone day. Wednesdays are best for catching government folks, but charities are best on Tuesdays. The things one learns.

>245 mckait: I really hope so too! *smooch*

>246 Ameise1: I'll head over there now, Barbara.

>247 MDGentleReader:, >248 MDGentleReader: Thanks awfully, I love getting hugs...and sending them back, too.

>249 msf59: I know, right?! Isn't his prose beautiful?

Belated Birthday Hugs, Richard! I've been away without internet access and missed your birthday, but hope all is well with you--and that things fall into place for you!
{{{{Richard}}}}

>251 ronincats: Thank you, Roni, it's all going to work out...when and how are details.

>223 richardderus: #3 Whaaa??? A librarian refused to check you out a book cause you had read it too much? WTF? There is a special circle of hell for a person like that! My mind, it is boggled.

>253 Cobscook: I know, right?! I am still amazed. It is, Hastings, the thing incroyable.

Xoxo

*hugs*

I hope you have your own copy now, Richard. ETA: and if you don't, I will find one and send it to you.

I'll be AFK all day today, just so no one worries about me! Wish me luck.

Good luck.

Luck!

Bonne chance!

>258 richardderus: I thought AFK must mean "At Fort Knox", but apparently it means away from the keyboard. Good luck today, Richard!

Best of Luck to you Dear Sir!

Much luck and lots of hugs!

Afraid to jinx anything so just flitting in and out to check.

also passing through

Oh sure. I am here and you are not!! Fiddle sticks. I will try again tomorrow. Smooches. >230 LauraBrook: Soooo handsome!

Retro luck-wishing!

I was also AFK yesterday for the most part. Hope whatever kept you away was good for you.

>223 richardderus: Ok, that list looks like fun.

I don't think I could be AFK for an entire day; you have more willpower than I good sir. I'm too addicted to mangareader and deviantart. *bows head in shame*

Hello Richard, hope you are well dear friend, Karen sends her love.

Thinking of you!

Hugs. Looking forward to good news when you get back.

Me too! *smooch*

ok. Officially too long AFK. Whats up?

*tapping fingers on table and glaring over spectacles*

ditto Kath!

Hey Richard hope all is well, have a great weekend.

^Hoping this might have an effect...

'Morning, RD! Happy Saturday to you. AFK. I like it.

I also like (and this doesn't apply to you, I just happen to like it)

PEBKAC Problem Exists Between Keyboard and Chair

*smoochity smooch smooch*

Horrible

Shemar and I wish to express our concern for your well-being.

>280 laytonwoman3rd: I don't know about our AWOL Richard, but I feel better already! XD

I suspect that rd will be AFK for a while longer. My understanding is that he is not in the best of health right now.. so lets all send some positive energy, okay?

Sending gentle hugs, love and booky thoughts. Feel better soon - we miss you!

Hugs and positive energy to you, Richard.

Take good care of yourself and take in all the positive energy coming in from around the globe just for you.

{{{{Richard}}}}

I am adding my positive energy out east to you, via fast as possible. Feel better soon, dear sir.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

*smooches*

There is way too much on your plate my dear. I hope you are well. Naturally, I'm very concerned.

I noticed someone else started the weekly thread in the What Are You Reading Now? group so I was a little concerned. And for good reason I see. I hope you will soon be feeling better and send all good wishes and healing energy your way. Hugs and smooches to you.

xoxo

I'm glad Joe clued me in on what "AFK" means. I hope you're doing okay, Richard.

The usual smooches for you and Stella, of course. You know we love you around here.

Rdear, I wish you a lovely Sunday.

Wishing you a restful and healthy weekend, friend.

Bigs hugs to you!! Hope you feel better very quickly!

Stopping by with Happy Sunday {{{hugs}}} for you, RD.

I'm concerned about you. It is not like you to have a period of time when there are no posts. I hope you are well.

Hi Richard, hope you are well my friend, your absence is a tad worrying, hope things are ok.

Happy Sunday, Richard. Hope all is well.

Sending mojo >>>>>>>>>>>>>rdear

Richard? Hey, Riiiiichaaaaard! Hmm, I hope all is okay.

yup...positive healing and comforting vibrations once again sent from the west coast to the east coast.... speeding on their way....

Hi Richard--sending you lots of coffee thoughts, good healing mojo and some smooches. Miss you. Hope you are on the mend and will soon be back here with your audacious reviews and recommendations. : )

Just roasted a batch of Kenya Kirinyaga Kirimikui Peaberry with you in mind, RD. Hope things are working out to your favor. Cheers!

Getting concerned about our RDear.

Richard, I'm sorry to hear you've been under the weather. You're very much in my thoughts today and hope you improve soon... *smooch*

It's National Coffee Day. I sincerely hope you're not missing it.

Come on Richard - you can do it buddy!

I've been missing you on all the threads and so came by to see how you are, Richard. I hope you are soon feeling better.

Sending more positive west coast vibes your way and lots of happy thoughts involving coffee and bacon!

More positive waves from The Netherlands! I hope you are all right, Richardmydear.

Is anyone able to phone him? Awfully concerned.

I think perhaps Kath can contact him if he is contact-able.

And we have a friend outside LT working on more info. As soon as I know, I'll post here.

I can tell you that he has been better, but is mending. I know how frustrating it is to have virtually no information, but I am not in a position to give you any this time. What I have is not much more than I am posting. I'm really sorry. I ask that you trust me, and believe that he will be back here before too long, being his curmudgeonly self. I promise that you will hear more soon.

I left him a phone message...and cross posted with Kath! Glad to know he is mending.

Yeah... sometimes phones just aren't enough. That's sure How i feel right now Kimmy...A magic wand would be helpful.

Thanks, Kath. I appreciate both your discretion and what news you have given us.

>316 tiffin: Me, too.

LT is not the same without you, Richard. I just wish you and your Gentleman Caller were off somewhere together where there is no Internet access rather than it be the case that you feel poorly.

Healing and home solution whammies headed your way.

Hugs.

Thanks to you both and health and joy to our man !

Thanks for your post Kath. I trust Richard knows he is loved, and I appreciate the bond you have with Richard. Thanks for letting us know he is out there and somewhat contactable.

>315 mckait: Sending Reiki magic his way. I know that stuff is smart enough to help him however he needs it.

Hope to see you posting again soon Richard. Be well, my friend.

I agree, Kimmy... Reiki finds it way.

Glad to hear something! lots of love go your way, Richardmydear!

>313 mckait:, Thanks Kath for the update on our dear friend Richard, hopefully he is mending and we will se him back on here soon.

Missing you...

Very good, Roni! Let's keep the aspidistra flying while he's out of commission, shall we? (Is that a mixed metaphor?)

Also missing you...

Positive whammies to our RD . . .

Really missing Richard, I hope you feel much better soon.

Adding my love to the pile - miss you RD.

Love and gentle hugs from good old Europe. Hope to see you soon again. xx

I am also missing your presence Rdear! I hope you are feeling better and back with us ASAP but in the meantimes, sending all good thoughts and quick healing whammys your way.

Checking in - things aren't the same around here.

Sending those positive vibes from the northwest corner of the US of A to the east coast, over there somewhere near New York City, I think. The vibes will find a way......

Would an antique octopus ring help?

Adding a little more Reiki to the mix....

Joining the mob with concern and general good wishes. Hope all your troubles go far away soon.

Sending good wishes to you my friend from over the pond, see you back on here soon.

xoxo to you and Stella

Worried!!! Sending you all my love! We can't run this ship without you! Hurry back!

xoxoxo

Calling in reinforcements:

Missing you, Richard, and sending warm healing thoughts your way.

Ah Richard my dear, all kinds of warm thoughts, prayers you don't believe in, and best wishes are wafting to you. We miss you terribly. Get well, and come home soon.

Just in case the smell might lure you back:

*smooches* darling Richard.

Horrible

Sending positive thoughts from Downunder

Pumpkin butterscotch chip muffins (a butterscotch Mamie).

Come on dear fellow; can't have two of us slowing down in the posts at the same time - your thread is taking on posts of almost Stasian proportions. Get well soon RD you are missed greatly.

Sending you waves of love and a whole heap of smooocherooos!

And who is going to mock me for my Satanic Book Warbling. Miss you buddy. Hope you are on the mend.

Hola!! Hoping you are winning the war, whatever it may be. Smooches galore. And some coffee for good measure. Miss you!

Yeah, what Berly said, and Falcor shows us!

What Kim and Karen said. *smooch*

I never would have known about all these cool octopi things in this big old world of ours if I didn't visit your thread. Cool.

You seem to have been missing for ages and ages!? I hope everything is OK. *wellest of well-wishes*

Rdear, I hope you feel much better. Wishing you a lovely weekend. xx

I'm thinking you had better be chipper or these posts will consume you. Hope you're back soon RD.

Whenever I see a lot of new posts here I have hope...like the dog in >357 Ameise1: "Was that Richard I heard?" But no. Soon, please.

Hope you feel much better soon, missing you. Have a lovely weekend Richard.

Missing you, my friend. xo

I have been doing precisely the same thing, Linda. I'm now going to just wait until I see his name popping up again.

{{{Richard}}}

IT's getting scary.... hugs and warm thoughts RD

There is nothing much to say. Everyone is missing rd. I suspect that sooner or later he will be back, warbling and with a tale to tell. My wishes are for a tale with a happy ending. Sometimes those endings just take a long time to reach :-/

I'm searching through all these posts to see if someone knows anything about where Richard is and how he is.

Love and hugs to you Richard my friend.

More west coast mojo winging its way to the east to find and support our Richard!

Thinking of you, friend.

>258 richardderus:: Richard, you asked for good luck quite a little while ago and so I'm sending more good luck vibes in your direction. I hope you are on the mend, and that all other challenges are being overcome.

A bit of ungulate therapy might not go amiss, eh?

Hi Richard! Thinking of you and sending get well wishes your way.....

It is too darn quiet here. I think of you and send healing energy -- for both your physical and emotional needs.

Sending you all my love and good vibes!

Richard, I hope you are lurking on your own thread and can feel the love. Best wishes to you. These can be applied to housing, health, love, books, friends, money, etc. Wherever they may be most helpful. Miss you tons!!! Smooches. : )

Persistence pays off. I just spoke with Richard. He sounds okay. He asked that I share that things are complicated and it has been a rough patch. He also said that things are moving in the right direction. It is an evolving situation, and he thanks all of us who have been sending good energy and love. He appreciates it all.

Thanks for the update, Sis!

Richard, we are sending you all our love from the Pecan Paradisio. We miss you.

Thank you, Kath.

> 377 Thank you so much for the update even in the middle of your grieving. {{{mckait}}}

I am so very, very glad that things are moving in the right direction.

{{{Richard}}} We miss you. Here is lots of energy and love headed your way.

Smooch!

quite welcome.

:)

Whew. It is very nice to hear good things of Richard.

Kath, you know we are all feeling the grief with you. I know you will feel sad on and off for a long time. I still get misty eyed over pets who have moved along years and years ago. We are so lucky to be able to have furry friends, but it is hard to say good bye. Thank you so much for having time to bring us all up to date on Richard.

And now, sad to say, our friend Morphidae needs a bit of support. Go on over and visit her thread if you haven't for a while.

(((hugs to all who want/need them)))

Complicated, but moving in the right direction....that sounds hopeful, anyway. Strength and patience, Mr. D. We're not going anywhere.

Richard!!!! We miss you terribly! We all love you immensely (you can prolly see that though now I hope!).

Be well! Thinking & sending prayers up (even if you don't want them, they make me feel better!).

(((RD)))

Glad things are moving in the right direction.

Crossing all crossables that things continue to move in the right direction. You are missed, but, more importantly, you are thought of and hoped good things for. How's that for strangled syntax??!

xo

Richard, I am so relieved that things are going in the right direction. I wait somewhat "patiently" for good news and your return. *smooches*

Thanks Kath!

Glad to hear that things are moving in the right direction.

Hoping for the best on your nebulous way to health, Richard.

Hang in there, RD. We need you here.

Thanks, Kath. Sending more positive mojo and whammies, Richard.

Thanks kath - wishing healing and hope for both you and RD

Thanks Kath for the update on dear Richard, love and hugs to both of you.

At last. It is good to hear that Richard is breathing. I am usually fairly patient with these things but I was beginning to get anxious about him. Thanks for checking up on him and then letting the rest of us know.

I may have found him...

Hard to tell in that clever disguise.

Thanks for the update on Richard, Kath.

Thank you for the update. Still sending good thoughts his way.

Good to hear, Kath. He's been on my mind a lot and I've been hoping that he has shelter and care.

Thanks for the update. Moving in the right direction is good to hear.

Glad to hear the update, and hope things continue to move in a good direction.

~sending hugs and kisses to Richard, wherever he be~

Thankee for the update, Kath, and we are all very relieved to hear that Richard Dearest is on the upswing!

Glad to hear you are doing all right Richard and hope things continue to work out for you. Sending love.

Richard, I follow your threads and reviews and miss your presence. Your posts have been a big part of my LT experience for a long time. I am glad to hear things, although complicated, are moving in the right direction. May the thoughts and posts of your LibraryThing friends comfort you. We all look forward to your return.

In your honor I am going to read one of your favorites: Montana 1948 by Larry Watson. I encourage others to read a book you have recommended.

Richard please get better soon...we miss you very much! Mckait thanks so much for the update on Richard.

You're loved and missed, RD!

Looking forward to hearing from you when things are settled.

*smooches* from Horrible

Thanks Kath and smooches Ricardo!!

Thanks for the update Kath, as with others will keep Richard in my mind & hope he is back to himself sooner rather than later .....

Kath, What an incredible person you are! In the midst of your sadness, you reach out and let us know a tid bit of Richard. Moving forward sounds hopeful.

Hugs to you both!

^Yes, we are waiting patiently, for the return...

Dear Richard, here's a little mosaic octopus from Herculaneum to help keep things moving in the right direction.

*smooch*

Truth !

Hello, Hello Richard. You are missed.

Adding my good wishes for you, Rdear.

Dear Richard, I have been away for too long, but I knew something wasn't right when I saw 400+ messages here. I join our LT friends in wishing you very well.

OK - I've uncloaked - so things must be serious for that to happen. Please get well/come back soon. Big hole in LT without you.

He sounded ok yesterday...and will be back as soon as he can. It might be a little bit, but lets keep his thread warm. I think we can stop worrying and just stick with sending positive energy.

Thanks a lot for the update. Glad to hear it's going up.

Love and hugs from the Simpson household and Hannah sends *smooches*, see you back here soon good friend.

Thanks for more good news. The doggies and I send strong healing thoughts.

Looking forward to your return, Richard.

Missing my Richard smooches something awful....

Missing you, your wit and lively banter my friend:-)

**warming up the thread**

*smooches* from Horrible

xoxo to you and Stella dearest

Keeping the thread warm!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo etc.

Richard, I don't often post here but I wanted you to know that I care. I hope you and Stella are safe and warm and well-fed. You have left a big hole on LT that only your wit and way with words can fill. xo

*smooch* I'm keeping the dancing boys safe for you. "Safe" being a relative term.....

We're ready when you are, Richard . . .

Good wishes, Richardmydear!!

Thinking of you, Richard.

Stopping by with hugs for you and Stella. Miss you.

I hope things are working out and we see you here soon.

If this thing hits 500, will LibraryThing fall over?

Okay enough of the well wishing (which I do indeed do wish! Get Well!), its time to do what RD loves to hate, or is it hates to love? Book List warbling.

Here's a list from IO9 that gives 10 Sci-Fi authors who's books just kept getting stranger as the authors got older. Gotta say I agree with a lot of these.

http://io9.com/10-science-fiction-authors-whose-books-just-kept-gettin-164575454...

Adding my weight to the 'tip the thread over 500 with love' pile :)

And then pottering off to check out the sci-fi...

Uh-oh

No, no....it's going to be OK!

Seeing as this is Earth Science Week, I'll add this one along with best wishes for sesimic stability and for RD, wherever he may be.

Book Porn!

>444 LauraBrook: I LOVE that, Laura!



Adding my own selection. Missing you, dear. *smooch*

I love all of these, and I'm sure Richard will appreciate them, too.

How timely that New Yorker cover is! I love all the book porn (could I have a footrest in the last one?). And I hope Richard gets to see it all soon and returns to us as curmudgeonly as ever.

Loving all the book porn and I am sure dear Richard will love them as well.

Oh, that's better! It took me several tries to get this right. This is the Skywalker Ranch library.

No book porn to offer... Just a forlorn post about missing Richard again. Wonder if he feels all our concern, thoughts, and well wishes.

Sending smooches & hugs to you and Stella both!

No book porn, but thought of you when I saw it.

Still no sign of you...missing my sarcastic friend.

We could hope for a special reveal on Oct. 31st?

Loving the book porn and all the great friends keeping the thread warm for Ricardo. Hi guy!

sending hugs and love

I am picturing Richard settling into a new, lovely place to live, and read, and write. Go Richard!

Maybe this is part of it?

Excuse me rdear but I am making an executive decision and creating a new thread for you, since this is getting topheavy