Mark's Reading Place #26

^ Lunch spot

Audiobook:



Graphic:


Books Read So Far...

September:

114) The Devil's Oasis by Bartle Bull 4.3 stars
115) Double Cross: The True Story of the D-Day Spies by Ben Macintyre 4 stars (audio)
116) The Cove by Ron Rash 3.7 stars
117) Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell 3.3 stars (audio)
118) The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber 4.7 stars
119) Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen by Susan Gregg Gilmore 3.6 stars
120) Blood Oath by Christopher Farnsworth 3.8 stars (audio)
121) Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin 4.5 stars AAC

October:

122) Cress (The Lunar Chronicles) by Marissa Meyer 4 stars (audio)
123) The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell 3.8 stars E.R.
124) The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin 4.4 stars (audio)
125) I Am One of You Forever by Fred Chappell 4.5 stars Booktopia Rec
126) The Painter by Peter Heller 4.3 stars (audio)
127) Mr. Tall: A Novella and Stories by Tony Earley 3.6 stars E.R.
128) Bad Debts: Jack Irish Thriller by Peter Temple 3.8 stars (audio)
129) Good Kings Bad Kings by Susan Nussbaum 4.2 stars
130) Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel 4.5 stars (audio)
131) Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami 4 stars G.R.
132) Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing 5 stars (audio)
133) The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny 3.8 stars (audio)
134) The Custom Of The Country by Edith Wharton 4.8 stars AAC
135) We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson 4.3 stars (audio)
136) Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?: A Memoir by Roz Chast 4.5 stars GN
137) Family Bible (a memoir) by Melissa J. Delbridge 4 stars
138) Bird Box by Josh Malerman 3.8 stars (audio)

November:

139) Trapped (Iron Druid Chronicles) by Kevin Hearne 3.6 stars (audio)
140) The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff 3.7 stars
141) Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng 3.5 stars (audio)
142) Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline 4 stars (audio)
143) Lila by Marilynne Robinson 5 stars
144) World of Trouble: Last Policeman Book 3 by Ben Winters 3.7 stars (audio)
145) Rabbit, Run by John Updike 3.8 stars AAC
146) Yes Please by Amy Poehler 4 stars (audio)
147) The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken 4.2 stars
148) An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield 4.5 stars (audio)
149) Junkyard Dogs (A Longmire Mystery) by Craig Johnson 4 stars (audio)
150) Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky 3.8 stars
151) A Sudden Light by Garth Stein 4.3 stars (audio)
152) The Devil (Jack Taylor Novels) by Ken Bruen 3.6 stars (audio)
153) Ancillary Justice (Imperial Radch) by Ann Leckie 3.8 stars

December:

154) The Carter Family: Don't Forget This Song by Frank M. Young 3.7 stars (GN)
155) The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher: Stories by Hilary Mantel 4.4 stars
156) Fourth of July Creek by Smith Henderson 4.7 stars (audio)
157) Voice of the Violin (Inspector Montalbano) by Andrea Camilleri 3.8 stars (audio)
158) Justice by Larry Watson 4.3 stars AAC
159) Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell 4 stars (audio)
160) The Remedy for Love by Bill Roorbach 4 stars E.R.
161) The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga 4.2 stars (audio)
162) Geek Love by Katherine Dunn 4.8 stars
163) All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque 5 stars (audio)
164) O Pioneers by Willa Cather 4 stars AAC
165) Acceptance (Southern Reach Trilogy) by Jeff VanderMeer 3.8 stars (audio)
166) Orchard by Larry Watson 3.7 stars AAC
167) Rainey Royal by Dylan Landis 4 stars (audio)

American Author Challenge 2014

Willa Cather- January
William Faulkner- February
Cormac McCarthy- March
Toni Morrison- April
Eudora Welty- May
Kurt Vonnegut- June
Mark Twain- July
Philip Roth- August
James Baldwin- September
Edith Wharton- October
John Updike- November
Larry Watson- December

Mark's picks:

Willa Cather- Death Comes for the Archbishop * Completed
William Faulkner- Light in August Completed
Cormac McCarthy- Suttree * Completed
Toni Morrison- Tar Baby * Completed
Eudora Welty- The Collected Stories * Completed Read the first 2 collections
Kurt Vonnegut- Mother Night* Breakfast of Champions Completed
Mark Twain- Life on the Mississippi- Thanks to RD * The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Completed
Philip Roth- The Plot Against America * Completed
James Baldwin- Giovanni's Room- Thanks to Kerri * Completed
Edith Wharton- The Custom of the Country Completed
John Updike- Rabbit Run * Completed
Larry Watson- Orchard or Justice or both. *

* On shelf

**If you are interested in the American Author Challenge, check out the main thread. This is shaping up to be a highlight of the year, IMHO:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/162960

Main thread- Part 2:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/182058

The author selections for AAII 2015:

Carson McCullers- January
Henry James- February
Richard Ford- March
Louise Erdrich- April
Sinclair Lewis- May
Wallace Stegner- June
Ursula K. Le Guin - July
Larry McMurtry- August
Flannery O' Connor- September
Ray Bradbury- October
Barbara Kingsolver- November
E.L. Doctorow- December

I thought this would be a good idea, to keep track of what is coming up and to supply links when they are available.

December:

Larry Watson American Author Challenge: http://www.librarything.com/topic/183345#4928854

Christmas Swap: http://www.librarything.com/topic/182814

January:

War and Peace Group Read

Carson McCullers American Author Challenge: http://www.librarything.com/topic/185171#

Am I first? I love the various photos of your lunch spot!!

Happy Sunday to you.

Morning, Mark! Happy new thread! And look at you closing in on 160 books read. Go Mark! Go Mark!

Congrats on your new thread, you Reading Machine, you!

>5 lindapanzo: Hooray, for Linda, for being first:



>6 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! You managed to grab 2nd Place, on back to back threads. Go Mamie! Go Mamie!

Happy new thread!

Happy New Thread, Mark and wishing you a lovely Sunday.

Need a recommendation from you. A FB friend of mine has a 28 hour drive ahead of her and she is looking for a engaging audio book for that purpose. Since I don't do audio, I didn't know what to recommend. What have been some of your favorites for the year?

^Amen brothers & sisters!!

>7 maggie1944: Thanks, Karen! Yes, I have got a lot of reading in this year but why does it seem like, I barely make a dent?

>9 Thebookdiva: Thanks, Abby! Great to see you!

>10 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb! Happy Sunday to you!

>11 alphaorder: I would gladly give you a recommendation or 2, Nancy. Can you tell me anything, about what she likes? It is a BIG FIELD, after all.

My friend reads literary fiction and also enjoys mysteries and thrillers, which she thinks would be good for the road trip. Thanks Mark!

Glad you had a good time at the daughter's place last night! That's cute that they invited the parents over for dinner. Awe.

Fourth of July Creek sounds good. Do you think it's something Kranky Kerri would like?

>14 alphaorder: Hi Nancy! Of course there are a ton of great audio recs but here are a few:

An Officer and a Spy
Station Eleven
The Keeper of Lost Causes (crime novel)
A Land More Kind Than Home

If she likes mysteries, has she tried the Three Pines, Dr. Siri or the Walt Longmire books?All of these are also great on audio.

**I PMed you this message too!

Thanks so much, Mark! Shared... I am sure she will appreciate your recs!

>15 DorsVenabili: We ended up really having a good time at Bree's house and we got to spend a little time with her current beau who is a real nice guy. Very easy-going. Plus Bree had Daisy Cutter and Alpha King on hand. That's my girl!

I think Kranky Kerri might like Fourth of July Creek. It's an amazing book but the subject matter is a little brutal at times.

>17 alphaorder: Any other questions or advice, Nancy, let me know. You know I am crazy about my audios.

Happy Sunday, Mark! Hope you're having a good one.

>18 msf59:

I am going to give audio a try for my commute - 1/2 hour each way. I am waiting for the new Jane Smiley from the library. Will let you know how it goes.

Hi Mark - Nice new thread. Will this be the last one of the year?

I just finished Station Eleven, a pre & post apocalyptic novel of North America. It's amazing so I'm dropping by the threads of people I think would enjoy it to recommend it. Complex, cleverly woven together and beautifully written with sub plots that keep you desperate for more. A very very good novel and an author I'll definitely be looking to read more of.

>12 msf59: Love that!

Happy new thread! Glad you had fun at your daughter's house--it's cool when kids turn into adults, isn't it?

Happy new thread, Mark! Hope you had a great weekend!

Okay, the decorations are out but not up but we did get the tree up and the lights on. Things are a bit messy at the moment but it will come together. Not a lot of reading going on today but we did watch the first 2 episodes of the British series Black Mirror. Has anyone else heard about this show? It is an anthology like The Twilight Zone/Tales of the Crypt. It is very daring, creepy and creative. The first show involved the prime minister, being forced to have sex with a pig. No, I did not make that up. There are only 3 episodes a season, so it is not much of a commitment.

>19 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! Having a pretty good day. I wish I could have squeezed in a bit more reading. I still have an hour...

>20 alphaorder: Good luck with the audios, Nancy. I also have Some Luck saved on audio. I was thinking about getting to it, toward the end of the month. We can compare notes.

>21 BLBera: Happy Sunday, Beth! Not sure about this being my last thread. We will see...

>22 lunacat: I read/listened to Station Eleven a few weeks ago and LOVED it too. Glad it worked for you too, Jenny.

>23 laytonwoman3rd: Smiles...

>24 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda! We did have a good time with Bree. She is always a lot of fun.

>25 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary! It was a good weekend.

I'll confess: I bought Station Eleven for the Kindle. It is going to be the fullest Kindle in the world. I think it was lunacat who convinced me.

ETA: but I think your liking it had an influence, too. Credit where credit is due (when I can remember).

>22 lunacat:...now on my tbr pile. Thanks for recommending this one Jenny

Mark- I just learned that Mary Doria Russell will be at Boswell Book Company in Milwaukee on March 5 next year, if you want to take a short road trip. You can see the note in the paperback besteller list.

http://boswellandbooks.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-annotated-boswell-bestseller-lis...

A nice shiny new thread! Lovely photo up top, I'm assuming it's not your lunch spot currently. :)

Hot, humid, and thundery in Sydney. I could do with some snow.

Ok, I gotta admit you've got me interested in Black Mirror. Does this mean I am a pervert?

I will be opening up Montana 1948 this evening, looking forward to it.

Your lunch spot keeps changing. With the seasons, I mean.

Don't know about "Black Mirror." It sounds a bit creepy for the E & P household.....

I hope you have a good week, Mark. Every time I come home to half a dozen holiday season catalogues, I think of you. :-|
Hang in there with the season!

Happy New Thread, Mark!

Also, is that what you wear while reading at your lunch spot...?

Okay, a new week. I am almost done with my Inspector Montalbano book and then onto Fangirl. I've had this one in the audio stacks, since falling hard for Eleanor & Park. This one seems to be very well liked too. I might finish Justice today. It is a very good read and the perfect companion piece to Montana 1948.
I will also be listening to episode 4 in Serial. Anyone else give this a try over the weekend?

>28 maggie1944: Station Eleven turned out to be such a pleasant surprise, Karen and I think deserves the accolades it has been receiving.

>29 Whisper1: Waves & Hugs to Linda!

>30 alphaorder: Thanks, Nancy! If you can send me a reminder, that would be great. Will the new book be out?

>31 wookiebender: Thanks, Tania! Actually that is my lunch spot, but I am in my vehicle, with the heat on at this time of year.

>32 DeltaQueen50: No, you will not be considered a pervert for watching Black Mirror. LOL. But it is a strange little show, with some trippy writing. Looking forward to your thoughts on Mr. Watson.

>33 EBT1002: I will try to take another lunch spot photo, deeper into the winter. There have been times, I could barely get back there, with copious amounts of snow. Hope you have a good week too, Ellen!

>34 scaifea: Thanks, Amber! No, I always stay fully clothed, while at lunch...even at home. LOL.

Yay, I'm glad you already discovered it. What a fantastic surprise it was - I was up till 2am because I refused to put it down.

>28 maggie1944: Karen you'll love it so I'm glad you've purchased it!

Mark - looks like the new Russell comes out on 3/3/15, so yes. http://www.librarything.com/work/15357059

Howdy Mark! Happy New Thread! My husband watched a British show on Netflix this weekend. He told me it was supposed to be Twilight Zoneish in nature. I also watched bits and pieces of it but I remember it seemed to concern people on treadmills watching televisions I don't recall anything concerning a pig. Is that the same episode you watched? It was, indeed, very weird.

>26 msf59:. I watched Black Mirror a while ago and loved them. I'm pretty sure there are 2 series.

Delightfully weird

Oh man, George and Margaret are in Weboy country now in Let Him Go. Look out . . .

Stephanie posted this fun Billy Collins Ted talk link over on my thread, and I think you'd enjoy it: https://www.ted.com/talks/billy_collins_everyday_moments_caught_in_time Animation + humor - can this really be poetry?

Fairly crummy out in our neck of the woods, but they're predicting warmer weather later in the week. Hope it's a decent day for you.

Happy (?) Monday, Mark! I listened to Fangirl on audio and thought it was just ok. Nowhere near as good as Eleanor & Park or Attachments, IMO. But I've never been into that kind of fan girl/fan fiction phenomenon, so maybe that took something away from it for me. I need to read her latest, Landline, which I have a nice new hardcover of....

I finished reading Ancillary Justice and can't wait to get my hands on the sequel Ancillary Sword. I may have to go out and buy that one as neither our library or the public library has it. This one is going to make my top of the year reading list. Great stuff in there. I do have to say that I never understood the gender thing. Does it matter if the hero of a book is a heroine instead? I also thought that the constant worry (in the story) about getting the verb tenses and genders exactly correct when speaking some of the languages went over my head and I had to settle for, that was part of the story so just go along with it, while reading. If gender was the issue at the heart of this novel then I do have to say that in my opinion, Ursula Leguin did it better in Left Hand of Darkness. But for pure good story telling with a very original plot line this novel was great.

#11
I like to listen to mysteries while driving and recommend the Michael Connelly Harry Bosch series. I also listened to Shadow of the Wind while driving and loved that recorded version of that novel. It is the first in a series of translated books by Carlos Ruiz Zafon that are set in the city of Barcelona when Spain was ruled by Franco. Earlier this spring I listened to the Luna Chronicles starting with Cinder by Marissa Meyer. These are not mysteries - they are YA SciFi/Fantasy but this series is wonderful and are great entertainment while driving. Each of the books in the series is about 10-12 hours of listening so if she is taking a long trip it will just about take the trip to finish one book.

You can also tell her that if she is traveling in the South and some parts of the MidWest that Cracker Barrell has a lending program for recorded books. They do have some mysteries among the offerings they put out, so if she can't find anything at her library she can try there. You can check it out for a small fee and return it at any Cracker Barrel in the U. S. I think that Petrol Truck Stops also do this with recorded books.

Ugh, Monday! Mail & parcels are heavy and it is raining...I know, I know, I could be jobless and it could be snowing, so I'll shut my trap.

>36 lunacat: I would like to try Mandel's earlier books and see how she has evolved.

>37 alphaorder: That is great news, Nancy. I will be buying the new MDR, that is for sure.

>38 Carmenere: How very cool, Lynda. Yes, this is the same show. You were watching the 2nd one, with the exercise bikes. Are you a fan of DA? If so, did you recognize the dark-haired actress?
The 1st ep, was the one with the PM and the pig.

>39 mahsdad: "Delightfully weird" is a perfect way to describe Black Mirror. I managed to download the 2nd batch of 3 also. I think there is a Christmas special too.

>40 jnwelch: Ooh, boy, Joe, Weboy country! Look out, is right! LOL. Thanks for the Collins link, I will check it out tonight. You were a fan of Fangirl, right?

>41 katiekrug: Fangirl seems to get mostly favorable reviews, so I am curious to see where I land on this one. I also have Landline and Attachments saved on audio.

>42 benitastrnad: I wish you could have joined us for the Ancillary Justice discussion. You would have fit in perfectly.

Thanks for your great audio| traveling tips. I loved all those books. And that is a cool thing Cracker Barrel does.

>45 msf59: Yes, I'm a fan of Fangirl, Mark, and Rainbow Rowell in general. I saw her Landline won the Goodreads fiction award for this year. I want to read that one.

>46 jnwelch: That is what I thought, Joe. I am starting it, in just a few minutes.

I don't like the sound of deliveries in the snow - hopefully you can keep somewhat warm! I'll think warm thoughts for you.

Dont' shoot me - but I am happy you are laden with parcels today. It is Christmas time and the posties should be heavily laden. I am even happy about the weather. It is such a Christmas cliche - the heavily laden postie faithfully delivering Christmas cheer to all those on his route who depend on him for those wonderful packages of deliveries. Oh gosh - I better bake another loaf of bread for my postal delivery person. I love this service!

I read Montana 1948 in one sitting last night....an excellent, powerful book! Thanks again for putting together the AAC, or I never would have read this book.

I forgot to comment on the podcast conversation. I go through periods where I listen to them, but haven't for a while. I would mostly listen to political stuff, like Democracy Now and a few others. And sometimes the Marc Maron thing, but only if I like the guest - I'm not such a fan of his that I'll listen to him interview anyone. I may check out Serial at some point, so thanks for the recommendation.

My mail man (is that the right term??) are good buddies...probably because I'm one of the few people who are home when he makes his rounds...ha! I always appreciate it when he drops off the parcel (which he does a lot because of all my books and my husband's online buying habits) and he always tells me that Mondays are always a nightmare and he's behind because of all the weekend mail piling up. Made me think of you and appreciate you for all the work you do! :)

Hope you're managing ok today out in the elements, Mark. What a crummy drive to work. In 35 minutes, I encountered snow, sleet, ice pellets, freezing rain, and rain. It changed by the minute but, fortunately, neither the roads nor the sidewalks were icy.

Between packages and Christmas cards/letters, I think I keep the USPS in business. It sometimes feels that way, anyway.

^I listened to EP 4 today. EP 5 tomorrow.

Okay, I finished Justice and thought it was excellent. I am batting a 1,000 with Watson. I am enjoying Fangirl. I like Rowell's easy style and she can be very funny to boot.

>48 lunacat: "I don't like the sound of deliveries in the snow." You must have not been visiting me much last winter, Jenny. I delivered in the snow for 3 months. Ugh!

>49 benitastrnad: I wish you could bake me a loaf, Benita! LOL. Yes, a massive amount of parcels is great news for the P.O. plus we deliver UPS and FedEX packages too, under some kind of arrangement. I wonder if this will be a record-breaker for us?

>50 Cobscook: I am so glad you loved Montana 1948. It was my first Watson too and made quite an impression. Let Him Go, his last novel, is pretty great too.

>51 DorsVenabili: Thanks for chiming in on the podcast chatter. I never heard of Democracy Now. Have you listened to Bill Moyer?

I am really enjoying Serial. They picked a perfectly tangled and thorny case.

>52 jolerie: Yes, you may call him a mailman, unless it is a female and then it might be more appropriate to call her a letter-carrier. I am so glad you are good buddies with your delivery person. I do not see many of my residential customers.

>53 lindapanzo: Once the rain let up, later in the morning, it wasn't bad, Linda! And fortunately, we didn't get any ice or sleet, Linda. Whew!

Hi Mark. I think you were the first one to recommend A Land More Kind than Home so I'll thank you for that. I'm well into it and really enjoying it. I need to get to more Larry Watson too. Maybe I'll look for Justice. I actually liked Let Him Go slightly more than 1948 but they were both excellent.

>22 lunacat: oh oh oooh. I want to read Station Eleven. I had it confused for a moment there with The Healer by Greg Hollingshead. Only because they both have blue/green covers :)

>50 Cobscook: *thwack*
Straight to the heart. I am dying here. I so want to read it.

Hi Mark :)

I listened to the first ep of "Serial" last night on the way home and thought it was excellent. Don's less keen to join in listening, because he's worried about the addiction rate, he's hearing about it everywhere. :P

I've downloaded the next two eps, and looking forward to home time for several reasons now. :)

Although it's not home time tonight, but book drinks! with the local BookCrossing chapter. And it being December/Xmas, there's usually chocolate. Oink.

Nope, wasn't around at all last winter - poor you! Hopefully this year will be ever so slightly warmer for you.

155) The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher: Stories by Hilary Mantel 4.4 stars

“I am willing, though, to tear up the timetable and take some new routes; and I know I shall find, at some unlikely terminus, a hand that is meant to rest in mine.”

The bad news is, I had not read Mantel, before reading this collection. The good news is, it is a terrific set of ten stories, making this an ideal introduction.
The first story and the last one, (the title story) are perfect bookends, featuring unwanted guests, but the results are shockingly and wickedly different. Mantel has a nice range here, with one story about an expat wife, stuck in Saudi Arabia. There is one dealing with a road-weary author on a book tour and another about a young anorexic girl, slowly wasting away. The title story, my personal favorite, is about a plumber who shows up at an apartment, on a sinister mission, involving the infamous British PM.
I was surprised at how dark and edgy these stories were. She is also a smart and intuitive writer. Now, I better get busy reading her earlier work.

Morning, Darryl, uh, Mark!

Next up, is the Remedy For Love. This is an E.R. selection. If anyone remembers, I met Mr. Roorbach at Booktopia Petoskey. I still have a signed copy of Life Among Giants, which, sadly, remains unread. I hope this makes up for it or at least partially.

I will also be continuing Fangirl on audio. I have never read any fan-fiction, (and probably won't) but it is a pretty cool idea. Has any of my fellow book geeks tried any?

I am going to listen to EP 5, in Serial, this morning. I am closing in on halfway.

>56 brenzi: Bonnie made it! Bonnie made it! Hooray! I am so glad you are loving A Land More Kind. It is really a wonderful book. I hope you can find a copy of Justice. I am crazy about Watson.

>57 LovingLit: The insistent warbling continues on Station Eleven & Montana 1948. Happy Camper! Hope you can get to both, Megan.

>58 wookiebender: Yah, for Serial!! I can't believe it is a global sensation! The rest of them are around 30 minutes, so you can churn through them quickly. I've listened to 4.

And Double Yah, for book drinks! Grins...

>59 lunacat: Yes, it was a tough winter, Jenny. The older I get, the heavier the toll.

I've just started a re-watch of the entire series of Band of Brothers but I'm thinking I'll go for Serial once I'm done with that, as something to listen to while I make Christmas presents.

>44 msf59: No! I didn't notice the DA actress, Mark. I wasn't watching that closely as I was the one washing dishes. I guess I'll have to force myself to watch it again and least til I recognize her.

I've really enjoyed Mantel's books in the past so her new one is going on the wishlist for sure. Great comments!

Glad the Larry Watson stories were good, Mark. Are they related to Montana 1948? I thought I saw someone say they were. If you're liking Fangirl, I think you'll like it even more by the end.

Let Him Go: The Weboys came to the motel. Uh-oh. Now we're dealing with the aftermath. I'm also reading the fourth Brian book by Gary Paulsen, who sure has a talent for survival in the woods stories.

Jeez, this day looks just like yesterday, doesn't it? Are we still stuck in yesterday? There are a lot of days I'd rather be stuck in - maybe one from July?

Hi, Mark! Looks like I missed a whole thread (which I just skimmed now) and you're well into the next one.

Serial sounds good. I really haven't gotten into podcasts. You said . . .
Podcasts are perfect for housework or driving around or walking the dog or playing with the cats or...
But, but . . . that's often when I do audio books! :) Ah, well.

I'm almost halfway into Let Him Go, I think. (Sometimes the e-book page counts are wacky.) Haven't yet gotten to what Joe talks about in >65 jnwelch:. I'm having a slow reading month. Go figure.

>63 lunacat: Hi Jenny! I am a big fan of Band of Brothers and I even have a copy in my DVD collection.
Do you drive? Can you listen to something on your commute?

>64 Carmenere: Yes, that Black Mirror episode is an odd one but I found it oddly compelling. There is no question, this show is not for all tastes. LOL.
I am hoping to get to Wolf Hall before the miniseries comes out.

>65 jnwelch: Yes, Justice is a story collection featuring members of the Hayden family, all before the events of Montana 1948. As a matter of fact, the last one ends with the boy David being born. I wish authors did this more, with books we love.

>66 tymfos: Great to see you, Terri. Yes, it is all about time management. At least Serial, is a short commitment. You could listen to 1 or 2, in between audiobooks.

I hope you are enjoying Let Him Go. I was crazy about that one.

Happy Tuesday Mark. See sometimes I'm on top of it. ;)

I haven't read any Mantel yet, but looking forward to correcting that next year because of Paul's challenge. She sounds like she can tell a good story. Going to tackle Wolf Hall. Wish me luck!

You are one of a growing number of my acquaintance tooting the "Serial" horn. I'm thinking I'm going to have to give it a go once I get the holidays under control. (Yeah, right ...) Glad it isn't a big time commitment.

Hope all's well there with you!

I do drive but I don't work (long story - health problems yadda yadda) so no commuting for me. I've taken to listening to audiobooks when I'm riding Connie so perhaps I'll download Serial to listen while I'm doing that. Anything to distract me from Madam's antics.......we don't do so well when I'm getting stressed with her disobedience!

Finished Let Him Go, Mark, and it was most excellent. Thanks for such a good year with the AAC. As I mentioned over on my thread, my faves were Cloud Atlas (David Mitchell) and Ethan Frome (Edith Wharton), but there were a lot of good ones I wouldn't have taken on but for the challenge.

>71 jnwelch: - I'm trying to figure out how an English novelist crept into your AAC, Joe!

I finished reading Ancillary Justice and really liked it. Here is my review.

This is space opera at its best. It is the story of an Artificial Intelligence housed inside a human body and what that AI does in the name of vengeance. When I described this novel to a friend I said that Berq, the main character, was to the novel as Seven-of-Nine was to Star Trek Voyager.

This book has won several awards this year and they are deserved. The author has taken a standard story and told it in a fresh way that provides the reader with plenty of thrills. Most of the buzz about this book has been centered around gender issues. That is understandable given the year - with all the controversy about BookCon and the National Book Awards, any book attempting to bend accepted norms is going to stand out. At first I found the use of the pronoun "she" to be disorienting. Then I found it distracting. Finally I figured things out and found it refreshing. Unlike, some readers, I did not find the jumping back and forth in time to be a problem and caught on to that fairly early in the book. Both the generic use of the sex determining pronouns and the jumping from present to past were literary techniques that the author used to great effect and that added to the impact of the book. Reading this novel can be challenging, in much the same way as reading David Mitchell novels are challenging, but staying with it makes it a very rewarding experience.

>68 jolerie: Yah, Valerie got the day right! Hooray! I will also be reading Wolf Hall early next year. There is going to be a miniseries in March, I believe.

>69 michigantrumpet: Great to see you, Marianne! I've missed you around here. Yes, Serial has really been buzzing. Who would have ever thought a serial podcast would ever catch fire like this? How very cool.

>70 lunacat: Riding the horse and listening to Serial, sounds like a wonderful idea, Jenny. You are referring to Connie as the Madam, correct? LOL.

>71 jnwelch: I am glad you enjoyed the AAC, Joe. It was a lot of fun and having this kind of participation was out of this world. Like Katie, in the next post, I am also curious, why did you include Mitchell, despite the fact that it is a GREAT book.

>72 katiekrug: We will have to wait on a reply, KAK. Softly drumming fingers...

>73 benitastrnad: "This is space opera at its best." You got it, Benita! I loved your thoughts on Ancillary Justice. I wish you could have flown in for the book club. LOL.

>72 katiekrug: Oops! He loves the colonies.

Morning Mark, hope it's not too freezing at your place.

>74 msf59: "Like"

Happy Hump Day! I am off today, so no grumbling out of me. On the agenda, is a loose mix of chores, errands and book reading. I am enjoying both The Remedy For Love and Fangirl. I also just started a GN memoir called Tomboy, which Kerri warbled about.

>76 jnwelch: Oh, now I get it, Joe. LOL.

>77 Ameise1: Hi Barb! The weather her has been gloomy and damp but not COLD or snowy, so I am not complaining.

>78 Carmenere: Yah, for a fellow NERD!!

*waving*

>79 msf59: - The Remedy for Love is my next read... Glad to hear you are enjoying it!

>79 msf59: I also just started a GN memoir called Tomboy, which Kerri warbled about. Oh, good! I really liked that one. The art is a little ho-hum, but the story is very good. It comes from an interesting perspective too.

Morning, Mark! Okay, so I listened to the first episode of Serial yesterday just to see what you were talking about, and now I am hooked. At the end Daniel came in and asked what I was listening to, so I explained, and now you have hooked him, too. Good work, my friend!

Haven't cracked a book yet, but that is next...

>80 maggie1944: Waves & Hugs to Karen!

>81 katiekrug: I really like Roorbach's writing, Katie. Curious to see how this one unfolds. It's a perfect winter read so far.

>82 DorsVenabili: I am picking up a few more GNs today, Kerri, so I better get crackin'. I love having a GN, at hand, to dip in and out of.

>83 Crazymamie: I can not believe how much Serial has caught fire. Wow! My daughter has raced through 7. I plan on listening to 6 & 7 this week. Even one of my wife's co-workers mentioned she had started it. I heard that Serial has been picked up again for next year.

Glad you both are "hooked"!

Looking forward to your thoughts on Tomboy, Mark. I'm trying to decide between Being Mortal and Lila for my next book. Can't go wrong either way.

I'm home, having picked up a lousy cold from my roommate. It's a groggy house right now.

Hi Mark, Justice sounds like a good lead up to reread of Montana 1948. I think I will do more rereads next year. I also plan to read the Wiley Cash book in January. If Bonnie is liking it, then I will, too.

Hi Mark, I'm slow getting around all the threads. The pain pills put me to sleep, and typing wit one hand makes everything twice as long.

Thank you for your encouragement. Would you help spread the word about my medical expenses? http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-stephanie-pay-for-wrist-surgery...

>75 msf59: Yup, Connie is indeed Madam. Although she was strangely cooperative and un-Madamish today. I'm still listening to The Winter King and have found a gripping listen is apparently essential for me to be able to stay more relaxed and not project my tension onto her.

If only I was allowed to listen to audiobooks while competing, I might get better marks! I'm looking forward to listening to Serial once I've finished The Winter King, and I'm 85% of the way through so it shouldn't be too long.

Okay went to the library and picked up a stack of requested items, including a couple of those meditation books, my pals recommended. I did a quick food shopping run and then a visit to a nearby used book store, to look for a few books for RD, without much luck. I do have a small pile ready to mail though. I did find a copy of Boneshaker for our next Sci-Fi Book Club pick. Sweet!

>85 jnwelch: Sorry, about the cold, my friend. I hope you are taking it easy. You will LOVE Lila! I have Being Mortal requested on audio.

>86 Donna828: Good to see you, Donna! Yes, Justice is another terrific Watson title and I can see no reason why you won't love A Land More Kind.

>87 AuntieClio: I am glad I finally made it over to the website, Stephanie. I hope that little bit helps and I hope more LT folk are able to do what they can.

>88 lunacat: Glad to hear Connie is being un-Madamish today. I am sure it makes it easier on you. I am also glad you will be starting Serial. You will know in the first episode if it's clicking for you.
The Winter King sounds good. I have not yet read Cornwell.

>74 msf59: Amen!!!

>89 msf59: Glad that you're off today, as it's a perfect one for running a few errands and then taking it easy. It's grey and overcast here, third day in a row, and motivation seems to be hard to find. Unfortunately for some of my Christmas presents, I did not get a chance to head to the post office this morning and will have to do so early tomorrow morning instead. I'm really wishing I had a little more "open" time in my life lately. Oh well! I've got the meditation book and cd ready to go out to you, plus a fun surprise I didn't realize was waiting for just the right person - I hope you like it!

Okay, off to finally take a shower, and then off to give one of my favorite clients a massage, and then rush over to the library to work until 9! Yay (sort of)!

Enjoy the rest of your day off, Mark!

So I'm in the middle of episode 9 of Serial. Still haven't formed an opinion one way or the other about what actually might be true. So many elements can be spun either way. It's utterly fascinating. I had hoped to be caught up before the new episode drops tomorrow but I don't think that's going to happen.

I picked up SnowPiercer at the library last night. Maybe it'll be my weekend reading.

>92 msf59: Three it is then. And one more for luck.

OH! - you are reading Boneshaker! I have been wanting to read that novel for some time. Maybe I should take it home over Christmas and read it. I am sure it will be a quick read. I pulled Eragon from the stacks today to take home. (I have the recorded version so will listen to it on the long trip - but I still like to have a paper copy around to refer to when needed.) I still haven't read any of that series and thought that perhaps the time had come to dip into it.

If I recall correctly Karen and the Seattle LT bunch read this one for their book group.

Just grabbed Boneshaker off the shelf and will check it out before I leave tonight.

Poor Olivia, so misunderstood. She is greedy in her reading, as you'd expect considering her general pigginess. :)

Wednesday. It's half way to the weekend. We are getting some freakishly warm weather for December. It's nice not to freeze my face off but the offside is I end up with chinook migraines. I've got to pop some pills to make it through the day. Hope your off day was wonderful Mark! :)

>90 LauraBrook: It was a good day off, Laura! I got a few things done and I got some reading in. I am really enjoying The Remedy For Love. You might like this one too. Also, Tomboy is really clicking.
Fingers crossed that you get more "open" time in your life.

>91 SuziQoregon: I can not believe Serial is such a sensation, Juli! The ease of being able to listen to it, has to be a major factor. I will listen to #6 tomorrow. Looking forward to your thoughts on Snow-Piercer. If you can start tracking the film down, try to do so.

>93 lunacat: I like the way you think, Jenny!

>94 benitastrnad: Boneshaker has received a mixed LT reaction and that is the only reason, I've not read it yet. Now, I'll get to see for myself. I won't be reading it, until mid-Feb, for the Book-Club. It will be a perfect fit for FF, right, Benita?

>95 LovingLit: "She is greedy in her reading." I think we can all relate to that, right, Megan? I love little Olivia.

>96 jolerie: I enjoyed a Wednesday off, this week, Valerie. I hope you are enjoying that "freakishly warm weather". We are getting into the 40s for the weekend.
Sorry, to hear about those migraines. What a bummer!

I am going to have to try "Serial"!

I bet she could bookhorn in the fourth!

Sweet Thursday! It looks like we will be getting a little sunshine later today, which will feel nice, after a LONG string of gloomy, chilly days. All of my current reads, The Remedy For Love, Fangirl & Tomboy are all clicking for me and I look forward to continuing...

I will also listen to #6 in Serial. Susan Koenig, the host of Serial was on The Colbert Report last night. Did anyone see it? I have it recorded.

>98 banjo123: I hope you give Serial a try, Rhonda! Would love to hear your thoughts.

>99 streamsong: You betcha, Janet!! LOL.

Morning, Mark! Happy Thursday!

>94 benitastrnad: Yup, the book group did read Boneshaker and I liked it well enough. It is not "literature" but a good quick and entertaining read. I think it would appeal to young people, too. I think of following up with some others of her books, but frankly, my reading dance card is full up to the tippy top!

Happy 1/2 the week good and over! Look out, weekend, here we come.

(truth be told: back on my Instacart schedule and my weekends are taken on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and I work on Sat. Sun. when I get a shift or two)

Sweet Thursday, Mark! I'm at work, although barely. Can't read anything too challenging right now, so I'm reading Brian's Hunt, another in that good Gary Paulsen series, and the second Nikki Heat mystery.

There's some sun out there, and a bit warmer temps coming. Hope it's a good one for you today.

>101 scaifea: Waves & Hugs to Amber!

>102 maggie1944: Morning Karen! I am surprised it has taken me this long to read Boneshaker but I do think it has something to do with mixed LT pal reviews.
Hope you are enjoying your day off.

>103 jnwelch: Sorry, to hear you are still dragging, Joe. Good luck with that.
It is still pretty chilly out here but the sunshine feels great.

Happy Thursday Mark! My hubby is off this Friday so this is my last "work" day. Woot woot! :)

I liked Boneshaker - it was fun and a quick read. And zombies! I just finished another steampunk that was really good - The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter. Strong, clever female heroine perfectly capable of rescuing herself, no love triangle (in fact no romance!), excellent pacing, and although it is the first in a series, it can stand on its own just fine - no cliffhanger. Highly recommended.

just been catching up on your thread and getting hit by book bullets from all and sundry as well as new podcast ideas to listen to.
I'm a fan of Rainbow Rowell's books, though I have to say that Landline was probably the weakest read for me. Currently reading Nick Harkaway's The Gone-away World which has been on my tbr pile for a long while.

>105 jolerie: Yah, for a long weekend, Valerie! I hope you have plenty of R & R scheduled.

>106 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! Looking forward to finally getting to Boneshaker. Glad to hear you liked it. I have never heard of The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter. And you LOVED it too? I better add it to the WL, pronto.

>107 avatiakh: Good to see you, Kerry! Glad to hear from another Rowell fan. I might try Landline as my next Rowell choice and see for myself. I know it has received mixed reviews.
Sadly, I have not read Harkaway yet and The Gone-Away World is high on my To-Read list. I have it both in audio and in print. I'll be watching for your thoughts.

Morning, Mark! Charlie and I, along with the rest of the Kindergarten classes, are off to a local museum to see their train exhibit today and I'm glad that it's going to be a nice day since we're walking there! Hope it's nice in your neck of the forest today, too.

Happy Friday! I ended up taking the day off today, (ssshhh!!) because a very good friend of mine is getting remarried later this morning and he asked me to join him, downtown at the city hall. (BTW-He told me this last Sunday! What??) Then we will be going to lunch, so I will have a full day, messing around with that. Reading will suffer...LOL.

>109 scaifea: Morning Amber! Sounds like a fun day with the Kindergarten class. Enjoy! It will be about mid-30s here today.

Have a great day, Mark. It is sweet to be able to share a sweet moment with a good friend.

Sounds like a fabulous way to spend the day.

Started American Boy this am. Wish I could stay home and read.

^I received an advanced copy of this one yesterday. Fans of Jussi Adler-Olsen & the Dept. Q Gang, should be very excited about this one. This will be his first stand-alone. It will not be released until February. Happy Camper!

>113 msf59: Nice!

I just got an advanced copy of The Green Man by Michael Bedard, which looks intriguing. We'll see.

Happy Friday! Hope you have a good one today.

>113 msf59: Oh, good! I'm a bit behind in this series, as I've only read the first three, but hope to get caught up eventually...

Enjoy your day off! Is this the friend and significant other I met at Buckledown?

Nice job getting the advance copy of the Adler-Olsen book. I'll be watching to see what you think of it.

I love Olivia!

Happy Friday. Have a good weekend.

Well, I am back home. It was a LONG DAY. Lots of driving. We had lunch at an Italian restaurant. Good food, lousy beer selection. (Somehow, I'll get over it). They seem to be a very happy couple and that is all that matters.

I did listen to a chunk of Fangirl, while tootling around today and I should finish it tomorrow. I hope to read some of The Remedy For Love tonight.

>111 maggie1944: It was a long day, Karen but I am glad that I was a part of it. They are happy.

>112 alphaorder: Thanks, Nancy. I'll be watching your thoughts on American Boy.

>114 jnwelch: I am looking forward to The Alphabet House, Joe, although it will be awhile before I can bookhorn it in. I will watch for your thoughts on The Green Man. Never heard of that author.

>115 DorsVenabili: The Alphabet House is not part of the Dept Q series, so it will be interesting how his stand-alone does.

And yes, it was the couple you met at Buckledown, that tied the knot. The 2nd time for both of them. Fingers crossed.

Hi Mark! Thanks to all the podcast warbling here on your thread, I downloaded and tried Serial. Finished episode two last night. You were all right, it is excellent!

>118 Cobscook: Glad you are hooked, Heidi! I will be listening to #7 tomorrow. It looks like next Thursday will be the finale: #12. Enjoy!!

Hmm. I don't know Jussi Adler-Olsen. It seems that I should address this gap in my reading knowledge.

Hello, Mark! How are things in Chicagoland?

Happy Weekend! I am working today but it will be fairly mild for mid-Dec, about 46. I'll be wrapping up Fangirl and I'll come close on finishing The Remedy For Love. I really enjoyed the GN memoir, Tomboy, so another hug to Kerri for the rec.

I will also be listening to Serial #7. Is anyone still on the fence, about this addictive podcast?? If so, jump on down and join the fray!

>116 BLBera: Happy Weekend, Beth! Good to see you! Are you a Dept Q fan?

>120 EBT1002: Happy Saturday, Ellen! Everything is going fine in Chicagoland. The weather has been cooperating and that is always a big factor, this time of year. I WILL send you a copy of the Keeper of Lost Causes, once I get it back, which should be soon.

Mark, I wish you a fabulous weekend.

Morning, Mark! Slightly lazy morning here at Scaife Manor, at least until I get myself in gear and get to the grocery shops...

Happy Saturday, Mark!!

Another gloomy day but at least it's not cold or snowy.

I'm on the go most of the day so not much reading, I'm afraid.

Hey, buddy. Have a good one out there today.

We're still recuperating, so I'm going to go for easier reading - another Phryne Fisher mystery and that ER book The Green Man.

Gloomy out here but the temps are mild.

>123 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb! Have a great day. Happy reading.

>124 Ameise1: Hope you are still enjoying your lazy Saturday morning, Amber! And let's savor this mild weather.

>125 scaifea: Have a nice Saturday, Linda. Hope you can make some R & R time.

>126 lindapanzo: Sorry to hear, you are both still recovering. It must of hit hard. Curl up with those books and stay comfy.

Mark - I am a Dept. Q fan -- of the odd numbered ones. The even numbered ones have could be skipped, in my opinion.

Have a great weekend.

^^Now, that's what I'm talkin' about!!

Hello Mark,
have been incredible busy last week and finally arrived back in Germany last night, after an almost 16 hour car journey due to bad weather conditions.
Haven't had the chance to listen to the podcast yet, especially as I wanted to do it together with Alex.

I wish you a fantastic weekend :)

>121 msf59: love the mouse on top with his(/her) little book :)

>130 msf59: oooh. I would like to talk about that some more. Are we talking stout here? It looks yummy.

I had a nice book turn around day yesterday. I finished Fangirl & The Remedy For Love and I started the audio of The White Tiger, which I have intended to read, since it came out. WTH? I like it, in the early going. Funny & smart, with just the right edge.

My wife has a full day, finishing the decorations, (We are hosting a Christmas Party next Saturday!) so I will help whenever I can or try to stay out of the way.

>129 BLBera: So far, all the Dept. Q books have worked for me, Beth. My only issue is the length of them. Do they need to be 500 pages? I have still not read book 5.

>131 drachenbraut23: Good to see you, Bianca! Glad you made it back to Germany safely. Hope you can get some R & R in today. It sounds like you could use it.

>132 LovingLit: Hi, Megan! That stout up there is a stock photo but I did have a tasty one last night, Bell's Kalamazoo Stout. Bell's is a Michigan brewery.

Hope you are having a good weekend.

Happy Sunday, Mark!

I've enjoyed the Dept. Q books, too. How did you end up liking Fangirl? I've considered reading The White Tiger a couple of times, so I'll look forward to your thoughts on that one.

Never had Bell's Kalamazoo Stout, so I'll keep an eye out for that one.

We're improved over at Casa Welch, and just had a good visit with the lovely Becca and her furry companion. Going to be a fairly slow day; all I can handle in reading right now is Phryne Fisher mysteries, so I've got another one of those going. She's an interesting character, very liberated and self-confident, with a hearty appetite for good-looking young lads. Fun to have the James Bond sexual magnetism, love 'em and leave 'em theme turned around.

>130 msf59: Now you're talking!

ETA: Maybe the Bears (5-8-0) can apply for membership in the NFC South; they would be tied for first place, along with the Saints and the Falcons.

"This thing of darkness I acknowledge mine."

-Prospero, The Tempest

^Everyone knows I like my dark books, so I am choosing to read, (FINALLY) Geek Love, which I've been hearing about since I joined LT. And it is about as dark and twisted as you can get. The perfect holiday read, right? Thanks to Bonnie for sending me a copy many moons ago.

Here are a couple quick blurbs:

"In order to save their traveling carnival from bankruptcy, the Binewskis are creating their own brood of sideshow freaks. Under Al's careful direction, the pregnant Lil ingests radioisotopes, insecticides and arsenic to make her babies "special."

"A wild, often horrifying, novel about freaks, geeks and other aberrancies of the human condition who travel together (a whole family of them) as a circus. It's a solipsistic funhouse world that makes "normal" people seem bland and pitiful. Arturo the Aqua-Boy, who has flippers and an enormous need to be loved. A museum of sacred monsters that didn't make it. An endearing "little beetle" of a heroine. Sort of like Tod Browning's Freaks crossed with David Lynch and John Irving and perhaps George Eliot -- the latter for the power of the emotions evoked."

^Makes you kind of warm and fuzzy, doesn't it?

Mark, since you liked Fangirl, you might be interested to know that Rowell's next book is a stand-alone novel featuring Simon Snow. Personally, I found that story-within-the-story even more boring than the main story - ha!

“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.”

― The Fault in Our Stars

Weird evangelical zeal?? Hmmmmmmmm...sounds oddly familiar.

>134 jnwelch: Glad to hear things are improving in Casa Welch. Whew! I really liked Fangirl. It got a bit mushy for me in the final third but it was a good solid read. I think you will like the White Tiger but I will let you know for sure. It's a quick read.

>135 kidzdoc: The Bears do not deserve anything, Darryl. They are a below-average team and they are right where they should be. Yep, that NFC Central is pretty dismal too.

>136 msf59: Thanks for the info, KAK! I wasn't as crazy about the side-story either, although I admired the "idea" of it.

>117 msf59: Oh! I didn't know it's a stand-alone. That's very cool.

>136 msf59: I can't believe you hadn't read Geek Love! I think I liked it, but details are fuzzy. It does seem like a Mark book. :-)

Joe had a good porter yesterday - Ale Syndicate's Richie Imperial Porter. I even thought it was good, and I don't usually get very worked-up about porters.

I liked your question about the Department Q books. Do they really need to be 500 pages? My answer is no. I read a couple of the Martin Beck books written by the Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo team back in the 1970's. They are excellent mysteries. Plus all ten of those books are around 250 pages. In my opinion the size of books is becoming more and more bloated due to the lack of editing from the publishers. Publishers just don't want to spend the money on hiring people to edit books.

I am listening to the bloated Diviners by Libba Bray and already think that it suffers from a lack of editing. It is a YA novel and is 550 pages. WTH? Maybe part of the problem is the Harry Potter phenomena. Talk about bloat - those books were gargantuan. But since Scholastic and J. K. Rowling got away with it other publishers will as well, while readers like me long for the days of shorter well honed books.

>139 DorsVenabili: Happy Sunday, Kerri! I am also shocked I have not read Geek Love. Bells went off the first time I heard about it. This is going to be a one-of-a-kind read, that is for sure and not one for the sensitive/cozy mystery reader.

Porters and stouts hit me pretty hard, so I don't drink them very often.

>140 benitastrnad: Happy Sunday, Benita! The Martin Beck books are refreshingly short aren't they? I see you are reading Angelmaker. How very cool. I've been wanting to read Harkaway for a couple years now.

ETA: You answered my question about the Beck series. LOL. I was curious about The Diviners but I am not into BLOAT!!

I got a good start on Angelmaker but so far it has not quite caught me. However, to be fair I have been reading it late at night and am so sleepy that I am not really getting into it. This was a book that made the Alex Award list so I want to give it a fair chance before I pronounce judgement.

I registered for the ALA mid-winter meeting in Chicago last week. It will be January 30 - February 3. I still have to make arrangements for hotel and all that but will be there. Hope to see you and some of the Chicago gang at least one of the days. Probably Sunday. I will be checking with the LT Gods to see if they are going and if they will be giving free passes and let all of you know.

>142 benitastrnad: So wish I could join you in Chicago, at least for a meetup, although why anyone would want to be in Chicago the end of January/first of February is beyond me. :)

Happy Sunday, Mark. Hope you are having a good one! Just wanted to say thank you for the "Serial" recommendations. I listened to Episode 1 last night and must say I loved it! So, pat yourself on the back ~ you've helped create another fan. It's come at a particularly good time, actually, as I haven't been able to get into any of the books I have on my "currently reading" pile.

>142 benitastrnad: I am on vacation that week of the ALA, Benita, so I would really like to go. I hope the LT Gods & Goddess's can hook us up. I would kind of like to go on Saturday, since I am off. How late would you have to work that day?

>143 Storeetllr: "although why anyone would want to be in Chicago the end of January/first of February is beyond me." Why, to see me of course!! Duh!!

I am so glad you tried Serial. We were at a Christmas party last night and I had a blast talking it about it, to a couple of people. Even my wife listened to the first episode while doing the decorations today.

Of course, I'd love to see you, and the rest of the Chicago contingent, but it would be so much more pleasant to be in Chicago in the spring or summer or autumn, don't you think?

Mark, I now have the first couple of episodes of "Serial" downloaded on my phone. So the next step is to listen... Maybe on my commute tomorrow? I had recommended it to my daughter, based on your recommendation, She listed to it on her flight, and is now telling me I have to listen.

So you have made me cool enough that I can make recommendations to my 18 year old.

>146 Storeetllr: "it would be so much more pleasant to be in Chicago in the spring or summer or autumn, don't you think?" Yes, I do agree, Mary! We will get you here, one of these days.

>147 banjo123: Rhonda is cool! Rhonda is cool! Hooray! I can't believe how this podcast has caught fire and by the young folk too. You do not see this kind of thing, happen very often. I hope you can listen on the commute.

Oh I am so glad you are finally getting to Geek Love Mark but I have to admit that I had to get it off my shelf. It scared the living daylights out of me. I'm sure it will cast a spell on you haha. BTW I binge-listened to Serial between Thursday afternoon and Saturday and am now all caught up. Very addictive.

>149 brenzi: Hi Bonnie! Geek Love is deeply disturbing but I am surprised by how sharp and compassionate her writing is. I think this will be one of those unforgettable reads.

And yah, for more Serial love! What got you interested?

I binge listened to Episodes 2-9 today. (I feel like I should have started this post with "Hi, my name is Mary, and I'm a Serialaholic.")

Morning, Mark!

Happy Monday, Mark! I really enjoy your gifs they always put a smile on my face. Ugh, we too are in the midst of gloom and drizzle totally dampens the holiday spirit. The Browns fiasco didn't help matters much and my son's home from school today w/a temp of 100.5. I think I should go back to bed too and hug a book.
I hope your day is full of happiness and a light load.

It is supposed to be a busy day at the P.O. I better eat my Wheaties! At least it will be mild. Nearly 50. And fortunately, I am enjoying both my current reads, Geek Love & The White Tiger.
I will also be listening to Ep #9 of Serial. The finale is on Thursday. Chews nails...

>151 Storeetllr: Hello, fellow-Serialaholic! This sure caught fire, didn't it, Mary? Glad you are enjoying it.

>152 scaifea: Waves & Hugs to Amber!

Morning, Mark! The posts here made me laugh out loud because, I have to confess, I also binged listened to Serial over the weekend. Look what you've done to us!! I'm now ready for episode ten. Remember to use your power only for good!

>154 msf59: - Ooh, the finale of Serial is coming out just in time. We plan to listen to it on our drive to Florida (we leave on Saturday), and I've just downloaded parts 1-11.

I loved Geek Love, too, when I read it.... I do not know how long ago. I'm pretty sure it was before LT, so you know I was impressed to have it still in my mind. I did not see it as a "dark" book at all. I thought the author was very compassionate, as you noted. I hope you continue to love it.

Have a great day. Hope the loads are not unreasonable.

Hey, buddy. Sounds like you had a good reading weekend. Couple of nice wins for the Bulls, over a good Portland team and the old nemesis, now depleted Miami.

Debbi and I are interested in ALA again, too, if it all starts coming together. Saturday would be fine.

Enjoy this warm one today. Hope the drizzle holds off until nighttime.

>142 benitastrnad: I'm reading Harkaway's The Gone-away World at the moment, a bit different but in a good way.

Hi Mark, just popping in and saying hi!

Yes, it is a heavy volume day, especially with parcels but we are getting assistance, which helps with the load.
And the mild temps are making things easy too.

>153 Carmenere: Sorry, about your Browns, Lynda. Must have been painful. We Bears fans can completely understand the feeling.

>155 Crazymamie: Hooray for more, Serial Love, Mamie! Wow, it does sound like you binged. I have listened to the first 9. I wasn't even ahead of the curve on this one. I first heard about it on BOTNS ,about 3 or 4 weeks ago.

>156 katiekrug: This should be perfect for the car ride, KAK. But bring a back up, just in case you hate it. LOL.

>157 maggie1944: More Geek Love love! Hooray! Yes, I agree, Dunn does not exploit these characters. They are actually very proud of what they are. This is definitely a one of a kind experience.

>158 jnwelch: Howdy, Joe! Glad you are up for the ALA in January. I am on vacation that previous week, so Saturday would be perfect.
Go Bulls! I would also so Go Bears, but what's the point, right?

>159 avatiakh: I hope I can book horn in the Harkaway, soon.

Alright, Alright, I'll add Geek Love to my WL. Quit twisting my arm. :)

Coming to your thread to nudge you into trying to shoehorn All Quiet into your week. I think you would like it a lot and it's turning out to be a pretty quick read.

I hope you make it through the gigantic piles of mail today!

Like I said, I'll definitely have to get on this Serial thing. I'm hearing about it all over this week! OCD nerd question: Are you counting it as an audiobook? :-| (Apologies if you've covered this topic already.)

>161 msf59: What's the point with the Bears is right, isn't it? They're better off losing and getting a higher draft pick. The Bulls, on the other hand, look loaded, and know how to play together. Derrick's health is the big wild card there.

> 160 Good to see you, Connie. Hugs!

> 162 If Geek Love is spiking your interest, then this might be a good match, Jeff.

> 163 It might just work out, Ellen. You know it just takes the right touch.

> 164 Just give the first episode a try and you will know pretty quickly. And no, I am not counting it as an audio.LOL. I don't need to pad my numbers that much.

>166 msf59: Counting podcasts as books, I'd be up over 200 at least if I did that. Unless its a podcast/serialization of an actual book, tho. I know before I was keeping track, Cory Doctrow and Mur Lafferty used to do podcast releases of their books. That I would count. :)

I may have to give Serial a try. I keep hearing interesting things about it. My other go to podcast is Stuff You Should Know. They publish twice weekly and always talk about interesting things. Man, if I counted those I would be 100+ books ahead!

"They thought to use and shame me but I win out by nature, because a true freak cannot be made. A true freak must be born"

"A carnival is daylight is an unfinished beast..."

^ Geek Love

167 I agree with you, Jeff! I would not want to keep track of my podcasts. LOL. This might come closest to being a book but I think it works best in this serial audio format. I am sure we are going to see a flood of these now.

>168 RosyLibrarian: Good to see you, Marie. Yes, give Serial a go. The first episode is only 53 minutes and then you'll know if you are hooked. Thanks for the Stuff You Should Know rec. I will look into it.

>169 msf59: Um, yeah. I wouldn't normally count podcasts, but this one sounds like a book, from what I've read about it. :-)

^^And speaking of podcasts, I see that Cheryl Strayed is bringing back her Dear Sugar advice column. This will be available on iTunes, starting today. This might fill in nicely, once Serial is over. I just downloaded the first one.

If you had a chance to read her book, Tiny Beautiful Things, then you know she gives excellent advice. Smart, edgy and heartfelt.

Hello Mark! I confess to having The White Tiger languishing on my shelves for a long time now...........all those new and shiny books are so darn distracting! :)

yes, me too, >172 jolerie:. So many books, so little time.

I hope your relatively better weather holds while you work your way through the holiday heavy loads. Most of the year, being outside for work has some wonderful gifts, but when the weather is not helpful, it can be very hard, I know. I do not wish that for you.

Morning! Enjoying both Geek Love & the White Tiger. I will be listening to #10 of Serial, this A.M.

>172 jolerie: I was the same way, Valerie. The White Tiger languished on shelf for several years. Finally yanked it down and it is a good one!

>173 maggie1944: Morning Karen! Temps drop through the day and it will be cold for the next few days but our December has been good to us so far, so no complaints. I am just over a 100 pages into Geek Love and continues to shock and intrigue.

Howdy Do, Mark! We watched the Bear's game, good grief what's happened to them? Very depressing Sunday all the way around. Now, were saying the same as jnwelch "They're better off losing and getting a higher draft pick." *shakes head in disbelief* We've been wait til next year for 50 years! Give me a break!
*sigh* I'm all riled up this morning, off to yogasize!
Have a good day, my friend!

Serendipitously (wow, try spelling that one early in the morning!), my sister just sent me this article about the continuing popularity of Tiny Beautiful Things:

The Self-Help Book Women Love to Give Each Other Cheryl Strayed's "Dear Sugar" book is approaching cult status.
http://thecut.io/1us48ad?mid=emailshare_thecut

How great that she's going to resume the column. I loved that book.

#92 I had this exact conversation with the kids in the library on Saturday. I lost.

We left with 12.

A light mail day. Yah! Nice after the onslaught of yesterday.

>175 Carmenere: There is nothing fun about watching a football like that. It's like watching one of your kids having an injury tended to. Total misery. I will probably watch some of the Sunday game but I have no idea why, Lynda. Self-mutilation, perhaps?

>176 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! I listened to the audio of Tiny Beautiful Things, narrated by Strayed and her voice is as wonderful as her well-chosen words, so I think this podcast will be a joy.
It deserves cult status and much much more.

>177 BekkaJo: LOL! Those kids will get you every time, right, Bekka?

#177 Yup. I piled out all the Xmas gifts yesterday - you know the annual check to see who's got what, who doesn't have anything yet (my mother *gulp*). And realised that all I had bought my son is books...

He won't mind this. But I should probably get him something else too!

Heya Mark! Hope you're holding up OK under the Christmas mail overload. Good to hear you don't have challenging weather complicating things.

I got a ARC of The Alphabet House yesterday - definitely looking forward to this one!! I also got my ER book The Girl on the Train - I've heard from reliable sources that it's a good one.

>129 BLBera: Nailed it on the Department Q books - loved 1 & 3, slightly disappointed in 2 & 4. I've got the 5th but haven't started it yet. Will probably read The Alphabet House first.

I got caught up with Serial yesterday and ready for Thursday's final episode. In the meantime I'm back to audiobooks. I started listening to Spirit of Steamboat a Walt Longmire Holiday novella.

>179 BekkaJo: I think getting your son nothing but books for Christmas is a wonderful thing. I do not think I have ever given my kids a book for Christmas or their birthdays. They are just not that serious about reading, although my daughter has the occasional biblio-burst. But I do keep trying...I promise you that.

>180 SuziQoregon: The Dept Q books all work for me, Juli! My only complaint is the length. I have still not got to book 5, either. I'll be watching for your thoughts on The Girl on the Train. Sounds good.
I listened to ep #10 of Serial today and I will do #11 tomorrow, so I will be set for the finale!

What?? Final episode of Serial?? Meep! I'm on episode 11, and am loving it. And it's all going to be over soon!

And I've read Snowpiercer (good, and really different to the movie - I think I preferred the movie, though) and the first issue of Ms Marvel which was excellent, and I must read on! I did read G. Willow Wilson's Alif the Unseen last year or so and really liked it as well, hadn't realised until now that she was also writing comics.

Final day of school today. Mr Bear had his Year 6 Farewell last night (dinner, dancing, all dressed up, then parents came by for the speeches, tears, presentations, and a final dance). High school next year!!

"“So I stood around that big square of books. Standing around books, even books in a foreign language, you feel a kind of electricity buzzing up toward you..."

-The White Tiger

>182 wookiebender: Sounds like you've been busy Tania! LOL. You sure blasted through Serial. I plan on listening to #11 tomorrow morning.

Sadly, I have not yet read Alif the Unseen, but I have it saved on audio. Wow! I did not realize she penned Ms. Marvel too! How very cool

Yah, for Mr. Bear!!

I've been busy neglecting housework. :) But I'm on holidays as of next Tuesday (3 weeks and 1 day!) and am planning some fairly major housecleaning tasks, one every second day or so. Yay??

Morning! After a nice string of above normal temps, it will be breezy and only 30 today. Just reporting, not complaining. We have had very little snow, with nary a flake in the forecast. BAS. (Big Ass Smile)

I finished and enjoyed The White Tiger. I am not sure it warrants a Booker Prize, but it is a very good read. Next on audio, I might dip into How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind. Joe mentioned Pema Chodron and I was able to find it on audio and in print.

I am still LOVING Geek Love. Dark or not, this will be a top read of the year for me.

I will also kick off the morning with the penultimate episode of Serial. On Thursday, the finale will be posted.

>184 wookiebender: "I've been busy neglecting housework." Yes, but you are doing it for a GOOD CAUSE, Tania! High Fives!

Morning, Mark!

yeah, what >186 scaifea: said! Have a great day today: hump day? or is that tomorrow with your schedule?

I'm going back into the big city for an Instacart shift and I am looking forward to it. I love the city!

Good morning, Mark! I started Lila, and it's great to be back in her elegant prose.

I'm starting to think about what was the standout GN of the year for me. Right now I'm thinking the Roz Chast, but I need to look back. How about you?

>185 msf59: Glad you liked The White Tiger. I will definitely get to it one of these days. I'm not sure what makes something Booker-worthy anymore. I tend to favor the winners from the 70s and 80s. Some of the more recent choices baffle me.

Best wishes on making friends with your mind. That sounds like a great idea!

Hiya Mark! I'm afraid that I'm part of the giant load of packages you've had lately - sorry! :) I mailed out a dozen packages last week, and I felt like a heel for doing it so late this year, and all at once! D'oh!

I've hardly been reading any pages at all in the last couple of weeks. I'm either falling asleep right away, trying to catch up on my recorded TV (which seems endless these days), or just so busy that I never even pick up a book! Bad. I'm hoping to get a little time this weekend since I've asked off both days to actually get things done. There had better be some reading time in there somewhere!

Hope you've got a lighter day for you, and that the snow stays away until after the holidays are over!

#183
I read Alif the Unseen earlier this year and thought it was OK as a novel. I thought it took too long for me to like the main character and even after finishing the novel I didn't care much for him. I liked the other characters in the novel so stayed with it for that reason. I listened to a podcast interview from Nancy Pearl with G. Willow Wilson prior to reading the book and so knew that she is a long time graphic novel author before reading the book. She is multi-talented and I think she will improve as a writer in the future. As I said, it wasn't the best novel I read this last year, but it was about a very foreign culture and mythology, so I learned lots from the book. If she writes another novel I will definitely give it a try.

Hi Mark, wishing you a gorgeous day.

>186 scaifea: Waves & Hugs to Amber!

>187 maggie1944: Morning, Karen. Yes, my Hump Day varies but this actually counts, since I have 2 workd days left in the week.

>188 jnwelch: I knew you would get swept away by Lila. That was a no-brainier. I will have to think about the best GN I have read this year but Chast could be the one, especially if it was a GN released this year.

>189 DorsVenabili: I am not sure how many of the Booker Prize winners, that I have read, so I don't have an opinion on that but I know the Pulitzer winners, can be a mixed bag too.

>190 LauraBrook: The increase of packages, is keeping the P.O. afloat, Laura, so keep them coming. LOL!
I hope you find more reading time, my friend. You know the books just keep piling up.

>191 benitastrnad: I will have to try and book horn Alif the Unseen, into my reading life. I want to see for myself. If it was a shorter read, I probably would have got to it by now.

>192 Ameise1: Happy Mid-Week, Barb! I hope it is going well.

^^Looks like me, trying to get my 2015 books, in order! Whew! What a job!

>195 msf59: *snork!* Love it! I'm getting excited about the new year of reading and challenges and book lists and new threads and...!!

Sweet Thursday, with a dash of extra sweetness, since I am enjoying a day off. We are hosting a Christmas party for our friends, on Saturday night, so there are a few chores I want to do today, in preparation. Of course, I will mix in some R & R in, here and there.

I listened to a large chunk of How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind, which is soothing and informative but I think you are supposed to be participating, while listening and I just can't stop on the route and sit down. Well, I could but it would have been well after dark before I returned. Regardless, I am enjoying it.

Geek Love continues to entertain and horrify. I am also reading Manhattan Projects, which is an alternate history comic, with Sci-Fi & supernatural elements added, which includes a bad ass Albert Einstein and an evil Robert Oppenheimer. Good stuff.

>196 scaifea: Morning Amber! I think that photo, represents how most of us feel.

160) The Remedy for Love by Bill Roorbach 4 stars

“The world went on- all the wind of the forest, all the music of the river, all the pink of dawn, above them, and the penetrating cold.”

A massive snow storm is fast approaching western Maine, Some are calling it the Storm of the century. Eric, a small-town lawyer, stops at a local market to pick up items for dinner. In the check out lane he meets a disheveled, young woman, who is apparently homeless and possibly psychotic. She also can not pay for her groceries, so Eric, feeling empathetic, hands off his credit card. Eric, then offers to drive the woman to a small cabin, deep in the woods, just as the snow begins to fall. These kind gestures, quickly place these two on a fateful path, that will rattle and change both of their lives.
How this odd couple survives this severe storm, with dark secrets being revealed and deeper feelings developing, is the heart of this winter tale. Claustrophobic and intense at times, the author manages to balance it with strong, engaging prose. This is my first novel by Roorbach and I am looking forward to exploring more of his work.

Yay for having a day off! I hope you get to spend it doing relaxing stuff.
Gahh...look at all those books. Most people would not understand why shelves and shelves of books is such a turn on but thankfully this group is one that does understands. Thanks goodness!

>195 msf59: Love that!

Sweet Thursday, Mark! Wonder what Doc and Suzy and the gang are up to today.

Good review of The Remedy for Love. I'll keep an eye out for it and Roorbach.

Nothing much to report from my part of the prairie. We'll be at the Knicks game tonight - everyone's starting to think we lucked out with Carmelo staying with them and Pao Gasol coming to the Bulls.

Oh, you would've liked my first night of Hannukkah (Tues) present: at Comic Con an artist named Andrew Kwan drew Nao of Nao of Brown for me, having some morning coffee. Really cool. Debbi surprised me by getting it beautifully framed.

>199 jolerie: It has been a good day off so far, Valerie. I hope to get more reading in this afternoon.

>200 jnwelch: I am sure Doc & Suzy are kicking back, Joe. LOL. I met Roorbach in Petoskey and he was very engaging. I have his last book as well and I hope to bookhorn it in.
Congrats on The Nao of Brown drawing. How very cool. If you can share a photo that would be great. Have a great time at the Bulls game.

>195 msf59: - yep - same here.

Enjoy your day off. Glad you have some R&R in the plans.

Enjoy your day off, Mark. I also really liked The Remedy For Love in particular I thought the author excelled in creating atmosphere. It was a book that I found I couldn't put down for long, had to know what was going to happen to these characters.

>202 SuziQoregon: Hi Juli! I usually have a good day off and today was no exception. I did read a nice chunk of Geek Love and I should be done with it soon.

>203 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy! I did enjoy the Remedy For Love and look forward to Life Among Giants, which I have on shelf.

I am heading out to meet my daughter for dinner and brews. Always a joy to see her!

I'm on episode six of Serial now and really enjoying it, although I was listening to it yesterday afternoon and accidentally dozed off so it thoroughly confused my dream!

Morning, Mark! I saw somewhere round here that you were starting All Quiet today...? Awesome!

“Those who find ugly meanings in beautiful things are corrupt without being charming. This is a fault. Those who find beautiful meanings in beautiful things are the cultivated. For these there is hope. They are the elect to whom beautiful things mean only Beauty. There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all.”

― Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

I am having issues with the audio of my meditation book. Fortunately, I also have it in print, so I will continue there. I will start the audio of All Quiet on the Western Front. Thanks to Ellen for the final nudge on this one. It has been on my To-Read list for eons.
I plan on finishing Geek Love tomorrow, so I am getting close.

I am listening to the final Serial podcast this A.M. I will be sad to see this show go.

>205 lunacat: Yah, for Serial, Jenny! You are halfway there! I am glad you jumped on board.

>206 scaifea: Morning Amber! You are correct, my friend. I will start All Quiet and I also thank you and Darryl for the initial nudges. Smiles.

>208 msf59: Weird moment. I hadn't realised while I was listening that this was a true story. Perhaps I hadn't been paying enough attention but I'd assumed that it was a work of fiction being made to seem like a true story, and very cleverly done.

Having looked into it and discovered it's all true has left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. I feel bad for being so captivated by what has happened, and sorry for all those involved - particularly Hae's family who are having this whole thing dragged up into a huge public spectacle. It seems as though not much consideration is being given to the fact a young girl with plenty to live for was murdered, and that should be the main focus.

I don't know - I'll keep on listening, and maybe I'll change my mind once I get to the end, but I feel uncomfortable.

Oh, you're going to like All Quiet on the Western Front, Mark. If I'd known, I'd have joined in the pushing. It's a Mark book, no bout a doubt it.

Part of what is impressing me about Lila is that Robinson must have had Lila's character in mind when she wrote Gilead, and there's so much in Lila's story.

Happy Friday, buddy. Hope the day treats you well.

>209 lunacat: I heard part of an interview with the creator of Serial last night. It might be of interest to those of you listening to the podcasts. I admit to being totally clueless about all of this. Maybe after Christmas, when (if Santa comes through) I will have some new technology, I will check it out.

Hello, Mark, my dear friend! I saw on my thread that I have persuaded you to squeeze in All Quiet on the Western Front this month. I just finished it this morning, sitting up in bed with my first cup of coffee. It is brilliant. I won't get around to writing comments until tomorrow, probably, but I'm considering giving it five stars.

Happy Friday!

>208 msf59: I loved Geek Love. However, when I recommended it to one of my customers, he told me he could never look at me the same!

>208msf59 I loved Geek Love. However, when I recommended it to one of my customers, he told me he could never look at me the same!

>209 lunacat: I completely understand your feelings about Serial and I share some of those same feelings. We can't forget these are real people, although we can't blame the podcast. This is no different than any other true crime book, film or TV show.

>210 jnwelch: I love the way All Quiet opens and can tell immediately that it will be a keeper. It has a timeless quality.
Glad to hear the Lila love!

>211 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks for the link, Linda. I will check it out tonight. I hope you can give the podcast a try.

>212 EBT1002: It grabbed me right away, Ellen and it is working just fine on audio. Looking forward to getting back to it in a few minutes. I am sure I will be thanking you again.

>213 Dianekeenoy: >214 Dianekeenoy: great to see you. Glad to see the Geek Love love, Diane. Yes, I will have to be very careful who I pass this on to. LOL.

I'm glad it's not just me that feels a bit uncomfortable about the whole thing. Perhaps it's because it's illegal in the UK to have any kind of media broadcasting in a courtroom so we don't have the same exposure to criminal proceedings as in the US. No audio, no photos, no video. Any pictures are drawn by a courtroom artist and quotes are taken and read out afterwards which gives a decent sense of removal from it all.

Have to admit I'm a bit reluctant to continue listening, particularly having read up a bit on future possibilities etc. I was loving it when I thought it was a brilliant piece of writing, but I feel like I'm staring at a car crash now.

What a horrifically busy week at work. The good news is it's almost done and maybe I can do some Christmas shopping tonight, after last night's work-a-thon.

No reading to speak of this week, either. Oy.

Mark, didn't realize you'd never read the Remarque book. I read the Classics Illustrated version often, as a kid, and read the book itself in school. Re-read it last winter, too, I think.

With just over 10 ten days left in the year, I am currently reading one of my favorite books of the year: All Quiet on the Western Front. Wowza!! The prose is absolutely stunning, against a horrific backdrop. The audio is excellent, read by Frank Muller. The only downside is, it is harder to savor these gorgeous sentences, in this format. Hugs to Ellen! (There will be more, I promise)

>216 lunacat: If it is making you uncomfortable, Jenny, there is no reason to continue. At least you gave it a fair shot.

>217 lindapanzo: Glad the tough week is over for you, Linda. Hope you can enjoy the weekend and get some make-up reading in.

^I am sure you saw my thoughts on All Quiet. It is an amazing piece of writing and I am also shocked I haven't read it yet.

Glad to hear that you are finding All Quiet on the Western Front resonates with you, Mark. I read it many years ago and still have very clear memories of it, even so, it just might be time for a re-read.

I knew you'd love All Quiet, Mark! I knew it!! Also, I'm so glad that you do.

A Dear Sugar podcast?!?!!!!! I am all over that. You ARE the podcast warbler!

>154 msf59: >172 jolerie: I have to admit, I am not sure why The White Tiger won the Booker! I wasn't that enamoured* with it.
*not sure about that "u" and whether it has a place in the NZ spelling or not! Told ya my brain is away on holiday :)

>218 msf59: yeee ha! You and Darryl both. And Paul too? It is a fantastic read that one. I loved it. And I love my little ex-school copy.

>208 msf59: I am jealous of all your reading. I have stalled. Big time.

>219 DeltaQueen50: >220 scaifea: I cannot believe how fresh and beautiful this writing is. The only thing I am kicking myself over, is not having a print copy at hand. Bad Bad Mark. I will have to remedy that oversight.

>221 Cobscook: Are you a Tiny Beautiful Things fan, Heidi? If so, I can see why you would be excited about the podcast. I have the first episode but I don't think I will have a chance to get to it, until next week.

>222 LovingLit: I actually really liked The White Tiger but I am not sure about it being a Booker winner. I should see what was up that year. And yes, All Quiet is AMAZING! I NEED a copy for my shelves.
"I am jealous of all your reading." I have had another great reading year, Megan and I hope to chip away at a few more before the end of the year. Funny thing is, my mountain has barely moved. What??

^ lol, move that mountain Mark!! That could be the name of your memoir: "How I Moved the Mountain".

So glad to see another fan of AQotWF. I've got a Folio Society version that I haven't read yet so I might crack that open during the festive season. I first read it when we were studying war fiction for A-Level and it's remained a favourite. I find I always take something new away from it.

Woeee, The Remedy for Love needs to be placed on the TBR for some future blizzard event! I loved those trapped feeling weather related books like King's Storm of the Century which I read during last years Polar Vortex.
Hope the load's getting lighter and the weather remains decent for your daily excursions.

I loved Geek Love when I read it, Mark, so I am glad to hear that you like it, Mark. Richard recommended it to me several years ago. I never regretted having read it.

Happy Saturday! I am working but it should be an easy day. We are hosting a big party tonight, so I better keep my energy levels high.

I should wrap up Geek Love. This is one, that will stay with me forever. LOL. Looking forward to getting back into All Quiet. I might have to slow down the audio, so I can quietly savor the prose.

>224 LovingLit: "How I Moved the Mountain". I like it and I did it with a beer in one hand. LOL.

>225 lunacat: Ooh, a Folio Edition of All Quiet! Thanks, Jenny, for making me drool. I might have to look into that edition. Yum.

>226 Carmenere: Morning Lynda! I just sent my copy of The Remedy For Love to another book friend in Ohio. (I like to spread the book joy) See, if you can seek this one out. It looks like your cuppa.
I have never read that particular King.

Dropping by to say my hello, and hoping your work day allows you plenty of energy for the party! I did that yesterday and although I had a great time at the party talking and eating, I soon faded away, and went home, fell into the bed.

Up early this morning and appreciating a day with no obligations.

Reading.... yes, I will be reading.

>228 alcottacre: Morning Stasia! More Geek Love love! Yah! It is an unforgettable one, that is for sure.

>230 maggie1944: Hooray, for "a day without obligations". I won't get one of those until next weekend.

Happy reading, my friend!

Happy Saturday!! I'm up early, for me anyway, to get the last thing or two so as to be done with my shopping. Yay!!

Maybe get some reading in later.

Mark, I wish you a lovely weekend and Merry Christmas.

A very light mail day, so I am just cruising along, ahead of schedule. Smiles...

>232 lindapanzo: Good luck with your running around, Linda. And I hope you can book horn in some reading time.
Lots of fun stuff happening with the Cubbies, right?

>233 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb and Happy Saturday to you!

All this talk of All Quiet has convinced me to add it to my library wish list.

>227 msf59: Love it!!

Glad it's an easy day of work today. Have fun with your party tonight.

Hi, Mark ~ Happy Saturday (before Christmas)!!!

So, did you listen to the final episode of Serial? I don't want to comment on it until I know you did.

All done shopping. All done wrapping.

Heading over to my feiend's house. Ordering out for pizza and watching the Hawks game. She just had knee surgery and can't really be up and about much.

^This is not my photo. I have much better taste, (SNOB!!) But I LOVE this idea. This place will be rockin', in just a little while, so I am taking a quick breather, to stop by and post.

>235 SuziQoregon: It took me 40 years to read All Quiet, Juli, so I will cut you some slack. All I can add is, that this is a MUST READ! It may be one of the best books I've ever read.

>236 Storeetllr: Yes, I did finish Serial. We will chat, Mary!! Happy Weekend.

>237 lindapanzo: Enjoy your evening, Linda! Go Hawks!

Mark, I'm so glad you liked All Quiet as much as you did. It's a remarkable novel. I "only" gave it 4.5 stars and I keep thinking about it... which usually leads to an upgrade...

I expect I'll be doing another swing through Chicago on my way to my annual mid-year meeting in Grand Beach, MI, in late March or April. I hope to collect promised hug at that time.

Happy Sunday! The party was a blast. The alcohol and the laughter flowed...and everyone was gone by midnight, so Marky-Mark could shuffle off to bed.

We are hosting a pre-Christmas party, later today, for family members that will not be here for Christmas. Why we get to host, is a question for the ages. Of course, we will be doing this again on Christmas Eve. Whew!

I did finish Geek Love. OMG! The faint of heart and overly sensitive, need not apply, but I will not forget this one for a LONG TIME.

>239 EBT1002: Hi Ellen! I do not think I could give All Quiet less than 5 stars. It is impressing me that much. I only have about 45 minutes of the audio left but I have a feeling I might re-listen to few parts.
I hope to see you in Chicago again, my friend. I will do my best to be there!

Morning, Mark!

Glad the party was a blast! We'll be quiet as you recover.

All Quiet is a five star IMO, as well. I'm among the faint of heart and overly sensitive a lot of the time (I'm imaging a group of us wringing our hands), so I'll continue to avoid Geek Love.

I'm reading Lila very slowly - she packs so much in! - interspersing it with Phryne Fisher. Good to have another series I enjoy.

Kind of gloomy out there today - excellent day to read and do the crossword, which is what Madame MBH and I are doing right now. Hope you have a good one.

>241 scaifea: Big Waves & Hugs, to Amber!

>242 jnwelch: Morning Joe! I am dragging it a bit, this A.M. but I will muddle through. Trying to get a little reading in, before the next wave of company comes over.

(I posted this on your thread too): I think I am going to read O' Pioneers.(It is very short) I think teaming Cather up with my last Watson (Orchard), will be a perfect way to end the year and the AAC.

What another great reading year, right?

Hi Mark, thought you might enjoy SNL's Serial parody, which aired last night. It's perfect.

>244 lauralkeet:

>244 lauralkeet:

^LOL!! That was great, Laura! She nails it. Thanks for sharing. I am not much of a SNL anymore but that was terrific.

Without being to spoilery, what did you think of the finale?

>245 jnwelch: I am with you, Joe!!

>245 jnwelch:, >246 msf59: I don't watch SNL anymore either (I admit I haven't really watched regularly since it was a new show in the late 1970s!). I rely on my kids to screen content, which they did in this case.

Mark, I thought the finale was handled well, all things considered. Of course I wanted more closure, but I will settle for the little cliffhanger with the Innocence Project wanting to analyze DNA and stuff. If nothing else, Serial brought attention to a flawed case and perhaps things will continue to evolve. And it was very illuminating to see the justice system in action.

I'm happy to hear about parties and five star reads! Glad you had such a good experience with Geek Love. Like I said, I remember liking it quite a bit, but it was in the pre-LT days, so everything is foggy.

I'll get to O' Pioneers at some point. I'm trying to space her out a bit, so I can enjoy her for many years to come. I've loved both of the novels I've read. Death Comes for the Archbishop makes my top five list this year!

Well, parties are over for a couple days, until Christmas Eve, anyway! LOL. It wasn't so bad, but I am wiped. Time to kick back and watch the Seahawks and Cardinals. I will be visiting the Sandman, a bit earlier tonight.

>247 lauralkeet: It looks like we stopped watching SNL around the same time, Laura. I had no problem with the ending of Serial. It ended the way I thought it would.

>248 DorsVenabili: Hi Kerri! I am sure you are totally immersed in the Seahawks game, at the moment. Yes, it looks like I am ending the year with a bang. 2 great books, with a couple more left in the wings.
I should have read 2 Cather titles in January, so I am making up for that sorry oversight.

The Hawks are on. Almost over though. Great game vs. Original Six rival, Toronto Maple Leafs.

Just a quick waltz through mate to wish you well in the countdown to Christmas.

This is a rare occurrence, like a solar eclipse or a Julia sighting, but I have the weekend off, after Christmas this year, which means I have a 3-day work week. Happy Camper!
And it is only going to be 40 today, on top of it. B.A.S.

I will be wrapping up the amazing All Quiet and I will be starting O Pioneers, a biblio-shout out to Cather, for kicking off a kickass AAC.

>250 lindapanzo: Go Blackhawks, Linda! I am sure you have a short week ahead of you?

>251 PaulCranswick: Thanks for waltzing through, Paul. Always good to see you. Like seeing the photos of you doing your walkabout. How about trying an audio?

Horray for a three day work week! They should all be like that,eh? with no loss of pay.

I had a great Instacart week, and was free of kids as their Dad took the week off. This week it is a flip - Dad is back hauling the mail, so I've got kids to check on, and oddly enough no Instacart.

I hope I'll get some good reading done. The year is nearly ended and I'm still short of my revised goal of 50 books.

Hey Mark, glad your round of parties is off to a great start!
I saw a mail truck on my street yesterday (Sunday) and wondered if you've had to make Sunday delivers too or is that a job for the newbies?
I'm certainly up for Geek Love so I went to wishlist but BLAM Stasia recommended it a while back. Now I've really got to inch that book up the Leaning Tower of Tomes.
The Seahawks game was Fantastic! Why oh why can't the Browns play like that!? OR the Bears for that matter.

Happy short-week Monday. I have to work today and tomorrow. Then I'm off from Christmas Eve through Sunday. Under my original schedule, I would've been off for the rest of the year but that was changed.

Hope it's not too heavy today.

Here's to a 3 day work week, Mark! That's most excellent.

The Blackhawks are looking very tough right now. What a lot of talent they put out there.

Finished Lila and it was a knockout. Makes me want to go back and read Gilead now, and I still need to read Home.

I'm going to give prize winner Patrick Modiano a try now.

BTW, if you haven't tried watching the tv show Transparent, I highly recommend it. Unlike anything else I've seen.

Hope it's a good one for you today.

Cheers for your short work week, Mark! I have today off and then, of course, Thursday off but I'm otherwise holding down the fort at the office this week. I did sign up for the 2nd as a vacation day so I'll get a 4-day weekend to celebrate the new year and get completely overwhelmed with new 75er threads. :-)

All Quiet immediately made it onto my "top five (which is actually top eight, I think) of 2014" so I'm considering giving it that coveted 5-star rating.

Drizzly out here, but fairly mild for December. Parcels are a bit heavy, (Duh!) but the rest of the mail volume is decent.

>253 maggie1944: 3 day work weeks happen rarely, so I will be enjoying this one, Karen. It looks like you have a book marathon ahead of you. You better get crackin'. LOL.

>254 Carmenere: Yes, we are delivering parcels on Sunday's, through the holiday and it is only the Newbies. They are not going to pay us prime OT time to do it.
Glad to hear you are not spooked by Geek Love. It can be tough at times, but the rewards are generous.

>255 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda. I am looking forward to those 4 days off. Mini-vacation. Yah!

>256 jnwelch: Yah, to the Blackhawks and hooray for Lila! I can safely say that will make top 5, of the year. We love our Robinson, don't we?
I've been hearing some good things about Transparent. I will have to check it out. Thanks, Joe!

>257 EBT1002: I am sure you are enjoying your Monday off and I am sure you are still buzzing over the Seahawks win.
I finished All Quiet and there is no surprise that it will also make my 5 book cut. I think I am going to go back and re-listen to a few sections before moving onto something else. Your warbling really paid off, my friend.

Mild and fairly lightweight mail is good! I hope you get through the next two days as easily.

I'm glad to see so many people loving All Quiet. Brutal but brilliant.

Mark, I just started Bird Box on audio and it's c-r-e-e-p-y......... No idea what's going on but I'm guessing it's not good..... Thanks for the nudge! :)

I listened to one book on the long drive back to Kansas. It was very disappointing. The Diviners by Libba Bray. My advice is that if this recorded book is the only one available from your local library you can go ahead and check it out, or download it, but don't buy it. Purchase would be a waste of money. If you borrow it from the library sending it back unfinished is no great loss.

That is the first time I have said that about a Libba Bray book. I hope it is my last.

On-the-other-hand, I stayed overnight with my cousin on Friday, and she is a reader. When I asked her if she had read anything of interest recently, she blushed, and said she was reading a YA series that was a "little bit of nothing." When pressed she said that she was enjoying it so much that she was on the third book of the series and the series was Girl of Fire and Thorns. Of course, I have recently read this series, and thoroughly enjoyed it myself. If you find this book on the library shelves read it - worth the time.

>260 jolerie: I'm about a third of the way thru the ebook version of Bird Box, and I ditto your sentiment, both from the creepy, not knowing where this story is going to go and the thanks to Mark for shooting that bullet at us. :)

Prairie Spring

Evening and the flat land,
Rich and sombre and always silent;
The miles of fresh-plowed soil,
Heavy and black, full of strength and harshness;
The growing wheat, the growing weeds,
The toiling horses, the tired men;
The long empty roads,
Sullen fires of sunset, fading,
The eternal, unresponsive sky.
Against all this, Youth,
Flaming like the wild roses,
Singing like the larks over the plowed fields,
Flashing like a star out of the twilight;
Youth with its insupportable sweetness,
Its fierce necessity,
Its sharp desire,
Singing and singing,
Out of the lips of silence,
Out of the earthy dusk.

This poem by Willa Cather opens up O Pioneers. It is perfect.

I finished the masterful, All Quiet. It is a haunting, shattering, beautiful novel and it is completely ageless. It took me decades to read it but if you haven't: Do yourself a HUGE favor!!

I am only a short way into O Pioneers but I am so glad I bookhorned it in. My stellar roll continues...

>259 lunacat: " Brutal but brilliant." Yes, Jenny, a perfect way to describe All Quiet. Besides, the rain today, it wasn't a bad Monday.

>260 jolerie: Hi Valerie! I hope you continue to enjoy Bird Box. It is a creepy one and it does not let up. The audio was great.

>261 benitastrnad: Howdy, Benita! How is Kansas? At least the weather is better than last year. You shouldn't have to worry about being snowed in. It looks like I can safely disregard The Diviners. Whew!

>262 mahsdad: I am glad you are enjoying Bird Box, Jeff. I hope it continues...

One down, 2 to go! And it is supposed to hit 49 today! What? On audio, I started Acceptance, the last of the Southern Reach trilogy. I know Joe, read the first one, anyone else try these? I will also continue O Pioneers. Love me some Cather...No one liked the poem up there? Sad face.

9C is great! It's weirdly mild here - supposed to reach 12C (53F) today but stupidly windy. I've got a riding lesson today and I'm not looking forward to trying to hear my instructor in an open arena!

Morning, Mark!

I just saw something that I think is called the sun! I'll be bopping around downtown today, so I'm thankful for the nice weather.

>263 msf59: Ooh, lovely. Looking forward to your comments on this one.

There is sunshine out here! Something we haven't seen in awhile. Looks good. Feels good.

>266 lunacat: We are also mild but windy, Jenny. Hope you get your riding lesson in.a

>267 scaifea: Waves & Hugs to Amber!

>268 DorsVenabili: Enjoy your time in the city, Kerri. Stopping at any beer venues?
I am not very far into the Cather but I liked it immediately.

>238 msf59: well, I do quite like our local Three Boys Wheat beer....and IPAs and....well. beer. :)

Happy Christmas Mark! Have a great fun-filled day, with just enough quiet time to escape with a book for a few minutes, maybe. Hehe, I am taking my book with me, but it will potentially be a hopeless endeavour.

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Mark.

^Like, Duh!! I have no idea who Rick Holland is but I like him.

>270 LovingLit: Thanks, Megan! I hope you and the tribe have a wonderful Christmas too. Getting any reading in Christmas day will be difficult, but I will try.

>271 connie53: Thank you so much, Connie! I hope you have a fantastic Christmas too!

Hi Mark, I join others in congratulating you for a short workweek, and want to wish you a Merry Christmas ahead.

I listened to Frank Muller narrating All Quiet on the Western Front in March 2013 and agree it was excellent. I've since gotten the Folio edition and will be reading it from that beautiful volume again in coming years. I was among those who were a big fan of White Tiger, which I read in 2008 and thought it well deserved the Booker Prize, but then again I didn't read any of the other books on that year's Longlist yet.

I won't reach 250 books this year as I had hoped to do, but then again, I did reach 230 so far and have also managed to break very long years of singlehood in the last couple of months, and am finally spending a Christmas in the company of a wonderful man, so there could definitely be worse things I guess. The only cloud on the horizon is I'm seriously questioning my commitment to starting the year with War and Peace. With my reading going extra slowly lately, I'm not sure now is the ideal time to tackle such a huge tome after all, as I'm not keen on it dragging for months on end, but then I don't like breaking my engagement either. What do you think?

Hi Mark, hope you don't have far to travel for holiday festivities. It's looking a little iffy, weatherwise, on Christmas Eve.

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy your Swap books.

We were posting our top 5 books of the year, over on Megan's thread. I thought I better share it over here too:



Independent People, Middlemarch, Lila, The Book of Strange New Things & All Quiet on the Western Front

^This was exceptionally hard to do, since I read so many stellar books this year. Many in the 4.5 to 5 star range. These are all knockouts! I could add another 5, nearly as strong.

Blood Will Out, Endurance & The Boys in the Boat.

Yes, I am cheating. I have a good lawyer. I did not include any NF in my top 5, so I thought I better include an additional 3. More knockouts.

Mark, it's Chrismas Eve's eve, and so I am starting the rounds of wishing my 75er friends the merriest of Christmases or whatever the solstice celebration of their choice is.

How wonderful to see both Middlemarch and All Quiet on your list of Best 5, Mark. Middlemarch is on my list this year, too, and All Quiet was on the list the year I read it. Lila is on my WL, thanks to some rave reviews here in the 75ers group.

Merry Christmas, bookie friend : ).

>273 Smiler69: Thanks, Ilana! Yes, Muller did a fantastic job on All Quiet. I would love to own a Folio edition of All Quiet. Maybe, I can find a reasonably priced copy.
It is up to you on, War & Peace, my friend. I completely understand the commitment and the time restraints. I am going to go ahead, despite the drawbacks. I hate putting it off another year.

>274 lindapanzo: We are hosting Christmas Eve, Linda, so no traveling. I will just have to get home from work. I hope that will about 3:30. Thanks for the greetings and I look forward to opening the package.

>277 ronincats: Thanks for the kitty Christmas, Roni! Very cute.

>278 lit_chick: Thanks, Nancy! I had a great reading year. Plenty of classics and contemporary reads.

Hi Everyone Christmas eve eve here already down under just a quick message

I hope everyone has a great day tomorrow, drink, eat & be merry

Looking to be perfect BBQ weather down here :)

>275 msf59: I saw your recommendation for All Quiet on the Western Front on GR and the praise here. Thought I'd chime in. I love this book, read it multiple times, the latest was in 2006. Guess it's time to put it back into rotation again.

Mark, have a great Christmas and New Year!

Doing the rounds with a festive Connie to wish you a very Merry Christmas full of joy, love and books.

Happy Christmas Eve! It will be a LONG day. We will end up with a destroyed home after the troops depart, late tonight, but that will be it for our parties for awhile.
There is snow moving in later today, so it looks like we might end up with a White Christmas after all. I am starting work a half hour earlier this A.M. (Yah!), so I will be heading out shortly.

>280 roundballnz: Thanks, Alex! Enjoy that BBQ. Smiles...

>281 mahsdad: I will find myself a keeper copy of All Quiet, Jeff. I will want to reread this many times.

>282 SandDune: Thanks, Rhian! Happy Holidays!

>283 lunacat: There's that happy girl! Thanks for sharing, Jenny. Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and yours, Mark!
Thanks for all your recommendations and good cheer throughout the year!

Merry Christmas, Mark. I hope you have time to rest up from all those packages!

Hi Mark, just stopping by to wish you a very merry Christmas!!

I know I've already said it, but I'll say it again: I'm so glad that you got round to All Quiet and that you loved it as much as I suspected you would! So happy to see it on your Top 5 list!

Happy Christmas to you and yours, friend!

Light rain, still mild. It looks like the chance for snow is dwindling...

Thanks, for the holiday wishes, Lynda, Beth, Laura & Amber. Hugs to all.

>285 Carmenere: I love that, Lynda. I hope I can find that one. Beats cookies & milk.

Happy Holidays!

From our family to yours!

Merry Christmas to you and Sue, Mark!! Enjoy your holiday celebration. We picked up a winter selection from Samuel Adams so we're bringing that.

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Mark. Thanks for another great year of book recs, along with some great stories and pictures. Hope Santa is extra good to you!

Merry Christmas Mark - to you and all your family. Bring on Book Santa!

The troops are approaching...madness awaits. Having my first beer. It is a strategic maneuver. Plenty more in my ammo box.

Big seasonal HUGS to Qebo, Marie, Valerie, Joanne, Linda, Judy & Bekka! Thanks to all and Merry Christmas!

Mark, I'm so happy to have made your acquaintance this year. You are one of the stalwarts of our community and a visit to my thread is sure to be entertaining. I'm so grateful to have you in my life.

Hey Mark - I have given up trying to keep up with your lickety split moving threads so I jumped to the top so that I could wish you a Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2015!

Merry Christmas Mark! What a pleasure its been to get to know you this year. Here's to a great 2015.

Drink more beer! :)

Merry Christmas, Mark!

Best wishes to you, Mark, for a very Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and yours, Mark.

The house is perfectly quiet. I am almost done with my first cup of coffee and getting ready to open my Swap package...

Big holiday hug to Stephanie, Lori, Jeff, Chelle, Anne & Barb! Thanks everyone!

Merry Christmas, fellow jazzhead! Thanks for your friendship and good humor throughout the year. I hope that we are able to meet up and catch a jazz concert in Chicago in 2015.

Dear Mark, I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas with lots of laughter, good food and wonderful books.

Merry Christmas to you and Sue, Mark.

Just popping in! We are having a good day here. We plan to watch the Maze Runner, in a little bit. I did finish O Pioneers and the Cather roll continues...

Thanks Darryl, Bianca & Julia! Hugs and High Fives!

Happy Holidays, Mark! Hope you had a great day, with beer, books, and bonhomie.

Merry Christmas, Mark!

Love that top 5. I've still got to read Independent People, but otherwise I'm all on board with your picks. I'll do mine when we get back.

I'm trying Patrick Modiano; so far, so good.

Merry Christmas, Mark!

Excellent CTM Christmas episode tonight.

We had a terrific Christmas day. Played some games, watched a couple movies and just hung out. It felt great and I can relax the next 3 days too. Yahoo!

>309 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda! You had my day pegged, although I would have liked to get in more reading.

>310 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! Had a fine day. I hope you can bookhorn in Independent People. It is truly a great read.

>311 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks, Linda!

>312 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda P. I hope my DVR recorded CTM, otherwise I'll have to hunt it down.

Thinking of you, Mark, as we're at a rest stop just outside of Chicago right now..

I have Independent People in my TBR library. Purchased it during our Portland meetup last winter! :-)

Happy belated Christmas, Mark!

Let the madness begin!

http://www.librarything.com/groups/75booksin2015

Wishing the Postie with the Mostie a great holiday season. Look forward to keeping up with you in 2015.

Loving that your top 5 (ish) made it to your thread too, hard not to seeing as it was a difficult paring down process.

Happy Christmas Mark and family!! i have been off LT for a few days revelling in Xmas activities (and in 25- 29 deg C temps which are to be welcomed ) and am thinking more now about books. Never managed to get a word read on Christmas Day though....was on drunken trampoline-assembling-duties at my sisters place. Tricky, but manageable ;)

was on drunken trampoline-assembling-duties at my sisters place

Photos, please?

Happy Saturday! I am enjoying my little stretch of days off. Not a huge amount of reading being done, but plenty of relaxing. I did start Orchard, my final Watson and most likely my final print book of the year.

I am going to stretch out this thread for a couple more days, before jumping into the 2015 Challenge.

>314 scaifea: I am so glad you were able to make the trip to see your folks, Amber. I hope everyone is doing better.

>315 EBT1002: Happy Weekend, Ellen! I would like to see more LT pals reading Independent People. It truly is a classic. Go Seahawks!

>316 drneutron: Thanks, Jim! What another great year on the 75!! I am not sure there is anyplace like it in the cyber-world.

>317 PaulCranswick: Thanks, a lot, Paul! Hope you are enjoying your holidays too!

>318 LovingLit: It sounds like you are having a lovely time with family & friends, Megan, especially while doing the "drunken trampoline-assembling-duties". Like Darryl, I would like to see some pics or a video of that amusing scenario. Grins...

>319 kidzdoc: I am with you sir!

Mark, glad that you survived the parties before Christmas. We hosted Christmas Eve dinner this year, but every day of the past week was a party with Hope entertaining us! Yours is my "go to" thread when I just have a few minutes because you keep up so well with the pulse of the 75ers. Congratulations on keeping up with your 26 threads as well as visiting so many others throughout the year!

We visited Imperial Oak Brewery yesterday, for the first time. It was a very good local brewery, with a very nice taproom. We WILL be going back.

>321 Donna828: Happy Holidays, Donna! I am sure you are hopping around, at this time of year, especially with all those gorgeous grandkids.

I am glad you consider my humble abode a "go to" thread. I try to keep it snappy and fun. I may not always pull it off but I do try...

Mark! Happy belated Christmas to you, Sue, the kids (both 2- and 4-legged), and your family. Sounds like it was a busy but happy one. :)

Here's to a book-ish, beautimous, happy and healthy 2015!!!!

>319 kidzdoc: >320 msf59: sounds like a gauntlet has been laid ....

belated greetings, I've been offline for a few days. like your best 5 list.

Mailed my Christmas letters yesterday. That is the first time in a long time that I have had them in the mail before January 1. I figured that while those postal employees are still in practice with all that Christmas rush delivery that I should keep them busy - so got them mailed.

Like you I am not getting much read - or much cooking done either.

Mark, I wish you a lovely weekend.

>323 LauraBrook: Thanks for the holiday wishes, Laura. Hope you are feeling better. I can't believe my reading year is winding down and a new one looms. It was a great year for books and I see no reason why 2015 should be any different.

>324 roundballnz: We'll have to hold her to it, Alex.

>325 avatiakh: Great to see you, Kerry! I was happy with my top 5 but it sure wasn't easy. It was almost painful. LOL.

>326 benitastrnad: Glad you got your Christmas letters out, Benita! Are you off work right now or are you working certain days for the holiday?

>327 Ameise1: Thanks for the lovely photo, Barb. The weekend has been very good so far.

Glad you enjoyed a fun Christmas day and are having time to relax, Mark. New year just around the bend. Something tells me I might not manage quite as many books in 2015 (232 so far this year), but it's certainly worth a try! I'll take quality over quantity any day though (not that quality suffered this year by any means). I'll try to round up my top 5 too.

>322 msf59: Looks good! We went to Piece Pizza yesterday and had some good beers too, prior to the David Bowie exhibit.

Hope the holidays are lovely and you're getting some reading time!

^We just watched the Call the Midwife Christmas Special and it was another winner. I've never seen a bum episode of this show. CTM will be returning in March. I know Linda P recently watched this. Did anyone else catch it?

I just reserved my copy of The Heart is Lonely Hunter from the library in preparation for the New Year. I'm not itching to start the challenge. Not at all. ;)

>331 msf59: I recorded it and am looking forward to watching!

Happy Sunday! My thread feels so bloated. It feels like I am lugging around an extra 30 pounds. I am still going to wait another day or 2. Juggling one thread is no picnic but 2, fuhgeddaboudit!

I did start a new AACII General Discussion thread: https://www.librarything.com/topic/185195

And the Carson McCullers January thread: https://www.librarything.com/topic/185171

Please stop by and drop a star on both of those!!

So, I have not been slacking off, my friends. I will also try to create the War & Peace Group Read thread sometime today. Whew!

I am seriously considering, postponing the G.R. of War & Peace, for a year. I rarely wimp out on a challenge but I figure I've waited over a half a century to read this Russian behemoth, so what is another twelve months?

Would anyone be disappointed?

Happy Sunday, Mark!

I was looking forward to finally polishing off War and Peace, but it's taken me forever, too, so another 12 mos. is hard to argue with.

I'm liking Brown Girl Dreaming a lot, and Missing Person is okay, although I don't think I'll come away from it understanding why he was picked for the Nobel Prize.

Glad you got a stretch of days off; sounds like you've been enjoying them!

>332 jolerie: Yah for the McCullers, Valerie! The new AAC thread is up. Stop by and say hi!

>333 lauralkeet: I am sure you will enjoy CTM, Laura! Nice to see the gang back together again.

>336 jnwelch: Howdy, Joe! I can't imagine anyone arguing to keep W & P in the mix. LOL. Yes, I kind of wimped out. I am so glad you are enjoying Brown Girl Dreaming. I finally got the audio from the library, after a lengthy wait, so I will be following you soon.

And yes, I loved my days off. B.A.G.!

This means nothing, because I'm not involved, but I support your postponement of War and Peace!

>338 DorsVenabili: yeah me too!

>331 msf59: We watched the Call the Midwife Holiday special, too, and I fully agree. Never a bum episode (and, really, how often can you say that about a series? Even DA had a bum episode and some would argue an entire disappointing season). It's my favorite television these days.

I'm looking forward to following your reading exploits in 2015, Mark. I understand the reluctance to start a new thread. I gave in and did it today, partly because I know I'll be working the next three days and I did want to start it before New Year's Day.

Read too much?? Impossible. At least not with this group.... ;)

>338 DorsVenabili: >339 lauralkeet: Where's the W & P love, for crying out loud?

>341 EBT1002: " It's my favorite television these days." I am with you about CTM, Ellen. Very few shows are this consistent.

Depending on the work day I have tomorrow, I might start my 2015 thread, tomorrow evening. We will see.

>342 jolerie: I think LT has made us all better readers, my friend and I love every minute of it.

Okay, Mark, I have finally caught up with you! Just in time for 2015!!

I think you should ditch postpone War and Peace. That way, you can read other books I might find more interesting - ha!!

Hey Mark, I sort of talked myself into reading War and Peace somehow in January, even with all the new stuff happening, but then again, the idea of postponing it does come as a relief too, so I voted YES! As you say, it's been decades since I've been meaning to read it, so one more year won't make any difference.

I'd long been hoping to read War and Peace and was about to get cracking on it. However, I was also afraid it'd have the same impact that Bleak House had for me early this year. Putting aside all of my other reading to focus on one long novel. I don't mind one bit about postponing it to another year.

Hope the workweek isn't too bad for you, Mark. Monday and Tuesday are my cancelled days off so I'm working the odd schedule of Monday, Tuesday, and Friday this week.

It sounds like your holiday season is going well, Mark. Happy New Year!

Monday morning! Ugh! Back to the grind. At least my 6 day work week will be saved by the holiday on Thursday. Whew! I am still reading Orchard, which I should finish tomorrow and I am starting the audio of Rainey Royal, a very promising YA, that was recommended a couple months ago. I am also really enjoying my current comic, The Wake.

Yes, I am still hauling around this cumbersome thread, but it will not be much longer. I hope to start my 2015 thread tonight.

It looks like we are postponing W & P, without a single tear being shed! High Fives!!

>344 Crazymamie: Hooray, Mamie, caught up!! Didn't you find anything enlightening or amusing? Smiles...

>345 katiekrug: I like the way you think, KAK. LOL. It definitely opened things up for me, that is for sure. It was like a heavy weight being lifted.

>346 Smiler69: You were going to be one of my first stops this morning, Ilana, to break the W & P news. Sorry, you were reconsidering reading it but I decided to do a rare "wimp" out and it feels very liberating. LOL.

>347 lindapanzo: Good luck getting back to work, Linda! At least there is no snow in sight. Whew! I think we can hold off a year on W & P. Suddenly my January, opened like a flower! Awwwwww....

>348 BLBera: Thanks, Beth! I hope you had a great holiday too!

>349 msf59: Yeah, I'm at work for a couple of days this week too. But nobody's here but me, so it's eerily quiet on my hall. Almost Stephen King-ish! :)

Hey Mark! my Dance Book Card is completely open for 2016! I'll ink War and Peace in before other books get in the way!
And that gives me time to find a readable edition. Do you have any suggestions?

Sorry the grind found you, Mark.

Brown Girl Dreaming - check it out! She's really pulled off something special.

Have you been reading the Saga GN series? I can't remember. The latest just came out. Best new series in quite a while, IMO.

>350 drneutron: I hope you are surviving your Stephen Kingish day, Jim! LOL.

>351 Carmenere: Hooray, Lynda! My book card is also completely open for 2016. Grins...
I'll have to get back to you on the W & P edition. I was planning on doing it, in both print and audio.

>352 jnwelch: It's not a horrible day, Joe, just a bit heavy. Lots of parcels for the businesses that were closed over the weekend.
I have Brown Girl Dreaming lined up on audio. Glad you loved it.
And yes, I am a big Saga fan. My library does not have the new one yet. WTH?

NO apologies at all necessary Mark! As you know, I was considering wimping out way before you, and am only too happy you decided to put it off because really, I was only going to "grin and bear it" to step up to some illusory "obligation". Now, I too am feeling incredibly liberated, and suddenly January is seeming full of possibilities, so Hurray on that decision! :-)

We caught the Call the Midwife Christmas episode last night. I can't wait for the next season to start. Such a great show!

You may be getting some cold weather heading your way? It's 7 degrees here and snowing. Brrrr! I'm taking the whole week off of work but I don't seem to be getting much reading done. :(

Have a happy New Year!

LOL on all the War and Peace (non)love! It took me well over a year to read the thing....It was what I call my "insomnia" book. This is the book I read when I'm having bouts of insomnia!

Well, I am reading just a few more pages of Orchard and then I will be back to make my 2015 thread...

>354 Smiler69: "Now, I too am feeling incredibly liberated." Me and you both, my friend! I don't want to be hard on W & P, I will get to it one of these days.

>355 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! We watched the CTM Christmas special on Saturday night. It was another gem. Now we wait until March. DA starts on Sunday, though.

Yes, we are going to get a cold blast from the west. Only high teens for the next couple of days but it rebounds on New Year's Day. Whew!

>356 Cobscook: " This is the book I read when I'm having bouts of insomnia." See? It's good for something, right? I do WANT to read W & P, I'll just have to be in the right mood for it. It's a BIG commitment.

Yay!! Mark is creating his 2015 thread.

One work day down, one to go, til my 2-day mid-week hiatus.

Besides CTM in a few months, I'm really looking forward to the start of DA on Sunday.

I've read War and Peace, but I actually have a copy of the fairly new translation that is supposed to be excellent: Pevear and Volokhonsky. There was a lot about it when it first came out. I've been wanting to read it. It's on my shelf of books to reread sometime.

I have GOT to start watching Call the Midwife!

Glad you're getting a break in your six day work week thanks to the holiday.

Tomorrow is my last work day. I've got New Year's Eve and the 2nd off and I cannot wait for my extended weekend.

I might be up for W&P in 2015

It looks like we have a couple frigid days coming up, (only 20 today) but since we have had NO SNOW, I am strictly reporting not bitchin'!

I have just a few pages left in Orchard and then I will move on to We Live in Water: Stories. I ADORE Jess Walter and I've wanted to sample his short fiction for awhile now.
I am really enjoying Rainey Royal, but I did not expect it to be so dark and edgy. If you know me, you know I LOVE D & E, so I am quite pleased.

Only a couple days left on this bloated ocean-liner called thread #26.

>359 BLBera: Thanks, Beth! I would like to find that translation. I have a whole year, to seek it out now. Smiles...

>360 SuziQoregon: Please watch Call the Midwife, Juli! Downton Abbey hogs the spotlight, but CTM might be the better show. It is certainly more consistent.

Were you up for W & P in 2015 or 2016? Just verifying.

>335 msf59: Well, I am not too upset either. I got myself the unabridged audiobook version and started to listen a couple of times and for some reason couldn't get into the swing of it.

Finished listening to The Crimson Petal and The White and only can say - absolutely brilliant - a worthy tomb.

I just squeezed as an end of the year listening Tortilla Flat in, by John Steinbeck which I quite enjoy, but somehow I am not entirely sure whether it is meant to be funny. I read The Pearl which I quite enjoyed many years back and this is my first dip into Steinbeck, since.

I know not Jess Walter, so I'll have to check him out, Mark. I just started Being Mortal and so far, so good.

We get #1 son and his intended back in Chicago for a couple of days starting tomorrow - it's so much easier for him to visit us now that he's in Pittsburgh! We're going to return the favor next March.

> 362 That is great news about the Faber. You have some outstanding reading ahead of you in the Steinbeck department.

> 363 Hi, Joe. I had to leave my ipad at home due to the cold. Posting on my phone is not easy.
Great news about Jesse coming in.

^Hooray! I managed to snag, Dead Wake, the new Larson from ER! I have had a great time with the Early Reviewer's this year. I think I have managed to snag nearly everything I've requested. I am pretty picky about what I request but since, they offer some nifty picks, it is a Win Win!

I finished Orchard. My final Watson and my final AAC 2014! I liked this one but did not love it. It may be my least favorite I have read by Watson but there is enough to still recommend. I can't blame the change of setting. It's more on the storytelling.

>365 msf59: - I got the new Larson, too!

Hey! I added that to my list yesterday without knowing that it was available as an ER book. See, great minds DO think alike. ;)

>366 katiekrug: Yahoo, KAK! Looking forward to that one! I wasn't as crazy about his last book. Did you read it?

>367 jolerie: Have you read, Larson? He is one of my favorite NF authors.

W & P in 2016 is a possibility. I've been wanting to read the Pevear and Volokhonsky translation ever since I read Pevear's translation of The Three Musketeers.

Oooh - I didn't know Erik Larson had a ndw one - congrats on the win. That looks great.

Happy New Year everyone ...

Happy New Year's Eve, everyone! I am working and it will be very cold. Send me warm thoughts. I did finish and I enjoyed Rainey Royal, my final book of 2014. I really like what I have read of We Live in Water. His tone & style fit me perfectly. On audio, I am starting Brown Girl Dreaming, which Joe just warbled about over on his thread.

I am leaving my ipad home, because of the frigid temps, so I won't be able to post much, until I get back home. I love my android phone but posting anything is clunky, at least for me.

>369 SuziQoregon: I have a year to find the Pevear and Volokhonsky translation, Juli! I would like to read the best version possible. Every bit helps with that behemoth.

>370 roundballnz: Happy New Year, Alex!!

Happy New Year Mark - here's to more books and beer in 2015!

>371 msf59: Try to stay warm, Mark! As for Pevear and Volhonsky, I've had mixed reactions to their work. I read their translation of The Master and Margarita and loved it. But I had no familiarity with that book previously. I tried their recent translation of Dr. Zhivago and absolutely hated it. I had read that novel at least three times before, and the way they changed the first paragraph totally ruined the scene for me. So deciding what's the "absolute best" ain't that easy. I have their War and Peace, and it's another one I don't know yet, so maybe I'll be ok with their translation.

Just popping in to say I hope you do organize the War and Peace group read in 2015. I have been looking for an excuse to grind through my copy.

Lots of sun but only 5 degrees. Brrrrrrrr...

> 372 > 373 Thanks and Big Hugs to Jenny and Bekka!

> 374 Thanks for chiming in on the translation topic, Linda. That is very useful. Happy New Year!

> 375 Good to see you Oberon. It looks like we are waiting a year for W & P. Sorry to disappoint.

>368 msf59: - Was Larson's last one the one about Nazi Germany? I did read that and thought it was just ok. The only other of his that I've read is Isaac's Storm which I really liked. Suz has already read Dead Wake and gave it 5 stars so that's good news!

^^Yes, I think we all know what time it is! May the festivities begin!

>377 katiekrug: The last Larson was In The Garden of Beasts and I agree, it was just okay. I actually thought Thunderstruck was pretty damn good. Good news about Suz loving the new one.

Let the wild rumpus begin!

Happy New Year My Friend. May 2015 be filled with light, love and laughter, and many great books to read. Of course, I look forward to your recommendations.

>377 katiekrug: >378 msf59: Larson also wrote The Devil in the White City that I thought was pretty good.

Happy New Year, Mark! Nice ER snag with the Erik Larson. I liked The Devil in the White City a lot, and Becca has liked others of his. I got the second one after Red Rising by Pierce Brown, which already has been getting some positive buzz.

Devil in the White City is one of my top nonfic picks when making lists of favorites. I haven't read any of his others (yet).

>381 Whisper1: Hope all those sentiments come true, Linda! Happy New Year, my friend.

>382 drneutron: >384 Storeetllr: The Devil in the White City was my 2nd Larson, Jim & Mary, and remains my favorite.

>383 jnwelch: Happy New Year, Joe! Yah, for the Larson love!!

** I'll see everyone one on my 2015 thread!! Hugs & High Fives!!

Link to new thread?

Here you go Nancy. My 2015 thread:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/185319#

I didn't think you could use the automatic topic change, from one year to the next.