Mark's Reading Place (MSF59): New Beginnings Part 2

^Yes, winter time in Chicago...

Audiobook:



Graphic:


Books Read So Far...

January:

1) Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson 4.5 stars (audio)
2) We Live in Water by Jess Walter (Stories) 4.2 stars
3) The Gigantic Beard That Was Evil by Stephen Collins 4.3 stars GN
4) The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami 3.7 stars
5) The Ballad of the Sad Cafe: and Other Stories by Carson McCullers 4.2 stars AAC
6) Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson by Hampton Sides 4.8 stars (audio)
7) The Call by Yannick Murphy 4.3 stars
8) All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr 4.3 stars (audio)
9) Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively 4.5 stars
10) Men We Reaped: A Memoir by Jesmyn Ward 4.5 stars (audio)
11) Through the Woods by Emily Carroll 4.5 stars (illustrated)

American Author Challenge 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

**If you are interested in the American Author Challenge, check out the main thread:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/185195

Mark's Picks:

January - Carson McCullers - The Ballad of the Sad Cafe
February - Henry James – Washington Square
March - Richard Ford – The Sportswriter and possibly Independence Day, for a reread.
April - Louise Erdrich - The Plague of Doves and possibly The Round House
May - Sinclair Lewis – Babbitt
June - Wallace Stegner - Beyond the Hundredth Meridian
July - Ursula K. Le Guin - The Dispossessed and possibly a re-read of A Wizard of Earthsea
August - Larry McMurtry – Pretty Boy Floyd and I would LOVE to do a reread of Lonesome Dove.
September - Flannery O' Connor - Everything That Rises Must Converge
October - Ray Bradbury - The Golden Apples of the Sun and possibly a second.
November - Barbara Kingsolver - Pigs in Heaven and possibly a NF choice
December - E.L. Doctorow – World's Fair?

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:

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

January:

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

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.

I am sure getting good at slapping these new threads together. Lots of practice I guess. Thank God, for copy & paste.

^I think I have used that top image before, but dammit, I like it.

I am really enjoying The Call, a wonderful story, told in a fresh, unusual format, about a veterinarian and his family, in New England. I should wrap up the equally wonderful Blood and Thunder. What a bloody history we have had!

I am leaning toward starting All the Light We Cannot See, on audio, since this book is still red-hot. Has anyone tried it on audio?

Thanks again Mr. Tolstoy for making this reading possible! Hugs to the big old Russian bear!

>1 msf59: Yikes! Is it over yet?

>6 msf59: I sort of want to try All the Light We Cannot See, but I'm not wildly excited about it for some reason. However, I'll look forward to seeing how your audio experience goes, and I might try it that way.

Happy Friday, Mark!

Do we have to warble to be allowed admittance?

>7 DorsVenabili: You are the first, Kerri! Yahoo! I thought All the Light was a bit shorter but it clocks in at 16 hours.

>8 lunacat: Warbling is not essential but highly encouraged. Happy Friday, Jenny!

Your thread topper makes me even keener to get a visit done finally this year, mate.

Congratulations for keeping up your amazing consistency in the group and I trust that you'll have a splendid weekend.

Happy New Thread, Mark!

I finally started The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter last night and am loving it so far!

Happy thread #2, Mark! I'd love to know what the audio of All the Light is like. So yeah, go ahead and listen to it! I read the book, basically prompted by all the hype surrounding it and the recommendation of my fave bookstore. I didn't want just another story about WWII. Well, I rated it highly but in hindsight I'm not sure if I should have done so. In retrospect, I was disappointed and probably should have given it a 3.5ish.

Morning, Mark! Happy new thread! Those photos up top are stunning. Nice list of your top 5 from last year, and of course I love that you cheated! Happy Friday, my friend!

Beautiful pic of our city in winter, Mark.

Stay warm!! This brutally cold weather is getting old but the end is in sight, I hope.

I like that Chicago photo, too, Mark.

Great Top 5. Lila was my book of the year. I've got Independent People inching its way up my tbr. Rose Gold was another good outing with our pal Easy, and now I've started Never Let Me Go.

Happy Friday! Hope it's a bit better out there for you today.

P.S. My picks for 2014 are up at the top of my thread.

Happy Friday Mr. Mark!! I'm so relieved it's the weekend soon. This week has felt long and the monkeys have decided to go bonkers as well......I need some me time to ignore everyone and just read. ;)
What kind of birds are those in your topper? Cute!

It's Friday Mark!

I hope you warm up soon.

>6 msf59: All the Light we cannot see is slam damn fabulous in audio. IMHO, it should be read in this format since the story concerns a blind girl and the author gives us such lush imagery to show us how she functions and what her world is. Listening to the book gave me an extra sensory boost to dive into the story. BTW, this one is on the long-list for the Maine Reader's Choice Award, and if I have anything to say, it should make the short list coming out in March. Do ear-read it, you'll love it.

Happy 2nd thread Mark! I know we can expect many more to come! Love the birdies up there. They look nice and snug! Hope you're keeping warm today.

Just checking in from Iceland. Some sunshine today but still very cold. Hoping these winds diminish. It will make a big difference.

Welcome to the new thread, everyone. See you tonight.

Happy New Thread Mark!

Hope you have warmer weather on the way.

Hi Mark - thread 2 already!!

Have been reading thread 1 and it sounds so cold. Hope the winds drop today and it gets a little warmer. Do you have to work Saturdays too?

I loved All the Light and think it'll work well as an audiobook too. Have fun listening.

Hi Mark! "Extra" long johns are the special kind that we Mainers have to wear cause we are foolish enough to live in this climate! Right, Tina? LOL

>18 tututhefirst: This one is on my list to "ear" read for sure.

Love those birdies in your topper. They manage to look both cold and snuggy at the same time.

Happy New Mark, Was lurking on one of your many threads. Saw that you recommended The Remedy of Love by Bill Roorbach. Well, I decided to read his first book Summers with Juliet and truly enjoyed it. So now, I see one of your best books for 2014 was Lila by Marilynne Robinson. It looks really interesting but I am going to start with Gilead.
I will have to start lurking more often. I just need to start reading more than just mysteries.

I will skip the weather update. I do not want to get tiresome. Too late?

I LOVED Blood and Thunder. This one pushes all my buttons. Sides is batting a 1,000 with me. If you have not read him and you are a NNF fan, you better bet busy my friend!

I started All The Light We Can Not See on audio and was sucked in pretty quickly.

>10 PaulCranswick: Thanks for the kind words, Paul! I sure hope you can make it to my fine city this year. We will have quite the celebration, my friend!

>11 scaifea: Thanks, Amber! Hooray for McCullers!!

>12 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda! I think the mixed LT reaction to All the Light, is one of the reason I've dragged my feet on starting it, but some of my best LT pals loved it, so I thought I better try it.
I like the way it begins, but, of course, I have a LONG way to go...

>13 Crazymamie: Big loving waves to Mamie!!

>14 lindapanzo: Hi Linda! It supposed to get up to 15 tomorrow. I hope it feels better and the wind subsides a little. Sheesh...

>15 jnwelch: Howdy, Joe! I am looking forward to your thoughts on Never Let Me Go. I loved that one. Were you working from home today?

>16 jolerie: Hi, Valerie! I hope you have a perfect R & R weekend planned! I am not sure what kind of birds are featured in my topper. Let's just say they are WARBLERS, sound good?

>17 luvamystery65: Hi, Ro! It is supposed to get back into the mid-20s next week, a bit closer to normal. It should feel better. Let's hope the snow stays out of the equation.

I love both the top images.

We are about to go to the pool, have already filled up the paddling pool in the back garden for after, and have trimmed some trees so that we have a shade-cave all ready. You can use your snow cave, I guess!

Happy new thread, Mark! Things are moving fast here.

>18 tututhefirst: Hi Tina! I listened to about 80 minutes of All the Light and I was immediately drawn in. I am not sure if I have heard the narrator before but he is doing a solid job. Thanks for the vote of confidence.

>19 Smiler69: Big, warm, loving hugs, to Ilana! It was another tough one but I survived.

>21 SuziQoregon: Thanks, Juli! Are you handling those brutal 40s? LOL.

>22 cushlareads: Thanks Cushla! It is great to see you, my friend. I am really enjoying All the Light in the early going...

And yes, I work most Saturdays. Sad face.

>23 Cobscook: Hi Heidi! I love your explanation of "extra" long johns. You live in a very cold place too. I feel your pain.

>24 laytonwoman3rd: Warm, fuzzy hugs to Linda!!

>25 cindysprocket: Cindy made it! Cindy made it! Hooray! Wow! I've missed you stranger! It feels like it has been forever!

I really liked The Remedy of Love and plan on reading more of his work. And, YES, please start with Gilead, if you have not read Robinson. She is easily one of my favorite American writers.

>28 LovingLit: I hope you have a fantastic time, tootling around the pool, Megan! Yes, I am DEEP green with envy!

Mark, I am so sick of winter already! You might think since I am living through the deep freeze I wouldn't want to read about it on your thread, too, but it's comforting to know I'm not alone, so post on! People like that mean old Megan like it, too, because they get to be all "oh we're going to the pool today" and stuff. Sheesh.

Hi Mark! Love your thread toppers. Stay warm, my friend.

^Did anyone else hear about this collection coming out? It is Honeydew: Stories. A new one by Edith Pearlman. I know many of us really enjoyed Binocular Vision, so we should be Happy Campers, right?

And speaking of new and upcoming books, did anyone else see this- "27 Of The Most Exciting New Books Of 2015" :

http://www.buzzfeed.com/jarrylee/new-year-new-reads#.mfAGYGre1

^This is a KICKASS LIST!! It looks like we have some mighty fine reading ahead of us. If anyone has any comments about any of these books, please share!

http://www.stonebrewing.com/lukcybasartd/

Find it, buy it, drink it.

Oooo so tasty. Its a dry hopped blend of Arrogant Bastard, Double Bastard, and Oaked Arrogant Bastard

You mean there are more new books coming out? Before I can even catch up with my wishlist? And the first one is something new by Kelly Link. I'm never going to catch up!

>29 banjo123: Hi, Rhonda! Good to see you! Hope your books are treating you well.

>31 rosalita: I am not sick of winter yet, Julia. And I thank December for that gift. Now, a couple more weeks of deep freeze and I'll be firmly in your camp.

Shakes fist at "mean old Megan"!

>32 AMQS: Hi Anne! Great to see you, my friend! One more cold one tomorrow!

>34 mahsdad: Ooooh, that sounds mighty fine, Jeff. Thanks! I have not heard of Lucky Basartd. I hope they have it in our area, because I WANT to try it.



^And look who else has a new story collection coming out next month? Wowza! And perfect timing for FF!

I note that you are reading All The Light We Cannot See via audiobook, Mark. I really enjoyed that read last year, so I hope you will feel likewise! I think it was a 4.5 star read for me - so enjoy!

>33 msf59: I read a review in last week's New York Times Book Review. I still haven't gotten around to reading Binocular Vision (it's in the TBRL). The review of this new collection was quite positive.

I love both of the images at the top of your thread, Mark. I quite like birds and I like that they are becoming your trademark here.

Happy weekend to you! I hope you're enjoying All the Light We Cannot See.

>33 msf59: I will look out for that one, Mark. Ihave Binocular Vision on the shelves and hope to read it first Q this year.

You can't get me with that Gaiman collection. I'm immune. Immune I say! I've got a book bullet proof vest on.

Ha Ha, you might think you have a BB proof vest on, but its Gaiman, he's armor piercing, you have NO defense. Nor do any of us. :)

Happy Saturday! I am working but it is supposed to creep up to 16 today, which should feel decent after the temp highs we've had this week. I am enjoying both my current reads, The Call & All the Light. This makes the work day go by a little smoother.

>35 cammykitty: Hi Katie! How you surviving up there in MN? I am waiting on Get in Trouble from E.R. It was my October win. I have not read her yet.

>37 vancouverdeb: It is so nice to see you posting around again, Deb. You've been missed. I am enjoying All the light in the early going.

>38 EBT1002: Hi Ellen! A few of us were reading Binocular Vision a couple years ago. One suggestion: It is a LOT to take in, at one time. It might be better to dip in and out of this one. There is some amazing writing in that volume.

" I quite like birds and I like that they are becoming your trademark here." Well, we are the WARBLERS, after all!

>39 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul! See my comments to Ellen, in regards to B.V. I think it is good advice.

>40 cammykitty: How is the BB proof vest working for you, Katie! Snickers...

>41 mahsdad: "but its Gaiman, he's armor piercing, you have NO defense." LOL! You got that right, Jeff!

>42 msf59: My mind can't comprehend the idea 16F (-8C) is a high. Even that would leave me snuggled in bed as much as possible. We had an overnight low of 11C (51F) but we've been hit with winds of 50mph which, in a very flat area of the country, has resulted in quite a few downed trees dotted about.

Hope you stay warm today and your Saturday goes quickly.

Happy New Thread, Mark. I wish you a fabulous weekend, hopefully not too cold.

You can't get *me* with that Gaiman warble, either - because I've already pre-ordered it. Ha!

I was *this* close to picking up The Call the other day when I was searching around for something to read. I went with my current O'Nan read, but that would have been a fun coincidence! Glad you are enjoying it!

Morning, Mark! Good to know about the new Pearlman book - I really loved Binocular Vision. Hoping that your Saturday is full of fabulous!

It is still very cold out here but the morning is chugging right along. I know I will have a pint or 2 waiting for me, at the finishing line, so that keeps the boots churning.

>48 msf59: Postman powers towards pint. Good image :)

Hey, buddy. Hope it's not too bad out there today. I did commute in yesterday - ouch. Particularly coming home, for some reason. Wicked wind.

I wasn't as taken by Binocular Vision, but it surely was well-written. I'm still in the first third or so of Never Let Me Go - good to hear you loved it.

Hi Mark!!
Hope you are enjoying the start to your new year!

That is a wonderful book list! I'm especially excited about Michael Crummey and Toni Morrison's new books. Also the two apocalyptic books look pretty interesting too. I'm a sucker for a good end of the world story!

^ I think I am ready for a couple of these bad boys! It's been a LONG 5 days!

^BTW- We have a Hofbräuhaus here in the northwest suburbs, modeled after the one in Munich, which I have also been too. I did not see a server like this though!

I am heading out to dinner with the dear wife. I will be back...

Yay, you made it! Now a day to chill (in the better sense of that word) and raise a pint or two. Cheers!

>52 msf59: I just bet you are! ;-)

Congrats on your second thread, Mark! It looks cold in Chicago. Huge understatement, huh? Hang in there, Pal. A little Birdy told me spring is coming!

As you know I really liked All the Light. It made my Top Ten. I hope it works for you!

>52 msf59: LOL, we had a bar here in town called the Hofbräuhaus when I was a uni student. It was the only place in town that you didn't get your ID checked, so was heavily frequented by youf like myself. The serving ladies were elderly. Literally, gray haired grandmas. Not like the lady you have pictured, hence my laughter.

Enjoy your beers!

Happy Sunday! My favorite day of the week. Working on my first cup of java and playing LT catch-up...

>49 lunacat: " Postman powers towards pint. Good image." Yep, that was me yesterday and the payoff was wonderful. LOL.

>44 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb! Love the birdie photo!

>45 scaifea: Sounds like you are ahead of the curve on the new Gaiman. Go, Amber!

>46 katiekrug: Well, I hope you line up The Call for your next read. It has been very good. Remember, it was Kim Church that recommended that one in Asheville. The reason it was on my Swap WL. Grins...

>47 Crazymamie: Loving waves, to Mamie!

>50 jnwelch: It was definitely more tolerable yesterday, Joe. I remember you struggling a bit with the Pearlman. My only issue with it was the daunting amount of stories. It was better to dip in and out of.

>51 ChelleBearss: Wow! Great to see you Chelle! Glad you liked the upcoming book list. It looks like we have our work cut out for us.

>53 Storeetllr: Hi Mary! We ended up having a nice evening and a few choice brews. A good ending to a tough week.

Just poured cup number 2...

>54 luvamystery65: Those bad boys were mighty fine, Ro!

>55 Donna828: Hi, Donna! "A little Birdy told me spring is coming!" Great news! Hooray! What saved this winter, was a mild December, unlike last winter, which was relentlessly miserable.
I am really enjoying All the Light.

>56 LovingLit: LOL, is right! Thanks for sharing your Hofbräuhaus story, Megan. You were there for the beer, not the scenery, right?

Gaiman is pretty much the only author whose works I pre-order as soon as they're available to do so. I'm a bit obsessed with him, I suppose...

Happy Sunday!

Checking in on thread #2, Mark!

I added The Book of Strange New Things to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation!

Morning, Mark! SO glad that you made it to your favorite day. I was caught up with LT yesterday for one brief shining moment. Just one, mind you, because this place is hopping right now!

>58 scaifea: I still have some early Gaiman to catch up with. I NEED to put a couple on the list, for this year.

>59 alcottacre: Good to see you, Stasia! The Book of Strange New Things is a wonderful read and has stuck with me, these past few months.

>60 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! I love it when LT is hopping, even though it can be a chore to keep up sometimes. Hope you have a nice R & R day planned.

King Lear and football, Mark. And the nephew arrives today. Should be a good one!

"King Lear and football". Sounds, good, Mamie! I am having brunch with my daughter and then we might stop somewhere for brews and football viewing.

And yah, for the nephew's arrival!

>57 msf59: - Oh, so it was Kim Church who recommended it! I couldn't remember if it was her or Wiley Cash. you can ignore my question on my thread now :)

Happy Sunday!

I'll bet you're more than ready for a couple of good brewskis after those five days, Mark! Hope you're having a relaxing Sunday. Should be some good football on today. I got to see some of that Patriots-Ravens game, which was just what you want in a playoff game, and highlights of both when we got back from that nice Bulls win.

I should finish the Mary Oliver poetry collection today, and I'm working on Never Let Me Go and another Phryne Fisher mystery. My GN is a Harry Dresden which likely wouldn't be your cuppa.

I hope you're enjoying a nice relaxing Sunday Mark, you've certainly earned it :)

Happy Sunday Mark! Love the picture up top with the chickadees all lined up on the branch. Brrr! I have All the Light We Cannot See somewhere nearby. I hope to get to it this year. And another Gaiman is coming out? I just met him last year--I like him so much I already have another one ready to go on the pile. Well, I will just consider this new one part of my book security blanket.

Back from brunch with Bree...now kick back time: Books & football!

>64 katiekrug: Yes, it was Ms. Church, KAK! The Call is not what I expected and I mean that in the most positive way. I am glad you have it at hand.

>65 jnwelch: Hi Joe! I watched parts of both playoff games yesterday and they were both enjoyable. The games today should be just as fun. I hope you like the Ishiguro.

>66 lunacat: Thanks, Jenny! It has been a good day so far.

>67 Berly: Hi, Kimmers! Move All the Light up the pile. You'll thank me later. I would love to catch Gaiman at an author event. I would love to sit down and have a pint or 2 with him. That is so cool, you had a chance to meet him.

Ha! I wish!! I meant that I "met" Gaimam as in I "read" him for the first time. Let's corner him and we can both have a pint or two with him. All the Light appropriately moved up the pile.

>69 Berly: Boy, you had me simmering with jealousy, Kimmers! LOL. Glad we got that straightened out.

" Let's corner him and we can both have a pint or two with him." Now, you are talking.

Books, beer, brunch, and football! Sounds like the perfect Sunday, Mark!

Happy Sunday, Mark. I hope it warms up in your part of the world soon. Thankfully here we are back to our normal winter rain. Off to visit one of my favourite places - the library. Since I have found the 75ers I always have a list of BBs with me in case I find them in the stacks.

Watched the game - Go Packers! - and now back to All My Puny Sorrows, which I am loving.

>73 alphaorder: and now back to All My Puny Sorrows, which I am loving. Glad to hear that Nancy as I just pressed the one-click on that one last night:-)

If you only like All the Light half as much as I did, Mark, you will love it;-)

The Packers beat the Cowboys. Good game. You got to love that Rodgers. Not as much reading going on, mostly dipping into my current GN, Bumperhead.

>71 DorsVenabili: It has been a good Sunday, Kerri. Nearly done with my 2nd beer. Yum...

>72 Familyhistorian: Happy Sunday, Meg! Good to see you. I use my library regularly too. Mostly for audios and GNs.

>73 alphaorder: Good Packers win, Nancy. I know they are our rivals but I sure love Rodgers.
All the Puny sounds really good.

>74 brenzi: Happy Sunday, Bonnie! Honestly, I was a bit worried going into All the Light, with the mixed LT reaction, but it has been working out very nicely for me.

Hi Mark, just dropping by to wish you a great week ahead. Temps were actually tolerable today when I went to walk Coco, and I actually enjoyed walking at a leisurely pace for once. That made for a nice change... though it's not like I'm expecting it to last or anything. Best to enjoy living in the moment when things like that occur!

^DA tonight! Hope it is an improvement over last week.

>76 Smiler69: Happy Sunday, Ilana. Hope you enjoyed the day. Next week still looks chilly here but better than last week. Sighs...

Just cling tight to the 'better than last week', and think that you're one week closer to Spring!

Happy Monday Mark! Hope the temps get into the double digits for you today. I have a two hour drive to get to my meeting today and I will be spending it with Euphoria. That makes Monday look pretty good for me!

Morning, Mark! Yes, you *need* to put Gaiman on the list for this year! *smiles*

Just waving as I visit some threads, Mark. . .Happy Monday!

Morning! DA was fairly routine, once again. A mildly diverting hour. Bringing back the Bates/murdered man storyline: WTH? Yawn...

We got a little fresh snow yesterday and it will be a cold one, dropping into the teens later on, but it is January, right? I should finish up the Call today and I am looking forward to jumping back into All the Light. I should cross the halfway point today.

>78 lunacat: "and think that you're one week closer to Spring!" I like the way you think, Jenny! Smiles...

>79 Cobscook: Morning Heidi! Yes, it will be in the double digits but it will still be cold. Be safe on your long drive and enjoy Euphoria, which I also hope to get to soon.

>80 scaifea: Morning, Amber! I would finally like to get to Coraline and the Anansi Boys this year.

>81 alcottacre: Morning, Stasia! I hope you had a great weekend.

I have to watch DA online today, as I was watching the Golden Globes last night. Sorry to hear it was a bit of a snooze... sigh.

Morning, Mark! I got nothing, but I wanted to share it with you!

Happy Monday, Mark! Glad to see your take on DA is similar to mine. The new wireless was the only thing new to the story, IMO
I listened to The Anansi Boys a couple of years ago. Good stuff!

Oh, I liked both Coraline and The Anansi Boys, Mark. You have some good times ahead. Are you doing them on audio? If Gaiman reads them, I imagine that's outstanding.

Sure was easier coming in today. Hope it's a good one for you.

>82 msf59: I hope they use Bates and Anna for a happier plot this season. I'm also tired of him doing the murder thing.

Not too bad this morning, but it will probably be slushy this week. :-(

>82 msf59: Bates! Gahhh! I couldn't stand that guy and his storyline. Poor Anna. I always thought she deserved a more interesting fellow.

I gave up on DA at the end of series 2 and it sounds like it was a wise decision!

>89 lunacat: I think I made it through season 3. This is 5, right?

>90 DorsVenabili: Yup it's 5. I think I watched bits of it as I remember the Sybil episode but not much else.

Lots of bright sunshine. About 19 degrees. Not bad. Funny, after last week, anything above 10 feels pretty damn good.

Thanks for visiting. I am still posting on my phone, so I will be back tonight, to respond.

My favourite Gaiman so far has to be Neverwhere and The Graveyard Book. :)
I know he's releasing that short story, but I'm selfish and want a full length book. Still have to read The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Time, I just need more time!

I liked the Downtown Abbey shows - both episodes this season. I like the Thomas story line. Was I the only one who noticed that Thomas was headed to the bedroom to warn Jimmy and was thwarted? I have to wonder what will be the impact of that? What about the Mosley/Baxter story line? I find that interesting. I think you guys are wanting your bang upfront. For that I would say go watch Game of Thrones. The writers there don't have to build a story line as the author has given them seven books from which to choose. Of course, now the shows writers are deviating from the books so lets see what you guys think of that predictable outcome - more blood and gore? Perhaps more skin as in torture and perhaps sex would do it? Clearly, I think your criticism of DA is unjustified. It is early in the season. Get out your knitting needles and sit back and enjoy the scenery and other things that make this a great show.

Morning Mark! Hope the weather warms up for you! Ontario has a cold weather alert for tonight, going down to -17c and -30c with the wind chill. Really wishing I was on the cruise that my in-laws are on!

I need to get caught up on DA! I still have two episodes from the last season to watch before I watch these two newest one. I should get around to that soon!

>94 benitastrnad: - I think some of the criticism, at least mine, is that there doesn't seem to be much originality in the story lines that are being developed. I don't mind that there isn't a lot of action or fireworks. My issue is that a lot of the same and similar plots are being re-hashed. Oh, Thomas is being nasty to Baxter, but maybe he's not all bad because of his unrequited love for James. Bates killed Mr. Green or maybe not. Carson is perplexed by societal changes. I don't see a lot of character development. For instance, I would compare the development of Mary in previous seasons, or that of Edith. It was interesting to see these two grow and evolve in what felt like a really organic way. Right now, it feels like everyone is just treading water, which is fine if you are looking for a comfortable, familiar show. I personally find it snooze-worthy. To each her own!

>93 jolerie: Oh, I think you're going to love Ocean at the End of the Lane, Valerie. One of his best, IMO. I loved the two you picked (Neverwhere and The Graveyard Book), and Neverwhere is my favorite. It's derived from a BBC tv series which I also liked a lot, which you might want to check out some time.

>57 msf59: You were there for the beer, not the scenery, right?
Actually, I was there for the stick with all the beer bottle tops nailed to it that rattle when banged on the floor. I believe in Germany they call it music ;)

I hope DA made the grade this week for you!

The American Library Association Mid-Winter conference is going to be in Chicago starting January 30, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. and ending at noon on February 2, 2015. It will be at the McCormick Convention Center. I don't have information about parking yet, but think that the convention center has parking.

There will be several well known authors such as, Alice Hoffman on Sunday and Mary Doria Russell on Monday. However, this conference is a place where first time authors or authors who publishers think are not receiving the kind of attention that they should be getting are introduced to librarians. The publishers have booths, some of them are huge and elaborate, and authors often come and sign and promote their books. There are often free copies of books, or they are for sale for $10.00 for hardbacks and $5.00 for paperbacks. Most of the free books are what are called ARC's (Advanced Readers Copies). One section of the Exhibit Hall is devoted to Graphic Novels. You can wander through the exhibit hall and come home with lots of free books. If you are every in doubt about whether or not a book is free just ask.

For those who are going to ALA Mid-Winter - Do you want to try to have an LT meet-up in conjunction with going to the wonderland of the Exhibit Hall? Mark has told me that he is going to be doing the Exhibit Hall on Saturday. Perhaps, Saturday would be a good night for an LT meet-up. I will be there on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday morning and would be happy to try to meet up with other LT'ers. I could even take a bus or a taxi to meet people provided it isn't going to cost $50.00 for a one way fare. Let me know either here on Mark's thread or over on Joe's thread if you would like to meet up. I don't know Chicago that well, but I am sure that we can come up with some place to meet where we can talk books and tell about our Exhibit Hall adventures.

I have contacted Abby Blachy, one of the LT Goddesses, and the Librarything booth will be at number 1937 in the exhibit hall. Abby said that LT will be giving away free passes to the Exhibit Hall but she has not provided me with the correct code to get a free pass. As soon as she does I will pass that information on to you. In the meantime lets talk about meet-up or not to meet-up.

^I know I've been needling DA a bit but I am happy for Joanne Froggat, (Anna) winning a Golden Globe. She's a doll, isn't she?

>83 katiekrug: Stop by and let me know what you think of DA, Katie! It was a bit better than last week. There were a couple decent moments. I LOVED your comments in post #96. Go KAK!

>84 Crazymamie: Waves and Hugs to my pal, Mamie!

>85 Carmenere: Hi Lynda! I liked the wireless segment too, along with Mary being a Bad Girl! I WILL move The Anansi Boys up the pile. I am way overdue on that one.

>86 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! I plan on getting to both Coraline and The Anansi Boys, in the coming months.

>87 rosylibrarian: " I'm also tired of him doing the murder thing." Amen, Marie! They have beat that dead horse enough, right?

>88 DorsVenabili: "Bates! Gahhh! I couldn't stand that guy and his storyline." I liked Bates in the first season but boy, did they ruin that character quickly. Poor Anna, is right!!

>89 lunacat: >90 DorsVenabili: I thought I was going to give up on DA, after season 3 but I decided to give season 4 a try and it ended up being pretty good. It is on a short leash now.

>93 jolerie: " but I'm selfish and want a full length book." I know that feeling, Valerie! LOL. Thanks for chiming in on the Gaiman. The Graveyard Book remains my favorite but "The Ocean" and Neverwhere are close behind. I think you would like American Gods too.

>95 ChelleBearss: Good to see you, Chelle! Try to catch up with DA and then stop back and comment. Would like to hear your thoughts.

Mark I did not realize you have not read/listen to Anansi Boys. You must do the audio version. When Neil Gaiman was writing it he had Lenny Henry in mind to narrate and Lenny does the most fabulous job! Truly this was one time when one of Neil's books was better suited to be narrated by someone else. That is rare indeed.

>102 luvamystery65: That's a great endorsement, Ro! Gaiman did not narrate American Gods either, for obvious reasons. It was done by George Guidall, one of the best in the audio business. There is also a full cast audio version, for the 10th Anniversary edition. I would also be curious about that one.
Fortunately, I have the Anansi Boys saved on audio. Whew!

>103 msf59: I thought Guidall was fabulous in American Gods but he always is.

I was happy to see Joanne Froggat receive a Golden Globe, too. She is a good actress.

I opened up the Hollyhills library yesterday, and dusted the dusty shelves. I had one customer, a friend who brought her drawing materials, and we chatted while she drew and I re-shelved books which had been left awry. And I found a charming old and odd book, c. 1951, title is "Chorus to Coronet" by Horace Wyndham. All about actresses who married "nobility" in merry ole England. My favorite quote: "The musical comedy girls will be the salvation of the aristocracy." (my comment: did not work, did it?) Cute, charming little old book with drawings and photographs of said actresses. I think it makes a darling companion piece to DA. I still need to watch last night's episode, it is on my TV's DVD, I think.

Happy new week, Mark!

>94 benitastrnad: Go Benita! You came to DA's rescue, like a Knight, (or is it Knightess?) in Shining Armor. You should know, I am just as picky on TV shows as I am books. I think Downton Abbey set the bar high, with a wonderful first season and most of a second. Good writing and characterizations. Then they started getting lazy and have continued to do so, dragging out the same old tropes and storylines.
I am not looking for a "big bang". I am looking for a solid, well-crafted show. And yes, I LOVE Game of Thrones. I think it is much more consistent.

>99 benitastrnad: Thanks for all the ALA info! We plan on going Saturday. We will have to see what we can put together for a Meet-Up. How late are you working Saturday?
Very cool, about MDR being there Monday!

>96 katiekrug: I have to totally agree with Katie. DA is getting to be too much of a soap opera. I found myself drifting back to the Golden Globes. As much as I loathe the way the upstairs residents treat the downstairs people, apparently (according to an article I read somewhere) DA doesn't even come close to depicting the pretentious attitudes of the upper class. And I thought Mary forcing Anna to purchase the "unmentionable" at the pharmacy was ridiculous. I think I'm just getting tired of it. It's run its course for me. I found myself drifting back and forth with the Golden Globes.

Hi Mark, I watched the Globes last night and planned to watch DA tonight. Instead, I'm watching the Ducks/Bucks game. Maybe tomorrow. DA isn't the "must see TV" that it used to be.

And I went to my book group. I think it is interesting that DA is getting such bad press here. I need to hurry and watch it so I can have an opinion.

OH! ETA: the entire book group LOVED Station Eleven. It was unanimous.

Hi Mark, I also haven't watched any of this season of DA yet. I guess after four years, it is slowing down. I would rather see it go off the air then to continue on as a pale, washed out version of itself. But as I said I haven't seen any of the current season yet, so maybe I will love it!

Just to do a little book warbling, I have started The Daughters of Mars by Thomas Keneally and I am loving this story about Australian nurses in WWI.

Morning, Mark! Loving all the Gaiman talk round these here parts...

Also, I agree about 19F feeling positively balmy after last week. Weird, isn't it? Ha!

Well, I decided to work my day off today and it has nothing to do with with being a nice guy. I could use the benjamins and since it will not be hovering around zero or snowing, it's a good opportunity.

I really enjoyed The Call. A nice fresh approach. Smart and engaging, with just enough edge. I've been doing terrible on my mini-reviews, so that is something I sorely NEED to work on. I will be continuing All the Light, which has been very good.

I am starting Moon Tiger today, for Paul's BAC. I've never read or even heard of Lively, so I am looking forward to giving her a go.

>105 maggie1944: What is the Hollyhills library? Are you volunteering there? Sounds very cool. Tell me more.

And yes, Joanne Froggat has always been one of my favorites on DA. Too bad she got saddled with Bates's ridiculous storylines. Hope you can get caught up, so you can chime in.

>107 brenzi: "DA is getting to be too much of a soap opera." I think it was always a soap opera but one, done with style and grace. He needs new writers.

>108 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda! I even watched some of the Ducks game. Poor Ducks. This will most likely be my last season of DA, unless I jump ship early.

>110 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy! "I would rather see it go off the air then to continue on as a pale, washed out version of itself." It might to late. LOL. At least there is just enough, to keep you watching but it is running thin.

>111 scaifea: Morning Amber! More mini-reviews and more Gaiman. Those are my resolutions. LOL. And speaking of weather: How is that 40 degrees going to feel on Saturday? And for your Meet-Up? Yah!

>112 msf59: *SNORK!* Love it!

And 40F this weekend?! Amazing.

>114 scaifea: I am really bummed I can't be joining the Iowa Meet-Up. That is the downside of working most Saturdays and with the holiday Monday, it is impossible to ask for it off. Sad face.

Sad face, indeed. I'd love it if you could make it down! One of these days I'm gonna get myself to Chicago for a meetup...

Hollyhills Library: I live in a neighborhood of manufactured homes where each owner owns their land as well as their "trailer". Mostly these are double wides with garages and storage sheds and here is the "homeowners' association" which preoccupied me for the last 18 months or so. I no longer am on the Board of Directors however the clubhouse has a very small library of used, mostly paperback, books which mostly is used as an activity room for the small preschool which rents the basement of our clubhouse. I have decided it needs to be open a couple times a month for people to borrow the books, bring some more in, or just come to chat. I am also hoping some kids might see it as a place to do homework, or just hang out. Might be a pipe dream but I can open it and sit and read for a couple of hours and be none the worse for the effort.

Today is my "friday" so after 4 hours of grocery shopping this afternoon I have two days "off". I'm still enjoying the job but unfortunately it has gotten fairly busy and I don't get the time to sit in parking lots and read. As it is winter and not warm that is probably a better deal!

I have picked up Lively's Family Portrait which I think is kind of a nice companion to DA. We shall see.....

*sigh* Now I really want to be able to go to the ALA thing. I'm sure I could figure some cheap (free) way to get from here to Chicago in time, right?

Good morning, Mark. Saturday for ALA should be good for us, too. I'm checking with Becca - Madame MBH unfortunately will be in LA that weekend.

Never Let Me Go was pretty good. It didn't blow me away, but it was a good read. Now I've started Narrow Road to the North. Did you read that one?

Little nippier out today, but still not bad. I liked that Oregon team, and the way they started, I thought they might dominate. A couple of drops, and everything turned around. Good win for the Big Ten.

Morning, Mark!

I heard back from Abby Blachy - the LT Goddess who comes to all the ALA meetings. She sent the following information about registering for the free passes to the Exhibits at ALA.

Hi Benita,

This link should work:
https://www.compusystems.com/servlet/ar?evt_uid=228&oi=6xhVjHKHhmrHoIiGjo9vo...

Our company code is in the URL, so it's setting it there. The "if you have a promotional code" field is optional, just leave it blank. It should let you then register for free. Give it a try?

I tried the link and it worked for me. Those of you are are planning to go to the exhibit hall can enter your information in and get the free pass. The registration form asks for a promotional code but just ignore that. If it doesn't work for you try e-mailing Abby. Here is her e-mail address. abigail@librarything.com

I will be in meetings until about 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. I could meet people at the exhibit hall for a short run through on that afternoon. I am also doing some research on places to meet that are close to the convention center where we could have a meet up when the exhibit hall closes at 5:00 p.m. I'll get that information to you guys in the next day or two.

Moon Tiger is tooting my horn and pressing my buttons. It is also keeping the winter chill at bay...Smiles.

>121 benitastrnad: Wow, that is good news Benita. Thanks.

Haven't watched Downton yet but it appears that it will be as disappointing as the outcome of last night's game.

Alas . . .

I am having a fabulous January of reading so far. I finished The Martian last night and loved it. I promptly handed it to The Hubster and told him "this is your next book".

I also finally started Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant and am enjoying it so far.

I also started Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson this morning I need to keep the non-fiction in the mix and this one looks good.

I loved All the Light good to see you're liking it.

>112 msf59: - Love it!!

>115 msf59: And we are all bummed that you can't be there! Do you know how many places that sell beer are located in the same block as Prairie Lights books? A lot! Next year, my friend, we will find a day that works for you!

"The power of language. Preserving the ephemeral; giving form to dreams, permanence to sparks of sunlight."

"...all those mundane travellers preoccupied with personal gain or seized by congenital restlessness, studying compasses and dealing with the natives while they make themselves immortal."

^^Moon Tiger

Wow! Less than 40 pages in, but I am sold. Her prose, just jumps off the page. She's a helluva writer!

Hiya Mark! Hope you're keeping warm this week. At least the temps aren't too bad - the wind is awfully sharp, though! Don't know if I can do ALA this year, though it sounds like a dream. I'm going to check and see if I can find a hotel that's nearby that's not a jillion dollars for a night's stay.

>116 scaifea: We would love to have you attend a Chicago Meet-up, Amber! I plan on putting something together in the Spring.

>117 maggie1944: Ooh, the Hollyhills library sounds like a lot of fun, Karen. Make sure you keep us updated. I am also interested in what you think of your current Lively. I am reading Moon Tiger and I am thunderstruck.

>118 lunacat: I wish I had a private jet, Jenny, that I could buzz over to get you. We went to ALA less than 2 years ago and had a good time. We brought home 20 something books and most of them were very good titles.

>119 jnwelch: I am glad you and Becca can attend ALA. We will have to put our heads together and decide where to have a little Meet-Up afterwards. I have not yet read Narrow Road to the North but it is very high on my To-Read list.

>120 Crazymamie: Loving waves to Mamie!

>121 benitastrnad: Thank you so much, Benita! And a big thank you to Abby. Sue and I are planning on going. How late will you have to "work" that day?

>123 SuziQoregon: No worries, Juli! DA has not been as bad as that Ducks loss. I know Oregonians were really pumped about their team. At least you got to enjoy a stellar season.
I am so glad you loved the Martian and I am sure your DH, will too! You should love the Chast memoir and I have Just Mercy on my To-Read list.

>124 rosalita: I wish I could make it Julia! If you give me plenty of time next year, I'll try to make earlier arrangements. Are there cheap places to stay?

Netflix stopped streaming Downton Abbey after Matthew was killed. I really didn't like the way it was done, so I haven't bothered trying to find the rest. Sounds like I'm not missing a whole lot.

>127 msf59: Well, cheap is subjective, but there certainly are a number of places that are between $50 and $100 a night that you wouldn't have to worry about picking up a disease in. :-)

I thought the whole idea of budget hotels was to try and pick up as many weird illnesses as possible, and then have fun trying to fight them all off at once. Or is that just me?

>129 rosalita: and >130 lunacat: - This reminds me of the motel my cousins and I stayed in while attending a family funeral. We drove up, got our room keys, and went in to our rooms. A minute later, one of my cousins knocks on the wall between our rooms and hollers (I could hear him perfectly thanks to the paper thin walls), "Hey, Kat! Don't sit on the bedspread. You'll get pregnant!" I almost died laughing.

Trying to keep on your thread is a major undertaking!

>126 LauraBrook: Hi Laura! You would LOVE ALA! You would be like a kid in a candy store. See what you can do. We would love to have you along.

>128 AuntieClio: Hi Stephanie! I wonder why Netflix stopped streaming DA? I considered giving DA up after the 3rd season too, but decided to give season 4, a shot and it turned out to be a pretty good, after all.

>129 rosalita: LOL! Cheap wasn't the right word to use, because I sure don't need a disease. Something in the $75 range would work, unless I just decide to turn around and head back, but if beer is involved....well....!

>130 lunacat: So, do you spend time a lot of time, at budget hotels, Jenny?

>131 katiekrug: LOL! Good story, KAK!

Happy New Thread, Mark! I love the thread topper. Frozen water breaking like that has such a stark beauty to it. Poor little birdies huddles together to keep warm....

Sorry to read that winter has been making its presence known.... with a bit of a vengeance, it would seem. Glad to see the temps in your area have gotten a bit warmer.

I am almost finished reading The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and boy, that book really resonates with me!

The Lori's are here! The Lori's are here! Hooray!

>132 thornton37814: Good to see you, Lori! If you want to count my thread(s) as a book. Go right ahead!

>134 lkernagh: Thanks, Lori! Good to see you. Glad you like the frozen lakefront and the cuddling birdies! I am glad you are enjoying The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. It remains my favorite McCullers!

Mark, didn't you meet Mary Doria Russell at Booktopia?

I mention it because she'll be at a nearby library with a program on the day her next book is due out. Epitaph: A Novel of the O.K. Corral. Sounds good.

Hi Mark! I am also enjoying Moon Tiger. Aren't the alternating viewpoints interesting?

Hi Mark! All the Light We Cannot See is our RL bookclub to be discussed in May. Haven't started it yet.

I'm reading The Bone Clocks now - it's taking a very long time because I had cataract surgery in December, left eye on the 8th and right eye on the 15th, and until I get good prescription reading/computer glasses, my eyesight is just enough different that I can't devour books like I usually do. But I really love it so far.

I love the cuddling birds!

>131 katiekrug: *snork!!*

Morning, Mark!

^ I want to roller-skate to the library. Wah!

>133 msf59: Sadly not, I'm usually too ill ;)

>140 msf59: You have my permission to roller-skate to the library, but only if you wear one of their outfits, including make-up.

Happy Hump Day! Mine is officially tomorrow, for those who pay attention. Another cold one today and then things slowly climb back to normal. Smile...

I am loving both of my current reads, Moon Tiger & All the Light. I should be getting close to finishing the latter by the end of the day.

>136 lindapanzo: Hi Linda! Yes, I had the honor of meeting MDR in Petoskey. She is so smart and funny. I will be buying her new book. I hope she visits, one of our local bookshops. You'll have to let me know the details, in case she doesn't.

>137 banjo123: Hi, Rhonda! I love Moon Tiger and the shifting viewpoints.

>138 karenmarie: Hi, Karen! All the Light will be a perfect book club read. It's actually a simply told narrative, switching back and forth from 2 main characters. Glad you are enjoying the Bone Clocks. It is a keeper!

>139 scaifea: Warm, loving waves to Amber!

>141 lunacat: Sorry, Jenny, I will not be dressing up like that. I would horrify the children. We can't have that. Poor kiddies.

>143 msf59: Then no roller-skating to the library for you!

Morning, Mark! Sorry to hear that Jenny has banned you from roller-skating to the library, but it would be awkward on the way home with all those books, so probably just as well. Happy Wednesday to you!

Good morning, Mark! Wee bit nippy out there, isn't it?

Glad you're liking Moon Tiger. Seems unanimous so far. I'm moving it up the tbr.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North is very good. I also started a fun one, Lexicon, after some recent LT raves. A thriller about the power of words. Go figure.

Happy Wednesday! A long weekend coming up; looking forward to that.

I am making the rounds this morning, trying to catch up with all and every one. Happy Wednesday, and I hope your weekend will be good fun!

Haha...see now I'm convinced you are more literary minded than me! Glad to see you are enjoying Moon Tiger!

Huge waves, Mark and wishing you a good day. xx

It is cold out here but the day is moving along quite smoothly and then there are the books. The wonderful books...

Moon Tiger's Claudia Hampton, may go down as one of my favorite literary creations. BAG (Big Ass Grin)

Hi Mark. I'm ready for a change of season just about now. Winter's getting old already, don't you think? I've only got a short way to go with Moon Tiger, and while I find it's very good, am nowhere near as in love with it as everyone else seems to be with it. O well.

>152 msf59: That's me and Baby Téa!

>145 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie! Isn't Jenny mean? I would have roller-skated to the library, (Funny, I haven't wore a pair since I was 10) but she wanted me to dress in drag too!

>146 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! It was a chilly one but up to 30 tomorrow. Yah! I am LOVING Moon Tiger. I see no reason, why you won't either. I read/ listened to Lexicon awhile back. It was a lot of fun. Very clever.

>147 maggie1944: Hi Karen! I hope you had a good day. Get any reading in?

>148 jolerie: Hi Valerie! Moon Tiger is pushing all the right buttons for me. I don't think there is anything wrong with your literary sense. This was just one that didn't float your boat!

>149 Ameise1: Waves & Hugs to Barb!

>151 Smiler69: Sorry, Moon Tiger isn't grabbing you, the way it has me. This might be my first 5 star book of the year and I had never heard of Lively before Paul added her to the BAC.

Honestly, I am not complaining much about the winter, at this point. It could be MUCH MUCH worse. I still have nightmares & daymares about last year.
Shudders!

>152 msf59: Oh that is so true. The drawings look like a dog, but that is even more true for cats. One of my cats will ambush my wife and jump onto her shoulders from the ground. Which on its face is that impressive, but he'll only do it when she isn't looking.

Finished California on audio and like you I think its a pretty middle of the road book. Didn't really like where it went from about the 2nd half on.

Stay Warm! Drink Beer!

I might just have to WL Moon Tiger with all the warbling going on. :)

Moon Tiger started slow for me, but that may have been because I had read Consequences first and it was a stinker. However, Moon tiger grabbed me and I couldn't help making comparisons with the descriptions in it with those of Bartle Bull in Cafe on the Nile. Both of those authors brought the war years to life. Moon Tiger has the added bonus of seeing what the heroine thought when she visited Cairo years after the war. Great book so far! That is a good thing as Lively had a long way to go after what she wrote in Consequences.

ALA - Midwinter - Chicago news
It looks like I will be "working" until about 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. I will start looking for a place to meet-up later this week. I thought that someplace close to the Convention Center would be good. Abby said that she was not sure yet of what her and Tim's schedule would be, but if they can they will attend.

Love the How to Read a Book meme….it s certainly the way I get things done in my place. I haven't quite got to threatening the kids with knives yet, but my mind is daggers when I am trying to sneak off for a page or two. :)

Moon Tiger heading for 5 stars huh? Great news…I loved it too. My reading is taking second place to late-night kids and lazy evenings. It isn't looking good for my annual total. But I am loving The Burgess Boys….which am nearly through with. And I have to say I picked a big event in it too. *proud*

>153 luvamystery65: Yah, for Baby Téa, Ro! We do not let our dog on the bed, (my rules), so we are safe there. Whew!

>155 mahsdad: Yes, that cartoon would work just as well with cats, Jeff. It looks like we felt about the same, about California. It was okay but completely forgettable.
Moon Tiger! Moon Tiger!

>156 benitastrnad: I also thought of the Bartle Bull books, while reading, Moon Tiger. How very cool, Benita.

In regards to the 31st, I am so glad you are getting off early enough. That is perfect. How about returning to Haymarket Brewery?

>157 LovingLit: Hi, Megan! Moon Tiger caught me completely by surprise. It is so damn good. I am still only halfway.

I am glad you are enjoying the Burgess Boys. I also liked that one but did not love it. It paled in comparison to Olive, which is her masterwork.

Hola! 40 pages left in MT. Gotta go finish!

Sweet Thursday! 3 days down, 3 to go. And it is climbing back to 30 today, which, surprisingly, is the average temp for this time of year. What??

I finished the terrific All the Light. And thanks for the encouragement on the audio, because it was excellent in this format. Next up, for the ear, is Men We Reaped, which I've had on my To-Read list since it came out. Both Laura & Darryl recently read and loved it, so I felt it was my turn.

In print, I will be continuing Moon tiger. Swoons a little...

>159 Berly: Did you finish, Kimmers? Did you finish, Kimmers?

Mean? Moi?? I was simply looking out for you - if I'd let you roller-skate to the library you'd only have fallen and broken your leg. No one understands me *sigh*.

>152 msf59: Definitely my cats. They work on rotation to make sure I can never pick up a book without supervision. See my thread for photographic proof!

Happy Thursday, pal! We are having a little bit of chill in our weather but today.... the rain returns. With the rain comes cloudy skies which means the temps are a bit warmer. Clouds are a bit like a blanket around here.

I have to go get those kids out of bed this morning, and then off to the dentist. I am having a brief "when it rains, it pours" moment. The receptionist at the dentist's office and I are good buddies and her sister is having a brief child care crisis due to health challenges of their Mom. So guess who is recruited to take care of a little toddler? And a friend in the community here has a granddaughter who is struggling with adjusting to high school, so guess who is being recruited to be a coach for success in school. Neither of these is definite yet, and both will require some juggling of schedules, commitments, and my housemate will help with the early morning part of the toddler; but, both my housemate and I can use a few extra Benjamins, so what can you do. When people need help, I am sorely tempted to help.

Sadly, reading may suffer a bit.

I am still working on the Lively book for the BAC, and then I need to get the February books lined up. Wheeeeee

So much fun!

>133 msf59: mark, as I understand it, the contracts for streaming can be convoluted. It's not that Netflix decided to stop streaming, probably more like they couldn't come to an agreement or the other party pulled out.

>160 msf59: Finished Moon Tiger! I didn't love it quite as much as you, but it will still get at least a 4. My copy doesn't have deckled pages, but rather copper edges--positively lined with book darts!! So many great images and pithy comments!

Howdy Mark! Happy hump day +1! Glad to see you enjoyed the audio of All the Light. I imagined it would be quite good.
And I'd hold back on the roller skating till the snow and ice melts.

I found you some alternative outfits if you really want to go skating:

I had forgotten you had read/listened to Lexicon, Mark. Glad you found it fun and very clever. I'm about 1/3 through and enjoying it - it's one of those where it's hard to understand what the heck's going on at the beginning (with Wil and Eliot), but it becomes clear once you read further.

I've moved Moon Tiger up the tbr, and it wasn't even on there before all the warbling started!

Yah, I brought my iPad along today! Hopefully, that continues for the next week or so. Fingers crossed. I was immediately engaged by Men We Reaped. This will be another good one and keeping my roll going...

>161 lunacat: Thanks for watching my back, Jenny! We try to look after each other around here. Grins...

>162 maggie1944: Hi Karen! Thanks for the updates. Hope it all works out. And I hope you can squeeze the reading in whenever you can.

>163 AuntieClio: Thanks, Stephanie! It looks like that Netflix streaming can be hit or miss. I still have to try House of Cards one of these days.

>164 Berly: We both still enjoyed Moon Tiger, but on different levels, which is quite alright in my book.

>165 Carmenere: I loved All the Light, Lynda and I am glad I finally got to it.

>166 lunacat: Wow, Jenny, you are really watching my back, my friend. LOL.

>167 jnwelch: Glad you are enjoying Lexicon, Joe. Have you read anything else by him?
I think you will like Men We Reaped. It looks like it will be a beautifully written but heart-breaking memoir.

Morning, Mark! Enjoying the heat wave today? *grins*

Here's what I posted to you on my thread, regarding restaurants:
There is really nothing immediately around the convention center, other than the Hyatt restaurant, which you probably aren't interested in. It's a sucky food situation. You could go North on Michigan/Wabash/State to the South Loop - several restaurants there and probably some parking. I'm not very familiar with any of them though (the ones I've been to don't appear to be there anymore). Another idea is Dusek's in Pilsen (http://dusekschicago.com/menu/#beer). I've only been to the bar, but it's a lovely place (gorgeous old building) and they have a great beer list. Nice, helpful bartenders too, even if it is a bit hipsterish.

So glad you are enjoying Moon Tiger!!

I forgot to tell you that I met a friend at Haymarket on Tuesday and had some Mini Mathias, which was great - not as big (alcohol content-wise) as the regular one, but great hop flavor.

Me and Joe are on the same wave length. I picked up a copy of Lexicon from my library yesterday. :)

#170
I would be up for either Haymarket or Dusek's. I am probably more partial to Dusek's simply because it is Czech and so am I. Either place would work for me because I will probably have to take a cab back to the hotel anyway. I am hoping that I can catch a ride with somebody from the exhibits to wherever we are meeting up.

Does anybody have any idea of how many people there might be for the meetup? Would we need to make reservations?

I finished Moon Tiger and will give it a rare 4.5 stars. This was a wonderful novel.

“We saw the lightning and that was the guns; and then we heard the thunder and that was the big guns; and then we heard the rain falling and that was the blood falling; and when we came to get in the crops, it was dead men that we reaped.” —Harriet Tubman

^Is that a kickass quote, or what? This is the wonderful epigraph, (1 of 3) that kicks off Men We Reaped.



I am over a 1/3 of the way in. Wow! This would make a perfect companion piece to Brown Girl Dreaming, which I know, you all put on your WL, RIGHT? Expect much more warbling on this one...

Through the Woods by Emily Carroll

"This book freaked my shit out."

- Patrick Rothfuss

Here is the rest of his review:

"The truth is, this book is amazing. I've read a lot of great comics this last year, and out of all of them, this is the one that had the most profound emotional effect on me.

It's not gory, or graphic. It's... unsettling. It's creepy. It's like the darkest of the old-school faerie tales.

I read it at night before I was going to go to bed. And when I was done, I was too unnerved to go to sleep. I had to read something else to settle myself down first.

Seriously. I'm 40 years old. And still this thing got to me."

I always seem to shortchange my comics/GNs, but I started Through the Woods and I am mighty impressed. Mr. Rothfuss knows his "shit"!

>174 msf59: oh goody I'm so glad. Warble away, Mark!

>175 msf59: Yes! I loved that book and I only read it because of Patrick Rothfuss. It is deliciously creepy.

You are reading some great books so far this year, Mark! Keep it going, friend.

>169 scaifea: Hi, Amber! It felt so much better today. More of the same tomorrow. Yah!

>170 DorsVenabili: Thanks, Kerri, for taking the time. Dusek's might work. It sounds good and I would like to try something different. Are you sure, you couldn't join us at some point?

Ooh, Mini-Mathias. Yum!

>171 jolerie: I enjoyed Lexicon, Valerie. I am sure you will too.

>172 benitastrnad: Let's just go with Dusek's then, Benita. I've never been and they have a stellar beer list? I am in! It doesn't look like we will have a big group. Sue & I. Joe & Becca and You! Are there any other LTers showing interest?

And we would gladly give you a ride to the restaurant, my friend.

>176 lauralkeet: Ward has quickly turned into quite a writer, Laura! I am looking forward to seeing what she does next. Have you read Brown Girl Dreaming yet? If not- You have to!!

>177 rosylibrarian: How cool, Marie! I better follow your thread more closely for more GN recs. I am always interested in those.

Mark, you've been reading some good books. Lots to warble about for sure. I must look for a copy of Moon Tiger especially if it earns the Full Five from you! I am listening to Family Album but haven't gotten very far into it at all. Too many days with grandkids this week. I never thought I'd say that...Gran is tired!

Resist....I shall resist. Not! I have to see if my library has Through the Woods. Darn you Mark! :)

>179 msf59: Well, I wouldn't say I am a GN expert, but my husband always buys them and I can't help but read them when he is done.

I need figure out how to funnel your read list directly into my wish list. It will save time and key strokes. You're on a roll so far this year.

>178 rosalita: Thanks, Julia! See? I postponed W & P and it just opened it up for me, like a big sweet flower. LOL.

>180 Donna828: There is the busy Grandmother! Glad you can find time to stop by. It will be hard to top last year, in the reading department but I will give it all I got, Donna!

>181 jolerie: It is such a beautiful book too, Valerie and it is a quick read, at that. See? A win, win!

>182 rosylibrarian: You'll have to ask your husband, what his 5 favorite GNs were, form last year. See, how greedy I am, Marie?

>183 mahsdad: Let's see if we can figure out the funnel thing, Jeff. LOL. Yes, I have been on a nice roll, sir. And I have one lined up, I know you were crazy about: The Brief History of the Dead, which I should be starting very soon.

>135 msf59: You'd better be careful. I think I noticed a 3rd Lori out there somehwere!

The Brief History of the Dead is another good one, Mark. I've found it to be very memorable.

Speaking of TV shows, I finally caught up and finished "Broadchurch" and loved it. Did you watch that one?

>175 msf59: Wow! I'm not a big fan of GN but with a review like that I may have to check this one out!

Ellen put Moon Tiger on my wishlist, Mark, but after reading your warbles, I have bumped it up. I am also adding Through the Woods to my wishlist. I have added some graphic novels to my reading this year and so far I have been catching up with the Fables storyline. I do have Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh sitting here and I can't seem to stop picking it up even though I wasn't planning on reading it until next month.

Yep, I liked me some Brief History of the Dead, but I have RD to thank for that one. I'm just about done with Montana 1948, really intense little book.

Hi Mark, Found your Thread and starred it!

I'm glad to see that you're enjoying Men We Reaped, Mark. I look forward to your comments about it.

Happy Friday! It hits 30 degrees again today, so no complaints. I should come close to wrapping up Moon Tiger and I am looking forward to jumping back into Men We Reaped.

>185 thornton37814: Watch out! The Lori's are coming!

>186 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! I've been wanting to read Brockmeier forever and I think this is a perfect place to start. Yes, I did watch and enjoyed Broadchurch. I did not see the American version.

>187 ChelleBearss: Hi, Chelle! Through the Woods is one to check out. Dark fairy-tales.

>188 DeltaQueen50: I am sure you will love Moon Tiger, Judy!

You will never be short of GN recs around here, my friend. I also have Hyperbole and a Half waiting nearby.

>189 mahsdad: I am glad you are enjoying Montana 1948, Jeff. It remains my favorite Watson. See, if you can track down, Justice, since it also deals with some of these characters.

>190 connie53: Connie made it! Connie made it! Hooray!

>191 kidzdoc: Hi, Darryl! Men We Reaped is so good and so heart-breaking. Ward is a major talent and I look forward to seeing what she does next.

Morning, Mark!

I just requested Through the Woods from the library! It had been on my radar, but your review prompted me to to do it.

Cold cold cold when riding this morning, but I tried to make myself think of you and your weather, and so reassure myself that I wasn't as cold as I thought I was.

Through the Woods, eh? Looks good, Mark. I'm on it. Men We Reaped probably, too - looking forward to your reaction when you're done.

Not too bad out there today. Have a good one, buddy.

Another nice one out here, folks!

>193 scaifea: Big morning waves to Amber!

>194 jayde1599: That was NOT my review of Through the Woods, Jess. That honor belongs to Patrick Rothfuss. Have you read him before?
I should finish Through the Woods tonight.

>195 lunacat: Not bad out here, Jenny. About the freezing mark, with some sunshine. I am pleased with it.

>196 jnwelch: Morning Joe! I am sure you will enjoy both Through the Woods and Men We Reaped. Might as well throw in Moon Tiger too! Grins...

Hi there, Mark. Glad you're enjoying the "balmy" temps.

Thanks for that book recommendation you sent me. All the Light We Cannot See. Sounds good.

Crashing through, dodging bullets left and right (mostly because they've already hit me somewhere else)...

>179 msf59: Are you sure, you couldn't join us at some point? Yeah, it's not looking good. :-( But I hope you like the place!

>192 msf59: I'm sure glad you are glad, Mark. LOL!

Hi Mark! We can have a Moon TIger fan club. I just finished it and gave it 4.5 stars.

>152 msf59: Cracked me up! This is Chica, today. She is in a very needy mood and sitting next to me as we speak. You are smart to keep your bed a dog-free zone. If we ever have another dog, I want to do that. In the meantime, Chica is less of a dog and more of a princess. Not bad for a former street-dog.

^We all need a switch like this and would pay good money!

>203 msf59: Sign me up

Happy Evening! I did not finish Moon Tiger but I only have 20 pages left. Perhaps, tonight? Perhaps after a bit of LT time...I NEED that switch, up there, dammit!

>198 lindapanzo: Happy Friday, Linda! Yah, for balmy temps and yes, I think All the Light is just your cuppa!

>199 laytonwoman3rd: "Crashing through, dodging bullets left and right. " You sound like Neo in The Matrix. LOL. Yes, dodging BB's is very difficult around these parts.

>200 DorsVenabili: Sad face!!

>201 connie53: Yes, I am, Connie! See, how excited I get, when you stop by.

>202 banjo123: Happy Friday, Rhonda! Yah, for Moon Tiger. I will probably be very close to 4.5, myself. I love it, when a book comes out of nowhere and cracks you upside the head.

I didn't have time to e-mail Abby today, so will do it when I go to work tomorrow. This is the first full week of classes so I have been busy and haven't had time to get much of a word out to the Chicago crowd. What threads besides you and Joe should I advertise on? I think that Dorsvenabili is going to try to be there at the meet-up? How about KatieKrug and others in your book discussion group? Can they be there on 1/31/15?

By my count we should have 8 to tip some brews. Should I make a reservation? I will have to look at their web site and get things going. The last time I planned a meet-up in Chicago we went to a place Hilton across from a park. It was one of the conference hotels and so was easy for most of us out-of-towners.

I plan on posting this meetup on my ALA list serve, so will see if some real librarians can come.

>204 lunacat: You are on the list, Jenny!

>206 benitastrnad: It does not look like Kerri is going to make it. It looks to be a small bunch. Sue, Me, Joe, Becca and You! Katie lives in Texas, so I do not think she is going to make it.
I can call the place, when it gets closer but it shouldn't be a problem and giving you a ride there, should be no problem.

ETA: Could you PM, the link for the passes, so I can have easy access. Thanks!

Friday could not come soon enough for me this week--Phew!! Made it! : ) Added Through the Woods to my list. My Thingaversary theme this year is Graphic Novels, so I am excited!

#207
I thought Katie was in your Sci/Fi book discussion group. Sorry to have made that mistake.

The link for the exhibit hall passes is in post #121 of this thread.

I'll keep reminding people of that link on this thread and others in the next two weeks.

Book bullet for me. I joined the wait list at the library for Through the Woods by Emily Carroll

Good morning, Mark! My first thought on seeing the pic in #140 is that once they got to the library, they could take off their shoe skates and walk around getting more books! Shoe skates were not a bad thing.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Happy Saturday! Last work day, of a long week, but then I have 2 off, with the holiday Monday. AND, drum roll, please, one more week before vacation. Go Me!

It will hit 43 today. Go Me, again!

I finished the wonderful Moon Tiger. Big High Five to Paul, for introducing me to Lively. I should wrap up Men We Reaped, which has been terrific but heart-breaking. I will also finish Through the Woods and in print, I am going to start The Brief History of the Dead. I know a few of my LT pals are fans of this one and it will be my first Brockmeier.

>208 Berly: Yah, Kimmers! I am sure you will enjoy Through the Woods. It would also look nice on shelf.

>209 benitastrnad: Thanks, Benita! 2 weeks from today. Yah!

>210 Oberon: Glad i got you on Through the Woods, Erik. Even, folks who are doubtful about GNs, should like this one.

>211 karenmarie: Happy Saturday, Karen! Like your idea about skates and the library. Have a great weekend.

I hope today, and the next week, go really quickly! Yay for vacation time :)

Morning, Mark! I sure wish I could be saying, "See you in a few hours!" Next year...

>213 lunacat: Thanks, Jenny! I try to take a week of, around this time of year, to thaw out. Last year, I went to Oregon, this year, I will stay homebound.

>214 scaifea: Have a great time, Amber! We will have a mini-Meet up in 2 weeks at the ALA. You should think about coming down for that, in the future. Just think about all those BOOKS!!!

Morning Mark! Congrats on finishing up Moon Tiger - I just started that one last night. And 43! It's practically summer! Hoping work today goes quickly.

Mark, I wish you a relaxed weekend.

Have a good one today, buddy. Hope you're looking at two days off after this. The Narrow Road to the Deep North is definitely your cuppa. There's even a large load of dark in it for you. ;-)

Howdy Mark! Happy Saturday. I've highlighted some of the books you are warbling about. One day I'll get around to them. LOL!

Hi Mark, I hope your weekend is full of fabulous things!

Wow, it is nice out here! Let's hope some of this snow melts off...
OMG, I finished Through the Woods. My instructions are very simple, READ IT!!

>218 jnwelch: I love having 2 off in a row, since it doesn't happen often. As soon as I snag the Flanagan, I will move it straight up to the top of the pile, Joe.

>219 luvamystery65: Happy Saturday, Ro! I need to stop over at your homestead and see what you've been reading.

>220 connie53: Thanks, Connie! I hope you have a great weekend too!

Have a great weekend, Mark!

A couple of days off sounds like a good idea buddy. I had a quick think of you today as I had a lunchtime meeting wherein I downed two quick pints of Leffe Brun. Lovely dark ale and at 6.5% I enjoyed the meeting in a very relaxed manner.

Have a great weekend.

Mark, by now I get very curious about Through the woods! But not translated so I will have to be patient.

Ooh I definitely need that book switch, Mark. Preferably today!

Love the phone carrying snowman, Barbara. He made me smile.

Happy Saturday and happy two-day holiday weekend! Hope the heat wave continues!

Hi Mark, hope you're having a lovely weekend. Have you heard about John Vaillant's The Jaguar's Children? His debut as a novelist, and I'm very curious to see how he'll pull it off. It's coming out Jan 27.

Barbara's snowman should be melting by now. Just noticed the phone. He needs earbuds so he can listen to audiobooks! I am going to turn my switch to OFF tomorrow, Mark, so I can finish a few books this weekend!

Hi Mark, I read and loved Lively's How It All Began last year and I read The Photograph a few years ago, which had a fascinating concept. I guess I have to find Moon Tiger now.

Here is the link for the free passes to the ALA Conference Exhibit Hall

This link should work:
https://www.compusystems.com/servlet/ar?evt_uid=228&oi=6xhVjHKHhmrHoIiGjo9vo...

I tried the link and it worked for me. Those of you are are planning to go to the exhibit hall can enter your information in and get the free pass. The registration form asks for a promotional code but just ignore that. If it doesn't work for you try e-mailing Abby. Here is her e-mail address. abigail@librarything.com

^Yes, my friends, it is that time. I stopped at my favorite beer store, (I feel like a kid in a candy store, when I visit this place. Unfortunately, this is not penny candy.) I picked up a six of Victory Headwaters Pale Ale and a few other things. Smacks lips...

We are staying in and having a movie night, which sounds perfectly wonderful to me.

>222 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl! Back at you! I LOVED Men We Reaped. It's a helluva memoir!

>223 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! Thanks for thinking of me. The Leffe Brun sounds good. I like the traditional "light" Leffe. I like the idea of something darker. I wish I could find the Brun here. Will have to investigate.

>224 connie53: Connie came back! Connie came back! You can you read English text, right? The text in Through the Woods is pretty minimal.

>225 cameling: Hi Caro! Great to see you! Look for Through the Woods. I think you will love it. I also was crazy about Men We Reaped. If you are looking for an amazing but heart-rending memoir.

>226 Storeetllr: Happy Saturday, Mary! Great to see you too! Yes, I am looking forward to the next 2 days off. Yah!

>227 Smiler69: Hi, Ilana! Yes, I did hear a little buzz about The Jaguar's Children and it does sound really good. I better get that one on my To-Read list. I LOVED his tiger book. Wow!

>228 Donna828: " He needs earbuds so he can listen to audiobooks!" Amen, my friend. Happy Saturday, Donna! I hope you can spend the whole day tomorrow, cuddled with your books.

>229 brenzi: Bonnie came by! Bonnie came by! Hooray! Thanks for chiming in on the Lively. After falling hard for, Moon Tiger, I am anxious to try more of her work. How It All Began might be the next Lively I pick.

>230 benitastrnad: Thanks again for posting that, Benita. I'll print our passes soon. 2 weeks, my friend.

Hiya Mark! Enjoy those well-deserved days off - and vacation soon? Yahoo!

I'm loving all this Penelope Lively love, and I'm so glad you liked Moon Tiger. I read it years ago and loved it, but I think it's due a re-read...

What movie is on tap for tonight?

>197 msf59:: Sorry to mix up the review. That is what I get for skimming the threads! I have not read Rothfuss, but I have looked at The Name of the Wind. The epic fantasy part intrigues me, but I have seen mixed reviews...

I still have Through the Woods on hold at the library, even if it was not your review who sent me there ;)

^Alexandra Fuller’s Leaving Before the Rains Come just came out. Mamie did some warbling about this too, on her thread. This is her 3rd memoir and the first 2 were excellent. Here is the NYT review:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/18/books/review/alexandra-fullers-leaving-before-...

She was also featured on the NYT Book Podcast, which I listened to this morning. I'll try to find the link:

http://www.nytimes.com/ref/books/books-podcast-archive.html

I am really wanting to read that one, Mark - I might have to use it as one of my 50 book purchases! And you skipped Barbara and me up there, by the way. And she even left you a snowman.

Thanks for the link to the NYT review!!

>221 msf59: Not getting too much reading done Mark. I am finishing up Nemesis and still listening to The Martian. It's slow going. Lots of shenanigans by the ladies on my thread Mark. If you think Katie's thread was bad, mine will really make you blush. I love my LT pals. I said I would misbehave this year and they are surely helping me along.

Happy Saturday Mark! And best wishes for tomorrow. : )

Well, Mark, I decided to take action on one of my BB wounds gotten, in part, here in your threads! I checked with Amazon to buy Through the Woods and lo, they were out! Out of them! I could have a Kindle version but I'm pretty sure holding the illustrations, the actual graphics, in my hands was of vital importance.

So, I called the local brick and mortar Barnes and Noble, and they had ONE copy left. I drove right there, not too far away, and I bought it. I'm going to read it in part tonight before I fall to sleep, and dream, perhaps....

I blame you.

^We ended up watching the film Whiplash tonight! It was a bit heavy-handed but there was also much to admire, along with some good jazz and a demonic performance by J.K. Simmons, who was devilishly good as the wicked jazz instructor.

J.K. Simmons is the guy who was in The Closer and now does commercials for Farmers, right? I never knew his name but I think that's right.

I've started reading Nocturnes by Ishiguro.

>233 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie! We ended up watching Whiplash. A doctor that Sue works with, loaded up a flashdrive with a bunch of current films.

>234 jayde1599: Hi Jess! I do not understand mixed reviews on The Name of the Wind. I loved it and I know most of my LT pals felt the same way. Give it a shot. And I hope you enjoy Through the Woods, once you get your hands on it.

>236 Crazymamie: Sorry, I missed you and Barb up there, Mamie! Even, the best make mistakes. Grins...

I think I will watch for Leaving Before the Rains Come on audio, since I loved the last one, in that format.

>237 luvamystery65: Hi, Ro! I better make sure I didn't unstar your thread. I haven't seen it come up lately. I do not want to miss those kind of shenanigans. Sorry, about the lack of reading. Hope that improves.

>238 Berly: Thanks, Kimmers! Hope you are having a great weekend!

>239 maggie1944: Happy Saturday, Karen! Wow! It sounds like you were on a mission with Through the Woods. I hope it lives up to my warbling. Of course, I never expect anyone to run out and buy it, but it is a gorgeous edition and one I am seriously considering adding to my GN Keeper shelf.

>175 msf59: "This book freaked my shit out."
LOL.

And enough of the book warbling please! ;) I am full loaded with stacks to read they glare at me every day, demanding to be read. I satiated Five Days at Memorial by reading 200 pages of her yesterday (that is a near miracle these days). Of course the reasons I was able to do this were exceptional and not to be repeated :( Buy, boy was it fun getting nearly 3 hours of time to read by myself. Bliss

The Iowa City Meet-Up is over, Mark, and the consensus was that it was a tremendous amount of fun that would have been even more tremendous-er if you had been there!

Well, appropriately, my housemate came home late-ish and Greta Garbo, the traitor, barks and runs off to hang with the roomie. She has abandoned me, and since I am now awake... I decide to read Through the Woods. That book is seriously creepy. I'd thought to share it with my nephew and niece, but I think it might be too creepy. I think I'll just keep it, but I agree the art work is extraordinary; and the stories, although creepy, are pretty darn good, too. Thanks for the warbling! That one is a keeper, for sure.

ETA: Greta Garbo has snuck back into my bedroom, and is asleep in her crate. Peaceful, now. I feel much more comfortable since my guardian is back. he he he

>232 msf59:

Yes, I can read text! Duh. I'm here am I not? Tried to find the book, but it is still rather expensive. 26 dollars! I will have to see if I can find it somewhere else.

^How can you resist a cover like this? This is my current GN, Kinski, about a man and his dog. Of course it is dark and slightly twisty.

Happy Sunday! My reading year is off to blazing start: one winner after another. I started Being Mortal and was immediately engaged. I thank Joe, for the crucial nudge on that one. I didn't get far into The Brief History of the Dead, but I love the world that he has created and look forward to where he takes me next.

>243 LovingLit: "And enough of the book warbling please!" Yeah, like that's gonna happen. I am just getting warmed up, my friend. LOL.

Hooray for reading 200 pages in one sitting. Five Days is a terrific book. Fink is a helluva writer.

>244 rosalita: Sorry, I missed it, Julia! It looks like everyone had a lovely time. Hope to join you next time.

>245 maggie1944: Morning Karen! Wow! You sure didn't waste time with Through the Woods! Didn't she do a great job? I loved that last story, A Nesting Place. That is creepy. Shirley Jackson stuff.

>246 connie53: "Yes, I can read text! Duh. I'm here am I not?" That is what I thought, Connie! LOL. Yes, $26 is a bit steep, I agree. If I can find a reasonably priced copy, I might buy one for myself too!

>203 msf59: Amen to that!
>175 msf59: Is it the illustrations of Through the Woods that make it such a frightening book? Sometimes images are more frightening than words. I'm teetering on the wishlist button till I know more.

Have a great day, Mark!

Morning, Mark! Happy Sunday!

10) Men We Reaped: A Memoir by Jesmyn Ward 4.5 stars

Ward grew up in rural Mississippi, during the late 70s and 80s. She lived mostly at the poverty line, with just her mother supporting the family. In just a few scant years, she lost five men in her life, to drugs, accidents and suicide. This beautifully written memoir, is her exploration of those young men's, pitifully short lives and her own struggles growing up and dealing with racism. She also examines her own alcohol abuse and bouts of depression. This book will break your heart and more than once but it is a must read.
Ward also writes fiction and I loved her last novel, Salvage the Bones.

**I suggest you read, both Darryl's and Laura's reviews, since both of them are much better than mine.

Morning Mark! Nice review - I have not read anything by Ward, but I do have Salvage the Bones sitting on the shelves, and it's a lovely little hardback, too. Started Moon Tiger, and I am loving it - opened it up and fell right in. I am already at the halfway point. Happy Sunday to you, my friend!

>249 Carmenere: Morning Lynda! "Is it the illustrations of Through the Woods that make it such a frightening book?" Actually the text is pretty creepy and scary too, which makes for a wicked combo! Stop teetering on the wishlist button and push the darn the thing.

>250 scaifea: Big loving waves to Amber!

>252 Crazymamie: Go Mamie! Go Mamie! It looks like you fell into Moon Tiger like I did. Claudia is such a hoot!

Hi Mark! It's Sunday and there is playoff football tonight as well as an excellent book to read....life is good! Best part is the holiday tomorrow! Hope you get to enjoy it too.

I loved Name of the Wind and like you don't understand the mixed reviews. I also have the sequel on my nightstand and kept thinking all of last year I would get to it. Alas, other books distracted me. If you like fantasy, I would give this book a try. It is seriously good.

Two weeks to ALA - WOW! I just got my hotel reservations made yesterday. I didn't get a hotel close to the post office, so will probably be springing for a taxi ride with boxes to the one down in the Loop. I can't let the postal employees have a break from Christmas - can I? I have lots of reading to do before then as I have materials to read for two classes as well as my recreational reading. I am now deep into Photograph by Penelope Lively. So far not as good as Moon Tiger but not as bad as Consequences.

Hi Mark, I finally watched last week's DA episode. Liked it a whole lot more than episode 1. Season could shape up better than I thought, though I do wonder what was up with Baxter.

So many good reviews for Men We Reaped! It's been languishing on my wishlist -- hopefully I will get to it later this year.

>254 Cobscook: We have family coming over, to celebrate a couple birthdays. It will be beer and football. Happy Sunday, Heidi!

>255 benitastrnad: I liked both Rothfuss books. The 2nd one worked well on audio too, if you want to give it a try in that format. Yep, ALA is fast approaching!

>256 lindapanzo: Hi Linda! I am glad DA is working better for you, than it is for me. I just want something fresh and interesting, instead of the same old tired stuff.

>257 banjo123: "hopefully I will get to it later this year." You know what they say, Rhonda: Better sooner than later!! Grins...

Have you read Salvage the Bones?

>258 msf59: I loved Salvage the Bones. A difficult book that makes you think.

Hi Mark! How are you enjoying A Brief History of the Dead? I remember that was a unique novel, though I felt some things could have been done better. It's funny how I know I wasn't thrilled with it at the time that I read it, but the story has really stuck with me through the years, so clearly it was a powerful story to me.

>251 msf59: aw, thanks Mark! I'm not surprised you appreciated this book so much. I wonder what Ward will write next? She could write copy for cereal boxes and I'd read it.

^This looks like it's going to be a good one. I am going with the Seahawks!

>259 banjo123: I was also a big fan of Salvage the Bones. She mentioned raising pitbulls in her memoir.

>260 The_Hibernator: Hi Rachel! I was hoping to read more of A Brief History today and it doesn't look like I will. I am not very far in but I like it so far.

>261 lauralkeet: I give credit where credit is due, Laura! You did a good job and made me bump the book up higher in the stack. Smiles...

It seems that everybody's threads contain books by Penelope Lively - I am reading The Photograph now and am totally intrigued. I also have How It All Began on my shelves, just waiting to be opened.

Happy Sunday, Mark!

Spending time betwreen watching football to catch up on a few threads.

Happy to read your review of Through the Woods I've got that one on my list.

You're right - the cover of Kinski is very tempting.

Yes, you hit me with a book bullet with Through the Woods, Mark. I'm on the wait list at the library.

You called the Seahawks! They played an awesome 4th quarter and OT.

So who's your call for the Patriots/Colts game? (if you answer anything other than the team beginning with a 'P', I'm jinxing your next read)

The Seahawks/GB game was amazing! Yay! Seahawks. I'd love to know what their coach said to them in the locker room during half time.
OK, I did it. I requested Through the Woods from the library and I'm only 2nd on the wait list. If I can't sleep, I'll be visiting your thread at 3 in the morning, my friend. ;0)

The Seahawks have developed a reputation, perhaps sadly, for being a second half team. The last couple three games I've been able to watch have all started out very sketchy in the first half and then in the second half seemingly several players would awaken to their super human skills and come roaring through. Amazing. Evidently our favorite quarterback had a very tough first half, but in his words his team believed in him, kept on believing, and then they made it happen. Very exciting.

Had a nice Sunday! Didn't get a lot of reading in but did watch an amazing Packers & Seahawks game and one sadly lop-sided one. The Seahawks and the Patriots will be going to the Superbowl! Go Seahawks!

We just finished DA, which wasn't a bad episode, with some nice moments. Is Cora going to drift? Is Thomas going to leave? (pretty, pretty please)! Is Bates going to...oh, whatever!!

>263 karenmarie: Yes, Karen, much Lively love going on here lately. I know she made me an instant fan. Hope you had a good day.

>264 SuziQoregon: That was an amazing 2 minutes of football, Juli! Packer fans will be reeling for days. Through the Woods is a must GN and Kinski is really good too and both are very quick reads.

>265 cameling: Hi Caro! I am sure you will love Through the Woods. I didn't think the Patriots game was very fun to watch. The Colts were outmatched. It should be an exciting Super Bowl.

>266 Carmenere: Great Seahawks win, Lynda! Wow! I am glad you are 2nd on the list for Through the Woods. Yes, be free to visit my thread at 3 in the morning, just don't call my house. Grins...4

>267 maggie1944: I am sure Seahawks fans are soaring, Karen. Most of us, thought the game was over, late in the 4th but my FIL, kept saying that the Hawks would come back and sure enough...
I hope they have their game on for the Pats! That is going to be tough!

Good MLK Jr. Day to you, sir! I am afraid I've become accustomed to the Hawks doing their "we're not quite all here" game for the first half, and then stepping it up during the second. I don't think that will work in the Super Bowl. I watched a little of the Patriots/Colts game and I think the Hawks will have an excellent opponent in two weeks. Wow!

Day off from Kids today, but I do have a shopping shift this afternoon. I think I might make this morning a Do Nothing But Read morning, it has been too long since I've done that! I hope you have some equally excellent plans for your Day Off.

Happy Monday! Yes, I am off for the holiday and I will have the house to myself. Not much planned, just a couple quick errands and a couple house chores. The rest of the day will be devoted to R &R. Yah!

>269 maggie1944: Morning Karen! My first visitor of the new day. Hooray! " Do Nothing But Read, " has such a beautiful ring to it, doesn't it?

And I agree with your thoughts about the Hawks! They will have their work cut out for them.

Hi Mark, it's 14.20h over here and my morning was filled with nothing but reading and LT-talk close by. I hope your day will be just as nice.

>271 connie53: Hi Connie! It sounds like you are enjoying a perfect day. Mine has been very good so far too.

Question: Do you have an active 75 thread up? I have not seen it come up in my timeline!

Ha! Love that one, Mark! Happy day off!

Yes Mark, I have

http://www.librarything.nl/topic/186643

>240 msf59: Wicked jazz instructor. Interesting. I hadn't heard of that one, but then I tend to be terrible when it comes to keeping up with movies.

>251 msf59: Glad you really liked this one! I'm hoping to get to it soon. It's on the wishlist.

Off to the chiropractor, to make some critical adjustments, I will be back, a little later...

Happy Monday my friend!

I'm almost done with Bird Box and I STILL don't know what is going on but it's still creeping me out. Can't wait to find out the ending. It better not be a cop out!!

Men We Reaped is on my tbr now, so thanks for the push. I took a look at Through the Woods online and will track that one down, too.

Lexicon was fine (go Emily and Harry!). You may remember all the warbling recently when I mentioned The Night Circus, so that one is up next. I'm going to find something for the Kindle, too. For poetry I'm moving to Charles Simic's Selected Poems.

Hope you have a great day goofing off!

Hi Mark, hope you're enjoying your day off.

Interesting to see the Seahawks fan comments here. As a lifelong Packer fan (and long-time season ticket holder), I thought the game was actually lost in the first half when the Packers didn't score that many points off of all those turnovers. Their fate was sealed when they got conservative on offense.

Blaming the Packer who dropped the onside kick is just scratching the surface. The blame really ought to lie on the head coach or whoever chose the conservative approach on offense.

Though I'm feeling sad about the outcome, I wasn't feeling very comfortable about the win as early as the first quarter or at least, certainly by the second quarter.

The Packers are very good at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Mark,

Are you familiar with Surly beer? They are pretty popular local brewery that set out to build a "destination brewery" in Minneapolis (they had to go to the Legislature to change the law to allow them to do so). Anyway, their destination brewery has opened to rave reviews locally so my father and I decided to check it out after the hockey game on Saturday. It was pretty cool. Good food and good beer.

>273 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! I was running around the past couple of hours. time to buckle down and get to the books. Have you read The Brief History of the Dead? If not, it might be your cuppa!

>274 connie53: Thanks, Connie! I will stop by shortly. I have to make sure you are reading something.

>275 DorsVenabili: Hi Kerri! Happy Monday! Did you survive that rollercoaster of a playoff game?

I think you might like Whiplash, once it comes out on DVD. Pretty intense stuff.

>281 msf59: I will be waiting for you Mark!

<277 Happy Monday, Valerie! Great to see you. Glad you are still enjoying Bird Box. That is one, that will stay with you for awhile.

>278 jnwelch: Happy Monday, Joe! And hooray for starting the Night Circus. I thought you had read that already. It was a Red-Hot LT title for awhile there. It is a good read. I like the atmosphere she created.
Expect much more warbling about Through the Woods. This one seemed to come out of nowhere and BOY, is it good.

>279 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda! I appreciate your comments in regards to the Packer game and I agree, they should have scored at least 14 or more points, in that first half. The Seahawks were handing them one opportunity after another.
Like you mentioned, they had a terrific season and I guess you have to savor that.

>280 Oberon: Hi, Erik! Yes, I have heard of Surly Brewery and I love Surly Furious! I have not tried many of their other beers but, fortunately they are available here. The brewery sounds and looks great. I have not heard the expression "destination brewery". Is it just location, that has a restaurant and their beer?

>282 connie53: I can see your thread, Connie, but it will not allow me to post anything and not on your profile page either. HELP!!

Strike that, Connie! I think I got it figured out. Smiles...

>279 lindapanzo: - I agree with Linda. Even Dumb-Dumb Troy Aikman commented that he was surprised McCarthy was playing it so conservative. And then to keep showing the on-side kick debacle... I felt so bad for Bostick, though I did just read that he wasn't supposed to be going for the ball. He was supposed to block so Jordy Nelson could make a play for it. Anyway, it would all be a moot point if McCarthy had gone for it on at least one of those 4th downs.

But now we can all band together and root against the hated Patriots and their evil coach!

Hey. Maybe it's the nl. versus com. thing again. That happened before



But now I'm puzzled why some people can and some people can't.

>283 msf59: It is the regular brewery and they have attached a very large eating and drinking facility to it. You can see the working brewery through the glass. They have a lot of different types of Surly beer available including stuff that you can only get at the brewery (I don't think they can sell other companies alcohol). They also have a Surly gift show with lots of apparel, glasses, etc. Finally, they serve food and have recruited one of the more popular Minneapolis chef's to oversee the kitchen. The food was truly excellent.

Happy MLK day, Mark. I wish I had the day off too but nooooo.... I'm stuck in the office and suffering from a brain cramp from having had to take 3 mandatory online courses on Privacy, Security and Ethics this morning. I've got a couple more to complete by the end of this week that are specific to the job that I do, and then that will be my certification for the year done! Yeeehaa!

>285 katiekrug: My only consolation is that at least Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are not covering the Super Bowl. I think NBC has it, thank goodness.

Mark, I wish you a fabulous day off work. Enjoy it. xx

>289 lindapanzo: - Agree, Linda! Though I wish Al Michaels just sat there talking to himself, because I also can't stand Chris Collinsworth :-/

>291 katiekrug: Katie, you and Linda are cracking me up - I could not agree more with both of you!

>287 Oberon: We have a few local breweries, that have restaurants but not many as big and cool looking as that one. If I ever make it up your way, I will have to stop by there. What is your favorite Surly beer?

>288 cameling: Boo to work, Caro! You could be home reading, for crying out loud! I return to work tomorrow but I have vacation coming up. B.A.G.

>289 lindapanzo: Also not a big fan of Aikman's sportscasting ability.

>290 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb! It has been a very nice day off and our weather has been mild too. Smiles...

>293 msf59: At least Aikman knows football. Joe Buck bugs me just as much when he's doing baseball. Probably even more so, since I know much more about baseball than football.

>291 katiekrug: I don't mind Chris Collingsworth. Not my favorite but not the worst.

>293 msf59: I had Todd the Axe Man for the first time and really liked it.

>294 lindapanzo: Maybe you should call baseball games. I am sure you would do a great job, Linda!

>295 Oberon: I will keep my eye out for Todd the Axe Man, Erik! I hope it is available here.

^Warble on over...

>272 msf59: Ha! So stealing that, Mark! I think I'll make it my profile picture on FB. Maybe even frame it and hang it on the wall.

>298 Storeetllr: Glad you liked it, Mary! LOL.