Mark's Reading Place #7: Waiting on Spring...

-Summer reading by Charlie Mackesy

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)
12) Being Mortal by Atul Gawande 4.7 stars (audio)
13) The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier 4 stars
14) Broken Homes: A Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch 3.7 stars (audio)
15) The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli 4 stars
16) Wolf in White Van by John Darnielle 4.2 stars (audio)

February:

17) Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill 4 stars
18) A Trail Through Time (Chronicles of St Mary Book 4) by Jodi Taylor 4.2 stars (audio)
19) Euphoria by Lily King 4.5 stars (audio)
20) The Night Watch by Sarah Waters 4.2 stars BAC
21) Hard Magic (The Grimnoir Chronicles) by Larry Correia 3.8 stars (audio)
22) The Secret History of Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore 4.5 stars (audio)
23) Washington Square by Henry James 4.2 stars AAC
24) Sabriel (The Old Kingdom) by Garth Nix 4 stars (audio)
25) Boneshaker (The Clockwork Century) by Cherie Priest 3.8 stars
26) The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins 4.2 stars (audio)
27) Sweetland by Michael Crummey 4.3 stars
28) The Sculptor by Scott McCloud 4.5 stars GN
29) Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh 4.4 stars BAC
30) The Here and Now by Ann Brashares 3.3 stars (audio)

March:

31) Get in Trouble: Stories by Kelly Link 4.4 stars
32) The Frozen Thames by Helen Humphreys 4.5 stars
33) Find Me by Laura van den Berg 3.6 stars
34) The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan 4.7 stars (audio/partial)

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 Completed
February - Henry James – Washington Square Completed
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.

February:

Fantasy February: https://www.librarything.com/topic/187066

Henry James American Author Challenge: http://www.librarything.com/topic/187114

March:

Richard Ford American Author Challenge: http://www.librarything.com/topic/188271

Happy new thread, Mark!

Happy new thread, my friend!

Hope the day of rest will do your back some good. :)

Congrats on the new thread, Mark! Any news re your back?

"Robert shucks his blanket in one angry movement. There will never be a spring. He will never get warm."

-The Frozen Thames. I think Robert is sharing our pain...

>5 Crazymamie: I should give you a prize, Mamie, for being #1, so often. Very impressive, my friend. I'll just supply you with a Big Hug, for now.

>6 jolerie: Thanks, Valerie! You always brighten my day.

>7 jnwelch: Howdy, Joe! I feel very good after the treatment, even better than yesterday, but I need to be cautious. I think this one, might take a little time. Thanks for asking.

Love the springtime look, Mark!!

Glad to hear that you're feeling better after treatment.

The colorful toppers are perfect! I love them. It is sunny outside right now but not yet warm enough for Summer Reading.

Have a good Tuesday, full of recovery!

31) Get in Trouble: Stories by Kelly Link 4.4 stars

“Close encounters of the absurd kind.”

A young girl, in rural North Carolina becomes a caretaker of a mysterious cottage, inhabited by spectral residents. An aging film star, made famous, in a series of vampire films, visits the set of a ghost-hunting reality show. A fifteen year old, travels to NYC, to meet a much older man, she met online, staying at a fancy hotel, that is hosting both a dentist and superhero convention.

The rest of these wonderful stories are filled with astronauts, demon lovers, surrogate mothers, iguanas and life-size boyfriend dolls. Most of the stories may be fanciful, but Link, breaths warmth and life into this oddball array of characters. Her writing is smart, insightful and darkly humorous.
This is my first Link collection and she has quickly become a favorite. I am looking forward to reading all of her earlier work.

Happy new thread, Mark. It's lovely to see you posting spring pics. I hope it starts getting warmer at your place.

It WILL get warm! Spring WILL come. It will, it will, it WILL! *stamps foot*

Unfortunately, we have to get through another few months of winter. I just hope the rest of it isn't the deep-freeze we are having now.

Hope your back is better after your second chiro session. Do you ever get massages?

ETA that I LOVE the daffodils in the thread topper. The girl reading by the beach is also nice, though I can no longer lay like that and expect to be able to walk upright after.

>9 lindapanzo: I thought I was due some color around here. We NEED it. It sure turned out to be a chilly, gloomy day out there. I thought today was supposed to, at least feel a bit warmer.

>10 maggie1944: Thanks, Karen! I am so looking forward to sitting on my patio with a book and the sun on my shoulders.

>12 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb. Joe has been posting color too. We need to change our gloomy surroundings.

>13 Storeetllr: "Unfortunately, we have to get through another few months of winter." What chu talkin' about, Willis? I hope for a few more weeks not months. Ugh!
And yes, I've been much better at getting massages, thanks to my wife's gentle reminders. I have one scheduled for tomorrow morning. I sure hope I improve for the MDR event. Silent praying...

"though I can no longer lay like that and expect to be able to walk upright after." Me and you both, Mary. LOL.

Happy New Thread, Mark! I love the artwork you have as thread-toppers!

>11 msf59: I never heard of Kelly Link. Hmmm . . .

>14 msf59: " . . . another few months of winter." What chu talkin' about, Willis? I hope for a few more weeks not months. Ugh!
Absolutely! :) I don't think I could stand a few more months of this!

I guess by "we" I meant us Coloradans. I'm told that we can't really count on Spring until Mother's Day. Grrrr.

>16 Storeetllr: There I was thinking that wasn't too bad when I recalled that the US has Mother's Day in May, whereas over here Mother's Day (or to give it its proper name, Mothering Sunday) is held on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which this year is the 15th of March.

Forecast for Minnesota on Monday is into the 40's. We wear shorts when that happens. I think it is in the state constitution somewhere.

>15 tymfos: Great to see you, Terri. I hope all is well. I would sure like things to warm up a bit and get rid of this snow cover. I am sick of looking at it.

>16 Storeetllr: The nice thing about Colorado is, you guys will get some warm and sunny days thrown into the mix. We are not getting that fortunate.

>17 lunacat: Your Mothering Day is much earlier than ours, Jenny.

>18 Oberon: Hey, Erik! Good to see you. How you holding up? I also heard things might warm up a bit next week. Smiles...

I do yoga regularly - at least twice a week and if I can work it into the schedule 3 times a week. I started doing it about 18 years ago because I was having trouble getting out of bed. I would be so stiff that I couldn't walk normally until about 10:00 a.m. I decided that I had to do something. I don't believe in invasive procedures and in general don't think doctors know any more than I do about my own body, so decided that I needed to start exercising more. I started doing water aerobics every day and yoga once a week. (Over a period of five years I lost 60 pounds and never went on a diet to do so.) Over the years I have flipped my plan and now do yoga more than I do the water aerobics. (I have also gained about 40 pounds back.) I love yoga and believe that the stretching and strength building that is built into yoga work wonders. However, it isn't an instant cure. It literally takes years. In my case it was about two years before I woke up one morning and thought - strange but my back doesn't hurt today. Now, when I don't do yoga, I notice it almost immediately. It doesn't take long and my shoulders ache and my lower back hurts. Most people doing Hatha yoga start to feel results from a regular practice in about 6 months.

The important thing for me was the lesson that back problems are almost always muscular in nature and building up those muscles takes time. Yoga has made me pay more attention to my body and how I move and I think that helps me to be more aware of what I am doing that might cause injury.

I do a style of yoga called Hatha yoga. This is a slow type of yoga in which breathing and doing the movements slowly with concentration is the focus of the practice. Because I am almost twenty years down the road from starting I have noticed that it is much harder and takes me longer to get into and out of poses so I am not as fluid as I once was. However, when I get it right I feel so good.

I want to stress that yoga did not cause me to lose weight. It is not a weight loss program. It is a muscle relaxer without pills. It takes time and money. Time - for results and time to do classes. A good yoga class will last about 1 1/2 hours. That is an investment as it costs time and money. But for me it has been worth it.

>18 Oberon: Here you go ~ Cold Weather Behavior:

60 above zero: Floridians turn on the heat. Minnesotans plant gardens.
50 above zero: Californians shiver uncontrollably. People are sunbathing in Duluth.
40 above zero: Import cars won't start. Minnesotans drive with the sunroof open.
32 above zero: Distilled water freezes. The water in Bemidji gets thicker.
20 above zero: New Mexicans don long johns, parkas and wool hats & mittens. Minnesotans throw on a flannel shirt.
15 above zero: New York landlords finally turn on the heat. People in Minnesota have one last cookout before it gets cold.
Zero: People in Miami all die. Minnesotans close the windows.
10 below zero: Californians fly away to Mexico. Minnesotans dig their winter coats out of storage.
25 below zero: Hollywood disintegrates. Girl Scouts in Minnesota still selling cookies door to door.
50 below zero: Washington, D.C. finally runs out of hot air. People in Minnesota let their dogs sleep indoors.
100 below zero: Santa Claus abandons the North Pole. Minnesotans get upset because the Mini-Van won't start.
460 below zero: ALL atomic motion stops (absolute zero on the Kelvin scale). People in Minnesota can be heard to say, "Cold 'nuff fer ya?"
500 below zero: Hell freezes over. Minnesota public schools open 2 hours late.



Edited to fix picture.

>21 Storeetllr: I've seen this and always love it. Of course, here, we substitute Chicago for Minnesota.

>22 lindapanzo: Yes, I was thinking that too, and also you could substitute Colorado for Minnesota.

Happy new thread, Mark. Good for you, thinking spring. It just isn't happening yet. I LOVE #21.

Gorgeous thread topper, Mark! Helen Humphreys is an excellent author! I have not read your current read , The Frozen Thames but I really loved Coventry and it is a shorty - around 200 or so pages! She has new book out that I hope to get to later this year - The Evening Chorus and she is Canadian! What more can you ask? ( she might have been born in the UK though - not sure on that detail! :)

We have spring here! :) Yes!

>20 benitastrnad: Wow! Thanks for the yoga tips, Benita! I did not know, that you were an old pro at it. It sounds like a very interesting exercise/health regiment .I may give it a go, at some point, as long as it doesn't interfere with the books, of course. Grins...

>21 Storeetllr: That is a hoot, Mary. Thanks for sharing. Whenever I start to complain about our winters, I always think of the mighty folk in Minnesota and it brings me down to reality.
I like this one: " People in Minnesota have one last cookout before it gets cold."

>22 lindapanzo: We have it rough, Linda but Minnesota always has it worse. I think they are hardier souls than the rest of us.

>21 Storeetllr: I had not seen that and it is fantastic!

Truth be told, the older I have gotten the more the cold impacts me. This year is the first year when I have broken down and worn a hat almost all winter. My brother-in-law still wears shorts on a regular basis.

>24 BLBera: Hi Beth! It looks like a bit of warmth is moving in over the weekend and into next week. Even average temps would feel good about now.

>25 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb! I've been getting thrashed at T.C. these past couple of days. No mercy. I hope to turn it around.

Ooh, I appreciate the Helen Humphreys recs. I love The Frozen Thames and really want to start reading her other work. I was going to ask Joe too, since he's become such a big fan.

"We have spring here! :) Yes!" You are so mean!!

>28 Oberon: "My brother-in-law still wears shorts on a regular basis." Wow! That is crazy. You guys are tough. That is for sure.

Happy new thread Mark. I love Helen Humphreys and I had to have a keeper copy of The Frozen Thames but I also loved Coventry, The Lost Garden and Wild Dogs. She's a wonder.

I'm so glad Bonnie chimed in on Helen Humphreys because I know she's a big fan. I bought a copy of The Frozen Thames to keep after I read a library copy. It's a beautiful little book. I also loved Coventry and have The Lost Garden, literally, on my nightstand, to be read.

>21 Storeetllr: lol, sometimes the only thing to do is laugh about the weather. I'm glad to be in balmy Colorado. :)

>1 msf59: love the daffodils.

>30 brenzi: Hi, Bonnie! More Humphreys love! Yah! I do remember you being a fan of The Frozen Thames. Now, I need track down the others.

>31 Copperskye: The Humphreys love keeps on piling on, Joanne. I am so glad I took the plunge. If it wasn't a shorty, I might have put it off. Whew!

I wish I was in balmy Colorado. Sad face.

Wish you were, too, Mark, but bring a coat! I was kidding about the balmy part. It's 18 currently and dropping.

>11 msf59: I will have to see if my local library has any of Kelly Link's work. Thanks for the recommendation, Mark.

Stay warm, my friend, spring will arrive. . . some time.

>33 Copperskye: It sounds like winter keeps hanging on, with you guys too! We'll muddle through. At least, we aren't in Minnesota. Snickers...

>35 msf59: Yep, we are expecting ice and snow tomorrow night into Thursday. It is just weird having snow in March in Texas, I must say.

>34 alcottacre: I also have Link's Pretty Monsters in the stacks. I think I received this from my very first Christmas Swap. Better move it up.

Wow, Stasia! You guys are getting hit too, with Mr. Winter. Bad Mr. Winter!!

>37 msf59: I checked and my local library does not have any of Link's books of her own, only an anthology that she contributed to (and I have already read.) Boo.

Yep, Mr. Winter is being bad everywhere!

Finished Valley of the Girls chapter in Get in Trouble. Still not my favorite, but a couple sections/ideas really struck me.

Couldn't really get into the whole Egyptian thing. But I LOVED the idea of the Face and the implant that makes you invisible to cameras, such a statement on our society, especially the generation behind us. Also, got a very big Schrodinger's Cat vibe at the end, very interesting.

Note to self: Must. Read. Helen. Humphreys.

>14 msf59: What chu talkin' about, Willis?
LOL! I have not heard that saying for ages :P

>20 benitastrnad: love the yoga love here. I agree Mark. Yoga is an investment in your body, which happens to have positive side effects for your soul too. It can take a whole to find a good style and a good teacher, but keep on looking as it is all good news from there.

>1 msf59: Happy new thread. Love the daffodils. I have some on my windowsill...
*ducks and hides from all the people buried under the snow*
>11 msf59: sounds really good - will have a look out for it.

I hope your back feels much better today, Mark.

>21 Storeetllr: *SNORK!!* Love it!

Happy New Thread, Mark! How's the back?

Well, it looks like my recovery time is going to take a lot longer than I expected. Ugh! I am able to get a good night sleep but the back is very stiff and sore, when I finally roll out of the sack. I am sticking to a regiment of stretching, icing and trying not to sit in one place to long. I am getting a massage this morning and then I'll get into my regular family doctor this afternoon, for a couple prescriptions and a "sick" note. I would be surprised if I can return to work this week but I hope so.

It looks doubtful, I'll be able to make the MDR event tonight, which really sucks. I am going to call the bookstore later this afternoon and see if she can sign my copy of the book, which I'll have to pick up at a later date. Sad face.

At least my books are treating me well. I will wrap up the wonderful The Frozen Thames and I started Find Me, which Jeff recommended and has been getting some serious buzz. I loved the first 30 pages. Only my audiobook will suffer and that is too bad, because The Narrow Road is excellent in the early going.

>38 alcottacre: Boo, to the absence of a Link book, Stasia! Nothing available on the ILL?

>39 mahsdad: It looks like we had similar feelings about the Valley of the Girls story. Very ambitious, just not as satisfying.

>40 LovingLit: I am sure you will love Humphreys, Megan. And she seems to write shorties. How considerate. Bless her Canadian heart.

>41 charl08: Thanks, Charlotte. And yah, for daffodil love.

>42 lunacat: Thanks, Jenny. I know you are having your own issues at the moment, so I appreciate it. I think my back is just going to need time. Let's hope the massage gives me some relief.

>43 scaifea: Morning Amber! I am sure you saw my post, up there. The recovery continues...Thanks, my friend.

Oh, Mark, so sorry about the back continuing to be so sore. Sending you healing vibes and keeping you in my thoughts.

Bummer about your back, Mark. As I tell Debbi, sometimes your body just says, you've got to take a break. Hope you can do some good reading to take your mind off it. Sorry you're probably going to miss the MDR event.

Isn't The Frozen Thames great? Hurrah for your having a good time with it, and wanting to read more Helen Humphreys. I join in the rec's of Coventry and The Lost Garden, and her newest one, The Evening Chorus, is really good, too. I'm going to try Wild Dogs next, the one Bonnie liked.

Hope the back-strained day goes okay, buddy.

>46 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! Thanks for the healing vibes. I rarely take sick time and it is even more unusual to take more than a day. Like an idiot, I feel guilty about it but I guess it is my nature.

>47 jnwelch: Morning Joe! I hope this is just a freak/rare instance. I couldn't deal with this on a regular basis, not with my job. Let's hope I come back, raring to go.

I will give you the credit, for finally nudging me into Humphreys, although she has many LT fans.

>48 msf59: No need to give me credit re Humphreys, Mark. The pipeline goes back to Bonnie, as far as I know. It was her enthusiasm that got me to try The Frozen Thames.

Fingers crossed re your back. They can swap out balky hips and knees these days, but back problems are tough. At least yours sound like they're mainly muscular, which should mean they come around all right. Yoga sounds like a good idea - I've got a sister who teaches it, and she remains very flexible in her late 60s.

I'm so sorry to hear you're still aching, Mark. I hope as the weather warms up over the next week that it loosens up your back, too. The cold can't be much help for stiff muscles. Hugs from Iowa.

Those daffys atop your thread look presently a little optimistic buddy.

Trust that you'll continue to get yourself back on your plates as soon as possible, Mark.

Congratulations on your latest thread. I'll gladly drink a toast to that!

The massage was fantastic. It really helped loosen up those errant muscles. Like Joe, mentioned up there, it looks like it is all muscle related, so I have to get those bad boys back in "relaxed" mode. One step at a time...

>49 jnwelch: How about I give both you and Bonnie credit for Humphreys? You both deserve it. I am looking forward to reading all of her work.

>50 rosalita: Thanks, Julia. I am going to do whatever it takes, to get pain free and back to work. Yes, I am looking forward to the warm-up and it looks like, it will be around for awhile. Big Smile!

>51 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. Always a pleasure to see you.

Yay! I am glad you are feeling better. Don't do too much of anything except READ to your heart's content !

Yay, glad to hear you are feeling better. Now curl up with a good book and just relax the day away. :D

Sorry to hear about your back issue. Sending healing vibes. Take care and stay warm. xx

Well, I am back from the doctor, armed with a "sick" note, for the rest of the week, along with meds. So, if I start talkin' all crazy, you'll most likely know the reason.

I will not be able to make the MDR event but I am getting my book signed, so I'll just have to go pick it up at some point. I was looking forward to gabbing for a minute or 2 with Mary. Sad face.

>53 maggie1944: >54 jolerie: Thanks, Karen & Valerie! Actually, I am not that much better. The discomfort continues. I hope this regiment of meds, begin to stabilize the back muscles.

>55 Ameise1: Thank you so much, Barb! Staying warm will be the easy part. LOL.

Now, it is time for the books...

>51 PaulCranswick: back on your plates
Plates of meat: feet?

Did you need that translation, Mark?
Back issues are a pain in the upper butt (that would be the lower back). How frustrating for you. I hope you and the books get a good session in ;)

Mark, I'm glad to hear that you got meds and I hope they will help you. On the bright side: Now you've got more reading time :-).

Healing vibes and get well soon.

Mark, I'm so sorry you have to miss the MDR event, I know how much you were looking forward to it. I hope the meds work their magic quickly.

Oh, yes, that truly sucks, Mark! (Your back pain, too, of course.) If I happen to have a minute to chat with Ms. Russell next week, I'll give her your love and explain why you stood her up. :)

Glad the massage helped, and hope the meds help even more. Also sooooo glad you're taking care of yourself by taking off from work the rest of the week. Back issues are not something to ignore, and as others have said, the walking around carrying a heavy mailbag in the freezing cold can only exacerbate the problem.

I do not remember if I posted this review and interview, with MDR or this might be a different one, but it is worth sharing. It was an interview she did with Shelf Awareness:

http://www.shelf-awareness.com/readers-issue.html?issue=380#m6726

I would really like to make time for Epitaph this month.

>57 LovingLit: I did not know plates were feet, Megan. I always feel so smart, hanging around my LT pals. Grins...

And yes, I am enjoying the books. LOVED The Frozen Thames.

>58 Ameise1: I think these meds will help a lot, Barb. I should have listened to my wife and got in there yesterday. I would be a day ahead right now. Old & stubborn. That is me.

>59 lauralkeet: Yes, it is a bummer, Laura! The timing would have been perfect and it doesn't look like a very big crowd, which is sad.

>60 Storeetllr: Yes, give MDR a full explanation for me, Mary. And tell her, I am still waiting to share that beer. LOL.

I think these pills are going to give me the relief, I've been looking for.

Hope you're doing better now, Mark.

Mark, is The Frozen Thames a short story book, or a series of vignettes? I think I read that somewhere, but I'm not sure.

"Start talking crazy" - you mean that will be something new, my friend? ;) Sorry you have to miss MDR! I hope those meds do the trick. I'm pretty sure they might be the kind that my sister took - she is great for exercise and very slim -but somehow had a bout with " sciatia" - makes me feel old just writing that down. She ended up on medication for a couple of days and it made a big difference to her. It was Robaxacet or something like that. She found them to be " very heavy " - in other words she felt really tired talking them -but it made a big difference. And then - all back to usual for her. I hope yours will be relative short lived too!

>63 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda! I am hoping that tomorrow, I turn the corner and these meds begin to kick in.

>64 vancouverdeb: The Frozen Thames is a series of vignettes, each one 2-3 pages covering a time in history that the Thames froze over. Both fascinating and beautiful.

>65 vancouverdeb: Are you calling me a crazy talker?? Okay, I might have my moments, but at least I am usually semi-coherent.

Yes, I am hoping the meds kick in and I wake up tomorrow, on a bit of a rebound. Thanks, my friend.

Do you have a diagnosis yet Mark or did I miss that somewhere along the way? At any rate, I hope you feel better soon. Too bad about missing the MDR event.

Sorry you have to miss the MDR event, Mark, but I do hope the back problems go away soon for you!

Sorry about the MDR event, Mark. :(

:( We know your back must really be bothering you for you to miss a BOOK event. Hugs. Feel better soon my friend!

I am so sorry your are having to miss your meetup with the fabulous MDR, Mark. I hope you can compensate yourself with some great books to read while you are recuperating. I am going to be giving Helen Humphreys a try later on this month with Coventry and I am looking forward to reading her.

I'm sorry that you had to miss MDR, Mark, but happy that you seem to be on your way to being on the mend!

"...but really, anyone could have told her that if you have to stop doing the thing you love, it will kill you."

-The Frozen Thames

Sweet Thursday! I slept great but the back is very stiff, when I roll out of bed and it takes awhile, before it begins to loosen up. I am hoping that today, I start to show more improvement. I know I am being an idiot, but I hate being off work this much. Color, me stupid.

I hope to spend a lot of time with Find Me today, which has really been good, another well-written dystopian tale.

>67 brenzi: Thanks, Bonnie! I guess my diagnosis is, is that the muscles in my lower back have seized up and need to be relaxed and healed. It's going to take time.

>68 alcottacre: >69 Copperskye: Thanks, Stasia & Joanne. I sure hated to miss MDR. I guess, I'll have to catch her next time.

Morning, Mark! Adding my voices to the others - so sorry you had to miss MDR. Sending you healing vibes for that back, my friend.

The back thing must be catchy. This morning mine is all wonky - and that is very unusual. Of course, the weather down here has been unusual as well. Most years by the first of March we are past winter and have spring underway. Not happening this year. Today we are in the middle of a cold cold rain that is going to turn to ice soon. I am in hopes that it will be a short day at work so that I can return home and read.

I just finished reading Wonder and for a children's book it was a very rewarding read.

Sorry about the MDR event. I know that you were looking forward to it, and I was hoping to be able to read the reports.

Sweet Thursday, Mark! Glad you slept great, and seems to me this frigid day wouldn't have been a good one for you to be out there with a sore back. The climb to saner temps supposedly starts tomorrow, and it all may coincide well with your back improving. 50s next week? We'll see.

I don't know anything about Find Me, so I'll look forward to hearing about that one. I'm reading the latest St. Mary's book that just came out, No Time Like the Past, and enjoying being reunited with Max and the gang. Also, Jamaica Inn for Paul's challenge, which is quickly creating that foreboding atmosphere that worked so well in Rebecca.

"Perhaps this is the nature of ice, that it is an illusion. Perhaps ice is merely a form of faith. Step onto the water. Believe that it will hold you up, that you may walk safely across it, that is strong enough to carry you- and it will."

-The Frozen Thames

>75 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! Thanks for the healing vibes. I could use plenty.

>76 benitastrnad: Sorry, about the chilly, nasty, weather, Benita. I am truly bummed about the MDR event. I should still get a signed copy, which is a good thing.

Glad you enjoyed Wonder. It is such a terrific read and an LT favorite.

>77 jnwelch: Morning Joe! Looking forward to the warm-up, which should be perfect for my return to work. Glad Jamaica Inn is working for you. I NEED to pick a Du Maurier out.

MARK!!! Boy, I've missed you this year! I'll try (once again) to keep up with you (and Joe too, I keep losing him).

Trivia Crack is not as much of a problem as it once was for me, which is a relief. There's only so many times I can charge my phone in a day without looking like a weirdo, and playing TC was a major time suck. I'm still there, but am trying to play only once or twice a day instead of every time someone played me back.

I'm hoping to dig into Sculptor later today, once I make some decent progress on tomorrow night's book club book.

I'm glad to hear that you slept well, Mark. Hopefully your back will get its act together today!

>79 LauraBrook: Hi Laura, oh worthy TC opponent.

I have a lot of deadlines during the day but also a lot of "hurry up and wait" kinds of moments so I'll play an occasional game. Sometimes I'll advance one crown and then stop til next time.

Mark, hoping that there's a bit more improvement on your back.

Wishing you a great reading day and I keep my fingers crossed that your back pain will vanish soon.

>79 LauraBrook: I sure miss seeing you around too, Laura. We will have to play again at TC. It has been awhile. I hope you enjoy The Sculptor. It is such a good GN.

>80 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl. I am really getting impatient with the back. After a couple days of the meds, I hope things begin to improve.

>81 lindapanzo: I've been going through a spotty stretch of TC lately, Linda. More misses than hits. I am looking forward to this big warm up coming.

BTW: The Frozen Thames might be just your cuppa. Keep an eye out, plus it is a shorty.

>82 Ameise1: Thank you very much, Barb. The reading day is going well.

>83 msf59: I got a copy of The Frozen Thames from your Christmas swap over a year ago. It's been sitting on the very top of my TBR pile. I always seem to reach around it for something else though.

I hate to even look at TC. I am being slaughtered lately. No magical comebacks for me. I keep getting too many entertainment questions.

Huh, there are sure a lot of books titled "Find Me!" The one I read (and loved) was Find Me: A Mallory Novel, a mystery by Carol O'Connell. I'll have to check out the one by van den Berg that you're talking about.

Hope your back problems continue to abate. And I understand your compulsion to get back to work. I used to feel that way, and I didn't even enjoy what I was doing. Just take your time, though ~ back issues tend to be recurring, especially if they don't heal before you start abusing them (think picking up and carrying heavy sacks of mail) again.

"And this sense, this feeling of communion, would at moments overwhelm him. At such times he had the sensation that there was only one book in the universe, and that all books were simply portals into this greater ongoing work--an inexhaustible, beautiful world that was not imaginary but the world as it truly was, a book without beginning or end.”

-The Narrow Road to the Deep North

>84 lindapanzo: I think you should pull The Frozen Thames down off the shelf and just read the first few vignettes. It should grab you immediately. I might want a copy for my "keeper" shelves.

>85 Storeetllr: I agree, Mary, Find Me, is such a generic title, but this new one is really good. I like her writing.

My back feels a bit better this afternoon. I will, of course, take it easy but I hope it continues.

Hi Mark, catching up again and sorry to hear about your back woes. I've only put my back out once before and it was majorly painful and inconvenient, so good to see you are feeling a slight improvement.
I've taken note of Sculptor and am finally reading Pretty Monsters, a story every day or so and enjoying it.

>86 msf59: I went through the same thinking, Mark, and got a nicely illustrated hard cover of The Frozen Thames for my keeper shelves.

I don't live in Minnesota. I know this because at 9:30 a.m. UA shut down for the day because of the freezing rain that was supposed to move in. I left work about 11:30 a.m. and it started sleeting about an hour later. I stopped about an hour after that so now everybody and their dog is out and about. I decided to go to Target to get some M&M's and then decided to go to Starbucks which is just down the street. The line for coffee was just about to the door. I left and am now ensconced in Dunkin' Donuts. I'll catch up on LT stuff and then start reading Brown Girl Dreaming. I am 30 pages into it and so far it isn't grabbing me. I am not a fan of free verse novels and that is part of the problem.

I had a good afternoon, feeling a bit better, although I refuse to get cocky. I've been alternating, between Find Me and The Narrow Road. I mentioned to Joe, that I was listening to the Flanagan on audio but I now I have an ebook copy as well. I did not want to wait until next week, to jump back into it. I am nearly a 1/3 of the way through and it is fantastic.

>87 avatiakh: Great to see you, Kerry. I will be watching for your thoughts on Pretty Monsters, since I have that one on shelf. And I hope you can find a copy of The Sculptor. It is a GN Must Read!

>88 jnwelch: It is a beautiful little book, Joe and I think it would make a lovely gift.

>89 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita! It sounds like you are having a nice afternoon off and no, you are definitely not in Minnesota. LOL. Sorry, Brown Girl Dreaming isn't grabbing you. It worked completely for me. I hope you give it a chance.

>86 msf59: Looking back, I note that Benita gave me a copy of The Frozen Thames in the 2012 Mark's Christmas Swap so it's been at the top of the pile for over 2 years. I do need to remedy that soon.

Got an Amazon card for my b-day. Used part of it to get the new Erik Larson book about the Lusitania. Really looking forward to that one.

-Rowing Home by Winslow Homer. This painting was mentioned in Find Me, so I thought I would share. I love Homer.

>91 lindapanzo: The Frozen Thames is a perfect gift, Linda. Benita has impeccable taste. Now, yank it down off the shelf.

I snagged an ER of Dead Wake. I hope to squeeze it in, in the next few weeks.

>92 msf59: I also am a Homer fan. Thanks for posting the painting, Mark!

I have a copy of Dead Wake on the way to me just as soon as it is released. I cannot wait to read it.

Hi Stasia! Yes, we can not get enough Homer, can we?

Glad you are getting a copy of Dead Wake. The advanced reviews have been terrific.

>92 msf59: I love Homer, too.

I'm glad you're enjoying The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Mark. I thought it was a master work.

And I'm looking forward to sharing a beer with you on March 28. Thanks for visiting my thread even though I have been a mucket about keeping up around here.

I won't whine about the windy weather we've been having on Kauai. It has not kept me from snorkeling (well, it has put a bit of a crimp on that), nor on enjoying Mai Tai's and Shave Ice. In shorts and a t-shirt. :-)

I hope your winter is finally letting go a bit....

Morning, Mark! Wind chill of -13 this morning, but it's supposed to be in the 40s this weekend and in the 50's next Tuesday! Bring it on, I say!

It's been fabulous here, weather wise! I sure hope spring arrives soon to Eastern USA and Canada. I hope your back is soon feeling much better. Take it easy Mark Our son announced that he is moving into his condo over the weekend. Even though it is only 1 1/2miles from us, and nice place, I feel anxious. I told him he should text me every night when he gets home until he gets married in July. You'd think with a 30 year old son that has lived away from home for 7 years I could adapt more easily. When you space your kids so far apart, you forget each step along the way. Like teaching them how to drive, and adapting to them moving out. Maybe I'll go stay in the " guest suite "of the condo until he has his finace living with him, to make sure all is well. He'd really love that, I am sure. ;)

^See? This is our super-power!

Happy Friday! The recovery is in progress but it is still much too slow for my taste. The most discomfort seems to be, when I first roll out of bed. The muscles are stiff and sore but once I move around a little, it begins to loosen up. I am truly hoping by Sunday, to be 75-80% of my old self.

My current reads, Find Me & The Narrow Road have all been brightening each day and I hope to jump in deeper, into my GN, El Deafo.

Morning, Mark! Love the Homer! Glad to hear that the back is coming along, but sorry that it is taking longer than you would like.

>95 EBT1002: Ellen stopped by! Ellen stopped by! Hooray! Great to see you. And you are in Hawaii, too? How fantastic. I saw that there was snow on the Big Island. WTH? This winter, no one escapes.
Yes, I am loving The Narrow Road. I am so glad I snagged a print copy, so I don't have to wait, until I return to work to continue it. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

>96 scaifea: Morning Amber! I am sooooooooooo looking forward to the warm-up! We definitely deserve it.

>97 vancouverdeb: Morning Deb! You sound like such a "Mom"!! LOL. I would recommend that you DON'T stay in your son's guest room, but it is sure nice to have him so close. My daughter lives about 10-15 minutes away and that is perfect.

Becca loved Dead Wake; she's a big Erik Larson fan.

Happy Friday, Mark! This may be the last Big Chill day (knock on wood). Nice Bulls win over the Thunder last night. Remarkable what they're doing with so many injuries.

I finished the Twelfth Night GN, so I think I'll give March a try; I know you loved that one.

I'm ready for the weekend; woo, what a week. Hope your back has improved, and you have a good one today.

Morning Joe! I honestly can't believe this is the 5th day, with the back issues. Really? But at least I am moving in the right direction and I hope by the end of the weekend, I'll be close to my old self.

And yes, I am looking forward to the Big Warm-up. Come on, sunshine & warmth. I am sure you will really enjoy, March.

>102 msf59: I honestly can't believe this is the 5th day, with the back issues.

I don't usually play the one-upsmanship game because I find it tedious for all involved, but try going on 6 years of constant pain and get back to me. ;-)

Seriously, though, I'm glad it's finally starting to ease up for you and I hope this (warm!) weekend sets you right once and for all.

Morning Julia! You know, you have a great point. How someone could deal with these issues, day after day, for months or years, astounds me. I am improving and that is the main thing and in just a few more days, I should be as good as new, which is a blessing.

Come on, warm-up! We've been waiting!!

Good morning, Mark. I picked up my copy of The Frozen Thames last night and read the first couple of vignettes. I like the writing!! However, it's not something I'll read straight through. More of a "dip into it for a few minutes" kind of book.

Happy Friday, Linda! I am so glad you started The Frozen Thames and I think it is the perfect book to dip in and out of. I was so impressed with her prose. Enjoy.

Sending healing whammies for that cranky back, Mark.

Thanks, Linda. Much appreciated. What do you think of the Rash collection, that you are reading? I really want to read his short fiction.

>86 msf59: I marked that very same passage when I read THe Narrow Road!

Sorry about your back. I hope that it's feeling better soon.

>101 jnwelch: I just picked up March: Book One from the library last night, Joe, and think it's going to be my read for today. Looking forward as I've seen a few raves about it over the past couple of weeks.

Hi, Mark ~ Glad to know the back's in recovery mode! And that the weather in Chi-town looks like its going to be pretty nice over the next week or so. Well, comparatively. At least no snow or below-freezing temps during the day. Let's hope the forecast is accurate, no?

>110 Storeetllr: Good to have the company, Mary. I'm looking forward to this one.

I love that Homer painting!

So glad your back is better, Mark. My mail carrier was just complaining about an injured foot today as I was leaving the post office so I got to play mail carrier for a little bit and helped him carry some boxes out to his truck. :-)

“He believed books had an aura that protected him, that without one beside him he would die. He happily slept without women. He never slept without a book.”

- The Narrow Road to the Deep North

>109 banjo123: Happy Friday, Rhonda! Yes, The Narrow Road is a book that keeps on giving.

>110 Storeetllr: Happy Friday, Mary! I am sure you will love March Book 1. And yes, back recovery and the warm-up are seeming to coincide. BAS.

>111 jnwelch: Your timing on this one is admirable Joe.

>112 cameling: Yah, for Homer! And yah, for helping out the mail carrier. You are one special person, Caro!

So sorry you had to miss the MDR event. I know how much you were looking forward to that.

I have put The Frozen Thames on my library Wish List looking forward to shoehorning it in to the TBR pile soon.

Hate hearing that your back problem continues but encouraged to see you're moving in the right direction.

Happy Friday, Juli! Yes I am bummed about missing the MDR event but at least I will get a signed copy.
I can not warble enough about The Frozen Thames, plus it is a blessed shorty, which we adore.

On the GN front, I am really enjoying El Deafo. Just sayin'....

Happy Weekend Mark. Both you and Paul kicked my butt today in TC. rematches will be forthcoming :)

Enjoying a Pallette Wrecker by Green Flash Brewery. Grab one if you can find it

>100 msf59: This winter, no one escapes. Sorry Mark, I think some of us have escaped. I am currently reading The Frozen Thames to remind myself what winter is like. Hope your back is better soon.

Good morning, Mark. I hope your back feels much better. I picked up Canada as an audiobook this morning from our local library. As soon as I've finished the listening of A Spot of Bother I'll start with it.
I wish you a lovely and healing weekend.

Happy Saturday! I had a really good afternoon and evening yesterday, (back-wise) and I am hoping for more of the same today. We are planning on going to see a Pink Floyd tribute band tonight, with a bunch of friends. As long as I can find a comfortable seat, I should be fine. Do not worry. I will not push myself, plus the wife will keep me in check.

On the reading front, I should finish Find Me and hope to knock out another chunk of The Narrow Road, which continues to be terrific. Also, my current GN, El Deafo has been very good.

>116 mahsdad: I had a good day yesterday on TC, Jeff. I beat some of the big boys. But things can change quickly in that game so I will not be cocky. Thanks! I will keep an eye out for Pallette Wrecker. Sounds good.

>117 Familyhistorian: Morning Meg! I am glad you are able to avoid the grip of winter. I heard, about a week ago, that the only state that did not get snow on the ground was Florida. Wow!
Enjoy The Frozen Thames. It is a wonderful book.

>118 Ameise1: Happy Saturday, Barb! Love the raccoon. How was A Spot of Bother? It has always received mixed reviews, so I never picked it up.

>120 msf59: Mark, I'm 3/4 through it and so far I enjoy the listening. As soon as I've finished it, I'll write my thoughts on my thread. Enjoy your Pink Floyd evening :-)

Good Saturday morning, Marky Mark! I have two days in a row without major commitments. Yay! But there is a fair amount of project work around the house to do, so I'm not going to be able to sit back and DNBR. Shucks. It will feel very good when we get the painting of the inside of the house finished!

I have been neglecting my physical therapy exercises and although I've not had a reoccurrence of back issues I know I am flirting with that possibility. So, your being very careful with your recovery is both good for you, and good for me. You are reminding me to get REAL! A 70 year old back is a precious body part, and I really need to take care of it if I want it to help me do all I want to do.

I hope you enjoy your weekend! Is your weather shifting to the Sprint to Spring?

>121 Ameise1: Glad you are enjoying it, Barb. I will watch for your final thoughts.

>122 maggie1944: Morning Karen! Get to those exercises my friend. You know how important they are. Whatever you decide to do this "open" weekend, enjoy yourself.

Good morning, Mark! Glad to see that you're feeling a bit better than before - back injuries take a long time, don't they?

Should I shoehorn El Deafo in too? I already pulled The Frozen Thames off of the shelf (finally!) and am going to get cracking on The Sculptor after work tonight.

Why hasn't anyone discovered the perfect job for us LTers - do nothing but read and get paid at least 6 figures a year?!?

Hi Mark, happy Saturday and enjoy your Pink Floyd tribute band.

Big boys in TC? Do tell.

My reading has been scattershot lately. I seem to have a short attention span and have a whole bunch of books going right now. Oddly, no mysteries at all.

Good to see you on the mend, buddy. Wish I could say the same for myself.

See you have been practising on TC and whipped me for the first time there.

Have a great weekend.

>124 LauraBrook: Morning Laura! Yes, I think you should bookhorn in El Deafo. It is a quick read. You might even want to start it before The Sculptor which is a bit of a chunkster.

"do nothing but read and get paid at least 6 figures a year?" Dreams & swoons...

>125 lindapanzo: Morning Linda! We have a nice gang of us going tonight and it is local, which is a bonus. I think The Frozen Thames is perfect for a short attention span.
If you can find the NYT Book Podcast, there is a terrific interview with Erik Larson on there.

"The Big Boys" on TC, are Paul & Jeff. Both, normally beat me handily.

>126 PaulCranswick: Speak of the devil. LOL. I've been on a pretty good roll lately with TC but as you know, it can change on a dime. Hope you are having a good Saturday.

Good morning, Mark! Hope you're off to a good start on the weekend. We actually walked for coffee/chai this morning. The warmup is on.

You like the St. Mary's series, right? The latest one, No Time Like the Past, is another fun one. And I started March Book 1 - very good!

Hi Joe! I have not been out yet but it sure looks nice. May the great melt-off begin.

I love the St. Mary's books and look forward to book 5. I also turned a friend at work on to the series and he has passed me up with the new one.

I am sure you will love March.

Mark, it's sunny here and in the 60's. The daffodils are out and the trees in bloom. Most people are enjoying the wonderful weather, but I walk around grumbling that it is the apocalypse. We will suffer in summer!

I'm glad that your back has improved, Mark! Enjoy the Pink Floyd concert tonight.

I know I loved March 1, and I've already put March 2 on hold at the library. Thanks for turning me on to it. I wish I'd been older (and wiser) back in the 50s and 60s. As it was, I was more-or-less oblivious to the civil rights movement, only paying attention to the big things and not caring enough. It's just been in the past couple of decade, and especially in the past 6 years, that I've become more attuned to the injustices that are still being perpetrated against people of color and speaking up against it. I'm reading a very disturbing anthology of short apocalyptic stories (Wastelands), many of which highlight what I'm beginning to believe are humanity's two major fatal flaws: fear of that which is different and the need to be dominant.

But enough gloom-and-doom! Hope you have a lovely Saturday! Enjoy the Pink Floyd cover band!

>130 banjo123: Come on, Rhonda! Cheer up, my friend! Enjoy the warmth, the sunshine and the daffodils. Do not worry about what may or may not come. Celebrate today. LOL.

>131 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl! I hope this back situation is a one shot deal. Since it was mostly muscular, I hope my odds are good.

>132 Storeetllr: I was only a little guy, 4-6, when most of these civil rights events took place, so I was mostly oblivious to it all too, Mary. I definitely think it is important to read up on all this history, to get a deeper understanding. A few of us are are reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X in May. Have you read that one? It's an excellent and important read.

No, I haven't. Maybe I'll join you in that in May. I'll definitely make a note and request it from the library in April. Are we doing Murder & Mayhem in May too? Or is that someone else's challenge?

Have you been reading about the 50-year commemoration of Selma's "Bloody Sunday"?

Yes, I do plan on hosting M & M, Mary. I need to do this, just to give me an excuse to catch up on some series fiction. Always a steady, relentless battle.

I am not familiar with the Bloody Sunday commemoration. Was is it?

>127 msf59: I shall have to aspire to become one of the Big Girls on TC.

I picked up my MDR book after a lengthy break and love the saloon politics. It seems to be picking up for me.

You are already one of the Big Girls on TC , Linda. One of my toughest opponents. You just beat me twice in a row.

Glad you got back to Doc. It is such a great read. I need to find time to book horn in Epitaph.

"'There's still work left to be done,' Lewis said. 'Get out there and push and pull until we redeem the soul of America.'" - From today's speech in Selma, AL by Rep. John Lewis (author of March: Book One)

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/obama-join-bloody-sunday-anniversary-selma-29...

"Six hundred marchers assembled in Selma on Sunday, March 7, (1965) and, led by John Lewis and other SNCC and SCLC activists, crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge over the Alabama River en route to Montgomery. Just short of the bridge, they found their way blocked by Alabama State troopers and local police who ordered them to turn around. When the protesters refused, the officers shot teargas and waded into the crowd, beating the nonviolent protesters with billy clubs and ultimately hospitalizing over fifty people.

"'Bloody Sunday' was televised around the world."

See more at: http://www.blackpast.org/aah/bloody-sunday-selma-alabama-march-7-1965#sthash.2l3...

Edited to fix punctuation. And touchstone. And add link to story.

I was very involved in raising consciousness and money for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in the late 1960s and the fear of the majority of people was that these "kids" would become communist revolutionaries and would burn down cities. The Black Panthers were seen as the vanguard of the revolution and deserved to be jailed for just being members of the Black Panthers. It was a very interesting time, and most people were totally opposed to what Martin Luther King Jr. was preaching, especially when it had to do with economic justice for low status jobs such as "garbage collectors", often populated primarily by black workers. The minute MLK Jr. turned against the Vietnamese War as being genocide for the Vietnamese, as well as killing mostly poor and black American soldiers who could not get out of the draft, what little support MLK Jr. had in the "white" community seemed to evaporate. There were instances of people celebrating his murder, as some had done when President Kennedy and Robert Kennedy were murdered.

It is a time which does need to be studied.

>138 Storeetllr: Thanks for sharing those quotes, Mary. Strong stuff. What an historic event.

>139 maggie1944: This was definitely your era, Karen. I remember being told, as a kid, that MLK and "that" bunch, we're just trouble-makers. Oh my, the ignorance...

Re graphic novels: I read El Deafo last week and enjoyed it. I have March: book one which I picked up for a buck at a factory book shop a couple of weeks ago, should read it soon. I also have Fagin the Jew home from the library.

The winter has escaped me too, Mark, sorry! We had the second warmest February on record. It's nearly shorts weather here, or at least close to capri's. I don't imagine you wear capris, but you know, long shorts as befits our mature status ( we are old ) . I hope you are feeling better, buddy! :)

All this talk of The Frozen Thames is making me crazy. I put a hold on at the library , but I've got a bit of wait. * sighs impatiently *

Mark, I've just had the Scalped GN series recommended by Eva over in the category challenge. Have you read those?

Have a Cigar: http://videos.sapo.pt/3eEvdBAS9WtzbJsI1seu

Comfortably Numb: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=comfortably+numb&qpvt=comfortably+numb&...

Yeah, baby!! Meds and beer!

>141 avatiakh: >143 avatiakh: There is my GN pal! Hi, Kerry! I am loving El Deafo and I am sure you will love March. I'll be watching for your thoughts on Fagin the Jew.

>142 vancouverdeb: You don't want to see Marky-Mark in short shorts? You have no idea what you are missing, Deb! I hope you can get your library copy of the Frozen Thames quickly. Fingers crossed.

Ohh! 4.2 stars for The Girl on A Train compared to my 3. 8 , both of which equal a 4 stars on LT. Yes, we are close! I have about 5 books on hold at the library, and we'll see which one I end up purchasing first, because I know I will get impatient. I can't remember where I am in the line for The Frozen Thames, never mind Evening Chorus. Coventry is a fantastic read - give it a try Mark.

Oh yes I'd love to see you in short shorts , Marky - Mark. You go Sir! :)

>120 msf59: Was there even snow in California?

>142 vancouverdeb: I did see some people in shorts today, Deb, as well as a bumper crop of dandelions.

>138 Storeetllr: I was young when the march to Selma happened but I remember seeing it on the news and being glad I was on the Canadian side of the border. Not that we weren't affected by the activism of the '60s and '70s. I grew up close to Montreal where the FLQ was active during that time.

^^Happy 25th to my lovely daughter, Breanna! That is her shepard Reese. He is a good boy. We are having family over later. March is a big birthday month for us and we will be celebrating several birthdays. My son's is on the 20th.

Morning, Mark! I got here early today so that I could get a good seat. Happy Sunday to you!

Aw! Happy Birthday Breanna! What a lovely photo of her - she has such a great smile!

>146 vancouverdeb: Morning Deb! I am looking forward to reading more Humphreys. I doubt I will post any pics of me in short shorts but you never know.

>147 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg! I am sure the snow in California was in the mountainous regions.

>150 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! My first Sunday visitor! Hooray! Yes, Bree has a great smile. She is generally a "positive" person, like her old man.

Mark: Happy Sunday, Mark! And Happy Birthday to Breanna!

Happy Sunday, Mark. I hope the back is better. It seems like maybe spring is coming?

Good Sunday Morning to you and yours! Your daughter's smile is joyful, and I bet she is grateful for having "inherited" a positive nature from "her old man". I know that having a positive outlook on life is a great way to nourish joy and happiness.

I finished reading Following Atticus this morning and recommend it as a quick, and happy book.

33) Find Me by Laura van den Berg 3.6 stars

Joy is a lonely, troubled young woman. She was abandoned as a baby and still feels adrift. When a sickness begins to spread across the country, killing many, Joy finds herself immune. She is sent to a hospital in Kansas, along with other survivors, to be studied and evaluated. This becomes her family but it also becomes a prison and she begins to question the staff's motivation.

Dystopia has certainly been done to death lately but, like Station Eleven and Bird Box, this author does bring some fresh ideas to the table. Her writing is moody and atmospheric. The problem, is the second half, as Joy escapes the hospital and goes on a quest to find her birth mother, the story begins to ramble and lose focus. I think she is a talented writer and I would love to try her short fiction, but she doesn't quite pull together a complete novel.

Happy Birthday Breanna!!! Happy Sunday proud Dad :-).

>153 scaifea: Morning Amber! Bree and her gang had a BIG party last night at their house. We'll see if she'll be smiling when she eventually gets here.

>154 BLBera: Morning, Beth. I think we are finally going to get some of that spring weather we've been praying for. Yesssssss...

>155 maggie1944: Morning Karen! Yes, I do love positive people and I am blessed, that my daughter is one of them. My son is quieter and a bit moodier. I guess, one out of 2 ain't bad!

Happy Birthday, Breanna! You've got two wonderful kids, Mark (and Sue!), I don't know many who would come to breakfast with their parents and their strange, book-obsessed friends! Happy Sunday to you all.

How's the back doing today?

Happy Birthday to Breanna. She shares it with my beautiful niece, Nora, who is a few years older. March is important in our family for birthdays too. My Dad's was March 3rd, and my Grandma's was March 14th...neither of them have been here to celebrate with us for many years, but we never forget to note the days.

>157 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb! Yes, I am a proud Papa.

>159 LauraBrook: Thanks, Laura! We do enjoy hanging with our kids and that was a fun trip to Milwaukee. Lots of good "beer times" too. LOL. We'll have to do it again sometime.
My back is much better. Thanks. It looks like I will be going back to work tomorrow. BTW: You might like Find Me.

>160 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks, Linda! And happy birthday to Nora. Besides my kids, there are at least 3 other family members that were born in March. July must be a productive month, if you know what I mean.

Actually, I think March is the more productive month...the number of December birthdays in our family is truly astonishing.

Not to make you jealous or anything, Mark, but it is supposed to hit the 60's F here today :) I'd agree with >162 laytonwoman3rd: - a lot of December birthdays in my family too. Happy Birthday to Bree! Have a great day! Hope the back is feeling better!

Happy birthday to Breanna, Mark.

>162 laytonwoman3rd: December, it is! LOL.

>163 vancouverdeb: Actually there are snow flurries here right now! WTH? It won't be much, though. Much better tomorrow. And yes, my back is much improved. The rest & relaxation paid off.

>164 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul. I'll give her a hug from you, when she gets here.

Bloody Sunday has been a big deal here in my part of Alabama. The folks in Selma have spent several years planning the festivities and making arrangements for all the celebrities who were in attendance. I did not attend as they expected 100,000 people. Of course, that is not all that many people. This area of Alabama regularly hosts as many as 200,000 for each home football game.

Bloody Sunday has been controversial around here as well. President Obama is not well liked in this state and he and his family were here yesterday. John Lewis is not well liked in this state either and he has been here for several days. It suffices to say that the heroes of Bloody Sunday and the Civil Rights movement are not that well liked down here. However, it is a sign of the changed times when the President who comes to celebrate that milestone in Civil Rights history is Black and the person who represents the city of Selma in the United States Congress is a Black Woman. My guess is that the state Highway Patrol men who were ordered to stop the marchers on that Sunday were on the wrong side of history but many people down here don't want to admit that.

It is also a sign of the changed times when the enrollment at the University of Alabama is now 50% out-of-state students and this last fall two sorority members were disciplined by their sororities for sending out messages congratulating their house on staying n_____ free! Both girls were from out-of-state. I'm not sure what that says about Alabama and those of us who live here, but I am sure it sends some sort of message.

Happy Birthday to Bree! That's a great picture of her.

Glad that your back is better.

Hi Mark, thanks for all your visits to my thread. They are appreciated a lot.

Happy Birthday to Bree! She is a lovely girl.

Happy birthday to your lovely daughter. What a lovely picture of her and Reese.

Happy birthday in advance to your son too. Will he be over today for the March birthdays festivities? Enjoy your day!

The company is beginning to pour in. I'll be checking back later...

Happy birthday to Breanna — she's a lovely young woman and Reese looks like a handful. I hope you all are having a great day to celebrate, Mark.

Happy Birthday Breanna!! And, Mark, I hope your back pain improves. So glad you like The Girl on The Train. AND.....



A six-part adaptation on PBS Masterpiece premiering April 5th. Thought some of you might want to know. : )

>172 Berly: It's very good. I'm now on my second watch (just about to start episode 4) having watched it through once already. Unlike any other historical 'drama' I've seen in terms of reliability, intricacy and attention to detail and mood setting. You can very easily feel you are watching the real thing, or at least as close to the real events as we can hope to get nearly 500 years on.

Happy Birthday to Breanna. I hope your back is feeling better today!

>172 Berly: Yay!

"She started warbling away up and down. And suddenly one note came back to us, just bounced back off the walls and rose from the floor and filled the place with this perfect hum. This beautiful sound."

-The Narrow Road to the Deep North

Okays, the troops have disbursed and the blessed silence has returned. It was a very nice party but it is also nice, when the company marches back home and Marky-Mark has his Man-Cave back.

I did make a library run, (see, how healthy I am now?) and picked up:

Wolf Hall I now have it in, print and on audio. I plan on tackling this around the 20th.
Jamaica Inn For the BAC. I have only read Rebecca, which I adored.
On Immunity This is an audiobook and a NF title that has been getting raves. Anyone else hear anything?
The Late Child and Other Animals This is a GN, I have not heard of but it sounded good.

Hi Mark, happy to report that I've been reading steadily in Doc in recent days.

Had a nice birthday lunch in Algonquin with my sister, BIL, and niece and nephew. A pleasant day all around.

>166 benitastrnad: Happy Sunday, Benita! Thanks for your Bloody Sunday comments. It is sad that in 2015, things haven't changed all that much in the South. I hope you had a good weekend.

>167 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda! The back is in good shape and I plan on returning to work tomorrow. I will take it easy, as much as I can.

>168 connie53: Thanks, Connie! I hope you had a perfect Sunday.

>169 cameling: Thanks, Caro! My son is still living at home, so it was a short trip. LOL.

>171 rosalita: Thanks, Julia! Actually Reese is a very laid back dog, but all is focus is always on Bree. Like a big furry magnet.

>172 Berly: Thanks, Kimmers! And I appreciate the Wolf Hall reminder. (See post #176) I plan on knocking it out before the show begins. If I can find it on audio, I might try to knock out Bring up the Bodies too.

>173 lunacat: You didn't say hi, Jenny but I am still giving you a wave & a hug!

>174 The_Hibernator: Thanks, Rachel. My back feels close to normal. Yah!

Sorry for being rude and not saying Hi Mark. My mistake.

Now you get a double hug, Jenny! Hope you are doing better, my friend.

Stopping by your new thread before I completely miss it, Mark. Sorry to see you have been having back troubles lately. Take things easy and hopefully it will improve.

Happy birthday to Breanna! 25 is a magical time, or at least it was for me.

Good to see you, Lori! I've been neglecting your thread. I need to drop by. Thanks for the birthday wishes for Bree.

Hope all is well.

>178 msf59: Shepherds generally are extremely loyal dogs to their persons; I'm sure he adores Breanna and it looks from that picture that the feeling is mutual!

Wow I go offline for 2 days and I've got over 60 posts to get thru. You've been busy.

I think I might have to read Wolf Hall as soon as I'm done with the Link.

Hope you had a great weekend.

I'll be looking forward to hearing what you think of On Immunity, that's just the type of book I enjoy. I hope you love Wolf Hall. Is this your first time reading it?

Hi Mark. For some reason I thought you had already read Wolf Hall. Well, regardless, I think you will enjoy it.

Tomorrow we fly home, back to cool wet weather and real life. This has been a good, if somewhat melancholy and surreal, vacation. I always recommend Kaua'i for folks looking for a low-key tropical vacation.

Okay, "back" to work Monday. My back felt very good over the weekend. I will try to take it slow and easy, or at least as much as possible. I am praying that this was a "freak" incident. A perfect storm of muscle meltdown.

The other good news is: We are in for a nice warm-up. High 40s today. In the 50s the rest of the week. B.A.G.!!!

I will wrap up The Narrow Road and since I switched to print for that one, I will start listening to the Sportswriter for this month's AAC. I also plan on starting Jamaica Inn, for the BAC.

Morning, Mark! Enjoy that 40-degree weather today, friend!

>183 rosalita: You are right about shepards, Julia. Loyal to the point of obsession. LOL.

>184 mahsdad: Good to see you, Jeff. Hope you had a good weekend. It looks like a few of us are going to try to bookhorn in Wolf Hall before next month.

>185 The_Hibernator: On Immunity is a shorty, so I hope to squeeze it in, in the next couple of weeks. It will also be a timely read, with all the measles controversy. This will be my first time reading Wolf Hall. Yes, I procrastinated.

>186 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen! If we make it back to Hawaii, we definitely will try Kaua'i. Have a safe trip home, my friend.

Morning, Mark! Wishing you luck as you return to work today. Take it easy, buddy. No need to show off - no more muscle meltdown for you!

My belated Happy Birthday to Bree, too, Mark! Did your son celebrate his as well?

Sloppy out but so much warmer! It was a pleasure coming in today.

I'm starting to enjoy Jamaica Inn; you'll like Mary once you start getting to know her. Like you, I'm quite taken by El Deafo.

Hope it's a good first day back for you.

Lots of sun and I am breaking a sweat. No back discomfort but BOY, am I moving slow. Like half-speed. It feels like my body is being extra cautious. Maybe my body has my "back". Okay, I agree that was bad.

>188 scaifea: Thanks Amber! It feels great out here.

>190 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie! Yes, no more muscle meltdowns. I hope it was just a fluke.

>191 jnwelch: Hi Joe! Let the great melt-off begin. Yes, we celebrated Matt's birthday, along with 2 other family members. It was a nice day.
Glad you started enjoying Jamaica Inn, especially since I am starting that very soon.
And GO, El Deafo!!

Gee, I thought you had already read Wolf Hall too. Well, you're definitely in for a treat! I liked this one a lot more than I did Bring up the Bodies but not as much as I liked A Place of Greater Safety. I'm not sure I will read her book on Margaret Thatcher .. I've sort of gone off her because of her attitude during some interviews. Sometimes it's best not to know what authors are like in real life. ;-)

Hey Mark! Mm, mmm, Love the daffodil topper. I think it will be another month before I see one sprout in my yard.
Happy belated to Breanna! Love that name and for many years that would have been my daughters name, had I had one.
I'm looking forward to Wolf Hall too and Mad Men continue their final season in April! Joy joy joy on both fronts.

*waves*

Glad your back is better...

Could it be true? Spring on it's way?

^Of course, I have to mention, that I picked up my signed copy and of course, I need a refreshment, to help wash it down. Happy Camper!

As promised, I finished up The Narrow Road, which was excellent. A worthy Booker winner. I started the Sportswriter and it actually is working good on audio and I like the book in the early going. Just a few pages into Jamaica Inn and hope to read a bit more tonight, if I can keep my peepers open.

>193 cameling: I am also surprised that I have not read Wolf Hall. What?? Hey, better late than never, my friend. I am a bit surprised you liked it more than Bring up the Bodies. I thought the consensus was in favor of the 2nd one. I could be wrong.
So what did Mantel say, that bugged the crap out of you?

>194 Carmenere: Great to see you, Lynda. You just made my day. I am also looking forward to the Mad Men finale. I just hope it goes out with a bang.

>195 mckait: Return waves to Kath! It was so nice today. No hat, no gloves and still broke out in a light sweat. More on the way. Yah!

>196 msf59:. Where's the Like button!

Wouldn't that be nice, Jeff? You are a Doc fan, right?

First our threads would be a lot shorter if there was a like button. :)

Secondly, never read Doc, read you talking about Epitaph and saw a review in the LA times (I think). On the list they go ...

Morning, Mark!

Feeling pretty good this morning. I am hoping for a light day at work. Enjoying my current reads, Jamaica Inn & the Sportswriter. Hope to get back to my GN, El Deafo, which I did not crack last night.

>200 mahsdad: I agree with you about the "like" button, Jeff. I prefer comments. LOL. We would get lazy.

I can not recommend or warble loud enough about Doc. It is a Must Read.

>201 scaifea: Morning Amber! Looks like we are going to have another pleasant day. Smiles...

>202 msf59: Charlie and I loved El Deafo!

>203 scaifea: More, El Deafo love! Hooray. It is such an honest, lovely book. I am glad Charlie enjoyed it too! Have you read any other GNs with him?

Good morning, Mark. I hope the work continues to be found in the good Spring-ish weather, and that the loads are light, and the walks are smooth and dry!

I'm liking El Deafo, too, Mark. About halfway through. Hoping Mary makes out all right among the dangerous rascals in Jamaica Inn.

The big melt continues. This is more like it, right? Way better way to start the day.

>204 msf59: Not yet we haven't, but if I find one that I think he'd like, definitely! Of course the complete Sandman is waiting on my shelves for him to get older...

Morning, Mark! You are reminding me that I still need to get to Doc.

>197 msf59: I'm definitely in the minority re Wolf Hall vs Bring Up the Bodies. I know most preferred the latter, but I just found the Wolf Hall better written and BUTB a little draggy at times.

It wasn't just what she said during interviews that bugged me but her attitude. She comes across as being really snotty and condescending and I simply detest people like that. There are so many authors out there who write great books that win prizes or are bestsellers and yet they are able to maintain some humility. I wish she would learn from them.

Foggy and damp out here but still mild enough. Sunshine later...they said.

>205 maggie1944: Morning Karen. Thanks for the kind words. We did not get any letters today. Some snafu, so the mail is extremely light. And the snowpack is dwindling. See, your positive force is working.

>206 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! I am enjoying Jamaica Inn. She sure sets an atmosphere, doesn't she? I hope to read a big chunk of El Deafo tonight.

>207 scaifea: Easing Charlie into GNs. Fine idea. I wonder if he would like Shaun Tan?

>208 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! Do yourself a big big favor and make room for Doc. I heard it is wonderful on audio too. Take Marky-Mark's word: You will LOVE it!

>209 cameling: Hi Caro! I better not read any Mantel interviews until after I read Wolf Hall. Like you, I do not like snobbery, unless it comes to beer of course.
I did really like her last story collection.

>210 msf59: Can you believe that I *still* haven't read any Tan myself?! Shame on me. I'll correct that soon, I hope, because from what I've seen of him, I suspect that both Charlie and I would *love* him.

>196 msf59: (>198 mahsdad:)

Hooray! I am glad that your back is better and glad that you liked Narrow Road. Now I just need to get a copy of Epitaph!

>212 Storeetllr: HA!

Hi Mark, weird day. I thought it was going to be sunny and warm. It is mild but damp and foggy for much of the day, though better now.

Got an alert that my requested copy of Epitaph came in. I have a week to pick it up. I'd better get cracking on finishing Doc, then wait 6 days to pick up the new MDR book.

^Bodmin Moor

"There was a silence on the tors that belonged to another age; an age that is past and vanished as though it had never been, an age when man did not exist, but pagan footsteps trod upon the hills. And there was a stillness in the air, and a stranger, older peace, that was not the peace of God."

-Jamaica Inn

Du Maurier is sure a mood-setter, isn't she? I am over a 1/3rd of the way in and I like it so far, but she is a bit gloomy. I don't recall Rebecca being this dark.

>211 scaifea: Try to track down a couple Shaun Tan GNs, whenever you can, Amber. You'll see what I mean and most of them can be read in one sitting.

>212 Storeetllr: LOVE, the "like" button, Mary. Thanks!

>213 banjo123: The Narrow Road was fantastic, Rhonda. I am sure it will be on my annual "Best Of List". I hope you can track down a copy of Epitaph. I am trying to find a time to bookhorn it in.

>214 mahsdad: Hi, Linda. Yes it was cool and damp early, but once it cleared up and the sun came out. It was very nice.

And yes, please get crackin' on Doc. Isn't her writing wonderful?

>217 msf59: Not only that but my reserved copy of Coventry by Helen Humphreys came in, too. I'm not finished with The Frozen Thames yet either. However, the Humphreys book isn't new and I'll probably be able to renew that one.

I've got my work cut out for me.

ETA: My bad. Epitaph didn't come in. My Richard Ford came in.

I also have Wolf Hall in my possession, but have not read it. Glad I am in good company!! Thanks Mark. : ) And yay for the warmer weather. But you don' deserve it after your score in >196 msf59:. : P

>218 lindapanzo: You better get movin', Linda! We NEED to start seeing the kind of book numbers, you used to have. LOL. Then you would be on top of it.

At least many of Humphreys books are shorties!

ETA: Which Ford? Canada?

>219 Berly: Hi, Kimmers! Any chance you'll join us on Wolf Hall? I don't think we'll do a formal G.R. or anything but I know a few of us, want to finally knock out that Bad Boy!!
We might be close to 60 degrees, on Thursday. Yahoo!

Wolf Hall (the bad boy) has been on my shelf for ages. Maybe I'll have to knock it back too! Hope you love the warmer weather.

>217 msf59: Well, I put Epitaph on hold at my library, and there are only a couple of people ahead of me. Maybe we can have a group read? Or shall we just all read it at the same time and swoon together?

Morning, Mark!

I almost picked up a GN for Charlie at the book fair last night - the cover looked cool and it was about Tesla - but when I flipped through it, it seemed both not as cool as I thought it could be and a little too old for Charlie right now... I'll try to remember to check for Tan at the library the next time we go.

Happy Hump Day, everyone! My back has been holding up fine. All that rest paid off. The warmer weather has had benefits too. The Sportswriter has been slow and ponderous, but pretty good overall. I am continuing to enjoy Jamaica Inn.

>221 mdoris: I would like to get a group of procrastinators together, for Wolf Hall, Mary. I plan on starting mine, around the 20th.

>222 banjo123: A G.R. of Epitaph sounds great, Rhonda but folks may need a little time to track down a copy. I may consider doing a vote.

>223 scaifea: Morning, Amber! I hope you can find some Tan. I am sure you will fall in love.

You are pushing me further towards Narrow Road. Lit chick aka Nancy really liked it too -and others here on LT. I'm kind of excited about the Orange/ Bailey's Longlist and I've got a book on order from amazon ca due to that list.

Morning Mark! Have a great day and may the mail be light.

>226 vancouverdeb: Well, good morning Mrs. Sunshine! Are you up early or up really late?

Yes, I cannot praise The Narrow Road high enough. It is very dark and grim at times, so keep that in mind.

I'm with you on The Narrow Road, for sure, Mark.

I finished Jamaica Inn and ended up liking it. Quite the interesting ending - looking forward to your reaction. I also liked El Deafo very much.

Now I'm back to Alex + Ada, and I'm going to start The Real Jane Austen, which I've seen lots of positive reactions to. And I'll give The Sportswriter another try.

Another decent day out there. Hope it's a good one for you.

Count me in on the numbers of people who have copies of Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies on their shelves but haven't read them yet. I started A Place of Greater Safety last November and thought I would have it finished by now, but I don't. I have been busy reading for classes and just haven't had the time to get my personal pleasure reading done. I do intend to take a couple of books home with me over spring break and do some fun reading. I will be taking Rebecca for my B.A.C. read and Death Without Company. I don't think I will finish both of them, but I hope to get some of them read.

Sunshine. No hat, no gloves. B.A.G.

>228 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. I am nearing halfway with Jamaica Inn and I should finish El Deafo tonight. I am liking The Sportswriter but I can not encourage you to finish it. He has yet to convince me that he is a great American writer.

>229 benitastrnad: Sounds like you have been busy, Benita. I wish you could join us on Wolf Hall. Honestly, I thought I was the last person to read that one. I hope you love Rebecca. It is a terrific read.

Goodness me, I'm miles behind! I'm hapoy to read that your back doesn't make any problem and that you got some better and warmer weather. I wish you a lovely day, Mark. xx

Hi Mark, I'm just catching up here. For once I am ahead of you since I've already read Wolf Hall. I am looking forward to watching it on PBS. Your and Joe's comments about Richard Ford make me feel better about deciding to skip the AAC this month. I seem to be struggling a little with my reading this month, seems to be slow going. Hope to finish one today and then will start my Daphne Du Maurier pick, My Cousin Rachel which I am looking forward to.

A lady never tells, Mark! ;) Glad you had a sunny day today. Damp and rainy here today, but not too bad. Just enough to ruin my hair! I've not read Bring Up the Bodies or Wolf Hall . They just do not appeal to me. I'm getting interested in the Orange/ Bailey's longlist which has been posted! :)

I'm jealous of your being able to read Wolf Hall for the first time Mark. What a book!

Ann Kingman just spent an entire BOTNS episode raving about A Little Life. Wow!! I've been hearing some buzz about it, in other places too. It could possibly be the best book of the year or right near the top. It's on my WL!

Has anyone read her first novel, The People in the Trees? It has been on my To-Read list.

Here is a link to today's BOTNS podcast: http://booksonthenightstand.com/

**As a bonus they picked Doc for their audiobook pick of the week. Hooray! Michael said it was excellent on audio. B.A.G.!

>231 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb! I hope you are having a good week.

>232 DeltaQueen50: Judy came by! Judy came by! I hope your reading slump is very short-lived. And yes, I am looking forward to jumping on that Wolf Hall train.

>233 vancouverdeb: Sorry to hear about your hair, Deb. Sad face. At least it didn't dampen your spirits. We have a TC game going, right?

>234 brenzi: Bonnie came by! Bonnie came by! I remember you loving the Mantel books. I know a few of my LT pals were not as enamored with it. I hope I come down on the positive side. I'll have to stop by and see what you are reading.

>139 maggie1944: yes I am that far behind! That is very interesting! The whole issue of general justness and fairness for all is a lovely ideal, but when it comes to paying garbage workers more, the well off start to question it, right?

>149 msf59: happy birthday to your daughter, Mark! Wow, imagine what you will feel like when your kids are turning 40. That is what my parents have to deal with this year. Their youngest and all!!

Hiya, Mark! Just swinging through to catch up a bit. I also haven't read Wolf Hall yet. Not sure I'll get to it anytime soon, though.

I'm also intrigued by A Little Life (why does the touchstone come up as Twilight?!?!?!) and have it on my WL.

Glad your back is feeling better and that you are getting some better weather. BAGs all around!!

>237 LovingLit: Please don't rush me, Megan. Dealing with Bree being 25 is tough enough. LOL.

>238 katiekrug: Welcome back, KAK! Great to see you. I do not know why A Little Life: A Novel comes up Twilight. LOL.

And yes, our weather has been very nice. We might hit the upper 60s on Friday. What????

I listened to this week's BOTNS and was also intrigued. I am not rushing to read it, but I think I want to. I'm kinda waiting for some LTer I respect to read and review it. Nudge.

>240 lauralkeet: The only thing intimidating about it, is it's length. Over 700 pages. Yikes, Laura!

It's waiting for me at my library. Of course so is Epitaph.

>242 brenzi: Which book is waiting for you, Bonnie? A Little Life: A Novel?

I went to put A Little Life on hold this afternoon and then I noticed the length. 736 pages. Nevermind. Some other time. It does sound good though.

>239 msf59: poor old Mark! Life seems to be speeding up at a rate that I cannot handle right now. Keeping busy is probably the culprit. Hm, I always knew I'd do well as a sloth.

Morning, Mark! What's B.A.G?

Ha! A Little Life is 736 pages long. Not such a little life after all?

Glad you are feeling better and that the weather is more pleasant. Whew. What a winter you all have tolerated, and survived!

Happy Thursday! Or, I think your password is Sweet Thursday, right?

The touchstone for A Little Life: A Novel went to Twilight when the "A Novel" was left off. I just read the one review that is on the main page, and I think I'm not strong enough for this book, but it does sound remarkable!

^Sing it, baby!!

Sweet Thursday! I am enjoying a day off. Not much planned. A few errands, lots of reading. 'bout it! Should wrap up Jamaica Inn and El Deafo.

I am currently transferring On Immunity to my iTunes from disc. I've heard very good things about this one and it is very timely. Has anyone else?

Question for audiophiles: Why doesn't iTunes recognize the disc information? I've been running about 50/50 lately, even on the new ones. I have to manually enter the disc info on each disc. Oh, the trials and tribulations.

Hey Mark, This weather certainly has been something to warble about lately! The birds, squirrels and raccoons are all converging on my bird feeder and it just feels like spring to all. But, we know that winter is not over, right? Sorry to read your back issues persist. I recommend more beer ;0}
I'm not an audiophile and have had little success with the iTune gods. Sorry, can't help you there, my friend.

>244 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! I think I will see if A Little Life: A Novel comes up on audio and try to do both, print/audio.

>245 LovingLit: As long as we have our health & happiness, Megan, that is all that really matters.

>246 scaifea: Morning, Amber! B.A.G.= Big Ass Grin!! Sorry, for the profanity.

>247 maggie1944: Morning, Karen! I don't know if you had a chance to listen to the BOTNS episode but it sounds like the narrative of A Little Life: A Novel moves quickly. I hope it reads like Matterhorn. A chunkster, that really was a page-turner. I would also include The Goldfinch but that did bog down a couple of times.
I do not know why the "Twilight" touchstone comes up. WTH?

>251 msf59: Oh, my! Quick, someone get me my smelling salts!

*snork!*

>250 Carmenere: Morning Lynda! You know, I've been loving the weather! And most of the snow has suddenly disappeared. Yah! The only downside is the dog poop that has collected. Ewwwwwwww...

" I recommend more beer." That's my girl!

>252 scaifea: B.A.G.!!

Morning, Mark!

>254 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! Hugs!

>249 msf59: Question for audiophiles: Why doesn't iTunes recognize the disc information? I've been running about 50/50 lately, even on the new ones. I have to manually enter the disc info on each disc.

iTunes or any music player gets that information from encoding on the discs themselves. If it isn't importing the info more than likely it's because the disc manufacturers didn't bother including the info on the discs. Which I agree is super annoying, and especially so with audiobooks which kind of need to be listened to in order!

>256 rosalita: Thanks, Julia! I am getting the discs for free, (library) so I should stop fussin'. LOL. I do not mind, transferring the shorter works. On Immunity is only 5 discs but the 10-13 discs is a lot of "work".

Still loving the MDR book, Doc. I know so little of the story, Wyatt Earp etc., that it's all kind of new and exciting to me. I never paid much attention to Wild West stories.

>255 msf59: I'm with you there, Mark!

Late arrival today. Sweet Thursday! Hope everything's going well. I'm going to try Mrs. Queen Takes the Train on my Kindle, which sounds like a fun one. And I started the second Stumptown. I'm already liking it.

Okay, did a few quick errands and dropped off Riley, at the groomers. He is looking like deranged dust-mop. I still have to get a haircut and run and sign my income tax paperwork. Reading is in the wings!

>258 lindapanzo: I am so glad you are enjoying Doc. MDR really brings these characters alive, doesn't she?

>259 jnwelch: Hope you are getting all your work done, Joe. I know you are cramming in extra. How long will you be gone for?

In honor of your day off, Mark, my totally non-skeevy friend here wanted to share a beer with you...

What are friends for but to share good times and beer with!



You're welcome friend!

I see there's a party just about started, my friend and I brought along some supplies:

Let's get this party started!

It's a veritable smorgasbord of fine brews!

This was my dad's favorite when I was growing up, from "Latrobe, PA".



>260 msf59: Just a long weekend, Mark. I'll be back at work Tuesday.

I thought I stopped on Mark's book thread, but it looks like this must be Bar Flies , not Library Thing. ;) I'll try again later! ;)

Aw, shucks!! My LT friends sure know me well. Blushes a little. Thanks folks! And you sure made me thirsty. I was going to wait another hour, before cracking a top, but not I am eye-balling the beer fridge, (yes, I have one of these).

Hugs & High Fives to KAK (twice), Ro. Judy, Mamie & Joe!!

>266 jnwelch: - Hey now, Joe! I still like the occasional Rolling Rock :)

>270 katiekrug: Agree!

I'm feeling a little sorry for Mark, but I need to keep up the "crappy beer" motif ... what to do, what to do? Oh, I know:

>266 jnwelch: Bite your tongue, Welch! I happen to like Rolling Rock.

>270 katiekrug: >271 luvamystery65: Oh good, Katie and Ro have my back on that one.

>273 rosalita: Ha! I do, too, Julia! So did my friends back in the day - they always wanted to come to our place for the Rolling Rock.

I like the direction the thread has taken today

>266 jnwelch:. From the glass lined tanks of old Latrobe... I too "used" to love me some RR. it was a sad day when they were bought by Budweiser. They don't even paint the logos on anymore, it's a sticker.

One of my prized beer possessions is a pint glass with the full on Rolling Rock logo, front and back. I also have one from the Quaker Steak and Lube in Sharon PA from back when it was the only one

On a sad note. Did everyone see that Terry Pratchett passed today. Alzheimer's is a bitch.

Okay, I am sure this will surprise no one but I have never had a Keystone and I haven't had a Schlitz, Hamms, Milwaukee's Best or a Bud, in 20-plus years. I am sure I've had a Rolling Rock, a time or 2. It's not bad, just a lot lighter than my usual fare.

But, I did have fun!

>267 vancouverdeb: And what is wrong with the barfly crowd, hmmmmmmm?

>269 Crazymamie: I love it, Mamie!

>272 rosalita: Thanks, Julia! Those gals are always welcome, at my beer party. Smiles...

>274 jnwelch: And no Levitation? Really?

^I am off to meet my daughter for ribs & beer. I know! It sounds rough but somebody has to do it.

>275 mahsdad: Love the vintage beer glasses, Jeff. And yes, I did see the news about Mr. Pratchett. Sadly, I have only read Good Omens, which he wrote with Gaiman. Were you a big fan?

Speaking of light (which is more my style), did you see that Guiness now has an American Lager? I hear about this during my hockey games.

I'm happy...my sports fan friend who joins me for hockey and baseball games is returning tomorrow after wintering in Arizona. Let the games begin...

>278 msf59: I was becoming one. I too had only every read Good Omens, years ago. My first Pratchett and Gaiman in one go.

I had always heard about DiscWorld, but never read any until a couple years ago for my first (I think) Santathing, I got one of the later ones and loved it. I think I've read 2 or 3 since then and mostly enjoyed them. They are great pulp fun, sarcastic, quirky, reminds me alot of Douglas Adams and a bit of Jasper Fforde

Mark here is some proper stuff from Yorkshire for your delectation.

>266 jnwelch: My dad was fond of Rolling Rock beer, too, in the "pony" bottles.

My current local favorite is Yuengling lager, from America's oldest brewery, in Pottsville, PA. Preferably with an order of hot wings, for the classic "Yuengs & Wings" fest.

Had a great time with Bree! The ribs were terrific and the beer was dandy. A perfect ending to a nice day off. Much better than last week, when I was stuck in the semi-prone position. The only thing that suffered was my reading goals. I read a chunk but did not finish anything. A small price...

>279 lindapanzo: Funny, Linda! In the restroom at the restaurant we were at, they had an advertisement for the new lager by Guiness. I might try it at some point.

>280 mahsdad: I will have to read some Pratchett, at some point, Jeff, but it will take some convincing for me to tackle Discworld. LOL.

>281 PaulCranswick: I do not think I've had Old Peculier, Paul. I have had Old Speckled Hen, which I know you are a fan of.

>282 laytonwoman3rd: Yah, for Yuengling lager, Linda. I've tried this one, a time or 2, over the years. A nice steady lager.

>282 laytonwoman3rd: I think I had a Yuengling when I was at a Pirates game once. Or was it a Phillies game? We try to have a local food or drink special when we're at an out of town ballgame. I think we had a Primanti Bros sandwich, for instance.

I'm finding it nearly impossible to keep up with threads this year. I've glanced through yours now and don't have a lot to add. Love the cute little camper up a few posts.

#280
One of the students who works at the library told me about Terry Pratchett. she said that he reminded her of Jasper FForde. I haven't read his books but I have looked at them longingly on occasion. Unlike the thought of an American lager from Guinness, Pratchett's books do tempt me.

>285 thornton37814: Hi, Lori! All that post scanning and nothing caught your fancy? I better start "rethinking" my strategy. LOL.

>286 benitastrnad: FForde didn't do much for me, Benita and you know I "love" everything.

Hi, Mark ~ I've been out-of-touch for a couple of days and what happens? Over 50 posts behind. Yikes! So glad your back is behaving itself! And that the weather is warming up a bit.

Sorry to hear about Pratchett. I know he is beloved by many, though the only thing of his I've read so far is his collaboration with Gaiman, Good Omens, which I loved.

not to be left out.....
yikes I tried to put in in a British Columbia beer image and it didn't work. Guess you have to drink within the province!

Just catching up on threads. I had one up on you 'cause I checked Katie's thread first. No wonder your thread grew so fast and it was all beer related! LOL.

Nice beer pics here, Mark! LOL. I don't want the guys and pass on most of the beer. But I like you. (And the crazy girls posting this stuff!)

>287 msf59:. That makes me sad that you don't like Fforde. Nah, just kidding, but he is one of my favorites. Different strokes.....

Morning, Mark! How are you feeling this morning after all of that beer up there...? *snork!*

I've read Good Omens and loved it and a handful of Pratchett's non-Discworld stuff and liked it okay. I'll be diving into the Discworld soonish for the scifi/fantasty awards list that I'm working through with my BFF...

63 today? Yeah, baby! Will I be shedding my jacket? Stay tuned...

Okay, I should finish both Jamaica Inn & the Sportswriter and then I can move onto other biblio-worlds.

I know I need a new thread but I will have to do that tonight, so hang in there and I have enough cheap beer to last a lifetime. Just sayin'...

>288 Storeetllr: My back is good, Mary. Thanks for asking. Right now I am enjoying the warmth.

>289 mdoris: Hi, Mary II! Thanks for dropping in and saying hi!

>290 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg! Yes, all my friends brought beer. Stocking me up for the weekend. LOL. Hope the week is going well.

>291 Berly: Hi, Kimmers! I know you appreciate a fine craft beer. I did not see any up there. LOL.

>292 mahsdad: I didn't mean to "dis" Fforde. Actually, I liked the first 2 Thursday Next books, but just not enough to continue that fanciful series. So, don't be sad.

>293 scaifea: Morning Amber! I feel fine this A.M. I only sampled 1% of the beer, up there, possibly less than that. Grins...

Wishing you a great and partially sober weekend, buddy.

Morning, Mark!

Just a quick midday check in. All is good, just a bit busy. See you on the flip-side.

>296 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. I hope you have a good one too!

>297 Crazymamie: Happy Friday, Mamie! Hugs!

I don't get around much lately and just realised I hadn't dropped by your thread at all... thought I should say hi before you start a new one!

>295 msf59: Oh I wasn't really sad Mark, I was just jaggin' ya.

I think given the size of all of our WL and TBR piles, there are plenty of books to go around and if an author doesn't sync with you, so be it. Enjoy what you enjoy and keep on enjoying it.

:)

How's my favourite pal doing?? Based on all the beer and uhhhh...cardboard clad ladies, it looks like you are in fine spirits..ha!

Is your back 100% yet??

😃just a quick hello!

Glad you enjoyed all the beer we presented you with yesterday, Mark. You were so gracious about the crap beer even though I am sure you were a little dismayed. What a true gentleman you are! Enjoy your day.

Crap beer ? Is that a local brew?

Happy Friday the 13th! I am having a (frozen) pizza and a beer, since the wife is out for the evening and I don't feel like preparing anything else. I did finally shrug off my jacket today but I should have done it earlier. It was a very nice day.

>299 Smiler69: Hi, Ilana! Good to see you, stranger.

>300 mahsdad: I had a feeling you were "Jaggin'" me, Jeff but I still wanted to clarify. " Enjoy what you enjoy and keep on enjoying it." Amen, brother!

>301 jolerie: Hi, Valerie! Yep, there was quite a party over here yesterday and the "cardboard clad ladies" were a hit. My back is pretty close to a 100%. I sure hope that doesn't "strike" again.

>302 maggie1944: Big Waves to Karen!

>303 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy! You sure livened the place up around here yesterday, cheap beer or no cheap beer. LOL.

FYI: I would only been dismayed, if I would had to drink that swill. LOL.

Just finished Get in Trouble, to be honest, there were a couple I just didn't connect with, and I think I liked Magic for Beginners a little bit more, but on the whole an excellent book.

>304 mckait: "Crap beer ? Is that a local brew?" God, I hope not! LOL. Howdy, Kath!

>306 mahsdad: I was going to ask you about Get in Trouble, Jeff. Glad you completed it. Like you, 2 or 3 fell a little short but I thought it was a terrific introduction, for me anyway and look forward to reading her earlier stuff.

^Warble on over...