Mark's Reading Place #8: Spring?

-The Yellow-throated Warbler



^I've shared this before but I love it every time I see it!

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)
35) The Sportswriter by Richard Ford 3.7 stars (audio) AAC
36) Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier 4 stars BAC
37) The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez 4 stars (audio)
38) Mermaids in Paradise by Lydia Millet 4 stars
39) Tunneling to the Center of the Earth: Stories by Kevin Wilson 4.4 stars
40) Embassytown by China Mieville 3.7 stars (audio/partial) BAC

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 Completed
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.

March:

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

April:

Atwood April ???
Louise Erdrich American Author Challenge

Payback ?

Solidarity in the weirdo tribe. :D

Happy new thread, Mark!

Happy new thread, Mark!

>5 mckait: Qué quiere decir amiga?

>6 jolerie: Thanks, Valerie! You know, I love my weirdo pals!!

>7 Crazymamie: What happened to the top spot, Mamie? Sleeping on the job, eh?

Here I am, number 9 if I post quickly!

Made it. now I can actually say something. Yes, part of the weirdo tribe, Mark. You know what, I discovered that my library does not even had The Frozen Thames. I've got my hold on The Evening Chorus! I'm going to check out a 2nd bookstore that is nearby and then I guess I'll go to my kindle or order from amazon .

Hi Mark - Happy new thread. Both Mermaids in Paradise and THe Book of Unknown Americans were two of my favorite reads last year. I'll be anxious to hear what you think of them.

You are holding the 9 & 10 spot! Go Deb! Go Deb! The Frozen Thames is a lovely edition to own, with very nice illustrations, so you should not be disappointed. I am thinking of acquiring a copy for my "Keeper shelves".

I can't believe your library didn't have a copy. What??

Happy new thread, Mark! Couldn't wait to escape all that bad beer, eh?

You're lucky that I made top three, Mark - today is Rae's birthday!

>11 BLBera: It looks like I am in for a treat, Beth! I snagged a copy of Mermaids in Paradise at ALA and I am in the mood for something a tad lighter.

>13 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie! Yep, I am back to my snobbery ways.

>14 Crazymamie: Then, you are right, Mamie! The 3-spot is wonderful. Happy Birthday, Rae!

Happy new thread, Mark. Does that warbler on the top mean that spring has sprung where you are or are you just trying to encourage it?

>10 vancouverdeb: I picked up The Frozen Thames at Chapters as a Bargain Book a few years ago, not because I knew anything about Helen Humphreys but because I have a large collection of books about London and wanted to add it. Perhaps they still have the book in the marked down books on the Indigo website.

I also picked up a copy of Mermaids in Paradise at ALA but with all the reading for my classes and my commitments to the BAC this one has to go on the back-burner for awhile. Not only am I not going to read an Atwood book in April but I am not going to have Wolf Hall read either. My time is not my own this year.

I was thrilled to read today that Margaret Atwood is publishing her first stand-alone novel in 15 years this summer. I can't remember the title but it is something that is unrelated to her other books and the first stand-alone since Blind Assassin. I also read that Kate Atkinson has a sequel to Life After Life that will be on sale this summer.

Happy 8th thread, Mark, but aren't you being just the tiniest bit overly optimistic by naming it "Spring?" LOL Though, don't get me wrong, I'm all on board with it if it were to really happen. And, from the weather we've been having (and will be having in the coming week or so), it seems like it could happen. Except Joanne told me (again) just today not to put away the snow shovel. (Spoilsport.)

>10 vancouverdeb: If you buy Frozen Thames, be sure to get a bound copy, not on Kindle. The bound copy is gorgeous!

#10
I back up what Storeetilr said. You have to have the book. It is very unusual and is one of those books that you will be keeping just to look at.

I'm here! I'm here! You're welcome. LOL!

>16 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg! It has been spring-like here this week and it continues through Monday, so it has been a good feeling.

>17 benitastrnad: The new Atwood is called The Heart Goes Last and it comes out, in September. I still have to read Stone Mattress, which I am going to track down for April. I haven't decided if I will do an Atwood April. Maybe, I will put it up for a vote.

I think the new Atkinson is called A God in Ruins and I am also looking forward to that.

>18 Storeetllr: That is why I put a ?, after spring, Mary. It will actually be spring in one week and after the mild week we have had, are hopes are up. Smiles...

>20 luvamystery65: Ro made it! Ro made it! Yah!

Oh course I know who Chelle is, Marky Mark! I know everyone's life history, more or less, here in the 75's. Well, maybe not quite! ;)

Just checked - the new Kate Atkinson is called A God in Ruins , and somehow your touchstone leads to the wrong book. I can't wait for it to come out!

>21 msf59: That touchstone links to Leon Uris's novel by that name. Try this one instead...A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson.

Jinx !

New thread! New thread! Read all about it!!!

Hi! : )

Following along. I ditched a couple of books of late but my latest read is a good one, Wake by Elizabeth Knox.

Hi Mark! I hope you are enjoying spring! I expect there to be sunshine and tulips when I'm there at the end of the month....

I do plan to get to The Sportswriter this month.

I saw on your prior thread that you snagged a signed copy of MDR's newest. Lucky guy!

I hope we're still on for a beer on March 28.

Have a great weekend, Mark.

Congratulations on number 8. You are the shaker and mover amongst the so-called Mega Posters (RD's term) and have vaulted from 4th to 2nd during March.

^I can see my kids calling Amvets or Goodwill after I go...

Happy Saturday! Book transition day: After wrapping up, Jamaica Inn, the Sportswriter & El Deafo, I'll be starting Mermaids in Paradise, (something a bit lighter after 2 heavier reads) and on audio, The Book of Unknown Americans, which seems to be pretty well liked. On the GN front, I think I will start Snow-Piercer Vol. 2.

>22 vancouverdeb: Morning Deb! I thought you knew who Chelle was, just making sure. Are you playing her? I fixed the Atkinson touchstone.

>23 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks! Fixed it.

>24 vancouverdeb: Bad Deb!!

>25 Berly: Big waves & Hugs to Kimmers!

>26 avatiakh: Good to see you, Kerry! What GNs are you reading? Inquiring minds...

>27 EBT1002: Happy Saturday, Ellen! I liked it The Sportswriter but it was LONG and ponderous. I am glad you are giving it a try but be forewarned. And yes, I plan on a Meet-Up on the 28th. B.A.G.

>28 PaulCranswick: Howdy, Paul! You are extremely tough on TC. See? All that reading does pay off. I think the reason for my little surge in posting, is all that cheap beer. It works every time. Have a great weekend.

Happy New Thread, Mark!!

Thanks, Amber! Not bad out here, this fine morning.

Happy weekend, Mark. After running errands and (gasp) hand washing my car, getting all that road salt off, I'm settled in to do some reading. Oh and Blackhawks watching.

I finished Doc at 1:30 am today. Absolutely loved it!! Thanks for recommending it.

Happy New Thread.

Happy New Thread Mark, and a Happy Weekend too.

Happy Saturday Mark!

Are you working today?

#29 Love the second of these :) Most of my books are e-books these days due to space issues. But hell they have definitely inherited my tendencies - specially my younger Will. He's positively antisocial about it - ergo I am the opposite of most parents I know, complaining that my 4 year old would rather be reading...

Hope you are having a good weekend - we had glorious sunshine start which belied the fact that it was frikking freezing! I've been working from home (RAGE! Come on it's Saturday!) this afternoon whilst hubby took the kids to the cinema, so lit myself a big fire :)

>29 msf59: Ahahaha ~ that is doubtless exactly what my daughter and sister will do with my books when I kick the bucket. I hope they at least look briefly through the collection, though, as there are some really excellent books on the shelves that are currently hard to find or out of print. A few are even autographed.

Which reminds me ~ Monday evening Tomorrow Joanne and I are scheduled to see MDR's talk about Epitaph, which I started to listen to yesterday! So far (at Chapter 15), so very, very good! Though not enough Doc Holliday, imo, at least so far.

Hope you're having a great Saturday, whether you are working or not. My sis told me she read that they turned the river green for today's parade, but I don't suppose you got to see it. She also told me that, when she was younger, she remembers boating on the river, and it was green then too, though not because they dyed it for St. Paddy's Day but just from the scum. Delightful image, no?

Edited to change when seeing MDR. Because apparently I don't know what day it is. Or maybe I'm just in a hurry for our meet-up at TC.

Hi Mark - just cruising by to say hi. Hope your Saturday is a good one.

Happy new thread, Mark, and I hope you have a great weekend!

^Off to a St. Patrick's Day Party. Friends of our have been hosting a bash, the past couple of years. Always a good time and the corned beef is to die for.

I have a little sunburn on my face and it feels good. I won't have time to make any LT rounds today but tomorrow, is R & R all day!

>34 lindapanzo: Happy Saturday, Linda! I am so glad you loved Doc. I also hope you found a new favorite writer. She does it all.

>35 Smiler69: Thanks, Ilana! Happy Weekend!

>36 jolerie: Thanks, Valerie! Yes, I worked all day. I came home took a cat-nap, showered and ready to roll again.

>37 BekkaJo: Great to see you Bekka! Keep warm, my friend. We've had terrific weather all week.Glad to hear your kids are such hard-core readers. Let's hope it continues.

>38 Storeetllr: You can always put me in your will, Mary! LOL. Have a great time at the MDR event and hug Mary for me, (if it is allowed). Tell her, we love warbling over her books.
Glad Epitaph is grabbing you in the early going.

>39 karenmarie: Happy weekend, Karen! Thanks for stopping by.

>40 tymfos: Thanks, Terri! Good to see you. Happy reading.

I'm a bit late to the party here, but nevertheless Happy New Thred, Mark and a wonderful Sunday.

"...the closest they ever got to Ireland was making fun of Riverdance,"

-Mermaids in Paradise

Happy Sunday Morning! Had a very nice time at the party last night. Spent the bulk of it outside, huddled around a fire pit and other outdoor heating devices. Beer and laughter flowed...

Yes, I have laundry and food shopping to do, but most of my day with be R & R related. I am really enjoying Mermaids in Paradise. Her writing is so sharp and funny. I made a good choice.

Morning, Mark! Have a great Sunday!

Wow! the first outdoor party?

Great start to a new thread, and a great weekend! Keep it up.

>43 Ameise1: Happy Sunday, Barb. Thanks for the refreshments. Smiles...

>45 scaifea: Morning Amber!

>46 maggie1944: Morning Karen! Most of the people stayed inside but it was a bit crowded, so our little gang found a spot outside. It got down into the 40s, so it was chilly.

Happy Sunday, Mark! Glad to see that you had a good time last night. How was the corned beef?

I nearly started reading Mermaids in Paradise in the wee hours of last night. Funny! Will probably get to it sooner than later.

Hope you can get the shopping and laundry done fairly early and can spend most of the day relaxing and reading!

The corned beef was fabulous, Laura. I wish I could have snuck some home in a doggy bag.

I am so glad you started Mermaids in Paradise too. I love her writing. Haven't cracked the book yet this morning but I plan on spending the afternoon with it. Grins...

I am sitting in the sunshine at a Starbucks on the east edge of St. Louis as I type this. It is a beautiful sun shining day and so different from the last two weeks of gloom and mist in Tuscaloosa.

I am listening to a great good fun book while I drive. It sure does wile away the time on the road and makes me laugh. The book? Passion of the Purple Plumeria by Lauren Willig. This series is so much fun to listen to that I went to the Tuscaloosa public library and checked out two of them. (You have to grab those recorded books when you find them because the Willig titles don't stay on the shelve for long.) The second book is The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla by the same author. I should get both books listened to before I get home. From St. Louis to Munden is 9 hours and I will just about be able to finish both titles before I get there. The second one will be held over to finish on the way back next week.

I will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day in the heart of Bohemian country but I do hope to make some kind of soda bread and beef roast for dinner. It won't be a party but it will be a nice meal.

"The non-subculture is made of people who believe that fossils are a trick. These people are suspicious of biology and mortally offended by an ape. Also they're angry about.
On the one hand moral fiber, possibly, but on the other hand madness."

-Mermaids in Paradise Boy, I love that!!

>50 benitastrnad: Happy Sunday, Benita! Where are you traveling to? Business or pleasure? I did not know you were taking a trip.

You missed me or are you ignoring me ;-(? I hope you have a lovely Sunday.

Sorry, just saw that you found my gif. :-). Hugs xx

Hi Mark! Thanks for keeping my thread alive!

^Just returned from a GN run to the library. If I don't have a small stack of GNs near my reading chair, I start to get itchy. Here is what I got:

Stumptown - This is a reread, since Joe is loving the first volume and I am hazy on the first.
Displacement - This one has echoes of the Chast memoir. Has anyone else heard of it?
Louis Riel- This bio sounds very interesting. I know one or 2 of my Canadian pals have mentioned Riel.
Revival: Volume 2- I know we have "undead" fatigue but the first one had a nice fresh premise.
March: Book Two- The first one was so good and I heard the 2nd is even better.

Gah! You have already finished the Sportdwriter? I am now going to go back and see your thoughts on it. I loved it when I read it, and even though it is not exactly your typical page-turner....well, ok, it was for me :)

Eta: could not find a review....did you like? How was the audio format?

>52 Ameise1: >53 Ameise1: I did miss you at first, Barb, but quickly corrected myself. LOL.

>54 connie53: Waves & Hugs to Connie!

>56 LovingLit: I haven't wrote up anything on The Sportswriter yet, Megan, although I should. I did like the book and I am looking forward to doing a reread of Independence Day, before moving on to book 3.
He is such a languid, ponderous writer, that I can easily see why he is an acquired taste.

And here I am again! Waving back!! Hugs too!!

Mmm, corned beef. I did not know that was considered Irish fare. Know I am craving a good feed of corned beef and cabbage. It has been a while as it was a dish that my ex used to make. Funny, his family wouldn't admit to their Irish roots and my family never made the dish although the name is very Irish!

Happy Sunday, Mark! I am jealous of your checking out March: Book Two - I can't request that one from our library system yet. Enjoy, my friend!

I am going home for spring break. We have some work to do in the yard at home - cleaning up some out buildings and cutting some trees that my mother wants taken down and my Dad didn't. I think that the last two visits home have been all about change. Some of which I think are necessary or good and some not.

I am in K. C. at a Starbucks now and sitting outside in the sun. It sure is nice to see the sun, but my sister says everybody here wants to see it rain. It is too hot and dry for spring.

^ This is the cover for the new Atwood, The Heart Goes Last. Getting pumped.

And speaking of Ms. Atwood. Should we do another Atwood April? I know we have boatloads on our reading plates, but it is always fun and I will probably read one or 2 anyway. I would love to finally get to Stone Mattress.

>55 msf59: Just got home from the library with a copy of March: Book Two! So excited to read it as I thought the first was excellent! Thank you for warbling about it, Mark! Also picked up The Glass God, the latest highly original urban fantasy set in the world of Matthew Swift, featuring Sharon Li, which Roni turned me onto. Very excited about that one too.

>58 connie53: We never have enough waves & hugs, Connie!

>59 Familyhistorian: My Mom is Irish, Meg, so we had corned beef and cabbage quite a bit when we were growing up and not just on St. Paddy's Day. I always enjoy it.

>60 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie. March Book 2 was on the "new" shelf at the library and I snagged that bad boy. I hope your library gets it soon.

>61 benitastrnad: I didn't realize spring break was coming up so soon. I don't pay attention to that anymore, since the kids are grown.
Have a great time with your family, Benita and I hope the weather remains mild.

>63 Storeetllr: Happy Sunday, Mary. It looks like we are both going to enjoy March Book 2. Smiles.
I am not familiar with The Glass God. Should I be?

Pretty warbler for the thread topper! Happy new thread, Mark!

I'm totally up for Atwood April. I have too many of her books sitting unread on the TBR mountain. :)

YES! for Atwood April!

>65 lkernagh: Thanks, Lori. Glad you like the warbler. Hope you had a nice weekend.

>66 jolerie: I always forget how any Atwood fans are out there. How many of hers have you read, Valerie?

>67 katiekrug: If KAK wants AA, then most likely there will be an AA. Grins...

>63 Storeetllr:, >64 msf59: Hi, Mark! Happy Sunday evening, and I heard from my daughter who's visiting Chicago that it was a glorious day today, so I hope you had a chance to enjoy the wonderful weather on your day off!

About The Glass God: Well, yes, since you ask, you should be familiar with the world of Matthew Swift! If not, read A Madness of Angels and get familiar! :) I know you enjoy The Rivers of London series, as do I, though to me it's a bit uneven from book to book. The Matthew Swift series is also urban fantasy set in London, but it is even more imaginative and original (I think) than the Rivers of London series. It's also darker than that series. There are four books in the original series, featuring Swift as the protag, then two in a spin-off series featuring Sharon Li as the protag but with appearances by Swift and others from the original series. The Li spin-off series is a bit lighter in tone, with some twists and plot devices that are quite original (again, I think) and a lot of fun.

Yes for Atwood April if for no other reason than you get to read the excellent Stone Mattress! I have a couple of hers unread on the shelf as well.

The one and only that I've read is A Handmaid's Tale (shame on me, I know!) and I loved it. I have a few of her other titles that I really want to get to, so I should get on it. Atwood April would be helpful to kick my butt in the right direction. ;)

>69 Storeetllr: Well, thanks, Mary! The Matthew Quick series sounds good. I have wishlisted A Madness of Angels. And I agree with you, that the Rivers of London books are uneven. I did love the first 2.

>70 Copperskye: Thanks, Joanne! I am looking forward to Stone Mattress. Have a great time at the MDR event. Jealous...

>71 jolerie: A Handmaid's Tale was also my first Atwood and remains my favorite but I am crazy about all her stuff. I hope you have Oryx and Crake on shelf, because I would suggest starting there.

I was just adding the Matthew Swift books to my library, and noticed that the first one (Madness of Angels) is the one with the lowest rating (3.82/5 stars); the next three are each rated over 4 stars. So, you know, if you aren't totally thrilled with Madness, maybe try the next one (The Midnight Mayor) before you decide it's not for you.

Louis Riel is a fabulous, educational GN! My son read it in first year university with a Can Lit course that he took. I think it was just to introduce that the " kids" to GN as an alternative. There are actually tons of foot notes, but I really enjoyed because did not know much about Louis Riel. Just remember it is one man's telling and some dispute the truth of what he wrote. Chester Brown, the author, is a unique fellow, shall I say?

>64 msf59: Ah, that explains the corned beef. My Dad was the one with the Irish name but I guess there wasn't much corned beef in the east end of London so the cuisine was taken over with what was available like toad in the hole or bubble and squeak.

I have A Handmaiden's Tale on the shelf and I've never read it, so I think AA is a perfect opportunity.

Atwood April sound great, for those who can plan that far ahead ;) Clearly I cannot.
I love the cover of the latest though!

^Of course this number is very special to us around here, but it will also be our temperature today. What?? Yah! I will be wearing sunscreen, to protect my pale, winterized skin. I am sure I will be breaking a sweat today. No shorts yet, though. I don't want to subject anyone, to these stark white calves.

I read a nice chunk of Mermaids in Paradise yesterday and it is such a good read and now there is a murder? I am also enjoying the Book of Unknown Americans, about the Latin immigrant experience and a good audio.

>73 Storeetllr: Thanks for the additional Matthew Swift info, Mary. I will definitely give it a try. Have a great time tonight.

>74 vancouverdeb: I remember you talking about Louis Riel in the past, Deb. I am looking forward to the GN bio. Thanks.

>75 Familyhistorian: Now, you are going to have me thinking about corned beef all day. LOL.

>76 mahsdad: Do yourself a big favor and bookhorn in A Handmaiden's Tale, Jeff. It is such a terrific read. I also highly recommend Oryx and Crake.

>77 LovingLit: I wasn't sure how popular AA was going to be this year, Megan but it sure has it's admirers.

"I don't want to subject anyone, to these stark white calves" That's our Mark - always thinking of others!

I also said YES to Atwood April. Yes, pretty please, Mark.

75???? I do remember Chicago turning from winter to summer, with no stops in between.

Enjoy the weather today, Mark! I'll look for your comments on both books; I'm glad you're enjoying them so far.

Morning, Mark! Enjoy that sunshine and heat wave today, friend!!

75!! What? Enjoy the heat wave. : ) And I voted yes for Atwood.

We are overcast right now, shutting off the sunlight, so it remains cool, about 60ish.

>80 Crazymamie: Yes, I could blind someone, with my legs and cause an accident or something. I have to be on the ball, Mamie.
And yah, for AA!!

>81 maggie1944: Today will be freakish, Karen. We get back to normal tomorrow and for the rest of the week. I am not complaining in the least.

>82 BLBera: Yes, the books and the weather are both cooperating, just the way we like it, Beth!

>83 scaifea: Waves to Amber! Just waiting on that sunshine. It will make a big difference.

>84 Berly: Waves to Kimmers! We are a ways from 75, at this moment. We will see. And yah to AA!!

Is winter gone for you guys?? That was sudden but I'm happy for you. Enjoy the warmth and I'm sure a little sunburn doesn't bother you as much as the woes of winter. ;)

75 degrees! So glad you finally can use that sunscreen, Mark!

It is 90 today here in Kansas. The wind is blowing and it is much too warm for this time of year. I spent the morning cleaning out our family freezer shed. It is falling down and the roof has caved in so much it is hard to get the lid to the freezer open. I rallied the cousins and tomorrow the tractor and dump truck will appear and the shed will disappear.

My sister and I cleaned stuff out for most of the morning and we will now have to organize and put stuff in the new shed my Dad built a few years ago. He just never got the freezer moved and the old shed removed.

“I was feeling lonely without her, but the fact that I could feel lonely at all was consolation. Loneliness wasn't such a bad feeling. It was like the stillness of the pin oak after the little birds had flown off.”

― Haruki Murakami, A Wild Sheep Chase I have not read this one but it is on shelf thanks to my pal, Jeff.

^This is perfect for my current read, Mermaids in Paradise. I love Millet's crisp, sharp prose and she has such a fun, biting wit.

On audio, I am getting close to wrapping up The Book of Unknown Americans, which I am enjoying.

>86 jolerie: "Is winter gone for you guys?" I sure hope so, Valerie. I am sure it will get cold a few more days but as long as the strong stuff is over with, I am happy.

>87 connie53: Definitely piling on the sunscreen, Connie, especially with my skin being so fair, after the LONG winter.

>88 benitastrnad: 90 degrees? Yikes, Benita. That is to damn hot for March. We inched up to 75, in the later afternoon but it stayed mostly cloudy, so it was comfortable. No, whining here.
Good luck on all those chores.

>89 msf59: Thanks Mark! Hope you enjoy it, when you get to it.

BTW, it was pushing 90 on the coast this weekend, out here too. It was not fun.

That sounds HOT, Jeff. I am not ready for those temps yet. I plan on reading at least 2 Murakami books this year and I hope A Wild Sheep Chase is one of them.

Yeah to Atwood April! I'm way over my head anyway so what's one more (I'll be looking for a thin one on my shelf). Ooh, hopefully that 75 will be moving my way tomorrow! Next Sunday the forecast high is 22f. Winter ain't down yet :0(

Glad that your weather is finally warming up! And yes to Atwood.

Mark I think you would really like A Madness of Angels. It's just twisty enough for you. Very imaginative.

It did creep up to the mid-70s yesterday but suddenly we are back to normal. 47 today. Well, that is March, being...March.

I should wrap up the audio of The Book of Unknown Americans and move on to Embassytown, my Mieville pick for the BAC. Mieville's been a bit of a mixed bag for me, so let's hope this one comes out on the positive side.

>94 Carmenere: Hi, Lynda! Good game of TC. Nice win. Yah, for AA and yah, for 75 degrees. I hope that plunge in to the deep cold, doesn't involve us.

>95 banjo123: We had a beautiful week, Rhonda. We sure NEEDED it. It looks like we will have another AA.

>96 luvamystery65: Hi, Ro! These Swift books sound good. I have to see if I can find them on audio. They all seem to be chunksters and that's how I like to tackle the big guys.

Green beer today to celebrate St Patrick's, Mark?

>98 cameling: As long as it is a good beer, I have no problem with the color. Thanks, Caro!

Given my increasing BAC/AAC backlog I probably need to be sectioned... but I'm in for Atwood April - in fact I have it scheduled, ready and waiting :)

Hope you are enjoying a bit of warmth - it was stunning here this afternoon too. Just reminding me that we can have nice weather sometimes and that it won't be long before we can go for an evening dip in the sea.

Hi! Glad your weather has return to more normal, so has ours. Cool, cloudy, and an occasional glimpse of the sun. No rain today, but it will return.

I spent large parts of yesterday breaking in my new iPhone. Bah humbug, no reading. I need to get to the books today.

Hiya, Mark! I know I saw you review Jamaica Inn somewhere. Did I miss it here? What'd you think?

Stumptown - yay! I'm enjoying the second as much as the first. March Book 2 - yay! I'm going to be picking it up soon, too.

A Wild Sheep Chase - yay! Be sure to put on your bizarro hat before reading.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Murakami would probably appreciate a city strange enough to dye its river green.

Hi Mark, Happy St Patrick's Day.

^I always have some on hand. B.A.G.

>100 BekkaJo: Hi, Bekka! Good to see you. I hope nobody "sections" you. LOL. We do have fun with AA. Hope the warm weather continues.

>101 maggie1944: Hi, Karen! I hope you were finally able to get to the books. They stack up you know?

>102 jnwelch: Hey, Joe! Great to see you. And thanks for the great shot of Chicago and the green river. I did not review Jamaica Inn. I just left comments here and there. I really liked it though.

>103 lindapanzo: Happy St Patrick's Day, Linda! Hope you had a good day. It was sure a chilly, windy start but it was better in the afternoon.

>104 msf59: She needs a book Mark. Oh, that's your new nickname, BookMark. ;-)

She needs a BookMark!

^How is this one, Ro?

>107 msf59: Perfect!

perfect!

>105 msf59:, yes, I did. Making good progress in Being Mortal and that is a good thing because I think I have two friends who are queued up to borrow it.

After finishing up Mermaids in Paradise, I wasn't sure what print book to start next, before I start Wolf Hall, for the weekend. I scanned my Must Read Now Shelf, (this is not as threatening as it sounds. Books languish here too!) and I picked Tunneling to the Center of the Earth: Stories. I've wanted to read this collection forever. I LOVED The Family Fang. Anyone else read, either one?

On audio, I started Embassytown, for the BAC. It seems to be a lot of world-building and Mieville throws you in the mix but I like it so far but I really have to pay attention.

>108 luvamystery65: Smiles...

>109 maggie1944: Glad you got to the books, Karen. Hope you find more time today. My wife is currently reading Being Mortal.

>105 msf59: Jeez, maybe I dreamed I saw your Jamaica Inn review, Mark. I feel like I've reached a new level of book nerddom if I'm dreaming about book reviews.

I'm going to try to do mini-reviews of my recent reads, including that one. I ended up liking it, too, as a good yarn.

I'm making my way through the well done Real Jane Austen - a lot to digest! and another Phryne Fisher - she's a great character. For GNs I'm about halfway through Here (interesting), and I'm near the end of the second Stumptown, which I've liked as much as the first. Go Dex!

>111 jnwelch: Joe, I didn't realize that you like the Phryne Fisher books. I love those books, though I'm only about halfway through the series so far. The TV version isn't bad either.

I've several books going right now but, unbelievably, no mysteries. Maybe I'll make a Phryne Fisher book my next mystery.

Chilly but pleasant enough. Lack of wind is a big plus.

>111 jnwelch: I really need to force myself into doing more mini-reviews, Joe. It helps to collect my thoughts and it is good practice.
I am reading another GN gem called Displacement, a memoir similar to the Chast one, we all loved.

>112 lindapanzo: Big waves to Linda! I've been on a frustrating TC run lately. No momentum. Grrrrrrrr....

>112 lindapanzo: Yes, love the Phryne Fisher books, Linda, and Becca and I are fans of the Aussie tv series. Phryne is terrific, isn't she?

>113 msf59: Hmm, Displacement is new to me, Mark. Looking forward to hearing your reaction to it.

>114 jnwelch: The author takes her grandparents, in their 90s, on a Caribbean cruise. Both frail, one senile. She also reads David foster Wallace's "cruise" essay before departing. LOL!

>115 msf59: oh that sounds hilarious. The hubs and I often reference the DFW essay when we are on a "supposedly fun" outing or holiday, like our recent experience at an all-inclusive Caribbean resort.

St. Paddy's day came and went and I barely noticed it! Except the little one wore green to school. That was the extent of my celebrations. :)
Are you reading Wolf Hall in print version? That thing looks like it's a monster to lug around...

>115 msf59:, >116 lauralkeet: Our future DIL teaches DFW at Pitt, and she just asked me about his cruise essay, which I haven't read. Obviously I need to!

St. Pat's day came and went in a haze of shouting and falling trees. I got my cousin's to come over and help me clean up my mother's yard as well as clean out a shed that was falling down. The shed was full of treasures that she didn't want to part with, and the dispersal of this stuff that hasn't been seen or heard of in the last 40 years (date my parents moved into the house) suddenly turned into precious stuff from which she simply couldn't be parted. The trees and bushes in the yard were not a problem.

Reading - what reading I have spent the last two days buried in the inside of an old shed. I did start dreaming of returning to Manderly - again by starting to read Rebecca for the B.A. C.

Delurking to thank for the Displacement reference, which I will definitely go looking for after enjoying Blankets.

Been away for a few days and I'm a whole thread and a half behind - sheesh!

Love the quote in the topper - definitely found my tribe when I joined this group.

Yes - I have added El Deafo to my library wish list - between you and JNWelch - I pretty much had to. I need to get back on the library site and add The Gigantic Beard that was Evil too.

Yay - Stumptown! Just got myself first on the library waiting list for Volume 3.

I've started Wolf Hall but am only about a third of the way through. It's been a slow read for me but that's more due to me and small bits of reading time than it has anything to do with the book.

^I don't think I even need a voting ticker, do I?

Hmmmm I hope you already know this Mark, but I read and loved Tunneling to the Center of the Earth. Hint: you received that book in the mail.

>116 lauralkeet: I am not very far in Displacement, Laura, but I can tell it's going to be good. There is going to be humorous moments but it looks like there will be some dark and painful ones too.

>117 jolerie: Hi, Valerie! In regards to Wolf Hall, my plan is do both print and audio. I have a library copy of it and yes, it is BIG. I've had good luck tackling chunksters, using this tactic, so I am optimistic.

>118 jnwelch: Wow, Joe! The DIL teaching DFW? How very cool. So, I take it, she is a big fan?

>119 benitastrnad: " I did start dreaming of returning to Manderly - again." That did crack me up, Benita. Sorry, to hear about all the shoutin'! I hope things go smoothly in the future.

>120 charl08: I am really enjoying Displacement in the early going, Charlotte. Did you read the Chast memoir?

>121 SuziQoregon: Howdy, tribal member! Great to see you, Juli! I loved El Deafo and I am sure you will. I am working through a nice stack of GNs, which always brings me pleasure. Glad to hear you are a Stumptown fan. I am rereading book 1, before #2, which I know Joe is loving.

>123 brenzi: I am sorry, Bonnie! I completely forgot you sent me Tunneling to the Center of the Earth. Hey, at least I put it right on my Must Read Now shelf, that should count for something?
I am only on the 2nd story but I love it so far.

>107 msf59: love that bookmark!

So St Patrick's Day is big in the US huh? Is that on account of the Irish immigration there? Or just another excuse to drink beer? ;)

Hope you are coming out of hibernation now Mark...not that you got to, I mean I bet you would have wanted to spend a few months reading in the warmth....instead of trudging in it. Am I helping?? OK, I'd better go ;)

>124 msf59: I did read Can't we talk about something more pleasant. I even risked 'crazy' status at my local library by trying to recommend it to the librarian for the seniors book group. :-) Enjoying Are you my mother now, and hoping some more GNs come through the reservation system soon.

I picked up GN Through the Woods by Emily Carroll from the library this afternoon and my daughter had it read in about 20 mins and then pestered me to read it NOW. Just did and thought it was really great, I'm pretty sure the rec came from your thread, so thanks.We'll probably get a copy to keep.

I also brought home a GN memoir by WIll Eisner, To the heart of the storm.

Sweet Thursday! I have the weekend off this week but I am going to see if they need me to work Friday. I am taking off Saturday. We have some plans for that day.
I am enjoying my collection, Tunneling to the Center of the Earth. If you like George Saunders, Karen Russell or Kelly Link, you will like this. Embassytown continues to entertain/baffle in equal measures. He is so damn creative.
My GN, Displacement is also very good.

>126 LovingLit: St Patrick's Day is mostly just an excuse to drink and act like a fool. Yes, I am enjoying the warmer temps, although it's been a bit cooler this week. Still not complaining...

>127 charl08: Hi, Charlotte! Wasn't the Chast memoir fantastic? I was not a fan of Are you my mother, (the angsty stuff drove me crazy) but I LOVED Fun Home.

>128 avatiakh: Good to see you, Kerry! I am glad you loved Through the Woods. She did a great job. I will have to check out the Eisner memoir. Thanks.

Hi, Mark. Sounds as if you may be getting a little reading accomplished with the weekend off. I have a lovely day "off" today, too. I am going to hang with the kids and get them off to school but after that I'm doing nothing special. I may pick up a paint brush and try to accomplish some more painting. But I also expect to do some reading today. I don't know what will be my next "must get back to that book" - just finished Being Mortal during a very slow shopping shift yesterday. I think I sat in the car, in a parking lot, in the sunshine for 2.5 hours before I was given a batch of groceries to buy and deliver. I was delighted. What a wonderful book!

>124 msf59: Yes, the DIL is a big David Foster Wallace fan, Mark. She's the one who gave me Consider the Lobster. One of his she teaches is his "review" in that book of Bryan Garner's Modern American Usage. That essay entertainingly digresses about all sorts of issues concerning correct language use. I found it very challenging. I know you're already familiar with him, but if someone needed convincing that the guy was brilliant, that might be a good place to start.

I'm continuing to enjoy The Real Jane Austen, and the second Stumptown lived up to the first. (I reviewed the first one over on my thread). Now I'm going to check on whether the third one is out yet. Love that Dex.

Hope it's a good one for you today.

Breezy and cool. That is all I got...

>130 maggie1944: They haven't told me if I am working tomorrow or not. Either way, it is a Win-Win.
Hope you enjoy your day off tomorrow.

>131 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. Did the DIL try to convince you to tackle Infinite Jest? Lol. I really want to get to Consider the Lobster.
I think Displacement is just your cuppa.

Yay for a weekend off. We have a rare empty calendar this weekend and I cannot wait.

Hi Mark. Returning your visit to my thread. Much appreciated! We don't celebrate St. Patrick's day. I vaguely heard about it and I can imagine some of the rituals around the day. Green!

>132 msf59: I meant to ask the DIL about Infinite Jest. I assume I'm going to give it a go some day. I'm just hoping it doesn't have footnotes. It's long enough without those to deal with.

I think I already added Displacement to the WL, based on your earlier comments, but I'll double check.

I'm going to give Gaiman's graphic adaptation of The Graveyard Book a try now. It has gotten many huzzahs out there. I finished Here, and admired the concept and execution very much, while not getting that big a kick out of the book.

Just stopping by to wish you a quick hello on this wet (here in Colorado, anyway) Thursday. How wonderful you'll be having both Saturday and Sunday off! Hope the weather is good for your plans!

>135 jnwelch: Thanks for the tip on The Graveyard Book GN, Joe! I just ordered both Vol. 1 and 2 from the library, and I'm number 1 in line for both!

>136 Storeetllr: That's excellent, Mary. This should be fun.

I may need to get a card at your library - the line seems shorter than mine. :-)

^Well, they told me they did not need me tomorrow. What?? There is a small chance they might call me in the morning, but there may be even a smaller chance that I would agree to come in at that point. Stay tuned..Same Bat channel.

I have to throw something together for dinner and I WILL BE BACK!!

>133 SuziQoregon: Sounds like a perfect weekend, Juli! Enjoy! And Happy Reading!

>134 connie53: Waves & Hugs to Connie!

>135 jnwelch: Infinite Jest is on my biblio-bucket list, Joe! I will get to it. I completely forgot about the graphic adaptation of The Graveyard Book. That could be a real treat. I sure hope they did a stellar job.

>136 Storeetllr: Sweet Thursday, Mary! Sorry, to hear about all the rain. We are bone dry here. I saw that MDR had to cancel some of her book tour due to her nagging illness. Glad you saw her when you did. Whew!

>137 jnwelch: Did this graphic adaptation just come out, Joe?

Woohoo, enjoy your holiday Mark! (if you think of it as a holiday, it will be a holiday)

THREE DAY WEEKEND! wOOt!!!

>140 LovingLit: Thanks, Megan! And you need to listen to Courtney Barnett. I finally left some comments over on the Ford Challenge. Bad Mark!

>141 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary. I haven't even decided what to do with myself tomorrow, since I expected to work. Well, the books are whispering my name...

Catching up with you, Mark - hooray for a three day weekend!

What? 3 day weekend?? B.A.G. I'm sure. :D

^Yes, my allergies are kicking in. The next 4 to 5 weeks will be the toughest and then it moves on. I am usually safe until next spring, with a brief flair up in the fall.
Any fellow sufferers?

Happy Friday! Well, it looks like I am off today, no phone call yet. It would have been a good day to work, since I have nothing planned but I am far from disappointed.
I plan on reading a large chunk of Tunneling to the Center of the Earth, which I may even finish, along with my current GN, Displacement. The only bump in the road, is I did not finish Embassytown on audio, which I thought I was going to finish today. I will try to listen to it, here and there over the weekend but will have to probably wait until Monday, before wrapping it up.

>143 Crazymamie: Mamie made it! Mamie made it! Yah!

>144 jolerie: You cracked me up with, B.A.G.! LOL. Yes, I am looking forward to a few days off. Thanks, Valerie!

Three day weekend? Sweet!

>139 msf59: Nope, the graphic adaptations of The Graveyard Book came out last year. The first one looks great.

>145 msf59: Our whole family starts taking Zyrtec at this time of year. Minimizes what would be coughing and sneezing for me.

I'm near the end of my Phryne Fisher, and continuing to learn a lot about Jane Austen's time and life in The Real Jane Austen. I've got a goofy X-Men reboot, that I picked up at Comic Con, to finish, and then it's on to the Gaiman. Oh, I reviewed March Book One over on my thread.

Enjoy the day off!

Yes, first day of spring, but it also my son's birthday. Yep, my bouncing baby boy, (he now looms over me) was born 23 years ago. Go Matt! Go Matt!

>147 jnwelch: Morning Joe! I will have to scope out The Graveyard Book GN. That still remains my favorite Gaiman.

For my allergies, I've been taking generic ClaritinD, which seems to quell the messier parts of my seasonal afflictions.

Sorry to learn that spring is allergy season for you, Mark. I thankfully do not suffer from allergies, yet - *knocks on wood* - but I feel for those that do.

Ugh! Allergy season. I seem to have allergies all year long to the point that, when I got a cold earlier this year, I wasn't sure it was a cold or just a worse case of allergies. Hope the ClaritinD works for you so you have a wonderful and well-deserved 3-day holiday!

Like Joe, I also start with the Zyrtec this time of year. Happy Birthday to Matt! He and Rae were born just one week apart!

Enjoy those days "off" and I imagine you'll be reading bunches!

Well Mark, thanks for asking but the " Patient " is sick of being a " Patient". I am back to hospital in an hour for another round of IV antibiotics and I sick of having to go in each morning for antibiotics. I am hoping today will be the last day, but I am sure what will happen until I go into today and they tell me - more IV stuff or just on pills from now one. I am weary of the IV in my arm - a girl has got to wash her hair! ;) It is tough to keep it the IV thing dry! Complain, complain!

Have a great spring day! :)

Okay, had a chiropractor visit. I have to keep that lower back region ship-shape. I also made a library run, mostly GNs again. Yes, I am an addict.

>149 lkernagh: Happy Friday, Lori! I didn't get allergies until my late 20s. I am hoping that it fades away at some point. You are fortunate that you don't have to deal with them.

>150 Storeetllr: Having allergies all year round, has to be such a drag. I guess, I am fortunate that I only have to deal with it for a couple of months.

Have a great weekend too, Mary.

>151 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! Did you see any change to your allergies, when you moved south?

>152 maggie1944: Thanks, Karen! You are enjoying a day off today, right?

>153 vancouverdeb: Sounds like "Patient " isn't a Happy Camper. Sounds rough, my friend. I hope this gets cleared up quickly. Sending healing vibes...

I actually do better down here, Mark because we don't live across the road from a soybean field! The soybeans send me!! Craig does worse because of all the pine pollen, so I guess it evens out - just depends what you are reacting to, I guess. But if I didn't Zyrtec - I would have to carry a box of kleenex with me on my walks this time of year.

You know, I never got tested, Mamie, so I am not sure what I react to. Mold? Ragweed? Tree pollen? I have no idea. All I know is, is that it sucks.

I think climate/region definitely make a difference.

Yes, I'm enjoying some time without the pressure of what's coming up next.....

The youngest of the Niece's kids is coming down with a cold, or maybe she's starting the whole allergies in the springtime deal; nonetheless, she really did not feel well enough to go to school (according to her, of course) and as she definitely was dragging, I decided to give her one of those "stay home, and learn that school is more fun" days. She is sentenced to staying in my bed all day, no TV, no electronics like my Nook, or my Kindle, no nothing. Boredom, and sleep. Oh, and she has one small book appropriate for her 1st grade reading skills which she is allowed to read in bed. So, for now, she is asleep. My housemate is also taking a nap, and her son is being quiet reading stuff on his cell phone. I'm on the computer, headed for reading on my Kindle. What a lovely, quiet, morning. (-:

Happy weekend, Mark! Sorry about the allergies. I get them as well, but they haven't hit yet this year.

Congrats for Thomas, Mark. And on the three day weekend!

>157 maggie1944: Your day sounds like a good one so far, Karen. Enjoy! And make a dent in that current read.

>158 banjo123: Happy Friday, Rhonda! Boo to allergies. Atchoo...

>159 connie53: Happy Friday, Connie. Thomas??

Hi Mark, enjoy your long weekend.

I'm going to see the Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel tonight. Loved the first movie.

>161 lindapanzo: Can't wait to hear what you think, Linda. We loved the first one, too.

Great opening photo Mark! Happy Day To You.

^GNs and great beer! Life is good, my friends.

>161 lindapanzo: Happy, Friday, Linda! I have never seen the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Is this an oversight?

>162 jnwelch: OMG! Is this who I think it is? Just made my day, Linda! Wow, it is great to see you. Swoons...

Crosses fingers, no allergies for me! One my of sons is really bothered by seasonal allergies and he has a puffer thing that has a bit of a steroid in it and it makes all the difference! Kind of like one of those asthma puffer things, but he does not have asthma . I have to look away from your Sex Criminals Book and your booze! I'm going to assign you my current book , a literary contraceptive book that takes place in the 1920's to sway you away from your life of debauchery, Mark! ;) I guess I'm not so sick after if I'm full of it as usual. It's my current read Aren't We Sisters?

Hi Mark, I've finally got time to visit your thread. I wish you a great weekend.

Happy weekend! It feels like we are going through a quiet period on the threads. See, what happens when Amber and Paul are away? The mice don't play. I think people are just busy with RL, which does seem to intrude now and then. Sighs...

We have to attend a wake this morning, for a very good friend of my FIL and then we are taking the "kids" for a brewery-crawl, for their birthdays. That will be later this afternoon. I hope I can bookhorn in some book-time, in between.

ETA: I did finish Tunneling to the Center of the Earth: Stories, which I loved. Wilson is getting the Gold Star from me.

>166 vancouverdeb: " I have to look away from your Sex Criminals Book and your booze!" LOL. You always crack me up, Deb. Me and my "debauchery". Will it ever end? I hope your elbow is doing better today. Fingers crossed.

>167 Ameise1: Happy Weekend, Barb! Great to see you and I hope you had a fine week.

Morning, Mark! Happy Saturday!

Morning Mamie! Thanks! I was just over at your place. Smiles...

>168 msf59: I've thought it was rather quiet around here too. I'm caught up all the time---that can't be right!

Happy Saturday, Mark!

Happy Saturday Mark! I hope the brewery crawl goes well!

>172 laytonwoman3rd: Without the big guns, keeping things going, Linda, LT gets quiet, which isn't a bad thing, once in awhile.

>173 katiekrug: Back at you, my friend. Hope you have a nice one planned.

>174 The_Hibernator: Happy Weekend, Rachel. Good to see you. I am sure the brewery crawl will be a blast. It always is...

Happy Saturday, Mark.

Absolutely loved the Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel last night. These are based on a book but I didn't catch the author's name. Elderly English expats who move to India and live in a rundown hotel. Judi Dench. Maggie Smith. The woman who plays Mrs Crawley in DA (I always forget her name).

Isobel? We still have not seen the first one, Linda. I think we are going to snag a copy from Red Box and watch it tomorrow night.

Yes, Isobel. In the movie, she is not a nice woman.

As I mentioned, I am liking The Sportswriter. I've got my April AAC book planned but I am really eager to read Wallace Stegner. Is he in May? I might have to clear my calendar and read a few of his that month.

Bad Isobel, huh? LOL. My favorite thing about this latest DA, was the relationship between the Lady Dowager and Isobel.

Oops, I edited instead of adding a new comment.

Anyway, in this second movie, I absolutely loved seeing Judi Dench and Maggie Smith in the same scene.

We work with an Indian outsourcer. Even though I initially took him for a middle aged woman (his name is Joy), I chat a bit by email with my counterpart there. He loves to read about/hear about the U.S. and, while I don't know that much about India, the scenes in both movies portraying Indian life and culture are fascinating to me.

There seems to be a trend to re-publish hit novels as graphic novels. Graveyard Book is only the latest. Game of Thrones and Outlander are examples of things that have already been done. I know I am cynical about it, but it is merely an attempt to get more money out of a novel. If the original story could have been told in the shortened prose that is present in a graphic novel why wasn't it? In my opinion, either the original novel was too long and should have been edited big time, or it was told in the wrong format to start with. I also have some of the same opinions about books adapted into movies. The novel is a novel and I have to just remind myself that other formats are not the same, so reading the novel isn't the same as watching a movie. Even then I wonder why people who do graphic novels, movies, radio shows, etc. couldn't just write their own plots. Why steal the plot of a novel?

>180 lindapanzo: I am looking forward to the movie, Linda.

>181 benitastrnad: I don't get very excited about these GN adaptations, either, Benita. Although, it is interesting to see these fictional works, through a different art form.
I think it also gets these books into more hands and hopefully this leads them back to the original series.

GNs have really exploded, along with audiobooks, so expect to see many more.

Happy weekend my friend!

My husband suffers from allergies as well. He wears a mask when he cuts the grass or he pays for it big time.
He doubles up on the antihistamines and what he's found the last couple of years is the neti poti has been super helpful in maintaining the allergies so he's not miserable.
Hope yours isn't as bad!

Hey, buddy. We're getting ready to go out, and are off to NYC tomorrow. Have a great weekend!

The Graveyard Book is excellent in graphic form so far.

Have fun in The Big Apple, Joe!

I kind of like to see some novels adapted to GNs, though the illustrations don't always match the pictures I had in my head when reading the novel. It's sort of like when I go through photos or postcards of past trips I have taken. Not the same as being there, not at all, but they remind me of the fun I had and it always brings a smile to my face. Anyway, can't wait to read the GN of The Graveyard Book!

Enjoy the brewery-crawl, Mark!

#185
The pictures in my head a usually different as well and I suspect that is the reason why I don't like GN's adapted from novels either. I don't seem to have that trouble with original GN's.

I do hate it when people say that the movie was so different from the book. They have to be. It is two different formats that work in different ways. That is why they have to adapted and changed.

>186 benitastrnad:, I like the graphic novels I've read which were not based on any previous work but instead are perfectly suited to the graphic novel format. It is a fresh, new, format not like novels, or short stories, or comic books, or movies, or nonfiction narrative writing. And that is why I like it. I have a small collection, some of which I have not found interesting enough to finish, but I keep them just in case. My favorites so far have been Maus, Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant, and Through the Woods. Each very different from the others, and none of which would have been successful as a novel, IMHO.

I agree with Benita that too many books today are published without the talents of an editor, or even a copy editor, and are sloppy and unprofessional as a result. But I don't think had there been an editor the book would have looked like a graphic novel story, without the pictures.

I also like that graphic novels are giving artists a whole new venue.

OK. Enough opinion out of me. I'm going to go back and read.

^The gang doing the brewery crawl. Had a good time. Unfortunately, my wife was sick and she couldn't join us. She was bummed. She's a beer fan too!

^This place was called the 350 Brewery. It was just okay. Our favorite was Hailstorm Brewery. We only did two, plus one brewpub.

Happy Sunday! There are some house chores to attend to, but there should be boat-loads of R & R too. I ended up getting Embassytown in print, from the library, so I can wrap it up. I need to clear the decks for Wolf Hall, which I will be tackling in both print/audio.

>183 jolerie: Waves & Hugs to Valerie. I hope the hubby doesn't suffer much this allergy season.

>185 Storeetllr: Have a safe trip to NYC, Joe. Is this business related?

>186 benitastrnad: All good points, Benita!

>187 maggie1944: Morning Karen! I appreciate the GN input. I just say: Keep 'em coming!

38) Mermaids in Paradise by Lydia Millet 4 stars

Deb and Chip are newlyweds. They are spending their honeymoon at a Caribbean island resort. While snorkeling at a coral reef, someone spots mermaids. The resort owners want to cash in on this phenomenon and the married couple, along with a few other caring souls, including a crusty Ex-Navy Seal, want to protect the mermaids and save them from exploitation.
Sure, the premise is fanciful but the writing is actually sharp and insightful, with plenty of edgy wit. I will definitely be reading more of Millet's work.

Mark - "Edgy wit" is a great description of Mermaids in Paradise. I, too, will be looking for more Millet.

Good morning, Mark! Mermaids in Paradise has gone on my Bookmooch Wishlist! Drat You. :)

Happy Sunday to you.

37) The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez 4 stars

Two Latin immigrant families, one Panamanian, one Mexican, are living in a rundown apartment building in Delaware. Told from alternating narratives, the story unfolds of how these people made their way to America and their various struggles to survive in a new country.
This is a well-written novel, from an interesting perspective and captures the immigrant experience, in an honest and thoughtful manner.

Great picture of you and your family . Your son looks so much like you! Sorry your wife was not up to the pub crawl. Hey - guess what my mail man is bringing me on Monday ? Our first Flat Screen TV :) We are moving into the 21 st century via snail mail!

Mermaids in Paradise - hmmm - a person named Deb married a guy with a flakey name like Chip? I just can't see that. I'll have give that one a miss!

>191 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. Reviews seem to be mixed on this one, but it sure worked for us. I would have liked to see more mermaids. They played a very minor role.

>192 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Sorry, for the BB! That happens now and then around here. I think you would like this book.

>194 vancouverdeb: Morning, Deb! Congrats on getting the new TV. Sounds very nice. And I think you would really like Chip. He's a very good guy.

>188 msf59: Hi Mark, this is a great photo. Thanks for sharing it. I hope your wife feels much better. Wishing you a most lovely R & R Sunday.

Hi Mark, happy Sunday.

Just a lazy day planned, watching sports and reading.

>196 Ameise1: Happy Sunday, Barb! Glad you liked the photo.

>197 lindapanzo: Sounds like a perfect day, Linda. We were hitting a couple breweries in the far southern suburbs last night. We hope to make it up to the far northern 'burbs to hit some in the near future. There supposed to be some good ones.

>198 msf59: "My" northern suburbs or places like Skokie or Evanston that are barely north?

In a couple of weeks, we're going to Timothy O'Toole's in Gurnee. The best burgers anywhere and I've heard it said a great selection of beers. That's after the Erik Larson talk.

I'm now more than halfway through The Sportswriter. Maybe I'll finish it in the next few days. Not a top read for me but oddly engrossing.

>160 msf59: Matt! I meant Matt!

Displacement by Lucy Knisley 4.3 stars

Okay, imagine that you are single, 27 years old and you volunteer to take your grandparents on a seven day Caribbean cruise. They are both in their 90s and one has dementia. If this sounds like a perfect recipe for disaster,you would be correct, but that is exactly what cartoonist Lucy Knisley did and she lived to tell the story. It is funny, sad, heart-warming and brave and Knisley handles it all beautifully. The illustrations are simple, yet lively and expressive.

Fans of Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant? should also connect with this one.

>193 msf59: Oh, that's encouraging, Mark. I didn't realize you were reading The Book of Unknown Americans. That one looked tempting to me.

I've started the second Mercy Thompson, called Blood Bound, and I'm catching up on New Yorkers (one of the recent ones has a Stephen King short story you'd probably appreciate). Not bad out here in NYC; sunny and high 40s F.

Looks like you've been having a good weekend!

>199 lindapanzo: Yep. I am referring to your "north", Linda. LOL. The Evanston area. There is also one called the Chain of Lakes Brewery, that I would like to try.

>200 connie53: No problem, Connie.

>202 jnwelch: Big waves to NYC! I think you would like The Book of Unknown Americans. Stephen King sure hasn't slowed down in his old age, has he?

>201 msf59: I'd been oblivious to this writer until you mentioned her earlier on the thread - but found that the library system has one of her earlier travelogues. So I'm set for that (and hoping by the time I've finished it they might have ordered this one, which looks excellent...).

Hi Mark! Happy weekend to you.

My daughter Marina is not normally a GN reader, but she asked for (and received) the first of The Graveyard Book adaptations. I think she loves seeing all of those characters who have lived in her mind come alive via talented illustrators.

Great review of Mermaids in Paradise! Interesting concept.

>204 charl08: I had not been familiar with Knisley, until recently, Charlotte. Now I will be seeking her earlier work out.

>205 AMQS: Happy Sunday, Anne. Great to see you. Glad to hear your daughter likes Gaiman and these adaptations. The Graveyard Book remains my favorite of his work.

I really enjoyed Mermaids in Paradise and I imagine you would too. Thanks.

>201 msf59: I thought that the art in Displacement looked familiar. Turns out that I have a couple of Lucy Knisley's GNs on the shelf. I really should read one of them - so many books, so little time.

I started listening to Last Policeman on your recommendation for this novel. I really like this one. I liked it so much I put the second and third novels in the trilogy on my wishlist. I found the recorded version of this novel at a Truck Stop in Kansas a year ago for about $15.00 and decided to purchase. It has been worth it. The narrator is good. I also listened to Best Game Ever and liked it as well. That game was before my time, but I did love Johnny U and the Colts, so it was a good book to listen to while driving. If you can find the recorded version of the book to listen to while you walk, I would recommend it. It is only about 7 hours so really would be just one day of listening. I didn't get much read on Rebecca with all the other things going on during the trip, but I am liking that book as well.

It is raining cats and dogs down here and at home in Kansas they can't get any rain for love nor money. It was so very dry there and since it is early in the spring they need the moisture. The warm weather is good for the cattle as it is also calving season. Cool and wet down here at this time of year isn't good and hot and dry up there at this time of year isn't good.

"He will remember his first sight of the open sea: a gray wrinkled vastness, like the residue of a dream."

"Over the city lies the sweet, rotting odor of yesterday's unrecollected sins."

I started Wolf Hall. I am surprised how quick the narrative is. She is a master storyteller and her prose sparkles. I am already 50 pages in. Any trepidation has quickly been dispelled...

Look at you and your batch of mini-reviews, Mark! Good job. :)

Oh and I echo what Deb says. Your son looks so much like you! Mini-mark. ;)

Greetings, Mark! I think you'll like Wolf Hall. Do you know when the PBS show is happening? I might have to shift away from some other planned reading to get to Bring Up the Bodies before then.

I'm immediately putting Displacement on the wish list hold at the library.

>207 Familyhistorian: Happy Sunday, Meg! I'll be watching for your thoughts on Knisley. Hope you can bookhorn in one or 2.

>208 benitastrnad: I am glad you are enjoying the Last Policeman, Benita. It is a good trilogy, but the first one is my favorite and yes, they are perfect on audio. I hope you find more time for Rebecca and I hope Kansas gets some rain. We've been dry too but snow is coming.

>210 jolerie: Thanks, Valerie. I was also happy with my little flurry of mini-reviews. My goal is to do better.

Matt is a good looking boy (he just turned 23). He is taller and has a better build than good old Dad, but I am not complaining.

>213 msf59: I will put one of the Knisley's on the currently reading pile hoping to get to it sooner. Cinnamon and Gunpowder somehow found its way onto my computer desk while I was supposed to be working today. Looks like it will be a good one.

Oh, I'm so glad you're enjoying Wolf Hall so far, Mark! I've been considering it for years, but have been daunted by the subject matter and my mixed reviews.

>203 msf59: Chain O Lakes Brewery is still south of here and a bit west.

Is that the Wolf Hall that'll be on PBS soon?

Hope we don't get much snow. Not looking forward to being out and about in it.

I think that Wolf Hall start on Sunday, April 5, 2015 on PBS. I don't think that it will include Bring Up the Bodies as I read about it, it was just the one book with hopes to adapt more of it later.

Wow! Mark, great job of the mini - reviews. I like the sounds of many of the graphic novels. I'm sad to say that my library carries very few GN and I think I have read all that they have . The library does have a lot of Manga sort of graphic novels, but Manga is not my kind of thing. Maybe I'll make a GN purchase request to my library for Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant and / or Displacement by Lucy Kinsley. Your son is indeed a good looking young man! And he has a fine name , Matt, versus Chip. Our youngest ( turning 25) has now been out of the roost for an entire week !He and his finance stopped by yesterday evening, so it was nice to see them. The wedding is coming up in July. We'll have to institute some sort of eating out night for the hubby and me and our two sons and our daughter in law to be. It's a good way to keep in touch with your kids. Good idea Mark!

>214 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg! Let me know.

>215 AMQS: Of course, I have a long way to go, Anne but I love Wolf Hall in the early going. You can drop the fear. LOL.

>216 lindapanzo: Yes, Linda Wolf Hall will be on Masterpiece. Benita said the 5th of April. This is why I am finally digging in. Boo to snow!! No!!!

>217 benitastrnad: Thanks, Benita. I knew it was coming up. I heard that it combines, both books. A couple of my LT pals have seen it already.

>209 msf59: I am right around there too. To be honest, I was slow to hook into her style and flow, but its growing on me.

I'm going to have to give Displacement a chance since I loved Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?. I really like Roz Chast but have never heard of Lucy Knisley. Wolf Hall is one of those books I've owned for a long time but have never gotten to. One of these days!

Did you watch Jinx yet? It's pretty riveting.

Have a great week!

>218 vancouverdeb: Does your library have inter-library loan capability. It would be nice if you could request things from other libraries.
I get over 90% of my GNs from the library. I would be lost without it.

>220 mahsdad: Go Jeff! Go Jeff! I am glad you are also reading Wolf Hall. I am doing it, in both print and audio, so I should get through it quickly. I am deciding whether to just jump right into Bring up the Bodies, once I am through.

Oh, I'm glad you're enjoying Wolf Hall! AND Bring Up the Bodies is right there ready and waiting for you. Some of us had to sweat it out until the author got finished writing it, for cryin' out loud! (When's the third one coming??!!)

#223
Sounds like you are also a fan of George R. R. Martin? (snicker, snicker)

Mark I read a Lucy Knisley a while a go Relish, My Life in the Kitchen and thought it was interesting so now I will keep my eyes peeled for Displacement. I love the talk about mermaids. I am a swimmer (lengths) (which I started because of back problems many years ago.... I know you have had some challenges) and a bath person and often think maybe I was a mermaid in one of my former lives! I LOVE water! I just finished Euphoria and thought it a very interesting read. Oh boy the water in that book is full of crocodiles! Good for you for starting Wolf Hall, I feel the pressure!

>221 Copperskye: Obviously I've been dragging my feet on Wolf Hall too. The upcoming TV series, was the perfect excuse, to finally jump in.

I have not seen Jinx, but I know that dude has been all over the news lately. I should check it out. Thanks, Joanne.

>223 laytonwoman3rd: Which of these Mantel books did you like better, Linda? My only Mantel, thus far, is her last story collection, which I really liked.

>224 benitastrnad: Additional chuckles...



^I should have worn this last night.

Egads! I didn't realize I've been absent from your thread for soo long. You've been reading some great new books! Unknown Americans and Mermaids really look intriguing and now securely placed on the wishlist.
Hey, I was listening to a BOTNS from a couple of weeks ago and Michael (I think that's his name) stated that he was reading a book that "Mark" had suggested. I was wondering if you were that "Mark". (I can't remember which book it was)
Anyway, have a great week!

Hey. You skipped me. I mean, I know I almost never visit anymore, but....

Just kidding, Mark. I will PM you about Saturday.

Hi Mark! Breezing through so that you know I haven't forgotten you. Just a tad busy this week. Amazing how your boy is 23 and so are you!!! ; )

Monday +6 day work week +snow (3-5 inches) = UGH!! Really?

At least I had a nice long weekend, filled with plenty of R & R. I'll try to stay positive. My current read(s): Wolf Hall.

>211 EBT1002: >212 EBT1002: Sorry, Ellen. Lost you in the shuffle up there, answering the Wolf Hall question(s). It looks like it will be telecast here on April 5th. I am sure you will love Displacement.

>225 mdoris: Hi, Mary! Good to see you. Thanks for chiming in on the Knisley. I hope you can find a copy of Mermaids in Paradise. I also really enjoyed Euphoria. I failed to warble about it. Bad Mark.

>227 Carmenere: I miss you, when you are away, Lynda. Yes, I was the "Mark" mentioned on BOTNS. Michael was raving about Hounded, which I've been recommending to him. I like to spread the warbling around.

>228 EBT1002: Sorry, Ellen. The oversight is corrected. I hope to see you this weekend. Hooray!!

>229 Berly: Thanks for checking in, Kimmers. Hope you had a good weekend. Matt can still be a hand full, even at 23, but we still love him.

Morning, Mark!

>223 laytonwoman3rd: what Linda said. Both books were 4.5 star reads for me and I absolutely can't wait for the third one.

Good morning, Mark! You are becoming quite the celebrity. BOTNS mentioned you in a podcast. Awesome. And even better that Michael liked the book you were warbling.

Your week sounds like a challenge so I wish you good fortune, and lots of good listening.

>231 msf59: Very cool that you have the ear of such a book guru! Unabashedly impressed.

Just checking in, Mark. Way to go in spreading the Hound warbling via the book guru!

We're off to visit relatives for lunch. Yes, this is a business trip, but we're tacking on some personal time for friends, relatives and theater. :-)

>226 msf59:, >233 lauralkeet: Yeah, what Laura said! I also gave Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies 4 1/2 stars each. I couldn't say I liked one better than the other. Just loved 'em. Of course, I steeped myself in the more romantic versions of Henry VIII's marital sagas as a teenager, so this might make me a perfect candidate for Mantel's perspective now that I'm older and *ahem* much more realistic in my outlook.

Okay, we have 3-4 inches on the ground and it is wet & heavy. It is also only 30. Fun day!!

>232 Crazymamie: Waves & Hugs to Mamie!

>233 lauralkeet: I am less than a 100 pages into Wolf Hall and it has me firmly in it's grip, Laura.

>234 maggie1944: >235 Carmenere: >236 jnwelch: Warbling is our mission. Spreading that book joy. I am just trying to set an example. Grins...

>236 jnwelch: Have a great time in NYC, Joe. When do you return?

>237 laytonwoman3rd: I am really enjoying it, Linda. I did not expect it to be this accessible. Thomas Cromwell is such a stud. LOL.

Beer snob....ha!
I'm a beer newb.

As long as you aren't a book snob. ;)

I saw the wintry forecast for Chicago yesterday and thought of you, having to start your week with a snowstorm. Ugh! It's still spring-like here in Denver, but I know we'll be seeing more winter before summer finally sets in ~ probably 2 or 3 more snowstorms, in fact, if this year resembles last. I should be outside, enjoying the sun, but instead had a rather wakeful night and slept late and am now having coffee and catching up on threads. Hope to do a little yardwork today. We'll see.

Okay, your assurances about Wolf Hall have convinced me to try one more time. Also, because I can't watch the TV adaptation until I've read the book, if I think I ever want to read it at all. It's one of my rules.

I'm loving Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend!

Afternoon, Mark! I'd say Happy Spring but, well, you know...

^Look what I got in the mail today. No, not the little truck. Rolls eyes...

A rough Monday, Ugh, but I survived what Mother Nature threw at us. It is supposed to be close to 60 on Wednesday, so I don't expect this snow to hang around very long.

>239 jolerie: If you lived closer, Valerie, I would mentor you on the fine art of beer swilling. I am sure I am also a bit of a book snob, like most of us are but honestly, seeing someone read anything is better than reading nothing.

>240 Storeetllr: We did get about 3 or 4 inches of snow. We seem to have got less, where I live, more where I work. It won't last long.

I am loving Wolf Hall. She is a terrific storyteller. I hope you find time to give it another go. And yah, for Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend!
BTW- How and why did you pick this particular book?

>241 scaifea: Good to see you, Amber! I hope you are doing much better.

Ipod??? ;)

Hehe...just kidding ya. So how did you snag that one?? I still have to read Life After Life first. First world problems.

Oh, you would be an excellent mentor. One day maybe?? :D

>242 msf59: Ohh, a new Kate Atkinson! I love her writing. Came by to tell you that I am loving my current read, The Knife of Never Letting Go which I believe, I first heard about from you. I have also picked up Broken Harbour by Tana French which has pulled me in immediately. I am in reading heaven right now. :)

>244 jolerie: My trusty little Nano made an appearance. I've been giving that baby a solid workout for several years now. B.A.G.

Life After Life worked well for me on audio. Maybe you could find it in that format. You've read her Jackson Brodie series, right?

>245 DeltaQueen50: Wow! You got 2 winners going there, Judy. I really enjoyed the Walking Chaos trilogy and Broken Harbour was fantastic. It might be my second favorite after the debut.

>242 msf59: I thought that wasn't coming out until next month! I'm envious.

I need to read Faithful Place so I can get to Broken Harbour...

>247 EBT1002: The Atkinson is an ARC. It is not released until May. The good thing about the Dublin Squad books is, that they don't have to be read in order. I NEED to bookhorn in The Secret Place.

>209 msf59: go for it Mark, I couldn't not get in to that book. Yikes, and it is a Booker winner too! Where is my perseverance!!? I think I got to 100 p before shelving it, I will revisit it at some stage.

Mark: I was out at 6 a.m. shoveling before I left for school, thinking of my mail carrier. :)

>249 LovingLit: Wolf Hall grabbed me right away, Megan. I find this story wonderful. I know not everyone loved it but it is working for me.

>250 BLBera: How much of the dreaded white stuff did you get, Beth? We live southwest of the city and we only got 2-3 inches. It was heavier further north and east.
And thanks, for thinking of your mail-carrier. Awwwww....

^clearly I am residing in an alternate universe with regards to Hilary Mantel. In all honesty I think it was my situation that gave me an off perception of Wolf Hall. I was reading it in a rush. Tsk Tsk.

"Flint-faced and keen-eyed, he is lean as a gnawed bone and as cold as an ax head; his joints seemed knitted together of supple chain links, and indeed he rattles a little as he moves, for his clothes conceal relics..."

-The Duke of Norfolk, Wolf Hall. Mantel's descriptions are uncanny.

>252 LovingLit: One thing you have to accept around here, Megan, is the fact that we are all going to disagree on something. Maybe it was the wrong time. Maybe, she just doesn't cut it for you. All you have to do is visit the Ford AAC thread, for biblio-evidence. LOL.

Morning, Mark!

Morning, Amber! My wife battled a bad cold, the end of last week and through the weekend. I am afraid I may have it now. Sad face.

I hope you are doing better.

Oh dang, Mark - I hope it's a mild cold for both of you!

Thanks, Amber. I thought I was having a bad allergy attack through the day yesterday but it never wavered, so I think it may be something more sinister.

Morning, Mark!

>247 EBT1002:, >248 msf59: Mark's right, Ellen, I think you can read the French novels in any order. Characters overlap a little, but events don't seem to. Of course, I HAVE read them all in order, so I could be wrong. I'm well into The Secret Place now, and loving it.

>258 Crazymamie: Waves & Hugs to Mamie!

>259 laytonwoman3rd: I've read them in order too, Linda. You might want to read the first 2 back to back but I don't think the others matter. Glad you are enjoying her last one. It is on top of my teetering tower.

Hi, Mark! I'm glad that you liked The Book of Unknown Americans, which I stumbled upon in a London bookshop last year but haven't read yet.

I'm also glad that you're enjoying Wolf Hall so far; I loved that book, and Bring Up the Bodies, and I'm chomping at the bit to get to the last book in the Cromwell Trilogy. I saw the Royal Shakespeare Company's performance of Bring Up the Bodies in London last year, but I missed seeing Wolf Hall despite purchasing at least three tickets for performances of it in Stratford-upon-Avon and London (clearly it wasn't meant to be!).

I'm curious to hear more about the new Atkinson, as I loved Life After Life.

More snow? Well, I can't say that I'm surprised. I flew into Madison, WI at the end of April a few years back, and despite my best friend's wife's assurance that it never snows that late in southern Wisconsin Madison received 6-8 inches of snow that day. I hope that it melts soon, and I hope that your cold does the same.

Hi Mark, much nicer today.

Most likely, I'll finish The Sportswriter today and, while I'm liking it, I'm also eager to finish it and move on to something else. At some point, I'll probably read the second book in the trilogy but not anytime soon. A little bit of Richard Ford will go a long way, I think.

I'm actually in the mood for some nonfiction. An LTer and I do an annual shared read on space/astronauts, which we're about to start, plus I want to read the Erik Larson book on the Lusitania before I attend his talk on April 8th. Of course, baseball books too. Of course.

I have to say I do love your little mail truck, Mark . I think I may need smelling salts to bring me round, because you have a copy of A God In Ruins and I'll have to wait a couple of months until it is actually released. I just love Kate Atkinson.

#145 Behind as always, but waving my allergy banner and tooting my cold and flu trumpet. Sigh.

#188 Lovely pic - and very belated Happy Birthday's to your 'little' son :)

I am going to warble on Mark's thread. I am listening to Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters and am really enjoying this police procedural. The recorded version is very good. I can hear the earnestness in the characters voice and that adds to the story. This is the first in a trilogy about a young police detective working in Concord, Vermont six months before an asteroid hits the earth and destroys life as we know it. I am not sure if this is a dystopian Sci/Fi novel or a police procedural, but it has me hooked. I also recommend the recorded version as I find it very well done and entertaining.

I know that Richard, who is back in a small way, just said that he wasn't reading any more series, but this is a trilogy so it doesn't count as a series does it?

Mark, I just heard about the murder of the USPS mail carrier in Chicago this morning. You guys do a great job under difficult circumstances and my condolences to all of the mail carriers out there who lost one of their own today.

I think it occurred in the East Garfield Park neighborhood, west of the United Center. Maybe 10 blocks west, on Warren Blvd.

I'm glad you're enjoying Wolf Hall - I'm finding myself having mixed feelings about it. I think it's partly a bit of short attention span on my part.

I'm enjoying parts of it but then I find myself slightly skimming until it grabs me again. I'm determined to finish it though because I'm a freak and won't watch the TV series until I do. I'm about halfway through and I'm finding myself more engaged with it as I go along.

>226 msf59: - love the shirt!!

:( Sorry to hear you are a bit under the weather. Hope it passes quickly and doesn't overstay it's welcome, although I doubt it was ever welcomed in the first place. ;)
Feel better soon, my friend!

Get well soon my friend.

>267 SuziQoregon: Unfortunately, I think I'm in the same boat as you Suzi. I like it, but its not grabbing me completely. I'll keep plugging away.

^Yes, I am battling a cold, but I try to find some humor in the situation. This one cracked me up.

>261 kidzdoc: There's the birthday guy!! Good to see you, Darryl. The Book of Unknown Americans doesn't go as deep as I would have liked but it is a worthy read and Henriquez shows some talent.
Nice to see all the Wolf Hall love. I am just about at the halfway point and I am deeply immersed.

In regards to the snow: it should be gone tomorrow. Wave, bye-bye!

>262 lindapanzo: I admire the fact the you gave Ford a try and you are liking it for the most part. There is so much great nonfiction to get to. Dead Wake, Deep Down Dark and In the Kingdom of Ice are all waiting in the wings.

>263 vancouverdeb: Glad you like the mail-truck, Deb! Stop by sometime and I'll give you a ride. And yah, for Atkinson.

>264 BekkaJo: Good to see you, Bekka. Yes, I am dealing with allergies and a cold. Not a pretty picture.

>265 benitastrnad: Warble away, Benita! This is the Command Post for Warblers! Glad you are enjoying The Last Policeman. I also loved that first one.

>266 lindapanzo: I heard about this from a fellow carrier, Linda. I am not sure if he was killed, while delivering mail or on his way to work. I'll have to find out.

>267 SuziQoregon: >270 mahsdad: Sorry, Wolf Hall isn't grabbing you and shaking you. Listening to it on audio, is helping me, I am sure. I am always engaged and I also have the print book, to follow along with and I am enjoying rereading passages.
I hope you both can hang in there, for the TV series.

>268 jolerie: Thanks, Valerie! I know you've had to deal with illness, at your homestead. My wife struggled for about 4 or 5 days, before it ran it's course. I hope I can chop that time in half.

>269 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb. I appreciate it.

Glad you're enjoying Wolf Hall Mark. I think you'll find Bring Up the Bodies a much faster read. Mantel responded to criticism of the narrative of the first book. Can't wait for The Mirror and the Light.

>272 msf59: Boys in the Boat perhaps, along with the nonfiction you mention.

>273 msf59: Someone said he was in his mail truck on his way to work. Not positive about that though.

>274 brenzi: I very rarely do back to back reads, by the same author, but I just might follow this up with Bring Up the Bodies. Any word on the 3rd?

>275 lindapanzo: Boys in the Boat is fantastic, Linda. Great choice. It was a top NNF book for me last year.

Oh I'll hang in there with Wolf Hall. Partly because of the TV show and partly because I've heard Bring Up the Bodies is better.

Also
>271 msf59: I might print that out and prop it up when I'm reading while eating my lunch at work.

ps - I do already have Doc on my eReader. Does that count?

HI Mark. Hope you are feeling better. I am soooo jealous about your ARC Atkins! I love work and thoroughly enjoyed Life After Life. In fact, I just loaned it today to a friend. I have no idea where my Wolf Hall is but I guess I better find it soon! Happy Hump Day my friend. : )

>276 msf59: I just found this recent quote by Hilary Mantel about the expected release of The Mirror and the Light, the final book in the Cromwell Trilogy:

Her best guess on the completion date for The Mirror and the Light is this.

“After I come back from Broadway in the summer to get in a good few months work, I’m thinking, about a year to 18 months.”

Source: http://blogs.abc.net.au/wa/2015/02/hilary-mantel-reveals-timing-of-her-next-book...

*waving* at Mark - just in time for a new thread!

We are getting a little rain and with the rising temps, most of the snow should be gone. Good riddance. I slept great. The bug is still in my head but I am hoping this is the worst of it.
Still marching forward in Wolf Hall. Should be approaching the 2nd half.

>277 SuziQoregon: Kudos for sticking it out, Juli. I do not remember if I mentioned up there to you but I might just continue with Bring Up the Bodies, since I have an audio digital copy from the library. Reading back to back authors is extremely rare for me.
Hell yah, having an ebook copy of Doc counts. One step closer.

>278 Berly: Thanks, Kimmers. Great to see you. More Atkinson love. Yah!

>279 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl! Looks like there will be a long wait for The Mirror and the Light. Fortunately for us, we have plenty of books to read in between.

>280 alcottacre: Morning Stasia! Waves & Hugs!

Morning, Mark - I hope you're feeling better already this morning, friend.

>279 kidzdoc: 18 months noooooo!

Morning, Amber! Thanks. I hope this one doesn't hit me as hard as it did my wife. It settled in her chest and she ended up with a painful cough. Fingers crossed.

Morning, Mark!

There's a lot of sickness going around. Hope you are feeling 100% soon.

It was supposed to be milder today but so far, damp & chilly. I am moseying along...

>283 lauralkeet: LOL!

>285 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! Hugs & Waves.

>286 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. I hope this as bad as it gets. Fingers crossed.

>279 kidzdoc: Ooh, rats! I had hoped it might be available for December when we read Mantel for the BAC. Something I read back when I was making tentative lists for that made me think it might be. Laura and I will now go pout in a corner, sniffling into our sleeves from time to time.

#272 Sorry mark - I meant I was joining you on them :) Loving all the green budding around me but slugging away the antihistamines already!

Hope you are feeling better. I keep meaning to pick up Wolf Hall but tempus is fugiting just a bit too quickly for me this year!

>288 laytonwoman3rd: when we read Mantel for the BAC oh ... thanks for that reminder. I need to pencil her in and since she has let me down on the Cromwell front, that gives me an excuse to read A Place of Greater Safety.

>290 lauralkeet: What? I'm ahead of the Mistress of Lists in my planning for book challenges??

>248 msf59: and >259 laytonwoman3rd: Well, even if one can read them out of order, that would violate my silly but deeply entrenched disinclination ever to read a series, even a loose series, out of order! On the other hand, I have a copy of Broken Harbour on my TBR shelves (picked it up at the used bookstore on Kaua'i) so I might just get to that before I read Faithful Place.

>290 lauralkeet: and >291 laytonwoman3rd: Cracking me up, you two.

Mark, I hope your cold is short-lived so you're in shape for a beer by Saturday!

Mark - We got 8 inches of the wet stuff on Sunday. Last night just a couple of inches. It's supposed to warm up, so I think I'm leaving this.

Sending some healing vibes. Feel better soon. :-)

>290 lauralkeet: Can I jump into the Mantel discussion? If you wanted something completely different from Wolf Hall, Beyond Black is pretty awesome, imho. Unlike anything else I've read of hers - not historical, set amongst a group of touring psychics.

I read Beyond Black too. You're right...it's very different.

Hi there Mr. Mark. They were just saying that the temps are lower than expected because we've got more snow on the ground, still, than had been expected. I thought it'd be all gone after last night's rain but apparently not.

Hope you're feeling better. I was feeling a bit scratchy throat-ish yesterday. Went to sleep early and tried to drink a lot of fluids and I feel somewhat better today.

>289 BekkaJo: I wish this cold would be over so I can get back to my allergies. LOL.

>290 lauralkeet: >291 laytonwoman3rd: If I knock out 2 back to back Mantel books, I will be done for the year. LOL. Have either of you read The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher?
It was my first Mantel and I really liked it.

>292 EBT1002: I am OCD about reading books in order too, Ellen. You are not alone. I plan on being in tip-top shape for Saturday.

>293 BLBera: Aw, yuck, Beth! I hope it all melts away soon.

>294 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb. Feeling a little better. See? Those vibes helped.

>295 charl08: Never heard of Beyond Black. I have taken note.

>297 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. I thought this was going to be the warmest day of the week? We got ripped off! It was damp & chilly all day. Ugh!

>291 laytonwoman3rd: the Mistress of Lists
Oh, I like that!

>295 charl08: I've read Beyond Black as well as A Change of Climate and I should receive her latest short stories from the library soon. Every one of her books is so different from the others. She's quite amazing.

^Warble on over...