Mark's Reading Place #16

^On the Edge Part Deux. Yes, my son, Matt, is back at it again. I think he is trying to give us a heart-attack, but it is a good view of the city.



-Igor Oleynikov - "The Emperor and the Nightingale"

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:


Books Read So Far...

May:

56) H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald 5 stars (audio)
57) Bee Season by Myla Goldberg 4.3 stars
58) The Round House by Louise Erdrich 4.2 stars (E)
59) Wolf Winter by Cecilia Ekbäck 4.4 stars
60) The Marco Effect: Department Q Novel by Jussi Adler-Olsen 3.4 stars (audio)
61) The Secret Speech (Child 44 Trilogy) by Tom Rob Smith 3.2 stars (audio)
62) Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis 4 stars AAC
63) House of Meetings by Martin Amis 3.6 stars (audio) BAC
64) The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage by Sydney Padua 4.2 stars GN
65) Crapalachia: A Biography of Place by Scott McClanahan 4 stars
66) The Secret Place (Dublin Murder Squad) by Tana French 3.8 stars (audio)
67) A God in Ruins (Todd Family) by Kate Atkinson 4.5 stars
68) Blood on Snow by Jo Nesbo 4 stars (audio)

June:
69) Deep Down Dark by Héctor Tobar 4.2 stars (audio)
70) The Shore by Sara Taylor 4.5 stars
71) What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe 3.8 stars (audio)
72) The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi 3.7 stars (audio)
73) Beyond the Hundredth Meridian by Wallace Stegner 3.5 stars AAC
74) Just Kids by Patti Smith 4.4 stars (audio)
75) Hell's Bottom, Colorado by Laura Pritchett 4.2 stars
76) The Children Act by Ian McEwan 4 stars (audio)
77) Nimona by Noelle Stevenson 4.5 stars GN
78) The Marauders by Tom Cooper 4 stars E.R.
79) Delicious Foods by James Hannaham 3.8 stars (audio)
80) Ghettoside: A True Story of Murder in America by Jill Leovy 4.5 stars (audio)
81) A View of the Harbour by Elizabeth Taylor 4.2 stars
82) Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman 3.8 stars (audio)
83) Crow Lake by Mary Lawson 4 stars

July:

84) On Immunity: An Inoculation by Eula Biss 4.2 stars (audio)
85) At the Mountains of Madness by H. P. Lovecraft 3.6 stars
86) The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin 3.8 stars (audio) AAC
87) In the Country: Stories by Mia Alvar 5 stars
88) Hicksville by Dylan Horrocks 4.5 stars GN
89) Broken Monsters by Lauren Beukes 3.4 stars (audio)
90) Hell Is Empty (A Longmire Mystery) by Craig Johnson 3.5 stars (audio)
91) The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler 3.7 stars
92) Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town by Jon Krakauer 4.4 stars (audio)
93) Strong Female Protagonist Book One by Brennan Lee Mulligan 4.3 stars GN
94) The Hunters by James Salter 4.2 stars
95) Hunted (Iron Druid Chronicles) by Kevin Hearne 3.6 stars (audio)
96) Girl at War by Sara Novic 3.7 stars (audio)
97) A Kim Jong-Il Production by Paul Fischer 4.4 stars
98) The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert 4.5 stars (audio)

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

**Kent Haruf- Memorial: http://www.librarything.com/topic/191598#

**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 Completed The Round House Completed
May - Sinclair Lewis – Babbitt Completed
June - Wallace Stegner - Beyond the Hundredth Meridian Completed
July - Ursula K. Le Guin - The Dispossessed Completed
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?

BRITISH AUTHOR CHALLENGE

2015 selections

January : Penelope Lively & Kazuo Ishiguro (Moon Tiger, The Buried Giant: Completed)
February : Sarah Waters & Evelyn Waugh (The Night Watch, Brideshead Revisited Completed)
March : Daphne Du Maurier & China Mieville (Jamaica Inn, Embassytown Completed)
April : Angela Carter & W. Somerset Maugham (The Bloody Chamber, The Moon and Sixpence Completed)
May : Margaret Drabble & Martin Amis (House of Meetings Completed)
June : Beryl Bainbridge & Anthony Burgess
July : Virginia Woolf & B.S. Johnson
August : Iris Murdoch & Graham Greene
September : Andrea Levy & Salman Rushdie
October : Helen Dunmore & David Mitchell
November : Muriel Spark & William Boyd
December : Hilary Mantel & P.G. Wodehouse

Thirteenth Month : Bernice Rubens & Aldous Huxley

Happy New Thread, Mark. :-)

“Hell is empty, and all the devils are here! ”

-The Tempest

I've been trying to bookhorn in a Longmire mystery for a few weeks now, so I am glad I finally started Hell is Empty, which is book 7. One cool thing, I learned early on, is that Walt is a big The Grapes of Wrath fan. B.A.G. Go Walt! Go Walt!

Go Walt! Happy Sunday, Mark!

Congrats on the new thread, buddy. Your son is as crazy as ours. Ours was (and is) a big parkour fan, and he almost gave us heart-attacks with his stunts.

I'm still in my Liaden groove, on the 4th novel now. Son #1 and his lovely bride have to head back to Pittsburgh today, darn it, but it's been an excellent, if short, visit with them.

I know you've got to have this day off. Enjoy!

87) In the Country: Stories by Mia Alvar 5 stars

“As the typhoon of history made landfall on their doorstep, she could train her eyes on this sane man, and follow him.”

“Fiction didn't have a prayer over facts like that.”

There is a new literary voice in town. Fans of Ms. Lahiri rejoice. In these nine remarkable stories, the “Country” in the title is the Philippines and we get the Filipino experience, from many different perspectives and locales, including Manilla, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and America. I did not know there was such a large Filipino presence in the middle-east, but I do now.
These are cultural stories, about home, displacement, social class and matters of the heart, told in tight, insightful, prose. There is also a touch of dark and edgy, which I always admire.

Alvar was born in the Philippines and raised in Bahrain and the United States. This is her debut collection and what a stunning entrance.

Happy New Thread, Mark!

>5 Ameise1: Happy Sunday, Barb! And thanks!

>7 jnwelch: Happy Sunday, Joe! Good to see you. I had to look up "parkour". LOL. Now, I know. Thank you.

Glad your books are treating you swell.

>9 scaifea: Thanks, Amber!! Hugs!

>1 msf59: oh, I would have nighmares about this. My oldest daughter visited the Grand Canyon and told me she went out on the ledge and dangled her feet. I tell you, I had (and still do) have shivers thinking about it.

Happy Sunday.

I spent this super hot weekend ensconsed with my books. I finish three of them yesterday - all because I not go outside at al. It is simply to hot. I finished A Kim Jong-Il Production by Paul Fischer and enjoyed it. I think you have this book, so when you get to it, it will be a good narrative non-fiction book. I also read Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. I really got into this book. It is YA fantasy and is just as good as Girl of Fire and Thorns. Throne of Glass is the first in a trilogy and I already went to the library and got the second book. This is one of those trilogies that were so successful that they have written prequels and these were sold as electronic versions first then compiled into a fourth book. What I don't understand about the books is why are they YA? None of the characters in the books are under 18. Contrast this with the book I finished in an audio version House of Tomorrow by Peter Bognanni. This was an adult book with none of the main characters over the age of 16. This book did win an Alex Award which is given for adult books that are great books for YA's. I just don't understand marketing.

Ooooh.. a new thread. I don't wonder you guys almost had a heart-attack. Matt's not my son and when I first looked at the photo, my heart stopped for a second too!

Fine, fine, you've persuaded me...I will add In the Country to my OWL.

>11 Whisper1: Great to see you, Linda! Always a pleasure. It sounds like our children are quite fearless. I guess we are scaredy-cats!

>13 cameling: I do not like the heat and humidity. Ugh! Keep cool down there, Benita. Thanks for the YA updates.

*scans for clowns*
Hi Mark!
Now that I have the all clear, I can say hi and happy we thread!
Bye for now :)

>13 cameling: Happy Sunday, Caro! Hope you had a great weekend. And yes, In the Country: Stories is right it your wheelhouse!

>15 LovingLit: Howdy, Megan. This is a Clown-Free Zone. You are safe, my friend.

Mark, thanks in large part to your warbling, I started reading Doc today. And I'm really liking it!

ETA: oops, I posted this before reading my own thread!

>15 LovingLit: and by' happy we thread' I meant 'happy new thread', but of course, you knew that.
In general I don't have a fear of clowns, apart from how they try to draw you into their act, I hate that. It is part of the reason I grimace at live acting or comedy performances. I dread being pulled on stage and forced to participate! *shudder*

>17 lauralkeet: Hope you had a great weekend, Laura! And I hope you continue to enjoy Doc. It's an amazing read.

>18 LovingLit: I like the sound of the "happy we thread"! Sounds like a pleasant location and I bet they have good beer.

>1 msf59: Kids! Yikes!

Happy new thread, Mark. I'm going to have to keep In the Country: Stories in mind. Sounds right up my alley.

Have a great week!

>1 msf59: He's going to give ME a heart attack!

Happy new thread, Mark!

Happy new thread, friend. It is great going...

I appreciate your stopping by my thread. I'm doing so little reading, and all my postings are about my impending move, and sale of house, etc. etc. etc. It must get tedious but I do appreciate those of my LT friends who still stop by to cheer me on.

I'm reading A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety by Jimmy Carter and enjoying it. It is not a heavy, political, American history type book, more just a gentle memoir. He recommends other books for more of the nitty gritty which is my usual preference. But for him, I'll like this book, and thank him for all his service to humanity when I get him to sign it!

Hmm, I wonder what percentage of people don't have a healthy fear of heights. You wouldn't catch me on that ledge - can't even go up a ladder.

Happy new thread, Mark!

Wow, what a view from your thread topper. I would be another one who would not go anywhere near that! I do admire those that do, but something in my legs just goes to jelly!

^Vintage tarot cards play a pivotal role in The Book of Speculation. I am still enjoying this book. It's not rattling my world or anything but it is pleasantly passing the time.
On audio, I am looking forward to jumping back into my Longmire book. Walt has his hands full...

It looks like it will be a stormy, humid, hot day. Lovely way to start the week...wish me cool & dry.

>20 Copperskye: Thanks, Joanne. Hope you had a good weekend. And I hope you can find a copy of In the Country: Stories. It is amazing.

>21 AMQS: Thanks, Anne! My son is very good at giving us heart-attacks. That is the way he rolls. LOL.

>22 maggie1944: Thanks, Karen! You have a lot on your mind right now. The books can wait. The Carter memoir sounds interesting.

>23 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. I could not get 10 feet from that edge, without my knees buckling.

>24 charl08: ^See my comment to Meg. I am definitely in your camp, Charlotte. Yikes!

Morning, Mark!

Morning, Mark! Happy new thread! And YIKES to that thread topper - your son is making me very nervous. Perhaps next time he could take the photo and his friend could pose. LOL!

Wishing you cool and dry, dear.

Get out your copy of A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Unbelievable True Story of North Korea and the Most Audacious Kidnapping in History and start reading. Here is my review.

This work of narrative non-fiction is part of the very small body of knowledge that people in the west have of that most reclusive nation of North Korea. Using the lens of the film industry in North and South Korea the author uses what little information is available to tell the story of Shin Sang-Ok and Choi Eun Hee and North Korea's leader in the later part of the Twentieth Century Kim Jong-Il. The fact that North Korea used political kidnapping for reasons known only to them is well known and documented by the Japanese government among others. These kidnappings appeared to be random except for the kidnapping of the South Korean movie director Shin Sang-Ok and his estranged wife Choi Eun Hee. These two were specifically targeted because of what they could do for the North Korean propaganda machine. For eight years they produced movies for the Kim Jong-Il government before they were able to escape back to the West and tell their story. This very readable book tells about their lives and along the way sheds some light on the functioning of the North Korean regime.

I read this book after reading the Pulitzer Prize winning "Orphan Master's Son" by Adam Johnson. That work of fiction might lead readers to believe that kidnapping as a political means was also fiction. It wasn't and "A Kim Jong-Il Production" does much to clarify points made in the earlier book. I rated this book as average because there was nothing outstanding about the writing. It is a fairly standard work of narrative non-fiction, but in interest level and subject matter I would give this a five star rating and recommend it to non-fiction readers everywhere.

Morning, Mark! Our dad just got the once-over from a nurse and is all set with PT and OT going forward. So it's looking good.

I'm still in a Liaden state of mind, so I won't have anything to recommend to you for a while. Plus I'm pretty sure you already read H is for Hawk, right?

#30
That's Ok Joe. As much as I finished reading this weekend I will have recommendations aplenty for Mark for a couple of days.

LT was down earlier, when I could use my iPad, so I will just give a hot & sultry wave, and see everyone tonight...

Ugh! Glad that work day is over. Stormy in the early part of the morning and blazing HOT in the afternoon. Plus the mail volume was heavy, even for a Monday. I forecast plenty of R & R, on tap for this evening.

>27 scaifea: Big Waves to Amber!!

>28 Crazymamie: Mamie made it Mamie made it! Hip, hip, hooray! Always a pleasure! I will have to ask my son, if his work-mate/photographer, is willing to perform those same edgy poses. LOL.

>29 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita! Thanks for sharing your A Kim Jong-Il Production review. You got me with- " I would give this a five star rating and recommend it to non-fiction readers everywhere." B.A.G.

I just maneuvered it, higher in the stacks. It is in the holy area now.

>30 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! Glad to hear Senor Welch is moving forward. He really seems to have a good, healthy attitude.

And yes, I warbled my butt off about H is for Hawk. I see no reason, why this shouldn't be in my top five, for the year.

>31 benitastrnad: I am bracing myself for the onslaught, Benita! Shrugging on the Kevlar...

I couldn't even look at the image in >1 msf59: for longer than it took to see what it was, and even then I got the heebie-jeebies!

Thanks for visiting my lonely thread, Mark! You asked about my reading. Just finished Agent of Change, the first Liaden novel I've read, which I enjoyed. As for my current book, I started Child 44 and, tho the writing is good, the story so far is depressing as heck.

I wish there was a "hide" option for that picture at the top! I'm going to be woozy every time I open this thread!

>35 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary! Sorry, about the heebie-jeebies. Just pretend I photo-shopped it. LOL. I am not familiar with the Liaden books. I know Joe is currently enjoying them too. Will have to research...

I LOVED Child 44. I hope it ends up working for you.

>36 laytonwoman3rd: Sorry, about the wooziness, Linda. Just close your eyes for a couple of seconds, after clicking on my thread and it should jump down to unread posts. I hope this helps. LOL.

^Well I read my first review of Go Set a Watchman. The review was written by Maureen Corrigan, from NPR. Here is the jist:

"Go Set a Watchman is a troubling confusion of a novel, politically and artistically, beginning with its fishy origin story. Allegedly, it's a recently discovered first draft of To Kill a Mockingbird, but I'm suspicious: It reads much more like a failed sequel. There are lots of dead patches in Go Set a Watchman, pages where we get long explanations of, say, the fine points of the Methodist worship service."

And sums it up with: " All I know for certain is that Go Set a Watchman is kind of a mess that will forever change the way we read a masterpiece."

Like I said earlier: OUCH! Actually, I wasn't as pumped about this one, as others have been, although I do consider To Kill a Mockingbird one of the great American novels.

I think Child 44 will end up working for me, Mark. It's just that the horror and pain that men inflict on one another is hard to take. And I can't read it just before I go to sleep, because nightmares. The Liaden Universe series is fantastical scifi that Roni set up as a reading challenge for the month. It's completely new to me, too, and one series I'll be continuing with, even if not all in July.

>38 msf59: Yeah I thought the same thing. I don't think I'll actively pursue reading it. Its like the old adage we have in our family.... Never try to recreate a meal. Perhaps 1 and done would have been a better way to go for Miss Lee.

>38 msf59: Not going to read the book

>30 jnwelch: Have had an ARC of H is for Hawk on mount TBR since my co-worker brought one back from ALA for me. Given all the praise and where I work, I guess I should move it up to the top!

I think I'll be taking a pass on Go Set a Watchman. I've had mixed feelings about it even before the reviews (which I'm ignoring, for the most part).

Hi Mark, I'm jealous of you getting to spend some time with Walt! I have so many series on the go that it's hard for me to give them all equal reading time! So what do I do? Sigh ... started a couple of new series this month already! And I am going to be starting my first Liaden book next month. I am a glutton for punishment when it comes to series!

I decided to finally start Missoula on audio. I have been holding onto this for nearly 2 months. The time is now. I have not been disappointed in Krakauer yet and this one has received solid reviews and this is another very timely topic.

Hell is Empty was not my favorite Longmire but it was diverting enough. I am also continuing the Book Speculation. About a 100 pages left.

>39 Storeetllr: I was not crazy about the next book, after Child 44 and I doubt I will continue but that first one is...WOW!

I will watch for the response to the Liaden Universe.

>40 mahsdad: I had my reservations and suspicions about Go Set a Watchman from the beginning. This doesn't surprise me but I am disappointed for the fans that have flocked around it.

>41 alphaorder: Hi, Nancy! Please move H is For Hawk up in the stacks. It is a stunning narrative NF.

>42 Copperskye: "I've had mixed feelings about it even before the reviews." Amen, my friend.

>43 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy! There are only a few series books, I can keep up with and fortunately Longmire is one of them. I am trying to read 2 or 3 series books, every month, but even that makes only the slightest dent.

>38 msf59: I told myself I wasn't going to read the reviews, but give myself a clean shot to form my own opinion of Go Set a Watchman. But I respect Maureen Corrigan, and couldn't resist hearing what she had to say. I think I will wait a long time before picking up this book.

>46 laytonwoman3rd: I also respect Corrigan and that is why I read it. Actually, I read very few reviews, before reading any book. The buzz around this one, just warranted it, I guess.

If I find it on audio, I might listen to it in that format. I think Reese Witherspoon narrates it.

ETA- I LOVE the cartoon. That is perfect!

Morning, Mark! Whelp, I'm a-gonna read the Watchman book, despite all of the hullabaloo. Stubborn, I am.

Morning, Mark! Me, too - what Amber said.

Great cartoon, Mark. Have a great day, buddy.

Nice new thread. You'd never catch me up there. Yikes!!

Despite the reviews, I'm eager to start reading the new Harper Lee.

Thanks for the Corrigan review info, Mark. I'm on my library's waiting list but feeling very conflicted about reading Watchman.

I should be receiving my copy of Go Set A Watchman today and here's my take. I'm sorry so many reviews have hit the streets before I had a chance to crack it open. My f2f group chose it, and The Mockingbird Next Door as well as re-reading To Kill A Mockingbird for their July and August books. I've read the "biography" of Harper Lee, and am more than half way through re-reading "To Kill". I think I'll read "Go Set" as a way of seeing how the progress of a good novel developed. I expect Harper Lee was, as we all are to some degree, affected deeply by the times in which she lived. My parents expressed some of the same sentiments Atticus Fitch is rumored to have expressed. We live in a racist society and it is no surprise to me that this will show up in this "new" book.

I am not sure I can join in with the condemnation some are expressing. I think we all need some historic perspective, and then, "take a chill pill". It is just a book.

Hi Mark! (Ha. My health insurer is Highmark, and whenever I write a greeting to you...well.)

I'm not planning to seek out Go Set a Watchman. There's way too many meritorious books I haven't yet read, so why spend time on something of dubious merit. Isn't that what reviews do for us? Sort out the clunkers from the thoroughbreds. Of course--sheepish grin--I'm still struggling with Under the Volcano, a book many "experts" assert is a masterpiece. Not struggling at all with The Unvanquished.

Have a good day. Woke up to rain, but the sun's come out now.

Hey Mark, I'm number 18 of 60 to get Go Set A Watchman from the library. Ya know, I'm a bit peeved that they felt the need to publish it. Sometimes it's best to let sleeping dogs lie. Isn't it all about money in the end? Someone's making it to the detriment of others, IMO : ( Still, a curious reader am I.

#37
I have a copy of Child 44 and want to read it. I also have the sequel and the next book. However, whenever I think about Child 44 I put it back on the shelf. I have heard about some of its detail and I just don't know if I can stomach it. I finally got to the point that I stopped reading the Jo Nesbo books because they were so gruesome I couldn't sleep at night after reading them. I just don't have to put myself through that kind of mental anguish. I like mysteries but I guess I am just not bloodthirsty enough to like reading about torturing and killing in a realistic fashion.

#45
I did not get a copy of H is for Hawk at ALA and when all the buzz about it started I felt so left out. But that is way it goes. When it is a working conference you pick up what you can pick up and learn to not worry about the rest of the great books that you missed.

I have been intrigued by the talk of the Laiden Universe books recently and I WILL pick one of them up sometime in the future. But like you I have too many series going right now, including one on audio, so this one will have to wait for me. That is one thing I like about LT - I get exposed to lots of great series and books that I wouldn't know about otherwise.

Whelp (as Amber says), I'm number 80 on the holds list for Go Set, so I've got time to decide whether I'm going to read it.

Am currently listening to H is for Hawk, and Mark's spot on ~ it's absolutely wonderful!

>48 scaifea: >49 Crazymamie: >51 lindapanzo: Morning, my friends! I plan on reading/listening to Watchman at some point too.

>50 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Hope you are enjoying your final day with the Pops.

>52 lauralkeet: You are welcome, Laura. If I find a positive review of Watchman, I will post it too, for balance.

>53 maggie1944: You are all about Harper Lee this month and I love it. I really wanted to squeeze in Mockingbird.
I enjoyed your thoughts on Atticus. That might be the most contentious part of the new book.

>54 weird_O: "Sort out the thoroughbreds from the clunkers." Well said, Bill. Sorry, Under the Volcano is giving you some difficulties. I was hoping to use you, as a launching point.

>55 Carmenere: Great thoughts, on Watchman, Lynda. I think we share very similar feelings on that one, although I would have loved it, if it would have been a worthy book.

>56 benitastrnad: Hope you can find a copy of H is For Hawk. The audio was wonderful too, so keep that in mind, my friend.

>57 Storeetllr: Horray, for H is For Hawk and doesn't she do a great job narrating? Enjoy, Mary!

My two cents on the new Harper Lee book:

I personally don't plan to read it because TKaM is, to me, a near perfect novel and story. I don't feel the need to meet Jean Louise or Atticus later on in life. If it were a new Harper Lee novel with different characters, I would be interested in reading it to see if TKaM was a "lucky shot" so to speak, or if Ms. Lee had a real, consistent talent. As it is, I am afraid meeting beloved characters later in life, with new context, would end up coloring my view of the original, and I prefer to keep that original just as it is in my mind - nearly perfect. It's the same reason why I rarely re-read *anything* that I truly love...

Hi Mark -

Catching up from the previous thread as well as this one . . .

I also have never read Watchmen but I just requested it from the library to add to the giant stack of GNs I'm taking on vacation. Another one on that stack thanks to you is The Gigantic Beard that was Evil. I'm on the waiting list for Nimona but it'll be a while before I get that one.

I have no plans to read Go Set A Watchman I may at some point in the distant future but for me To Kill A Mockingbird was perfection and I'm going to view this with the same approach I have to Star Wars Movies with Jar Jar Binks in them - I'm going to pretend it doesn't exist.

I decided to start all over with threads, so I'm doing the waving thing again!

Hi Mark, much nicer out there today, eh?

I started a book totally outside of my usual. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Not too far in but I think I like it.

#63
I thought Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children was pretty good with a great concept. There is a sequel out to it, but I haven't had time to read it.

^I think this young lady has her summer reading in order. I can relate...

>60 katiekrug: Thanks for your 2 cents, KAK! I appreciate you chiming in on the "Watchmen" discussion. I do not reread very often but it is not because of the fear of being disappointed. With me, it is all about time. But, I do think, we have become better readers and revisiting a book, can really enhance the experience, especially if we are talking masterful writing. When I reread To Kill A Mockingbird, it took me to a whole new level, that I didn't quite experience the first time.

>61 SuziQoregon: Hi, Juli! You cracked me up with your Jar Jar Binks comment. LOL. I wonder how these next round of Star Wars movies will be?

I really liked The Gigantic Beard that was Evil. I am sure you will too. When do you go on vacation?

>62 connie53: Big loving waves to Connie!

>63 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda! Not bad today, but still humid. The breeze saved the day. I can tell it's getting cooler out there right now.

I really enjoyed Miss Peregrine. Very inventive. I have still not read Hollow City.

>63 lindapanzo: I too read and liked Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. I was seduced in the book store by the photos scattered throughout the text. I have to admit that when I got to the end and realized it was to be continued in another book: Gobsmacked! Dis-Ap-Pointed, as Otto would say. I don't know why, I was just put out. I've been able to move on.

Thanks for all the comments on Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. This is totally outside of my usual.

Would you call it YA? Fantasy? Not sure.

>67 weird_O: I was glad to see Miss Peregrine continue. My daughter is currently reading it. I have the next one, Hollow City saved on ebook. Need to bookhorn it in.

>68 lindapanzo: It is a tough one to classify, Linda. I guess it could be YA fantasy or adult fantasy/ supernatural/mystery. LOL.

>66 msf59: - I should have been clearer - I've read TKaM three times now and think I've gotten everything out of it that I want/need to (something different each time...). I don't plan to re-read it again, though I might listen to the Sissy Spacek-read audio of it at some point.

>70 katiekrug: The audio narrated by Sissy Spacek is amazing and absolutely worth a listen.

>66 msf59: We head over to the coast on Sunday morning for the week.

Happy Wednesday, Mark.

I want to go with SuziQoregon, the coast is wonderful this time of year.

*waving "hi" again* I just don't have the energy for long posts this morning.

Happy Hump Day! We have our nice weather back: Partly sunny, mid-70s. Sweet!

I plan on finishing The Book of Speculation. I am liking it but it is falling short of a warble-fest. She has talent, no question.

I am well into Missoula. It is not an easy read/listen. Krakauer pulls no punches and much of this is heart-wrenching, (especially for a father). Like, Ghettoside, it really gets the thought processes firing. I can not believe these things our happening in our country, on an epic scale. It seems like we have not evolved at all...

*pondering* Is there such a thing as "human nature" which either does not change at all over the eons, or if it changes, evolves very, very, very slowly. The propensity of humans to use power to satisfy ego, and to do horrible harm to fellow humans, seems to be a steady drum beat of evil in this world. I do think that on a whole the world has become less horrific, with fewer "wars" and "atrocities" however the remaining examples get a good deal more media attention. Perhaps this is what we need. Pay attention, and continue the quest for more peace and compassion.

hugs to Mark. I love Krakauer, too. I have Missoula on my Kindle, and I will get to it. Someday when I'm finished with this moving ....

>70 katiekrug: Well, that makes sense then, although I do know some readers are afraid to reread their favorites.

>70 katiekrug: >71 SuziQoregon: I plan on listening to the Sissy Spacek audio version at some point too.

>71 SuziQoregon: Have a great trip to the coast, Juli! My daughter leaves Friday night for Oregon and will spend 10 days with family and friends. I am jealous.

>72 Ameise1: Mid-Week waves to Barb! Happy travels.

>73 maggie1944: Morning Karen! It sounds like you could use a vacation, my friend!

>65 msf59: I'm fairly certain this is what our car will look like Friday morning once I'm finished packing for our vacation...

As advertised, it is simply gorgeous out here...

>75 maggie1944: Beautifully said, Karen. It is difficult to blame the parenting, most of these young men are from middle-class families but where did they get the idea, that violating women, is not only sport but completely acceptable.
It is so baffling and disturbing.

>77 scaifea: LOL! I love it, Amber!

#75
According to Steven Pinker in his book Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined the world is getting to be a more peaceful place compared to what it was in the past. The Amazon blurb about the book says the following.

"Believe it or not, today we may be living in the most peaceful moment in our species' existence. In his gripping and controversial new work, New York Times bestselling author Steven Pinker shows that despite the ceaseless news about war, crime, and terrorism, violence has actually been in decline over long stretches of history. Exploding myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly enlightened world."

I heard him give a lecture on BookTV about his findings in this book and it was fascinating. A very optimistic view of the world and what it is becoming.

I think I should put this book on my TBR list. I have several other of Pinkers books on that list already.

Jon Krakauer got into real trouble with Missoula. I heard a talk on BookTV about it. Apparently people weren't too happy with the way he portrayed the town and he said he was really trying to get at the University administration who were more interested in covering up the problems than doing anything about it. As a long time employee of a Big Time U I can tell him that what he ran into is the norm for the large universities. Here in Alabama there are stories about the conduct of major athletes as far back as the 1950's. To make matters worse the use of women escorts during recruiting trips only adds to the problems. It is plain on this campus why these women are used but the big athletic donors don't see a problem with it. Until they do, nothing is going to change. Just like so many problems on college campuses - follow the money. I was astounded to learn that the quarterback in the case in Missoula was reinstated by the university and lead them to a winning season upon being reinstated. The gamble paid off and until gambles like this fail nothing will change.

>79 benitastrnad: Better Angels of Our Nature sounds intriguing. I may have to give it a try, at some point. I have not heard of Pinker.

>80 benitastrnad: I can easily see why Krakauer got into hot water, over Missoula. This is a Hot-Button issue, although he clearly states, that the University of Montana, is just a stand-in for any big college city.

This book is very well done and like the excellent, Ghettoside it focuses on individual stories. Very disturbing but another Must-Read!

Thanks for sharing your Alabama experiences.

Sweet Thursday! I am enjoying a day off. Errands and yard work on the agenda but I hope to squeeze in some reading too.

Just the other day, Linda ( laytonwoman3rd) and I, were chatting about the distinguished American author, James Salter, who passed away last month, at the age of 90. I had not been familiar with him and I have rarely seen any mention of him on, LT, but the good people over on Book Riot, rave about Salter all the time. That said, I decided to read The Hunters, which is first novel, written in the mid-50s. I hope this one opens a door and introduces me to another favorite author.

Has anyone else read Salter and would like to share any thoughts?

Morning, Mark! Happy day off!
I've not read Salter at all, but I'm looking forward to your thoughts on him.

I've admired Pinker's work for a long time. He is well worth giving a good look. His works may be a bit academic, nonetheless he does treat some interesting theories about human nature. I love the concept that optimism can be learned, and the more optimistic a person is, the more successful they seem to be in their lives. Only one area of life one should not use a consistently optimistic outlook: finances. Important to be realistic when considering finances. (all learned from reading Pinker, years ago)

>83 scaifea: Morning Amber! I am looking forward to giving Salter a try. His books all seem to be on the short side too, which is a big plus for me.

>84 maggie1944: Morning Karen! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Pinker. I will have to give him a try, at some point.

Have a great day off, Mark!

I haven't read and don't own anything by James Salter.

Good morning, Mark! We're back safe and sound. Great to be back home. We sat out on the porch yesterday afternoon in that beautiful weather.

I don't plan on reading Go Set a Watchman for reasons similar to Katie's up in >60 katiekrug:. To Kill a Mockingbird is a perfect novel in my view, and I don't feel any need to read a new version of Atticus and Scout, or to change how I view TKAM. But I also agree with Karen in >53 maggie1944: that everyone should "take a chill pill" about it.

H is for Hawk is mighty good so far. Give the first Liaden book, Agent of Change a try some time - you may like it. I'm thoroughly enjoying the re-read; I think I'm on the 7th now.

>86 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl! It just rained, so I am waiting for the grass to dry out a little before I mow. LOL.

>87 jnwelch: Morning Joe! Welcome back. I think I will still try Go Set a Watchman, especially if I can find it on audio.

I am so glad you are enjoying H is for Hawk. It is a top-notch read, in so many ways.

Hi Mark, I also have not read anything by James Salter, but The Hunters definitely intrigues me as it is about fighter pilots in the Korean War, a period on which I have read a little about over the last couple of years and would like to read more about. I will be watching for your comments.

^Wow, I didn't realize I work out like a madman! I have muscles on top of muscles!

Love that. Tempted to flyer my gym step machines with it!

Hi, Mark! I'm just stopping by to check out your latest thread. Kind of a scary thread-topper . . . (I'm afraid of heights . . .)

>89 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy! Good to see you. I am not very far into The Hunters but I really like it so far. I learned this was made into a movie, with Robert Mitchum, in the late 70s. Hope I can track it down.

>91 charl08: We are sure, one fit group, aren't we Charlotte! LOL.

>92 tymfos: Great to see you, Terri! I am also afraid of heights. You are not alone on that one.

After I finish Miss Peregrine, I'm planning to start Go Set a Watchman. I read TKAM in a high school freshman and saw the movie but I do want to read this new book. If I go to the swimming regionals, the timeline is 7 hours and my niece will likely race for just a few minutes per hour so, potentially, lots of reading time.

I, too, had the day off. Pretty nice day but, now that I'm home, it's raining. Perfect reading weather.

Hi, Linda! Hope you are still enjoying Miss Peregrine and I will look forward to your thoughts on Go Set a Watchman.

Good luck to your niece!

Hi Mark! I am often very happy to re-read, and I am seldom disappointed, although sometimes the meaning of the book changes with time.

I am planning to skip Go Set a Watchman; but I may re-read TKAM one of these days.

Hot Friday! It looks like the heat and humidity returns to our fair city and will stick around through the weekend. The summer has been perfect so far, (for this humble mail-carrier, anyway), so it is hard to complain.

I should wrap up Missoula today and looking forward to getting back in the fighter jets, in The Hunters. I am glad to have finally gave Salter a shot.

>96 banjo123: Hi, Rhonda! Great to see you! I wish I could do more rereading but it is an uphill battle. I will give Go Set a Watchman a try on audio. I want to hear Reese Witherspoon narrate.

Morning, Mark! Happy Weekend!

Good Friday Morning, to you, sir. We, too, are facing some hot weather, again. Although it is more normal for July here, we are suffering from the fact that our normally wet and cool Spring was hot and dry this year. All our fine green trees, and bushes, and grasses are brown, dry, and in some cases fall off the branches. It looks so sad.

I don't mind the heat, but I am made very sorrowful to watch our green landscaping turn to brown, and dying. *lower lip hangs out of a sad face*

Morning, Mark!

BTW, I got through 9 audio chapters of Landline and wouldn't put it at the quality level of Eleanor and Park. But I may have been affected by the choice of narrator - for the first time with an audio book, I didn't like the narrator's voice at all. Rebecca Lowman? New to me, but wrong for this one, IMO. I'll finish the rest in print.

Hope this muggy day treats you all right. We're going to the White Sox game tonight - hoping the rain holds off!

It is not quite 11am here and it is a furnace. Ugh!

Send cooling thoughts to Marky-Mark...

>98 scaifea: Happy Friday, Amber! Smooth sailing, my friend.

>99 maggie1944: Happy Friday, Karen. You folks in the Pacific Northwest deserve a break. OMG!

My daughter flies to Oregon tonight, to vacation with friends and family.

>100 jnwelch: Morning Joe! It is a pot-boiler out here.

Sorry the audio for Landline didn't work for you. I like Rebecca Lowman but, maybe she wasn't the right "voice" for this book.

Hello, Mark, and happy Friday! I love the art by Igor Oleynikov at the top of your new thread.

It is WARM here in western North Carolina. But at least my sister has A/C. Back in Seattle, P is going to be dealing with a very hot weekend with no A/C to manage it.

I'm looking forward to your comments about Missoula. I must read it (work-related, you know) but have been putting it off a bit. I think I can trust Krakauer to handle the topic as well as anyone.

Have a great weekend, my friend!

Happy Friday, Mark! Hope your muggy weather heads out and you have a sunny, warm (but not too warm), and all-around delightful weekend!

"The Department of Justice investigated 350 sexual assaults reported to the Missoula police between January 2008 and May 2012. Few of these assaults were properly handled by either the university or local authorities. In this, Missoula is also typical. "

"Using data gathered in 2011, the CDC study estimated that across all age groups, 19.3 percent of American women “have been raped in their lifetimes” and that 1.6 percent of American women—nearly two and a half million individuals—“reported that they were raped in the 12 months preceding the survey.”





I finished Missoula. It is another important book and another Must Read, because this epidemic is criminally under-reported. Once again, I have to ask how far have we really evolved? This is truly a shame.

Mark, I think we have evolved because women can now speak openly about being victims of sexual violence. There was a time when no one would speak openly of such matters. Check how rape is treated in To Kill a Mockingbird.

And I believe because it is being talked about it probably is happening less often. We have no way of knowing, of course, but I do know there are men who talk about preventing rape and sexual violence, and there are fathers who will broach the topic with their sons, as well as their daughters.

At least that is my hope.

Thanks for your thoughts on Missoula, Mark. Looks like a must-read indeed.

Hopelessly behind on your thread. Just going to pick it up from here! Sorry about the hot weather; we are supposed to be in the 90s AGAIN this weekend. Yuk. Not sure I want to read the sequel to Kill a Mockingbird...hmmm. Missoula sounds interesting, but not at the moment. I need fluff right now. : ) Have a great weekend. xoxo

>102 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen! Hope you are having a nice time with your sister. I remember it being in the low 90s when I visited Asheville, last August.

Missoula should be required reading, along with Ghettoside

>103 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary! The heat & humidity is sticking around, right through the weekend. Hope it levels off, early next week. How is it there?

>105 maggie1944: You are right, Karen, we have evolved but boy, do we have a LONG, LONG way to go! This college rape problem is a current issue and I hope Krakauer's book, widens the awareness.

>106 Storeetllr: Hi, again, Mary! Missoula worked very well on audio too but there are some very disturbing and uncomfortable passages, throughout.

>107 Berly: Great to see you, Kimmers! I would suggest you hold off on reading Missoula. Having a daughter, makes this particularly painful.

And speaking of daughters, my girl is flying in to Portland tonight, for a long visit with family and friends.

There are plenty of factors in the college rape epidemic and women not reporting it is one. A really big factor that part of the problem is alcohol. Binge drinking has become an expected part of going to college and as a result contributes greatly to the problem. Especially for women who can' tolerate the levels of alcohol that men can, but are expected to participate. It is a lethal mix and parents don't help because they don't believe that their children would be involved in such behavior.

Hi Mark. I'm refraining from chiming in on the college sexual assault issue. I spend too much of my working life dealing with the issue from all sides; it is complex and painful, and it's too easy to oversimplify it.

SO, instead, I will once again wish you a happy weekend. I wonder what you'll be reading next.

I am glad your daughter is visiting, but when are YOU coming again?! You promised next year and I am holding you to it!! : )

^It is going to be a scorcher folks. Hottest day of the year so far. I will be trudging through the sleepy 'burbs today but it will feel like Death Valley. Keep sending cool, refreshing thoughts...

To keep me distracted, I am going with pure, joyful escapism and will start the audio of Hunted, the sixth Iron Druid entry.

>109 benitastrnad: Thanks for your thoughts on the college rape issue, Benita! You keeping cool, down there? I can only imagine.

>110 EBT1002: If anyone knows it thoroughly, you do, my friend. I hope I am not oversimplifying it, I am just shocked and saddened that this issue is under-reported and overlooked.

>111 Berly: Howdy, Kimmers! We have not set a firm date for next year, but it is in our plans. Has it cooled off there at all?

Hope you've got plenty of liquids, that sounds like a hard slog even with the escapism to keep you company. We are warm but nowhere near those temps, and there is a lovely breeze in the garden, which I hope will continue.

I have not read Missoula but plan to, as unfortunately am well aware of the inadequacy of university policies in the UK on all forms of harassment and beyond. I hope that the upswing in awareness of feminism will include a better awareness of this issue and lead to change.

Morning, Mark!

Stay as cool as you can today, Mark!

Thanks for your comments about Missoula. I'll add it to my wish list as well.

>110 EBT1002: I hadn't thought about how, of course, Ellen, you'd be in the thick of counseling students on this awful issue. Selfishly (please forgive me), I'm so glad our kids got through unscathed at Wesleyan and Tufts out east.

And I'll join in on wishing you a Happy Weekend, Mark! It's tough out there right now. We had a good time at the White Sox game last night, but it was HOT. Around the 7th inning a beautifully cool breeze came through the stands, and the crowd cheered! It was like manna from heaven. After that it got 10 degrees cooler, and that made a huge difference. (And the Sox won, 2-0).

We've been to the farmers' market this morning, and now we're heading to the library, and then we plan to be inside for the rest of this hot day. Stay as cool as you can, buddy, and drink a lot. I'm sure you're an expert at handling this kind of thing, but woo, tough weather day.

I'm glad you appreciated Missoula. (Enjoy is quite the wrong word, isn't it?) His talk at Missoula was enlightening as to why he did and did not interview various people. And the last few minutes, where he reaches down from the stage and removes the microphone from a heckler's hand is quite entertaining. It's a wonder how a certain County Attorney is still in office. As far as I know, no lawsuits, yet.

After record-breaking 100+ temps in June, it was in the mid 40's here in my corner of Montana last night with snow (!) forecast for the higher elevations in Glacier Park.

Well, we have plenty of cloud cover at the moment, so that actually is helping a bit. It sure beats the sun blazing down, with merciless intent.

>114 charl08: Happy Weekend, Charlotte. Always good to see you. And yes, I have plenty of liquids along on my journey today.

>115 Crazymamie: Waves & Hugs to Mamie!

>116 kidzdoc: Morning, Darryl. I would love to hear your take on Missoula.

>117 jnwelch: Morning Joe! Glad you had a good time at the Sox game and I am glad you finally got a welcoming breeze.

Enjoy your day! Sounds like a nice way to spend it.

>118 streamsong: Happy Saturday, Janet. I did appreciate Missoula. It may not have been perfect, in all aspects but it is an important and timely read, never the less.

I did see the video, with Krakauer and the heckler. Jeesh!

Hi Mark, happy Saturday!!

In the end, I liked Miss Peregrine but didn't love it. The farther I got into it, the less I liked it. I probably won't read the next book.

The sun has arrived! The sun has arrived! Nooooooooo!!!!

Yes, it was just saying to the grocery clerk: I did not ever want to live in California, or Arizona. Some else piped up with "I like our temperate climate". It is way too hot at 10 am! I'm lucky to have a heat pump, and that gives me A/C; I'll stay inside.

>122 msf59: Tornado warning here. A tornado spotted in the neighboring county, where we just had lunch. It was sunny when we left there, though.

>124 lindapanzo: Linda- I just finished the route and it is pouring.

"I just finished the route" - all right! Go get that cold ale, buddy.

^After a couple hot & muggy days, I think I deserve a couple of these bad boys! Who's with me?

>121 lindapanzo: I am glad you at least gave Miss Peregrine a shot, Linda! I know it is a bit out of your comfort zone. I agree that it wasn't a great read but I found much to like and the photos, definitely added to my creepy enjoyment.

>123 maggie1944: You sure are stuck in a freaky weather pattern, Karen and this has to break many records for you. I hope it cools off soon for you folks. Fingers crossed.

>126 jnwelch: All ready, half way done with my first, Joe. And this will be followed by a couple of others. Grins...

Ugh, hot & muggy is how I remember Chicago summers, Mark. Unlike where I live now, which is all over the map when it comes to weather. This morning, I sat on the back patio in 90F sunshine. A few minutes ago, I was shivering under a throw, listening to it thunder and rain outside while watching the TV weatherman say the temp is now around 67F. Seriously?

Keeping up with Colorado weather is a lot of work!

Happy Sunday! Not much on the agenda, for the day, which sounds perfect to me. I hope to spend plenty of time with the books. I should finish up The Hunters, which I am really enjoying and I hope to knock out my current GN, Strong Female Protagonist, which has been a lot of fun.

>129 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary! Our summer has been very nice so far. Sure, we have had plenty of rain but I do not mind that at all. I do not like the extreme heat and we haven't had much of that...so far.

Happy Sunday! I am tired of the heat, but grateful that I have air conditioning in the house and makes it easier to sleep, and to read, and to eat. Bad knee kept me from working yesterday, and today, but it feels better so perhaps I'll get a few more hours during this coming week.

I'm about 1/3 of the way through Go Set a Watchman and am enjoying it without needing literary critics to inform my opinion.

Have a great Sunday, Mark!

In the Country: Stories arrived! I can't wait to start it. But first i need to finish The Little Paris Bookshop, which I am enjoying.

>131 maggie1944: Morning Karen! I am glad you are enjoying Go Set a Watchman. Another pal over on Good Reads also liked the book. I just snagged it on audio, so I will definitely get to it.

>132 kidzdoc: Morning, Darryl. It has been a nice quiet A.M. here and getting some reading in.

>133 alphaorder: Happy Sunday, Nancy. I am looking forward to your thoughts on In the Country: Stories.
I just requested the audio of The Little Paris Bookshop. Glad you are enjoying it.

Hope you are having a great weekend.

>38 msf59: I read the first chapter of Go Set A Watchman in the Wall Street Journal. It was enough to know I don't have to read the book and sully my memory of Mockingbird. I am a fan of Krakauer so will be reading Missoula...sometime. I know it's an important topic but I will have to be in a certain frame of mind to read it.

It's like a sauna here in Missouri...good thing I'm heading to CO next week. I may not come home!

I am racing through the Throne of Glass books and will probably finish book 3 today at the swimming pool. I started reading Crazy Horse: Strange Man of the Oglalas by the Nebraska author Mari Sandoz. This is in preparation for my upcoming cross-country odyssey from Alabama to Bozeman, Montana, a journey that will take me through much of Crazy Horse country, and will include the Sand Hills of Western Nebraska. I am so looking forward to this drive as I have never been west of Kearney, Nebraska and really want to get a feel for the country. I have put my other reading on hold until I finish this book.

Sandoz is an author of the same vintage as Stegner and i have never read any of her work. In my part of the country she is well thought of and folks wonder why she isn't better known. The biography of Crazy Horse was controversial when it was published in 1942 so it will be interesting to see what I think of it. It was hard to find a copy of the book. Our university library only has a paperback reprint. But then we are not a plains state so it isn't that integral to our collection.

It is hot here. I am staying home in the evenings and doing lots of reading.

Happy Sunday, Mark! Hope you are staying cool. It's wicked hot here as well, but should be down to the high 80's on Monday.

I am going to hold off on Missoula, I think, until my daughter is through college. Her school has no frats; which I think reduces the risk, but those stats are pretty horrifying.

Happy new thread, Mark and yikes on where your son is standing! I don't do well with heights so I had to sit back in my chair a bit when I saw that picture. ;-)

I am happy to report that I am back on the AAC reading bandwagon after a couple of months absence. I won't be reading any Le Guin but I just finished my Wallace Stegner read - I will probably post the review later today - and I am now working on my Sinclair Lewis read. ;-)

Hope your Sunday is a wonderful one, Mark.

>135 Donna828: Happy Sunday, Donna! And BOO to saunas!! I am staying inside today, in the comfort of the a/c.

I plan on listening to Go Set A Watchman, at some point, unless my LT pals convince me otherwise.

>136 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita! The Sandoz sounds good. I love reading about the Old West and Native American culture. I have had The Spirit of the Crazy Horse on shelf for over 20 years. Bad Mark. Have you read that one?

The Montana trip sounds fantastic. I love that part of the country, although I have seen very little of Montana.

>137 banjo123: Morning Rhonda! Hope you are having a good weekend, despite the heat. My daughter flew into Portland Friday night and is currently camping with the family, somewhere up there. She is staying for 10 days or so. Lucky girl.

>138 lkernagh: Happy Sunday, Lori! I am not fond of heights either ,so you are not alone.

Glad you are back on the AAC bandwagon. Do you have a McMurtry, picked out?

You betcha I do. I will be reading my copy of The Last Kind Words Saloon. ;-)

>141 lkernagh: B.A.G.

Big waves from Biarritz to Chigago. :-D

91) The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler 3.7 stars

“The book is a beautifully broken window with an obstructed view of what is killing us, and something is definitely killing us.”

“Perhaps the book opened a door; books have a way of causing ripples.”

Simon Watson is a young librarian, living in a sleepy town, on Long Island. His days are quiet and uneventful, but his life takes a sharp left turn, when he receives a mysterious package. It turns out to be a journal, detailing the events of a traveling carnival, from the 1700s. Mesmerized, Simon reads deeper, and begins to realize that he has a family connection to these strange, mystical people. There may also be answers here, to the untimely deaths of his mother and grandmother.

Fans of Water For Elephants and The Night Circus, should find pleasure here. I do not think it as solid as either of those reads but Swyler has a certain flair, for the written word and she has a quick, inventive mind. I just wish she could have had a stronger narrative flow. The story did bog down at times. I still give this a gentle thumbs up, so if are hearing the siren call, give it a go!

Hey Mark. You know, we're all just waiting for fall no matter which part of the country we live in, right? What a brutal summer.

>144 msf59: I am a fan of both Water for Elephants and The Night Circus but I'm tentative about this one..... I think I'll see if the library has it so it's only a mild commitment. :-)

>137 banjo123:

I couldn't resist starting the stories. I am hooked.

>143 Ameise1: Big Waves & Hugs to Barb!

>145 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen! We have had a hot few days but you have been HOT for weeks. Hope you cool off.

I liked it but, you might want to take a pass on The Book of Speculation.

>146 alphaorder: Yah, for Nancy! That collection, just keeps getting better.

Mondays sure roll around fast, don't they? Ugh! Since I have the weekend off, it is just a four-day work week, so there is a bit of a silver lining, after all.

I had a good reading day yesterday, finishing The Hunters, (an impressive introduction to Mr. Salter) and my GN, Strong Female Protagonist. I also cracked A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress, and a Young Dictator's Rise to Power. Yes, that is a wordy title, but this is going to be juicy NNF fun. I thank Benita for the book and the nudge.

On audio, I will be continuing with my Iron Druid book.

oh! Monday. Retirement + Instacart = I lose track of the day of the week all the time.

I must go put out the garbage and recycling.

I finished Go Set A Watchman and I liked it a lot. I have no horse in the race to review it, and no need to be a critic. I do recommend reading it.

Good morning, Mark! What day of the week is this again? Oh yeah, that one. Boo.

I finished another Liaden book and a couple of poetry books. I want to get back to The Warmth of Other Suns and to start Mrs. Dalloway soon. Not sure I have enough time to also make a living. :-)

I checked out In the Spirit of Crazy Horse from the library at the same time I did Crazy Horse: Strange Man of the Oglala's. However, In the Spirit of..., is a huge book (almost 850 pages) and is about AIM - The American Indian Movement - and the occupation of Wounded Knee in the 1970's. I decided that I wanted to read about Crazy Horse because his life was spent in the section of the country through which I will be traveling in the next few weeks. I plan on reading "In the Spirit of..." after I get back. I am doing the books in that order because I want the historical background from a sympathetic author that will be provided by the Sandoz book and then I will move to the modern history.

Sandoz is an interesting author and ranks right up there with Cather in the pantheon of Plains writers, but she is not as well known. I think her style was a little ahead of the times and her liberal sympathies were well know and suspect in the 1940's and 50's. She was very much an environmentalist and in that regard is right there with Stegner, but more concerned with the Central Plains rather than the Inter-mountain West as was Stegner. I did a little reading about her biography of Crazy Horse, and at the time it was published in 1942 it was panned by the critics because she used too many "native" sources and wrote in to much of a "native" style. I am only about 15 pages into the book, so I guess I will see what happens as I read it. It is not a long biography. About 400 pages, including notes and index.

"In the Spirit of ..." is equally controversial. It was written soon after the occupation at Wounded Knee and it is a hard to find book nowadays. Used copies of it are very expensive.

Of course, I am also reading my fantasy stuff and loving the Throne of Glass series. I am also really liking the Tony Hillerman books and am reading Dark Wind as my carry around book right now. That is largely because it is due back to the library at the end of this week, but even so, I really like his series of mysteries. Like Louis L'Amour his books are very much about the setting and I know that someday I will be taking a long trip through the Southwest just to see some of the places about which he write.

>149 maggie1944: Morning Karen! Those week days just all blend it together, eh?

Glad you enjoyed Watchmen. I will have to see for myself, despite mixed feelings.

>150 jnwelch: Morning Joe! Yes, boo to Mondays! Glad to see back to Warmth of Other Suns. You may benefit, from a short hiatus from that one.

>151 benitastrnad: Wow! Thanks for all the info on Sandoz and Native American writing. I did not remember any of that, about the Mathiessen book and it looks like I own a treasured copy.

I was hoping to do some rereading of the Hillerman series, but so far I am failing.

Good morning, Mark, and Happy Monday. I admit that I look forward to the days (retirement) when I might more easily lose track of the day of the week. It does sometimes happen during vacations but not so much this time.

Did you like (and do you recommend) Strong Female Protagonist?

Hi, Ellen! I also can not wait until retirement and completely forget what day it is.

And yes, I do recommend Strong Female Protagonist. It is a bit on the longish side but always entertaining, with just enough edge.

Hi Mark! You know, when you're retired, every day is Saturday. Ha ha ha ha...

When you are retired, every day is Thanksgiving!

Ooh, you people really know how to rub it in! Meanies!!

Yep, I'm with Mark. Mean people. :-P

^I am attending an author event tonight, featuring Mr. Ernest Cline. He is on the road, promoting his latest, Armada. Like many of us, I was a huge Ready Player One fan, which rocked the book world, 4 years ago. Hope he hits gold again this time.

Hi Mark, have a happy Week!

>159 msf59: Good for you, Mark - he sounds like an interesting guy.

Sure was a pleasant start to the day out there, and it looks like we're in for some decent weather. Have a good one, buddy!

>159 msf59: I am totally jealous. Loved RP1. Looking forward to Armada. Have fun!

Gorgeous summer day: 80, light breeze, blue skies, sunshine= Happy Camper!

>158 EBT1002: We are a team, my friend.

>160 connie53: Hugs and Waves to Connie!

>161 jnwelch: Morning Joe! It is a beauty out here. Looking forward to hearing Cline tonight. I hope his sophomore effort is another winner.

>162 mahsdad: Hi, Jeff! RP1 was also terrific on audio, narrated by Will Wheaton. He also narrates the new one. I bought the book but I also hope I can snag it on audio.

^I really enjoyed the Ernest Cline author talk. Here is signing my copy of Armada. He is such a perfect geek. The ideal person to write Ready Player One. Lots of chatter about Star Wars, video games and Deloreans. Yes, he owns one.

FYI: He signed my book with, the abbreviation- MTFBWYA. Do does anyone know what that means? Grins, slyly...

FYI Part 2: On the edge of the table is my copy of A Kim Jong-Il Production, (which I am LOVING!!). I did not crack the book but had it, just in case.

May the Force be with you always?

You got it, KAK! I had to look it up. LOL. I am an amateur geek.

Hi Mark, Sounds like a fun author event!

What fun!

>166 msf59: Geek that you are, may his inscription be true for you!

2 work days left, before the long weekend. Yah! And another beautiful day! Double Yah!

I am loving A Kim Jong-Il Production. If you like reading about North Korea or just reading exceptional NNF, start tracking a copy down. Thanks again to Benita, for the big nudge.

On audio, I started Girl at War. This is a coming of age story, about a girl growing up, during the Bosnia war. It is very good so far.

>167 Copperskye: >168 Storeetllr: It was fun! Did either one of you read Read Player One? It is such a treat. The perfect Geekfest. The audio is great too!

>169 Berly: Thanks, Kimmers! Hugs to my pal!

It was a lucky guess. My geekdom extends only as far as books and grammar :-)

>170 msf59:: Oh, I wish I had a wall I could use in this way, but unfortunately I have too little space.

Glad you had such a good time at the Ernest Cline signing, Mark! Like Katie, I figured out, "May the Force Be With You', but not the "A" at the end. Hope his new one is good - what I've heard so far is mixed.

Another beaut of a day!

i am glad that you had fun at the author signing. I really enjoy those because I think it gives me a few insights into what and why the author wrote what he did. I have had Ready Player One on the TBR list for a long time, but just haven't gotten to it yet. I snagged an ARC of Armada at ALA this June, so now I have to read both of them. However, first up when I get time to read what I want to read is to finish the Poldark books. I took a detour from those books in order to read a fantasy series so that I can participate in a real life book discussion that my local Barnes & Noble is trying to start.

I have a good start on Crazy Horse: Strange Man of the Oglala's and so far it is reading much more like a work of fiction. I suspect that is why it was panned when it was published in 1942. However, I am finding it very interesting and think that in today's world it would be classed as narrative non-fiction. Crazy Horse is still a young boy and Sandoz paints wonderful word pictures of the High Plains of Western Nebraska, were Crazy Horse was born. By-the-way, did you know his name wasn't really Crazy Horse? His name was Curly. He was part of the family of another Oglala Sioux that was headed by his uncle, Crazy Horse. I still haven't gotten to the part where his name was changed. I strongly suspect that the white people were the ones who changed his name. It will be interesting to find out.

>173 katiekrug: Thanks for the clarification, Katie! We all have our own levels of geekiness.

>174 maggie1944: Morning Karen! Hope the week is going well.

>175 jnwelch: Happy Hump Day, Joe! A bit muggier out here than I expected but definitely not bad.

You would have loved the Cline talk. So far, I have only heard positive things about Armada. I hope those are the right indicator.

>176 benitastrnad: I would be curious to hear your take on Ready Player One, Benita. I am not sure it is your cuppa but I hope I am wrong.

Thanks for your thoughts on the Crazy Horse book. Sounds like an interesting one.

Back in the day I was a big listener of the radio, so I do know who REO Speedwagon was! I also know what an REO Speedwagon is. Hair Bands - Yeah! Great Glorious music. College days and nights in disco clubs. Those were the days.

I loved Ready Player One and am looking forward to Armada. Great that you got to a book event with the author, I'm a little jealous.

I won't be reading the new Harper Lee, it is being heavily promoted here in New Zealand by our national 'book'store chain (inverted commas as they now focus so much on games, toys, gifts and stationery, that the books part seems like an afterthought).

>151 benitastrnad: I'm taking note of the Throne of Glass series. I just picked up all the Poldark novels at a charity shop, good condition and $1 each.

#180
Was it really that tough of a day?

I had a good day. I spent an hour-and-a-half looking for some newspaper articles about the first woman to register and run in the Boston Marathon. It happened in 1967 and she was harassed by policemen while trying to run the race. It turned out to be a very interesting hunt for the articles because these articles are NOT on the internet. The reason - copyright laws. You can only get those articles if you pay for a historical database like "Newspaper Archives" (this database costs us about $20,000.00 per year plus electronic maintenance fees.) I finally found the articles the person needed but she will have to print them out and then make printed paper copies for the social studies workshop she is planning. But it was a fun search and I learned about Katherine Switzer from Syracuse, New York. Her book is called Marathon Woman by Kathrine Switzer.

#179
Enjoy those Poldark books. I have started the second one and will be taking it with me when I go on vacation.

>178 benitastrnad: Hi Benita! Glad to hear you are (were) an REO Speedwagon fan. I was too! I don't remember if REO was featured in Ready Player One but I do remember it featured a lot of music, some good, some bad. It is also filled with video games and movies.

>181 benitastrnad: Nah, I had a good day. Just wrapping it up, with a cold brew.

I heard something about that woman in the Boston Marathon.

>179 avatiakh: Hi, Kerry! I am looking forward to Armada. If I can snag it on audio, I will try it, in that format.

I did snag the audio of Go Set a Watchman, so I will probably listen to it, at some point.

REO!!! Roll with the changes, time for me to fly ,,, oh yeah that brings back memories of my Midwestern roots.

>184 lauralkeet:

"I've been around for you
I've been up and down for you
But I just can't get any relief
I've swallowed my pride for you
I've lived and lied for you
But you still make me feel like a thief..."

B.A.G.

Sweet Thursday! Last work day of the week. Yippee! I am enjoying both of my current reads, A Kim Jong-Il Production and Girl at War. I should wrap up the latter today.

See everyone on the flip-side!

Go Mark! Have a great time, and enjoy the reading.

Morning Joe! Yep, audio books up there and back and of course, my print books will be squeezed in whenever I can.

Road trips are made for recorded books. I have six of them in the front seat of my car waiting for me to listen to on my cross-country road trip next week.

>181 benitastrnad: That sounds like it would make a good read. I have seen pictures of men trying to manhandle a woman runner of the course, but I'm not sure if that is the same course. Strange times.

>65 msf59: that is me packing for my weekend away!!!

I love the terminator cartoon referencing Harper Lee :) hilarious!

Happy "Friday," Mark! I remember how the anticipation of a long weekend was almost as wonderful as the long weekend itself.

^I had been hearing such good things about the Sixth Extinction, (not much warbling on LT, though!) that I thought I would make it my next audio. I listened to the first hour-plus and I definitely made the right decision.

Has anyone else heard anything good?

>185 msf59: I can hear the guitar riff in the background Mark!

This is one of those rare biblio-moments, when I am reading/listening to 2 nonfiction books at the same time. I am deep into A Kim Jong-Il Production, so I should finish it this weekend.

I liked but did not love Girl at War. The first part and latter part were my favorites. The middle stuff was just okay.

>189 benitastrnad: "Road trips are made for recorded books." Amen, sister girl! We should have T-shirts made!

>190 charl08: Waves to Charlotte!

>191 LovingLit: Have a great time this weekend, Megan. We are going away too! Glad you enjoyed the terminator cartoon. LOL.

>192 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary! We only planned this about a week ago. A perfect excuse to meet old friends and relax in a more bucolic setting.

Just stopping by to say hi, Mark. Lots going on here.

Happy Friday! We are going up to the U.P. in Michigan, just over the Wisconsin border. For sun, fun, BEER and friends. My books are packed but working on everything else. Smiles...

>196 BLBera: Big Waves to Beth! Have a great weekend.

Happy Friday, buddy! Have a great time in the U.P.!

Thanks, Joe! I hope you have a great weekend too!

Have fun! Safe travels! See you when you get back.

Bye, Mark. Sounds like you are headed for more good times. Be safe.

De-lurk - I think I may have missed a thread or so...

#197 Happy Friday to you too! We are also off tomorrow for our summer hols in France so hope all carries on sunny and bright with you :)

Happy Friday to you!

The butterflies abound in my garden. And, this morning Will and I watched four teeny, tiny hummingbirds as they feasted on the nectar of the beautiful, sweet blooms.



Life is good!

Hi Mark, I came by to wish you a happy weekend and I see that you are having a 3-day weekend with a road trip! Have a good one!

Happy Birthday, Mark! I trust that you have some splendid plans for the day. Enjoy your weekend!

Are you celebrating your birthday on this three day weekend! Cool-y-o!

Have a great few days of relaxation and enjoyment!!

Happy Saturday! A quiet morning here in the U.P. Working on my second cup of coffee. We are going out on a sailboat, in a couple hours for a brief jaunt and then later on we are meeting friends, who are camping near the bay. We will be grilling and drinking many beverages. Should be a very good time.

Not much reading getting done. Did listen to a chunk of The Sixth Extinction, on the way up.

I will try to squeeze in a little reading time, before we take off.

>200 Storeetllr: >201 weird_O: Thanks, Mary & Bill! It looks like it will be a very nice weekend.

>202 BekkaJo: Great to see you, Bekka. Have a wonderful holiday in France.

>203 Whisper1: Happy Weekend, Linda! Thanks for the butterfly. It is lovely.

>204 DeltaQueen50: Happy Saturday, Judy! Good to see you.

>205 kidzdoc: >206 maggie1944: Thanks, Darryl & Karen. Much appreciated. Looks like it is going to be a beautiful weekend.

>207 msf59: Sounds wonderful, hope it continues to be a great break.

Have a great birthday, Mark!

Oh, well, maybe a couple of these bad boys will make up for that.



Happy Birthday, my friend!

Happy Birthday, Mark!

>211 jnwelch: I almost used that one myself!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, you old warbler you!

Happy Birthday! Enjoy.

Happy birthday Mark! Hope you've enjoyed your day.

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday, old friend! (You're the same age as me!)

We also spent the day boating but I suspect on a smaller lake!

Happy Birthday, Mark!

Happy Birthday, Mark!

Happy birthday, Mark!!

Happy Sunday! Thanks everyone for the great birthday wishes. What a lovely barrage. I love all the beer related posts too. You know me well. Hugs & High Fives to all.

Last night, we finished the day, sitting around a fire, just off the beach. Perfect way to wind down.

We will head back home, later this morning. I am getting a little reading in too, as I make my way through the Kim Jong Production book, which has been terrific.

Happy birthday Mark.

A birthday celebration in the U. P. sounds perfect to me, Mark. I'm sorry I'm late with my birthday wishes. I am out in CO with Hope, and my life is consumed by her right now. I haven't even done much reading since I got here. *gasp*

What's on the agenda today, Mark? Hope you keep the birthday going for a few more days.

Where in the U.P. are you? Are there wild animals lurking nearby?

Cheers to you, Mark. I expect that, despite my failing to salute you on your 39th birthday yesterday, it was a good one. My wife and I had a particularly quiet anniversary. Did quite a bit of reading. Bye the bye, I reshelved Edith Wharton in favor of Susanna Clarke. It happens that I have only 701 pages left. Yee-haa!

^I wish this was always true...

>224 BLBera: Thanks, Beth! Hope you had a nice weekend.

>225 Donna828: Hi, Donna! Always good to see my pal. Thanks for the wishes and I hope you are enjoying yourself in Co.

>226 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! We took it easy this morning. We went out for breakfast and then I snuck in some reading time before we took off.

We are back home now and I am trying to brace myself for 6 straight work days.

ETA: No, wild critters up there this time and no deer in the road, thank the Gods!!

>227 weird_O: Thanks, Bill! And happy Sunday! I am going to start Jonathan Strange later in the week. I will join you.

Which Wharton did you put back? I love E.W.!

House of Mirth. My wife has read quite a few Wharton novels, and she finally said, "I have had enough. Wharton books always end badly." I've read Ethan Frome and several short stories that were in the same book. I put HoM on my reading schedule to satisfy a category challenge: Read a book that scares you. I can't think of any--ANY--book that would really scare me, so I contrived my own self-serving interpretation of "scare". To wit: Wharton books scare me because they ways turn out badly.

And you love her. Oh good grief. :-) Hahahahahahaha.

FWIW, we tramped the grounds and halls of her mansion in Lenox, Mass. What a place! Someone there told us Edith would sit in bed all morning, writing her books in longhand. As she'd fill a page, she'd just drop it on the floor. Her secretary had to collect the pages and try to get them in the correct order.

I love Edith Wharton for the very reason she scares you, Bill! But I have to be in the mood for her stuff, that's for sure. I toured The Mount a few years back with some LTers and that's what started me reading her books, because up to then I hadn't read more than one or two.

Okay, back to work. Looking at six straight work days and a stretch of warm weather. It will hover around 90 for most of the week. Hey, it's the end of July, right? So, no big surprise.

I decided to start Fifth Business. I have had it on shelf for awhile, since Joe picked it out for me. It is a battered paperback and I am hoping the print is not too small. I am also looking forward to jumping back into the Sixth Extinction.

>230 weird_O: Morning, Bill! I loved House of Mirth. I agree, she writes about the darker side of human nature, but that theme usually works for me.

And thanks for sharing Edith's writing habits. LOL.

>231 lauralkeet: I would love to tour The Mount, Laura!

Morning, Mark! I'm glad you had such a good birthday weekend!

Six days in a row. I hope you will feel so productive, and contributing to the overall happiness quotient of the world as all those folks are going to be so happy to see their mail. For some people it is the most exciting thing that happens day by day.

We are also set for some more hot weather. Up into the 90s here, too, I think. We had a couple days of gray skies and showers and the plants and the people all say YES! My niece and her husband came by yesterday and picked up my four really big pots for plants: two blueberry bushes and two bamboo plants. Also some hanging basket poles. The yard and the house both are looking marginally more and more cleared and cleaned! Whew. Progress.

This week I have the joy of working with a professional organizer who is going to help me conquer the paper piles I have made, and put into boxes, and stacked high! I told the niece and her hubby that we will have to have a large celebration when the last box of "papers needing sorting" is gone! Very large. And they will be really happy too because they will not have to haul them out to the trucks and haul them into the new home.

I am well and good into Eventide by Kent Haruf. I have definitely found a new favorite author. He slowly inches into my life, and finally grabs a hold of heart and head, and will not let go until the last page is read.

"He slowly inches into my life, and finally grabs a hold of heart and head, and will not let go until the last page is read. " What a wonderful way to put it. Yes he does.

Welcome back, Mark! Sorry you're facing a long week. Go Fifth Business! Hopefully that'll help. I'm reading the newest Longmire, and it's another good time with Walt and Vic and the others.

>234 maggie1944:, >235 laytonwoman3rd: Agreed - great way to put it, Karen. I mentioned to Mark that Haruf has become my favorite American author.

>234 maggie1944: What a beautiful way of phrasing that, Karen!

>233 scaifea: Thanks, Amber! It was a fantastic birthday weekend.

>234 maggie1944: Glad I will be making some folks happy, as I trudge through the heat today. LOL.

It sounds like you are making a dent in the "moving" process. Makes it feel a bit lighter, each time, right?

Love your expressive words on Mr. Haruf. He is an American treasure. I have to bookhorn in his latest.

>236 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! Have not cracked Fifth Business yet, but I am getting very close.

And yah, for Longmire!

>235 laytonwoman3rd: >237 streamsong: Big Waves to Linda & Janet!

Sorry I missed your birthday! I hope it was a grand occasion and a cracker of a day. With books. And a beer?
Happy belated!

Hi, Megan! I had a very nice birthday and yes, books & beer were definitely in the mix.

I hope you had a nice getaway weekend too!

Hope you had a nice birthday, Mark.

Green Bay, eh? My old stomping grounds. My college roommate had a large boat and, for years afterwards, we would go out on Green Bay.

Hi Linda! Had a great birthday weekend. Lots of fun. It is nice up in the Menominee area.

Come on Cubbies! We need a big win tonight!

>232 msf59: I also loved The House of MIrth. I read it a few months ago, then got the movie from our local library! Both still haunt me.

Morning, Mark!

HOT & HUMID!! Ugh! Share cool thoughts, with the local postman!

I should wrap up The Sixth Extinction. It has been a fascinating read. I hope to read more of Fifth Business. It is an interesting set-up.

>243 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! I also loved the House of Mirth. Did you ever watch the BBC production, with Gillian Anderson? It is also very good.

>244 scaifea: Morning Amber! Send down cool vibes today, will ya?

Yes, Mark, that is the production I watched and loved it! How fickle high society was. It is amazing how many silly rules were in place. Have you ever visited the Vanderbilt mansions in New Port, Rhode Island? If hot, I highly recommend them.

The Marble House, built at the request of Ava Vanderbilt, in particular stood out to me as sin....all that guilded gold while so many in the nation were hungry.

I wish you and my local postman cool thoughts, Mark. It was 96 degrees when I left work yesterday, and it's supposed to hit 97 F today, with a heat index of 105 F.

^At least we've not got it as bad as Atlanta, Mark!

The latest Longmire was a good one, and I already can see the set-up for the next one. Now it's time for Mrs. Dalloway, and I'm back to The Warmth of Other Suns. I have a feeling I'll be reading that latter one periodically for a while. I'm a quarter of the way through - not a fast one for me, although excellent and heartwrenching.

Did you ever read any of the 100 Bullets GNs? I got a compilation from the library, and it's very good.

Hope it's a tolerable one for you today. We're getting into the height of summer, aren't we?

>246 Whisper1: I have not been to Rhode Island, Linda. It is also on the list. Sounds like a cool place.

>247 kidzdoc: Hi, Darryl. Sounds like you are cooking down there. We have a good summer, so I really can't complain.
Keep cool, my friend.

>248 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! It is a warm one but I am muddling through. My customers have been taking good care of me, with water & Gatorade.

Good to hear the latest Longmire was worthy. I am slowly making my way through the series.

I did read the 1st 100 Bullets GN but it has been awhile. Maybe, you'll encourage me to pick it up again.

Happy belated birthday, Mark. Great that you arranged to be born on a long weekend!

^I decided to dive into the mammoth Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. I have had this on my To Read list forever and the interest and praise of the BBC series, has nudged me into finally picking up this Magical Major Chunkster. I might be, about 2 hours in. It is certainly a slow burn but keeping my interest. They are working the footnotes into it, in a smooth, non-evasive manner.

I did finish The Sixth Extinction and can not recommend it, high enough. I will work on a mini-review, but in the meantime: Find a Copy!!

>250 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg! Great to see you!

Morning, Mark!

The Clarke book has been on my radar for a good while and is on a least a couple of my lists, too, so I'll get there eventually. I can't wait to see what you think of it. Also, I'm definitely adding The Sixth Extinction to the list! Thanks!

Morning Amber! I think there was some mixed LT response to Jonathan Strange, in the early days, so, that along with it's gigantic proportions, kept me from moving it up. Since finding it, on audio, I thought it would be a fine time, to give it a go!

I have Sixth Extinction on my side table. Guess I better move it up to the top of the pile. Finished In the Country, which I also loved. Thanks for encouraging me to move it off my wish list. Now I am reading Between the World and Me. Only 20 pages in, but I think everyone should read it.

It took me a while, while reading it, to get caught up in the spell of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell, but once I did, it was a great ride, Mark.

The enthusiasm for the BBC series caused us to jump in over the weekend, and we've now raced through 4 episodes. Really well done, and faithful to the book as far as I can tell.

Started Mrs. Dalloway, and so far I'm liking it much more than any other of hers I've read.

Super mucky out here. It is supposed to lighten up...Hurry up, will ya??

>254 alphaorder: Hi, Nancy! Glad you enjoyed In the Country and I am sure you will love The Sixth Extinction.
I have requested Between the World. Just waiting impatiently...

>255 jnwelch: Jonathan Strange, has still not really grabbed me yet but I am trying to be patient.
I loved Mrs. Dalloway. I hope it also works for you,Joe.

It's not too humid here yet today, and there's a nice little breeze - here's hoping it finds you soon...

Not to be a heretic, buddy, but you may end up just wanting to watch the JSaMN BBC series. Debbi hasn't read the book, and is totally caught up in the BBC series.

>256 msf59: I'm about 300 pages into Strange'n'Norrell, and I am enjoying it. It is low key, quite reserved. I don't know that it is a "grabber." But it is clever, convoluted, funny. Love the footnotes. (They bring to mind the footnotes in Nicholson Baker's The Mezzanine.) My wife's report was on the order of "Well, I finished it. But it's really weird." (So it's a natural for me, right?) My daughter "couldn't get through it." But I'm liking it.

Outside, at noon, here it is 86 degrees Fahrenheit. What will it be by 5 pm? hotter, I'm sure. Sun is shining, and there are no clouds. Whew. I take a box out to the car, and then I come inside and rest for a bit before hefting another box. Whew. Just whew.

A friend is coming over to "inherit" some yard art, and go to lunch. Yippie!

"Commanders and historians are the people to discuss wars; I was in the infantry, and most of the time I did not know where I was or what I was doing except obeying orders and trying not to be killed..."

"And of course I saw corpses, and grew used to their unimportant look, for a dead man without any of the panoply of death is a desperately insignificant object."

^ Fifth Business

^It has been such a good read...

>257 scaifea: It did become less humid, Amber, and the northerly breeze felt good but that sun remained HOT!!

>258 jnwelch: What is up, heretic buddy? LOL. So far, I am sticking it out. It did begin to pick up after Norrell brought back the young woman to life. This is not a page-turner, to say the least, so listening to it on audio, seems to have been the right move.

Glad to hear you both are enjoying the BBC series so much.

>259 weird_O: Hi, Bill! I am glad to hear you are enjoying Jonathan Strange. It took a little while to get going but I am finally being pulled along. I agree with you, it is definitely not a "grabber". I am listening to it, so I am not sure how far in, I am. Still less than a quarter, is my guess.

>260 maggie1944: Hi, Karen! Wow! Things have not cooled off for you! I was sure, you would be getting a break by now.

Sending cool thoughts.

261.

Great. Fifth Business has be buried in mount TBR for years. You're going to make me unearth that one too, aren't you. )

Stopping by to say hi to my favorite postperson! ;) Lone Ranger!Sounds very hot and humid! We have a very hot and humid summer for us. So glad we invested in two portable air conditioners earlier this year. Central air is relatively uncommon here, since our summers are usually in the 70's F - but this year it has been really dry and hot.

Interesting Booker Longlist!

Oh! Happy Birthday Mark aka msf59. Sorry I was caught up in our son''s wedding. Calculating your age................................;)

I loved the BBC series. Very interested in your review of the book.

>251 msf59: that book does look large. Have you finished it yet!? ;)
I am still "pleasure reading" my Roth book....a few pages here and there. I have half finished my qualitative research methods book though!

Thinking cool thoughts for you...all I have to do to do that is poke my nose outside my door and feel the cool air!

Sweet Thursday! 3 down, 3 to Go! Another warm one but the humidity has eased up. I will take it.

I am still plugging away at Jonathan Strange. It did pick up pace but it is still a "stroll". Fifth Business is not a page-burner either but I am savoring every choice moment. Have not cracked a GN this week. WTH? That needs to change.

>263 alphaorder: I am sure you will love Fifth Business, Nancy. I do not know how this author, or this trilogy, has escaped me, over all these years.

>264 vancouverdeb: Great to see you, Tonto! I've missed you. I hope things have settled down, post-wedding. Sorry, about the persistent "warm" weather. Hope it cools off, for you.
Thanks for the belated birthday wishes. I am the Big 5-6!

>266 Oberon: That's good to know, Eric. Folks seem to really like the BBC series. I will start it soon. Did you read the book?

>267 LovingLit: Hi, Megan! No, I have barely made a dent in Jonathan Strange. It is about a 1,000 pages. Yikes! It is not your cuppa!

I appreciate the cool thoughts! Hugs!

Morning, Mark! Love that quote from The Fifth Business up there...

>262 msf59: Thank you, Mark, I would have thought you'd be keeping your "cooling thoughts" to your own self with the heat and humidity you've been having, but oh no! Your generous self sent them to me. And luckily the climate caught them over night. We are very lucky that our evenings tend to cool off. 90 yesterday, hotter today and tomorrow! A little cooler over the weekend. The Seattle area is celebrating "Seafair" this weekend with the Blue Angles flying over the city for about four days with wonderful aerobatics, and then we have speed boat races on Lake Washington. It is a fun celebration of all things about the sea, and many people spend much of it outdoors. I'm worried for the potential sun burns! Yikes. Me? I'll be working, and when not working, I'll be indoors reading, of course.

Benediction is a lovely book!

Good morning, Mark! It's supposed to top out at 96 F (36 C) in the ATL today; presumably it will be considerably cooler in Chicagoland.

This week, Montana beat you all with its weird weather.

Monday, there was snow in the mountains and even Missoula got a trace. It's possible for snow any month in Montana, but July is the least likely.

Today we're back up in the nineties.

>261 msf59: For a minute there, I thought you were quoting from my current audiobook Homage to Catalonia. The descriptions of living conditions on the line are gut-wrenching.

103F here today. Are you sure you don't want to move here? My neighborhood mail carrier (actually a sub for the usual one) made it on our local news after one of my neighbors shared video footage of her casually dropping (literally dropping, not dropping off) a package on the front path of her home, well beyond her front door and not even on the stoop. She also likes to leave mail box doors open after shoving the mail in. We could use some Marks down here!!!

>269 msf59: No I haven't read the book - which is why I am looking forward to your review of the book!

>275 katiekrug: Katie: I saw your video post on FB - unbelievable!

>270 scaifea: I would highly recommend The Fifth Business, Amber. It is your cuppa.

>271 maggie1944: We have to share those cool thoughts, Karen. That is what makes this place special.

Have fun at Seafair. Keep hydrated and lotioned.

>272 kidzdoc: I was checking the national weather map this morning, Darryl and much on the country is sweltering. Ugh! Keep cool.

>273 streamsong: I would not mind a touch of snow at the moment, Janet. LOL. Good luck with that crazy weather.

>274 charl08: Hi, Charlotte. The war sequence in the Fifth Business is brief but powerful. I am not familiar with your current read but I am now.

>275 katiekrug: Those postal stories always bug the crap out of me. Good customer service goes a long way. I guess these asshats didn't get the memo.

My only suggestion is to complain and complain.

>276 Oberon: I think the length is going to hurt this book, Eric. I can not understand, her decision to pad this to a 1,000 pages.

Hi Mark! 119 new posts! This thread is growing very fast.

Glad you're having such a good time with Fifth Business, Mark! Isn't it great?

JSaMN started picking up for me when Norrell raised the girl from the dead, too - and the Gentleman who shows up is very important. I think it'll pick up even more for you when Jonathan Strange shows up.

I'm still interlacing Liaden stories with Warmth of Other Suns and Mrs. Dalloway. I'm really pleased to be able to enjoy the latter, rather than respecting it, and being glad I read it, as I've experienced with other of her books. (Getting ready to duck the slings and arrows of VW fans!)

Hi Mark, I've been lying low these last couple of days recovering from a very silly injury I did to myself. Had an armful of books and walked right into the doorway. Sounds innocent but I managed to wrench my back somehow.

I have been reading A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash and I have found another author whose writing I adore. I am pretty sure this is one that you enjoyed as well.

>275 katiekrug: Our very special postman Mark would never treat a package this way. Afterall, it just might contain precious books.

>269 msf59: I think I will enjoy reading mega long books in the future when I can guarantee myself more than 30 minutes of uninterrupted reading time in a row.

>279 msf59: asshats ;) Is that your word!? It is great.

I got tied up after work today, helping my daughter and her DOG. Finally sitting down, with dinner and LT. Perfect...

>280 connie53: Hi, Connie! Good to see you! yes, these threads are growing like, unruly weeds.

>281 jnwelch: There is the birthday boy! Hope the work day went well, Joe. Did not read as much of Fifth Business, as I would have liked, but I am definitely crazy about it.
I appreciate your thoughts on JSaMN. It is holding my interest. I am deeper into it. Strange is in training. By COB tomorrow, I should be closing in on the halfway point.

>282 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy! Wow! A book injury, huh? Well, if I had a choice...Hope you are recovering, my friend.

I am glad you are loving A Land More Kind Than Home. It is such a good read.

>283 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! I try to be careful. We deliver so many parcels now and I want to keep that business.

>284 LovingLit: Howdy, Megan! Asshats is a beloved LT term and one of Katie's favorites. It fits many situations.

It's true. I love "asshats." The term, not the actual specimens.

"not the actual specimens." Amen, my friend. LOL.

^Cruise on over...