Mark's Reading Place #17

- Soizick Meister "Floating"

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)

August:

99) Fifth Business by Robertson Davies 4.7 stars
100) The Devil's Highway: A True Story by Luis Alberto Urrea 4.4 stars Booktopia
101) Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke 3.5 stars (audio)
102) The Room: A Novel by Jonas Karlsson 3.6 stars (audio)
103) The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs by Matthew Dicks 3.7 stars (E)
104) Pretty Boy Floyd by Larry McMurtry 3.8 stars (audio) AAC
105) To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf 3.6 stars BAC
106) Brighton Rock by Graham Greene 3.7 stars (audio) BAC

American Author Challenge 2015

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

**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 (To the Lighthouse Completed)
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

You open for business?

Happy new thread! May it be asshat free!

^Here you go, Katie! This is for being #1 and for making this an Asshat Free Zone!

It does not look like I will get the McMurtry AAC thread up tonight. I am running out of gas. Hopefully, I can post it tomorrow night. It also looks like I will not get to a 2nd Le Guin read, for July, but I am going to try to read another, by the end of the year.

Also: I have not done well, with the BAC, the past 2 months. What is my problem? That is a question for the ages...

I do plan on catching up, with one or 2 of those, authors, over the coming months.

HEY! I am having a great reading year, that's all that matters, right?

#7 Nice new thread, Mark. No worries about the McMurtry thread. I've actually already started reading The Last Picture Show.

I'm off tomorrow...a 3-day weekend with no plans, though there's a lot of yardwork etc to be done.

Happy new thread!

Congrats

Happy new thread, Mark!

Happy Friday! Slowly winding down a long, hot week. Still merrily plugging along with the Fifth Business & Jonathan Strange. In regards to the latter, I should be close to hitting the halfway point by COB today. For a book, of those gargantuan proportions, that is a milestone. We will see...

>8 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda! The Last Picture Show is my second favorite McMurtry, after the monumental Lonesome Dove and much much shorter.

Enjoy, my friend.

>9 thornton37814: >10 maggie1944: Thanks, Lori & Karen!!

>11 scaifea: Morning, Amber! And thanks!

Good Morning Mark, and happy weekend to you.

Wow, halfway through Strange already... That's pretty fast! How's the audio version?

Blue Moon tonight, Mark. Be sure to take a look.

I too am halfway through Strange'n'Norrell. I am reading every word. :-)

New thread is nice. Not so crowded. Hahaha. That'll change pronto.

Happy New Thread, Mark!

The sun is HOT! But the humidity level is comfortable and there is a nice breeze blowing. These things are helping, along with, my books, of course...

>13 Whisper1: Happy Friday, Linda! Hugs!

>14 drneutron: Hi, Jim! The audio of JS, is very good. I think the narrator is Simon Prebble.

>15 weird_O: Hooray, for a Blue Moon, Bill. At first, I thought you were referring to the crappy beer. LOL.

Congrats on the halfway point, in JS. I should be following you, later in the day.

>16 kidzdoc: Happy Friday, Darryl! And thanks!

Happy New Thread, Mark. I missed the last one and due still being on my trip I probably will miss most of that one too. Hugs xx

Congrats on the new thread, Mark! Cool "floating/reading" illustration.

I have a favorite part of JSaMN that I'll mention when you complete that one. Glad it's keeping your interest.

I had substituted in The Warmth of Other Suns for last month's AAC, because I'd read so many LeGuins already. But there's no way I'll finish TWoOS any time soon, much as I'm liking it. So I'll have to jump to a McMurtry before I finish it.

Happy Friday! You're getting near the end of your very long work week, right?

Catching up with things around here now that I've settled back into the post vacation routine.

I enjoyed keeping up with your birthday adventures on Facebook. Looked like a wonderful weekend!!

^The Raven King is mentioned, on a regular basis, through Jonathan Strange. My knowledge of the R.K. is very limited. Must do research...

I like the book but a 1,000 pages? Really? Was the editor on holiday?

On the flipside, the Fifth Business is less than 300 pages. It is full and rich and just about perfect...

>18 Ameise1: Thanks Barb! I appreciate you making time, to stop by, while vacationing. I hope you make it by, before the end of this thread.

>19 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! Glad you liked the Meister topper. He is a very interesting artist.

I am enjoying JSaMN, but the pacing is slow. About halfway. Looking forward to hearing your favorite part(s).

Glad you are participating in the McMurtry AAC. He is one of my favs.

>20 SuziQoregon: Happy Friday, Juli! Great to see you. Yep, I had a terrific birthday weekend.

Hi Mark. Well, it's August and I'm interested in all three of the challenge authors: McMurtry, Murdoch, and Greene. So maybe I'll get back on the wagon train, just for this month.

Harkening back to your prior thread, I had heard some bits and pieces about The Sixth Extinction and the notion that we humans are a virus. I think it's a plausible argument! Are you still listening to the book? Still finding it interesting?

I also see that you're digging into Fifth Business, yes? I hope you enjoy it. As you may remember, I read it earlier this month and thought it was great. I want to read the rest of the trilogy.

I have a copy of Strong Female Protagonist sitting right here beside me. Yay! Another graphic novel getting good warbling (as you say).

I hope you have a great weekend, Mark. It's horribly hot in Seattle -- 95F today. It's Seafair so the Blue Angels were buzzing my house this afternoon and will do so again on Saturday and Sunday. I know it's hypocritical of me, but I enjoy them.

Oh, and I have looked at Jonathan Strange many times and just couldn't face the 1000+ pages.

The McMurtry AAC thread is up: http://www.librarything.com/topic/193963#

Saddle up and mosey on over...

Yay for the McMurtry thread. I was surprised to see that I've read 3 McMurtry's but none of his "famous" books.

I had to come on over and 'fess up as you did in #1. I am a certified book addict as well!

>7 msf59: hey now! Don't be too hard on yourself Mark, we love you anyway :)

Lonesome Dove would be a great read right now....but alas, I fear I would be doing it a disservice in trying to knock that one off this month. :|

Hi Mark! Happy new thread to you, my friend!

Suddenly, it is August! Happy Saturday! Last work day and then I am off the next 2. Grins...

I am on the homestretch of Fifth Business and I'll be digging into the 2nd half of Jonathan Strange. All is good...

>25 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda! I am so glad you picked The Last Picture Show. A perfect choice.

>26 DeltaQueen50: Hooray, another "certified book addict." I think we officially have an army.

>27 LovingLit: Hi, Megan. I do not wallow in self-pity for very long. Usually, after a cold beer, I will quickly rebound. LOL.

I sure HOPE, you can fit in Lonesome Dove, in your future reading plans. Fingers crossed.

>28 AMQS: Thanks, Anne! Great to see you!

Morning, Mark! Happy August! One of my favorite months, for various reasons...

^She read my mind. I sure could use one or two of those. The Fraulein has fine instincts, (among, other things) doesn't she?

Happy new thread, Mark!

I finally finished Angle of Repose. What an amazing book!

Happy New Thread, Mark. It looks very good, as usual. Including the Fraulein in >32 msf59: ;-))

Morning, Mark!

Happy Sunday! We have a nice day planned. A group of us are driving up to Milwaukee, this morning to see the Cubs play the Brewers, at Miller Park. We are going early, so we can tail-gate, before the game. This is something, we can not do, at Wrigley Field. The Cubs have won 4 in a row and are looking to sweep. We will be cheering them on.

>31 scaifea: >35 scaifea: Morning Amber! Sorry, it looks like I missed you yesterday. We will be heading into your fine state, once again. We have been to Miller Park, a couple times in the past and we really like that stadium. Hope you are enjoying the weekend.

>33 tymfos: Thanks, Terri! Great to see you. And hooray for finishing Angle of Repose. It is a modern classic.

>34 connie53: Thanks, Connie! and hooray for Frauleins, with beer!!

Have a great time in Milwaukee!

>36 msf59: I had to google tail-gate, Mark. But I think I know now!

Eat an informal meal served from the back of a parked vehicle, typically in the parking lot of a sports stadium.

>39 connie53: Connie: I think there's one thing missing from that definition: booze. Lots of booze. Ha!

>39 connie53: "Eat an informal meal served from the back of a parked vehicle, typically in the parking lot of a sports stadium." You got it, Connie and like Amber mentioned: You can't forget the booze!! We won't! LOL.

>38 scaifea: Thanks, Amber! Should be a good day and I am off tomorrow too! Win, Win!

Have lots o' fun in Milwaukee, buddy! Glad Fifth Business went down smooth and cool. Hope them Cubbies pull of the sweep.

Hope you bring the Cubs good luck, Mark. Miller Park is a great place to watch a ballgame.

Hrmph. You missed my post up there.... No worries, of course, but I just couldn't help sayin'. xo

Given your recommendation, among the good words of others, I have put The Last Picture Show on hold at the library. I'm looking forward to it!

I hope you have a great time in Milwaukee. Go Cubbies!!!!

Mark, We can all relate to that opening image. It is another hot day here in Pennsylvania. It is a good day to stay inside and read.

I hope your day is a good one.

> Booze! Of course! How can I forget the booze.

Hey!! Go Cubbies!!

You brought them some good luck today, Mr Mark, though it got to be a bit of a nailbiter there at the end.

A Cubs sweep!!

Sweep!

Just marking my place here in the new digs...

Whilst you was up there in Milwaukee, drinkin' beer and watching baseball, I was here at home, straightening up the lists and READING. I ain't no slacker.

Were you drinking Old Milwaukee up there in Milwaukee? Here's my story on that: in the late '90s, my DIL's sister, a chem major in college, got a summer job in the lab at a Sam Adams brewery in Fogelsville, PA. In addition to the various SA brews, they would brew and bottle beer for other brands. A perk for all employees was the right to buy a case of Sam each week at half-off. But a case of Old Milwaukee 24-ouncers was free! Wowie zowie!

^OMG! We had a good time! That is Miller Park, right over my head. It was a HOT one, indeed!

And the Cubbies swept the Brewers! How cool, is that??

I am going to bed early tonight, (yes, I am a lightweight), so I will see everyone tomorrow.

Glad you got through here before the storms hit. We are dodging tornadoes up here in northern Lake.

>51 msf59: That looks like a happy crew, was that before or after your team won?

Morning, Mark! It looks like you had a great time, and yay for a team win!

Happy Monday! Of course, I only say that, on my day off or while vacationing. Grins...

>42 jnwelch: >43 lindapanzo: H, Joe & Linda! We had a good time at the game and witnessed a Sweet Sweep!

>23 EBT1002: Sorry, I missed you up there, Ellen. Hugs to my pal! Glad to hear, you are reading, McMurtry., for the AAC. I have not read much of his later stuff but I sure loved his early work.
Yes, I did finish The Sixth Extinction and it was excellent. I have not been giving mini-reviews lately but I am going to try and remedy that.

Oh yeah, and I LOVED Fifth Business. Swoons a little...

>44 EBT1002: We had a terrific time at the game, Ellen. I hope you had a nice weekend too.

>45 Whisper1: Yes, Linda, we are all Certified Book Addicts and We Stand Proud! Hope it cools off for you.

>46 connie53: "Booze! Of course! How can I forget the booze." I feel much better now, Connie. Smiles...

>47 lindapanzo: >48 jnwelch: It was nice to see a 4-game sweep, especially away. Let's keep the streak going.

>49 laytonwoman3rd: Good to see you, Linda! Hope you found a cozy spot.

>50 weird_O: "I ain't no slacker." No, you are not, Bill. Hope you enjoyed your day with the books. I plan on doing some of that today.

I do not drink Old Milwaukee anymore. I have become quite the beer snob but I do not mind a Sam Adams, now and then. Thanks for sharing the SA story. Benefits are nice, aren't they?

>52 lindapanzo: I do not think the storms, tracked this far south, Linda. We did get some rain over night.

>53 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg! That photo, was before the game. We were even happier after.

>54 scaifea: Morning Amber! We had a very nice time yesterday.

Glad you missed the storm, Mark (so did we). Looks like a happy crew up there in >51 msf59:! Glad Maddon listened to those tips you gave him.

Pretty nice day out there; hope it goes well for you.

Morning Joe! It looks like a beauty today, although I will spend much of the day, huddled with the books. Did not get any reading in yesterday for some reason...grins.

^I have seen the author list for Booktopia Petoskey and the reason I have not mentioned it, over here, is that I am unfamiliar with several of the authors. A couple are new authors, with books coming out in August.

Of course, I am familiar with Luis Alberto Urrea and I loved The Hummingbird's Daughter. I have wanted to read The Devil's Highway for awhile now, so I thought this was the perfect time to start it. I also plan on reading his latest, The Water Museum, a story collection. I may also bookhorn in Into the Beautiful North. Has anyone here, read that one, or Queen of America, the follow-up to The Hummingbird's Daughter?

Ah McMurtry Lonesome Dove is one of my all time favorites. Gus and McCall are such an old married couple.

We went to a German Pub here in town over the weekend - despite outstanding beers on draft - ( I had a Zunft Kölsch that was awesome) our server convinced us to try a bottled beef from Augustiner-Bräu Munchen. It's Edelstoff and if you EVER have a chance to try it - do so! We figured that a brewery that has been in business since 1328 might just know what they were doing ;-)

The Year of the Cubs?!? Watching them sweep up in Milwaukee must have been amazing!

Hope you're having a lovely 2-day weekend so far!

>60 SuziQoregon: I love when someone sings the praises of Lonesome Dove. It is such an epic masterpiece. Did you see the wonderful min-series?

And hooray for German Pubs! We have a replica of the Haufbrau Haus, here in the northwestern suburbs. It is modeled after the one in Munich, which I have also visited. German beer does not quite hold the charm for me, the way it used to. I think my palate has changed, with the immense variety, that is now available.

I am glad it is beginning to cool off for you, Juli! Whew!

>61 Storeetllr: I am not sure this is the year, Mary. LOL. But this is the first time in many years, that I've really been enjoying, the team on the field. They are 10 games above .500, for the fist time in many moons.

Are you a Rockies fan? I know they have been struggling.

"'The Devil's Highway' is a name that has set out to illuminate one notion: bad medicine.

The first white man known to die in the desert heat here did it on January 18, 1541.

Most assuredly, others had died before. As long as there have been people, there have been deaths in the western desert."

"In the desert, Levis last longer than meat."

-The Devil's Highway

^This has been very good. Smartly written, with just enough humor to cut the grim subject matter.

Morning, Mark! Ooof, The Devil's Highway *does* sound grim...

Morning Amber! Yes, it is grim. The amount of people that have died, along this stretch is astounding. This is a very timely read. Well-researched and well-written.

It looks like another beautiful summer week. Low 80s, low humidity, sunshine and the topper: cool nights. B.A.G.

I will be continuing The Devil's Highway and I look forward to getting back to Jonathan Strange, after a couple days away. I also plan on starting the BBC series soon.

That sounds good, buddy. I finished Mrs. Dalloway, and enjoyed it from start to finish.

What a beaut of a day!

Stopping by to wish you a happy new thread, Mark and a Happy Tuesday!

>67 jnwelch: Morning Joe! It looks like we had similar feelings on Mrs. Dalloway. I think I am going to read To The Lighthouse. Have you read that one?

>68 lkernagh: Thanks, Lori! Have a great week and happy reading.

>69 msf59: Yes, I did read To the Lighthouse not too long ago. You can probably find my review somewhere on the book page. I look forward to hearing what you think of it. I've had The Waves recommended to me as the next one of hers to read.

>70 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! Now, that you mentioned it, I do remember. This will only be my second Woolf. Not familiar with the Waves.

I try to avoid requesting 2 Early Reviewer books, but I am very excited about both of these. I've been hearing very good reports on Among the Ten Thousand Things and I was completely gaga over, The Orphan Master's Son so I want to see how Mr. Johnson does on short fiction.

It would sure be nice, to win both, wouldn't it?

Anyone find anything?

Can you win more than one ER? I always assumed not.

I'm not requesting anything because none of them got me really excited, and I am at least two behind (The Shore and American Meteor) in reviewing...

I think you can win, more than one, Katie. I think it has happened to other people...just not me. LOL.

I usually request only one, just so I can make sure I get the one I want.

Where is The Shore in your queue? It is such a good book.

To be honest, I've been waiting for my library hold on it to come in (I'm currently #3 on 1 copy), as my ARC didn't have the family tree in the front and was printed on really cheap paper, which I hate...

>72 msf59: Unrequest the Pierpont. I got it the last time it was offered on ER. I'll send it to you. Turn about is fair play.

Nothing really caught my eye this time. But its not like I don't have enough else to eat.

>72 msf59: I've suddenly accumulated a bunch of ERs yet to read. Not sure how this happened since it seems like I just got caught. Heh-heh, caught up, that is.

I'm hoping for Chicago Noir.

>75 katiekrug: Sounds like you have it figured out, Katie. I also had an ARC of The Shore and did not know it had a family tree. Cool.

>76 mahsdad: "But its not like I don't have enough else to eat." Looks like someone missed dinner. LOL.

That would be great, Jeff. Thank you!

>77 lindapanzo: I've been keeping up, with my ER books. I only have Pirate Hunters to read and review. I hope to get to it soon. It helps that I have skipped a month, here and there.

Book Riot put together a list, called "21 Signs You’re Addicted to Audiobooks". This is a lot of fun. Hardcore audiophiles will chortle, I know I did, (and yes, I am listening to an audiobook, while I type). Yes, I am kidding! LOL!

http://bookriot.com/2015/08/03/21-signs-youre-addicted-audiobooks/

I like this one: "You calculate all commutes and errands not in terms of distance or gas or time, but in chapters of audiobook you can get through."

Or: "You walk the long way home from work, even when you really (really!) need to pee."

>79 msf59: Wait.....doesn't everyone have favorite narrators?? Sometimes I'm so happy to get stuck in traffic.

Hmm, no idea why this didn't post at first, then did only after I reposted it in >82 Storeetllr:.

Or, "You sit in the driveway for an extra 15 mins. after your hour-long commute home from work in order to finish the chapter." (Yes, I have done that.)

>78 msf59:. LOL. stupid autocorrect. :)

Hi Mark. Getting caught with posts up here. And I recognize a lot of the items on the list that are the same for book addicts. LOL

>80 Copperskye: "doesn't everyone have favorite narrators?" You know, I do, Joanne!

>81 Storeetllr: >82 Storeetllr: I have done both, Mary! LOL.

>83 mahsdad: It sounds like you finally had dinner, Jeff. LOL.

>84 connie53: Hi, Connie! It is nice to know we are not alone, when it comes to our audiobooks!

Morning, Mark! Love the audiobooks link - ha!

I requested the ER book about Neil Gaiman, Mark. I figured that, even if it isn't very good, I'll learn some interesting things.

Guess what? The new (old) Murakami arrived! Wind/Pinball just jumped the queue, and I'm eating it up. They are his first two published works, written when he was 29. I already got a kick out of his Preface, in which he talks about how he became a writer, and the process of creating his first novel.

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

>86 scaifea: Morning Amber! We sure LOVE our audios, don't we?

>87 jnwelch: Morning Joe! It is another nice one out here. No complaints out of me.

I'll be watching for your thoughts on the Gaiman ER, if you get it.
Glad to hear those early Murakami books are grabbing you. He sure has become a juggernaut!

I saw that ER book about Gaiman, Joe, and almost requested it, but I don't have a good track record with reading and reviewing nonfiction ERs in a timely manner, so didn't request it. Having said that, I thought the first book on the list ~ about Truman Capote ~ sounded really interesting, so I requested that one. Other than those two, nothing else caught my eye.

I also requested the Adam Johnson! And also the Shirley Jackson, and another book that sounded intriguing. Though maybe I should only go for the Adam Johnson, to up my chances of getting it.

Sweet Thursday! Our lovely summer weather has continued, which definitely makes my days brighter. On the reading front, I will finish The Devil's Highway, which has been excellent. I am getting close to the finish line on Jonathan Strange. I like the book but I will also be glad to move onto something else. It feels like I've been listening to it for weeks.

I did watch the first episode of the BBC series and thought it was terrific. I have a feeling, JS&MN will work better on TV, than in book form, at least, for me anyway.

>89 Storeetllr: Big Waves to Mary!

>90 banjo123: Hi, Rhonda! I am also looking forward to the Johnson collection. I am also curious about the Jackson release.

I am here to send you a big ole waving hello! Sorry I've been absent from the book discussions. I am so tired in the evenings that when I crawl in the bed then that's all "she wrote". I'm asleep. But this will pass, and I'll settle in to have more quality reading time. And then, back to a good new normal for me.

We had a nice little rain storm last night and I know our wonderful evergreen pacific northwest environment soaked it up in gratitude. I'm hope we have a bit more to come.

Leaving Big Sky country today. Heading back for Kansas. I plan on stopping back at Little Bighorn Battlefield to purchase a book that caught my eye when we stopped on the way out. Have had a great trip. Not much reading done.

Fingers crossed for those ER books. UK list is sadly lacking, so I'll wait for everyone's reviews instead!

>92 maggie1944: Morning Karen. I know you have a lot on your plate at the moment. I am sure things will begin to wind down.

>93 benitastrnad: Sounds like you had a good time in the Big Sky Country, Benita. I love it there and hope to get back. I seriously want to visit Glacier.
Have a safe trip home.

>94 charl08: Sorry, you can't join us in the ER bounty ,Charlotte. Hope the week went well.

>73 katiekrug: From the Early Reviewers Terms and Conditions page: "You can opt in (see Preferences, above) to occasionally win a second book per batch. You are not guaranteed to win a second book. Second books are picked from among books you requested for the batch. By opting in to receive a second book, you are agreeing to review both the first book and the second book." I just learned something...I did not know you could ever win a second book from a particular batch.

I haven't found anything appealing in the last several batches of ER books. Which is just as well, because I'm fairly well "booked up" for the time being.

^Wow! It really must be the Dog Days of Summer. The threads are eerily quiet. I hope everyone, is at least getting some reading in, in between those naps. Grins...

Morning, Mark! It's been Dog Days all summer here at Scaife Manor, but for reasons other than the weather... Ha!

I did finish and loved The Devil's Highway. I will finish up Jonathan Strange this morning. (Boy, that was a LONG one!!) I think I will slot in a "shorty" on audio, before moving onto Mr. McMurtry.

I managed to snag an egalley of The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs, so I decided to start that. The book comes out next month. I first met Matthew Dicks, in Vermont, at the very first Booktopia. He was funny and engaging. I have read and enjoyed 2 of his previous novels and this one looks interesting too:

>98 scaifea: Morning Amber! I am sure you are having a wonderful time with your dog pals!

Hi Mark -

Thought of you when I saw this. 10 Awesome Bookstores Serving Booze You'll Want to Visit Immediately

http://www.bustle.com/articles/101995-10-awesome-bookstores-serving-booze-youll-...

>97 msf59: - Awww, that pup looks like Louis the World's Greatest Dog! It has been quiet around here. Personally, I'm just feeling kind of blah, mostly because it is crazy hot here. I'm on "vacation" but am just hanging out at home, which I find kind of depressing... ANYWAY, I heard about that new Matthew Dicks novel and put it on my WL. I've only read his first novel (which I really liked), but I have the other two on the shelves, waiting patiently....

Have a great day!

Good morning, Mark! We went to Glacier National Park a number of years ago, and loved it. Should be just your cuppa. I have a sister who lives in Helena. Beautiful part of the country, but I don't know how she and her husband do it. I need to have more going on.

Hope you're setting up for a good weekend, buddy.

If you do ever go to Glacier, give a shout out. In terms of Montana miles, I'm not far away.

>97 msf59: Wish there was some reading and relaxing going on in my world, Mark! Just finishing up the course I took this summer - which is the end of the program I have been in for 5 years. Also planning my September/ October trip to Scotland and England. Too busy to post or relax. Hope things slow down soon!

The weather has been so nice, all week. It sure makes my job easier. As advertised, I did finish Jonathan Strange. Whew! Talk about, a load off...

>101 alphaorder: Thanks, Nancy. I will check out the link tonight. I am sure it is dreamy...

>102 katiekrug: Sorry about the blahs, KAK. Also, sorry about the heat. I hope you have a nice weekend planned, to pull you out of the doldrums.

>103 jnwelch: Happy Friday, Joe. We will make it to Glacier one of these days. I wish we had family in the area.

>104 streamsong: Hi, Janet! I will definitely keep you in mind, if we make any Montana plans. Love those Meet-Ups.

>105 Familyhistorian: Great to see you, Meg. Sorry, to hear life has been so busy.
Your England and Scotland trip sounds wonderful.

Simply stopping by and waving hi.

Hi Mark, I'm eager for the weekend. It seems like this was a hectic weekend. A visit with my sister and niece on Sat and an outing to Wrigley Field on Sun.

In betweentimes, reading the first Robert Caro LBJ bio. Oh and my current mystery, of course.

we went to Yellowstone and got caught in a traffic jam. Who would have thought that the wilderness would have been so crowded.

Went to Old Faithful and the real spectacle was about ten feet below the horizon. There were thousands of people there. I think most of the land around is covered in asphalt, so how much of a wilderness can it be? Sad thing is that I can't cross it off my bucket list because it was never on my bucket list.

I think this is a Grizwald vacation. Not much has gone right.

Hi Mark, I know I have been feeling a little cranky with the heat, and have definitely entered the dog days of summer here. I am off to visit my family on Vancouver Island next week so that should perk me up. These days all I seem to have energy for is reading.

^There also comes a time in the day, no matter the question, the answer is BEER! Just sayin'...

I've read Jonathan Strange five years ago and I liked it very much. Wishing you a great weekend. We're heading back home tomorrow shortly after noon.

>107 Whisper1: Happy Friday, Linda! Thanks for the Big Hello!

>108 lindapanzo: Happy Friday, Linda! Enjoy your weekend. Go Cubbies!

>109 benitastrnad: I remember traffic jams in Yellowstone too, Benita. And that was 9 years ago. It gets a bit crazy in the lower loop. Have you ever driven the upper loop? It is much more rugged and remote.

Boo to a Griswold vacation!

>110 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy, aka- Mrs. Cranky-Pants! I hope your trip to Vancouver Island, gives you some relief.

>112 Ameise1: Hi, Barb! I had mixed feelings about JS&MN. I know several of my LT pals loved it.

Have a safe trip home, my friend.

Morning, Mark!

Happy Saturday! I am working today and it will be a bit warmer and more humid, but it has been a good week and my Cubbies are winning. Go Cubbies!

I am enjoying The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs and plan on starting Pretty boy Floyd later this morning.

>114 scaifea: There is the birthday, gal! Morning, Amber!

Ha! Thanks, Mark!

Have a great time today, Amber! Sounds like a perfect day. Family, books and a lovely Lter!

Hey, Mr. Mark. Somewhere I've got Matthew Dicks' Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend. Did you read that one? Good?

I finished a humongous collection of Liaden short stories, and have my second Murakami on tap. I'm most of the way through Yo, Miss - very good one!

We've got a bunch of Debbi's fellow writers/storytellers coming over today for a workshop/brunchfest. I'll stick around for a good part of it, as they read out loud the pieces they're working on, and then take comments.

Hope it's a good one for you today. This streak of nice weather is hard to believe, isn't it?

Hi, Joe! Yes, I did read Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend. It is very good and right up your alley. Bump it up, the queue.

Glad you are enjoying Yo Miss.

Sounds like you have a nice day planned. Enjoy, my friend.

Hi Mark! Happy Saturday (even though you are working).

The Devil's Highway was the UW's common book a couple of years ago. Each year, the university chooses a book and encourages everyone (faculty, staff, and students) to read it. In my opinion, this is fine but without more infrastructure it tends to fall short. I'm sort of hoping to find ways to get active in promoting more book discussion groups around a common book, once I'm only doing one full time job. Heh.

We're finally having cooler weather here though we still desperately need rain. My nephew's outdoor wedding is today so I guess I want the rain to hold off for at least one more day.

I picked up my library copy of The Last Picture Show this morning and I will get to it as soon as I finish The Power and the Glory.

Happy Saturday, Ellen! I highly recommend The Devil's Highway. Have you read Urrea?

I hope you love The Last Picture Show as much as I did. I read The Power and the Glory many years ago and remember it being excellent. I hope to read a Greene this month too.

Happy Saturday, Mark! Caroline Jacobs sounds fun--I might look for it as I seem to be in the mood for some lighter reading fare lately. (says the woman currently reading Five Days at Memorial)

And I really liked the one book I read by Luis Urrea. (Hummingbird's Daughter) and keep meaning to get back to him.

I hope your nephew's wedding was wonderful. It was a bit cooler, and yet the rain held off. I hope that made the wedding party happy and comfortable!

>122 banjo123: Happy Sunday, Rhonda! Caroline Jacobs is a light, fast read, but I do not think it comes out until next month. If you can find his last book, Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend, try that one. It remains my favorite.

I loved Five Days at Memorial but I agree, it can be heavy reading at times.

>123 maggie1944: Morning Karen! You must be mixing me up with someone else. No wedding here. The wife and I had a quiet, date night, last evening.

^ I started the audio of Pretty Boy Floyd yesterday. I like the folksy charm and tone of it. McMurtry, collaborated with screenwriter Diana Ossana, on this one. They originally wrote it together as a film script and decided to expand it, into a novel.

I do not know much about Charles Floyd, so I find this interesting. This also reminds me of The Hot Kid, the depression-era crime novel, by Elmore Leonard, which I loved.

Happy Sunday, Mark. I'm back and therefore a much more regular visitor here. :-)

Morning, Mark!

Hiya, Mark. We're back from Beantown. Weirdly, I've got no beans. Have a Lobstah Roll instead.

>126 Ameise1: Welcome back, Barb! Good to see you. I hope you are able to wind down after, that long, lovely holiday.

>127 scaifea: Big morning waves to Amber!

>128 weird_O: Welcome back, Bill. Hope you had a fine time in Beantown. Sadly, I have never been. That "Lobstah Roll" looks tasty!

102) The Room: A Novel by Jonas Karlsson 3.6 stars

Bjorn has started a new office job. He is having a hard time “fitting in”. One day, on the way to the lavatory, he discovers a room, which he slips into. It is a small, unoccupied office and Bjorn, finds this area a “comfort zone”, a place to unwind and recharge. Things become surreal, when his co-workers, find Bjorn standing in the hallway in a dream state. There is no “unoccupied office”, just a blank wall. Where does Bjorn go? Is he delusional or is this a bizarre workplace hoax?
This is a nifty little Swedish, “Twilight Zone” episode. Spare and creepy. It is a short novel but it would have worked better, as an expanded short story. Definitely, not for everyone but if it sounds good, give it a try.

>130 msf59: - The Room sounds good!

Happy Sunday, Mark! Intriguing review of The Room. I'll keep it in mind.

Hope you're getting a chance for some good R & R.

^My lazy Sunday afternoon...

...plus I am watching the Red-Hot Cubbies!! Yes, all is GOOD!

ETA: I LOVE that cover of To the Lighthouse.

Hi Mark, trying to keep up with you is impossible. Especially when you are on a trip like I did!

Wishing you al the best.

>131 lkernagh: Hi, Lori. The Room is a quick fun, read.

>132 jnwelch: Howdy, Joe! Yes, a perfect Sunday afternoon. Nothing but R & R!

>134 connie53: Happy Sunday, Connie! You can keep up with me, my friend. I have faith.

I got stuck in a traffic jam in Kansas City. The cause was a combination of road construction and a Royals game. This whole trip seems to be a story of traffic jams and missed opportunities.

^Go Cubbies! Just swept the Giants, our Wild Card rivals!

>136 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita! Happy Sunday!

"This whole trip seems to be a story of traffic jams and missed opportunities." Sorry, to hear that. Sounds like some unnecessary stress, for your vacation.

Great finish to the Cubs game today. The Wrigley crowd hasn't been this loud since the playoffs 7 years ago.

What a run the Cubs are on! Glad you're having an A-1 Sunday, buddy.

103) The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs by Matthew Dicks 3.7 stars

Dropping the F-bomb at a PTO meeting and directing it towards a popular (but mean-spirited) soccer mom, is something that Caroline Jacobs never expected to do, but that choice outburst, kicks off a major life-change for Caroline. She has spent her life, being shy and non-confrontational, haunted by two childhood incidents, that have placed her on this, wallflower turnpike.
After, the PTO meeting, Caroline loads her spirited, teenage daughter in the family car and they drive to her childhood hometown, to face down her demons.
This is a fresh, easy-going novel. Funny and engaging. A bit lighter, than my usual fare but one I still heartily recommend.

>118 jnwelch: Hi Joe, Mark recommended this book awhile back. I read it and gave it five stars!

>130 msf59: I really liked The Room when I read it a few months ago. I looked back to see what I wrote and called it oddly compelling. I think that still holds true.

>103 jnwelch: I think I'm one of the only people who read Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend and didn't like it. Is this new one different enough to give it a try?

>141 msf59: Yep, Joe, a perfect day, all around. Hope it was the same for you.

>142 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! I remember us, both being big fans of Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend. I do recommend his new one but that one remains my favorite.

>143 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! I did not realize you had read The Room. "oddly compelling" is a good description.

I can't remember why you didn't care for Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend. I listened to that one on audio and it really worked for me.

Thankfully, I was away from the ballpark and either still on the bus or in my car by the time they received the bomb threat. (Game ended at 4:30 and they evacuated at 6.)

As I understand it, by that point, it was mostly reporters and ballpark employees who were still there. Few, if any, fans.

Morning, Mark! Those last two reads both sound good, although the PTO one hits a little close to home... (I've been close to dropping one of two F-bombs on some of those PTO moms myself in the last couple of years. Ha!)

Warm and muggy Monday, with the possibility of rain. Oh, boy. At least there is the books:

I only read a few pages of To the Lighthouse. It is going to be a slow read but the writing is wonderful. And I am looking forward to jumping back into Pretty Boy Floyd.

>145 lindapanzo: I heard about the bomb scare at Wrigley. At least it happened after the game. You got to see a doozy, didn't you, Linda! Go Cubbies!

>146 scaifea: Morning, Amber! "I've been close to dropping one of two F-bombs on some of those PTO moms myself." LOL! I can imagine!

Your Cubs are making things difficult for "my" Pirates this year, Mark! Fortunately the Bucs also completed a sweep this week, coming back from a 5-1 defect to trounce the LA Dodgers 13-6 last night. Both teams would make the playoffs as wild cards if the season ended today. It's unusual that the three teams with the best records in the National League are all in the Central Division (Cardinals, Pirates, Cubs), and the Royals are the only American League team with a better record than the Cubs and Pirates. It should be an interesting race from here on out.

My true team are the Phillies, who have been just as hot lately. They are still way out of the running, after a horrible first half of the season, but if they continue to play this well over the next 2-3 weeks they may play themselves back in to the NL East race (I'm not betting the farm on that happening, though).

>124 msf59: I hope I can use my "Moving Household Chaos" as a sufficient reason for imagining you were celebrating some wedding. Maybe we can just say it is a comment appropriate for your fine marriage which of course started with a celebratory wedding.... *smiling face*

I have hardly turned a page in these last few days so I've got no book reports; however, I did discover yesterday that one of the first people I met at my new community is the gentleman in charge of the library. I take this as a sign from the universe that this will be a wonderful new home for Greta Garbo and me. yay!

I'll be back to reading soon, I predict it will be so!

>142 Whisper1: Good to know - thanks, Linda! Now I have to find where I put Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend.

Good morning, Mark! Sounds like The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs is another good Matthew Dicks book.

I had a great time with Mrs. Dalloway, and slipped in the newest Mercy Thompson in that series Roberta recommended. I'm also enjoying the second novel in Wind/Pinball, and one of the gift GNs, The Wicked The Divine.

Go Cubs! This run is amazing.

>148 kidzdoc: Morning Darryl. Good to see you. The central division is a tough one. Any other, the Cubbies would be divisional leaders. I am just having a good time watching them. We have not had a good team to root for, in eons.

>149 maggie1944: Morning Karen! Hope the move is going smoothly and you find time for those neglected books. Fingers crossed.

Wow, the Cubbies are hot right now! That's awesome!

I'm cracking up at you and Karen. It was me who had a nephew getting married this past weekend!

I also love that cover of To the Lighthouse. I have now started that novel twice over the years and neither time have I gotten "into" it. It may remain on my unfinished list for life.

I hope you have a great week, Mark!

Stopping by to say hi! I had a bit of trouble finding your thread! Thanks for explaining what a PTO was! :) Here it is called the PTA , Parent -Teacher Association. I went to a few meetings in my time, but by high school the whole PTA - PTO is more a clique of parents. Not so much my style. I decided to confine myself to " meet the teacher nights" which I did until grade 12 with each of my sons. There were many lectures / advice from teachers and principals to not stop going to meet the teacher nights as your kids get older, so as to show your interest in their studies. Sorry I don't follow sports. Very bad form on my part! :)

>152 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen! "I also love that cover of To the Lighthouse. I have now started that novel twice over the years and neither time have I gotten "into" it."

I feel your pain, my friend. LOL. It is not an easy read. I am about 50 pages in and will probably tough it out. It is a bit dense, to say the least.

And Go Cubbies!!

>153 vancouverdeb: Great to see you, Deb! Glad you found me again. We also have a PTA. I am not sure what the differences are. I do not think I ever attended a meeting but I am sure my wife did, a time or two.
You might like the book!

Hi Mark!
Bye Mark!
(what was the point? I mean, really)

I think the biggest difference between PTO and PTA is the name, honestly. Ha!

Morning, Mark!

I have a day off today. Smiles. It looks like a beauty too. I plan on doing yard work. I haven't had to cut the grass in a couple of weeks but it is looking a bit shaggy in spots. I have not gone for a bike ride in awhile either, so I might try to get my lazy butt out there.

Hopefully, most of the afternoon, will be devoted to books, although I am finding To the Lighthouse a bit of a challenge. Ms. Woolf is not making things easy. Fortunately it is not a long book, despite the fact, that it will probably feel like one.

>155 LovingLit: Just seeing your smiley face, is reason enough, Megan. Hope the week goes well.

>156 scaifea: Morning Amber! Looks like a beautiful day and a nice week ahead. Happy Camper!

Mark! Yay for a "day off". Hope the activities and weather are all to your best liking.

Me? Still moving stuff from one place on earth to another. Getting rid of some stuff while doing so. It is a good thing, as some celebrity likes to say.

>141 msf59: Another one of your book bullets. Thanks for the great review which prompts me to read this one.

>159 maggie1944: Morning Karen! It sounds like you are working at your own pace. I bet that is keeping the stress at bay. When do you think the move will be complete?

>160 Whisper1: You are welcome, Linda. I am sure you will enjoy this one. I like Matthew Dicks. This is a good one but Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend remains my favorite.

Good morning, Mark! Glad you have this gorgeous day off. I'll be taking advantage of it at lunchtime.

Despite the relatively low number of pages, To the Lighthouse sure felt like a long book to me! Beautiful writing, as always, but not conducive to racing through the pages. Mrs. Dalloway was different for me, as I got a lot of momentum with it.

I just ordered Iris Murdoch's The Bell, which will be my BAC book this month, and I'm still waiting for Lonesome Dove to arrive - not sure what the holdup is with the latter, as I was number one in the queue for it. It's still "in transit" from one of the other Chicago libraries.

Nice day to be off today, Mark. Enjoy!!

Enjoy your day off! :-)

>162 jnwelch: Howdy, Joe! Just finished my outdoor chores, so it might be time to hunker down with the books.

I am going to stick with To the Lighthouse. There is brilliance here. She just makes you work for it.

I also have a library copy of Iris Murdoch's The Bell, waiting nearby. I hope to get to it, in about a week or so.

>163 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda! It is really nice out there. I worked up an honest sweat. I hope the day goes quickly for you and Go Cubbies!!

^If anyone is up for playing Trivia Crack, send me a request. I have been duking it out with Linda Panzo, my friend and nemesis. I could use another opponent or 2.

>164 Ameise1: Big, loving waves to Barb!

>59 msf59: Mark, I thought The Devil's Highway was a powerful and very memorable book. Imo, Into the Beautiful North was a good but not great book. I wouldn't put it in the same category as The Hummingbird's Daughter or TDH. Urrea should be an interesting author to meet.

I'm glad your Cubs are coming through for you. It makes summer much easier to bear when the local team does well. It is still so green here that it's hard to believe we're almost halfway into August. My poor husband hasn't had a lawn mowing break yet…and we have an acre to mow!

>166 msf59: I haven't had any crack in a while. Game on!

>166 msf59: You've been beating up on me too much lately, Mark. I always seem to get harder questions when I play against you.

>167 Donna828: Hi, Donna! Great to see you. I really enjoyed The Devil's Highway. It was nice to see how well he handled nonfiction. I think the lukewarm response to Into the Beautiful North, is one of the reasons I have not read it...yet.
I am planning on reading The Water Museum soon. It his latest and I have heard nothing but glowing reports.

>168 mahsdad: Game On, Dude!! (You'll probably slaughter me)

>169 lindapanzo: I am just making up for those months, that you thrashed me on a regular basis, my friend, my nemesis. You still lead, over-all.

Hey ho, Mark. Happy day off, man! I'm off today, too. And tomorrow. And the day after that. And... Heh heh.

Actually, I have four reports to write, and I am enjoying (so far) Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin. It's got some magic in it, so I hear.

^Once again, a gorgeous cover and once again impenetrable prose. Okay, not completely impenetrable, there are plenty of flashes of brilliance, like the rotating beacon on a...well...lighthouse. There are stretches that are beautiful and the next thing you know, you are lost in a wordy fog.

I am, just over the halfway point and will carry on. This screams for a reread and I have to share Margaret Atwood's review from the Guardian:

"How was it that, this time, everything in the book fell so completely into place? How could I have missed it - above all, the patterns, the artistry - the first time through? How could I have missed the resonance of Mr Ramsay's Tennyson quotation, coming as it does like a prophecy of the first world war? How could I not have grasped that the person painting and the one writing were in effect the same? ("Women can't write, women can't paint..." ) And the way time passes over everything like a cloud, and solid objects flicker and dissolve? And the way Lily's picture of Mrs Ramsay - incomplete, insufficient, doomed to be stuck in an attic - becomes, as she adds the one line that ties it all together at the end, the book we've just read?"

Go Maggie! Go Maggie!

>158 msf59: My week is now ace, Mark. I am handing in my marking (I feel so grown up!) today, and my 10% assignment as well. So I can have a breather of sorts this weekend. Phew! Looks like my sore throat has arrived just in time to enjoy it with me :|

>172 msf59: OK, I need to read this one. It is one that i have been saying that about for a few yeas now, but I still intend to!

I read To the Lighthouse in college and loved it. I still have my copy with all my little notes and underlines - I will re-read it someday!

Hi Mark, just dropping by for a quick hello. I'm so glad you loved Fifth Business as much as you did. Robertson Davies has been a great favourite of my since my late teens, though I definitely need to read more of his work. I just reread 5thB along with Ellen last month and had a great time revisiting it. I've read the next book in the trilogy, The Manticore, but it's been quite a while so I'll reread that one as well before finally plunging into the last book. Something to look forward to! :-)

Watching the Cubbies with my son...

>173 LovingLit: Hooray, the Big Girl! LOL. Good to see you. Glad to hear you have a breather coming up. You deserve it.

I would love to hear your take on To the Lighthouse.

>174 katiekrug: That is good to know, Katie! Sounds like you were a serious reader in college. I may go back and reread a few sections, when I am through.

>175 Smiler69: Ilana stopped by! Ilana stopped by! Hooray. The Fifth Business was such a pleasant surprise. I owe my LT pals, for setting me straight. I look forward to reading the other 2 books. Have you read anything else by him?

You know how to enjoy a day off, Mark. Did you get to fit in that bike ride? This is the first Tuesday evening that I have had off in months - my course is over and I have finished the program that I was in. Woo - hoo! Maybe now I will be able to keep up with the threads until September when I will be away for 4 weeks traveling.

>172 msf59: Interesting, and tempting, review by Ms. Atwood. Still. I'm not sure it's enough to tempt me. :-|

I'm glad you had a wonderful day off.

Guten Morgen! Fröhlich Mittwoch! Another nice summer day. Looking forward to getting back into Pretty Boy Floyd.

>177 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg! No, I did not get the bike ride in. I should have left early, before I did my yard work. I need to get back in the groove.

I bet you are looking forward to your vacation.

>178 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen! The Woolf is not an easy read but I am glad I gave it a try. I am sure I will have to revisit it, at some point.

And Go Cubbies! They won again!

Morning, Mark! Sorry I haven't been playing the trivia gaem lately. I just don't seem to have a moment to spare these days for it.

Good morning, Mark! Fun review of To the Lighthouse from Ms. Atwood. I don't know if I could manage to re-read that one (it was awfully slow for me), but she makes the idea intriguing.

I really enjoyed the Murakami, and can recommend it. The two novels (novellas) aren't as strong as his books that follow, but they're definitely worthwhile and enjoyable. Now I need to re-read A Wild Sheep Chase to get how they all tie together.

I'm going to read a mystery I was given for my birthday next, and by then I expect Lonesome Dove will come in. Somehow I've got to time this right with our vacation next week across the pond.

Another nice one out there - hope it's a good work day for you.

>176 msf59: - I don't know about "serious reader." It was for a British Lit class. I took literature courses as a way to get some fiction into my reading during the school year; otherwise it would have been all history and political science reading :) I'm a nerd from a long way back!

ETA: My friend returned my ER copy of Little Beasts - are you still interested?

>180 scaifea: Hi, Amber! I was sure you could find time to beat me up on Trivia Crack. Grins...

>181 jnwelch: Morning Joe! Good to hear about the early Murakami novels.
I bet your getting pumped about your vacation. Sounds wonderful. And taking along Lonesome Dove is icing on that holiday cake.

>182 katiekrug: "I'm a nerd from a long way back." Takes one to know one...

And yes, I would be interested in Little Beasts. Thank you, KAK!

Happy Wednesday, Mark!

I'm working at home today (really! I have several annual reviews to write - ugh). It's going to be hot, hot, hot. I will let myself take little breaks through the day to read The Last Picture Show. One chapter as reward for every two reviews I get written....

>184 EBT1002: Happy Wednesday, Ellen! Sounds like the perfect plan, my friend. I hope you love the McMurtry, as much as I did.

And please, please, read a Murakami...

>176 msf59: Mark, I started with The Cornish Trilogy (The Rebel Angels, What's Bred in the Bone, The Lyre of Orpheus) and was completely enchanted. This is more than 25 years ago now, so I'm probably due for a reread! It's a toss-up between that or to start on The Salterton Trilogy after I'm done with The Deptford Trilogy. Decisions, decisions! :-)

I am deep into reading Another Man's Moccasin's by Craig Johnson. This is the fourth Longmire book, and so far I like it better than the first three. I was so excited when I saw that road sign on Interstate 25 between Casper and Sheridan, Wyoming. It said Ucross - 25 miles and the arrow pointed east. I then had to explain to my mother way that was significant.

I am enjoying TLPS enough but probably not as much as you did. But I've got a ways to go.

You are one among many telling me to read Murakami. I must prioritize this.

Happy Wednesday Mark, I hope it's a good one.

>186 Smiler69: Wow, Ilana! Thanks for the Robertson Davies report. It looks like I have some fine reading ahead of me. I better start tracking down those books. That is the first part...

>187 benitastrnad: Yah, for Longmire and yah, for Wyoming! Did you take a photo of the road sign, Benita?

>188 EBT1002: Sorry to hear, that the Last Picture Show isn't grabbing you the way it did me. Hey, that happens, right?

I hope Murakami works for you.

>189 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb! It has been a good day, at least for a work day. LOL.

>179 msf59: Oh yeah, I am so looking forward to my vacation. I will be off work for 5 weeks and travelling in Scotland and England for 4. Can't wait.

>190 msf59: It's okay, Mark. I was enjoying it well enough but tossed it aside in disgust this evening. I think I prefer McMurtry's less ironic material.

>191 Familyhistorian: Nice! When will you be there?

>192 EBT1002: oh. Oh?

Was anyone able to see the meteor shower last night? I did not. I go to bed early and I am sure the light pollution, in our western suburbs, would have blocked the view. It heard it could be spectacular.

I should finish, both To the Lighthouse and Pretty Boy Floyd. The latter was easier to like but I am looking at Ms. Woolf, in a whole new light. She was one DEEP woman.

>191 Familyhistorian: Your upcoming vacation sounds fantastic, Meg. It looks like you could use it.

>192 EBT1002: Sorry, to hear the Last Picture Show let you down, Ellen. I am glad you got Lonesome Dove under your belt, first. Whew!

>193 kidzdoc: >194 LovingLit: Waves to Darryl & Megan!

Morning, Mark! Maybe I'll try to find time to whip you at Trivia Crack this weekend... *snork!*

You are definitely a tough opponent, Amber. LOL. Jeff has has also been giving me a very difficult time. Where's the love?

>198 msf59: It's there, it's just called Tough Love, Mark. Ha!

Good morning, Mark. I hope you have a nice quiet day.

Good morning, Mark! I just started an engaging mystery, Marriage Can Be Murder, featuring a physician who gets drawn into being a detective.

Another beautiful start to the day. The Cubs and the weather have both been on a good streak.

>196 msf59: I am so ready for a vacation. My last one was a week in April but I didn't have enough seniority to get any time off in the summer that would work with my evening course. (I have only been working here 25 years!)
>193 kidzdoc: I am in Scotland frm September 9 to 23 and then end up in Chelmsford, Essex until the 27th, Kew the 27th to October 3 and London from the 3rd to the 7th.

>199 scaifea: So, we call it tough love, do we?

>200 Ameise1: Hi, Barb. It is a work day for me, so it isn't exactly quiet but the day is moving along smoothly.

>201 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! The mystery sounds good. It feels a bit warmer today, than it has the past couple days and it looks like we are in store for a few HOT ones.

And yes, it is nice to be interested in baseball again, after a long Cubbies drought.

>202 Familyhistorian: I will going on vacation soon, myself. But only a week and only to Cleveland. LOL. Actually, I have never been and there are a couple breweries on the agenda. Grins...

>202 Familyhistorian: Breweries you say - that sounds like your kind of place, Mark. One of my ports of call in Scotland is Islay - an island with 7 distilleries. Too bad that I am not into to whiskey (or maybe that's a good thing.)

^Of course, I surrounded with book geeks over here, so I know I am not alone in getting a thrill, when I receive book packages in the mail. And today, I received 3. All advanced reader copies. As you know, I was a huge fan of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, when it came out a couple years ago and I was fortunate to meet Marra at Booktopia Asheville. So, I am super excited to receive his new one, The Tsar of Love and Techno: Stories.

Sadly, I never did read Schiff's Cleopatra: A Life. Bad Bad Mark. But I do have it saved on audio. I have heard a few good things about her latest, The Witches: Salem, 1692, so I am pumped about this one.

I was crazy about Winterson's memoir, Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?, so, I am looking forward to her new one, The Gap of Time, which is a retelling of Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale.

Not only is Marky-Mark a Happy Camper, he will also be a busy one. I also have a stack of Booktopia Petoskey books, to get through, plus various challenges and other biblio-selections, that are calling my name.

It is a tough life, ain't it?

What books are you planning to read for Booktopia, Mark?

the audio of Cleopatra: A Life is excellent! I hadn't heard about this new one of hers - will have to look it up.

And you know I'm crazy for Marra, too, so I can't wait to hear what you think of his stories!

I will try to get Little Beasts into the mail to you this weekend.

Good morning, Mark. Wishing you a great day.
Our library has only a copy of Schiff's Cleopatra. Will give it a try one day.

Happy Friday! I will start a couple new books today: Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League- this is from one of the authors, that will be attending Booktopia Petoskey. My wife recently read it and liked it. On audio, I am going to start Brighton Rock, for the BAC. Has anyone read this one? I have not read Greene in many years.

It looks to be hot & humid, through the weekend. Oh, joy!

>206 katiekrug: Hi, Katie! I recently finished the Devil's Highway and I will also be reading The Water Museum. Urrea will be the biggest name at Booktopia. Have you read him? I will also be reading The Night Sister, Days of Awe and The Dog Master. All 3 sound good, especially The Night Sister.

Good to know that about Cleopatra: A Life. And once again, thanks for Little Beasts.

>207 Ameise1: Happy Friday, Barb! Hope you have a nice weekend planned.

A History of Seven Killings is A-Ma-Zing! Looking forward to you spreading the bookish warblings when you get to it.

Great haul, Mark. I'm most curious about what you think of the new Anthony Marra.

Happy Friday! We saw a good play at Steppenwolf last night called "Grand Concourse". Terrific acting, as usual.

>209 charl08: Hi, Charlotte! I sure hope I can find A History of Seven Killings on audio. That way, I can make sure yo bookhorn it in.

>210 jnwelch: Morning Joe! I am hoping for good things from Marra.
Glad you liked the play. I have not been to the Steppenwolf in eons.

Hi Mark, it's that time of year when I go around and leave a link on many of my friend's threads about the September Series & Sequels. I have the thread up and would love to see you or any of your visitors come over and join in with the series reading that will be going on.

Here's the link:

September Series & Sequels

> 208 I read Brighton Rock last year. Sinister. Creepy villain. I've read and liked several of Greene's novels.

>211 msf59: We subscribe to Steppenwolf (and Chicago Shakespeare, where you joined us). We go way back with them - I worked at a bookstore in NYC with the guy wrote the play Say Goodnight, Gracie (Ralph Pape), and when I moved to Chicago, Steppenwolf was putting it on in a little theater on Halsted. It featured Joan Allen and John Malkovich and others, and was terrific. I was hooked. They've had fantastic actors from the get-go.

Obama's ambitious summer reading list includes:

All That Is by James Salter
All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert
The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow

^Now, that is my kind of President! I think he would make a helluva 75er!

Hey, no James Patterson?

>212 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy! I have the S & S starred, my friend. I love the topper. That is perfect. And, I hope I can bookhorn in Flood of Fire, among other things.

>213 weird_O: Happy Friday, Bill. I am enjoying Brighton Rock. Listened to a big chunk today. I NEED to read more Greene! You should star the Series & Sequels thread Judy, is setting up for September. This is always a popular theme month for the 75.

>214 jnwelch: Thanks for your help today, Joe! I was in Dire Straits! LOL.

We should join you one of these days, at Steppenwolf. Hopefully a weekend show.

>215 msf59: Seems like he's been listening to your warbling, Mark. :) Maybe he's a secret member of the 75ers.

Happy Friday!

>215 msf59: In a couple years, when he has more time, I think we should extend a formal invitation to Mr. O to join us here...whyever not?

>215 msf59: I love that image! I still tell people Obama read Being Mortal, as a hook when recommending it. I see it as a huge positive, I'm not is sure how that factoid is received though.

Love that picture. Hope he gave the girls a book allowance (!)

Happy Saturday! I was having Kindle issues yesterday, (thanks Joe & Katie for your assistance) so I did not read as much of Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League as I would have liked. My issues are resolved, so I will get back to it. Fans of The Help and Guests on Earth should like this one.

I am also enjoying Brighton Rock, for the BAC.

>217 Storeetllr: >218 laytonwoman3rd: Maybe we can lure him in, sometime after 2016. "whyever not?" indeed.

>219 LovingLit: Yes, I agree Being Mortal was also an excellent choice. I sure would like to sit down and talk "books" with him.

>220 charl08: I would love to know what the girls picked up, Charlotte.

Good morning, Mark! Brighton Rock is one I've been thinking about trying. I look forward to your comments when you're done.

I'm going to be reading The Bell for the BAC. I'm almost there - I'm nearing the ends of my two other reads. The Wicked The Divine was an interesting GN. I'm going to have to see where they go with the series - there's a lot to sort out. Now I've started The Shutter GN.

Have you ever tried anything by Spiteful Brewing? They're new to me. I just got a four-pack of their Diggable IPA.

>208 msf59: Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League is now on the tbr pile. Because I've been reading a lot about the Civil Rights movement, it sounds like a great book!

Hi Mark, happy Saturday. After an excursion to Niles this morning, back home now, sitting inside with the AC on and a book and a cool drink (though not beer) in hand. Happy days.

Hellishly hot. Another hour to go...

^Speaking of heat, my Cubbies are red hot. They have won nine straight and 15 of their last 16. They are currently playing the White Sox on the southside. They have won the first 2 games. Can you say SWEEP?

>222 jnwelch: Morning Joe! It will be another hot one today but I do not care. The day will be spent in the cool Marky-Mark Man Cave, with books and baseball.

I could not get into The Wicked The Divine and chucked it after 20 pages. Glad it worked for you. I will also be reading The Bell, but it might be a couple of weeks. Booktopia books are taking precedence.

>223 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! Miss Hazel has been okay so far. It feels like a rehash of The Help in the early going. I hope it spins off into it's own thing.

>224 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda II! "sitting inside with the AC on and a book and a cool drink ." Sounds like my plan today. Of course, I'll be watching the Cubbies too.

Wow, Mark! Lots of reading ahead of you with that pile. It looks good, too.

And hooray for the Cubbies! We cheer for them in our house based on the criteria of Mrs. Banjo being from Chicago; and also we always cheer for the underdog.

Happy Sunday, Rhonda! I am swamped with books, my friend. I have several Booktopia books to get through, plus a growing stack of very promising advanced reader copies. I still would not trade this biblio-stress for anything.

Hope you are having a good weekend. And yes: Go Cubbies!

Hi Mark, happy Sunday. Another indoor day, I think. You know it has to be hot, school starts tomorrow, at least for my niece, it does. She is starting high school.

Books, cool drinks, AC and the Cubs are the order of the day again today. I'm starting Michael Dirda's book essays, Browsings: A Year of Reading, Collecting, and Living With Books.

>135 msf59: Oops, no I did not! But I keep trying!

>227 msf59: Afternoon, Mark! Our wireless blinked out for a while, not sure why. I can see why you dropped The Wicked The Divine. I'm going to read the next to see where they go with it. Not sure why it got rated so highly.

We took our walk early this morning, when it was cooler. We were going to walk today to the library and a movie, but it's too darn hot. So we're going to watch Ex Machina in our cool basement. Good day to keep cool in your man cave!

>230 lindapanzo: "Books, cool drinks, AC and the Cubs." I am doing exactly the same thing. Linda. Grins...

I am reading Miss Hazel. This might be your cuppa.

>231 connie53: I have faith on you, Connie! LOL. You can do it!

>232 jnwelch: Glad you got that wireless situation taken care of, Joe. I do not plan on leaving the house today, either. I hope you like the movie.

"A MANUAL FOR CLEANING WOMEN compiles the best work of the legendary short-story writer Lucia Berlin. With the grit of Raymond Carver, the humor of Grace Paley, and a blend of wit and melancholy all her own, Berlin crafts miracles from the everyday, uncovering moments of grace in the Laundromats and halfway houses of the American Southwest, in the homes of the Bay Area upper class, among switchboard operators and struggling mothers, hitchhikers and bad
Christians.
Readers will revel in this remarkable collection from a master of the form and wonder how they'd ever overlooked her in the first place."

^^I have been hearing terrific reports about this collection. It was featured on the NYT Book podcast, yesterday. I had never heard of this author but this one sure got my attention. Everyone take note!

>226 msf59: I can say "SWEEP" but I'd rather not. Your Cubs are putting a lot of pressure on "my" Pirates, who are also looking to sweep the Mets today.

ETA: It's Tebow Time in Philadelphia!

With ball/strike calls from umps like this, it's amazing that Sale isn't 20 and 0. Some of these pitches couldn't be hit with a 10-foot pole. Good grief.

>235 kidzdoc: No, sweep, Darryl, but we took 2 out of 3. Isn't it amazing that 3 of the best teams in baseball are in our Central Divison. It should be a fun race for the pennant.

>236 lindapanzo: I agree, Linda, some of Sale's pitches were wide but he pitched a helluva game. I am glad we won the series. Let's start another streak against the Tigers.

>233 msf59: Ex Machina was very good, Mark - excellent acting all around, and the young woman playing Ava did a terrific job. We were not expecting that ending!

>234 msf59:.

It was already on my wishlist. But I would love to hear your thoughts if you read it before me!

Family week-long vacation at a lake coming up this Friday. Stacking the books now! I am likely to bring at least 7 (for my sister and myself), but the first day of the vacation we will be visiting an independent bookshop where one of my former co-workers is currently a bookseller. Last time he sent me back to the cottage with five great reads. Looking forward to the same thing this year!

>237 msf59: Right, Mark. I'm no Cardinals fan, but I'm glad to see the Cubs in the thick of a pennant race. Barring any late season collapses it looks as though the Cubs and Pirates will both make the playoffs. Go Cubs and Bucs!

Hi Mark, glad you're enjoying Brighton Rock. I really loved that book and was lucky enough to get a version narrated by Samuel West, one of my favourite narrators of all time. It's definitely on my "to reread" list and among my favourite Greene novels so far (my review if you're curious), though I've got lots more to go on the tbr. Really enjoying Travels With My Aunt in book form right now for the BAC.

>238 jnwelch: Glad you liked the film, Joe. It actually caught me by surprise. Did you know the director Alex Garland is an author? He wrote The Beach, which I thought was terrific, but that was the only one I had read.

>239 alphaorder: Happy Sunday, Nancy! I am not sure when I will get to A MANUAL FOR CLEANING WOMEN, but it is on the List.

Have a great vacation! Let me know what books you end up snagging.

>240 kidzdoc: I have not had this good of time, watching baseball, in many moons, my friend. And the good news is: this is only the beginning. Smiles...

>241 Smiler69: Hi, Ilana. I am not sure I will end up liking it as much as you, but it is a good read. He is has such an amazing range. I think my audio is read by Richard Brown, not West. Have you heard of him?

>242 msf59: For me, it's either baseball season or hockey season, except, in April--June and in October, when it's both.

>243 lindapanzo: Do you have any thoughts on the Kane issue? That seems to be the only dark cloud. I sure hope it can be resolved.

Morning, Mark! Love that photo of the president in a bookstore, and I love his summer reading list!

Monday, Monday! Our heat & humidity continue...should be the last day. Whew! One more week, before VACATION. B.A.G.

I read a healthy chunk of Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League yesterday. I am into the 2nd half. I like it well enough but it is not causing an outbreak of cartwheels. I should also finish Brighton Rock.

>245 scaifea: Morning, Amber! I love the president's reading list too! Our kind of guy.

A president who's a serious reader. Those don't come along too often.

Morning, Mark! Hope this one goes well for you. I started The Bell; the writing's good, but I'm not sure about the book yet.

I am almost always disappointed with my vacation reading and don't really understand the concept of vacation and reading. When I go on vacation I never get much reading done. I read about a book a week under normal circumstances and during vacation I read about 50 pages. I think it is because I tend to do things while on vacation. I rarely sit around a swimming pool or relax in a beautiful setting with coffee and a comfortable chair. But I may make plans for a vacation to do so in the future just so I can see what that kind of vacation is like. I do start out with ambitious vacation reading plans and then rarely get even one book finished during a vacation.

I hope you have lots of fun with book people at Petovsky. I wanted to go to another Booktopia and just never could make the list before it was sold out. I think that perhaps I will try to plan a Booktopia type event someplace when I retire. I think there is a future in this sort of thing and Booktopia proves it. People who read books want to talk to other people who read books and the people who write them.

>247 jnwelch: Howdy, Joe! Speaking of "reading"presidents, wasn't there a joke about "W" being a voracious reader? Lol. I think Clinton devoured a lot of books too.

Sorry, the Murdoch isn't ringing your bells and I have that one lined up.

>248 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita! I completely agree with you about vacation and reading time, unless you are just hanging at home.
I enjoyed your thoughts about a Booktopia-type event. I sure hope someone puts one on, in the future. There is sure plenty of interest.

>248 benitastrnad: I completely agree with your sentiment. My mother used to always say on vacation that we could rest at home. That theme has carried over to my own kids. If you can read for more than 15 minutes at night you haven't seen enough stuff during the day.

>249 msf59: - I know no one wants to believe it, but GWB was, and presumably still is, a pretty serious reader. He played up being a good ol' boy from west Texas and did little to dispel the notion that he was a dolt, but he's never been as dumb as people like to think.

>249 msf59: The Murdoch may yet ring some Bells, Mark. I'm waiting to see where she goes with it.

I usually read a ton on vacations, so maybe my experience is an exception to the norm. We do a lot of this and that when we travel, but we always find time for reading.

My vacation time is usually spent in Ohio with my grandchildren, daughter and son in law. When I'm there, I have a lot of down time and read. Usually I send a box of Newbery award winning books to Ohio so they are there when I arrive.

How I long to get back to normalcy. I haven't been there since last August.

>250 Oberon: Hi, Eric! " If you can read for more than 15 minutes at night you haven't seen enough stuff during the day." Sounds like good maternal advice. LOL.

>251 katiekrug: All kidding aside, I have also heard GWB was quite a reader. I never thought he was "dumb", I just did not like that administration.

>252 jnwelch: "I usually read a ton on vacations, so maybe my experience is an exception to the norm." I think that is the benefit of being a family of readers. Everyone finds time. When we go on a "active" vacation, I do sometimes find it hard to make "book time". I have to reserve it for early mornings.

>253 Whisper1: Sounds like you have perfect "bookish" vacations, Linda! You will reach that "normalcy" you seek, my friend. Just keep moving forward.

Interesting to see Obama out shopping for books - the most human of Presidents, I think.

From one certified book addict to another, thanks for stopping by my place once in a while whilst I was out trying to stop life overtaking me.

Hi, Mark! Love that the president loves books and is teaching his girls to love them too. Though when you are a reading parent, it sort of happens naturally, doesn't it.

>251 katiekrug: Which makes it just that much worse the dumb things he did or caused to be done while he was president. Don't mean to step on anyone's political toes, Katie, or turn Mark's thread into a political debate, just my view on the subject.

>255 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul ~ I've missed seeing you around the threads, and hope you've gotten your life back in order, but admit I wasn't as good about visiting you (or pretty much anyone) these past few months, due in part to my own life issues taking over.

>255 PaulCranswick: Hey, fellow Book Addict! How are you, Paul? I liked Brighton Rock. I have much more Greene to get to.

>256 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary! My daughter has been reading books on her phone, sharing our Kindle library. She just finished The Graveyard Book and loved it. Dad was proud.
I wish I could get my son to read. I am working on it.

>257 msf59: Saw the film, Brighton Rock, it was very good.

Do I sniff a new thread around here somewhere!? ;)

>258 LovingLit: Howdy, Megan! Ooh, I will have to look up the film version of Brighton Rock. It feels like it would be tailor-made for that medium.

I should have a new thread up, in a couple of days, depending on activity...

^ I think it's a pretty old one. And I reckon I would still get a lot from reading the book, so I haven't crossed that one off my tbr just yet.

>257 msf59: I can see your B.A.G. shining from there all the way here in Colorado! Has she read Neverwhere yet? It's great on audio!

Morning, Mark! I'm with you on the W administration, and I'll be sad to see the current one go...

>260 LovingLit: Sadly, I am way behind on Graham Greene. I need to slowly chip away, at his vast amount of work. I did LOVE, The Power and the Glory. Did you read that one? That is just your cuppa.

>261 Storeetllr: That was sure a bright, B.A.G. LOL! She has not read Neverwhere but did listen to The Ocean at the End of the Lane. I will keep feeding her books.

>262 scaifea: Morning, Amber! I wonder if Bernie Sanders is a big reader? And how about Scott Walker? Snickers...

^^I started Pirate Hunters yesterday on audio and it is terrific. This is the 3rd book I've read by Kurson and he is quickly earning a top-author spot in my NNF reading. His book, Shadow Divers was excellent.

I was also very fortunate to snag this on E.R., so I have a print copy too. B.A.G.

Morning, Mark!

I'm a big fan of Shadow Divers. Sounds like Pirate Hunters is another excellent one. I envy you. The Bells is feeling a bit homework-y right now, but I'll stick with it.

Shutter Volume 1 has been fun. Not as big a deal as the blurbs are making out, but clever and interesting.

Supposed to be a soggy one today, but cooler than it has been. Hope it goes easy on you.

Just chiming in on the reading on vacations. I read lots while traveling on the plane and waiting for connections and also lots in the hotel at the end of the day when I am traveling by myself. Bets trying to get into foreign tv. It is not because I don't see enough during the day because the time is always jam packed.

>265 jnwelch: Morning Joe! Yah, another Shadow Divers fan. He re-caps part of that story, in this one, since it also features, the same stud diver and it reminded me how terrific and intense that one was.
Expect more warbling on Pirate Hunters.

>266 Familyhistorian: Thanks for chiming in on your vacation reading habits, Meg. Your time is coming up soon. Smiles...

Shame on me, I missed such a lot of posts. Waving in and wishing you a lovely day.

Oh, Walker. I don't want to talk about that guy. Ugh.

As far as vacations go, Tomm and I like to make sure that the middle of the day, right after lunch, has some down time. It's crazy to try to push a little kid into going non-stop on vacation; that will only lead to a very cranky kid and likely equally cranky parents, and that doesn't seem like a very fun vacation to me.

I like a mix on vacation - some busy days doing and seeing lots and then a total down day where I can find a nice spot (beach, cafe, pool, I'm not picky) and just plant myself with a book for several hours. Or I'll do a lot in the mornings and then relax all afternoon and go out again in the evening. It's all about finding the right balance because, for me, a vacation has to be relaxing and energizing or there is no point.

I like relaxing vacations. Life is hectic and I don't usually want my vacations to be that way, too.

>267 msf59:. Geesh like I need more books for the wishlist. ;). I really enjoyed Shadow Divers. Pirate Hunters looks right up my street

^A few fun things I learned about pirates, today, while listening to Pirate Hunters:

They did Not say arrgh or shiver me timbers! They did not make people walk the plank. They did not bury treasure. They much preferred spending everything in a quick, buccaneer fashion.

They DID keep parrots as pets. They used hooks, wooden-legs and eye-patches. They kept a tight orderly ship and they did like colorful, flashy clothes.

Women were generally banned from pirate ships, (it was considered bad luck) but there were women pirates, although it was very rare.

>268 Ameise1: Shame, shame, Barb! Hope your week is going well.

>269 scaifea: Walker, Ugh! That's a good way to put it. It sounds like you keep your vacation-time well balanced, Amber!

>270 katiekrug: It also sounds like you know how to measure out that vacation time, KAK. I try to squeeze in some reading, early, before the troops are moving, otherwise, I may not get a chance. I do not do well, reading into the night. Always been an early to bed, kind of guy.

>271 lindapanzo: It is all about, what is going on and who we are with. We are going to Cleveland, at the end of next week, for a wedding. Squeezing in reading time, is going to be a bit of a task, but one I will try to make.

>272 mahsdad: I am sure you will like Pirate Hunters, Jeff. And it is quick and shortish.

>269 scaifea: I am with you on Walker, Amber. Finally, the rest of the nation is seeing what we have had to deal with for years, especially those of us in Milwaukee County. (Is it ok that I briefly talk about politics on your thread, Mark?) Good think is, I don't thing he will last long on the national stage.

Regarding vacations and reading - for me, depends on the type of vacation. Some are made for reading and some are not. Thankfully, my reading vacation by the side of a lake starts on Friday and lasts a week. I have 11 paper (hard and soft cover) books stacked and ready to go. Other adults at the cottage will also raid my book bag, and you need to make sure that the right book is available. This, of course, is before the visit to an independent bookshop where a former co-worker will handsell me loads more. I can't wait!

Hope you're taking cover, Mark. Just heard that there's a tornado nearby to your town.

Yikes, a tornado? Here's hoping and praying that it will miss your town.

>277 Whisper1: Not sure it's touched down so, in theory, it's a funnel cloud. Looks like maybe it's passed Mark's town now.

>275 alphaorder: I hope you're right about Walker and the national stage. I cringe to think what he'd to do education on a national level...

>276 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda! All is well in D.G. The siren was going off earlier. The storm is moving eastward quickly.

I hope they resume the Cubs game. I want to see a comeback.

>277 Whisper1: I haven't heard of any sightings or touchdowns, Linda! Whew!

Looks like the tornadic system is racing along at 50 mph. Still aiming Wrigley way. Might be awhile til they resume, if at all, tonight.

Sounds like they evacuated the seating area at the ballpark.

>275 alphaorder: Hi, Nancy! "Is it ok that I briefly talk about politics on your thread, Mark?" No, problem, as long as I agree with you. LOL. I love it when I hear Walker say how much he has done for his state. ROFL!

It looks like you have a mighty stack of vacation reads, ready to go! Enjoy, my friend.

>281 lindapanzo: As long as it is far away from either of us! If the game is called, I wonder if they would do a DH tomorrow?

I am enjoying QuizUp. I love all the topics, especially the literary ones.

I'm a QuizUp girl myself. Like it much better than Trivia Crack. Not that I've played in forever, but maybe I'll look for you!

>284 katiekrug: That would be great, Katie! I signed in, with FB, so you should be able to find me by name.

>282 msf59:

Here is the list! (Not that you asked for the details..)

1. Between the World and Me - I have already read and highly recommend. In my bag for my husband and sister.
2. Station Eleven -Took off my husband's pile, since he hasn't read it yet and seems like a perfect vacation read. We'll see who gets to it first.
3. Once in a Great City - My husband (also a bookseller) and I are both big Maraniss fans. Plus I love reading about Detroit. A publishing friend sent me an ARC.
4. The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen - A recent piece in The Week reminded me that I owned this book, due to an appearance with Pepin that I hosted. Fond memories made me realize it too may be a great vacation read.
5. Mindfulness for Beginners - Gift from my father. Vacation seems like the perfect time to read this.
6. Buddhism Without Beliefs - Ditto
7. My Brilliant Friend - Recent recommend from another former bookselling colleague. Looks like an excellent novel to get lost in on vacay.
8. Faith versus Fact - Heard the author on Wisconsin Public Radio last week.
9. H is for Hawk - No explanation necessary. Sitting on mount TBR way too long.
10. The Book of Speculation - Booksellers' book sent to me by a publishing friend. Should have read long ago.
11. The Fisherman - Highly recommended from a number of people for months. Can't wait.

Happy Wednesday, Mark. Here it's pouring but mother Earth is happy after a very long dry period.

Happy Hump Day!!

>286 alphaorder: Wow, Nancy! That is a great pile!

I have Between the World and Me saved on audio, (narrated by the author). I am waiting for my library copy to come in, so I can read along with it. I heard it is that kind of book. I loved Station Eleven and H is for Hawk is a Must Read! I liked The Book of Speculation, but I it didn't blow me away.

I have heard good things about "The Fisherman" and My Brilliant Friend. Look forward to your thoughts.

Happy reading, my friend!

>287 Ameise1: Happy Wednesday, Barb! Hope the week is going well. Glad you are getting some rain. We are too!

^Cruise on over...