Joe's Book Cafe 2015 Door 19

Paper Sculptures by Bernard Jeunet

Welcome back to the cafe!

Best of 2014

*= favorite of year

Fiction

Lila by Marilynne Robinson*
Redeployment by Phil Klay
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra
Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

Nonfiction

The Way I See It by Temple Grandin*
An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield

Young Adult/Middle Grade

Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky*

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel*
The Martian by Andy Weir

Graphic Novels

Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant by Roz Chast*
This One Summer by Jill Tamaki

Poetry

Blue Horses by Mary Oliver*

American Author Challenge 2015

August: Larry McMurtry - Lonesome Dove
November: Barbara Kingsolver - Bean Trees
December: E.L. Doctorow - World's Fair

British Author Challenge 2015

October: David Mitchell - The Bone Clocks
December: Hilary Mantel - A Place of Greater Safety, and maybe a Wodehouse for fun

Books Read in 2015

January

1. Ruddy Gore by Kerry Greenwood
2. Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
3. Ballad of the Sad Cafe by Carson McCullers
4. Saga Volume 4 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
5. Rose Gold by Walter Mosley
6. Serenity Leaves on the Wind by Zack Whedon
7. A Thousand Mornings by Mary Oliver
8. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
9. Urn Burial by Kerry Greenwood
10. The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan
11. Lexicon by Max Barry
12. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
13. Coventry by Helen Humphreys
14. The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion
15. First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen
16. The Lost Garden by Helen Humphreys

February

17. Turn of the Screw by Henry James
18. White Teeth by Zadie Smith
19. The Sculptor by Scott McCloud
20. Son by Lois Lowry
21. Raisins and Almonds by Kerry Greenwood
22. Scoop by Evelyn Waugh
23. The Evening Chorus by Helen Humphreys
24. Death Before Wicket by Kerry Greenwood
25. Dinner with Buddha by Roland Merullo
26. The Leaning Girl by Benoit Peeters
27. Claire of the Sea Light by Edwidge Dandicat
28. Stumptown by Greg Rucka

March

29. Consider the Lobster and Other Essays by David Foster Wallace
30. Away with the Fairies by Kerry Greenwood
31. No Time Like the Past by Jodi Taylor
32. March Book 1 by John Lewis
33. El Deafo by Cece Bell
34. Murder in Montparnasse by Kerry Underwood
35. Jamaica Inn by Rebecca Du Maurier
36. Mrs. Queen Takes the Train by William Kuhn
37. Stumptown Volume Two by Greg Rucka
38. The Castlemaine Murders by Kerry Greenwood
39. Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs
40. The Real Jane Austen by Paula Byrne
41. Endangered: A Joe Pickett Novel by C.J. Box
42. The Graveyard Book Volume One and The Graveyard Book Volume Two by Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell

April

43. The Best of It: New and Selected Poems by Kay Ryan
44. Night Film by Mariah Pessl
45. March Book Two by John Lewis
46. Queen of the Flowers by Kerry Greenwood
47. Obsession in Death by J.D. Robb
48. Death by Water by Kerry Greenwood
49. The Round House by Louise Erdrich
50. Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley
51. Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
52. The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories by Angela Carter
53. Murder in the Dark by Kerry Greenwood
54. Perfect State by Brandon Sanderson
55. The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
56. The Two Mrs. Abbotts by D.E. Stevenson
57. The Late Works of Hayao Miyazaki by Dani Cavallaro
58. Bones Crossed by Patricia Briggs

May

59. The Man in the Wooden Hat by Jane Gardam
60. Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs
61. River Marked by Patiricia Briggs
62. Displacement by Lucy Knisley
63. Bangkok Rules by Harlan Wolff
64. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
65. And Sometimes I Wonder About You by Walter Mosley
66. Golden Son by Pierce Brown
67. Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis
68. To Dance with the White Dog by Terry Kay
69. Ross Poldark by Winston Graham
70. Artificial Absolutes by Mary Fan
71. Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
72. World of Trouble by Ben H. Winters
73. The Chimes by Anna Small

June

74. Crown of Embers by Rae Carson
75. The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson
76. A Spy Among Friends by Ben Macintyre
77. Cordelia's Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold
78. Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs
79. Nothing Like the Sun by Anthony Burgess
80. Where the Bluebird Sings to the Lemonade Springs by Wallace Stegner
81. Demelza by Winston Graham
82. The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer
83. Velvet Volume 1 by Ed Brubaker
84. The Mask A Vanessa Michael Munroe Novel by Taylor Stevens
85. The Graphic Canon Vol. 3 edited by Russ Kirk

July

86. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
87. Stumptown Volume 3 by Greg Rucka
88. Agent of Change by Sharon Lee
89. Two Tales of Korval and Fellow Travelers by Sharon Lee
90. Conflict of Honors by Sharon Lee
91. Ghettoside by Jill Leovy
92. Carpe Diem by Sharon Lee
93. Plan B by Sharon Lee
94. Local Custom by Sharon Lee
95. Scout's Progress by Sharon Lee
96. Particle and Wave by Benjamin Landry
97. Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson
98. Charles Simic Selected Poems 1963 - 1983
99. I Dare by Sharon Lee
100. H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald
101. Landline by Rainbow Rowell
102. Duty Bound, Certain Symmetry and Trading in Futures by Sharon Lee
103. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

August
104. Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant by Tony Cliff
105. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
106. A Liaden Universe Constellation: Volume 2 by Sharon Lee
107. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson and Denise Mina
108. Night Broken by Patricia Briggs
109. Wind/Pinball by Haruki Murakami
110. Fledgling by Sharon Lee
111. Saltation by Sharon Lee
112. Marriage Can Be Murder by Emma Jameson
113. Ghost Ship by Sharon Lee
114. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
115. Wayward String Theory by Jim Zub
116. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
117. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

September

118. Jane Austen: A Life by Claire Tomalin
119. Rat Queens by Kurtis J. Wiebe
120. Speak: A Novel by Louisa Hall
121. The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny
122. Caleb's Story by Patricia MacLachlan
123. Redshirts by John Scalzi
124. Signs Preceding the End of the World by Yuri Herrera
125. The Ranger by Ace Atkins
126. The Girl in the Spider's Web by David Lagercrantz
127. Jeremy Poldark by Winston Graham
128. Make Me and Small War by Lee Child
129. Warleggan by Winston Graham
130. Six and a Half Deadly Sins by Colin Cotterill
131. A Beam of Light by Andrea Camilleri
132. Wild Hundreds by Nate Marshall
133. Devoted in Death by J.D. Robb
134. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card and Chris Yost

October

135. Neurotribes by Steve Silberman
136. The Summer Book by Tove Jannson
137. Saga Volume 5 by Brian K. Vaughan
138. Cotillion by Georgette Heyer
139. The Art of Killing Well by Marco Malvaldi
140. Rat Queens Volume 2 by Kurtis J. Wiebe
141. Death and the Penguin by Andrey Kurkov
142. The Black Moon by Winston Graham
143. The Corinthian by Georgetter Heyer
144. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
145. Drawn and Quarterly Twenty-five Years by Tom Devlin
146. The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
147. Reamde by Neal Stephenson
148. Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith
149. Foreigner by C.J. Cherryh

November

150. In Mad Love and War by Joy Harjo
151. Pride and Prejudice (Eye Classics) by Ian Edginton
152. Honor Girl by Maggie Thrash
153. The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng
154. Neil Gaiman in the 21st Century edited by Tara Prescott
155. Frederica by Georgette Heyer
156. Uncommon Grounds by Sandra Balzo
157. Winter by Marissa Meyer
158. These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer
159. The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
160. Facing Michael Jordan by Sean Deveney
161. The Complete Elfquest by Wendy Pini
162. Sandman Overture by Neil Gaiman
163. See You in the Morning by Mairead Case
164. Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales: The Underground Abductor by Nathan Hale
165. Ancillary Sword by Ann Leckie

December

166. As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning by Laurie Lee

Top 5 GAN Novels Voted by Cafe Patrons*

7 Nominations : To Kill a Mocking Bird
6 Nominations : The Grapes of Wrath
4 Nominations : Lonesome Dove
3 Nominations : Plainsong
2 Nominations: My Antonia and Invisible Man

*Thanks to Paul C. for tabulating the first four.

from previous thread: head scratches and all delivered to Greta Garbo's head. She is sleeping next to me. Congrats on a new thread, and good finds on the topper pictures. Remarkable, eh?

Thanks, Karen! Tell Greta we're glad she got the head scratches and all, and that Sherlock is sitting on my lap getting same as the talented trio put together their slow cook dishes.

Aren't those toppers cool?

Congratulations on another thread buddy. Your place remains a haven for bonhomie and good reading taste, Joe, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

>5 jnwelch: Thanks, mate. My pleasure. I remember Mark talking me into this a few years ago, and I'm glad he did. What a fun website, and what a group we have!

Congrats on your shiny new thread, Joe. I love your opening.

Happy new thread, Joe!

Hi Joe! Such great opening pictures!! I really, really love them!

Happy new thread.

>8 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara! Glad the opening works for you. Such a talented guy.

>9 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie! Hope you're having a good Sunday.

>10 connie53: Thanks a lot, Connie! Nice to have a kindred spirit - I really, really love them, too! :-)

Hi Joe -- love your thread toppers! Congrats on another new thread.

Homemade applesauce! Great Granny! What a wonderful day in your household. Maybe the Welch house and the Strnad house could exchange sauerkraut for applesauce?

Somebody up-thread mentioned pork roast, sauerkraut and applesauce? Could the cafe dish up some of that for me?

Happy Sunday, Joe! Happy New Thread! Love the Jeunet toppers.

Just kicking back and watching the Bears/Rams game and then I will get some book time in.

Enjoy your day, my friend.

I have already had people come in to the library and inquire about Winter. I just ordered it on Friday, because, unlike public libraries, we can't preorder titles. I have also had people come in asking about the Throne of Glass series by Sarah Maas so when you are scouting books to read look for that YA fantasy series.

>12 AMQS: Thanks, Anne! Good to see you here. Glad you like them toppers.

>13 benitastrnad: It's been a wonderful weekend in the Welch house, Benita. You'd love it. We've followed up applesauce day with slow cook day. There are three slow cook dishes underway - veggie chili with soy crumbles, roasted veggie and cheese stuffed shells, and tofu skin and wood ear mushroom dumplings, being done by three master chefs of various ages. Very veggie today.

Pork roast, sauerkraut and applesauce? Yes, says the cafe kitchen staff, can do.

>14 msf59: Happy Sunday, Mark! Thanks - glad you love them Jeunet toppers.

I'm taping the Bears/Rams game, as I've got leaf raking and dumpling rolling duties today. Nice day for the former, I'll say that much. Go Bears!

>15 benitastrnad: I'll bet people are asking for Winter, Benita. This one's going to be hot, hot, hot. Very satisfying conclusion to a very good series.

I remember you loved the Throne of Glass series. I'll keep an eye out. I'm still trying to develop my reading-many-books-simultaneously skills, but they're coming along slowly.

#17
I have the same problem with reading simultaneously. There is just to much out there that I want to read. And that I need to read so that I can understand what is going on in our world. It is so much easier to make applesauce.

>18 benitastrnad: Ha! Words to live by, Benita. "It is so much easier to make applesauce". If I were a needlepointer, I might do that one.

Pulling up a chair for a plate of that applesauce, pork and sauerkraut. One of my favourite Sunday roast leftovers is a pork and apple sandwich. Heaven.

The toppers are beautiful - especially the last one. So many talented artists out there.

>20 charl08: Oh, I'm glad you especially like that last topper, Charlotte. Me, too. I usually do only 4 toppers per artist, but I really wanted to include that one.

Pork and apple sandwich? Let's see what we can find in the larder. Pulled pork okay?

Hi Joe.

>22 weird_O: Hi Bill. Hope you're having a good weekend.

Good Bears game!! What a beautiful day, right?

"Pork and apple sandwich?" Ahh, no thank you. Pulled Pork? Yes, please.

Have you read Baba Yaga's Assistant? If not, it is a fun & light GN. You can read it, in one quick sitting.

>24 msf59:. Beautiful day, all right, Mark. Wow, this fall gets top marks so far.

Dominating Bears performance - huh? After all the close games recently, I didn't expect that. Is St. Louis as bad as it looked?

Baba Yaga's Assistant sounds likes a fun one. I'll see whether I can pick it up from the library.

What beautiful, adorable sculptures. Except for the first two, I believe I can identify the literary inspirations for the others.

Anybody know which books those first two represent? Or are they from a different series not inspired by books?

Dinner in the GA Piedmont tonight a variation of your earlier menu: turkey Kielbasa, mashed Russet potatoes with yogurt, paprika, and dill weed, fresh steamed baby spinach, and applesauce. Yum! Delicious, even without pictures.

Nous sommes français et même pas peur. Solidarité!

Those paper sculptures are amazing! Particularly impressive is the detail, especially the third one in the shoe shop, with the cat and even the clothespins. That last one is so poignant! Thank you for the intro to Jeunet!

Great paper sculpture toppers, Joe. Happy new thread. All those pork dishes and applesauce look mighty appetizing. What kind of wine would you pair with those dishes?

Happy new thread/cafe, Joe!

Carrying on the conversation from your previous thread, I never tire of reading - or hearing - the Flanders Field poem. Very poignant and very much a cornerstone to Canada's ongoing observance of Remembrance Day. Victoria is equally blessed in that the Pacific Canadian Fleet is based here at Esquimalt. A lot of emotion on November 11th here.

I hope your weekend has been a relaxing and enjoyable one, Joe.

#29
My family has a long history with the Flanders Fields poem. My grandmother read it back in 1976 for the town Bicentennial pageant. She read it every year for our Memorial Day service at the cemetery thereafter. When she could no longer do it my father took over that duty. When he died two years ago my cousin took up the mantel. He is in his early 30's so I expect to not have to accustom myself to another reader in my lifetime.

We read it at Memorial Day because we have a service at our local cemetery that has the local American Legion guys come out and do a military service. My grandmother always called Memorial Day - Decoration Day because we put flags on the graves of the veterans as well as flowers on family members graves. There aren't any poppies blooming at that time but the peonies are usually glorious.

>21 jnwelch: the cafe near my mums place does a great pulled pork bun! It's only $7 and is so so good. Asian flavours, red cabbage coleslaw and delicious tender pork. Mmmmm. Maybe I'll make the trip tomorrow!

>30 benitastrnad: nice memories :)

Happy new one, Joe! Love the toppers - beautiful.
And I'm still imagining how lovely your house must have smelled this weekend with all of those apples cooking...

Newtown Pippin apples, please. They're Long Island's native variety. Queen Victoria fancied them.

Morning, Joe! Love those thread topper images - so cool! I'll take my usual on this Day That Shall Not Be Named. And put Richard's apples on my tab, please.

>26 Limelite: Solidarité avec les Français!

It's appropriate we've got a French artist for our cafe toppers, isn't it, Limelite? Because his books are in French, I'm not sure which were used in what books. Here are some carried here: http://smile.amazon.com/Bernard-Jeunet/e/B004MSNQLG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1447683902... And you're right, some of his I suspect are not used in books, like the last one.

If we get back to Paris, which I expect we will, I'm going to look for his books. Glad you enjoyed the ones we've got here.

Your meal sounds délicieuse.

>27 Storeetllr: You're welcome, Mary! Aren't they cool? I'd love it if some publisher would collect all of his works in a book, as is done for other artists.

>28 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. I actually wasn't sure how well the Jeunet sculptures would go over, as I did one cafe with doll sculptures, and several patrons had adverse reactions. I'm glad people are liking these so much.

I consulted the experts on recommended wine pairings with pork and applesauce, and I liked what one wine columnist came up with for a meal with those two: "German and Alsace wines would fit the bill, as would more aromatic varietals like Viognier, Torrontés or Verdelho".

>29 lkernagh: Thanks. Lori!

Oh, I'm glad to hear Flanders Fields is one you personally like so much (me, too), and that it's still strongly associated with Remembrance Day where you are.I can imagine there's a lot of emotion in Victoria, especially with the fleet there at Esquimalt.

It was quite the happy and relaxed weekend, thanks. Fun basketball game with our daughter Friday night, making applesauce and reading Winter on Saturday, and yardwork on a gorgeous day here yesterday, along with good company, toothsome cooking, and watching football. No complaints! I hope you had a happy and relaxed one, too.

>30 benitastrnad: Wow, that's quite a family history with the Flanders Fields poem, Benita. I had no idea it still resonated so much in the 21st century. I'm glad.

Flags, and flowers, and Flanders Fields. Wonderful way to give tribute.

>31 LovingLit: Aren't those great memories from Benita, Megan?

Glad we reminded you of a favorite pulled pork sandwich. Not something I've ever had, actually. I got off of eating meat many moons ago, before experiencing that one.

Nice images to open your new thread with, Joe!

My favorite pork and apple sauce pairing is the yumtastic Pork Belly and Crackling Sandwich with Bramley Apple Sauce sold by Roast to Go in London's Borough Market.



None of the photos I've seen online do that sandwich any justice. Their Scotch eggs and bacon buttys are also sinfully delicious.

Have you and Debbi been to Borough Market yet? It's adjacent to London Bridge station, and it is my definition of Foodie Heaven (although the Southbank Centre Market comes close).

>32 scaifea: Thanks, Amber! Aren't those toppers beautiful? He must have a blast making them.

That smell of apples cooking in the house, and then with cinnamon, was wonderful. A tip of the hat to Madame MBH, who started our tradition of making applesauce every year. We figured out we've been doing it for at least 20 years. (Another one of those big numbers that sneak up on you!)

>33 richardderus: I'll have to try a Newtown Pippin apple, Richard. If they attracted the fancy of Queen Victoria, they must be special. I had a roommate who grew up in a small Long Island town, and I visited there, but never had an apple.

Ooo, Mamie's picking up your apple tab (see >34 Crazymamie:). That'll help with the Day Which Shall Not Be Named.

>34 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Thanks!

Your enthusiasm sure improves the Day That Shall Not Be Named, and I'm sure RD appreciates your picking up his apple tab (he can pick his own right from the tree). Here goes:

>37 kidzdoc: Morning, Darryl! Thanks!

I should've known such a connoisseur of good food would have a favorite pork and apple sauce pairing. "Pork Belly and Crackling Sandwich with Bramley Apple Sauce" has a certain poetry to it, doesn't it? Debbi and I had Borough Market and Southbank Centre Market on our to-do list this last time, but didn't make it. I'll pass on your enthusiastic recommendation, and we'll be sure to visit them next time.

Joe, I've been noting your comments (on some other threads) about Ta-Nehisi Coates' book. Following your mention somewhere, I read the long review that awarded one-half star. Oh Good Lord. It is interesting what so many of the reviews reveal about the reviewers. I just gotta buy a copy of the book. I borrowed it from a library, read it, did a lot of underlining (in pencil, and erased before returning), scanned some passages, then returned it. Now I want to flip through it again, but...but...but... It's on a shelf 40 miles away.

Important and challenging book.

>39 jnwelch: Sounds good, Joe. I went to Southbank Centre Market several times in September, including later on the Sunday when you, Debbi, Claire and I had brunch at Café Also and bought books at Joseph's Bookstore in Golders Green. It's directly behind Southbank Centre and a stone's throw away from the National Theatre, but it's only open on Fridays to Sundays and Monday Bank holidays, which is probably why I haven't gone there with you two. Borough Market is very close to the Tate Modern, heading away from the Globe Theatre and not far at all from the impromptu food court where we met Heather for lunch last year. It's a relatively new market, as it's been in operation in Southwark for only 1000 years.

>35 jnwelch: Thanks for the wine pairing, Joe. I think I'll stick with the muffins this early in the morning (it's just about 7:30 am here.)

>40 weird_O: Thanks, Bill. Yeah, I know, that half-star review of the Coates book by the reviewer who hated it is mind-boggling, isn't it? As you say, it is an important and challenging book. I know it can be tough for some "people who believe they are white" to read, but Coates is a straight-shooter trying to convey to his son what he has seen and experienced, and to prepare his son going forward. That carries a lot of power.

I hope more and more people read it, even if it will be hard for some to accept.

>41 kidzdoc: Ha! It's a relatively new market, as it's been in operation in Southwark for only 1000 years. Love it! I think I mentioned that, on the Shakespeare and Dickens walking tour, the guide used a map from the 1500s that still had the correct street names. Little bit different than our experience here!

Thanks for the links and the info. As you well know, those are so close to the Islington flat where we stay. We'll definitely make time for those next year.

>42 Familyhistorian: You're welcome, Meg. Yeah, I'm not much of a wine in the morning guy myself. :-) A pairing of muffins and coffee, on the other hand, is aces.

Morning Joe! Starting to cloud up out here but pleasantly mild.

Hope your Monday goes smoothly and you keep enjoying that Kingsolver.

Wow. So many sandwiches to choose from! Loving the apple smells that continue to waft from the thread.

I hadn't realised your topper illustrations are available in picture books. How lovely. I am very tempted, possibly justified by rather vaguely defined "improving my French". Hmm.

>44 msf59: Morning/afternoon, Mark! I will be going forth into that pleasantly mild day shortly. I'm liking this fall so far.

I'm enjoying the Kingsolver, and this has been pretty darn good for a *mumble*day. Hope it's going well for you.

>45 charl08: Ha! There's something about a cafe, isn't there, Charlotte? Good smells, good comestibles, good company.

I know, I'm tempted, too, by the Jeunet books. Wish we had some French 75ers who could guide us a bit. IMO, your possible justification "passes the red face test", as we say around here.

Yes, Yes! I would like a muffin!

>47 connie53: :-) Go for it, Connie! Here are a few more:

I found this comment about e-reading, by Indigo Books & Music's CEO, Heather Reisman, interesting. It's in a Publishers Weekly article about the continuing slide in e-book sales:

"I think what people are saying is that e-reading is not going away - we continue to participate in that market - but increasingly, people are using it for certain things, like when they're flying, or when they can't carry books around. Other than that, people seem to be happy reading their print books."

Hi! I'm having a fine "day which will not be named"... went to see the kids, then came home to Silver Glen where one of the residents leads a kind of a combo Tai Chi and Qi Dong exercise group. Not too much exercise, mostly breathing practice and gentle stretching. I loved it. Physical meditation.

Came home and am just poking around, trying to figure out where to put what I want and what I don't want any more. Will take me months, so I can also take breaks to play with my camera, and read a few LT postings.

Also, nap. Yup. Nap.

>50 maggie1944: Glad you're having a fine *mumble*day, Karen. I've always thought it would be cool to take a tai chi class. Back in the day I wasn't bad at kung fu, which has some similarities. Qi Dong I've heard of, but don't know much about. Good for you.

Yeah, I'm sure you'll be poking around the new digs for quite a while. You have to live in a place for a while to figure out just how you want it. We're still working on that after being in ours for many years.

I'm a big fan of naps when they can be squeezed in. My grandfather reportedly had a comfortable couch and took one every afternoon at work once he got up there in years. I like that idea.

Okay;, you all have done it now! Here, from the Carnitas Snack Shack, is their Triple Threat Sandwich.



pork loin schnitzel/ pulled pork/ bacon/ pepperoncini relish/ shack aioli - See more at: http://carnitassnackshack.com/menu/#sthash.3329fl8Q.dpuf

>52 ronincats: Holy Pork Threat, Roni! How in the world does anyone eat that? No one has a mouth that big, do they? (Who was that old-time actor, Joe E. Brown? Maybe he could).

Wow, that's a heckuva sandwich!

>54 drneutron: :-)

>52 ronincats: Yikes. Is there an oral surgeon on the premises who can reattach jaws that have become disconnected in trying to eat that sandwich?

Is it just me, or does it look like the cloud from an atomic bomb?

>56 kidzdoc: Ha! Is there such a thing as jaw sprain, Darryl? I think I may have gotten it just looking at that sandwich.

That's a whole new take on "it's the bomb". I do see that - an atomic pulled pork bomb.

>57 jnwelch: I'd say so, Joe. You can dislocate your TMJ (temporomandibular joint), so I suspect you could strain or sprain it as well.

>58 kidzdoc: As long as I still look marvelous, that's okay. I think I can just ice it and tough it out with the next sandwich.

BTW, for those of you who have or know someone with a mood disorder, Darryl just posted an excellent review of a book you may want to look at: http://www.librarything.com/topic/198771#5345581. Someone else we know who has such a disorder praised it highly, too.

Hello, Joe! I love the paper sculptures topping your (not so) new thread. I will definitely be reading My Age of Anxiety. Anxiety has surpassed depression as the primary "disorder" of college students and, I would argue, the whole US population. I sometimes wonder if what we tagged depression in past decades would more accurately have been identified as anxiety. Of course, the two are so inextricably linked.... Anyway, thanks for the link to Darryl's review. I keep having this fantasy that, as soon as I get the new director on board and I'm only doing one big job, I'll have both more time and more motivation for work-related reading. We'll see how that plays out.

P saw her doc again yesterday and the BP was down a tiny bit, so that's good. They also did an EKG and want to do a more extensive one soon. Sheesh. This getting old stuff is tough at times! Anyway, I feel better in my body since we've been eating more healthy, have cut down on our alcohol intake (sigh), and have been more concertedly dedicated to some physical activity. I have a family history of heart disease so having her doc knock us upside the head is probably a good thing for my health as well as hers!

Okay, I'm off to earn the Science Diet.

Have a good Tuesday!

Morning, Joe! They said it was supposed to rain, through the day today but so far I am staying dry. Knock wood...

^That sandwich up there sure looks like a killer. I will take a junior version. Thanks!

>61 EBT1002: Hello, Ellen! Glad you could stop by during busy times.

Yeah, I'm seeing a lot of anxiety disorders in our world, too. Maybe diagnoses are more accurate now. I think it helps for people to know they're not alone, and to treat the problem matter-of-factly - nothing to feel guilty or ashamed about, just a condition that's become pretty common. And non-sufferers need to treat sufferers with respect, and not get all stupid with "Oh buck up" and "I'm worse off than you" kinds of comments - or, worst of all, "It's all in your head". Well, duh, everything we experience is "all in our heads." Give me a break.

Ha! I like your reading ambition; I know reality makes work-related reading tough. I restrict my work-related reading to work hours these days. :-)

Getting older does mean seeing the doctor more often, doesn't it, as the body starts breaking down and so on. Annoying, but I'm glad P is keeping after it with the doctor visits, because that's the best way to avoid major problems. Yeah, diet and exercise, there's just no getting around it, paying attention to those two is really key. Thank goodness we can engage in culinary flights of fancy here. Madame MBH being careful about diet and exercise is a good influence on me, like P with you.

Hope you have a good Tuesday, too!

>62 msf59: Morning, Mark! I know, I was expecting rain, and so far nada. I'm knocking wood over here that it stays away until the evening.

A junior version of that sandwich up there would probably feed a family. Here you go:

Last time you asked how I am doing, well at the moment not great, as I broke my right upperarm 4 1/2 weeks ago. It ain't easy typing with left...
On the other hand I took my last Paxil 5 weeks ago and still no signs of Depression coming back, so that is great, after 20 years on psych meds :-)
And reading is coming back slowly, I am sooo happy I can read again!!!

>64 FAMeulstee: Oh no, I'm sorry to hear about your arm, Anita. I'll bet you're right-handed, too. What a hassle. I hope it's healing well.

That's great about coming off Paxil for 5 weeks now and no depression. Wow! Is there anything in particular that made that possible after 20 years?

Wonderful that you're able to read again. I'll bet you're happy! I can't imagine being without that. What are you reading now?

>65 jnwelch: Ten years ago we moved out of the big city and went to live in nice and fairly quiet neighborhood, I think that helped...
4 years ago it was found that my thyroid did not function, taking meds to replace for thyroid function, I think that helped....
Quit seeing some of my siblings, who have no respect for other opinions than their own, I think that helped a lot ;-)

Reading now De valse derwisj by Karl May, 19th century adventure, a re- re- re-read :-)

>66 FAMeulstee: Ha! That makes sense, for sure, Anita. I'm lucky; my sisters may have their flaws (as may their brother), but they're tolerant of other points of view. I'm glad the confluence of those three has had a happy result.

"The False Dervish"? There are other Karl May books available here in English, involving American Indians, but maybe it's not the same guy. Although 19th century adventure would fit.

>67 jnwelch: yes Joe, it is the same guy :-)
I loved his books when I was young, 50 titles were translated in Dutch (about 2/3rd of his works), most known are his "western" adventures (Winnetou!).
This one is the first of 4 books about a German famely who got scattered around the earth after they fell into slavery and were sold in Ethiopia... one got free after 20 years and is searching for his mother and siblings.... adventure with a bit of romance ;-)

>68 FAMeulstee: Ah, okay. Thanks, Anita. Yes, the Winnetou books are the ones that I know are available here.

Good for you. I like going back for re-reads of old favorites, too. Raising our kids gave me a great opportunity to revisit the Oz and Nancy Drew books, among others.

Love the rooster pouring the coffee! I am a tea drinker, and only once a day, but a darling image. As for mystery series, oh I am a fussy sort! :)

>64 FAMeulstee: - Wow! Getting off Paxil after 20 years ! Bravo you! I discontinued taking it about err - 15 years ago and the discontinuation / withdrawal symptoms for me were just wicked bad. Of course I went " cold turkey" as I was so tired of taking it. Now I take Celexa, which not the greatest, but much better than the Paxil, for me anyway. I think far more of us struggle with depression / anxiety / panic attacks than we'd ever like to admit. ( Says a long time person who copes with the above! :) But as I get older, it is less of a problem. The medication and the acceptance that I will never be one of those folks who rolls with it easily. So, I've accepted my limitations and that has helped immensely.

Joe, why aren't you down looking at the basketball tournament tonight? My Jayhawks are coming up next after the Duke-Kentucky contest. I'd be there--if I weren't 2077 miles away!

Checking in, but I shouldn't do that on an empty stomach! Your thread always makes me want to eat. I wonder why?

>66 FAMeulstee:. Thyroid supplements are critical for managing my mood, too. I tried to cut back last year and was immediately in trouble. Good for you to find the right treatment.

>70 vancouverdeb: Deborah: I have been on different meds in these 20 years, most of the time some years on Paxil and then some years on Effexor, those two worked best, but lost their effect in 4 to 5 years.
Weaning off and starting the other was always terrible, but this time, when I started to lower the dose in May it went so smoothly! So I thought this might be the time to completely quit and it looks like it is working out well :-)
The only big problem I had with Paxil was that I could not read...

I still have my limitations, anxiety and panic still occurs, but not as bad as it has been...

>73 ffortsa: Judy, yes they are very important for my mood.
4 years ago, I went way to late to my GP (I have a terrible fear of doctors, hospitals etc) then my TSH was way to high (>100 vancouverdeb:) and it took almost 3 years to get to the right dose of thyrax...

>74 FAMeulstee: I hadn't heard that Paxil caused reading problems. What a bummer. I'm glad you are able to do without it.

>70 vancouverdeb: Oh good, Deb. I was hoping someone would notice that helpful, coffee-pouring rooster. Isn't that image something? Skilled photographer.

"Fussy" probably = discriminating when it comes to mysteries. The in Death ones really hold up well for me, but we're not all made from cookie-cutters.

What Anita has done seems remarkable to me, too. I know some of these meds are really hard to stop using - klonapin? I may've spelled that wrong. I think accepting our limitations is a major release for a lot of us. Turns out we're just fine as is, right?

>71 ronincats: Ha! It comes on later here, Roni. I did watch the Kentucky - Duke game (KY has another monster team!), but your Jayhawks came on too late for me. I need to get to These Old Shades, don't you know.

>72 thornton37814: That is odd, Lori. What could it be about the cafe that makes you hungry? I hope it makes you hungry for books, too. :-) Personally, I find virtual food makes me much less blimpified than the real stuff.

>73 ffortsa: I understand thyroids are tricky, Judy. I work with someone who had hers removed (it was over- rev'd, in my words), and they use meds to regulate her metabolism. It has taken a lot of adjusting.

>74 FAMeulstee: I'm glad this time it was smooth, Anita. It's remarkable the progress they've made with the meds, but I know you have to look out for side effects. (My always upbeat Dad got depressed in one stretch, and it turned out it was a new blood pressure medicine he was taking).

Not being able to read - yikes.

>75 ffortsa: Me, too, Judy.

As one who experiences the occasional melancholy (don't we all?) and certainly anxiety (usually work-related but sometimes just generalized), I am appreciating the discussion here. I have managed my own moods with exercise over the years and feel lucky that this has (mostly) worked for me. Now that I'm aging and can't as easily just walk out the door and go for a 4-mile run, I'm having to find other approaches. Reading is wonderful solace but, in my experience, anxiety interferes with concentration. Oh well. We are all perfect and imperfect human beings. Thank goodness for connection with other humans. It's really the thing that (for me) makes it all fall nicely into place.

>78 jnwelch: Perfect!

>79 EBT1002: "Reading is wonderful solve." I love that phrase, Ellen.

Morning Joe! Staying dry at the moment. I like the mild temps, but would rather stay rain-free.

Hope your Wednesday is going smoothly.

>80 msf59: Glad the discussion is helpful, Ellen. Yeah, I use exercise to alleviate the work stress, although it's changed over the years from running to walking.

You're right about connections with human beings helping, for sure. Calvin and Hobbes help, too, don't they. :-) And maybe a bit of Paddington.

>81 jnwelch: Hey, Mr. Mark. Morning!

I like "Reading is wonderful solace", too, from Ellen. Nice.

Glad you're staying dry so far. I'll be venturing out soon.

So far so good for a Wednesday. More work needed sooner than I like, but c'est la vie.

I've reviewed a book intended to cleanse my mental palate called The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly. The illustrations are exactly to my taste. Just spare and simple and direct, no Ornamentation via Ormolu.

I'm working on Acceptance. It is from this book that my palate needed clearing. My palate and other things...this book makes me feel like every itch I have is a mushroom sprouting or something.

I'm taking the lowest dose of Klonipin twice a day and it's a major improvement in my anxiety control. I am a huge fan of things that work!

Hi Joe! I also love the paper sculptures that top your new thread. They are exquisitely detailed. Some people are so talented. Thanks for sharing. I also love the Paddington statue. We go waaaay back!

I'm impressed that you have read so much this year, Joe….75x2 and counting! You also do a great job keeping your thread full of enticing goodies, both food and books. You must be a very good manager of your time. Any hints for us slackers?

>83 richardderus: Arggh. Sorry Acceptance tweren't better, Richard. The silver lining for me and others is your nastygram reviews are always fun to read. :-)



I can see why you like the illustrations in The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly. Good review.

What I've heard re klonopin is that it works beautifully, but it's hard to get off of if you have bad side effects, like sleeplessness. I'm glad it's working for you.

>84 Donna828: Oh good, Donna. I know, I'd love to have a talent like Jeunet's. My pleasure. Somewhere we have a cool photo of Madame MBH with Paddington at Waterloo Station. Maybe I can find it.

Thanks re the reading and managing my time! It's ironic; my family sometimes calls me a "slug" because I really like being lazy. I think that's my inspiration - I like doing things quickly so I can get back to being lazy as soon as possible. Plus, if I procrastinate, too often I forget what the heck I was intending to do.

My reading speed varies - some books like Winter read very fast for me, and some, like the collection of essays on Gaiman's books (which I'm procrastinating on reviewing - hope I remember!), feel "dense" and go more slowly. But I enjoy it so much it just adds up over time. Like most folks here, I imagine, reading caught my fancy early on, and it's been a big part of my life ever since.

Morning Joe! Sweet Thursday! I am enjoying a day off. I am hoping this snow predicted for the weekend, ends up being minimal.

I did want to recommend a couple GNs: Have you read Baba Yaga's Assistant? It's a tad "lite" for me but still enjoyable. You'll get a kick out of it. I am loving Ruins. I am not sure where I heard about this one from but it is terrific. Have you heard of Kuper? This guy is good.

Sweet Thursday, buddy! Hey, a day off - great! Enjoy.

Yeah, not looking forward to that predicted snow. We're swapping out rakes for shovels. We had a real wind tunnel this morning by the Sears (Willis) Tower.

You had mentioned Baba Yaga's Assistant, and I ordered it from the library. It hasn't shown up yet, but G. Willow Wilson's Cairo just did. Have you read that one?

I'll keep an eye out for Ruins. Because I'm a Kafka nut, I read Kuper's Give It Up! and Other Short Stories, which was a good adaptation.

Someone else recently mentioned Cairo. Kerry? I better go over and request that baby.

I saw that Kuper has done a lot of work, so I am not surprised that you have read him.

Lots of sunshine out there now, but the wind is howling...

ETA: Love the cartoon!!

>89 msf59: It might have been Kerry who rec'd Cairo - and LTers have been recommending G. Willow Wilson's novel, Alif the Unseen. I know her from the Ms. Marvel GNs, and I also read her Air: Letters from Lost Countries, which I liked.

Ha! A little C & H is good for the soul, isn't it?

BTW, for Georgette Heyer fans, I thoroughly enjoyed These Old Shades. Leoni was irresistible - what a character!

Has a movie ever been made of a Georgette Heyer book? Leoni and Justin et al seem well-suited to a film.

I requested Cairo and The Grand Sophy. See, how pliable I am...

>92 msf59: Ha! As am I, my friend.

Neil Gaiman in the 21st Century is a collection of essays about his books - but not all of them. American Gods, The Wolves in the Walls and Blueberry Girl, Anansi Boys, The Graveyard Book, a Dr. Who episode called "Nightmare in Silver", The Ocean at the End of the Lane, A Calendar of Tales (online collection), and Sandman: Overture are specifically covered, and other works of his like Coraline and Neverwhere get mentioned in the discussions. A Gaiman fan will enjoy this book. Lots of unexpected nuggets along the way. Who knew that The Graveyard Book had such strong connections to The Jungle Book, for example? Who knew Gaiman as a teenager fronted a punk band in 1970s London? That the Sandman series would not have happened without Lou Reed?

The writing can be awfully academic, so the reader at times has to bear with that. But many authors of the essays are far from stuffy, particularly in the last half of the book, which I enjoyed the most. Emily Capettini's essay on the Dr. Who episode aptly refers to Gaiman's "excellent ability to take old stories and create something new that remains true but is not limited by its origins." American Gods, for example, has ties to The Odyssey, but would never be mistaken for it. More generally, Merideth Garcia observes that, "Across Gaiman's work, the extraordinary lurks around every corner, only occasionally showing the seams where it joins the ordinary; magic and memory leave their traces everywhere, in material, often mundane, objects that hold the power to connect people across time and space in both intended and unintended ways."

I had no idea that The Ocean at the End of the Lane, one of his best, IMO, is by his admission semi-autobiographical, written while he was missing his wife Amanda Palmer who was far away in Australia. Much of the book apparently is based, in some fashion, on Gaiman's childhood, and it was written when he was mourning his father's death. Those of you who have read the book, which has some notable horrors (including from the father), will wonder, like me, what exactly in it is autobiographical! As Rebecca Long says, in the book he shows the vulnerability of children, and that “nothing is perfect, not even parents”.

The collection is wide-ranging and worthwhile. It covers, for example, his feminist leanings (especially in Renata Lucena Dalmaso's essay, but elsewhere, too), and the myriad sources he draws on. Andrew Eichel points out many sources underlying The Ocean at the End of the Lane (which he compares to Augustian concepts of memory), including Dante's "Divine Comedy and Midrashic commentary." Gaiman himself, in editor Tara Prescott's introduction, explains that he likes to give us "waking dreams." These essays help us better understand him and those waking dreams, and they also give pleasurable revisits to some of his most accomplished works. Four stars.

The National Book Award Nominees and Winners 2015 (winners in bold)

FICTION
Karen E. Bender, Refund
Angela Flournoy, The Turner House
Lauren Groff, Fates and Furies
Adam Johnson, Fortune Smiles
Hanya Yanagihara, A Little Life

NONFICTION
Ta-Nehisi Coates, Between the World and Me
Sally Mann, Hold Still
Sy Montgomery, The Soul of an Octopus
Carla Power, If the Oceans Were Ink: An Unlikely Friendship and a Journey to the Heart of the Quran
Tracy K. Smith, Ordinary Light

POETRY
Ross Gay, Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude
Terrance Hayes, How to Be Drawn
Robin Coste Lewis, Voyage of the Sable Venus
Ada Limón, Bright Dead Things
Patrick Phillips, Elegy for a Broken Machine

YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE
Ali Benjamin, The Thing About Jellyfish
Laura Ruby, Bone Gap
Steve Sheinkin, Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War
Neal Shusterman, Challenger Deep
Noelle Stevenson, Nimona

Good review of Neil Gaiman in the 21st Century. Big Thumb! I may have to track that one down, one of these days.

Thanks for posting the National Book Award winners. That is perfect. And congrats to Coates and Johnson.

^I saw a positive review in the Trib, on this crime/superhero series, which begins tomorrow on Netflix. Have you heard anything? Did you ever read the "Alias" series this is based on? I have not but I plan on checking this out.

>96 msf59: Thanks, Mark! You'll have a good time with the Gaiman essays book if time permits. Just bear with the occasional acadam-ese.

You bet - yes, great news on the Coates and Johnson awards. I've read a different Shusterman that I liked a lot (Unwind), so I'll look for this new one, and I've seen reviews praising that Sable Venus poetry book, so I'll probably take a gander at that one, too. Some day I'll read one of Mr. Johnson's books.

>97 msf59: I saw that (very!) positive review in the Trib, too, Mark. I'd heard nothing about this before, and unfortunately don't know the "Alias" series either. We plan on checking this out, too - maybe if 6" of snow show up this weekend.

>91 jnwelch: Thought you would like These Old Shades, Joe. If you want to see more of Leoni, she and Justin are in Devil's Cub. Leoni is grown up - well not really, but as engaging as ever.

I'd been thinking of reading Between the World and Me, but it seems to have gotten quite varied reviews here on LT. Forgive me for not reading anything by Neil Gaiman. I'm likely one of the few. He writes fantasy or something along those lines? At least I think he does and that is just not my genre.

>99 Familyhistorian: Ah, thanks, Meg. I do indeed. I've got her Venetia up next, but then I'll find Devil's Cub.

>100 vancouverdeb: Between the World and Me is a strong book, Deb, and it has gotten strong reactions, including that "I hate it" reviewer. I say it's powerful, moving, and important to read. It just won the National Book Award, as you can see up above, and it's been on the NYTimes bestseller list for many weeks. Definitely worth your time.

Gaiman may not be for you if fantasy is not your genre (or even an option), as it is "along those lines" as far as I'm concerned. I was thinking you might take a look at The Ocean at the End of the Lane, which is not too long and is so good, but the mythic elements might turn you off. If magic realism doesn't bother you, then I'd say give him a try. Neverwhere is another one I loved, but he's one of those for whom different readers will have different favorites.

I finished The Bean Trees and liked it very much. Up next, at the recommendation of Madame MBH, is one by Mairead Case, called See You in the Morning (no touchstone yet). I'm also reading Facing Michael Jordan, with various players talking about the experience of playing against him, and a poetry book by Yusef Komunyakaa, who's supposed to be good, and whose poetry I've never read.

>102 jnwelch: ha ha ha

That could have been Alex, my oldest of the 2 great nephews, with whom I had all sorts of problems. He would hide his homework, or refuse flat out to do it. Drove me crazy, but his Mom and Dad just patiently waited until the report cards showed up and then they gave him a very clear picture of their thinking he was cheating himself and that they expected better of him. He did announce one year that he would stop hiding the homework, and seems to be doing a bit better, as in average grades.

His obsessions were, in order of his age, 1. dinosaurs; 2. Star Wars; and currently history, especially WWII and history of weapons. Wow. He will do fine in life I think. School is just not suited so well to someone like him who follows his passions with a passion. Ha!

Happy Friday, Joe. I'm hoping the Chicago weather will not be too harsh.

I saw a little frost on the parking lot this morning as I walked across our bridge from East building to Center building, to go swimming! Lovely salt water pool and a couple of laps at 6 am. Good way to start the day.

>104 maggie1944: I'm always impressed with folks like Alex, Karen. He has his own views, from your description, and the gumption to follow them. Traditional school doesn't suit everyone; I hope he finds a place some day where the teaching matches his insides.

Happy Friday. Oof, we're looking at what sounds like a slap-in-the-face kind of weekend, with snow and cold. Darn. But Madame MBH and I will make the best of it, with reading and tv shows we like/want to try. Our local paper raved about the new "Jessica Jones", so we're going to give that one a go.

Swimming in a lovely pool - great way to start the day! We actually could use that little bit of your frost here, as the continuation of "stuff in the air" has been affecting a lot of people with allergies. The snow should take care of that. :-)

Happy Friday, Joe! Chilly out here but not bad. Let's not all about what is coming, okay?

Glad you enjoyed The Bean Trees. Her follow-up to that one is just as good.

Go Calvin! Go Calvin!

>106 msf59: Thanks, Mark. Happy Friday!

Good to hear re Pigs in Heaven. I'm sure I'll get to that one at some point. Curiosity about Turtle will draw me in, if nothing else. :-)

Go Calvin!

Hi Joe, only a few days in, and I already missed over 100 posts, yikes! Can't keep up with you busy café owner types. Love those paper sculptures up top; have added a few of them to my "Paper Art" board on Pinterest, thanks for sharing them here. Wishing you a great weekend ahead. xx

>108 Smiler69: Hi, Ilana. I was thinking of you. My review of The Gift of Rain is toward the end of the last thread.

Glad you love those paper sculptures; you're about as discerning an eye as we're likely to get on LT!

Thanks for the weekend wishes (I can't wait!); hope you have a great weekend, too.

ETA: "Toward the end of the last thread" for The Gift of Rain wasn't quite right. Here you go: http://www.librarything.com/topic/201889#5336802

>102 jnwelch: Reminds me of one of my favorite strips, mentioning mine own profession and ringing true!

>91 jnwelch: Got myself a copy of These Old Shades and I'm not scheduled to narrate a new book until Tuesday. My plan is to hunker down and read for pleasure this weekend before the cooking begins and the family arrives. Thanks for the recommendation Joe!

>95 jnwelch: Thanks for putting up that list, Joe. I have seen Johnson's collection in the stores here but little else that is on there is here yet, except that perennial runner-up A Little Life.

Have a great weekend, Buddy.

Hi Joe, I finally find time to do some weekend greetings. Wishing you a most lovely weekend.

>110 ronincats: Ha! Good one, Roni.

I remember a turning point for me, with an English teacher in junior high who turned us loose to write about what we whatever we picked to write about. I wrote at length about John Carlos and Tommy Smith in the '68 Olympics, and loved doing it. This same teacher also had us read Dandelion Wine, and I loved that. My whole attitude toward school changed.

>111 NarratorLady: Oh good, Anne. You're welcome!

Can't wait to hear how you like These Old Shades. Justin was a bit much for me at the beginning, but it set up what followed.

>112 PaulCranswick: You're welcome, Paul. The only ones I've read in that list in >95 jnwelch: is Between the World and Me and Nimona. I've got some catching up to do. It shouldn't, but the regional differences in what books are available always surprises me. That's part of why we love shopping London's bookstores. I've yet, for example, to see that Kurkov book I liked so much, Death of a Penguin, in a U.S. bookstore, although it's available on Ammy.

>113 Ameise1: Ah, nice to have you back with your always-lovely weekend greetings, Barbara. That's a beaut; it matches up well with the fall colors in our part of the globe. We got some snow yesterday, but not at all as bad as predicted.

Hope you're having a lovely weekend, too.

Happy Sunday!

We saw some snow, too, but it didn't last long.

Morning, Joe! Happy Sunday! I was not quite mentally prepared for this early blast of winter. We rarely get hit like this in November.

I am reading and enjoying Sweet Caress. This feels like your cuppa. Nice, easy, prose, from Boyd.

I have to do a little food shopping, but once I return it will be BOOKS & football.

Howdy Joe! That Gaiman essay books sounds like it would add some depth if you've already read most of Gaiman's works. I have to confess that I haven't but I am diligently working on it! I am awaiting my signed copy of Sandman Overture from Community Books in Brooklyn. Now there was an event I would have LOVED to attend. He did a signing and Q&A with Junot Diaz. Seeing him in person was nice although it was the day of the attacks in Paris so there was a somber note to the evening. He started out with his Credo which he wrote after the Charlie Hebdo attacks.

I believe that it is difficult to kill an idea, because ideas are invisible and contagious, and they move fast.

I believe that you can set your own ideas against ideas you dislike. That you should be free to argue, explain, clarify, debate, offend, insult, rage, mock, sing, dramatise and deny.

I do not believe that burning, murdering, exploding people, smashing their heads with rocks (to let the bad ideas out), drowning them or even defeating them will work to contain ideas you do not like. Ideas spring up where you do not expect them, like weeds, and are as difficult to control.

I believe that repressing ideas spreads ideas.

I believe that people and books and newspapers are containers for ideas, but that burning the people will be as unsuccessful as firebombing the newspaper archives. It is already too late. It is always too late. The ideas are out, hiding behind people’s eyes, waiting in their thoughts. They can be whispered. They can be written on walls in the dead of night. They can be drawn.

I believe that ideas do not have to be right to exist.

I believe you have every right to be perfectly certain that images of god or prophet or man are sacred and undefilable, just as I have the right to be certain of the sacredness of speech, of the sanctity of the right to mock, comment, to argue and to utter.

I believe I have the right to think and say the wrong things. I believe your remedy for that should be to argue with me or to ignore me, and that I should have the same remedy for the wrong things that you think.

I believe that you have the absolute right to think things that I find offensive, stupid, preposterous or dangerous, and that you have the right to speak, write, or distribute these things, and that I do not have the right to kill you, maim you, hurt you, or take away your liberty or property because I find your ideas threatening or insulting or downright disgusting. You probably think my ideas are pretty vile, too.

I believe that in the battle between guns and ideas, ideas will, eventually, win.

Because the ideas are invisible, and they linger, and, sometimes, they are even true.

Eppur si muove: and yet it moves.

>116 Ameise1: Good! Glad to hear it, Barbara. For me, it's still a little early to get lots of snow, although Mother Nature doesn't seem to care much what I think.

>117 msf59: books and football Now we're talking, Mark! Sounds just right for a Sunday.

I read a William Boyd I liked, Any Human Heart, so I'll keep Sweet Caress in mind. I just finished a book about Michael Jordan, and Sandman Overture (complex but good!), so I'll be moving on to new ones.

Go Bears!

>118 luvamystery65: Woo. Excellent, Roberta. Thanks for sharing it. No surprise; I totally agree. I wish Gaiman's Credo was universally embraced.

I'm glad you got to see him. I hope I do, some day. One of the best people on the planet, IMO.

Yes, I don't think the book of essays would work well if you haven't read most of what I mentioned it covers. I haven't seen the Dr. Who episode, and hadn't read Sandman Overture at that point, and still enjoyed those essays, but I'm sure I would've enjoyed them more if I had seen and read them. Plus I would've been at a loss too much if I hadn't read most of them.

>118 luvamystery65: >119 jnwelch: Thanks for sharing that. That would be a moving credo anyway but when you know the history behind it - wow.

>120 Familyhistorian: Yeah, agreed, Meg.

That Italian phrase at the end supposedly was said by Galileo. From Wikipedia: "And yet it moves" or "Albeit it does move" (Italian: E pur si muove or Eppur si muove epˈpur si ˈmwɔːve) is a phrase attributed to the Italian mathematician, physicist and philosopher Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) in 1633 after being forced to recant his claims that the Earth moves around the Sun rather than the converse during the Galileo affair.

>122 jnwelch: I love that one!

>123 drneutron: :-) Heh-heh - good one, isn't it, Jim?

Morning, Joe! The temp is not bad out here but everything is still icy. Sighs...

Glad you are enjoying Jessica Jones. Hope we can find time to watch a couple more episodes this week.

Are you going to see your Dad, this week?

>125 msf59: Yeah, it's icy in the city, too, Mark. Took us forever to walk over to our daughter's place yesterday, when normally it's five minutes.

We're staying in town for Thanksgiving. Next week we go to Pittsburgh to see son #1 and his bride in their new home. My Dad's doing okay, so we'll see him at Christmastime.

How about you? Any plans?

Great ideas roaming around in your thread! Love the Gaiman quotation - so important to know, and to spread around wherever we can. "And yet it moves" is equally important. Yikes, so much history is evoked. When people are ignorant, uneducated, unread, they think they invent their passions, and yet, most have been seen before, if only they knew history and all the "trails of tears".

We must continue to protect and educate.

It is a happy week for many of us, and yet I will work to remember those who need my protection and I will give some charity somewhere. Just don't know quite where, yet.

Morning, Joe! I hope your short work week is going well. We are hosting Thanksgiving. I have the weekend off, (this happens every 10 years or so), but I think I will work it anyway, because we are short-handed and I could use the moolah.

I think you would like Sweet Caress. It reminds me of a female version of Any Human Heart.

I watched the first episode of The Man in the High Castle. It is a good solid show, but diverts, quite a bit from the book, which is not a bad thing, considering some of the book is a bit dated and slow-paced.

Morning, Mark! So far so good. Hosting Thanksgiving - how many folks? That can be a mighty big project, I know. Ours will be relatively small and easy this year.

Choosing to work as opposed to being scheduled to work usually feels a bit better, right?

I'll keep Sweet Caress in my mind. He's a talented writer, that's for sure.

I could see diverting from The Man in the High Castle book might be a plus. I did find that esteemed book a bit dated and slow-paced meself, and I read it a number of years ago.

Looking forward to taking it easy this holiday weekend!

Morning Joe! Not shabby out here at all, today.

We will be having about 15-17, for Thanksgiving, that includes a few kids, so not bad.

It looks like I am working Friday, so I better take it easy with the food and drink.

Love the Snoopy image.

>130 jnwelch: Love it. Big waves.

>131 msf59: Woo, that sounds like a lot of folks to me, Mark. I'm sure you and that woman you hang out with will be busy.

So far it sounds like the weather will be okay on Friday. Kudos to you for working, I'm way too lazy. I do plan on getting out this lunchtime, to appreciate the improved weather.

I couldn't resist that Snoopy image. Some of these street artists are so clever.

>132 Ameise1: Ha! Glad to hear it, Barbara. Big waves back.

I just saw coffee cake muffins mentioned somewhere. I've never had one, and now I want to.

>90 jnwelch: Late to the party, but yes, I did recommend Cairo and now I can also recommend The Arab of the Future.

Yum for the coffee cake muffin, I found a good recipe that I make every now and then, includes halva.

>135 avatiakh: Great, Kerry, thanks. I liked Cairo, so thanks for the tip, and I just added The Arab of the Future to the WL.

Mm, coffee cake muffins made with sesame flour and honey (halva), that sounds mouth-watering. Please bring some by some time.

Hi, just slithering through to prove I am alive.

>137 richardderus: Excellent! Always good to see you, RD.

Take it easy and have a relaxing weekend.

I love seeing that the pulled pork bun talk is still going strong here, even though you. Are off the meat, Joe.

And RD's here too!

Sweet Thanksgiving week. It is nice to look forward to a celebratory dinner with family and friends and stop for a moment and be consciously thankful for all the good stuff in life, and for life itself.

>139 LovingLit: As my wife and kids keep telling me, Megan, it's not all about me. I'm slowly learning. :-)

Often we can come up with a good alternative at Casa Welch, but pulled pork looks to be too much of a challenge.

>140 maggie1944: Sweet Thanksgiving week, Karen. I embrace those thoughts, and I'm going to do my best to be thankful.

It's a sad day here in Chicago. Yesterday the City released the video of a white officer, Jason Van Dyke, shooting a black teen, Laquan McDonald, 16 times in 15 seconds, most of them while Laquan was on the ground in a fetal position. The officer was reloading to do more when another officer stopped him. Laquan had PCP in his system. He'd been trying to steal in a truckyard, had a small three inch knife, and was walking away from the officers when Van Dyke started shooting. Other officers present reportedly believed force was unnecessary. Van Dyke was indicted yesterday for first degree murder.

There were mostly peaceful protests last night, with protesters blocking traffic on Michigan Avenue. Unfortunately, some police overreacted and physically abused some protesters, including a young woman we know well. A bright, talented young man named Malcolm London, who works in Madame MBH's organization, was arrested and held for felony assault, for allegedly throwing a smoke bomb. Those near him say he did no such thing, including our friend who was 5 feet from him. He is a vocal community leader, and it is believed that is what led to his arrest. Money's being raised for his bond.

I keep trying to imagine being black, being in that position, seeing these videos, hearing Trump and his adherents (chanting "All lives matter" as they beat a black protester - who could make this up?). I'm not very good at it. I'm hoping, because I'm intrinsically a glass-half-full guy, that we're reaching some kind of positive turning point. Thank goodness for videos; the truth can come out, despite the Code of Silence that apparently exists in our city and others. Yes, it's a tremendously difficult job to be a police officer, particularly in some areas, and yes, there are tons of good-hearted, capable cops out there. But train to avoid this; weed out the bad ones, and pay attention - according to the newspaper, Van Dyke had 18 complaints for abuse before this. Don't blame the victims, and don't lose your cool in the presence of a peaceful protest - keeping your cool is what it's all about. Don't assume, don't make decisions based on race. Laquan McDonald was doing something in the truckyard he shouldn'ta oughta, but he was walking away, not threatening anyone. And who knows what led him to where he was and what he was. He's gone now.

ETA: The reported story on Malcolm London has changed. Now he's charged with assaulting a police officer. His alderman says no, and that instead Malcolm "is a hero". Efforts are still being made to get him out on bond. Best of all would be seeing the charge dropped.

P.S. One of our family's closest friends, and our son's best man, was not in Chicago yesterday because he was in Minneapolis, having attended a Black Lives Matter protest there, which again was caused by a fatal police shooting of a black man. Five protesters were shot there by three white men (since apprehended) who reportedly wanted to teach blacks a lesson. It looks like those shot will be okay.

I know how much all this hurts and angers everyone fighting for more justice for minorities and non-white peoples! My heart is with you and all of Chicgo, as well as every other city in the USA.

Thanks, Karen. It's got to get better, right? So disheartening.

An underlying fact that certainly is thought-provoking: "the United States Census Bureau {has} projected that five years from now, white children will be in the minority -- and by 2044 whites will be wholly outnumbered by nonwhites." (UPI).

This, of course, ignores Coates point that "black" and "white" (and "non-white") are constructed perceptions - we're all from all over the place. But it may start changing the balance of power we're seeing today.

Arggh. Can't get some photos of the protest to show up. Oh well.

Here's a link, for those interested: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Man-Arrested-for-Punching-Police-Officer-Du...

Our friend Britney is in the woman with the purple hair in the third one.

I think that you are correct in talking about training. I have been appalled by some advertisements on our local Birmingham TV station trying to get new recruits for the Jefferson county Sheriffs office. Every picture in those ads is combat related. There are pictures of men climbing rocks, shooting big guns, running through mud, and standing in ranks in uniform. Not one is about helping people. At first I laughed when I saw those ads because the majority of work that Sheriff Deputies do is serve papers for divorces, family disputes, etc. etc. However, in the last few weeks I am beginning to think that these ads are designed to attract a certain class of people to apply. I find that scary, as Sheriff Deputies get a minimum of training and few even have to attend a police academy.

I think that police officer training should include a minimum of combat training and a maximum of crisis counseling training. This should be combined with an extended (maybe 2 years) probationary employment period. However, I realize this is idealistic because it would cost so much to do this so few cities are going to invest that kind of money in that soft training. For this reason I think that these protests, confrontations, and public scrutiny of the policing being done in the U. S. is a good thing and I applaud those citizens who are willing to go out and attend these protests and, maybe, get arrested for their participation. Policing, as it is currently done in the U. S., needs to be reevaluated. Clearly there is a problem and it is up to us, the citizens, to force change.

Morning Joe! Thanks for sharing your comments about yesterday's revelations. What a shame and a tragedy.

I hope your friend Malcolm London is exonerated. What a lovely town we live in, eh? Breaks my heart...

>146 benitastrnad: Woo, that's a great example, Benita. Attract candidates on the right basis.

I'll tell you, that soft training is becoming more and more important as tensions rise. Yes, I think (and sure hope) the protesters have an impact. We've got a major problem that needs to be addressed in a whole lot of ways.

>147 msf59: Morning, Mark. You bet. You can tell, I'm having a hard time thinking about anything else today. It's a shame and a tragedy, all right.

As Madame MBH reminds me, Malcolm London is a nationally known poet and activist, so this is a big deal, and he has a lot of supporters. Nice young man, too. He's given a widely viewed TED talk about high school as a training ground: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Il70mlj38o I hope he's exonerated, too.

There are no polite words for what I am thinking about this latest episode of violent exercise of white power.

Finally put up my review of The Blackhouse, a whacking big novel by Peter May. Look over here.

>150 jnwelch: Thanks, Richard. It's awful.

I look forward to visiting your review of that whacking big novel.

Malcolm London just appeared in criminal court here and the charges were dropped. Woo. Thank goodness. That's all I know right now.

Good news!

I'm reminded of events earlier this year in Baltimore. I hope your city doesn't have to go through that.

Hi Joe, just cruising through to leave Thanksgiving greetings. Hope you and your family have a lovely holiday.

>136 jnwelch: Coffee muffins with halva inside - the link is to a recipe in Polish but worth doing google translate and giving them a try as the coffee flavour is particularly intense


Also watching the events in Chicago and elsewhere with interest.

^Have a great holiday with the family, Joe.

That is great news about Malcolm! Whew!!

Despite all our challenges, Thanksgiving gives us each the opportunity to look and realize how much we have and how much we are called to share.

>152 drneutron: Thanks, Jim. Everybody is really happy about Malcolm getting out.

I know, I worry about things getting out of hand, too. So far, relatively peaceful. People are coming in from other parts of the country, so we'll see. Protests planned for today and tomorrow. Family time for Thanksgiving, also, I hope.

>153 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Judy. Very nice of you. You all celebrated last month, I know. We've got our daughter and her furry colleague over, and will soon be heading out for a neighborhood event.

>154 avatiakh: Thanks, Kerry. Mmm, I could happily live in coffee cake muffins with halva-land. Thanks for the link. It's banana cake today, via Madame MBH's late mother's recipe, along with pie.

>155 msf59: Thanks, buddy! Happy Thanksgiving!

Yeah, so happy about the Malcolm news. I think it triggered my "protect the kids" reflex. There was a big group of supporters waiting for him outside the courthouse, lots of hugs.

>156 maggie1944: So true, Karen. Well said. Happy Thanksgiving!

>141 jnwelch: Breathtakingly tragic and devastating. I can hardly believe these times in which we live (and, I know, that virtually all times have been brutal as all of us who read are well aware). Thanks for the post about it, Joe.

Working on a college campus in a time when I believe student activism is about to explode in a way we have not seen in a while, I bounce between cynicism and optimism. Can this next generation change the culture? I know I am speaking in generalizations, too.

Sigh.

Still, so much to be thankful for, too, right?

No spiffy giffies today, no JPEGs to obscure my simple message: Without each and every one of you, your friendship, your support in every conceivable and inconceivable form, I would not have made it past the horrifying trip I took into the pit of despair this past year. While I was locked up in the goofy garage, I was clothed, entertained, and enabled to leave a place of help and healing a bit better than I found it from the book donations I made after reading your gift-books.

I am alive, and happy, and living this better-than-I-thought-possible life. And I thank you each and all for it.

>148 jnwelch: It is saddening to hear of another shooting in such circumstances. Different recruitment processes might be the answer. After reading Benita's post I checked out the recruitment site for the VPD (Vancouver Police Department) and the message there emphasizes innovation and diversity. I think that the attitude has to come from top management on down.

The Tuscaloosa News this morning had the news about Malcolm London being released without being charged. I read the article with great interest because of your notice about the events here on your thread.

>141 jnwelch: Sorry about all of the trouble going on your way. We hear about it on the news. We are quite fortunate in B.C . in that we have a Civilian Oversight body for all police that cause serious harm or shot anyone. Here is a link - https://iiobc.ca/mandate/ any shooting by a police officer goes to the IOC for investigation. I think most of the provinces have that, but we still get cases where an officer's use of force is not justified.

A troubling situation , indeed.

Happy Friday, Joe! It looks as though you and your family had a great day yesterday, highlighted by Debbi's banana cake.

I have only barely followed the news this week, although I did watch a brief excerpt of the video of the teenager's shooting death by the Chicago police officer. I'm numbed and speechless by what happened, and at the moment I don't want to read or hear anything more about it.

Happy Friday, Joe! It looks like the perfect day to curl up with the books. I hope that is what you are doing, I am slogging through the rain...

Hope you had a great holiday with the family.

>161 EBT1002: Thanks, Ellen. Nice. Hope you and P had a good one. Ours was very relaxing.

>162 EBT1002: Thanks for those thoughtful comments. I have to say, I'm really looking forward to our kids' generation producing some leaders. But they may run into the same problems we've seen so many times. None of these problems are (is) easy.

I can imagine it's quite interesting on college campuses right now. Lots of energy and open thinking - plus old schisms, as we've seen this year.

You're right, lots to be thankful for. LT friends and books would be right up there. :-)

>163 richardderus: That is so good to hear, Richard. Glad we could help a bit with that horrifying trip you had to take. We were all pulling for you, as you well know. So great to have you back and living a better-than-you-thought-possible life!!

>164 Familyhistorian: Vancouver is a progressive and wonderful city, Meg, and it fits that you all would be progressive on police training.

Just as doctors need to be taught to better relate to their patients (and that seems to be happening), police need to be taught to relate better to the individuals they protect and those they go after in service of that protection. The latter is asking a lot, but it's necessary.

>165 benitastrnad: Thanks, Benita. Malcolm London is a special person, and I'm glad they reported on his release in your local paper. The idea of his being prosecuted for a felony (that by all accounts he didn't commit) was horrifying. I think the arrest only fortified his resolve and gave him a greater platform with more supporters - not what the foolish arresters intended.

>166 vancouverdeb: Good to hear, Deb, thanks. I think your country and its provinces are much more enlightened on some of these issues. We can't seem to make progress here without a lot of turmoil. It's tough with close to 3 million people in the city and more than twice that in the areas surrounding. But I like the structure you describe.

>167 kidzdoc: Yeah, I totally understand, Darryl. It can get to be too much, and you just have to stand back for a while.

We did have a grand day yesterday, with Debbi's banana cake one of the highlights. We were enjoying it some this morning! Wish you lived in the area so you could sample it!

This will be a day of reading and watching some sports for me, and reading and watching who knows what for Debbi and Becca. (I tease them that they should put on a fashion cooking show - why not mashup two of their favorites?)

Sounds like you've been eating well(!) and having a relaxing family time, too. Woo, I'm sure it's like an oasis in the desert after the work days you've just gone through!

>168 msf59: Happy Friday, Mark! Did you end up working today? Sounds like it - I saw it go back and forth earlier. We were just out in this cold, rainy weather to grab some coffee and chai - my sympathy to you for being out in it. You need a St. Bernard with brandy coming by today.

Let's see, I finished Mairead Case's book, "See You in the Morning", and liked it very much. I'll try to do a short review soon. I also liked the GN Cairo by G. Willow Wilson (nice to have the perspective of a Muslim author), and read a silly (to me) manga version of Pride and Prejudice by Stacy King, where the departures from the original were at times jaw-dropping. Ah, here we go: Manga Classics: Pride and Prejudice. Ouch.

Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales: The Underground Abductor is a GN that tells Harriet Tubman's amazing story very well. What a woman!

Now I'm turning to sci-fi, Ancillary Sword, the second in Ann Leckie's hot trilogy, and I've got Laurie Lee on the Kindle, with his very fine As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning.

Mmm, banana cake.

I made the most wonderful Sweet Potato Dinner rolls yesterday. The recipe was a no-knead/refrigerator dough and it worked into my schedule beautifully. I made the dough on Wednesday night after work and baked the rolls on Thursday morning. I also made balsamic glazed onions and mashed parsnips and potatoes. It was a very nice quiet meal with friends. In the afternoon we looked at the hundreds of pictures they took while on a musical tour of Munich and Vienna. My friend is a music professor here and his wife works with me in the library system. Last summer they took their first overseas trip and had to go to Vienna on a music tour of that city. They had a great time recalling their adventures and it was a great way to spend a Thanksgiving afternoon.

On Wednesday night I finally finished the interminable novel Ghostwritten by David Mitchell. This was for the BAC and I am almost a month late in finishing it. It was Mitchell's first published novel but it was not Mitchell's best book. It was surprising in that many of the characters in Cloud Atlas made appearances in the earlier Ghostwritten. I did find out why there was a comet in Cloud Atlas, so one mystery in that later novel was cleared up by reading the earlier book.

The society that I volunteer for (well, one of them anyway) is having a bake sale tomorrow. I made a lemon loaf and now have to resist eating any of it. That's hard because it is one of my favourites!

It sounds like you're having a nice holiday time, Joe, including some good reading. I think I will seek out the GN Cairo.

Have a great weekend!

Happy weekend, Joe. I hope it's a good one.

>174 benitastrnad: I've dreamed of going on a music tour in Vienna in particular, Benita. I'll bet you all had a good time looking at the photos and talking about their adventures. Your dinner rolls sound toothsome, too.

Sorry Ghostwritten wasn't better. It's intriguing that there are some characters you see in later books, and an explanation of the comet in Cloud Atlas. He does that a bit from book to book, doesn't he? Bone Clocks had some of that, too.

>175 Familyhistorian: Mmm, lemon loaf. That should be a hit at the bake sale, Meg. Hope it's all part of a good weekend for you.

>176 EBT1002: We have been having a nice holiday time, thanks, Ellen. It's been a treat to have our baby girl with us for a while.

I think you'll enjoy Cairo. She's the one who writes Ms. Marvel, and she has a knack with the storytelling.

Have a great weekend, too!

Chilaquiles to start the day.

Morning, Joe! Happy Saturday. Gloomy and chilly but I am staying dry. Big plus.

Thanks for chiming in on the Varley. Curious to see how it works for me.

I recently picked up Ms. Marvel 3 and Cairo from the library. Hope to crack into them soon.

>180 msf59: Oh glad to hear it, Mark. I know you'll have a good time with Ms. Marvel 3 and Cairo.

I'm enjoying Lucy Knisley's French Milk, which had gotten superseded by a couple of others. Also, The Story of My Tits - thanks again for the recommendation.

Ancillary Sword was excellent; I enjoyed it even more than the first one. I'm going to have to get my hands on the third one pronto. I think my next paperback will be the sequel to Death and the Penguin, Penguin Lost. And I need to get back to Laurie Lee on the Kindle.

For poetry, I had been reading and liking Neon Vernacular: New and Selected Poems by Yusef Komunyakaa, but then I picked up an old favorite, Cold Mountain by Han Shan, and got totally hooked. So good!

P.S. Did I mention Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales: The Underground Abductor to you? I think I did, and you'd read another of his you liked. It's a very well done GN about the amazing life of Harriet Tubman. Besides enjoying it, I learned a lot.

Happy Sunday, Joe! I keep forgetting to add French Milk to my request list. Ellen is also reading The Story of My Tits. Hey, my warbling paid off.

I am really enjoying Cairo. I am not sure how this one got by me. I appreciate the nudge. And yes, I did get your nod, for the Nathan Hale GN.

Since the Bears are not playing and it is pretty nice out, I think we will hang the outside Christmas lights.

ETA: I am liking the Varley collection well enough but it's not exactly ringing all my bells. I should have read my classic Sci-Fi in my youth...

>182 msf59: Happy Sunday, Mark!

Some sci-fi from way back when can stand the test of time, or being read by non-kids, e.g Ray Bradbury's or PKD's. Others, not so much. Sounds like Varley may fall into the not-so-much category.

Yeah, you'll like French Milk. She's got that irresistible charm.

Much joy to all this gorgeous Sunday! (Well, gorgeous here, anyway.)

I can think of nothing more appropriate to consume than some Veuve Cliquot and raspberry crumble. Is the chef in?

Hiya, Joe. I see that you've successfully transited Thanksgiving and all that, reading all the while. Having completed The Warden last evening, I dove into The Chocolate Trust by Philadelphia Inquirer business reporter Bob Fernandez. It exposes the basically corrupt shenanigans surrounding the life and legacy of chocolate-maker Milton S. Hershey.

>184 richardderus: Glad it's gorgeous where you are, Richard. It ain't too shabby here - sunny and cool. Much joy to you, too!

I like your combo. The chef indeed is in, despite his tendency to loaf on Sundays. Here we go:



>185 weird_O: Hiya, Bill. Happy Sunday, buddy.

Yes, we've been thoroughly enjoying this long weekend. Madame MBH is a bit under the weather today, so we're taking it a bit slow, but we just had an excellent political discussion on the front porch.

That's some good reading you're doing. I need to read some more Trollope at some point. How did you like The Warden? I read Barchester Towers a few years ago, and liked it very much, but I haven't gotten back to the Barsetshire novels. The Chocolate Trust takes on what I'm sure is a fascinating topic. Hope the reporter does it justice.

Joe, somehow you missed me (>177 Ameise1:) but I take this cake. Hope you have a lovely Sunday.

>177 Ameise1:, >187 Ameise1: Oh, we cross-posted, Barbara. Sorry about that! I usually catch it when that happens by looking back, but the holiday can be distracting.

It's been a long, excellent weekend, thanks. Lots of R & R (Reading and Pie Rest). Plus I'm looking at a short week ahead, as we're flying out to visit son #1 and his bride in Pittsburgh, with me joining them on Thursday.

Hope your weekend has been a good one, too.

Oh, a short week. That sounds fabulous. Enjoy it.
I had a good weekend. We had my siblings and their partners for dinner on Friday. It's always great fun to have them.

#185
Some years ago I read Emperors of Chocolate which was about the candy industry and the industrial wars that ensured in the fight for the market. There was some in that book about the Hershey Chocolate Co. and some of the things that happened in that business.

All this talk of chocolate, corrupt or not, is making me hungry!

Ooh pie and chocolate and a short working week. Sounds wonderful. Any travel reading planned?

"Lots of R & R (Reading and Pie Rest)." .... so no pie then ???? hmmmm

>181 jnwelch: Glad you like Ancillary Sword. I think I'm just gonna run out and get the second and third right away. :)

>189 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara. The fabulous short week begins.

Sounds like a good gathering with your sibs and their partners. I'll stop by your thread for news of the vittles.

>190 benitastrnad: I wonder whether Madame MBH would be interested in Emperors of Chocolate, Benita. She loves chocolate, and enjoys reading bios and memoirs. That one looks to be a bit more on the business side, but I'll mention it to her.

>191 vancouverdeb: Well, we need to address that one, don't we, Deb? Hungry for chocolate? Here we go:

>192 charl08: Ha! It does sound good, doesn't it, Charlotte. I was just talking with Madame MBH about how I like to read rather "light" when I travel - not dense nonfiction, for example, that requires more than a bit of concentration.

My plan is to take on the trip Penguin Lost, the Kurkov sequel, and Girl Waits with Gun. I've also got another Georgette Heyer, Venetia. Oh, and Jim reminds me, I want to pick up Ancillary Mercy asap.

>193 roundballnz: If "Pie" started with an "R", Alex, it would've stayed in there. :-) Yes, I managed to have plenty of pie, pecan and apple. Madame MBH and our talented daughter managed to scarf down a good bit of their favorite, pumpkin pie.

>194 drneutron: You and me both, Jim. As you saw, I liked Ancillary Sword even more than the first one. I want to pick up Ancillary Mercy pronto.

Morning Joe! Chilly and gloomy out here at the moment. Hey, at least it isn't raining...yet.

Hope the day is marching right along.

oops!

Oops!

The joys of a temperamental iPad.

>197 msf59: Thanks, Mark. Yeah, not very inspiring weather to start the week. The day is marching right along. Got a surprise request I could've done without, but it's taken care of.

>198 msf59:, >199 msf59: Man, I know that feeling all right. I'm going to get a newer generation iPad some day (mine is a few years old now), and I hope they cure some of that temperamental stuff.

Hi Joe! just stopping in to wave!

#195
Emperors of Chocolate is really a history of the chocolate wars between Mars and Hershey. It is very good reading and isn't that dense. I found it a very good read - but it has been at least 10 years since I read it.

>201 connie53: *waves back at Connie* Hi Connie!

>202 benitastrnad: That's helpful, thanks, Benita.

OK, Monday (oooooppps, the day whose name we do not type).... happy day, whatever it is called.

The Emperors of Chocolate sounds just like my kinda book. But I'm smack dab in the middle of three others just now, so maybe later. On to the wish list it shall go.

Give thanks giving greetings to the whole famn damily!

I know it's Monday, but I hope you are having a happy day, Joe. We are having gorgeous sunny and slightly frosty weather and it's just beautiful out. I just got home from the library where I restrained myself and only brought home my pre-ordered book. I am just about to start reading the second of the Inspector Montalbano mysteries, The Terracotta Dog and I am looking forward to it.

>204 maggie1944: Hard to complain too much about a Monday after four days off, Karen - although I'm pretty good at complaining.

How's it going at L'Occitane? I saw that you're having to give your smile muscles a workout. I suppose surly isn't the best for that.

The Emperors of Chocolate does look intriguing, doesn't it?

Thanks for the thanks giving greetings - we have to figure out a way to have you meet seasonsoflove, since you've met the rest of the famn damily. We're off to see that Jesse and his bride later this week.

>205 DeltaQueen50: For a Monday, it's not too bad, thanks, Judy. I hope the same is true on your end. That sounds like wonderful weather. We've got the gray gloomies here.

You've probably seen I'm a big fan of the Montalbano series. That second one has quite the interesting plot. For me, reading them's like a short vacation.

All I can say is that I hope the Maples Library Cafe has muffins in the morning because I'm now craving them, and I don't have time to make them myself.

Oh, great. Now I want a muffin. :)

>207 thornton37814: Ha! Ah, the power of good muffins, Lori. I hope the library cafe had them for you. If not, more will be posted below, since Jim had the same kind of reaction.

>208 drneutron: LOL! Muffins are the perfect breakfast food, Jim, along with pizza (well, for me, anyway). Here's some more inspiration for you and Lori.

Okay, I put Cairo on hold at the library and I know nothing about Marvel 3 (which touchstones as The Picture of Dorian Gray, go figure). I'm hoping the first is a stand-alone GN.

I see that you are planning some travels. I also am reminded that you're a fan of Georgette Heyer. I was supposed to read Cotillion back in October and never got to it (and KAK has remained my friend in spite of it).

It was a bit hard to go back to work yesterday after four days off but we're interviewing candidates number two and three (out of four) this week so I have good reason to be present! And, as you say, it was a really nice four-day break.

Happy Tuesday, my friend!

>210 EBT1002: Yeesh, I must have not checked the touchstone, Ellen. I should know better by now, with the weird connections LT sometimes makes (Dorian Gray?!). Here you go: Ms. Marvel Volume 1, Ms. Marvel Volume 2, and Ms. Marvel Volume 3. Superheros may not be your thing, but give this American Muslim girl a chance and see what you think.

If you're like me, read one of the Georgette Heyer books and you'll be back for more. I've yet to read one of these "Regency Romances" - jeez, is that a mislabel - and not thoroughly enjoy it. Plus who knows how long Katie will put up with your not having read one. :-)

Candidates 2 and 3 - I know your current work obligations diminish, and your attention gets to go more where you want, once decisions are made. Good luck!

Happy Tuesday, pal!

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/0983186359?keywords=see%20you%20in%20the%20mo....

Mairead Case's "See You in the Morning" (no touchstone - see the Amazon link above) features an unnamed cusp-of-adulthood high school girl who works at a bookstore and is struggling to find her place in the world. She has a wonderful elderly neighbor, Mr. Green, who is the one adult who listens to her and gives her practical help. Her closest friend is an unconventional boy named John. She may well be in love with him, and periodically tries to tell him so, but he has eyes (and more) for her best female friend. Our heroine is an outsider desperate for love, and at one point considers a same sex relationship to salve her heart. Her struggles with youthful alienation and her yearning for love are piercingly vivid, and those, along with her insights into those around her, make this a standout read.

She's generally disconnected from her parents, and the other parents she knows are divorced or in strained circumstances. Thank goodness for the insightful, marching to a different drummer Mr. Green, who brings some small measure of stability to her life.

"Is it a big day? I said and Yeah, he said, it’s my birthday. Every year on my birthday I read a poem and eat some cake. Do you want to do that with me, kid? Okay, I said, and I wished I’d worn something nicer than my sneakers. On the other hand, I didn’t—it looked right, me with my shoes covered in that red dust I always stir up walking home, and that scab from the box top at work, and Mr. Green with his fancy belt. I did wish I’d known so I could write him a card. Usually I am better in writing. I want to tell him how grateful I am to come over and sit on his porch all the time, and that he talks to me like an adult even when I don’t know what I’m doing.
. . .
Then I sat down at the table and he played jazz he likes. It’s Mingus. You say it hard on the ming, like a bell sounding. Before I met Mr. Green, I did not know you could whistle jazz, but yes you can. He picks one instrument and just sings it, which is nice because it lets you imagine all the others. It puts half the noise inside your head, half out. When Mr. Green sat back down, he had the scarf tied around his head, and he was holding a cake."

This isn't a long book, 126 pages, but every word counts. We've all been through alienation and near-to-adulthood misgivings, and her story is at times painfully easy to relate to. But the book also has a lot of subtle and effective humor. This is a promising young author. Four stars. ( )

Morning Joe! Just a quick check-in. I hope to get to the Heyer and the Haruf this month. Should be no problem.
Have a good one!

>213 msf59: Hiya, buddy! Oh, that Haruf, I loved it, loved it. I think you called it "the last Haruf" over on your thread. As our kids would say, Sad Face.

It's sunny out there at least. Hope it's a good one for you, too.

P.S. There's a good review of Plainsong by "Meredy" on LT's home page.

I finished the very good As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning. At my age, I was amazed to think of the chances the very young Laurie Lee took and the physical challenges he took on (including hiking across the Pyrenees to Spain to help with the war there, without equipment, food or, as he says, anything useful - he did have his violin). Then I remember how foolish and immortal I was at that age.

I've now started Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart. Anyone know anything about this one or the author?

>212 jnwelch: Sneaky Joe. No mention that this book is poultry. Shame! Shame, sir!

>217 richardderus: it ain't, mon frere. Novel, pure and simple. What made you think otherwise?

>218 jnwelch: From the publisher's inducement to purchase text:

See You In the Morning happens at diners and house shows, in paragraph-shaped poems, and the narrator's angry, tender, colorful voice.

*emphasis added
QED by RMD

>209 jnwelch: I had to stop at Ingles (the grocery store) on the way to work this morning. Their bakery makes really good muffins so I didn't take a chance on whether or not the cafe in the library would have them. I enjoyed a cinnamon crunch one.

>219 richardderus: Ha! I can see why you thought that, RD. Don't believe it. It's their misconceived way of saying it's well-written. You can tell from the excerpt in my review that it ain't from the chicken coop. Get your hands on it and give it a go.

>220 thornton37814: oh my, you're a wise woman, Lori. Cinnamon crunch sounds so good. I may have to try to find one for the cafe tomorrow.

>216 jnwelch: Love this. I'm keen to read Middlemarch next year. Maybe I should add Moby Dick too. I went on a local walking tour that talked about Melville's visit to Liverpool - sounds like he had an interesting life. Whether that link would sustain 100s of whale searching pages I'm not sure.

>222 charl08: That cartoon in >216 jnwelch: cracked me up, Charlotte. Glad you loved it, too.

Middlemarch is so good! One of my favorite books ever. Go Dorothea!

Moby Dick was less of a hit with me, as you probably have seen. More whale minutiae than I needed in a novel, among other things. But there are plenty of folks who esteem and love that book, and I figured I needed to read it, or risk rejection by the heavenly librarian when I was ready to enter that library in the sky.

Mmm, cinnamon crunch muffins. Thanks for the idea, Lori.

Morning, Joe! A light snow falling here but it isn't amounting to much. Whew!
When do you leave for Pittsburgh?

^love the cartoon!

>226 msf59: Morning, Mark! Isn't that cartoon a hoot?

It was rain/snow near the lake this morning, so I had to use an umbrella. No shoveling, that's the best part.

Debbi's already in Pittsburgh; I head out tomorrow. Can't wait to visit with the newlyweds and see their new house!

Since I won't be able to post visuals for a few days, starting tomorrow, the new cafe is open a little early. See you there!