Mark's Reading Place: Chapter 3

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:


Books Read So Far...

January:

1) Undermajordomo Minor by Patrick DeWitt 3.5 stars (audio)
2) The Revenant by Michael Punke 4.3 stars (E)
3) The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen 3.8 stars (E)
4) A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara 4.2 stars (audio/print)
5) Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler 3.8 stars AAC (E)
6) The Manticore by Robertson Davies 4.8 stars CAC
7) Morality Play by Barry Unsworth 4.5 stars BAC
8) Two Brothers by Fábio Moon, Gabriel Bá 4.5 stars GN

February:

09) Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod by Gary Paulsen 4.7 stars

American Author Challenge 2016

January- Anne Tyler
February- Richard Russo
March- Jane Smiley
April- Poetry Month
May- Ivan Doig
June- Annie Proulx
July- John Steinbeck
August-Joyce Carol Oates
September- John Irving
October- Michael Chabon
November- Annie Dillard
December- Don DeLillo

Mark's Picks for the AACIII: (under construction)

January- Anne Tyler- Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant
February- Richard Russo- Straight Man
March- Jane Smiley- Some Luck
April- Poetry Month
May- Ivan Doig
June- Annie Proulx
July- John Steinbeck
August-Joyce Carol Oates
September- John Irving
October- Michael Chabon
November- Annie Dillard
December- Don DeLillo

The General Discussion Thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/209611

BRITISH AUTHOR CHALLENGE/CANADIAN AUTHOR CHALLENGE

There is no way, I'll be able to read all 4 of these Challenge authors, per month but I will select one each and try my best to bookhorn them in. There are other various Challenges going on, in '16 and I would like the chance to give one or 2 of those a chance too.

BAC:

January - SUSAN HILL & BARRY UNSWORTH -Morality Play Completed
February : Agatha Christie & William Dalrymple
March : Ali Smith & Thomas Hardy
April : George Eliot & Hanif Kureishi
May : Jane Gardam & Robert Goddard
June : Lady Antonia Fraser & Joseph Conrad
July : Bernice Rubens & H.G. Wells
August : Diana Wynne-Jones & Ian McEwan
September : Doris Lessing & Laurie Lee
October : Kate Atkinson & William Golding
November : Rebecca West & Len Deighton
December : WEST YORKSHIRE writers
Wildcard : Rumer Godden and George Orwell

CAC:

January: Robertson Davies, Kim Thúy- The Manticore Completed
February: Helen Humphreys, Stephen Leacock
March: Farley Mowat, Anita Rau Badami
April: Margaret Atwood, Michael Crummey
May: Michel Tremblay, Emily St. John Mandel
June: Timothy Findley, Joseph Boyden
July: LM Montgomery, Pierre Berton
August: Mordechai Richler, Gabrielle Roy
September: Miriam Toews, Dany Laferrière
October: Lawrence Hill, Jane Urquhart
November: Michael Ondaatje, Margaret Laurence
December: Alice Munro, Rawi Hage

I guess I better reserve a seat here.

Well, that's an appropriate topper, Mark! Happy new thread!

Aw gee. I thought I would manage to leave a little note on the last thread, but no such luck. You blew right past me. Stay warm out there in Chicago-land.

I completely understand your need for something light after A Little Life. After I finish An Officer and a Spy, which retells the story of the Dreyfus Affair, I'll need some cheerful cozy mysteries to brighten up my day.

>5 weird_O:



I saved you a good seat, Bill! Thanks for coming by.

>6 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda! Since, I first saw that image, I knew I had to make it a topper!

>7 ffortsa: Good to see you, Judy! Keeping up with the threads, is a full time job. I loved An Officer and a Spy and I didn't remember it being particularly heavy. I hope you are enjoying it.

Happy new thread, Mark! You run faster than the CTA trains, I'd say. I also like the images in >1 msf59:, although I'm more comforted by the second one than the first one.

Hiya Mark!

>10 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl! Good to see you. I would be more comfortable with image 2, if I were you. Grins...

>11 katiekrug: Hi, Katie! Hope the week is going well.

Howdy Mark!

Hi Mark - Love the thread topper.

Hi

For the CAC challenge Kim Thúy is a great choice and a good place to start. I read her novel Ru two months ago. Reads easily and is under 200 pages :)

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Mark!

Finally caught up with you, Mark. Happy new thread. The threads are sure hopping. Sounds like it is cold where you are. I am hoping that winter is over here, some things are sprouting up from the ground. I hope it warms up soon for you.

I'm running to keep up with your thread. I vow to be more present in 2016.

Birds in art I like. Birds in RL I can take or leave! Odd.
Happy new thread, now, to go check out the last of the old one :)

>13 luvamystery65: Hi, Ro! Good to see you and thanks again for bailing me out.

>14 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. How you handling the winter so far?

>15 figsfromthistle: Hi, Figs! Nice to see you. Everyone seems to be reading and enjoying Kim Thúy. I do not think I will get to this author, this month but I will try in the coming weeks. I am reading Robertson Davies

>16 banjo123:>17 Thanks and hugs to Rhonda & Juli. My Oregon pals.

>18 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg! It is January in Chicagoland, so this is to be expected. It could be a lot worse, so I am not complaining.

>19 Whisper1: You stop by whenever you can, Linda. It is always a joy.

>20 LovingLit: I am sure you have very interesting wildlife, where you are, so I wonder why that is? Birds are the only wildlife I see on a regular basis, (and squirrels) so I appreciate them. They are my buddies. Good to see you, Megan.



^A Red-Tailed Hawk. I will occasionally see them on the route.

Happy new one, Mark!

^My audio listening is completely devoted to War & Peace. I gave up trying to read it in print too. I spent to much time, finding where I left off, especially difficult on ebook. I should have done the whisper-sync. Lesson learned. I am enjoying the book, so that is all that matters.

I can also take my time with The Manticore, which has been terrific.

Goooooo, Mark!!!

Morning, Mark! Happy new thread, and I love the topper. W&P works really well as an audiobook, I think.

You will be glad to know that the second volume of Fade Out arrived in the mail yesterday, so I will be getting to that very soon. I have already pre-ordered volume three - love the artwork in these and the noir style, so these are keepers for me. I am betting that Abby will read them, too.

Sweet Thursday to you, my friend!

Just checking in with your new digs, Mark. Love the birdies myself. There is an open field across the road from us, and we can spot a red tail hawk swooping around over there from time to time.

Hey Mark. I hope you are doing well. I see that you're listening to The Manticore. I'm hoping to get to that one this month, too, but I do notice from the calendar that the month is moving right along, as months are wont to do.

I'm another one cheering you on with your dedication to War and Peace. Go, Mark, go!!

Don't fall over now Mark, but I found a graphic novel at the library! That's nearly a first. It's called Shackleton Antarctic Odyssey . I'm not starting it right away, but maybe it will give me an introduction that errr - odyssey.

Some sunshine, no wind, makes this chilly day tolerable...

>23 scaifea: Big waves to Amber!

>25 Carmenere: Love the cheerleading, Lynda! Thanks.

>26 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! Sweet Thursday. My only issue with the audio of W & P, is keeping the characters straight. It is getting a bit easier as I mosey along.

Yah, for getting Fade Out 2. Another good one.

>27 laytonwoman3rd: Hi, Linda. Hawks, sometimes like to hunt sparrows down in the bushes and hedges, alongside homes, so I have spotted them there, a few times.

>28 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen. Actually I am reading The Manticore in print but I see no reason why it shouldn't work on audio.

W & P is going well. I am fully committed...

>29 vancouverdeb: Hooray for Tonto! I think I have read the Shackleton GN and if it is the same one, it was very good. Nice choice and good luck.

Responding to your question last thread ... Yup I've read War and Peace. I went on a real Russian tear about 20-30 years ago: The Brothers Karamazov, Crime and Punishment, Anna Karenina, The Gulag Archipelago.

I don't know what I was thinking ...

Sweet Thursday, buddy! Congrats on the new thread.

Glad you're liking War and Peace and The Manticore. I'm finding Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant okay, but nothing to write home about.

Pretty nice today out there. Hope it goes well for you.

Hi Mark and congrats on making a dent in War and Peace. I read it during a Russian literature class in college but I'm not sure I'd have the brain power to do it again!

I'm listening to The Witches: Salem, 1692 and am debating whether to continue... I really loved Cleopatra and thought Schiff's writing was terrific but this one seems very bogged down and doesn't have the same flow.

Hey, Mark. I'm having a good time reading War & Peace. I do have some trouble keeping all the names straight. Hilary Mantel provided long lists of characters in Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, and I'd flip to the lists every now and then when I read those books. I wouldn't at all be surprised if there's a character list out there if I'd just google.

The edition I'm reading (Heritage Press) has translations of the French in footnotes. It's in two compact volumes; handy to hold with legible type size. I completed Part Three, so I'm going back to Angela's Ashes and then Breathing Lessons, my two Pulitzer-winners for January.

My daughter watched the first episode of the BBC production of W&P, wasn't impressed. She described it as "watching a filmed dress rehearsal where everyone is just marking it. I don't like the production style and other than Pierre the acting was bland." Hmmm.

Reading's going well, but I sure am overwhelmed with LT threads.

>32 michigantrumpet: Hi, Marianne! I wish I would have went on a Russian tear, many years ago, so I am not not trying so hard to catch up now. I did read A.K. a couple years ago. I liked it but did not love it. have still not read The Brothers Karamazov.

>33 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! I am really enjoying The Manticore. Davies is a real find. I am not surprised you are finding Homesick middling, although I liked it a bit more.

>34 vivians: Hi, Vivian! Great to see you. It sounds like we both had the same reaction to The Witches: Salem, 1692. What do you think happened there?

I have still not read Cleopatra but since it gets universal love, I am going to give it a try.

>35 weird_O: Hi, Bill! I am making progress on W & P and it is becoming a bit easier following the characters. I did not have this problem with Wolf Hall, for some reason.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the W & P TV series, via your astute daughter. I am sure lovers of the book are going to find problems there. It is tough to be faithful and keep a modern audience's attention.

" but I sure am overwhelmed with LT threads." This is our world, my friend. Allot the time, as needed.

>36 msf59: "I liked it but did not love it." I think that pretty much covers the Russians! One was a group read -- I remember it taking for-evah but we were quite taken with 'The Brothrs K".

>37 michigantrumpet: I remember liking Crime and Punishment quite a bit, but that was years ago. I should do a reread.

ETA: I am lousy at rereads, but my intentions are good.

^I picked up a couple of GNs on the way home. My supply was running low. I have been hearing very good things about both, Letting it Go & Two Brothers.

>36 msf59: Allot the time, as needed. Aye aye, sir!

Love those covers. Look forward to the GN warbling Mark. I have Sally Heathcote Suffragette with me now.

>40 weird_O: People can get overwhelmed, Bill. I have seen it happen multiple times and there have been folks who have never returned. We sure don't want to have that happen to you. You just got here, for crying out loud!

>41 charl08: They are great covers, Charlotte. I haven't peeked inside yet. I'll be watching for your thoughts on Sally Heathcote Suffragette.

Congrats on yet another new thread!! I read War and Peace for the first time in college and absolutely loved it! Although I kinda have a thing for Russian authors, so I may be biased. ; ) Enjoy.

Happy new thread, Mark!

I never seriously considered reading War and Peace, but now you've got me thinking about it. . .

>43 Berly: Thanks, Kimmers. I hope you are feeling better. I am plugging merrily away at W & P. So far, so good.

>44 tymfos: Thanks, Terri! Good to see you. I am surprised, how much I am enjoying W & P. Of course, I have a long, long, way to go but I am off to a good start.

Ii'm late to the party. Congrats on your shiny new thread, Mark. Great hawk photo.
Wishing you a lovely day. Stay warm.

Hi! Happy New thread. Hope your post-vacation week has been going well.

I picked up a GN from the library the other day. It was on the "librarian-recommended" shelf. It's post apocalyptic scifi titled Low, Volume 1: The Delirium of Hope by Rick Remender. I haven't started it yet, but the artwork is colorful and the story sounds promising.

>46 Ameise1: Hi, Barb! You are never late to this party, my friend. Are you getting ready for the weekend?

>47 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary! Tuesday was a heavy one , but the rest of the post-vacation week is going surprisingly well. It has been cold but not horrible and just a light snow, all this helps.

I thought I might have read "Low, unless it was a different "Low". I'll be watching for your final thoughts. GNs are booming right now.

Morning, Mark!

Morning, Mark!

For some reason, The Brothers Karamasov really works for me, and I did re-read that one. I liked Crime and Punishment, although it's been a long time for me, too.

Happy Friday! Not bad out there.

Sweet Tooth is good but sad. :-(

>49 Crazymamie: Big morning waves to Mamie!

>50 jnwelch: Morning running, Joe! I will have to get to the Brothers K, at some point. The classic Chunksters never end, do they?

>51 cameling: Hi, Caro. Yes, Sweet Tooth is sad. Did you finish the series?

You warned me. Here's my opinion.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth is a great bloated unwieldy YA dystopian novel. It is full of poor writing and the good story line can't redeem all that purple prose.

I was warned by people who liked the first novel in this series that this second installment was a clunker. It was, but not for the reasons most people said. I think the reason why adults didn't like this novel is because it is so obviously a young adult novel. It is full of that passionate purple prose that young adult love. The will she - won't she, does he - doesn't he romance line is something that young adult would love. Adults would find it interminable and boring. I found it interminable and boring. I kept wanting to shout "Enough of this pulling petals out of daisies. Get over it and get on with the story!" All the self doubt, self recrimination, and second guessing is also interminable, but again, teens would love that because they think it would accurately reflect how they think and feel. In short, this is a novel by a teen, for a teen audience, about teens. If I were a teen I would probably like it. I'm not, so I don't like it. In my opinion, the author ruined a perfectly good story line with all that teenage angst.

Mark -

One of my publishing friends posted about this book on FB. I immediately thought of you. I didn't see in here in LT yet.

Neither Snow nor Rain
A History of the United States Postal Service
http://www.groveatlantic.com/?title=Neither+Snow+nor+Rain

>53 benitastrnad: Yes, I did warn you, Benita. Thanks for breaking it down. I didn't think it was worthy of too much deep reflection, but there it is. The third book is a bit better, but not by much.

>54 alphaorder: Hi, Nancy! Wow! A mailman book. I added "Neither Snow nor Rain" to my WL. Wouldn't it be great if I could find an audio copy and listen to it, while walking the route?

#55
The strong suit in Insurgent is the plot. I kept reading it because I couldn't quite figure out where the author was going with the story. When I put all the "will she/won't she aside, it was the plot that kept me reading. I am equally curious about how book three goes, so sometime in the next few months I will read it.

One of the good things about my job is that I don't have to take books home to read them. I have the library downstairs and so during lunch I just pick up the book and go read while I eat. I don't have to pack a book back and forth. That's nice. I will probably read the next one here at work.

>39 msf59: Love that Classic Mark photograph, mail truck, beer and a couple of books! Happy weekend Mark!

>56 benitastrnad: I guess you have read the first 2, you might as well finish up the trilogy. Hope you can bookhorn in the Queen of the Tearling one of these days. My daughter and I are fans of the first 2 and Sue is reading the first one. The 3rd one comes out in late fall, I think.

>57 vancouverdeb: Happy Friday, Deb. That is my signature, my friend. I work tomorrow but there is always Sunday. Funday!

>42 msf59: No worries, Mark. The whining is mostly for dramatic effect.

I did google a W&P character list, and found a good one at Wikipedia (ah, duh. Wikipedia...) Unfortunately, it included some spoilers--deaths, marriages, etc.

We're ready for snow, and happily, it appears we are just far enough north and west to avoid a double digit accumulation. My older son was in Silicon Valley all week, expecting to return to Newark on Saturday. He's rebooked to arrive Sunday night; hoping that'll stand up, rather than being further delayed. The Grands will surely get to try out the new-to-them steerable sleds (originally belonging to my wife and her brother--family heirlooms!) Younger son is in the 12" to 18" zone. Oh my...

>59 weird_O: Happy Friday, Bill. I have an old paperback of W & P, which has a character page. I am listening to the audio, so keeping track of my page count is tough. But I am into Book 2, about 400 plus pages, when Pierre joins the Freemasons. Have far are you?

The kids should love the snow. The older folk...not so much.

#58
I do plan on reading the third book in the Divergent series. I also have Queen of the Tearling on my TBR list. However, I am trying to participate in the BAC, the AAC, the CAC, and the Hillerman-Johnson mystery reads, as well as my real life book discussion group. All of that will keep me busy so my fantasy reads will bee done when I have time.

Hope you are having a good weekend Mark :)

>61 benitastrnad: I completely understand, Benita. It is has biblio-chaos for me too, but in a very good way. Deep into W & P. I finished my AAC, just about done with my CAC and will start my BAC. Whew!

>62 BekkaJo: Hi, Bekka! I am working today but will be off tomorrow. All is well.

^ I am still marching along, the trenches of W & P, and will be for some time. I am into Book 2, (approx 450 pages). I am enjoying it. No complaints and still surprised how accessible it is.

I will finish up The Manticore today. Another knock-out by Davies.

Thanks, Diana! I wish I could be like the puppy today but I am working. Sighs...

Morning, Mark! You are making very good progress with W&P.

Happy weekend, Mark. Stay safe and warm.

>67 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! I have been able to listen to, about 3-4 hours a day, so I am chiseling away at W &P.

>68 Ameise1: Happy Saturday, Barb. Love those robust coffee mugs.

Howdy do, Mark! Book 2! Oh my goodness, you are going to finish W&P in no time at all! I'll definitely complete Book 2 this weekend which will enable me to see Monday's installment on television. Yeah!

Happy Weekend, Mark! And glad that you are enjoying W & P. Audio is probably a good way to do it, but don't you get the characters confused?

Oh, more W&P love. *notlisteninglalalalanotlistening*

I see from my phone's weather app that it's cold and snowing in Chicago today. Wish I could send you some of our momentarily nice weather, Mark. My daughter texted me this morning that it's turning into a blizzard in NYC and she's snowed in. She's staying at a friend's apartment, and she said they are all stocked up and are watching Star Wars 4, 5 & 6, so she's happy.

Wow, Thread No. 3. You go, Mark! I also see you are sailing along in War and Peace. It's good that you can listen to it in long stretches. I read it and took some breaks which may have been why I liked but didn't love it. I did learn a lot about division of the land and agricultural activities in Russia, though. *grin*

>70 Carmenere: Hi, Lynda! I was hoping to be done with W & P by the end of the month, but it is looking sketchy. Hey, I am enjoying it, that is all that matters.

>71 banjo123: Happy Saturday, Rhonda! Yes, it did take me awhile, on audio, to get all the characters and nicknames straight, but I think I have sorted it out.

>72 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary! It was a decent winter day in Chicagoland. No snow, partly sunny and mid-30s. Nothing to squawk at.

And yah, for a Star Wars marathon.

>73 Donna828: Happy Saturday, Donna! Great to see you. W & P is going along very well, thank you. There are some dry stretches, like you mentioned but I am always surprised how relatively smooth the narrative is.

BTW- I finished The Manticore which I absolutely adored. I know you were also a fan.

^I think I am ready for one of these. We are off to dinner, with friends and I am sure there will be some beer involved.

ETA: Hooray for the 75th post!!

Happy new thread, Mark! I'm enjoying pizza (NY, of course) and beer (Breckenridge Brewery's Vanilla Porter) myself at the moment.

Enjoy your weekend!

>76 Copperskye: Hey, where'd you get a NY pizza here?

>22 msf59: well, maybe I take birds for granted, I do love the sound of them and spotting the bigger ones in the bush. I don't want you to go around thinking I hate birds!

>64 msf59: keep on truckin' with War and Peace, Mark!

>77 Storeetllr: Anthony's for pickup! Big Bill's (County Line & Holly) is also excellent but we had a plumber here all afternoon, so we picked up instead of eating out tonight.

Oh, I do like Anthony's! Okay, I'm no longer beyond jealous. :)

Hi Mark. I hope your dinner with friends is fun and that you have a wonderful Sunday lined up.
I'm about to start Fates and Furies which has received lots of love around here and I also brought The Manticore home from the library today. It's a good thing I'm not all that interested in tomorrow's football games.

Oh, and I purchased a Graphic Novel! Plumdog by Emma Chichester Clark. It just looked so fun.

I have a question about W& P. Why did soldiers wear all those giant toppers on their hats back then? Seems like visibility would be a liability.

I probably need to start watching the W & P on TV. Some of the ladies in my knitting class were talking about it, and I hate to be left out.

>76 Copperskye: Happy Sunday, Joanne! Hooray for pizza & beer! Ooh, the vanilla porter sounds tasty. Was it?

>77 Storeetllr: Waves to Mary!

>78 LovingLit: I thought you might change your LT name to Ihatebirdsthereforeiam. I am glad that you are not.

Yes, plugging away at W & P. It has it's slower bits but over I am enjoying it. Hope you had a good weekend, Megan.

>81 EBT1002: Happy Sunday, Ellen! Just wrapped up The Manticore and it was excellent. This guy was a helluva writer. Looking forward to book 3 and reading more of his work. Look forward to your thoughts on Fates & Furies. I liked the book and was impressed by it's ambition, but not sure I was gaga like some of it's fans.

Books, beer, football- This will be my day.

>82 benitastrnad: Good question about those silly Russian hats. Will have to research...I have the W & P series being recorded.

Morning, Mark! I would also like to know about the hats.

^The plan...

Happy Sunday, Mark! Looks like a very good plan! I'll be watching football too with W&P at my side. I'm really loving this book.

>86 msf59: But still not all 3 in one picture!! Not so easy to find, heh?! LOL. Enjoy your trifecta. : )

>85 Crazymamie: Big Sunday waves to Mamie!

>87 Carmenere: Looks like we are all on the same page today. I still have around 200 pages left in Book 2. There have been some slow parts but I am enjoying it too.

>88 Berly: You caught me, Kimmers! Drat! LOL. No, finding all 3 in one image is tough. I am sure there is one floating around out there, unless I make up my own. Grins...

#89
You could do your own photographic still life. There might even be a market for a picture like that.

Mark. Benita is right. It is Sunday. a perfect opportunity to stage this photo!!! Waiting...!

I found one!! But there is too much going on: itt needs more focus on the 3 important things. Perhaps a closeup or something? ; )

"It was a death that began it all and another death that led us on..."

^I just started Morality Play. My very first Unsworth. (That's the reason these author challenges are invaluable.) And I am really diggin' it.

>90 benitastrnad: "There might even be a market for a picture like that." There should be a ripe market, right here on LT, my friend.

>92 Berly: You found one! You found one! But, you are right, we need a smaller scale, Kimmers.

I found a beat up football. A little early yet for a beer, glances over at the clock...

>86 msf59: Good plan! Happy Sunday, Mark!

I'll be pulling up a seat with a brew and a book myself soon. I had a "meh" reaction to Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, but I'm glad at least I finally read something of hers. That has worked out well with Erdrich and Kingsolver, for example, whose first-time books I liked a lot.

Now I'm reading Valis and Ru, and you'll be glad to hear my GN is Bitch Planet, thanks to your warbling.

Happy Sunday, Joe! Sorry, the Tyler was a "meh". I liked it but it was not a favorite. Maybe Russo will work better for you.

Bitch Planet was a lot of fun and I am looking forward to the 2nd volume. Never heard of Valis.

I started Morality Play. This is definitely your cuppa. Have you read Unsworth?

^Here you go Kimmers! Sunday in the man-cave! I wish I had a better football...

The huge paperback is W & P, which I am using for reference.

Now you're talking! Or drinking. Or watching da game. Or reading. Go W&P!!!! Nice "Welcome" sign in the background. Well done, Mark. : )

>98 Berly: Glad you like our wood-carved black bear, Kim. We picked that up in Talkeetna, Alaska. He is a bit of a mascot.

>93 msf59: Morality Play looks really interesting. Hope you enjoy it.

>64 msf59: I am not surprised you are enjoying War and Peace mate, I have been watching the BBC series and it is captivating and pretty titillating too in truth.

I hope you'll like the Unsworth buddy, not only because of the BAC but because you've started on my favourite of his.

>100 The_Hibernator: Hi, Rachel! Hope you had a good weekend. Morality Play really begins well.

>101 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul! Not sure I'll finish W & P by the end of the week, but I am going to give it a go. Glad you are enjoying the mini-series.

Hope to spend more time today with Morality Play. It grabbed me right away.

OMG! Is it Monday already?! Looks like the weather is warming up so no prob listening to W&P today. Have a good one!

Morning, Mark!

>103 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! I should wrap up Book 2 of W & P, late tomorrow. Have you watched any of the series yet?

>104 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Good to see you!

Morning, Mark! I might actually finish up W&P today - I am feeling slightly giddy about the prospect.

>106 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! That is impressive. You go girl! I would like to finish it by the end of the week but that is looking doubtful.

Have a great week, Mark. I hope the weather is improving.

Hello there, Mr Mark. Happy Monday. Not a bad one, for this time of year.

Hi Mark - we had a snowed-in weekend - so great for additional reading time! I really liked Morality Play and have Sacred Hunger in my library queue...In the meantime I started Mystic River which so far has really grabbed me. I think Clint Eastwood made a movie but I didn't see it and I'm not sure how faithful it was to the book.

PSA The FF thread is up!

Fantasy February

I have finally caught up with you threads, Mark! Glad to see you are 'listening' to W&P. I find the audiobook the way to go with these classic chunkster reads.... it worked well last year when I was tackling Anna Karenina.

I also finished my Tyler read for the AAC. Looking forward to Russo in February.

Happy Monday!

>105 msf59: >103 Carmenere: I watched the first installment of W&P last week. It covered everything I had read. shwew! I'll DVR tonight's episode and watch it when I'm far enough into Book Three that it'll be safe.

Glad you're enjoying War and Peace, Mark. Unlike you, I'm sticking to the print version only—have obtained the Folio Society edition in two volumes, which is the same text and notes as the Penguin Classics edition, and it's a joy to behold. I'm sure I'll revisit this book in future, and I too am struck by how accessible it is. The battle scenes were a bit more work, but proved worth plodding through in the end. I should be completing book 2 sometime in the next few days.

Looking forward to your comments on The Manticore.

The only Dostoyevsky I've read so far was part 1 of The Idiot which we had in two volumes at my parent's house. I was 16 or 17 and didn't get much out of it. Remember complaining about how plodding he was. I've got quite a few of his on the tbr now, mostly on audio, so really need to make time for him now I'm so "mature" and able to take in his philosophical prose.

>108 Ameise1: Hi, Barb! Not a bad day today. We still have 5 or 6 weeks of winter left, but so far it has been pretty good.

>109 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda! It was very nice, early today, with partial sunshine but then it clouded up and got a bit more chilly. Not complaining at all.

>110 vivians: Hi, Vivian. I am so impressed with Mortality Play, I now want to get my mitts on Sacred Hunger.

I am so glad you started Mystic River. It was one of my top crime novels. And the Eastwood film is also excellent and sticks pretty close to the book. Enjoy, my friend.

>111 luvamystery65: Thanks, Ro. You know I'll be swinging by.

>112 lkernagh: Hi, Lori! Good to see you. I am really enjoying W & P, on audio. It probably would have taken me forever in print. I wish I would done this with Anna Karenina, which I liked but did not love. I am also looking forward to the Russo AAC. I should get the thread up tomorrow morning.

>113 Carmenere: Well, that's good news, Lynda. Maybe, I'll watch the first installment this week. I have been hearing, less than positive reports. But you liked it?

>114 Smiler69: Hi, Ilana! I bet those Folio editions of W & P are gorgeous. I was planning on doing print and audio but, not only did the translations not match, I was having a difficult time finding my place, in the print book, so I gave up.

I LOVED The Manticore. I can easily see Davies becoming a favorite author. I will try to pull together a mini-review tomorrow. Now, I can't wait for the 3rd book in the trilogy.

I have not read The Idiot. It might take some LT persuasion, I get me a board.

What ! 55 posts and I have not made a visit! Hey, even I have watched Mystic River! ;) Really enjoyed it! I've got my Empire Falls by Richard Russo ready for the AAC in February. The 2nd hand bookstore also had Nobody's Fool by the same author. Do you think I picked the better book? You tell me - cause I can always go back to the second hand bookstore and pick up Nobody's Fool if there is a big difference. I am hoping to do the CAC and drop in and out the AAC and BAC depending on what catches my interest , or what sort of mentally piled up books I have planned . Congrats on your progress with W and P so far! Bravo, Lone Ranger!

>117 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb! The only Russo I have read, is Empire Falls and I loved it. I did see the film of Nobody's Fool, with Paul Newman and would like to get to the book. I think you made a solid choice.

I also loved the film version of Mystic River. What a great cast!

Morning, Mark! Looks like we ended up with 3-5 inches or so. How about you?

Morning, Amber! Wow! We completely escaped any snow. Whew! It was just a light freezing rain here. Not disappointed.

^ I am enjoying a day off. I have a few things lined up, at home and out there, but I am going to slot in, as much reading as I can muster. I am really enjoying Morality Play and my current GN, Two Bothers. Since, my audio time will be limited, W & P will suffer, but I will try creative ways to listen.

I also intend to get the Richard Russo thread up and running.

I was off yesterday and spent the day reading The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend. It was an enjoyable read. I hope you are able to get lots of reading time in!

Hi, Nancy! Hooray for a 3-day weekend! Thanks for the warble on The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend. I have seen some buzz on that one lately. Thanks!

Hope you continue to enjoy your day off. It's wild and windy out there in my neck of the woods, temptation to curl up in front of the (gas) fire is substantial.

Morning, Mark! Hoping that you enjoy your day off. I finished the second volume of Fade Out yesterday - treated myself after finishing W&P. A nice continuation of the story. Now I want volume three, which I have pre-ordered, but I have to wait for it to come out. *sigh*

>124 charl08: A damp, chill day here, Charlotte, but I will not have to walk around in it. Enjoy curling up around the fire. That sounds very nice.

>125 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Sometimes my day off, slips away from me but I hope to stay focused, so I can get things done and get ample reading in.

Glad you liked the 2nd volume of Fade Out. When does 3 come out?

6) The Manticore by Robertson Davies 4.8 stars

In the second volume of the acclaimed Deptford Trilogy, we switch narrators, from Dunstan “Boy” Staunton, to his son David. David is a successful lawyer but is a heavy drinker and is emotionally stunted. He travels to Zurich to receive therapy and to deal with his haunted past and the looming shadow of his, indomitable father.
David Staunton is a difficult main character and readers may find him cold and reserved, but in Davies, deft and crafty hands, he has created another sharp and inventive narrative. Smart, bold, prose and wonderful, bigger than life characters. Davies has become one of my favorite authors and I am looking forward to the final book in the trilogy.

**This was part of the Canadian Author Challenge

Howdy Mark, I liked the first installment of W&P but didn't love it. When compared to the book, it was lacking. Visually, it was quite nice....scenery as well as the actors.
Started on Book 3. If I were to stop reading the book this would be the place! Lots of battle maneuvers being discussed makes this part a real noderoffer.

Enjoy your day off!

>126 msf59: It comes out next month - February 23rd. Can't wait!

Nice review of Manticore - I have Fifth Business out from the library and am hoping to get to it soonish.

>128 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! A "noderoffer"? You almost had me look that up. LOL. Good term. I won't get much read in W & P today but back to full throttle tomorrow.

>129 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! That is the good thing about GNs. You rarely have to wait a long time.

I hope you can get to Fifth Business. This is truly an amazing trilogy and I thank my LT buddies for setting me on this course.

Morning Mark! Enjoy your day off. : )

>131 Berly: Morning Kimmers! I have been bustling around, so far this A.M. I did my work-out, a mini-review and set up the Russo AAC. After I eat breakfast, I want to get some reading time in.

Good morning, Mark!

Glad to hear from Mamie in >125 Crazymamie: that the second volume of Fade Out is also good. I need to get my hands on that one. I'm still enjoying Bitch Planet.

Valis is bizarre, and you'd need to be familiar with PKD to go with it - not an entry book! It's thought-provoking though, as usual with him, and I'm already thinking I'll read the next two in the trilogy.

I'm loving Ru - I understand what people are saying about lack of character depth, but its strengths outweigh that for me.

P.S. Enjoy the day off!

>133 Berly: Yep, I am checking things off, Kimmers. LOL.

>134 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Glad Bitch Planet is still working for you. I am crazy about Two Brothers, which will be in your biblio-wheelhouse.

^Did you see my Davies mini-review? I know it is bare-bones, but I wanted to post something. I really loved that book.

The Richard Russo thread is up. Stop by and let us know, what you will be reading:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/218031

I'm glad that you're also off today, Mark! I badly need this free day, and I'm sure that you do, too.

Nice review of The Manticore. I loved Fifth Business, so I look forward to reading the second novel in The Deptford Trilogy later this year.

I don't own anything by Richard Russo, so I'll pass on the AAC next month.

>135 msf59: Yes, good review of The Manticore! I'm so glad you're enjoying the trilogy. Unlike anything else I've read.

>137 kidzdoc: Hi, Darryl! Hooray for a shared day off. I have been busy messing around this morning, mostly with cell phone tech issues, so I have not cracked a book. WTH?

If you liked FB, you should love The Manticore.

>138 jnwelch: "Unlike anything else I've read." That is a perfect description of this trilogy, Joe. After the last book in the trilogy, I'll have to stay on target, to read more his work. The Cornish Trilogy shows promise.

>139 msf59: Those tech issues are the worst, Mark. They are like a sink hole that eats up all your time. I hope you got everything straightened out and got back to your usual reading schedule.

>140 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. It was very minor issue, but the trouble-shooting time took forever and I am still not sure the problem is solved. Oh, well...

I was hoping for a higher page-count today but I can't really complain.

>92 Berly: hehe, beer, books, football, and...ironing?

>132 msf59: your morning and planned reading sounds lovely! Mine was good this morning too, packed Little Lenny off to kindergarten and me and Wilbur tackled the day quietly :)

Mark, I'll have to think about a Russo. Lately, I've been picking books up, reading a few pages, and putting them down.

That said, I ought to be finishing my book on the history of ancient Rome on Wed. Or maybe on Thurs. Enjoying it but eager to move on to something else.

Hmmm. Russo has only been a three-star read for me so far: Bridge of Sighs and Empire Falls. Would you say those are some of his best and perhaps he is not for me or doe anyone have other suggestions? Anyone?

>142 LovingLit: Hi, Megan! I help with the housework, including laundry but no ironing for this guy. Hope you enjoyed your "quiet" day.

>143 lindapanzo: Do you have a Russo at hand? You might like him, Linda. Try Nobody's Fool or Empire Falls.

How is the Rome book?

>144 Berly: I have only read Empire Falls, which I loved. It seems, some of his later work, like Bridge of Sighs have received mixed reviews. I'll let you know how Straight Man is, which might be more your cuppa.

Morning, Mark!

Morning Waves to Amber! (Sounds like a song...)

Morning, Mark! Abby has Flight: Volume 1 out from the library - ever heard of that one?

Morning Mamie! I thought I had read that one, way back in my early GN days, but now I am not sure. I will have to investigate further...

I didn't realise Robertson Davies was part of the Penguin Classics - from your review now very tempted to treat myself. Had not read him before this month, but really liked What's Bred in the Bone. The library copy had steadily been taken out every year since publication, a good sign I think.. Not sure which to go for next though might try and finish the Cornish trilogy.

>148 Crazymamie: I do know Flight Volume 1, Mamie, and there are a number of other Kazu Kibuishi collections after that. Abby should enjoy it - he collects GN "short stories" from a number of different authors, including himself, so she'll get to see a lot of different styles.

Good morning, Mark!

Bitch Planet was good; now I'm ready for the next one. :-) I've started Tomine's Killing and Dying, with a "hortisculpture" story. Fingers crossed this is near the level of his others; I've seen mixed reactions.

I liked Ru a lot, and Valis is chock full of intriguing ideas, as usual with PKD. I'm also starting Tokyo Decadence, and ER book by an author I've been wanting to read.

Hope it goes well for you today.

>151 jnwelch: Good to know, Joe. Thanks for that!

Happy Wednesday, Mark. I hope everything goes well at your place. Here it's like early spring. The weather was so crazy the lst 10 months. Nothing like it should be.

I forgot my iPad! Smooth move, Marky Mark!

I'll check in, once I get home. Thanks for your patience. ..

Juhu, Mark,

just stopping by to say Hello, wishing you a remaining wonderful Wednesday.

Except for continued reading of W&P, I've wrapped up my January agenda, finishing Breathing Lessons last night. Mulling over potential books for February. One book covers both Russo and the fiction Pulitzer. But those other challenges...hmmmm.

Great review for The Manticore, Mark—thumbed. I'm looking forward to starting on another Robertson Davies trilogy in coming weeks or months with Tempest-Tost, the first book in the Salterton trilogy.

>150 charl08: Now, you have me interested, in searching out a Penguin Classic of Robertson's work. He made me an instant fan. How was the first book in the Cornish Trilogy?

>151 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! Glad you liked Bitch Planet and thanks for the book update. I might have to track a copy of Ru down. Many of my pals have been enjoying her work.

>153 Ameise1: Hi, Barb! It is not early Spring here. We still have 6-8 weeks left but it has not been bad and I am not complaining.

>155 drachenbraut23: Juhu, Bianca! Good to see you, my friend. The week is going well, thanks!

>156 weird_O: Howdy, Bill! I just started Book 3 of W & P. Whew! It is taking me awhile. Fortunately, I am enjoying it.

Hope you liked Breathing Lessons. It is one I have read but remember nothing about. It sounds like you'll be reading Empire Falls. Good choice.

>157 Smiler69: Hi, Ilana! I appreciate the Thumb. It was just some brief thoughts but I wanted to share something. Now, I have to keep the Salterton trilogy, in mind. This also sounds good.

BTW- I also LOVED Morality Play.

I've added Morality Play to the tbr pile. Sounds like another one of your great reads.

>145 msf59: I liked the Rome book but, at 608 pages of densely-packed text, I'm looking for something a bit lighter now.

40s on Sat/Sun. Woo-hoo. Looking forward to it.

>160 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! Morality Play is my first Unsworth and I am a fan. This was a heck of a book.

>161 lindapanzo: Maybe I can find the abridged version of the Rome book, Linda. LOL.

And hooray for a mild weekend! Sweet!

Hi Mark. Good to know that you loved Morality Play. I am anxious to get to Sacred Hunger but first up is The Manticore. There is lots of Robertson Davies love around the threads right now.

Hi, Mark! Glad you are having such a nice long run of books you are loving!

Today, I stopped at the library to pick up some old newspapers to bring to the bird shelter tomorrow. While I was there, I picked up my reserved copy of Postal Volume 1 and am looking forward to getting to it as soon as I finish Beastly Bones, my current listen, the second in the Jackaby series.

Glad your week is going well!

>158 msf59: Mark, we would ve in winter, too for the next few weeks. But temps are crazy here.

^I finally bought a new TV for the Man-Cave, (after a LONG 12 years). A 55" Smart TV. I doubt I will watch more TV but when I do...plus I am now ready for the Cubs season and all the glory that will bring.

Morning, Mark! I'm loving the forecast too. Also, still loving W&P! Have you watched the series on television? I think you're far enough along to safety view the first 2.

>163 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen. Funny, I think both my Challenge books, the Davies and the Umsworth, were my favorites of the month. I hope you love The Manticore as much as I did.

>164 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary! My reading numbers will be down, for the month, due to a pair of Major Chunksters, but at least I'll have them both under my belt.

Looking forward to your thoughts on Postal.

>165 Ameise1: Hi, Barb! We are going into a mild stretch for the next few days. 40s for the weekend. Smiles...

>167 Carmenere: Uh hem, missed me, maybe ?

Morning, Mark! Nice new TV!

>169 Carmenere: We cross-posted. LOL. I would NOT miss you, my friend. I was probably running up to get a coffee refill.

I watched the first hour (of ep #1) and will hopefully watch the 2nd hour tonight. I just started Book 3. Whew! Even, listening to a few hours a day, it is taking me awhile. The good thing is, I am enjoying it.

>170 scaifea: Morning, Amber! We are pleased with the TV. Thanks. It was a long time coming.

Morning, Mark!

Morning, Mark!

I'm still getting my mind boggled by Valis. Now I know where the Horselover Fat name came from.

Killing and Dying is interesting; I'll have to read all the stories to know how I rate it.

Yes, give Ru a go some time. You won't regret it.

>166 msf59: Uh oh. Come April, when baseball season starts, I fear that we won't see Mark until October, after the Cubs win the 2016 World Series.

>173 Crazymamie: Big Morning Waves to Mamie!

>174 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! I am still plugging away at W & P. Into Book 3 now. Reading more PKD, is on the agenda for the year.

>175 kidzdoc: Morning, Darryl. How can you not be excited about the new Cubs season. All these rookies, have experience under their belt and then there are the new veterans. Can you say sweet??

>176 msf59: I honestly think 2016 is the Cubs' year, Mark. Unless one of my favored teams is in the hunt I'll be rooting for the North Siders throughout the season.

The Cubs may be building what the Blackhawks have: a stellar young core that can keep them in the hunt for years.

>177 kidzdoc: >178 jnwelch: Now, more than ever, I am glad I bought that new TV.

B.A.G.

>166 msf59: nice new telly, Mark! We had the tiny tv that my lovely other got for his 21st birthday right up until about 3 years ago when his father bought us a new one. The grandparentals couldn't believe we were staying with the tiny one and forcing the children to strain their eyes....
We used to pull the couch up to about a meter away from it and call it a big screen!

>180 LovingLit: Thanks, Megan. Glad you don't have to sit a meter away from the TV anymore. You need to save those eyes for the books, my friend.

^I can't remember if I shared this image before, but it would be worth a repeat.

I think this is the weekend to go out and buy myself a DVD player. I don't have one and there are so many TV series that I want to watch but can't because I have no way to do so. I started The Goldfinch last night. I have only read about 30 pages but so far it isn't grabbing me. I have to read it for my book discussion group and others in the group really like it. Guess I'll keep reading it and see what I think.

>183 benitastrnad: Funny, how books work, Benita. The Goldfinch grabbed me right away. I found it almost hypnotic. There were some slower points, through the book, but I thought it began very well.

Get a DVD player! Get a DVD player! I just picked up my first Blue-Ray for 50 bucks.

"But the beauty of the woods, the incredible joy of it is too alluring to be ignored, and I could not stand to be away from it--indeed, still can't--and so I ran dogs simply to run dogs; to be in and part of the forest, the woods."

-Winterdance



^This one begins like gangbusters and I am settling in for a very fine ride. Once again, thanks to my LT pals, (in this case, Ellen & Karen), for warbling in just the right decibel.

>185 msf59: - I've got that out from the library... You are tempting me...

ME, too.

>186 katiekrug: >187 Crazymamie: This is a memoir too and this is one tough dude. Plus, there are dogs! Expect much more warbling...

Thanks for the reminder that I still have The Goldfinch to read...

Happy nearly Friday, Mark!

Nice new TV for the Man Cave!!! Whoohoo! Hey, I know you expressed some interest in reading Truman Capote's In Cold Blood in February, so Megan (I Read Therefore I Am) and I have started a thread for it. Here...All are welcome!!

https://www.librarything.com/topic/218310

Mark, I really loved Two Brothers so happy that you are enjoying it too. I read it in one sitting last weekend, loved the illustrations.

Have a wonderful weekend!

>189 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! The Goldfinch is not quite perfect but there is plenty in there to admire. It worked really well on audio too.

>190 Berly: Thanks, Kimmers! I am happy with the TV. Once again, I am going to have an action packed February, but if I can find In Cold Blood, on audio, I might just join you guys, on a reread.

>191 avatiakh: Hi, Kerry. Two Brothers was truly excellent. It's a dark story, perfectly executed. I am going to try and put a mini-review together.

>192 DianaNL: Happy Friday, Diana. I will be making that baby face tomorrow, since I will have to work.

Happy Friday, Mark! Good luck to your Cubs! Would love to see them in October against the Indians.

>194 msf59: Lol. Like it. Have a great weekend. I too enjoyed The goldfinch, good to see some warbling of that variety...

Morning, Mark!

Happy Friday, Mark!

I love that panel in >182 msf59:. I've seen it before, and don't know what it's from. It looks like it could be from a Brian Wood story, doesn't it? I'm sure it doesn't hurt, from your POV, that she's reading Sweet Tooth. :-)

Valis was weird and good. I'll be reading the next two in the trilogy. (I do think you need to be a PKD fan - I could see a lot of readers being exasperated). I've now started Tokyo Decadence, and I may end up recommending it to you. So far, very well written, dark short stories. Sounds like a Mark book, doesn't it?

Pretty day for January out there. Hope it's a good one for you.

I read more in The Goldfinch but I just don't like the character. He seems like a whiny stupid boy. And that first part - totally unbelievable. What kid is that stupid? and if he really had that much blood on him, some police person would have stopped him. So unreal. I just have no connection to him. I can only hope that the story gets better. Perhaps, it will be like what happened to Ellen with Fates and Furies? and the second half of the book will be better than the first half.

>195 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! So, the Cubs and Indians in the World Series? I am down with that...

>196 charl08: Happy Friday, Charlotte. And yah for Goldfinch warbling.

>197 Crazymamie: Big morning waves to Mamie!

>198 jnwelch: Happy Friday, Joe! I may have shared that image with you before. It is a keeper, my friend.

Glad you liked the PKD. Yes, not bad out here at all. The sunshine sure helps.

>199 benitastrnad: It just may not be your cuppa, Benita and I did not think the 2nd half was better than the first half, although it did have it's strong moments.

Mark, I have finished Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant! This might be the only time that i can say that so far I am a purist for your AAC - because you know that I will end up being tainted.

>202 Crazymamie: LOL! That is a good one, Mamie! Hey, maybe you can bookhorn in a Russo and make it 2 for 2.

I plan on reading Empire Falls. Are you just so proud, Mark?!

Hi Mark, dropping by to catch up and wish you a great Friday. I haven't seen the image in >182 msf59: before—great stuff. Also like the Harry Potter panel. I'm looking forward to reading Nobody's Fool next month. It's been a very long time since I read any Richard Russo (I think last time was before I joined this group) and I remember enjoying his Empire Falls a lot.

>194 msf59: Haha! Thanks for the Friday morning chuckle, Mark! Have a great one!

>194 msf59: Love it! I was not the one with game systems as a kid, but my mom did have to tell me to stop reading a book and go outside a few times :)

Oh, Mary! So did my mother! Then, a year or two later, when I turned 15, she started complaining bitterly that I was never home. LOL The woman was just never satisfied!

>204 Crazymamie: I am very proud, Mamie! Beams brightly! Glad you'll be reading Empire Falls and once you are through, try to find the HBO adaptation, with Paul Newman.

>205 Smiler69: Hi, Ilana! Glad you like the images. I wish I could bookhorn in Nobody's Fool. I hope you like it. I did like the film, with Paul Newman. I did request Ru. Since, it is such a shorty, I thought I could squeeze it in.

>206 Storeetllr: Happy Friday, Mary! Glad you got a chuckle.

>207 bell7: >208 Storeetllr: Nothing but Mary's!! Hooray!!

^Brush Wolf, (northern coyote)

"Dogs are...wonderful. Truly. To know them and be with them is an experience that transcends--a way to understand the joyfulness of living and devotion."

- Winterdance

I like dogs just fine, but don't see the big deal.................................kidding!!

There is a terrific section in the book, where a Brush Wolf joins the team dogs and hangs with them for a few days.

I am another one looking to do Empire Falls in February, buddy.

Have a great weekend.

Been sorting out hair colour issues, Mark. I know they plague you too. :) Ru is a very quick read . You won't regret it. I enjoyed it. How is W&P going?

>211 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul! Good to see! I hope you will like Empire Falls. It is my only one I have read but I did love it.

>212 vancouverdeb: Hair colour issues? Oh, my!! Hope you are getting those worked out. Since, my pals have been warbling about Ru, I thought I better see what the fuss is about.

I am still making my way through the Colossal Chunkster, known as W & P. I was just going to give an update...

^I WILL be crossing the 1,000 page mark, of W & P today. Hurrah! I thought I would be done with it, by the end of the month but it will definitely trickle into February. This will have to be the longest audiobook, I have tackled. I am afraid to bump up the audio-speed, for fear of missing too much. I have to say, I am enjoying the journey but did it have to be this looooooooooooooooooooooooooong??

BTW: Winterdance has been excellent. Still have not started a GN...

Morning, Mark! W&P is definitely the longest audiobook I have listened to - I think you could safely bump up to 1.25x speed and not miss anything.

>214 msf59: Wow...War and Peace is so long that LT cut off the "ng" at the end of "long", I see.

Have a good weekend, Mark!

Oh man, you're getting really close on W & P. It's a mind-bogglingly long one, isn't it. Other books of that length haven't felt as long to me; not sure why. Thank goodness the journey is enjoyable.

Happy Saturday! Hope this warmup helps.

What a happy Saturday it is when you're sooo close to finishing W&P!
As much as I'm loving it, I'm looking forward to getting my life back! Lol

>210 msf59: I loved Winterdance, and might have to revisit it one of these days.

Happy Saturday! We have a mild one, here in Chicagoland. Pushing 50! B.A.G.

>215 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! My Nano is old school. Only 3 settings and fast is too fast. Sighs...

>216 kidzdoc: LOL. You were right. LT did cut off my ng, so I dropped a few o's.

Have a good weekend too, Darryl.

Oh. Nano. Gotcha.

>217 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. You are correct about this Collosal Chunkster. Lonesome Dove never felt this long. Lol.

And yes, it feels very nice out here.

>218 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda. I would like my life back too. LOL. Or at least my audio life.

>219 laytonwoman3rd: Hi, Linda. I can not believe how captivated I am by Winterdance. How I missed this one, is beyond me.

>221 Crazymamie: I am amazed how long this Nano has lasted. I am just waiting for it to run out of gas. I keep a car charger along with me and throw a fresh charge into a couple times during the day and it works perfectly.

Dan uses my original iPod. Still going.

Mine has to be 4 or 5 years old. Still ticking...

I wonder how many audiobooks that translates to?

Charlotte found this by Tom Gauld, and I thought you should have it. :-)

>226 jnwelch: Thank you, Joe! That is perfect. If I would have only seen that 2 weeks ago, I could have saved 60+ hours of audio time. LOL.

- Deborah DeWit

^I love this image. It does speak volumes...

We have friends coming over for pizza, games and of course BEER!! Sounds just right...

Wow! 60 hours of audiobook time! You are quite amazing that you can take in War and Peace via audio. I don't think I could keep proper track of all of the characters. Congrats on passing 1000 pages of W&P. Amazing , Mark. You'll have to buy yourself a book or a beer as reward for your great reading.

>228 msf59: Happy Saturday, Deb! I definitely bought myself some beer, now I have to pick out a book. LOL.

According to my iPod Nano, W & P is 2.5 days long. Yikes!

You definitely should have I liked everything on your gravestone, Mark! :) I'll mention the Paulsen book to Dave. He's is reading Heaven's Keep by William Kent Krueger. It's an author he seems to quite enjoy right now. I read a stand alone by William Kent Krueger, Ordinary Grace, which I loved. Then I discovered he had a mystery series set in the " wilds " of of the USA. Cork O"Connor is a sheriff turned Private Investigator.

See, I already knew that beer was in your future.

Happy weekend, Mark! Have fun tonight!

I spent a good portion of the afternoon reading The Goldfinch. I am 145 pages into it now and it is getting better. I just thought, and still think, that the beginning is totally implausible, and that kind of thing bugs me. Add to that the fact that the main character isn't that likable either and it totals one hard book to get into. The good thing is that it can only go up from here.

>220 msf59: your nano is still streets ahead of my nano as I have no home options to load anything on it! Old computers....gggrrr. Currently I have a friend's collection of music and pod casts (all BBC) and they are a nice reminder of him.

Nice going on W & P! I am in awe, as ever :)

I love my literally irreplaceable iPod classic...

Happy weekend, Mark!

Happy Sunday, Mark.

>231 vancouverdeb: I read the first Cork O"Connor mystery a few years ago and liked it. For some reason, I never continued. I know it has it's fans. I hope Dave trusts me on Winterdance.

>232 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary. It was a nice low-key evening and wrapped up early. Hope you are having a good weekend.

>233 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. Glad to hear the Goldfinch is improving. You have a LONG way to go and I am sure there will be some dips along the way.

>234 LovingLit: Howdy, Megan. Thanks for the Nano story. Maybe, you could ask for a new one, for your birthday or Christmas, or both?

>235 Copperskye: Hooray, for " literally irreplaceable iPod classics"!! What a marvelous invention. Hope you are having a nice weekend, Joanne.

>236 Ameise1: Big Sunday Waves, to Barb!!

Morning, Mark! Happy Sunday!

Morning, Amber!!

8) Two Brothers by Fábio Moon, Gabriel Bá 4.5 stars GN

The setting is the port city of Manaus, in Brazil. We are introduced to twin brothers, Yaqub , “the good” and Omar, “the bad”. As boys, there is a violent exchange between the pair and Yaqub is sent to Lebanon, to live with relatives. He returns after five years and discovers, nothing changed. Tensions and animosities, are hotter than ever.
This stark, gothic tale, is about family, secrets, identity and loss. The illustrations are black and white, pairing well with the dark story. Another stunning achievement, by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá, who also happen to be twin brothers. This one is not to be missed.

>194 msf59: Looooove that.

Congrats on passing the 1000 pages mark with War and Peace. Such a doorstopper, I always planned to reread it eventually and I got myself the unabridged audioversion, which I obviously haven't started yet.

Happy Sunday!

^ Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá

Happy Sunday, Mark! It's nice to break up W&P with a GN or two, isn't it?
According to my iPod Nano, W & P is 2.5 days long. Oooo, just 30 hours of non-stop listening.

>242 drachenbraut23: Happy Sunday, Bianca! Great to see you! Yep, still marching along with W & P.

>244 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! As usual, I have a small stack of GNs, waiting nearby. I have not decided, what to start next, but I will shortly.

According to my paperback edition, of W & P, I am approx. 1,060 pages in. Making good progress, but still a healthy chunk to go.

Morning, Mark!

Good morning, Mark!

Nice review of Two Brothers. That one's in my future.

Right now I'm reading the GN Roller Girl, and liking it. I hadn't realized (duh) that it's about Roller Derby, which I loved watching as a kid.

Alternating Tokyo Decadence (yikes, gritty indeed), and The Aeronaut's Windlass, a riproarer for Fantasy February.

Heading to a RL cafe (!) soon, as Madame MBH is out of town.

Enjoy the day, buddy.

>246 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! Chatty today aren't you? Grins...

>247 jnwelch: Morning Joe! Two Brothers is a beautiful edition too. It would look great on shelf.

Roller Girl seems to be a bit light? Or am I being snobby? Now, Tokyo Decadence does sound like my cuppa, though.

Haha! Alright, I will tell you about my recent purchases - I picked up two of those noir graphic novels that you gave me the link for. Our library had Blacksad, so I requested that one, but it didn't have the other two, so I ordered them. Just came yesterday, but Dan has already snapped them up, so I'll snag then when he's finished.

>210 msf59: Darn majestic-looking coyote. I've been googling to see if I can find a word or phrase for portraiture that subtly enhances the subject's qualities in a positive way, but can't come up with what I'm looking for. Anyhow.

I started to write up last Sunday's coyote encounter here on your thread, but decided to do it on my own, instead. :-)

>249 Crazymamie: Now, there we go! LOL! I tease Amber, about that too. Funny, I have Blacksad waiting nearby and I think I will crack it open soon. I also have You Have Killed Me, in close proximity. All is good...

Hey Mark! Swinging by as I scramble to catch up on threads.

>241 msf59: Two Brothers sounds interesting, I might have to add it to my pile.

Good morning, Big Dog!

>237 msf59: Ha! I think Conan is less fearful as a vet than he would be as a dentist.

>243 msf59: Great review of Two Brothers; I'll add it to my wish list.

Happy Sunday, Mark. Good for you for making such great progress on W&P.

I'm heading out to the library this afternoon for a lecture on Shakespeare but, this morning, I'm reading an ER book about football.

>252 Thebookdiva: Happy Sunday, Abby! Good to see you. " I might have to add it", should be changed to "I really NEED to add it". Smiles...

>253 kidzdoc: Morning, Darryl! Two Brothers was based on a novel by Milton Hatoum, a Brazilian author. Have you heard of him?

I think Conan the Dentist would be a scream.

>254 lindapanzo: Morning, Linda! I ran out and got us breakfast. It is incredibly mild out there. Perfect for the last day of January. Enjoy your lecture.

We've still got quite a bit of snow on the ground and, with this warm weather, it's very foggy.

Keeping my fingers crossed that the big snowstorm misses us to the north.

Two Brothers sounds great. Hope my library can find me a copy. I miss reading GN, feels like it's been a while.

>256 lindapanzo: Most of our snow is gone. A few dirty patches. I am also hoping this storm system, stays north. Silently praying...

>257 charl08: I get that GN itch too, Charlotte, that is why, I usually keep a small stack, within reach of my reading spot.

Have you read Daytripper? That is another gem, by this duo.

"If it's true that cats have nine lives, then John Blacksad must have a few dozen."

"Curiosity may have killed some cats, but not this one.

He's too tough."

My current GN, Blacksad...

I can't wait to read that one, Mark!

Hiya, Mark! Didn't read your threads so far this year, am trying to just start from where I'm at. Hope you're having a great Sunday!

>260 Crazymamie: It has that nice, noir feel, Mamie. Beautifully illustrated.

>261 LauraBrook: Laura stopped by! Laura stopped by! Yippee!! Good to see you, my friend.

>Roller Girl is definitely light, kind of like El Deafo in tone.

Tokyo Decadence is definitely dark. I haven't yet found the "Made for Mark" stamp on it, but I'm sure it's there somewhere. Short stories, too - not my usual fare, but I've really wanted to try this author.

>127 msf59: Glad you enjoyed The Manticore, looks like a good book. I've been wanting to read those books for a while now. Perhaps sometime this year....

Happy new week!

>263 jnwelch: I will try out Roller Girl and see for myself. I am waiting for my ""Made for Mark" stamp! Tapping fingers...

>264 The_Hibernator: Hi, Rachel! I can not praise Fifth Business or the Manticore high enough. They are that good. Try to bookhorn these in, sometime this year.

>166 msf59: "I am now ready for the Cubs season and all the glory that will bring."
Congrats on the new TV, Mark. It will be good to have that for this, the Cubs' World Series year. :-)

I am SO glad you are enjoying Winterdance. (*smiles quietly*)

>266 EBT1002: Happy Sunday, Ellen! And I can not tell you how much I am loving Winterdance. I only have 30 pages left. What a terrific book and I thank you and Karen for the perfect nudge. I just ordered a "keeper" copy, so I can pass it around.

Still working on W & P. I may be saying that until summer...

Did you see DA tonight? I don't want to spoil anything...

I'm on my way downstairs to watch Downton Abbey (Pacific Time Zone, you know).

I think it's wonderful that you purchased a keeper copy to loan around, Mark. I will certainly be nudging as many people as I can to read Winterdance.

Hooray for another Gary Paulsen fan! I am not sure it I read Winterdance or not. The book I loved by him was My Life in Dog Years

>268 lindapanzo: We were hosting a family birthday party yesterday and it ran late, so we didn't watch DA. We'll probably check it out tonight.

>269 EBT1002: Paulsen definitely has my attention now, Ellen. I think he has written other book(s) about Alaska and the race.

>270 banjo123: H, Rhonda. Good to see you. Try to track down Winterdance and I will add My Life in Dog Years.

>272 msf59: My kind of exercise!

Good morning, Mark!

So far so good today. I finished a poetry book, but otherwise I'm still reading away in Tokyo Decadence and The Aeronaut's Windlass and Roller Girl.

Hope the week gets off to a good start for you.

>272 msf59: Ha! That's my kind of strength training. Morning, Mark! I will be starting Winterdance this week.

I think that would be harder than actual weights, but I like the way you think.

Mark, I see you didn't watch DA last night. Well well well. Let's just say something that was foreshadowed happened in a way I did not expect. Can't wait to see your take on it.

No spoilers but I can't wait to hear your thoughts about this week's episode of DA.

I'm really curious to see whose poetry I choose to read for AAC Poetry Month. We (ahem -- that means you) may have to start that thread earlier than usual to be sure there is lots of time for discussion in the ramp-up.

Have a great Monday, Mark!

Happy February, Mark! I haven't watched DA yet either. Sounds like we're in for something HUGE!

>276 lauralkeet: For the first time in a long time, DA has been the hot topic of conversation around the office today.

Crazy busy mail day. It' s like a day after a holiday but maybe worse. Got me hopping, so if I do not get to all the responses, I'll catch up later.

It is beautiful out here right now. The sunshine feels great...

>273 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. Busy day. A ton of parcels. Job security, right?

>274 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! We should all be well-toned and well-muscled, if we got our workout, from reading.

>275 Thebookdiva: Good point, Abby!

>276 lauralkeet: >277 EBT1002: >278 Carmenere: Looks like, I better watch DA tonight.

Okay, I am home. Heavy Monday! I did finish Winterdance. No surprise I loved it. I think I am in the mood for a story collection...

My audio of W & P, is in 10 parts. I just started Part 9, which translates into, about 12 more hours. Good God...

I'm glad and indeed not surprised that you loved Winterdance, Mark.
So which story collection will you read? (Inquiring minds want to know.)

>283 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen. The collection I started is, Single, Carefree, Mellow. It is one of my Christmas Swap books and I remember hearing good things about it. Short stories are red-hot right now and I have a bunch, I want to get to.

>272 msf59: Keep working those muscles! You can do it... you can finish W&P!! Good thing you increased the listening speed. ; )

>243 msf59: I love the thought of GNs being created head to head like that, as it were. What a cool office.

>272 msf59: those last two look tricky, tempted to try... Better not ;)

>272 msf59: Love these moves.

I went wild (!) and ordered three GNs from the library - what's the betting they all come in at once?? One is Marbles: mania, depression Michelangelo and me plus a book about going into therapy Couch fiction.

Plus I've just seen they've ordered Two Brothers for me. How nice of them...

>285 Berly: I keep working out like that, I will look like The Terminator! I wish I would have kicked up the listening speed, a week earlier, Kimmers. I probably could have saved 10 hours.

>286 LovingLit: Hi, Megan. Have you been visiting your library lately, for GNs? I know you said they had a new section.

>287 charl08: "I went wild" Hooray! Marbles is very good. I like Forney's work. Not familiar with Couch Fiction, will investigate...

And hurrah, for Two Brothers!!

^I did watch this week's DA, but I thought I may have been re-watching Alien. Bloody Good show!

Are they trying to turn Thomas into Saint Thomas? Good luck with that. The hospital nonsense is still annoying and just when we thought we were free from Daisy whining...it returns. Still, pretty good episode.

I actually had a DA dream. What? Yep, I was chatting with Lord Grantham and the Lady Dowager was cooking something, at the stove. No, I am not on any medication.

LOL that is a dream when you see Granmama at the stove! Hoping your load is lighter today!

Morning, Mark!

Glad you enjoyed the latest Downton, Mark!

Good morning, Mark!

If you're looking for a collection of short stories to read, pick up Tokyo Decadence. It's got "Made for Mark" stamped all over it. :-)

I'm right near the end of Tokyo Decadence, and the quality has stayed high throughout, so I can safely recommend it now. Roller Girl was good, too; you just need to know it's pitched to young 'uns.

Morning, Mark!

Minor pet peeve: Saying Good Morning to someone and getting no response or a grunt, (happened earlier). Sorry, your life sucks...

Okay, moving on...

>290 Carmenere: Yes, load is lighter, Lynda. Thanks. Just dealing with wind and sleet, at the moment.
I do not recall, what old Violet was cooking...

>291 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

>292 lauralkeet: Morning, Laura! I wasn't really surprised by the DA episode but I am glad no one died.

>293 jnwelch: That is a good endorsement, Joe. I will add Tokyo to the list.

>294 Crazymamie: Big, Morning Waves to Mamie!

Did you get anything for ER this month? I scored a copy of God of Beer. With a title like that, it can't be all bad, right? :)

A thunderstorm, on Groundhog Day. Booming and pouring.

Wish I was at home...

>298 msf59: I'll bet. Crummy weather, indeed. Hope you can wrap up soon and get back to Casa Mark.

>289 msf59: Also liked the latest Downton Abbey! Loved when the the Dowager Countess told Chamberlain she came from a long line of fighters, and asked if he also enjoyed a good fight. His wimpy answer would seem to presage his Appeasement strategy leading up to WWII, no?

Lots of good action -- Tom playing yenta, Edith's moment in her apartment, and the Dinner with Secretary Chamberlain.

Not so great -- the endless hospital debate, Daisy's whining and The huge wind up to Baxter's testimony, all for naught.

>289 msf59: lol! Brilliant to hear that DA has entered not only your consciousness, but also your sub-consciousness now. And DA crossed with Alien? I see a spin off series here...

I haven't checked out the Gn section of my library yet, Mark. But I did start reading an illustrated book called Plato for Beginners which you could call a GN if you stretched it. Others might call it a kids book, but hey. We've all got to start somewhere. :)

>297 mahsdad: Hi, Jeff! I snagged The Vegetarian, for the January E.R. Sounds very promising but then again, so does, God of Beer. I will be watching for your thoughts on that one.

>299 jnwelch: It was a wet one, my friend. Even my Gortex rain-jacket was soaked, but I am home now and have showered and poured a beer. Time for some R & R.

>300 michigantrumpet: Hi, Marianne! Thanks for chiming in on DA. I agree with your thoughts, including the Chamberlain observation.

>301 LovingLit: It is very rare that I dream about TV characters, but I did get a kick out of my DA one. Yes, DA vs. Alien! I am in.

Try to get over and check out that GN section! Do I not, warble loud enough?

Mark, when I think of you in your daily life, I think of you on your postal rounds warbling to the masses about all the books they need to read. You are the warble wizard!

Warble Wizard, huh? I love it. Should that be my next topic heading? LOL.

If I warbled on my postal rounds, someone would probably have me arrested.

Yesterday as I got home at 7 pm, the poor mail person ( female) was putting the mail in my community mailbox. That is so late I think. Where we live is really very safe, I would walk outdoors at the same time, but really for the mail people, some areas are not so nice . And she had to a big light attached to head to be able to see the mail etc. Just wrong, Lone Ranger.

Hey, I used to have a mailman who wore a big straw hat and whistled while he worked. No one called the cops! ;)

>305 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb! I do not like working in the dark. Head-lamp or not. It is not safe. I think the community boxes would be a bit better. Thankfully, I have not had to do this, in a few years and I do not see it happening again.

I can't just whistle warble, I had to truly vocalize. Do you hear me?

^ Time to join the Warble Wizard over on Chapter 4...

>210 msf59: I love these snippets of Winterdance make me want to read it, so I ordered it!

>309 FAMeulstee: It is so good, Anita. I just ordered a "keeper" copy for myself, so I can share it, with pals.