MichiganTrumpet's (Marianne) Fanfare for Books in 2016

Hello and Welcome!! My name is Marianne, a 50ish lawyer living and working in the Greater Boston area. I moved here over 30 years ago from Ann Arbor, hence the Username. Mine is an eclectic mix of reading, spanning serious to fluff and both fiction and non-fiction. It is always touch and go if I actually make it to the 75 goal. As I write, I've only just started #75 for 2015!

This is my third year in the 75er group. Last year was a complete bust as to active posting, but I did plenty of lurking keeping track of you all. I hope to be more present in the upcoming year!

I ADORE 75er meet ups! The true highlight of the past year has been meeting up with Caroline (Cameling), Suzanne (Chatterbox), Darryl (Kidzdoc), Jim (magiciansnephew) and Judy (ffortsa)! Look me up if you're in the area!

1. The Hundred Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais
2. The Collector by Anne-Laure Thieblemont
3. French Beauty Solution by Mathilde Thomas
4. Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman
5. The Maximum Security Book Club by Mikita Brottman
6. H is For Hawk by Helen MacDonald
7. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
8. Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian
9. The Photographer's Wife by Suzanne Joinson
10. Prohibition Bakery by Leslie Feinberg and Brooke Siem
11. The Black Calhouns: From Civil War to Civil Rights With One African American Family by Gail Lumet Buckley
12. The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin
13. Keep Moving by Dick Van Dyke
14. Splinter the Silence by Val McDermid
15. The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian
16. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
17. The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis
18. Landing by Emma Donoghue
19. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
20. Shylock is My Name by Howard Jacobson
21. The Vegetarian by Han Kang
22. The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell
23. Astray by Emma Donoghue
24. Notes From a Small Island by Bill Bryson
25. Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhorn

She looked at the three tall firemen in their shining helmets, standing among the smoke and cinders and dissolving snowballs, and she said, "Would you like anything to read?" ~ Dylan Thomas, A Child's Christmas in Wales

6. H is For Hawk by Helen MacDonald
Four stars



I’ve read elsewhere about the brotherhood of those who have lost a parent. The shared understanding of a deep unmitigated grief and sense of loss and desertion. Some of the ‘club’ are buoyed up by family and friends; others withdraw. Helen MacDonald, movingly and lyrically writing about the sudden death of her father, falls into the latter camp. Without a partner, only temporary job and living arrangements, she is unshored, untethered. In her grief she is drawn to her childhood interest in falconry, an enthusiasm encouraged by her Dad. She will buy a goshawk – one of the most difficult and wild – and dedicate her next many months to its care and training. Increasingly isolated, Macdonald and Mabel become one another’s entire focus. Indeed, MacDonald’s obsessive ponderings take on an almost anthropomorphizing quality. Climbing into the head and mind of a raptor is no mean feat. MacDonald makes palpable the thought and feelings of her avian mate.

We learn much more about raising and training hunting birds than we’d ever imagined -- much like other books carried us way with descriptions of rowing, horse racing, or the sailing of the Lusitania. Most of us weren’t crying out to learn about baiting and jesses and pigeon pieces as rewards. We all are drawn to wonderfully limned expressions of the human experience. What is delightful in “H is For Hawk” is just how much we learn about Helen, the journey of grief– and ourselves – through the agency of this magnificent bird. Particularly striking to me were the hard wages of isolation and the importance of community.

Less successful for me was MacDonald’s delving into the mind and psyche of fellow austringer and author T. H. White. Decades earlier, White had similarly purchased goshawk and spent many months in its training. His book on the experience was repeatedly read by MacDonald as a child. Now, much like she put thoughts, emotions and feelings into Mabel’s head, so she tried to do the same with White. There is much she puts onto him about hawking and sexual deviancy and homosexuality. I’ve no doubt this is well researched. Mine was the audiobook version (read in plumy tones by Macdonald herself). A hard copy shows multiple notes and references at the end. Nevertheless, I am immensely cautious about biographers who try to psychoanalyze a long dead persona who is unable to protect or justify themselves.

7. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Five Stars



When we can't find my sister, we know
she is under the kitchen table, a book in her hand,
a glass of milk and a small bowl of peanuts beside her.

We know we can call Odella's name out loud,
slap the table hard with out hands,
dance around it singing
"She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain"
so many times the song makes us sick
and the circling makes us dizzy
and still
my sister will do nothing more
than slowly turn the page.

It would simple yet reductionist to describe this gem as Woodson's memoir of a childhood split between Greenville, South Carolina and the Brownville section of Brooklyn. Her family story bridges the late Jim Crow era of the deep South, the Great Migration, and the Civil Rights era. And yet, this is so much more. Written in free verse, Woodson's chapters rarely take up a page or two, sometimes only a couple lines. Isn't this exactly as our memories come to us? Sometimes absolutely vivid and clear, other times only in snatches of impressions and pictures. With time, her words wrap and wind and draw us in.

Woodson and I are nearly the same age, so those bursts of "aha!" may have come from moments of cultural recognition. We watched the same TV shows, pretended to 'smoke' the same candy cigarettes. What spoke to me is was more timeless -- her capturing of belonging to your people, your family, your community, and the power of telling and hearing one's stories. She and I both firmly agree and wholeheartedly believe: we truly do stand on the shoulders of those who came before and share a responsibility to those who come after.

My first five star read of the year, and easily on track to be one of my all time favorites.

Argh!!!

I forgot to add "Thread Two" to the titles for this new page!!! Anyone know how to change the title after the fact???

*Howling in frustration*

Phew! Found it!! Phew!!

Oops, no I didn't. Could edit the html, but couldn't figure out how to save it.

Ugh!

>6 michigantrumpet: Didn't meet anyone yet who could tell us how to do that simply but I do recall that there was some way of appealing back to the entire group admin to intervene..........as I recall it didn't work for me when I got my numbers wrong.

Happy new thread nonetheless, Marianne. xx

My first visitor!! Hello Paul!!!

At least this new frustration replaces my frustration over the play of the Patiot's offensive line in yesterday's game!

Try editing the first post and see whether that lets you edit the title. There's a window of opportunity. I'm not sure how long it is now.

Happy new thread, Marianne! I loved Brown Girl Dreaming when I listened to it last year - the author narrates it herself and does an excellent job.

Congratulations on the new thread, and two excellent reviews, Marianne. I loved both those books, H is for Hawk and Brown Girl Dreaming. I was less bothered by the T.H. White parts in the former; for me, it was part of her striving to get her own bearings, and to figure out how to relate to her goshawk. Brown Girl is just a gem, and one of the books we're most likely to give to someone who hasn't read it.

Beautiful comments on Brown Girl Dreaming; I just moved it up on my pile. I also appreciated your comments on H Is for Hawk; I'm not sure about that one, yet.

I LOVE the Dylan Thomas quote.

Happy new one, Marianne! So glad that you liked Brown Girl Dreaming - I loved it, too!

Happy New Thread, Marianne. Good reviews to kick it off. I loved both books too.

Hope you had a nice weekend and I am glad you avoided getting hit with all that snow.

>9 qebo: Thanks for the tip, Katherine. Sadly, unable to make the change. *hangs head in shame over stupid goof*

>10 Crazymamie: I've been doing many more audiobooks now than a few years ago, Mamie. Seems this is one I would have loved in this form. The copy I had was hard cover, though. I have to admit, seeing the free verse in print has some interest for me.

>11 jnwelch: Both were excellent books and get a resounding thumbs up. "H is For Hawk" just wasn't the unreserved success for me as "Brown Girl Dreaming." Interestingly, I got BGD from a book-reading friend who thrust it into my hands at Christmas dinner saying "You MUST read this!!"

>12 BLBera: Thanks for the compliments, Beth. That Dylan Thomas quote tickles me no end. I've read and re-read that book so many times and that section still reduces me to giggles. The quote has a place of prominence on my profile page, too!

>13 scaifea: Howdy Amber! It's definitely a keeper! (Well, would be if I didn't have to return the book to my friend ...)

>14 msf59: Thank you, Mark. My reading for the year has mostly been pretty positive. Quite happy with the last two.

With only about 5" on the ground total, that qualifies as a near miss, wouldn't you think? Compared to the rest of the East Coast.

The weekend was great, with the exception of the Patriots game. Oh well. It was a good run given a lot of injuries. Suspect the Broncos will keep with tradition and lose the Super Bowl, though.

Happy New Thread, Marianne. My new one which is in fact the second one has got a number three. So I live with this error.

>17 Ameise1: Thanks Barbara! I'm slightly less embarrassed knowing I'm not the only one!

Congratulations on thread #2, Marianne!

>19 lkernagh: Thanks Lori! Glad you were able to find me!
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So, everyone, it's onward to my real life book club tonight! Looking forward to the discussion of Orange is the New Black.

I appreciate everyone's input and reflections on my previous thread. You really helped shape some of (expected) comments for tonight!

Happy New Thread, Marianne! I enjoyed reading your reviews of H Is for Hawk and Brown Girl Dreaming. I also gave Woodson's book 5 stars, and it's high on my all time favorite list as well.

>5 michigantrumpet: ah ha! I had forgotten about tht one! I remember ow a lot of warbling about it last year, I must check the library for it. Now, in fact :)

Happy New Thread! I've yet to read H is for Hawk but a great review and it seems everyone on LT has read the book but me!

Hey, Marianne! Did you see that Springsteen is giving away an mp3 version of the Chicago concert? Normally they sell the live recordings for $9.99 but since the Sunday night show at Madison Square Garden had to be postponed due to the snowstorm, they decided to offer the Chicago show for free download, but only for two days. If you want to grab it, go here:
http://live.brucespringsteen.net/live-music/0,13586/Bruce-Springsteen---The-E-St...

>24 rosalita: Seriously cool. And downloaded.

>25 Chatterbox: Yay! I'm glad you got it, Suzanne. I've been listening to it tonight. It's pretty terrific.

>21 kidzdoc: Every book that I've read of Woodson's is stellar. I read Brown Girl Dreaming last year, and it is marvelous and worthy of five stars.

I wasn't that big of a fan of Brown Girl Dreaming. I thought it was OK but not outstanding enough to win the National Book Award. I will admit that I am not a fan of the free verse poetry novel, autobiography, or memoir. I think of it as lazy prose writing. I also have a quibble about this particular book - is it fiction or non-fiction? It is classed as fiction and yet at the end it has all those extensive notes that tell the reader it is a memoir. A memoir is non-fiction. Decide what kind of book you are writing and stick with that. I think Woodson got the award as recognition for her entire body of work - which is extensive. Back in the early 1990's she took quite a hit when she came out and started writing about gay/lesbian issues for teens. I was a school librarian then and recall that it was hard to find any critic willing to recommend that her newest titles be purchased for schools. Thankfully, that has changed.

>1 michigantrumpet: I saw on Facebook that the Worcester Museum is having an exhibit of art with a cat theme this summer. I would absolutely love to see that exhibit, but I have no idea when I could swing a few days to make the trip. We will definitely have to have a meet-up if I get there.

Marianne--Looking forward to news of the book group and Orange is the New Black. I have H is for Hawk later in the year with my club! Glad you like it--seems to be a consistent favorite.

>3 michigantrumpet: How I love that scene from A Child's Christmas in Wales. Have you seen the TV version with Denholm Elliiot? The fire in the Protheroe house is just priceless. (The aunt offering the firemen something to read is portrayed as quite a bit younger than in your illustration, however.)

>4 michigantrumpet: Your reaction to the T. H. White parts of H is for Hawk was similar to that of a lot of readers...I have to admit that she rather put me off reading his book, but I'm reconsidering that. Best to see for myself, I think.

>5 michigantrumpet: You remind me that I want to have my very own copy of Brown Girl Dreaming so I can revisit it at will. I read a library copy, and loved it.

>6 michigantrumpet: There is a very short window of opportunity after you create a new thread during which you can edit the topic. You have to catch on quickly to what you've done in order to fix it. But we're all here, so no harm done!

>21 kidzdoc: Hello Darryl! I've seen lots of love around here for H is For Hawk. Dare I say book warbling when the topic is birds?

>22 LovingLit: Thanks, Megan. I understand we all have our own tastes, but I LOVED it.

>23 vancouverdeb: I hear you, Deb! I even read an interview with Ethan Hawke who detailed the number of copies he's received!

>24 rosalita: >25 Chatterbox: and >26 rosalita: Thanks a BUNCH Julia! I joined Suzanne in immediately downloading it (as well as posting on FB and passing along to like minded Bruuuuce fans. Loved the encore. For a concert structured around a single album, I'm surprised at the amount of variety there still is.

>27 Whisper1: I SOOO agree, Linda. That book was literally forced into my hands by someone quite evangelical about it.

>28 benitastrnad: I quite understand, Benita. Free verse isn't for everyone. It worked for me because the 'snatchy' quality was very like how remembrances are to me. My memories don't come to me fully formed with full sentences and structure. As for the fiction/non-fiction aspect, that didn't seem to bother me. If she took artistic or poetic license with some of the details from her childhood, that's fine with me. To me, fiction can speaks many truths about the human condition. I can see how that would bother some people, though.

>29 thornton37814: Lori -- that Museum in Worcester is such a lovely one. They have had some pretty interesting exhibits there over the years. Only 25-30 miles away from me. Please give me the heads up when you are coming!!

>30 Berly: Thanks for reminding me, Kim. The bottom line from the book club was a big thumb's up. A good bit of time focused on the author's background and how that may have impacted her decisions and ability to cope. Being a group through my church, we also discussed her religious background, lack of moral compass as a youth, and the impact of religion during her incarceration. In general, there was a sense the War on Drugs isn't working, concern over the lack of rehabilitative efforts and pleasure the author continues to be an advocate. Lots of discussion over the different aims of our criminal justice system, and I chimed in on that as well as the differences between State and Federal institutions.

I'd say it was an excellent discussion. Our next book is one of my absolute favorites from last year: Kitchens of the Great Midwest. I suspect this group of Lutheran women will appreciate the lutfisk discussion as well as the chapter on the church women and their competitive cookie baking. My review :

https://www.librarything.com/review/120706272

>31 laytonwoman3rd: Hello there Linda! I'm resigned to the fact I just have to live with the thread title as it is. Glad to see my friends have found me.

I just adore that Dylan Thomas scene in >3 michigantrumpet:. Isn't Denholm Elliott wonderful in the movie version? I think I've quite worn thin the videotape! The aunt's quote about reading to the firemen absolutely cracks me up!!
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Caroline (Cameling), Edd,John and I met last night after work at a little place dedicated to small plates. Although I think that's their emphasis. I never looked farther into the menu: once everyone took a look at the listing of the various tasty appetizers, there was a general exclamation of "Let's just order one of each!" Love that we know people willing to do that!

We're going to miss them when they leave on their assorted travels. Guess we have to share them with the rest of the world!

Thought I'd clear this earlier one off the shelves before getting started on Bohjalian's latest The Guest Room just picked up at the ALA Conference.

8. Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian
3.5 stars



Chris Bohjalian does not shy away from the difficult topic when he writes. This time, it's domestic abuse and violence within the setting of a bucolic Vermont village. Everyone assumes this is another abuser-kills-spouse-turns-weapon-on-himself type of murder/suicide. Or is it? Once the local DA gets involved, anything seems possible. Written from the multiple view points of the local pastor struggling with a crisis of faith, an intrepid woman DA, a beautiful New Age-y author with multiple books on angels, and the dead couple's teenage daughter. The author kept me going, although the 'whodunit' was pretty evident from early on. Most successful for me was the ambitious prosecutor and the young girl. The angels were just a distraction and did little to carry the plot forward. I also felt the pastor was given too much of a pass for his apparent transgressions. Recommended for people drawn to psychological examinations of evil. People troubled by graphic descriptions of abuse should steer clear.

>36 michigantrumpet: Angels annoy me, on principle. Was this part of your ALA loot? I thought I saw it among your books, but didn't see the ARCs there. Just as well, or I would have snaffled it, too, and be in even more trouble than I now am, bookwise.

>37 Chatterbox: This one's been out for a while. My loot does include his latest -- Coming out end of this month or next month? -- The Guest Room which deals with the sex trade.

The man isn't afraid to go out on a limb when he writes. With so many hot-button issues, not every book of his will sit well with every reader. Looking forward to where he goes with the new one. Darryl was just talking about sex trade and children on his last thread, as it relates to his work and a book he'd read. This one seems topical.

I've started reading an ER book about Tom Brady. It's called Meeting Tom Brady. The author, a college professor, talks about his efforts to actually meet the QB. Not sure whether you're aware of this one.

I like to watch football and certainly admire some players for their on-field performance but, to me, it's kind of creepy to almost stalk a player like this. Maybe, once I get further in, it won't have such a weird feeling but this one seems odd.

The Bohjalian sounds good, Marianne. I have a couple of his older ones on my shelves. Maybe it's time to read them or pass them on... From your excellent description, he sounds like the kind of writer I would like.

Another Bruce fan here -- THANKS!

I heard on NPR this afternoon that the Boston Art Museum has just purchased the first Frieda Kahlo painting that was sold. It was sold to a family that owned it until the Boston Art Museum purchased it. What a coup!

>4 michigantrumpet: I just finished H is for Hawk a few days ago. I found the T. H. White strand intriguing enough that I've downloaded The Once and Future King, which I've never read. Mistress Masham's Repose was hanging around the house when I was a kid, and I think I read it, but descriptions of it aren't triggering any memories.

I purchased Goshawk by T. H. White at ALA. Got it from the New York Review of Books booth. Paid $5.00 for it. I don't have H is for Hawk so will have to content myself with the original. When I get around to it.

I am still reaping the bounty from the ALA conference. Yesterday, I got 3 books in the mail. They were titles that I had requested from sales reps. They mailed them to me because they had run out of copies and had the time to take my name and address. I got lucky.

>39 lindapanzo: I'd much prefer to meet the Mannings (Archie, Peyton, and Eli). It will be totally random if I ever do though.

Hi, Marianne! I met Chris Bohjalian at the very first Booktopia and he was a very engaging guy. I have been hearing good things about The Guest Room and I have it saved on audio...grins.

We now have our flight booked and our lodging set, for our trip to Boston. Getting pumped...

Have a wonderful weekend!

I saw Chris Bohjalian speak at the ALA Midwinter in Boston about 10 years ago. He was a good speaker. I think that at the time he was talking about his book Midwives and Buffalo Soldier. I also got to see Nathaniel Philbrick. He and Bohjalian were part of a panel of four New England authors that spoke at the opening ceremonies of the conference. Philbrick talked about In the Heart of the Sea.

Those Booktopia events are really good things. I attended the one in Oxford, Mississippi and thought it was so much fun. Maybe when I retire I can plan one?

>39 lindapanzo: Thanks for the head's up, Linda. I actually received that one through LT's ER program. I've followed Tom Brady's career since he came to play at Michgan. I've always admired him. I'll be interested to see how the book turns out. I would never stalk the man, but perhaps doing so vicariously might be entertaining!

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***All Brady-haters beware! Don't post here! I've read every scrap of evidence, testimony, motions, legal argument -- and there is a LOT. This is an unfounded witch hunt by the NFL and part of Roger Goodell's megalomania. Unless you have followed it all, don't post here with uninformed opinion.

Thus ends the rant!

>40 BLBera: On the other hand, there can't be too much Springsteen love -- right, Beth? I've read several other Bohjalian works. Some of the older ones are worth investigating!

>48 michigantrumpet: I'm neutral towards Brady, as I am towards most, but, as I read it, try to put myself into the author's shoes. Would I act the same way when it comes to Chicago Cubs and/or Chicago Blackhawks players I've admired over the years? Probably not but it is fun to meet celebrities I've admired.

The only time I've babbled, I'd say, is the time I met Wayne Gretzky at a book signing. He was very nice--quiet and polite.

May not be as creepy a book as I'd thought. Even so, one goal is to get through all of my accumulated ER books and try to start 2016 with a fresh slate.

>48 michigantrumpet: How about Belicheck haters? Are we they still welcome? Asking for a friend. ;-)

>49 michigantrumpet: Wish me good ticket karma, Marianne. Tomorrow morning I will be trying to get tickets for Bruce's Dallas show that was recently announced. I picked that location strictly for the possibility of an LT meetup with Katie and Roberta.

>50 lindapanzo: Oooh a signed Gretzky book? Super cool.

>41 benitastrnad: and >43 benitastrnad: nice pick up from the ALA. I love that they actually are mailing you books even AFTER the event. The gift that keeps on giving!

We are VERY pleased about the Frida Kahlo. We're members of the MFA and stop in fairly frequently. It's a wonderful museum. Will have to go visit her!

>42 qebo: Don't you just love, Katherine, books that spur you on to other ones? A big fan of Once and Future King and another one that I can't remember the name of right now. Now you've sent me looking up Mistress Masham's Repose!

>44 thornton37814: I've nothing against the Mannings, especially Archie. A local furniture store did a funny send up of Peyton's Nationwide ad. I do recall lots of Tennessee fans being very bad sports when Charles Woodson won the Heisman over Peyton. That should' be held against him, though, right?

>45 msf59: Everything's booked, Mark? Hooray! Can't wait to finally meet you! My husband has heard all about you and is looking forward to sharing a beer!

I love events to meet authors. I've heard Bohjalian is very approachable and nice. Glad to have it confirmed!

>46 DianaNL: how adorable Diana! Add a few teeth and that's me!

>47 benitastrnad: would love to know who else was on that panel! Philbrick is also supposed to be a great speaker. Some friends heard him talk at a special 'do' on Martha's Vineyard.

Your own Booktopia? I ADORE that idea! Of course, you'll hold some spots open for all your LT friends, right?

>50 lindapanzo: Chipping away at my own ER pile, Linda! I've been very lucky to meet some of my Heroes over the years. This includes having George Brett sitting next to me at the Boston Ballet. I make a point of not bothering celebs when they're 'off the clock'. He and I did fight it out all night with the elbows on the shared arm rest, though!

>51 rosalita: Belichek haters can post, but better tread lightly! ;-D

Good luck in Dallas! What a wonderful trip that would be!! Can you believe how much the tickets are? For a champion of the common man, he's priced himself out of most people's discretionary spending!

Thanks again for the link!

>52 Oberon: I hear you! Count me jealous, too!

>36 michigantrumpet: After reading your review, I checked my library and found that I own a copy. Now, if I can only find it, I'll move it up to the top.

Have a good weekend!

Just arrived in the Big Apple for a whirlwind weekend! Michigan is playing Oenn State in a double header tomorrow. Basketball in the afternoon, hockey in the Evening. Have never been to Madison Square Garden, so this will be fun. Also meeting up with some fellow fans from Ann Arbor in for the games, as well as John's old college roommate.

Staying at the Algonquin so hoping to channel an erudite Dorothy Parker-vibe!

Only regret is that the trip is too short to meet up with Jim (magician's nephew) and Judy (ffortsa). If that had happened, the weekend would be perfect! Next time ...

>56 michigantrumpet: The problem is that no matter what price the tickets are, it seems bots and ticket scalpers are still getting most of the seats. It's hard to argue the face value should be less when they are selling for two or three times that on stubhub and the like. I honestly don't know what the answer is.

>58 michigantrumpet: And please ask the Wolverines to deliver a beat-down to the Nitty Kitties, Marianne!

>55 michigantrumpet: A couple of years ago, I was at a Chicagoland casino. Contentedly playing in one spot for quite a long time, pleasantly chatting with an elderly black man sitting next to me, who seemed equally contented. At one point, I pulled out my old iPhone, the one with the Wrigley Field case, to check my e-mail and he looked slightly alarmed.

We'd chat periodically. His wife was nearby and they'd bicker a bit in good natured fashion. My mother was nearby and wandered over from time to time. All was well.

Gradually, I got a strange feeling that I somehow knew this guy from somewhere. Finally realized that I did when someone came over asking for an autograph. He signed but seemed to want to be left alone.

Turns out that I'd spent the afternoon sitting and chatting with my childhood hero, baseball Hall of Famer, Billy Williams. What a nice man. Later, I regretted not asking for an autograph but I've got memories of several hours worth of chatting about everything, except baseball, with him.

>52 Oberon: Another celeb I met, around that same time, was Mickey Mantle, who I met at a signing of his book, My Favorite Summer, 1956, at the old Kroch's & Brentano's flagship store on Wabash in the Loop.

I really regret never seeing Bruce in concert, and now 1. the prices seem totally outrageous, and 2. the venues so huge and 3. the sound so terrible that I doubt I ever will. What happened to the days of seeing great musicians at the Guthrie or other venues with wonderful sound? Sigh.

And, no, there cannot be enough Bruce love.

Julia - I hope you get tickets. My daughter was recently ranting about the StubHub prices. She is a HUGE Dixie Chick fan, and tried to get tickets for their Minneapolis concert. Her hubby was home that day and started dialing the minute tickets went on sale, and they were sold out immediately -- yet later there were tons available on Stub Hub. So it looks like scalpers somehow can buy huge amounts of tickets.

Aargh!

I just got a copy of the upcoming Timothy Egan book in the mail from the lovely Houghton Mifflin rep we met, Marianne. And promptly requested an ARC of a forthcoming book about Hemingway and The Sun Also Rises. I am utterly shameless. Especially when I'm reading at half the pace that I usually do this year.

>51 rosalita: - *snork!* I think my friend knows your friend, Julia ;-)

And hooray for Bruce's Dallas show! Though my feelings are similar to Beth's (>61 BLBera:) about prices, venues, and sound.

>61 BLBera: - Beth, you should come to Dallas, too! We might do a reading retreat the weekend before the show! I got tickets to the Dixie Chicks concert in Dallas, but I think only because they are playing an outdoor venue and I just got lawn seats.

NPR just did a story about the bots that are tricking all the Captcha screens that are supposed to stop them from snapping up all the tickets. My friends and I ran into the problem trying to get Adele tickets a month or so ago... It's SO frustrating.

ETA: Ooops! Hi Marianne! Your weekend in NYC sounds like fun. We are going in June after my high school reunion. My husband's never been so that should be, um, fun?

There are so many performers I wish I had seen but never got the opportunity.......Johnny Cash, John Lennon, Luke Kelly especially.

Have a great weekend Marianne whilst I sit here with my regrets. xx

Marianne, I've been a lurker on your first thread, but thought it was time to say Hello…and welcome back after a quiet year in 2015. I enjoy your thoughts on both books and other topics. I also agree that meet-ups are so much fun. I've met some wonderful people through LT.

>36 michigantrumpet: that does sound a gritty read. I have read his (the author is a he, right?) book, Midwives which, although interesting, didn't compel me to try any more by this author.

For several years I got to see and hear Alabama Shakes in a really grungy dingy bar in Tuscaloosa. That was before they were famous. Now you can't get tickets to see them anywhere because the prices are ridiculous. Like many others I simply won't pay those prices to sit in a football stadium where you can't see or hear the performer. The last concert I attended was an outdoor concert in Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Paul McCartney was playing and it was a very good show. The tickets were reasonable because everybody sat on the ground. The downside was that it rained, and everybody got wet. Including me. It was just like being at Woodstock. I think?

Hope you have a great time in New York City. That is one city I have never visited. Staying at the Algonquin! what is it like?

>59 rosalita: Just checked your thread -- Woo Hoo! You have a ticket to Dallas Springsteen! We'll have to compare notes!

Too right, Julia, about the scalpers. I remember before the last Springsteen concert at Gillette Stadium, there were tickets listed on Criagslist BEFORE they even went on sale! Listing the section and row number no less.

What a beat down we gave those Nittany Lions! Michigan took the lead in the basketball game early and never gave it back. The first two periods, the lead kept shifting. Michigan turned up the heat in the third period, out-scoring them 4-0.

HAIL! To the Victors!

>60 lindapanzo: I love that Billy Williams story, Linda! I agree, those memories are so much better than some old autograph. A dear friend (who recently retired from a job in baseball) was a Bleacher Bum growing up and essentially living at Wrigley in the 70's. He has such hilarious stories about the players, who would actually socialize with them. Santo and Fergie Jenkins. Apparently Jenkins crashed on someone's couch at some point. They were all very down-to-earth and approachable. Different times...

>61 BLBera: yes, Julia got her ticket! BRUUUUCE!

I would encourage you to go just one to see Springsteen, Beth. Just to say you had. He really does a great concert. Tons of energy, great encores, plenty of songs. I hate the prices now, but I've never had a bad time at any of his live performances.

My husband is the big fan in the family. I came to Springsteen and the E Street Band by marriage. He's been to over 60 concerts going back to the 70's. He's also traveled to see him in other venues. I'm the sane one with 25 (soon to be 26).

>61 BLBera: You crack me up Suzanne! You are an absolute pro at this. I worship at the feet of the master!

Along those lines, is it safe to put the rest of your HAUL in the mail to you?

>62 Chatterbox: You crack me up, Suzanne! You are an absolute pro at this! I worship at the feet of a master.

Speaking of which, is it safe yet to put the reset of your HAUL in the mail yet? It's residing quietly in the dining room, so no rush.

Happy Sunday, Marianne! Hope you have a nice weekend planned. Are you making a dent in those ALA books? I know, that will be a major-undertaking.

>63 katiekrug: KAK! I would think the NYC visit is the proper reward to hubby for surviving the high school reunion! Remind me -- where was you high school? I know you've spent some time in MASS, but get the idea it wasn't then. On the off chance it was, any chance of a summer June meet up with your LT friends?

My husband hasn't spent as much time in NYC as I have. He's been having a great time. (Michigan victories may have added to the fun!) You'll have no shortage of things to do! Something for everyone.

Bring comfortable shoes!

>64 PaulCranswick: Hello there, Paul! Some would say that if that is the extent of your 'regrets', you are a fortunate man! That's quite a list. Johnny Cash performed at the Boston Pops Fourth of July celebration on the Esplanade. He only sang two songs, but I guess that should count. As for the other two, well ow I'm sad I've missed them as well.

>65 Donna828: thank you for the very kind words, Donna. So delighted to have you here. Things do get lively around here. I'm glad to be back after my hiatus in 2015. This is a lovely group of people.

>62 Chatterbox: upcoming Timothy Egan book
I just went looking for this... Immortal Irishman? Onto the wishlist.

>66 LovingLit: hello Megan! Yes, Bohjalian is a 'he'. His writing is rather gritty. Because he tackles such difficult topics, I imagine that some of his books would be tough going depending on what gets the alarms flashing for a reader. Domestic violence would not be something some of my friends would ever read about, no matter how well written.

>67 benitastrnad: Howdy Benita! I think that certain types of music are made for grungy small venues. I can't imagine chilling to the blues in a large venue. So envious you got to see Alabama Shakes!

>74 msf59: Happy Sunday back, Mark! Hope you are enjoying your day! I've got two of the haul done. Maximum Security Book Club from last thread. I'll be posting a review for The Photographer's Wife soon. Sort of meh. Lovely descriptive writing, but the characters didn't grab me, especially the main protagonist.

Working on the latest Dick Van Dyke memoir, as well as The Black Calhouns. A memoir about a particularly interesting family and their involvement in the American experience from the Civil War to Civil Rights. The author is Lena Horne's daughter.

Also finishing up The Swans of Fifth Avenue. Liking that one.

I'll have a four hour train ride back to Boston this afternoon, so I hope to make a real dent in one of the books.

>68 benitastrnad: The Algonquin is lovely, Benita!

I'm sitting in the lobby as I write, sipping my morning tea and looking at the famous Round Table. It seats six, so alas, I didn't get to sit there. Lovely Hirschfeld drawn characters dotting the walls. I'm feeling quite civilized.

On Friday, John and I started with a cocktail in the Algonquin's Blue Room. I had the Dorothy Parker, cocktail, of course. We then met up with friends from Ann Arbor. Both are with the Michigan School of Music. One is also the director of the Marching Band. Lots of fun conversation and discussions about the world of music. I love that I know people who are so accomplished and I can learn so much from them. We had dinner at Mario Batali's Babbo restaurant.

The Michigan Pep Band flew in Friday night to play for the games. They delayed on the Tarmac at Laguardia due to Joe Biden flying out. The place arranged for them to eat closed at 11. (Whoever heard of a NYC place closing at 11 on a Friday night!) incredibly, we found a pizza joint about a block from their hotel, told them to expect a crowd (band and cheerleaders) in about 45 minutes. The owners didn't bat an eye, prepared tons of pies and salads and the kids were happy. They ran out to experienceTimes Square, and we old folks hit the sack.

Yesterday, we hit one of the ubiquitous Starbucks (yes, I know) for breakfast. We walked to Madison Square Garden for the game. Very cool arena. We met up with John's college roommates and their wives at the games. Felt like being transported back 30 years to watch games with them. Michigan beat Penn State in both the basketball and hockey games! Woot! John and I were quite giddy. Tons of Michigan folks in attendance. Great to be with 'our people.' Better yet, Coach Behlien and the basketball team sat behind us for the second game! Boy, am I short!

In between games, we had pizza at John's Pizzaria in the Village. Excellent! One of the best pies I've ever had. Stopped at a bakery for cannoli, and then WALKED back to MSG. I clocked 17k steps yesterday, 13 flights of stairs and nearly 8 miles.

A quick breakfast with our school of music friends and then onto the train to head home. (And a nap!)

To paraphrase Jeff Daniels in "Purple Rose of Cairo", we had a Madcap Manhattan weekend!

>77 qebo: >62 Chatterbox: That does sound interesting, doesn't it, Katherine? Suzanne finds all the best books.

Your weekend sounds great, Marianne. I love NYC; it's been too long since I've been there.

You Michiganders? are certainly faithful. I work with a Wolverine and a Spartan, and as soon as they find out someone is from Michigan, they want to know which camp they are in. Games must be fun.

>75 michigantrumpet: - High school was in Millbrook, NY, near Poughkeepsie. College was at Holy Cross in Worcester, so that's my Massachusetts connection :)

Won't be near Boston this trip, but maybe later in the summer or next summer, as my aunt and uncle have a house on the Cape, and the hubs and I haven't been for a few years and are itching to go!

You're at the Algonquin?!? Oh my!!

The Black Calhouns does sound interesting and I have been hearing good things about The Swans of Fifth Avenue. I really liked her Tom Thumb book. She was also a Booktopia author.

Wow! Sounds like you are having a lovely weekend Marianne! Oh- bumping into Joe Biden. I think he is very nice fellow. And yes, I think you would enjoy Annie Dunne. I am looking forward to reading On Canaan's Side in the fairly near future. Glad to hear that enjoyed that one too.

That sounds like a fabulous weekend. We always walk ourselves to death in NYC, but that's part of the fun.

The Algonquin Round Table

#84
The Black Calhouns was a title I picked up also and one I want to get to soon. Can't wait to hear what Marianne and Suzanne think of it.

#87
Cool table. Maybe someday I will get to see it.

From our room doors:

"Drawing on my fine command of the English Language, I said nothing." ~ Robert Benchley


"This is not a novel to be turned aside lightly. It should be thrown with great force." ~ Dorothy Parker


Aren't those deliciously fun?!

Is the Algonquin's cat still there? Say purr from me if so...

And a quick stop to visit Patience the lion (or is it Fortitude?) in front of the Main New York City Public Library. Because it had to be done!

I wuz there just ten days ago!

"Because it had to be done!" Yeah, we had to do it in 1988---me, my daughter (@lycomayflower) and my Mom.

>94 laytonwoman3rd: aw look at you in 1988! What a cute photo.
Now I want to go to the NY public library.

>95 lauralkeet: The scary thing about that photo, to me, is that I am now way older than my mother was then. Eeeek!

Oh, sorry, Marianne...would you like your thread back? I am so green about your having been at the Algonquin...

So glad your trip to NYC was such a good one, Marianne!

>79 michigantrumpet: sort of blows my mind that they can play a basketball game in the afternoon and a hockey game in the evening in the same venue. They must have the best stagehands in the world.

>81 BLBera: I loved your bit about the Michiganders in your office, Beth. If they stay in state, many college-bound high school seniors seem to be split between the two schools. I went to Michigan, and my best friend went to State. Same for my husband and his best friend. We've still managed to stay close. Both of them stood up in our wedding. We tell them they've become quite accomplished given their limited educational background. :-D

>82 katiekrug: Ah, Holy Cross! I *knew* there was a Massachusetts connection in there somewhere, Katie! I definitely believe you should make another trip to the area! And come visit all of us!

>83 lindapanzo: It was a lovely spot, Linda. Nicely located in Midtown for what we needed to do, nicely renovated. The rooms are a bit on the small side by today's standards, but we were quite comfortable.

>84 msf59: I love that Melanie Benjamin was a Booktopia author, Mark. I missed the Tom Thumb book, but I did read her book about Anne Morrow Lindbergh The Aviator's Wife. I think I'm liking The Swans of Fifth Avenue even better than that one.

>85 vancouverdeb: Hello Deb! I would have loved to bump into Joe Biden, myself. Alas, the Michigan band had to content themselves with sitting endlessly on the tarmac for Biden to get by. Some of the students told me they saw his car caravan, though ...

>86 lauralkeet: I think that's how people stay thin in New York, Laura -- they walk everywhere. The weather was glorious for the end of January, so we didn't mind.

Plus, I picked up a cashmere scarf for just $5 on the street! What a deal! What a City! I hope it doesn't fall apart before the end of February!

>88 benitastrnad: Hello, Benita! It was VERY fun to see the Algonquin Round Table. One of the highlights of the trip actually. You'll have to let us know what you thought of Black Calhouns as well.

>91 Chatterbox: Hello Suzanne! Yes, there is still a (somewhat grumpy) cat in the lobby at the Algonquin. She doesn't like to be pet too much, although the receptionist and she were giving each other some loving. I'm told the Board of Health prevents them from having her out when food is being served, though.

>93 Chatterbox: I know you were Suzanne! You inspired me -- I wanted to see if they were selling the lion Christmas ornaments, but the library wasn't open when we got there. Sad face.

>94 laytonwoman3rd: and >96 laytonwoman3rd: Hijack away! All pictures outside of libraries (and discussions about them) are explicitly welcome, Linda. I have another one in roughly the same spot from about 30 years ago, too. Will have to dig it out sometime.

>95 lauralkeet: Isn't that the most adorable photo? I love it! All readers should stop by the NYC Library at some point in their lives ...

>97 rosalita: Thanks Julia! It was a whirlwind, to be sure. Major regrets we didn't get to see Jim and Judy, though ...

>98 magicians_nephew: Speaking of which: Hello there Jim! We truly did miss seeing you both. On the train ride home, John and I talked about needing to make a return visit soon! In the meantime, looking forward to your next visit up here.

Isn't it amazing they can pull off the switch from basketball to hockey so quickly? The basketball game ended about 2:30, and everyone was pretty much cleared out in about a half an hour. The doors opened for the next game at 6:00. Not much time to make such a transformation.

Lovely photos, Marianne! Looks like a fun time.

Great photos of your NYC trip, Marianne!

My office mate, who is from Flint and received undergraduate and medical school degrees from Michigan, says the same thing about Michiganders. Most of her family and closest friends went to Michigan State, and she and they are having near constant battles on Facebook about the schools during football and basketball season, although they are always good natured.

>104 Crazymamie: We had a great time, Mamie. Very hard to come back and fall into the old routine.

>105 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl! Your office mate is from Flint? Would love to hear her take on the water situation there. My step-father was a superintendent with my hometown water department before he retired. I've heard an earful from him. Coming from a water management professional, it was quite eye opening. He has been appalled.

Many of the kids I grew up with in Ypsilanti have family/friends in Flint. They have been coordinating sending up huge truckloads of water to help out. Does my heart good to see people acting so altruistically.

If you get a chance, pop back and let me know what she says.

On tap for tonight: John and I are heading over to an event at WGBH, our local PBS station. It's a preview screening of the upcoming American Experience film, "Murder of a President." It's based on Candace Millard's book, Destiny of a Republic: Murder of a President which tells the story of the assassination of James Garfield. Boston College Professor Heather Cox Richardson will be there to lead the discussion.

Please support your local PBS station!

Sorry to read this obituary of Three star Michelin chef Benoit Violier, who died of an apparent suicide at age 44. A few years back, I read The Perfectionist about Bernard Loiseau, who did the same thing.

Coming on the heels of my early January 2016 read of The Hundred Foot Journey, this is very apropos. The protagonist in that story also had a chef colleague who committed suicide. To stand at the pinnacle of any endeavor or profession surely has its pressures. In haute cuisine, you are only as good as your last dish, last meal. Insane that it carries such tragic consequences. Not a huge fan of "lists" and this is a sad outcome.

>106 michigantrumpet: She is furious about what has happened there, and we've talked about several times this year and last. She hardly ever visits Flint, though, as she is an only child and neither of her parents live there (her mother moved to suburban Atlanta not long before she gave birth to her first child, and her father lives in Boston, where he is (or was) an adminstrator at one of the smaller colleges there, maybe Emerson?). I think she has one elderly great-aunt who still lives there, but that's it. She is dismayed by what Flint has become, and it depresses her to return to her hometown.

>109 kidzdoc: I quite understand your friend and colleague's reaction. My hometown has fallen on some tougher times with the closure of some of the factories. But the same warm spirit I remember from the neighborhood growing up still seems there with the friends who have stayed.

What has happened in Flint is completely infuriating. Bravo for the local pediatrician and the outside experts for finally bringing the house of cards down. If she's feeling particularly bad and in need of some schadenfreude, show her the video of the Ann Arbor townspeople protesting outside Gov. Snyder's new condo.

>79 michigantrumpet: any evening that starts with a cocktail called a Dorothy Parker, is going to go well. Glad you had a ball.

>108 michigantrumpet: I have never been drawn to the stress of retaurant work. It seems insane to me, the constant pressure, the heat, the drama... The opposite of my ideal lifestyle!

>111 LovingLit: True that, Megan! The Dorothy Parker Cocktail calls for: N. Y. Distilling Co. Dorothy Parker Gin, St. Germain, lemon juice, honey and basil.

It definitely had a strong gin taste. My friend asked for one made with vodka and it was milder tasting.

From the Bar Menu:

THE DOROTHY PARKER COCKTAIL
No shortage of bartenders wants to honor Mrs. Parker with a namesake cocktail. Countless recipes have been created and named for her around the globe, from the
Algonquin Hotel to a popular discotheque named Club Dorothy Park in Rio de Janeiro. This one came to life in Brooklyn, created by Allen Katz, General Manager of the
New York Distilling Company, The Portable Dorothy Parker, which he picked up in college, instantly had him hooked.

At their wedding he and his wife exchanged vows and read “Here We Are” to each other. Katz pressed his business partners to launch Dorothy Parker American
Gin as one of the company’s first brands. He created the Dorothy Parker in the Shanty, the little bar next to their Brooklyn distilling operation.

Adapted from Under the Table: A Dorothy Parker Cocktail Guide, by Kevin C. Fitzpatrick. The book, with 75 speakeasy recipes and their history, is available for purchase at The Blue Bar and on dorothy parker.com

The Dorothy Parker Society

helps to keep her memory alive in New York with talks and tours

Waving as I pass through while catching up! Loved the lion!

I'm finally getting caught up here. As a University of Tennessee alum who grew up in Knoxville and has family near Indianapolis and Denver, I am a huge Peyton Manning fan, which means I'm not a fan of Tom Brady. However, I know that Peyton considers him a friend. Any friend of Peyton's, as they say... And Tom Brady is definitely the better-looking of the two.

The fact that Peyton didn't get the Heismann is still a very sore spot in Knoxville, and ESPN is still pretty unpopular with many folks here (even though their Chris Low lives in Knoxville). Nobody holds Charles Woodson responsible for that, though.

I loved Destiny of the Republic and I'm looking forward to watching the documentary. I'll very likely purchase a copy for the library where I work.

>113 magicians_nephew: Thanks for the link Jim! Just checked it out. I think I can spend a lot of time getting lost in those pages.

>114 thornton37814: *waving back* Hi Loti! Hope all's well! Aren't those Lions wonderful? They are named Patience and Fortitude per the NYPL web site.

>115 cbl_tn: Hi there, Carrie. My Mom and Stepdad have retired to Maryville and have become big fans of the Lady Vols. As former Michiganders, they hear an earful about the Wolverines, Tom Brady and Charles Woodson. All in good fun, right? Never had any issue with Peyton, myself. I think some of his commercials are cute. I like that both he and Tom have a good sense of humor about themselves. Good luck to him in the Super Bowl!

The preview of The Death of a President was wonderful. Boston College History Professor Heather Cox Richardson was engaging and enthusiastic. She managed to make some connections between the politics and financial times of the late 1800's and today which were pretty interesting.

A interesting little tidbit: The assassin, Charles Giteau's lawyers were pushing for a finding of insanity, which would have saved him from the noose,although not a lifetime in prison. Giteau's ex-wife testified against him that, although he abused her horribly, he was 100% sane. He swung. Hell hath no fury ....

Another one from the ALA Conference Haul. Just issued yesterday 2/2/2016

9. The Photographer's Wife by Suzanne Joinson
3.5 Stars



This novel, by the author of "A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar", moves between 1920 Jerusalem and 1940's England. In the first sections, we find eleven year old Prue, reunited with her father, Charles Ashton. A diplomat and architect, Ashton is posted in the Holy City during a politically difficult time in British rule over the region. Citizens of the world seem drawn there, and the resident Arabic community is feeling displaced and abused. Prue is pulled into the perilous times, without understanding much of her own complicity or involvement. Some twenty years later, an employee of her father's resurfaces, resurrecting long suppressed memories. Does he also bring with him some of the same danger as before?

I wish I had a better understanding of the politics of the time and region. It wasn't particularly clear in this reading beyond "British overlords are bad." Neither adolescent Prue nor adult Prue were successful protagonists for me. While the alternating story lines kept me drawn into the mystery of what exactly happened to them in 1920, I just couldn't connect with any of the characters. However, Joinson's descriptive abilities go far in compensation.

>96 laytonwoman3rd: No, the scary thing about that photo is that you are only one year older in it than I am now.

...I have some kind of intense desire to recreate this photo now.

Oh, I'm so glad to see you giving Brown Girl Dreaming five stars. I absolutely loved it, too.

>107 michigantrumpet: Katie said the adaptation was quite good. I need to see if our DVR recorded it and, if not, check out when our PBS station is next playing this "American Experience." In general, that is an excellent series and I wholeheartedly agree that it's worthwhile to support one's local PBS station!

>115 cbl_tn: Oh, Maryville is local for me! And they're practically neighbors of Pat Summitt!

I didn't want to stay up long enough last night to watch the show on PBS. It should be available through the cable company's On Demand service so I'll set aside time to watch it this weekend.

Oh dear, I'm so far behind, Marianne. I hope doing better from now on. I wish you a lovely day.

Thanks for sharing the photos of New York! I loved hearing about the Algonquin Hotel. I don't really have a bucket list but if I did...

I have various sentimental ties to the Algonquin that make it hard to revisit these days; too many memories. But a cherished possession is a paperweight that doubles as a snowglobe. The image inside is of the Algonquin's cat and her domain... :-)

I clearly will have to acquire a library lion ornament for you later this month, won't I?? Ho hum. The lovely folks at Albertine, the French-language bookstore, have just e-mailed to tell me that my order is ready to be picked up.

I watched Murder of a President last night and thought it very well done. I liked the book but didn't think it was the best narrative non-fiction book I had read last year. I think it tried to hard to be chatty and seemed disjointed. I did think that it did a great job of highlighting the fight between Garfield and Conklin. Politics back then was just as nasty as it is now.

>118 lycomayflower: Hello there Laura and Welcome! Apparently this is something all mothers and daughters do. I think the exact same thing when I look at old photos with my Mother and Grandmother.

If you ever do go to recreate this photo, please, PLEASE come back and post it here! I would LOVE that!

>119 EBT1002: Hi Ellen! Can't believe I hadn't read Brown Girl Dreaming before this!

HUGE fan of American Experience. One of the consistently excellent programs out there. I really enjoyed the program "Murder of a President."

We are presently supporting THREE PBS stations -- Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. It's that important!

>120 cbl_tn: Next time I go to Maryville for a visit, I'll have to set up an LT Meet Up! Didn't realize it was so close to you! My folks have been devastated by the news of Ms. Summit's health issues. What a competitor.

>121 Ameise1: No pressure. Just hope in wherever you can. We're always delighted to have you stop by, Barbara!

>122 witchyrichy: Delighted to see you back, Karen! Our stay at the Algonquin may have been more exciting than the Michigan basketball and football games. And that's saying something from someone with the Username MichiganTrumpet!

>123 Chatterbox: Oooh! I would love to see the paperweight! Matilda still lives! (although I think there was another name for the tom cats ...) I can see that you would love that.

If you happen to be near the NYPL at a time when they are open and just happen to stop through at the shop and a lion ornament just happens to fall into a shopping bag ... well, I guess it was just meant to be!

Just packaged up your second box of books. Barring some catastrophe, should be going into the mail to you on Saturday.

>124 benitastrnad: Interesting insight, Benita! I love hearing from people who have also "read the book."

'...I did think that it did a great job of highlighting the fight between Garfield and Conklin."

The PBS program really makes Conkling out to be a true bastard. Apparently not completely so, based upon this tidbit from my reading from The Black Calhouns about Blanche Kelso Bruce, the first black man elected to the US Congress in 1876:

"When Bruce took his seat on the Senate, the senir white senator from Mississippi, James Alcorn, refused to escort the newly elected junior senator down the aisle, contrary to established custom. As Bruce, embarrassed, started to walk down the aisle alone. Senator Roscoe Conkling, the powerful Republican "boss" of New York, instantly stepped in to escort him."

Bruce was reportedly so grateful, he named one of his sons Roscoe Conking Bruce.
So Conkling had that going for him,

"...Politics back then was just as nasty as it is now."

So true, Benita, so true. Came across this 90 year-old quote which seems rather apropos:

“No one in this world, so far as I know—and I have researched the records for years, and employed agents to help me—has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people. Nor has anyone ever lost public office thereby.” H.L. Mencken, “Notes on Journalism”, Chicago “Tribune”, Sept. 19, 1926

>127 michigantrumpet: A venerable quotation, and sadly, so true that it's still frequently cited, and practiced. As we can witness to this day...

BRUUUCE

Great seats!

>125 michigantrumpet: "We are presently supporting THREE PBS stations..."
Careful, you'll get your name on the short list as they introduce American Experience or Masterpiece.... :-)

>129 michigantrumpet: That would be great if you could squeeze in a meetup on a family visit!

>129 michigantrumpet: I second >132 cbl_tn:.

Hope you are having a great time, at the Springsteen show, Marianne. Is this part of The River tour?

I have not seen him since the Tunnel of Love tour. Sighs...

Oh, OK, gloat about it, why dontcha...

>127 michigantrumpet: I thought Bruce in this post was Bruce Springsteen....
*confusing for a sec*
:)

Oh, you were so close to Bruce! Was he good?

>131 EBT1002: Careful, you'll get your name on the short list as they introduce American Experience or Masterpiece.... :-)
Wouldn't it be great if Marianne replaced Darlene Shiley? We could use a fresh face on those "made possible by..." spots.

>134 michigantrumpet: Green with envy, I am. Between this and your FB posts it looks like a fantastic concert.

Are you getting lots of snow today? I saw the forecast last night on some of my Boston area friends' Facebook pages (repeatedly).

Fun to see the Springsteen photos, Marianne. Looking forward to hearing about the concert.

>129 michigantrumpet: , >134 michigantrumpet: BRUCE!!!! You really are sorta rubbin' it in. But I would, myself.

Happy reading this weekend!

April 5 can't get here soon enough!

Set list from last night. Includes Tour Premiere of "Roulette"

Setlist:
Meet Me in the City
The Ties That Bind
Sherry Darling
Jackson Cage
Two Hearts
Independence Day
Hungry Heart
Out in the Street
Crush On You
You Can Look (But You Better Not Touch)
I Wanna Marry You
The River
Point Blank
Cadillac Ranch
I'm a Rocker
Fade Away
Stolen Car
Ramrod
The Price You Pay
Drive All Night
Wreck on the Highway
Roulette
Prove It All Night
She's the One
Candy's Room
Because the Night
Human Touch
The Rising
Thunder Road
* * *
Badlands
Born to Run
Dancing in the Dark
Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)
Shout

>145 michigantrumpet: Wow. Just, wow.

>145 michigantrumpet:, >146 lauralkeet: Ditto

Wow! It looks like a great show.

>128 Chatterbox: Suzanne -- As you said, sadly, some things are timeless. I came across the quotation many years ago, and found it again going through some old things. Well worth repeating.

>131 EBT1002: and >139 lauralkeet: There would be much worse things than to have the wherewithal to contribute as much as Ms. Shiley. If only I could! She is an inspiration. Given the dreck on so many other outlets, I am happy to do what I can to support PBS -- the home of QUALITY television.

>132 cbl_tn: and >133 thornton37814: Carrie and Lori -- I had a visit there not too long ago. I know I will definitely be there for a graduation in Spring 2017, if not sooner. Where is Morristown in relation to Maryville? Would LOVE a Meet up!!!

>137 LovingLit: Ha! That is funny Megan! I went back to read it and can see the possible confusion. My life is full of Bruces this week, eh? To make it MORE confusing, I'm drinking some David Bruce Vineyard wine!!

>140 thornton37814: Yes, this has been the *first* snow storm of any accumulation in the Boston area for the season. (As Suzanne and Charlotte can attest, the regions towards Cape Cod and Providence already caught some of that mega-storm that hit NY a couple weekends ago.) Seeing as the temps were in the 50's (!) this past week, we really can't complain. It is New England, after all. We're supposed to get snow.

Somehow knowing it was going to happen sometime didn't make the slow commute any easier this morning.

>143 tapestry100: Thanks David! Love that graphic!!! You, too!

^^I think you missed me up there, Marianne but I am not to upset. That is a Killer Set-List! I LOVE The River!!!

>135 msf59: >136 Chatterbox: >138 DianaNL: >141 jnwelch: > 142 >144 rosalita: >146 lauralkeet: >147 jnwelch: >148 BLBera: Thanks Mark, Suzanne, Diana, Linda, Julia, Laura, Joe and Beth!

First -- Does anyone know how to import a .gif? I tried and apparently I don't know the proper html coding to pull it off. I have a little snippet of Rosalita that I taped especially for Julia as it is her username.

Wowza! What a great concert! Bruce and the E Street Band played 34 songs in total for THREE hours and TWENTY minutes without a break. We were completely wrung out (and yet still energized) by the end.

Our tickets were in the lower loge, but way on the side. Happily they were not obstructed as we had feared. You can see we were pretty close to the action. I keep telling everyone our tickets were on the "Clarence side". Dear Clarence Clemons (God rest his soul) used to always play from the one side. Of course, he isn't there anymore, but people who have gone to many Springsteen concerts know exactly what that means. (It's a bit like getting directions in Maine: Go up to where Mr. Brown's barn *used* to be and take a left ...)

Nice mix of songs. At several points, Bruce went out to this platform in the middle of the floor to play. At one point he jumped into the crowd, who held him up and passed him back to the stage.

Also endearing was bringing a little 10ish year old girl up onto the stage to twirl with him during Dancing in the Dark.

I know tons of people dotted throughout the arena. Apparently the Mass. Governor had tickets in the pit. (He's a very tall guy, so feel sorry for the people standing behind him!) We learned later Chris Christie took an evening off from campaigning in NH to come to the concert. (I'm sure they're bragging to all their friends that they were at the same concert as Marianne ...)

This was my 26th Bruce concert and my husband's 61st. Now John wants to follow him around the country. Detroit just went on sale today. We didn't get tickets, but there's always StubHub...

Julia -- You are going to have the BEST time! I can't wait to hear what you think!!

ETA -- Didn't get home until 12:30, then had to get up, clear the driveway and get on the road early for a 9:00 court appearance. UGH! Couldn't get the other side to continue it. I knew I wouldn't get in trouble if I was late, though -- the Senior Judge was a few rows away! :-D

>151 msf59: Now who could miss you, Mark? Just was typing up the recap including you when you chimed in!!!

You are SOOO right! The RIVER is a great album! Interestingly, John's FIRST Bruce concert was October 1980 during the original River tour. We pulled up the set list recently. Bruce started with Born to Run, but forgot(!) the words part way through and had to rely on the crowd singing before he could get back in again.

Bruce also played Thunder Road twice in that old 1980 concert: Once during the regular set and again in encore when he pulled Bob Seger up onto stage and Seger asked if they could do it AGAIN!

Marianne, you have convinced me to try to get to see Bruce in concert. What a great mix of songs. Lots of Bruce fans out there from all the political spectrum -- maybe he should run for President. ;)

>150 michigantrumpet: From the photos I've seen, it looks like a "pretty" snow.

>154 BLBera: Well, Beth, Springsteen certainly seems to have a widespread appeal. However, he is decidedly liberal in philosophy and politics. At every concert I've attended, he always makes a pitch to have people support a local charity, who are collecting in the hallways. In Boston, it's always the Greater Boston Food Bank. He actively campaigned for Obama, and has turned down requests to perform for Christie, even though he is from NJ. Many of his songs speak from a blue collar perspective. We have zero problem, but I know some people who won't go to see him because of his politics. Personally, I'd never go to see Ted Nugent for reasons that would include his politics, so I guess I understand. The tickets are expensive, so if the politics would put you off, don't go. On the other hand, he and the band put on a great show and absolutely ROCK!

>155 thornton37814: Lori - it's gorgeous! Hoping to take some pictures tomorrow!

The politics very definitely would not put me off, Marianne. I had more or less given up the idea because of the huge venues and the ticket prices; it sounds like it's worth it, though.

I've gone to a number of musical concerts at Wrigley Field and we noticed that Springsteen's tickets were far cheaper for comparable seats. At the time, someone said that's done on purpose.

Other concerts at Wrigley have included Paul McCartney, Elton John/Billy Joel, Jimmy Buffett (I didn't go but bought tickets for a diehard fan/friend).

Have you found that to be the case?

OK, I'm thinking I need to sell some assets and get a ticket to the Dallas show off StubHub...

Thanks for sharing all the concert impression here and on FB, Marianne. Happy weekend.

>158 BLBera: >159 lindapanzo: Beth and Linda: for about ten to fifteen years Springsteen tickets were a out $100. We all had a bit of sticker shock when he finally raised the top price this time to $150 face. However, McCartney, the Eagles, Elton John, et al have been charging in excess of $200 for years. When you consider that some of them barely play for 2 hours once you count in an intermission, Springsteen still seems a (comparative) deal clocking in over three hours!

>160 katiekrug: I'm sure Julia would love the company!

>161 Ameise1: hello Barbara! What a cute picture! Happy weekend!

Some pictures taken during my walk today-

My backyard:

>160 katiekrug: Oh sure, NOW you want to go! I tried to talk you into it before tickets went on sale and you were all 'meh, never mind'. *smh*

The lake nearby-

>164 rosalita: Ha! Better late than never, Julia!

>166 michigantrumpet: Oh, I'd be happy to have her come along but she'll have to scrounge for her own dang tickets now! :-)

Gorgeous snow pictures. Just more rain here!

OK...maybe I do have a bucket list and Bruce is definitely on it! I read his biography a year or two ago and was so impressed with his down to earth approach to life. I remember one passage that depicted him sitting at the kitchen table eating cereal.

My husband and I don't have cable so we really rely on PBS. We can get up to three stations depending on what direction we point the antenna. I appreciate that they have multiple stations and really like Create TV with cooking and travel. Plus, I'm a big fan of Well Read that we see on Sunday mornings.

>164 rosalita: - I know, I know. I'm smh'ing at myself... There are lots available on StubHub.... And some under $100, but those are in the top tier of the American Airlines Center and behind the stage :-/

Let me know what section you're in so I can check if any are available near by. Pretty please?

>170 katiekrug: Have you forgotten? I put that info on your thread, Miss KAK. :-)

Gah! My memory is like a sieve... I shall go retrieve the information :)

The Bruce concert sounds wonderful. I have a friend who has seen him in concert more than 50 times. I can't help with importing a .gif but I am kind of interested in seeing the video of Rosalita. (Maybe you just posted it on Julia's thread. I'll go look.)

Your backyard and the woods and lake where you walked look lovely, too!

>167 rosalita: You snooze, you lose, right, Julia?

>168 charl08: hello Charlotte! The first real snow of the season is always pretty. The fifth and sixth, not so much. As my husband says, you don't have to shovel rain!

>169 witchyrichy: that was a great biography, Karen. I remember that bit about the kitchen table. I appreciate people who, despite their success haven't forgotten how far they've come!

You're so lucky to have all those PBS channels! We've got three. Love them all!

>170 katiekrug: and >171 rosalita: You two crack me up! Can't wait to hear how the concert goes!

>172 katiekrug: Hi Ellen! This snow storm was just so pretty. Tons of great pictures making the rounds on FB with my friends.

Speaking of which, the gif of Rosalita is somewhere on my FB page. I think you an find it if you scroll down.

Crisis!!!!

The folks hosting the Super Bowl party called. They lost cable with the storm and it's still not restored. Sooo...

15 people coming to our house instead. Wowza!

Have a great evening all! Can't wait to hear what you thought of the game, halftime commercials!



Do you think they'll mind when I switch the TV over at 9:00?

>152 michigantrumpet: your how many'th Bruce concert, and your husbands.....
*faints*
;)
You guys are fans that's for sure, and what fun to take the rest of the year off and follow him around in concert! Life's too short to not get passionate about....something.

^lol! The DA meme....excellent.

I do hope you could sneak upstairs for your DA fix??

this last snowfall was so particularly gorgeous. Something about the way the snow fell and stuck. And I don't know if you got that wonderful alpenglow sunset that we did just as the storm was clearing out, but omigod -- spectacular. Wondrous. I posted some pics on my thread and on FB too. Some I took and some by a friend.

>177 LovingLit: Well there's a BIG difference between *wanting*to follow Springsteen for the rest of the year and actually *doing* it. I suspect that he'd never get clearance from the Mortgage paying committee (me!)

>178 Chatterbox: Nope, no Downton Sunday night for me. Managed to catch it yesterday during our enforced snow day. Governor Baker helpfully closed all state offices and courts in Eastern Massachusetts, allowing me the chance to get caught up!

So crisis survived! If I can't throw a Super Bowl party for 15 people, nobody can! A resounding success.

Actually, everyone was helpful, brought in lots of food. I even had help cleaning up the kitchen before the end of the game.

Decided to use the group as guinea pigs for a recipe out of a cookbook we got at the ALA Conference: Prohibition Bakery. It's all alcoholic cupcakes based on classic cocktails.

We chose the Amaretto Sour ones (lemon cake, amaretto jelly filling, meringue topping. Will try to upload some pictures! Made a double batch for a total of 8 dozen. Only one dozen left at the end! People loved them!

Those cakes sound gorgeous. Thanks again for the Elizabeth Bishop recommendation.

>181 charl08: Thanks Charlotte! I posted some additional information on Muse: A Novel on your thread.

For those of you not completely bored by the Bruce Springsteen talk, I point you to this link for a VERY fun story about what happened at the Monday Albany concert. scroll down slightly to the bit about the guy in the checked shirt.

http://www.backstreets.com/news.html

My husband could have been that guy.

Totally jealous of you! Love the set list for Bruce and the story about the checkered shirt guy. LOL. Glad you enjoyed your snow day. Life is good, huh?! : )

>183 Berly: Life is VERY good, Kim! I try to be very grateful for my blessings, which are many. (although we could have done without the snow blowing back onto the driveway after we'd shoveled it out hours before... But who's complaining?)

Be nice Mr. Wind!

>182 michigantrumpet: Great story about the guy in the checkered shirt!

>180 michigantrumpet: "It's all alcoholic cupcakes based on classic cocktails." I must have this book. I don't even make cupcakes. Still...

>180 michigantrumpet: "alcoholic cupcakes"... My brain is up to its normal 'clever' levels: at first glance at this phrase, my thoughts went to, "Oh, those poor cupcakes - I wonder if they have meetings..." No, really, that happened in all seriousness...

Wow! Your thread moves fast, Marianne! What a lot of snow, but beautiful pictures. We had a very nice sunny day yesterday, about 56 F. Today it is supposed to rain though.

>58 michigantrumpet: I'm way behind on your thread. I note your regret at not meeting Jim and Judy. They are a lovely, lovely couple. I am quite fond of both of them. Be prepared for lots of great conversations and laughter...lots of fun!

>185 Berly: Cute, Kim! Mr. wind must have taken a 'chill pill.' Much less intensity but much colder!

>186 cbl_tn: Wasn't that a fun story, Carrie? I've been sharing it with all our Springsteen friends.

>187 laytonwoman3rd: We saw them do a demo at the ALA Midwinter Conference, Linda. They were so engaging and the mini cupcakes were so fun, we immediately hopped in line to get one of their books!

>188 scaifea: Ha! Good one, Amber! Please eat responsibly!

>189 vancouverdeb: Oh, Deb - 56 F sounds heavenly! We're supposed to be heading into arctic below freezing temps by the weekend!

>190 Whisper1: Aren't Jim and Judy the loveliest people? We've met up with them several times. You can understand why we were so devastated not to pull off another meet up this last trip to NYC!

10. Prohibition Bakery by Leslie Feinberg and Brooke Siem
4 Stars



Two friends (one a bartender, the other a classically trained chef) saw a niche for cocktail inspired cupcakes. What started as a fun distraction for themselves and their friends, soon blossomed into the 2011 opening of the Prohibition Bakery in NYC's lower East side. Instantly popular with in-the-know Manhattanite foodies, the bakery has been featured in magazines and on TV. Those unable to travel to New York can now recreate their lovely delicacies, using the newly published 'Prohibition Bakery Cookbook.'

After dispensing some basics, the fifty recipes are organized by alcohol type -- vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, tequila, wine, beer/cider and liqueur. Each mini-cupcake is a one or two bite morsel of boozy goodness, with a filling or frosting somehow infused with some type of alcohol. For instance, the Piña Colada has a pineapple flavored cake, with a dark rum flavored coconut filling, pineapple frosting and toasted coconut sprinkled on top. The Old Fashioned has an orangey cake, bourbon/cherry jelly filling, bourbon/bitters frosting, all garnished with a bourbon soaked cherry.

Our recent Super Bowl party featured my attempt at the Amaretto Sour: lemony cake, filled with amaretto jelly complete with a meringue frosting on top. The recipe allegedly made 60 mini-cupcakes, but the best we could squeeze out was 48 per batch, which we doubled. They were a HUGE hit with our guests. Just the perfect size to indulge with one or two cupcakes without feeling over-stuffed. One could definitely taste the alcohol, but it wasn't overpowering. Of 8 dozen cupcakes, we only had a dozen left by the end of the night.

For each recipe, there are multiple steps required, so a day or two might be in order. The amaretto jelly had to be made a day in advance. It is helpful (but not necessary) to have the proper tools, such as a stand mixer, a plastic squeeze bottle, piping bags and a kitchen blowtorch. However, none of the individual steps were particularly difficult. It was fun to be so creative, and the final product looked similar to the picture in the book. Each recipe comes with a picture as a guide. One complaint is that the cookbook is smallish: a mere 8 3/4" x 6 1/4". This means the recipes are spread over several pages, requiring a ton of flipping back and forth. I was unable to use my favorite cookbook stand.

Overall, this book is appropriate for all but the most novice of bakers. Adult bakers will have fun with the different cocktail ideas -- to the delight of their friends and neighbors. Please eat responsibly!

My efforts are on top. The cookbook below

>179 michigantrumpet: Dear Mortgage Paying Committee,
I hereby request that you and your charge be having a yard sale, a lemonade stand, and working some overtime, to take a year (or so) off so that you can follow the Boss. He is, after all, the Boss.
Regards,
Mortgage Advisory Panel

Eta: not looking at those cupcakes, they make me think about having to go to the gym. Boy, they look good, and you certainly nailed it with your rendition!

>195 LovingLit: Ha! Good one, Megan! They are VERY small mini-cupcakes. This (*bringing index finger and thumb together*) small! No calories at all!

Having some problems with touchstones today. Can someone refresh my recollection as to how to force a touchstone?

>196 michigantrumpet: it's not you. Touchstones are fubar today. The LT team is working on it. Here's a thread with explanation:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/218985

>197 lauralkeet: Thanks for the info, Laura! I always assume it's something I've done wrong ...

>197 lauralkeet: I knew the touchstones weren't working! And *snerk* "fubar"----haven't seen or heard that one in a while. You been hangin' with some military types?

>199 laytonwoman3rd: LOL, yeah me and those military types, we hang out all the time. I dunno, for some reason that term was in my collegiate vernacular and still creeps in once in a while. I thought it fitting considering the day has been entirely bereft of touchstones indicating a serious snafu of some sort.

(see what I did there?!!)

>199 laytonwoman3rd: *tee hee* fubar!

>200 lauralkeet: Snafu! Laura said SNAFU!

>201 michigantrumpet: I KNOW!! I think Laura was actually IN the military at one time, and just doesn't want people making a big fuss about it.

Great work with the cupcakes, Marianne!

>202 laytonwoman3rd: ummm .... NO. :)

Have a happy weekend.

>202 laytonwoman3rd: and >204 lauralkeet: You two are cracking me up! I believe that SNAFU and FUBAR are part of the general vernacular at this point. They'd have to be for me to know them!

>203 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deb! They not only looked good, but tasted good, too! Didn't have too many left over at the end of the party.

>205 DianaNL: Just love that doggy smile! Happy weekend to you, too!

Another one from the ALA ARC haul:

11. The Black Calhouns: From Civil War to Civil Rights With One African American Family by Gail Lumet Buckley
4 stars



W.E. B. Dubois labeled families such as the Calhouns the “Talented Tenth”: well educated, erudite and successful leaders poised to use their knowledge and position to uplift the other 90 percent of their race. Gail Lumet Buckley uses her deeply involved family as a prism through which we see the African American experience during the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Great Migration, and the struggles for Civil Rights. In “The Black Calhouns”, Buckley traces family history back through her famous mother, singer Lena Horne, through the upper echelons of black New York society, all the way back to the family patriarch, Moses Calhoun. Moses was a favored house slave of the famed Calhoun political family. The end of the Civil War found Moses flourishing with entrepreneurial flair in multiple businesses. Moses rose to the top of Atlanta’s black community. He saw to it that his daughters and niece were well educated and went to college. There, W. E. B. Dubois had his heart broken by the beautiful Cora Calhoun, who chose Edwin Horne, instead. The young couple soon relocated to New York City, becoming heavily involved in politics (for him) and social causes (for her.) Their son, Teddy, Jr., and his wife Edna, were more entranced by a fast life in entertainment and the gambling trade. Their daughter Lena was a perfect combination of her grandparents’ idealism and social commitment and her parents’ love of the stage and music.

Buckley rightly can be proud of her family’s role in forming the New York chapter of the NAACP, various civic groups, newspapers and more. However, it is when Buckley describes her mother and the world she inhabited, that the book becomes more personal with a greater immediacy. Buckley’s skill as a historian is established through her work with PBS’ American Masters, and her prior two books: “The Hornes: An American Family” (1987) and “American Patriots: The Story of Blacks in the Military From the Revolution to Desert Storm” (2002). “The Black Calhouns” is very similar in structure and content to the almost 30 year old “The Hornes.” Some who remember and enjoyed that book might find the newer one repetitive. Those who loved Lena Horne for her beauty, talent, and commitment to civil rights and social justice, will be entranced by this examination of her life and those of her forebears.

Wow! THe Black Calhouns sounds wonderful, Marianne. How great is it that you not only got a huge haul of books, but good ones!

>208 BLBera: Thanks Beth. Black Calhouns just came out February 6th.

I've made a dent in the ALA books: Also finished Keep Moving: And Other Tips and Truths about Aging by Dick Van Dyke, The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin, and Splinter the Silence by Val McDermid.

Some pretty diverse reading, but all enjoyable in their own way. Hope I'll get the reviews done over the next day or so.

Up for the weekend: Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhorn. I loved her The Wife, the Maid and the Mistress. Looking forward to this one. Also Chris Bohjalian's The Guest Room. That should keep me hopping!

Happy Friday, Marianne! Good review of The Black Calhouns. Sounds like a winner. I love seeing all these ALA books on here. I've been hearing good things about The Swans of Fifth Avenue. I also really enjoyed The Wife, the Maid and the Mistress and I did not realize she had a new one out.

>207 michigantrumpet: This does sound lovely (and will send me scurrying for some Lena Horne online).

I just saw this and thought I'd better check you knew(!)

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/feb/11/bruce-springsteen-autobiography-bor...

>207 michigantrumpet: My mum was a fan of Lena Horne and we both loved Dean Martin's easy liquid vocals.

Here is the two of them doing "The Two of Us" - lovely

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6LBXawb8Bw

Have a great weekend, Marianne

>207 michigantrumpet: This is a book I know I would enjoy. Thanks for your excellent review.

Just catching up here and wishing you

Great review of The Black Calhouns, Marianne. I bought a somewhat similar book last week, Negroland: A Memoir by Margo Jefferson, which was chosen as a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for Autobiography; I'll read it soon,

Happy Valentine's Day, Marianne!

>210 msf59: Mark, quite enjoyed The Swans of Fifth Avenue. So far, the new Lawhorn is a winner as well! The ALA haul has been full of good reads. Six read so far!

>211 charl08: Wowza! Thanks for sharing, Charlotte, about the Springsteen autobiography. I've read a couple unauthorized biographies, as well as Clarence Clemons' book. There had been rumors Bruce was working on this, but they died out a while ago! The September release will make it a perfect birthday or Thingaversary gift! (Doesn't hurt to plan ahead!)

>212 PaulCranswick: what a great video, Paul! Isn't she beautiful? What a voice!

>213 Whisper1: We aim to please, Linda! However, if you've read her earlier book about the Horne side of the family, skip this one. Very similar.

>214 Berly: Just lovely, Kim. Hope you're doing something special to enjoy the day!

>215 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl! That Margo Jefferson book also sounds fab! Can't wait to hear what you think!

The Black Calhouns has quite a bit about the Fisk University Singers. In one of those examples of the Universe following along with one's reading, guess who is coming to Symphony Hall for a concert this month?! Wish I didn't have a conflict! Would love to go!

>216 Crazymamie: Ha! I love that Mamie!

A cold blustery day! Sub-zero temps with a wind chill putting it at -29 F. Best way to spend the day:



Edited to add: Katie - the wine will be poured soon!

>207 michigantrumpet: The Hornes: An American Family
BB. Since The Black Calhouns was already on the WL and isn't yet available in paperback.

>219 michigantrumpet: Very cozy picture!

Wishing you a great start into the new week, Marianne.

Okay, I think I am now caught up - Tom Brady, NYC, Springsteen, prohibition cupcakes, cold weather, lots of great reading - Yup, all caught up. ;-)

>219 michigantrumpet: So cozy! We snuggle up to our wood burning stove as well and read the day away! I made chocolate glazed buttermilk donuts, too.

>219 michigantrumpet: I LOVE your cozy reading spot, Marianne! Perfect...

>219 michigantrumpet: - Lovely spot! And I'm glad you weren't forsaking the wine ;-)

I've been missing a lot of action over here, but all caught up now. Your snow is gorgeous, Marianne, but you can keep it along with those cold temps. I've been luvin all the love for Bruce! If he goes to Kansas City, I'll have to make an effort to see him. My DH is a bigger fan than me so it would be a fun date. Those cupcakes are pretty…and they must have been tasty. Eight dozen?? That's a lot of cupcakes!

>220 qebo: Katherine, I would recommend either The Hornes or The Black Calhouns. You may not want to read both because they cover much the same ground. Just as a heads up.

>221 Oberon: Thanks, Erik! It was very cozy! We hardly moved all day!

>222 Ameise1: Thanks so much Barbara. It was a hectic week. In court a lot this time and lots of paperwork awaiting me when I got back to the office.

>223 lkernagh: Nice to have the past six weeks so neatly summarized, Lori. Looks like I've been busy. Thanks for stopping by. I suspect we'll both be curious as to what the NEXT six weeks brings us!

>224 witchyrichy: You have me salivating in jealous ardor! A wood burning stove AND home-made chocolate glazed doughnuts? You live the life of the blessed my friend!

>225 msf59: Thanks Mark! It was the perfect day -- except for having repeatedly to get up to feed the fire. I'm not complaining though. John was the one to actually go outside to replenish from the wood pile. I just fed the logs into the fireplace.

>226 katiekrug: Oh, Katie! We had a nice little zin to keep us happily burbling along. You should have been there to join us!

>227 Donna828: All told, we can't complain about the winter so far. I hope I'm not going to bring down the wrath of the weather gods to say it's been a pretty mild winter. We've still time for it to turn nasty, though. Do go to see Bruce Springsteen if you get the chance.

Oh, and don't be too impressed by the number of cupcakes. They were the mini-two-bites-and-they're-gone variety.

>228 DianaNL: Thanks Diana! I'm looking forward to the weekend. Should be a fun one!

It's been a while since I caught up with you. Yay for loving Brown Girl Dreaming. I listened to that on audio (because I think of verse as an oral format) and adored it.

The Black Calhouns sounds good.

>232 SuziQoregon: Well Thank you, Juli! I think I would have enjoyed listening to the audio of Born Girl Dreaming.

12. The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin
4.5 Stars



Melanie Benjamin's imaginative take on Truman Capote's love-and-then-hate relationship with NYC's premier Ladies Who Lunch. Truman Capote climbed to the pinnacle of Society's creme de la creme: he flew on their jets, stayed at their island retreats and aboard their yachts, and regaled them at delightful luncheons at the exclusive La Cote Basque. Invitations to his Black and White Ball were highly sought and much anticipated. The women, such as Babe Paley, Marella Agnelli, Slim Keith, Gloria Guinness and Pamela Harriman, were beguiled by his fey, campy humor and dishy chat. The men liked him because their women liked him, he was a successful author, and charming in a non-threatening way. The one he loved most of all was Babe. She topped the Best-Dressed lists, and maintained multiple glittering homes. Said Capote: "Babe Paley had only one fault. She was perfect. Otherwise, she was perfect."

All this was to come famously to an abrupt end. A chapter of Capote's latest book, "Unanswered Prayers" was published in Esquire magazine revealing the dirty secrets of all his thinly disguised "Swans". Horrified at this breach of intimacy and shared confidences, the socialites never spoke to him again. Losing Babe especially broke his heart. Capote never recovered.

Author of ""The Aviator's Wife" (Anne Morrow Lindbergh), "Alice I have Been" (Alice Liddell) and "The Adventures of Mrs. Tom Thumb", Melanie Benjamin has a great eye for the telling detail. Her writing here immediately evokes the milieu of the rich and privileged, from the penthouses, jets and parties to the limousines, shops and bitchy gossip. By Benjamin's telling, the wages of such luxuries are ongoing insecurity over looks, status and maintaining the interest of one's husband. Benjamin is no less demanding of Capote, at once capturing his enormous charisma as well as his incredibly self-destructive downward spiral.

Capote's "In Cold Blood" is read and taught in high schools everywhere. Capote was rightly proud of his 'invention' of the non-fiction novel genre by which he tells of an Iowa family's murder, and their killers' eventual capture, trial and execution. In the decades since, released documents show how much liberty he actually took in bringing the story to life. It is perhaps fitting that Benjamin turns the laser focus of the genre onto Capote himself in recreated and imagined conversations and emotions.

A fast campy read by a Non-fiction Novelist who is just hitting her stride.

13. Keep Moving: and Other Tips and Truths About Aging by Dick Van Dyke
4 Stars



Actor and perennial song-and-dance man, Dick Van Dyke, looks back on his 89 years to reminisce and dispense homespun tips for aging. Written in an easy vernacular, you can almost hear his voice and picture in your mind him leaning into the microphone to chat away. Van Dyke attributes his longevity to physical activity -- Keep Moving! -- and continued engagement in life. This includes a late marriage to a woman decades his junior. His energy, warmth, good humor and memories of Carl Reiner, Mary, Tyler Moore, filming Disney classics and more are a delight. You will find yourself drawn in by his non-nonsense but generous view of life.

Two more winners from the ALA Book Haul!

Coming up this weekend:

Tonight I join a bunch of colleagues for our quarterly Hen Party. He are heading to a Paint Bar to try our hand at painting, gossiping and drinking wine. Stay tuned to find out if I find my inner Rembrandt (or more likely an unintentional Pollack or Rothko)!

Saturday is Day 1 of the Best Picture Showcase, wherein I watch back-to-back showings of all eight Best Picture Academy Award nominated films. This weekend is "Bridge of Spies", "Room", "Mad Max", and "The Big Short". With the exception of Room, I haven't read any of the books and haven't seen any of the films.

So what do you think? Have you read any of the books? Any thoughts on how they compare with the movies? Loved the movie? Hated the movie?

Looking back, I see that of the 15 books red to date, 8 have come from my ALA Conference Haul. Generally a pretty good collection so far.

Thanks Benita for arranging for us to go and Suzanne and Caroline for the good company.

Still working on Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhorn, a fictionalized account of the Hindenburg's last voyage. Also, The Meursault Investigation by Kamel Daoud, a retelling of Albert Camus' The Stranger from the perspective of the unnamed murdered Arab. Both came from the ALA Haul as well and both are turning out to be quite good. For some reason, I ended up starting The Little Paris Bookshop on Audio.

Happy Friday, Marianne! Excellent review of The Swans of Fifth Avenue. It is on the List!

I listened to Dick Van Dyke's first memoir, narrated by him and loved it. This one sounds interesting too.

I loved The Revenant - gorgeous scenery. The Martian was gripping too.

Haven't seen the others (but would like to, especially Spotlight and Brooklyn).

What a great idea to watch all the films in one go so you can compare them. I'm hoping to see the documentary about the life of Mavis Staples (Mavis!) soon.

On your books to films question: I thought The Martian & Room were excellent adaptations. the Revenant is a good film but a flawed adaptation. I also have mixed feelings about The Big Short, although I loved the book.

>238 msf59: Thanks Mark! I really enjoyed The Swans of Fifth Avenue. I also listened to Van Dyke's earlier memoir and was charmed by it. Just was able to find a clip of him reading Keep Moving and he is every bit as good there. Perhaps a little less of the reminisces of old show biz here, but still engaging.

>239 charl08: Charlotte, I've heard that The Revenant needs to be seen on the big screen. A friend says that nature is as much a character as Leonardo.

>240 msf59: I am definitely looking forward to Room as I was a big warbler for the book. I thought her ability to write in Jack's voice was incredible. I'm very interested in seeing how that gets translated to the screen.

Also big on my list are: Bridge of Spies -- because lawyers and stuff. And Spotlight, given we lived through so much of that right here in Boston. Many of the characters are well known to the locals here.

I'm a bit ambivalent about Mad Max and The Revenant. Not a big fan of violence and gore.

I read and saw The Martian. The movie was good but lacked the humor and hard-core science of the book. I have read The Revenant but have not seen the movie. The book was sufficiently visceral as to make me not want to see The Revenant. I saw Mad Max and really enjoyed it but then I liked the old Mel Gibson movies too. I had no idea there was a book.

The only one I've both read the book and seen the movie of is Brooklyn. I loved the book and liked the movie. I also saw the films of Big Short and The Martian and liked them both. Which, duh, reminds me I also read The Martian. The book was better but hte movie was still very good.

>243 Oberon: I'm not sure there is a book for Mad Max, Erik. I take your point about The Revenant. Clocking in at 2 hours and 36 minutes, also concerns me.

>244 katiekrug: Thanks for the input Katie. And guess what -- they have bar service to the seats! Can't wait for tomorrow!

So just got back from the party with the Girls at the Paint Bar on Newbury St. I went hoping to locate my inner Rembrandt. Instead, I stumbled upon an inner slightly talented ten year old ... hopped up on wine!

Painting looks great.

Yes, one of the reviewers here said try and get to the biggest screen you can for The Revenant. It was just beautiful scenery - the Canadian tourism board must be delighted (even if some if it was Argentina).

>242 michigantrumpet: Spot on, Violet.

Your painting looks great. I'll have to take a picture of one that I did. I'd say mine was more in the range of a 5-year-old.

I think your inner ten year old did a great job on that painting, Marianne. I really like it.

The Martian certainly hit the spot with me (both book and movie). That's the only one of those I've read. I'd like to get to The Revenant at some point.

> 246 Fabulous painting Marianne! Wonderfully colourful - the sort of thing I'd love to hang up in my home.

Hi Marriane. Stopping by to wish you a lovely week. Great review of The Swans of Fifth Avenue. I have had an eye on that book and never even knew it was a non-fiction. I am surprised Capote would have taken advantage of their confidences like that. Nothing like burning your bridges!

>236 michigantrumpet: - Of the Best Picture Showcase, I have only read Room and The Martian and only seen The Martian. I loved the book more than the movie, although the movie wasn't badly done but they did cut out bits that I thought would have been great in the movie and in true Hollywood fashion, went and changed the ending. I wish they would quit changing the endings. *sighs*

>246 michigantrumpet: - The painting party sounds like fun! I think you did a great job. I really like your painting.

M--I, too, did one of those wine paint things last fall. Mine was an autumn scene and looked wonderful when I put it on the mantel and added ghostly Halloween stuff in front of it. Does that tell you about the quality of mine? LOL. Glad you had fun.

I just read In Cold Blood, so the Capote book, The Swans of Fifth Avenue, sounds interesting. Thanks!

Marianne you were mentioned in dispatches on Friday when I met up with dear Caro in Kuala Lumpur. I came across a new term Brofriend to define the relationship between her husband and yours!

Have a lovely Sunday.

Happy weekend, Marianne.

Hope you'll give us an update soon, Marianne. You are always missed here on the occasions you get bogged down with work or RL.

>235 michigantrumpet: he is so Dick Van Dyke in the cover image!

Loving the inner Rembrandt. He's inside of us all somewhere, however well disguised.

>246 michigantrumpet: I love the picture of you and your friends showing off their works of art. Did you use the Bob Ross method? You ladies created a very colorful memory.

I may be one of the few who enjoyed the adaptation of The Martian even more than the book, probably because the science went over my head and I'm a big Matt Damon fan. I thought Brooklyn the book was much better than the movie. I'm still looking forward to seeing The Revenant and Room after reading and liking both books.

Hoping you are okay and just busy with RL instead of absent due to health.

So, I'll wait for your comments on Shylock Is My Name...

Happy Weekend!

Well...my life took a crazy turn and I've not been checking in so this is just a hello! No more wood burning stove as we are enjoying the halcyon weather of early spring here in Virginia. The door to the den is open so dogs can come and go. The only concern is if the turkeys decide to come inside! Happy weekend!

Hi, Marianne! Just checking in. Hope all is well. Miss seeing you around.

Popping in to say Hi!

Driving by and honking the horn and waving at Marianne

Have a wonderful Easter.

Marianne, I wish you a fabulous weekend.

Just swinging by to wish you a Happy Weekend, Marianne. I hope you are doing well.

Stopping by to wish you a Happy Easter, Marianne.

Are there going to be any alcoholic cupcakes for Easter? If so I'll be there.

I will be baking some cookies tomorrow, but not sure what kind.

Just keeping this thread afloat on my feed...hope all is well with you, Marianne.

A VERY BIG shout out to you all for coming by and keeping the place warm while I was away! Book people are the best people -- and your responses here are Exhibit A!

Real Life intervened and kept me crah-razy busy for the past few months. I've tried to keep to the books when I could and lurked on your threads when I had a chance. (Dodging book bullets as I went!)

On to some responses:

>247 charl08: Too kind, Charlotte! Thanks for the kudos. The Revenant was definitely made for the big screen! Nature (and its photography) is a character all on its own.

>248 laytonwoman3rd: and >276 laytonwoman3rd: HA! Don't you just adore the Dowager Countess? Thanks so much, Linda, for checking in.

>249 BLBera: and >263 BLBera: Beth, I would LOVE to see your painting! My remarks are coming on the Jacobson Shylock review. Probably posting up as soon as I start a new thread.

>250 jnwelch: Thanks Joe! I quite enjoyed the Martian!

>251 vancouverdeb: Aw shucks! *scuffs toe in the dirt* Thanks, Deb! For a small price (VERY small) it can be yours!

>252 lkernagh: Lori -- Thanks for your kind words. Had a great time at the Best Picture Showcase. Thought Room was very well done.

>253 DianaNL:, >256 DianaNL:, >262 DianaNL:, >264 DianaNL:, >271 DianaNL: Adorable Diana! You are so clever with these pictures. Can't tell you how much they've brightened my day over the past many weeks.

>254 Berly: and >267 Berly: *waves* Thanks Kim! The wine & paint party was tons of fun. Would love to see your autumn picture!

>255 PaulCranswick:, >258 PaulCranswick:, >269 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul for checking in! Isn't our Caro the best? I'm pretty sure that was the first time my name has ever been said in Kuala Lumpur. Adored being in your company, if only vicariously. And Happy Blessed Easter!

>257 Ameise1: and >270 Ameise1: Thanks Barbara! Love these! Thanks!

>259 LovingLit: So true, Megan, about Dick Van Dyke! and my inner Rembrandt appears to have regressed to a pre-schooler ...

>260 Donna828: No clue what method we used in the painting class, Donna. The Glass-of-Wine-and-a-Brush method, methinks...

>261 thornton37814: Thanks for checking on me, Lori. Real life certainly did take over, but slowly catching back up with things.

>265 witchyrichy: Oh Karen -- I completely understand real life getting in the way! Hope all's well and you are enjoying lovely Spring weather.

>266 msf59: Thanks for checking in Mark! Not long until we see one another!! *Impatiently checks calendar ... again ...*

>268 magicians_nephew: Beep! Beep! back at you, Jim!

>272 EBT1002: Oh Ellen, you're the best! Thank you!

>273 lkernagh: Thanks for the good wishes, Lori. It was a Hip-Hoppity Easter here! Hope yours was happy!

>274 benitastrnad: Boozy cupcakes, Benita? But of course! Grasshopper ones! I'll try to post a picture later.

>275 weird_O: I LOVE this, Bill! I'm a big fan of PEEPS and Peep dioramas! Perfect!

Time for a new thread, you say?

Time for a new thread!

Follow me there!