Mark's Reading Place: Chapter 10

-Gene Brown (Oregon artist)



-Maria Kitano

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:


Books Read So Far...

February:

09) Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod by Gary Paulsen 4.7 stars
10) War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy 4 stars (audio)
11) Single, Carefree, Mellow by Katherine Heiny 3.8 stars
12) Eleanor by Jason Gurley 3.2 stars (audio)
13) My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout 4.2 stars (audio)
14) Straight Man by Richard Russo 4.6 stars AAC
15) Ru by Kim Thuy 3.8 stars CAC
16) The Girl With All the Gifts by M. R. Carey 4.3 stars (audio)
17) Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie 4.2 stars (audio) BAC
18) A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain: Stories by Robert Olen Butler 3.8 stars
19) The Lost Garden by Helen Humphreys 4.6 stars CAC
20) Shattered: The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne 4 stars (audio)
21) When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi 4.5 stars (audio)
22) Half-Resurrection Blues by Daniel José Older 4 stars (audio)
23) Hollow City by Ransom Riggs 3.7 stars (E)

March:

24) Some Luck by Jane Smiley 3.2 stars (audio) AAC
25) King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hochschild 5 stars
26) Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart 4.3 stars (audio)
27) The Vegetarian by Han Kang 3.6 stars ER
28) Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Seal by Morgan Callan Rogers 3.4 stars (audio) Booktopia
29) The Accidental by Ali Smith 3.5 stars (audio) BAC
30) I'm Glad About You by Theresa Rebeck 3.8 stars Booktopia
31) Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat 4 stars (audio) CAC
32) The Dew Breaker by Edwidge Danticat 4.2 stars
33) SuperMutant Magic Academy by Jillian Tamaki 4 stars GN
34) Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham 4 stars (audio)
35) The Sunlit Night by Rebecca Dinerstein 3.8 stars Booktopia
36) Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate 4.3 stars (audio)
37) How to Breathe Underwater by Julie Orringer 4.4 stars
38) Dodgers: A Novel by Bill Beverly 4.3 stars
39) City on Fire by Garth Risk Hallberg 3.6 stars (audio)

April:

40) The Hummingbird by Stephen P. Kiernan 4.5 stars Booktopia
41) American Housewife: Stories by Helen Ellis 4 stars (audio)
43) Denali's Howl by Andy Hall 4.2 stars
44) The Art Forger by B. A. Shapiro 4 stars Booktopia
45) The Dream of a Common Language: Poems 1974-1977 by Adrienne Rich 4.3 stars Poetry AAC
46) Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert 4 stars (audio)
47) Silas Marner by George Eliot 4 stars BAC
48) Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond 5 stars (audio)
49) The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood 3.3 stars (audio) CAC
50) Shelter: A Novel by Jung Yun 4.2 stars Booktopia (E)
51) Fortune Smiles: Stories by Adam Johnson 4.5 stars (audio)
52) 10:04: A Novel by Ben Lerner 4.2 stars
53) New and Selected Poems, Vol. One by Mary Oliver 4.3 stars Poetry AAC
54) All Things Cease to Appear by Elizabeth Brundage 3.8 stars (audio)

American Author Challenge 2016

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

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

January- Anne Tyler- Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant Completed
February- Richard Russo- Straight Man Completed
March- Jane Smiley- Some Luck Completed
April- Poetry Month The Dream of a Common Language Completed
New and Selected Poems, Vol. One Completed

May- Ivan Doig
June- Annie Proulx
July- John Steinbeck
August-Joyce Carol Oates
September- John Irving
October- Michael Chabon
November- Annie Dillard
December- Don DeLillo

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

BRITISH AUTHOR CHALLENGE/CANADIAN AUTHOR CHALLENGE

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

BAC:

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

CAC:

January: Robertson Davies, Kim Thúy- The Manticore Completed Ru Completed
February: Helen Humphreys, Stephen Leacock The Lost Garden Completed
March: Farley Mowat, Anita Rau Badami Never Cry Wolf Completed
April: Margaret Atwood, Michael Crummey The Heart Goes Last Completed
May: Michel Tremblay, Emily St. John Mandel
June: Timothy Findley, Joseph Boyden
July: LM Montgomery, Pierre Berton
August: Mordechai Richler, Gabrielle Roy
September: Miriam Toews, Dany Laferrière
October: Lawrence Hill, Jane Urquhart
November: Michael Ondaatje, Margaret Laurence
December: Alice Munro, Rawi Hage

Ready for visitors? I am hoping yes, since I am already here. Morning, Mark! Happy new thread! I like the bold colors up top.

Shrike

How brightly you whistle, pushing the long, soft
feathers on your rump down across the branch,
like the apron of a butcher, as you impale a cricket
on a meat hook deep inside my rhododendron.
Poor cricket can hardly stand the whistling,
not to speak of the brownish-red pecking
(couldn’t you go a little easy?), but holds up
pretty good in a state of oneiric pain.
Once, long ago, when they were quarrelling about money,
Father put Mother’s head in the oven.
“Who are you?” it pleaded from the hell mouth.
Upstairs in the bathroom, I drank water right out of the tap,
my lips on the faucet. Everything was shaking and bumping.
Earth was drawing me into existence.

-Henri Cole

Congrats on your shiny new thread, Mark. What a colourful strong painting. Love it. These are my favourite colours.

>5 Crazymamie:



Morning, Mamie! Your timing is perfect. Glad you like the topper. It took me forever to make a selection. LOL.

>7 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb! Glad I picked your favorite colors, for the topper. Smiles...

Happy New Thread, Mark! I hope that you have a good day in store, and even better weather in Chicagoland.

>9 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl! We should hit the high 70s today, with bountiful sunshine. All is good in Chicagoland!

Bright and colorful, as usual! Perfect start for this gorgeous day. I'm glad to see you're reading Mary Oliver. Some of her poems come right from MY soul. I bought a new volume, Blue Horses, last week. Not quite as many winners in it as in Red Bird, at least upon first reading, but still enough to make me sure I'll be revisiting over and over.

Happy new thread, Mark! Beautiful paintings and sooo easy on the eyes!

>11 laytonwoman3rd: Happy Sunday, Linda! Glad you like the vibrant colors. I am really enjoying my Oliver collection. Did you see that I bought a copy of A Thousand Mornings? My very first collection of poetry. Beams...

>12 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! It takes me awhile to pick out the "right" topper! Glad it worked for you. Hope you have a fine Sunday!

I am half done with my latest Longmire As the Crow Flies. I am finally starting to like this series.

>14 benitastrnad: Happy Sunday, Benita! Gorgeous day here in Chicagoland! We have been waiting...

Kim also just finished As the Crow Flies. That will also be my next Longmire.

Mark--Congrats on the new thread. I like the topper a ton! Not only because it is gorgeous, but the artist is also from OREGON!! ; ) We are looking at 79 and sunny today. Perfect weather to watch my son's State Cup Soccer game this afternoon. Hope this one actually happens--yesterday's was called off but no one told our team in time.

>16 Berly: Happy Sunday, Kim! Glad you like the Oregon artist! It looks like we have very similar weather today. B.A.G.

Good luck at the soccer game. I hope your son's team brings home a win.

^Just hit book # 50! Not shabby for mid-April. And it was Shelter: A Novel, my penultimate Booktopia read.

I think that calls for one of these:

Wow! 50 books is huge any year, but in the middle of April -- I'm very impressed (but not surprised). Congrats!

I like the topper a lot - lovely colours. Happy new one!

Congrats on 50. I just finished 20 today. It was Dodgers. Boy that was a really good book. Wasn't what I was expecting.

>19 AMQS: Thanks, Anne! Good to see you. With the monster stack of books, I have to read, I just try to keep plugging away, my friend.

>20 charl08: Thanks, Charlotte! Glad you like the topper.

>21 mahsdad: Thanks, Jeff! Good to see you. And I am glad you liked Dodgers. It did take you to unexpected places, didn't it? Especially the long Ohio segment.

"Still, what I want in my life
is to be willing
to be dazzled --
to cast aside the weight of facts

and maybe even
to float a little
above this difficult world.
I want to believe I am looking

into the white fire of a great mystery..."

-an excerpt from The Ponds- Mary Oliver

The complete poem can be found here: http://www.best-poems.net/mary_oliver/the_ponds.html

>13 msf59:, >23 msf59: I'm very proud of you! You couldn't pick a better first friend in the world of poetry than Mary Oliver.

>22 msf59: Ohio was exactly what I was talking about. It was different but really nice

>24 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks, Linda! I was lucky to start with Oliver, so early on. She really hits the spot.

>25 mahsdad: I just wish things could have worked out there, for him, Jeff. You have to hope he ended up in another good place.

You are just a reading and posting fiend, Mark. Congrats on 50 books already. Happy new thread. With that bright topper looks like you are thinking summer thoughts!

Happy New Thread, Mark! Gorgeous bright colours in the topper! Nice and sunny and warm. 50 books already! That calls for a fancy craft beer ! :)

Catching up - Hope you have been having a fab time in my absence --- 50 books already you are a machine!

Congra5s on 50, Mark. I don't have half of it. Wishing you a great start into the new week.

Well done on another new thread, buddy.

I am back home again so I hope to get all caught up over the next couple of days.

>23 msf59: Love this! Mary Oliver is a great find.

>27 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg! We are enjoying a beautiful stretch of weather, so it is all about warmth & colors.

>28 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deb! I did celebrate with a couple of fine craft beers. Hope you had a good weekend.

>29 roundballnz: We have missed you, Alex! Welcome back. Have to find out what you have been reading.

>30 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb! And, thanks to my audio books for boosting my numbers, once again. I am very fortunate.

>31 PaulCranswick: Welcome home, Paul! And thanks! Hope you had a productive trip and I am sure it was nice to see your Mum.

>32 charl08: I agree, Charlotte. And I am not even halfway done with this Oliver collection. It's a big one. Smiles...

Good morning, Mark! I hope that the good weather continues for awhile, and I look forward to the Cubs sweeping the Cardinals in St. Louis this week. ABC generally means Anybody But the Cowboys to Northeasterners, but Anybody But the Cardinals is also apropos.

Morning, Darryl! Sunday, was not a good day in Chicago sports but we will come roaring back. Looking forward to the Cubs & Cards. I think there will be sore feelings, about us acquiring Heyward and Lackey, but get over it dudes.

The Cardinals have gotten their share of talent from other teams, and they've won plenty of games, and World Series, with them. So, as you say, get over it.

^I was supposed to receive Fortune Smiles from E.R. last August but it never came. I did snatch it up on audio though and now is the time to finally give it a listen. I was crazy about the Orphan Master's Son, so I am pumped about this collection. If you have not read Orphan Master, drop what you are doing and FIND a copy!

>37 kidzdoc: You nailed it, on the head, Darryl! And they will, most likely be tough again this year.

Happy new thread, Mark.

Morning, Mark!

Morning, Mark!

>40 DianaNL: Thanks, Diana! Have a good week.

>41 scaifea: >41 scaifea: Morning Amber & Mamie!

Morning Mark! >38 msf59: I have The Orphan Master's Son on the shelf, I'll have to get to it soon. Such a conundrum, which book to read next. :)

Happy Monday Mark

Hiya, Mark!

Congrats on the new thread. Like that painting up there!

Deep Dark Fears from the last thread looks interesting. I finally read Rutu Modan's The Property and liked it. I'm now reading a new sci-fi Lemire GN called Descender - do you know anything about it? The story's quite interesting, but I'm not as sold on the illustrations by a new illustrator to me, Dustin Nguyen. Oh, and the 4th Ms. Marvel, which so far continues the charm of the ones before. It's again written by G. Willow Wilson.

I liked In a Different Key, although not as much as Neurotribes. Now I'm reading Rubbernecker and Dreamer by Pam Munoz.

Glad you're enjoying Mary Oliver and are going to give Life on Mars a go! Another tip of the hat to you for taking on some poetry reading, and inspiring others.

Enjoy this beautiful day, buddy. Stupid April snow is already a distant memory.

>44 mahsdad: Morning Jeff! I will predict that you will LOVE Orphan Master. It is brilliantly done and the first story in Fortune Smiles is a stunner. This guy has major talent.

>45 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! How did you get a photo of me, when I was a boy? Folks around here are sure resourceful. Grins...

>46 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Good to see you back. Glad you like the topper. You will get a kick out of Deep Dark Fears.

I have not heard of the Lemire but as you know, I am a big fan. Ooh, I have to request the new Ms. Marvel. Thanks for the heads-up.

Well, you got me started on Madam Oliver, so I will have to give you credit, for opening that particular door. I think she was an ideal choice for such a lowly novice,like myself.

Congrats on reaching 50 already, Mark.

I am enjoying The Summer Before the War. I think it'd be a perfect summertime read but this recent warmth is virtually summery, is it not?

Love the art at the top, once again.

Good morning, Mark! Congrats on hitting 50 already. I'm having a pretty productive year so far but I might need to sneak in a couple of GNs. And I know I want to read more of the poetry I have around the house.

I love your thread toppers, especially the Oregon artist.

I've put Rubbernecker on hold and I'm looking forward to reading it. Sweetland, my current read, has a Spectrum theme running through it, too.

>49 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda! Hope you had an enjoyable long weekend. I now have The Summer Before the War saved on audio, so I may get to it sooner than later. Glad it is ringing your bells!

Now, let's go get some Cardinals!

>50 EBT1002: Thanks, Ellen. Great to see you. As usual, I am happy with my reading productivity, but the piles, never seem to get smaller. Is this an optical illusion?

I am really enjoying the poetry I have been reading. I know I have hesitated so long, before diving in and now, I wonder what the fear was.

I really enjoyed Sweetland.

Congrats on yet another new thread, Mark, and on your 50th book. You are amazing!

I like Mary Oliver's poetry, too. Billy Collins is my focus for the month. It seems like every other poem in Aimless Love is my favorite. Perhaps I've been poetry starved? Thanks for the excuse to devote a whole month to an overlooked genre…at least for me.

Happy new thread, Mark! Beautiful colors in the first image, and ethereal birds in the second, but...the first is too autumnal and the second is wintry. What I want to know is, WHERE IS SPRING?!? (Literally as well as metaphorically.)

Glad you're enjoying Poetry Month!

Mark--Congrats on 50 already!! You're smoking' it!!

>33 msf59: Have to confess 7 Hours Hiking days don't leave much left in the tank for reading .... normal service is being resumed though

Morning, Mark! Rain today, apparently. Stay dry, friend!

>52 Donna828: Hi, Donna! And thanks. Always good to see you! I have been really enjoying the poetry month. I have read Aimless Love, (it might have been my very first poetry collection) and I loved it. Sadly, it didn't kick-start it, the way this April did. Looking forward to reading more Collins.

>53 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary! Good observations, about the toppers and the seasonal aberrations, but I guess I was going for too many themes and just settled for what struck me, in the sweet spot.

"WHERE IS SPRING?", you say? We have been luxuriating, in it, the past few days and it has felt fantastic.

Have you dipped into any poetry?

Yeah! we made it through Monday!! 79 degrees felt so good yesterday but I'll even take today's overcast and 65 degree day! Have a good one!

>54 Berly: Thanks, Kimmers! I am happy with my reading output but the towering stacks have hardly budged. What is the deal with that, anyway? Huh?

>55 roundballnz: Hi, Alex! That is some serious hiking, my friend. You must be as fit as a fiddle. Good luck getting back into that normal routine.

>56 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Enjoying it, a day off today. Smiles...They are talking rain, this afternoon but all my outdoor chores are complete, so it looks like more time for the books.

>59 msf59: A day off when it's gonna rain? Excellent! Happy reading today!

>58 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! It was 84 on the way home yesterday and it felt great. Back to normal for a few days and I am a Happy Camper!

>60 scaifea: I have to go out and visit an ailing aunt later this morning, (it is very sad) but my afternoon is blocked out, for the books. The distraction will be needed and welcomed.

Sorry to read about your aunt. Hope that the reading does the trick in the afternoon.

>62 charl08: Thank you, Charlotte! It is going to be a difficult visit. You sure hate to see a family member, in bad shape, especially, when it might be your last time, seeing them. I hope she is alert, when I get there. Fingers crossed.

^I started 10:04 yesterday. Ben Lerner has been on my radar for a few years now. Very smart writing but also a bit trippy. I have seen very little LT response, about this guy. Has anyone read him?

I am also loving Fortune Smiles. Johnson is a helluva writer.

Needed to quickly catch up:

>18 msf59: Congrats on book 50!

>23 msf59: lovely excerpt. I just requested a new volume of hers from the library, weird coincidence.

Happy Tuesday, I hope it's a good one.

>65 Thebookdiva: Hi, Abby! Great to see you. The Oliver poem is in my current collection. I am falling hard for her. Grins...

I am off today, so that is always a good thing.

Her style is so thought-provoking.

Day off, most excellent! I hope there are fun things planned.

Morning, Mark!

Glad to hear you're falling for Mary Oliver. She's a gift.

I finished The Dreamer and liked it. Next up is The Siege of Krishnapur, rec'd by Darryl.

Hope you have a good one today, and that it stays dry for you.

>67 Thebookdiva: My Oliver collection is New and Selected Poems, Volume One. It is 250 pages. That is A LOT of poetry. This would be a nice one to own.

>68 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! I am enjoying a day off. A bit cooler today, but no complaints out of me. I have not read The Siege of Krishnapur, but I want to read it. I really liked Troubles.

From my current book, Lit.

Such a small, pure object a poem could be, made of nothing but air, a tiny string of letters, maybe small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. But it could blow everybody's head off.

>1 msf59: beautifully bright and colorful painting by Gene Brown.

Happy Tuesday, Mark. Sun is back here but it's razher chilly.

>71 charl08: I love that, Charlotte!

Afternoon, Mark! I am late making my rounds today.

>71 charl08: I like that quote, Charlotte. This is from the Mary Karr memoir? I wanted to read that.

>72 brodiew2: Good to see you, Brodie! Glad you like the topper.

>73 Ameise1: Hi, Barb! We have a cool, cloudy day here too but not bad at all.

>74 Crazymamie: Howdy, Mamie! I have been running around all morning and early afternoon. Time to hunker down with the books.

48) Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond 5 stars

“Every condition exists, simply because someone profits by its existence. This economic exploitation is crystallized in the slum.” Martin Luther King

Matthew Desmond spent several years in Milwaukee. He lived in a trailer park and rundown apartments, getting first hand experience of living on the outer edge. He puts a face on poverty. He focuses on eight families, white and black and takes us through their daily lives. He also follows around a couple of landlords, so we get to see things from their perspective. This is heart-breaking stuff. It is also, one small snap-shot, of a dire situation, that plagues many of our cities.
Many poor spend more than half of their earnings on housing, leaving very little for food and other necessities. Eviction rates are soaring, putting many in a death spiral.
Desmond has done an outstanding reporting job. He is thorough and compassionate. Narrative nonfiction at it's finest. This should be required reading. A real eye-opener.



**If you would like to see a "real review", please check out, Joe's. He nails it, like a master:

http://www.librarything.com/work/16461513/reviews/127673399

Yup, it's from the Mary Karr book. Good so far. I am just about to pick up Evicted - looking forward to reading it. Great comments.

Hi Mark! I'm glad you've had such a wonderful day off. I am planning to leave work a wee bit early my own self -- something I haven't done in years!!

I finished listening to the first season of the podcast "Serial" this morning so my next audio adventure will be Evicted.

Congrats on 50! You are a reading monster!

>77 charl08: I read and enjoyed The Liar's Club a few years ago and have been meaning to read more of her work. Lit sounds terrific. Is this your first Karr outing? Good luck with Evicted. It is equal parts, fascinating and infuriating.

>78 EBT1002: Hooray, for getting off early, Ellen. I hope you got to kick back outside with a book. It is a bit too cool here, for that.

Did you enjoy Serial? I really liked it but have not started the 2nd installment. No one, has really convinced me to give it a shot.

Evicted is excellent on audio. A perfect format.

Three Weeks

"Three weeks longing, water burning
stone. Three weeks leopard blood
pacing under the loud insomnia of stars.
Three weeks voltaic. Weeks of winter
afternoons, darkness half descended.
Howling at distance, ocean
pulling between us, bending time.
Three weeks finding you in me in new places,
luminescent as a tetra in depths,
its neon trail.
Three weeks shipwrecked on this mad island;
twisting aurora of perfumes. Every boundary of body
electrified, every thought hunted down
by memory of touch. Three weeks of open eyes
when you call, your first question,
Did I wake you . . ."

Anne Michaels is a Canadian novelist and poet. Is anyone familiar with her work?

Has anyone read Anne Sexton? I see that her collection Live or Die: Poems won a Pulitzer.

Nice review of Evicted, Mark. I'll probably read it in July or August.

>82 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl. You should really be able to sink your teeth into Evicted. It is an important book and I hope it starts a well-needed conversation.

Congrats on reaching 50 books already!

I've got Evicted on my radar although I know I'll need to be in the right mood/frame of mind to pick it up.

Anne Michaels is better known for her fiction books than her poetry , here in Canada, Mark. She has written Fugitive Pieces, and other books - award winners.

>71 charl08: Love that!!

Mark, Evicted sounds tough, but well worth it. Now as to why, despite your amazing reading pace, your piles are not diminishing...you have to stop buying new books!!! And that would be no fun at all, so never mind. Grin and bear it. : )

>85 vancouverdeb: I've got a book of her poems on the shelf unread Mark. Found them too obscure for me (but personal poetry tastes will differ and all that). Love Fugitive Pieces though.

Morning, Mark! Excellent Evicted review!

Back to work today? We had to turn the furnace back on this morning. *sigh*

>84 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! Good to see you. I am happy with my reading progress. It is shaping up to be another stellar year and my fine introduction into poetry. Better late than never, right?
Yes, you may have to be in the right frame of mind for Evicted but it should not be overlooked.

>85 vancouverdeb: Thanks for chiming in about Michaels, Deb. Have you read her and if so, do you have a favorite?

>86 Berly: Hi, Kimmers! Believe it or not, I am very frugal, about my book buying, otherwise I would be dead broke. LOL. But, one way or another, books pop up like dandelions around here, finding a home in the Marky-Mark Man Cave.

>87 charl08: Ooh, Fugitive Pieces, (great title)...

>88 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Glad you liked the Evicted mini-review. It is an important read.

Yes, back to work but the weather should be pleasant.

Yeah for reaching the 50 mile marker, Mark. You're really chomping down those books!

Morning, Mark! Happy Wednesday!

>92 Carmenere: The Incredible Book Eating Boy!! Charlie and I LOVE that book!

Morning Mark! >90 msf59: haha, like that a lot!

>76 msf59: Woo, well said, Mark. Thumb from me. Thanks for the tip of the hat to my review!

As you say, Evicted is narrative non-fiction at its best, and an eye-opener. It's become a joke in my family about how I'm bending people's ears about this book. Once I get started talking about it, it's hard to stop. Phenomenal job by Desmond.

>81 msf59: "Like" I don't know Anne Michaels' work. Oh, I take that back. Fugitive Pieces was really good. But I've never read her poetry.

I do know Anne Sexton's poetry, and I even got to see her perform a whole lot of years ago, when I was in college. She's a good 'un. Not one of my tops, but her best ones, like "Courage", are outstanding.

>90 msf59: Another "Like"

Have a good one today, buddy.

>92 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! Ooh, a Book Eating Machine! Yep, that is me. I am glad they are lol-cal. Grins...

>93 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie!

>94 scaifea: Sounds like a fun one, Amber.

>95 Thebookdiva: Morning, Abby! Glad you like the cartoon.

>96 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! I also want to give you credit for getting me to read Evicted, sooner than later, plus your review was as awesome, as ever.

I will have to add Fugitive Pieces to the list. I will probably hold off on Sexton for awhile.

Nice day out here...

I really enjoyed the first season of "Serial," but I don't know that I'll listen to the next season. Folks have said that the first season is the best and I would rather concentrate on audiobooks. I started listening to Evicted in the car this morning and I can tell it's going to be great.

>99 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen! It looks like we are in the exact same boat, on Serial! Glad you started Evicted. It will keep you fixated.

Hooray for audiobooks!

49) The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood 3.2 stars

The premise is a knock-out: a young couple on the skids, in dystopia America. After losing lucrative jobs, they are living in their car, while gangs of homeless thugs roam and terrorize the streets. They sign on for an experimental social project, to live in an enclosed utopian village. Of course, things become very shadowy and they find themselves in danger, here, as well.
Unfortunately, the execution of the story, is a bit of a misfire. The characters are mostly flat and annoying and it lacks an underlying tension, that I think it needed.
I am a big fan of Madam Maggie and I have loved her later work too, including the MaddAddam trilogy and her last story collection, Stone Mattress, but this one felt rushed and half-baked.

Mark, I don't need to expand on my thoughts on Dame Maggie. :) Nice review though. I've not read anything by Anne Michaels but it looks like you have few people to give you advice on Fugitive Pieces and Winter Vault . If you want something very dark, do try out Ruby by Cynthia Bond. I think in it's way it will be a rewarding read, but it is dark. Very dark.

>102 vancouverdeb: Howdy, Deb! I know you are not a Madam Maggie fan, so you are safe. Ooh, "very dark, sounds like my cuppa. Ruby is inching closer...

>99 EBT1002: >100 msf59: I agree with season 2 of Serial...Meh. though you might want to cherry pick thru the episodes, there were a couple about Season 1 and Adnan's potential new trial.

>104 mahsdad: That seals the deal for me, Jeff. Thanks! I think my daughter started listening to #2 also and gave up.

Morning, Mark!

>106 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

>107 msf59: And he did!

Amen to that, Charlotte! LOL!

>107 msf59: ....and a laptop and a golden retriever too.
Wishing you a light load day, Mark!!

Morning, Mark! Sweet Thursday, buddy.

I realized Bangkok Asset was due back at the library soon, so I had to put Siege of Krishnapur aside for the moment. This is the latest Sonchai Jitpleecheep mystery set in, you guessed it, Bangkok. Good series.

Drizzly but warm out there. Hope it's a good one for you.

>107 msf59: Amen.

Morning, Mark!

>107 msf59: Perfect!

>110 Carmenere: And we can't forget about beer. Lord, no...

>111 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Looking forward to jumping back into the Bangkok series. I forgot where I left off.

>112 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! Like minds...

>113 Whisper1: Morning, Linda! Always good to see you.

Sweet Thursday, Mark. I hope you have a good day.

>115 Ameise1: Back at you, Barb! It turned out to be a very nice day here.

>117 msf59: Ha. Love it!

^ Perfect.

Hi Mark! Found my way out of the rubble of April. But...

>118 EBT1002: >120 EBT1002: Thanks for the response, Ellen! Man's Best Friend! And we lost a Major Talent.

RIP: Prince 1958-2016

>121 weird_O: Yah! Great to see you, Bill. You have been missed.

Arrieta Cubs no-hitter! Sweet!

Amazing, Terri! It was a thing of beauty! Sighs...

Go Cubbies!!

Happy Friday, Mark. I can see the weekend.

Happy Friday, Barb! I can see the weekend too and I can also see a vacation coming up soon. Big smile...

^Cubs pitcher, Jake Arietta pitched a no-hitter last night, in a 16-0 romp, against the Reds. It was his second no hitter in eleven regular game starts. Wow!

So... "no-hitter" is a good thing, then? It sounds pretty negative... Poor guy looks upset about it, too. Those furrowed brows. Don't worry, bud, I bet you'll get a hitter next time.

Morning, Mark! Happy Friday!!

^That is pure concentration, Amber! The guy is a machine. A glorious machine. LOL.

Happy Friday, my friend!

Morning, Mark!

When do you leave for the East Coast?

Happy Friday, Mark! Woot for vacations on the horizon!

Happy Friday, Mark!

I'm still reeling from our losing Prince at too young an age. What a shame.

Are you off for adventures soon?

Happy Friday, Mark! And congratulations to Jake Arrieta, who certainly looks like the front runner for the NL Cy Young Award. Do you think he wishes that he could store some of those 16 runs his mates scored for use in closer games?

Morning, Mark! Happy Friday!

>130 katiekrug: Was that a KAK sighting? Does a triple take. Ow...that hurt!
Happy Friday, Katie! We leave next Sunday, the 1st. Getting pumped...

>131 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! I am definitely ready for some leisure time.

>132 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! They were playing Prince, in the office this morning. At least he left a healthy legacy.
We leave for Boston, on the first.

>133 kidzdoc: Morning, Darryl. Arietta has all ready joined an August group, in throwing 2 no-hitters. Can he make it 3?

>134 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Very cool here and breezy. Sighs...

Good morning, Mark, and Happy Friday!

Maybe this will be THE year for the Cubbies! I would be very happy about that.

>127 msf59: Two no hitters in 11 starts? Now, that IS impressive.

Happy Friday, Ellen! We try to stay focused on the Cubs, at the moment and not what might happen later. Winning a W.S. is tough. Look at the Cardinals last year. Best team in baseball all year and then wham. Lost it in the playoffs.
Regardless, they are looking damn good...

>138 brodiew2: Hi, Brodie. Those are regular season starts but that is still mighty impressive. Only 3 pitchers, in the history of baseball have pitched 3 no-hitters.

>129 msf59: *snork!* Okay, I think I get it now...

>139 msf59: Remind me who they are?

>140 scaifea: Hooray, for Amber, getting in. Grins...

>141 brodiew2: I do not have my newspaper in front of me. Cy Young was one and then Feller, I believe and Corcoran?? Sorry, not positive on the second 2.

I thought the same as Amber. No hitter sounds like something mean said in the playground!

Hope your sportzing keeps going well though!

Hi Mark, I can tell that spring has "sprung" since I see lots of baseball talk here. We have had some glorious weather recently but today is one of gentle rain, which we do need to keep everything green and growing so no complaints. I saw you warbling about The Orphan Master's Son further up your thread, I do have that book on my shelves and will have to try and fit it in soon. My brother also read it and keeps asking me when I am going to get to it!

>143 EBT1002: I LOVE the "Keep Calm" poster, Ellen! Let that flag fly!

>144 charl08: Take my word, Charlotte, a No-Hitter is a lofty goal in baseball. Few have done it. I will not even get into, a No-Hit Perfect Game. I'll save that for another time. LOL.

>145 DeltaQueen50: Judy stopped by! Judy stopped by! Hooray! Good to see you, my friend.

And yes, please move The Orphan Master's Son up in your queue. It is an excellent read. And I also loved his story collection, Fortune Smiles. This guy can really write.

I think I have a copy of The Orphan Master's Son around here somewhere....

^Hooray, I am at the top of the Hot Reviews, with Evicted! How about a few more Thumbs and keep it up there awhile. This book NEEDS to be read!

>147 EBT1002: I can not praise that one, high enough, Ellen. Johnson has major chops! It was wonderful on audio too!

I gave you a thumb, Mark. I'm happy to keep you in the Hot Reviews section for a bit longer.
I am listening to Evicted although I probably won't listen to much more until next week. And with the light rail going to the UW, I'm driving less, at least while the weather is so lovely. But I will keep listening my way through it. It's early days but so far it is very, very good.

Thumbed Mark - I will start this book ASAP. ...

>149 EBT1002: >150 charl08: Thanks for the Thumbs, Ellen & Charlotte! Hugs! Funny, Cee also had a Hot Review, right near the top, on Evicted and once she fell off, I gained ground. Grins...Folks NEED to read it!

Happy Friday Mark! And nice job having a hot review!

I have my own Prince Tribute on my thread. He will be missed. : (

I hope you have down time to relax and read this weekend. It is raining tonight, and it is a perfect time to listen to the sound as the rain hits the sky light, while I sit and read.

Spring arrived in all its glory. What a wonderful time of year.

And other new tenants coming, too!

Glad to see your thread as pumping as always Mark.

Have a great weekend, buddy.

>152 Berly: Hi, Kim! It is especially nice to have a Hot Review on a HOT book. I hope you can also put it into your rotation.

>153 Whisper1: Happy Saturday, Linda! It looks like you have got, quite poetic on me. Smiles...I am working today but I hope to have some R & R planned for tomorrow. Hope you have a good one too.

>155 Berly: They definitely are, Kim and not who you would expect. Grins...

>156 PaulCranswick: Happy Saturday, Paul. Hope you find some R & R time this weekend too.

^I am starting my final Booktopia read, The Mirror Thief, (my 7th) and it shows much promise. I have heard it compared to Cloud Atlas, which, of course, I am an evangelist for, so that has me pumped.

I was fortunate to snag an e-galley of this one, since it does not come out until May 10th. It's a Big Boy, at nearly 600 pages, so I am glad I am diving in. Here is an advanced review if you are curious:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-61219-514-8?mc_cid=028f1515e6&mc_eid=d...

I love the way the review begins:

"Seay’s debut novel is a true delight, a big, beautiful cabinet of wonders that is by turns an ominous modern thriller, a supernatural mystery, and an enchanting historical adventure story..."

Grins...

Morning, Mark!

Morning, Mark! Happy Saturday! >154 msf59: made me laugh out loud!

Happy Saturday, Mark!

The Mirror Thief sounds great. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures with it.

Congrats on the top o' the hot Evicted review! Great to see the word spreading.

I'm reading The Summer Before the War now, and so far I'm liking it a lot. I was a bit worried that Helen Simonson might be a one book wonder (I loved Major Pettigrew's Last Stand), but with this one I'm starting to think we've got a major talent on our hands.

>159 scaifea: Morning Amber!

>160 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! Someone posted that Hamilton joke on FB and I knew I had to share. Hope you didn't spew any coffee.

>161 jnwelch: Morning Joe! Looking forward to diving into The Mirror Thief and then I will get to meet the author soon, on top of it. Sweet.
Linda recently gushed about The Summer Before the War too, so that one is at the top of the pile. I recently snagged it on audio. More sweetness...

^ Our first Chow Chow was a dog like that... we would say he was almost an intellectual.

>158 msf59: Sounds promising. Hope it will turn out well.

Mark I have to stop by quickly before I get out with Poppy the dog. Dave is working today and tomorrow, of course. Great to see you in the hot reviews. Mark, I know you only have the odd glass of craft beer, but every time I hear about craft beer I think of you. Yesterday was watching the news and apparently Vancouver is one of the premiere places for craft beer. They even offer a credit course on microbrewing at one of the colleges - takes 14 months or so - and people have jobs even before they graduate. I was thinking when you have to escape the USA due to the Donald, you just take the craft beer course here in Vancouver and voila - a new job that you love , perhaps even more than the one you have right now.

>164 FAMeulstee: Happy Saturday, Anita! Good to see you. Hooray for smart Chows! You do not see Chows anymore, at least not in the U.S.

>165 charl08: It begins very well, Charlotte. Of course, I have no idea, where it will take me but I like his easy-going, smart, prose. It starts in Vegas, with ex-military types and gamblers.

>166 vancouverdeb: "and apparently Vancouver is one of the premiere places for craft beer." I am checking flights right now, Deb. You have a guest room right? Grins...

Well, let's not even imagine if Donald wins, okay? I want to enjoy the weekend.

Hi Mark, Loving your Harry Bliss cartoons. He is a great favourite of mine!

Wow! I sure missed a lot of interesting stuff by not stopping by sooner, but better late than never.

I bookmarked Evicted and also thumbed yours and Joe's reviews. Sounds like a book everyone needs to read!

>90 msf59: Hahaha.

>154 msf59: Hahahahahahaha! Yes!

And, finally, congrats on the Cubbies' great start!

I hope Deb and our other Canadian friends are getting their guest rooms ready for the stream of escapees should things go to the Donald. Not to talk politics on your thread, but....

I've had a great weekend so far including laundry, walking, reading, homemade fish tacos, Sauvignon Blanc, more reading.... But the Mariners suck. Again. Oh well.

Happy Sunday, Mark!

>168 mdoris: Hi, Mary! Great to see you, stranger! Another Bliss fan. Yah!

>169 Storeetllr: Happy Sunday, Mary! Another long lost pal! I have missed you. I appreciate the Thumbs for Evicted. I hope you can find a copy.

Glad you like the comics and yes, Go Cubbies!!

>170 EBT1002: Now, that is a mighty fine line up of beers, Ellen. All look worthy.

Ooh, your weekend sounds perfect. I also have laundry to do, plus I have to mow the lawn, but then it will be the Cubs and the books!!

And yes, I hope Deb is getting all those guest rooms ready. Grins...

50) Shelter: A Novel by Jung Yun 4.2 stars

Kyung Cho and his Irish-American wife Gillian, are struggling to make ends meet. They have been living beyond their means, for years and the debts are piling up.
Kyung's parents, Jin and Mae, live nearby and they are quite prosperous. Jin is a demanding father and husband and Kyung has always had a difficult relationship with him. When a horrific act of violence, (echoes of In Cold Blood) forces his parents, to move in with Kyung, the tensions begin to escalate and a flood of family secrets begin to surface and threaten to tear the family dynamic apart.
This is a dark, unrelenting, story about parenting, loss, suffering, abuse and the hope of redemption. The author pulls no punches here, so reader beware. It is not an easy read but I was impressed with the writing and the strong story-telling.



**This author will be attending Booktopia Vermont. I will look forward to meeting her but I am a bit nervous about her dark side. LOL.

>154 msf59: I prefer to think of him as having been told to move to the back of the bill.

Happy Sunday, Mark! I added my thumb to the other 11! Have a wonderful day!

>173 laytonwoman3rd: That is a fine idea, Linda. Let's make the proposal. Happy Sunday!

>174 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! That makes 12 Thumbs! Hooray! It may not be the best review ever but if it sparks interest, my job is done. Strolls off into the sunset...

>175 msf59: Oh, he HAS been moved to the back of the bill, Mark. There was apparently a heavy protest against removing him entirely, so his picture will still be there, just smaller and on the reverse.

Hi Mark! I haven't been by to visit for a long time and hope this finds you well and happy. You're definitely reading a lot. I retired at the end of January so have been able to get more reading in this year than in the last several.

*shudder* Mention of the Donald.

>171 msf59: Yikes, I guess all the LT Canadians will be dusting their guest rooms if "you know who" get in. Deborah, you are not alone, you don't have to take them all!

>170 EBT1002: The Mariners don't completely suck! Mostly at home. As for the beer. 2 and 4 look more my style.

Okay, outdoor chores done. Time to watch the Cubbies and line up some books for later.

Gorgeous day in Chicagoland.

>176 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks, Linda. I did not know this. I should pay attention more. Grins...

>177 karenmarie: Wow! Great to see you, Karen. It has been awhile. Congrats on the retirement. Burning with jealousy...

>178 mdoris: Yes, be prepared, Mary, there will be many of us. LOL. We will bring books. How about that?

>179 brodiew2: Happy Sunday, Brodie! There is a beer in that line-up for all tastes. I definitely like a range.

^Flying Old Glory at the homestead. And yes, the Cubs are leading 8-0, in the 4th. Smiles...

Happy Sunday, Mark!

What a gorgeous one it's been!

You'll probably hear me gushing about The Summer Before the War, too. I've sure been impressed so far. I'm also liking the monster-size GN Sleeper Omnibus, another one by Ed Brubaker. I had liked the first Sleeper volume, so thought I'd try the whole shebang, not knowing how big it was. Very dark, very good - I suspect it would fit the bill for you.

^A nice start to season 6 of GOT! I think it covered all the bases. Anyone else see it?

>183 jnwelch: Howdy, Joe! Good to hear that about The Summer Before the War. I have it saved on audio, so I will keep nudging it forward.

Ooh, another Brubaker GN. You have my attention...

I am just about to go and watch my recorded GoT - looking forward to it!

>76 msf59: wonderful, it sounds like how i wanted Nickel and Dimed to be. And the some. I have yet to check out Joe's review but will do so soon.

Im a bit patchy here at present, as you know. Work hours got away from me and then a computer free four day holiday (with a flat mobile phone battery) - it was just like the old days. :)

>186 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy! Hope you had a good weekend. GOT started off well. It does a good job, getting us back in the groove. Hope you enjoyed it.

>187 LovingLit: There's Megan! Always good to see you. It sounds like RL has you in it's grip.

Evicted is excellent. I hope you can track a copy down. It's an important read.

^One week from today, I will be waking up in Cambridge, beginning our Boston/Vermont/New England adventure. Our very first time in the Boston area. Not only will this include a Meet-up with Caroline and Marianne but we will also be attending Booktopia 2.0. Getting pumped.

Anyone else, in the area, want to join us on Sunday, the 1st, give us a holler!

Happy Monday :0), Mark! Oooo, I'm a bit jealous, I won't be able to watch season 6 of GOT till it comes out on dvd next year. Boo Hooo

Happy Pre-Tuesday, Mark! What a weekend that was.

I finished Sleeper Omnibus, a dark and twisty Brubaker/Sean Phillips outing, and definitely think you'd appreciate it.

Hope the day goes well; it's supposed to be a rainy week, but they've been wrong before.

Hani and Kyran are hunkered down to watch the new series of Game of Thrones which means that I am left to enjoy my own company in my reading room; yippee!

Have a great week, buddy.

Morning, Mark! It's Monday, so that's all I got.

>190 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! Sorry, you have to wait for GOT but at least it gives you something to look forward to.

>191 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Nice warm one, out here at the moment. Should be a good day.
I will look for the Brubaker GN. Sounds good.

>192 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul! Alone time with books, always sounds perfect, doesn't it?

>193 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! Almost balmy out here at the moment. Enjoy your day.

Happy Monday, Mark! Enjoy your day! Glad you had a nice weekend. Nice weather here too. Indeed, here in Vancouver all of we Canadians are readying our guest rooms for the influx of LT Americans who need to escape the USA. :)

>184 msf59: Hi Mark! We just finished watching (the tremendously boring until the 2-3 episodes of) Season 5 on DVD and, like >190 Carmenere: will wait for it to come out on DVD.

>195 vancouverdeb: My passport's up to date.....

Good morning, Mark. How did your Cubs fare yesterday?

>189 msf59: Boy, would I ever like to join you. But I have an important duty to attend to on Saturday.

 at Kutztown (PA) Community Library

ETA Mark, I wasn't knowing that Lonesome Dove is a Don Quixote cover. Or an inspired by.... The latter is on my Doorstop o' the Month list. Might be my May DwD.

>195 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb! Glad you have the guest rooms ready. I would like to request a mini-fridge, if that is okay. A guy can get thirsty, you know.

>196 karenmarie: Hello again, Karen! So, you were not a fan of the 5th season of GOT? Or was it just the early episodes?

>197 brodiew2: Hi, Brodie! Hope you got some reading in this weekend.

The Cubbies won yesterday, quite comfortably, thank you very much. They are taking a day off today, before heading to Milwaukee.

>198 weird_O: I wish, I could teleport, Bill. Sighs...

>198 weird_O: I did not realize that either, about LD. I have also never read DQ! Someday?

>167 msf59: Yes there are Chows in the U.S., Mark, not as many as in the 80s (when they were way too populair). I have many Chow owners among my FB friends. They need special owners, who can appriciate their stubborn and opinionated character ;-)

I loved GoT last night and thought the show did a great job of catching us up with all the current storylines and characters. I wish the season was longer than just 10 episodes!

>201 FAMeulstee: "stubborn and opinionated". Now, that is what I remember about Chows. LOL. My cousin had a couple in the late 70s and early 80s. They were not very friendly. I always liked their looks, though.

>202 DeltaQueen50: Glad you liked GOT last night, Judy! Lots of interesting dynamics going on, as usual. I agree, the season's need to be a bit longer. The books sure were. LOL.

Hi Mark! So jealous you are going to be in Boston. That is another of my very favorite cities. I have lived in MA 5 different times and went to Amherst College out there (and also took Organic Chem at Harvard during the summer--do you know how hard it is to concentrate during the summer?!). I haven't been out there in about 10 years. I am sure you will have lots of fun. : )

>204 Berly: Wow! You have lots of Boston history, Kim. Very cool. We are looking forward to it. And it will nice to finally have a Meet-Up with Caroline.

What was your favorite thing to do or to see, in the Boston area?

>205 msf59: Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, The Boston Tea Party Ship and Tour, The Freedom Trail, Harvard Square. I have a very long list of things I like there....should I go on? LOL. And, of course, there are also tons of fun beer places .

>206 Berly: Thanks, Kimmers! Most of those places are on the schedule. Perfect.

"also tons of fun beer places." Swoons...

Morning, Mark!

Morning, Amber! Only 54 today? WTH? I was working on my tan too! The nerve...

Morning, Mark! Only 54?! YIKES! Say it ain't so!

Morning, Mark!

Ha! Saw you swooning up there over the tons of fun beer places in Boston. Great city.

I know, how'd we get back to 54? It's even lower here by the lake. Cuckoo.

I'm nearing the end of The Summer Before the War and still giving it high marks. My GN is the second Lucifer. Son #1 is already on the forth Lucifer; he's a big Sandman fan.

Stay warm today, buddy.

Yay! for your upcoming visit to Boston and Booktopia. I'm looking forward to your reports!

45 here right now with a high of 60-ish. It's definitely hard to take after days that hit 80.

>210 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! It is currently breezy and 45. Really?? So much for cracking the shorts out. Looks like I will have to wait until after vacation.

>211 jnwelch: Morning Joe! Glad I brought my hoodie along. This is ridiculous. Just when I thought we turned a corner...

Any Must Sees for Boston?

>212 streamsong: Morning Janet! Looking forward to the Boston adventure and seeing how well Booktopia goes sans BOTNS. Fingers crossed.

Happy Tuesday, Mark! One day closer to adventures in Boston.

>213 msf59: Must-sees in Boston? You know me, I like museums, so consider the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Gardner Museum. If it were me, I'd be sure to visit the Public Garden and tip my hat to the Make Way for Ducklings statues, and visit Faneuil Hall and its area. Depending on how much time you have, there's the Freedom Trail and lots of places of historic interest. Boston Common, Old North Church and Trinity Church. There's a lot there!

Plus there are lots of fun beer joints. But I think you already knew that. :-)

>214 Carmenere: Morning Lynda! Inching closer, my friend. Heavy into the research now.

>215 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! We will definitely be doing the Freedom Trail, and all that involves. Unfortunately, the people I will be with, aren't the "arty" types, so I am not sure I'll be able to slip into any art museums. Sighs...

We are doing Concord and Salem on Tuesday, which I am pumped about.

Good morning, Mark! Is it ok to talk baseball that isn't Cubbies?

M's Taijuan Walker fanned 11 last night in a sterling performance. M's win again. Not as cool as a no hitter, but impressive none the less.

>217 brodiew2: Hey, no problem, Brodie! Fanning 11, is impressive. Go Walker! Go Mariners!

It is going to be cold tonight, at Wrigley. It might dip into the 30s. Glad I can watch it, in the comfort of the Man-Cave!

^On audio, I started Anna and the Swallow Man. Linda (Whisper 1) warbled about this one awhile back and I really like the way it begins. It reminds me a bit of Gaiman, especially in the tone of the audio, which is of course high praise. Here is a brief description:

"Kraków, 1939. A million marching soldiers and a thousand barking dogs. This is no place to grow up. Anna Łania is just seven years old when the Germans take her father, a linguistics professor, during their purge of intellectuals in Poland. She’s alone.

And then Anna meets the Swallow Man. He is a mystery, strange and tall, a skilled deceiver with more than a little magic up his sleeve. And when the soldiers in the streets look at him, they see what he wants them to see..."

One week from today I will be flying off to Bozeman, Montana. It will be wonderful to leave this town behind for awhile. In the meantime, - I have a great start on River of Stars by Guy Gavriel Kay. It is a sequel to Under Heaven but so far I don't see the sequel part. River is set 300 years after Under Heaven when the Tang Dynasty is starting to fall apart. But as reads go, this one is good.

Hi, Benita! I NEED to get back to Montana! Hope to, in the next 2 years. Have a great time.

Morning, Mark! Happy Wednesday! Anna and the Swallow Man looks good.

>222 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! You get the Early Bird Award today. I have the day off, so I am getting over here, a little later.

I think you would like Anna and the Swallow Man and it's a shorty!

OH, thank you - I love my award!! Did you finish Anna and the Swallow Man already?!

No. It's only about 6 hours on audio and I have listened to 2 hours. The narrator is very good. He seems to have the same vocal cadences of Gaiman, which is a huge plus.

Well, okay then. Gaiman is awesome on audio, so that is bonus!

Howdy, Mark! Enjoy your day off! Hope it's filled with reading time :0)

Did someone say Gaiman...?

Morning, Mark!

>226 Crazymamie: It looks like I have done my job here. Saunters away, whistling...

>227 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! I do have plenty of reading time planned. I want to read a bigger chunk of The Mirror Thief. It has been very good and it's a long one.

>228 scaifea: Morning, Amber! I think you would like Anna and the Swallow Man. Just sayin'...

>229 msf59: Say no more, friend - wishlisted.

Boy! You are a hard sell. Jeesh...

The Ivan Doig thread is up: http://www.librarything.com/topic/222544#

Stop by and let me know what you plan to read. Should be a good one.

Morning, Mark!

Anna and the Swallow Man sounds good. As predicted, I loved The Summer Before the War. So glad she's got staying power.

I'm back to The Siege of Krishnapur, which has picked up a bit now that the siege is underway. I also started The Island of Blue Dolphins, which I never read as a kid. Gradually (and thanks a lot to Amber), I'm picking up on the standouts that I missed when young.

>233 jnwelch: Morning Joe ! Happy Hump Day! Anna and the Swallow Man should be your cuppa. I will have to fit The Summer Before the War into my audio rotation. The book life has sure got nutty, my friend.

I am really enjoying The Mirror Thief. This might be up your alley too. Reminds me a bit of Kavalier and Clay. I like books inside of books, inside of...

ETA- Have you read Doig?

>234 msf59: Doig - nope. I've got Dancing at the Rascal Fair somewhere, so I may join you for that one.

>235 jnwelch: I hope you can, Joe. He is an under-appreciated American author.

"As he reads, his eyes graze each poem's lines like a needle over an LP's grooves, reassembling them into uniform arcades. What he is looking for is key: a gap in the book's mask, a loose thread to unravel its veil. He tries tricks to find new openings- reading sideways, reading upside down, reading white space instead of text- but the words always close ranks like tiles in a mosaic, like crooks in a lineup, and mock him with their blithe expressions."

-The Mirror Thief. I am really digging this book.

Aaah, I'm hit. Mirror Thief sounds like a good one. On the list it goes

I just picked up Anna and the Swallow Man as a Kindle deal but now I'm wishing I had the audio... *sigh*

So what are the vacation plans? You've mentioned Boston, Salem, Concord, and then Booktopia in Manchester, VT. Anything else? As a New Yorker, I can't admit to any affection for Boston but I guess it has its charms... ;-)

Enjoy your day off!

>238 mahsdad: It is really taking off, Jeff. I am impressed and so happy I was able to snag an egalley. It does not come out until the 10th.

>239 katiekrug: Hi, Katie! Hey, I am just glad you have a copy of Anna and the Swallow Man. You can always revisit it on audio. Does that make you feel any better?
On Wednesday, we are heading straight north to, Portland Maine. Probably have lunch, rubber-neck around and then head west through New Hampshire, where we will spend the night. There is a huge lake there, I would like to take a look at.

Hi there - enjoy your day off.

Just finished Disrupted: My Misadventure in the Start-Up Bubble by Dan Lyons and loved it. He's a writer for the TV show Silicon Valley and the book is about him losing his job at Newsweek and going to work for a tech startup at age 51. It's partly about the tech start up world and partly about being an older worker in an environment focused on twenty somethings. It's both hilarious and horrifying.

I see Lady Killer up there - I loved that one.

>237 msf59: Great quote. Tempted but will wait for the review!

>163 msf59: Laughing right out loud at this cartoon!

>241 SuziQoregon: Hi, Juli! It is great to see you. I have missed you. Start-Up Bubble sounds interesting. I have taken note. I am pretty sure, I requested Lady Killer on your warbling account. I also enjoyed it and hope they do a follow-up.

>242 charl08: It's really got me in it's grip, Charlotte! I think we are going to be hearing a lot about this book.

>243 Whisper1: Glad you enjoyed it, Linda. Thanks to you, I started Anna and the Swallow Man. (see #219) Not sure where the tale is taking me, but I am happy to be swept along.

>219 msf59: I think I'm going to cry just reading about the alone 7-year old girl!

>228 scaifea: lol. I could have guessed your ears would pick that up ;)

>245 LovingLit: No worries, Megan. The Swallow Man is there to protect her. Good thing too, because Nazi-occupied Krakow is a dangerous place.

>231 msf59: *snork!*

>245 LovingLit: Megan: Again I say, *snork!*

Snorking is a good thing, Amber, sure beats non-snorking. That is no way to go through life...

^I just finished Lady Killer. This GN is a lot of fun, especially if you like blood and mayhem. A nifty blend of Mad Men/ La Femme Nikita.



*Thanks to Juli for the nudge...

> 249 Nice art. In the bottom pick its almost looks like Howard Chaykin art.

If I were going to Boston I would have to stand a the corner of Boylston and Berkeley and make obeisance...

>251 laytonwoman3rd: *AveryBrooksvoice* Spenser! *AveryBrooksvoice*

>250 brodiew2: If you enjoy GNs, Brodie, that is another good way to break out of a book funk.

Not familiar with Chaykin.

>251 laytonwoman3rd: I would not have known what that meant, Linda. It is been too many years since I read the Spenser books. LOL.

Are you in for the Doig AAC?

>252 brodiew2: LOL.

LD is going down, dude. Paused at page 835. It's...ah...you know...okay.

>252 brodiew2: I think I love you.

>253 msf59: AM I IN FOR DOIG???? I'm chomping at the bit. The problem is, which Doig? I have half a dozen unread. Maybe I'll do two.

>254 weird_O: It is a bit of a slog isn't it, Bill. Hang in there, my friend.

>255 laytonwoman3rd: LOL. That is exactly what, I thought, Linda. I hope to read two also.

I read The Bartender's Tale and enjoyed it a lot. Unfortunately, I don't have any more of his books waiting in the wings. Fortunately, there are ways to fix that!!

>257 Berly: Hi, Kimmers! Doig was quite prolific, so there is plenty to choose from, including NF. Love those biblio-choices.

Morning, Mark!

Morning, Amber! Only 49 today? Really? I need a vacation.

^I am really enjoying The Mirror Thief. I love books, inside of books, inside of books, especially when they are smart and entertaining. This is quite ambitious for a debut.

Also looking forward to getting back to Anna and the Swallow Man.

Morning Mark! I didn't waste anytime wishlisting The Mirror Thief. The books inside books inside books is all the warble I need!

Lovely picture. And some impressive warbling. I. Must. Resist....

Morning, Mark! Like Charlotte, I am trying to resist...

Sweet Thursday, Mark!

All right, if you and Juli recommend Lady Killer, onto the WL it goes. For The Mirror Thief, I'm just waiting to hear that it was good to the last drop.

I'm near the end of The Siege of Krishnapur, and it's pretty darn good. It hasn't grabbed me as much as I hoped, but I expect that's because of me, not it. It's a prize-winner with staying power, so obviously a lot of folks took to it more than I have.

Man, what a start to the baseball season in Chi-town. Both teams top of their leagues. Nice! Now if we could just get some warmed-up baseball weather . . .

>262 Carmenere: Morning Lynda! I wish The Mirror Thief was out ,so folks could snag it or request it. It is that good.

>263 charl08: You know, I will try to break down your resistance. Villainous cackle...

>264 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! See post #263. Grins...

>265 jnwelch: Morning Joe! Not so sweet out here today. You will have fun with Lady Killer.

I am with you. Let's get back to warm baseball weather. Silent prayer...

Go Cubs! Go Sox!

>266 msf59:

>268 Crazymamie: LOL. I will still sneak those warbling vibes through...You can't escape me, my little treat.

How many days now, Mark? Are we going to have a full-on countdown.
I'm, of course, thrilled for you and very envious of your Booktopia attendance. And a Meet-up with Caroline and Marianne! That cements it. I am

>268 Crazymamie: >270 EBT1002: LOL!!

Hiya Mark!

Ah - successful double teaming!

>265 jnwelch: you will enjoy Lady Killer

>270 EBT1002: Ooh, you are sure green, Ellen! You might have to go home and have a beer, to settle down.

In 3 days, we will be Cambridge. Hopefully sitting around drinking and shooting the breeze with my LT pals.

>271 Berly: Howdy, Kimmers!

>273 msf59: I feel very vulnerable right now, Juli...

Hi Mark, I'm back from my little getaway and now settled in to my new work digs. Love the new location...wish I could stay there.

I've done very little reading the past week, just finishing an ER book about baseball.

Watched CTM last night. Another good episode.

Well, I am on the verge of adding three to my wishlist, but I might just wait a bit on The Mirror Thief. I am definitely adding Anna and the Swallow Man and Lady Killer.

>274 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda! Good to see you. Glad you like your "new digs". I hope that makes the transition easier.

With the Hawks out of it now, I hope you get back to the books. And yes, the CTM episode was, once again, very good.

>275 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy! Glad I got you with a couple BBs. I have not hit the halfway point in The Mirror Thief, but I am mighty impressed, so far.

^Yes, time for some M & M, folks. I want to get this stuff posted before I leave on my trip. You understand, right?

Murder & Mayhem Thread is up and ready: http://www.librarything.com/topic/222604#

It sounds like a fun trip you have planned, Mark! I haven't been to Boston, but I hear it's super fun and good food, too.

>278 banjo123: Hi, Rhonda! We are going to have a good time. We are going with another couple too and they are also fun. Should be a blast!

Howdy Mark, only a couple more sleeps! Sounds like you are stoked! Thanks for the murder and mayhem thread - will you have time to part take? Sounds like you have a pretty full schedule there.

>245 LovingLit: I checked the Swallow Man at the librar, and we have three copies. Yay! But all are out at present. Boo. So I put it on my library WL....

>280 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg! Good to see you. Yes, May is going to be jammed but I am going to try and slot in a couple M & M books. I have to participate. How about you?

>281 LovingLit: Glad they have a copy of Swallow Man. I thought at first this was YA , but it is pretty dark and deep for that designation. Interesting book and a different look at war.

Morning, Mark!

Morning, Mark! Our temps are supposed to be double yours today, but we also have the rains. Sending you warm thoughts!

>262 Carmenere: >266 msf59: If I'm anything, Mark, it's patient. I can wait for The Mirror Thief.
I'm ready to go with murder and mayhem month! Have a spectacular Friday!!

Morning, Mark! Happy Friday!

Nearly there for your trip, right?

>277 msf59: M & M starred. But where's her book? She doesn't seem to have enough on for it to be hidden somewhere.

I just started When Breath Becomes Air, and I'm pretty sure this is going to be another stellar NF.

Another crummy weather day, darn it. I hope at least the rain holds off for you.

>283 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

>284 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! It is gloomy and chill at the moment. Ugh. Glad you are enjoying some fine weather. I appreciate the warm thoughts.

>285 Carmenere: Morning Lynda! I sure hope The Mirror Thief stays on course. It sure feels like it will.
Hooray for M & M!

>286 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! 2 more work days and then I am outta here. Smiles...

You are going to love When Breath. Another amazing NNF offering.

Our M & M gal may be just sitting on her books, you just never know...

>288 msf59: Ha! Of course - that must be it.

Have a swell Boston visit, Mark. I wish I was going.

If you take the T from Logan into the city, take a moment on the train platform to turn away from the tracks and wave to my daughter Becky for me. She lives about three blocks away.

>289 jnwelch: Honestly, I wasn't paying a whole lot of attention, must have been focused on her...gun.

>290 weird_O: Thanks, Bill. Happy Friday! We will be staying in Cambridge but will take the train into the city on Monday. Same line?

>291 msf59: LOL! Understandable. She has quite a . . . gun.

I know you will have a wonderful time with Marianne and Caroline! It is always a pleasant experience to be with LT members. Conversation flows so easily.

All the best!

Getting close to your breakaway!!

Hello Mark. I believe I have broken the reading decision spell. I'm setting the baseball stuff aside to engage the weird creepiness of Welcome to Night Vale. I'll let you know how it goes.

Almost time to leave!! You're going to have a great time.

Well, I got home and quickly cut the lawn. It is supposed to rain tomorrow afternoon, so I may not get a chance, before we leave.

Side Note: I can not always count on my son. I am sure I am not alone...

>295 brodiew2: Oh, that is great news, Brodie! Sweet! I also have Welcome to Night Vale waiting, in my audio stacks. I have heard good things but very little LT response. You might be the one, that gets me to bump it, to the top.

>296 SuziQoregon: Thanks, Juli! The excitement is building. It is always extra special, when the destination, is somewhere you have never been.

You are going to have a stellar time in Boston and Cambridge.

>298 EBT1002: Ooh, we will be here Sunday afternoon. Can you say Meet-Up Time? I knew you could.

Thanks, Ellen!

>298 EBT1002:, >299 msf59: If you're in Cambridge, be sure to stop in to the Harvard Coop - huge book selection.

>300 jnwelch: Ooh, sounds good, Joe! Maybe, I can slip away for a few.