Berly, Happily Buried in Books-7

Summer is here!! Welcome old friends and new. That applies to people and books.

This is a Rainbow Sorbet rose in my front yard.

A rose is a rose
Unless you look at it closely
And discover its soul
See it's deepest fears
And learn its love of life
Then when you learn that
You see
The beauty of life...
It's like a rainbow...
Beautiful
Yet you can't understand
How it works
And yet you do somehow...
Alas,
Isn't a rose
Just simply a rose?

Kathryn Thomas

Currently Reading
Last Exit to Brooklyn (L) by Hubert Shelby, Jr
Americanah (OS) by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchinson (Audio) (N)
A History of the World In 100 Objects (657 pages) (OS) by Neil MacGregor

July Maybes...
Fire Touched (292 pages) by Patricia Briggs
Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust by Michael Hinson




Read in June (June 2,337 pages/ 15,496 Total)
48. White Noise (326 pages) by Don DeLillo
47. Career of Evil (489 pages) (N)by Robert Galbraith 4.5
46. My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry (370 pages) by Fredrik Backman 3.75
45. A Serpent's Tooth (368 pages)(L) by Walt Longmire 3.5
44. Girl Waits with Gun (448 pages) (K) by Amy Stewart 3.75
43. Departure (Audio, 336 pages)) by A.G. Riddle 4.0

Read in May (May 2,776 pages/13,159 Total)
42. Unseemly Science: The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire, Book 2 (K) (368 pages) by Rod Duncan 4.0
41. The Guise of Another (Audio, 269 pages) (N) by Allen Eskens 4.5
40. Library of Souls (458 pages) by Ransom Riggs 4.5
39. The Psychopath Whisperer (268 pages)(N) by Kent Kiehl 4.5
38. Another Bowie Book...The Bird Artist (289 pages) (L) by Howard Norman 3.0
37. The Good House (Audio, 320 pages) by Ann Leary, Narrated by Mary Beth Hurt 4.5
36. The Boys in the Boat (370 pages)(OS) by Daniel James Brown 4.0
35. The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter (384 pages)(K) by Rod Duncan 4.0
34. Talking God (Read 50 pages) by Tony Hillerman, pearl ruled

Read in April (April 3,460 pages/10,383 Total)
33. Tell No One (370 pages) (OS) by Harlan Coben 4.0
32. The Eagle Tree (270 pages) (N) by Ned Hayes for Autism awareness month 4.0
31. The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes (Audio, 522 pages) by Diane Chamberlain, Cris Dukehart narrator 3.0
30. Frost Burned (292 pages) (OS) by Patricia Briggs 4.0
29. Fables: Wolves (129 pages) (GN) (L) book #8 by Bill Willingham 4.0
28. The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with The Sea (181 pages)(L) by Yukio Mishima 3.5
27. The Life We Bury (Audio, 303 pages) (N) by Allen Eskens 4.5
26. Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges (Audio) (N) by Amy Cuddy
Pearl-ruled, not because this isn't done well, but because this is not an area I need right now
25. As the Crow Flies (Audio, 352 pages) (N) by Craig Johnson 4.0
24. The Museum of Extraordinary Things, (384 pages) (OS) by Alice Hoffman 3.5
23. Hunger Makes Me A Modern Girl (244 pages) (N) by Carrie Brownstein 3.5
22. Good Omens (413 pages) (N) by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchet 5.0

Read in March (March 2,635 pages/6,923 Total)
21. City on Fire (944-read 400 pages) (IR) by Garth Risk Hallberg pearl ruled
20. Defending Jacob by William Landay (Audio, 448 pages) (OS) by William Landay 3.5
19. Eleanor (376 pages) (LT) by Jason Gurley 4.5
18. Seven Brief Lessons on Physics (81 pages) (N) by Carlo Rovelli 3.75
17. Fingersmith(582 pages) (N) by Sarah Waters 5.0
16. The Goblin Emperor (Audio, 512 pages) (N) by Katherine Addison 3.75
15. Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal (236 pages) (OS) by Jeannete Winterson 5.0

Read in February (2,182 pages Feb/4,288 Total)
14. The Art of Virtue: Benjamin Franklin's Formula for Successful Living (144 pages) (N) by Benjamin Franklin 3.5
13. Morgue Drawer: Do Not Enter! (323 pages)(N) by Jutta Profit 3.0
12. And Again (Audio, 320 pages) (N) by Jessica Chiarella 4.5
11. In Cold Blood (343 pages) (N) by Truman Capote 4.0
10. The Mermaid's Sister (Audio, 236 pages) (N) by Carrie Ann Noble 3.0
9. I Am Malala (352 pages) (OS) by Malala Yousafzai 4.0
8. Secret Star (384 pages) (N) by N. Roberts 3.0

Read in January (2,186 pages)
7. Black Man in a White Coat (N) (304 pages) by Damon Tweedy 3.0
6. Hell is Empty (audio) (N) (352 pages) by Craig Johnson 4.0
5. As I Lay Dying (178 pages) (L) by Faulkner 5.0
4. Dying to be Me (186 pages) (N) by Anita Moorjani 4.0
3. Skinwalkers (282 pages) (L) by Tony Hillerman 3.75
2. The Silkworm (Audio, 464 pages) (OS) by Robert Galbraith 4.0
1. Cross Justice (420 pages) (OS) by James Patterson 4.0

L--Library
OS--Off My Shelves
N--New/Gift
GN--Graphic Novel
IR--Indiespensable Readers
K--Kindle
LT--LibraryThing Early Reviewer

David Bowie's Top 100 Reads:

READING with Megan (IreadthereforeIam) and other folks
Jan - As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner ✔ ✔
February - In Cold Blood by Truman Capote ✔ ✔
March - Fingersmith by Sarah Waters ✔ ✔
April - The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with The Sea by Yukio Mishima ✔ ✔
May - The Bird Artist by Howard Norman Reading ✔ ✔

June - White Noise by Don DeLillo
http://www.librarything.com/topic/223975

July - Last Exit to Brooklyn by Hubert Selby, Jr.
August - Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes
September
October
November
December

Kim has already read
1984 by George Orwell
The Brief Wondrous Life Of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
The Divided Self by R. D. Laing
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Herzog by Saul Bellow
Iliad by Homer
Inferno by Dante Alighieri
Inside The Whale And Other Essays by George Orwell
Lady Chatterly’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
On The Road by Jack Kerouac
The Outsider by Colin Wilson
Passing by Nella Larson
The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark
The Stranger by Albert Camus

STILL TO GO
Interviews With Francis Bacon by David Sylvester
Billy Liar by Keith Waterhouse
Room At The Top by John Braine
On Having No Head by Douglass Harding
Kafka Was The Rage by Anatole Broyard
City Of Night by John Rechy
Tadanori Yokoo by Tadanori Yokoo
Berlin Alexanderplatz by Alfred Döblin
Mr. Norris Changes Trains by Christopher Isherwood
Halls Dictionary Of Subjects And Symbols In Art by James A. Hall
David Bomberg by Richard Cork
Blast by Wyndham Lewis
Beyond The Brillo Box by Arthur C. Danto
The Origin Of Consciousness In The Breakdown Of The Bicameral Mind by Julian Jaynes
In Bluebeard’s Castle by George Steiner
Hawksmoor by Peter Ackroyd
Infants Of The Spring by Wallace Thurman
The Quest For Christa T by Christa Wolf
The Songlines by Bruce Chatwin
Nights At The Circus by Angela Carter
The Master And Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark
Puckoon by Spike Milligan
Black Boy by Richard Wright
Darkness At Noon by Arthur Koestler
The Waste Land by T.S. Elliot
McTeague by Frank Norris
Money by Martin Amis
Strange People by Frank Edwards
English Journey by J.B. Priestley
A Confederacy Of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
The Day Of The Locust by Nathanael West
The Life And Times Of Little Richard by Charles White
Awopbopaloobop Alopbamboom: The Golden Age of Rock by Nik Cohn
Mystery Train by Greil Marcus
Beano (comic, ’50s)
Raw (comic, ’80s)
Sweet Soul Music: Rhythm And Blues And The Southern Dream Of Freedom by Peter Guralnick
Silence: Lectures And Writing by John Cage
Writers At Work: The Paris Review Interviews edited by Malcolm Cowley
The Sound Of The City: The Rise Of Rock And Roll by Charlie Gillete
Octobriana And The Russian Underground by Peter Sadecky
The Street by Ann Petry
Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon
A People’s History Of The United States by Howard Zinn
The Age Of American Unreason by Susan Jacoby
Metropolitan Life by Fran Lebowitz
The Coast Of Utopia by Tom Stoppard
The Bridge by Hart Crane
All The Emperor’s Horses by David Kidd
Earthly Powers by Anthony Burgess
The 42nd Parallel by John Dos Passos
Tales Of Beatnik Glory by Ed Saunders
Nowhere To Run The Story Of Soul Music by Gerri Hirshey
Before The Deluge by Otto Friedrich
Sexual Personae: Art And Decadence From Nefertiti To Emily Dickinson by Camille Paglia
The American Way Of Death by Jessica Mitford
Teenage by Jon Savage
Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh
The Hidden Persuaders by Vance Packard
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
Viz (comic, early ’80s)
Private Eye (satirical magazine, ’60s – ’80s)
Selected Poems by Frank O’Hara
The Trial Of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
Maldoror by Comte de Lautréamont
Mr. Wilson’s Cabinet of Wonder by Lawrence Weschler
Zanoni by Edward Bulwer-Lytton
Transcendental Magic, Its Doctrine and Ritual by Eliphas Lévi
The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels
The Leopard by Giusseppe Di Lampedusa
A Grave For A Dolphin by Alberto Denti di Pirajno
The Insult by Rupert Thomson
In Between The Sheets by Ian McEwan
A People’s Tragedy by Orlando Figes
Journey Into The Whirlwind by Eugenia Ginzburg

Plans for Reading


RL Book Club #1
February - Black Man in a White Coat, by Damon Tweedy ✔ ✔
April - The Museum of Extraordinary Things, by Alice Hoffman ✔ ✔
June - H is for Hawk, by Helen McDonald
August - A Man Called Ove, by Frederick Backman
October - Mrs. Poe, by Lynn Cullen
December - choose new books!

And RL Book Club #2
February - I am Malala, by Malala Yousafzai ✔ ✔
March - Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal by Jeannete Winterson ✔ ✔
April - Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl: A Memoir, by Carrie Brownstein (Portlandia!) ✔ ✔
May/June - The Boys in the Boat ✔ ✔
Summer - Americanah
The rest of the year TBD later...

And Navajo Mystery(Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee)/Walt Longmire Project
January - Skinwalkers ✔ ✔
February - Hell is Empty ✔ ✔
March - A Thief of Time
April - As the Crow Flies ✔ ✔
May - Talking God Pearl Ruled
June - A Serpent's Tooth ✔ ✔
July - Coyote Waits
August - Any Other Name
September - Sacred Clowns
October - Dry Bones
November - The Fallen Man
December - Wait For Signs: Twelve Longmire Stories

Favorites from last year:

The Uninvited (340 pages) by Cat Winters 4.5
The Boy Who Went Away (230 pages) by Eli Gottlieb 4.5
Finders Keepers (audio) (448 pages) by Stephen King 4.5
Wonder (404 pages) by RJ Palacio 5.0
Leaving Time (audio/496 pages) by Jodi Piccoult 4.5
All the Light We Cannot See (530 pages) by Anthony Doerr 4.0
Fables: Legends In Exile My first GN Series!! by Bill Willingham

New last year were Graphic Novels and listening to books on audio--I enjoyed them both!

I am going to start entering those series I still want to follow. This list will evolve over time...

Cormoran Strike--#4 whenever that comes out
Alex Cross--I have read (17) and (23)
Alpha and Omega--Next is Dead Heat (4)
Author Terry Pratchett, Discworld, Wyrd Sisters Souloftherose's fault ; )
Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children: Finished
Longmire Series: now on (9)
The Gaslit Empire Series: (3) The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire
Morgue Drawer by Jutta Profit on book (5)
Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs--next up is Fire Touched (9)
End of Watch book 3 in Bill Hodges Trilogy by Stephen King

New Books in 2016

Gifts
1) Mr Splitfoot by Samantha Hunt, Indiespensibe #57
2) Fever at Dawn by Peter Gardos, Indiespensible #57
3) Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore, Birthday
4) A Manual for Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin, Birthday
5) The Monopolists by Mary Pilon, Birthday
6) Hunger Makes Me A Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstein, Birthday ✔ ✔

Thingaversary Treats...these don't count!
7) Dying To Be Me by Anita Morrjani ✔ ✔
8) Start Where You Are by Pema Chodron
9) Stars of Mithra book 3 ✔ ✔
10) The Science of Discworld: The Globe by Terry Pratchett
11) Black Man in a White Coat by Damon Tweedy ✔ ✔
12) Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs ✔ ✔
13) The Psychopath Whisperer, The Science of Those Without Conscience by Kent A Kiehl ✔ ✔
14) The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls ✔ ✔

Purchased. Now anything below this line, guilt might set it in. Notice I used "might"!!! LOL
15) The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter by Ron Duncan ✔ ✔
(Richard's Fault, with a second from Crazy, and a final push from Kidzdoc for the $1.99 Kindle pricing)
16) Unseemly Science the sequel by Ron Duncan (ronincats's fault for the push and the $1.99 Kindle pricing alert) ✔ ✔
17) The Last Girl by Joe Hart -- Free!
18) The Mermaid's Sister by Carrie Ann Noble ✔ ✔
19) Christopher and Columbus by Elizabeth von Arnim.
20) Morgue Drawer: Do Not Enter! by Jutta Profit ✔ ✔
21) Maximum Muscle, Minimum Fat by Ori Hofmekler (For TKD Test!)
22) The Art of Virtue by Benjamin Franklin (For TKD Test!) ✔ ✔
23) The Queen's Poisoner (The Kingfountain Series Book 1) by Jeff Wheeler (Free! Kindle First, Amazon)
24) Clink or Cooler by Jutta Profit (Kindle)
25) The Art of Virtue: Benjamin Franklin's Formula for Successful Living by Benjamin Franklin (For TKD) ✔ ✔
26) Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli ✔ ✔
27) Fingersmith by Sarah Waters ✔ ✔
28) The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison ✔ ✔
29) Mislaid by Neil Zink (Crazy)
30) The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
31) Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie READING
32) Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett (how is that for a duo?!) ✔ ✔
33) The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss, whom I have never heard of but had 3 books in Powell's favorites collection
34) The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut
36) The Eagle Tree by Ned Hayes, Free! ✔ ✔
37) The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes (Audio) by Diane Chamberlain, Cris Dukehart narrator 3.0 ✔ ✔
38) The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown ✔ ✔
39) Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart (Mark and Crazy) ✔ ✔
40) The Guise of Another by Allen Eskens - Free Audio!! ✔ ✔
41) The Serpent's Tooth by Craig Johnson ✔ ✔
42) The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison
43) White Noise by Don DeLillo
44) A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (August RL Bookclub read)
45) Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes (Future Bowie Top 100 Read)
46) The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman (love her books)
47) The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George (just looked interesting)
48) Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling (3rd in series and I love these) ✔ ✔

Uh-Oh! I have purchased more than I have read. ; )

Is it safe? Happy new thread. That rose is lovely.

It's safe. And speaking of safe, just for you, the first to grace my new thread, your very own thorn trimmer!! This one is magic and works on life and not just roses. Hope you have a great weekend.

Happy new thread, Kim! I love that rose -- it even has a delicious name!

Hi Terri! We are having a heat wave this weekend. It's over 100, so I think Rainbow Sorbet sounds delightfully cool and delicious!! Thanks for visiting. Here's one for you.

Happy New Thread, Kimmers! I will keep sending those positive vibes, along with a virtual hug or 2.

Ooh, Girl Waits with Gun. Swoons just a little...

*Waves* Hi Kim! :)

>12 msf59: Thanks, Mark!! All hugs gratefully accepted. But don't swoon...there are no fancy fainting couches on this thread. Sorry. ; )

>13 Ape: Stephano!!! How nice to see you here. That makes me very happy.

Happy new one, Kim!

Howdy Kim!

Happy new thread!
What a beautiful rose! I have gardening envy.

Happy new thread, Kimmers.

Will join for DeLillo this month.

Happy new thread Kim and what a beautiful rose you have in your garden. Karen wants a couple of roses for the front garden with a really special one to bury some ashes of her mum and dad under. Hope you are having a lovely weekend with everything that has gone on recently my dear, sending love and hugs dear friend.

Happy new thread! I love rainbow sherbert.

Happy new thread!

>15 scaifea: Thanks Amber! Glad to have you here.

>16 luvamystery65: Howdy Roberta!

>17 mstrust: Jennifer--there are other parts of the garden that need weeding, so don't get too jealous. ; )

>18 PaulCranswick: Paul--glad to have you along for White Noise--I still have to get a copy!! The thread is here for anyone who is ready for the June Bowie read: http://www.librarything.com/topic/223975

>19 johnsimpson: Hi John. Thanks for popping in and I hope Karen finds some lovely roses.

>20 banjo123: Rhonda--what did you do this weekend to stay cool? Can you believe how hot is was? I heard 102!! Too hot for me.

>21 The_Hibernator: Thanks Rachel!

Happy new one, Kim!

>1 Berly: Pretty!

Happy New Thread, Kim.

Hope you're enjoying Girl Waits with Gun.

Happy new one, Kim!

Gorgeous photo up top!

>23 Crazymamie: Hi Crazy. Happy Tuesday!

>24 jnwelch: Hi Joe. The Girl was good, but not great. Would I read the next in the series? Yes!

>25 katiekrug: Hi Katie. Glad you like my rose photo. Sadly, they are all past their peak bloom now that my parents are due out here any day. Timing....

Happy new thread, Kim.

>3 Berly: I love the Bowie breakdown!

And a thorn trimmer that works on life- not just roses!? Fantastic :) I swear, every time I touch a rose I get a spike. You gotta take the good with the bad I suppose!
Happy new thread.

Morning, Kim!

Hi Kim. Good luck with your Bowie Challenge. Will his endorsements become sales points for the books on his list? "One of the best 100 books I've read" -- David Bowie.

I wish we were having a heat wave! (I'll thoroughly regret saying that later.) We spent a week in the south and it was only around 20C or so (68-72F) the whole time. I was hoping for sunbathing weather!

Nice rose picture, too.

Dropping in to say "hi." I arrive in Portland Sunday around noon (unless I end up with one of these awful delays people keep experiencing). I'm planning to hit the Japanese Gardens in the afternoon and depending on how tired I am, I may do a quick "look" at Powell's before checking into the hotel. It will really depend on how tired my Eastern time zone body is. I think several of us from the conference are planning to go to Powell's Tuesday evening.

Thanks for the thorn trimmer. ;) Have fun with the graduation festivities.

I'll be in Portland June 27 - 29. Just sayin'.

>32 thornton37814: a look? Or a loooooook? *wink wink*

>32 thornton37814: Powell's is like visiting one of the seven wonders of the bookbuying LT world isn't it.

1 Powells - Portland
2 The Strand - NYC
3 The Tattered Cover - Denver
4 Foyles - London
5 Hay-on-Wye - Wales
6 El Ateneo - Buenos Aires
7 Shakespeare & Company - Paris

Possibly also the Booktopia moveable feasts too.

Have a great weekend, Kimmers.

Happy Sunday Kim.

Happy new week Kim.

Hi Kim! Hope you have a great week. :)

Hi, Kim.

Good list from Paul in >36 PaulCranswick:!

Hope your week is going well.

Kim! I miss you. That is all.

*long distance hug*

Thank you all for keeping my thread alive!! Individual responses to come this weekend. xoxo

Just wanted to say Hi! and let you know that I survived moving both girls out of the dorms and back home. The graduation hoopla was fun. MIL is doing well and is back at home; my son is done with school and his friend came over yesterday and he is doing great. EXHAUSTED! I look forward to up catching on all things LT this weekend. Big hugs.

: )

Congrats on surviving all the hoopla. I hope you have time now to put your feet up and do some reading.

Hi Kim, congrats on surviving all the hoopla my dear, now is the time for some me time and relaxation. Have a wonderful weekend and sending love and hugs by the bucketload.

Um, I'll be in Portland June 27-29. Just sayin'.

Happy Saturday, Kim!

Hi Kim. I am taking advantage of a cold, overcast Saturday to try and get caught up with some threads. Going back to your previous thread, congrats on being back doing TKD, and with no injuries! ;-) Love the picture of your roses. So beautiful! I love roses. Sorry to read about all the stuff going on in RL for you back in May and continued into June.

Happy new thread and wishing you a relaxing weekend, Kim.

I'm late to the party. Happy New Thread, Kim and happy Sunday.

Get your breath back and come back soon Kimmers. Miss you.

Glad the business is coming to an end - hopefully you can get some rest soon! :)

Hoping for a Kim sighting!

Still clawing my back up for air--so far behind!!! But I wanted to take a minute to wish

>52 ronincats: she was here just a wee while ago, I swear! ;)

Hi Kim!

Morning, Kim!

Hi, Kimmers! Glad to see you checking in. You have been missed. Just sayin'...

>27 DianaNL: Diana--Hi there!! Thanks for being here.

>28 LovingLit: Hi Megan! Glad you like the Bowie breakdown. Now if I could just get to this month's read...!

>29 Crazymamie: ,41 and 47 Crazy--You are the best! Thanks for checking up on me so often. As you can tell by my absence, life was beyond busy! How is the new air cast working for Daniel? Poor kid.

>30 weird_O: Bill--I am totally loving the Bowie challenge with Megan. And I am sure you are right about the "100 Best Books I Read" endorsement. ; )

>31 ursula: Ursala--Any heat waves yet? We are due for a perfect week of sunny and in the 80s--summer!!!

>32 thornton37814: Lori--I know you have arrived on the West Coast and already plundered Powell's! Let me know what's up for the return leg of your trip. : )

>33 BLBera: Beth--You are very welcome. I hope the thorn trimmer comes in handy. The graduation festivities were lots of fun. And there were a lot of them. Thankfully, the last friend's one was this past weekend. As you can tell by the champagne, my daughter was happy to be done! (She is on the left.)

>34 EBT1002: Ellen! That's next week!! What shall we do? : ) Do you only have the nights free? I think you have my number but I will PM it to you.

>35 LovingLit: Megan--Ha,ha!! I think Lori did more than look. ; )

>36 PaulCranswick: Paul--That list is like heaven!! I have only been to two of these wonderful places: The Strand and, of course, Powell's. How many have you visited?

>37 johnsimpson: 45--John. And a big thank you to you, too, for the multiple visits while I attempted to deal with RL. Big hugs!

>38 The_Hibernator: Hiya Rachel! Thanks for popping in.

>39 nittnut: Thanks Jenn. And now it is the start of a new week! Time flies!! Hope this is a great week for you, too.

>40 jnwelch: Joe--Paul is a man of amazing stats and lists isn't he? Happy Monday. : )

>42 Ape: A hug from Stephan!! Thanks, man. ; )

>44 BLBera: Beth--Nope, no time for feet up and relaxing yet. My parents left after the graduation stuff, we moved my middle daughter home from college for the summer and then my SIL came down to stay with us, see her Mom and celebrate Father's Day. We also saw Thornton Wilder's play By the Skin of Our Teeth, which was a wild one, following a family as they live through the Ice Age, The Flood, and modern day war. My son kept asking what was going on. SIL left yesterday. Today I am trying to catch up on laundry, bills and dishes.

>46 EBT1002: Um...PMed you my cell #. : )

>48 lkernagh: Lori-- I need one of those cloudy days to catch up, but nothing doing. However, I am determined to at least get caught up on my own thread!! Ha, ha!

>49 Ameise1: Hi Barb! You are never late. Thanks for stopping by.

>50 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul! I kinda fell off the face of the earth, or at least LT, huh?! Well, I am a little worse for wear, but I am back!!

>51 The_Hibernator: Thanks, Rachel. I got a good nights sleep last night, which always helps.

>52 ronincats: Roni--I am here, I am here, I am here!! So glad you were looking for me.

>54 LovingLit: Megan, still here. ; )

>55 Crazymamie: Happy Mmflday, Crazy!!

>56 msf59: Thanks for missing me, Mark. I missed you, too.

Ha!! I am all caught up! Well, at least here. I promise to do my best to catch up with all of you on your threads, but be patient--I am WAY behind!! ; )

Hugs!

Hi Kim, hope you are having a good Monday my dear, sending love and hugs.

Hi John. : )

Great Monday! Checked off lots of stuff on my To-Do list. And on a the fun side, got an ER book, Entwined, and finally caved and bought a copy of White Noise so I can participate in my own Bowie 100 thread! Yay!

I finished My Grandmother's Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman (A Man Called Ove) and I liked it very much. Also A Serpent's Tooth in the Walt Longmire series by Craig Johnson, which I always like. So I have not been a total book derelict. ; )

Morning, Kim!

Hi Kim! Good to "see" you back after all your excitement on the home front!

Howdy Kim!

>65 DianaNL: Indeed!! Summer is finally here! I am so far behind, I still haven't planted any flowers on my back deck. Course that means nothing has died yet either. ; )

>66 Crazymamie: Happy No Longer Monday!!

>67 katiekrug: Glad to be back. Thanks. :)

>68 luvamystery65: Howdy Luv!

So, Mark is going to be in town the evening of July 3rd. He is up for dinner at, of course, a brew pub. Anyone around for that? Where shall we go? I posted this on our Portland thread, too. : )

http://www.librarything.com/topic/170100#

>70 Berly: Thanks for posting that, Kim. I think I mentioned it to Juli & Rhonda, a few weeks back.

Now, why would anyone think I would like a brewpub? I am not a big fan of profiling. Just sayin'...

Looking forward to meeting you later today!

Meet-up! Don't forget the pictures!

Yay for surviving all of the hoopla - that's a lot in a short time.

>46 EBT1002: and I are talking about meeting after work (4 ish) on the 29th before she heads out. Possibly check out the Lan Su Chinese Garden and Powell's (of course) before she heads to the train.

>71 msf59: I wasn't profiling you...I was stating the obvious. : P

>72 thornton37814: Soon!!

>73 ronincats: Right! Thanks for the reminder.

>74 SuziQoregon: Yup. That was the plan when we talked yesterday.

And my thought for the day...

Love your thought for the day, Kim!

Glad you survived the graduation/move out of the dorm hoopla!

>75 Berly: I just wrote that out to put up on W's wall. What a fantastic quote!

>65 DianaNL: Enjoyed My Grandmother... too. Looking forward to his next one.

Hope you have a great meet up. Jealous!

>75 Berly: - love it!

It sounds like you have some LT social times planned. Pictures, please.

>76 tymfos: Terri-- Yes, that was a lot of excitement packed into a short amount of time. Here is one more picture from Graduation Day. Happiness all around!

>77 LovingLit: Megan--Hope W likes that quote as much as you and I do!!

>78 charl08: Charlotte--y RL bookclub is reading A Man Called Ove later in the year, and if it is anything like My Grandmother, I am sure I will enjoy it. Grandmother had a great sense of humor and wonderful storytelling while tackling some of the darker sides of life like death and grief, being different, and war.

>79 SuziQoregon: Hi Juli!!

>80 BLBera: Beth--You want some meet-up pictures? Here they are!! ; )

Lori (thornton37814) and I had a lovely lunch at Andina, a Peruvian restaurant in dowtown Portland (Lori has the pictures of what we ate--so you have to check her thread). Then we went to the Lan Su Chinese Garden. Many of the plants were in bloom and the Jasmine smelled heavenly!

Then we just HAD to hit Powell's!! Not bad for a selfie if I do say so myself. LOL

Lori and I had a fabulous time! I just love meeting LTers in person because it just makes the friendships even better. : ) I eventually had to leave Lori and go pick up the kids. Last I know, she was deep in the history room with one book in hand. I managed to show some restraint and purchased from the "buy two get one free" table and the sale table. All in all, a great visit!

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (August RL Bookclub read)
Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes (Future Bowie Top 100 Read)
The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman (love her books)
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George (just looked interesting)
Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling (3rd in series and I love these)

>81 Berly: Love the graduation photo! Those are happy parents!!

>84 Berly: Hooray for a Meet-Up! Always a glorious thing!

Hallo! What a month you've been having. Graduations and meetups are always good.

>86 msf59: Yes, life is good right now.

>87 weird_O: Hallo is right! Yes, it has been a full month.

And you have been very chatty too! I love it!!

Qui? Moi? : )

Oooh a meet-up with Lori and another one coming up! Great!! The gardens look gorgeous.

I get the Powell's emails even though I haven't been there. Sounds like a fantastic shop.
Hope you're enjoying Career of Evil.

>81 Berly: Yay for graduation!!

Lovely pictures Kim. Congrats to your daughter.

>81 Berly: Not sure who looks happier, parents or graduate. :) It's a great photo.

>83 Berly: to >85 Berly: Meetup! Powells! Sigh. I adore Powells. I can never get enough time in that store. Nice book haul. :)

Looks like you and Lori had a fabulous meetup! And Powell's, too ... am so green with envy! Oh, good morning, Kim : ).

Love all the photos, Kim! You have been busy, but just look what you have to show for it, my friend!

Great pics! It looks like you're having some good times. Congrats to your daughter!

>81 Berly: Nice! Congratulations, and great photo.

>83 Berly: Looks like a fun meetup! Some day I'll make it to Portland . . .

>91 cushlareads: Cushla--Meetups are the best!! And next week Ellen is in town and then Mark is showing up. : )

I have been to the Chinese gardens before many times, but never took the botany tour and it was really interesting. Most of the plants were shipped directly from China and some of them were totally new to me. There were also having a tea tasting and a talk on ethnic foods--I want to hit one of those, too.

Loving Career of Evil! Stayed up till 1:30 reading it.

>92 ursula: Ursala--Graduation is indeed a good thing! Thankfully we did not to go to the whole school ceremony, which lasted about four hours, and just attended her major. 250ish grads, wonderful speakers and it lasted about two hours. Everyone was happy.

>93 charl08: Thanks Charlotte! Pictures are pretty easy to take when everyone is so utterly happy.

>94 nittnut: Jenn--I think it is a close call, who was happier that day. ; ) Powell's is just sitting here waiting for you to come back and visit! Do you ever come back to Oregon? Family here?

>95 lit_chick: Over here! Over here! Good morning back atcha Nancy. LOL

>96 Crazymamie: Thanks Crazy. Life has been hectic but fun! : )

>97 mstrust: Hi Jennifer! I am telling my daughter, who is sitting next to me, that you say congrats....she says Thanks with a big smile! How is the weather in Phoenix? Today is rainy and cooler, which is a nice change. Back to sunny and warm in the foreseeable future.

>98 jnwelch: Joe, thanks. I hope someday is sooner rather than later!! And let me know. ; )

>100 Berly: We're having a high of 110F today. Our temps this week are expected to be from 105-112. Just as crazy as the temps is the fact that we have some friends who just arrived for their vacation here.

And that's why I don't live in AZ in the summer! Stay cool. : )

>83 Berly: I think my cousins took me to Andina when i visited last - unless there's another Peruvian restaurant in Portland. Wouldn't be surprised. Next time I'm in Portland, I must check for tours of the Chinese Gardens

>101 mstrust: I've heard of the horrible heat in the southwest this year. And I complain when it's above 80 in New York. Stay cool if you can.

>103 ffortsa: Judy--I don't know of another Peruvian restaurant, not that I know all the restaurants by any means. I am guessing it was Andina. Lori (thornton37814) just posted more photos of our meetup, including some of our lunch fare. Yum! Happy to take you again when you visit next. And now that you are officially retired and have more time on your hands.... ; )

We got quite lucky. There was a tour with a horticulturist beginning within 7 minutes of our arrival so we explored nearby and then went back for the tour. We started with only a few people but by the 2nd or 3rd area, we had many more who had joined us.

>102 Berly: >103 ffortsa: Thank you both- I do my very best to stay cool!

>84 Berly: the best kind of selfie is one with books :)
Cool shot. And cool book purchases!

Love the pictures! And that is the sweetest graduation picture.

I just finished The Little Paris Bookshop. I haven't decided yet how I feel about it, though.

>106 mstrust: With lots of ice!!

>107 LovingLit: Megan--It almost can't go wrong with books in the background, right?! ; ) You may have noticed that I got my hands on Flaubert's Parrot...I seem to remember that was a top vote getter (largely due to Paul voting twice) as well as Last Exit to Brooklyn. Want to read one of those next month for Bowie?

>108 banjo123: Rhonda--Hmmmm...TLPB seems to be getting mixed reviews. Eager to hear your thoughts on it. Glad you liked the pictures. : ) Are you around for any of the upcoming Portland meetups?

>59 Berly: Way back up there! I have been to Foyles and Hay-On-Wye so plenty of catching up to do too!

Well done to your daughter. Graduating same time as my son!

Like the meet-up shots which I also saw on Lori's shiny new thread. Powell's was indeed honoured to host two of my LT pals.

Have a lovely weekend, Kimmers.

>112 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! Based on the number of top 7 bookstores we have both visited, it looks like we are not very committed book shoppers. But based on the number of books we buy, we both know that's not true!! LOL

Yes, we are both proud parents of recent graduates. ((Holds up hand for high fives.))

And Powell's would be honored to see the likes of you within its walls--just let me know. ; )

Best weekend wishes--I'll be over on your thread closely watching the political thoughts on Brexit.

>113 Berly: High five duly completed. xx

I will make it to Powells' and get one of those selfies with you while we still have chance to lift the phone with all those bags of books we would be buying.

I am strangely divorced from the proceedings in the UK being physically so far away but drawn inevitably to it by emotional and national ties. My home city (and John Simpson's too) voted 2/3rds in favour of BREXIT. I know John and Karen, his wife were in the Remain camp and I spoke to my brother this morning. He didn't vote he told me because whilst he is not overly impressed by the EU he was not wholly convinced that BREXIT was something he could support either and so he couldn't make up his mind. His wife was firmly in the Remain camp too.

One of the things that worries me is that in addition to regional diversity in voting patterns the following was also the case:

1 University educated voters voted overwhelmingly for Remain
2 The under 30 year olds voted overwhelmingly for Remain

Doesn't make me overly confident that the populace got the decision right in the long term interests of the country.

>114 PaulCranswick: This will be interesting to watch--I didn't realize the voting patterns were so well defined by age/education and I think your assessment may be right. Short-term, our stock market is already down 6-7% today. Not sure about the long-term effect of the decision here. I do predict England will have a new Prime Minister before we get our next President elected (and that's another whole dilemma).

>114 PaulCranswick: Also regional, although Scotland, voting to remain, only produced a 58% voter turnout, which didn't do them much good. I've also heard comments of students not voting because they were in the middle of exams (how long does it take?) or just thought the vote was assured.

There's so much misinformation flying around on so many topics, trust in anyone's facts or opinions is pitiful. Do we blame the pain of globalization? The fictions of the internet? Or just the pain of aging baby boomers everywhere?

Sorry to hijack the thread, Kim.

>116 ffortsa: Anytime. : )

>110 Berly: yup!
(as you can tell, either will do)
I'm going away tonight for the night to a cabin in the woods and once with kids are in bed I will lie by the fire and talk nonsense with my friend and then we will no doubt read as well.

Hey Kim - Have fun at your meet-ups. Pictures? Keep that Fitbit on. ;)

Kim, I think I can make both of the upcoming meet-ups, but I am not sure about the time/place for Wednesday's upcoming meeting, and it kind of depends on my scooting off work quickly.

Crazy about BREXIT, huh? One of these days people will realize that connections are better than divisions!

Dropping by to say I'm trying to catch up. Just want to keep your interesting reading and life on the "active" talk list on my home page. Saw the grad pics....congrats to all of you . That's such an accomplishment. Now t readjust to having them home again!

>118 LovingLit: Your night tonight sounds wonderful--have fun! I am sure you will. ;)

And let's do it!! Our next Bowie reads will be Last Exit to Brooklyn for July and Flaubert's Parrot for August!

>119 BLBera: Beth--do I get any credit for the pictures up on >83 Berly:? LOL And Lori (http://www.librarything.com/topic/225827#5629868) posted lots more today on her thread. ; ) I will post more next week when

Ellen (ebt1002) is in town, Wednesday the 29th, afternoon and early dinner.

>120 banjo123: Rhonda--I am going to pick up Ellen around 2:00 and I think she wanted to go see one of the Gardens and then Powell's and maybe dinner. Will keep you posted on details.

>121 tututhefirst: Tina!!! So nice to see you. Glad to be on your list. : ) Yes, it is an adjustment to have everyone home again, but I know I won't get this chance forever, so I am totally enjoying it.

Stopping by to say hi! The meet up sounds great! :) Have fun!

Thanks Deb. I plan to. ; ) Have a great weekend!

I am so far behind posting what I read. Here's a quickie for June...

Career of Evil (489 pages) (N)by Robert Galbraith 4.5
3rd in this detective series by JK Rowling. Definitely on the noir side, but love the main characters! Can't wait for the next one.
My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry (370 pages) by Fredrik Backman 3.75
A quirky novel about a Grandmother's love for her granddaughter. Her storytelling is an attempt to make sense of the world and inspire courage; after her death the stories seep into real life.
A Serpent's Tooth (368 pages)(L) by Walt Longmire 3.5
Classic Western Sheriff novel.
Girl Waits with Gun (448 pages) (K) by Amy Stewart 3.75
A smart, romping adventure, featuring some of the most memorable and powerful female characters I've seen in print for a long time. Based on forgotten true story of one of the nation’s first female deputy sheriffs. (I totally borrowed all of that!)
Departure (Audio, 336 pages)) by A.G. Riddle 4.0
Loved this book! A plane crashes in what should be populated England, only no one is there...

>100 Berly: I haven't been to Powell's in a while. It's a bit of a trek from NZ. However, my parents live in Rainier, so when I go visit them, I always go to Powell's. I'll have to meet you there sometime. :)

>126 nittnut: LOL. Yes, a bit of a distance. But just say when!

Morning, Kim! I have requested the Bowie read from the library, so we'll see if I get it in time.

Happy Sunday, Kim. Congrats to your daughter. Thanks so much for sharing the photos (with Lori).

I'm interested in Flaubert's Parrot; I'd like to read more Barnes, especially after the wonderful The Noise of Time.

>128 Crazymamie: Me, too. I got mine late this month--still reading White Noise. : (

>129 Ameise1: My pleasure. Thanks and wishing you a great day.

>130 BLBera: I haven't read any of Barnes, so I am looking forward to it.

This weekend has been all about soccer. Jack's team is in a tournament and it hasn't been going all that well. The teams were completely rearranged for this tournament and he is not playing with his usual group, so they don't know each other well and then there was an own goal (so demoralizing). Jack has played well and scored, but still. Playing in the consolation round today. And I am sunburned. : (

I know I have Flaubert's Parrot, along with several other unread books by Barnes, on my shelf, so I'll be able to join in that one. I'll see if my library has the July pick.

Morning, Kim!

Hi, Kimmers! Have a great visit with Ellen. I wish I could join you.

See you guys Sunday, though. B.A.G.

Ah, meetups and a graduation. Good times! Thanks for sharing pictures, Kim. I'm almost finished with White Noise and will join you again in August for Flaubert's Parrot. My guideline for Bowie Reads seems to be I have to own the book to join in!

Hi Kim! My condolences to Jack. I will PM you my cell phone, and then you can let me know about the Ellen meet-up.

What great meet up photos of you and Lori! Aren't meet ups grande!!!!

Hope you are well my friend.

>132 mstrust: Jennifer--That will be great if you can join us for the Bowie reads!! I just heard from the library and Last Exit to Brooklyn is waiting for pick up. Yay!! I'd say that's about perfect timing.

>133 Crazymamie: Morning, Crazy!! I am trying to help Sarah purge her stuff so she can be a little less cluttered. So the downstairs common room has the Goodwill pile, the garbage pile, the can-I-turn-it-in-for-money pile, and the does-my-sister-want-it? pile. Argh!!! I know we are making progress but she is a packrat.

>134 msf59: I know, Mark. I wish the two of you had overlapped. : (

>135 Donna828: HI Donna! Then you are ahead of me on White Noise. I just started the third section. Post some comments on the thread. And yay! for Flaubert's Parrot in August! Obviously you need to buy more books so you don't have to skip a Bowie month. ; )

>136 banjo123: Thanks for the condolences. Jack was pretty miffed about the whole thing. But then he wanted Taco Bell and I indulged him and the mood lightened. I PMed you my cell so we can coordinate getting together with Ellen.

>137 Whisper1: Hi Linda! So nice to see you out and about. I will come over and catch up on your latest recovery notes.

Glad you liked the photos. Yes, meetups are the best! I have another one on Wednesday with Ellen EBT1002 and Rhonda banjo123(if anyone else wants to join us).

Personally, I have had a really rough week with my usual intestinal stuff, but as you can see by my posts, I am trying my best to ignore it and carry on like it was nothing. You don't know anything about that do you?! This is a long spell though, so I may start whining soon. Yesterday was a pain med day. Today was just lots of ibuprofen. ; )

Oooo, ibuprofen day. I understand those. blech.

Was thinking about you, and thinking it's about time for another Birchbark meet-up. I've read all those books I bought and am ready for another round. I don't think I ever swung by and told you I decided to just to Category challenge this year. My thread is here.
https://www.librarything.com/topic/210271

Congrats on your daughter's graduation! She's a cutey. And your books look good this month, although for your long-term plans, I have to say, I vote for cutting Confederacy of Dunces off the list.

Life is good for me over here, but Sage is being a scaredier dog than ever (new neighbors!) and Wanda just failed her Canine Good Citizen test because she wanted to meet a cute little corgie during the test.

>139 cammykitty: Well, I did wonder where you'd got to!! Thanks for clueing me in. I will pop over and say Hi! And thanks for the heads up on the Dunces. ; )

>85 Berly: The Little Paris Bookshop is a pleasant read.

Meet-up is only two days away! Yay!!

>141 EBT1002: Ellen--Glad to hear a favorable review--I am looking forward to reading it.

So, what do you want to do on Wednesday? Do you still want to see the Chinese Garden or do something else? Are we still on for 2ish? PM the address where I am supposed to pick you up. Can't wait!!

>127 Berly: Will do :) Hope you're feeling better. A sore tummy is the worst.

>131 Berly: This weekend has been all about soccer.

Tell me about it! I hope Jack recovers his sang froid easier than this embittered England supporter will. xx

Hope you are feeling ok Kimmers.

Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well, Kim. Hoping today is better for you. Thinking of you, my friend!

I hope you feel better soon, Kim. Have fun at your meet up. Remember, we want pictures!

Loving the bolded meetup notifications!

Have fun, I know you will. I swear, the day one of us wins lotto (we are talking many millions here) there has to be a mega-all-expenses-paid-meetup organized.

Maybe we could hire a cruise ship? Get some authors to speak? :-)

Hey, Kimmers, sorry to hear about the intestinal issues, but I loved the pictures and look forward to tomorrow's.

Sorry to hear you are not feeling too well my dear, sending love and hugs for a speedy recovery.

Individual responses to come...feeling much better. Busy day at work interviewing candidates. Had a great time with Ellen and Rhonda! Pictures to come tonight. I bought books. : )

Finished White Noise. Hmmmmm. More on that later.

Have a great day!

I'm glad you're feeling better, Kim. Waiting for the report of books purchased and pictures. :)

Hi, Kim.

Sounds like a great Portland meetup with Lori.

I just picked up Flaubert's Parrot, so I'll join you for that one. I've already read Last Exit to Brooklyn; I'm impressed it's on his list. That's another one that's a bit off the beaten path.

I've been thinking about reading The Paris Bookshop, so I'm looking forward to your take on it, unless I already missed it somewhere up above.

*sits down to wait with Beth* Glad to hear you're feeling better, Kim!

Yay for meetups and Powell's and a bonus yay for the Chinese garden! I got a membership this year so when the weather is nice and I have some time I can just drop for a short time. It's such a peaceful little piece of downtown.

>138 Berly: I hope you are feeling much better. Take good care

Glad you are feeling better, Kim. It looks like you had a good June reading month . Have fun at the meet up.

Sitting down with Beth and Mamie to wait for pictures. One thing about this group, one is always in great company!

>155 SuziQoregon: I really loved the Chinese Garden! How nice that you are close enough to take advantage of that season pass.

>159 thornton37814: it's only a few blocks from my office so the annual pass is worth it.

Hi Kim, hope you are feeling much better my dear. Hope you have a lovely weekend, sending love and hugs.

Happy Holiday Weekend, Kimmers! Looking forward to tomorrow night. Yah!

>162 msf59: Mark!!

I will make reservations at Henry's Tavern, which has about 100 beers to choose from. I hope you can find something you like. ; )

http://www.henrystavern.com/menu.php?c=portland

It is two blocks from Powell's. Is 6:00 okay? How many people are going to be in your party? I know Rhonda plus one is coming, and me and my hubby are coming.

The restaurant is two blocks from Powell's if you want to go there beforehand (I seem to remember that was the order for the day?). I have been twice in the last week and have blown my book budget for the month(!), but I'd be happy to wander the halls with you, so let me know if you are going there first. This will be fun!

Hope you are having a marvelous time. Can't wait to see you! : )

Mark Meetup
Sunday 6:00
Henry's Tavern
10 NW 12th Ave. Portland, OR 97209 - 503.227.5320

Oh! And Ellen said she was really bummed her conference didn't overlap with your visit, so we have to FaceTime her at the meetup. : )

>163 Berly: Have a great time at your Mark meet-up. He's quite a guy, as we all know. I haven't seen him since February.

Have you been watching the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials? I've been glued to the preliminaries updates during the day, checking for Jill's friends and opponents, and favorite "big names." From 7 to 8 every night, I've been watching the finals and afterwards, discussing all the news with family and friends.

I've never seen the trials before. They're amazing. I absolutely love seeing the post-race interviews with someone who's made their first Olympic team. So sad to see old timers who don't make it back though.

Speaking of Ellen and Rhonda, here is our meetup photo!



I am in green, Rhonda (Banjo123) in white and Ellen (EBT1002)in blue.

Nice!

Thanks for the photo, Kim. Have fun with Mark - probably something very easy to do.

>166 Berly: Great meet-up!

Kim - The Hubster and I will be there!! Thanks for organizing.

Thanks for setting this up, Kimmers. Looking forward to meeting your husband. Will Juli be bringing her better half?

>170 SuziQoregon: Yahh!!

>170 SuziQoregon: >171 msf59: Reservation made!!! Can't wait to meet all the significant others. : )

Off to do some shopping. It's middle child's birthday today and I am having trouble finding the last few items. I also do the shopping for all the out of town relatives so they don't have to pay for shipping and then they cover for me. : ) We are going to P.F. Chang's for dinner tonight--her favorite!

And then I should be able to come back here and get caught up on all you nice people who have left comments for me!

Ooh, I was checking out Henry's beer list. Sweet...

Happy Birthday, Middle Child!

Happy birthday to your daughter my dear.

>166 Berly: cool!!!
And a Mark meetup too? How the stars have aligned! :)
Have fun (how could you not!?). I hope you all talk(ed) books, friends and books (and beer).

Lovely picture - looks like a fun time had by all.

Great meet up photo!

>166 Berly: How fun! Thanks for sharing, Kim!

Let's see how chatty we are, when you first log on LT on Wednesday 6th July, check your zeitgeist and post how many talk posts you have written, thank you. Can all who read this spread it about so we can get a good response, it is a bit of fun but it will be interesting to see the figures. I have set up a group called talk posts for the totals.

Still just trying to keep up with life!! LOL Meeting with Mark, Rhonda, and Juli, as well as significant others tonight. Should be fun!!

And it is July, so Megan and I are hosting the next Bowie read, Last Exit to Brooklyn by Hubert Selby Jr. From Amazon: An unforgettable cast of characters inhabits the housing projects, bars and streets of Brooklyn: Georgette, a hopelessly romantic and tormented transvestite; Vinnie, a disaffected and volatile youth who has never been on the right side of the law; Tralala, who can find no escape from her loveless existence; and, Harry, a power-hungry strike leader with a fatal secret. Living on the edge, always walking on the wild side, their alienation and aggression masks a desperate, deep human need for affection and kinship. Banned in Britain on first publication in 1964, "Last Exit to Brooklyn" brought its ex-marine, drug addict author instant notoriety. Its truthfulness stunned a generation and continues to shock to this day.

Hope you can join us!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/226496

>143 nittnut: Hi Jenn!!

>144 PaulCranswick: Paul, Jack's soccer team has a chance to redeem itself next weekend. That loss is ancient history now. ; )

>145 Crazymamie: Hi Crazy! All is well again with the tummy. Now if I could just find time to walk again...

>146 BLBera: Beth--do I get points for posting pictures? More to come after tonight!!

>147 LovingLit: >148 charl08: Megan and Charlotte--I would love a mega LT meetup! But I never buy Lottery tickets, so someone else is going to have to win it big and sponsor it. LOL

>149 ronincats: Hi Roni!! I am really looking forward to meeting everyone's other half tonight. And seeing what beers Mark tries!!

>150 johnsimpson: John, thanks for the good wishes. They must have worked! I had a really good week. Hope you did, too.

>152 BLBera: Book report, huh? Okay!! These are the books I got 1) Lori visited and then 2) Ellen. I do love me some Powell's!!

>153 jnwelch: Hi Joe--Glad you will be joining us in August for our Bowie read of Flaubert's Parrot! I just posted the thread for Last Exit to Brooklyn, and even though you have already read it, you can offer us your words of wisdom! ; ) And let me know when you get to The Paris Bookshop and I'll try to move it up the list.

>155 SuziQoregon: >170 SuziQoregon: Hi Suzi--I'll be seeing you in a few hours!!

>156 Whisper1: Linda--I am all back to normal and hope you are progressing well. As soon as I get caught up here I'll be checking up on you. : )

>157 vancouverdeb: Deb--June was a great reading month, considering all the RL stuff going on! I was surprised I read as much as I did!

>158 ronincats: Roni--Isn't it nice how great everyone is here? You just can't go wrong with the meetups!

>165 lindapanzo: Linda--I haven't had time to watch the swimming at all! Which makes me so sad. You mentioned that a few of the old-timers are out? How did Phelps do? I bet the post interviews have been really fun and interesting. Probably a little more time than during the Olympics.

>167 drneutron: Thanks!!! ; )

>168 BLBera: My pleasure!

>169 thornton37814: Don't you mean ANOTHER great meet-up?! : )

>175 msf59: Mark, see you in a few!!

>176 johnsimpson: Thanks, John. We had a very nice time yesterday. We had dinner out at her favorite restaurant and it was followed by a sprinkle birthday cake, which everyone loved! Then she went out with a bunch of friends. And she got most of the presents she was hoping for. Success!! The only downside is that she is no longer a teen, and 20 is not as special as 21! LOL

>177 LovingLit: Megan, I can't believe I am having three meet-ups in two weeks!! How awesome is that?! And your agenda for the evening is spot on. ; )

>178 charl08: >179 kidzdoc: >180 Crazymamie: Thanks guys! Now, if I could only get a meet-up with everyone else, too.

>181 johnsimpson: I don't know, John. Do I really want to know how chatty I am?! LOL I will try to remember and check. Fun idea.

>184 Berly: Some of those look familiar!

>186 Berly: The swimming trials are now done. I think they said there are 30 first-time Olympians and 15 returnees. Some of the former Olympians who did not make it include local guy Matt Grevers. Natalie Coughlin. Cullen Jones.

The two biggest names, Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky, made quite a few events and will be the stars of the team.

Two local, for me, swimmers made it, including Kevin Cordes in both breast stroke events and Olivia Smoliga.

It was exciting to see how thrilled the first timers were but heartbreaking to see some of the others. Tonight, for instance, a third time Olympic trials woman who was a favorite in the 50 got out touched for second and her Olympic dream is over.

>166 Berly: Great photo!

>184 Berly: Nice book haul. :)

I love the swimming. Harder to watch from NZ, but we have managed to catch a few. Nobody executes a turn like Michael Phelps. I am sad that Grevers and Jones didn't make the team. Really like them. Also like Katie Ledecky a lot. I am excited to watch Simone Manuel. Loved her reaction to making the team. My older son was a swimmer, freestyle was his best, and my daughter is a breast stroke swimmer, so we get pretty excited.

Happy 4th of July my dear.

Happy 4th of July, Kim!

Looking forward to tales of the meetup.

Thanks John, Joe and Paul!! Spending the day at a friend's house on a lake; so boating, lots of great food and company and a boat! Should be fun.

Happy Fourth of July!! Have fun and be safe everyone!!

Happy 4th, Kim!

Happy 4th, Kimmers! Once again, a fantastic time seeing you again and thanks for picking such a choice location.

Have a great day boating my friend. And give Walt a High-Five!

Thanks Rhonda and Mark--Walt and I had a really great time with you guys and Juli and all your wonderful families. I am glad the restaurant was such a hit. Happy Fourth!!

Mark and his family, Sue, Mark and Bree

Kim and Hubby, Walt

Rhonda and Wendy (Mrs. Banjo)

Juli and her Hubby

The Whole Motley Crew!!!

Juli and her Hubby, Kim, Wendy (aka Mrs. Banjo), Kim's Hubby Walt, Rhonda, Mark's Family (Sue, Mark and Bree)
(I am happy to put in the real names of family members if people want me to, but didn't want to take the liberty)

Great photo's Kim.

Wow! What great photos, Kimmers. Good looking bunch. Thanks for sharing. You can include Sue and Bree's names. They are not wanted for anything, as far as I know.

I do not know why I look slightly unhinged in these photos. Is this just the way I am around my LT pals?

Love the photos! Thanks for posting them, Kim. Looks like a great time is being had by all, including that slightly unhinged warbler.

"slightly unhinged warbler." Sounds like I found a new nickname. Snickers...

Great pics! Looks like it was a great meetup indeed.

^unhinged warbler......now who could that be?!

Eta: even as I wrote that he snuck in! Hi mark!

Suffering meetup envy. Will have to Do something about it... Ahem. Megan? Oh, well, after you're done with the sniffles maybe. *grin*

Really lovely photos, Kim! Thanks so much for sharing - looks like you had so much fun. Mark unhinged?! Who would've guessed?! *cue evil laughter*

Great photos! Thanks Kim.

Fun evening!!

>203 johnsimpson: Thanks John. I had great subject matter. ; )

Now, about that Zeitgeist thing you want people to do tomorrow....I click on Zeitgeist and then go where??? Help!

>204 msf59: Perfect. The unwanted (wait that doesn't sound right, does it?!) names have been added up above.
>206 msf59: As to "unhinged," I am going to go with your description: "Elated"! Although "unhinged warbler" does have a certain ring to it.

>205 jnwelch: Joe. I think a good time was had by all. And I very much enjoyed hanging around with just Mark's crew until they had to leave for the airport. Sue and Bree (and Mark, of course) are great.

>207 LovingLit: Morning Megan! I have to pick up the latest Bowie book today. Yippee!! Hope you feel better.

>208 nittnut: Jenn--I think you should definitely do something about that meet-up envy and if it is with Megan, then I will have a case of it!!!

>209 Crazymamie: Now, now, Crazy. Be nice. A gentle titter would be sufficient.

>210 SuziQoregon: It was fun, wasn't it! : )

Looks like a wonderful meet-up. Thanks for all the pictures.

Looks you had a great meeting, so nice to see some more LT-ers :-)

>211 Berly: Sue and Bree (and Mark, of course) are great. Agreed!

Hi Kim, on your homepage you will see Dashboard and then below is Yours and under that is about you, click this and it brings your personal zeitgeist and you will see the number of posts you have written. Hope you are having a good week my dear, sending love and hugs.

Great photos, Kim. This looks like a fun group. Nice haul from Powell's, too. Thanks for sharing with us.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/226457#

There is the link to John's Talk Posts group, as a NZer I get to July 6 first, so have already posted :)

>208 nittnut: I get meetup envy too :| When you down here again? This time encourage Cushla too!

Ooh, Unhinged Warbler! Boy, do I like that...

Great meetup picture!

>212 ffortsa: Hi Judy! Glad you liked my photogenic friends!! ; )

>213 FAMeulstee: Anita! So nice to see you here. I know I love it when other people post their meet-up photos and I get to see the faces behind my favorite LTers, so it is only fair that I return the favor. And, yes, it was great fun!

>214 jnwelch: Joe--I heard somewhere that great minds think alike.

>215 johnsimpson: Better late than never... I didn't post this morning, so the total will be the same! Off to post it...!

>216 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. Any haul from Powell's is a good one! LOL

>217 LovingLit: As soon as I get off here, I will go post!! And, yes Cushla, you should join the meet-up!! (There. Did that help your case?)

>218 msf59: Unhinged Warbler it is!!

>219 The_Hibernator: Thanks, Rachel! : )

I am beat. We spent the day rearranging equipment and inventory in the warehouse today. We have two new interns and it was a great way to show them all the stuff, but jeesh!! I AM DONE!

And I realize I haven't talked books in a while, so...

I am reading Americanah for my RL bookclub and on audio I am listening to The Butterfly Garden, which is a twisted fictional case of kidnapping and abuse, and although repellant, I can't seem to put it down.

I LOVED Americanah - I'll be interested in your bookclub's ideas about it.

Love the meet-up photos Kimmers.

>205 jnwelch: Unhinged Warbler? Should that be shortened to Warbler or...... or maybe just Hinge?

Have a wonderful weekend. xx

You get an A+ for meet-up pictures, Kim. I love the couples (and triplets) pics, and then that great group shot. Portland is a popular place for sure. You have been a busy lady. I hope you get rested up this weekend.

Hi Kim! It's been a crazy week so I am late getting here. The photos are great! I asked Wendy, and she was OK with her name being used, but was also kind of intrigued to hear that she had an alternate identity as Mrs. Banjo.

Americanah was a favorite read for me as well.... I hope you like it.

I love all the family photos and, of course, the group meet-up photo. I am still SO bummed that I couldn't attend.

We will need to identify a time for a shared read of A Sleepwalker's Guide to Dancing.

Hi Kim, hope you are having a good week my dear, sending love and hugs.

Hi, Kim! Great meet-up photos. Glad you had a great time.

Time for a new thread!! Come visit me here:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/227120

I keep forgetting to use the darn "Continue this topic" button! Hope people find me. LOL

Gosh, I'm so far behind. Wishing you a great weekend. Gorgeous meet-up phptos. I'm just a bit jealous that I'm living so far away.

>229 Berly: and >230 Berly: well, now I know why I'd lost you!

>231 Ameise1: I wish you lived closer, too!! Glad you liked the meet-up photos. : )

>232 EBT1002: Hi Ellen--Don't lose me!!

For New Thread see #229!!!