Mark's Reading Place: Chapter 17

^My dream would be to own a little new/used bookstore and I would want a sign like this hanging, above the door. B.A.G.

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:


Books Read So Far...

May:

56) The Mirror Thief by Martin Seay 4.3 stars Booktopia
57) As the Crow Flies (Longmire) by Craig Johnson 4.2 stars (audio)
58) Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys 4.5 stars (audio)
59) Life on Mars: Poems by Tracy K. Smith 4.2 stars Poetry AAC
60) This House of Sky by Ivan Doig 4.3 stars AAC
61) Mr. Splitfoot by Samantha Hunt 4 stars (audio)
62) The Smell of the Night by Andrea Camilleri 4 stars (audio)
63) The Bird Artist by Howard Norman 4.3 stars Bowie
64) The Man in the Wooden Hat by Jane Gardam 4 stars BAC
65) Lab Girl by Hope Jahren 4.4 stars (audio)
66) Are You Here For What I’m Here For? by Brian Booker 3.8 stars E.R.
67) Last Night in Montreal by Emily St. John Mandel 3.8 stars CAC

June:

68) The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson 4 stars (audio)
69) The Girls by Emma Cline 4.3 stars (E)
70) A Trick of the Light (Book 7) by Louise Penny 3.8 stars (audio)
71) Sweet Lamb of Heaven by Lydia Millet 3.2 stars (audio)
72) The Fair Fight by Anna Freeman 4.4 stars (audio)
73) Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye 4.3 stars
74) Kill 'Em and Leave: Searching for James Brown by James McBride 4.3 stars (audio)
75) Heart Songs and Other Stories by Annie Proulx 4 stars AAC
76) The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney 3.8 stars (audio)
77) Fellow Mortals by Dennis Mahoney 3.6 stars
78) Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad 4 stars (audio) BAC
79) Bird Cloud: A Memoir of Place by Annie Proulx 3.8 stars (audio) AAC
80) Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose 3.7 stars
81) Mr. Mercedes: A Novel (The Bill Hodges Trilogy) by Stephen King 3.6 stars (audio)

July:

82) Underground Airlines by Ben Winters 4.4 stars
83) The Silkworm (Cormoran Strike) by Robert Galbraith 4 stars (audio)
84) Astray by Emma Donoghue 3.7 stars
85) Something New: Tales from a Makeshift Bride by Lucy Knisley 4.2 stars GN
86) Screamin' Jay Hawkins' All-Time Greatest Hits by Mark Binelli 3.3 stars ER
87) The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck 5 stars (audio) AAC
88) Last Exit To Brooklyn by Hubert Selby, Jr. 4 stars Bowie
89) The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir by Ruth Wariner 4.2 stars (audio)
90) The Island of Dr. Moreau by H G Wells 3.6 stars (audio) BAC
91) Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi 5 stars (E)
92) Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave 4.4 stars (audio)
93) Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery 4.2 stars (audio)
94) When I Was a Child I Read Books: Essays by Marilynne Robinson 3.3 stars (audio)
95) Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck 5 stars (audio) AAC
96) The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken Liu 4.6 stars (E)

August:

97) Through Black Spruce by Joseph Boyden 4.2 stars (audio) CAC
98) Dark Matter by Blake Crouch 4.2 stars

American Author Challenge 2016

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

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

January- Anne Tyler- Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant 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 This House of Sky Completed
June- Annie Proulx Heart Songs and Other Stories, Bird Cloud Completed
July- John Steinbeck The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men Completed
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

The Poetry Thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/220301#

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 The Man in the Wooden Hat Completed
June : Lady Antonia Fraser & Joseph Conrad Heart of Darkness Completed
July : Bernice Rubens & H.G. Wells The Island of Dr. Moreau Completed
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 Last Night in Montreal Completed
June: Timothy Findley, Joseph Boyden Through Black Spruce Completed
July: LM Montgomery, Pierre Berton Anne of Green Gables Completed
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

^My checklist for my day off:

massage- check
library run- check
bike ride- check
little yard work-check
new thread-check
books- in progress...
Cubs & Mets- watching now.
more books- Duh!!

Am I first?

Happy new thread!!

Love the thread toppers, as always.

Happy new thread, Mark!

>6 lindapanzo: Hooray for being my first visitor, Linda. Just kicking back in the Marky-Mark Man Cave, watching the Cubs beat up on the Mets. We needed some of these runs yesterday.

Trying not to think about the heat wave, making it's way here.

>7 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie!

Congrats on the new thread, Mark! Like that warbler up top.

Yeah, too bad Ariettta didn't get more support, but I'm glad to hear the big guns are coming out today.

We'll be driving to Ann Arbor tomorrow, so you may not hear a lot from me. The temp predictions at least have gone down a bit - right now I'm seeing 93 tomorrow and 90 Friday. Not great, but not as bad as they were predicting before.

>9 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! You know we love our warblers.

I agree with you about last night's game. Arietta looked very sharp too. Should have won that one.

Not looking forward to returning to work tomorrow. Ugh.

Have a great trip to see your Dad. I hope it is cooler there.

>8 msf59: Tom S and some others have it down for 100 on Fri but many others have reduced it to only 93.

I was thinking that, if Chicago had gotten the Olympics, I think the Opening Ceremony would've been this Fri.

>11 lindapanzo: Heading into the 9th...Sweet! I hope we only get low 90s. Fingers crossed.

^My library book haul. Mostly GNs and a poetry collection. I can't remember who recommended that one- Joe or Paul?

Happy new thread, Mark!

A bit of a warble here. I just completed a hardover collection (issues 1-9) of a comic series called Lazarus. It is written by Greg Rucka with fantastic artwork by Michael Lark.

The story is set in a future where the world has remapped and is run by 16 families. Each family runs, for lack a better word, totalitarian regimes. Each family also has a Lazarus, which is a cyborg assassin which acts as its protector. The story revolves around the Carlyle family and their Lazarus, Forever.

This is a slow burning, geopolitical action/espionage/military/royal court intrigue kind of series. I highly recommend it and will be posting a review in my page in the next couple of days.

Happy new one, Mark! Love the toppers - especially the second one.

>14 brodiew2: Thanks Brodie! I did read Lazarus. At least the first volume. I remember liking it and will probably continue. We sure like our GNs around here, don't we? I am loving Saga.

>15 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! Always a pleasure. Glad you like the toppers.

Happy New Thread!! On board for more....

>17 Berly: Thanks, Kimmers! Great to see you. No worries, plenty of threads in your future.

Happy New thread, Mark! What hot weather you are having! It is about 23 C here - about? 74 or so F and me and the dog find that to be hot enough for our walks. Ugh for the 90's!

>19 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deb! It may get closer to a 100, Friday and Saturday. Fingers crossed it does not.

Still loving Everyone Brave. Deep into it now.

Happy new one, Mark!!

Thanks, Amber!

>13 msf59: I love the little trucks, etc. that you place with your new acquisitions! Congratulations on yet another good book haul.

Happy new thread, Mark. Looks like it is finally going to be summer here but not as hot as where you are. Off to meet up with my group for a walk while the sun is still shining.

>23 Whisper1: It is only one truck, Linda but very ubiquitous. A customer gave that to me, a few years back. Glad I put it to use.

And yes, happy with my GN haul.

>24 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg! Yes, we are in for the hottest stretch we have had for awhile. Not looking forward to it. LOL.

Hope you had a nice walk.

I am presently missing my four seasons stuck here in the orient. I am not sure I would feel much different popping along to see you Mark just at the moment.

Happy new thread mate.

Happy new thread, Mark.

Happy new one Mark. Nice library stack! I've got the history graphic Red Rosa ordered at the library. Looking forward to it!

>26 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! I am sure you would feel right at home, with our current hot, steamy temps. Remember, there will always be a cold beer or two waiting.

>27 DianaNL: Thanks, Diana! Good to see you.

>28 charl08: Thanks, Charlotte. I always like having a nice GN stack, to choose from. Red Rosa sounds good. I'll watch for your thoughts.

Morning, Mark! Hey, if you're working today, stay safe out there, eh? Here's hoping these ridiculous temperatures don't last too long...

^We have some HEAT moving in, the next few days. In the mid-90s and very humid. Send along cool thoughts. It all helps.

Deep into Homegoing and Everyone Brave. It is nice to have 2 great books to keep me distracted.

Morning, Mark! That looks just like Georgia at the moment. Umm...is there something you forgot to do over at my place? *blinks*

>31 msf59: Hi Mark! We're going to be getting some of the same nasty, humid heat. To me that means indoors with books!

>30 scaifea: Morning Amber! All ready oppressive out here. Ugh.

>32 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! I did plan to come back. I ran out of time. Lol.

>33 karenmarie: Morning Karen! Looking around the country this morning on the weather map and nearly everyone is getting bombed. Bummer.

Stay cool, Mark. At least there's a breeze, though that's small consolation when it's this hot and humid.

Thanks, Linda. I can't believe how warm & muggy it is, this early. How will it be at 3?

Sweating buckets...

Morning Mark! Air kisses for your new thread! (seems that's the main subject on the news today)
"My dream would be to own a little new/used bookstore" Sort of my dream too, mine will only be used books. Less overhead, me thinks.
I like your sign, it's perfect!

>1 msf59: I love that sign. I have the same fantasy with the addition that my bookshop would have two bookshop cats.

Homegoing seems to be getting some serious love. I've put it on hold at the library. I'm number 332 in line for one of 53 copies....

We are having a perfect Seattle summer. It has only gotten into the 80s a couple of times, mostly 70s in the day and 50s/60s at night, the skies are blue, the air is warm in the sun, cool in the shade, and I'm loving it.

Happy Thursday, my friend!

>37 Carmenere: Hi, Lynda! Thanks for the air kisses. It was a hot one but mostly overcast skies and a decent breeze helped matters.

I am sure many of us, dream about owning a little bookshop.

>38 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen! I would have no problem with a couple of cats in a bookshop, as long as it wasn't in our home. Sue is not a fan.

In regards to weather, it looks like the PNW, is the ONLY place, in the continental US, that has comfortable temps. Lucky you.

And yes, Homegoing is well worth the wait. It will easily be one of the best books I have read this year.

Glad you survived the heat, Mark! Welcome to my entire summer :-P

>40 katiekrug: I do not think I could handle it every day, Katie. It is oppressive as hell. Do you also get the humidity down there or just blast furnace heat?

Thankfully, even though we didn't get the rain, it came close enough that we got a windshift and it was only in the low 80s much of the day.

Big storm heading our way now, too. Maybe that'll cool things down.

>42 lindapanzo: I was just talking to my son- it was very uncomfortable this morning, muggy & hot, but the clouds and the wind-shift made the afternoon more tolerable. One down, two to go.

We are going to Miller Park on Sunday. Hoping it is comfortable for tail-gating.

Mark

We are experiencing nasty heat temps the last few days with more to come tomorrow and the weekend. I can only imagine how difficult your job must be in battling this weather.

Here is a cool image from Dulac, one of my favorite illustrators:

>44 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! I think most of the country is suffering from the heat. So, we are not alone.

Love the cool Dulac image. That is perfect. Thanks.

^I finished Homegoing last night and as I expected, it is easily one of the best books, I have read this year. A dazzling, story-telling, achievement.

Big Hug to Katie for the push!!

You survived the heat! Woot!! We're in for another one today, I'm afraid.

Morning Amber! We got a bit of a break yesterday afternoon. It was not as intense. I am hoping for the same today. We got a bit stormy last night. Did you get some too?

Morning, Mark! It poured buckets here all day yesterday, but alas, no break in the humidity or the heat.

Hi Mark! I hope you have a good time at Miller Park on Sunday. I'll be at work, as we are hosting our seasonal event.

I may have recommended this before, but I really think you need to read Grief is the thing with Feathers.

Good morning, Mark!

We're getting nasty high temps with high humidity too, leading to heat indices of 100-105F. Indoors with books is the way to go, IMO.

>49 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! We received some well-needed rain last night too and like you, back to hot & muggy. Lucky us, eh?

>50 alphaorder: Happy Friday, Nancy. Good to see you. There will be a bunch of us going to Miller Park. It is mostly a work get-together. Should be fun. Hope your Sunday goes smoothly.
I have not heard of that book. Thanks for the rec.

>51 karenmarie: Ooh, indoors with books is exactly what I want to be doing. Wah!

Morning Karen! Enjoy your day inside, my friend.

>46 msf59: - So glad you liked it! And HOORAY! We agreed on a book ;-)

>54 katiekrug: Happy Friday, Katie! I just listened to an interview with the author and she is as smart and articulate, as you would expect. I would love to hear her speak at an author event. She also reminds me, I really need to read Americanah.

Good morning, Mark. I hope all is well with you. How are the Cubs doing?

You were right about The Circle. It drug and was not keeping my interest. The narrator was good, but the story was not compelling.

I switched to Double Cross D-Day Spies by Ben Macintyre. John Lee is narrating and he is stellar. I have enjoyed him in the past; especially on Daniel Silva's early Gabriel Allon series. I am definitely going to finish this one.

Happy Friday, Brodie. I am fine. Just working through this hot stretch.
The Cubs came back strong after the break. Looking good. We are going to the game, in Milwaukee, on Sunday.
Sorry about The Circle. I remember it being flat and lifeless.

And hooray for Macintyre. Always a solid choice.

Howdy Mark! I'm a thread behind but decided to start here. Stay cool my friend.

>14 brodiew2: & >16 msf59: I've been eyeing Lazarus. Hoopla has Volumes 1-4. Good to know you like it.

ETA: I read Saga, Vol. 6 and I loved it!

>58 luvamystery65: Happy Friday, Ro! Great to see you. I have been enjoying Hoopla too. That is how I read Saga Vol. 6. What a handy gift to have.

Hope you enjoy Lazarus. I need to get back to it.

Hope you are doing well.

Folks seem to be talking more about The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories over on Good Reads, than on LT and a couple pals brought it up, at Booktopia, so it has been on my radar. I snagged it recently on ebook, (great deal) and thought I would shift gears and give it a shot. I have not read Ken Liu but he does seem to be a very interesting author, with several books under his belt. Time for me, to bring LT up to snuff, or at least I hope so. Really like the first 2 stories. Good start...



^^It is still available on Kindle for 1.99. Can't beat it!

Hope it is not too hot trudging the Chicago sidewalks buddy.

Have a great weekend.

>61 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul! I am surviving the HOT streets of Chicago. Compared to what you deal with weather-wise on a daily basis, this would be a piece of cake.

I hope you have a great weekend too.

#60
Ken Liu has a fantasy series that was well reviewed. Dandelion Dynasty He is also a translator. He translated Three Body Problem and did a bang-up job on that. Right now TOR has a free digital copy of it available in its web site. I will see if I can track down the URL and get it posted here so all of us can get a free copy of that book.

My real life Book Discussion group is reading Americanah for our August book. I have just gotten started on it (read 35 pages last night until I started falling asleep reading) and so far it is good. I remember that Ellen liked it so, am sure that it will be a good one.

The weather down here has been miserable as well. It has been hot and it is so humid that it is hard to do anything outside. I finally got my window replaced today. It took over two months but now I can truly cool my house without a gaping hole in it. Tomorrow I have to clean up the outside with all that broken glass and will try to get the adhesive off the side of the house. The window man recommended WD40 to take it off. It is going to be so hot that I am not looking forward to this cleaning project. Then when I get that done I can reclean the inside. It is amazing how much glass there is in a window when it is all in splinters on your bedroom floor and in your shoe rack.

Glad you have a weekend off coming up with your heat problem. It is has been pleasant with 23 C - about 75 F and nice breeze today.

>52 msf59:. GRIEF will definitely be on my best-of list for 2016. Unlike anything I have read before. So I would recommend it to you anyway. But especially after seeing the Hughes book in your photo.

>63 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita! Thanks for chiming in on Ken Liu. The Grace of Kings also sounds good. I think this will be an author I will like. I have also wanted to read Three Body Problem, which i have saved on audio.

I have wanted to read Americanah for a couple years now. I hope to get to it soon. And yes, BOO to HEAT!!

>65 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb! I loved Everyone Brave. I thank you for the nudge on that one. I still think you would love Homegoing. Just sayin'...

I want it to be 75 degrees here. Wah!!

>66 alphaorder: Hi, Nancy! That is a great endorsement. I will request it, my friend. It is poetry, right?

^Thanks to Ilana and the CAC, I am finally reading, (actually, listening to) Anne of Green Gables. This is the perfect antidote to walking around in oppressive heat. It is sweet and joyous and Anne is a hoot.

Morning, Mark! Look at you listening to Anne of Green Gables!! I snagged that Kindle edition of The Paper Menagerie, so thanks for that. Happy Saturday, my friend.

Morning Mamie! Anne is a lot of fun, especially in this ridiculous heat.

Nice job snagging the Liu.

Morning, Mark! Anne of Green Gables, eh? Doesn't seem nearly dark enough for you. Before you know it, you'll be skipping along your route - ha!

And yes, we've had ridiculously muggy heat followed by severe thunderstorms followed by more muggy ridiculousness followed by more thunderstorms. Crazy. Tomm's out mowing right now, trying to beat the next storm, and I can hear it thundering now...

>72 scaifea: Morning Amber! No skipping for this old fellow but I do have a dopey grin on my face, when I am not mopping the sweat from my face. It is cruel out here.

No storms here...just hazy, partly cloudy skies.

Another BB from this dangerous thread. I requested Homegoing from the library - no way to tell how long the waiting list is, so no way of knowing when I'll have a copy in hand.

It's quite a bit cooler here: 61 degrees right now at 9:30 am with a high predicted of about 80. But I can smell smoke in the air this morning which is a bad sign.

Glad to see you are enjoying Anne!

>74 streamsong: Yes, those wicked BBs. Happy Saturday, Janet. I can't imagine you not loving Homegoing. I wish it was in the 60s here.sighs...

>75 thornton37814: Hi Lori. Great to see you. Yep, having a good time with sprightly little Anne.

I think I'm going to try to grab Ann of Green Gables from the library to read before the month is over. I'm one of those who has no recollection of having read it before, and that seems a shame.

>69 msf59: Gorgeous cover you've got there Mark. Glad you're enjoying Anne.

I was gripped by Underground Airlines - good warbling there.

>77 laytonwoman3rd: Hi, Linda! Anne of Green Gables was one that got by me too. These various challenges have really helped me get to books, I may have never got to otherwise. And, as a bonus, the book is a lot of fun and has aged well.

>78 charl08: There were a lot of covers to choose from, Charlotte but that one stood out to me. Have you read it?

So glad you liked Underground Airlines. Keep the warblin' going...

^Glad those 3 days are over. Whew! Next week will be warm too but I am hoping for less humidity. Send positive vibes...will ya?

Now, it's time to kick back in the A/C and have a couple of these:

Did I read right that you're going to the Cubs game on Sunday? If so, have fun!!!

>81 bell7: Hi, Mary! Yes, we are going up to Milwaukee tomorrow morning to see the game. We are going with a bunch of people from the P.O. We will get some tailgating in beforehand. Always a highlight.

Go Cubbies!!

I spent about an hour outside today cleaning up from the broken window and that was enough outdoors for me. I took a break by going to the theater and viewing Ghostbusters. It was OK but I don't really understand why it is getting such bad press. So it plays with some stereotypes but is that a bad thing?

Happy Sunday, Benita! Were you cleaning up, after the repair? I hope this is nothing new. Not much interest in seeing the new Ghostbusters. Never a big fan of the original either.

Enjoy your day. Stay somewhere cool and read.

^We are heading up to Miller Park in Milwaukee, to watch the Cubs beat the Brewers. There will be four of us, (my daughter is away, at a country music fest, also in Wisconsin) and a bunch of my work buddies. We have done this a few times and it is always a blast. The tailgating is a definite highlight, something we can not do at Wrigley Field. We will be heading out shortly.

I will not get much reading in today but I will catch up...that is a promise.

Happy Sunday, Mark! Enjoy the ballgame, hope you have a seat in the shade. I've added Homegoing: A novel to the wishlist, can't pass up a 5 star read, and I was still able to purchase Paper Menagerie for 1.99. Yeah, it sounds like a good one!

Have a great time at the game today, Mark. Hope you bring our Cubbies some good luck.

Keeping my fingers crossed that you're in the shade. At least you have the roof if it rains. No such luck for Country Thunder. My friend's son was stuck in that last night.

Morning, Mark! Hoping that you have a fabulous time at the game today - sounds like a lot of fun.

Hi Mark! Hope the Cubbies win for you.

Mention of the Cubs reminds me that I took my mother to see Bleacher Bums in LA (well, the San Fernando Valley) in the early 80s. That's the closest I've come to a Cubs game, I'm afraid.....

It will be a hot one for you. Here in Alabama they have gotten away from the first game of the football season being played here in Tuscaloosa because it is to hot to play. This year the first home game is in September. That is smart. The latest report on global warming doesn't surprise anybody scheduling the football games here.

It sounds like a good time with your buddies. Enjoy and remember that cold beer on a hot day isn't a good idea. Cold tea is better. Or cold water.

>86 Carmenere: Hi, Lynda! We just got in, a short time ago. a long, long day. Yes, we were in the shade but it was still so hot, we just sat there and sweated the entire game. Not fun, but we somehow made the best of it.

Glad you added Homegoing to the T.R. list and hooray for snagging The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories. I am really enjoying that collection.

>87 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda! It was a difficult game to watch. Lester had an off day but the offense finally came alive, later in the game and took the lead. Since many of the people there were Cubs fans, the place erupted. Glad we hung on for the win.

It was miserably hot though. Never fun.

>88 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! If the weather would have cooperated, it would have been perfect but it was uncomfortably HOT, for most of the day. It sucked, much of the fun out of it.

>89 karenmarie: Hi, Karen! Yep, the Cubbies eked out a win, which definitely made things a bit better. Never did see the Bleacher Bums, during that time.

>90 benitastrnad: "remember that cold beer on a hot day isn't a good idea." We did not take your advice, Benita but it became so hot & sticky, that no one really even felt like drinking, as the game went on. Just chugged water, whenever possible.

Good idea to hold off football until September.

Ha! I think it is miserably hot right here in Vancouver! :) 24 C about 72 F! But I'm sure it is hotter with the humidex and they take the official temperature in the shade. I guess you think I am wimp. Just got in from walking a couple of miles and I am perspiring. Ladies don't sweat ;)

>93 vancouverdeb: Look at you complaining - we get one day of decent weather and it is too hot for you, Deb. lol. I put in 2 hours of walking today and was loving the warmth. I am sure you would love our warmth much better than your heat, Mark.

>93 vancouverdeb: " Ladies don't sweat." They sure did in Milwaukee yesterday. LOL. And no I do not think you are a wimp, Tonto, just lucky! Hope you had a nice weekend.

>94 Familyhistorian: Go, Meg! Go, Meg! Give that Fitbit a workout.

Morning, Mark! Bummer about the weather for the game - that is so miserable.

Hey Mark, Facebook warbled! Happy Birthday!!

It's your birthday! You probably already knew that. Here's hoping it is full of happy!

Happy Birthday, Mark!

Happy birthday Mark!

Happy Birthday, Mark!

Happy Birthday, Mark!

Thanks for the birthday wishes, Lynda, Mamie, Nancy, Laura, Katie & Karen. Hugs to all.

>97 Carmenere: Love that image, Lynda. Thanks.

>98 Crazymamie: LOL. I plan on letting the mug runneth over tonight.

I was hoping for a cooler start to the week but it is still plenty warm. Sighs...

Happy birthday Mark hope you have an awesome day despite the horrible heat.

Happy Happy Birthday my friend!!!

<>104 GeezLouise: >105 SuziQoregon: Thanks, Rae & Juli! Much appreciated.

Warbler and Postie-with-the-Mostie,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

You have the pedigree!

Thanks so much, Paul. The beer looks wonderful but I will have to save it, for my return home.

Hope you have a good week.

Happy Birthday, Mark. May your year be filled with good books and good times.

Happy Birthday, Mark!

Happy birthday Mark some beer from the local micro brewery for you...

Happy Birthday, my friend. Big waves from over the pond.

hippo birdy, Marky. ordered you something from across the pond. gets good reviews. not that i think you'll be wanting for summat to drink on your day of days. so glad you were borned. ;-)

Happy birthday, Mark. Looks like you have lots of beverages waiting for you at home - hope your shift is over soon.

I'm NOT too late to wish you a merry birthday. Have it, mon.

Finished another Steinbeck (that's the third). Cannery Row.

Chaffing to start on my JCO reads. But first, The Girl on the Train. Got it at the recent book sale. My wife read it, and she's now insisting that I read it RIGHT NOW because she wants to talk about it and I've told her not to say anything until I've read it.

As that weird smilin' guy sez: Life Is Good!

>109 lindapanzo: >110 brodiew2: >112 Ameise1: Thanks so much Linda, Brodie & Barb!

>111 charl08: Ooh, thanks for the micro-brews, Charlotte! They should go down good after another warm day.

>113 mirrordrum: Hippo Birdy? Hey, that actually sounds like a craft beer and a tasty one at that. Thanks, Ellie! Much appreciated. I will have to stop by and see what you are reading.

>114 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg! Cold beer, A/C and the Cubs game are on the agenda for this evening. Maybe a little reading too...

>115 weird_O: I like that "weird smilin' guy". Thanks, Bill for the fine wishes. Hooray for reading 3 Steinbecks. Excellent. I plan on a reread of Of Mice and Men in a few days. Steinbeck looks to be a AAC hit. Not much of a surprise there.

Happy Birthday, Mark! I hope you are having a wonderful day!

I hope you had a Bookish Birthday, Mark. Happy Day to you!

>118 Dianekeenoy: Thanks, Diane!

>119 Donna828: Thanks, Donna. I was hoping for it to be more bookish but I managed.

>117 msf59: >113 mirrordrum:

>121 mirrordrum: love that one!

I missed your birthday! Boo hoo, but I'm sure there are some party-goers still hanging around here to crack open a new bottle with me :)
Or, maybe with the time difference I am right on time!? In which case, let the shenanigans continue!

>121 mirrordrum: That is sweet, Ellie! The visuals puts it in perspective, perfectly.

>122 LovingLit: You did not miss a thing, my friend. The shenanigans were at a bare minimum. Thank you for stopping in and here is a cold one...

Morning, Mark! Happy Tuesday!

Morning, Mark!

Woo, catching up. Glad you were enjoying Anne of Green Gables. I want to read more in that series. The PBS tv series with Megan Follows is a classic, too.

I could hear the warbling even miles from home, and Homegoing jumped the queue. I'll be starting it today. I ended up liking The Wayward Bus - the ending worked well for me, and put it over the top.

I just got notice I'm getting an ER copy of Ben Macintyre's new one, Rogue Heroes, so I'll be looking forward to that.

I heard the weather was tough here while we were gone; hope it's a better one for you today.

P.S. I'll add to the FB Happy Birthday to you, and wish you a belated Happy Birthday here! I'm seeing lots of fine beverage gifts up above. Here are some more:

>124 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie!

>125 jnwelch: Morning Joe! Good to see you stranger. Feels like another warm one out here. Sighs...

I can not wait to hear your thoughts on Homegoing. I had a very nice time with Anne of Green Gables, which I just finished.

And hooray for a strong finish on Wayward Bus and snagging the new Macintyre.

I will add late birthday wishes to your list.

I had a great time listening to the speeches last night. I hope that tonight will be just as much fun.

Hi, Benita! I was out with friends tonight and did not see any of the DNC. I will catch up.

Belated happy birthday wishes, Mark! I thought I had wished you happy yesterday but apparently it was just my imagination. What's that they say about good intentions? Anyway, hope it was a wonderful birthday!

Hi Mark, I got back to town just in time to wish you a (belated) Happy Birthday! I was so far behind on your threads that I jumped ahead to this one. I was pleased that you enjoyed Anne of Green Gables, a much beloved book here in Canada. I have a lot of catching up to do on LT so I expect I will be putting in some extra computer time tomorrow! We are finally getting some wonderful summer weather here so I am hoping to also get in some reading on the patio tomorrow as well.

Big waves and good morning, Mark. We are heading to the French Alpes.

>129 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary! Belated or not, it is all good. Hope you had a wonderful birthday too!

>130 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy! Good to see you. Yes, I had a good time with Anne of Green Gables. Glad I finally got to it. Good luck with catching up on LT. Always a major task.

>131 Ameise1: Have a great holiday, Barb! Enjoy every minute.

“I love the writers of my thousand books. It pleases me to think how astonished old Homer, whoever he was, would be to find his epics on the shelf of such an unimaginable being as myself, in the middle of an unrumored continent. I love the large minority of the writers on my shelves who have struggled with words and thoughts and, by my lights, have lost the struggle. All together they are my community, the creators of the very idea of books, poetry, and extended narratives, and of the amazing human conversation that has taken place across the millennia, through weal and woe, over the heads of interest and utility.”

^I am deep into the audio of When I Was a Child I Read Books, which is narrated by Robinson. I am in awe of this woman but this is not always a smooth essay collection to read. There are dry spots but also plenty of gorgeous gems too.

“Every writer I know, when asked how to become a writer, responds with one word: Read.” Amen!!

Good morning, Mark!

>133 msf59: Nice. I'm in awe of Marilynne Robinson, too. Love both those quotes.

I'm nearing the end of Lucifer Book 4 and Ms. Marvel Vol. 5, and enjoying both. The Lucifer probably isn't your cuppa, but you'll get a kick out of the latest Ms. Marvel. I'm a ways into Homegoing and liking it - the first part has some hard-on-the-heart material, doesn't it?

Pretty pleasant out right now; hope it doesn't heat up too much for you.

Hi Mark! Hope you're well and staying safe in this heat.

>134 jnwelch: Morning Joe! It feels like it is shaping up to be another warm one. Sighs...

I think the Robinson collection will end up being a mixed bag. Too much religion and not enough bookish thoughts. No question she has a brilliant mind.

Hooray for Ms. Marvel.

^Hey! Where are my visitors? Was I abandoned? A guy has a birthday and then it's just over? Grins...

Ellen, Karen, and I will be meeting at the Amazon Bookstore in University Village in Seattle when it opens at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2016. I am excited to see this store and try to figure out what Amazon is doing with a brick and mortar store. Plus it will be great fun to see Karen and Ellen. Anybody who lives in the Seattle area is welcome to join us.

>138 benitastrnad: Hooray! I spotted someone! Hi, Benita! Hooray for a PNW Meet-Up! I think that is wonderful that you are meeting Ellen & Karen! 2 very fine individuals.

I am also curious about the Amazon Bookstore.

Hey Mark I love post >137 msf59: I cracked up when I saw it I really needed that.

>140 GeezLouise: Glad I was able to make you smile, Rae. Always a pleasure to see you, my friend.

Here I am, Lone Ranger! One of your peeps. Hot enough for you? :)

>133 msf59: I can always tell the students who read throughout their lives when compared with those who haven't. A few months ago I had such a fun time chatting with a seven year old charming child at physical therapy. She was waiting for her mother to finish treatment and sat with a rather large book in hand. I asked her about her book and then she continue to chat enthusiastically about the story line. For a seven year old, her vocabulary was off the charts.

The next session, I brought her a copy of A Wrinkle in Time. Now she calls me her book buddy.

Happy Belated Birthday Mark.

>143 Whisper1: What a lovely story.

Mark, I'm reading Everyone is Watching. Lots of short episodic chapters bouncing around the changing history of New York, mostly in the 20th C. Kind of faction as Bradbuty includes the real words and lives of Whitman, White and Mapplethorpe. She's exploring how the streets got cleaned up at the expense of subcultures and poor communities, so it's pretty graphic but a good read.

>142 vancouverdeb: There's my faithful sidekick, Tonto! Good to see you. Yes, it has been warm here. I am off today, so I get to stay cool and hang with my books.

>143 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! Thanks for the birthday wishes and thanks for sharing the sweet story. You made a good choice on the book too. I think we all really enjoy seeing and hearing a kid read.

>144 charl08: Hi, Charlotte! Everyone is Watching sounds interesting. I have been warbling and will continue to do so, about The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories. Keep this gem in mind.

No sign yet at the Library Mark, but I'll keep my eye out for the Paper Menagerie.

Have you hear of Ken Liu? If not, I better start spreading the word. This guy is amazing.

"...while the sun is asleep and the moon somnambulant, while the stars bathe us in their glow from eons ago and light-years away, while you are comfortably nestled in your blankets and I am hunched over in my chair by your bed, while we are warm and safe and still for the moment in this bubble of incandescent light cast by the pearl held up by the mermaid lamp, you and I, on this planet spinning and hurtling through the frigid darkness of space at dozens of miles per second, let's read."

“There are many ways to say I love you in this cold, dark, silent universe, as many as the twinkling stars.”

-The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories

Sweet Thursday! Why is is sweet? Because I am off today and despite some overdue yard work, I plan on spending much time indoors, in the Man Cave, with the books. I am loving The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories. It is a big collection, so it is taking me some time to get through it but Liu is such a smart and talented guy, that I have no problem with the book taking me the rest of the year. Grins...

Belated Happy Birthday, Mark. Have a cold one from me. What a lot of great reading going on here! Will you make 100 yet this month?

I love that you were listening to Anne of Green Gables, a favorite around here.

>143 Whisper1: Linda, that is so full of fabulous!

>148 msf59: Love those quotes!

Morning, Mark! It's HOT again, and guess what? Out upstairs A/C died. May it RIP.

>150 BLBera: Thanks, Beth! I do not think I will hit a 100 this month. LOL. I hope to add 2 more, though...

Yes, I had a very good time with Anne. What a pleasant surprise.

>151 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! Boo to the A/C going out. Is it getting repaired quickly? Fingers crossed.

Glad you like the quotes. Expect much more warbling about this fantastic collection. You snagged the ebook deal, right?

Probably not until next week - we're in line!

>153 Crazymamie: I am sure these repairmen are busy as hell. I hope ours hangs in there. It has not been off for 10 days or more.

I know - I am sure they are swamped right now. Just hoping the other unit doesn't decide to go, too. *knocks on wood*

A late happiest of birthdays (were books involved?) and I hope you enjoy your day off.

Shutting my eyes to all the wonderful warbling - it's time to focus on what I have on my shelves. (Although I did pick up my JCO book for August from the library yesterday).

Hi Mark! I'm glad you have a day off and hope you get lots of reading in.

>155 Crazymamie: I am knocking for you too, Mamie!

>156 streamsong: Hi, Janet! Thanks for the birthday wishes and yes, books are always involved, one way or another, just not enough on certain days. Hooray for snagging a JCO. I plan on posting the new AAC thread later today.

>157 karenmarie: Morning Karen! I am looking forward to my afternoon, which will be me and the BOOKS!

Sweet Thursday, Mark! And Happy Book Afternoon!

Good day to have off; whew, it was muggy coming in.

I'm enjoying Homegoing, and I just savored the bite-size Binti, a sci-fi-er recommended, I'm pretty sure, by Alex. I'm going to look for more by Nnedi Okarafor now.

Enjoy the day, buddy.

>159 jnwelch: Morning Joe! I hope Homegoing is pushing all your buttons. It is such an amazing read. I love hearing a powerful, new voice.

BTW, both Darryl and I rate A Whole Life by Robert Seethaler high, high, high. Darryl puts it above Homegoing, which he loved. So I encourage you to take a gander at that one. Seems like a Mark book, for sure.

hiya, Marky. just sending a shout out to the Sweet Thursday boys today. glad you get to rest your cells and stoke up on words. groooooovy! :-)

#159
I read Binti a few weeks ago and liked it. (I think I mentioned it over on Joe's thread.) Okorafor was a new YA author for me, and I discovered her because Binti was on one or another YA list that I use to purchase books for the library. I have since looked at her title list and purchased a few others for the library. Her work is mostly YA but she does have a book or two for adults as well. I hope her titles get some publicity as she is one of those diverse Sci/Fi/Fantasy authors that the group "We Need Diverse Books" is talking about.

Another series by an unknown YA author for the "We Need Diverse Books" group is the Tankborn trilogy. This YA series had some great reviews. I haven't gotten around to reading them yet - but I will get there.

>161 jnwelch: Duly noted, Joe! I requested "A Whole Life". It looks like my library system is just now acquiring copies, so it could take awhile. Shucks!

Better than Homegoing? You know that caught my attention.

>162 mirrordrum: Hi, Ellie! Yes, the Sweet Thursday Boys are doing just fine. I just finished with some yard work and now I have my eye on the rest of the afternoon. Smiles...

>163 benitastrnad: I will have to check out Binti. Sounds good. Do you read on a Kindle, Benita? If so, I hoped you snagged an ebook copy of The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories for 2 bucks. It is a steal and it is amazing.

The JCO thread is up: http://www.librarything.com/topic/227795#

Come on by and let us know what you will be reading. I am not familiar with her work so help will be needed.

#164
I have a copy of Paper Menagerie but if you have a Kindle or Nook, Half a King by Joe Abercrombie is on sale for $2.99 as well. That trilogy is one I have been trying to read for a couple of years. If I purchase it for my Nook, it will take me another 10 years to read it, since I don't read off of that device very often.

Oh, drat, I missed your birthday, Mark! Belated greetings!

>166 benitastrnad: Hooray for having a copy of The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories. In regards to Abercrombie, I read a couple of the First Law books. I liked them too but never followed through. They worked well on audio too.

>167 tymfos: Thanks, Terri! Good to see you, stranger.

#168

I don't have to get the book on my Nook, because we have them in the library. Half a King is part of a new series by Abercrombie. It is the Shattered Sea series. They were on a list of adult books suitable for YA's, so it might be a good book to listen to on audio.

>169 benitastrnad: Thanks, Benita! I will look for the audio of Half a King.

Well, I haven't been on LT much lately, so you'll have to forgive me, but they say better late then never!! Happy Birthday, Mark!!! Now you are a wise old Warbler. ; )

>169 benitastrnad: I found the audio of Half a King. Yah!

>171 Berly: "wise old Warbler"! Not sure about the first part but the last two fit snugly.

Hi, Kimmers! Thanks for the birthday wishes. Hope life and the books are treating you well.

"I felt perfected along the rectangle
By its ragged side

Fences trees and mist dropping
Some space for the flowers

I set an image in my head where
Bushes in their out of focus

Made a green dearth about the door
I wanted to do a book on

Pages left in the heat or rain
But my desire seemingly disappeared

Picked up by a car in the middle of
A pack of cigarettes

This trip into the forest
The trees trading with memory to

Frame the various breaks
The pleasures of small laws cut

Behind the mower with my eyes
Running the grass blades

We don’t really get any older
I can see what that means"

- "Poem in July"- Samuel Amadon (from Poem A Day)

Morning, Mark. That is a strange little poem but there is something that I like about it. Happy Friday, my friend!

>174 Crazymamie: Ha! What Mamie said.

Happy Friday, Mark! I've got to figure out what my next GN will be, as I finished Lucifer Book Four and Ms. Marvel Vol. 5. I've got maybe 100 pages left in Homegoing. I'm glad I have a hard copy, as I keep going back to that family tree at the beginning to keep everyone sorted out.

Should be cooler today, although the lingering mugginess doesn't help. Hope it's a good one for you.

>174 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! I felt the same way about the poem and had to read it a few times and it grew on me.

>175 jnwelch: Morning Joe! Looking forward to what your next GN will be. I plan on owning a "keeper" copy of Homegoing. I will want to return to that one.

>175 jnwelch: I'm glad to hear you say you made great use of that family tree chart while reading Homegoing, Joe. I had to do that as well, but I didn't take points off for that!

“Just like heaven. Ever’body wants a little piece of lan’. I read plenty of books out here. Nobody never gets to heaven, and nobody gets no land. It’s just in their head. They’re all the time talkin’ about it, but it’s jus’ in their head.”

^ I had a wonderful revisit with Of Mice and Men. Lenny and George. Has there been two characters, ingrained on our american psyche, like this pair? Like a fine scotch-whiskey, this novel just keeps getting better. What Steinbeck crams in to this slim volume, is simply awe-inspiring.

As a bonus, the audio version was narrated by the actor Gary Sinise. He was perfect and his love for the subject matter clearly shown through.

>178 msf59: Isn't it a great story? Happy weekend, Mark.

>179 Ameise1: Yes it is, Barb! Happy weekend! Happy vacation, my friend.

^ I am finally starting Through Black Spruce. I really enjoyed Three Day Road a few years ago but have not got around to this one. Thanks to Ilana and the CAC for putting this back on the bookish radar for me.

I will also start Dark Matter today, which Joe & Diane recently warbled about. Looks like a fantastic summer read.

^I think I found the perfect Kindle case for this warblin' group of readers.

Good Saturday, to you, Mark! I just can wrap my head around poetry. It's all lovely but...... I just can't.
Very cooool Kindle case!
I'm picking up Dark Matter from the library today so all other books get pushed aside, temporarily.

Good morning, Mark! I hope you have a great weekend.

>183 Carmenere: Morning Lynda! I am still a rank novice at poetry but I am glad to make it part of my reading life and I hope to get better at "understanding" it, the further along I go.

Cool about Dark Matter.

>184 karenmarie: Morning Karen! I just arrived at work. Feels a bit cooler and less humid, which feels wonderful. I wish we could get a long stretch of this.

Morning, Mark! I am also reading Monstress - Birdy bought it on our bookstore trip and read it the same day. SO now I get to read it.

Morning Mamie! Hooray for reading Monstress together. Rae mentioned Birdy picking it up. It is dark and violent and beautifully illustrated.

Happy Saturday, Mark!

I'll bet that was wonderful with Sinise doing the audio for Of Mice and Men. Good for you for re-reading that one. I'd like to get back to Cannery Row at some point.

My sisters just sent me some great-looking books, including a collection of travel essays by Don George called The Way of Wanderlust and The Water Museum by Luis Alberto Urrea. I don't know how they figured out I like to read.

Nice, cool temps out there. Great to have a break from the muggy heat. Getting close to kick back and relax time for you, right?

All hail Joseph Boyden! I read The Orenda this month and it blew me away.

Have a great weekend, buddy.

>188 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! I am also thinking of revisiting Cannery Row, before the year's end.

Nice book haul. I loved The Water Museum. We read it before seeing him in Petoskey.

Not a bad day out here, at all and I am staying dry.

>189 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul. I am also looking forward to The Orenda. Through Black Spruce begins very well. I really like this guy's writing.

Have a fantastic weekend Mark.

>192 GeezLouise: Happy Saturday, Rae! I am home from work now, so the relaxing can start. Hope you are having a good one too.

Hi Mark! Cute that you listened to Anne of Green Gables. That is a wonderful book, isn't it? I thought about re-reading that this year - maybe I still will. :)

Happy reading!

>194 The_Hibernator: Hi, Rachel! Good to see you. I had a good time with Anne of Green Gables. I was surprised how fresh and fun it still remains.

>195 Berly: Ooh, I love it, Kimmers. B.A.G.

Passing thru great to see another who has enjoyed Binti must try & read some of the others ....

See you are enjoying the heatwave - still around ? if it makes you feel better its supposed to be winter down here & lets say today was def a shorts day - despite it snowing further south ...mother nature is definitely bizarre these days

Good morning, Mark. I hope your Sunday is full of R&R.

>197 roundballnz: Hi, Alex! What a nice surprise. Great to see you, stranger. I will have to request Binti too.

It has cooled off a bit here. The humidity has backed off so it is more comfortable. I wish it would last longer. Hooray for wearing shorts in winter.

>198 Ameise1: Hi, Barb! R & R is on the schedule for today, my friend. Thanks.

"...Then everybody wept,
Or sat, too exhausted to weep,
Or lay, too hurt to weep.
And when the smoke cleared it became clear
This had happened too often before
And was going to happen too often in the future
And happened too easily
Bones were too like lath and twigs
Blood was too much like water
Cries were too like silence
The most terrible grimaces too like footprints in mud..."

-excerpt from "Crow's Account of the Battle"- Ted Hughes

>200 msf59: It is powerful but pretty unremitting stuff, Mark, don't you think? Ted Hughes is possibly my favourite poet but I would have advised The Hawk in the Rain as the place to start with him. The fact that he was West Yorkshire born and raised as am I has of course nothing to do with my favouritism!

>201 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul, for putting him on my radar. I want to research this collection some more. Hughes really seemed like he had to get a lot off his chest. LOL. I will keep my eye out for The Hawk in the Rain. I appreciate another rec.

96) The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken Liu 4.6 stars

“Every night when you stand outside and gaze upon the stars, you are bathing in time as well as light.”

“The best telescopes we have today can see back as far back as about thirteen billion years ago.”

I had not read Ken Liu but I had been hearing some positive chatter about this story collection, so I gave it a try. It was a wonderful surprise, in every way. There is science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, steampunk and allegories on war, suffering and exploration, all told in smart, fluid prose, that will have your mind buzzing with joy and reflection. Liu is a major talent and will not be confined or defined by any single genre. I will be reading everything I can find by him, including his translated works. I can not recommend this collection high enough.

'Your mind buzzing with joy'? Where do I sign up?

Great review Mark. Hope Sunday is treating you well.

^And as an added bonus, The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories is still available as a Kindle deal at $1.99! What do you have to lose? If you don't like it, I'll send you the lousy 2 bucks. Grins...

>204 charl08: Yep, still buzzing Charlotte. Smiles...I hope you can find a copy soon. You will not be disappointed.

Good morning, Mark!

Great to hear about The Paper Menagerie. I've got it on my Kindle. I've now got the second and third in Rick Yancy's Fifth Wave Trilogy, so that will probably be my next sci-fi reading.

Homegoing was as good as you and others said. Very well done.

Morning Mark!
OMG! You are such a speedy reader, Mark!! I'm glad you found The Paper Menagerie nearly a 5 read! Don't know when I'll get to it :0(

Happy Sunday, Mark! Glad it's not as humid for you and hope that lasts a while.

Not particularly a short story reader except for a few favorite authors, but I just might break down and get the Liu.....

>200 msf59: Amazing poem. Thanks for sharing that. Happy Sunday!

>207 jnwelch: Happy Sunday, Joe! I do not want to sound like a broken record but you will love The Paper Menagerie. It is soooooo your cuppa.

Hooray for Homegoing. Easily one of the year's best, IMHO.

>208 Carmenere: Happy Sunday, Lynda! The Paper Menagerie was a big book too. A couple of those stories were nearly novella size but everything was terrific so it did not matter.

>209 karenmarie: Hi, Karen! It is a comfortable summer day. Nice to have the house open again too. I just wish we would get a long stretch but it is supposed to heat back up mid-week. Sighs...

"but I just might break down and get the Liu....." Smiles! Not much to lose for 2 bucks...

>210 Berly: Hi, Kimmers! It is a tough, brutal collection, so brace yourself. Have a great Sunday.

^Since it has cooled off a bit here, I was able to get a Sunday bike ride in. (No, that is not me in the photo. I am much older) I did clock in 18 miles, which is the longest I have done in quite some time.



^The highlight of the ride was having a pair of fawns cross in front of me. They were older than these two, with fading spots. I love it!

>213 msf59: Hooray for the bike ride. I love bike tours, too.

>214 Ameise1: Hi, Barb! It wasn't a bike tour. Just me riding solo. I did not mind the alone time. Smiles...

>215 msf59: When I'm on a bike ride I'm always listening to an audio book. You too?

"What if all the pieces of belief and memory that comprise who I am- my profession, Daniela, my son- are nothing but a tragic misfiring in that gray matter between my ears? Will I keep fighting to be the man I think I am? Or will I disown him and everything he loves, and step into the skin of the person this world would like me to be?"

"We all live day to day completely oblivious to the fact that we're a part of much larger and stranger reality than we can possibly imagine."

^ I am having a good time with Dark Matter. It is fun and it toys with your gray matter.

>182 msf59: Neat!

Sounds like a wonderful bike ride today, Mark! Glad it has cooled off!

>218 Whisper1: Are you getting one?

>219 vancouverdeb: Happy Sunday, Deb. Perfect day for a bike ride. I have next weekend off, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will be mild enough for more bike rides.

Happy Sunday, Mark, and enjoy your week off!

>221 banjo123: Sorry, Rhonda, that was supposed to be next weekend.Lol. No vacation time for awhile.

Happy Sunday, my friend. Hope you found some reading time.

Have a brew, dude!

>223 weird_O: Happy Sunday, Bill. I did have a couple of cold ones earlier now I am slowly getting ready to retire for the night.

Hope you had a good reading weekend.

Big waves, hi Mark!

>225 DianaNL: Hi, Diana. Good to see you. Hope you had a good weekend.

Morning, Mark!

A Call For August

"There is a blue fragrance, essence of dusk.
The smoke of last things lingers on old clothes.
Sun has become as rare as goldenrod.
I call for August, but no answer comes.

Autumn awaits across a worn doorsill.
I need you to make sense of falling leaves,
When death paints a rich picture ot itself,
And shadows measure out the long way home."

-Sandra Fowler

Good morning, Mark!

The Liu book has just been downloaded. I am currently reading To Kill a Mockingbird in anticipation of reading Go Set a Watchman, but may dip into The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories this week.

Good morning, Mark!

Glad you're having fun with Dark Matter. The Paper Menagerie is my Kindle book now, and so far, so good.

Sounds like you had a great bike ride. Beautiful day for it.

Not too shabby today, although it's heating up. Hope it goes well for you.

Morning, Mark! Hooray for giving The Paper Menagerie high marks - hoping to get to that one this month.

>213 msf59: How I love bike riding. I am kicking myself that I did not buy a lovely, traditional bike, wicker basket on the front, when I was at Sam's club last year. Alas, I need to check with surgeons when all is healed to see if bike riding is recommended. I sure hope so. I remember when I learned to ride a bike, the determination it required. I'm stubborn and I vowed I would not leave my cousin's driveway until I could peddle and not fall.

Happy day to you.
It is another hot, humid day, so I send a wintery, cool image:

Happy Monday, Mark. Stay cool.

I see lots of Joseph Boyden love around here; I've reserved one of his at the library.

>227 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

>229 karenmarie: Morning Karen! Hooray for the Liu. I might be joining you on Go Set a Watchmen and Mockingbird. I have been wanting to read those back to back since last summer.

>230 jnwelch: Morning Joe. You do not waste any time, do you? Grins... I have a strong feeling you are going to love the Liu collection.

Not bad out here right now.

>231 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! Looking forward to hearing what you think of the Liu collection. Mr. Joe has all ready started it. B.A.G.

>232 Whisper1: Hi, Linda. Nice hearing from a fellow bike rider. It feels so good to get back into a riding groove. I do not like riding in the heat, so I am hoping for it to stay comfortable enough.

>233 BLBera: Hi, Beth. I am really enjoying Through Black Spruce, especially the Native American narrative. Which one will you be starting?

Good afternoon, Mark. I hope you're staying cool. It's just brutal in NJ and I'm not happy about it! However, I am very happy about The Farm. I finished it and just loved it! Thanks so much!

Hi Mark. Sending you some fresh air over the pond.

All caught up with you, Mark! I was 100+ posts behind... Slow down, man!

>236 Dianekeenoy: Hi, Diane! A warm summer day here but not uncomfortable. Sorry, to hear it has been brutal in NJ. Hope you get some relief and I am so glad you enjoyed The Farm. That one was a very nice surprise.

>237 Ameise1: Thanks for the that fresh mountain air, Barb! Always appreciate it, my vacationing friend.

>238 katiekrug: I thought I was slowing down, Katie! LOL. Books and warbling is just who I am now. Yes, I have created a monster.

>200 msf59: ouch!

*I wasn't here, you didn't see a thing*

:)

>240 LovingLit: When I saw "ouch" up there, I thought I may have missed you. LOL. This is a very dark collection, full of disturbing imagery. You might have had enough of that with Last Exit. Grins...

It is quite nice and not too warm, Mark! The past couple of days, I've been going out at about 9 pm on my walks - most of it with Poppy and Dave. So nice and cool! Poppy and Dave spend 30 minutes throwing a ball for Poppy to fetch, so for that portion I walk back on my own. The mosquitoes in the school ground are nasty! But it is nice and cool and still lots of people around.

>242 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb! Your weather sounds great. We had 3 nice days in a row but the heat & humidity return tomorrow. Sighs...

Hope your books are treating you well.

^My July Book Round-Up:

I had an another terrific reading month. Like I mentioned before, this is going to be a great year for new books. I kicked the month off with Underground Airlines, which I warbled my butt off about. I was able to visit with Comoran Strike, with The Silkworm. I did not expect to like this series as much I do.

I hit my first 5 star read of the month, with my revisit of Grapes of Wrath, (Steinbeck remains my hero). I got down and dirty with Last Exit To Brooklyn, (I still can't get clean). I read a solid memoir, The Sound of Gravel and enjoyed my first H.G. Wells story. I then read my second 5 star read, Homegoing, which will easily be at the top of my best of the year list. What a debut!

I really enjoyed Everyone Brave is Forgiven, which put Mr. Cleave back in my good graces. Thanks to the CAC, I finally had a chance to read the utterly charming Anne of Green Gables. And then I finished the month with a pair of powerhouses: Of Mice and Men, my 3rd, 5 star read and The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories which just missed 5 Big Ones.

Hi Mark! Firstly, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!! Doing a quick catch-up here - glad to see you survived that awful heat/humidity wave we had recently. Brutal! Looks like at least you've gotten some great books in this month - including more than one 5-star-er?!? Amazing!

Sorry I missed your birthday, Mark! I hope it was spectacular. Certainly the Cubs came through for you. We stayed up way too late last night watching that terrible, horrible extra-innings disaster. I am now done with the Mariners for this season. Done, I tell you. I am jumping on the Cubbies bandwagon (not much of a jump for me, really, since my SIL who taught me to love baseball is and always has been a huge Cubs fan). So, I say:

>245 LauraBrook: Hi, Laura! So good to see you. You have been missed. Yes, it has been hot, here in the Midwest but the last few days have not been bad.

I think the only reason I hit 3 5 star reads, is that I decided to revisit a couple of Steinbeck favs. Works every time.

>246 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen! That had to be a tough loss for Mariners fans and a crazy, wacky win for the Cubs, who seem to find a path to victory. Sorry to see you bummed about the Mariners but glad to see you on the Cubbies Bandwagon.

Morning, Mark!

Good morning, Mark! You had a great July, for sure.

>248 scaifea: Morning Amber!

>249 karenmarie: Morning Karen! I am hoping for big, bookish things in August too. It sure will be a busy one. I am starting out on fire, because I am really enjoying Dark Matter & Through Black Spruce. I should finish both tomorrow.

Good morning, Mark!

I just whipped through the second 5th Wave book, The Infinite Sea, and enjoyed the heck out of it. If you're looking for a change of pace some time, give it a go. The further you get into it, the more layers it takes on.

My GN is a Darwyn Cooke Catwoman, Selina's Big Score. Man, he was good.

>251 jnwelch: Morning Joe! I did like The 5th Wave and I think I have the second one saved on audio, so I am glad to hear you liked it.

Do you think I would like Cooke's Catwoman series?

>252 msf59: Yes. :-) They have a similar flavor to his Parker books. She's not a superhero.

Hmm. I'm getting that Ted Hughes is not a cheery poet...

(Only kidding: tried - and failed to read Birthday Letters many years ago) I've never been a fan of nature poetry (too much Daffodils and Seasons of Mellow Fruitfulness in lit classes) but reading non fiction recently about nature and walking (H is for Hawk of course) perhaps I should change my mind.

I've just finished Hystopia - I'm not a fan, but I'll be intrigued to get your take on it - dark, trippy and dystopian. Is it on the warbler's radar?

Hi Mark - I just got Three Day Road from the library, so I'll give that one a try.

>253 jnwelch: That is good news, Joe. I will request it.

>254 charl08: "Ted Hughes is not a cheery poet..." Yes, you can say that again, Charlotte. This is heavy going and a lot of it is going over my head but there are flashes of genius here and there, to make it worthwhile.

Not familiar with Hystopia. "dark, trippy and dystopian," sound like good tags to me. You think I would like it?

>255 BLBera: Hi, Beth. I am glad you decided to go with Three Day Road. It has been 5 years since I read it but I remember being quite impressed. I just finished Through Black Spruce and I am now a bona fide fan of Boyden.

^ I would be confessing in a heartbeat, even if I didn't do anything...

Hey buddy,

I just noticed that you "liked" some of my reviews over on GR. Too funny, especially with Redeployment. (for those reading along, there wasn't an actual review, just the pertinent details). I got to get better that timely reviews. That one was getting too long ago and I couldn't work up anything other than to say that I liked it.

I also made a conscious decision to not review the GR's that I'm reading, but if I want to keep GR up to date with the Mothership over here (and for some strange reason I do), I had to catch up. I still have 5 books that I should, or at least would like to do an actual write-up.

Ahh, the life we lead. :)

Stay cool....

>258 mahsdad: Hi, Jeff! I like following my Good Reads News Feed and I love seeing what my pals have to say about their books. The "like" button is a lazy convenience but it does help to spread the book joy.

I really liked Redeployment and I also know Joe did. That one didn't catch fire over here on LT, the way it should have. Blame the warblers?

^I see that Girl Waits with Gun is available on Kindle for .99 cents! I LOVED this book! And I know many LTers felt the same way. If you have not read it, please snag this amazing deal.

The follow-up, Lady Cop Makes Trouble comes out in early September. Perfect timing. I have an early review copy on my Kindle and I hope it stays there for another couple weeks. Fingers crossed.

>241 msf59: I have had quite enough of the traumatizing dark reads lately, Mark, you are right :)
The ouch, as you know now, was about the arrows in the back. I was reading W The Black Arrow (abridged for children), and I thought he would love it. Seeing as he is all into cross bows, killing, chasing, adventure, etc. But he lost interest, so we are reading Awful Auntie now, by David Walliams. He is liking that as it has just a touch of toilet humour. Speaking of which, so you know in NZ "to root" means something very different to what it means in the US. I cannot help but apply my most known meaning when I see the word used in the US context. It makes me feel very immature. ;) (ets: that was in relation to >246 EBT1002:)

root: to have sex. A warning to folk from the USA! - A female visitor from the US has this to say... My first time in NZ I made the unfortunate mistake of listing off my hobbies to a family that had me over for tea.... among my hobbies? "I like to root for the football team!" (one of the boys said, "What, the WHOLE team??")!

>261 LovingLit: "I like to root for the football team!" That cracked me up, Megan. Nothing like a good laugh. We will try to keep the "rooting" to a comfortable level, around here. Grins...

>260 msf59: Thanks, Mark, got it!

>263 Dianekeenoy: You are in for a treat, Diane. Just sayin'...

>264 msf59: Mark, you will have me reading myself to death! But, what a way to go!

^I have been struggling with this one, since last summer. Should I read Go Set a Watchman or just skip it and maintain my adoration for To Kill a Mockingbird? I know LT opinion is divided. I do not think it will change my opinion about TKAM, however I feel about GSAW. I have had it on audio for many months, so I thought, what the hell, let me knock it out, plus it is narrated by Reese Witherspoon, one of my favorites and Tennessee born. I was immediately entranced by those southern dulcet tones. Just over an hour in. Not horrible by any means but still pretty "lite" and unsubstantial.

I plan on revisiting Mockingbird later in the month. I heard Sissy Spacek does a stellar job.

>265 Dianekeenoy: Everyone needs a mission in life, Diane. This is mine...

>267 msf59: I thought your mission in life was sampling wonderful craft beers and ales? :)

>266 msf59: my lovely other gave me this for mother's day in May, I haven't read it yet. But *gasp* I didn't love TKAM as much as a lot of people do, so I wasn't in a huge hurry there.

>268 vancouverdeb: Sampling wonderful craft beers and ales, is my second mission is life, Tonto. It is a close second, but 2nd never the less.

>269 LovingLit: "I didn't love TKAM as much as a lot of people do." Ouch, Megan! That one hurt. And I was really rootin' for you too!

Evening, Mark! Did you hear that Yaa Gyasi will be on Seth Myers' show tonight, talking about Homegoing? Thought you'd like to know...

Ooh, thanks for letting me know, Amber. I will set my DVR.

ETA- I set it. They don't list her name on the guest list but I am recording it.

Hi there, Mr. Mark.

Another big win, though a nail biter, for our Cubbies.

Hi Mark, Looks like you had a great month of reading in July! I haven't kept up, I'm afraid... I'll do better this month.

So far, I have no interest in Go Set a Watchman. I figure, one less book to read, unless you really, really like it....

Hope your week is going well!

>256 msf59: I'm nervous to say that you *would* like it. It's more that lots of blurbers (and the Booker longlisters) say great things about it, and I don't get it. But I know that you enjoy the darker end of the reading spectrum, and this is definitely that. The only reviewer on LT on the book page lists the reasons they like it - and they are pretty much the reasons I don't.

>261 LovingLit: That's a great bit of cross-cultural confusion right there.

>244 msf59: That is the epitome of stellar in reading terms, Mark. Loved your reading review.

>270 msf59: ha ha, I see what you did there Mark. ;)

Cross cultural confusion is quite funny when you can see what is happening, otherwise it is, well....confusing.

>276 PaulCranswick: oh for a reading month like that huh? I'd need a solid few weeks of it on a deserted island, to start with!

>273 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda! How are you, stranger? I have missed you. I was not sure if the Cubs pulled that one out or not. Good to know.

>274 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! Welcome back from vacation. I did have a great reading month in July and hope for more of the same, in August.

"So far, I have no interest in Go Set a Watchman." I understand. I was torn too but thought I would get to it and then move on with my life. LOL.

>275 charl08: Hystopia sounds interesting enough, Charlotte, that I'll probably give it a go. Thanks.

>276 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul! Glad you liked my reading round-up. I am trying to do this every month, this year. It is something I have failed to do in the past. Actually, I like revisiting, just to reinforce my ups and downs.

>277 LovingLit: Instead of a deserted island, how about a quiet cabin in the mountains? I think that would work better for me. I bet it gets frustrating, not being able to find reading time. My heart goes out...

Morning, Mark! Uh-oh, not on the set list? I hope I didn't steer you wrong... I got my info from Seth's twitter account, so it should have been accurate...?

Happiest of Wednesday's to you, Mark! Oh!, Dark Matter sounds so awesome! It's on my coffee table but Symphony for the City of the Dead is on top of it, then I'll start, for sure. My other planned August reads will come after. Oh! My Gosh! So much to do! Eeeeek!

Good morning, Mark!

>257 msf59: This could be very effective. Less confusing as to which cop is playing which part, too.

>260 msf59: 99 cents! Folks should snap up Girl Waits with Gun. I just read a positive review in PW about Lady Cop Makes Trouble, and it indicated that this one also is based on real events. How have we not known about Constance and her sisters before? Kudos to Amy Stewart.

I'm another one with no interest in reading Go Set a Watchman. Nothing wrong with reading it; I just have many others I'd rather read.

Yes, I thought Redeployment was terrific, too. I don't know why it didn't catch on more here. It won the National Book Award, for goodness' sake. Along with a lot of other recognition. Sometimes people wander in the wilderness. Maybe we were warbling in the wilderness?

>280 scaifea: Morning Amber! I will check out the Seth Meyers show tonight. Thanks.

>281 Carmenere: Morning Lynda. I only have a few pages left in Dark Matter. This is one you really can blow through. I actually had to slow down. Lol. I also want to read Symphony for the City.

>282 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. GSAW is actually not terrible and it gives me a perfect excuse to revisit Mockingbird. B.A.G.

Hooray for Lady Cop. I think I still have an active egalley on my Kindle. I need to check.

Good morning, Mark! I'm going to wait a couple of weeks to read GSAW so that it will be fresh in my mind for our September book club read - I have to read it because it was my choice!

Morning Karen! I am not sure what I was expecting with GSAW- putrid writing, amateurish stylings? But it's actually not bad, just no where in the ballpark of TKAM.

Sorry I missed your birthday my friend. Happy Belated Birthday!

I really enjoyed Gary Sinise's narration of Of Mice and Men.

Happy Wednesday, Mark.

Woo-hoo. I've been getting updates from my father and sister on our Cubbies. Sounds like another improbable comeback today.

>286 luvamystery65: Thank you, Ro! Always good to see you. I LOVED Sinese narrating Of Mice and Men. Now I am keeping an eye out for his version of Travels With Charley.

>287 Ameise1: Big Waves to Barb!

>288 lindapanzo: I completely forgot about tuning in to the Cubs game this afternoon but I was able to catch the 9th inning, once I got home. Woo-hoo, is right. The Boys are on fire.

Morning, Mark!

"We all live day to day completely oblivious to the fact that we're part of a much stranger reality than we can possibly imagine."

"Chicago feels wrong without her.
I hate everything about it.
The color of the sky seems off.
The familiar buildings mock me.
Even the air tastes like a lie.
Because it isn't my city.
It's ours."

-Dark Matter

>291 msf59: Oh, I LOVE that one. Thanks for sharing!

>290 scaifea: >291 msf59: Morning Amber! Were you referring to the quotes or the image or both? LOL. The book is really good. Smart & super-fun. The sunrise is okay too...grins.

>293 msf59: Ha! Good point. I was originally referring to the poem, but of course that photo is gorgeous. Lovely city you've got there, friend.

Good morning, Mark! Congrats on your Cubbies doing well. I hope you have a wonderful day.

^It will be another hot & humid day in Chicagoland but it is my last work day of the week, (this is my weekend) so I think this still qualifies as "Sweet".

I had a great time with Dark Matter and I plan on wrapping up GSAW, Monstress & the Hughes collection today. I am thinking of squeezing a O'Nan in before diving into Blonde.

I'll be back tonight for a new thread.

>294 scaifea: Thumbs up for both? Yah!

>295 karenmarie: Morning Karen! Yes, my Cubbies are tearing it up. We are Happy Here! Keep cool today.

You should definitely squeeze an O'Nan in before you start Blonde :)

>296 msf59: Sounds like a lot of good reading Mark. I'm hoping to get to another GN soonish.

Just popping in to say Hi, Mark!

>291 msf59: Cool!

>298 katiekrug: I will definitely be following KAK's orders. B.A.G.

>299 charl08: Hooray for GNs, Charlotte. I have a sweet stack, waiting nearby.

>300 connie53: Hi, Connie! Great to see you.

>301 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! More warbling in store on Dark Matter...

good morning, Sweet Thursday lad.

>291 msf59: oh, man. that's harsh. i have to get through at least one book before i can even look at Dark Matter. most excellent and titillating quote. you're killin' me here dude. ;-)

have such a great day. bet there's a brew at the end of it.

Good morning, Mark!

>259 msf59: I got this a on a sweet Kindle deal a few months back. It's on the TBR list. It looks like a fun read.

>302 msf59: - Which one do you have in mind?

>303 mirrordrum: Hi, Ellie! All is well with this Sweet Thursday Lad! I think Dark Matter would work very well on audio. Perfect first person narrative.

And yes, there will be a brew waiting for me at the end of the line...

>304 brodiew2: Hi, Brodie. Good to see you. I loved Girl Waits With Gun. I hope you do too.

>305 katiekrug: I found a nice little copy of Last Night at the Lobster, for a quarter at my library. It was a sign and it is a shorty. Glad to finally get around to it.

>307 msf59: - Perfect! I thought you had already read that one... You're in for a treat!

You are reading lots of interesting new books, Mark. I'm having a good time with the oldies but goodies. Just finished Black Water, my first ever JCO; impressive book. I'm now reading ...Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz. Blonde is on the agenda for this month, both another JCO and a doorstop.

Sweet Thursday, Mark!

Go Dark Matter! Sounds like you had the same kind of fun time with it that I did. Makes me think of Ready Player One for compulsive reading enjoyment (although they're way different otherwise).

I just finished that tormented woman cop chasing serial killer short story in The Paper Menagerie - very good. The title story is up next. Flaubert's Parrot continues to be unusual and good.

Stay as cool as you can.

Phew! Just went through your thread to see what highlights I've missed, and it was well worth it! I'm happy we both got to discover Anne of Green Gables together this month. I actually read it from that Puffin edition, from which you posted the cover up in messaged >69 msf59:. "It is sweet and joyous and Anne is a hoot" is a great way to sum it up in just a few words. It always seemed to me like this would be a book to enjoy in summertime, and I agree with you it made for perfect reading on those hot, hot days we've been getting here too.

I've put The Paper Menagerie on the wishlist. Heather was saying good things about it too recently. I have so, so many short story collections accumulated over the years... not my favourite format, but then I often find myself enjoying taking them in bit by bit, between longer reads. I've had Homegoing on my iPhone for the past few weeks... hearing great things about it and glad to see you were a big fan.

On the other hand, have had Go Set a Watchman on audio since shortly after it was released, and can't seem to work up the enthusiasm to actually listen to it, even with the lovely Reese narrating. By the way, I've listened to Sissy Spacek narrating The Kill a Mockingbird, which I took in as a reread and she does indeed do a great job. In any case, I'm more motivated to reread TKaM than picking up Harper Lee's last book, but if you end up loving it, I may change my mind (somehow I doubt that'll be the case though).

I haven't read any JCO either yet, and have planned to listen to Lovely, Dark, Deep this month. I'd love to read her Blonde eventually, but it's a bit too much of a chunkster for me to pick up this month.

Speaking of Sweet Thursday, I finally gave it a listen in July, and while I was happy to revisit some of the characters from Cannery Row, have to say I enjoyed the latter far more than it's follow-up. Still, glad I've finally read it!

There! I'm pretty sure you'll be starting up a new thread any minute now, but I've at least left a decent mark on this one now!

Off to try to beat the heat while I take Charley outside... wish me luck!

Hi there, Mark. A 3-day weekend ahead.

I started reading Lonesome Dove this morning. Probably something I'll be savoring, not rushing through.

>308 katiekrug: I am really enjoying Last Night at the Lobster. I am not sure to many authors can write so well about the mundane. He really excels at it.

>309 weird_O: Hey, Bill! Hooray for knocking out a JCO all ready. I'll be joining you on Blonde, later next week. I hope Oscar Wao pushes your buttons. I loved that book.

>310 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! Hooray, for Dark Matter, Ready Player One & The Paper Menagerie. All winners in my book. I'll be watching for your final thoughts on Flaubert's Parrot. Sounds like a good one.

>311 Smiler69: Hi, Ilana! So, good to see you. Nice job catching up. I know there is a lot to wade through. I really appreciate the CAC. It finally got me to read "Anne" and I finally got to Through Black Spruce, which I ended up really liking. It was terrific on audio too.

I hope you can find time for both Homegoing & The Paper Menagerie. Both excellent reads. Surprisingly, GSAW was not bad. Maybe I was expecting the worst. It is not very polished but far from a disaster, IMHO. Plus, Witherspoon really made it work.

Funny, I was going to tackle Blonde on audio but the version I had was abridged. WTH? And that is the only one Audible is offering too. So, I will go with the print. And hooray for Steinbeck. I really liked Sweet Thursday but I agree Cannery Row is better.

>312 lindapanzo: Hooray for starting Lonesome Dove, Linda! I hope it grabs you the way it has many of us. A true American classic and despite it's lofty size, it never feels long.

>257 msf59: Bwahahaha. Love it!