Mark's Reading Place: Chapter 18

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:


Books Read So Far...

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
99) Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee 3.3 stars (audio)
100) Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan 4 stars
101) Atonement by Ian McEwan 3.8 stars (audio) BAC
102) The Sunlight Pilgrims by Jenni Fagan 4 stars ER
103) Dust by Arthur Slade 3.5 stars (audio)
104) The Regional Office is Under Attack! by Manuel Gonzales 3.4 stars (audio)

American Author Challenge 2016

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

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

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

^A Sweet Thursday Library Run! A nice mix of poetry, GNs and fiction. After finding out my audio copy of Blonde is abridged, (who the hell decides this crap?) I decided to go with the print version. It is a hefty one, clocking in over 700 pages, with small print. Sighs...I hope JCO makes it worth it.

Ellen sent me a GN copy of the 2nd volume of The Arab of the Future, so I thought it would be best if I started with Vol. 2. Hey, that is how I roll.

I have an audio copy of Fives and Twenty-Fives, but I saw a nice hardback on shelf, for a buck. I could not resist. Since my audio stacks are getting just as insane as my print TBRs, I may get to it sooner in print.

And lastly, thanks to Ellie for suggesting the Vincent Millay. My poetry adventure continues...

Oh, yeah, the beer was tasty too. Happy IPA Day!!

First! Nice new thread, Mark. I hope all is well with you.

I'm struggling with reading at the moment. Second slump of the year. I hope it doesn't last much longer.

"Bray"

"It’s summer here so soda pop and blue
jeans in the trees. I am peeling
my sunburn on a bus bound for Saratoga
Springs where I will lob my father’s
ashes on the line where the racehorses
finish one at a time, and as they do,
the mist of a million particles
of ash in the air, all likeness will disappear
between us. I had built a boundary
out of skin where I sat quietly
until blood was the only moving
thing on a map of where we are.
On the dirt track, horses fill
their lungs in the sun and urge on.
When a losing horse dips
its head to greet me, his black whiskers
tickle the flesh of my neck. Why
do all hearted creatures stink?
I am asked by my brother’s
youngest child, Is horse your favorite
or least favorite mammal? I say
don’t beg the Lord if the sky is
a gray roof beneath which
you have waited all day to see
gallop something graceful, swift."

-Christopher Salerno

Darn! Always a beat late. A tip o' the hat from PA.

>6 brodiew2:

Hooray for being first, Brodie! Very sorry about the book slump. I hope it wraps up quickly. I am very fortunate, to avoid that insufferable malady.

Here again!! Ooh!! You are almost to 100!!

>8 weird_O: Thanks, Bill. You almost had it.

>10 Berly: Hi, Kimmers. I am reading Last Night at the Lobster and it is a shorty. Might even hit #100 tomorrow.

Happy New Thread, Mark! I forgot to mention in my long message on your last thread that I too just finished Through Black Spruce in the last few days and was really taken with it. I just wish I'd paid more attention to the fact that Three Day Road treats about the same family, because I should probably have started there, but I'm sure it'll hold up fine whenever I do get to it.

>12 Smiler69: Thanks, Ilana. I am glad you also enjoyed Through Black Spruce. I definitely preferred the Will Bird narrative. I loved this character. It has been about 5 years since I read Three Day Road, so I do not remember any connection. I do recall that one is set during WWI.

Closing in on 100....good for you! I'll hit 75 in a few days, and that's the earliest in the year I've ever done it. Must be a very good year for reading.

Happy new thread buddy. Closing in on 100 books closing in on the top of the posting league.

>14 laytonwoman3rd: The books are piling up around me, I have no choice but to keep reading like crazy. I really don't even think about the numbers, I just keep plugging away.

>15 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. No worries, Mamie will come storming back.

>16 msf59: I hope she does mate; it is no fun at all seeing so many of our number sick and ailing at the moment.

Happy new thread Mark!

Happy new thread, Mark!

>11 msf59: O'Nan would be a good author to hit 100 with!

Happy New Thread, Mark!

Happy new thread Mark, that picture at the top shows how perfect a summerday can be :-)

>7 msf59: Aww, his father must have loved the races... lovely poem

Good morning, Mark. Happy new thread.

Insomnia, Mark, so I thought I'd stop by, Lone Ranger. Happy New Thread! Nearly 100 books *faints away*

Happy new one, friend!

>17 PaulCranswick: No fun seeing my LT pals ailing. My wife just got over a bad cold too, that seemed to linger forever.

>18 Copperskye: Thanks, Joanne!

>19 tymfos: Thanks, Terri! It will most definitely be O'Nan. I just started my audio, Atonement and really won't get back to that one until early next week.

>20 connie53: Thanks, Connie!

>21 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. I was looking for an outside reading topper. I do not read outdoors as much as I like but I do like the idea of it.

It looks like the author of the poem was really talking about his own father. Very touching.

>22 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb!

>23 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Tonto. I hope you were able to get back to sleep. Yes, I am fast approaching a 100 books but there is a stack of 200 looming over me.

>24 scaifea: Morning Amber! And thanks!

97) Through Black Spruce by Joseph Boyden 4.2 stars

“Mother Nature was one angry slut. She'd try and kill you the first chance she got. You'd screwed with her for so long that she was happy to eliminate you.”

Will bird is a Cree bush pilot. The novel opens with him, lying in a coma. Annie Bird is his niece, who visits him in the hospital. How these two people ended up here, is how the story is structured, as the narrative shifts from Will to Annie. I much preferred the Will part of the tale, with his laconic, Cree wisdom and stunning descriptions of life in the wilderness, but the book is well-written and captures life in upper-Canada, in a vivid, robust style. Fans of Louise Erdrich should really like this author.

**I read this for the CAC. Thanks Ilana. I am now looking forward to The Orenda



^Moose Factory Ontario.

>27 msf59: Nice review, Mark. And I do love Erdrich!

So, I am one of the sickies, too. ER visit a few days ago. Feeling better, but dealing with insomnia on Prednisone now. But at least I am being productive--can I suck you into the August David Bowie top 100 read? The new thread is up for Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/228526

Happy new thread, Mark! Wishing you a smooth Friday! OOOO, ever so close to 100! You Rock!

Good morning, Mark, and happy new thread. Best wishes for a wonderful Friday!

>28 Berly: Thanks, Kim. I also recommend Three Day Road. I wish I would have thought about Flaubert's Parrot when I went to the library yesterday. It's a short so I may try to bookhorn it in.

Hope you start to feel better soon.

>29 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda. I am off today so it should be very smooth and it is going to cool off a bit for the weekend. Hooray.

>30 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen! Hope to spend plenty of time with the books today. I have a nice stack going.

Good morning, Mark. Happy Friday, and Happy New Thread!

>7 msf59: Nice!

>5 msf59: I plan on reading the Arab of the Futures at some point. Looking forward to your comments.

I like that review of Through the Black Spruce.

>28 Berly: Thanks for posting that, Kim. Starred. I'm in a part of Flaubert's Parrot I'm liking a lot. Its content is quite varied.

Have a smooth one today, Mark. Much cooler out there.

>32 jnwelch: Morning Joe! Happy Friday! And thank you. I am off today and tomorrow so it will be super smooth. Grins...

I just requested Flaubert's Parrot. I wish I could have grabbed it while I was at the library yesterday. Duh!

>33 DianaNL: Thanks for the Friday hugs, Diana. Always welcome over here.

>31 msf59: Hi again! I usually only read book at a time. I do have a non-fiction book going that I started months ago, but just cannot seem to keep multiple books going without stressing out. More power to you for your voluminous and wide-ranging reading!

98) Dark Matter by Blake Crouch 4.2 stars

“If there are infinite worlds, how do I find the one that is uniquely, specifically mine?”

Looking for the perfect summer read? Fun, fast-paced and smart? Look no further. Saying anything more will only spoil it. Find a copy. Read it. My job is done. Strolls away, whistling softly...

>35 karenmarie: I like only reading one print book at a time, not counting GNs or poetry and one audiobook. This system has worked perfectly for me and I hope it carries me well into the future.

>36 msf59: Still checking my mail for that one. Hurry up, hurry up!! Glad you are in for the Parrot.

Happy new thread have a great weekend Mark.

>27 msf59: Nice teaser of a review, Mark. The Orenda is my read of the year so far and I aim to read his other books when I can.

Have a great weekend, buddy.

>36 msf59: Okay dammit, now I have to go buy it. Your work here is done. :)

Have a good Friday.

I'm like you on the book juggling, except Kindle instead of audio. So I normally have going one print book, one Kindle book, one GN and one poetry book. Plus occasionally a guest star, like right now I also dip into that Jane Austen Cover to Cover: 200 Years of Classic Book Covers I got for my birthday.

Enjoy the long weekend! Brilliant planning for the days off.

>38 Berly: Come on Mr. Postman! Deliver!!

>39 GeezLouise: Thanks, Rae! Happy Friday!

>40 weird_O: I love that one, Bill! One of my favorites! Hooray for weirdos!

>41 PaulCranswick: "The Orenda is my read of the year so far." That is a great endorsement, Paul. I hope to bookhorn it in, in the coming months.

>42 mahsdad: LOL! Yep, this one has your name on it for sure, Jeff.

>43 jnwelch: "So I normally have going one print book, one Kindle book, one GN and one poetry book." No wonder, we are such good book buddies! The only substitution is your Kindle book with my audiobook, otherwise we are on the perfect biblio-wavelength.

>43 jnwelch: >45 msf59:. I think we are all like this here, or otherwise we wouldn't be the obsessive "groupers" that we are.

I currently am in 4 books (1 book at work, 1 that's a doorstop history book, so I had to start another for going out and about. I was almost finished with that, so I started a 3rd to assuage the fear of being without a book), 1 GR and 1 audio. I have at least 3 books on Kindle (on my iPad) that I should read, but I always gravitate to paper.

We all need a hobby, right?

I'm often in several books at once, but one usually dominates. Right now I'm engaged with several books I've finished reading, but haven't reported on. And I do want to report. Kind of a ruminant, I am. I've got to chew and re-chew. (Mary Roach has interesting tidbits about ruminants in Gulp, which I just read and is on my book-report list.) I'm also grappling with Sam Morse, with Keith Haring, with March, the late Roger Ackroyd, and even Stormy Weather by Carl Hiaasen.

It's like leaning back and picking your teeth after a sumptuous meal. (Urrrpp.) Excuse me.

"...Her smiles were spider bites
So he would lie still till she felt hungry
His words were occupying armies
Her laughs were an assassin's attempts
His looks were bullets daggers of revenge
His glances were ghosts in the corner with horrible secrets
His whispers were whips and jackboots
Her kisses were lawyers steadily writing
His caresses were the last hooks of a castaway
Her love-tricks were the grinding of locks
And their deep cries crawled over the floors
Like an animal dragging a great trap..."

-excerpt from "Lovesong"

"...And a blackbird sitting in the plum tree
Shakes and shakes its voice.
And I too am a ghost. I am the ghost
Of a great general, silent at my chess.
A million years have gone over
As I finger one piece.

The dusk waits.

The spears, the banners, wait."

-excerpt from "Crow Paints Himself into a Chinese Mural"

I finished Crow: From the Life and Songs of the Crow. This is not an easy collection and I was baffled by much of it. It may not have been a good place to start with Ted Hughes, but there were still plenty of brilliant shards of verse to marvel at.

>46 mahsdad: Looks like the guys have similar reading patterns, Jeff. I am amazed by the folks that can read multiple print books at one time but my system seems to work just fine. Hey, if ain't broke...

>47 weird_O: I have really enjoyed following your reading, Bill. Always interesting choices. Was this your first Roach? I am also a big fan and enjoyed Gulp. Packing For Mars remains my favorite. I have her new one, Grunt saved on audio.

Ah, I loved Atonement. might be worth revisiting on audio sometime.... How's the narrator?

>48 msf59: Wow, great excerpts, Mark. As Paul pointed out, his relationships apparently were fraught, and you sure can feel it in that first one.

Kudos to you for sticking to it. It's been too long for me to remember its difficulty. I want to revisit it soon. I also liked his Tales from Ovid, which has got to be easier. :-) I'm going to get my hands on his first one that Paul recommended, The Hawk in the Rain.

>50 katiekrug: Hi Katie! The narrator of Atonement is Jill Tanner. Not familiar with her but she is doing a fine job. I did see the film, back when it first came out but always wanted to read the book.

>51 jnwelch: I think you meant to type #48. I am glad I stuck to the Hughes collection and would like to revisit it, when I have a few more years of poetry under my belt. I also want to read The Hawk in the Rain.

I just started Horoscopes for the Dead. I like his easy style.

>52 msf59: What's a number or two between friends? Right you are. I fixed it.

Oh yeah, you'll feel you're on poetry vacation, reading Horoscopes for the Dead after Crow!

Hooray for poetry vacation!! I also have a Vincent Millay collection waiting nearby, that Ellie recommended. Have you read her?

ETA: I also just finished Lucky Penny. What fun GN. You will like it.

^I received my July ER win today- The Glorious Heresies. Hooray!

I decided to take a pass on the August ER, due to having several books to still read and review. There were a couple note-worthy titles but nothing I couldn't live without.

I did notice a few more repeats. This seems to becoming more and more common. I guess it is good for people that don't get it the first time around.

>49 msf59: I've read Stiff and Spook, Mark. Gulp is the third of Roach's books that I've read. Want to read Bonk, heh heh.

Bonk was my first Roach. Hubba-Hubba. Lot of fun. Stiff is my second favorite.

That wasn't the most fetching ER booklist. I did make a request for that Hidden Figures one, which sounded interesting.

You're right about the repeats - seems to be happening much more now. I guess they've found word of mouth worth it.

P.S. Debbi loved Stiff. My only one of hers so far is Packing for Mars.

>48 msf59: My how serendipitous, or ironic for me, you reporting on Ted Hughes and Crow.

I am just about finished with Grief is a Thing with Feathers an EXCELLENT little book by Max Porter, and you just brought new meaning to it for me.

Its a weird, almost plotless, almost free-form verse book about grief and coping. The main character, a husband and father is dealing with the loss of his wife and raising his 2 boys alone. A mysterious crow comes into his life to guide him. He is a Ted Hughes literary scholar. I see the larger picture now.

I knew OF Ted Hughes, but never read anything by him. (Me not being what you would call, well versed in poetry)

>58 jnwelch: There was a Macintrye on there, Joe, but I like reading his NF on audio. I have to still get to his last one, about Philby.

I hope you can get more Roach in. Stiff is a hoot.

>59 mahsdad: Talk about serendipity, Jeff. I have a copy of Grief is a Thing with Feathers waiting nearby. Nancy, a good LT friend, suggested it just last week, (we must have been talking about Hughes) so I picked it up from the library. Actually, I was going to start it yesterday, thinking it was a poetry collection but I quickly found out it was verse/prose. It looks fantastic. I love the Crow connection and I plan on starting it soon.

>61 msf59: I wonder whether it was Rogue Heroes again? Mine just arrived. The one on Philby is, no surprise, excellent.

>61 msf59: Excellent. You'll probably finish it in one sitting. its a quick read.

Woo hoo! Congrats on hitting 100!

So, of the 3 Roaches I've read so far (Stiff, Spook and Packing for Mars), I have to say that my favorite is Stiff. Looking forward to reading Bonk and Gulp. I just love her titles - so evocative!

Love the crow/ Hughes serendipity Mark. Hope you have a good weekend.

>62 jnwelch: I think it was that Macintyre, Joe. Want to get to the Philby one.

>63 mahsdad: Looking forward to it, Jeff.

>64 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary! Hooray for Roach. I still have to get to Spook and I have her new one, Grunt saved on audio.

>65 charl08: Thanks, Charlotte. I'll let you know about Grief is a Thing with Feathers. Looks very interesting.

"There are three suns in the sky and it is the last day of autumn- perhaps for ever. Sun dogs. Phantom suns. Parhelia. They mark the arrival of the most extreme winter for 200 years."

^I started The Sunlight Pilgrims. It is one of my ER books. It took me a few pages to get into the rhythm of it, but it does feel like something I will like.

Has anyone read Fagan's debut, The Panopticon? This one had been on my radar but I never got to it.

Good Saturday to you, Mark! "I decided to take a pass on the August ER, due to having several books to still read and review. "
*Snork* that's never stopped me. I can't help myself!

Morning, Mark! Happy Saturday, friend!

>68 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! If there was something on the ER list that really stood out for me, I would have grabbed it too. LOL.

>69 scaifea: Morning Amber! Lovely day in store...

^I have been trying to keep the Cubs Love down to a minimum over here, in respect to my non-baseball, non-sports visitors but every once in awhile I can not contain myself...Still the best record in all of baseball. Smokin' hot!

Hey Mark. Have fun with The Genius of Birds. Look forward to hearing which is your favourite crazy bird story at the end!

>72 charl08: Hi, Charlotte! Not sure when I will get to The Genius of Birds but I am glad to at least have an audio copy. Looking forward to those crazy bird stories.

Happy new one, Mark! I finished Monstress, and I thought it was really good. The artwork is stunning.

Happy Saturday, Mark!

What a beautiful start to the day out there. Good one for having a day off, right?

The White Sox continue to struggle, although we enjoyed ourselves at the game and it was fireworks night. Great to see the Cubbies doing so well. We were talking about how disciplined they've been at the plate since the break.

Hi Mark! Still glad your Cubbies are doing so well. I was an LA Dodgers fan earlier in my life and remember the excitement when they were doing well.

>74 Crazymamie: Mamie made it! Mamie made it! Hooray! Great to see you, my friend. I liked Monstress but did not love it. I completely agree about the artwork.

>75 jnwelch: Hey, post #75! Nice job! Happy Saturday, Joe! Did not see the Cubs game last night, (we went and saw the new Star Trek, it was ok) but it looks like the Cubbies spanked the A's good.

Glad you had a good time at the Sox game.

>76 karenmarie: Happy Saturday, Karen! Happy Reading! Go Cubbies!

^Not me. I am not that muscular.

I went on a very nice bike ride this morning. Another 18-plus miles. The temps were perfect and most of the trail was in the shade.

Mark, I really like The Panopticon! I think I gave it a 4+.

>79 Berly: Happy Saturday, Kimmers! Good to know about The Panopticon. If you are interested, I can send you my copy of The Sunlight Pilgrims, when I am through.

Nice bike ride and I'm sure that is you riding in that picture! Congratulations on your ER win.

>81 vancouverdeb: I need to work out more, to look like the guy on the bike. Grins...

Happy Saturday, Deb. Not sure The Sunlight Pilgrims is your cuppa but it is early days...

Mark--I'd love your copy of The Sunlight Pilgrims when you finish! Unless you hate it and then I'll pass. ; )

Wow, I am impressed with your mileage on your bike. How I envy you, and how I celebrate you. I do hope that one day I will be able to bike again. There is a lovely bike path in the back of our house. I hope your weekend is a good one Mark.

>67 msf59: rather jealous you got your hands on a copy of The Sunlight Pilgrims had heard it was due soon ... loved the The Panopticon as well well worth a read ....

Sounds like your system is working if you have read almost 100 books, Mark. I am one of those multiple books at the same time readers. In the last few days I have been reading just one book so that I could get it finished to take back to the library as someone has a hold on it. (Hate when that happens.) It felt very strange to be reading one thing all the time but I did pick up another book or two that I am in the middle of just for a bit of variety. I think the multiple book thing comes from so many years of being a student.

Hope you have a happy Sunday and get in a bike ride!

Have a nice Sunday, Mark!

Good morning, Mark. Wishing you a lovely Sunday.

>83 Berly: That is a deal, Kimmers. Hope you have a great Sunday.

>84 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! I hope you can get back on your bike at some point too. How long is the trail behind your house? does it connect with other trails?

>85 roundballnz: Hi, Alex! Great to see you. The Sunlight Pilgrims was offered on Early Reviewers and it sounded good. Glad to hear you are a fan of The Panopticon. I am sure I will be tracking that one down.

>86 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg! I think that is why I prefer reading one print at a time. It feels like I get through more books. It seems like, if I were reading 4 or 5, it would take forever. That said, I admire the folks that keep juggle that many at a time.

No bike ride today. We have early lunch plans. I have my sights set on next weekend though.

>87 connie53: Happy Sunday, Connie!

>88 Ameise1: Happy Sunday, Barb! Hope you are having a wonderful holiday.

Morning, Mark! Happy Sunday to you! Like Meg, I have to have multiple books going at the same time. Sometimes it gets slightly out of control, but it works for me. I guess because I am a mood reader, and I am not always in the mood for the book I have already started.

>91 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! I guess I am not a "mood reader", but that is a perfect reason for keeping several books going at a time. Does it seem to take you some time, returning to a book, to find the rhythm again? Or, if has been awhile, to remember the plot-lines?

It does sometimes, with certain books, if they end up on the sidelines for too long. Mostly I try to read things that are very different from each other to avoid plot confusion - I love to pair something heavy with something lighter or a collection of short stories with a chunkster. It works for me, but I can see why it wouldn't work for everyone.

>93 Crazymamie: I also like to mix it up, on audio and in print. A NF and a fiction is ideal but just doesn't happen often enough. I really like having a GN and now some poetry in the mix too. A perfect biblio-stew.

99) Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee 3.3 stars

I did not dislike this book. There, I said it. Actually, I thought it was pretty decent. Sure it is unpolished and ham-fisted and it barely brushes the hem of her masterpiece but I think it may have also gotten a bum-rap. Please do not hurl anything at your screen or unfriend me. I understand the controversy of the book's release. Would Harper Lee have released this one into the world, if she were of sound mind? We may never know but it was published and I think it is an interesting literary curiosity, taking a rare peek at earlier draft of a beloved classic. Should you read it? That is up to you, but it is not as horrific as one would assume.

The audiobook, narrated by Reese Witherspoon was very well done and she may helped carry it, over a few rough patches, with that lovely Tennessee twang.

^Would you accept a package from this man? I know I wouldn't. Bree paid me a visit on the route. How about those ubiquitous ear-buds? Never leave home without 'em.

Should I make this my current thread topper or is that too much horn-tootin'?

>95 msf59: I doubt many of us would throw anything at our screens or unfriend you. I have not made it around to reading it, but I fully intend to do so at some point. It is one of the books we retained from our leased books program. (We get to keep one out of every five books.)

Hi Mark, and Happy Sunday! I skipped over your review of GSAW, as I never read reviews before reading a book. Some time after tonight's discussion of The Light Between Oceans at bookclub I'll start GSAW - I always read book club books in the month leading up to the discussion.

>96 msf59: I would accept my package from anyone who is nice enough to deliver it at my door ;-)
Would make a nice thread topper!

>96 msf59: Excellent photo - go for it!

>97 thornton37814: "I doubt many of us would throw anything at our screens or unfriend you." Whew! Good to know. Grins...

Hi, Lori! Good to see you. Glad you are open-minded about reading GSAW.

>98 karenmarie: Morning Karen! It really wasn't a review, just some comments. I didn't even mention the story at all. I look forward to your thoughts on GSAW.

>99 FAMeulstee: Good point, Anita. LOL.

>100 scaifea: Thanks, Amber! I think I will...

>95 msf59: I'm one of the ones who would rather not know about this book (but I won't throw anything at readers either!)

>96 msf59: Thread topper for sure!!

Blonde, Mark. Blonde. I'm starting it today. How about you? I recall that at least one other 75er is planning to read it. Who else? Who else?

Happy Sunday, Mark! Bree's picture would make a wonderful Topper. I'd except a parcel, especially if the box had a Amazon smile on it! :0D

#7
So many people from the "Greatest Generation" loved horse racing. It was so glamorous and so much fun for people watching. The horses and jockey's were real sports heroes, just like baseball player and baseball. I sometimes wonder what has changed that the sport of horse racing and baseball are not the same as they were. I have thought that it might be TV - but am not sure about that.

Anyway, loved the poem and loved ALL of the Walter Farley books and read the voraciously when I was young. I must get to Seabiscuit soon.

#67
Supposedly, there were three suns in the sky the day that the future Edward IV won the Battle of Mortimer's Cross back in 1461. It is from that event that Sharon Kay Penman got the title for her novel about the three sons of York.

>96 msf59: Add me to the 'I didn't hate Go Set a Watchman club. I thought there were some really nicely written evocative passages, as well a some great humor "Those look like mine" - or whatever the exact phrase was. I did not care for the lecture at the end, but overall I thought it was interesting glimpse into the process of TKAM. If this *was* an earlier form, (some doubt there, right?), I can see how her editor saw the brilliant bits of a new author.

I saw upstream that you were listening to Atonement. Me, too. What will take you a few days to finish on your route, will take me most of the rest of the month to finish in my car. So far, so good.

>96 msf59: Mark, I would gladly accept a big hug from this hard working postal worker with a big smile. Definitely a thread-topping picture! What a nice surprise to have your daughter pop into your day.

I have the audio version of Go Set A Watchman in my Hoopla Favorites. I think Reese would make it a worthwhile listen. So glad you did not dislike it. I read the first chapter in the Wall Street Journal when it first came out and wasn't impressed. I'm really glad you liked Through Black Spruce. You are in for a real treat with The Orenda. It is my favorite Boyden book.

I finished a very dark book set in Montana. I know you like gritty. Check out The Flood Girls but be sure to ignore the fluffy title and cover.

Happy Sunday, and Happy New Thread, Mark!

>96 msf59: Good choice. Looking sharp, buddy.

I'm nearing the end of The Paper Menagerie, and it's been a good ride. We're taking it mighty easy today, with some Olympics watching going on right now.

Hope you're having a good one.

>102 charl08: You are not alone, in not wanting to read GSAW and I completely understand that. I just wanted to leave some semi-positive feedback and give it a little credit.

>103 Berly: Your wish is my command, Kimmers!

>104 weird_O: I have to finish The Sunlight Pilgrims and then I will jump into Blonde. A few more days, Bill. Love the MM poster.

>105 Carmenere: I am now the topper, Lynda. It is rare I get a photo, of me on the route, even though I have wanted to forever.

>106 benitastrnad: Happy Sunday, Benita! Thanks for chiming in on the poem and the horse racing angle. I wonder if the decline of horse racing has anything to do with a larger awareness of animal cruelty? Much like circuses and zoos.

I do not think I have ever read Farley. Bad Mark?

>108 streamsong: Hooray for the "I didn't hate Go Set a Watchman club." I came very close to not reading GSAW but now I am glad I did and it has not tarnished my thoughts on TKAM, in the least.

Happy Sunday, Janet! I am enjoying Atonement on audio. Just under halfway.

>109 Donna828: Hi, Donna! Love those big hugs from happy friends & customers. I am curious to hear your thoughts on GSAW. Witherspoon definitely smoothed out the ride.

I loved Through Black Spruce and look forward to The Orenda. Thanks for The Flood Girls rec. I would have never guessed. Grins...

>110 jnwelch: Happy Sunday, Joe and thanks. I am so glad you are enjoying The Paper Menagerie. I hope you can help spread the word. He is such a smart, interesting guy.

We went for a late breakfast in Forest Park, now the afternoon will be books and Cubs.

#111
The animal cruelty angle is one I would never have thought of. Interesting. For me horse racing is a natural as that is what those animals are bred to do - run. Most of them are totally unsuitable for other purposes as racing is their reaison d'etra. They can be retrained but it takes years and lots of money. I am against racing two-year olds and compare it to the Little Girls Gymnastics events at the Olympics. Both take undeveloped juvenile bodies and subject them to rigorous physical activity to which their undeveloped musculature and skeletal frames can not tolerate. However, racing three year-olds is more like the men's gymnastics. More mature individuals competing against each other makes more sense and does not damage the body as much.

Great thread topper, Mark. Hope you are enjoying your Sunday!

>113 benitastrnad: The animal cruelty angle is just a guess. Your thoughts are worth pondering. Hope you are getting some reading in, on this fine Sunday.

>114 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. I was overdue for posting a "work" photo.

"...I was taught how to by the sunlight pilgrims, they're from the islands furthest north. You can drink light right down to your chromosomes, then in the darkest minutes of winter, when there is a total absence of it, you will glow and glow and glow."

"A flock of birds fly low overhead.
Mossy greens and purples and red-golds have faded to brown.
Sleet billows off the mountain.
Treetops disappear in one blink as the white owerblaw races over the mountaintop and drifts down thicker and faster, painting everything white until within seconds the whole landscape is utterly changed."

-The Sunlight Pilgrims

**OWERBLAW- To cover over or be covered with snow. (Scottish term)

>113 benitastrnad: "For me horse racing is a natural as that is what those animals are bred to do" Yes, but often they are overbred, pushed beyond their abilities, doped like other athletes for performance enhancement (but without a human's capacity for consent), and, as you point out, useless for anything else once their short racing career is over. I love the magnificent beauty of horses, but I gave up watching them race years ago...

Here's an article that may answer your question about what's happened to the sport.

"We breed them for speed, we push them to race early, and then we have the nerve to pump them full of drugs to hide their ailments or to make them run faster."

Hi Mark, I haven't read it yet, but I have The Panopticon on my shelves, it seems to be getting nods from other 75ers so I look forward to it. I'm looking forward to reading your throughts on The Sunlight Pilgrims.

And, of course, I need to add my shout-out for The Orenda to all the others. It will definitely be among my top 5 books of 2016.

>117 laytonwoman3rd: Hi, Linda. Thanks for supplying that excellent article. That should give Benita the answers she seeks.

>118 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy! The Sunlight Pilgrims is a bit offbeat but I am liking it so far. Quirky characters and a nice setting, against an almost dystopic backdrop.

I can't wait to read The Orenda. It sounds like it may be his best book.

>96 msf59: Absolutely, I would accept a package from mailman Mark! I imagine it is rather fun to deliver packages of books to people on your route and wonder what they selected to purchase.

>96 msf59: I would too and invite him in for coffee since he came all the way to the Netherlands.

Glad you made the pic your thread topper, it's very YOU :)
And love that you liked Reese's reading of TKAM prequel....am I making sense? I must read it myself and decide.

>111 msf59: >113 benitastrnad: there always seem to be horse deaths at big races, whether it's their hearts giving way from over-exertion or over-medication, I don't know. But it doesn't seem right.

>117 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks Linda for sharing the article. I used to hang around at Duindigt, the Dutch racetrack, in my teens. I love horses, but indeed too many fatalaties turned me away from racing.

>120 Whisper1: Hooray for accepting packages from Mailman Mark! He ain't a bad guy.

>121 connie53: Just coffee? Nothing more brewish? Regardless, love to return to the Netherlands, Connie.

>122 LovingLit: Glad you like the topper, Megan. I will have to get one, with me on my bike.

>122 LovingLit: >123 FAMeulstee: I think as our awareness grows, into horse deaths, the more our indignation rises. It is sad.

Back to the grind, after a very nice weekend. Six long days, but I will take it one day at a time, one foot, in front of the other, one letter delivered, one package tossed carefully on a porch...

I also have my books, to keep me company and I am enjoying my audio, Atonement and my print copy of The Sunlight Pilgrims. All is good.

Morning, Mark! Back to work today? But, isn't today a national holiday? It sure seems like it should be...

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

Morning, Mark! You have been busy since I last stopped in. LOVE the photo of you going postal. Glad you didn't hate GSaW - I have that on the shelves, but haven't felt inclined to pick it up yet. Those quotes from Sunlight Pilgrims are great.

Hoping that today is kind to you, my friend.

Good morning, Mark!

Woo, nice one out there so far.

I'm still reading Flaubert's Parrot (very good) and Puma Blues (ditto), and I added the latest Dr. Siri, called I Shot the Buddha.

What day of the week is this? Not my favorite.

>126 scaifea: Morning, Amber! I wish it was a national holiday. Sighs...

>127 karenmarie: Morning Karen! And thanks. You too.

>128 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! You know I love going "Postal". Glad you like the quotes. Enjoy your day.

>129 jnwelch: Morning Joe. No, we do not have to refer to what day it is. It looks to another nice one though.

Hooray for a new Dr. Siri!

Good morning, Mark! I hope all is well with you.

I'm just going to keep trying in this slump of mine. I'm going to return to Mitgford for the first time in years. I think my brain needs something light and wholesome at the moment. I mentioned Somewhere Safe, With Somebody Good on my audio list. I took the sample on my Kindle and got off to a good start. I'll be getting the book from the library and reading it in print. Wish me luck. :-)

>131 brodiew2: Morning Brodie! You just caught me on the tail of my break. All is good here.

All crossables crossed for the end of the dreaded book slump. We may have to call in a biblio-exorcist.

Howdy Mark! I love your photo topper.

I've opened the cover and read more than a dozen pages of Blonde, Mark. Only 700 or so pages left. You have a lot to look forward to, pal. Enjoy.

>135 brodiew2: Thanks, Mark! I hope the exorcism will not be necessary.

I also got the first 'Saga' trade. Flipping through it, I'm not sure it's my thing, but I'll give it a try.

hey, Marky. happy Monday. how cool is that to see a mail person with an audiobook in his pocket. love the photo.

>133 luvamystery65: Hi, Ro! Glad you like the grinning topper. I was overdue to post one of those.

>134 weird_O: Hi, Bill. Thanks for the Blonde update. I hope to start it late Wed or on Thursday. And I hope to storm past you. I will have my nose to the biblio-grindstone on that one. My print is small too. Is yours the same?

>135 brodiew2: Many of us here are big fans of the Saga series, Brodie, but if it's not your cuppa...

>136 mirrordrum: Hi, Ellie! Many people think I am just grooving to music. Little do they know, there is much more going on there. Bwahahaha.....

Nice to see a thread topper with a picture of the one and only Mr. Mark.

No Cubs today which is just as well because, once I get home, I am glued to the Olympics. Love that swimming and gymnastics and even my not usual sports like rugby, table tennis, and field hockey.

Trying to get some reading in when I can but I don't think it's going to be a good reading month.

>138 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda! Not watching much of the Olympics. Just catching some highlights. The Cubs have a nice long home-stand starting tomorrow. So no worries there.

Hope you are finding time for Lonesome Dove. You are a night owl, right?

- Marta Kiss

^ I wonder if she is reading The Sunlight Pilgrims...

>139 msf59: Yes, I am a night owl, though I'm still trying to get some extra sleep. Still not feeling 100%. But I am trying to limit my Olympic watching to an 11 pm shutdown.

Just stopping by to say hi , Mark! Enjoy Atonement. I was not that keen on it - I think I gave it 3 or 3. 5 stars. I preferred The Children Act , but in all honesty , I think Ian McEwan is a bit full of himself.

>141 lindapanzo: How about 11-12 is reserved for LD. Heck of a plan, right? Grins...

>142 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb. Funny, I thought of recommending Atonement to you. No question, McEwan divides a lot of readers. I liked The Children Act too. So far, I have liked what I have read of his.

I liked Atonement, Mark, and also recommend the film adaptation.

>144 lauralkeet: Thanks for chiming in on Atonement, Laura. I am liking it too. Have you read any other McEwan?

Hey, Mark! Just wanted to let you know I picked up the audio of The Paper Menagerie and started it today on my drive into work. That first story? About books? Really really weird! But good, in a mind-bending way. I think I'm going to really like this one! Thanks!

Hope your long work week goes smooth and easy!

>124 msf59: You will get something really Dutch to go with your coffee, Mark



Or maybe some thing alcoholic?

>146 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary! I hope you continue to enjoy The Paper Menagerie. I also hope it works well on audio. Multiple readers? It did not ring all of Joe's bells but fingers crossed, it rings most of yours.

>147 connie53: Ooh, I love all my coffee companions, Connie. Cake and beer? Yum! Thanks.

Morning, Mark! Happy Tuesday!

Morning Amber! Looks like we have some warm days ahead but I just hope those humidity levels stay under control. Fingers crossed...

Fingers definitely crossed. Yesterday was beautiful, at least. Felt like early fall, and I love that.

Morning, Mark!

>151 scaifea: Not early fall here but not the dog days either. I'll take it.

>152 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie!

>145 msf59: yes, but not for a while now. I've read Amsterdam, On Chesil Beach, and The Comfort of Strangers. The latter is really creepy; I think you might like it.

Glad to hear Atonement going well. Loved it. Have been s bit surprised to find none of his other writing is even vaguely like it (imho).

Good morning, Mark!

I liked some of the stories in The Paper Menagerie a lot, but some were a bit meh for me. I did enjoy the Asian perspectives throughout.

Pretty nice out today - have a good one, buddy.

>154 lauralkeet: I liked On Chesil Beach. I had forgot he had wrote The Comfort of Strangers. I think I saw the creepy film many years ago.

>155 charl08: McEwan doesn't do a lot of period pieces, does he? Or am I wrong?

>156 jnwelch: Morning Joe! I am glad many of the stories worked for you. For some reason, all of them clicked for Marky- Mark..

A bit warmer out but not bad.

Good morning, Mark. I hope your day is going well.

Do you have a recommendation for a short story collection, either by a single author or by multiple authors? I like, but am not limited to twisty tales or stories with unexpected elements. Not horror, though. Just picking your brain.

>159 brodiew2: Hi, Brodie! The work day went well. It got very warm in the afternoon. Hit about 90.

I am would gladly supply you with a short list of short fiction choices. I'll post it later, over on your thread.

Thank you. I appreciate it, Mark.

>157 msf59: I think you're right. I was thinking more in terms of books about emotion, family - rather than the period setting. Atonement was the first one of his I read, and really I read him hoping to find him rewriting that!

>161 brodiew2: My wife is on my laptop at the moment, Brodie. As soon as she wraps things up...

>162 charl08: I have not read much McEwan, Charlotte, but it didn't seem like he wrote a lot of period stuff.

>137 msf59: Oh, very small type, Mark. And 738 rather large pages. I'll be passing page 200 tonight. Good stuff.

Hi Mark, I hope your Wednesday will be a good one!

Happy Wednesday, Mark. I hope it's a good one.

Hey Mark. I found a Booker novel I like! Have you heard anything about Do Not Say We Have Nothing ? It just wowed me completely.

I also heard the author of How I Became A North Korean speaking on the radio yesterday, and am hoping I can get hold of that one too. The setting (the border areas between China and North Korea) just sounds intriguing, even before the plot.

Hope you have a good Wednesday.

>164 weird_O: Looking forward to those 738 rather large pages, Bill. You are sailing along my friend. It looks like I will not catch up with you after all. I should start it tomorrow.

>165 connie53: Hi, Connie! Good to see you.

>166 Ameise1: Hi, Barb! I am sure you are having a wonderful holiday.

>167 charl08: Hi, Charlotte! I had not heard of Do Not Say We Have Nothing and it sounds excellent. Great review too. It is now on my WL, here and over on GR.

How I Became A North Korean also sounds good. Also on the list. Thanks for the warbling. It paid off.

>169 msf59: Hope you like them Mark.

Good morning, Mark!

I like the sounds of Do Not Say We Have Nothing, too, from Charlotte up in >167 charl08:. Thumb, and adding it to the WL.

I'm nearing the end of Flaubert's Parrot, and I think this is one you'll like.

Stay as cool as you can today, buddy.

>170 charl08: They both sound like can't miss titles.

>171 jnwelch: Morning Joe! All this warbling sure keeps are TR lists hopping.

I have a copy of Flauberts Parrot waiting at home. I will have to get through Blonde first and that is a hefty one.

Do Not Say We Have Nothing is by a Canadian - Vancouver living writer. I actually own a copy Mark. She has won prizes in the past. I've been reading other books, but after Charlotte's fabulous review and recommendation, I'll move it up the TBR list.

>173 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb. I did not know this author was a Canadian author. This book is shining brighter and brighter for me. Look forward to your thoughts.

Looks like I'm going to have to get my hands on The Private Eye. Vaughan rarely has a miss as far as I'm concerned. Luckily my library has it.

You're the second person I've seen today who has said "just read it" about Dark Matter. Guess I'll have to.

>176 SuziQoregon: Hi, Juli! Great to see you. I can't gush enough about Dark Matter. Just a fun read and one you can knock out in a couple of days.

The Private Eye is good too. Like you said, Vaughan is a Master at the GN.

^ I read this author's debut story collection, The Miniature Wife and Other Stories a couple years ago and loved it. Now, he has his first novel out, The Regional Office Is Under Attack! and it looks to be a hoot. I am giving it a go on audio and it could be another fun summer read.

>175 msf59: Nice!

>178 msf59: I may just take the audio route on this one as well. I started as you recall. It was not bad, but my book short attention span started here. I look forward to your thoughts, Mark.

>179 brodiew2: Hi, Brodie! If you noticed, I included his collection, The Miniature Wife and Other Stories, in my S.S. suggestions to you. He may bit a bit too quirky for you, but you won't know until you try, right?

Haven't got far into Regional Office. I am on listening to Rose, the teenage assassin part right now.

>175 msf59: Love the cartoon! That character has her priorities straight.

>181 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg! I am in complete agreement with you, on the cartoon. Grins...

Morning Mark! I'm loving Dark Matter! I've requested all the Booker Prize longlisters available to me from the library and just added The Regional Office. How will I ever reduce that 6 foot pile of books?!

^ I started Blonde last night and I was immediately impressed by the intelligence and depth, of the narrative. This is my first JCO and it is a good beginning.

I have always been fascinated with Marilyn Monroe but have never read a bio on her. This is fiction but looks like a good advance peek...

I did not know MM's mother was in the film business.

>183 Carmenere: Morning Lynda! The piles keep growing, right? This is Our World, my friend.

Glad you are enjoying Dark Matter. I am mailing off my copy this morning, to keep spreading the book joy. The Regional Office will make a nice companion piece to DM.

Good morning, Mark! I have always had the same kind of fascination with Marlon Brando but have read the Bosworth biography of him and his own Brando: Songs My Mother Taught Me. I might give Blonde a go!

Hope your Thursday is a good one.

>186 karenmarie: Morning Karen! I read Bosworth's bio on Montgomery Clift many years ago, that I thought was excellent, (fascinating actor) so I should give the Brando bio a try. Thanks.

Phew! Caught up again. : ) Glad your topper won out. The Olympics are really interfering with my reading, but I am good with that. Have to finish up a few before I can start Dark Matter. Really enjoying Flaubert's Parrot. Each chapter is sooooo different! Happy Thursday. You know why? Because my girls get back tonight!!! : )

>188 Berly: Sweet Thursday, Kimmers! Hooray for the return of the girls.

You will have a good time with Dark Matter. I have a library copy of the Barnes novel, which I will start after Blonde.

Good morning, Mark! I hope all is well. The Mariners are winning again. 6 in a row as of last night. Don't call it a comeback! :-P

As I said at Joe's, I started Turn Right at Machu Picchu. I think this will be good to rid me of the slump. I also through disc one of The Gods of Gotham. The narration is good. There is a somber cynicism to the main character, but there is also a, for lack of a better word, looseness to the prose that I am not used to in this kind of historical setting. Though the language includes era specific colloquialisms, its just loose. Not a bad thing, I'm enjoying it so far.

Morning, Mark! Finally making it over here - I'm running late today. Hoping Thursday is sweet to you!

Hope you're staying cool today, Mark.

I'm really getting immersed in Lonesome Dove and am liking it a lot.

Almost to the start of a 3-day weekend for me.

Afternoon Mark, or is it evening where you are?

>190 brodiew2: Hi, Brodie! It was a HOT one in Chicagoland but I survived. Glad your Mariners are on a winning streak. Hope it keeps up.

Turn Right at Machu Picchu sounds interesting. I will watch for your final thoughts. I am a big fan of The Gods of Gotham but I can not remember if I did it in print or audio. Glad it is working for you.

I am liking The Regional Office well enough, but it hasn't grabbed me the way I was hoping.

>191 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! Not very sweet today. Very hot & muggy. Glad it is behind me. The books do make it a bit easier.

>192 lindapanzo: "I'm really getting immersed in Lonesome Dove and am liking it a lot." Music to my ears, Linda. I hope the joy continues...

Very unpleasant out there today. Yuck. Do not like these days.

Hooray for a 3-day weekend and Go Cubs!!

>193 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg! It is fast approaching 5pm here, so late afternoon, early evening. Take your pick.

Hope your week is going well.

>195 msf59: Wrigley is where I'll be tomorrow. Arrieta vs Wainwright, Cubs vs Cardinals. Except it's supposed to rain.

>197 lindapanzo: Ooh, great match-up, Linda! Hope it stays dry for you and ME!!

I have to many books started and am trying to finish at least one this week but like others on this thread, the Olympics interferes. I am heavily engaged with my quadrennial love fest with odd, obscure, and exotic sports. It has been to hot down here to do anything else but watch TV.

Have you tried this one, Mark? I quite liked it...my first venture into the IPA realm.

>199 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita! Not watching the Olympics but I try to keep up with the highlights and results. Reading Blonde very slowly. It is very good but the print is small and the prose is dense.

Keep cool, my friend.

>200 laytonwoman3rd: Hi, Linda! Thanks for the beer. I think I have had a Uinta beer, in the past, but I do not think I have had a Hop Nosh. Looks refreshing.

I keep drinking the same old favorites....usually Yuengling lager. But this was on special tonight at our local, and it spoke to me for some reason. I was not sorry I took the chance. I'd say it tastes more of grapefruit than tangerine.

Evenin' Mark. Lots of good books and reading going on here as usual. We are off to a family wedding this weekend so even though I have packed a few books, I'm not sure how much reading time I'll actually get. Not that I want to brag, but we are having wonderful weather here. Not too hot, but sunny with a light breeze, and you can feel that fall is just around the corner.

>202 laytonwoman3rd: Glad to see you expanding your beery horizons, Linda. As you know, I like my full-bodied craft beers. I usually avoid the fruity ones but on a hot day, I will give it a shot.

>203 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy. Nice to see you checking in. Hope you have a good time at the family wedding and I hope you can squeeze in some book time.

Wish we could have your weather. We are having another hot stretch.

Happy Friday! Okay, 4 work days down, 2 to go. It continues to be warm and humid here and now add some rain in the mix, for later. I am counting on the books to keep me cool...

The Blonde is going slowly, (this one is going to take awhile) but I continue to be impressed with JCO's writing chops. On audio, I am liking the Regional Office but it has never really taken off, the way I expected it to do. I am about halfway, so I will finish it out.

I am also dipping into Grief Is the Thing with Feathers, which is very short but packs a big punch.

Morning, Mark! Happy Friday! Your weather and mine are very similar. I did not finish any books yesterday - the Olympics got in the way. Today, baby!

Happy Friday to you, too, Mark! books and air conditioning are the answer.....

>206 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! It is raining, as I head out to the route. Too steamy to put the rain gear on, so I will see how it goes. It is actually raining pretty good, as I do my one finger typing...

>207 karenmarie: Morning Karen! I wish I could join you with the books & the a/c. Sounds delicious.

Hope the steamy rain lets up soon, Mark. Are you off for the weekend soon?

Good morning, Mark! Gods of Gotham continues to impress. I hope my comments on the literary style made sense. I called it loose, but its feels almost modern in tone and voice. I am enjoying it, I just have to remind myself that it is 1845 from time to time. The story is interesting and reminds me, a bit of The Alienist, though that book took place in 1896.

Have a good day!

Blonde It stays good, Mark. Rah rah rah.

ETA: I look at photos of Joyce Carol Oates and I can't help but think, "She wrote this?" It can be pretty raw.

Hi Mark! Hope the humidity isn't too bad there today. We returned from a great family vacation just in time to face heat wave here. Just wanted to let you know that I finished The Bird Artist and really enjoyed it. Great pick - thanks again! I think I'll look up some of his others as well.

>209 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg. Could be a LONG day. Just poured again and back to the steamy jungle.

I am off Monday so I do have a 2 dayer coming up. Smiles....

>210 brodiew2: Morning Brodie! I have had this happen to me too, while reading contemporary fiction. I guess as long as the story is strong, you can forgive...

>211 weird_O: Happy Friday, Bill. I am only at the 70 page mark in Blonde. They just put Gladys in the hospital. I am so impressed by the depth of her writing and she does not mind getting down and dirty.

>212 vivians: Morning Vivian. Welcome back. Good to see you. Glad you enjoyed The Bird Artist. Love spreading that book joy.

Hello Mark hope you have a fabulous weekend.

Happy Friday, Rae! Good to see you. I hope you have a book-filled weekend too.

^Another reason why I admire this man.

I have The Underground Railroad lined up, for the very near future. Barbarian Days is on my T.R. list. I LOVED H is For Hawk and liked The Girl on the Train. I have still not read Stephenson but it is cool to see Sci-Fi on there.

>217 msf59: I love that too, Mark. I wonder if that other guy who will not be named on this thread ever reads anything other than the cereal box?

Happy Friday, Mark! That's a pretty cool reading list in >217 msf59:.

>217 msf59: happy smile.

i put a poem up over on AAC b/c it struck me as worth passing on and, for some reason, i thought you might like it. if you feel like it, see what you think.

hope you have a smashing Sunday.

>218 lauralkeet: "I wonder if that other guy who will not be named on this thread ever reads anything other than the cereal box?" Great question, Laura. I highly doubt it. Grins...

Morning Laura! Hope you have a nice weekend planned.

>219 banjo123: Happy Saturday, Rhonda. I would sure love to sit around with Obama and have a couple of beers and talk books.

>220 mirrordrum: Hi, Ellie! Always a pleasure to see you. I will stop by the AAC shortly.

>217 msf59: Thanks for sharing Obama's list, Mark. Imagine! I've gotten a BB from the President. (Seveneves)

I hope today is less hot and humid. Yay for your two days off.

Morning, Mark! Love the President's summer reading - I am in line for Underground Airlines, but there are six people ahead of me, so it'll be a while.

>222 karenmarie: Morning Karen! Glad you like the Obama reading list. I was impressed.

Still muggy here but it should stay dry. Had a soaker yesterday,

>223 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! I was very lucky, (thanks to Suzanne) to land a signed copy of Underground Railroad. I hope to bookhorn it in by the end of the month. Blonde is going to take me a lot longer than I anticipated.

>217 msf59: noticed t'other day that Oprah is big on the Underground Railroad. on your recommendation, i've got Underground Airlines teetering around on Mt. TBR so UR shall have to wait.

fancy having a President who reads and talks about it. and a First Lady who does car karaoke and rocks out to Beyonce and Stevie and sings along with "you've got a friend" at Carol King's Kennedy Center Honors night. there they both were, lip syncing away while Sarah Bareilles was wowing everybody and Carole was going bananas right next to them.

Happy Sunday, buddy.

>217 msf59: I have Barbarian Days in the pile from the library. Feel like I'm in good company!

Happy Saturday, Mark!

>225 mirrordrum: Hi, Ellie! Looking forward to your thoughts on Underground Airlines and I can't wait to read Underground Railroad. I heard Whitehead interviewed on the NYT Book podcast this morning. Such an interesting guy.

Yes, we sure have a wonderful president and first lady. Class acts.

>226 charl08: I have been looking for Barbarian Days on audio. I bet it would be great in that format.

>227 kidzdoc: Happy Saturday, Darryl! Good to see you.

^I think I have earned one or two of these babies, after a long, hot week! Cheers, for being off the next two days!!

I have not managed to finish any Colson Whitehead book I have started. Of course, have never finished a Ian McEwen book either, so I am not sure if that speaks to me or those authors.

I am deep into Americanah and its a goodie. This is going to be one of my personal best of the year books. You need to get to it sometime soon. A friend of mine said that she listened to the recorded version and thought it was well done, so this might be one for your route.

Are we going to do a September Series and Sequels read along this year?

Hi Mark! Dark Matter looks really good. I'll have to put it on my wishlist and possibly read it for my next bookclub choice.

>231 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. I really liked Zone One, so I am looking forward to his latest. I also liked Atonement. Did you try this McEwan?

I can't wait to read Americanah. i have had it saved on audio forever.

I think Judy sets up the S & S.

>232 The_Hibernator: Happy Saturday, Rachel. You will have a good time with Dark Matter. It get's the Marky-Mark Stamp of Approval.

>231 benitastrnad: >233 msf59: Ack! I don't want to think about it being almost September already!

Enjoy your weekend, Mark! Cheers!

>229 msf59: Yes, indeed!

Have a lovely relaxing Sunday buddy.

>234 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary! I am in no hurry to power through the summer but I will have no problems with the Dog Days being behind us. It is has been hot & sticky these past few days.

Hope you have a good weekend too.

>235 PaulCranswick: Happy Sunday, Paul. The beer went down very well, my friend. We stopped at an Irish Bar and had a Blacksmith: Smithwicks & Guinness. One of my favorites.

Hope you enjoyed your weekend.

102) The Sunlight Pilgrims by Jenni Fagan 4 stars

“...and all around them winter is looking for victims and everyone is getting crazy. The darkness comes hunting an hour after lunchtime and by 3p.m. they are plunged into twelve hours of night.”

Yes, winter is coming. It is November of 2020 and things have taken a chilly turn. Polar caps are melting. Blizzards in the tropics and people are just hanging on.
Enter, Dylan MacRae, a big shambling man, knocked sideways by the losses of two dear family members, flees London and finds new life in a small Scottish village. Here, he meets, a tough, unmarried woman and her daughter, who is struggling with her sexual identity. This unlikely trio, band together to find comfort and survival, against a relentless, climate attack.
This is not always an easy read. It takes awhile to get used to her narrative flow and she may have over-stuffed it a bit, with quirkiness and “colorful' characters but there is joy to be found here, as well. Some sharp writing, interesting characterizations and insightful observations about human nature, the environment and our will to persevere. She will be an author I will continue to keep an eye on.





-penitentes

Morning, Mark! Very nice review.

Morning Mamie! Thanks. It is a good book. I want to read her first novel now.

Good morning, Mark! Happy Sunday to you. I hope you get some good reading in.

Morning Karen! We are on a family hiking excursion today. The weather will be perfect for it. I hope to squeeze in some reading, on our return.

Enjoy your day.

Happy hiking, Mark!

Cool that you liked Sunlight Pilgrims. I have it on my shelf, along with I Am No One. I'm getting behind on my ER's.

Got to go read... :)

Hope the walking trip went well.

The Fagan is ringing a bell somewhere thanks to your review - think I might have heard her speak on the radio. Alternatively I could just be confusing her with someone else! Sounds good either way.

>242 Berly: Hi, Kimmers! We had an awesome hike. Nearly 7 miles total and finished it off with a brewery visit. Perfection.

>243 mahsdad: Hi, Jeff. The Sunlight Pilgrims may not be for every one but it might work for you. I also have an ER copy of I am No One waiting in the wings. Maybe we will join forces in early September?

>244 charl08: We had a great day, Charlotte. Almost put in 8 hours. The only thing that suffered was my book reading. Sad face.

In regards to Fagan, I take it you did not read The Panopticon? Her first novel, which received a lot of buzz.

^We had a family hiking excursion today. We drove about an 1 1/2 hour, north to Glacial Park. Nearly to the Wisconsin border. A place I had never even heard of a week ago. We clocked in nearly 7 miles miles, meandering through prairie lands, marshes and some wooded areas. Much beauty to behold.

Of course, we ended it, by visiting a brewery, on the way home. It was a new place and we were quite pleased with it.

The only thing that suffered today, was my reading. Sad face. I will make up for it...I hope.

#246
I love taking these short one day excursions. So much of the time we are not tourists of our own areas and miss much of the pleasures of our home areas. I did lots of exploring when I first moved here but then got away from doing that. Last spring I started going again and making these weekenders and have had great fun doing them.

>247 benitastrnad: Happy Sunday, Benita. I like my bike riding but hikes are perfect for a group. We have a good time and I wish we had started earlier in our area. It is mostly flat land of course, but there are still many wooded and scenic areas to explore.

Hope you had a good weekend.

>243 mahsdad:, >245 msf59: Hope you guys enjoy I Am No One more than I did...I'll look forward to seeing what you think of it. Thankfully, I did not win it in the ER give-away, because I Pearl-ruled it.

>249 laytonwoman3rd: Hi, Linda! That is too bad, about I am No One. I know Mamie had mixed feelings too. It sure sounded like a sure winner.

>246 msf59: Seven miles of walking is great preparation for a brewery trip, Mark.

>246 msf59: marvellous! A good walk in the outdoors is a god-send, IMO
And the brewery on the way home? Genius.

>251 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! We had a perfect day and we brought home a growler of beer.

>252 LovingLit: Hi, Megan. Great to see you. I bet you have many excellent hiking opportunities, in your neck of the woods. I am jealous about that. Maybe, when your boys get older?

Hope you had a fine weekend.

Morning, Mark!

Morning Amber!

Morning, Mark! >246 msf59: That looks so lovely. Sounds like a fun afternoon.

104) The Regional Office is Under Attack! by Manuel Gonzales 3.4 stars

I was crazy about his story collection, The Miniature Wife and Other Stories, so I was pumped about his new novel. It had an off-the-wall premise, which showed much promise. It only partially delivers and never really soared for me. I did like some of it's wry humor and I liked kick-ass Sara, with her cyborg arm. I still give it 3 stars but was hoping for much more.

>256 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! We had a fun family outing. Reading suffered, but I am off today, so after my bike ride, I hope to do some catching up. I am really enjoying Blonde but I do not want to be reading it for the rest of the year.

I have Blonde out from the library - it was just sitting there, begging for a road trip. I was curious what the writing was like as I have not read any JCO before. I read the prologue and the first few chapters - an interesting mix of fact and fiction, and I was happy to see that she sets the stage for this with the prologue. DOn't know that I'll read the entire thing, but I will probably read some more of it.

I think you would really like it, Mamie, despite it's mammoth proportions. You will love all the classic film references and it looks like JCO has really done her homework. A fascinating and heart-breaking life.

Your hike sounds fantastic, Mark, especially with the brewery at the end.

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday, Mark! Your excursion to Glacial Park sounds like a great way to spend a late summer day!
I've got a ton of books waiting for me at the library. I think one of them is The Regional Office so I didn't read your review. Hope to get to it soon.

Good morning, Mark!

>175 msf59: cracked me up. So true. Our kids knew we were tough with "I want, I want", except when it came to books. With those, they could almost always pry a few dollars out of the wallet.

Great to see the Dark Matter joy spread. I saw it just made the NY Times bestseller list, one of those latecomers via word of mouth.

Nice reviews of Sunlight Pilgrims and The Regional Office. I had read mixed reactions to the latter. Too bad it wasn't an increment better; I loved The Miniature Wife collection, too.

I can definitely recommend Flaubert's Parrot - such a smart author. I just started Rogue Heroes, and so far it looks like another great outing with Mr. Macintyre.

>261 karenmarie: Morning Karen! Had a great day yesterday. Hope we can do that again soon, but somewhere a little closer.

>262 Carmenere: Morning Lynda! We always think of the Midwest as boring flatlands but there is plenty of beauty here too. You just have to venture out a bit.

I did not give any plot details on Regional Office, just some thoughts. I would be curious see what you think.

>263 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Hope you are recharged after your getaway. Yes, good to see the Dark Matter joy spreading. That is what the Mighty 75 does best.

Thanks in regards to the mini-reviews. I would like to see another LT reaction to Regional Office. It might strike someone else differently.

I have Flaubert's Parrot lined up to. Looking forward to it.

" An epic account of traveling the length of the Oregon Trail the old-fashioned way—in a covered wagon with a team of mules, an audacious journey that hasn’t been attempted in a century—which also chronicles the rich history of the trail, the people who made the migration, and its significance to the country. Spanning two thousand miles and traversing six states from Missouri to the Pacific coast, the Oregon Trail is the route that made America."

^I have been interested in reading The Oregon Trail, since it came out, last year. I started it on audio. It looks to be fun and informative. The author narrates it too and is doing a fine job.

Blonde. Don't drag it to the end of the year, Mark. (I don't really think you will.) I'm close to the end; just over 100 pages left. So good. So much to chew and savor.

>266 weird_O: Thanks for the encouragement, Bill. I hope to spend a large chunk of the afternoon today, with the Blonde. So glad to hear, you are enjoying it.

>231 benitastrnad: & >233 msf59: I spoke to Judy (DeltaQueen50) via PM today and she is going to pass on hosting September Series and Sequels this year. *sobs hysterically* She said she would not mind if someone else took over hosting duties. I am hosting something on my Horror! group next month so I am not going to be able to do it. I do hope someone will step up! This is one of my favorite themes.

If we don't get a taker on this thread, please make a shout out/request on your next thread Mark. Thanks.

>268 luvamystery65: Thanks for that Ro! We will have to see if someone else wants to host, S & S. My AAC threads are keeping me hopping.

Someone remind me and I will post a Shout-Out on my new thread.

If hosting just involves setting up the thread and making occasional comments, I could maybe do it. I'll be traveling the second half of the month, but should still be able to pop in occasionally...

Except for the AAC and the Nonfiction Challenge, I was planning to devote the whole month to S&S!

What does hosting involve? Setting up a thread and piping in occasionally?

I'm not good with photos.

>270 katiekrug: & >271 lindapanzo: yes that's basically it. S, S & S pretty much runs itself and it is so popular. It would be a shame not to have it.

I love planning my month of September around this as well Katie.

>271 lindapanzo: - Linda, feel free to take it on if you like. September is crazy busy for me, and I'd hate to fall down on the job :)

>272 luvamystery65: I sent a PM to Judy. I am off all next week and so could be very attentive at first, especially. Lots of day-type things planned, including a visit with LauraBrook for lunch and a bookstore one day. Really busy this week in anticipation of next week though.

>274 lindapanzo: Sounds good Linda. Keep us posted.

Nice job everyone, stepping in. If you need any help, Linda, I can always assist. See, if you can find last year's S & S. That might help as a template.

Like Ro mentioned, many of these theme threads have a life of their own, with minimal guidance.

>265 msf59: Wow, what an undertaking. Sounds like a great idea for a book. Look forward to hearing more about the trail crossing.

Series and Sequels sounds lie a great idea. Am I allowed to read our of order (*runs away and hides*)

Okay, I've talked to Judy and I will host the S&S thread.

Busy during the week in anticipation of my week off so I'll probably start the thread on Sat. I was thinking maybe on Fri but we're going to dinner and that new Meryl Streep movie on Fri night.

Hmmm, though now that swimming is done at the Olympics, I might have more free time during the evenings this week.

>277 charl08: I don't think there are any rules other than reading series and sequels. One of mine, if I don't get to it this month, is a series book that is the most recent in the series but is an ER book for me. The only ones I've ever read in this series are ER books I've won.

>277 charl08: Hi, Charlotte! The Oregon Trail has been very good so far. He is a good writer and a history buff, with a sense of humor. This one will be fun.

Linda is correct- no rules in S & S, other than the series and sequel angle.

>278 lindapanzo: Linda's Big Adventure! LOL. Looking forward to it. Once again, if you need any help or advice, you know where to find me.

#265
When I visited Scottsbluff, Nebraska in June I noticed that the public library there was hosting Rinker Buck for a two day public library event. The librarian there told me that the local folks were just wild about Bucks book. Of course, Scottsbluff is only 5 miles from the downtown of Scottsbluff and the whole North Platte River valley is part of the Oregon Trail. The drive from Ogallala, Nebraska all the way to Casper, Wyoming is beautiful. Especially in the spring of the year.

yeah, don't drag Blonde out for the rest of the year, Mark! :) Looks like you had a great weekend - nice hike! Happy Monday! Great review of The Sunlight Pilgrims. Thumbed.

>279 msf59: I've hosted "Linda's Spring Training Reads" for a couple of years now and I think I did one month during your Steinbeckathon awhile back. The Moon Is Down if I remember, as well as assorted months in various 75er monthly challenges.

I met up with friends yesterday at Wrigley. Didn't realize til Sat that Sunday's game was a night game. I've been kind of sleepy all day.

Hello Mark! How are the Cubbies doing? The Ms are hanging in there, winning more than they are losing in hopes of a Wildcard playoff birth. I hope the Cubs are staying strong.

>237 msf59: In light of The Sunlight Pilgrims, did you ever read The Dog Stars? It is on my list to complete befor the end of the year.

>257 msf59: And...done. I'll take your word for it on this one, Mark. I'll leave it in indefinite hold. There is greener grass on the other side. :-)

>278 lindapanzo: Thank you Linda!

>280 benitastrnad: Thanks for chiming in on the Oregon Trail book, Benita. Glad to hear he was a hit in Scottsbluff. He is also a very good writer and his brother, who joins him on the trip, is a hoot. I think this will be a very special book. You should keep an eye out.

>281 vancouverdeb: Thanks for the encouragement, Deb. I am just hitting the 200 pages mark and I really should be halfway done with Blonde. The good news is, it is exceptionally well-done. I hope to read more tonight but my long bike ride this morning, wore me out.

Glad you liked the review and thanks for the Thumb. Always appreciated.

>282 lindapanzo: Well, it sounds like you are seasoned pro, after all, Linda. No newbie jitters.

Frustrating Cubs game last night. Ruined another solid outing by Lackey. Now, let's beat up on some Brewers.

>283 brodiew2: Hi, Brodie! The Cubs remain Red-Hot, just coming off a eleven game winning streak. They have been the best team in baseball for 2 or 3 months now and I do not see them slowing down. Go Mariners!!

I loved The Dog Stars and I got a chance to meet Mr. Heller. Nice guy. Good writer. Hope you find time for it.

I did not dislike Regional Office but was definitely hoping for more.

>284 luvamystery65: We sure have some fine team players around here, Ro!

>278 lindapanzo: Oh, good! Thanks for taking this up, Linda. I look forward to doing some catch-up on various series in September, and will be on vacation for a week that month, so I'm glad that tradition will continue.

Morning, Mark!

^The books piling up as I read Blonde. Hope to hit the halfway point tomorrow. At least, it is a terrific read.

>288 scaifea: Morning Amber!

Good morning, Mark! >289 msf59: I know the feeling of books piling up. I read the Outlander series in the spring and 8 books totaling 7,530 pages really messed up my book count, even if it added to my pages count! I'm trying to read non-chunksters for a while.

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

Howdy, Mark! Have a marvy day!

Good morning, Mark!

Hope you had a good one yesterday. I'm liking Rogue Heroes a lot - he has such a knack for telling the story, doesn't he.

I'm also alternating the latest Lumberjanes Vol. 4 Out of Time with the massive Puma Blues, both very good so far.

>289 msf59: Ha! That's about how it goes. Morning, Mark!

>291 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen. I am glad I am not alone in my pain. Lol. I hope to offset it with a few shorties myself.

>292 Carmenere: Morning Lynda. I hope you have a marvy day too.

>293 jnwelch: Morning Joe. Hooray for Macintyre and The new Lumberjanes. I am fans of both.

>294 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! We get so greedy don't we?

Keep pluggin', Mark. I'm 25 or so pages from the end of Blonde. And I've still got half the month to read a couple more books. Yippee!

>289 msf59: Keep clear of that stack Mark - wouldn't want you buried with your copy of Blonde. Hope it continues to be a good read. I'm reading some Irish short stories A slanting of the Sun - bleak post-Celtic Dragon stuff. But beautifully done.

Good morning, Mark. I hope all is well. Mariners win again! 9 of last 10!

Gods of Gotham continues and I am really enjoying it. The main character is richly and complexly drawn. I want to root for him not only as a new detective, but in his romance as well.

I will have a lot to discuss with you at its end. I'm trying to figure out if it is a socio-political allegory of the present or if the politics of race has simply been with us for so long in the exact same way as it is today. It seems sad that mans inhumanity to man has not progressed much in almost 200 years. I don't want to get political, but the Irish immigration concern seems just as present today but in with different peoples.

>296 weird_O: Hooray for nearly reaching the end of Blonde, Bill. You smoked me on that one. Did it maintain its quality, throughout?

>297 charl08: Yep, would not want to be trapped under there. Whew!
The Irish collection sounds good, Charlotte.

>298 brodiew2: Morning Brodie! Hooray for the Mariners. That is a nice roll.

It has been a few years since I read Gods of Gotham, so it would be a bit tough to discuss it, at length. I am glad you are enjoying it.

>298 brodiew2: I love the Timothy Wilde trilogy Brodie. I'll go look for your thread because I am a huge fan of Lyndsay Faye and have been to her signing twice. She signed the entire trilogy for me.

>300 luvamystery65: Very cool, Roberta. I had no idea there were more books. I'm sure I will get to them as well.

Hi Mark, here I am catching up again! I want to send a big thank you to Linda for stepping in and hosting the September Series and Sequels. September is shaping up to be a busy month for me so I appreciate this. Of course, I will definitely set some series and sequels reading aside for September!

I am off to the library shortly and will be picking up the first two Lumberjanes which I am looking forward to.

>300 luvamystery65: Waves to Ro!

>302 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy! Very admirable of Linda. LTers are the best. What can we say?

Hooray for libraries and hooray for Lumberjanes!