Mamie's 2016 Madness (Page 23)

Continuing my list of favorite things...strength of character, star gazing, wishful thinking...

.....

...

snail's pace

Books Completed in November:
114. A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers (4.5 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, sf/space opera
115. The Mammy by Brendan O'Carroll (4 stars), library paperback, Irish fiction/family/humor - recommended by Nancy
116. You Only Live Twice by Ian Fleming (3.5 stars), audiobook, espionage
117. When Gods Die by C. S. Harris (4 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, historical mystery - series recommended by Lucy
118. Pigeon Tunnel by John LeCarré (4.5 stars), audiobook, non-fiction/memoir

Books Completed in January:
1. A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway (3 stars), ROOT ebook
2. Saga: Volume 4 by Brian K. Vaughn, Fiona Staples (Illustrator) (4 stars), borrowed paperback, GN - fantasy
3. Mãn by Kim Thúy (5 stars), library paperback, literary fiction - read for the CAC
4. The Fade Out: Volume 1 by Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips (4.25 stars), 2016 acquired paperback, graphic novel recommended by Joe - crime fiction/noir
5. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson (4 stars), library hardback, GN - fantasy, recommended by the LT masses, read this because Abby had it out from the library
6. The Long Way to A Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers (4 stars), 2016 acquired ebook - recommended by Heather
7. Ru by Kim Thúy (4 stars), library paperback - read foot the CAC
8. Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson (3 stars), library paperback, graphic novel recommended by Karen, read this because Abby had it out from the library
9. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (4.5 stars), audiobook/trade paperback - Group Read - Doorstopper challenge
10.The Fade Out: Volume 2 by Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips (4.25 stars), 2016 acquired paperback, GN - crime fiction/noir
11. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Vol. 1 by Philip K. Dick, Tony Parker illustrator (5 stars), library hardback, GN - science fiction/dystopian
12. The Various Haunts of Men by Susan Hill (3.5 stars), ROOT ebook, mystery - police procedural - read for the BAC
13. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler (4.25 stars), ROOT paperback, contemporary fiction - dysfunctional family - recommended by Katie - read for the AAC
14. White Sky, Black Ice by Stan Jones (4 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, mystery - police procedural

Books Completed in February:
15. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Volume 2 by Philip K. Dick, Tony Parker illustrator (4.5 stars), 2016 acquired hardback, GN - sci fi/dystopian
16. The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy, ROOT audiobook, narrated by Alan Rickman (5 stars) -audiobook recommended by Lucy - read for the BAC (early) and to honor Rickman's passing
17. A Good Scent From a Strange Mountain by Robert Olen Butler (4.25 stars), library paperback, short stories, Pulitzer Prize winner - recommended by Megan
18. The Frozen Thames by Helen Humphreys (4.25 stars), library hardback, connected vignettes, read for the CAC
19. Fifth Business by Robertson Davies (4 stars), library hardback, humor, read for the CAC
20. Written in Red by Anne Bishop (4.4 stars), ebook/audiobook, urban fantasy - recommended by Morphy, qualifies for Fantasy February!
21. Blacksad by Juan Díaz Canales, Juanjo Guarnido, (4 stars), library hardback, GN - noir, crime fiction - Mark told me about this one
22. City of Djinns by William Dalrymple (4 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, non-fiction - travel writing/a history of Delhi, read for the BAC - recommended by Susan
23. Snow Angels by Stuart O'Nan (4 stars) library hardback, contemporary fiction - relationship/divorce/coming of age
24. A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle (reread), audiobook, crime fiction - detective, read with Birdy
25. Winterdance by Gary Paulsen (4.5 stars), library hardback, non-fiction/memoir - Iditarod race, recommended by Ellen, Karen, and Mark
26. The Drowned Detective by Neil Jordan (4.2 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, mystery - saw this is Charlotte's Guardian reviews
27. King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hochschild (5 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, non-fiction/history/the Congo/slavery - read for Suz's Non-Fiction Challenge

Books Completed in March:
28. Empire Falls by Richard Russo (4 stars), ROOT paperback/audiobook, Pulitzer Prize winner, read for Mark's AAC
29. Fade Out: Volume 3 by Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips (4 stars), 2016 acquired paperback, GN - crime fiction/noir
30. Velvet: Volume 1 by Ed Brubaker (4.5 stars), 2016 acquired paperback, GN - crime fiction/espionage - recommended by Roberta
31. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (reread), ROOT ebook, urban fantasy
32. Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris (reread), ROOT ebook, urban fantasy
33. Crooked House by Agatha Christie (reread), ROOT paperback, mystery/crime fiction - read for Paul's BAC (yes, I know this was last month's author)
34. Club Dead by Charlaine Harris (reread), ROOT ebook, urban fantasy
35. Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris (reread), ROOT ebook, urban fantasy
36. Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris (reread), ROOT ebook, urban fantasy
37. Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris (reread), ROOT ebook, urban fantasy
38. Velvet: Volume 2 by Ed Brubaker (4.5 stars), 2016 acquired paperback, GN - crime fiction/espionage - recommended by Roberta
39. All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris (reread), ROOT ebook, urban fantasy
40. From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris (reread), ROOT ebook, urban fantasy
41. A Thousand Mornings by Mary Oliver (4 stars), library hardback, poetry - read for Mark's AAC
42. Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris (reread), ROOT ebook, urban fantasy
43. Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler (4 stars), ER paperback, retelling of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew

Books Completed in April:
44. Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris (reread), ROOT ebook, urban fantasy
45. The Misty Harbor by Georges Simenon (4 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, crime fiction/police procedural - recommended by Charlotte
46. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris (3.5 stars), ROOT ebook, urban fantasy
47. Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris (4 stars), ROOT ebook, urban fantasy
48. Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris (4 stars), ROOT ebook, urban fantasy
49. Dark Vineyard by Martin Walker (4 stars), 2015 acquired paperback, crime fiction/police procedural
50. The Portable Veblen (I have no idea), 2016 acquired ebook, um...weird fiction?
51. Cast in Shadow by Michelle Sagara (4 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, fantasy - series recommended by Roni
52. A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab (4 stars), 2016 acquired audiobook, fantasy
53. Black Diamond by Martin Walker (4 stars), 2015 acquired paperback, crime fiction/police procedural
54. Gorsky by Vesna Goldsworthyy (2.5 stars), 2016 acquired book, retelling of The Great Gatsby
55. Ballistics by Billy Collins (4 stars), library hardback, poetry
56. Shaman Pass by Stan Jones (4 stars), library hardback, crime fiction/police procedural
57. Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer (3 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, crime fiction/mystery

Books Completed in May:
58. The Bird Artist by Howard Norman (4 stars), library hardback, literary fiction, GR
59. Pietr the Latvian by Georges Simenon (3 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, crime fiction/police procedural - series recommended by Charlotte
60. The Crowded Grave by Martin Walker (4 stars), 2016 acquired paperback, crime fiction/police procedural
61. The Other Side of Silence by Phillip Kerr (4.5 stars), library hardback, crime fiction/mystery - recommended by Suz and Charlotte
62. Frozen Sun by Stan Jones (2.5 stars), library hardback, crime fiction/police procedural MY THOUGHTS
63. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (thinking), 2016 acquired paperback, Russian literature
64. A Talent for War by Jack McDevitt (4.3 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, space opera/mystery

Books Completed in June:
65. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson (reread), audiobook, literary fictiony/detective
66. Zero World by Jason Hough (4 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, scifi/suspense - recommended by Jim
67. The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths (4 stars), ROOT ebook/2016 acquired audiobook - recommended by Beth and Katie, mystery/police procedural
68. The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths (3 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, mystery/police procedural
69. White Noise by Don DeLillo (thinking), library paperback
70. One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson (4.25 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, literary fiction/detective
71. When Will There Be Good News by Kate Atkinson (4.5 stars), literary fiction/detective
72. The House at Sea's End by Elly Griffiths (3 stars), library hardback, mystery/police procedural
73. Immortal in Death by J. B. Robb (4 stars), 2013 acquired ebook, mystery/police procedural

Books Completed in July:
74. Academy Street by Mary Costello (5 stars), 2015 acquired ebook, literary fiction - Katie's Dirty Dozen
75. Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley (4.5 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, crime fiction/detective - recommended by Joe and Brodie
76. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (5 stars), 2012 acquired ebook, historical fiction - American West, recommended by the LT masses
77. Symphony for the City of the Dead by M. T. Anderson (4.25 stars), library hardback, YA - history, Siege of Leningrad/Dmitri Shostakovich - recommended by Beth
78. Nobody's Fool by Richard Russo (5 stars), library paperback, literary fiction - Katie's Dirty Dozen
79. I Am No One by Patrick Flanery (3 stars), ER paperback, literary thriller
80. The Hanged Man of Saint-Pholien by Georges Simenon (3.5 stars), police procedural - Ahem. Charlotte

Books Completed in August:
81. A Room Full of Bones by Elly Griffiths (3.5 stars), library hardback, police procedural - series recommended by Beth
82. Driving Mr. Dead by Molly Harper (reread), ebook, urban fantasy
83. The Good Wif by Stewart O'Nan (4 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, literary fiction - recommended by Jenn
--- Ruth's First Christmas Tree by Elly Griffiths (4 stars), 2016 free ebook, short story in the Ruth Galloway series
84. A Witch's Handbook by Molly Harper (3 stars), borrowed ebook, urban fantasy/paranormal romance
85. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (reread), 2016 acquired audiobook, literary fiction
86. Monstress by Marjorie m. Liu, artwork by Sana Takeda (4.5 stars), borrowed paperback from Birdy, GN - fantasy
87. Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper (3 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, paranormal romance/urban fantasy
88. Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan L. Howard (4 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, paranormal - recommended by Jim
89. In the Walled City by Stewart O'Nan (3.8 stars), library paperback, short story collection - Katie's Dirty Dozen
90. A Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths (4.25 stars), library hardback, mystery/police procedural - series recommended by Beth
91. Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck (5 stars), audiobook, memoir - read for the AAC
92. The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths (4 stars), library hardback, mystery/police procedural
93. The Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey (5 stars), 2015 acquired ebook, literary fiction - Katie's Dirty Dozen
---Bruno and the Carol Singers by Martin Walker (3 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, short story in the Bruno, Chief of Police series
94. The Ghost Fields by Elly Griffiths (4 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, police procedural - series recommended by Beth
95. Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire (4 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, urban fantasy - series recommended by Roni

Books Completed in September:
96. The Noise of Time by Julian Barnes (4.5 stars), 2016 acquired hardback, biographical fiction - recommended by Suz
97. Everybody Behaves Badly: The true Story Behind Hemingway's Masterpiece The Sun Also Rises by Lesley M. M. Blume (4.25 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, non-fiction
98. What Angels Fear by C. S. Harris (4 stars), 2010 acquired ebook, murder mystery - series recommended by Lucy
99. Junkyard Dogs by Craig Johnson (4 stars), 2013 acquired ebook, murder mystery/police procedural
100. Hell is Empty by Craig Johnson (4.25 stars), 2013 acquired ebook, murder mystery/police procedural
101. The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara (5 stars), 2015 acquired ebook/audiobook, historical fiction, Pulitzer Prize winner - recommended by Mark and Brodie
102. A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee (4.5 stars), 2016 acquired audiobook, historical mystery/police procedural - recommended by Susan

Books Completed in October:
103. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (5 stars), library ebook, historical fiction/slavery - Katie's Dirty Dozen
104. Dark Matter by Blake Couch (4.5 stars), Jim's ER paperback - Thanks Jim! science fiction/suspense - recommended by Joe
105. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway (reread, but rating it higher this time - 4 stars), library paperback, literary fiction
106. Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson (4 stars), 2012 acquired ebook, non-fiction/Galveston hurricane of 1900 - recommnded by Kathleen
107. Brandon Sanderson's White Sand by Brandon Sanderson, borrowed hardback, GN/fantasy - Birdy wanted me to read this one
108. Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson (4.5 stars), 2013 acquired ebook, literary fiction that contains murder/private detective (to spare Ms Atkinson's feelings in regards to labeling her books as crime fiction), the final Jackson Brodie book *sob*
109. In Other Words by Jhumpa Lahiri (3.5 stars), library ebook, memoir - learning language
110. The Ghost and Mrs. Muir by R. A. Dick (4 stars), 2016 acquired paperback, literary fiction/books made into movies
111. The Woman in Blue by Elly Grifffiths (4 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, crime fiction/police procedural
112. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury (reread), 2014 acquired hardback, Bradbury fiction (I think he is his own genre)
------Divorce Horse by Craig Johnson (4 stars), 2013 acquired ebook short story, crime fiction/police procedural
113. As The Crow Flies by Craig Johnson (4.25 stars), 2013 acquired ebook, crime fiction/police procedural

Katie’s Dirty Dozen – KAK has earned her own category on my thread because she has the habit of recommending books that I cannot resist adding to my stacks. Books listed here could be for the WL or purchased, but I will designate if I purchased them. Because Katie is a rebel, there will of course NOT be twelve books in her dirty dozen.

1. Kamchatka by Marcelo Figueras
2. Destiny of the Republic by Candace Millard
3. The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez - seconded by Charlotte and Susan
4. In the Walled City by Stewart O'Nan COMPLETED 8/12/16 3.8 stars
5. My Reading Life by Pat Conroy - she recommended the audio, and don't speed it up
6. Nobody's Fool by Richard Russo COMPLETED 7/21/16 5 stars
7. Ruby by Cynthia Bond - seconded by Charlotte
8. Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming - she recommends the audio read by Cummings himself
9. Songs for the Missing by Stewart O'Nan
10. Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye - Roberta also loved this, Katie says the audio is great, purchased 5/15/16
11. The Jaguar's Children by John Vaillant
12. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi COMPLETED 10/2/16 5 stars
13. Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat - she pointed out that this was only $1.99 on Kindle and that it was one of her very favorites, purchased 7/13/16
14. Tribal: College Football and the Secret Heart of America by Diane Roberts
15. Manhood for Amateurs by Michael Chabon
16. Nutshell by Ian McEwan

AND, from 2015:

1. The Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey ($1.99 on Kindle), purchase on 2/18/15 COMPLETED 8/19/16 5 stars
2. Bright's Passage by Josh Ritter (2.99 on Kindle), purchased on 2/23/15
3. The Tilted World by Tom Franklin and Beth Ann Fennelly ($3.79 on Kindle), purchased on 3/31/15 COMPLETED 11/7/15 4.2 stars
4. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler ($12.77 trade paperback), purchased on 4/1/15, COMPLETED read for Mark's AAC in January 2016, 4.25 stars
5. Paradise Alley by Kevin Baker ($.99 on Kindle), purchased on 4/9/15 - second book in a series, first book Dreamland was recommended by Katie and purchased last year
6. Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing - used an Audible credit COMPLETED 6/16/15 4.9 stars
7. Academy Street by Mary Costello ($9.99 on Kindle), purchased on 6/12/15 COMPLETED 7/2/16 5 stars
8. Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn ($5.99 on Kindle), purchased on 8/28/15
9. Sweetland by Michael Crummey ($.99 on Kindle), purchased 9/5/15 COMPLETED 11/19/15 4.5 stars
10. If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins ($7.99 on Kindle), purchased on 10/26/15

Saving this space for LT recommendations that I want to keep track of.

1. The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers - recommended by Heather (saw this as I was catching up with her 2015 thread) COMPLETED 1/15/16
2. Slade House by David Mitchell - recommended by Lynda - I know that Mark and several others loved this one, too, but it was Lynda's succinct review that places it firmly on the WL
3. Chinese Takeout Cookbook by Diana Kuan - recommended by Lori (thornton37814) - saw it listed as her favorite cookbook read of 2015
4. Revenant by Mel Odom - recommended by Mark, who came to my thread to deliver the book bullet!
5. Winterdance by Gary Paulsen - recommended by Ellen and Karen COMPLETED
6. Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts - Lucy mentioned that she loved this on her thread, and I looked it up because I was unfamiliar with it. Note to self: DO NOT look up books mentioned on Lucy's thread!
7. The Tsar of Love and Techno by Anthony Marra - saw Amy's review of this on her thread
8. I Am Spain by David Boyd - recommended by Charlotte
9. The Mirror in the Mist by Susan Hill - saw Lori's (lkernaugh) review of this on her thread
10. The Prestige by Christopher Priest - recommended by Mary (bell7)
11. The Electric Michelangelo by Sarah Hall - recommended by Charlotte - saw her review on her thread
12. The Fade Out by Ed Brubaker - Joe mentioned this one on the GN thread, and it sounds right up my alley COMPLETED 1/15/16
13. The Clockwork Scarab by Colleen Gleason - Faith reviewed the second book in this series on her thread
14. Names for the Sea by Sarah Moss - read Rhian's review on her thread
15. Amsterdam by Ian McEwan - again, Lynda got me with her succinct review on her thread - how DOES she do that?!
16. The Men Who Lost America by Andrew Jackson O"Shaughnessy - read the review on Reba's thread
17. Wartime: Stories From Ukraine by Tim Judah - read about this one on Charlotte's thread, part of her posted Guardian reviews. LOVE those!
18. The Man in the Picture by Susan Hill - recommended by Charlotte on her thread
19. King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hochschild - Suz mentioned this one to Charlotte on the non-fiction challenge thread COMPLETED
20. Everything is Broken by Emma Larkin - recommended by Erik on my thread when we were discussing books on Burma
21. The Rebel of Rangoon by Delphine Schrank - Charlotte recommended this to me on my thread when we were discussing books on Burma
22. Unwind by Neal Shusterman - Mary (bell7) was talking about a follow-up collection of short stories to this series, and peaked my curiosity about the series itself
23. A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain by Robert Olen Butler - read Megan's review of this on her thread - I love interconnected short stories COMPLETED
24. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson - I read Julia's excellent review on her thread
25. How It All Began by Penelope Lively - read Nancy's review on her thread
26. The Storyteller by Mario Vargas Llosa - read Lori's (lkernagh) review of it on her thread
27. TransAtlantic by Colum McCaan - Charlotte and Katie talked me into this! And Marianne approves.
28. Willoughbyland by Matthew Parker - read Carrie's review on her thread
29. The Quiet American by Graham Greene - read Bill's review on his thread
30. Coast to Coast by Jan Morris - read Paul's review on his thread
31. After Hannibal by Barry Unsworth - read Ursula's review on her thread
32. Fear Stalks the Village by Ethel Lina White - read Heather's review on her thread
33. The Wheel Spins by Ethel Lina White - also Heather's fault!
34. Young Stalin by Simon Sebag Montefiore - recommended by Megan (evilmoose)
35. Mademoiselle Chanel by Pierre Galante - read Judy's review on her thread
36. Romantic Outlaws by Charlotte Gordon - read Suz's review on her thread
37. Crow Lake by Mary Lawson - read Nancy's review on her thread
38. War of Two by John Sedgwick - recommended by Reba
39. The Old Ways by David Dalglish - recommended by Charlotte
40. The Nest by Kenneth Oppel - recommended by Anne
41. The Noise of Time by Julian barnes - was included in Charlotte's Guardian reviews, and then Suz reviewed it which is what sold me COMPLETED 9/3/16
42. Countdown by Deborah Wiles - Judy hit me with this 60s Trilogy with her review of Revolution
43. Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal - recommended by Marianne, interconnected short stories - Beth and Susan also liked this
44. The Library at Night by Alberta Manguel - recommended by Carrie
45. Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis - recommended by Rhian
46. Tokyo Decadence by Ryu Murakami - recommended by Joe
47. American Housewife by Helen Ellis - recommended by Joanne
48. Trespass by Rose Tremain - recommended by Nancy
49. The Book of Sands: A Novel of the Arab Uprising by Karim Alwari - recommended by Deborah
50. A Madness of Angels by Kate Griffin - recommended by Mary

LT recommendations continued...

51. The Girl With All the Gifts by M. R. Carey - because Mark said so!
52. That's Not English by Erin Moore - recommended by Susan
53. In the Country: Stories by Mia Alver - recommended by Mark
55. A Manual for Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin - Mark again
56. The Wars of the Roses by Dan Jones - recommended by Suz
57. Saints and Boxers by Gene Luen Lang - recommended by Carrie (read them together)
58. The Good Wife by Stewart O'Nan - recommended by Jenn COMPLETED 8/3/16
59. Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift - recommended by Suz, Ellen also loved this
60. When Books Went to War by Molly Guptill Manning - recommended by Amy
51. The Girl With All the Gifts by M. R. Carey - because Mark said so!
52. That's Not English by Erin Moore - recommended by Susan
53. In the Country: Stories by Mia Alver - recommended by Mark
55. A Manual for Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin - Mark again
56. The Wars of the Roses by Dan Jones - recommended by Suz
57. Saints and Boxers by Gene Luen Lang - recommended by Carrie (read them together)
58. The Good Wife by Stewart O'Nan - recommended by Jenn COMPLETED 8/3/16
59. Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift - recommended by Suz, Ellen also loved this
60. When Books Went to War by Molly Guptill Manning - recommended by Amy
61. Exposure by Helen Dunmore - recommended by Charlotte
62. Reading Chekhov by Janet Malcolm - recommended by Charlotte
63. Ways to Disappear by Idra Novey - recommended by Beth
64. The Widow by Fiona Barton - recommended by Diane
65. Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo - recommended by Reba (over on Katie's thread)
66. Super Mutant by Jillian Tamaki - GN - Mark and Joe's fault!
66. The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets by Eva Rice - recommended by Charlotte
67. The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell - recommended by Susan
68. My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem - recommended by Beth
69. The Shepherd's Life by James Rebanks - recommended by Rhian
70. Dodgers by Bill Beverly - recommended by Ellen and Mark
71. The Art Forger by B. A. Shapiro - recommended by Mark
72. Zero World by Jason M. Hough - recommended by Jim COMPLETED
73. Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie - recommended by Susan (and Carrie recommended it to her)
74. Without: Poems by Donald Hall - recommended by Ellen, who read it because of the poem that Katie had posted - poetry collection
75. City of Secrets by Stewart O'Nan - Ellen mentioned this on her thread as getting great reviews
76. River Thieves by Michael Crummey - Judy mentioned that she loved this one (on Ellen's thread)
77. The Improbability of Love by Hannah Rothschild - Beth's review on her thread
78. Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine - read Julia's review on her thread
79. Georgiana by Amanda Foreman - read Anne's review on her thread
80. Pleasantville by Attica Locke - read Charlotte's review on her thread
81. Locally Laid by Lucie Amundsen - Janet's review on her thread - I can't believe that she actually got me with this one, but there you have it!
82. Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan Howard - Jim said to just read it, already COMPLETED
83. Black Water Rising by Attica Locke - recommended by Susan, Pleasantville is the next book in the series
84. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys - recommended by Mark, who said the audio was good, too. Joe also liked this one. Also Mary
85. Last Night in Montreal by Emily St. John Mandel - read Beth's review on her thread
86. Body Politic by Paul Johnston - read Charlotte's review on her thread, she said Suz recommended it
87. All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews - read Anne's review on her thread, she said Beth had recommended it - Anne loved the audio narrated by Erin Moon
88. The Private Lives of the Tudors by Tracy Borman - Susan loved this one!
89. Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley - recommended by Joe and Brodie and Ellie COMPLETED
90. Spain in Our Hearts by Adam Hochschild - read Beth's excellent review on her thread
91. Underground Airlines by Ben Winers - recommended by Mark
92. Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave - recommended by Joe
93. Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel - recommended by Diane
94. Dark Matter by Blake Crouch - recommended by Joe COMPLETED
95. The Paper Menagerie by ken Liu - recommended by Mark
96. Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien - read Charlotte's excellent review on her thread
97. Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi - Charlotte says this might be her favorite Oyeyemi
98. What Angels Fear by C. S. Harris - I have had this on Kindle since 2010 (pre-LT!), but giving Lucy credit because her raving about the series is what got me to check out the series on Amazon, which reminded me that I had purchased the title! COMPLETED
99. The Bellini Card by Jason Goodwin - this is the third in the series, waiting to see if Lucy says to read them in order. Lucy says, "Absolutely read those Jason Goodwin's in order-- start with the first one! (The Janissary Tree) What makes these so good is that the fellow is a serious historian -- he really knows Istanbul/Constantinople/Byzantium well." So there you have it!
100. How to be Both by Ali Smith - loved Lucy's review of this!

LT recommendations continued...

101. Thicker Than Water: History, Secrets and Guilt: A Memoir by Cal Flyn - read Susan's excellent review
102. A Slanting of the Sun by Donal Ryan - read Charlotte's review on her thread, and also I loved The Spinning Heart
103. The Scribe by Matthew Guinn - read Jim's review on his thread - set in 1880s Georgia, he said "...and if you liked Gods of Gotham, this one will give a similar thrill."
104. Shultz by David Michaellis - recommended by Donna, NOT the audio, she says
105. Grief is the Thing With Feathers by Max Porter - read Mark's review on his thread
106. Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis-Benn - read Beth's review on her thread
107. The Drowned World by J. G. Ballard - read Ursula's review on her thread
108. Britain AD: A Quest for Arthur, England and the Anglo-Saxons by Francis Pryor - read Meg's review on her thread
109. The Wrong Kind of Blood by Declan Hughes - read Judy's review on her thread
110. A Touch of Stardust by Kate Alcott - Judy. Again.
111. A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee - read Susan's review on her thread COMPLETED
112. An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick taylor - Deborah's comments on her thread made it sound like it might be just the thing for when I am wanting a quieter read
113. A Man Lies Dreaming by Lavie Tidhar - read Charlotte's review, plus she said, "I was reminded of his (Phillip Kerr's) Bernie Gunther series - that same murky quality from Chandler moved to a German context."
114. The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry - recommended by Susan, who read Rhian's review
115. The Miss Tutti Frutti Contest by Graeme Lay - read Jenn's review on her thread
116. The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan - Joe said I would like this one
117. Way Station by Clifford D. Simak - recommended by Joe, who mentioned that it was Roni's favorite by this author
118. Blood, Tears and Folly: An Objective Look at World War II by Len Deighton - read Meg's review on her thread, she said the coverage of the Far East is not as good as the rest
119. The Burma Road by Donovan Webster - suggested by Paul on Meg's thread
120. Burma: The Longest War by Louis Allen - Paul on Meg's thread again
121. The Mammy by Brendan O'Carroll - read Nancy's review of The Granny, which is the last book in this trilogy, on her thread COMPLETED
122. The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett - series was recommended by Lucy on her thread
123. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - read Judy's review on her thread
124. Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure by Matthew Algeo - Judy again
125. Bright Dead Things: Poems by Ada Limon - read Ellen's review on her thread
126.An American Childhood by Annie Dillard - recommended by Mark

This should do it - next one's yours!

Before I fall off the planet again, I'd best mark my place :)

>11 lunacat: Jenny, you are first! Here's your prize:



Your own time machine, so that you don't have to lose time when traveling to visit those you love. And please don't fall off the planet again.

Oh, dear, I keep just missing it! I like the time machine more than the pogo stick.

>12 Crazymamie: Happy New Thread, Mamie.

If I had been a tad quicker than Jenny, I reckon I would use it to go back to Ricardian England and try to caution the last Yorkist king not to trust the Stanley and the Percy families. I don't think I much want to travel forwards though.

Happy new thread! And I would only want a time machine for going backwards, too. I know people in the past. Everyone in the future would be strangers!

Happy new thread, Mamie. >15 cbl_tn: Yes, to backwards time travel then we could hunt those elusive ancestors down, right Carrie?

Happy new thread, Mamie!

Happy new thread, Mamie!!

Ha! If I won a time machine it would be stationary as I've been reading The Power of Now. Staying in the moment!

Happy new thread, Mamie!

Happy new thread. Love the topper. How did you get a picture of me at the gym?!!

>13 ronincats: Maybe next time, Roni. I think there is less chance of disaster with the time machine than the pogo stick. LOL.

>14 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. I always try to love the moment I am in, so I am happy to stay put.

>15 cbl_tn: Thank you, Carrie. A peek at the past could be fun if you could choose the right moment.

>16 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. So true about the research aspect of time travel.

>17 susanj67: Thank you, Susan.

>18 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda! Too funny.

>19 scaifea: Thank you, Amber.

>20 charl08: Thanks, Charlotte. Glad you love the topper and that you didn't mind me posting a photo of you. *grin*

Barely keeping up here but happy new thread Mamie!

Thank you, Heather. I am also barely keeping up - I try to catch up on a few threads each day so as not to be completely overwhelmed by the prospect.

Happy New Thread, Mamie! And Happy Friday!

Great inspirational guy up top, and cool time machine. I'd love to go back in time and meet some of the historical figures we all know, including religious figures, and see what was really going on. How great would it be to go back and meet Honest Abe, for example? These days I'm also curious about Florence Nightingale. What a powerful personality and intellect she must have had.

>25 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe. Happy Friday! I do have to admit that it would be awesome to be ale to go back and see history as it was being made, but even better would to be able to travel into my favorite books. Of course, then I might never come back out.

>26 katiekrug: Exactly, Katie! That made me laugh. I also like that monday is lowercase, just as it deserves to be.

Morning Mamie! Happy Friday! I was going to stop by last night but I was not sure you were finished crafting your new thread, but now I see you were done. Happy New Thread, my friend.

Love the topper!

Morning, Mark! Happy Friday! I trimmed things up a bit with this thread, so it is a few beginning posts lighter - sweet of you to notice. And thank you. Probably just one more thread, and then we'll put this baby to bed. Hard to believe that the year is almost over.

>27 Crazymamie: Ha! The first case would be the Jodi Taylor time travel series, while the second case would be the Jasper Fforde Thursday Next books.

Good Morning, Mamie! Happy Friday And Happy New Thread! Look While I Capitalize All Of My Words.

:-P I hope all is well with you.

>30 ronincats: So true, Roni! I have read the first book in both of those series.

>31 brodiew2: Morning, Brodie! And thank you. You made me laugh with your capitals. All is well here - I am very much looking forward to a quiet house for the weekend.

Happy new thread!

Thanks, Lori!

Here's your dose of funny for today:



Daniel and Mayhem caught napping.

*snerk* I swear, cats have no spines. they can bend themselves into infinite shapes.

>35 Crazymamie: Love!

>36 drneutron: I know, right, Jim?!

>37 thornton37814: *grin*

Aww. Very cute.

You are killing me, Mamie! I want a cat so much.

>35 Crazymamie: So, so cute!

>39 charl08: He's charming, Charlotte, and so is the kitty. *blinks*

>40 ursula: Oh, dear. I wish you could get one - they are such delightful companions.

>41 SandDune: Thanks, Rhian. Every time we turn around, he's doing something that has us running for the camera.

Hi Mamie: Happy Friday AND a new thread! What could be better. I'm impressed at how well you have been keeping track of all the LT recommendations that you'd like to read. I started to do that, and it was just too much. I'll borrow yours, I think.

Hello, Beth! Thank you. Borrow away - I like logging them there so that I can easily reference them. Before, I was adding the books to my WL, and that made it more cumbersome, so this way works for me. I will definitely carry that over to next year, as it's been fun seeing how many pile up in one calendar year.

>35 Crazymamie: Ah, chin to chin. Are you really going to have a quiet weekend with Mayhem around? Well, I suppose there is always nap time.

>35 Crazymamie: Oh, the cuteness! I hope they both had a good nap, and Daniel didn't wake up and freak out :-) My friend with the dogs took a nap on the sofa once and dreamed that he was somewhere incredibly hot, and when he woke up he saw that one of his German Shepherds had wedged herself between him and the back of the sofa. That would do it :-)

>42 Crazymamie: Well both of course Mamie! Hope you have a lovely weekend.

>45 Familyhistorian: Good point, Meg. Although there is a lot to be said for taking two of the three girls out of the equation.

>46 susanj67: It was a cat nap, Susan! Daniel can fall asleep anywhere, and he has been putting in some long hours, so he had come into the bedroom to talk, lay down upon the big bed, and...yep...fell asleep. Mayhem climbed up there and settled in. Daniel must give off some kind of calming mojo because he has that effect animals - wherever he is, there is sure to be napping involved eventually. Your German Shepherd story made me laugh - that would be a lot of body heat!

>47 charl08: Of course, Charlotte! And thank you. Hoping yours is full of fabulous.

Morning, Mamie! Happy Saturday!

Morning, Amber! Happy Saturday to you.

>35 Crazymamie: Love the photo! If that ever happened to me, I'd be reaching for the inhaler. Although cats are one of the allergens in my allergy shots, so maybe one day I'll be able to handle it!

Morning, Carrie! Bummer about the cat allergy - my niece is really allergic, too. Are your allergy shots just for environmental type allergies, or do they also cover food allergies?

Morning Mamie! We have having our first wintery day. Booooooooo!

I finally finished a book! That makes two for November - yep, I am really moving along, aren't I? Ahem. Anyway, recently Nancy reviewed The Granny, which is the third book in the Agnes Browne trilogy, and it sounded like just I what I was needing - a dose of humor. So, I requested the first book, The Mammy, and it came in on Friday, and I read it in one sitting, so hooray for that.


Book #115: The Mammy by Brendan O'Carroll, library paperback, Irish literature/humor - recommended by Nancy

When we meet her, Agnes Browne has been recently widowed, and she and her best friend Marion are in line to register her family for social services. Suspicious of the forms, Agnes does her best to answer the clerk's questions:

"'Now, what was the cause of death?'

'A hunter,' Agnes said.

'Was he shot?' the girl asked incredulously. 'Was your husband shot?'

'By who?' Agnes asked this question as if the girl had found out something about her husband's death that she didn't know herself.

'The hunter, was your husband shot by a hunter?'

Agnes was puzzled now. She thought it out for a moment and then a look of realisation spread over her face.
'No, love! A Hillman Hunter, he was knocked down by a Hillman Hunter - a car!'

The girl stared at the two women again, then dismissed the thought that this was Candid Camera. These were just two gobshites, she told herself. 'A motor accident...I see.' She scribbled again. The two women could see that she was writing on the bottom line. They were pleased. But then she turned the form over to a new list of questions. The disappointment of the women was audible. The young girl felt it and in an effort to ease the tension of the two said, 'That must have been a shock.'

Agnes thought for a moment. 'Yeh, it must have been, sure he couldn't have been expecting it.'"

I was hooked from the very beginning. And charmed. Agnes is witty and irreverent and fun. This book had me laughing out loud as Agnes is left to take on the challenge of raising seven children alone in 1960s Ireland. At times heart-breaking and poignant, always there is humor and snark to pull you through and Agnes never disappoints. Just what I needed, and the book ends with the Christmas season, so it is also the perfect time of year to read this. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book. Thanks, Nancy!

>54 Crazymamie: That sounds like a great one, Mamie. And I'm so pleased that you ordered the first one in the series!

it was really fun, Susan, and the dialogue rang true to me. I was laughing one minute and trying not to cry the next - definitely the right book at the right time for me. And yes, I am reading them in order!

Good review of The Mammy, Mamie, and I love that excerpt. Thumb from me. I've never heard of this one, but I'm adding it to the WL.

>54 Crazymamie: Ah, that sounds like a good one. The kind of humor I can appreciate. :)

>57 jnwelch: Thank you, Joe. I think you'll really like this one when you get to it. I had never heard of it, either until Nancy reviewed the third book.

>58 ursula: It's laugh out loud good, Ursula. Also sad in places, but I like how she creates her own luck and how resilient she is.

Woohoo! You nailed it, Mamie: Agnes is witty and irreverent and fun. So delighted you enjoyed!

A huge thanks to you, Nancy! Perfect timing - just what I was needing!

Howdy Mamie! Sounds like The Mammy was perfect.

I hadn't realised this is the same guy who appears/writes Mrs Brown's boys on TV here. From the sound of the reviews the books aren't as broad as the TV show though. Glad it was a good read.

>61 Crazymamie: and you and Agnes have made the Hawt Reviews, Mamie. Love it!

>35 Crazymamie: stop the bus. I want one (of each- a kitten, and a sleepy son!!!!)

>54 Crazymamie: in one sitting! It's been a long while since I did that. Coooool.

>62 luvamystery65: Howdy, Roberta! It was a treat - I love books that make you laugh out loud.

>63 charl08: That's interesting, Charlotte - I didn't know about the show. It was indeed a good read.

>64 lit_chick: Oh, my stars! How exciting - thanks for telling me, Nancy.

>65 LovingLit: Ha! I can't help with the kitten, but those boys will be sleepy as soon as they reach the teenage years.

It's been a while for me, too. I love when a book just pulls you in like that!

Morning, Mamie!

Morning, Amber!

Morning, Mamie!

And Amber! :-)

>69 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! *grins*

Morning, Joe! *sets out pie for Abber and Joe*

Morning Mamie! Happy Sunday! The Mammy sounds like a winner. Glad you could finish a book. Yah!

Morning, Mark! Happy Sunday to you! The Mammy is definitely a winner. And yes - hooray for finishing something. Ha!

>35 Crazymamie: Haha! Aaahhhchooo!!

Wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving week!

HA! Thank you, Jenn. Hoping that your Thanksgiving week is full of fabulous. And feasting.

>35 Crazymamie: Ha! "caught napping" or should it be cat napping ;0)

I'm glad to see you up and about on this day of the week. Welcome!

LOL! I am up and about and I have even managed to finish a book this morning, Lynda. Just about to head to the kitchen and make up the grocery list for Thanksgiving - from experience I know that the market parking lot will be packed on Tuesday and Wednesday, so I need to get my supplies today.

Fun reading about other people's holiday plans. The black Friday thing seems to still be in the adverts but that's about it.

Happy Mumphmumble Day, Mamie!

I'm very happy that this is a short work week. We're driving out to see our son and DIL in Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

<35 So cute!!

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

Overall, it was a good day of football for the Seahawks. Russel Wilson even CAUGHT a touchdown pass!

>35 Crazymamie: giggling and catching up a bit in Malta. (Also waving hi)

>78 charl08: Me, too, Charlotte. I avoid Black Friday like the plague, but I love the cyber shopping deals. No crowds for me, thanks. I am happy to report that I was able to get everything at the market in one go, and Daniel was off today, so I had the added bonus of his company. Still, it was very busy - it will be wicked tomorrow.

>79 jnwelch: Hey there, Joe. Not too bad for a Mumphmumble Day so far. The marketing is done, so I am a happy camper.

We are staying home for Thanksgiving - Craig is on call, but I am looking forward to low key and laid back with just the six of us.

>80 kittenfish: Thanks, Ellen!

>81 brodiew2: Morning, Brodie - afternoon now, I guess. All is well, thanks. I saw that Seahawks game! That was a great move, and Baldwin threw that ball very well. They are looking so good now that Wilson is better.

>82 RebaRelishesReading: Happy I could provide you with some laughter, Reba! Great to see you stopping in. Happy travels to you!

>35 Crazymamie: Dagnabit. Now which one am I going to use for wallpaper? That one or the Mercy/Mayhem one I currently have?

>85 Morphidae: Decisions. Decisions...

Hi, Mamie! Just wanted to let you know, I started the audio of The View from the Cheap Seats. I could listen to Gaiman read the phone book. These are fun and light, so far anyway...

Hi, Mamie! It's been awhile, and sorry for that. Like Jenny (>11 lunacat:), I kind of fell off the map for awhile, but now I'm back, I hope for good.

>35 Crazymamie: So sweet! Makes me want to get a kitten. Though, with a couple of parrots, that might not be too smart. (Nickel would eat it for lunch. lol)

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!

>87 msf59: Morning, Mark! I am still listening to that Gaiman! I love dipping in and out of it, and he does such a fabulous job of making you feel like he is speaking just to you.

>88 Storeetllr: Hello, Mary! I am thrilled to see you here. You have been missed. And you made me laugh with your thoughts on getting a kitten! Oh, dear!

I am looking forward to a relaxing and uneventful Thanksgiving - we hosted huge ones for years, and that was a lot of fun, but I am truly thankful for the quiet and stress-free ones that the last few years have gifted us with. Hoping that yours is full of fabulous!

Good morning, Mamie!

Hey there, Brodie! Ha!

Glad you managed to get all your shopping done! I'm definitely becoming more and more of a fan of grocery shopping online. Although you don't get to choose the produce yourself, at least it avoids the crowds. I tried to go to the supermarket yesterday but my anxiety was so high, I had to drive away before going in.

However, all night opening is great - turns out going in when I've got insomnia is a useful exercise all round!

Anyway, a long-winded way to say that it must be a relief to have it done and dusted, and I hope you have a nice quiet few days around the holiday just you and your family :)

Me, too, Jenny. I usually try to go in the early morning, when the market is quieter because I also don't like a crowd. I ended up going later than I wanted, but Daniel was off, and so he went with me, which was fun. The store was busy but everyone was in a good mood, so that helped. And I am thrilled to get to avoid it today and tomorrow when it will be packed. An all night market sounds just the ticket!

I thank you for those wishes - just what I am wanting. And I hope you have a week that is kind to you and full of happy.

Alas, this week is looking to be full of stress, and not the kind I handle particularly well, but I'm doing my best to get my head down and focus on the peacefulness afterwards.

The boyfriend and I are moving my mother in to a rental house 70miles away on Saturday, and I'm definitely not looking forward to it. She's been an appalling hoarder for the last 10 years, my childhood home is in a dreadful condition, and she's moving in to a much smaller house but the list of things she wants to take is rather long......add that to the general stress I always feel around her and I'm not sure quite how to cope. Plus there is lots of admin things, renting a van, organising logistics that are hard for me. And it all has to be done on the Saturday as on Sunday, I have to help the boyfriend decorate his kitchen, and he has the same bickering relationship with his father as I have with my mother, so it's two days of constant stress.

And I need to buy a new car this week (I accidentally put the wrong fuel in my last one which has left it only fit for the scrap yard) which is turning out to be an extremely stressful process.

Can you tell I'm rather overwhelmed with it all? Add an airport run in to the mix, plus the Connie monster who has not been on her best behaviour, and I'm tempted to go and hide under my bed and not come out for at least a fortnight.

Oops, that was a rather bigger rant than I intended. My apologies!

Bummer, Jenny - I will keep you in my thoughts. My sisters moved my mom to live with one of them several years ago, and they had to go through all of that - indeed very stressful. I did not help with it as my mom and I had not had a relationship for more than 15 years. She was a handful and not an easy person to be with. Focusing on the peaceful moments afterwards sounds like an excellent plan, and you should do something just for you.

YIKES to the wrong kind of fuel - Abby did that with our mower, and it wasn't pretty, but they were able to save it. Coincidentally, I am also needing a new car - the transmission is going out in my ten year old minivan. On the bright side, I will not need another minivan. Ever. Looking forward to driving something smaller and more attractive. Wishing you happy hunting with the car search.

It does sound like rather a lot to deal with all at once - any of those would be daunting as a standalone. You have my sympathy and my good wishes that it all sorts itself out with the least amount of fuss. Please don not hide under your bed, as I would miss you. We have only just gotten you back, and I am liking having you around again. And rant away - your thoughts are always welcome here. No need for apologies.

Car hunting is just the worst, but even though I loathe the car, I've had the boyfriend's old car to drive while I hunt for a new one. The problem is, my requirements are fairly specific so I'm a fussy buyer, and I'm a speed demon at heart so I can't settle for a slow car. Oh well, it will all be ok in the end.

I'm not going to hide under the bed too much. I described it on Mark's thread as emerging from the cave I've been living in. Whilst it's been a lovely cave, nothing wrong with it whatsoever, sometimes it's the right time to come blinking in to the sunlight and assess the world again.

Hi Mamie! >52 Crazymamie: My shots are just for environmental allergies - mold, dust mites, trees, grass, weeds, dogs, & cats. Adrian is an allergy-friendly breed. :-)

The Mammy is now on my library wishlist. It sounds like a great read.

Morning, Mamie!

Morning Mamie!

>87 msf59: >89 Crazymamie: I borrowed a print copy from the library and after the introduction and Credo I decided I had to have a keeper copy. Merry Christmas to me!!

I hope you have a lovely day with your family Mamie.

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have a lovely day with the family.

Happy Thanksgiving to all those at the Pecan Paradisio, Mamie! Thank goodness it doesn't fall on a Monday!!

Happy Thanksgiving, Mamie! Have a wonderful holiday with the family!

I am thankful for all the warmth, good cheer, a friendship that emanates so profusely from the Pecan Paradisio. xx

Best wishes to the Pecan Paradisio for lots of fun and games and yummies today!! You are an awesome friend and I thank you for getting me hooked on Fitbit, which I dutifully plan to start using again tomorrow. ; ) Hugs.

I want to see a pic of Mayhem dragging off a drumstick...

I hope you and your family are having a great Thanksgiving weekend, Mamie.

Good morning and belated Happy Thanksgiving, Mamie! I hope you had a good one.

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all at the Pecan Paradisio - have a wonderful weekend Mamie!

I guess everyone is in a food coma?
Happy thanksgiving!

Hope you're having a wonderful holiday Mamie.

Ditto, Mamie. Hope the holiday celebrating at the Pecan Paradisio is first class.

Well, we had a fabulous and very laid back Thanksgiving. And there is still plenty of pie as Craig received a gift of pie from his financial people. Abby made her decadent white chocolate cream pie with a sugar cookie crust on Wednesday so that we could eat it for breakfast on Thanksgiving morning! We decided to have a deconstructed Thanksgiving, so we started with pie and ended the day with appetizers - very fun and highly recommended. As we always do, we watched the original Miracle on 34th Street first thing in the morning as we ate pie and then got busy with the cooking prep. Then movies, games, feasting, and football. All in all, a very good day.

On the reading front, I have finished:


116. You Only Live Twice by Ian Fleming (3.5 stars), audiobook, espionage - the ending here really surprised me, and now I want to go back and watch the film again, although it is one of my least favorite Bond movies. I switched back and forth between listening to this and the print version - the celebrity narration is done by Martin Jarvis, and it is very good.


117. When Gods Die by C. S. Harris (4 stars), 2016 acquired ebook, historical mystery - series recommended by Lucy - this was the second entry in this series, and it was just as good as the first book. The historical elements are really well done, and I will definitely continue with this series.


118. Pigeon Tunnel by John LeCarré (4.5 stars), audiobook, non-fiction/memoir - this was fabulous! LeCarré narrates this himself, and he does a wonderful job. Each chapter is a different glimpse into his life from his thoughts on writing to his dysfunctional relationship with his parents to his life as an agent to the bizarre world of getting his books made into films (or not!). LeCarré has a gift for voices and a keen eye for observation and details. He is witty and charming and sarcastic and biting all at once. I loved the chapter on Richard Burton and the one on his working with directors that didn't make his books into films. Highly recommended, and be sure to listen to this one if you do audiobooks, as the narration is not to be missed.

Your Thanks giving sounds like fun, Mamie! I would love to try something more relaxed like that, but I am surrounded by strict traditionalists... Anyway, I'm glad it was a good day, and I hope the goodness continues through the weekend. And beyond!

Ah, I am a rebel at heart, Katie. Heh. When I hosted the holiday for years back in Indiana, each year I would try to change something and one of my sisters would say, but that's crazy, Mamie. Leave well enough alone - everybody loves it the traditional way. Now I just do whatever the hell I want because it's my house and none of them are coming anyway. Ha!

I thank you for those lovely wishes, my friend. I am hoping that your travels will be smooth and fun - I will be keeping you in my thoughts.

*just came form your thread, and now I know that you still have a week before traveling. I'll keep you in my thoughts anyway. *grin*

Catching up with my thread:

>96 lunacat: I am siccing Daniel and Craig on the car hunting, as they love to test drive and check out cars. I will just give the final regal nod of the head. I am wishing you the best of luck with your search. I see that you have edited your original message, and I want you to know that your first post was fine. I totally accede your point, and it was relevant and did not hurt my feelings at all. I thought you said it perfectly.

I like your description on Mark's thread and here - so glad you have emerged. You were greatly missed.

>97 cbl_tn: So glad you have added The Mammy to your list, Carrie. I think you will like it when you get to it.

I thought about your allergies today - Craig and I were out shopping and we saw a sign that said, "We had to get rid of the kids. The cat was allergic to them." It made me laugh.

>98 scaifea: Hello, Amber!

>99 dragonaria: Hey there, Kimberly!! Hooray for a print copy - he is just so fabulous, isn't he?!

>100 lunacat: Thanks for that, Jenny. It was a lovely day.

>101 cbl_tn: Thank you, Carrie. It was really relaxing and fun. Hoping yours was, too.

>102 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda! Hoping you had a good time with your mom - not having to cook anything for that was a bonus, I am thinking. And yes - a huge hooray that Thanksgiving never falls on a Monday!

>103 msf59: Thank you, Mark. We are enjoying a lazy and indulgent weekend. Well, except for Daniel, who is working. Heh.

>104 PaulCranswick: Thanks so much, Paul. So sweet - what a fabulous compliment! xx

>105 Berly: Thank you, Kim! It was all good, and I bet yours was, too. And what kind words you have shared! I am so thankful for your presence here, my friend.

>106 Morphidae: Alas, Morphy, I am sorry to report that there were no drumsticks in sight. We cheated and ordered our ham and turkey from The Honey Baked Ham Company. We just got the breast of the turkey.

>107 ronincats: I love that, Roni! Thank you!

>108 Familyhistorian: We are, Meg, thanks! Everyone is just doing their own thing right now, so we are together but each involved in our own activity. It's great to enjoy group activities and then step back and just hang out. And tomorrow there is football!

>109 brodiew2: Hello, Brodie! It was good. Hoping your Thanksgiving was also full of happy.

>110 DeltaQueen50: Thank you, Judy! I love when we get a four day weekend like this - doesn't happen often.

>111 LovingLit: Pretty much, Megan, although Craig and I did manage to do some Christmas shopping today. And thank you - it was wonderful.

>112 charl08: Thank you, Charlotte! I can't believe next up is Christmas! YIKES!

>113 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! It has been. I am betting that your celebrating has also been first class.

>122 Crazymamie: - LOVE.

I bought a kitchen towel with that on it today, Katie. The other one says "Life needs more wise men and wine."

Perfect.

That's what I thought!

>122 Crazymamie: That's exactly the kind of "white" Christmas I expect to be having!

Hooray for that, Judy!

>127 DeltaQueen50: Amen to that, Judy. The only cold white stuff should come from the fridge.

Morning Mamie! Happy Sunday! You got me with Pigeon Tunnel. Sounds terrific and I have not read a Le Carre in years. I will search out the audio.

I finished The View from the Cheap Seats. I liked this collection but there is a lot to wade through here. I wish he would have made it shorter, IMHO, but there is still much to enjoy and it ends strong.

>129 Familyhistorian: Or the freezer. Your post made me laugh, Meg. Happy Sunday to you!

>130 msf59: Morning, Mark! Happy Football Day! Oh! You will love the Lecarré on audio - you will be amazed at his delivery and his impersonations.

I am loving The View From the Cheap Seats, but I am dipping in and out of it - it's fabulous that way. You are right, it's long and so does not lend itself well to listening straight through. Because each chapter is it's own thing, though, it is perfect for listening to it here and there with other stuff in between.

Morning, Mamie! I love the sound of your Thanksgiving!

Morning, Amber! The holiday was perfect for us. And loads of fun. How was yours?

So, I watched Galaxy Quest last night for the first time. SO fun! And it was lovely to see Alan Rickman, although I did tear up a bit - that voice! I am still very sad that he is no longer with us. Anyway, it was a fabulous diversion and one I know I will watch again - none of the kids have seen it, so I will of course force them to watch it with me very soon.

>133 Crazymamie: Ours isn't quite over yet, but our time with my parents was fabulous, as always. We're excited about our day of Thanksgivinging and decorating here at Scaife Manor today, too!

>134 Crazymamie: Ohmygosh, that is a FANTASTIC movie! I'm so glad you liked it! I need to pull it out of the stack and watch it again soon...

Thanks to you, I now have Pigeon Tunnel on audio and it is all ready in the queue. Plan on getting to it soon.

>135 scaifea: I think your use of the holiday weekend is brilliant. I love getting the Christmas decorations out - should be interesting to see if we can keep Mayhem out of the tree.

>136 msf59: Whoot!! That was fast work, Mark! And yes, get to it soon.

>134 Crazymamie: Great film. Fun to try and imagine who Rickman based the disappointed classical actor on...

It is, Charlotte. I had so much fun watching it.

It sounds like you had a great Thanksgiving; the pie sounds fabulous. Recipe?

THe Mammy is now on my wishlist; a bit of humor is always welcome during this time of year when things are NUTS.

I read a couple of the Harris series and liked them as well. Must get back to them.

Have a wonderful Sunday. Any pie left?

It was a truly fabulous Thanksgiving, Beth. I am happy to share the pie recipe - I'll look it up and post it in a moment.

Hooray for The Mammy - you will like it, I am thinking. I have requested the other two books from the library, and they are "in transit". Hoping they get here in time to read as we head into the Christmas holiday. LOVED the humor in the first one.

The Sebastian St. Cyr series is such a nice escape, and I really enjoy the historical details. Looking forward to dipping into more of those in the New Year.

Hoping that your Sunday is also full of happy. The Abby's banana pie is gone, but there is one slice of apple streusel left and some of the pumpkin and the apple cinnamon as well. We love our pie here at the Pecan Paradisio.

White Chocolate Banana Cream Pie with Sugar Cookie Crust

Sugar Cookie Crust:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 (16.5-oz.) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough - we used Pillsbury

White Chocolate Shavings:
4 oz. white chocolate, coarsely chopped - we used Ghirardelli

White Chocolate Banana Cream Filling:
1/2 cup sugar
3 1/2 T cornstarch
1/8 t salt
2 cups milk
4 large eggs
1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
4 oz. white chocolate, chopped - again, we used Ghirardelli
1 t vanilla extract
2 T lemon juice
4 small bananas
Toppings: 1 cup whipped cream, whipped; unsweetened cocoa (we do not use these)

1. Prepare sugar cookie crust - knead flour into cookie dough. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Fit dough into 9 1/2 inch tart pan with removable bottom; press into fluted edges, and trim excess. Prick bottom with a fork. Freeze pie crust for 30 minutes. (We just used a regular pie pan)

2. Meanwhile, prepare white chocolate shavings. Place chopped white chocolate in a 6 oz. custard cup. Microwave at HIGH 30 seconds or until chocolate melts, stirring every 10 seconds. Freeze chocolate 30 minutes or until hardened. Remove chocolate from freezer; dip bottom of custard cup in hot water for about 45 seconds. Unmold chocolate onto a small wax paper-lined plate. Chill chocolate disk until firm. Shave chocolate into curls using a vegetable peeler. Chill until ready to use.

3. Preheat oven to 350. Bake crust for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully pat crust down (it will puff when baked). Cool crust completely in pan on a wire rack.

4. Meanwhile, prepare white chocolate banana cream filling. Combine first 3 ingredients in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Beat eggs; add until foamy. Gradually stir about 1/4 of the hot mixture into eggs; add to remaining hot mixture, stirring constantly. Cook over medium heat; stirring gently, 3 minutes. Remove from heat; add butter and white chocolate, stirring until melted. Stir in vanilla. Set aside.

5. Stir together 1 quart water and lemon juice in a 2 quart bowl. Cut bananas into 1/8 inch thick slices; place in cold water mixture for 30 seconds, stirring gently to coat slices. Drain well.

6. Arrange banana slices in a single layer in bottom of cooled crust. Pour warm custad over bananas, spreading to edges of crust. Place heavy-duty plastic wrap on warm filling (to prevent a film from forming); chill 2 hours. (Mixture will thicken as it cools)

7. Remove plastic wrap from filling, and top with whipped cream, spreading to within 1/8 inch of edge of tart. (We do not add the whipped cream - it does not need it). Sprinkle with white chocolate shavings, and dust with cocoa. (We also skip the cocoa). Makes 8 servings.

*this is a lot of work and a lot of calories, but it is totally worth both

>134 Crazymamie: >135 scaifea: My personal motto: "Never give up! Never surrender!"

Yes, ma'am!!

>143 Morphidae: Morphy: By Grabthar's Hammer!!

Looks like you're having an awesome weekend, Mamie! I'm on my way!!

>145 scaifea: Ha! I also liked this one:

>147 Crazymamie: Good timing, Lynda - Rae just set out her homemade Chex mix, which is awesome.

We watched Galaxy Quest this weekend too!

I have never watched Galaxy Quest, but I am pretty sure I can talk a few kids into watching it with me! It may have to take a back seat, because of course now it is post-Thanksgiving and we can watch Christmas stuff!!!

>150 Berly: Kim: Funny, I was just thinking that I don't know when I'll be able to squeeze Galaxy Quest in, because we'll now be watching holiday stuff every night until Christmas...

>149 drneutron: Hooray, Jim! I can't wait to watch it with the kids because I know they will love it.

>150 Berly: It will wait for you, Kim. And you will have a lovely treat when you do get to it.

>151 scaifea: *waves at Amber*

You'll be pleased to hear I've got a new car, and my mum is moved into her new rental house, so life has become a little simpler for the moment. Now time to psyche myself up for Christmas (I'm ashamed to admit, I'm not feeling very Christmas inspired at the moment) and then huge house renovation in the New Year.

I crashed out after dinner at 8pm last night, the madman (aka the boyfriend) woke me up at 11.30pm to usher me quietly to bed, I fell back asleep very quickly and slept solidly through to his getting up at 8am this morning. So 12 hours sleep has gone a little way to making me feel more human. A few more big blocks of sleep and I might have some energy again.

Glad to see you had a lovely relaxing Thanksgiving with plenty of family time incorporated :)

Oh, Jenny! Hooray for that! That has to be a load off. Sending you some Christmas mojo to get you in the spirit.

And 12 hours of sleep sounds like a very good thing. I stayed up late watching football, and then my team lost anyway. Oh, well.

The Thanksgiving was good. Now I have to get those decorations down and get on about Christmas. I have started the shopping, but I still have a long way to go.

Morning, Mamie! Grey and rainy here today - perfect Monday weather...

Happy Mmffleday!! I didn't get my Thanksgiving decorations down yet either. Nor did I start on my Christmas letter. Behind, behind...! But the kids did a lot of the shopping yesterday on Cyber Sunday! Made my life a little easier. : )

Good morning, Mamie!

there is still plenty of pie !!! *warms up teleporter*

Isn't Galaxy Quest great? It's one of the few we re-watch and still get a kick out of.

>155 katiekrug: Morning, Katie! Sunny and 70 here currently - going to 78F. Ugh. But there is a nice breeze, so that helps. How goes the hoteling?

>156 Berly: Hey there, Kim! We have taken a few things down, but there is still much work to be done. I LOVE internet shopping - so convenient.

>157 jnwelch: Hello, Joe! Whatdayaknow? There is still apple cinnamon and some pumpkin pie left - it's going fast, so good thing you have that teleporter.

Galaxy Quest was SO fun - I can't believe I haven't seen that one before. I know it will be a family favorite - love finding those.

The hotel bed is comfy, and that's really all I need :)

ETA: Oh, and good water pressure int he shower. Check!

What? No mini fridge for the wine?!

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

We've had some sick kids these past couple of weeks, but I think we are coming out of it for the Christmas season. Merry Christmas!

Hello, Brodie! All is well. Sorry to hear about the sick kids - no fun. Somehow, sickness always knows just when the holidays are. Hoping they are feeling better very soon.

There's a full-size fridge :-) It's one of those suite-type places...

Well, okay then. I was worried for you.

*grin*

No worries for Katie!!

>165 katiekrug:, >166 Berly: Ladies, I am so happy that we share an appreciate for properly chilled beverages.

Hi, Mamie! Missed Morning Mamie, today, due to work but I will make it up to you.

I really, really think you will like An American Childhood. Just sayin'...

Evening, Mark! Thanks for stopping in and no worries about missing the morning. Adding American Childhood to the list just because you said so.

Morning, Mamie!

Morning, Amber!

Good morning, Mamie! Hope all is well at the Pecan Paradisio.

Hi, Mamie! Too late to say good morning. I don't start waking up until after noon. :)

>134 Crazymamie: I was just talking about Alan Rickman with my daughter the other day after she called to mourn the death of Ron Glass, one of our favorite Firefly characters. So many losses in 2016, starting with Bowie and Rickman. Never saw Galaxy Quest but am putting it on my Netflix wishlist.

>172 jnwelch: Hey there, Joe! It was a wild day at the Pecan Paradisio - we are taking care of a tiny kitten that someone dumped off in a box outside of Daniel's work. The area shelter took the rest of the kittens in the box, but this little one was the runt, and has an eye infection, so they said they would put it down if they took it. We took her to the vet today to get treated, and are looking for a home for her. She is really sweet - a long-haired brown and black tabby with white paws and belly. She is about four weeks old. It makes me sad that someone would just dump kittens that way. Then, after we had just gotten home, and Birdy was taking the dogs out, we got an unexpected visitor - a lost dog. The dog has gone home (he was from down the street), and the little kitten is napping, so all is calm for the moment.

>173 Storeetllr: Hello, Mary! I am not much of a morning, person, either, but I do love saying it. Ha!

Oh! I did not know that Ron Glass had died - he was great in Firefly, but I fell in love with him first on Barney Miller, one of my Dad's favorite shows. That makes me sad that he is gone. You are so right - it's been a tough year. So glad you are putting Galaxy Quest on the list - you'll love it when you get to it.

>174 Crazymamie: My goodness, your house is a kitten magnet!

Glad the dog found its way home and the kitten is getting the care needed. Hope you find a home for her soon!

So true, Ursula. It feels like Mamie's Home for Stranded Creatures. Yes, cross your fingers about the finding her a home part because what we do not need is one more pet. I am hoping that since it's the holidays, someone will be feeling generous of spirit.

This totally cracked me up:



Those of you who have followed my thread for a while will note that You Can't Always Get What You Want is one of my all time favorite songs.

Perfect!! Yup, I have already started the envelope that holds all the Christmas receipts...just in case it isn't quite what they wanted, wrong size, etc. LOL

Ha! Me, too, Kim!

Me three! If by "envelope" we mean crumpled at the bottom of the purse...

>177 Crazymamie: I have no shame in that regard :)

>177 Crazymamie: *SNORK!*

The difference between my mom and my MIL summed up fairly nicely: My mom puts the receipt in the box with every gift she buys, no questions asked; my MIL thinks everything she buys for others is THE PERFECT GIFT and HOW DARE YOU NOT LIKE IT. So there's never any chance at getting your hands on a receipt.

>177 Crazymamie: ditto snork!

I include the receipt with the gift, too. Prevents sooooo much hassle later on. Who wouldn't do that?! Oh!, I know, my SIL :0(

Have a happy Wednesday, Mamie!

Awww, pics of the kitten please. If it were this house, there'd be no question of rehoming it, it would just be understood that any animal that makes it through the front door automatically stays, whether we want it/have room for it/can cope with another beasty! But we're hopeless, hence the five cats.

Good morning, Mamie!

>177 Crazymamie: LOL!

Hey Mamie, I just came across a book called Orwell's Nose and wondered if you'd read it?
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/11/14/nicotine-the-story-of-a-brief-marri...

Hi, Mamie! Thanks to you, I am currently listening to Pigeon Tunnel and absolutely loving it. I am so glad you brought this to my attention. It also reminded to get back into reading Le Carre. I am not sure I have read him since joining LT. Bad Mark?

Morning, Mamie!

>187 msf59: Hello, Mark! So glad you are enjoying The Pigeon Tunnel - I just knew you would. It made me get back to Le Carré, too - I am currently listening to A Murder of Quality, which is the second of the George Smiley books. And yes, it sounds like you need to get back to him.

>188 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

>180 katiekrug: That made me laugh, Katie!

>181 LovingLit: Shame? There's supposed to be shame? I think I've been doing it wrong.

>182 scaifea: Well, you could have my MIL who once gave me a carving on fungus that she did herself. I was truly speechless, which is just how she likes me.

>183 Carmenere: I know, right, Lynda?! Wednesday was good but busy. But we did finally get some rain, so that was full of fabulous.

>184 lunacat: I will see if I can get some today since her eyes are looking much better, Jenny. We will keep her if we can't find another home for her, but two of our dogs require a lot of care as they are getting older and have health issues, so I would prefer to find her another home. We have started calling her Mischief, which I fear is a bad sign.

>185 jnwelch: Hey there, Joe! Glad I could provide you with a giggle.

>186 charl08: I have not heard of that one, Charlotte, and now I am intrigued - what an unusual premise for a book! I am thinking I have to track that one down...

I started a new thread for December. Come on over!