Mark's Reading Place: Chapter 27

-Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:


Books Read So Far...

September:

112) The Hour of Land: America's National Parks by Terry Tempest Williams 4.6 stars (audio)
113) White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America by Nancy Isenberg 3.7 stars (audio)
114) The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead 5 stars
115) Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee 4.2 stars
116) Pax by Sara Pennypacker 4 stars (audio)
117) The World According to Garp by John Irving 4.4 stars (audio) AAC
118) All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews 4.3 stars (E)
119) A Serpent's Tooth by Craig Johnson 4 stars (audio)
120) The North Water by Ian McGuire 4.5 stars (audio)
121) Casino Royale by Ian Fleming 3.8 stars (audio)
122) The Blue Star by Tony Earley 4 stars (audio)
123) Amy and Isabelle by Elizabeth Strout 3.7 stars
124) Madam Bovary by Gustave Flaubert 3.6 stars Bowie 100

October:

125) Dog Run Moon: Stories by Callan Wink 4.3 stars
126) The Grass Is Singing by Doris Lessing 4 stars BAC
127) Telegraph Avenue by Michael Chabon 4.2 stars (audio) AAC
128) A Whole Life: A Novel by Robert Seethaler 4 stars
129) Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir by J. D. Vance 4.2 stars (audio)
130) The Glorious Heresies by Lisa McInerney 4.3 stars E.R.
131) I am No One by Patrick Flanery 2.7 stars (audio)
132) Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson 4.2 stars (audio)
133) The Hike by Drew Magary 3.8 stars (audio)
134) The Association of Small Bombs by Karan Mahajan 3.8 stars (audio)
135) Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill 5 stars CAC
136) The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman 3.7 stars (audio)
137) To the Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey 4 stars (audio)

November:

138) Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson 3.7 stars BAC
139) Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl: A Memoir by Carrie Brownstein 4 stars (audio)
140) The Maytrees by Annie Dillard 3.6 stars (audio) AAC
141) Glaciers by Alexis M. Smith 4 stars (audio)
142) Jimmy Bluefeather by Kim Heacox 4.3 stars
143) His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet 3.8 stars (audio)
144) Hero of the Empire by Candice Millard 4.4 stars
146) March: Books 1-3 by John Lewis/Nate Powell 5 stars GN
147) The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings 4.3 stars (audio)
148) Truevine by Beth Macy 4.5 stars (audio)
149) Darktown by Thomas Mullen 4 stars
150) The Atomic Weight of Love by Elizabeth J. Church 3.6 stars (audio)
151) The Return of the Soldier by Rebecca West 4.4 stars BAC
152) Spirit of Steamboat (A Longmire Novella) by Craig Johnson 4 stars (audio)
153) The View from the Cheap Seats by Neil Gaiman 3.7 stars (audio)
154) Tao Te Ching by Laozi (S. Mitchell) 4 stars
155) An American Childhood by Annie Dillard 4.5 stars (E) AAC
156) Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood 4.2 stars (audio)

December:

157) The Pigeon Tunnel: Stories from My Life by John Le Carré 4.7 stars (audio)
158) The Shell Collector: Stories by Anthony Doerr 4 stars (E)

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 Blonde Completed
September- John Irving The World According to Garp Completed
October- Michael Chabon Telegraph Avenue Completed
November- Annie Dillard The Maytrees, An American Childhood Completed
December- Don DeLillo

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

The Poetry Thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/220301#
Part 2: http://www.librarything.com/topic/230813#

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 The Grass is Singing Completed
October : Kate Atkinson & William Golding Behind the Scenes at the Museum Completed
November : Rebecca West & Len Deighton The Return of the Soldier Completed
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 All My Puny Sorrows Completed
October: Lawrence Hill, Jane Urquhart Someone Knows My Name Completed
November: Michael Ondaatje, Margaret Laurence
December: Alice Munro, Rawi Hage

Happy new thread!

^Joe and I, doing our thing, at a recent Meet-Up! The beer was going down good, along with some excellent conversation.

Happy new thread, Mark. Beautiful toppers!

>5 The_Hibernator: Thanks, Rachel!

>7 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. We have to preoccupy ourselves with beauty, so we don't get lost in the gloom.

>7 jessibud2: I'm assuming you're referring to the picture in >6 msf59: And I definitely agree ;)

was here! Better watch out...

>9 lunacat: Jenny stopped by! Jenny stopped by! Hooray! So good to see you, stranger. You have been missed.

Glad you liked the photo. Maybe a couple of handsome mugs, but beautiful? Grins...

>10 weird_O: Always glad to see a true Weirdo stop by. Howdy, Bill.

Happy new thread, Mark. I love the topper. Congrats on hitting 150!

Happy Thanksgiving.

>11 msf59: I'm creeping back in slowly. It's been far too comfy in my Jenny-cave (as Darryl calls it) but I'm venturing out of it to see the LT world again. Imagine me on the flat bit of cliff that tends to be in front of all good caves, and there I am, sitting by the fire in the sunshine. Just scoping the world.

I appear to have been reading too much prehistoric anthropology, so my imaginings are a little wild. Please forgive me. I've missed you all.

>9 lunacat: - Well, of course! And >1 msf59:, too...;-)

>12 BLBera: Thanks, Beth! It looks like it will be another banner year for the books. Quality and quantity.

>13 lunacat: Glad you have emerged from the Jenny-Cave, pale and squinting. You are always welcome around these parts, my friend. Besides, the anthropolgy books, how is the rest of your reading going?

>14 jessibud2: All smiles...

>15 msf59: Not well, alas. The combination of two physical fatigue conditions (gone are the days I could be on my feet hauling large weights and wrestling horses for 10hrs a day) and the mental fatigue that comes with limitations, and I struggle to get through more than about 5 pages of a book without dozing off. The anthropology stuff has been just that, 5 pages and then off to do something else before I zone out althought. Nearly all my reading is done via audible now, and I don't know how I survived without it. Also, my boyfriend lives 50miles away which is an hour long journey down there, so I'm spending a LOT of time on the road, and audiobooks are an absolute lifeline.

I'm still hopeful that I'll be able to build up my reading stamina in order to read paper books again, but in the meantime, I'm thankful for the technology that allows me to enjoy books in whatever form they come. I also recently read an article on a study that said a persons recall when listening to a book or fact vs reading it is exactly the same, so at least I know the knowledge or prose is entering my brain at a similar level. How long it stays there has always been up for debate!

Nice thread toppers, Mark. Great pic of you and Joe, too.

I was thinking I haven't seen you in person since Darien Home Run Inn after the swim club conference meet in Feb. Long time.

>16 lunacat: Thanks for the update, Jenny. Sorry, to hear about the reading issues. Thankfully, you have your audiobooks to fall back on. Over half the books I read, are on audio, so I know there is plenty of book joy to be had there.

Hope you can build yourself back up, to enjoy the print versions.

>17 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda. Our last Meet Up was February? Wow. We will have to try and put something together.

Happy new thread, and what a pretty topper. I am just reading a book you need to read... Jump-Off Creek by Molly Gloss.

Happy new thread, buddy.

Congratulations also on reaching 150 books read again this year.

>20 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda! Jump-Off Creek sounds like a good one. I have not heard of it but I have now added it to my list.

>21 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. Funny, no matter how much we read, it barely makes a dent, right? I guess that's a good thing.

Happy new thread, Mark!

>23 scaifea: Thanks, Amber! Safe travels today!

>24 msf59: Thanks, Mark! As long as it stops raining, it'll be great!

The forecast mentioned occasional rain and some fog. Hope it is better later on.

Happy new thread, Mark.
As always your thread topper is a beautiful landscape somewhere at the continent I probably will never visit ;-)

And congrats on 150 books!

Good morning, Mark! Sorry it's a bad weather day in Chicagoland.

Congrats on 150 books for the year. Fantastic.

Happy new thread!

Maybe my life will slow down again so I can reach 150 books again, but I doubt it.

>27 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. Never say never, my friend. Maybe one day you could visit but wait until the Trump reign is over.

>28 karenmarie: Morning Karen. Damp, chilly day but it is going along quickly, plus I have Walt Longmire to keep me company.

>29 drneutron: Thanks, Jim.

>30 thornton37814: Hi, Lori! Good to see you. I hope things begin to slow down for you.

Good morning, Mark! Happy new thread!

>1 msf59: >2 msf59: I love both of these toppers, but #2 draws the eye more with the black background contrasting the red and blue of the foreground.

Wow, 150 books! I'm struggling to get the last 8 to get to my 75.

Happy new one, Mark! And Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy new thread, Mark! Gorgeous toppers!

Happy New Thread! And Happy Thanksgiving Eve.

Congrats on reaching 150, my friend.

Beautiful toppers, Mark, and congrats on 150 books! Truly awesome!

Hope you have a great Thanksgiving.

>32 brodiew2: Thanks, Brodie! Glad you like the birdy topper. I have used that one before...for good reason.

>33 The_Hibernator: Thanks, Rachel. It is all about the audiobooks, my friend, so no worries. I am still shy of 70, in my print books, but should have no problem hitting 75, in that department.

>34 katiekrug: >35 Crazymamie: >36 mahsdad: Thanks, Katie, Mamie & Jeff. Much appreciated.

>37 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda! We will have to see if I pass my totals from last year. It looks like I read 165, so we will see.

>38 kac522: Thanks, Kathy! Happy with my output but could always read more.

>39 Morphidae: Thank you, Morph!

^I decided to take a mini-break on The View from the Cheap Seats and slip in Spirit of Steamboat, a Longmire novella. This one fits in between A Serpent's Tooth and Any Other Name, which is will be my next Longmire. It is a good, little tale set on Christmas eve, involving an injured child, a plane rescue and a nasty winter storm. Johnson never short-changes the reader. Even his short stuff delivers.

^Wouldn't these make great plates? Unfortunately, they are about 25 bucks a piece. WTH?

That's lovely. And with the robin, kind of Xmassy too.
Glad Longmire was another good read.
I was wondering how many hours 75 audio books represent...

Ohh,love the plate! I want one! Gorgeous toppers! Dave is still enjoying Craig Johnson. I found a debut author and book for Dave from the library, The Homeplace by Kevin Wolf. I figure if it is a mystery with Wyoming, and whatever in it, that will be a book for Dave. I've also got him onto Jussi Adler-Olsen. He says I am a very good secretary and personal valet! :)

>43 charl08: Hi, Charlotte! glad you like the plate. A bit pricey for me. How far into the Longmires have you read?

>44 vancouverdeb: Hi Deb! Glad you like the plate. Here is the link, it is from Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/267660252/hand-painted-porcelain-plate-book-a?ref=s...

How far into the Longmire series is Dave? Did he just read the first Dept Q book?

^I started An American Childhood, it is a memoir and my second Dillard of the month. Her writing grabbed me immediately. Not crazy about The Maytrees, but I think this will be a whole new ballgame.

>42 msf59: Maybe it's handpainted?

As far as I can remember, Dave has read up to and including Spirit of Steamboat. He is reading quite a bit of James Lee Burke, as well as an Australian Suspense series by Micheal Robotham. No, he did not start with the first book in the Department Q series, though I have the first in the series. I brought home The Purity of Vengeance: A Department Q Novel from the library and he read that first. Not OCD with a series like I am.

Thanks for the link to the Etsy plate. I am afraid I would need a bit more " dosh" as Paul would say, to get that plate, Certainly beautiful though!

>47 Morphidae: It is hand-painted. Lovely, but still pricey.

>48 vancouverdeb: Thanks, for the Dave update. He should definitely go back and start the Dept Q books from the beginning. There is an arc to this series and the earliest are the best IMHO. I have only read a little Burke. Will have to get back to him at some point.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends. Enjoy the day with your family. Do NOT go shopping! Thank you!

Happy new thread, Happy Thursday and Happy Thanksgiving, Mark!

The cover of The Flying Couch looks interesting. I'm intrigued.

>51 Carmenere: Thanks for all the Happy greetings, Lynda! Enjoy the holiday! I dipped into The Flying Couch last night and this looks to be another strong GN memoir. More warbling to come...

Happy Thanksgiving, Mark. Enjoy your time with your loved ones! Relax, restore, enjoy!

Love that quote by JFK

>53 jessibud2: Thank you, Shelley! I have been thankful for all my wonderful visitors, including you. I have enjoyed your company.

Happy Thanksgiving, Mark! Enjoy your non-hosting day to the fullest.

>55 karenmarie: Morning Karen! And thank you. I hope to get in a nice chunk of reading before we head out, in the early afternoon.

149) Darktown by Thomas Mullen 4 stars

“now they were expected to walk with a heavy step and newfound power through their neighborhoods. In every other part of the city, however, they were still expected to vanish, or worse.”

“There were plenty of white folks like that, happy to define themselves as not-quite-as-bad-as-some, conveniently surrounding themselves with awful people in contrast to whom they looked good.”

Boggs and Smith are two patrolman walking their beat, in Darktown, a black neighborhood, in Altanta. It is 1948. They are part of an eight member police force, made up of black officers. They can carry guns but can not drive a vehicle. Their authority is limited and they are ridiculed by the “white” officers.
They begin to investigate the disappearance of a young black woman, last seen, in a car with a white man and this takes the officers down, a dark and twisty path, locking horns with corrupt cops and politicians, looking for any reason to dismantle and shame this all-black force. A very dangerous game.
This is a slow-burner and the tension mounts, in a quiet, deceiving way. It reminded me of the great film Chinatown, set in the deep south, but with more shadows than bright sunshine.
Mullen takes each of his novels in unique directions, sometimes with mixed results, but he definitely scored a big run with this timely novel.



**Like to give a shout-out to Suzanne for snagging me an advanced copy of this one. She is the best!

I am thankful for The Postie with the Mostie

>58 The_Hibernator: Thanks, Rachel!

>59 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. Where is the beer pumpkin?

Mark, old buddy, old pal, enjoy today!!

>61 Berly: Thanks, Kimmers! Hugs to my pal!

Happy new thread! and happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your turkey!

Just stopping by before the chaos that begins our family get-together to mark my place at your new thread and to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving.

I finished listening to Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan and have to do a high pressure warble to you on this one. You simply have to listen to this one. It was recommended by Nancy Pearl years ago and I had it on my TBR list for years. (I think since I joined LT back in '08.) Her recommendation was right on. If you like hard-boiled, hard-bitten noir fiction this one is for you. Yes, it is SciFi, but the author writes in a style straight out of the Dashiel Hammet handbook. I think this one would be perfect for listening to while making your rounds. It will take you out-of-this world.

I didn't know this was part of a series, but Joe did and you can bet I am going to be trying to get the second book through Inter-Library Loan. I am going to have to make room for it, on my Christmas break reading list. I had Hard-Boiled Wonderland first on the list but will move it down to make room for the second Kovacs book.

>57 msf59: Great review! So brilliant when an ARC works out :-)

>63 streamsong: Thanks, Janet! We had a great time.

>64 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary! We had a good holiday. Feeling sated at the moment and wishing I didn't have to work tomorrow.

>65 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita! Thanks for the book rec. Altered Carbon sounds interesting.

>66 charl08: Thanks, Charlotte! Darktown was a good read and I passed it on to Joe, so I hope to keep the joy going.

>67 ronincats: Thanks, Roni! Great to see you! Gobble, Gobble!

>60 msf59: There you go, buddy.

Much, much better, Paul. Thanks. I could use a nightcap.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy new thread and hope you had a great Thanksgiving. >69 PaulCranswick: Looks like you are all set!

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Hi Friend...I'm just breezing through. Thinking of you and hoping you had a lovely Thanksgiving. And, of course, that opening image is simply breathtaking!

>71 drneutron: Thanks, Jim!

>72 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg! And yes, Paul sure hooked me up, didn't he?

>73 Copperskye: Thanks, Joanne! I sure did.

>74 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! We had a terrific Thanksgiving. Thanks and I hope you had the same. Glad you like the N.P. topper.

>76 msf59: I love that image, Mark!

Good morning, Mark!

I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving.

I loved Mullen's The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers, good review of Darktown.

>77 FAMeulstee: Hi, Anita. Glad you like the image. Perfectly bookish.

>78 karenmarie: Morning Karen. Had a fine Thanksgiving. Thanks.

I really liked the Firefly Brothers too. I want to read his fist novel, which I have on shelf. You will like Darktown. It is your cuppa.

Good morning and Happy Belated Thanksgiving, Mark!

>57 msf59: Thanks for the review of Darktown. I will definitely be added to the audio file for 2017. I'm glad it worked for you.

>65 benitastrnad: Altered Carbon could be interesting, too.

Happy leftovers day!!!

>80 brodiew2: Hi, Brodie! Happy Friday! I think you will like Darktown and I am sure the audio would be fine.

>81 Berly: Hi, Kimmers! Since, we did not host Thanksgiving- we have No Leftovers!! Boo!

"I began reading books, reading books to delirium. I began by vanishing from the known world into the abyss of reading, but soon found myself engaged with surprising vigor because the thing in books, or even the things surrounding the books, roused me from my stupor."

"Books swept me away, one after the other, this way and that; I made endless vows according to their lights, for I believed them."

-An American Childhood

I think young Dillard liked books. What do you think?

Love the bookish quotes Mark. Makes it very tempting!

>84 charl08: It is beautifully written, Charlotte. This could end up being one of my favorite memoirs. Her early love of nature and the outdoors really shines through too.

>69 PaulCranswick: ha ha! What a crack up!!

I loved Annie Dillard's An American Childhood when I read it a few years back. Just loved it. Glad you are feeling it too!
Happy thanksgiving!

Good morning, Mark!

I hope you have a great day. I'm going to try to persuade daughter to go with me to see Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them today.

>86 LovingLit: Hi, Megan! I am loving An American Childhood. It might be right up there with Pilgrim at Tinker Creek and could possibly surpass it.

>87 karenmarie: Morning Karen! My wife and my kids, (young adults) went to see it last weekend and enjoyed it. Hope you get to go.

I am going to work...sighs.

Hi, Mark!

Just checking in, buddy. It's a zoo at my end (a happy zoo). I hope you had a great Thanksgiving (I bet you did) and you're enjoying a long weekend.

Happy New Thread! Love them toppers. I'm glad you're enjoying the Annie Dillard. I'm loving young Winston's story. He was just in the mine with the white rats. Are you kidding me?

>89 jnwelch: Happy Saturday, Joe! No long weekend here, just Thursday and Sunday, but at least is was a decent work day.

Glad you are enjoying the happy zoo! Are you returning tomorrow? Glad you are having fun with the Millard.

Hi Mark! I am going to have to read An American Childhood

That darn post office. I was expecting a package and, at 11 pm, noticed an email that my package arrived and had been placed just outside my door. So, in the cold and dark, I shuffled off outside in nightshirt and slippers and brought it in and quietly opened it. Toys, toys, and more toys. It was our next door neighbor's package and they'd bought a bunch of toys for their little kids. We traded packages this morning. They were just as baffled by my purchase, too. To be fair, in all my years of ordering, the USPS has never delivered a neighbor's package here.

An American Childhood sounds interesting, Mark. I'll have a look for it at my library.

>91 banjo123: Hi, Rhonda! I am sure you will LOVE An American Childhood. If I had a print copy, (I am reading it, on my Kindle) I would send you it. It definitely caught me by surprise.

>92 lindapanzo: Now, that Trump is in, maybe they will finally get rid of that pesty, good for nothing, post office. Grins...

Funny, I found a package, today, that was delivered by Amazon on the wrong porch. I scooped it up and dropped it at the correct address, a few doors down. My good deed for the day...

Hi, Linda! Not bad weather today, for the end of November.

>94 msf59: I would've walked over had I looked at the name on the package and had it not been so late. When I picked it up, I was thinking that Amazon was using awfully large boxes for small items but they do that sometimes.

I'm browsing through my Christmas Swappee's wishlist right now. I'm getting ideas for myself but might give it away if I suddenly add a lot of theirs to mine, I think. I need to check whether they'd accept used books. Love this Christmas Swap/Santa Thing time of the year.

>93 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb! It is a very special memoir. Really captures childhood, in a vivid and expressive way.

>95 lindapanzo: We are starting to get swamped with packages. Next week will start to be crazy.

I have my giftee's name now too! Now, the fun starts.

Mark, while looking through the news online I found the perfect group for you - bird nerds that like to bird and also drink brew ( beer). You've got to start a group in your area

http://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/loons-and-lager-ducks-on-draft-birders-brewers-f...

Tours and events aimed at attracting both beer nerds and bird enthusiasts are popping up all over the country, attracting bearded microbrew lovers, field-guide-wielding bird buffs and folks with a passion for both suds and sparrows. Bird-and-beer happenings are taking place from Los Angeles to Minneapolis to Hampton, New Hampshire.

I felt like I did my bit for the Post Office today, participating in the Postcard Avalanche Against Bannon.

I think I can find a copy of An American Childhood pretty easily, or there is always the library.

Great the enthusiasm about An American Childhood. It started me on a research path. How do I get a copy? So there's one copy for all of Vancouver Island libraries and it is lost. HELP! Can you imagine? So there is an audio copy through "Hoopla" which I know nothing about so I a will try there. I have been wanting to read Annie Dillard for ages so fingers crossed.

>97 vancouverdeb: "Loons and lager, ducks on draft"? "Suds and sparrows"? Count me in, Tonto! You know me so well, my friend. Thanks for the link. You know I will keep an eye out for one of these get-togethers in my area.

>98 banjo123: "Postcard Avalanche Against Bannon"? Sounds like a very worthy cause, Rhonda. Hope it does some good.

And yes, An American Childhood might be worth having on the old "keeper" shelf.

>99 mdoris: Hi, Mary! Glad I snagged you with the Dillard love. I think, An American Childhood would work just fine on audio, but you might want to have a print copy, just to savor the prose. See if you can find a used copy somewhere and I also highly recommend Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, which is a perfect companion piece.

Good morning, Mark!

>96 msf59: I'm afraid I'm going to be one of those people making the Post Office crazy this coming week. For the first time EVER, I'll be mailing a package to California before the 18-20th. Usually I spend as much on postage as on some of the presents inside!

>101 karenmarie: Morning, Karen! Making the post office crazy, also helps make the P.O. lots of money, so all is good. As long as we get parcel assistance, I have no problem with it.

The Don DeLillo thread is up. Stop by and let us know what you will be reading: http://www.librarything.com/topic/242004#

Morning, Mark!

Good luck with deliveries during this season. I imagine you get a workout!

>104 scaifea: Morning Amber!

>105 BLBera: Morning Beth! It is all about the parcels, my friend. As long as we get some assistance, we will be fine.

Morning, Mark! I already read DeLillo this year - I read White Noise for the Bowie read, and I really liked it.

>107 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! Did you like White Noise? I am considering reading that one.

"I opened books like jars. Here between my hands, here between some book's front and back covers, whose corners poked dents in my palm, was another map to the neighborhood I had explored all my life, and fancied I knew, a map depicting hitherto invisible landmarks."

-An American Childhood



The Buckeye tree, which seemed to be the tree of Dillard's youth.

>108 msf59: Yep. I loved it.

>110 Crazymamie: Perfect endorsement, my friend.

We are off to have our 2nd Thanksgiving feast, this time with Sue's side of the family. Once again, lots of eats, without any hosting duties. Can you say sweet? I knew you could...

Plus I read a nice chunk of An American Childhood. Might finish it tomorrow.

>100 msf59: Thanks Mark, just added Pilgrim at Tinker Creek to my library list.
>111 msf59: Yes, 'sweet" is the word. No cooking, no clean up, just feasting. Dreamy!

>109 msf59: Wonderful quote.

I have finished my Thanksgiving Trek. It was wonderful! Quality time with recorded books. Can it get better than that?

On Friday I started the day by packing three boxes to take to the Post Office. Got there and learned that my books shipped cheaper than a box that weighed 1.55 lbs and as full of yarn. They were going to Montana, so the cost depends on the size of the box and how far it is going. Montana is long way from Alabama, so it cost me $15.00 to mail the yarn and $5.00 to mail a box of books to the same place. Using a flat rate box would have cost $13.00. Saving 2 dollars wasn't worth the hassle of repacking, so I anted up.

Then I got in my car and drove straight west of Tuscaloosa through Columbus, MS, through Starkville, MS, and picked up the Natchez Trace Parkway. I headed south and drove all the way to Jackson, MS, listening to a recorded book. I underestimated the amount of time it would take and ended up driving the last third in the dark, so I didn't get to see the peaceful scenery for which the Trace is famous.

Once I hit Interstate 20 I went west to Vicksburg, MS. Found a hotel room and holed up for the night reading. I made a big mistake with my trip - I opted to sleep in and didn't leave the hotel until 10:30 a.m. The hotel was right across the street from the Vicksburg National Battlefield so I didn't have far to go. But I didn't allow myself enough time to see and study the battlefield.

I spent about 1 1/2 hours at the park headquarters. Since I don't have a smart phone or internet I purchased the CD's of the self-guided tour and it was worth every penny. It was a 2.5 hour driving tour of the entire park. I spent 6 hours doing it, and ended up trying to see the last two stops in the dead dark. If you ever do anything like this allow the entire day. I have been saying I was going to go to Vicksburg for twenty years and decided I had better just do it. It was fascinating and I am glad I did this.

The park service does an amazing job on so little money. I want my tax money to go for more of this wonderful work. Can I tell Donald that?

The guided tour featured noted Civil War historian and author Edward Bearss and he is just fascinating to listen to. He has such a distinctive way of storytelling. I was surprised to learn that he started his career as a Park Ranger at Vicksburg and was there from 1955 to 1969. He has since served at several other National Battlefields. He is simply an amazing storyteller.

It was late when I got home last night, so I used my last vacation day to sleep in. I will be seeing some friends for supper tonight and since they are history lovers I am sure I will get to recount my adventures with them. I am going to encourage them to make a three day trip out of this for the Christmas break. I think that both of them would love it.

Gosh! I can't wait to put more stamps in my National Park Passport book.

Hi Mark, I am so glad to read that there is a Christmassy Longmire book. I am going to reserve it right now! I have finished all the novels but see there are some novellas and short stories to read…and I could always get Netflix and binge on the TV series, right?

I did not go shopping on Thanksgving evening or on Black Friday. I was too stuffed to move! We made three stops on Thanksgiving, all involving food of course. I do much better when I cook. After giving the turkey a bath, I want nothing else to do with it!

The Maytrees is one of my least favorite Annie Dillard books. Have you read Pilgrim at Tinker Creek? I have read it twice and it is still my favorite. I have fallen off the AAC wagon. I have the DeLilo read for December so maybe I will go back and read another Dillard and Chabon before the end of the year. I was doing well, but I always get super busy in the fall and my reading suffers. *Sad Face*

Hi Mark! Happy belated Thanksgiving to you and your family. :) Hope you all survived the long weekend without either spending too much on Black Friday "deals" or having to haul too many heavy packages (if you had to work).

I just finished Annie Dillard's The Writing Life. Makes me want to read one of her novels.

Hiya Mark! I too really enjoyed White Noise. I posted a new thread for our December Bowie read. The Outsider by Colin Wilson. Looks like a very interesting one exploring lots of writers and artists! Maybe you can find time between all your package deliveries to join us?!

>112 mdoris: Glad I nudged you into Pilgrim, Mary! It is a terrific read. And yah, for feasting! Thanksgiving 2.0 was excellent.

>113 charl08: Many, many bookmarks, in this memoir, Charlotte.

>114 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita! Thanks for the Thanksgiving Trek update. How do I get a National Park Passbook? How Cool! I would love to visit Vicksburg. i would love to hear Edward Bearss. Sue is not big on touring Civil War battlegrounds, so I would have to do this with one of my guy pals.

What audiobooks did you listen to?

>115 Donna828: Hi, Donna! Happy Sunday! You will really enjoy the Longmire short- Spirit of Steamboat. Yes, I have read Pilgrim at Tinker Creek and I am a big fan but An American Childhood may end up being, just as good. Hope you can catch up a few of these AAC authors.

>116 LauraBrook: Laura stopped by! Laura stopped by! Hooray! We have missed you, my friend. I hope you had a nice holiday. I did NO shopping this weekend. Actually, I worked Fri & Sat, but I had a nice Sunday, eating a second Thanksgiving dinner with Sue's family.

>117 lindapanzo: I will have to find a copy of The Writing Life. Personally I would suggest you stick with her NF. An American Childhood is an excellent choice.

>118 Berly: Happy Sunday, Kimmers! Good endorsement of White Noise. I will track down a copy. I have never heard of The Outsider. Sounds interesting...will have to learn more.

>120 msf59: thanks for the suggestion, Mark. I could've sworn that I'd read a Dillard book earlier but it doesn't seem to be listed. You know me, unless it's a mystery, I'd rather read NF.

I'm eager to see who you pick for next year's AAC. I always have the best intentions of reading them but something else always seems to grab my attention.

>121 lindapanzo: I will make my selections for next year's AAC, by the end of the week, maybe even earlier.

Morning, Mark! Busy Monday on this end - here's hoping your mail truck isn't too full today!

Morning Amber! I have a feeling it will be a heavy day at the old P.O. For the business section of my route, I had to leave a big stack of parcels, because these businesses have been closed since the holiday. Sighs...I will persevere.

^After finishing the audio of the Gaiman collection, I will switch to Hag-Seed. I have not read The Tempest but was told, it was not essential. I am a big fan of Atwood and I have heard good things about this one.

I might wrap up An American Childhood today too, depending on work distractions.

>Good morning, Mark. As a Canadian. this is probably blasphemy, but I am not a fan of Atwood. I have enjoyed only 2 of her books (Alias Grace, and Cat's Eye), really hated one (Surfacing) and couldn't get through a couple of others. However, I know she is very intelligent and witty and very popular. I am just curious, when you listen to her books on audiobook, does she narrate or is it someone else? I ask because I personally find her voice impossible to listen to. Pure monotone. I tried listening to one of her NF books (Payback, from the CBC's Massey Lecture series) and I barely made it 15 minutes into the first disc. She seemed to laugh at her own jokes and the droning of her voice just grated on my ears. I ended up just buying the paper copy of the book. The Massey Lectures are a series of 5 lectures recorded by one author each year, all related to a single theme. Hers was about money and its effect on life, and was a few years ago. I own several Massey Lecture books. Do you know the writer Adam Gopnick? His theme was *winter*, from a few years back and after listening to the audiobook version, I bought the book as well.

Morning, Mark! Good luck out there today - remember to life with your legs not your back.

Good morning, Mark! Two Thanksgiving feasts, how wonderful. Nice that you were guests and not hosts, although I do love hosting. We had 10 this year at our house. I'm still whupped!

My thoughts are with you as you go through the crazy season at the Post Office.

I listened to the following.

Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan. This one was quite a ride. I ordered book 2 from Inter-Library Loan, so will have to read that one fast - before I leave for Christmas.

Magisterium by Jeff Hirsch. This one is an average YA fantasy. The best thing about it was that it is really YA and not adult fantasy masquerading as YA. I read this one for work - mostly. The narrator was good.

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes. This is the first in a YA series that is fairly popular right now. It might be YA but the only thing YA about it is the characters are all under 18. As a librarian, I am not sure it belongs in school libraries because it is fairly graphic and the topics are very adult. Incest, murder, regicide, religious fanaticism, ... that sort of thing.

I thought the self-guided tour I did of the Vicksburg battlefield was very well done. It helped that the battlefield is well preserved, and that the city has not encroached on it that much. However, the park service is waging a constant war against the trees and it shows. The battlefield looks nothing like it did during the siege. As the park ranger said, thank goodness for photographs. There are parts of the battlefield that they are trying to restore, and that means cutting trees and underbrush.

The USS Cairo museum was especially well done and that is all thanks to the work of Ed Bearss.

I know that touring battlefields is not for everybody, but I was surprised at the number of people who were there. The place was quite crowded. I saw several families with young children, so it seemed like it might be a family outing destination. I have found that I get along better when I tour battlefields by myself. I don't have to worry about somebody waiting on me, or trying to follow me to some obscure marker someplace. It may be that you will have to be a lone ranger in that regard as well.

In the last couple of years I have become fascinated with the terrian of these places. In this case, Vicksburg was situated on high bluffs above the Mississippi River (highest one was 300 feet). Fort Hill looked over a very sharp hairpin turn in the Mighty Mississippi. It's guns controlled the shipping on the river. The role the U. S. Navy played in this battle was a big one. One of the ironies of Vicksburg, is that now that bluff overlooks dry land. In 1874, the Mississippi cut through a new channel that bypassed that hill and most of the city of Vicksburg. It took the U. S. Army Corp of Engineers 25 years to cut a canal from the Yazoo River to the old Mississippi river bed, so that Vicksburg could once again have river traffic. The lack of a river almost killed the city in the early part of the 1900's. Strange how things like that happen. But fascinating.

Good morning, Mark!

Loved the Millard. I did a short review.

Woo, it's tempting to join the Delillo AAC read this month. I've never found one that intrigued me enough to jump in with him, but Zero K got my attention.

>126 jessibud2: Hi, Shelley. Thanks for your thoughts on Atwood. I find it surprising, that many of my Canadian LT pals are not fans of Atwood. Interesting...

She does not narrate her audiobooks, although she may have done one of her essay type collections, which I did listen to and did not care for. I am really enjoying Hag-Seed, in the early going. You might like this one.

I have never heard of Gopnick. Good?

>127 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! A bit busy today at work but nothing I can't handle.

>128 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. The day is going okay, walking off some of yesterday's big meal.

You sound like an enthusiastic host. Good for you.

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

No progress on Just Mercy this weekend, but I have crossed into the final quarter of The Count. I love this production! As it has been, the WARBLE is loud on this one!

I've heard great things about Hag-Seed too. I hope you enjoy it. I probably won't get to it for quite a while.

Just a quick hello and big waves from over the pond.

Good afternoon, Mark. I am avoiding my own thread (too far behind on posts, but I'll get to it, possibly later today) but wanted to check in on yours.

I'm carrying around my copy of Don DeLillo's White Noise which is a start.... I'm determined to end the year with a "yes" on the AAC! LOL.

I hope you had a restful Thanksgiving.

>131 msf59: - Adam Gopnick is an American-born, Montreal-raised writer, writes for The New Yorker and has also written several NF books. Yes, he's good. Check him out. I've read and enjoyed several of his books: Paris to the Moon, The Table Comes First, Through the Children's Gate and his Massey Lectures Winter. Alias Grace was narrated on audiobook by the wonderful actress Elizabeth McGovern and that's probably why I enjoyed it so much. It was a compelling story, to be sure, but McGovern was outstanding. I have also heard good things about Hagseed but not sure when I might get to it. Glad you are enjoying it!

Howdy Mark!

>129 benitastrnad: Thanks for the book updates, Benita and all the interesting tidbits about your trip to Vicksburg. Sounds like a place, I will have to visit.

>130 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! Not a whole lot of free time at work today and I am glad to have that one behind me. Glad you loved the Dillard and i hope you join us on the DeLillo. I will also be reading Zero K. Just sayin'...

>133 brodiew2: Hi, Brodie! Usual Monday work day here. Not my favorite day of the week. You sure seem to be enjoying The Count. Keep on warbling. And you just might inspire me to finally read Just Mercy by the end of the year. I have wanted to read that, since it was released.

>134 The_Hibernator: Hi, Rachel! Hag-Seed is turning out to be quite a gem. I am really enjoying it. Her last novel fell short for me, so it is nice to see her roaring back.

>141 katiekrug: - HA!

>135 Ameise1: Hi, Barb! Thanks for checking in. I have missed you.

>136 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen! Thanks for bypassing your own thread, just to visit me. Grins...

Everyone seems to be getting me pumped about White Noise, so I WILL have to make that one of my DeLillo reads. I hope you can join us.

>137 jessibud2: Thanks for the info on Gopnick, Shelley. He sounds like an interesting author. I may have to try him at some point.

I ended up reading Alias Grace in print. I couldn't find the audio, at the time but now, I know it is worth hearing, on a revisit. I am really enjoying Hag-Seed. Hope you can give it a try, at some point.

>138 luvamystery65: Hi, Ro! You snuck in there on me. Hugs to my pal.

Since I am seriously considering, adding William Styron to the AAC 2017, I thought I would mention, that they are having a great Kindle sale, that includes 4 of his books for only 4 bucks total. I snagged it:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CLVBADM?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeA...

Done!! Is Amazon giving you a percent of sales? They should! :)

>141 katiekrug: I saw that in the paper this morning and knew I had to share it.

>144 Berly: I am not getting a percentage, Kimmers but that is not a bad idea. It is definitely a No-Brainer. I have not read Styron. Have you?

>140 msf59: - Haha!

I have Sophie's Choice around somewhere, if I have time to join you.

>146 jessibud2: Glad you got a chuckle, Shelley.

>147 The_Hibernator: I did see the film, Sophie's Choice but never read the book.

^My daughter just finished The Shell Collector: Stories. She reads very little short fiction but she was quite taken with this collection. So, along with the fact that I am a fan of All the Light We Cannot See, I thought I would read this next.

On the audiobook front, I am really enjoying Hag-Seed. Yes, I am an Atwood devotee, but it is still catching me by surprise.

Morning, Mark!

I can't decide if I like Atwood or not. I've read some of her stuff and loved it and then other stuff that I've, um, really not loved. I likely won't give up on her, though...

>149 msf59: - I have that book on my shelf (both of them, actually). I am generally not a fan of short stories but he is a lovely writer and I wanted to give it a try. Soon...

Good morning Mark!

>139 msf59: What is your favorite work day of the week? One with less volume? packages? advertising? catalogs? Do tell!

>140 msf59: That's exactly how I feel. Pretty much everything, unfortunately, comes back to the debacle that will be Trump. The Trump Slump continues.

Good morning, Mark!

Isn't Hag-Seed a good 'un? She nailed it.

I picked up Zero K on my Kindle, so that'll be up after The Oregon Trail.

Should be a pretty nice one out there today.

>150 scaifea: Morning Amber! Atwood seems to be one of the more divisive authors around these parts. I am a bit surprised, because of her range and depth.

>151 jessibud2: Morning Shelley. This is a great time to be a short fiction lover. I might have to send you some suggestions.

>152 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. A good day at work for me, is, a manageable load and decent enough weather. Fortunately, I get plenty of both.

This post-election feeling, has become an long-lingering hangover. Every time you grasp for something positive, something ugly and uncomfortable rears it's vile head.

>153 jnwelch: Morning Joe! I am having a very good time with Hag-Seed. I appreciate the nudge. Felix has just brought the costumes and props for the play.

I am sure you will have a terrific time with the Buck brothers. I miss them all ready. Enjoy.

Mark, I read Sophie's Choice and saw the movie a long time ago, but I think that is my only Styron. Which reminds me, I better add that book to my collection list so I don't buy it again when the time comes! He better be on the AAC next year...!

>157 Berly: He will be, Kimmers! Glad I will finally get a chance to read him.

>157 Berly: I'm with you! Read Sophie's Choice and saw the movie, both absolutely stunning in their own way, IMO. The only Styron I've read.

Hi Mark! I'm also listening to Hag-Seed and enjoying it greatly.

I've also never read The Tempest so I've checked out an audio of that, too. Unfortunately, it's performed - think soundtrack of the play - and without the characters identified is very confusing. So I'm reading it online at No Fear Shakespeare. Lots of humor in it, and I can't believe I've never read it before. My sole previous knowledge was from the references in Mary Stewart's This Rough Magic which I read 40 years ago.

I think I'm going to jump on the Hag-seed bandwagon as well. I'm traveling on Thursday, so I'm going to take it as well as This Book is Full of Spiders by David Wong, to keep me entertained on the plane and in the hotel room.

>140 msf59: Not much to laugh about in the situation, but this made me lol. Did you post it on FB? If so, I'll share it.

Hmm, Atwood runs hot and cold for me, but I did like her The Penelopiad and, of course, The Handmaid's Tale which is turning out to be prescient as hell, so I may give Hag-Seed a go.

>159 karenmarie: More Styron love! Yah!

>160 streamsong: Hi, Janet! Glad you are also enjoying Hag-Seed on audio. It is working so well in this format. I am almost finished with my copy. I will now, have to read The Tempest. At least, I will have a handle on these characters.

>161 mahsdad: Plenty of room on the Hag-Seed bandwagon, Jeff and there are refreshments too. Grins...

Not familiar with This Book is Full of Spiders. Will have to wait for your warbling review.

>162 Storeetllr: "Not much to laugh about in the situation." Amen to that, Mary. I did not share it on FB. I have been laying very low on FB, since Nov. 8th. I miss visiting but I also get pissed off pretty easy, when I stop by.

Are you reading The Handmaid's Tale for the first time? It was my first Atwood and remains my favorite.

#161
We have This Book Is Full of Spiders in the library. If you like it you will have to let us know. I spied it and sort of marked it as one that I might want to read. At some point.

I read Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik when it first came out. I liked it, but I haven't picked up another of this books. I have read several of his essays for The New Yorker, so if you are interested in reading some fine essays I would say that Gopnik would be a good choice.

>160 streamsong: I've never been a fan of Shakespeare in audiobook fomat for just that reason.

>163 msf59: I've been very active on FB lately, arguing with my conservative friends (mostly family members of my boyfriend). I'm surprised they still talk to me. One of them keeps posting fake news! I call him out on it all the time, but it hasn't made him any more careful.

>164 benitastrnad: just beware, it's a sequel!

Hi Mark. Just saw a painful seasonal remind. Possibly heavy snow later next week. Thursday or so. Ugh. Hope it misses us.

Anyway, I'm starting to read A Gentleman in Moscow. It'll be slow going. Hawks game one night soon and, sadly, a wake for a co-worker's wife coming up soon, too.

>164 benitastrnad: Like Rachel pointed out, This Book Is Full of Spiders is a sequel to John Dies at the End. If I can find these on audio, i might give them a try, otherwise...

Adam Gopnik sounds like someone I would be interested in.

>165 The_Hibernator: Hi, Rachel! I gave up trying to argue with Trump supporters. It MAKES NO DIFFERENCE!! Good luck trying to convince the "insane". I think I will steer clear of FB, for awhile longer. Are we friends on there yet?

No we're not...

>162 Storeetllr: >163 msf59: Yes. I stayed completely off social media for over a week after 11/8 (the new 9/11) but started dipping my toe in the waters last week. I can only stand to be on it for a short time before I start feeling an anxiety attack (or sometimes even a full-blown panic attack) coming on and have to jump off and pick up a book.

I read Handmaid's Tale a long time ago, not long after it came out,I think. Seems to me now that it was prescient, in that the religious right are getting more and more extremist every year.

#166
I just checked and our library has three books by David Wong. This Book Is Full of Spiders, John Dies at the End, and Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits. Who knew he had that many books?

>169 The_Hibernator: I have friends that keep trying and trying to sway these guys, but to no avail. Let's see if it makes any difference once things fall apart.

I am Mark Freeburg on FB. The book, beer and bird loving one.

They'll blame it on Obama when Trump fails.

Friend request sent!

Everybody chimed in on the David Wong tip before I could.

I read John Dies at the End a couple years ago (and saw the movie) and it was one of the trippiest books I've ever read. Drug fueled horror comedy.

I'll let you know on the Spider front.

>170 Storeetllr: "(the new 9/11)" I think that fits perfectly doesn't it? I will try to ease back into FB, but in baby-steps. I like staying in touch with family and friends but I will avoid any political discourse...as much as possible.

>171 benitastrnad: I will be attuned to any loud warbling, about David Wong. I have been awful selective about starting any new series.

>173 The_Hibernator: I am sorry to say, but I agree with you, Rachel, on the blame game. Remember how mad our righty friends got when Bush was blamed? That will quickly be forgotten.

>167 lindapanzo: Sorry, Linda, I lost you in the shuffle. I try not to get hung up on local weather forecasts. They usually like to make it so "big". Hey, it's December, we will get snow. I hope to join you on A Gentleman in Moscow by the end of the work week. Is it a slow read?

>176 msf59: I just read a bit at lunch and it pulled me right in. Pretty long, though. About 450+ pages. Just not a lot of time to read right now, though I'm off on Mon and Tues. I think I'm going to like it.

So glad you found a beer and bird group in your area, Mark. I wonder if they may look askance at you if you suggest a beer at 8 am after an early morning of birding? But hey, it's always 5 O'clock somewhere! ;)

Hi Mark! Glad you are liking Hag-Seed. Isn't it fun? I am a big Atwood fan from way back, but one thing about her work is it's so various, that it's easy to see how someone might like some fo her work and not other things. I am not a huge fan of her SciFi stuff, but am thinking of re-reading Handmaid's Tale in light of the current political climate.
And have you read Stone Mattress? Mrs. Banjo and I both liked it a lot.

>173 The_Hibernator: And anything good of Obama's that happens to survive, he'll take credit for...

>179 banjo123: I loved Stone Mattress. Also plan on a Handmaid's Tale reread

Hi Mark! >140 msf59: Sadly true. My husband and I are kind of political news junkies but lately, not so much. Has it really been only three weeks?

Birds and books sounds brilliant Mark. I wonder if there are any groups in the UK?

All the Hag-seed love is good to see. Such a great read. Hoping to catch the original via live broadcast to cinema in the new year.

>177 lindapanzo: Glad A Gentleman in Moscow lured you in quickly. I will not think about size and will join you soon.

>178 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb! I love my beer but I am not a morning drinker. Early afternoon will work, in some circumstances. I think their dinner events, are all in the evening. If they are held during the work week, it will be tough to get into the city. We will see.

>179 banjo123: Hi, Rhonda! I am a big fan of Atwood (I have read 10) but this one still caught me by surprise. A perfect tribute to Shakespeare. I also liked Stone Mattress but I did not care for her last novel The Heart Goes Last. Did you read that one?

Morning, Mark!

>180 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! I think revisiting A Handmaid's Tale is a terrific idea. Maybe early next year and I will try it on audio.

I can't quite shake these post-election blues either. Something always triggers me back into this funk. Like "His" grade-school Tweets and his continuing rant about voter fraud!! OMG!

>181 charl08: I would not be surprised if they have Beer and Bird groups in your area, Charlotte. I did not realize we had one, until it popped up on FB. I think these make a perfect pair.

So there is a live production of Hag-Seed planned?

Hey Mark! Deep in Christmas cleaning and decorating. Not much time for anything else but I get so much done when I stay off the computer. Have a great day, my friend.

No election blues here just to let you know that your thread posts have passed 8,000 for the year mate. It is the first time you have managed the feat, Mark, so jolly well done and thoroughly well deserved for our ever popular warbling Postie-with-the-Mostie. (with this post 8,003 and counting)

Good morning, Mark! Beer and Bird group? It does sound perfect for you.

I can't quite shake these post-election blues either. Something always triggers me back into this funk. Like "His" grade-school Tweets and his continuing rant about voter fraud!! OMG!

Me, either. And >170 Storeetllr: Mary - it's a terrible thing that we can conflate an external attack on the US with an internal attack on the US, but I agree that '11/8' will now become a black day in American history.

mornin' Mark. lovely toppers. kinda sad-making seeking the Smokies in all their glory while, irl, the fires rage. if we could just get the rain to move the least little bit east on the map, we could get them out. i keep blowing on the map but nothing happens.

wanted to drop off this link to aNyt article on Icelandic poetry. it's really neat.

have a good day.

#188
I saw your posting on another thread and I have already read it. What is it with those Icelanders? They read, they write, they sing, they write songs, they have national health care ...

One of these days I am going to spend some time in Iceland. My former boss was born there and speaks Icelandic. I want to make the trip with her because she still knows people in Iceland.

I watched two great programs on PBS last night. Celtic Women Christmas, but this one was outshone by The Highwaymen in Concert. Outlaw country at it's best. Those guys sure could put on a concert and now Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings are gone. But it was a very enjoyable way to spend a rainy fall night in Alabama.

Hiya, Mark.

Love all the Atwood talk. I thought The Handmaid's Tale was a knockout, and I'm impressed that she could write such a different but good one as Hag-Seed.

I finished March Book Three, and my mind is still boggled by all Lewis and the others went through.

I'm also nearing the end of The Underground Railroad. What a book.

Have a good one today, buddy. At least it's clear out.

>185 Carmenere: Morning Lynda! Sounds like you have been busy. Hope you are finding some reading time.

>186 PaulCranswick: Wow! Call me Mr. 8,000. What is the the record on the Mighty 75, oh, Mr. Stat- Man?

>187 karenmarie: Morning Karen. I might go on an evening birding mission, tomorrow for a nocturnal outing. This is not part of the beer group though.

>188 mirrordrum: I hope you surviving the recent wildfires, Ellie. Is there still lots of smoke?
And thanks for the Iceland link. We are planning on going there next summer.

>189 benitastrnad: We are planning on going to Iceland, next year, in late May or early June. It has suddenly become very popular. I wish we could go for their Christmas bookish celebrations.

We saw The Highwayman, way back in the late 80s, after their first album. What an amazing line up.

>190 benitastrnad: Hi, Joe! I really enjoyed Hag-Seed and hooray for The Underground Railroad and finishing the March trilogy. Important books.

Is there a Beer and Birds and Books group, Mark? If so, I may try to join you some day. :-)

Top ten end of year scores

1 9,759 posts Amber (2014)

2 9,477 posts Paul (2012)

3 9,210 posts Stasia (2010)

4 9,171 posts Paul (2013)

5 8,852 posts Richard (2012)

6 8,772 posts Paul (2014)

7 8,747 posts Richard (2014)

8 8,647 posts Richard (2013)

9 8,011 posts Mark (2016)

10 7,792 posts Joe (2012)

Just repeating what I've said elsewhere---I'm in favor of adding Styron to the AAC. He's powerful. And often overlooked, in spite of Sophie's Choice, which I think many people only know of because of the film version.

>194 jnwelch: I should start one, Joe. The Holy Trinity. Grins...

>195 PaulCranswick: Now, that is some lofty company there, Paul. I am humbled. I also have a month's worth of posts left. Grins again..

>190 benitastrnad: On the weekend, either the Chicago or the Milwaukee PBS station had the Celtic Woman Christmas special on. I hadn't seen that before and didn't like them nearly as well as before. This current group seemed to be missing something.

On the other hand, before Celtic Woman, they showed a new (at least to me) Andre Rieu special, which was outstanding. I missed the first part but, no doubt, they'll show it again.

Now I just need to see a new Celtic Thunder concert on PBS and I'll be happy.

>170 Storeetllr: >187 karenmarie: I didn't make that comparison lightly, Karen. 9/11 was a terrible almost incomprehensibly tragic day that will live in infamy through the ages, but 11/8 is the day a full one-quarter of my fellow Americans were either stupid enough to buy into the reality-TV-show star's b.s. rhetoric or hate-filled enough to want to bring about a national disaster that will last long into the future. Or they simply didn't like the idea of a woman being in charge. Maybe all three. Truly a black day in American history.

Sorry, Mark. Didn't mean to hijack your thread. Back to books. Can't wait to pick up March from the library!

Edited to fix touchstone.

>184 msf59: Sorry Mark - I meant a show of The Tempest. Although I'd go to a show of Hag-seed if someone comes up with one!

>196 laytonwoman3rd: I think your wish will come true, Linda!

>199 Storeetllr: "Truly a black day in American history." I am with you, Mary! You can hijack my thread any time you want! You WILL love the March trilogy once you get to it.

>200 charl08: Joe has seen The Tempest on stage a few times. I would like to see it too but I will have to read the play first, even though I feel like I have, thanks to Ms. Atwood.

^Thanks to Dear Mamie's warbling, I started the audio of Pigeon Tunnel, a memoir by the legendary spy novelist, John Le Carre. Despite being a fan, I have not read Le Carre in years but this immediately captivated me. It is not a conventional memoir but selected stories from his life and it is endlessly fascinating. The author narrates it himself too and does an amazing job. Hugs to Mamie!!

>199 Storeetllr: I agree. Each nominee worse than the one before. Threatening to trample over rights illegally. I love to read the paper but find I can't stomach anything dealing with Trump. Somehow news like him considering Sarah Palin for Sec'y of Veterans Affairs leaves me speechless and incapable of any further coherent thought.

That potential nominee for Education (who hates public education and wants to destroy it) infuriates me, even though I spent a grand total of one year, out of my 20 educational years, at a public school. and that was kindergarten.

Right after the election, I couldn't read at all but now I find that I do little else besides work, eat, sleep, and read books. Oh and watch my Blackhawks, too, of course.

American Author Challenge 2017 is up. Stop over at the General Discussion Thread and leave your thoughts. Please keep it clean and do not throw anything: http://www.librarything.com/topic/209611

>204 msf59: - Mark, I just left a message over on that thread but it looks to be for 2016. Is there going to be a separate new thread for 2017? I starred it, just in case

>205 jessibud2: Once the 2017 threads are posted, at the end of next month, I will start the General thread and the Butler thread. I just wanted to post my list, so folks can begin to prepare.

Hope you can join us for a few, Shelley.

>126 jessibud2: Hi Shelley, I live in Canada and have no desire to read any Atwood, either. (I don't think she is one of Deb's favourite authors either.) So IMO it is not blasphemy not to like her writing, maybe you have to be from another country to appreciate it?

>204 msf59: I'll have to go and have a look at the AAC for 2017. Right now I am having a hard time picking a DeLilo. I looked in my library several times but nothing much appeals. Are there any recommendations?

Hi Mark, I checked out your list of AAC 2017 and you have some good ones lined up! I am going to be reading both Stewart O'Nan and Patricia Highsmith in December so if I love them, I may join you next year to read more of them.

>207 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg. So you have never read Atwood? If not, I would recommend you try The Handmaid's Tale. It remains my favorite.

Sorry, you are having a tough time picking a DeLillo. I have only read Libra, which was about Oswald and the JFK assassination. It was very good.

>208 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy! Glad you like the list! I think you will really like O'Nan. I am a fan. I do not think I have ever read Highsmith but I have seen some of the films, that were based on her works.

I dropped by the 2017 AAC thread out of curiosity. As I commented on that thread, you are in for a treat with Butler! There are still a couple of hers I need to read, so I may join you in January. And I've been wanting to read another Hemingway, having loved A Moveable Feast and The Sun Also Rises. I've heard of O'Nan. Haven't read anything by him yet, but A Prayer for the Dying sounds like something I'd enjoy.

Hey Postie with the Mostie, you know I am just kidding about birding and beer in the am :) I got An American Childhood from the library today . I put a hold on it at the library and picked it up today. Oh your warbling! I'm still in the midst of my current book, but it does look very good!

>207 Familyhistorian: Yes Meg and Shelley, I raise my hand! I am a Canadian who does not like Margaret Atwood. I did read The Handmaiden's Tale and my worst fears were confirmed. Not my kind of author. I do like the cover and name of Hag-Seed but I very much expect I will not be reading it! ;)

Morning, Mark! I love that talk of 2017 threads already. Exciting!

>210 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary! I hope you can join us on a few authors next year. What are your favorite Butler titles? Speaking of O'Nan, I have read A Prayer for the Dying but it was many years ago and the details are fuzzy. Others really like it.

>211 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb! Yes, I knew you were kidding about the beer in the A.M. Of course, there is no kidding around with beer in the P.M.

Looking forward to your thoughts, on An American Childhood. I hope it rings all your bells. But, it looks like no changing your mind about Maggie.

>213 scaifea: Morning, Amber! My LT pals, like to start making plans early. Besides, the AAC, I am not thinking much beyond January.

153) The View from the Cheap Seats by Neil Gaiman 3.7 stars

“Literature does not occur in a vacuum. It cannot be a monologue. It has to be a conversation, and new people, new readers, need to be brought into the conversation too.”

I liked this essay collection, chock full of essays, thoughts and musings about a variety of subjects, mostly art related: literature, comics, music and film. This is better suited for dipping in and out of, something I would recommend. I am not much of a "dipper", so I mostly listened to it straight through and it may have lessened the experience a bit for me. That said, the bonus is that Gaiman narrates the audio and since I could hear him read a car repair manual out loud, it was always pleasing.

155) An American Childhood by Annie Dillard 4.5 stars

"What can we make of the inexpressible joy of children? It is a kind of gratitude, I think—the gratitude of the ten-year-old who wakes to her own energy and the brisk challenge of the world. You thought you knew the place and all its routines, but you see you hadn’t known. Whole stacks at the library held books devoted to things you knew nothing about. "

“Private life, book life, took place where words met imagination without passing through the world.”

I could just pack this little review with quotes. I flagged so many. What a joy this memoir is and it really captures the wonder of childhood, unlike anything else I have read. A rock, a leaf, a moth, a baseball mitt and of course the mystical discovery of books and all the doors and windows that are flung open.
Dillard can dip into the metaphysical at times, leaving the reader, somewhat confounded but she always returns to the narrative, with lovely abandon.

Morning, Mark! Nice reviews. I have An American Childhood in the Kindle stacks, so I will try to get to it soonish.

Good morning, Mark!

The Gaiman sounds good, and I think I'll use the "dip-in" approach you recommend when I get to it. An American Childhood - nice tip! Not one I would've thought of, but you sure make it sound like an attractive reading experience. Your description made me think of Dandelion Wine - the wonder of childhood.

I was so mesmerized by A Handmaid's Tale, it's hard to imagine some of our folks being adverse to it. Another example of the differing reactions we all bring to books. As a non-appreciator of Faulkner, for ex, I'm sympathetic.

I'm returning to The Nakano Thrift Shop, which is probably a flavor few other than me would enjoy, although Hiromi Kawakami seems to be much more popular across the pond. My GN is Criminal: Lawless by Ed Brubaker. Did you read that one? Very good so far.

>217 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Glad you like the min-reviews. I hope you can find time to squeeze in An American Childhood. It is a wonder.

>218 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! If you have time to listen to an audio, here and there, save the Gaiman collection for that. It would be perfect that way.

Nice comparison with the Dillard memoir and the Bradbury. Dillard goes baffingly deep at times, though, that is not always a bad thing. It is just the way her mind works.

I did read that Brubaker. It might have been my first Criminal GN.

Good morning, Mark!

I loved Atwood's Alias Grace, but picked up and put down The Handmaid's Tale. I also have The Penelopiad, The Blind Assassin, Oryx and Crake, Cat's Eye, and The Robber Bride on my shelves because every time I see one of her books I think this will be the one to erase the bad taste that The Handmaid's Tale left in my mouth. So far I haven't picked up any of them.....

>216 msf59: Glad to hear you liked An American Childhood, Mark. I'm hoping to get to it in December.

Heading off to the Blackhawks game tonight and hoping we can bring them continued good luck.

>220 karenmarie: What happened with The Handmaid's Tale? The style? The subject matter? I loved Oryx and Crake, but I understand the dystopian thing, is not everyone's cuppa.

>221 lindapanzo: Have a great time at the Hawks game, Linda. Looks like they have been playing very well.

^I finally figured out how to keep squirrels away from my feeders. Unfortunately, it works for birds too.

I like reading and watching the feeders on my day off. On work days, it is dark when I leave the house and shortly after I get back home. I do not see anything at the feeders after 4pm.

I, too, have never read Atwood. I own several of her books, Handmaid's Tale among them.

>224 The_Hibernator: I think it may be a good time to read, Atwood, Rachel and A Handmaid's Tale is a perfect place to start.

^I am meeting my local bird group, for a nocturnal stroll. I think we will also be driving and making some stops at recommended "winter night" locations. This should be very cool.

^I am hoping to see an owl. I have never seen one in the wild. Send good vibes, will ya?

🙂 This month it's time to read In the Woods and We Need to Talk About Kevin. And January is time to read The Unwinding. Maybe February. Yup, I'm over-booked next year. It'll be harder to squeeze in suggestions. But I'll try in Feb.

>226 msf59: Sending hopeful vibes for spotting an owl tonight :-)

Have fun on your nocturnal bird stroll , Mark. I have seen a few owls when outside around here. Worst story - Dave and I were driving back from Seattle on the I-5 and it was after dark. All of a sudden I saw something like an owl strike the car windshield in front of me. I thought the owl was going to come right through the windshield into my lap. I was horrified. Fortunately it bounced off the windshield and I'm not sure what happened to the poor owl, but it sure shook me up. Dave was driving and did see not see it, but only heard it.

Oh scary stuff. Really odd for an owl to be flying that low. Not sure if it had become disoriented or was unwell, but oh boy, it was a big sucker of an owl. I did not have time to feel badly for it, I was just so glad it did not end up in my lap.

Both the Gaiman and the Dillard are on my list, Mark. Maybe next year...

Boo! No owls! But what a cool experience and I learned a lot about nocturnal birding, from a pro. Our leader, (there were only 4 of us total) is a Forest Preserve Ranger. She knows her stuff and she played owl recordings, to spark some feathery action, but to no avail. We were also watching for flying squirrels, but struck out there too. Did see a few deer.

>227 The_Hibernator: Those are two terrific reads, Rachel. Enjoy. Kevin still gives me chills when I think about it. Hey, we all over-book! It's what we do.

>228 FAMeulstee: Thanks for the vibes, Anita but no owls tonight. At least, I know a few spots, I can check on my own.

>229 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb! Had a good time on my nocturnal bird stroll, despite the inactivity. It was chilly but dry. I know how to dress warm.

Wow! That is quite an owl story. Kind of scary. Glad nothing bad happened and I hope the owl survived.

>230 BLBera: I think, you will enjoy both of them, Beth!

>231 msf59: that sounds so cool. My phone's ringtone is an Eastern Screech Owl. Non-birders think it's a horse. Sheesh.

I've heard owls quite a bit in our backyard, but never seen one. We've had hawks visit our porch and I'm seeing turkeys lately.

>233 lauralkeet: I'm not sure I'd want my phone to sound like a screech owl....I'm always looking for a soothing sort of ringtone!

Yes, I was quite terrified as I saw something ( the owl) I thought coming through the windshield. I think it left a bit of a crack in the windshield, but I just covered my eyes and hoped for the best.

We have the cutest owls around here . I've not seen one of these, but Dave used to see them fairly often, working in a large hangar fixing the airplanes. They are aptly called Barn Owls. So cute! ( Now Dave is working on the airport tarmac, fixing planes in between landing and the next take off ).

Glad you enjoyed your nocturnal birding.

>149 msf59: Yet another book bullet from you. The Shell Collector is on the tbr list.

>233 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura! Good to see you. I think I may have to switch my ringtone to a owl hoot. Thanks. She played a few owls for us and most of them don't do the traditional "hoo, hoo"

>234 drneutron: You will have to investigate further, Jim. This is the month, they are finding a mate, so they may be active. We see hawks here too. Not many turkeys in the 'burbs though.

>235 laytonwoman3rd: I think the screech owls have been given the wrong moniker. It isn't really screechy.

>236 vancouverdeb: Ooh, thanks for the barn owl, Deb. She's a beauty. They may be spotted in this area but I think it is rare. So, you don't see any owls while walking Poppy during the night, eh?

>237 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! I think you would like The Shell Collector. Did you read All the Light?

Good morning, Mark!

You know, I honestly don't remember. I just zoomed over to Amazon to look at the description of A Handmaid's Tale and now it sounds like something I'd really like.

We hear owls at night here and at our two previous houses in NC, but I've never seen one. We have quite a few hawks out here, too, and have seen Canadian Geese as the go south in the fall and back north in the spring. Herons can be seen gliding over the rear tree line. This in addition to all the birds that come and go at our feeders.

Over the years daughter would find feathers in the fields, pastures, and woods near our house.

Morning Karen! Love the bird feathers! I am sure you see all kinds of wildlife, living where you do. Do you keep track of what birds come to your feeder?

>239 msf59: Hi Mark. All the Light We Cannot See is an incredible book! It is a book that I continue to suggest to people that they read.

>235 laytonwoman3rd:, >238 msf59: thanks for standing up for the Eastern Screech Owl, Mark! When I volunteered at the bird rescue we'd see them occasionally. They are tiny and adorable. And not screechy!

Morning, Mark! I need to get round to that Gaiman soon!

>241 msf59: We have not made a list of the birds we've seen at the feeders, but offhand I can think of Cardinals, Yellow Finches, Purple Finches, Bluebirds, Blue Buntings, Cowbirds, Tufted Titmouses (mice?), Carolina Chickadees, various Woodpeckers, Mourning Doves, various Sparrows, and Blue Jays. I did see a bird this spring and actually found it in the Audubon Bird Guide Eastern Land Birds, but can't remember offhand what it is! I'll ask my friend Louise today - she is an avid birder although I don't think she has traveled to add to her life list in recent years. She'll definitely remember.

Oh yes, and we also have squirrels. But they are getting quiet at this time of year, and the feeders are getting quiet too. We don't have the winter birds yet.

>242 msf59: I assume Trump is the meteor, right?

>236 vancouverdeb: I know what you mean, Deb. I hit an owl in CA once. It scared the heck out of me. Left quite the impression. It feels so wrong to hit any sort of raptor.

But on a much happier note, recently I saw a bald eagle snatch up a squirrel right in front of me. It was flying low in a weird squiggly circle, and I thought something was wrong with it. But then it dived down and snatched a squirrel. I had been so distracted by the eagle that I didn't see the squirrel.

I also saw a hawk or something similar kill a robin once. It dived and body-slammed the birdy into the sidewalk right in front of me. That shook me up a bit.

Minnesota, eh?

Oh. And I saw a condor once at the Grand Canyon. But it didn't kill anything. I had a hard time convincing my dad that I saw one, because last he heard they were only in a narrow stip of dessert near Death Valley.

His condor story is that he was walking once in Death Valley and ran out of water. But once he got back to his car, where the water was, there was a huge condor sitting on it and it wouldn't move. He had to wait for it to fly away. 😂

I went on safari in Namibia once and saw lots of interesting birds. But it was too long ago...don't remember any names anymore.

And that's the end of my bird stories. You now know all.

Good morning, Mark! Happy Friday!

Good for you for doing that nocturnal birding. Sorry the owls didn't show up, but they will on one of your outings, I'm sure. Sounds like you had a great guide.

We went and heard Sharon Olds last night at the Poetry Foundation, and she was terrific. Funny, wise, friendly, and just plain impressive. Can't think of another poet who would write an "Ode to the Clitoris"; she performed it with aplomb.

>247 The_Hibernator: - Oh, that reminds me of my own raptor story! Several years ago, when I was still teaching, it was a glorious warm sunny day and several staff and some kids were eating lunch outside in the back of the school, where we have a gazebo and some picnic tables. One of the caretakers ran in to get me and told me to get my camera (he knew I was a birder). Apparently, only a few feet away from one of the picnic tables, a red-tailed hawk seemed to drop down out of nowhere and scoop up a squirrel (we have far too many squirrels but still, it must have been hard to witness). But the crazy thing is he took the squirrel to the top of the gazebo and began to have his own lunch. I stood on one of the benches and managed to get some good shots. But apparently, he got tired of being gawked at and took the squirrel and flew to the top of school's chimney to eat in privacy. All we could see was his head bobbing up and down as he ripped into it, and a big bushy tail hanging off the side of the chimney. It was a fascinating, if somewhat gross, view of nature in the raw, up close and personal. Might have put some folks right off their lunch, though!

Our school backed onto a forest and a ravine so it wasn't all that surprising. A lovely red fox once strolled right by the outside door of our classroom, too!

>244 lauralkeet: I love the sound of owls, which we often hear at night near our house. I just don't particularly want to that sound in my house, announcing that someone wants to talk to me. (I am not a fan of a ringing phone, no matter what it sounds like--color me cranky that way!) I am a big fan of raptors, as you may know. We have a lot of red tail hawks, and Coopers, around here.

Wow! Look at all the owl/raptor love and tales!

>245 scaifea: Morning Amber! I am sure you will have a very good time with the Gaiman collection.

>246 karenmarie: I think we get most of those same birds here. I am not sure about the bunting. I have not seen a purple finch but I know they are here.

And yes Trump is the meteor. Shaky grin...

>247 The_Hibernator: Love the raptor stories, Rachel. Bald Eagles are generally scavengers, right? Although, I am sure they are also opportunists.

I see Hawks on occasion, chasing birds, on the ground and around bushes but have not seen one score.

Love the condor story. Very cool.

>249 jnwelch: Happy Friday, Joe! Birding is a lot like fishing- You will not see or catch something every time but perseverance will pay off.

Glad you enjoyed the Olds event. I would love to attend a poet signing/talk.

My short break is over, back to the grind...

>252 msf59: I don't know if bald eagles are scavengers or not. But I saw what I saw. *shrug. Perhaps it was a dead squirrel?

>252 msf59:, >254 The_Hibernator: Bald eagles are not "generally" scavengers, but they will take advantage of pre-killed food. They are birds of prey, first and foremost.

>247 The_Hibernator: My old office overlooked a really shallow, man made lake. Being just a bit north of a river valley we would frequently get bald eagles fishing in the lake for carp. One day when the lake was partially iced over a bald eagle dove into the water and then just sat with its head slightly above the water. We couldn't figure out what it was doing (thought perhaps it was drowning). Eventually the eagle moved over to some of the floating ice near by. It drug itself out of the water and up on to the ice finally revealing what was going on. The eagle had (in one talon) a massive carp that was too big to lift and fly away with but managed to drag on to the ice next to it. The eagle sat on the ice for the next half hour drying off and eating the fish. Eventually it abandoned it to the crows who showed up.

When I go for walks at a Lake County first preserve, I note when I see birds I've never seen before but never try to figure out what they were.

Great Hawks win last night!! In overtime no less. That Hossa always comes through in the clutch. He has discovered the fountain of youth. I think he already has as many goals this season as he had all of last year.

I'm enjoying A Gentleman in Moscow but haven't had much reading time lately. I didn't get home til 12:15 am after the Hawks game and was too tired to read. I do have a 4-day weekend ahead, though, so between Christmas shopping and card writing etc, and sadly, going to my friend at work's wife's wake on Sat afternoon, I should get in plenty of reading time.

>256 Oberon: That must have been a sight to see!

>229 vancouverdeb: Wow! I have almost the same owl story. I was working in a hospital lab driving in for a night call, when a huge owl came right towards me. It flew over the top of my car hood and up my windshield but managed to pull itself up enough to avoid being hit. The wing span went across my entire windshield. My guess is a great horned owl, but I wasn't paying attention to particulars. :-)Definitely an experience I'll never forget.

There are lots of owls in my area. They should start their winter mating hooting soon. One time they were so noisy, that my son (I think in junior high) crawled out of his second story bedroom window and onto the roof in the middle of the night so he could throw something at the owl perched in a nearby tree. (Ah, sons!)

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

I love the owl pics.

I finally finished Longmire season 2. My brother is a huge fan and he has gotten me into it. But, it is such a richly produced show, that I take my time with it and binge a few episodes every few months.

Happy Friday, Mark! Hoping the afternoon goes quickly for you.

>214 msf59: My favorite Butler's are Fledgling, The Wild Seed and Dawn, the first in the Exogenesis trilogy.

>242 msf59: Exactly.

>216 msf59: I loved that one too, mark. More than Pilgrim at Tinker Creek :)
Nice (if that is the right word!) raptor stories! Yikes.

We get all sorts of wildlife on our extra-suburb property (that's what it's called right? past the ring of suburbs?) - deer, coyotes, rabbits, bats, chipmunks, gophers, red and grey squirrels. One day we had a red-tail hawk eating a rabbit in the corner of our yard for about 20 - 30 minutes. We even had a half dozen turkeys once.

"Diet: Eagles primarily eat fish, carrion, smaller birds and rodents. Eagles are also known to prey on large birds and large fish.

The bald eagle is not picky about how it gets its food. It will eat carrion, steal fish from other birds or hunt for its own. Their most important non-carrion food is fish, which they catch by swooping down and grabbing fish that are near the surface of the lake or stream."

So, I think that covers squirrels & carp! Grins...

Wow! Lots of visitors! Birds are sure popular!

>254 The_Hibernator: "But I saw what I saw." And that looks like that exactly what you saw, my friend. See, post #265.

>255 laytonwoman3rd: " They are birds of prey, first and foremost." And you are right on the money, Linda. Kudos.

>256 Oberon: That is a great eagle story, Erik. Eagle vs. Huge Carp! This is the bonus, for leaving in more rural areas. I am jealous.

>257 lindapanzo: When you mentioned "Great Hawks" win, I immediately thought of raptors. Grins...

Go Blackhawks! They have been on a nice roll. I heard there is great "birding" in Lake County.

I just saw that Hulu is doing a series based on The Handmaid's Tale, starring Elizabeth Moss. Intriguing....

Bald Eagles are also thieves. MrMorphy was ice fishing in the open on Lake Bemidji when he saw another ice fisherman toss a 4 - 5 pound walleye out of his ice house to freeze. A bald eagle had been circling above but then it came diving in, grabbed the fish and flew off with it. The fisherman came out of his house and watching his catch fly off yelled, "Dammit!" MrMorphy lost it.

>259 streamsong: Ooh, another owl story. Cool. GHO are also in our area. I WANT to see one. And mating season for owls, is starting here too.

Glad your son, didn't fall off the roof.

>260 brodiew2: Hi, Brodie! My Friday went very well, despite working in chilly conditions. I also enjoy the Longmire TV series, (fantastic cast) but if you have not read the books, I highly recommend them, as well.

>261 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! My afternoon went smoothly. Listened to another healthy chunk of Tunnel Pigeon. What a terrific book.

>262 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary! And thanks for the Butler recs. She has quite a selection to choose from.

>263 LovingLit: "More than Pilgrim at Tinker Creek". I will have to agree with you on that one, Megan. Go Dillard!

>264 Morphidae: Happy Friday, Morph! Good to see you. We see most of those animals too. Did you say, you have a bird feeder going?

>266 msf59: Erik and I both live in the Twin Cities, which I don't particularly consider rural, though it's definitely not as big city as Chicago.

>267 katiekrug: Ooh, I saw something about that Hulu series too, Katie! Elizabeth Moss + The Handmaids Tale= sounds like gold.

>268 Morphidae: LOL. Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh, Morph. That is a very nice walleye too. It would have been great eating. Bummer, Mr. Morph.

>270 The_Hibernator: I think, up there in Minnesota, you are getting pretty close to the big wilderness country, Rachel.

I have never been to the Twin-Cities. Do I sense a possible Meet-Up?

A meet-up would be fantastic. There are several of us here. I can think of 5 off-hand.

>269 msf59: I'll get a Longmire on the tentative 2017 reading list. :-)

>272 The_Hibernator: We have a couple big things on the burner for 2017, Rachel but if we can find a "cheapie" flight...

I know my wife, wants to hit the Mall of America. I would rather hit a brewery or two and a bookstore or three.

>273 brodiew2: Try to bookhorn in A Cold Dish, Brodie and keep in mind these are fantastic audios.

There are some breweries around. 🙂 And (side note because it's not a brewery) our Barnes and Noble in Edina serves alcohol!

^18 books? Say, what? Sure, a couple are real shorties and there is a GN trilogy included (just counted as one), along with a Buddha manifesto, but come on-18 is 18!!

NF ruled the month, with Hero of the Empire, Truevine & the March: Trilogy leading the way, along with one great memoir, An American Childhood and a good one, Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl.

Fiction wasn't shabby either, with Jimmy Bluefeather, The Descendants, The Return of the Soldier & Darktown standing tall. I love Maggie Atwood but Hag-seed turned out to be a real treat and a true surprise.

December has a big mountain to climb, but you never know...

Mark! do you have a thread up for the AAC for 2017? How can I find it?

>275 The_Hibernator: Ooh, breweries! I think Surly Brewery is there too. One of my favorites.

>277 brodiew2: There are no 2017 threads posted yet, until later in the month. Here is the General Discussion thread for 2016:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/209611

>278 msf59: Surly is worth the trip.

Good morning, Mark! Early good morning - insomnia has reared its ugly head. Sigh. But I have almost finished Travels With My Aunt by Graham Greene for Sunday's book club discussion. I'll probably go back to sleep in an hour or so for a while, too.

Congratulations on reading 18 books in November! Fantastic.

>276 msf59: Sounds like a great month Mark. Let's keep the Darktown warbling going...

>279 Oberon: Music to my ears, Erik. I am happy that we can get Surly beer here. Smiles...

>280 karenmarie: Morning Karen! Boo to insomnia. Hope you can go back to sleep. I am up having a cup of coffee and some online time before heading to the office. I have not read Travels With My Aunt. There are quite a few Greene books I would like to read. He is mentioned a few times, in Pigeon Tunnel, since Le Carre and Greene crossed paths and were both spies at one point.

>281 charl08: Thanks, Charlotte. Hopefully, once Joe reads Darktown and passes it on, the warbling will reverberate.

>276 msf59: - What a great November you had, Mark.

I love the owl love here; they are such cool birds.

I LOVED The Handmaid's Tale. It's one of my all-time favorite reads.

Happy Saturday, Mark!

Wow! Heavy work load today, especially for a Saturday, which is traditionally one of the lighter days of the week.
Must be cleaning out the basements or something. Glad I have a couple cold brews waiting for me, on the other side.

>283 BLBera: Hi, Beth. Yes, November was a good reading month. Let's try for another, shall we?

Love owls but have still not seen one in the wild. I am going on another owling adventure, in late January. Maybe then?

>284 scaifea: Morning Amber!

>264 Morphidae: We did have a squirrel* bird feeder once but we had a Seed War and the squirrels won.

*Okay, that was totally accidental and made me laugh. Talk about a Freudian slip! (Where you say one thing and mean your mother.)

>271 msf59: Oh, it wasn't MrMorphy's fish. If it was, he would be the one cussing, not laughing!

>274 msf59: When you come to Mpls, check out Uncle Hugo's/Uncle Edgar's - Hugo's is the oldest SciFi/Fantasy new/used bookstore in the US and Edgar's has Mysteries. Be prepared to wander amidst stacks for hours.

http://www.unclehugo.com/prod/index.shtml

Hiya, Mark! Happy Saturday, buddy.

Congrats on the 18 books in November! Awesome. Which was the Buddha manifesto - the Stephen Mitchell Tao Te Ching?

After I finish The Nakano Thrift Shop, I'm going to read an Edwidge Danticat book that Ellie sent me, and then I've got Darktown lined up after that. If both you and Charlotte are that high on it, I've got a lot to look forward to!

I switched from The Oregon Trail to Zero K; it just wasn't the right time for TOT, so I'll circle back to it. So far, Zero K is very well-written, but I sure can't tell you whether I like it or not. I am glad I'm finally reading one of his.

Great Bulls win last night over NBA champion Cleveland - looking forward to attending next weekend's game with you.

Darktown is in my near future, too.

>286 Morphidae: Hi, Morph! It looks like we have an ongoing squirrel & feeder war going on too. Those rodents are pretty tenacious.

Glad that wasn't Mr. Morph's fish and thanks for the book store ideas, if and when we visit your fine city. Hoping for more "when" than "if".

>287 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! Busy day at work today and now we are out to visit with friends and yes, beer will be involved.

Yes, I was referring to Tao Te Ching. I am not sure if it is considered a manifesto but it sounded good.

Sorry, The Oregon Trail isn't tooting your horn at the moment. I hope you can get back to it and I will be joining you on Zero K on Monday.

Go Bulls!

>288 brodiew2: Looking forward to your thoughts on Darktown, Brodie.

^Yes, please!!

>289 msf59: Well, what's nice about Uncle Hugo's/Uncle Edgar's is that they are attached at the hip, so to speak. Hugo's is in front and Edgar's is in back.

Sadly, the bookstore selection at MOA is pathetic. Just one Barnes & Noble.

Where's a bird expert when you need him? I was driving to pick my friend up to go to the wake when traffic was backed up as far as you could see in both directions on my two lane road.

A large contingent of duck like creatures with tiny heads, light colored, kept crossing and recrossing the road. I had no idea what they were and, a half hour later, coming back through, we came upon the same area and there was a police car and a guy frantically trying to catch one last bird.

Trying to figure out what this was. Neither of us had ever seen this before.

>290 msf59: one of those days!?
Me too. Currently I'm enjoying a vino 😃

Gosh, so many nearly through the windshield owl stories! Wow!, No , I've not seen an owl after dark while walking Poppy. When Poppy was young and 4 - 9 lbs ( now she is 15 lbs) I worried a lot about a raptor swooping down and taking her as food. She is all white and could have been thought to be a rabbit. I had never thought of such a thing until the person that we got Poppy from told us that had happened to someone. A small dog was apparently picked up by a bald eagle ( they are plentiful around here ) and dropped into the river. Or so the story goes. I had trouble believing that , but it has made me cautious.

>290 msf59: Such a subtle picture, Mark! LOL!

>292 lindapanzo: - Ha! Next time that happens (!?), if the cars aren't moving, hop out and take a picture! I did that once, at IKEA. Suddenly, the line into the parking lot came to a dead standstill. Since no cars were moving, I grabbed my camera and laughed my head off. There, in front of a large sign with an arrow pointing right, a family of about 15 Canada geese were crossing left, adults at either end, young'uns all over the place in between them. Of course, everyone knows Canada geese. They also happen to nest on the lawns around the IKEA every year so it was *rightfully* THEIR road, you see.

If you can remember the specifics of your siting, try this: http://www.whatbird.com/

>292 lindapanzo: Ooh, a mysterious bird sighting. Were they the same size as a duck? Most water fowl that I know of, other than mallards are very shy.

I wonder if they were snow geese?

>293 LovingLit: It wasn't a bad day, I was just looking forward to relaxing with a brew or two and I did., although there were no Frauleins like that around. Hope you enjoyed our vino.

>294 vancouverdeb: Hi Deb! I wonder how often a raptor would scoop up a dog? I would think it would be pretty rare but I understand your fears. Go Poppy!

Did you start An American Childhood?

>295 vancouverdeb: All about the subtlety, Tonto! Grins...

>296 jessibud2: Hi, Shelley! We have had geese crossing issues at times too, usually with families in tow. Thanks for the link. I have a couple bird ID apps on my cell.

MarK, I think that your AAC picks for next year have gone down a treat. I finished my BAC selections this morning and hope that you will be as supportive of your challenge's little cousin as you always have.

Have a great Sunday.

Just a quick stop here to say HELLO and happy Sunday.

>299 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul! I am glad the AACIV has received some love. Looking forward to hosting it. I have enjoyed following my "little cousin" this year. I stumbled upon some fine authors and I look forward to doing the same, in 2017.

>300 Ameise1: Barb stopped by! Barb stopped by! Hooray! Good to see you, stranger.

>296 jessibud2: >297 msf59: Thanks for the bird info. The first time, I had plenty of time to snap a pic but didn't, though I should have. The second time, the cop was trying to get people through quickly and safely, without hitting the animal control (?) guy or the bird.

On FB, a friend from our Arkansas office was trying to help me figure it out. It might've been a coot or a teal, maybe.