Michigantrumpet Toots Again 2017 (part 1)

Hello and Welcome!! My name is Marianne, a 50ish lawyer living and working in the Greater Boston area. I moved here over 30 years ago from Ann Arbor, hence the Username. Mine is an eclectic mix of reading, spanning serious to fluff and both fiction and non-fiction. I managed to make it to 75 in 2016 with a few to spare. Yay, me! hoping for more of the same in 2017.

This is my fourth year in the 75er group. Last year was a complete bust as to active posting, but I did plenty of lurking keeping track of you all. I hope to be more present in the upcoming year!

I ADORE 75er meet ups! The true highlights have been meeting up with Caroline (Cameling), Suzanne (Chatterbox), Darryl (Kidzdoc), Jim (magiciansnephew), Judy (ffortsa), Benita (Benitastrnad), Mark (msf59) as well as the excellent crew from LibraryThing holding fort at the ALA convention table. I still wear my LT t-shirt every possible chance!

Look me up if you're in the area!

1. Matilda by Roald Dahl
2. Full Dark House by Christopher Fowler
3. When God Isn't Green by Jay Wexler
4. Hissing Cousins: The Untold Story of Eleanor Roosevelt and Alice Longworth Roosevelt by Marc Peyser
5. Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast
6. Tuesday Nights in 1980 by Molly Prentiss
7. The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real count of Monte Cristo by Tom Reiss
8. A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams

Yeah, I know, time is ticking!

Getting caught up to write Reviews from 2016 Reading:

1. The Travelers by Chris Pavonne
2. Rogue Heroes by Ben McIntyre

Goals for 2017:

2016 presented challenges (good and bad) professionally and personally which kept me from these pages as much as I would have liked. If I don't make it around to see you, please know the fault is entirely mine. I ADORE this group and the friends I've made here.

I am cautiously dipping my toe back into the waters, trying to not overwhelm myself. With that in mind, and knowing my reading takes a largely serendipitous route, I hope to:

1. Finish all my Early Reviewer books shortly. Got seriously behind there. Several are in various stages of completion. Should get done soon!

2. Catch up on my reviews from 2016. I'm considering just posting them here on this thread, rather than go back to my largely defunct 2016 one. They just won't make it into my totals for the year.

3. Make a further dent on a very large TBR mountain. I read 22 out of 90 books received from the ALA last year. There were a couple of DNF duds, but there is still a large number to go. I really want to topple that pile. On the plus side, I didn't spend much on books this past year!

Ended the year with a trip to Fort Lauderdale to see my beloved Wolverines take on the Florida State Seminoles in the Orange Bowl. While we came up one point short at the end, it was a great time overall. Of course, my Michigan Marching Band won the battle of the bands!

Spent lots of time with friends, drinking, eating, and getting mani/pedis. A time to recharge and get back on track for the winter!

Sadly, caught a bit of a bug on the plane, but large quantities of vitamin C and hot tea with lemon and honey have (one hopes) sent it packing. Back to work tomorrow.

Michigantrumpet's 2016 Book Title Meme
(Using titles from books read in 2016.)

Describe yourself: Lady Cop Makes Trouble
Describe how you feel: Lost For Words
Describe where you currently live: The House We grew Up In
If you could go anywhere, where would you go?: Homegoing to The Little Paris Bookshop
Your favorite form of transportation: The Underground Railroad or The Road to little Dribbling
Your best friend is: A Gentleman in Moscow
You and your friends are: The Maximum Security Book Club
Your favorite food is: The Invention of Wings
What's the Weather Like?: The Last Days of Night
You fear: Lies, Damned Lies, and History and The Madwoman Upstairs
What is the best advice you have to give: Splinter the Silence
Thought for the Day: Good Night, Mr. Wodehouse
How I would like to die: Meeting Tom Brady
My Soul's Present Condition: Life After Life

I am part of the group.
I love being part of the group.
I love the friendships bestowed upon my by dint of my membership of this wonderful fellowship.
I love that race and creed and gender and age and sexuality and nationality make absolutely no difference to our being a valued member of the group.

Thank you for also being part of the group.

Happy New Year, Marianne! I hope to see you and Caroline in Boston later this year.

>6 PaulCranswick: Thank You Paul! What beautiful sentiments! I heartily agree with every one!

>7 kidzdoc: So, Darryl -- finally recovering from your work marathon? Hope the back is feeling better.

Looking forward to seeing you in Boston! If Caroline can't put you up, more than happy to have you here!

>8 michigantrumpet: Right, Marianne. My back is still a bit sore, but it feels much better this evening than it did last night.

Thanks for your kind offer! Maybe I can cook for you, John, Caroline and Edd in return for your collective hospitality, regardless of who I stay with.

>9 kidzdoc: Would be most happy to have you without the cooking. With that offer, we most certainly insist you come to stay! If everything tastes as yummy as the pictures you post look, we're in for a treat!

>10 michigantrumpet: Sounds good!

ETA: I'm nowhere near as good a cook as Caroline is, though. She is amazing!

Marianne!! WOOT!

Happy New Year, Marianne.

Happy New Year, Marianne. Got you starred but will have to wait until I get back to my computer to add my star.

Here you go! Cutting and pasting on a tablet is not my thing.

Happy New Year! (dropping a star)

Dropping my star, Marianne!

>11 kidzdoc: So I hear, Darryl! Although we never seem to end up cooking for one another. We always seem to be heading out to try some new hot spot. This Sunday will be joining Caro and Edd at the Little Donkey over in Cambridge. Picked the Best Restaurant in Boston by the Globe!

>12 scaifea: Amber! Woot x2!

>13 BLBera: Happy New Year to you, too, Beth!

>14 ronincats: Roni -- I hear you! I've had computer issues myself so I understand. Glad to have you stop by!

Happy New Thread, Marianne! Happy New Year! So good to see you posting. Missed seeing you around.

I hope to follow your reading life this year. I always like to see what books you are picking.

Very nice to see a new thread from you.

Welcome back!

Starred!

Hello and starred!

It's wonderful to see your 2017 thread up. Happy reading, Marianne. Dropped a star.

Happy New Year, Marianne!

Good luck with the reading and the posting this year Marianne. I'm very glad to see you back.

I'll join you in that resolution to catch up with reviews. Between LT, Book Browse, and Goodreads, I have several stacked up. Looking forward to your reading reports!

Happy reading in 2017, Marianne!

>5 michigantrumpet: You and your friends are: The Maximum Security Book Club
LOL!

Found and starred you! Have a great year of reading.

Hi there, I tracked you down. And plan to come back soon, and regularly :)

Ditto, Marianne. Happy New Year!

Starred you, my dear friend. Can't wait to see you this Sunday for our New Year celebration! :-)

HERE you are! Sorry your trip to Fort Lauderdale ended on a sniffle, and glad you're recovering.

By all means post your 2016 reviews here so we can all read them.

I do wish we had a bigger apartment, so I could invite all my friends to stay. Hope to see you soon.

>17 msf59: Hello Mark! I ewas just thinking about our wonderful time together last summer. In December, I stopped by the Saratoga Springs location of our favorite bookstore NorthShire Books. Felt compelled to get a craft beer at the pub across the street in your honor! (It had to be done!) Hope all's well!

>18 Oberon: So good to see you, Erik. Just stopped over at your thread to drop my star. Good pick for Minnesota's new football coach. P.J. Fleck is an up-and-comer! Congratulations!

>19 drneutron: Hullo, Jim! It's good to be back! I'm late to say it, but a hearty thanks for getting the new group together. It's a beautiful thing!

>20 katiekrug: It's Kick Ass Kate! Just dropped my star over on your thread. Glad to see you've managed to make the transition North without too much hassle. Looking forward to seeing your reading for the year!

>21 tapestry100: So good to have you drop in David. I'll be following your progress both in health and reading!

>22 Ameise1: See that you read and enjoyed Underground Railroad. Seeing Colin Whitehead as a featured speaker at the Boston Book Festival was a true highlight of 2016. One of my favorites readsfor the year!

>23 DianaNL: Hi Di! So lovely to see you here! I'm glad to be back amongst friends. Happy New Year to you, too!

>24 laytonwoman3rd: I'll need the good luck, too, Linda! Starting 2017 out with good intentions. With all that went on, I did manage to make my reading goal, but little by way of posting. One year, I should be able to do both!

>25 Cariola: We'll both work at chipping away at the reviews, Deborah! I look forward to seeing you thoughts. We seem to have simpatico reading tastes.

>26 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita! That was a fun meme and that answer was one of my favorites. Always find the weather and transportation ones a little difficult. So happy when I come across a book during the year that might fit either category! Happy New Year to you, too!

>27 thornton37814: Welcome Lori! I was thinking of you during that horrible fire in Tennessee a month or so ago. As you might remember my folks live in Maryville, so I heard quite a bit about it. What a terrible thing. Hoping you and yours came through without any problem.

>28 LovingLit: It's Megan! Sorry to be so hard to find. Hoping to manage to keep up with things over the course of the year. Did some lovely reading last year. Please come back.

>29 jnwelch: Happy New Year to you, too, Joe! Hope you are enjoying the theater. Already starting to dream about my plans for our Williamstown Theater Festival series this summer!

>29 jnwelch: Caroline! Looking forward to seeing you and Edd! Did you see, the Globe called it one of the best new restaurants of the year. That must explain why we had so much trouble with the reservation!

>30 cameling: Hey there, Judy! Given the barely missed tragedy at the Fort Lauderdale Airport today (I was just right there a few days ago!!!), I've decided it's better not to complain too about the sniffles. Others have much bigger problems.

I'll see how it goes with the 2016 reviews. Thanks for the input.

Are you still up for a return trip to Williamstown this summer?

So I just read that one thing that DEFINITELY shows one's age is double spacing after a period. Nuts! It's so automatic at this point, I'm not sure I can stop. I'm still trying to avoid writing in full sentences in texts, which I'm told also ages one. Of course, speaking of oneself as 'one' probably has me marked as a senior citizen already!

Anyone else a double spacer?

>37 michigantrumpet: - all the time. And I do full sentences about 97% of the time. Don't give a rat's ass if they age me - to me it's more important not to let standards slip. Guess that must make me the equivalent of approximately 107 years old and really stuffy to boot! :)

>38 Fourpawz2: Dear Charlotte! Hello and welcome! It was in an article on LinkedIn about things one should not do in today's resumes and job searches. Threw me for a loop, that's for sure!

Hope all's well there with you!

My first for 2017!

1. Matilda by Roald Dahl
Five Stars



Utterly delightful tale of precocious Matilda's revenge upon her neglectful parents and the atrocious headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. The only time she isn't being ignored by her mother and father is when they are heaping scorn about her little shoulders. She teaches herself to read by age three, finding refuge in books. Within a few years, she is taking on Dickens, Hemingway and the like. Hard not to love this child!

When her parents finally remember to enroll her in school, she comes under the care of the lovely Miss Hunney. We all fall in love with our first grade school teacher, but Miss Hunney deserves a special category all to herself. Then the vile Miss Truchbull makes life so very, very difficult. Matilda's brain cells are soon cogitating on the best plan ever....

As a child, I adored Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach. Roald Dahl's droll inventive writing still manages to captivate across the space of a few (!) more decades for this now adult reader. I was drawn to Matilda recently due to rave reviews for exquisite narration of actress Kate Winslet. Winslet brings enormous energy, providing engaging and humorous versions of each character. I think that I would have enjoyed this book no matter what, but Winslet's narration raised it to stratospheric heights. A five star winner for me!

Happy Friday, Marianne! hope the week went well. Congrats on your first read. I do not think I have ever read Dahl. Bad Mark?

What do you have lined up next?

I'm in Cambridge in early February for a meeting, I think. If it stays on track, wanna try for a meetup?

Are you sure that's the "problems" you meant?!?

>41 msf59: Dahl has a knack for leaping into a child's mind, that's for sure! Knowing your penchant for audio, highly recommend this one with the glorious Kate Winslet!

Several going at once: The Abundance by Annie Dillard, Hissing Cousins: The Lifelong Rivalry of Eleanor Roosevelt and Alice Roosevelt Longworth by Mark Peyser, Full Dark House: A Peculiar Crimes Unit Mystery by Christopher Fowler (as if I need ANOTHER series to get started upon!) and an ER I'm a hairsbreadth from finishing called When God Isn't Green by Jay Wexler.

>42 drneutron: Absolutely Jim! I would love that! Just as a head's up -- I do my marathon Academy Awards Best Picture Showcase on 2-18 and 2-25. Back to back best picture nominated films. Seems like you are planning to be here earlier than that? I'll PM you my contact info.

>43 m.belljackson: Good Heavens!!!! ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Quickly editing. Thank you, THANK YOU for picking that up. That's what I get for trying to peck things out on my Ipad!

You are a lifesaver m.belljackson!!! Do you have a thread yet? Would love to stop by and say howdy.

>37 michigantrumpet: Ha, I was fortunate and read The Mac is not a Typewriter in 1990 when proportional fonts were first becoming common. Only one space after periods and colons! That was SUCH a helpful book.

>45 ronincats: You're lucky, Roni. My High school typing class was in 1977 and the first computer that I used full time wasn't until 16 (?) years later. Way too much time for habits to become ingrained.

I recall hearing somewhere of someone hitting the return key whenever they reached the end of the page on their computer. At least I didn't quite get that far along ....

(Although I do miss the *ding* when the carriage reached the end of the line!)

>46 michigantrumpet: Well, my high school typing class was in 1965 and electric typewriters were an innovation. But I was fortunate in starting out on a Mac and finding this little book gem early in the computer age.

Yes, two > MEMES has been noticed and enjoyed - "The Oxford English Dictionary" could use visitors!

>37 michigantrumpet: I only came across tht fairly recently (double spacing after a full stop). It was when I was working on a group project, and I kept 'correcting' it! Is it a type writer thing?
But, I definitely do full sentences, and spelling, in texts.

I never did typing at high school, and at primary school in my last year we find-raised for the following years to have the use of a computer. I was every so slightly behind the 8-ball!

Your first book a five stars. Wow, that sounds fabulous. I have Kiss Kiss as an audio book and will use it for the BAC 2017.
Happy weekend, Marianne.

Wait, what?! People don't double space?! Wow. I'm so out of the loop. I'll keep double-spacing, though - just try to stop me!

Hi, Marianne.

I'm another fan of The Underground Railroad. How was Colson Whitehead in person? Why was his appearance at the book festival such a highlight for you? Inquiring minds want to know. Any UFOs or scandals?

>37 michigantrumpet: Two spaces after a period was standard MLA format until two or three years ago when they changed it to one. I still use two. Call me an old fogey!

>37 michigantrumpet: I still find it easier to read with the extra space, and I also don't care if it 'ages' me. Hey, I've aged!

P.S. I think you confused me with Caro - just the post number. Jim and I are up for Williamstown. Let us know when you plan to book.

The fires were unforgettable. I'm about 35 miles away. The ashes were literally falling like snowflakes where I lived. We could see the orange glow. This is one of those things I'll never forget.

Hooray for Matilda - Great comments. I am definitely a double spacer after a period. And it's a hard habit to unlearn. I rarely text, which really ages me. Oh well.

Marianne!! Your 2017 thread is up!! Woot, woot! Loving your meme answers up above, especially "If you could go anywhere, where would you go?: The Little Paris Bookshop" I'm in in if you go for a visit!! ; ) Also "My Soul's Present Condition: Life After Life." Yup. Congrats on your first read, and a five-star no less! Welcome back.

>49 LovingLit: >51 scaifea: Double spacing after a period had something to do with using a typewriter. Now it is just a single space. I do a lot of editing for a heritage society and some of the people whose work I edit are older (my age) so I have to do a lot of taking out of spaces. So if you don't want to look like an old fogy, (ie, you want to be published, Amber) just use a single space.

Hi Marianne, looking forward to following your thread again this year.

>58 Familyhistorian: I had to laugh. I had the double spacing after a period so ingrained in me that I've had difficulty breaking the habit. When I finished my book last fall, the first thing I did before I began proofreading it was to search and replace two spaces for one. I was really surprised I only had 8 of those. I guess I'm beginning to get better!

Heh. Actually, most word processors are set up to automatically get rid of the extra space these days. :)

>48 m.belljackson: MBJ - added a meme on the MEME thread. Trying to locate the OED one. Can you give a link? Is that your personal thread for the 75er group where you will be keeping track of your reading or a general information one?

>49 LovingLit: Quite honestly, Megan, I've no idea the origins of the double spacing after a period. My young nieces laugh at the length of my texts with the full sentences, grammar, spelling!

>50 Ameise1: Didn't know about Kiss Kiss, Barbara! Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

>51 scaifea: You go, Amber! Don't let anyone push you around!

>52 jnwelch: All right, Joe -- here's the deets on the Colin Whitehead talk:

Whitehead first did a reading, prefacing it as a celebration of life within life on a plantation. "Only a human being for a moment across the eternity of her servitude."

He said he'd heard a reference to the Underground RR about 16 years ago in school and thought it was a real railroad.

He said he did a lot of research, especially looking at firsthand slave narratives. At one point, it was going to be a 'hero' not 'heroine' to his novel, but he'd read a slave narrative by a North Carolina woman named Harriet Jacobs. The male slave experience would be very different from the female slave experience. He wanted to explore particularly the sense of a mother looking for her child. It is very complicated, but a challenge he thought was worth taking on. The male perspective has recently been explored in Django Unchained and Twelve Years a Slave.

Whitehead said his own forebears came from plantations in Georgia and Florida. He used some of their names in the book. He tried to be historically accurate. The more he delved into it, it was an experience of pure brutality He was horrified with an adult reckoning of what slavery meant. To be realistic, he knew that horrible things would have to happen to Cora. His aim was to explore how trauma affects you and stays with you for decades and shapes your life.

He wanted a psychologically rich rendition of slavery life. (I'll say he accomplished that!)

He was asked how he chose the path and states through which Cora traveled on the Railroad. Whitehead stated he could have picked several. When planning and outlining, he had a beginning and an end, but the middle was fuzzy. He was open to random creative serendipity.

He was drawn to the information he learned about South Carolina and their Eugenics issues with 1840 treatment of black bodies. It carried, though resonance of the Tuskegee experiment. It also harkens to the Jewish treatment in Nazi Germany/Anne Frank. He took the racial language of the Nazis and grafted it onto the racist language of slaveholders. He did play somewhat with realities, but it is fiction. He wanted to make some larger statement about White Supremacy.

He said that he isn't working on anything right now. When he works, he likes to stay in his NYC apartment with food delivery and does research mainly on his computer. He didn't travel much to do research. He did talk about having visited two different plantations. One acknowledged the slave history. He felt he could really pick up on the heat, smell, sound of insects. The other one was a Disney/Hollywood version of a slave owner experience. If you want to escape from hotel chains you can stay there. They have weddings there. He said that we should be sensitive to attempts to commodify and consume the black enslaved experience.

The talk was given in one of the old very large churches downtown. Easily 200-300 people there. There was another black author who asked the main questions, but he was also very receptive to questions from the audience.

One bit of scandal --

At one point, this man took the microphone and asked if they would agree that something good came out slavery because all African Americans got to come to America rather than staying put where they belong. It was a long rambling question, but that was the gist of it. You could feel the tension ratchet up as people focused, hoping somehow this question wasn't really going where it seemed to be. You could sense the antagonism being laser beamed onto the man. Whitehead paused for a second and then said "I really don't understand the question" and moved on to something else. I was utterly appalled.

Well, that's really all I can pull off of my notes. What do you think?

>53 Cariola: Old Fogey, Deborah? I'd say it takes one to know one, especially in the double spacing category!

>54 ffortsa: It looks like we are in good company, Judy, in the double spacing cohort. As to Williamstown, we won't really have much of handle on schedules, etc until May-ish. sorry about the screw up above with Caro -- still getting back into the swing with all the LT posting tricks.

>55 thornton37814: How absolutely terrifying, Lori! And to be able to see the glow from the fires from 35 miles away! Those poor people who lost their homes and businesses. What an awful thing.

Hi Marianne, I have finally found my way over to your thread. Happy belated New Years to you! Sounds like you ended 2016 with a wonderful trip south, even if it meant coming home with the sniffles. Glad to see you are feeling better.

>37 michigantrumpet: - Seriously... double spacing after a period makes me "old"? Always double space after the end of sentence and before starting a new sentence, although I have to admit that what Jim said in >60 drneutron: about word processors automatically get rid of the extra space is a particular pet peeve of mine... that and the word autocorrect on my smart phone.

Happy Sunday, Marianne!

>58 Familyhistorian: >59 thornton37814: >60 drneutron: I was reading some posts on the American Bar Association web site. There had been a story about a lawyer in California who filed for access to the subpoena for the search warrant for Huma Abedin's computer. Included was a link for the legal filings.

The interesting part was the HEALTHY discussion that took place in the comments section regarding the attorney's use of double spacing. We aren't the only ones to notice and be talking about it!

Michigan Trumpet - you did briefly drop by the OED thread and Thank You.

And what a fun and inspiring MEME!

This is my First Year and First Thread and the OED could have been more dynamic!

Like ... "HAPPY 133RD and THANK YOU to Good Old JAMES MURRAY who
ultimately gave us the entire OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY!!!"

Or something like that...

>62 michigantrumpet: What a horrid question to ask of an author, Marianne! Utterly tone-deaf and thoughtless of that man. It sounds like Whitehead handled it with as much grace as anyone could expect of him, but I'm sorry he was forced to deal with it at all.

>62 michigantrumpet: Well one topic of conversation over at my place was on free speech. Obviously I agree that the comment was amazingly crass and deserved the mild put down it received.

On the other hand I do believe that the lot of the African American has improved from the time of slavery but why is that something that a citizen of the country should be thankful for - it is a right bestowed upon them under the constitution surely the same as eveybody else? As a white man of somewhat middling age I am thankful for a world in which my marrying a Malay wife and bringing up our three children in relative peace occasions no negative comments other than from bigots of the worst kind. I am not sure who I am supposed to be grateful to - the British Empire for occupying the country and then having the 'decency' to withdraw?!

>62 michigantrumpet: Thanks, Marianne. Wow. Wish I'd been there. I can see why it was a highlight!

The brutality and horrors in the book are so hard, and he does such a beautiful job of telling the story. The Harriet Jacobs book is Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, and it's one that just knocked my wife and me over.

I would have rather the scandal guy talked about UFOs than that garbage, but "I don't understand the question" and moving on probably gave it all it deserved.

Anyway, thank goodness for Colson Whitehead. An old church - great venue. Thanks for letting us know what it was like.

Yup, I wish I could have seen him. Maybe he'll be at a book fest close by this year.

>69 jnwelch: I'd like to add my recommendation of the Harriet Jacobs book. I read it for a history class at university, and it was eye-opening to say the least. I've been thinking about it lately as I read Kindred. I think Ms. Butler was a fan as well.

I'm another fan of Harriet Jacobs - I used to teach both the Jacobs' and Douglass' narratives; we had great discussions comparing them.

Thanks for sharing your Whitehead notes. I love to hear authors speak.

>68 PaulCranswick: I think the intended meaning was more that the slave trade at least got the Africans out of Africa.

Colonialism has done African populations no favors, but that is not grounds for suggesting slavery was a reasonable price to pay for being here instead of there. Racist all the way down.

>62 michigantrumpet: do you think he really didn't understand the question? Or did he just not want to engage with the person who asked it? (or is that obvious and in my nativity I am missing it!?)

It sounds to me that he simply didn't want to engage at that level... There is a school of thought that African Americans are "better off" living in the US than in Africa, given the relative GDP, lack of infrastructure, political corruption, etc etc. Not sure that all African Americans would necc. agree, given that they tend to be clustered toward the bottom part of the wealth gap (if you look at the stats) and given the difficulty of generalizing about Africa, and given the omnipresent racism in the US. Sigh.

I have finally been cured of double-spacing after a period. I think I finally stopped doing it sometime in my late 20s or early 30s, when computers and/or editors kept getting upset at my doing so. And I just edited a MS for someone in which I had to take out the double space after EVERY SENTENCE, and argue with the author about why it had to be done. Sigh.

My own typing class was 1976/77. Manual typewriters, and the room would get so cold that I would have to go and run warm water over my hands in the washroom halfway through the class. "The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog...." "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country..." Actually, it was the single most useful class I ever took in high school. I could argue that I owe my career to it.

I'm old school when it comes to the double-spacing thing too. But it's a stylistic issue, and if MLA is now directing against it, I'd force myself to remember not to if I were submitting something somewhere. As for not using correct spelling and full sentences when texting or e-mailing, I say "PFUI!" to that. Informally, I use shortcuts with the best of them. But there need to be standards in formal communications, no matter what form they take.

I also was taught to double space after a period (would have been taught typing in the early to mid-nineties). As far as I remember, this was still considered proper through college, and I started hearing rumblings that one didn't anymore sometime in grad school. Hung on to it, though, until I was working as an editor (c. 2013) and it was considered incredibly unprofessional to do it (kind of like sending one of the authors you were working with an email with horrific grammar--sends the wrong message, doncha know).

>62 michigantrumpet: >74 LovingLit: and >75 Chatterbox: I heard Colson Whitehead speak recently, and I noticed that he was very kind to questions from the audience.

I found you!

I have tried to read Colson Whitehead and somehow his work just doesn't grab me. I am not a zombie reader, so that book didn't appeal. I purchased Sag Harbor and tried to listen to the recorded version of it, but I pearl ruled it after 4 CD's. When Underground Railroad came out I read the reviews but wasn't interested. It is sort of like Harry Potter - I just wasn't interested in that series either. I have never been much of a fan of Phillip Roth or John Cheever or John Irving so Whitehead is in good company.

I have heard Whitehead talk, and I find him an interesting speaker.

>79 benitastrnad: Benita I received your beautiful annual letter yesterday. Thank you so much.
Don DeLillo fits that category for me.

Typewriters use fixed-space fonts, such as Courier. The new rules about spacing apply only to proportional fonts, where different letters use different amounts of horizontal space based on their characteristics. Most computer fonts are proportional, and therefore compensate for the changed spacing--that's why the rule changed. But if you are using Courier or any other non-proportional font on a computer, you would double-space. Or any other time you want to if it isn't going to be professionally published--I am NOT the spacing police! ;-)

>64 lkernagh: Word Autcorrect!!! Fie on the inventor of Word Autocorrect!!

>66 m.belljackson: MBJ: Wishing you well on your OED adventures. I read The Professor and the Madman which is as far as I feel I want to go on the matter, but look forward to following along on your journey.

>67 rosalita: I quite agree, Julia!! I've moderated quite a few panel discussions in my day. I've found myself pondering what I would have done in the situation. I think Colson Whitehead did a great job gently deflecting.

So sorry about the ice storms and winter weather coming your way and ruining a perfectly good meet up! Hoping it gets rescheduled soon!

>68 PaulCranswick: A full-throated believer in free speech rights, here, Paul. However, even if that speaker may have had the right to say it, he doesn't have the right to an answer nor to avoid the consequences of his statement such as the intense animosity of the crowd. We also have the right to castigate him for it! I think many in the audience, in addition to disagreeing strongly, were also upset: we came to hear from the author, not a long winded polemic from the idiot.

>69 jnwelch: You're welcome, Joe. UFOs would have been far more entertaining than a racist screed. Thanks for the link to the Harriet Jacobs book!

>70 drneutron: Well worth finding him, Jim, if he's anywhere close!

>71 rosalita: Thanks, Julia! Kindred is getting lots of warbling in these here parts. Moving quickly up my list.

>72 BLBera: I see we have another Harriet Jacobs fan, Beth. I was a big fan of Solomon Northrup's Twelve Years a Slave a few years back. I think I'll have to give this one a shot.

>73 ffortsa: Very well stated, Judy. Much better than I could have done. And quite right, too! Hope you are enjoying your visit with your sister!

>74 LovingLit: Good question, Megan. Being there and witnessing the whole thing, I felt Colson Whitehead understood and didn't want to engage.

>75 Chatterbox: >76 laytonwoman3rd: >77 lycomayflower: >81 ronincats: Suzanne, Linda, Laura, and Roni -- You'll love this little tale:

I was reading a digital journal publication from the American Bar Association. You can click on links to the most commented upon articles. There was one about a court action filed by a California Attorney for public access to the search warrant for Huma Abedin's computer/emails. It had a link to the actual complaint filed in the matter.

There was a huge number of comments on the article, way more than usual. I thought it would be because of the political nature of the request and the impact on the election. While there was some of that, the vast majority of the comments dealt with the attorney's use of double spacing after the periods!!! Lots of discussion back and forth on the issue.

Surely there is a word for the phenomenon where you go along in blissful ignorance about something, yet once you've learned of it, it crops up everywhere!

And as an aside, I've been trying like anything to break my habit of double spacing. Even when I'm willing myself not to do it, I still double space! Plus it's slowed my typing up something fierce. I guess a habit of many decades will take more than a week to break!

>78 banjo123: That was my impression, too, Rhonda. Thanks for stopping by!

>79 benitastrnad: I once was lost but now am found! So glad to have you here Benita! We'll have to get you your own thread one of these days for us to find you as well! I've seen you popping around the threads, though. Have a great time at ALA -- color me jealous over Suzanne and Benita's Excellent Book Adventure! Had a great time there last year! Remember this?



I've not read Colson Whitehead's other work, but this one worked for me. a searingly visceral evocation of the enslaved experience. Not all authors will work for every one. That's the joy of the reading life. Try as I might Howard Jacobson has never done it for me.

>80 PaulCranswick: So glad that you were able to find Benita amongst my pages, Paul!

This Wednesday, I attended a screening and panel discussion for the new PBS documentary, Alzheimer's: Every Minute Counts.



It will be shown on January 25, 2017 on your local PBS station. I HIGHLY recommend it! The Panel included a top Alzheimer's researcher, the producer of the documentary and a local reporter who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and his wife.

They focused on the incredible cost of the diagnosis. Not just for the patient and their families, but in medical treatment, and loss of income to the caregivers. As baby boomers age they predict the number of Alzheimer's patients will increase exponentially. They make a strong case for the devastating effect this will have to the US economy and to Medicare. Dr. Tanzi stated they have identified 3 dozen genes but limited research is being done for lack of funding. The need for funding support is now!

I have seen first hand the devastating effects this disease has on families. This is an excellent program and well worth viewing.

Here is the link for more information: http://www.pbs.org/tpt/alzheimers-every-minute-counts/home/

Of course, it goes without saying -- support your local PBS station! I love WGBH!

Thanks for the heads up, Marianne. After seeing my smart, sharp grandmother fade away, I have become very interested in Alzheimer's research.

Word autocorrect is Satan. I finally figured out it is responsible for some of the more bizarre language I've found in student essays, and certainly the cause of "defiantly" instead of "definitely."

>88 BLBera: So sorry about your grandmother, Beth. A terrible thing to go through or to witness.

My notes from the presentation:

Five million people currently have Alzheimer's. It is the 6th leading cause of death. By 2035, it is estimated that 14 Million will have it. When you include caregivers, that is 25-30 million people directly impacted by this disease. This is going to be tsunami in the next 10-20 years. Presently,one in five Medicare dollars goes towards treatment. It is estimated that this will rise to one in three dollars.

Dr. Tanzi made clear that we have early detection of Cancer and Heart disease, which has led to a significant decrease in deaths and need for expensive treatment. It has led to greater quality of life and productivity. Early detection of Alzheimer's is a possibility, but only if we start to take it seriously and put the money towards research. The amount of $$$ put into Alzheimer's research is fractions of that towards cancer and other diseases. We need to start working on this NOW, so we can have early detection in place before that tsunami becomes a reality. Early detection won't help them.

The DH and I went to a wonderful Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts today of works by William Merritt Chase. William Merritt Chase (November 1, 1849 – October 25, 1916) was an American painter, known as an exponent of Impressionism and as a teacher. He is also responsible for establishing the Chase School in NYC, which later would become Parsons The New School for Design.

He was amazingly varied in scope of his work -- landscapes, portraiture and interior scenes. Impressionism, Japanoise, and nods to the Old Masters. He was proficient in oils and did incredibly large pastels. He was also remarkably prolific - always thinking of the next work. While showing a group around his studio, they admired his many paintings. He then showed them a blank canvas, saying "Ah, but *this* is my next masterpiece!"

And I managed to get into the picture!

Even better, the MFA also had an exhibit of the art of my favorite children's author Robert McCloskey!!

All in honor of the 75th Anniversary of Make Way for Ducklings!

Blueberries for Sal:



Centerburg Tales:



"...Freddy started dancing precariously along the balcony, and books started sailing over the railing to Homer, who caught them expertly to the tune of 'High-diddle-diddle for a silly little vittle,' without skipping a single beat in rhythm."

And, of course, the beloved Make Way for Ducklings!!! Which takes place in downtown Boston!

Louisburg Square where Secretary of State John Kerry now lives in the townhouse on the very far left of the picture:



Officer Mike helping them cross the very busy street. (Like to see that happen in Boston traffic today!)

And my favorite (!!!) the entrance to the Boston Garden a MERE 1/2 block from my office. I go through that entrance all the time, and often take a sack lunch and book to read during clement months:

Boston LOVES Make Way for Ducklings! There is a very famous statue of Mrs. Mallard and all her ducklings in the Garden. They often get decorated for special occasions!

On Mother's Day, Boston Celebrates Make Way for Ducklings Day. Little kids come dressed as little ducklings, as there is a mass reading of the book, followed by a tiny reenactment as the ducklings parade and have Real Live Boston Police Officers stop traffic for them. Adorable!

I love Make Way for Ducklings; Scout, my granddaughter has been very taken with it recently. We might have to make a trip to Boston to see the ducks.

The Chase paintings are beautiful; I don't know his work but will watch for it.

When we were in Boston last year we saw the Make Way for Ducklings statue. I made it my FB background pic for a while. :-)

And, having said that, I haven't actually read the book in decades. Maybe I need to add that to my reread challenge.

>99 BLBera: Hi Beth! If you do come to Boston for the Duckling statues, please let me know! My office is practically on top of it! Would love to meet Scout! And Make Way For Ducklings Day is the cutest thing evah! (notice my adopted Bahstahn accent there?)

I've seen some Chase before, but it was wonderful to see an entire exhibit dedicated to his work.

>100 EBT1002: I love, Love, LOVE that the Statue was the background pick for FB! MWFD was one of my all time favorites as a child. Well worth a reread, I'd say.

>93 michigantrumpet:
Thanks for all the pictures. I love MWFD and remember giing with my great aunt to ride the swan boats when i was about 4. My son sends me pictures of the statues when he visits Boston.

>102 Helenoel: Helen! Welcome! (*wanders of to Helen's thread to drop a star*)

The Swan Boats - You don't need to be a child to enjoy riding them. You'll have to accompany your son the next time he comes through and we'll have a proper meet up!

Some kind person showed us the Duckling statues, while visiting Boston, but I am drawing a complete blank...

Happy Saturday, Marianne. Hope those current reads are treating you good.

Great to see you so active Marianne. I would be concerned of so many ducklings around Belle as she would use up all the family bread trying to feed them!

>103 michigantrumpet: Sounds like fun - he is in college in Maine and we get to Cape Cod a couple of times a year. somehow Boston is usually a pass-through or around. I need to get back there more.

>94 michigantrumpet: love the Homer Price stories read them over and over as a kid

>100 EBT1002: I've read it several times recently, Ellen. You can count one of those. :)

>101 michigantrumpet: Evah so grateful, Marianne. I will definitely let you know.

>98 michigantrumpet: So there grew a statue and a tradition from this book?

I love the history of Make Way for Ducklings in Boston. It's cute how they get dressed up for special occasions. And to think some people think big cities are soulless places!

Aw, I love McCloskey, too. Make Way for Ducklings is great, but I think Blueberries for Sal is my favorite.

Happy Sunday, Marianne. I love all your photos.

Ditto what >112 Ameise1: said! The Make Way For Ducklings makes me smile.

#107
My cousins family recently read Homer Price. I saw it there and asked the girls about the donut machine. They didn't know what I was talking about. About a month later I got a letter from these seven year-olds in which they told me that they had read the book and then went to Lincoln, Nebraska to Krispy Kreme donuts where they got to see a donut machine! They were so excited that they had to write and tell me about the book and the trip.

#111 (and others)
I still read Make Way For Ducklings out loud to kids. They still love that story.

>104 msf59: Me! Me! It was Me! (*jumping up and down waving enthusiastically*) What a great time we had. If only the weather had cooperated! Must do it again, soon.

>105 PaulCranswick: Would love to show them to you and Belle sometime, Paul! The statues are bronze, but there are quite a few ducks, geese and swans who populate the large pond at the center of the Boston Public Garden. Magnets for children and bread crumbs.

>106 Helenoel: Yes, yes, please, Helen. Just ask Mark - I give a lovely tour of Boston! And there are loads of wonderful bookstores, too.

>107 magicians_nephew: Too right, Jim. Homer Price - what a kid! He gets into a lot of trouble for one who means so well!

>108 BLBera: Oh, do come sometime, Beth. I would love to meet you!

>109 FAMeulstee: Anita - Yes! Make Way for Ducklings is a much-beloved children's story with Mr. and Mrs. Mallard landing in Boston and looking for a place to make a nest for their impending brood. They fly over so many landmarks and have some trouble - saved by Police Officer Mike. Bostonians -- and children everywhere-- have taken the tale into their hearts.

>110 rosalita: So very true, Julia. I've found that many large and imposing places, institutions, etc are actually comprised of smaller groups of people with wonderful heart and welcoming stories.

>111 scaifea: Blueberries for Sal! What a great story, Amber -- especially the bears!

>112 Ameise1: and 113 Thanks, Barbara and Lori. so good to see you both! Do come back again to visit!

>114 benitastrnad: That doughnut machine story is an absolute favorite of all the Homer Price stories. I absolutely adore that your young relatives were so charmed and excited by it, Benita. Good for you for sharing it with them! MWFD is a perennial baby-shower gift from me. I should by them in bulk!

So, some book warbler around here struck me with a bullet a while back and got me going on another series. Well done!

2. Full Dark House by Christopher Fowler.
3.5 stars



Can there be a more auspiciously named series than that of the Peculiar Crimes Unit Mysteries? Set up in the dawning age of WWII, the Unit was formed to address the types of cases the London constabulary either didn't care to or couldn't tackle. In theory, it was to be comprised of original civilian minds and bright young police officers. In actuality, it soon became a way station for ... ahem, 'peculiar' types.

The book opens with a modern era bombing of the Peculiar Crime Unit's offices. All that can be found of Arthur Bryant, who had stayed late the evening before, are bits of flesh. Bryant's partner of almost 70 years, John May, vows to find those responsible, even as the London PD moves on to more pressing cases. Perusing Bryant's cryptic notes, May finds Bryant had been revisiting their very first case together at the height of the London Blitz. A venerable theater has been witness to a horrible crime -- a dancer killed by chopping off her feet. The memories come flooding in as May tries to discover what relevance that age-old solved case might have to the present crime.

Picked up the series based upon some hearty recommendations. I quite enjoyed the interaction between young May and Bryant and their cohorts at the newly formed Unit. Bryant is the quirky, brilliant civilian with odd reading habits. May is the young, freshly minted officer who helps inject a more pragmatic perspective, keeping Bryant from his more egregious flights of whimsy. I adored such phrases as: "He had the suicidal expression of a Norwegian painter and the posture of an unstuffed rag doll." Fowler uses enough theater vernacular and references to old London haunts to give a genuine sense of place without that "Look-at-all-the-research-I've-done" dump of information infecting many a historical tale. The crimes themselves were enough to keep me guessing and caught up in the mystery.

The alternating chapters between present time and WWII are not well delineated and might be off-putting to some readers. I was able to pick up relatively easily within a paragraph or two, so it shouldn't be too much of an issue. I will be re-visiting this series again!

>118 michigantrumpet: I've had Full Dark House sitting on my shelf for ages - I'm glad to know it comes recommended. I really should get around to reading it someday... (I say about so many books on my shelf...)

>118 michigantrumpet: I love mysteries about old theaters - i liked Old Dark House}

Great review of Full Dark House, Marianne. I'm trying to resist series, but this one sounds like one I would like. Is this the first one?

>119 tapestry100: Thank you, David. I hear you about the various books atop ol' Mount To-Be-Read. Just counting those sitting within easy reach, I believe I have at least five years worth of reading without purchasing anything new. And yet I keep falling for all these new books being spoken about in these here parts.

I'm like a magpie enticed by the flash of something shiny. I think I need people to warble about books I already own and haven't read yet, just to entice me back. Perhaps I should list all of Mount TBR and let people warble about their favorites! That should help pare the pile!

>120 magicians_nephew: I do, too. Jim. Know of any others?

>121 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. Yes this is book one of the series.

So I'm Pearl Ruling my first one of the year. It was about women being kidnapped and held captive. The first kept in a coffin-like box. The writing must be exquisite because it was WAAY too graphic for me to continue more than about a dozen pages.

Happy to release this one to someone a little less squeamish than I. If you are interested, send me a PM with your address.

It is a paperback ARC of Find Her by Lisa Gardner Published in February 2016. It features Boston detective D. D. Warren, who has appeared in Fear Nothing, Catch Me, Love You More and The Neighbor



The blurb on the back:
New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner delivers her most intense thrill ride yet while asking the question, Victim or Vigilante?

Flora Dane is a victim. Seven years ago, carefree college student Flora was kidnapped while on spring break. For 472 days. Flora learned just how much one person can endure.

Flora Dane is a survivor. Miraculously alive after her ordeal, Flora has spent the past five years reacquainting herself with the rhythms of normal life, working with her FBI victim advocate, Samuel Keynes. She has a mother who has never stopped loving her, a brother who is afraid of the person she's become, and a bedroom wall covered with photos of other girls who've never made it home.

Flora Dane is reckless. ... or is she? When Boston detective D. D. warren is called to the scene of a crime -- a dead man and the bound naked woman who killed him -- she learns that flora has tangled with three other suspects since her return to society. Is Flora a victim or a vigilante? And with her firsthand knowledge of criminal behavior, could she hold the key to rescuing a college student whose abduction has rocked Boston? When flora herself disappears, D. D. realizes a far more sinister predator is out there. One who is determined that this time, Flora Dane will never escape. And now it is up to D. D. Warren to find her.

So there you go. Any takers?

>118 michigantrumpet: I definitely have to get to this one soon. I've owned my copy for years and always keep meaning to get to it. You know how that is.

I also always mean to get to our library's monthly book discussion group on the last Monday evening of the month. Do I ever get there? No, of course not. I note that Full Dark House is their choice for May.

#123
I had the same problem with the Jo Nesbo books - to graphic for me to read comfortably. I think I have a copy of that book as well, so will go through and find it. It will go in the give-away box.

I didn't watch all of the season finale of Sherlock last night either. I just couldn't stomach it. To much heartless violence for me.

Good review of Full Dark House, Marianne. I enjoyed that one, too. I didn't stick with the series, so I'll look forward to your comments as you get further into it.

>124 lindapanzo: Seems quite a few people have it on their shelves. I know oh-too-well how that goes! Interesting that it made your book group reading list for May! My book group is discussing Matthew Pearl's The Technologists in a week.

>125 benitastrnad: I was able to get through the Jo Nesbo Harry Hole series, but for some reason had a visceral reaction to Find Her. Lisa Gardner's books are getting strong reviews on LT and Amazon. Four stars for this one. You may have picked it up at the Boston ALA. That's where I got my copy.

Hoping someone will want to take the copy off my hands. It should go to a good home.

>126 jnwelch: Thanks Joe. I'm off to a fairly good start. We'll see if the series lives up to early promise.

Just completing reviews from books read in 2016. (Better late than never!) One of my book haul from the Boston ALA Conference!

The Madwoman Upstairs by Catherine Lowell
3.5 stars



Samantha Whipple is decidedly NOT your average American undergrad come to study literature in the hallowed halls of Oxford University. She would like to be. She settles without complaint into a creepy dorm room in a gothic tower. She tries not to be distracted in her coursework with the dishy Professor James Orville. But this is all a ruse. She can't run forever from her identity as the sole descendant of the famed Bronte literary family, reputed to have inherited lost diaries, letters and heirlooms from her now deceased father. Soon tattered, marked-up copies of the Brontes' works arrive at her doorstep. How did they get there? WHo put them there?

The author was done a disservice when her publisher billed Samantha's ensuing adventures as a literary scavenger hunt based on clues by her eccentric dad. People who are drawn to the book based upon this description will be disappointed. The 'hunt' is not actually the primary focus of the book. However, lovers of literary theory and criticism will love this book. There is serious examination of the roles authors (with their biographical backgrounds) and their readers bring to a work of fiction. And there is romance! The verbal sparring between Samantha and Orville is sophisticated, witty and filled with sexual tension. A solid grounding in the varied works of all the Brontes is not necessary, but certainly heightens the enjoyment.

Once I came to terms that this was not the book I'd expected, I became far more enamored with the book it actually was.

Oof. Find Her sounds rough. Not for me, I think.

>118 michigantrumpet: Hi, Marianne! I read Full Dark House a year or so ago. I remember liking it, but not enough to continue the series, as I have too many series going already. Your review was tempting, but I've filed it in the "Maybe Someday" pile for now. Of course, if you continue with the series and keep writing enticing reviews I may have to revisit that plan ...

Nice summary of the upcoming PBS broadcast on Alzheimer's dementia, Marianne. My parents' best friend is one of the victims of this devastating condition, which rapidly transformed him from one of the wittiest people I've ever met to a mere shell, which has been a huge blow to his family, and mine.

I agree with your call to support public broadcasting. I've been long time supporter of WABE (NPR) and WPBA (PBS) in Atlanta, and given the goals of the incoming presidential administration and its allies in Congress it will be more important than ever for all of us to keep these stations alive and thriving.

Keeping my fingers crossed for a Rodgers/Brady Super Bowl matchup.

I read somewhere that this is the first time ever where the final four NFL teams are all riding at least 5 game winning streaks going into the conference championships.

Cast in order of Disappearance by Simon Brett is the start of a nice series about a actor detective.

There is no better way to spend a weekend than to read an exciting intriguing book sitting in a comfortable chair with a cup of coffee at hand. Maybe some nice ambient music, but a weekend just doesn't get any better than that. Quiet, peaceful, with an air of suspense created by that special anticipation of turning the next page. That is what happened to me with the Fate of the Tearling. (this is book 3 in a fantasy trilogy - and the first two books were just as good as this one.) I have read three of these immense and intense novels in one month, and have enjoyed every minute of it. This was dystopian fantasy as it was meant to be. And it was a great weekend. Nice and quiet as I am trying to get ready for the ALA conference in Atlanta. I will be packing tonight.

I'm squeamish, so will pass on Find Her. Madwoman Upstairs sounds like something I would like. Great comments, Marianne.

I talked with Suzanne this evening, and she is all set to go. Since I will be driving I am going to bring her books back here and will mail them from Tuscaloosa. That means that she can concentrate on gathering.

I am so glad that I will be driving over tomorrow when most of the events in Washington D. C. are happening. I can be distracted by my traveling companion and the road.

Another squeamish one here, Marianne. But thanks for the offer. And I do believe you may have hit me with a book bullet for the Madwoman Upstairs--another shiny new book to compete with my newly organized tbr books.

Hi Marianne, I am late to the party but all caught up now. I loved your comments on the Whitehead talk; you take good notes. Also love the array of pictures, especially the Boston ducklings 🐥. The parade must be so much fun! Have a great reading year. You're off to a good start!

>129 drneutron: Yup, Jim. Not for me either. Seemed well written though -- the parts I read before I dropped it.

>130 rosalita: Thanks, Julia. I'll keep with the Peculiar Crimes Unit series for at least another book, just to see how it goes. I completely understand your thoughts about feeling overwhelmed by too many series!

>131 kidzdoc: The NYT just did an excellent article about caring for caregivers, Darryl.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/19/upshot/who-will-care-for-the-caregivers.html

Critically important when discussing the entire impact of Alzheimer's.

And just so everyone remembers, Alzheimer's: Every Minute Counts is coming to a PBS station near you on January 25th.

>132 lindapanzo: Howdy Linda! I'm hoping the games this weekend (or at least the one in Foxboro) isn't the cliffhanger of last week's. Of course, every one here in New England desperately wants a Super Bowl Win to throw in Roger Goodell's face. Lots of discussion in these parts about his reticence to come to a game in Foxboro.

>133 magicians_nephew:. That's excellent, Jim. Just went to check it out. A lovely LTer, Mrsbaty wrote an excellent, albeit solitary, review in favor of the Charles Price series. Thanks so much for the recommendation. Maybe help Mrsbaty so hers isn't the only review out there!

>134 benitastrnad: >136 benitastrnad: Still enormously jealous of you and Suzanne, Benita. I think it's a brilliant idea for you to tote Suz's books home and mail to her! The cost otherwise would be prohibitive. Happy book hunting to you both! I'll be thinking of you!

>135 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. A little self-knowledge goes a long ways towards saving one from an unpleasant read!

>137 ronincats: Oh dear, Roni! If I hit you with a book bullet, it was purely accidental. I confess to shooting rather indiscriminately. So VERY impressed with your TBR organization skills. I may need to import you to Massachusetts to help with mine. I'm afraid my TBR is quite literally a mountainous pile.

>138 Donna828: Hello there Donna! I am so glad you found me! The Colson Whitehead talk was a highlight of the Boston Book Festival 2016! I've gone and starred your thread, too. I loved the Dance to the Music of Time series myself. Glad to find a fellow traveler.

Another getting-caught-up-review for a read from 2016 ( and my ALA Book haul):

The Travelers: A Novel by Chris Pavone
3 stars



We've all heard of food porn, decorating porn, DIY porn -- breathless writing and glossy photography geared to encourage computer clicks and the fantasies of well-heeled readers. "Travelers Magazine" writer Will Rhodes circles the globe for inspiration for columns geared to the World's moneyed elite. His travel porn contrasts mightily with his less-than-glamorous home life in a worn-down townhouse and strained marriage to another writer. A chance encounter and one night stand with a beguiling and exceedingly willing beauty shouldn't be a problem, right? What's the harm? Who's to know? EXCEPT ... in this case, the threat of revealing the damning video to his wife ensnares Will in a scheme informing for the CIA. Initially passing along harmless gossip heard at wine dinners, Will soon finds himself spying on his own company. The danger mounts as he doesn't know who to trust.

It seems as if the author was positively salivating for a quick jump to the movie screen: lots of flashy locales, sex and heart-thumping action. The pace is uneven in part and the book could have lost about 75 pages without harm. Nevertheless, if your tastes run to thrillers, this may be up your alley.

For those following above the various escapades of the Make Way For Ducklings statue in my posts above...

In honor of the Women's March on Washington (and the Boston March here this weekend), the Ducklings were clad in their own homemade bright pink pussy hats***:



*** see here for an explanation: https://www.pussyhatproject.com/

>139 michigantrumpet: - Thanks for that link and info. I am currently reading a book for the non-fiction challenge, called One Hundred Names for Love and the author, Diane Ackerman, was caregiver to her husband when he had a devastating stroke. She talks a lot about being exhausted as his caregiver.

Definitely like those hats better than the Patriots gear ;-)

Happy Friday, Marianne! Hope you have a book-filled weekend ahead of you.

And yah, for the Ducklings.

>143 michigantrumpet: Love this!

Dear Trumpet -

Here's one for the road tomorrow - from Chris Rock -

"Don't forget to set your clocks back 300 years tonight."

Good Luck!

Si, se puede, Marianne Jackson

>143 michigantrumpet: Adorable!

Suzanne and I are here and have books!!

It seems that we are in town with lots of football fans. They will play the Packers/Falcon game right across the street from the convention center. It will be a crowded conference and they are already warning attendees to allow extra time on the shuttle busses.

The attendance appears to be very low. Not at all as good as it was in Boston. There may not be librarians but there is rain and plenty of books.

> 150 - But if attendance is low, doesn't that mean fewer people= more books for you?...... just sayin'

;-)

>143 michigantrumpet: - Love it! My daughter is marching today. I can't wait to hear about it.

>143 michigantrumpet: Awesome!! We have a huge march scheduled here in Portland. Lots of my friends are going.

My Gran suffered from Alzheimers in her last days and it is a devastating feeling looking upon someone who you cherish not really being there anymore. Full of life, a great, simply great storyteller all I could do was hold her hand and give her a hug when her remaining senses let her be afeared.

Slightly jarring with my last paragraph, Marianne, but have a lovely weekend.

>144 jessibud2: Welcome, Shelley! And you're welcome for the links. Diane Ackerman wrote The Zookeeper's Wife, right? So sorry she went through that. That sounds like an interesting read.

>145 katiekrug: Aren't they adorable, KAK? Hope you have safe travels!

>146 msf59: Thanks, Mark. Hoping to get some reading in. Plus, Laundry Wars! Happy Weekend to you, too!

>147 jnwelch: It's the best, isn't it, Joe?

>148 m.belljackson: Marianne! My name is Marianne, too! Delighted for a fellow traveler, especially one who likes Chris Rock.

>149 rosalita: Thanks, Julia! I was so tickled to come across this during my walk through the Boston Public Garden. My picture didn't really turn out, so had to borrow the one from the local newspaper, though.

Happy weekend, Marianne. I hope you get plenty of reading time. I love >143 michigantrumpet: this photo.

>150 benitastrnad: Yay, Benita! ALA Book Hunting! Now you just need my husband there willing to make many tips toting the enormous book haul to the car. Surprised that the turnout is so low. Had heard the weather was quite stormy. Perhaps more people will appear if/when it improves? Or maybe they are all at the Women's March! :-D

>151 jessibud2:, I'm with you, Shelley. More books for Benita and Suzanne! (Feel free to grab some for me! LOL)

>152 BLBera: I doubt I have many lady friends across the country who aren't attending the various marches. One even flew from Washington state to DC. I'm just recovering from 2.5 weeks of the LT lurgy, or would most definitely be there myself. Will just have to content myself to following along on FB and Twitter.

There is a huge March here in Boston -- 100,000 people strong! I love this picture - you can really see all the pussy hats!

One more for this Glorious Day, Michigan Trumpet!

My daughter is marching in Madison, Wisconsin, with her friend, friend's mother,
and son and daughter, each wearing hand crocheted pink hats with ears -
MANY years ago, I marched with
Dick Gregory at his invitation to come visit his home
on the Southside from downtown Chicago during the Democratic Convention.

We were stopped by Mayor Daley's tanks - at another downtown peace march,
we were stopped by tear gas...I'd join today except for long-standing heel spur.

ALL of today's Marches have far exceeded expectations, with Chicago's
being routed from downtown around the Lake...so good, no tanks or tear gas!

>158 michigantrumpet: Looks like the cherry blossom festival! Over half a million at the march in DC.

>152 BLBera: and >153 Berly: Hello Beth and Kim! Please share what your daughter and friends say about their experiences!

>154 PaulCranswick: Oh, Paul. I"m so very sorry for your gran -- and you! -- for having to go through that. A disease with a horribe impact on so many people.

Just a reminder -- Coming soon to your local PBS station is a wonderful documentary about theimpact of Alzheimers of the patients, their caregivers, and the economy. Alzheimer's: Every Minute Counts. On January 25.

>157 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara. Seems I've spent a good part of the day trying to get to as many threads as possible! Need to get to some reading!

>159 m.belljackson: What interesting memories, Marianne! That 1968 Democratic convention went down in history. Big fan of Dick Gregory! I checked out Chicago's March - utterly massive.

>160 Cariola: You're right, Deb, it DOES look like the cherry blossom festival!

^Was someone in the need of one of these? They are free and plentiful.

>158 michigantrumpet: Wow! That is impressive. Chicago had a very large turnout also.

>164 msf59: I think Chicago ended up with about 10 times the number of people expected. The fact that it was 60 and sunny probably encouraged more people to attend at the last minute.

>155 michigantrumpet: - I forgot to respond to this. Yes, Ackerman wrote The Zookeeper's Wife but for some reason, I was not able to get into that one. I think it was too intense for me, not the right frame of mind, whatever. I have read a few others of her books and own a few more that I have not yet got to. I love her writing.

>143 michigantrumpet: - I love this pic. I have a photo of myself sitting on the mama duck, from my Boston trip a few years ago.

My friend just emailed me that the march in Boston today was very cool.

Suzanne participated in the March here in Atlanta. I heard they had 60,000 here in Atlanta. It was pouring down rain and they still marched.

I went to a Paula Poundstone talk last night. She really blasted trump and said that the whole country was going to have to fight to keep things civil and respectful because trump definitely wasn't that. It was funny and yet was not a diatribe. She did say that from a comedians point-of-view, trump was an excellent choice for president. Much more food for routines than from Obama.

Remembering the "Rally to Restore Sanity" that Jon Stewart put on in DC a few years ago. They had no clue about what kind of turnout they were going to get.

So it started out "We'll be in this little second at the end of the Mall" and went to "Well, this section and these two sections" and so forth.

By the time Judy and I got there it was darn near the whole mall and we watched most of it on the nearest Jumbotron.

May the spirit of that rally stay with us over the next four years.

>161 michigantrumpet: Just set up a recording of Alzheimer's: Every Minute Counts and sent an email to lots of friends and families. Thanks!

Stopping by to wish you a lovely week Marianne and to smile at the Ducklings wearing their own pussy hats!

>163 msf59: >164 msf59: Thanks a bunch, Mark! I needed that! In fact, I came back and got another one for today! I was following along with the pictures from Chicago from friends on FB. The weather looked perfect for a protest!

>165 lindapanzo: Howdy, Linda. Apparently, the estimates going in were based upon online registrations on the March Web site. Most people never bothered or didn't know to sign up. It appears they exceeded the estimates every where. It was so crowded in Boston, the MBTA allowed free rides on mass transit until late afternoon, just to move the crowds. Several folks I know got pictures with our Senator, Elizabeth Warren, who (not surprisingly) is a superstar with that cohort.

>166 jessibud2: Didn't particularly care for The Zookeeper's Wife either, Shelley. Too many lengthy parenthetical asides which interfered with the flow of the narrative. Seemed like she was trying to put every bit of research out there on the page. But I did recall the author's name when you put it out there. Her memoir about dealing with her relative with Alzheimer's could be quite affecting.

I think we need to see that picture!

>167 benitastrnad: We adore Paula Poundstone, Benita! One of our favorite panelists on Wait! Wait! Don't Tell Me! We've seen her live several times, too. She grew up two towns over, so I think she'll do appearances here when she comes back for a visit. Very interesting comments she made. Thanks for sharing.

Hope you are now back safely from ALA with Suzanne. So wonderful to talk with you by phone. Thanks for the box mailing. Let me know how much the shipping is and where to send a check. You are a very good friend.

>168 magicians_nephew: Jon Stewart is another favorite, Jim. That must have been a great experience to be there. So jealous. Amen! to the comment about the next four years.

Whaddya say we all meet up at R&J's for the Super Bowl. They were good luck for us a few months ago!

>169 Berly: I will be VERY interested Kim to hear your thoughts on Alzheimer's: Every Second Counts. Dr. Tanzi, who plays a prominent role in the documentary has treated several people (or their relatives) I know.

>170 lkernagh: Lori, thanks! Those Ducklings certainly got into the spirit of things!

So, spent a good part of the weekend visiting threads, watching the speeches from the March, and following along on FB. I was particularly impressed by those speeches, signs and commentary of solidarity, hope and vision.

To everyone who marched, hope you had a safe and uplifting day

Lots to digest, but I was particularly grabbed by two different signs:

Our local PBS station is streaming online Season 10 of the Dalziel & Pascoe series, in preparation for showing Season 11 soon.

Binge watched all of Season 10 and am quite hooked. Have not watched any of the series before -- and I need more!

Anyone else fans?

Also, managed to watch the finale of Sherlock, as well as keep up with Victoria and Mercy Street. Whew!

Just because I feel the need, please remember to support your local PBS station!

Today I was in Court and had the great joy of accusing opposing counsel (who was truly egregious) of spouting "alternative facts." The Judge I was before is historically pro-the other side, so I'll probably lose the Motion. At least I had fun as I was going down in flames!

Tonight is my RL Book Club. We are discussing Matthew Pearl's The Technologists. It is set at MIT in its founding years, so we have the local hook to enjoy. Will be fun to see what everyone thought.

I wrote up a summary of a meeting last week, sent it to the program manager for review since I "didn't want to put any alternative facts out there". Caused a bit of a chuckle. :)

>173 michigantrumpet: - Marianne, these signs are great. They remind me of an article that appeared in one of our local papers a few days ago, by the guy who has a science show on CBC radio, Bob McDonald. He is excellent, by the way:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/science-trump-belief-1.3944523

As for the picture, (>171 michigantrumpet:, >166 jessibud2:), I don't know how to insert a photo into a post and it's been a few years since I added any photos to the gallery on my profile but if I can figure it out, I will let you know, ;-)

>173 michigantrumpet: Beautiful. Thanks for posting those.

>174 michigantrumpet: I LOVE the Dalziel & Pascoe series, but I haven't seen it in ages. I must see if it's available on demand from Amazon Prime or Netflix or whatever.

>176 drneutron: Ha! Glad to know it was received in good humor, Jim!

>177 jessibud2: Shelley - thanks for the link to that article. This topic was a major source of discussion at my RL book group last night. (More on that in a bit.) You may find this interesting about how scientists are desperately trying to download and save data setss because of the fear that the US government will delete them or restrict access.

https://qz.com/891201/hackers-were-downloading-government-climate-data-and-stori...

>180 michigantrumpet: - Marianne, I have been hearing about that very thing for quite some time, up here, too. Up here in Canada, our former prime minister, Harper, was literally muzzling scientists and not allowing them to speak out. It was quite a thing up here and produced some interesting and amusing creative resistance. One song, in particular, if I can find it, I will edit in the link. Needless to say, it was a relief for everyone when Justin Trudeau ousted Harper

Happy Tuesday, Marianne! I hope your day is going well. How are those current reads?

Hi Marianne, I like the duckling pics from further up, I saw that even they had pussy hats on for the women's march! Excellent :)
It was amazing seeing all the demonstrations on my Facebook feed. Being a day ahead here, I thought the demonstrations must have gone unnoticed, but then they all hit my newsfeed the second day after the inauguration and I was so glad to see that it was MASSIVE.

>175 michigantrumpet: The Technologists is a fun read. Did you ever dip into The Media Lab ?

Non fiction and a bit dated now but fascinating

>178 jnwelch: There were many posters and signs that I liked, Joe. These were my favorites.

>179 ffortsa: Hey there Judy. I couldn't find it on Amazon Prime. I WISH I had Netflix -- I'm dying to see The Crown. I'd never seen any of Dalziel & Pascoe before. Two days of binge watching and I became instantly hooked. Season 11 is supposed to be on our local station coming up. Can't come soon enough.

>181 jessibud2: Looks like he's taken a page from Harper's playbook, Shelley. The news today has been filled with the muzzling of the Environmental Protection Agency, Agriculture and others.

Big fan of young Mr. Trudeau. Of course, it was his father that I loved from school and college days just across the border in Michigan. Channel 9 was part of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. In addition to 'Hockey Night in Canada', we got to keep up with the News of our next door neighbors.

>182 msf59: Reading has been slow going, Mark. I've had two DNF/Pearl Ruled books already. Now trying to find a good home for Find Her by Lisa Gardner and Before the Fall by Noah Hawley. The latter is very well written. A plane crash figures significantly throughout the book (with a few flashbacks along the way.). I lost my father in a plane crash and it hit a little too close to home for me. Happy to pass it along to someone else!!!



>183 LovingLit: Aren't those Ducklings the cutest? Although they will be switching out their outfits to their Patriots garb in time for the Super Bowl to be sure. I see that over 700 people ended up Marching in New Zealand. Thanks for the support.

>184 magicians_nephew: It was a very interesting discussion about The Technologists, Jim. (My review from a few years back is here: http://www.librarything.com/review/90382707)

This Book Group is at my church which is quite interesting in light of our discussion. To a person, we are all VERY pro science and technology. The group is an interesting mix with a college professor, a scientist, and a retired librarian from Harvard Divinity School in our ranks.

Everyone enjoyed the local Boston setting, as well as the rivalry between the upstart MIT and hidebound Harvard. A competition which still continues to this day, I might add! Some had done some research and found that many of the characters, especially our favorite heroine, Ellen, have a solid basis in history. Some found it slow going in parts and some of the inexplicable disasters a little unbelievable.

Much of the conversation talked about the post-Civil War distrust of this newfangled science and technology and how it correlates to our current times. I brought up the first use of ether as anesthesia in surgery, which took place right here at our own Mass. General Hospital. Highly controversial at the time. Many people felt that, as 'fallen people' from the Garden of Eden, pain was God's punishment for eating the forbidden fruit. The use of ether for women and difficult childbirths was particularly decried. We saw some similar issues with some religious folk over creationism, genetics, and artificial insemination. But even beyond that, we looked at some thought in which evidence based science is seen as mere theory. Vaccine and climate change skeptics came to mind.

Our book for February: Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant by Roz Chast.

3. When God Isn't Green: A World-Wide Journey to Places Where Religious Practice and Environmentalism Collide by Jay Wexler
4.5 Stars



Boston University School of Law Prof. Jay Wexler examines instances in which religious practices run afoul ecological interests. For example, palm fronds for palm Sunday celebrations causing rain forest damage in Central America. Taoist and Jewish practices of burning joss paper and bonfires respectively causing air pollution and asthma. Hindi celebrators honoring Ganesh carry large plaster of Paris statues into the sea, left on the ocean floor to contribute further to water pollution. Buddhist ‘mercy release’ ceremonies release millions of small animals into inappropriate habitats, killing most and ruining ecosystems.

Wexler spent years traveling around the globe to witness and try to understand the religious and legal issues surrounding these and other practices. He writes in an easy conversational tone, very accessible to the lay reader. I quite enjoyed his “The Odd Clauses” about lesser known and debated clauses of the US Constitution, which could serve as a mini-civics lesson. This book was equally interesting. Ultimately, Wexler supports a collaborative effort between government and religious entities to help preserve the environment. He urges caution with an eye towards the unintentional consequences of regulatory action. As with so much of public policy addressing competing interests, it becomes a balancing act.

In Guatemala, the source of the vast majority of the world’s palm fronds, cooperatives have grown up to support the more costly and time consuming harvesting of the palms. EcoPalms might cost a Congregation $25 to $50 more a year, but mean all the difference to those in Central America doing their best to combat wholesale destruction of the rain forests. My own congregation is now using EcoPalm products and I am encouraging others I know to do the same.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. I am also a graduate of BUSL, although Prof. Wexler came well after I left and I have never met him.

>185 michigantrumpet: - Here it is, Marianne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei50lM6ab1c

Oh my goodness, I haven't listened to this since it came out in 2015. The lyrics seem rather timely for your situation today, in the States!!!

Maybe this could be a next-step template for after the marches..... ;-)

I, too, was bitten by the Trudeaumania bug back in the day. I was too young to vote for him during his first time round as PM (1968, I was in high school) but absolutely voted for him second time round (1980)

I will take that copy of "Before the Fall." Send it to B. Strnad, 1213 14th Ave East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404.

Hi Marianne - I love the signs - science seems to be much on everyone's mind these days...

http://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2017/01/22/510384513/fact-check-science-and-the...

Your book group sounds interesting. I haven't read any by Pearl although I think I have a couple on my shelves. The Technologists sounds interesting, as does When God Isn't Green.

189 Thanks Shelley. Loved that video! And the hats! I'm sure there will be plenty of similar things here.

I was an intern in the OPP in 1981. A highlight was going to Ottawa and sitting in the Speaker's Gallery for Question Period. Sadly, didn't meet my idol, but I met several Ministers.

>190 benitastrnad: Sent you a personal message Benita.

>191 BLBera: What an interesting article, Beth. Certainly lays it all out there.

>191 BLBera: - Yikes! That article! Here is a small quote and my editorial comment:

"There is no controversy about evolution, though. There is no doubt that, like all other life on Earth, we humans have evolved and continue to evolve."

Well, some people, not so much...

It is downright scary :-(

How far will this move us in the right direction, I wonder? Pope Says God is No Wizard.

>188 michigantrumpet: interesting! I was reading a lot about indigenous populations and their relationship with environmental movements worldwide. It seems 'the people' don't want to poison themselves off their own land....well, duh! ;)

>193 jessibud2: Ha! Good one Shelley. Feel free to editorialize all you want.

>194 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks so much for sharing that, Linda! This present Pope is quite refreshing. I'm going to share with my church book group, all of whom would quite agree that faith, evolution and science are not mutually exclusive.

>195 LovingLit: Quite interesting, Megan. One of Wexler's chapters deals with indigenous tribes above the Arctic Circle in Alaska and their annual whale hunt. Quite moving.

Taking a pause to say farewell to Mary Tyler Moore.

A little story: As several of you know, my father passed away when I was 13 years old, leaving my family in dire financial straits. I knew one thing: I would get educated and work so that -- no matter what happened -- I would always be able to take care of and support me and mine.

As a young woman growing up in the '70's, I naturally looked for role models of strong professional women. I had some excellent teachers and a friend's mother was a nurse. In the greater zeitgeist, awareness and representation of professional women was only just starting. While Mary Tyler Moore wasn't the only one, her representation of a young independent woman, holding her own in the newsroom, was fresh and inspiring. Mary Richards wasn't afraid to be principled nor smart. While being funny and compassionate and feminine. Oh, that we could all pull off that combination even now!

Thank you, Mary Tyler Moore.

No better eulogy than:

A little song, a little dance,
A little seltzer down your pants.

Chuckles the Clown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92I04DkMEps

>197 michigantrumpet: - Awww. Thanks for that, Marianne. Indeed, an icon

>197 michigantrumpet: Oh that funeral scene when she stifles her laughing....what a comic genius she was.

>198 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley. Most definitely an icon!

>199 laytonwoman3rd: One of my very favorite episodes. I crack up absolutely EVERY TIME I watch it.

Having difficulty working while a protest continues outside my office window. But not what you think! This is a protest by Cameroon citizens aimed towards France. (Many consulates, including the French, are in my building.)



Apparently the Francophone majority and the Anglophone minority have been clashing. The political unrest has already caused several deaths and many arrests. Then this happened:

http://www.geektime.com/2017/01/27/while-the-west-freaks-out-about-trump-cameroo...

This protest provided an slow Friday pm opportunity to learn more about an ongoing problem and a corrective to our self-important American tendency to see our issues as the all consuming ones. An interesting world we live in.

It is indeed an interesting world!

I was at the bookstore this morning to return a book I had bought on the weekend (only to come home and find I already had it on my shelf; this *never* happens to anyone else, right?). Anyhow, I noticed 2 editions of TIME magazine on the stand by the cash register. The one with the D.O.G. (dangerous orange gasbag), on the cover, I did not touch, not even wanting physical contact. But I did purchase the other one, the one that had nothing on the cover but a pink pussy hat. And the words: The Resistance Rises - How a march Becomes a Movement.

Should be an interesting issue....

>201 michigantrumpet: - Good for them for demonstrating. As your (polite) neighbour to the north, I have to concur that sometimes, Americans are not all that aware of what happens outside their borders. Not all Amercians of course....;-)

>202 drneutron: Quite interesting indeed! Although the Gent in the office next door to mine is convinced they are all here illegally and have no room to complain. "If it weren't for the US, there wouldn't be an internet to have the Cameroon Government shut down." *sigh*

>203 jessibud2: *tee hee* The two copies of the same book happens to me ALL the time! Although, instances of it have decreased with the LT mobile app. If I'm on top of my game, I do a quick check scan of the bar code and check to see if already in my library.

Re: self-concerned US citizens. Having lived in and close to Canada, I know it is a bit of a sticking point to call ourselves Americans. It's not as if you don't take up a goodly portion of the continent.

A friend on FB recently posted an article from McLeans asking if this was a legit news source. (!!) Managed to set him straight. But, seriusly. He lives in Detroit. how has he never come across McLeans once over the past 30-40 years?

Just discovered a friend from Chicago passed away over the holidays. We weren't extremely close, as evidenced by the fact I just found out. But A good man with a good life worth celebrating.

In keeping with Mark's Chicago tradition, this friend was also a big craft beer aficionado. Getting together at a local brew pub to raise a pint or two in his honor and talk all things Chicago sports. (OK, maybe a little Super Bowl talk if things get slow.)

At least he lived to see a Cubs victory.

>196 michigantrumpet: yes- it was the Arctic oil drilling that got me reading about indigenous uprising, also in South America. Fascinating and sobering reading.

>197 michigantrumpet: What a lovely tribute, Marianne! I bet MTM would have loved your story. Thanks for sharing it with us.

>197 michigantrumpet: that's lovely. I think we are about the same age and I, too, remember admiring Mary Richards and thinking hey, I could do that someday.

>205 michigantrumpet: Sorry about your friend. I think raising a toast in his honor would be most fitting. And just like you, heavens no, I NEVER buy duplicates of books...now that I have the mobile LT App!! I have a MTM tribute on my thread as well. Mine is more picture and less words though. ; )

Sorry to read about your loss, Marianne.
Happy weekend and hopefully lots of reading.

Lovely tribute to MTM - she was an inspiration. One reason I decided on journalism - although I chose print.

When I lived in the Dominican Republic, I was frequently, and most the time politely reminded, that the USA was the only country in America. Also, I learned about issues that others, outside of the US, cared about.

I am getting better about not buying the same book twice, but it happens.

#201
That is why I watch DWTV. That is the German TV station that is available on my local cable TV. We have DWTV (Deutsch Wella TV) here because of the HUGE Mercedes Benz plant located just outside of town and the accompanying German population in town.

Which reminds me? What car company is it that Trump is going to tax for vehicles NOT made in the U.S.?

>206 LovingLit: The oil drilling issues are a big concern, Megan. I'll bet that was interesting reading.

>207 rosalita: and >208 lauralkeet: Thanks, Julia and Laura! Did a little binge-watch of MTM this weekend and was overwhelmed by her ability to convey both grace and humor, often at the same time.

>209 Berly: Yours was a lovely MTM tribute as well, Kim. That LT app certainly has been a godsend! Although a duplicate or two will occasionally sneak its way into the house...

>210 Ameise1: Thank you, Barbara. It was a nice evening sharing stories and lifting a pint (or two!)

>211 BLBera: And I raise another glass of your choosing in honor of journalists print and otherwise. We are as ever in need to them now as ever.

I have always thought it important for US citizens to travel internationally, simply to expand our horizons and dust off some of that we're-the-only-country-that-counts grime that afflicts us all. The rest of the world puts us to shame given our depressing lack of education in other languages. Feel so embarrassed around my polyglot friends.

And, incredibly ... Just this very second found two copies of the same book, which I'm reading to review. It seemed funny when the copy I *thought* I was reading kept showing up in a different spot than where I thought I'd left it!

>212 benitastrnad: I loved that story about DWTV! Who would have thought? Although once explained, it makes perfect sense. And the DJT tax question is well put, Benita.

New Orleans next January? Sounds like a strong possibility!

4. Hissing Cousins: the Untold Story of Eleanor Roosevelt and Alice Roosevelt Longworth by Marc Peyser
4 stars



Eleanor Roosevelt's father and Alice Roosevelt Longworth's father were brothers. These first cousins were born months apart. Alice's father Theodore (of the Oyster Bay Roosevelts), was President of the US. Eleanor's husband Franklin (of the Hyde Park Roosevelts) followed him to the White House some three decades later.

Eleanor Roosevelt spoke widely, while also appearing on radio and in her weekly news column. Her first press conference as First Lady gave primary access to women journalists. She went on to serve as part of the US delegation at the forming of the United Nations, the first Chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights, and the first Chair of the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women at President Kennedy's behest.

Alice Roosevelt Longworth inhabited the White House through her rebellious adolescence – TR famously stated "I can either run the country or I can control Alice. I cannot possibly do both." She went on to marry a Congressman and bear a Senator’s lovechild. Alice set herself up as the guardian of her father's legacy, aggressively attacking those she deemed a threat. The tension between the Oyster Bay and Hyde Park Roosevelts was often fraught with anxiety and animosity. Oyster Bay -- Alice chief among them - felt Teddy, Jr., the natural successor to the White House and resented Franklin's success. She was a raconteur with a wide circle of influential friends and acquaintances. Through her relationships with powerful politicians, as well as hosting select dinner parties, she sought back room influence over politics of her day. Upon her death, her occupation was listed as "gadfly".

Peyser's dual biography follows their sometimes combative and always delicate friendship throughout their lifetime. Alice was renowned for her caustic imitation of Eleanor, snide gossip against the Hyde Park President and his wife, and other efforts to undermine their position and prestige. All the while, Eleanor politely had Alice to White House dinners. Though long suffering, Eleanor was not without a jab or two of her own. In the early years, she assisted in a political stunt (involving a truck with a slogan emblazoned across its side) which contributed to TR Jr's failed bid for NY Governor. While tame by today's political standards, at the time it caused hard feelings between the two camps.

Of the two, history has treated Eleanor far more kindly. My sympathies fell more towards our First Lady. She seemed more consistent in her political ethos, and even went to battle with her own husband for what she felt was right. She sought political goals as a moral imperative, rather than seeking power for power's sake.

Peyser valiantly tries to make a case for Alice's influence. I would have loved to think she moved and shook Washington, but I don’t buy that wit and good press copy necessarily equates with true power. Ultimately, I found myself as repulsed as by modern era narcissistic celebrities. Egomaniacal to a fault, Alice Longworth wore her disdain and malevolence to others openly. Nevertheless, Alice was long a character on the national scene. Her interactions with her cousin make excellent reading. Political junkies will find plenty here, including gossip about a DC icon whose sofa’s embroidered pillow read: "If you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit next to me."

>215 michigantrumpet: - Sounds like an interesting read, Marianne. I have always wanted to read more about Eleanor Roosevelt. I don't really know all that much about her other than that she was an interesting and active First Lady. I will admit that I had not heard of the other cousin!

>216 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. I've known about Alice for a while, but not truly in depth before I read Alice: Alice Roosevelt Longworth, From White House Princess to Washington Power Broker by Stacy Cordery. Cordery engages in WAAY too much psychological speculation and analysis for my tastes, but it was a pretty interesting read as well. Hissing Cousins was a nice follow up to that read.

>217 michigantrumpet: - and Hissing Cousins is just a great title, if nothing else, lol!

Alice Roosevelt Longworth was as they say, "good copy"- did they talk about her "Alice Blue Gown"? - but as a mover and a shaker she was a footnote to a footnote.

>218 jessibud2: I thought that was quite clever as well! It certainly sets the tone in a quite pithy fashion.

>219 magicians_nephew: Quite right, Jim. The popular press followed her every move as a young woman, including the color of her gowns. A misbehaving, overindulged child of a prominent family famous largely for being famous. Trying to think of an apt comparison -- The Paris Hilton in the time of her young adulthood?

I did it!

For the 10th (!!!) year in a row, I have snagged tickets to the AMC Best Picture Showcase. I'll see back-to-back beast picture nominated films over the course of two Saturdays.

February 18:
Manchester by the Sea
Fences
Hell or High Water
LaLaLand

February 25:
Moonlight
Lion
Arrival
Hidden Figures
Hacksaw Ridge

I've put off seeing movies, waiting for the line up to be announced. (Didn't want to see some movies twice.)

Are there Academy nominated films -- Best Actor/Actress, etc. that you've seen and really liked? Going to search out a few in the next couple weeks to watch.

5. Can't We Talk about something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast
5 stars



For many, Roz Chast's many cartoons and covers represent the New Yorker Magazine as much as James Thurber's did for an earlier generation. In her graphic memoir, "Can't We talk about Something More Pleasant," Chast combines cartoons, photos, and text into a candid, moving and humorous portrayal of ushering her parents into their later years. For me, successful humor often carries a hint of bathos -- If you don't laugh, you'll cry. It also brings a hint of recognition and perhaps even a new way of looking at commonplace experiences. Chast unflinchingly shows her own and her parents' foibles, anxieties, and frailties in ways simultaneously fresh, delightful, maddening, and sweet.

As we all have aging relatives ourselves - or may be tiptoeing to the abyss ourselves - I guarantee you will have at least one of those "Aha! That is SOOO true!" moments. Humor can help us cope with so many of life's (and death's) unpleasant realities. Chast's efforts in this regard are receiving well deserved accolades: National Book Critics Circle Award, Kirkus Prize Winner to name a few.

Can't recommend this book enough.

The Strand Book Store nails it in this slightly tongue-in-cheek "10 Reading Superstitions of Book Fanatics. A bit of self-recognition thee, I'd say! Anyone else?

@strandbookstore/10-reading-superstitions-of-book-fanatics-a9abd97ad5e9#.603493lv4" rel="nofollow" target="_top">https://medium.com/@strandbookstore/10-reading-superstitions-of-book-fanatics-a9...

>222 michigantrumpet: the Museum of Modern Art here in NYC did a thing they called "The Contenders" - film showing of films likely to be nominated including the animated and the foreign and the shorts. We saw "LaLa Land" there.

It's a nice little series.

Don't think "Hell or High Water" is going to take home any gold but we liked it a lot. Some amazing actors in a little laid back modern Western with a sly sense of humor and a heart too.

>223 michigantrumpet: I loved that book.

Also ... on my thread, you mentioned an interest in reading Vita Sackville-West. My hands-down favorite of hers is All Passion Spent, about a woman, recently widowed, who finds her independence.

>222 michigantrumpet: - Wow, that sounds like some serious popcorn weekends ahead! I have seen only 2 from your list: Hidden Figures, which I hope takes everything; it is THAT GOOD. And Manchester by the Sea, which was good but, in my opinion, very grim and depressing. The actress in Manchester is up for a supporting actress award in the Oscars, I think, and if she wins over ANY of the Hidden Figures cast, I will be really ticked off. She was ok, but had such a small role, and the Hidden Figures trio of leads were simply outstanding. I am hoping to see Lion and Lala Land soon.

>223 michigantrumpet: - Sounds like something I'd love!

>225 magicians_nephew: sounds like an interesting series, Jim -- especially the short and foreign film entries. Would love that. I've heard good things about Hell or High Water. Looking forward to seeing it. I'm afraid it may be one of those deserving little movies where 'They Should Feel Honored To Be Nominated.' The amazing 2010 Winter's Bone fell into that category. That was where the incredible Jennifer Lawrence first burst into our consciousness.

>226 lauralkeet: Right, Laura? Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? Has been on my radar for a while. I loved it so much, I sort of forced it down the throats of my RL Book group as our February read.

Anything that helps us approach difficult discussions about aging, death, and dying is good. To accomplish that with grace and good humor? Even better.

Thanks for the tip on Vita Sackville-West.

>227 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. You are the second person I know with similar strong feelings about Hidden Figures. That one is right in my wheelhouse, so very much looking forward to the viewing.

Manchester-by-the-Sea has gotten tons of buzz in these here parts. The story takes place in that Massachusetts seaside town, and most of the movie was filmed here. Ironically, the real Manchester-by-the-Sea is a delightful bedroom community and not particularly grim at all. I've been warned to bring my hanky.

I've seen nothing in the Best Actress category. Most of these are available through On Demand or Amazon. Anyone have thoughts good or bad? I'll be seeing LaLaLand.

Emma Stone – “La La Land“
Natalie Portman – “Jackie“
Isabelle Huppert – “Elle“
Meryl Streep – “Florence Foster Jenkins“
Ruth Negga – “Loving“

>228 michigantrumpet: - I have been telling anyone who asks that the cinematography in Manchester is magnificent but that the story is difficult. I have close friends who used to live in Manchester, NH and I have been there, myself, twice so for that alone, I loved it but I just found it a very hard one to watch.

Hi, Marianne.

>233 benitastrnad: Nice review of Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant. Thumb from me.

I was struck by her sometimes painful honesty. There are times when taking care of parents can drive us crazy. But, as you say, humor helps us cope with unpleasant realities.

P.S. I thought Emma Stone was terrific and moving in La La Land. Her best yet, IMO. I haven't seen the others.

>229 michigantrumpet: - Oh, Jackie is another I really want to see. I'd also love to see the Streep film, for her, alone. I did see Loving and it was good. I got the book as an ER book through LT and read it just after seeing the film. I commented on it in my review of the book and together, they give a more complete picture. But the film was very good, even on its own. Oddly, I saw both Loving and Hidden Figures in the same week, unintentionally and without realizing that there was some overlap in the theme of racism.

#229
I saw the French film about the woman who couldn't sing opera but did anyway, and loved it. For that reason I never saw the Meryl Streep film with the same plot. I haven't seen hardly any of the Meryl Streep films of late. I don't know why, as I like her as an actress.

I read good reviews of "Lion" and would like to see that one.

Re: your "...depressing lack of education in other languages..."
recalls OED Editor James Murray's application to the British Museum Library
in 1866:

"...I possess a general acquaintance with the languages and literature
of the Aryan and Syro-Aryan classes...as with the Romantic tongues,
Italian, French, Catalan, Spanish, Latin, and, to a lesser degree,
Portuguese, Vaudois, Provencal, and various dialects...I am tolerably
familiar with Dutch, Flemish, German, and Danish...I know a little of
The Celtic...with a useful knowledge of Russian. In the Persian,
Achaemenian, Cuneiform, and Sanskrit branches, I know for the
purposes of Comparative Philology. I have sufficient knowledge
of Hebrew and Syriac to read at sight the Old Testament...to a lesser
degree, I know Aramaic, Arabic, Coptic, and Phoenician..."

He was 29 years old!

I am WAAAAAY behind on the movie front. Haven't seen any of them. I should fix that! But I did read Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? and I also highly recommend it. Nice review!

>230 jessibud2: Your views on Manchester-By-The-Sea, Shelley, have reconfirmed comments heard from others. I'll be interested if I recognize any of the filming locales.

>231 jnwelch: My humble thanks for the thumb, Joe. You are so right about Chast's painful honesty. I can understand that some people couldn't stomach either her dysfunctional family nor her conflicted concerns about skyrocketing costs. However, if this was a book full of sugarcoated sweetness-and-light, I doubt so many people would find it so relatable.

>232 jessibud2: Shelley - Loving was a case that I studied in my constitutional Law class. I',m looking forward to finally meeting the flesh and blood (and brave) plaintiffs in that landmark case.

>233 benitastrnad: Cool, Benita! I didn't know the Streep film was a remake of a French one! Also a big Streep fan. And yet, a good friend and fellow cinephile can't stand her. In the movies, as in books, there's something for everyone!

>234 m.belljackson: Thanks for that, Marianne BJ! Did I actually reach twenty-six without counting various dialects? How impressive is that?

>235 Berly: Yep, Kim, it's rush, rush , rush to get in all the movies before the Academy Awards. Makes me wonder what I've been doing with my life recently! Glad you also liked the Chast book.

Getting caught up on another review from a read from 2016:

Rogue Heroes: The History of the SAS, Britain's Secret Forces Unit That Sabotaged the Nazis and Changed the Nature of War by Ben McIntyre
4.5 stars



Ben McIntyre (despite a recent sidestep into the life of the British traitor Kim Philby) happily resides in the world of WWII Britain. He has made a cottage industry of book after excellent book based largely upon newly declassified documentation. This latest effort details the successes and travails of the Special Air Service. The highly mobile unit outside the usual chain of command was formed as a response to the needs for modern warfare methods. The SAS was initially used to brilliant effect in North Africa. They could attack targets on the fly, appearing and disappearing into the desert night, after wreaking maximum damage and chaos with a minimum of personnel or supplies. Exceedingly demoralizing to the Axis Forces.

I have always enjoyed McIntyre's writing for its narrative arc and his eye for the telling detail. I particularly enjoyed his telling of the unit's founding under David Stirling - a rogue if there ever was one, but a rogue's who's idea came at exactly the perfect moment in the war effort. He stood shoulder-to-shoulder with a crew of military misfits, chaffing under the usual command, but wily tacticians and commandos. Rogue Heroes, addressing an entire unit for an entire war, will perforce be broader in scope as many of his prior works. Those often dealt with specific missions (Operation Piecemeal), individuals (Agent ZigZag) or a group of double agents (Double Cross). This latest effort rightly takes its place alongside. A great read, particularly for those, like me, who can never get enough of history, politics and WWII.

Big date tonight with the Hubby - Going to the Bahstahn Gahden for a Detroit Pistons/Boston Celtics NBA game. NBA basketball is one of my least favorite of the major sports. No one plays defense, and everyone travels and palms the ball. Would much rather watch a good Women's basketball game. Excellent intelligent play, little showboating, and you can see the plays develop along with excellent passes.

But, hey, the tickets are free, it's the Detroit Pistons and we get to meet for dinner beforehand.

Ha! Basketball isn't really my game to watch, but I do admire the athleticism of all those constantly moving folks. Have a good time.

#237
I am not sure that the Meryl Streep movie is exactly a remake. I think the French just beat the American movie makers to the story and put their French Twist into it. But it was good. Done in black and white.

>240 ffortsa: Yes, Judy -- VERY athletic. Detroit lost but kept it close most of the game. Pretty sloppy play on both sides (poor dribbling, inaccurate passing) but high scoring. We had a good time.

I feel like some old fogey horrified by Elvis Presley on the Ed Sullivan show, but ... those dancing girls, while athletic and attractive were dancing in the skimpiest outfits possible and in the most atrociously lewd fashion. Tons of guys around me hooting and hollering (not John, of course.) There were little girls there. I so wanted to say to them: You can be strong and athletic and artistic and talented without having to do it for male sexual interest and approval.

Get off my lawn!

>241 benitastrnad: If you remember the name of the movie Benita, please let me know!

So another thing happened at the basketball game last night. Quite conflicted about it, and wondered if anyone else had a viewpoint to share.

Last night was dedicated to various members of the armed forces, who had been given seats throughout the arena. During the evening, we were treated to pictures on the jumbotron of people either there or via a satellite feed from bases over seas.

At one point, A soldier based the past year in Afghanistan was featured on the screen. A local boy, talking about his love for the Celtics and how he couldn't wait to get home. His family - parents, fiancee and brother -- were in the arena and received a nice round of applause.

As you can guess, all of a sudden, the soldier himself appears, surprising his family. Hugs and tears abounded, all captured on the huge screen and before a loudly cheering crowd.

I have seen these moments of YouTube, etc, but having it right in front of me had a troubling impact. I admire our men and women in uniform and was truly happy for the young man and his family's tears and expressions of joy. If the Celtics had some role in getting him home and into mother's arms, I'm pleased. And yet ... I was overwhelmed by feelings that this was manipulative and exploitative. Here was a real family's raw emotions being served up to us as entertainment. It felt like I was intruding on a deeply personal and private moment.

Readers, I think are naturally empathic given their ability to place themselves into a fictional character's place. I can be deeply sentimental and have cried my way through more than a few novels. We all love a happy ending.

So am I the only one to feel moments of disquiet during a moment such as this? Am I over reacting? I accept that I truly may be, but 18 hours later I'm still thinking about it.

>243 michigantrumpet: We're pretty private people, so something like that would feel like an invasion of privacy to me - one I wasn't able to choose to participate in. And yeah, for me it comes off as somewhat exploitative as well.

>243 michigantrumpet: I would have trouble if I ever got into such a position, Marianne, and would feel highly exploited.
On the other hand over here we have had many TV-shows in the past decades exploiting just that and they were all very popular, so there is a large audience for it.... and enough people who want to participate...

>243 michigantrumpet: I feel very much the same as you, Marianne. The first couple such events were heart-warming but now it just feels like emotional blackmail. I had my feelings about that and other military propaganda at sporting events reinforced by Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk. Have you read it? The veterans in that book were pretty underwhelmed by all the flags and "support the troops" signs they saw when they came home, contrasted with the way most of those same people couldn't even be bothered to try to ask them what their experience was really like and acknowledge that it might not all have been "rah-rah!".

>243 michigantrumpet: I would agree with your viewpoint. I have thought for several years that sporting events were becoming too jingoistic for my taste. That feeling was certainly not helped when it was revealed how much money was paid (mainly to the NFL but to other major league sports too) for teams to put on these displays. I would be willing to bet the Celtics got paid by the US military for that event.

For me, it goes back to my own conception of patriotism. The people that I know who dedicated their lives to service of country didn't boast about it, weren't loud about, and didn't spend their time telling others that they loved America more.

I don't see this getting better any time soon. A mature conversation about the proper line between support of our soldiers, the increasingly thin slice of America that serves, and how policy leaders conceive of the use of military force seems well beyond our collective capabilities these days.

>247 Oberon: Hear, hear! You expressed that beautifully, Erik. Thanks for that.

>238 michigantrumpet: I'm jealous. I think I tried, and failed, 6 straight times to get that book from ER. LT said that they'd try to put in a good word for me, for perseverance.

I think I'll reserve it at the library. I thought I'd read another Ben McIntyre book but it turns out that I own the book, but haven't read it. I think I've got Operation Mincemeat. Double Cross is the one I most want to read though, after reading a Kindle single about the D-Day deception.

I haven't seen any of the films, Marianne. I would love to see several of them, though. "Fences" and "Hidden Figures," especially. My class reads the Wilson play.

I loved the Chast book and had a similar reaction to yours. She was amazingly honest about the challenges posed by aging parents. We love them, but it can be hard...

I got my dad Rogue Heroes for Christmas, and he gave it a thumbs up. Maybe he'll let me borrow it. He reads only non-fiction, so I am also looking for something he'll like. Right now he's reading The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey, which I heard about on LT. He's enjoying that as well.

I've only seen a few of the nominated films. I just saw 'Manchester by the Sea' on Sunday. Yes, it was sad, but so much more. I was really pleased that they didn't give it the patented happy Hollywood ending. Loved it and will be rooting for it to win.

Last weekend I saw 'Lion,' which was awesome. The camera work in the first half really made you feel right there with that little boy; I could feel his panic and confusion. It's based on a true story, and at the end they show the actual people involved. I will be rooting for Dev Patel for Best Supporting Actor.

Ruth Negga was amazing--very understated performance compared to the others. I was surprised to learn that she is Nigerian, and the actor who played her husband is Welch; they had excellent southern accents.

Moonlight--great performances but I wan't wild about the film. Talk about depressing!

Many of the films that are nominated I just had no interest in seeing. I'm looking forward to 'Hidden Figures,' though.

I agree with you about the event/reunion at the Celts game. I think everybody needs to read Billy Lynn's Long Half-time Walk.

Good review of The Chast memoir. I also thought it was excellent.

I love Macintyre, although I have not read his latest yet.

Looking forward to your thoughts on those nominated films. I have work to do too. La La Land is my favorite so far. I really liked Hell or High Water and Moonlight too.

>243 michigantrumpet: I am totally with you. >247 Oberon: 's comments resonate as well.

>238 michigantrumpet: they say at the beginning of the war Churchill went to the SAS and said "Now - set Europe ablaze". and well -- no surprise - they didn't.

But there are a lot of great stories of the missions that tried to and some that even succeeded.

I'll be looking out for this new Ben McIntyre book

I was over 100 posts behind, Marianne, but am now caught up. *patting myself on the back*

I haven't seen many of the nominated films, but there are several I want to... (I say that every year.)

I did see 'Loving' and thought it was quite good. Both main actors were very understated, and, I would argue, sometimes *too* understated. I really want to see 'Manchester by the Sea,' 'Jackie,' 'Hidden Figures,' and a few of the others. 'La la Land' doesn't appeal much, for some reason. I like Emma Stone a lot, and I love musicals, so... ? Weird.

As for the sports/patriotism/military question, I would be interested to know how these things are organized. Like does a service member express a desire to do it, and the military gets in touch with a team? I think my reaction would depend on knowing more about it, but on face value, it does seem overdone. I can't help but think that any family highlighted at a sporting event these days has to at least suspect that they may be about to be "surprised" since these things are all over the news and internet...

I tend to agree with Erik about sporting events becoming over-the-top jingoistic. It was nice at first, after 9/11, but now it's just kind of ridiculous. My husband loves to rant about the stupid, giant flags they unfurl to cover the whole field :-P

#242
I finally got time today to track down the movie. It is titled "Marguerite" and it was a joint French, Belgium, and Czech made movie. Here is the link to the Wikipedai page. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marguerite_(film)

>229 michigantrumpet: Meryl Streep was fantastic in Florence Foster Jenkins, as was Hugh Grant, which made me feel happy. My rule of thumb with Hugh Grant is that he plays a fantastic baddie, but in this one he was a great goodie :) (and not all all foppish!!)

Emma Stone good in La La Land too, but I am suspicious about the "just released" buzz that follows the newest films out.

Finally catching up here, Marianne. Funny juxtaposition up above--what MTM was to you in the 70s, Eleanor Roosevelt was to me in the 50s. And the only movie I've seen was Hidden Figures, which was WONDERFUL! I want to see Lala Land and Loving, but will probably wait until they are available at home.

Hello again, Marianne, and thanks for your visit to my original Thread -

it's up now in revitalized form with a story as: February 1st, 2017 - Happy 133rd to the OED -
hope you enjoy the update!

Stay warm,

Marianne from Wisconsin

Jim and I saw 'La La Land' at the Museum of Modern Art, and liked it, but didn't love it. This past week, we saw a SAG 'for your consideration' copy of 'Moonlight', which we thought excellent, if a bit depressing. But there were wonderful things in it as well. And the acting was superb. The friend who had the SAG DVD has one for 'Fences', which we hope to see this weekend.

We usually try to catch up by the time the Oscars are shown, since we attend an annual party complete with contests and awards. We've never gotten to see all of them - maybe next year.

>85 michigantrumpet: Isn't it weird how things have a way of coming up like that once you've heard about them? I remember that happening to me in college all the time--I'd hear about something in one class and then that concept would just keep coming up in all my other classes too!

>128 michigantrumpet: I felt the same way about The Madwoman Upstairs--misrepresented on its jacket copy, but a really excellent example of what it was. I really enjoyed it.

I'll bet you are one happy camper today! Great game! Great Quarterback!

Where, pray tell, are you?
:)

>244 drneutron: Hello there, Jim! The whole thing left me uncomfortable and conflicted. Thanks for the support!

>245 FAMeulstee: You are sooooo right, Anita, about there being a large audience for that type of thing. I suspect the rise in 'Reality' TV may have something to do with hit. And certainly there are swaths of people who actively seek out publicity for this. It's come to the point where some people feel actually entitled to witness other people's joy, grief, etc. I recall a time when a woman went missing and there was a lot of press in trying to find her. A secretary in my old office complained that the husband hadn't come onto to the TV to show his distress. She felt as if he owed her the chance to observe his fear and grief. She felt that his failure to do so made him suspect number one. There are plenty of reasons to believe that a spouse may be responsible for the other's disappearance. I don't think wanting to keep one's grief to oneself is one of them.

>246 rosalita: An excellent point, Julia, about the effect this type of adulatory moment has on the people in the military. I remember a Vietnam POW being given a parade in my hometown upon his release. I was a little kid, and remember standing along the street cheering and waving a little flag that had been handed out. I ended up meeting the man decades later. He remarked about how he appreciated the sentiment but that it made him enormously uncomfortable.

>247 Oberon: So beautifully said, Erik! Thank you for that. I, too distrust and despise jingoistic patriotic displays. I am deeply concerned about the disconnect between our country's adulatory, rah-rah USA! attitude on the one hand and ever decreasing actual resources and support to our veterans, military, and their families on the other. If we are so quick to rely upon others (and particularly ones for whom there are few better options) to go into harm's way, we must do our part to back them up here at home.

>248 rosalita: What Julia said!

>249 lindapanzo: Checking the tracking number on my package, it seems stuck in Jersey City for the past several days. Hoping it reaches you eventually, Linda.

Double Cross is probably my favorite of the MacIntyre ouevre. Here is what I wrote back in 2014:

Feeling at a remove from the world of WWII-era black-and-white photos, kids these days might complacently feel the results of that vast conflict were a foregone conclusion. In truth, the Allied victory was not certain. Those same kids (if their forebears were not annihilated) came very close to speaking German and celebrating Adolph Hitler Day. To win the war, the Allied forces had to land in Northern Europe. We knew it and the Germans knew it. The big question was where the assault would take place. If the Germans guessed right, they could mass their forces in the right place and hold off the Allies. If not, the Allies would gain a foothold to work their way to Berlin.

Ben McIntyre's Double Cross recounts the remarkable stories of a group of double agents working out of England. The Germans believed they were spying for them. In reality, they were part of an imaginative and calculated espionage effort out of England. This motley group of men and women busily provided disinformation, harmless true information and true yet untimely intelligence -- all in the effort to confuse the Axis powers. Their supreme efforts convinced Germany the Northern European assault would take place far from the beaches of Normandy.

Who were these people? What motivated them to become double agents? How did they pull off this enormous hoax? Based upon newly declassified and released records McIntyre tells a walloping good tale about a little known yet critically important part of the war effort.

https://www.librarything.com/work/12423575/reviews/108380176

>250 BLBera: I think August Wilson is just amazing, Beth. My Stepdad seems to be a similar reader to your Dad. I would recommend (if he hasn't already gotten to them: Wright Brothers by David McCullough, Anything by Erik Larson, Especially his recent, Dead Wake about the sinking of the Lusitania. I am absolutely evangelical about a sweet little book called Dark Tide by Stephen Puleo about the Great Molasses Flood of 1919.

>251 Cariola: Thanks for the input, Deb ! I can't wait for the start of the Best Picture Showcase. The first day (four films) is February 18th. Seems like I'll need to bring lots of tissues with me!

>252 benitastrnad: Well, that does it. Onto the wishlist goes Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, Benita and Julia >246 rosalita:!!

>253 msf59: Good input, Mark. Not many people have commented on Hell or High Water, so I especially appreciate your thoughts on that one.

>254 lauralkeet: Laura - thanks for the support. Didn't Erik capture it perfectly?

>255 magicians_nephew: Howdy, Jim! Interesting Churchill Quote. Winston supposedly was quite taken with the SAS. MacIntyre makes the case that, once the SAS left the then conquered African theater, the SAS was put under more hierarchical command, and had less freedom to launch spur of the moment attacks as the opportunity arose. He argues that this greatly inhibited their effectiveness.

>256 katiekrug: *Patting along with you* Katie! Intersting point you've raised. I asked around a bit. Seems the military has paid the Celtics much of these exhibitions of patriotic fervor.

Funny about those huge flags. I run in marching band circles and I can tell you that they cost a LOT!

>257 benitastrnad: WOW! thanks a bunch, Benita! Looks very good.

>258 LovingLit: Oh, Megan, your 'foppish' comment gave me a good laugh! I'm hoping to see that movie soon. It's available through our cable company. I may have to download it soon!

Since you are inside today maybe you can take time to watch some of those Oscar movies you want to see. Or maybe you can watch "Marguerite" It was very entertaining.

What an amazing thread..There are photos of instrumental marches, images of lovely art, a tribute to Mary Tyler Moore, ducks, ducks, and then more ducks, and to round it all out, marvelous books.

>259 ronincats: I share the Elanor Roosevelt love, Roni. Just came across a wonderful quote of hers:

"Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art."

Isn't that wonderful?

>260 m.belljackson: Welcome back, Wisconsin Marianne! 133 years of the OED? Amazing, usn't it? I've tried looking for the thread. Can you copy a link for me? I do want to go back and check it out!

>261 ffortsa: Judy! I just ADORE the idea of SAG copies of movies. Sounds like Advance Review Copies, which we all love in these here parts!

>262 lycomayflower: We truly need to find the word for that phenomena of running across a newly learned word or concept constantly as soon as one's learnt it! I appreciate your comments about The Madwoman Upstairs, Laura. The publisher did that author a real disservice.

>263 benitastrnad: What a roller coaster game that was, Benita! More on that soon.

>264 LovingLit: Megan, I'm here. Took me most of a snow day to try to get caught up, but I'm here!

>270 benitastrnad: That was the plan Benita. We're in the midst of a blizzard/Nor'Easter here. Our Governor asked that no one drive on the roads if they don't have to do so. He's a Republican, but it seemed reasonable, so no one has! I had all sorts of great plans for my unanticipated day off. As of now, I've done a load of laundry, and many hours trying to get caught up on the threads on LT. I still have some snowblowing in my future, or a little bit of red wine might have been added to the mix!

>271 Whisper1: You are too kind, Linda. We do have some varied interests around here!

I did come across this in my travels today:



http://www.mfashop.com/48177.html

For all the well dressed Boston women!

Please come and join me on my new thread!!

https://www.librarything.com/topic/248248