Joe's Book Cafe 2017 Door 5
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Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2017
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2jnwelch
Top 5's for 2016
Fiction
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Honorable mentions: A Whole Life by Robert Seethaler (hard to leave this out of the top 5), Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson (ditto), Dodgers by Bill Beverly (ditto - I guess that's going to be true for all of these), A Manual for Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin, The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson, Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood, and others, but I'd better stop there.
Non-fiction
Evicted by Matthew Desmond (remarkable, outstanding, please read it)
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (and his wife)
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
Hero of the Empire by Candice Millard
Honorable mention: Create Dangerously by Edwidge Danticat, Dead Boys by Adriana Ramirez (novella-length), In a Different Key: The Story of Autism by John Donvan, Rogue Heroes by Ben Macintyre, Waterloo: The History of Four Days by Bernard Cornwell
Sci-Fi and Fantasy
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemison
The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet and A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers
Honorable mention: Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Poetry
Without: Poems by Donald Hall
Cold Mountain by Han Shan
Life on Mars by Tracy K. Smith
Neon Vernacular by Yusef Komunyakaa
Natural Birth by Toi Derricotte
Honorable Mention: Strike Sparks by Sharon Olds, The Swallows by Adriana Ramirez, Night Sky with Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong
Young Adult
Pax by Sara Pennypacker
The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
The Poet's Dog by Patricia Maclachlan
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Honorable Mention: On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder,
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George, Bone Gap by Laura Ruby
Mysteries and Thrillers
Charcoal Joe by Walter Mosley
Darktown by Thomas Mullen
His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet
A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny
Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham
Honorable Mention: I Shot the Buddha by Colin Cotterill, Night School by Lee Child, An Obvious Fact by Craig Johnson, The Gods of Gotham (wonky touchstone) by Lyndsay Faye
Graphic Novels
March: Book Three by John Lewis
Super Mutant Magic Academy by Jillian Tamaki
Velvet Volume 3 by Ed Brubaker
Saga Volume 6 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Missed Connections by Sophie Blackall
Honorable Mention: Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep Omnibus by Philip K. Dick and Tony Parker, Sleeper Omnibus by Ed Brubaker, Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier, How to Talk to Girls at Parties by Neil Gaiman
Fiction
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Honorable mentions: A Whole Life by Robert Seethaler (hard to leave this out of the top 5), Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson (ditto), Dodgers by Bill Beverly (ditto - I guess that's going to be true for all of these), A Manual for Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin, The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson, Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood, and others, but I'd better stop there.
Non-fiction
Evicted by Matthew Desmond (remarkable, outstanding, please read it)
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (and his wife)
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
Hero of the Empire by Candice Millard
Honorable mention: Create Dangerously by Edwidge Danticat, Dead Boys by Adriana Ramirez (novella-length), In a Different Key: The Story of Autism by John Donvan, Rogue Heroes by Ben Macintyre, Waterloo: The History of Four Days by Bernard Cornwell
Sci-Fi and Fantasy
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemison
The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet and A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers
Honorable mention: Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Poetry
Without: Poems by Donald Hall
Cold Mountain by Han Shan
Life on Mars by Tracy K. Smith
Neon Vernacular by Yusef Komunyakaa
Natural Birth by Toi Derricotte
Honorable Mention: Strike Sparks by Sharon Olds, The Swallows by Adriana Ramirez, Night Sky with Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong
Young Adult
Pax by Sara Pennypacker
The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
The Poet's Dog by Patricia Maclachlan
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Honorable Mention: On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder,
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George, Bone Gap by Laura Ruby
Mysteries and Thrillers
Charcoal Joe by Walter Mosley
Darktown by Thomas Mullen
His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet
A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny
Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham
Honorable Mention: I Shot the Buddha by Colin Cotterill, Night School by Lee Child, An Obvious Fact by Craig Johnson, The Gods of Gotham (wonky touchstone) by Lyndsay Faye
Graphic Novels
March: Book Three by John Lewis
Super Mutant Magic Academy by Jillian Tamaki
Velvet Volume 3 by Ed Brubaker
Saga Volume 6 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Missed Connections by Sophie Blackall
Honorable Mention: Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep Omnibus by Philip K. Dick and Tony Parker, Sleeper Omnibus by Ed Brubaker, Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier, How to Talk to Girls at Parties by Neil Gaiman
3jnwelch
2017 Books
January
1. The Strange Death of Fiona Griffiths by Harry Bingham
2. Bright Dead Things by Ada Limon
3. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
4. Love Story with Murders by Harry Bingham
5. Four Swans by Winston Graham
6. This Thing of Darkness by Harry Bingham
7. Tell Me by Kim Addonizio
8. Lola by Melissa Scrivner Love
9. A Robot in the Garden by Deborah Install
10. The Dead House by Harry Bingham
11. Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
12. Suspended Sentences by Patrick Modiano
13. Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
14. The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke translated by Stephen Mitchell
15. The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
February
16. The Fate of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
17. City by Clifford Simak
18. Eggtooth by Solia Carrock
19. The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer
20. A Lady of Quality by Georgette Heyer
21. Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
22. Binti Home by Nnedi Okorafor
23. Friday's Child by Georgette Heyer
24. The Dry by Jane Harper
Graphic Novels
1. Jessica Jones Pulse by Brian Michael Bendis
2. The Singing Bones by Shaun Tan
3. Whiteout by Greg Rucka
4. Jane, the Fox and Me by Fanny Britt
5. Monstress by Marjorie M. Liu
6. The White Donkey Terminal Lance by Maximilian Uriarte
7. Paper Girls Vol. 2 by Brian K. Vaughan
January
1. The Strange Death of Fiona Griffiths by Harry Bingham
2. Bright Dead Things by Ada Limon
3. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
4. Love Story with Murders by Harry Bingham
5. Four Swans by Winston Graham
6. This Thing of Darkness by Harry Bingham
7. Tell Me by Kim Addonizio
8. Lola by Melissa Scrivner Love
9. A Robot in the Garden by Deborah Install
10. The Dead House by Harry Bingham
11. Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
12. Suspended Sentences by Patrick Modiano
13. Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
14. The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke translated by Stephen Mitchell
15. The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
February
16. The Fate of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
17. City by Clifford Simak
18. Eggtooth by Solia Carrock
19. The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer
20. A Lady of Quality by Georgette Heyer
21. Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
22. Binti Home by Nnedi Okorafor
23. Friday's Child by Georgette Heyer
24. The Dry by Jane Harper
Graphic Novels
1. Jessica Jones Pulse by Brian Michael Bendis
2. The Singing Bones by Shaun Tan
3. Whiteout by Greg Rucka
4. Jane, the Fox and Me by Fanny Britt
5. Monstress by Marjorie M. Liu
6. The White Donkey Terminal Lance by Maximilian Uriarte
7. Paper Girls Vol. 2 by Brian K. Vaughan
4jnwelch
A favorite poem by James Wright
A Blessing
By James Wright
Just off the highway to Rochester, Minnesota,
Twilight bounds softly forth on the grass.
And the eyes of those two Indian ponies
Darken with kindness.
They have come gladly out of the willows
To welcome my friend and me.
We step over the barbed wire into the pasture
Where they have been grazing all day, alone.
They ripple tensely, they can hardly contain their happiness
That we have come.
They bow shyly as wet swans. They love each other.
There is no loneliness like theirs.
At home once more,
They begin munching the young tufts of spring in the darkness.
I would like to hold the slenderer one in my arms,
For she has walked over to me
And nuzzled my left hand.
She is black and white,
Her mane falls wild on her forehead,
And the light breeze moves me to caress her long ear
That is delicate as the skin over a girl’s wrist.
Suddenly I realize
That if I stepped out of my body I would break
Into blossom.
A Blessing
By James Wright
Just off the highway to Rochester, Minnesota,
Twilight bounds softly forth on the grass.
And the eyes of those two Indian ponies
Darken with kindness.
They have come gladly out of the willows
To welcome my friend and me.
We step over the barbed wire into the pasture
Where they have been grazing all day, alone.
They ripple tensely, they can hardly contain their happiness
That we have come.
They bow shyly as wet swans. They love each other.
There is no loneliness like theirs.
At home once more,
They begin munching the young tufts of spring in the darkness.
I would like to hold the slenderer one in my arms,
For she has walked over to me
And nuzzled my left hand.
She is black and white,
Her mane falls wild on her forehead,
And the light breeze moves me to caress her long ear
That is delicate as the skin over a girl’s wrist.
Suddenly I realize
That if I stepped out of my body I would break
Into blossom.
8msf59
>4 jnwelch: Love the Wright poem. Have you read a collection of his?
9Crazymamie
Happy new one, Joe! I love the image in >6 jnwelch:. Makes me laugh.
10jnwelch
>6 jnwelch: Thanks, Mark!
>7 msf59: Yes, James Wright was my go-to guy for a long time. You can do his collected poems, Above the River, but you might want to start with The Branch Will Not Break. It's a beaut.
>7 msf59: Yes, James Wright was my go-to guy for a long time. You can do his collected poems, Above the River, but you might want to start with The Branch Will Not Break. It's a beaut.
11jnwelch
>9 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! Making you laugh starts the day out right. :-)
15MickyFine
Happy new thread, Joe! Love the East of the Sun, West of the Moon illustrations. I've always been fond of that tale.
16ChelleBearss
Happy new thread! Wonderful art here, as always!
17NarratorLady
>12 jnwelch: Enjoy your coffee Joe! I'm about to pour myself a cup and crack open A Gentleman in Moscow. I hear it's quite the tale!
18Morphidae
>1 jnwelch: Oh, I love the polar bear one. I love polar bears so much.
20thearlybirdy
Happy New Thread, Joe!!! I love the toppers, I thought they might be from East of the Sun, West of the Moon. It's a good story. I also love >6 jnwelch:.
>13 Ameise1: This is amazing.
>13 Ameise1: This is amazing.
21Berly
Happy new thread, Joe!! Love the poem >4 jnwelch: and Barb's >13 Ameise1:.
22jnwelch
My sister sent these helpful and funny tips:
TIPS FOR CONTACTING YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS
By Shannon Reed
February 4, 2017
1. A pleasant greeting goes a long way. Before you dial, you might find it helpful to consider W.W.M.O.S.?, or, “What Would Michelle Obama Say?” If you’re very angry, think H.U.W.M.O.B.I.S.W.M.M.A.S.H.T.C.O.O.M.M.?, or, “How Upset Would Michelle Obama Be If She Was My Mother and She Heard That Coming Out of My Mouth?”
2. Get the name of the staffer who answers the phone, but refrain from screaming, “After the apocalypse, I’m coming for you first, Steven!” once you do so.
3. It’s effective to establish common ground. For example, you might begin by saying, “Look, we both agree that the President is a terrifying fruitcake, right?”
4. State the topic that you wish to discuss. Many congressional staff members are millennials, so it may be helpful to hashtag your topic. Say something like “#ACA,” or “#AbortionRights,” or “#YourBoss’sPalpableLackofMoralCertitude, Steven.”
5. Make your request clear, reasonable, and concise, but not too broad. We’ve found that “Don’t do anything you want to do; instead, do everything I want you to do!” is ultimately unhelpful, even if it’s heartfelt.
6. If you have a personal story about the issue at hand, feel free to tell it. Avoid asking the staff member to give you an “Amen!” from time to time.
7. Remember that the voices on the other end of the line are real people, so give them a moment to compose themselves after your personal story has led them to sob hysterically. Humming Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way” can keep the silence from growing too heavy, and serve as a gentle reminder that there’s still time for them pursue a different career.
8. If you tweet at your congressperson, make sure to use a gif of a corgi and tag Tom Hanks. (No one can resist corgis or say no to Tom Hanks.)
9. Sometimes a good cop/bad cop approach works well. For instance, you might call and have a polite conversation with a staffer whose employer’s opinions differ fundamentally from your own. Then your partner calls and delivers Liam Neeson’s monologue from “Taken.”
10. If you get the microphone at a town-hall meeting, compliment your representative before placing your request. For example, you might say that your representative reminds you of those women from “Hidden Figures.” (Even if your representative is an eighty-year-old white Republican man from Iowa, he will still be pleased, because everyone loves the women from “Hidden Figures.”)
11. Alternatively, carry a small urn with you while you wait in the line for the microphone. Keep politely telling the person behind you to “Go next—we’ll wait.” By the end of the meeting, you will have the entire room’s complete attention.
12. If you manage to schedule an in-person meeting with your elected official, and are offered coffee at your elected official’s office, do not pointedly respond, “Nyet, thank you.”
13. Think on your feet. If your representative bails on your meeting before you can make your case, perhaps you follow him into the rest room. Or to his car. Or to his craft-beer club, which meets in the Whole Foods Community Room at 6 p.m. on Thursdays, so it turns out that you don’t work until 9 p.m. every night after all, do you, Steven?
14. Send a thank-you note! Everyone loves a thank-you note.
TIPS FOR CONTACTING YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS
By Shannon Reed
February 4, 2017
1. A pleasant greeting goes a long way. Before you dial, you might find it helpful to consider W.W.M.O.S.?, or, “What Would Michelle Obama Say?” If you’re very angry, think H.U.W.M.O.B.I.S.W.M.M.A.S.H.T.C.O.O.M.M.?, or, “How Upset Would Michelle Obama Be If She Was My Mother and She Heard That Coming Out of My Mouth?”
2. Get the name of the staffer who answers the phone, but refrain from screaming, “After the apocalypse, I’m coming for you first, Steven!” once you do so.
3. It’s effective to establish common ground. For example, you might begin by saying, “Look, we both agree that the President is a terrifying fruitcake, right?”
4. State the topic that you wish to discuss. Many congressional staff members are millennials, so it may be helpful to hashtag your topic. Say something like “#ACA,” or “#AbortionRights,” or “#YourBoss’sPalpableLackofMoralCertitude, Steven.”
5. Make your request clear, reasonable, and concise, but not too broad. We’ve found that “Don’t do anything you want to do; instead, do everything I want you to do!” is ultimately unhelpful, even if it’s heartfelt.
6. If you have a personal story about the issue at hand, feel free to tell it. Avoid asking the staff member to give you an “Amen!” from time to time.
7. Remember that the voices on the other end of the line are real people, so give them a moment to compose themselves after your personal story has led them to sob hysterically. Humming Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way” can keep the silence from growing too heavy, and serve as a gentle reminder that there’s still time for them pursue a different career.
8. If you tweet at your congressperson, make sure to use a gif of a corgi and tag Tom Hanks. (No one can resist corgis or say no to Tom Hanks.)
9. Sometimes a good cop/bad cop approach works well. For instance, you might call and have a polite conversation with a staffer whose employer’s opinions differ fundamentally from your own. Then your partner calls and delivers Liam Neeson’s monologue from “Taken.”
10. If you get the microphone at a town-hall meeting, compliment your representative before placing your request. For example, you might say that your representative reminds you of those women from “Hidden Figures.” (Even if your representative is an eighty-year-old white Republican man from Iowa, he will still be pleased, because everyone loves the women from “Hidden Figures.”)
11. Alternatively, carry a small urn with you while you wait in the line for the microphone. Keep politely telling the person behind you to “Go next—we’ll wait.” By the end of the meeting, you will have the entire room’s complete attention.
12. If you manage to schedule an in-person meeting with your elected official, and are offered coffee at your elected official’s office, do not pointedly respond, “Nyet, thank you.”
13. Think on your feet. If your representative bails on your meeting before you can make your case, perhaps you follow him into the rest room. Or to his car. Or to his craft-beer club, which meets in the Whole Foods Community Room at 6 p.m. on Thursdays, so it turns out that you don’t work until 9 p.m. every night after all, do you, Steven?
14. Send a thank-you note! Everyone loves a thank-you note.
23jnwelch
>13 Ameise1: Thank you, Barbara. I love that C & H street art so much.
>14 scaifea: Thanks, Amber!
>15 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky. Oh good, nice to have a fellow fan of East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Kay Nielsen was a favorite of mine growing up.
>14 scaifea: Thanks, Amber!
>15 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky. Oh good, nice to have a fellow fan of East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Kay Nielsen was a favorite of mine growing up.
24jnwelch
>16 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle! Glad you're liking the art. Hers are different than what we see these days, but so good.
>17 NarratorLady: Thanks, Anne. Oh my. Please stop by and let us know how you liked A Gentleman in Moscow. What a good time you're about to have.
>18 Morphidae: Oh good, Morphy. I love that polar bear one, too. We used to love going to our zoo here and watching the polar bears swim and play. They're beautiful, surprisingly graceful animals.
>17 NarratorLady: Thanks, Anne. Oh my. Please stop by and let us know how you liked A Gentleman in Moscow. What a good time you're about to have.
>18 Morphidae: Oh good, Morphy. I love that polar bear one, too. We used to love going to our zoo here and watching the polar bears swim and play. They're beautiful, surprisingly graceful animals.
25jnwelch
>19 charl08: Isn't Nancy great, Charlotte? I know, I'd love to have that one. If I had the big bucks, I'd have rooms full of art like that.
>20 thearlybirdy: Thanks, Birdy! Oh, good for you. I don't think many people could make the East of the Sun, West of the Moon connection on their own. It is a great book. I thought it would fun to have all the toppers from the same book.
Isn't >6 jnwelch: fun? I love Barbara's C & H street art, too.
>21 Berly: Thanks, Kim! Isn't that a great poem? It always gets me. I've read it countless times now. Barb's >13 Ameise1: is so good!
>20 thearlybirdy: Thanks, Birdy! Oh, good for you. I don't think many people could make the East of the Sun, West of the Moon connection on their own. It is a great book. I thought it would fun to have all the toppers from the same book.
Isn't >6 jnwelch: fun? I love Barbara's C & H street art, too.
>21 Berly: Thanks, Kim! Isn't that a great poem? It always gets me. I've read it countless times now. Barb's >13 Ameise1: is so good!
26jnwelch
BTW, for those enjoying the Kay Nielsen toppers, this newish edition of East of the Sun, West of the Moon sounds great: https://smile.amazon.com/Kay-Nielsen-East-West-Moon/dp/3836532298/ref=sr_1_1?s=b...
I've added it to my WL.
I've added it to my WL.
27weird_O
>12 jnwelch: What!?!!? The esteemed proprietor of this here coffee emporium is going for a walk so he can get some coffee?
28benitastrnad
For those Nancy Drew fans a book that I thought was very helpful and enlightening on the subject was Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her. It was very readable and lots of fun. Also lots of information about how, who, and why Nancy Drew books are the way they are.
29jessibud2
>28 benitastrnad: - I read that one years and years ago! Agreed.
>22 jnwelch: - Love these, lol! Passing them along, thanks!
>22 jnwelch: - Love these, lol! Passing them along, thanks!
30jnwelch
>27 weird_O: I get creative ideas from other coffeenary culinary artists, Bill. Even Gordon Ramsay eats out sometimes, for goodness' sake. :-)
>28 benitastrnad: Yes, thanks, Benita. Our daughter LOVED Girl Sleuth, and it's a keeper for her. She recommends it highly to Nancy Drew fans, too.
>28 benitastrnad: Yes, thanks, Benita. Our daughter LOVED Girl Sleuth, and it's a keeper for her. She recommends it highly to Nancy Drew fans, too.
31jnwelch
>29 jessibud2: Good to have further support for Girl Sleuth, Shelley.
Aren't those tips in >22 jnwelch: great? Madame MBH and I are battling over who gets to do the Liam Neeson monologue from Taken.
Aren't those tips in >22 jnwelch: great? Madame MBH and I are battling over who gets to do the Liam Neeson monologue from Taken.
32benitastrnad
I finished my homemade King Cake this afternoon, and it should be well received for our Mardi Gras celebration tonight! It will be an excellent finisher for our meal.
33benitastrnad
Regarding the Queen of the Tearling series from last thread.
I am so glad you liked the novels. I enjoyed them immensely. I did not see the plot twist that came. I have to admire the author for taking the risk and ending the series on a thought provoking note, but gosh it was a risky move. There are not many authors who would take that risk.
I am so glad you liked the novels. I enjoyed them immensely. I did not see the plot twist that came. I have to admire the author for taking the risk and ending the series on a thought provoking note, but gosh it was a risky move. There are not many authors who would take that risk.
34jnwelch
>32 benitastrnad: Good for you, Benita. We're gearing up for our NOLA trip. We'll be there for an early part of Mardi Gras - some parades, but the craziest part will come after we leave.
>33 benitastrnad: 'Twas, Benita.What is lost, and what is gained. And books!
>33 benitastrnad: 'Twas, Benita.
35lunacat
The illustrations at the top reminded me a lot of a childhood book of mine I adored, which was a version of Hiawatha's Childhood illustrated by Errol Le Cain.
I'm not sure why as they aren't actually that similar, but there was something about them that spoke to me.
I'm not sure why as they aren't actually that similar, but there was something about them that spoke to me.
36FAMeulstee
Happy new thread, Joe!
Those Kay Nielsen images are magical, I love the girl on the polar bear and the knight on the black horse.
I can't remember ever seeing his work before.
Those Kay Nielsen images are magical, I love the girl on the polar bear and the knight on the black horse.
I can't remember ever seeing his work before.
37Morphidae
>33 benitastrnad: >34 jnwelch: I am going to be starting it soon. Do NOT tell me the main character dies. I will be so pissed. Another popular trilogy did that and it ruined the entire series for me. Spoiler it or send it to me in PM. I'll go hunting it up if you don't anyway. I'm all anxious.
38Whisper1
>2 jnwelch: Another friend mentioned how outstanding Evicted is. I just checked to find that my local library has the book and it is now on hold for me. Thanks for your high recommendation.
39jnwelch
>35 lunacat: I can feel that connection, too, Jenny. They'd probably be kindred spirits. Thanks for posting those.
>36 FAMeulstee: Aren't they magical, Anita? I always thought Kay was a woman, but it turns out you're right - he was a man. He's got a lot of great ones, but East of the Sun, West of the Moon collectively is a knockout.
>37 Morphidae: I can tell you that part under spoiler cover, Morphy.No worries of that sort in this trilogy.
>36 FAMeulstee: Aren't they magical, Anita? I always thought Kay was a woman, but it turns out you're right - he was a man. He's got a lot of great ones, but East of the Sun, West of the Moon collectively is a knockout.
>37 Morphidae: I can tell you that part under spoiler cover, Morphy.
40jnwelch
>38 Whisper1: Oh, a pleasure, Linda. I'm so glad you're going to read Evicted. You'll be very glad you did.
41Familyhistorian
Another new thread, Joe? The cafe is hopping! Happy new one and happy Sunday!
43jnwelch
>41 Familyhistorian: I know, Meg, right? Thanks! It does seem to be slowing down a bit on the LT campus. What a start to the year!
>42 brodiew2: Thanks, buddy. I'm glad you like the toppers. It's so different from what we see these days, but so well done.
>42 brodiew2: Thanks, buddy. I'm glad you like the toppers. It's so different from what we see these days, but so well done.
44Morphidae
>39 jnwelch: Okay. So it's probably something like her giving up all her power or similar.
45PaulCranswick
Happy new thread, buddy.
46LovingLit
>5 jnwelch: does her face say "gangly Nancy"? Cos she is that ;)
>22 jnwelch: >31 jnwelch: the "Taken" one had me chuckling audibly. That's my new way of saying lol, btw ;)
>22 jnwelch: >31 jnwelch: the "Taken" one had me chuckling audibly. That's my new way of saying lol, btw ;)
48Berly
>47 LovingLit: I clicked on the spoiler and I shouldn't have!! Tell me it's not true!!
49AMQS
Hi Joe -- love the tips for calling your representative. W.W.M.O.S.? If only she could be the behavior guide for everyone. H.U.W.M.O.B.I.S.W.M.M.A.S.H.T.C.O.O.M.M.? LOL!
50lunacat
Given your interest in illustrated books, I thought I'd leave this blog post here. I'm particularly interested in the book called Journey.
http://simplyframed.com/blogs/blog/10-illustrated-books-for-adult-shelves
http://simplyframed.com/blogs/blog/10-illustrated-books-for-adult-shelves
52DeltaQueen50
Hi Joe, I've managed to miss your last thread so I wanted to leave my marker before this one got too long. I've been recovering from pneumonia which really knocked me down over the last couple of weeks. Doing a fair amount of reading but finding my concentration just isn't up to par so I do best with YA's and short mysteries. Love your topper pictures, East of the Sun, West of the Moon, was also one my favorite stories when I was young.
53NarratorLady
>51 jnwelch: Sure was Joe! We're all in happy shock here in Beantown!
54banjo123
Happy new thread!
I also love the tips, and I think I might steal them. Though I don't need them. My senators and congressman are all on the right side of history, so all I ever get to do when I contact them is to say "thank you."
I also love the tips, and I think I might steal them. Though I don't need them. My senators and congressman are all on the right side of history, so all I ever get to do when I contact them is to say "thank you."
55Berly
>51 jnwelch: I am a happy camper!!
57jnwelch
>44 Morphidae: It's different and thought-provoking, Morphy.
>45 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul.
>46 LovingLit: Glad we could get you to chuckle audibly, Megan. :-)
Ah, yes, gangly Nancy. Who didn't wear dangly, jangly jewelry.
>45 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul.
>46 LovingLit: Glad we could get you to chuckle audibly, Megan. :-)
Ah, yes, gangly Nancy. Who didn't wear dangly, jangly jewelry.
58jnwelch
>47 LovingLit: *gasp*
>48 Berly: Thank goodness there hasn't been anything about Rosebud, Kim.
>49 AMQS: Aren't those great, Anne? That's one heckuva long acronym, but it works well, doesn't it.
>48 Berly: Thank goodness there hasn't been anything about Rosebud, Kim.
>49 AMQS: Aren't those great, Anne? That's one heckuva long acronym, but it works well, doesn't it.
59jnwelch
>50 lunacat: Thanks, Jenny. Those look mucho intriguing. Your instincts are good - Journey is beautiful and worth your time, for sure. There are two equally good ones after it.
A friend gave me the Steal Like an Artist calendar, and it's fun. I'll take a look at the others.
>51 jnwelch: Yes, yes it was, oh intelligent and handsome one.
>52 DeltaQueen50: Ah, sorry you've been caught by pneumonia, Judy. That has to be lousy.
I'm glad you've been able to read a little bit. When I'm under the weather, I go for easier fare, too. Chicken soup for the mind, or something like that.
I'm glad you like the toppers. I want to get that new edition of East of the Sun, West of the Moon at some point. It sounds like they've done a great job with it.
A friend gave me the Steal Like an Artist calendar, and it's fun. I'll take a look at the others.
>51 jnwelch: Yes, yes it was, oh intelligent and handsome one.
>52 DeltaQueen50: Ah, sorry you've been caught by pneumonia, Judy. That has to be lousy.
I'm glad you've been able to read a little bit. When I'm under the weather, I go for easier fare, too. Chicken soup for the mind, or something like that.
I'm glad you like the toppers. I want to get that new edition of East of the Sun, West of the Moon at some point. It sounds like they've done a great job with it.
60jnwelch
>53 NarratorLady: I'll bet, Anne! 25 points down in the second half? Amazing. That Brady is something else. It sure looked like Atlanta's night.
I do feel sorry for the Atlantans. As a friend said, they could taste the win, it was right there.
>54 banjo123: Feel free to steal the tips, Rhonda. You're lucky; it we had more Congresspeople on the right side of history, we'd be facing a lot less chaos and uncertainty.
I do feel sorry for the Atlantans. As a friend said, they could taste the win, it was right there.
>54 banjo123: Feel free to steal the tips, Rhonda. You're lucky; it we had more Congresspeople on the right side of history, we'd be facing a lot less chaos and uncertainty.
61jnwelch
>55 Berly: Ha! Good, Kim. Although I've got New England roots, I have to admit I was pulling for those poor Atlantans who have waited so long for a championship of any sort.
What a comeback by the Patriots, though. Mind-boggling. Enjoy!
>56 scaifea: Morning, Amber!
What a comeback by the Patriots, though. Mind-boggling. Enjoy!
>56 scaifea: Morning, Amber!
62Carmenere
Happy Monday, Joe! and Happy New Thread!
It seems the Pats had time to deflate the football a bit during half time, ya think?
Lot's of things to make one smile and giggle on this thread, and it's only just beginning!
Have a good one!
It seems the Pats had time to deflate the football a bit during half time, ya think?
Lot's of things to make one smile and giggle on this thread, and it's only just beginning!
Have a good one!
64Crazymamie
Morning, Joe!
65NarratorLady
>60 jnwelch: The come from we behind win was certainly spectacular! And even though I am a Pats fan I too feel sorry for Atlanta. Their quarterback is a Boston College guy which is my alma mater. So really, I would've felt good either way!
In other news ... I'm really enjoying A Gentleman in Moscow so far.
In other news ... I'm really enjoying A Gentleman in Moscow so far.
66laytonwoman3rd
Here's a question for all of us who used to read Nancy Drew (I read The Clue of the Leaning Chimney 14 times. No kidding.)---did Nancy ever read books? I don't recall.
67benitastrnad
I finished listening to the recorded version of War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley and I highly recommend it. Jane Entwhistle narrates. She is the one who does the recorded versions of the Flavia De Luce mysteries and she is perfect for Ada.
If you haven't read this Newbery Honor Book, go to your public library or your local bookseller and buy this book. It is a great read aloud and one of those books that you will want to share with your children and grandchildren. If you are a school teacher this is a perfect read aloud. I know I am gushing but this is just about as perfect of a children's book as Secret Garden and the works of Mildred D. Taylor. If you know a school teacher give them a copy of this book. They will love you forever.
If you haven't read this Newbery Honor Book, go to your public library or your local bookseller and buy this book. It is a great read aloud and one of those books that you will want to share with your children and grandchildren. If you are a school teacher this is a perfect read aloud. I know I am gushing but this is just about as perfect of a children's book as Secret Garden and the works of Mildred D. Taylor. If you know a school teacher give them a copy of this book. They will love you forever.
68benitastrnad
I am not going to gush any more about the Queen of the Tearling series. All I am going to say is read it. READ IT! It has a great ending. That's my spoiler and I am sticking to it.
69lunacat
>67 benitastrnad: Argh, I just wish it wasn't so scattered with errors about the UK. It's just...............frustrating that a better editor could have removed them. Though I can see how it would be so loved by people in the US as they wouldn't notice them.
70benitastrnad
My King Cake was a little overdone on the bottom. Other than that, it was very good. When you are in NOLA buy one to bring back with you. It is great with coffee.
71jnwelch
>62 Carmenere: Ha! For sure, Lynda. That spectacular second half catch by Edelman had to be a deflated football catch, don't you think?
>63 lunacat: Whoa, baby! That'll wake me up, Jenny!
I've only had one cup so far, so I'm catching up. Thanks for the inspiration. :-)
>63 lunacat: Whoa, baby! That'll wake me up, Jenny!
I've only had one cup so far, so I'm catching up. Thanks for the inspiration. :-)
72jnwelch
>64 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! It's a beaut where we are - going up to a robust 50 F, with clear blue skies. Hope you're getting some good weather at the Pecan Paradisio.
>65 NarratorLady: Yay for A Gentleman in Moscow, Anne. If you're really enjoying it already, you will through and through. Towles has it so well put together. I'm taking his first one, Rules of Civility, to NOLA.
Matt Ryan was a BC grad? If I knew that before, I'd forgotten. He played a great game. The one big turnover wasn't his fault - the guy hit him from behind as he was getting ready to throw.
I'll bet the Atlanta defense wishes they had done some things differently. For one thing, they had a big lead, but I thought they went to the looser, "prevent" defense too soon.
Most importantly, how were your snacks for the game?
>65 NarratorLady: Yay for A Gentleman in Moscow, Anne. If you're really enjoying it already, you will through and through. Towles has it so well put together. I'm taking his first one, Rules of Civility, to NOLA.
Matt Ryan was a BC grad? If I knew that before, I'd forgotten. He played a great game. The one big turnover wasn't his fault - the guy hit him from behind as he was getting ready to throw.
I'll bet the Atlanta defense wishes they had done some things differently. For one thing, they had a big lead, but I thought they went to the looser, "prevent" defense too soon.
Most importantly, how were your snacks for the game?
73jnwelch
>66 laytonwoman3rd: Did Nancy Drew ever read books? Good question, Linda. I bet our daughter remembers. If she doesn't see this, I'll ask her. Or some patron may know. I feel like she must have, but I don't remember.
I sense The Clue of the Leaning Chimney was a favorite of yours. I know, sometimes my detective skills surprise even me. (14 times? Wow.).
>67 benitastrnad: I'm with you, Benita. The War That Saved My Life is #2 on my "Best of '16" list up there in >2 jnwelch:, right behind Pax. Excellent book.
I sense The Clue of the Leaning Chimney was a favorite of yours. I know, sometimes my detective skills surprise even me. (14 times? Wow.).
>67 benitastrnad: I'm with you, Benita. The War That Saved My Life is #2 on my "Best of '16" list up there in >2 jnwelch:, right behind Pax. Excellent book.
74jnwelch
>68 benitastrnad: Good spoiler, Benita. :-) I think you've encouraged a lot of folks to give Queen of the Tearling a try.
>69 lunacat: Interesting, Jenny. Yeah, the errors sailed right over my USA-ian head. It is too bad someone doesn't correct them.
>70 benitastrnad: I've had King Cake in Chicago, Benita, but not in NOLA. I'm making a mental note to try some down there.
>69 lunacat: Interesting, Jenny. Yeah, the errors sailed right over my USA-ian head. It is too bad someone doesn't correct them.
>70 benitastrnad: I've had King Cake in Chicago, Benita, but not in NOLA. I'm making a mental note to try some down there.
75lunacat
>74 jnwelch: I think things may have got muddled there ;), I have definitely never had King Cake.
76jnwelch
>74 jnwelch: :-) Yup. I think it's straightened out now, Jenny. Sometimes I trip a bit on the way to the table.
78jnwelch
>77 Morphidae: *gasp*
79EBT1002
Hello Joe!
You know, there are many clever people on LT who regularly post delightful and interesting thread toppers. Yours as a collection are, hands down, my favorite. I love the images you find and post. So thank you for that.
I read every one of the Nancy Drew series (many of them twice or three times) but I don't recall her reading as an activity. I'll be interested in DD's memory about that. It seems that reading in her leisure time might have interfered with solving all those mysteries, would it not?
I'm sitting on my couch catching up on LT and it's still snowing outside my window. I'm having this fantasy that the front will stall and we'll get another six inches (and another snow day!). Unlikely, but a girl can dream.
I'm currently reading The Unwinding and I plan to start The Round House this week, as well. If it would snow for a week, I could make some good headway on my February list. Heh.
Have a good Monday evening, my friend.
You know, there are many clever people on LT who regularly post delightful and interesting thread toppers. Yours as a collection are, hands down, my favorite. I love the images you find and post. So thank you for that.
I read every one of the Nancy Drew series (many of them twice or three times) but I don't recall her reading as an activity. I'll be interested in DD's memory about that. It seems that reading in her leisure time might have interfered with solving all those mysteries, would it not?
I'm sitting on my couch catching up on LT and it's still snowing outside my window. I'm having this fantasy that the front will stall and we'll get another six inches (and another snow day!). Unlikely, but a girl can dream.
I'm currently reading The Unwinding and I plan to start The Round House this week, as well. If it would snow for a week, I could make some good headway on my February list. Heh.
Have a good Monday evening, my friend.
80rosalita
I don't remember Nancy Drew doing much reading, either. And I think I read all of the books (at least all our elementary school library had, which was a bunch) multiple times.
81EBT1002
I can't believe I'm asking you this, Joe, but have you ever read any Anne Rice? I'm not going to warble about her a tremendous amount but I continue to believe that Interview with the Vampire, her first if memory serves correctly, was truly excellent. I also read others by her back in the day but none of them quite lived up to that one imho. Set in New Orleans. Just saying.
82michigantrumpet
Wow! What a Super Bowl! Lots of rejoicing in these here parts!
Getting back to a comment you made last thread re: Hillbilly Elegy: Ypsilanti is indeed known in some parts as "Ypsitucky". In part this is due to the Great Migration and people of color ,moving here from the South to escape Jim Crow. Even more so, Ypsilanti is the home of the Willow Run plant, as well as GM plant. The Willow Run plant was where the B-24 Liberator bombers were built. http://www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org/history/page999996.html
Many people from the South came to the area to work in the plants, either to support the war effort or attracted by Henry Ford's $5/day wage. Many settled in and around the Willow Run plant. Interestingly, the city is also home to a university and two hospitals. So, quite a diverse crowd of professional people, doctors, nurses, professors, etc.
When I was growing up, there were quite a few people who spoke with an inherited twang. I've eaten plenty of greens and attended some bible-thumpingly rousing Tent Revivals. My classmates have formed a fairly diverse crowd of folks. Some would typify me - a Boston lawyer - as an Eastern Elite. However, I hold dear to my my more homegrown roots of solid progressivism. My experience within the that base of hardworking Middle America folk make me an anomaly, perhaps. IT does make for some fun times when I go back for visits. :-P
Getting back to a comment you made last thread re: Hillbilly Elegy: Ypsilanti is indeed known in some parts as "Ypsitucky". In part this is due to the Great Migration and people of color ,moving here from the South to escape Jim Crow. Even more so, Ypsilanti is the home of the Willow Run plant, as well as GM plant. The Willow Run plant was where the B-24 Liberator bombers were built. http://www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org/history/page999996.html
Many people from the South came to the area to work in the plants, either to support the war effort or attracted by Henry Ford's $5/day wage. Many settled in and around the Willow Run plant. Interestingly, the city is also home to a university and two hospitals. So, quite a diverse crowd of professional people, doctors, nurses, professors, etc.
When I was growing up, there were quite a few people who spoke with an inherited twang. I've eaten plenty of greens and attended some bible-thumpingly rousing Tent Revivals. My classmates have formed a fairly diverse crowd of folks. Some would typify me - a Boston lawyer - as an Eastern Elite. However, I hold dear to my my more homegrown roots of solid progressivism. My experience within the that base of hardworking Middle America folk make me an anomaly, perhaps. IT does make for some fun times when I go back for visits. :-P
83thornton37814
I love the King Cake from Gambino's in NOLA. You can actually order them online!
84jnwelch
>79 EBT1002: Hello Ellen!
Thanks re the collective toppers. Great to hear. I have fun finding them, and it's a good feeling when our LT pals enjoy them.
I forgot to ask DD about Nancy Drew's reading (or not)! I just emailed her, and will let you know if she knows.
I bet a snow day feels to you like an oasis in the desert right now. You deserve a break from work!
I'll look forward to your comments on The Unwinding. I'm not sure what to think of that one. Is this a re-read of The Round House for you? I liked that one. I need to read more by her.
Thanks re the collective toppers. Great to hear. I have fun finding them, and it's a good feeling when our LT pals enjoy them.
I forgot to ask DD about Nancy Drew's reading (or not)! I just emailed her, and will let you know if she knows.
I bet a snow day feels to you like an oasis in the desert right now. You deserve a break from work!
I'll look forward to your comments on The Unwinding. I'm not sure what to think of that one. Is this a re-read of The Round House for you? I liked that one. I need to read more by her.
85msf59
Hi, Joe! Late check in but I finally stumbled by. Nice day, eh? I hope the rest of February is like this.
Making progress in IJ. Not all of it sings but when it does, it is truly a marvel.
Also loving The Assault. Thanks to Darryl and Paul for that nugget.
Making progress in IJ. Not all of it sings but when it does, it is truly a marvel.
Also loving The Assault. Thanks to Darryl and Paul for that nugget.
86jnwelch
>80 rosalita: Maybe Nancy was too busy detecting, Julia. It just seems like there'd be a plug for reading or the library somewhere in the series. Maybe that's just my book love talking.
>81 EBT1002: I haven't read Ann Rice, Ellen. Our beloved daughter has read her, and books by her son - Christopher? My impression from DD is her books went down in quality from that first one. Maybe I'll give Interview with the Vampire a go some time.
>81 EBT1002: I haven't read Ann Rice, Ellen. Our beloved daughter has read her, and books by her son - Christopher? My impression from DD is her books went down in quality from that first one. Maybe I'll give Interview with the Vampire a go some time.
87jnwelch
>82 michigantrumpet: Ha! I'll bet, Marianne. That was a very (and unexpectedly, after the first half) exciting Super Bowl, and what a spectacular, historic comeback.
How is that possible for Brady, at age 39? Especially after getting knocked down over and over again. Remarkable.
Thanks for the Ypsitucky info. Right next door to where I grew up, so I know some of what you describe. You remind me that I used to listen on the radio (imagine! not tv) to George Gervin play basketball at EMU when I was a kid. I know the Ann Arbor schools didn't get desegregated until 1965. Seems crazy that it took that long in a liberal, Northern college town. I ended up with diverse classmates, too, thank goodness, and I share your appreciation of my hometown roots of solid (if sometimes slow) progressivism.
How is that possible for Brady, at age 39? Especially after getting knocked down over and over again. Remarkable.
Thanks for the Ypsitucky info. Right next door to where I grew up, so I know some of what you describe. You remind me that I used to listen on the radio (imagine! not tv) to George Gervin play basketball at EMU when I was a kid. I know the Ann Arbor schools didn't get desegregated until 1965. Seems crazy that it took that long in a liberal, Northern college town. I ended up with diverse classmates, too, thank goodness, and I share your appreciation of my hometown roots of solid (if sometimes slow) progressivism.
88jnwelch
>83 thornton37814: Gambino's King Cake. Thanks, Lori. Making a mental note.
We head down to NOLA tomorrow - long travel day, starting early, with a switch in Dallas (nonstop coming back). So everyone please make free use of the premises.
We head down to NOLA tomorrow - long travel day, starting early, with a switch in Dallas (nonstop coming back). So everyone please make free use of the premises.
89jnwelch
>85 msf59: Hey, Mark! Just caught you. It was a beaut of a day. I even sat on the porch and read for a while.
Yeah, I was saying the same type of thing to someone about Infinite Jest. Parts of it are so good, and parts are hilarious (including slapstick like the guy trying to bring down the load of bricks from the roof). I'll get back to it after this trip.
I've been seeing comments about The Assault. Not sure whether it's one for me. I'll be watching for your the final take on it.
Yeah, I was saying the same type of thing to someone about Infinite Jest. Parts of it are so good, and parts are hilarious (including slapstick like the guy trying to bring down the load of bricks from the roof). I'll get back to it after this trip.
I've been seeing comments about The Assault. Not sure whether it's one for me. I'll be watching for your the final take on it.
91NarratorLady
Have a great time in NOLA Joe! Wonderful city. Hope you get to one (or several) jazz clubs!
92EBT1002
I wouldn't really recommend any works by Anne Rice other than Interview With the Vampire but I do think that one was a worthwhile read.
Thanks for the kind words about my snow day. I did indeed need this break. I may pay for it with having to go into the office one day next weekend, but it was worth it!
I have not read The Round House before.
Thanks for the kind words about my snow day. I did indeed need this break. I may pay for it with having to go into the office one day next weekend, but it was worth it!
I have not read The Round House before.
93scaifea
Safe travels today, Joe!
I second Ellen's recommendation for Interview with a Vampire - I loved it when I read it yonks and yonks ago. But I also agree with Becca: the rest go downhill pretty fast.
Also, I finished The Girl Who Drank the Moon and LOVED it!! I will most definitely be buying a copy for Charlie's shelves.
I second Ellen's recommendation for Interview with a Vampire - I loved it when I read it yonks and yonks ago. But I also agree with Becca: the rest go downhill pretty fast.
Also, I finished The Girl Who Drank the Moon and LOVED it!! I will most definitely be buying a copy for Charlie's shelves.
94Crazymamie
Morning, Joe! Wishing you safe travels today.
96ChelleBearss
>92 EBT1002: I second Ellen's comments, I remember really liking Interview with a Vampire but had a hard time getting into a couple of her other books. I never did continue with her series.
99laytonwoman3rd
I'm going to agree with everybody, in the main, about Anne Rice. I did enjoy The Vampire Lestat as well as Interview With the Vampire, and her first Mayfair witches book was engaging as well (can't remember the title). But she went off the deep end, literarily, (note I did not say literally) with both series, and I crossed her off the watchlist.
100brodiew2
Good morning, Joe!
>81 EBT1002: >86 jnwelch: I listened to the first two in the Vampire series, but nothing after that. I've been intrigued by her new Lestat books, but have not taken the plunge. Are they worth it, Ellen?
>81 EBT1002: >86 jnwelch: I listened to the first two in the Vampire series, but nothing after that. I've been intrigued by her new Lestat books, but have not taken the plunge. Are they worth it, Ellen?
101Oberon
>81 EBT1002: I went through a long Anne Rice phase and throught the first three of the Vampire Chronicles were decent Interview with the Vampire, The Vampire Lestat, and Queen of the Damned. I read a decent chunk of Mayfair Witch series too. Some of them had their moments but as a whole were forgettable. I have not tried the two recent books where Rice went back to writing about Lestat.
102Caroline_McElwee
Agreeing Interview with the Vampire was good, haven't tried the others, though have at least one somewhere, The Vampire Armand I think (blame Antonio Banderas for that!).
My favourite Vampire novel though is Poppy Z Brite's dark, atmospheric Lost Souls.
My favourite Vampire novel though is Poppy Z Brite's dark, atmospheric Lost Souls.
103Berly
I agree that Interview with the Vampire was the strongest (I rated it 4.0), but I have read 8 of her books, both Vampire and Witches series and they were all good reads (3 or 3.5) in my book. Not amazing, not stellar, but good. Just saying. ; )
104EBT1002
Oh, look what I started. I have not read enough of Anne Rice's works to be an expert but here is what I can share:
I loved Interview With the Vampire -- it was complex and engaging.
The next two in the series, The Vampire Lestat and The Queen of the Damned were much less memorable although I do have some indelible mental images from them (and those of you who know me know that I tend to "let art flow over me" and don't necessarily remember the details).
I assume I read The Witching Hour which is the first in the Mayfair Witches series but for some reason I remember Lasher, the second, as being much more gripping. I don't totally remember the plot but I have a very clear image of a scene on the porch of an early 20th century New Orleans house. As I recall it, the setting was exquisitely rendered and the suspense was worthwhile. But I didn't read beyond that installment.
If someone were to ask me, I would highly recommend Interview With the Vampire and leave the rest to interest and inclination.
I loved Interview With the Vampire -- it was complex and engaging.
The next two in the series, The Vampire Lestat and The Queen of the Damned were much less memorable although I do have some indelible mental images from them (and those of you who know me know that I tend to "let art flow over me" and don't necessarily remember the details).
I assume I read The Witching Hour which is the first in the Mayfair Witches series but for some reason I remember Lasher, the second, as being much more gripping. I don't totally remember the plot but I have a very clear image of a scene on the porch of an early 20th century New Orleans house. As I recall it, the setting was exquisitely rendered and the suspense was worthwhile. But I didn't read beyond that installment.
If someone were to ask me, I would highly recommend Interview With the Vampire and leave the rest to interest and inclination.
105scaifea
Morning, Joe!
When I think of the Anne Rice, I think of summer breezes and wind chimes; I spent a good chunk of the summer between college and grad school sitting in a rocking chair on the porch of my parent's summerhouse (not a separate 'summer house' in the Hamptons or anything, but a building next to their house on the farm, which was originally built as an extra kitchen, essentially, to be used in the summer so that the main house wouldn't get so hot while meals were being cooked), reading her books.
When I think of the Anne Rice, I think of summer breezes and wind chimes; I spent a good chunk of the summer between college and grad school sitting in a rocking chair on the porch of my parent's summerhouse (not a separate 'summer house' in the Hamptons or anything, but a building next to their house on the farm, which was originally built as an extra kitchen, essentially, to be used in the summer so that the main house wouldn't get so hot while meals were being cooked), reading her books.
106streamsong
Happy Newish Thread, Joe! Gorgeous toppers, as always!
>22 jnwelch: "If you’re very angry, think H.U.W.M.O.B.I.S.W.M.M.A.S.H.T.C.O.O.M.M.?"
Love it. It will be my new mantra.
>22 jnwelch: "If you’re very angry, think H.U.W.M.O.B.I.S.W.M.M.A.S.H.T.C.O.O.M.M.?"
Love it. It will be my new mantra.
107msf59
Morning Joe! Hope you guys are having a great time in NO LA. I am sure you are eating very well.
108jnwelch
Greetings from NOLA!
We arrived after the storm and it's now beautiful and in the 70s F here. We had a lovely birthday dinner for Madame MBH at El Gato Negro, and are about to wander forth. I'll try to catch up a bit.
We arrived after the storm and it's now beautiful and in the 70s F here. We had a lovely birthday dinner for Madame MBH at El Gato Negro, and are about to wander forth. I'll try to catch up a bit.
109brodiew2
Good morning, Joe!
>108 jnwelch: I lived in Lake Charles, LA for some of my formative years. I made it to the capital of Baton Rouge, but we never made it to New Orleans. I hope you have a high old time! Say hello to Scott Backula for me. :-)
>108 jnwelch: I lived in Lake Charles, LA for some of my formative years. I made it to the capital of Baton Rouge, but we never made it to New Orleans. I hope you have a high old time! Say hello to Scott Backula for me. :-)
110jessibud2
>109 brodiew2: - Ooooo, Scott Bakula was a secret crush of mine for years. I don't think I missed a single episode of *Quantum Leap* while it was on! ;-)
111jnwelch
>109 brodiew2: Thanks, Brodie! We're having a grand time. There's jazz everywhere here, as it turns out. Wonderful day so far.
We think your friend Scott was filming CSI New Orleans right by us. They say filming goes on all the time around here.
>110 jessibud2: Ha! We were "Quantum Leap" watchers, too, Shelley. I suspect Madame MBH shared your crush. She still has one on Patrick Stewart.
We think your friend Scott was filming CSI New Orleans right by us. They say filming goes on all the time around here.
>110 jessibud2: Ha! We were "Quantum Leap" watchers, too, Shelley. I suspect Madame MBH shared your crush. She still has one on Patrick Stewart.
112jnwelch
>91 NarratorLady: Thanks, Anne! We're already booked for the Court of the Two Sisters for jazz and food, and I suspect we'll encounter some more. We were only here for one day on our honeymoon all those years ago, so there's a lot for us to learn.
P.S. I'm on my second Heyer already, and the one I'm reading, A Lady of Quality, is a hoot!
>92 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen. I thought Dracula was great, but I'm otherwise not drawn to vampire-centric novels. But you and others have spoken positively about Interview with a Vampire, so at some point I'll give that one a go.
P.S. I'm on my second Heyer already, and the one I'm reading, A Lady of Quality, is a hoot!
>92 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen. I thought Dracula was great, but I'm otherwise not drawn to vampire-centric novels. But you and others have spoken positively about Interview with a Vampire, so at some point I'll give that one a go.
113jnwelch
>93 scaifea: OK, I'll add Interview with the Vampire to the WL, Amber. Wasn't The Girl Who Drank the Moon a treat? I'm glad you enjoyed it, too.
>94 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. The travels were pretty smooth, really. We flew first to Dallas, but that worked out okay, and the timing actually brought us into NOLA after the severe weather had passed. We have a non-stop going back next week, which feels just right to us.
>94 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. The travels were pretty smooth, really. We flew first to Dallas, but that worked out okay, and the timing actually brought us into NOLA after the severe weather had passed. We have a non-stop going back next week, which feels just right to us.
114jnwelch
>95 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. We're having a blast. We were in the French Quarter today. Started with beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe Dumond, with an excellent jazz band playing. Love it there. I eventually had a Molly's Famous Frozen Irish Coffee (photo on FB), which was mighty tasty, and Madame MBH had a Flaming Monkey, with banana and mango and a lot of wallop.
This visit is to celebrate her birthday, and my "retirement", and Valentine's Day. So we're working hard to stay on top of all the celebrating.
>96 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle. That seems to be the consensus. Too bad. Some authors take off in fine style from a great beginning, and some just play it out with lesser fare.
>97 lunacat: Thanks, Jenny! Yes, we highly recommend visiting here. Have you ever? We were here for only one day, on our honeymoon yonks and yonks ago, as Amber would say. So great to be able to spend a decent amount of time here!
This visit is to celebrate her birthday, and my "retirement", and Valentine's Day. So we're working hard to stay on top of all the celebrating.
>96 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle. That seems to be the consensus. Too bad. Some authors take off in fine style from a great beginning, and some just play it out with lesser fare.
>97 lunacat: Thanks, Jenny! Yes, we highly recommend visiting here. Have you ever? We were here for only one day, on our honeymoon yonks and yonks ago, as Amber would say. So great to be able to spend a decent amount of time here!
115brodiew2
>110 jessibud2: I enjoyed Quantum Leap as well. I even watched Star Trek: Enterprise, which wasn't great but it was Star Trek and it was Scott Bakula.
>Very cool, Joe. I would love to visit New Orleans for so many reasons.
>Very cool, Joe. I would love to visit New Orleans for so many reasons.
116jnwelch
>98 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie! We promise - the travel was safe, and we're doing our darndest to have fun. We had thought about going to Key West, and are so glad we decided to come here instead. A lot less expensive, too.
>99 laytonwoman3rd: Going literarily off the deep end, I like that, Linda. I'm trying to think of a figuratively pun - Ann Rice, we figured yuh ta leave your senses. OK, OK, I'll put myself in timeout.
>100 brodiew2: Hiya, Brodie. We'll wait to hear about the recent Lestat books. I don't think we've gotten a comment from Ellen or anyone else. Maybe one is coming up.
>99 laytonwoman3rd: Going literarily off the deep end, I like that, Linda. I'm trying to think of a figuratively pun - Ann Rice, we figured yuh ta leave your senses. OK, OK, I'll put myself in timeout.
>100 brodiew2: Hiya, Brodie. We'll wait to hear about the recent Lestat books. I don't think we've gotten a comment from Ellen or anyone else. Maybe one is coming up.
117jnwelch
>101 Oberon: Yeah, our daughter went a little ways with the series, as I recall, and "forgettable" fits, Erik. Too bad.
>102 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Caroline. I don't know Lost Souls at all, so I'll have to check that one out. I suspect Interview with a Vampire is as far as I'll get in AR's series, as even that one is out of my normal reading zone.
>103 Berly: Ah, good, Kim. Nice to have someone pipe up in favor of the Ann Rice books. I've certainly stood up for series that others have a lesser view of - the Liaden and Vorkosigan books come to mind.
>102 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Caroline. I don't know Lost Souls at all, so I'll have to check that one out. I suspect Interview with a Vampire is as far as I'll get in AR's series, as even that one is out of my normal reading zone.
>103 Berly: Ah, good, Kim. Nice to have someone pipe up in favor of the Ann Rice books. I've certainly stood up for series that others have a lesser view of - the Liaden and Vorkosigan books come to mind.
118jnwelch
>104 EBT1002: Yes, my goodness, Ellen, look what you started! I didn't expect so much reaction on this - obviously, Interview with a Vampire has appealed to a spectrum of our patrons coming from a wide variety of reading interests. Your recommendation convinced me, but the wide support certainly confirms it.
>105 scaifea: Morning/afternoon, Amber!
Oh, what a wonderful memory. Sitting in a rocking chair on the porch of your parent's farm summer house, reading her books. That does sound idyllic.
I didn't have anything like that growing up, but we do have a front porch now with comfortable chairs to read in, and I love doing that.
>105 scaifea: Morning/afternoon, Amber!
Oh, what a wonderful memory. Sitting in a rocking chair on the porch of your parent's farm summer house, reading her books. That does sound idyllic.
I didn't have anything like that growing up, but we do have a front porch now with comfortable chairs to read in, and I love doing that.
119jnwelch
>106 streamsong: Ha! That's not the easiest mantra to memorize, is it, Janet? But well worth it.
We came close on DeVos. Keep fighting, with that mantra in mind.
>107 msf59: Thanks, Mark. We are eating well, for sure. Wonderful Mexican food last night at El Gato Negro, beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe Dumond for brunch, and a good meal planned for tonight.
We walked all over the French Quarter today, and now are taking it easy. As I mentioned, I'm reading Heyer and Towles; great vacation fare.
We came close on DeVos. Keep fighting, with that mantra in mind.
>107 msf59: Thanks, Mark. We are eating well, for sure. Wonderful Mexican food last night at El Gato Negro, beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe Dumond for brunch, and a good meal planned for tonight.
We walked all over the French Quarter today, and now are taking it easy. As I mentioned, I'm reading Heyer and Towles; great vacation fare.
120jnwelch
>115 brodiew2: Yes, we watched the Bakula Star Trek, too, which could have used better writing, seems like.
We can certainly recommend a visit here to NOLA!
If I missed anyone, please let me know.
We can certainly recommend a visit here to NOLA!
If I missed anyone, please let me know.
122LovingLit
>48 Berly: >58 jnwelch: sorry. But it was indicated as a spoiler ;)
maw ha ha
>108 jnwelch: go ahead and wander forth! I bet you are having a great time.....
maw ha ha
>108 jnwelch: go ahead and wander forth! I bet you are having a great time.....
123katiekrug
>116 jnwelch: - Oh, I love Key West, too. Don't totally scratch it off the list - definitely worth a visit!
124drneutron
Once when I was down in NOLA, i came across the filming of the movie version of Interview with a Vampire. They had several blocks redone in period color. It was great turning a corner and stepping back in time a couple of centuries!
125msf59
Hi, Joe! Sounds like you have everything under control in NOLA! Enjoy, my friend.
Over 300 pages into IJ. There is so much here to revel in. He is truly masterful. But why does it it have to be so damn long?
Over 300 pages into IJ. There is so much here to revel in. He is truly masterful. But why does it it have to be so damn long?
126jnwelch
>121 MickyFine: It is, Micky, thanks. We just had a wonderful meal at Tommy's, followed by drinks and jazz. So much good music here!
>122 LovingLit: You wouldn't believe what we found out about Romeo and Juliet, Megan.
This is a great town for wandering. Our flat is in a great area - we had a 5 minute walk to an excellent restaurant (Tommy's).
>122 LovingLit: You wouldn't believe what we found out about Romeo and Juliet, Megan.
This is a great town for wandering. Our flat is in a great area - we had a 5 minute walk to an excellent restaurant (Tommy's).
127jnwelch
>123 katiekrug: We'll keep Key West on the list, Katie. We're such city-lovers, this really fits our style. But we had a lot of folks chiming in on the fun to be had in Key West.
>124 drneutron: Oh, I'll bet, Jim. We have a friend who loves that movie. I didn't realize it (or part of it) was filmed here.
>125 msf59: Hi, Mark! Well, Debbi has everything under control in NOLA. I just try to stay out of trouble. Man, is this a fun place. So much good music and good food. And we're just down the street from a craft beer bar. Interested?
You've about doubled me in IJ. I'm somewhere around 150 pp. into it. Yeah, in hard copy it's so dense, with the small print, and it's great reading, but I can read and read and read, and there's still so much to go! Well, we'll have a great sense of accomplishment when we get it done. And, as we were talking about, parts are SO good, and parts are SO funny. What a mind, what a writer.
>124 drneutron: Oh, I'll bet, Jim. We have a friend who loves that movie. I didn't realize it (or part of it) was filmed here.
>125 msf59: Hi, Mark! Well, Debbi has everything under control in NOLA. I just try to stay out of trouble. Man, is this a fun place. So much good music and good food. And we're just down the street from a craft beer bar. Interested?
You've about doubled me in IJ. I'm somewhere around 150 pp. into it. Yeah, in hard copy it's so dense, with the small print, and it's great reading, but I can read and read and read, and there's still so much to go! Well, we'll have a great sense of accomplishment when we get it done. And, as we were talking about, parts are SO good, and parts are SO funny. What a mind, what a writer.
128scaifea
Morning, Joe!
Ooof, the French Quarter - what a hoot, eh? Music's not too bad, either. If you have a free space to fill for a meal, I highly recommend Tujacques: http://www.tujaguesrestaurant.com/
Ooof, the French Quarter - what a hoot, eh? Music's not too bad, either. If you have a free space to fill for a meal, I highly recommend Tujacques: http://www.tujaguesrestaurant.com/
129msf59
"Well, we'll have a great sense of accomplishment when we get it done." That's what keeps me turning the pages, Joe!
Sweet Thursday! Cold one today in Chicago!
Sweet Thursday! Cold one today in Chicago!
130ChelleBearss
Enjoy your trip! New Orleans is on my bucket list!
131jnwelch
>128 scaifea: Morning, Amber!
Oh my, we've already heard such good music here, from a talented street band by Cafe Dumond to an excellent jazz trio at Tommy's Wine Bar last night. That's for the tip on Tujaques. We're off to Peche's for dinner tonight.
>129 msf59: Yeah, right, Mark? I felt that way with Ulysses. It didn't fit me as well as it has so many others, but I felt that sense of accomplishment in finishing it.
Sweet Thursday! We're off on a walk in the Warehouse District, which is supposed to be great for art lovers. Mid-60s here.
>130 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle! We definitely recommend your making it here some day.
Oh my, we've already heard such good music here, from a talented street band by Cafe Dumond to an excellent jazz trio at Tommy's Wine Bar last night. That's for the tip on Tujaques. We're off to Peche's for dinner tonight.
>129 msf59: Yeah, right, Mark? I felt that way with Ulysses. It didn't fit me as well as it has so many others, but I felt that sense of accomplishment in finishing it.
Sweet Thursday! We're off on a walk in the Warehouse District, which is supposed to be great for art lovers. Mid-60s here.
>130 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle! We definitely recommend your making it here some day.
134laytonwoman3rd
>132 jnwelch: *moan* Just came in from shoveling ... this is exactly what I need. Cafe Du Monde is the first place I ever drank a whole cup of coffee! For a long time after we moved back to PA, I sought out their coffee with chicory, because that's what coffee was supposed to taste like.
135brodiew2
Good morning, Joe! I hope all is well down in New Orleans. Be sure to have some shrimp or crawfish etouffe. It is a favorite dish of that my mom made when I was a kid, Mmm...Mmm good!
136drneutron
>135 brodiew2: Oh. man, you're making me hungry. I haven't had a good etouffe in a while... :)
138Carmenere
Hey Joe! I know you're loving NOLA! We were there 2 years ago and we couldn't find anything not to love! Ahhh, the best char broiled oysters in the world! and that's from some one who never wanted to look at an oyster let alone eat one. We went to Felix's at least 3 x's!
Oh yeah! Shrimp and grits! love it!
Have you dined at Muriel's? It's said to be haunted. So so good!
Oh I do wish I were there with you guys!
ETA: Oh Oh Oh try the fried green tomato poor boy. lip smacking good!
Oh yeah! Shrimp and grits! love it!
Have you dined at Muriel's? It's said to be haunted. So so good!
Oh I do wish I were there with you guys!
ETA: Oh Oh Oh try the fried green tomato poor boy. lip smacking good!
139michigantrumpet
So glad you are having a grand time in NOLA! What a lovely way to celebrate birthdays and retirements or any sort.
140jnwelch
>133 katiekrug: Tonight's the night, Katie. Peche is about a two minute walk from our flat!
>134 laytonwoman3rd: Cafe DuMond's cafe au lait with the chicory is so smooth and delicious, isn't it, Linda. We plan to go back. I hadn't remembered that they have a large outdoor seating area - perfect.
>134 laytonwoman3rd: Cafe DuMond's cafe au lait with the chicory is so smooth and delicious, isn't it, Linda. We plan to go back. I hadn't remembered that they have a large outdoor seating area - perfect.
141jnwelch
>135 brodiew2: Thanks, Brodie. Shrimp we've been having, and will have some more. Thanks for the tip on the crawfish etouffe. I've seen it on the menus, and I'll look to have some before we come back. So much good food!
Last night at Tommy's Cuisine we shared two delicious appetizers: a shrimp bisque and avocado and shrimp salad. Then for entrees Madame MBH had chicken parmigiana and I had a squab filet with grilled shrimp - some of the best fish and shrimp I've ever had.
We also had some phenomenal bread pudding, NOLA style.
>136 drneutron: Your "in a while" for the etouffe beats my "never', Jim. I'll report back.
Last night at Tommy's Cuisine we shared two delicious appetizers: a shrimp bisque and avocado and shrimp salad. Then for entrees Madame MBH had chicken parmigiana and I had a squab filet with grilled shrimp - some of the best fish and shrimp I've ever had.
We also had some phenomenal bread pudding, NOLA style.
>136 drneutron: Your "in a while" for the etouffe beats my "never', Jim. I'll report back.
142jnwelch
>137 brodiew2: Mmm. That looks mighty good, Brodie.
>138 Carmenere: Hi, Lynda. Yeah, we're loving it here. We did the warehouse district and the art galleries today, with Peche tonight. We also stopped at a couple of great cafes along the way.
I plan to have shrimp and grits - hopefully cheese grits - while we're here. Thanks for the tips on Felix's and Muriel's. Maybe not this time, but we'll be back. (We'd love to have you join us!) Our daughter loves ghosts and haunted places, so maybe we'll get her here some time.
Madame MBH was quite taken with your fried green tomato poor boy suggestion, but we didn't see one on any menu today. Do you remember where you found it? (We found other fried green tomato dishes, but not that one).
>138 Carmenere: Hi, Lynda. Yeah, we're loving it here. We did the warehouse district and the art galleries today, with Peche tonight. We also stopped at a couple of great cafes along the way.
I plan to have shrimp and grits - hopefully cheese grits - while we're here. Thanks for the tips on Felix's and Muriel's. Maybe not this time, but we'll be back. (We'd love to have you join us!) Our daughter loves ghosts and haunted places, so maybe we'll get her here some time.
Madame MBH was quite taken with your fried green tomato poor boy suggestion, but we didn't see one on any menu today. Do you remember where you found it? (We found other fried green tomato dishes, but not that one).
143jnwelch
>139 michigantrumpet: Yes, thanks, Marianne. It's perfect for celebrating, and dodging the Chicago winter for a bit. It's also our "half-anniversary" - six months from now is the full one. Thanks to Madame MBH, we've been getting free desserts and free drinks along the way. I wouldn't be able to resist her either (well, obviously).
144jnwelch
I'm on my third Georgette Heyer (The Black Moth, Lady of Quality, and now, The Quiet Gentleman). Perfect vacation reading. I'm also enjoying Rules of Civility by the A Gentleman in Moscow author.
145Ameise1
>141 jnwelch: Oh, that looks yummy. Enjoy your vacation.
146jnwelch
>145 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara. Doesn't >141 jnwelch: look yummy? The real thing was even more so.
147Whisper1
Joe, I've attended conferences with the Lehigh students in New Orleans. The Court of the Two Sisters is a great place to eat.
The first time I went to New Orleans was a short year and 1/2 after hurricane Katrina made a not-so-fine mess of the place. Fortunately, the French Quarter was on higher ground and spared the ravages of many of the parishes. We took a bus tour of St. Bernard's Parish and shed tears when we saw the massive destruction. Returning three years later, I was greatly impressed at the work that was done and the fact that so many volunteers throughout the US helped to rebuild.
Naturally,my visits led to a lot of reading. New Orleans is a fascinating place, but one must be very careful of pick pockets and crime.
That's a sad side of New Orleans, but overall it is a wonderful place to visit.
The first time I went to New Orleans was a short year and 1/2 after hurricane Katrina made a not-so-fine mess of the place. Fortunately, the French Quarter was on higher ground and spared the ravages of many of the parishes. We took a bus tour of St. Bernard's Parish and shed tears when we saw the massive destruction. Returning three years later, I was greatly impressed at the work that was done and the fact that so many volunteers throughout the US helped to rebuild.
Naturally,my visits led to a lot of reading. New Orleans is a fascinating place, but one must be very careful of pick pockets and crime.
That's a sad side of New Orleans, but overall it is a wonderful place to visit.
148Carmenere
>142 jnwelch: >138 Carmenere: Fried green tomato poor boy can be found at Daisy Dukes on Chartres Street in French Quarter. We stayed at the time share right next door, Quarter House, and stopped at Daisy's for breakfast or a late night dinner. I hope you get the chance to check it out. Felix is right off of Bourbon St on Iberville. Usually packed - Acme across the street is almost as good.
Ps. Faulkner House books near Jackson Square and the Cathedral is the place where Faulkner penned Soldier's Pay. or so said the clerk at the desk. I didn't purchase that one but I did purchase his Mosquitos.
Also purchased A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole both take place in NO. LOL and one of these days I'll read them :0/
Ps. Faulkner House books near Jackson Square and the Cathedral is the place where Faulkner penned Soldier's Pay. or so said the clerk at the desk. I didn't purchase that one but I did purchase his Mosquitos.
Also purchased A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole both take place in NO. LOL and one of these days I'll read them :0/
149benitastrnad
#148
Acme Oyster House is the BEST!!!!! I eat there every time I go to NOLA.
Acme Oyster House is the BEST!!!!! I eat there every time I go to NOLA.
150benitastrnad
When you are at Cafe DuMonde walk on down the street to Progress Grocery (AKA Central grocery) and get a muffalata to take home with you. That way you can have a little bit of NOLA in Chicago. Maybe you can share one with Mark along with a beer.
151magicians_nephew
I was in NOLO for a big conference years ago and they decide they would serve beignets and coffee to five hundred people in the big ballroom before the keynote.
BUT beignets have a shelf life of seconds. If you don't eat them two minutes after they're taken out of the deep fryer they taste like a piece of an oven mitt. So that was less than a success.
Hope you enjoy The Court of the Two Sisters. Everyone tells you its on the site of a legendary New Orleans Bordello from years past. Deponent sayeth not.
Look past the everyday brunch items to the real N'arleans fare and yuo will eat well there. Not that they don't serve up good omelettes and biscuits and gravy too.
BUT beignets have a shelf life of seconds. If you don't eat them two minutes after they're taken out of the deep fryer they taste like a piece of an oven mitt. So that was less than a success.
Hope you enjoy The Court of the Two Sisters. Everyone tells you its on the site of a legendary New Orleans Bordello from years past. Deponent sayeth not.
Look past the everyday brunch items to the real N'arleans fare and yuo will eat well there. Not that they don't serve up good omelettes and biscuits and gravy too.
152EBT1002
"Beignets and cafe au lait" *sighs happily* My favorite.
I promise not to reignite the Anne Rice thread hijacking, but I just have to say Interview with the Vampire is a vampire novel like Frankenstein is a monster novel. :-)
(Okay, that may be a lofty comparison, but you get my point.)
I hope you keep enjoying your time in NOLA, Joe!!
I promise not to reignite the Anne Rice thread hijacking, but I just have to say Interview with the Vampire is a vampire novel like Frankenstein is a monster novel. :-)
(Okay, that may be a lofty comparison, but you get my point.)
I hope you keep enjoying your time in NOLA, Joe!!
153Familyhistorian
Sounds like you are having a great time in New Orleans, Joe. Those are wonderful food photos. Does that mean that the cafe is going to expand its offerings now that its proprietor has had a taste of the cooking in the French Quarter. A diet of Heyer reads sounds like perfect holiday fare.
154Berly
Hi Joe. So glad you are enjoying New Orleans to the fullest! Love the food and music there. I haven't been in years, but it would be a fun place to revisit. Have fun!! Or more fun!!
155jnwelch
>147 Whisper1: Hi, Linda.
Yes, the city seems much recovered from Katrina. We've got a lot of pickpockets and muggings in Chicago, too, so we're used to that part, although we're even more careful when we're in some other city. We're quite taken with NOLA, and expect we'll be coming back.
>148 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda! Madame MBH was very glad to get the Daisy Dukes on Chartres info. We're going to be back in the French Quarter today for Bayona's (sp.?) for lunch.
Faulkner House is on the agenda today. I'm not a Faulkner fan, but it looks like a great bookstore.
I thought Confederacy of Dunces was funny and terrific. But not everyone has that reaction. He had a hard time getting it published, if I remember correctly. Did his mother get it published after his death? Something like that.
Yes, the city seems much recovered from Katrina. We've got a lot of pickpockets and muggings in Chicago, too, so we're used to that part, although we're even more careful when we're in some other city. We're quite taken with NOLA, and expect we'll be coming back.
>148 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda! Madame MBH was very glad to get the Daisy Dukes on Chartres info. We're going to be back in the French Quarter today for Bayona's (sp.?) for lunch.
Faulkner House is on the agenda today. I'm not a Faulkner fan, but it looks like a great bookstore.
I thought Confederacy of Dunces was funny and terrific. But not everyone has that reaction. He had a hard time getting it published, if I remember correctly. Did his mother get it published after his death? Something like that.
156jnwelch
>149 benitastrnad: Acme Oyster House - we'll add it to the favorites list, Benita, thanks. What a foodie town. We've had recs pouring in here, in Chicago, and on FB.
>150 benitastrnad: Ha! Thanks, Benita. We did go to that grocery on, Wednesday I guess. We're not meat eaters, so the muffuleta unfortunately doesn't work for us. Loved the old-timey store, though.
>150 benitastrnad: Ha! Thanks, Benita. We did go to that grocery on, Wednesday I guess. We're not meat eaters, so the muffuleta unfortunately doesn't work for us. Loved the old-timey store, though.
157jnwelch
>151 magicians_nephew: Oh yeah, Jim, I can imagine non-fresh beignets would be disappointing.
We're looking forward to the Court of Two Sisters. I'm pretty sure that's tomorrow. Good to have the skinny on the alt-fact past. :-)
>152 EBT1002: Beignets and cafe au lait - such a great way to start the day, isn't it, Ellen. We're going to do a repeat, maybe more than one.
Good lord, are you still talking about Interview with the Vampire!? :-) I like that comparison with Frankenstein not being a monster novel. Frankenstein probably surprised me more than any other classic. The movies based on it have missed the depth of the story by a mile.
We're looking forward to the Court of Two Sisters. I'm pretty sure that's tomorrow. Good to have the skinny on the alt-fact past. :-)
>152 EBT1002: Beignets and cafe au lait - such a great way to start the day, isn't it, Ellen. We're going to do a repeat, maybe more than one.
Good lord, are you still talking about Interview with the Vampire!? :-) I like that comparison with Frankenstein not being a monster novel. Frankenstein probably surprised me more than any other classic. The movies based on it have missed the depth of the story by a mile.
158jnwelch
>153 Familyhistorian: We're having a great time, Meg. Leaving soon for a different French Quarter walk that will include the Cathedral and bookstore, and we'll be going to the butterfly garden and insectarium on a friend's enthusiastic recommendation.
Yes, we'll be bringing more NOLA fare to the cafe after this, don't you think? We certainly have a lot of patrons who are knowledgeable about what's offered here.
The Heyers suit perfectly. Easy to pick up and put down, and lots of humor. I liked Rules of Civility, too. Quite different from A Gentleman in Moscow, and not quite at its level for me, but still awfully good. Katie Kontent makes for quite an intriguing main character.
>154 Berly: Ha! We'll dedicate ourselves to having even more fun, Kim. :-) We're off soon to hit the streets. Another beautiful day here.
Yes, we'll be bringing more NOLA fare to the cafe after this, don't you think? We certainly have a lot of patrons who are knowledgeable about what's offered here.
The Heyers suit perfectly. Easy to pick up and put down, and lots of humor. I liked Rules of Civility, too. Quite different from A Gentleman in Moscow, and not quite at its level for me, but still awfully good. Katie Kontent makes for quite an intriguing main character.
>154 Berly: Ha! We'll dedicate ourselves to having even more fun, Kim. :-) We're off soon to hit the streets. Another beautiful day here.
160Whisper1
>155 jnwelch: Joe, There is an open market place where very interesting items are displayed. I was so very happy that each of the students stopped to get a token for their parents back home.
We also saw the play Cabaret at a community theare on St. Charles Avenue. If you haven't found it, there is a large indoor market on the Riverwalk area. When you return, if you would like to books regarding New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina, I am more than happy to pass them along.
We also saw the play Cabaret at a community theare on St. Charles Avenue. If you haven't found it, there is a large indoor market on the Riverwalk area. When you return, if you would like to books regarding New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina, I am more than happy to pass them along.
161EBT1002
I first read Frankenstein jut a couple of years ago and I think it's a magnificent novel. In fact, both that and Dr. Jekkyl and Mr. Hyde deserve rereads, now that I think about it.
I saw on Mark's thread that you're heading to the Faulkner House. I will be interested in how it is. I will have just one day to play tourist in NOLA when we are there in March so I will have to be selective about how I spend my time. Beignets are absolutely on the list.
I saw on Mark's thread that you're heading to the Faulkner House. I will be interested in how it is. I will have just one day to play tourist in NOLA when we are there in March so I will have to be selective about how I spend my time. Beignets are absolutely on the list.
162FAMeulstee
It took me a while before I understood that by NOLA you mean New Orleans ;-)
I understand now the NO part of NOLA, but what stands LA for?
I understand now the NO part of NOLA, but what stands LA for?
163drneutron
>162 FAMeulstee: New Orleans, Louisiana. LA is the postal abbreviation for the state.
164FAMeulstee
>163 drneutron: Thanks Jim, my only American reference for LA was Los Angeles...
165Crazymamie
All caught up here, Joe, and now I am hungry. Heh.
166Caroline_McElwee
Glad you and Madam MBH are having a fab time Joe. And glad you enjoyed >144 jnwelch: Rules of Civility. I thought it had a little Gatsby-esque quality.
Hmmm, I've got about four unread Heyer's in the tbr mountain.
Hmmm, I've got about four unread Heyer's in the tbr mountain.
167msf59
Happy Friday, Joe! Hope you guys had another fine day in NOLA. How was the bookstore?
Hooray for Rules of Civility. Looking forward to it.
Approaching the midway point, in IJ. I think I am going to be very happy, that I finally tackled this one.
Hooray for Rules of Civility. Looking forward to it.
Approaching the midway point, in IJ. I think I am going to be very happy, that I finally tackled this one.
168jnwelch
>160 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda. We did find the open market near the Riverwalk, and liked the Riverwalk, too.
Probably no theater for us this time, although we're already planning to come back.
>161 EBT1002: I think Frankenstein is magnificent, too, Ellen. So much more thought-provoking from the "monster"'s side than I expected. Debbi and I both loved Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, too. On my sister's tip, we read it in tandem with Valerie Martin's Mary Reilly, and that worked really well.
P.S. Yes, we went to Faulkner House Books today. Worth your time. It's TINY, only two small rooms, which I hadn't realized. But it's filled with personality and an excellent selection of books. I picked up The Big Clock, which I've wanted to read for ages.
Probably no theater for us this time, although we're already planning to come back.
>161 EBT1002: I think Frankenstein is magnificent, too, Ellen. So much more thought-provoking from the "monster"'s side than I expected. Debbi and I both loved Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, too. On my sister's tip, we read it in tandem with Valerie Martin's Mary Reilly, and that worked really well.
P.S. Yes, we went to Faulkner House Books today. Worth your time. It's TINY, only two small rooms, which I hadn't realized. But it's filled with personality and an excellent selection of books. I picked up The Big Clock, which I've wanted to read for ages.
169jnwelch
>162 FAMeulstee:, >163 drneutron:, >164 FAMeulstee: Right, Anita. Thanks, Jim. I can see how that would be confusing.
>165 Crazymamie: I know what you mean, Mamie. How about shrimp and grits? A local favorite, and so good!
>165 Crazymamie: I know what you mean, Mamie. How about shrimp and grits? A local favorite, and so good!
170jnwelch
>166 Caroline_McElwee: We are, Caroline. What a day! We just got back. Our last stop was at the Insectarium and Butterfly House - great. And we had an excellent lunch at the multi-recommended Bayona. Check Facebook for a couple of Debbi photos from there.
I can definitely see the Gatsby connection with Rules of Civility. What a talented writer. So different from A Gentleman in Moscow, but very good.
>167 msf59: The bookstore was very cool, Mark. Tiny, just two rooms, but delightful, with a great book selection - including poetry. I almost got the new Kim Addonizio, but it was 25 smackers, darn it. I'll wait for paper. They'd sold out of the new Murakami on music, and I had a good talk with a charming older woman employee about his books. She grew up in Chicago (!) - hated the cold weather, and moved here many moons ago. There's a pic of the first room up above. I picked up The Big Clock, a noir from back in the day that I've always wanted to read. There were some really cool new Calvino editions, too, but the one I liked best (Invisible Cities) we already have.
Good for you on Infinite Jest - halfway is major, and deserves an award. Glad you're still feeling positive about it. I'll get back in gear when we return.
I can definitely see the Gatsby connection with Rules of Civility. What a talented writer. So different from A Gentleman in Moscow, but very good.
>167 msf59: The bookstore was very cool, Mark. Tiny, just two rooms, but delightful, with a great book selection - including poetry. I almost got the new Kim Addonizio, but it was 25 smackers, darn it. I'll wait for paper. They'd sold out of the new Murakami on music, and I had a good talk with a charming older woman employee about his books. She grew up in Chicago (!) - hated the cold weather, and moved here many moons ago. There's a pic of the first room up above. I picked up The Big Clock, a noir from back in the day that I've always wanted to read. There were some really cool new Calvino editions, too, but the one I liked best (Invisible Cities) we already have.
Good for you on Infinite Jest - halfway is major, and deserves an award. Glad you're still feeling positive about it. I'll get back in gear when we return.
171msf59
Glad the bookstore was a hit, despite it's dainty size. Sold out of the new Murakami? Shocking!
In regards, to IJ, I was describing the book to one of my bookish pals at work, so he also started it on audio and is really enjoying it. Funny, he was 4-plus hours in, wasn't sure where a certain thread was going and started over. I don't think he is going to do this very often, if he ever wants to finish it, this decade.
In regards, to IJ, I was describing the book to one of my bookish pals at work, so he also started it on audio and is really enjoying it. Funny, he was 4-plus hours in, wasn't sure where a certain thread was going and started over. I don't think he is going to do this very often, if he ever wants to finish it, this decade.
172Familyhistorian
>168 jnwelch: >169 jnwelch: Picture of a great book store and a dish of prawns (not sure what those grit things are) - you are making me drool, Joe! For lunch yesterday I had prawn souvlaki with greek potatoes - yum.
173DeltaQueen50
Happy Holidays, Joe! Three great reasons for visiting New Orleans. It sounds like you need never fear about finding someplace to eat! Lots of highly recommended choices. Have a great time.
177jnwelch
>171 msf59: Ha! Yeah, your buddy's going to be reading IJ for a long, long time, Mark, if he loops back like that. Kudos to him for enjoying it and being that into it, though.
Hope today goes well for you. I see the temps aren't too bad for this time of year.
>172 Familyhistorian: Hiya, Meg. The souvlaki prawns and greek potatoes sound mighty good. Grits are a Southern staple, "a dish of coarsely ground corn kernels boiled with water or milk." As you can imagine, lots can be done with that base.
The book store was really cool, and the older woman working there was smart and friendly. The owner and her husband apparently live in the space behind the books, and she was able to yell to him to pick up a phone call.
Hope today goes well for you. I see the temps aren't too bad for this time of year.
>172 Familyhistorian: Hiya, Meg. The souvlaki prawns and greek potatoes sound mighty good. Grits are a Southern staple, "a dish of coarsely ground corn kernels boiled with water or milk." As you can imagine, lots can be done with that base.
The book store was really cool, and the older woman working there was smart and friendly. The owner and her husband apparently live in the space behind the books, and she was able to yell to him to pick up a phone call.
178jnwelch
>173 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Judy. We're going to take it a little easier today, after a very full day yesterday. Brunch and jazz at the Court of the Two Sisters, some wandering, and the Mardis Gras parade later on. We're having a blast.
>174 mirrordrum: There she is! How are you doing, Ellie?
We're having a big, easy time in the Big Easy, all right. :-)
I just saw a provocative push somewhere for My Favorite Thing is Monsters. It sounds really cool. Have you looked at it yet?
>174 mirrordrum: There she is! How are you doing, Ellie?
We're having a big, easy time in the Big Easy, all right. :-)
I just saw a provocative push somewhere for My Favorite Thing is Monsters. It sounds really cool. Have you looked at it yet?
179laytonwoman3rd
>168 jnwelch: "P.S. Yes, we went to Faulkner House Books today." Just color me green.
180NarratorLady
Love the Court of the Two Sisters. It's like a jazz garden party.
We're on vacation too in Mexico. Escaped the blizzard by a day. I've brought with me A Gentleman in Moscow and our friend Georgette's Friday's Child which I highly recommend. Since we brought the same authors on our trips I'm starting to think you're my brother from another mother😃!
We're on vacation too in Mexico. Escaped the blizzard by a day. I've brought with me A Gentleman in Moscow and our friend Georgette's Friday's Child which I highly recommend. Since we brought the same authors on our trips I'm starting to think you're my brother from another mother😃!
181ffortsa
Ah, it looks like Jim and I will have to plan a vacation in NOLA. It sounds like you two are having a great time. I haven't been there yet.
182charl08
Sounds like a fantastic trip. It's definitely on my wishlist. The bookshop sounds like a dangerous place!
183jnwelch
>179 laytonwoman3rd: Ha! Faulkner Book House was a charmer, Linda. On Pirate's Alley, too. We got a kick out of that.
>180 NarratorLady: Hiya, Anne. The Court of Two Sisters was like a jazz garden party. We had a perfect table, looking out on the courtyard, and near the jazz trio. Madame MBH had alerted them that we were celebrating her birthday and my retirement, and the next thing we knew, the jazz trio had come over to our table (string bass, guitar, and singer without his piano), to sing us a swing happy birthday/retirement song with our names in it. Plus our waiter brought us two slices of King Cake with a candle. Wow.
Ha! Towles and Heyer for our vacation reading; you must be my sister from another mother. I dug out Friday's Child, so I'll tee that one up after I finish my sci-fi-er, Ethan of Athos.
>180 NarratorLady: Hiya, Anne. The Court of Two Sisters was like a jazz garden party. We had a perfect table, looking out on the courtyard, and near the jazz trio. Madame MBH had alerted them that we were celebrating her birthday and my retirement, and the next thing we knew, the jazz trio had come over to our table (string bass, guitar, and singer without his piano), to sing us a swing happy birthday/retirement song with our names in it. Plus our waiter brought us two slices of King Cake with a candle. Wow.
Ha! Towles and Heyer for our vacation reading; you must be my sister from another mother. I dug out Friday's Child, so I'll tee that one up after I finish my sci-fi-er, Ethan of Athos.
184jnwelch
>181 ffortsa: I think you and Jim would have a grand time here, Judy. Just be prepared to maybe be wincing at some questionable art - there's a lot that I can't believe is being displayed in the French Quarter There's some beautiful stuff, too, of course. Especially in the Warehouse district galleries. We're very tempted by a bizarre beautiful twig lady at Jed Malitz's gallery. (He has his own amazing refracted light/glass ribbon sculptures that were way, way out of our price range, but our light pockets didn't bother him - very nice guy).
What is most striking to me is that there's great music everywhere. On the street, inside, everywhere. Just part of life. And the food, as you've been hearing, is to die for. Lots of personality here, too. We're going to have a parade going by tonight right by where we're staying. We've been warned it's very risque - ha! I doubt they can come up with anything that much worse than what we've already seen, but I'll report back.
>182 charl08: Oh, you would eat up this bookshop, Charlotte. Magical, and a great selection of books.
Well worth the visit here when you can. Yes, we're having a fantastic time. Risque parade tonight - we're getting lots of content warnings. We're going to take it easy tomorrow morning and go to a nearby cafe and read and write for a few hours. Ahh, sweet. :-)
What is most striking to me is that there's great music everywhere. On the street, inside, everywhere. Just part of life. And the food, as you've been hearing, is to die for. Lots of personality here, too. We're going to have a parade going by tonight right by where we're staying. We've been warned it's very risque - ha! I doubt they can come up with anything that much worse than what we've already seen, but I'll report back.
>182 charl08: Oh, you would eat up this bookshop, Charlotte. Magical, and a great selection of books.
Well worth the visit here when you can. Yes, we're having a fantastic time. Risque parade tonight - we're getting lots of content warnings. We're going to take it easy tomorrow morning and go to a nearby cafe and read and write for a few hours. Ahh, sweet. :-)
185jnwelch
If you're a sci-fi fan, give Binti a try. This is excellent African-flavored sci-fi. If you've read it, I can tell you the next one, Binti Home, is just as good. Can't wait for the next one.
186laytonwoman3rd
>184 jnwelch: The last few weeks that we lived in Gretna, LA (over the bridge from NO), I made a point of visiting the city and specifically the French Quarter as often as I could (one of our neighbors worked in the city, and I rode in with her several times). On one of those trips I bought an oil painting from someone who was painting, and displaying finished works on the wrought iron fencing in Jackson Square. It's a lovely piece of art, and it still hangs over our piano.
187jnwelch
>186 laytonwoman3rd: Nice! A lovely piece of art with great memories - that's the best, Linda.
Yes, there's some beautiful art to be found in the French Quarter, for sure, but my oh my, I've never seen such a quantity of ones that, IMO, shouldn't be out in public! My eyes are still recovering. Ah well, one person's Pearl rule is another's favorite novel, I guess.
Yes, there's some beautiful art to be found in the French Quarter, for sure, but my oh my, I've never seen such a quantity of ones that, IMO, shouldn't be out in public! My eyes are still recovering. Ah well, one person's Pearl rule is another's favorite novel, I guess.
188roundballnz
>185 jnwelch: Tis great to hear Binti Home is just as good - currently waiting rather impatiently for my copy to wing its way down-under .... ( as usual it can't be found here, such is the state of our bookshops)
189jnwelch
>188 roundballnz: I think you'll love Binti Home, Alex. I sure did.
190avatiakh
Sounds like a grand time in New Orleans. Many years since my visit there. The Falkner bookstore shows that small can be good.
191NarratorLady
>183 jnwelch: A jazz serenade! What a treat! Sounds like a wonderful time. It's a great city and so glad you're enjoying all it has to offer.
192jnwelch
>190 avatiakh:. It's a grand time, Kerry. Glad you've experienced it. We're waiting for the Krewe du Vieux parade near Poydras with a lot of wildly costumed celebrants and a happy singing bachelorette party.
>191 NarratorLady:. That was quite an unexpected jazz serenade, Anne. Engineered by our waiter, a very sweet guy. Now we're in a parade crowd - early Mardi Gras (Krewe du Vieux).
>191 NarratorLady:. That was quite an unexpected jazz serenade, Anne. Engineered by our waiter, a very sweet guy. Now we're in a parade crowd - early Mardi Gras (Krewe du Vieux).
194jessibud2
I have never been to NOLA, Joe, but I am enjoying the *tour* and your adventures, vicariously!
195jnwelch
>193 ronincats:. Thanks, Roni! We're celebrating Madame MBH's birthday - all week - and my "retirement", and it's great to be sitting outside in a tshirt. Well, pants, too. Here, I don't think it would be a big deal if I wasn't wearing pants. Somebody'd probably offer me a crown or some wings.
>194 jessibud2:. Ah good, Shelley. Your intrepid reporter is on the parade route right now with a lot of happy Saturday night celebrants. Papier-mâché phalluses should be appearing soon.
>194 jessibud2:. Ah good, Shelley. Your intrepid reporter is on the parade route right now with a lot of happy Saturday night celebrants. Papier-mâché phalluses should be appearing soon.
196jessibud2
Well, pants, too. Here, I don't think it would be a big deal if I wasn't wearing pants. Somebody'd probably offer me a crown or some wings.
Well, don't let LT hold you back, Joe...;-)
Shall we expect to see trip photos soon?
Well, don't let LT hold you back, Joe...;-)
Shall we expect to see trip photos soon?
197jnwelch
>196 jessibud2:. It's warm enough, Shelley. :-)
Find me on Facebook for photos, if you want them now. It's harder to migrate them onto LT. I'll do more of that when we get back.
Find me on Facebook for photos, if you want them now. It's harder to migrate them onto LT. I'll do more of that when we get back.
198jnwelch
The parade was a blast. Many participants lacked pants, as it turned out. And Trump is not well-liked, if the scathing floats are to be believed.
I can't remember if I posted this here before, but I've gotten many good tips from this Green Dragon group Book Bargains thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/248241#5930516
I can't remember if I posted this here before, but I've gotten many good tips from this Green Dragon group Book Bargains thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/248241#5930516
199Familyhistorian
>198 jnwelch: Scathing floats sounds interesting, Joe. Will you post pictures?
201lunacat
Glad to see you're having a wonderful time in New Orleans Joe. My cousin and her fiancee are headed there for Mardi Gras, so I hope they enjoy it as much as you are.
202msf59
Happy Sunday, Joe! I am enjoying following your NOLA adventures. I am sure you packed on a few pounds. Grins...
When do you guys return home?
When do you guys return home?
203jnwelch
>199 Familyhistorian: Uh-huh. Hmm. I'll post some, Meg. Others, probably not. Including, not posting Putin and Trump, ahem, getting it on. I didn't get one of Trump as Jabba the Hut, unfortunately. That one I could've posted.
It was really fun. What a crazy scene.
>200 DianaNL: Oops. Thanks, Diana. That'll get us going today!
>201 lunacat: Mardi Gras is supposed to be really crazy, Jenny. I'm sure your cousin and her fiance will have a blast. We're old enough that we actually timed it to miss Mardi Gras! My days of staying out all night and feeling just fine (or fine enough) the next day are well behind me.
>202 msf59: Happy Sunday, Mark! Enjoy the day off, buddy.
The pounds may not have been packed on, amazingly enough. This is a walking town, and we've been covering a lot of miles. Plus we're only having two meals a day. But they've been doozies. :-)
We head back on Tuesday. We're taking it easy today, going to a nearby cafe to read and write, and improvising from there.
It was really fun. What a crazy scene.
>200 DianaNL: Oops. Thanks, Diana. That'll get us going today!
>201 lunacat: Mardi Gras is supposed to be really crazy, Jenny. I'm sure your cousin and her fiance will have a blast. We're old enough that we actually timed it to miss Mardi Gras! My days of staying out all night and feeling just fine (or fine enough) the next day are well behind me.
>202 msf59: Happy Sunday, Mark! Enjoy the day off, buddy.
The pounds may not have been packed on, amazingly enough. This is a walking town, and we've been covering a lot of miles. Plus we're only having two meals a day. But they've been doozies. :-)
We head back on Tuesday. We're taking it easy today, going to a nearby cafe to read and write, and improvising from there.
204Ameise1
Once upon a time there was (>176 Ameise1:) with a small question.
Happy Sunday, Joe.
Happy Sunday, Joe.
205PaulCranswick
Have a great Sunday Buddy. Give Madame MBH a big hug from me on her birthday week.
206jnwelch
>176 Ameise1:, >204 Ameise1: Ha! Thank you, Barbara. I appreciate the gentle kindness for my missing you the first time. We're staying a week in New Orleans, which means we'll be heading home on Tuesday. We're home on Wednesday, and then we're off again, to visit my father for a long weekend. A sister and her hubby will be there, too.
207jnwelch
>205 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. I'll give Madame MBH that big hug. As you can imagine, she's been striking up conversations all over New Orleans.
208Ameise1
>206 jnwelch: Sounds like you have a fabulous time before being back home. Enjoy it.
209jnwelch
A media photo of the Krewe du Vieux parade last night. These two were enjoying themselves, as you can tell, and came right by us.
210jnwelch
>208 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara.
211FAMeulstee
Bookstore, art, parade (with or without pants); I am enjoying your adventures in New Orleans, Joe! :-)
212ChelleBearss
Looks like you guys are enjoying your trip!!
214msf59
>209 jnwelch: I see you have been enjoying the nightlife. B.A.G.
215benitastrnad
Actually, you are in NOLA during Mardi Gras season. Most of the Krewe parades are done before the Tuesday of Mardi Gras. Only the parade on Bourbon street is on Tuesday. NOLA residents consider that one strictly for tourists as the residents are at home eating a feast with their family because come sunup on Wednesday it is ashes for all and the accompanying strict dietary rules of Lent.
A student who worked for me was Old NOLA and a Krewe queen. Your parents have to work for years for daughters to get to be Krewe queens. Her grandparents had a house on St. Charles and her mother still lives one block off St. Charles. She and many of the Old NOLA residents are very unhappy with the current state of housing in NOLA. She tells me it is impossible for anybody to buy a home in the River Sliver because there are too many rich outsiders buying them and the accompanying urban sprawl of big hotels, apartment blocks, and condominiums is eating up the old housing areas of the Garden District at a rapid pace. The state legislature does nothing about it, and with the political corruption in Louisiana nothing is going to get done. The defeat of Mary Landrieu in 2014 was a great disappointment to NOLA residents as she and her brother Mitch Landrieu are very popular in NOLA. Just not that popular in the rest of the state.
A student who worked for me was Old NOLA and a Krewe queen. Your parents have to work for years for daughters to get to be Krewe queens. Her grandparents had a house on St. Charles and her mother still lives one block off St. Charles. She and many of the Old NOLA residents are very unhappy with the current state of housing in NOLA. She tells me it is impossible for anybody to buy a home in the River Sliver because there are too many rich outsiders buying them and the accompanying urban sprawl of big hotels, apartment blocks, and condominiums is eating up the old housing areas of the Garden District at a rapid pace. The state legislature does nothing about it, and with the political corruption in Louisiana nothing is going to get done. The defeat of Mary Landrieu in 2014 was a great disappointment to NOLA residents as she and her brother Mitch Landrieu are very popular in NOLA. Just not that popular in the rest of the state.
216jnwelch
>211 FAMeulstee:. Ha! Thanks, Anita. It's been a delightful, quiet one today. Hanging out at a neighborhood cafe, good food, good coffee and chai. Reading Philip Levine, Lois McMaster Bujold, and Georgette Heyer, and writing about days gone by.
217jnwelch
>212 ChelleBearss:. We is, Chelle. Don't want it to end!
>213 VirginiaMareco:. Huh?
>214 msf59:. Ha! I thought that one might catch your eye, Mark. You'd love the night life here - and you would've gotten a big kick out of that wild and funny parade!
>213 VirginiaMareco:. Huh?
>214 msf59:. Ha! I thought that one might catch your eye, Mark. You'd love the night life here - and you would've gotten a big kick out of that wild and funny parade!
218LovingLit
>215 benitastrnad: wow, so much of the first half of your post reads like a foreign language to me! I know nothing of Krewe queens/parades.
The urban buy-out by wealthy outsiders is a familiar tale though. Driving prices up, forcing rates up and long term residents out. It happens here too.
The urban buy-out by wealthy outsiders is a familiar tale though. Driving prices up, forcing rates up and long term residents out. It happens here too.
219jnwelch
>215 benitastrnad:. Thanks, Benita. Yeah, Mardi Gras season, but, for us out-of-towners anyway, not Marci Gras. We're avoiding the well-publicized revelry that comes up later in the month.
We wondered about how the paraders became an authorized part of it. At the end, of course, a whole bunch of unauthorized partiers became the tail end of the parade.
Interesting to hear the local perspective on housing. We've been impressed with the quality of the widespread renovations going on. At least from the outside, they're doing a thoughtful, good-looking job of bringing rundown buildings back to life, and retaining the personality. I imagine appealing to tourists is part of the thinking. But those improvements probably raise housing prices, rents and property taxes.
This kind of development is well-known in Chicago. For many years artists, in particular, have moved to rundown communities, and improved them to the point they start to gentrify. When we lived in the Bucktown/Wicker Park area, we were considered "urban pioneers" by the real estate people. All these years later, it's got many high end retail stores and families, and housing prices, taxes, and rents have gone way up. Unfortunately, long time residents, particularly elderly ones, move out - because of a combo of too high property taxes, and the ability to make an unexpectedly high sum of money to fund relocating elsewhere in the city or burbs. We've lost some good neighbors that way.
It's hard to balance all this in a fair way. The evolution does have the advantage of improving areas. Now the exact same process is happening in once-dangerous and ragged Humboldt Park in Chicago, where artists moved and once again started the renovation/reinvigoration/gentrification process.
Soho in NYC is another example. When I worked there, it was rugged, run down and funky. I loved it. Now it's glitzy, filled with fancy stores. I'm not sure what the best answer is.
We wondered about how the paraders became an authorized part of it. At the end, of course, a whole bunch of unauthorized partiers became the tail end of the parade.
Interesting to hear the local perspective on housing. We've been impressed with the quality of the widespread renovations going on. At least from the outside, they're doing a thoughtful, good-looking job of bringing rundown buildings back to life, and retaining the personality. I imagine appealing to tourists is part of the thinking. But those improvements probably raise housing prices, rents and property taxes.
This kind of development is well-known in Chicago. For many years artists, in particular, have moved to rundown communities, and improved them to the point they start to gentrify. When we lived in the Bucktown/Wicker Park area, we were considered "urban pioneers" by the real estate people. All these years later, it's got many high end retail stores and families, and housing prices, taxes, and rents have gone way up. Unfortunately, long time residents, particularly elderly ones, move out - because of a combo of too high property taxes, and the ability to make an unexpectedly high sum of money to fund relocating elsewhere in the city or burbs. We've lost some good neighbors that way.
It's hard to balance all this in a fair way. The evolution does have the advantage of improving areas. Now the exact same process is happening in once-dangerous and ragged Humboldt Park in Chicago, where artists moved and once again started the renovation/reinvigoration/gentrification process.
Soho in NYC is another example. When I worked there, it was rugged, run down and funky. I loved it. Now it's glitzy, filled with fancy stores. I'm not sure what the best answer is.
220jnwelch
>218 LovingLit:. Right, Megan. Agreed.
221jnwelch
Well, our coded lock broke, and we got locked out of our airbnb. A nice young locksmith just used a tension rod and I don't know what else and finally got us in. Our "landlord" belatedly let us know there was a key we could've taken, for when the code doesn't work!
So all is well, and we're off to find two very large glasses of wine. :-)
So all is well, and we're off to find two very large glasses of wine. :-)
223lunacat
>221 jnwelch: I hope you found the wines alright! It tends to be a good solution to these stressful situations ;).
224jnwelch
>222 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Thanks! Off soon to the Garden District.
>223 lunacat: We did, Jenny, thanks. Well, I did. Madame MBH inexplicably changed her mind and had a cranberry juice/orange juice drink with lime. We had a good Cajun meal at Mulate's, and felt much improved.
>223 lunacat: We did, Jenny, thanks. Well, I did. Madame MBH inexplicably changed her mind and had a cranberry juice/orange juice drink with lime. We had a good Cajun meal at Mulate's, and felt much improved.
225jnwelch
I'm liking Phillip Levine's poetry book The Simple Truth very much, and now have The Big Clock teed up. I'm about halfway through Friday's Child (a push from Anne), and thoroughly enjoying it.
We'll be back later. Have some King Cake?
We'll be back later. Have some King Cake?
226Carmenere
>225 jnwelch: num yum yum yum *garbled happy birthday wishes to Mrs Joe!*
227Caroline_McElwee
Pass on birthday wishes to the Birthday Girl, please Joe.
228brodiew2
Good morning, Joe!
I'm glad to hear that your time in New Orleans has been so good. Perhaps, someday...
>168 jnwelch: The Big Clock? Is the same noir that was made into the film with Ray Milland? I remember really enjoying the film during my Noir immersion years.
>185 jnwelch: This sounds interesting. The cover is fantastic. I'll look into it.
Did you you ever get the to the etouffee?
I'm glad to hear that your time in New Orleans has been so good. Perhaps, someday...
>168 jnwelch: The Big Clock? Is the same noir that was made into the film with Ray Milland? I remember really enjoying the film during my Noir immersion years.
>185 jnwelch: This sounds interesting. The cover is fantastic. I'll look into it.
Did you you ever get the to the etouffee?
229jnwelch
>226 Carmenere:. *snorflemumblepod* Good, ain't it, Linda? I'll let Madame MBH know, thanks.
>227 Caroline_McElwee:. I will, Caroline. I know she'd send her best to you.
>228 brodiew2:. I had my first crawfish etoufee last night at Mulate's, Brodie. It was excellent. Thanks for the tip, and I'm pretty sure Dr. Jim chimed in.
That's got to be the same noir as The Big Clock movie. Chandler was an admirer of Fearing, so the time period fits. How was the movie?
Oh, good. Yes, give Binti a try. It's not long, and it's inventive in a way new to me. Isn't that a great cover?
>227 Caroline_McElwee:. I will, Caroline. I know she'd send her best to you.
>228 brodiew2:. I had my first crawfish etoufee last night at Mulate's, Brodie. It was excellent. Thanks for the tip, and I'm pretty sure Dr. Jim chimed in.
That's got to be the same noir as The Big Clock movie. Chandler was an admirer of Fearing, so the time period fits. How was the movie?
Oh, good. Yes, give Binti a try. It's not long, and it's inventive in a way new to me. Isn't that a great cover?
230Morphidae
>169 jnwelch: As a grits aficionado, I did not think shrimp and grits sounded good. But it sure does look good. Guess I'll have to try it one day.
>225 jnwelch: Is that a super sugary glaze?
>225 jnwelch: Is that a super sugary glaze?
231drneutron
>228 brodiew2:, >229 jnwelch: Yup, I did. I'm glad you liked it! It's not the healthiest food, mind you... The sauce has a high butter component if it's done right. :)
232brodiew2
>231 drneutron: Amen, Brother!
233jnwelch
>230 Morphidae: Definitely worth your trying shrimp and grits, Morphy. I had it (with cheese grits) for the first time at a friend's birthday party a few years ago, and I must have gone back for seconds . . . a lot.
The king cake has sugar icing made with food coloring. Super sugary? If that's the way you like it, why not?
>231 drneutron:, >232 brodiew2: I suspect what I had at Mulate's was loaded with butter. It sure was tasty.
The king cake has sugar icing made with food coloring. Super sugary? If that's the way you like it, why not?
>231 drneutron:, >232 brodiew2: I suspect what I had at Mulate's was loaded with butter. It sure was tasty.
235msf59
Hi, Joe! Are you sad to be leaving NOLA? It sure sounds like you had a good time.
I am still chugging along with IJ. I am at the 56% mark, but that includes the footnotes, so I am further along than that. I decided not to take a break with it and just keep trucking. It does continue to dazzle but not all the pieces have fit together yet...I sure hope most of them do.
I am still chugging along with IJ. I am at the 56% mark, but that includes the footnotes, so I am further along than that. I decided not to take a break with it and just keep trucking. It does continue to dazzle but not all the pieces have fit together yet...I sure hope most of them do.
236jnwelch
>235 msf59: Hey, buddy! I am sad to leave NOLA. We had another great day, walking the Garden District and taking a guided tour at the Lafayette Cemetery.
We'll be back for a day and then off to Ann Arbor to visit my dad. We've made a vow not to travel anywhere in March! Sometimes it's good to be home.
Good for you with Infinite Jest. I've been enjoying the reading for pure fun, but I'll buckle down with DFW when we get back.
We'll be back for a day and then off to Ann Arbor to visit my dad. We've made a vow not to travel anywhere in March! Sometimes it's good to be home.
Good for you with Infinite Jest. I've been enjoying the reading for pure fun, but I'll buckle down with DFW when we get back.
237Storeetllr
So glad you are having a great time in NOLA, Joe! It's been 50+ years since I visited, and I remember my visit with great pleasure still. I bet it's changed a lot! Safe travels!
238Morphidae
>233 jnwelch: It looks great. I was just asking because I don't think I've seen icing that sugary before.
239jnwelch
>237 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary! It had actually been 33 1/2 years since we'd been here. We were here so briefly that time I couldn't tell you whether it has changed or not, although I suppose it must have. There's a lot of old-timey feel here that I suspect stays the same. We were in the Garden District today looking at mansions that date back to the 19th century, and Lafayette cemetery, which does the same.
>238 Morphidae: You got me, Morphy. We've eaten king cake here, and the icing certainly is sugary, but I don't know whether it's more than usual. It's so different from other cakes I've had.
Today we split a large lemon ginger donut from District Donuts on Magazine Street - not sugary, but oh my it was good.
>238 Morphidae: You got me, Morphy. We've eaten king cake here, and the icing certainly is sugary, but I don't know whether it's more than usual. It's so different from other cakes I've had.
Today we split a large lemon ginger donut from District Donuts on Magazine Street - not sugary, but oh my it was good.
240benitastrnad
I made a King Cake last weekend and ended up making one this weekend as well. When you make one people think you should make more. It really isn't hard to make and the recipe from King Arthur Flour has very easy directions. I think this will be my last King Cake for this year, as I am getting tired of making them.
241jnwelch
>240 benitastrnad: Good for you, Benita. I can imagine you get enough of making the King Cakes. We've enjoyed eating slices here.
243jnwelch
>242 Berly:. Hiya, Kim. Mmm, King Cake. The fun continues, but today is travel back to Chicago day.
244EBT1002
I love that you read Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde along with Mary Reilly. I thought Valerie Martin did an excellent job with that alternative perspective.
Safe travels home, Joe!
Safe travels home, Joe!
245weird_O
I'll say Amen to what Ellen said: Safe travels home. You Welch folks sure do know how to have a good time.
246jnwelch
Steering clear of political discussions right now - I know we're all getting plenty of that elsewhere - but this one gets a simple: "Yes!"
247jnwelch
>244 EBT1002: Thanks, Ellen. It was a great pairing (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Mary Reilly). My sister recommended it. She had done it with her book club, and said it worked beautifully there. Agreed re the excellent job, from that alternative perspective, done by Valerie Martin.
It (Mary Reilly) was made into a movie with John Malkovich that sank like a stone. I never saw it.
>255 jessibud2: Thanks, Bill. Madame MBH and I always have a great time traveling together (and not traveling together, I must say). This town is an easy one to have fun in. Plus this mostly retired status makes everything easier.
The flight back will be easier than the one here - we had a layover in Dallas for a couple hours coming here, and going back will be nonstop. I've got The Big Clock teed up, and an Australian mystery called The Dry.
It (Mary Reilly) was made into a movie with John Malkovich that sank like a stone. I never saw it.
>255 jessibud2: Thanks, Bill. Madame MBH and I always have a great time traveling together (and not traveling together, I must say). This town is an easy one to have fun in. Plus this mostly retired status makes everything easier.
The flight back will be easier than the one here - we had a layover in Dallas for a couple hours coming here, and going back will be nonstop. I've got The Big Clock teed up, and an Australian mystery called The Dry.
248EBT1002
>246 jnwelch: Heartily!
249Caroline_McElwee
>239 jnwelch: lemon ginger donut, salivating Joe.
>246 jnwelch: you bet we miss ya. Ha, Great Wall art.
>246 jnwelch: you bet we miss ya. Ha, Great Wall art.
250lunacat
>246 jnwelch: Yup yup yup! And I'm not American so I don't know how you are all feeling :/
251Morphidae
>246 jnwelch: Actually, I've been kind of looking askance at him the last two months as he's spent it vacationing with a billionaire.
252lunacat
>251 Morphidae: After eight years of hard work, battles, diplomacy and stress, it seems like he's due a bit of a break. Particularly one that won't get him criticised so much by the media - how many times did he get slated by the press for going on holiday? Also, it must be incredibly disheartening to see a lot of his hard work being destroyed in such a way.
I might not think he's hanging out with the best company but I don't know many who would say he didn't deserve a vacation.
I might not think he's hanging out with the best company but I don't know many who would say he didn't deserve a vacation.
253jnwelch
>248 EBT1002:. :-)
>249 Caroline_McElwee:. The lemon ginger donut was delicious, Caroline. Thank you for not minding that we spell doughnut wrong.
Woo, I'd give a lot to have Obama back in charge.
>249 Caroline_McElwee:. The lemon ginger donut was delicious, Caroline. Thank you for not minding that we spell doughnut wrong.
Woo, I'd give a lot to have Obama back in charge.
254jnwelch
>250 lunacat:. Thanks, Jenny. I think people all over the world miss Obama. Many of us here feel we somehow walked into a nightmare. This presidency would make for a very bad, amateurish novel, wouldn't it?
>251 Morphidae:. I have to admit, Morphy, I'm not going to grudge him anything like that. He knocked himself out for us for 8 years, and he can take a break any way he wants, as far as I'm concerned.
>252 lunacat:. Right, Jenny? Well said.
The leader in criticizing Obama for Holidays, Orange Voldemort, is already on his third mini-vacation, isn't he?
>251 Morphidae:. I have to admit, Morphy, I'm not going to grudge him anything like that. He knocked himself out for us for 8 years, and he can take a break any way he wants, as far as I'm concerned.
>252 lunacat:. Right, Jenny? Well said.
The leader in criticizing Obama for Holidays, Orange Voldemort, is already on his third mini-vacation, isn't he?
255jessibud2
>246 jnwelch: - Absolutely yes! And I'm not even American!
256Storeetllr
>246 jnwelch: Oh, hell yes!
257jnwelch
>255 jessibud2:, >256 Storeetllr:. Ha! Yup.
258Storeetllr
>251 Morphidae:, >252 lunacat: Billionaire philanthropist. I don't on principle hate people who have made a lot of money, only how they made it and what they do with it. Branson has fun with it, sure, but from what I've read about him, he also spends some of it to help others. Not defending anyone, and maybe I've missed something unethical Branson has done (Jenny would know better than me, I guess), but I sure don't begrudge Obama and Michelle their busting loose after eight years in a high-pressure job where they were constantly being harassed by the rightwingers. Though I wish he could come back and take over. I miss waking up in the morning without the feeling of impending doom.
ETA to correct typos
ETA to correct typos
259lunacat
>258 Storeetllr: I haven't been aware of too much scandal in Branson's dealings with the world. He's certainly not as clean cut as he would like the public to think of him as being - there have been some interesting tax avoidance schemes that seem to go hand in hand with most people that make a lot of money these days. I certainly think a lot more of Branson than I do of the FascistOrangeFart, and I can see how being able to enjoy the perks of being a President would be exactly what the doctor ordered for Obama after the last eight years. You've only got to look at the lines on his face and how grey he's gone to see that the job has taken its inevitable toll.
260katiekrug
Not to mention Branson's got his own island which helps with security and ensuring privacy!
261scaifea
Morning, Joe! I don't really begrudge the Obamas for their vacationing, either, other than the urge to shout at them, "What the heck, guys?! Get back here and help clean up this unholy mess!!" I do think, thought, that once they're holiday is over, they're going to get right down to work, and that's comforting.
262jessibud2
>261 scaifea: - True. If anyone deserves, and has earned, a little R&R, it's the Obamas. Period!
263thearlybirdy
Good morning, Joe. I have missed your cafe. Trying to play catch up seems a little pointless seeing as I'm behind by more then 200 posts on multiple threads. So I'm just going to start over. I hope your having a good week.
>90 jnwelch: Loved this.
>132 jnwelch: I want this.
>246 jnwelch: Very true.
>90 jnwelch: Loved this.
>132 jnwelch: I want this.
>246 jnwelch: Very true.
264jnwelch
>258 Storeetllr: Good info on Branson, Mary, thanks. He's always seemed like one of the "clean" ones to me.
I miss waking up in the morning without the feeling of impending doom. Ha! Yes, I know what you mean.
>259 lunacat: Right, Jenny. The presidency here tends to really age whomever's in office. Good to see Obama smiling and relaxed now. He's still a young guy, really. Looking forward to seeing what he does next.
I miss waking up in the morning without the feeling of impending doom. Ha! Yes, I know what you mean.
>259 lunacat: Right, Jenny. The presidency here tends to really age whomever's in office. Good to see Obama smiling and relaxed now. He's still a young guy, really. Looking forward to seeing what he does next.
265jnwelch
>260 katiekrug: Yes, I'm sure that private island is a welcome situation for the previously always under scrutiny Obama. What a wonderful job he did for us, and what a deserved chance to kick back and take it easy.
>261 scaifea: LOL! It is an unholy mess, Amber, but I don't think the Obamas can come back and clean it up, unfortunately. I wish.
Yes, I agree. I'm looking forward to what they'll do once they've had a chance to recover.
>261 scaifea: LOL! It is an unholy mess, Amber, but I don't think the Obamas can come back and clean it up, unfortunately. I wish.
Yes, I agree. I'm looking forward to what they'll do once they've had a chance to recover.
266jnwelch
>262 jessibud2: Yup, they sure have, Shelley.
>263 thearlybirdy: Ha! Good idea, Birdy. Glad you like the Alice Pasquini up in >90 jnwelch: - her street art has become a favorite here.
Beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe DuMond - so good!
>263 thearlybirdy: Ha! Good idea, Birdy. Glad you like the Alice Pasquini up in >90 jnwelch: - her street art has become a favorite here.
Beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe DuMond - so good!
267Familyhistorian
Too bad your wonderful trip to New Orleans came to an end, Joe. Sounds like you and Madame MBH made the most of your time there. Welcome home for a minute. I bet you'll be glad to have your travelling behind you for a while!
268msf59
>246 jnwelch: I LOVE it!
It feels like we are stuck firmly in a Orwell novel. Shudders...
Morning, Joe! Welcome home, buddy! I bet it is nice to be back in your favorite reading chair. Have you cracked open, IJ yet? I have to admit, I am really loving it, but BOY, is it LONG!
It feels like we are stuck firmly in a Orwell novel. Shudders...
Morning, Joe! Welcome home, buddy! I bet it is nice to be back in your favorite reading chair. Have you cracked open, IJ yet? I have to admit, I am really loving it, but BOY, is it LONG!
269msf59
The April Meet-Up is beginning to take shape. Lots of positive responses so far. Finally heard from Laura too. Yah!
270laytonwoman3rd
Soooo...are you home now? And..do you know what it means, to miss New OrLEANS? (Sorry, couldn't resist. And now that tune will be stuck on my head all day.)
271jnwelch
>267 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. That was a great trip to NOLA. Of course, this morning we find out our car was broken into while we were gone. Luckily, they didn't harm the interior, just left a mess, and we only had some change and bills for tolls in there. They did leave some interior light on, and drained the battery, but we have Triple AAA, so that was okay. We even decided to replace the battery - the old one was . . . old, and needed replacement.
We pack this afternoon, and then head to Ann Arbor tomorrow to see my father for a long weekend. Next week, we ain't goin' nowhere!
>268 msf59: Hiya, Mark.
It feels like we are stuck firmly in a Orwell novel. It sure does! You probably saw this, but sales of 1984 have skyrocketed, and I just saw the same is true for A Handmaid's Tale. Wow.
I've got Infinite Jest next to me, but haven't cracked it yet. I've got to find out the ending to The Dry, and then I'll get back into IJ. Yeah, good thing we've developed our reading chops; this is a bit like swimming the English Channel. :-) But smart and funny and full of good stuff, too.
>269 msf59: That's good news on the April meetup. Thanks for taking that on - one of these years we can do it here. Great to hear Laura is coming!
We pack this afternoon, and then head to Ann Arbor tomorrow to see my father for a long weekend. Next week, we ain't goin' nowhere!
>268 msf59: Hiya, Mark.
It feels like we are stuck firmly in a Orwell novel. It sure does! You probably saw this, but sales of 1984 have skyrocketed, and I just saw the same is true for A Handmaid's Tale. Wow.
I've got Infinite Jest next to me, but haven't cracked it yet. I've got to find out the ending to The Dry, and then I'll get back into IJ. Yeah, good thing we've developed our reading chops; this is a bit like swimming the English Channel. :-) But smart and funny and full of good stuff, too.
>269 msf59: That's good news on the April meetup. Thanks for taking that on - one of these years we can do it here. Great to hear Laura is coming!
272MickyFine
>271 jnwelch: Sorry to hear someone broke into your car. That's some unneeded drama.
Enjoy your trip to Ann Arbor! I spent some time emailing back and forth with the library there last year as part of an environmental scan for work. They've got some really awesome non-traditional collections available to borrow.
Enjoy your trip to Ann Arbor! I spent some time emailing back and forth with the library there last year as part of an environmental scan for work. They've got some really awesome non-traditional collections available to borrow.
273Ameise1
Sorry to hear about your car. The mess is always awful even you have a good insurence. Enjoy your long weekend and safe travels.
Happy Wednesday.
Happy Wednesday.
274jnwelch
>272 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky. It could've been a lot worse. Life in the city. We had it happen many years ago in a different neighborhood, and they trashed the cd player and radio trying to get it out. Nothing like that this time.
U of M is a topnotch university, and I'm glad you had a good experience with their library. We like going back to Ann Arbor, although now my father is pretty much homebound. And this time I've got to take care of something at his bank and get him a new tax preparer (long story - we have two good candidates). My late mother also gave some money to the university for Alzheimer's research, so we're going to visit their research facility.
>273 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara. The mess was annoying, but not damaging. It looked like a grab and run. They did try every place a person might hide money.
Thanks - it'll be good to see my dad, and we're taking the train this time. It's a nice way to go. We borrow his car on the other end.
U of M is a topnotch university, and I'm glad you had a good experience with their library. We like going back to Ann Arbor, although now my father is pretty much homebound. And this time I've got to take care of something at his bank and get him a new tax preparer (long story - we have two good candidates). My late mother also gave some money to the university for Alzheimer's research, so we're going to visit their research facility.
>273 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara. The mess was annoying, but not damaging. It looked like a grab and run. They did try every place a person might hide money.
Thanks - it'll be good to see my dad, and we're taking the train this time. It's a nice way to go. We borrow his car on the other end.
275Caroline_McElwee
Happy trip to see your dad Joe. Ah well, as you said, the car needed a new battery, so it got it earlier rather than later. Glad the damage was tolerable. You keep mentioning Infinite Jest so I'm going to have to look it up. I do have some of Foster Wallace's essays in book mountain.
276Berly
Hi Joe! I just want to point out that 8 years ages anybody and I think Obama aged pretty well. Sorry about the car and glad you had AAA. Have fun with your Dad.
277lunacat
I'll bet they were disappointed when they didn't find much in the car. I hope you have a nice time with your dad. No wonder you are looking forward to some downtime in March.
278jnwelch
>275 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Caroline. It'll be good to see him. Yeah, the car thing could've been a lot worse, and we needed the new battery.
I loved DFW's Consider the Lobster essays, and Infinite Jest has landed on a lot of best novels ever lists. The quality is high, the length is long. :-)
>276 Berly: Hi, Kim! Yeah, true enough about aging. And he remains a good-looking guy. You've probably seen Obama humorously point to wife Michelle and say, I look so much older; why didn't she age?
Triple A has come through for us a number of times. Once we had a tire blowout in the middle of nowhere, and a local guy came through for us big time - on Labor Day. The guy today was great.
I loved DFW's Consider the Lobster essays, and Infinite Jest has landed on a lot of best novels ever lists. The quality is high, the length is long. :-)
>276 Berly: Hi, Kim! Yeah, true enough about aging. And he remains a good-looking guy. You've probably seen Obama humorously point to wife Michelle and say, I look so much older; why didn't she age?
Triple A has come through for us a number of times. Once we had a tire blowout in the middle of nowhere, and a local guy came through for us big time - on Labor Day. The guy today was great.
This topic was continued by Joe's Book Cafe 2017 Door 6.
