Joe's Book Cafe 2017 Door 7

By Gaëlle Boissonnard

Welcome back to the cafe!

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

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
25. I Will Have Vengeance by Maurizio De Giovanni
26. The Simple Truth by Philip Levine
27. Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace!!!
28. Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty
29. Away with Fairies by Kerry Greenwood
30. The Sandman Omnibus Vol. 1 by Neil Gaiman*

March

31. News of the World by Paulette Jiles
32. My Favorite Thing is Monsters by Emil Ferris*
33. Ethan of Athos by Lois McMaster Bujold
34. Nightmare in Pink by John D. MacDonald
35. The Last Detective by Peter Lovesey
36, There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyonce by Morgan Parker
37. The Assault by Harry Mulisch

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
8. Ms. Marvel Vol. 6 by G. Willow Wilson
9. The Flight of the Raven by Jean-Pierre Gibrat

*Also graphic novels

A Joe poem, thinking about Odysseus. If you haven't read the Odyssey, or otherwise don't know the story, you might want to skip it.

Odysseus Strings His Bow

String your bow, brave Odysseus.
Launch your arrow through
Eyes of
Axes, through these

Honorless men. They must
Die. Mustn't they?
Penned by suffering and doubt, you
Found your way out,
Enslaved by cunning and power,
Found your escape,
Ensnared by temptation and
Ease, found your way here.

None can hold
Your bow, none string it -
None can lace the
Arrow through axe loops to
Win your wife, to save his life.

Their ending has
Sailed toward these
Suitors all their gluttonous
Years.
Son of Pain,
Pray for them now,
They have no way out.
The doors are locked.
The deals are done.
They cannot reach their
Shields and spears.

So many of your comrades
Lost along the way.
These suitors know
Even less, they do not understand.
They stumble, pleading,
Crying, to a
Shadowy, ignorant death.
As yet another life, for you,
Begins.

By Tim Jentsch in Miami

Happy new thread, Joe! Can't believe I made it in the door first. Something warm and chocolate-y please. :)

>5 jnwelch: Wow, you're fast, Micky! I was still working on the decor.

Warm and chocolate-y - of course! Here you go:

Happy new thread, Joe. I left one last message in the last thread.

Mmm, that looks yummy (>7 jnwelch:)

Can I ask a silly question? How does one start a new thread? Believe it or not, I have never had more than one but my current thread is getting up there in posts and I am not seeing any prompts to start a new one. I had thought that after 150 posts or so, there is a prompt to do so. But I have no clue....

Shelley, at the bottom of your current thread you'll see a blue link that says "continue this topic in a new topic". Just click there and you can start a new thread.

>8 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. I saw your message, and watched that impressive eulogy.

I don't remember when the prompt shows up for a new thread, but I thought by 150 posts. The rule of thumb I learned (from Richard D.) when I started in this group was that 250 posts started to take a long time to load, so start a new one around then. Doesn't mean you can't do it sooner, and a lot of people do. Or RL intervenes, and some get much longer than 250.

>9 laytonwoman3rd: Yes, follow that, Shelley. Ha! A lot fewer words and more to the point. Thanks, Linda.

Happy new thread, Joe. That hot chocolate looks good, any more available?

>8 jessibud2: Good luck setting up your new thread, Shelley. The hard part is getting things set up before the visitors flock in!

>8 jessibud2: If you start a new thread make sure you change the header up at the top on the new thread, like #2 or something. And then you can use your old thread to copy and paste stuff to your new thread so you don't have to retype lists and stuff...

Oh, Hi!, Joe! Happy new thread. : ) Loving the artwork as usual.

More wonderful artwork, Joe! Happy New Thread!

>11 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. Yeah, we should have some more hot chocolate around here somewhere. Here you go:

>12 Berly: Good advice, Kim.

Ha! Oh, thanks for noticing me here. Just mopping the floor. Glad you're loving the artwork.

>13 ronincats: Thanks, Roni. Especially nice to hear you think the artwork is wonderful, considering your own wonderful creations.

She's another one where I like her use of color. There's usually some kind of wash effect in there that really works.

Just caught up with your last thread, Joe. I am sorry that I missed the discussion on Canadian politics. Personally I would not say that I am a Quebecois but I have, at times, said that I am from Montreal.

As for the Trudeaus, Pierre was more of an intellectual than Justin and more of a wily old fox, if truth be told. But then, there is a part of the Canadian population that prefers our politicians colourful and wily to bland and paternalistic à la Harper.

>14 jnwelch: Mmm, looks good, Joe. That should keep me going for a while.

>16 Familyhistorian: We went to Montreal when I was a lad, Meg. I'd like to get back there.

I was too young to really appreciate Pierre, but wily and an intellectual sounds like a good combination for a politician. Hearing Justin's eulogy made me think Pierre must have been a good father, too, as does the type of person Justin is.

>11 Familyhistorian: :-)

Happy new thread, Buddy.

Joe, I enjoyed your take on Odysseus and hope that your odyssey this weekend will be a great one wherever it takes you.

>7 jnwelch: Yummy! Thank you. :)

Happy new one, Joe. I love the topper. Beautiful.
Currently, I'm drinking a cappuccino for breakfast and try to find my way through the threads.
Wishing you a lovely Sunday.

>4 jnwelch: liked the poem Joe. I know some of the story, but have yet to read the book. I did nudge it up the pile last year because I thought it would be good to read before reading Ulysses.

Great toppers as always, I'll miss the tent though.

Taking a swig of the hot choc on my way out. I have a nice apple turnover ahead of me today.

>9 laytonwoman3rd:, >10 jnwelch:, >11 Familyhistorian:, >12 Berly: - Thanks, all. I probably could have/should have figured that out on my own but will definitely spend the time this afternoon. I am rushing now because I am heading out soon to a late morning film at my local doc cinema. It's the one about the life and work of photographer Sally Mann.

>19 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. An awful lot of people die around that guy, don't they. Glad you enjoyed it.

We're having a party today with old and new friends, so it should be a fun one. Hope you've been having a great weekend, mate.

>20 MickyFine: Ha! You're welcome, Micky.

>21 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara. I'm happy you like the topper. She's got a distinctive style, doesn't she.

Cappuccino and LT - great way to start the day. :-)

>22 Caroline_McElwee: Oh good, Caroline. I'm glad you liked the poem.

I love the Odyssey, as different as it is from our times. I particularly liked the Fagles translation, and the Stanley Lombardo one is good, too. I agree with your idea to read it before Ulysses.

Ha! I'll miss the tent, too. Maybe we'll bring it back some day. I'm happy you like the new ones.

Mmm, apple turnover. You're inspiring.

>23 jessibud2: Oh, good for you, Shelley. Please let us know how the Sally Mann film is. As you saw, Bill is reading about her.

Happy new thread, Joe! I like your Odysseus poem.

Happy New Thread, Joe! You snuck one in on me there!

I really like "Odysseus Strings His Bow". That might just be my favorite of your work. Thumbs Up! Is it recent or an oldie?

I started My Favorite Thing is Monsters. This is going to be a winner. I love her style.

Morning, Joe! Happy new thread!

I love the Odysseus poem, friend. Well done. One of my favorite parts of the Odyssey (and there are many, of course) is Telemachos very nearly stringing the bow, but with a look from Dad, he doesn't. Such a wonderfully subtle way to showcase the son's coming of age, eh?

>27 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! Hooray for liking the Odysseus poem!

>28 msf59: Ha! It's not easy to sneak one in on you, Mark! Did I mention the extra beers I sneaked in at the craft brew place?

Oh great to hear your reaction to Odysseus Strings His Bow. Maybe your favorite? Outstanding. Once again, I had no idea how it might go over.

A bunch of mine are both recent and oldies. I've been trying to get this one to the right place for a long time. There were introductory stanzas that were . . . boring. It took a while to figure out how to cut to the chase.

"Retirement" (kind of) has made all this easier, for sure.

If you ever look at the Waste Land Transcript book, showing Ezra Pound's comments on it in draft, you'll see he successfully recommended that Eliot cut a whole section! That's one of the reasons Eliot dedicated it to Pound as "il miglior fabbro", I'm sure. Sometimes it's what you take out as much as what you put in.

>29 scaifea: Hi, Amber!

I know you're a fellow Odyssey fan. Yes, I love that with Telemachos, too. There's a tension there - he might well string the bow, right? So the look is needed. I hadn't thought of the coming of age aspect, but you're right. Athena telling him he's a boy no longer, going on his own journey, going from being afraid of the suitors to . . . not. Great stuff.

>31 jnwelch: Yep, the suggestion is that he very well could string the bow, so I suspect there was a bit of pride in that warning look, as well. I've always wondered, though, if Odysseus wasn't a little disappointed that his son doesn't seem to have the knack for deception that he does. The scenes between Penelope and Odysseus and between Athene and the hero are my favorites - the back and forth, and the dissembling, which is a kind of love song in both cases, is so excellent.

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread. Love the art - one of the cups in the picture looks like Emma Bridgewater pottery.

Happy new thread, Joe, as usual I enjoyed looking at the topper pictures and the >5 jnwelch: mural :-)

>32 scaifea: Nice, Amber. I like those scenes, too. And the tree bed.

>33 drneutron: Thanks, Jim!

>34 charl08: Thanks, Charlotte. I like that mug. Emma Bridgewater? Thanks for the tip.



>35 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. Oh good. Glad you enjoyed the toppers and the street mural. Both are by artists I only recently came across.

In Montreal, by Angie Hiesl

>23 jessibud2: Ooh ooh ooh. I just finished reading Hold Still, Sally Mann's memoir of a couple years ago. Wonderful stories. In addition to being a remarkable photographer, she's an excellent writer and storyteller, too. I watched several short videos--up to 20 minutes long--on YouTube and noted seeing the trailer for a theatrical documentary about her.

Everyone's placing orders, Joe. So if I may, a couple of these babies--warm from the oven, mind you-- with my cappuccino. I've been buying these very sticky buns at the Emmaus Bakery for close to 50 years. Can't be beat! (I'm drooling like Pavlov's dog! Messy.)

>3 jnwelch: woah. You have read some books there, Joe!

I see the cafe is humming this afternoon! I'll take one of everything ;)

Edited to add from last thread....this quote was bandies about on FB the other day. Was it you? Mark? Another InfiniteJester???
"I do things like get in a taxi and say, "The library, and step on it.”
;0

>37 jnwelch: That wouldn't be exactly my reading spot. Happy new week.

Hope your party went well Joe. No hangovers this morning?

Happy new thread, Joe! Have a wonderful Monday!
>37 jnwelch: What a hoot!

>40 LovingLit: Megan: (It was me, posting as a nod to Joe & Mark for tackling IJ.)

Morning, Joe!

Morning, Joe!

>38 weird_O: Hi, Bill. You and Shelley are making me think I need to follow up more with Sally Mann.

>39 weird_O: Mmm, sticky buns. I think you've got us all drooling like Pavlov's dog, Bill. Here you go (hope we can come close to Emmaus Bakery - 50 years? you must've started before you were born?):



Okay, who spilled the coffee beans this time?

>40 LovingLit: Hiya, Megan. "I do things like get in a taxi and say, 'The library, and step on it.'” Ha! Gets me every time.

Thanks re the reading. Infinite Jest would have to be the best one I've read so far this year, followed by, believe it or not, a poetry book, Tell Me by Kim Addonizio. I really liked TM. In the graphic novels, it would be Jane, the Fox and Me by Fanny Britt (really, children's literature, not a GN), followed by The Singing Bones by Shaun Tan.

>41 Ameise1: Ha! Yeah, I might get distracted a bit myself, if I tried to read like the folks in >37 jnwelch:, Barbara. A comfortable chair on the ground would suit better. :-)

>42 Caroline_McElwee: Ha! No hangovers this morning, Caroline. This actually is an afternoon party we have each year, with sparkling (non-alcoholic) cider and coffee and tea, besides the vittles. Somehow the decibel level goes way up anyway.

>43 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda. Hope you have a great Mmphmumble Day, too!

Isn't >37 jnwelch: a hoot?

>44 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Such a good quote for book nerds like us. Maybe I can convince Madame MBH to have it transcribed onto one of our walls.

>45 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Hope you and the crew had a great weekend.

>37 jnwelch: - Oh!! Where did you find this? Does it say where in Montreal it is? I would love to go see it in the flesh, next time I'm there (which will be in mid-August). Rather eye-popping, isn't it? ;-)

>38 weird_O:, >46 jnwelch: - I wrote more about the doc on Sally Mann on my thread. I'd be interested in reading that bio, too

Howdy Joe! I sure am enjoying the Lone Wolf and Cub series.

>50 jessibud2: Here you go, Shelley: http://www.citylab.com/design/2012/07/old-people-appear-floating-over-montreal/2.... Maybe it says where in Montreal in the article. Yes, eye-popping. We used to have one like this for years in Chicago, and unfortunately they took it down a couple of years ago.

>51 jessibud2: Good, thanks, Shelley. I'll check it out.

>52 luvamystery65: Howdy, Roberta! Debbi and I were just thinking of you. We need to get to Houston again.

I'm so glad you're enjoying the Lone Wolf and Cub series. It's so good! From beginning to end. I'm getting about ready for a re-read.

Good afternoon, Joe and happy new thread. I think I may open another one soon, myself.

>1 jnwelch: lovely topper images. I think one and three are my favorites.

>4 jnwelch: Joe, this is something special. I got goosebumps reading it. The tone is at once intense and remorseful. I applaud you for writing something so moving. If you hadn't guessed, the Odyssey is a favorite of mine.

>5 jnwelch: This painting is brilliant. So expressive, with amazing use of color. I found that I could not look away immediately.

>53 jnwelch: Lone Wolf and Cub. Samurai are cool.

>55 jnwelch: Hiya, Brodie. Thanks. I'm glad you like the toppers. She's got a bunch of good ones.

I'm very happy to hear the Odysseus poem was special for you. The Odyssey is a favorite of mine, too.

Isn't that painting in >5 jnwelch: something else? I love the depth he gets with her face, and that amazing use of color you mention.

Samarai are cool, aren't they. :-) I was telling Ro that another great GN series is Vagabond, by Takehiko Inoue, based on the life of legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. Fantastic artwork - probably my favorite artwork of all the GNs.

Morning, Joe!

Morning, Joe! Just checking in early. Hope you have a good day planned. I am really enjoying Nat Turner. No question, this guy could write.

Happy Tuesday, Joe. We are back to snow and I had the hope of spring is coming round the corner.

>56 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

>57 msf59: Morning, Mark! Today and tomorrow I'm working, then I'm done for a while. Great to hear you're really enjoying Nat Turner. Isn't it well-written!

>58 Ameise1: Happy Tuesday, Barbara. I bet spring is beautiful where you are. We're getting close to it now. I've had enough snow, how about you?

By Pejac (I think), in Tokyo

That one's cool!

>61 drneutron: Ha! Isn't it, Jim? A tip of the hat to the Japanese artist Hokusai, who painted the original.

>59 jnwelch: Me too.

>63 Ameise1: :-) I'll bet, Barbara.

>60 jnwelch: That is gorgeous. I'd love to stumble across something like that in real life.

>65 lunacat: You and me both, Jenny. We love walking around cities and finding gems like that. Chicago has some good ones, as do London and NYC. We saw some attractive street art in New Orleans. I don't know whether I'll ever make it to Tokyo. Madame MBH is meh about the idea.

Congratulations on yet another new thread. As always, I enjoy your opening images.

Morning, Joe!

>60 jnwelch: Love that!

Morning, Joe! Happy Wednesday! You got me with Vagabond - that looks like one Abby and I would both like.

>67 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda. Ah, great. I'm glad you enjoyed those openers, aficionado that you are.

>68 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

>69 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Isn't >60 jnwelch: cool? How great that Vagabond looks good to you - the art is fantabulous, and it's a well-told story. He's a hot-head at the start, then matures. Say hi to Abby! She's missed around these here parts.

Will do, Joe. She is actually going to start a thread of her own soon.

>72 Crazymamie: Oh, good news! Thanks, Mamie. I'll look forward to that.

*grin*

BTW, we saw the movie The Arrival last night, and it's a sci-fi-lover's delight. I can see why many people thought Amy Adams should've been nominated for an Academy Award - she's terrific.

>74 Crazymamie: :-)

Morning, Joe! A dreary and wet one out here. Better plan on having a beer, waiting for me at home.

We are going to Grand Rapids this weekend, just for an over-nighter. Brewery crawl. There are 15-20 breweries in that fair city.

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

>77 msf59: Yeah, dreary March weather, Mark. Enjoy that beer!

Oh, that'll be fun in Grand Rapids. And not too long a drive, either. Great idea.

I'm about a quarter of the way into News of the World, and liking it very much. It's making me think of Lonesome Dove.

>78 brodiew2: Hiya, Brodie. All is well. I have to head downtown to work soon, something I haven't done for a while. Then all day tomorrow. Then back to the reading life.

Hope all is well on your end, buddy.

>70 jnwelch: Aw, I like that one!

>80 rosalita: Ha! We can use some positivity, right, Julia? Hard not to smile after that one.

>81 lunacat: LOL! Thanks, Jenny. We're ready to move closer to spring; don't you tarry, February!

>60 jnwelch: That one is stunning, Joe, thanks for the link to Hokusei, I did think the wave looked familiar.

>70 jnwelch: And that is just so sweet!

>83 FAMeulstee: Isn't it stunning, Anita? You're welcome. He's an old-timey artist, and I love his work.

Yes, >70 jnwelch: is a sweet pick-me-up, isn't it. Much needed!

I'm going to be busy all day tomorrow (Thursday) for something for work, so I hope you all have a good one. Feel free to work with the kitchen staff or BYO.

Loving the street art, especially the water bucket being tipped out!

^Thursday is nearly over here, Joe! How is it going for you? I had a lovely relaxed day, a few jobs (booting up the new wireless modem, emailing work stuff, looking at new contract for other job) and of course, coffee out- sipping whilst reading uni papers naturally, and a warm afternoon to cap it off.

Morning, Joe! Sorry about the busy (not so) sweet Thursday...

Sweet Thursday, Joe. Even it's a busy one.

Hope you enjoy your work day Joe!

Hopping over the counter - putting on a tall white chef's hat -- making myself a grilled cheese sandwich on the big old grill.

Cheddar cheese, bacon and tomatoes on thick slices of rye bread.



And reading Bombshells DC Comic's funny and perceptive comic book throwing some women super heroes back into the World War II days of Rosie the Riveter.

Wondering where Joe keeps the Fox's U-Bet syrup - I would whip up an egg cream.

>90 magicians_nephew: - Mmm, that looks good. My own version of grilled cheese (my favourite sandwich, hands down) is tuna, cheese, slice of tomato, with a cold glass of chocolate milk. Cheese can be cheddar or something else. I like smoked cheeses so those work, for me

>91 jessibud2: Hmm never thought of adding Tuna to this

Back to the Bat-Grill , Robin!

>92 magicians_nephew: - :-). Just call me when it's ready....

>90 magicians_nephew: YUM!

Morning, Joe! Sweet Thursday!

>75 jnwelch: Joe just wanted to say we loved "Arrival" and would recommend the short story it is based on. Story of your Life

If the ending of the movie is a muddle for you the story will help.

Judy is NOT a sci-fi fan but she loved it. I found it beautiful and moving and powerful .

Morning, Joe! Sweet Thursday! Are you back at the dentist again?

Good morning, Joe!

>Beautiful sandwich! It's making me hungry.

I read Bombshells as well. Pretty good. I just finished the Star Trek/Green Lantern: Spectrum War trade was pretty darn good as well.

>90 magicians_nephew: Yum!

>90 magicians_nephew: ...(hm, he didn't make one for me.)

I finished another Tony Hillerman book, First Eagle and now it is back to Warlegan. Life is biting me in the butt right now, but on the plus side - I am planning a spring break trip. It might be short - but epic.

I baked some jalapeno cheese bread last night and it was very good! Just the thing to keep people from eating to much now that Lent is here.

Morning, Joe!

Morning, Joe!

Morning, Joe!

Morning, Joe!

:-)

Hi, everyone.

I'm wiped out and going to work out. Nice combo. I hope to rejoin you later in the day. Meanwhile, keep calm and carry on. And enjoy the cafe.

Ok, Joe.

>107 weird_O: Thanks, Bill. I'm back and feeling a bit more with it.

Wow, you folks have been active. OK, here we go.

>86 LovingLit: Isn't that "street wave" great, Megan? Clever use of the Hokusai.

Thursday was a tough for me. 9 am to 9 pm, and a lot demanded of my poor brain. I'll have to treat it to something - maybe some good reading.

BTW, I just finished News of the World. Loved it! I can see why Mark and others have been raving about it. Made me think of Lonesome Dove a bit, among other things.

>87 scaifea: Thanks, Amber! It was not a particularly Sweet Thursday, unfortunately. I would've much rather been hanging out with Steinbeck's Doc and the gang.

>88 Ameise1: Thank you, Barbara. I'm glad to be in Far Sweeter Friday now. :-)

>89 NarratorLady: Thanks, Anne. It's making me appreciate my not-work-day that much more. That was a tough one. I'm still getting all my marbles back in place.

Good afternoon, Joe! Seen any good movies lately? New or old?

>90 magicians_nephew: Wow, you've got the touch, Jim. That looks dee-licious. I've wondered about Bombshells. You're inspiring me to take a look at it. I'm most of the way through the new GN My Favorite Thing is Monsters, and its different and terrific.

We keep the Fox's U-Bet syrup on the shelf below the top one. Here you go.



>91 jessibud2: Mmm, that sounds mighty good, Shelley. I may have to figure out a way to casually stop by your place on grilled cheese day. I like smoked cheeses, too, although my much better half is not a fan.

>92 magicians_nephew:, >93 jessibud2: I look forward to further culinary developments, you two.

>94 Crazymamie: Even Sweeter Friday, Mamie!

I'm already looking forward to the next Sweet Thursday. I'll be loafing, one of my favorite things to do.

>95 magicians_nephew: Thanks, Jim. Good tip - after seeing "Arrival"'s credits, I thought I should look for Ted Chiang's short story. I loved the way the movie was structured, and found it very thought-provoking. Plus Amy Adams was most excellent.

I felt muddle-free at the end, but then, I read a lot of sci-fi. "Beautiful and moving and powerful." Agreed.

>96 msf59: Hiya, Mark! Nope, as we texted, it was tough duty, but not the dentist.

>97 brodiew2: Morning, Brodie. I know, I'm getting hungry just looking at Jim's grilled cheese.

Good to see more support for Bombshells. I fell of the Green Lantern train a long time ago, but you've got me curious about this one.

>98 thornton37814: Hi, Lori! :-)

>99 ffortsa: Hi, Judy. I imagine he'll pay for that, the scoundrel.

>100 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. Good for you for reading more Hillerman, and you know I'm a fan of the Poldark series. Sorry about your suffering from butt-biting, but I'm glad you've got an epic spring trip to look forward to. Keep us posted.

>101 benitastrnad: Jalapeno cheese bread! I'm not a Lent-observer, but I'm happy to get in on that one.

>102 scaifea:, >103 Crazymamie:, >104 drneutron:, >105 jessibud2: Morning/afternoon, Amber, Mamie, Jim and Shelley!

Your cafe proprietor was a little slow getting it in gear today.

>106 jnwelch: You look familiar.

>110 brodiew2: We just watched "Arrival", Brodie, and thought it was mighty good. It's sci-fi, and it may be most appealing to those familiar with that genre, although the superb acting (especially by Amy Adams) and intriguing storyline help explain the broader appeal it's had.

Welcome to the weekend, Joe! Hope yours is lovely!!

Happy Friday, Joe! Glad to see the proprietor back. It is not the same with out the Boss. So glad you loved News of the World. It is such a special read. I NEED to read more Jiles.

I am completely entranced by My Favorite Thing is Monsters. It is going to take me awhile to get through but this is one of the best GNs I have read in awhile. What an amazing talent.

Glad you made it through and back to the cafe Joe.
I saw this earlier and thought of your trip with Mme MBH and Darryl to the wilds of Weston to checkout the art...



From a recent article on Banksy opening a new hotel looking at the Israeli wall:
"My accountant was worried some people will be too scared to travel to the West Bank, but then I remind him – for my last show they spent a whole day in Weston-super-Mare.”

>116 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda. Very nice start to the weekend - just hanging with Madame MBH.

Tomorrow we're having a "postcard party", gathering folks to write to their political representatives.

>117 msf59: Happy Friday, Mark! News of the World was so good. I've recommended it to Debbi. I'll follow your lead on more Jiles.

Isn't My Favorite Thing is Monsters great? So different.

>118 charl08: Hi, Charlotte. It's good to be back with the gang.

We had such a good time in Weston-super-Mare at Dismaland. They must have loved the influx of money there. Maybe someone British catches his humor more on this; I sure don't think it compares to the West Bank!

>115 jnwelch: I saw that at the video shop yesterday (yes, they still have those) and I still want see it.
We ended up getting out Ghostbusters and watched it before bed with the kids. I liked it!!! The story was clever and most of the acting was great too. W really liked Leslie Jones's character... I liked it when Melissa McCarthy stood next to Leslie Jones. Talk about height difference!!!

Hi, Joe! I'm too far behind to catch up with threads, but wanted to stop by and wish you a great weekend!

Joe--Loving all the artwork and the food. Hope you have a great weekend.

Maybe in a couple years I'll be able to travel without the wheelchair and we can explore Minneapolis for street art.

And you're making me hungry with all the sticky rolls and grilled cheese sandwiches. Rehab has the worst of hospital food.

Happy Saturday, Joe.

>120 jnwelch: I guess it's just a very dry reflection on the success of Weston-super-Mare based art, rather than an actual comparison of the two, or a minimisation of the Palestinian situation in Bethlehem. Sorry! Humour when explained is never much use is it?

Wishing you a great weekend.

Morning, Joe! Happy Saturday. We are heading to Michigan shortly. Not much reading will happen this weekend but that is the price we pay for indulging in other frivolities.

Morning, Joe! Happy Saturday!

Good for you reading Infinite Jest! You don't mention the game "Eschaton" -- look it up on you-tube there are some very funny enactments of it!

I'm so glad you read and enjoyed News of the World, Joe. It is in the early running for my best-of-the-year list. I can see why it reminded you of Lonesome Dove. I was also somewhat reminded of MDR's Doc -- a wonderful, strong, older male lead. And I was glad I had recently read Empire of the Summer Moon as they felt like good companions to one another.

I hope you're having a delightful weekend.

Ohh, putting in a 12 hour day as a semi-retired party must have been rough, Joe. You must be happy that is over! I hope your post card writing party went well.

>121 LovingLit: Hi, Megan. I'm glad you enjoyed Ghostbusters! A classic, and you'll likely hear it quoted around here. So funny!

I recommend Arrival, for sure. It may be a bit complicated and adult for the kids? I'm not sure about that part.

>122 tymfos: Oh, thanks, Terri! Hope you're having a great weekend, too. Good to have you stop by. I know times get busy.

>123 Berly: Thanks, Kim. We'll try to get some more artwork and food out today. Our weekend has been grand, and I hope yours has, too. We're off soon to our neighborhood cafe for some reading and writing.

>124 Morphidae: Hi, Morphy! Great to see you out and about a bit. How is the rehab going? I know a little bit from your thread; maybe there's more there now. I'll bet the food is a bit meh. Hmm, what would you like? We can at least get you some tea.



I'd love to see some Minneapolis street art some day. What little I've seen in photos has looked good.

>125 Ameise1: Happy Saturday, Barbara - and Happy Sunday, too. :-)

>126 DianaNL: Oh yeah, I like that, Diana. Thanks. Hope yours is endlessly great, too.

>127 charl08: Ha! Thanks, Charlotte. Actually, it's heartening that it apparently is a bit tough to sort out, regardless. What a brilliant guy. I'm hoping we get to see some photos on the inside soon.

>128 msf59: Happy Saturday and Sunday, Mark! I hope you're having a grand time in Grand Rapids. I've no doubt you are!

>129 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Sorry I'm a bit slow. Happy Sunday!

>130 sibylline: Morning, Lucy! Eschaton, eh? I will look for it on Youtube. Infinite Jest was quite the experience. Lengthy, but not prolix? I think I've got that word right.

>131 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen! My first thought was I hope you're having a delightful weekend. You've been on overload lately, seems like.

I did love News of the World. I immediately recommended it to Debbi. What a well done story. Although the writing styles are so different, it also made me think of Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses trilogy. I felt vividly placed in the 1870s southwest the whole time.

I need to read Empire of the Summer Moon. BTW, you'll be happy to hear I have The Assault teed up on my Kindle. Hey, how are you liking your new Kindle?

>132 Familyhistorian: You're so right, Meg! I'm getting a little long in the tooth for 12 hour days. It does make me appreciate even more that I'm going to be work-less for some time to come. I like to help from whence I came, but oo la la, that wasn't easy.

We were really happy about the postcard party. We had around 16-18 people, and a delightful (go figure!) woman from our senator's office. We wrote key Congresspeople and "President Bannon" about all sorts of issues like the Muslim ban, immigration, Planned Parenthood, Trump releasing his taxes, and on and on. The senator's rep said it's all having an effect, and reminded us that the key is "not just resistance, but persistence. We can't burn out." Right she is. She gave us all sorts of new leads, too. Great day. I'm really hoping this idea spreads. She is the daughter of Mexican immigrants, and got understandably upset talking about that situation.

We had one person who was throwing her own postcard party today, and others took materials with them with the thought of throwing their own down the line. Everyone agreed that this group size was about right. Why postcards? Letters apparently often get sequestered and tested for toxins these days. So there's a delay that can take weeks. Plus you have to be concise in making your point.

Morning, Joe! I love the idea of the postcard party! I know a handful of people here who may be interested in such a thing - I may try to get one going...

>137 jnwelch: Morning, Amber! Isn't that great? Kudos to Madame MBH and a neighbor friend for organizing it. It was a happy and productive event. One key that helped is they had a number of issue sheets with the contact info (e.g. the head of the Appropriations committee) and talking points you could use.

Senator Durbin's rep was very encouraging about this kind of involvement. She sees this as a test of democracy (sure is), and what we were doing as democracy at work. Yup. The discussion of course ranged into other ways of taking effective action.

>137 jnwelch: - Congrats on your postcard party. I am almost more likely these days to start referring to him as President Hitler. I heard an item on our news yesterday that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Apparently, trump's newest *idea* is to separate children from their mothers upon entering the States illegally. If that doesn't smack of Hitler, I don't know what does. What's next? Trains to take them who knows where? SHUDDER!! He is a very sick man and even more than that, very dangerous.

Keep up the good fight

Thanks, Shelley. Agreed.

There's a fair chance Trump will implode. His latest ridiculous paranoia is that Obama wiretapped Trump Tower during the election campaign. Straight-laced Obama? No way, Orange Voldemort.

Yeah, keeping up the good fight is right. As the rep said, persist, and don't burn out.

P.S. A friend points out that Trump may have been wiretapped under a legal warrant for illegal activity. There's a cool thought.

I'm really liking Morgan Parker's poems in There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyoncé.

Hurray for the postcard writing party! And so true what the senator's rep said it's all having an effect, and reminded us that the key is "not just resistance, but persistence. We can't burn out."

>140 jessibud2: Drumph's SS is edging in on Sophie's Choice territory.

>144 weird_O: - Yes, I sensed that from even before the election but now it's turning into reality. I heard this on our CBC news yesterday but couldn't find the link online so I just googled and found these:

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-immigration-children-idUSKBN16A2ES
https://boingboing.net/2017/03/04/pro-life.html

The name *Reuters* is familiar to me but not the other source, but regardless, it's out there.

>141 jnwelch: - And I heard about the so-called wire-tapping. Why is it that trump tweets these things in the early hours of the morning? Does he ever sleep or does he just use his time to invent *fake news* stories to try to get the *fake media* off his real track? You'd think he'd have more important things to do with his time. This man really has to be stopped and I would prefer (as I'm sure most sane people would) that it's by his own hands, his own stupidity and insanity. Which, hopefully, will be sooner rather than later. I even heard on the news this morning that some Republican person (I can't think who, at the moment) has spoken against the most current of his utterances.

I'm not even American (well, half, I guess; my dad and grandparents were American), but I feel obsessed and incensed enough, I might as well be. I'm human and, these days, I think that's reason enough to be incensed by trump.

Edited to add that I hope my comments are not interpreted as advocating violence because I am most certainly not. I despise violence for any reason at all, ever, and have always been of the opinion that violence accomplishes absolutely nothing except more violence. There is more than enough of it in the world and there has to be a peaceful way to accomplish pretty much anything, if there is the will. And I do believe there is that!

Postcards seem to be a good way to get your point across. I wonder if volume is up at the post office since this strange presidency commenced?

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and your non-working week to come, Joe.

Hello, Joe! Checking to see how things have changed at the old cafe.

I am so glad that Trump drained the swamp! I want him to do more of it. Maybe he can appoint Senator Richard Shelby as the next attorny general to replace Sessions and then Alabama will have drained the swamp for sure. I just love the shining example of Jeff Sessions.

You gotta love a man named for two "heroes" of the Confederacy, who then talks to the Russian ambassador and forgets to tell Congress he did so.

The best thing about Sessions - if he has to resign he won't be Senator from Alabama anymore. Finally, Alabama got its swamp drained and all thanks to the Great Orange Gasbag. Alabama has a new senator (albeit one who is as stupid and paranoid as the previous one.) Sessions might have to retire from public life and then he can visit with any Russian anytime he wants to do so, as a private citizen.

Alice Pasquini

Happy Sunday, Joe! I know you have been spending the day with the books. Perfect plan. I have been curled up with Nat Turner for a couple of hours. Despite the controversies surrounding this novel, I am really loving it.

>143 Berly: Thanks, Kim. It was a great event. Yeah, we've got to be in for the long haul. Making some noise at the beginning of this administration and then fading away won't do any good.

>144 weird_O: Yup, you're right, Bill. Amazing the attraction Hitleresque fascism apparently has for a large portion of our citizens.

>145 jessibud2: Awful, Shelley. There will be a lot of folks objecting if he tries that. How'd we put this guy in power?

Yeah, I feel like we let other countries down as well as our own. His idiotic tweets in the middle of the night show a deranged mind. Like many, I'm hoping he self-destructs. There's also reason to hope the intelligence community he's antagonizing has the goods on him. But we've got to act as if he's in for four years. Resist, persist.

>146 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg. I know that the Congresspeople are getting overwhelmed with the volume, taking on more volunteers and hirees to help handle it. One Wisconsin Congressman reportedly has told his constituents to "cease and desist." Brilliant, right? Maybe some of our patrons know more about that one.

The big mail volume, as far as I know, is in Washington, DC. It's probably bringing in some extra revenue for the U.S. Post Office.

>147 alcottacre: Holy Smokes! Stasia?! Great to see you!

You must be on a break from the schooling. I know you've been kicking tail with those stellar grades. Do you have some time to relax and hang out on LT now?

Sessions doesn't seem to be likely to get much of a session does he? Sounds like a real redneck to my untutored ears and hopefully he will bite the dust and soon.

Hope your weekend was a good one Joe.

>148 benitastrnad: I sense some facetiousness here, Benita. :-)

Sessions is horrible, and I hope this brings him down. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you can get rid of his Alabama replacement somehow, but I'd just as soon he stay out of the AG's office! (Where'd we get that weird "just as soon" phrase from, anyway?)

>150 msf59: Happy Sunday, Mark. I'm getting a kick out of the Travis McGee mystery, which is all my poor brain can handle right now. I crashed for a heavy nap a while ago. :-) You know I'm on board with Nat Turner. I'm glad you're really loving it. I did, too.

>153 PaulCranswick: Can't wait until we're out of Session, Paul. He's a real redneck and a racist and bad news - turned down some years ago as a federal judge. Benita was glad to get him out of Alabama; maybe we can get him out of the Justice Department.

It's been a good weekend. I just had a slice of stuffed pizza at Bartoli's, our neighborhood joint that just got voted to have the #1 pizza in town. If you make it here some day, we'll find you a slice of stuffed for your pizza memoir.

Hope you've been having a relaxing weekend yourself.

If you are enjoying the Travis McGee mystery, have you ever read The Girl, the Gold Watch, and Everything by the same author? Just as dated and sexist but science fictional fun.

Happy new week, Joe.

>134 jnwelch: such a delicate cup and cake Joe.

Yay for the postcard party. I'm planning to send a postcard myself.

Morning, Joe!

I hope this week treats you well, Joe.

Good morning, Joe. I subscribe to an online language newsletter called AWAD (A Word A Day). It's fun, interesting and he always ends it with a Thought of the Day, usually having a connection to the date (birth or death of the person quoted, for example). I've noticed that in recent weeks, a lot of the quotes he is choosing are rather timely, to say the least. Today's quote reminds me how important your *good fight*, the postcard campaign, etc is. Persistence, etc

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me-- and there was no one left to speak for me.
-Martin Niemoller, pastor, initial supporter of Hitler, concentration camp survivor (1892 - 6 Mar 1984)

>156 ronincats: I haven't, Roni. Thanks for the tip re The Girl, the Gold Watch, and Everything! Science-fictional? Really? I wouldn't have expected that from John MacDonald. This'll be fun.

>157 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara. Nice way of putting it without mentioning the dreaded M-word. Happy New Week to you, too.

>158 Caroline_McElwee: Isn't that a sweet one in >134 jnwelch:, Caroline? Hope it perked up our Morphy a bit.

We'll be having more postcard parties. I love the idea of you sending one from across the pond!

>159 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

>160 lunacat: Thanks, Jenny. That's a beautiful photo. My but it's nice to have you back on the LT campus! Hope you have a great week, too.

>161 jessibud2: Good morning, Shelley. Oh, that's such a good one. I do know it; my wife and two kids are Jewish, so it's been known in my house a long time. Truth. Not speaking out just won't do, even at a price. Even though I'm not a "God" guy, I always remember, "There but for the grace of God go I", too.

Happy Monday, Joe!

>161 jessibud2: So true! I saw a regular guy on the street being interviewed on television the other day. When asked what he thought about Isis, he replied with a shrug, they're not bothering me.

Wow, Joe! Postcards to politicians! Totally, genius idea!

My Favorite Thing is Monsters was a terrific graphic novel; the author, Emil Ferris, is an overnight sensation in her 50s. I'll try to write a review in the next couple of days.



Ditto re News of the World; terrific, will try to write a review soon.

>165 Carmenere: Happy Mmphmumble Day, Lynda. Old habits die hard - M days were there to survive for a lot of years for me. :-)

Aren't the postcards a genius idea? Reportedly all the activity is having an effect. We'll keep it up as best we can.

>167 jnwelch: Mmphmumble Day?! I never had a problem with the first day of the work week and I'm sorry others find it difficult. It's just another day in which I am ecstatic to have awakened.
I look forward to News of the World.......some day soon. I'll hang up now and wait for your review :0)

>168 Carmenere: It's just another day in which I am ecstatic to have awakened. Best attitude ever! I'll try to follow your lead, Lynda. But I do enjoy complaining, so there's that.

Ha! Don't wait for my News of the World review! There's been plenty of eloquent warbling by Mark and Ellen and others. Great book; you'll be glad you read it.

>170 jnwelch: I love Babar!!!

>172 FAMeulstee: Ha! Me, too, Anita. He was a pal when I was growing up. So was Celeste, of course. And Arthur.

>170 jnwelch: >171 jnwelch: love both, Joe.

Hi, Joe! Hooray for News of the World. Jiles really nailed that one and now I have to get busy and read more of her work. I turned a friend at work, onto "News" and he has read 4 of her books all ready, (a couple others were supplied by me too. That is how I roll, right?).

I started Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk. This might be your cuppa too, along with Debbi's.

>175 msf59: - I just clicked on the title and read some of the reviews, Mark. Sounds delightful. I hadn't heard of this book before so thanks for the heads-up on it

>170 jnwelch: More cartoons!! I was kinda sad when that thread of mine filled up and I had to start a new one.

I've already had to step away from the politics for my mental health. I wish I could be more involved at this time but it's not possible for me at this time. It causes too much anxiety and panic.

>134 jnwelch: I'd love some hearty comfort food - mac & cheese, steak, tuna melt, tater tot hot dish. You know what I mean. And brownies with pecans for dessert!

>178 Morphidae: I know what you mean about comfort food. On top of everything else, The Doofus is going to expand my already generous waistline.

>169 jnwelch: try to follow your lead, Lynda. But I do enjoy complaining, so there's that.
I just picked up Penguin Problems a picturebook about a penguin with a similar attitude. So funny :-)

>171 jnwelch: Although C&H is hard, if not impossible to beat...

Morning, Joe!

Thank you, Joe. It's nice to be back. My depression/hibernation cycle still tries to stop me coming by on occasion but mostly I'm managing to keep it suppressed.

Morning, Joe!

>174 Caroline_McElwee: Oh good, Caroline. That Calvin and Hobbes just cracked me up (as they usually do).

>175 msf59: Morning, Mark. Wow, your friend really took off with the Jiles books. I enjoy hearing that. I've done that with some authors, and she's certainly worthy. Has he reported back? I haven't heard anything about her others.

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk looks intriguing indeed. How did you hear about it?

>176 jessibud2: Agreed, Shelley. Good tip from Mr. Mark.

>177 Berly: It just gives you a chance to put more cartoons on your new thread, Kim. :-)

>178 Morphidae: Understood, Morphy. You're doing the right thing - step away from the politics when you need to. I've actually been trying to limit them at the cafe, so people have a chance to get away a bit. I know we're all inundated elsewhere in our lives.

Sending you lots of positive thoughts in rehab. Comfort food? You bet. We pride ourselves on our zero calorie creations.

>179 kac522: Hiya, Kathy. Now I've got to investigate and find out who the Doofus is. (Sounds like my kind of guy).

>180 charl08: Ha! Right, Charlotte?

In my kind-of retirement, I miss a bit commiserating with colleagues about the awfulness of Mmphmumbledays. But I've managed to find other things to complain about.

>186 jnwelch: Oh boy. I hope Morphy won't mind sharing that beauteous bounty!

>181 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

>182 lunacat: Understood, Jenny. Sounds like you're in a pretty darn good groove these days. No worries if you have to hibernate a while, but it's great to have you out and about. I still remember meeting you via 18th (19th?) century recipes.

>183 lunacat: Oh, I like that idea, Jenny. And by Wednesday, it's nearly Friday!

>184 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie!

>188 rosalita: Hi, Julia! There be plenty, we say. Forks and fingers welcome - we can always bring more out if Morphy wants it.

>186 jnwelch: - I know you meant *Kim*...;-)

>191 jessibud2: I did, Shelley. Thanks! I fixed it.

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

I wrapped up River of Doubt today. It is certainly an excellent addition to Millard's entertaining histories. Like Millard has done in her other books, she paints a larger picture than simply the action of exploring the river. One of my favorite elements of the book is getting to know Roosevelt's co-commander, Candido Rondon. Below is a picture of the two of them.

>186 jnwelch: TATER TOTS!

Nature's perfect food

Johanna Wright

>193 brodiew2: River of Doubt sounds great, Brodie, thanks. You know I'm a Millard fan. I'll put it on the WL, and look for Candido when I get to it.

>194 magicians_nephew: Nature's perfect food; you're right, Jim. Conveniently sized and shaped, with crispy potato goodness in every bite. I remember reading H.G. Wells' Food of the Gods when I was a young lad. Someone should write the sequel, Tater Tots of the Gods.

Hi, Joe! Happy Tuesday! (I can say this to you every day). I think I heard about Lillian Boxfish, through Good Reads and then it started popping up in other place. Linda P mentioned she had a copy too. I am nearly done with it. I think you will like it. A leisurely stroll with a good, character, through her long life.

I finally finished Nat Turner too. Not always an easy read, for various reasons but overall I found it excellent!

Howdy Joe! Popping in to see what's up at the cafe.

>186 jnwelch: Delightful. Thank you!

>188 rosalita: I get half.

Morning, Joe! I'm still smiling over the John Oliver/Dalai Lama interview that you posted over on BookFace. I love that he has such a good sense of humor.

Morning, Joe!

>166 jnwelch: I am out. I am done. I can read all I want now! (ok, maybe not that. . .)

>197 msf59: Hi, Mark! Happy Tuesday Wednesday!

Ah, great. I knew you'd appreciate Nat Turner. It is excellent, isn't it. That one has stuck with me over time.

Thanks for the tip on Lillian Boxfish. I just finished The Last Detective, and I'm partway through The Assault. I struck GN gold at the library - both Rolling Blackouts and Moebius Edena came in. Have we talked about Moebius? One of my favorite GN artists.

>198 luvamystery65: Hi, Roberta! What is happening at the cafe? What's happening in Houston? Every time I drink from my "Murder by the Book" mug I think, we need to get back to that most excellent bookstore.

>199 Morphidae: Glad to hear it, Morphy. Half seems more than reasonable. I might've reluctantly given Julia one of each. Then again, it's Julia, so your generosity is probably the better choice.

How is everything going?

>200 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

Ha! Wasn't that video of John Oliver and the Dalai Lama great, Amber? I give John Oliver, his demon friend, a lot of credit, too. He knew how to make the Dalai Lama laugh. What a mensch the DL is. Smart, too.

For those curious, here's a Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLY45o6rHm0

>201 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Everything A-OK at the Pecan Paradisio?

>202 alcottacre: Oh, fantastic, Stasia! Out, done, and you did so well. You must be on Cloud Nine! And being able to read for pleasure as much as you want again. Wow. Congratulations!

>203 lunacat: Oh yeah, Jenny. Later today we start sliding down the hill right into the weekend.

By Pijanista

>206 jnwelch: Yep. We've just been busy - Craig's brother was here over the weekend.

>205 jnwelch: PT and OT are very good. Everything else at rehab is fair to poor. I'm waiting on someone to talk about it to now.

Morning Joe! This gusty, unpleasant wind is ruining a sunny, mild day. Ugh!

I love your current reads. All gems.

I get all the news I need from John Oliver (and Samantha Bee!)

Happy Wednesday, Joe.

>209 Crazymamie: Oh good, Mamie, thanks. Unusual for you to be incommunicado. Hope it was a good visit (I'll bet it was).

>210 Morphidae: Good to hear re PT and OT, Morphy. Those are critical, for sure. I hope you have some success getting them to improve the rest.

>211 msf59: Morning, Mark! Yeah, that's a strong wind a-blowin', isn't it. The trees are rocking and all our porch furniture got blown to one side. We've unfortunately got some cold ones coming up, but we're getting closer to some decent weather.

I'm enjoying these reads. I just added Rain by Cynthia Barnett, one I've wanted to get to for ages. And I'm getting back today to the poetry book, There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyonce.

>212 magicians_nephew: Those are most excellent news sources, Jim. I'd add Andy Borowitz, who I bless every day for helping me keep my sanity.

>213 Ameise1: Happy Wednesday, Barbara. Hope the teaching is going well.

I'm a pushover for the art of Takehiko Inoue.

>216 jnwelch: This art is great. I'll have to check out his work .
I've just picked up Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune from the library, it's YA nonfiction and gets rave reviews.

Did you come across the theatre experiment where they swapped genders between Trump & Clinton and replayed one of the debates? https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2017/march/trump-clinton-debate...

hiya Joe. what's shakin'? i'm over in the corner under the fern having a festive Fenton's chocolate milkshake with coffee ice cream.



finished Lab girl after at least 6 months. savoured it. thanks to you and Marky for hyping it and being encouraging when i balked. what a marvelous journey. dunno what's up for my next NF.

also happily into Gentleman in Moscow. mad props to my Plainsong Warbler boys for that as well.

>170 jnwelch: Aw, I love that pic, and I love Babar :)
I have a cool book of Babar doing yoga. It is too cute

>216 jnwelch: Oh, lovely.

>218 mirrordrum: Oooooh, even more lovely...

Morning, Joe!

>216 jnwelch: LIKE!

Morning Joe! Sweet Thursday. I wanted to stop by early, just to tell you I finished My Favorite Thing Is Monsters last night, (it was my only print book yesterday). WOW! Just WOW! Where did this artist come from? Huh? I would have been shocked if this author had been younger, since it showed such depth and maturity. She is just a bit younger than me. Makes sense now. She reminded me of some of Crumb's nightmarish work. This will be the GN to top this year and will also be a top read...period.

I can't wait for volume 2. Who turned you on to this one?

My library does not have a copy of There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyonce yet. WTH?

>217 avatiakh: Isn't that great, Kerry? Let me know what you think when you have a chance to check Inoue out.

Thanks for the tip on Samurai Rising. I immediately added it to the WL.

I had not heard about the Trump-Clinton gender swap theatre piece. I'll check the link when we get back from our walk.

>218 mirrordrum: Hiya, Ellie. Great to see you back on the LT campus. I may have to join you in a Fenton's (new to me - I'll check the link) chocolate milk shake with coffee ice cream. Well, we wouldn't both fit - have one with you, I mean.

I'm mighty glad you savored Lab Girl and had a marvelous journey with it. She's got the knack, both for writing and her plant science.

You're going to love A Gentleman in Moscow, and the Count. Have fun!

Off to take our walk.

Good morning Joe. Waaaay back up on your thread you mentioned that News of the World reminded you (totally different writing style notwithstanding) of the All the Pretty Horses trilogy. I have had AtPH on my shelves for the longest time and haven't gotten around to reading it yet. I need to get to it.

I am loving my Kindle. I'm still going to be an avid reader and collector of traditional books. In fact, I bought two yesterday: To Name Those Lost by Rohan Wilson and Camanchaca by Diego Zuñiga. Both just looked so good as I was killing 15 minutes at the bookstore in between meetings. But, I am still loving the Kindle. In addition to being cute, it enables me to stay up later reading without worrying about keeping P from sleep. And it's just so light! I'm reading The Confessions of Nat Turner on it while reading The Warden in traditional format. Tomorrow we fly to San Antonio (conference for me, vacation for P) and I'll be taking the Kindle as well as a couple of traditional format books.

One thing I have on my Kindle is A Gentleman in Moscow. I am looking forward to reading it!

Have a great Thursday, my friend.

>219 LovingLit: Hi, Megan.

Ha! Babar doing yoga. I'll bet that's cute. I should find it for my yoga teacher sister.

>220 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

Isn't >216 jnwelch: lovely? Inoue's so good.

I know, Ellie's chocolate milkshake is mouthwatering.

>221 msf59: Sweet Thursday, Mark!

Isn't >216 jnwelch: great? I get drawn into the scenes he puts together, and the detail is remarkable.

I just finished the GN Flight of the Raven by Jean-Pierre Gibrat, and that also is filled with great artwork. I used some of the illustrations as toppers a while ago.



I'm so glad you had the same reaction to My Favorite Thing is Monsters! Yeah, one-of-a-kind, and amazing. It'll be a tops of the year for me, too, and maybe #1.

Ellie tipped you and me off to it first on Facebook, I'm pretty sure, with a link to a review - maybe in the New Yorker? Then I read another rhapsodic review and had to try it. She's a Chicago/Evanston - er, and an overnight sensation in her 50s. She went to the School of the Art Institute here in her 40s! There's a good article about her in the Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-emil-ferris-ae-0305-20170302-colu...

>222 msf59: It is hard to believe that the library doesn't have There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyonce yet, Mark. It's been getting positive reviews all over the place.

Remind me when we see each other in a couple of weeks, and I'll bring you that one and Kim Addonizio's Tell Me.

>224 EBT1002: Good morning, Ellen. Yeah, you should definitely give All the Pretty Horses a go. I'm a big Cormac McCarthy fan, and that's one of my favorites of his. I've probably re-read its ending a dozen times or more. But he's not everyone's flavor. Our daughter and I kid each other about his books because she can't stand his writing - All the Pretty Horses was assigned in her high school class and she detested it.

I'm wondering when we're going to get a new one from him. It's been quite a while.

Wonderful to hear how much you're enjoying your Kindle. It really is a great supplement, isn't it. I've always got a traditional paper book going at the same time, but the Kindle is really convenient to have on hand for those in-between times on the train or whatever. I can read Kindle books on my phone, too, which Debbi can't imagine, but it works for me.

Nice book choices you've made. Like Mark, I thought The Confessions of Nat Turner was terrific. A Gentleman in Moscow will charm your socks off.

I started out groggy for some reason, but a long walk and a latte later, this is turning into a great Thursday. Hope yours is, too, my friend.

>218 mirrordrum: oh, lucky you Ellie spending time with the count. A Gentleman from Moscow was a wonderful book. And in the "great minds think alike" category. I have Lab Girl waiting for me for the weekend. Looking forward to it mightily.

>226 jnwelch: I remember these gorgeous illustrations Joe. Sadly, my wonderful library doesn't seem to have any of his books so maybe I'll have to splash a little cash!

#223
Samurai Rising was on the 2017 ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults list. It is a fictionalized account of the life of the most famous samurai ever. The cover is outstanding and just screams for somebody to read it. I am thinking about buying it for a cousin who is currently living in Japan. It might interest her, but I have been unable to get her interested in the works of Haruki Murakami and I just don't understand why she wouldn't want to read them. She told me at Christmas that the size of the books are intimidating. I think that is true about 1Q84 and Windup Bird Chronicle but I didn't think the others were excessively lengthy. I think she sees them in the Japanese bookstores where they are in two or three volumes and thinks they would be like that in English.

Right now I am about 100 pages into reading Berlin Now: The City After the Wall in preparation for my trip to that city next week. The essays in it are providing me with plenty of laughs over cultural foibles and some governmental follies, while I think it is providing me with cultural insights. I found this title on the Rick Steves travel blog under his list of suggested books and films. The list was surprising to find and there appear to be some great titles. At least, this one is good, and that list prompted me to order two Henrich Boll books as well. I will have plenty of airplane reading, and as a result have decided to leave my usual travel reading - the Aurelio Zen mysteries by Michael Dibdin at home, in favor of these books.

>228 NarratorLady: Hi, Anne. Always nice to hear from you.

I think you'll really like Lab Girl. For me, her relaxed writing style was like having a conversation with a very smart person about her life and things that fascinate her. I'm also hoping we're going to see a lot more women scientists going forward.

Wasn't A Gentleman in Moscow a charmer?

I'm glad you remember those Jean-Pierre Gibrat illustrations. Flight of the Raven is filled with beautiful ones. I had to buy it, but I knew I would anyway, I'm such a fan of his art. Out of curiosity, I checked, and our library doesn't have it either.

Scandal isn't the right word, but there's been a bit of a pother that his work hasn't been made available here before. We've had other well-known French illustrators like Moebius (Jean Giraud) in the stores and libraries for ages.

>229 benitastrnad: Wow, that's a major award for Samurai Rising, Benita. I'm biased, but to me the most famous samurai ever is Miyamoto Musashi, the subject of the Vagabond GN series and many other works. Among other things, he's the author of The Book of Five Rings. Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to learning more about Minamoto Yoshitune in Samurai Rising.

I know some folks are scared off of Murakami by his long ones. As you may have seen, I often suggest starting with the skinny collection of his short stories, After the Quake. Seems like an easy way to find out for a curious reader to find out whether he's her flavor. He's also got more slender novels like Norwegian Wood and Sputnik Sweetheart. His best, IMO, Kafka on the Shore, is nearly 500 pages, but it's awfully good.

He's got another short story collection coming out soon, Men Without Women, and I read that a new whopper-size novel of his, "Killing Commendatore", was just released in Japan.

>230 benitastrnad: A trip to Berlin next week? That exciting, Benita! Is it for business or pleasure, or both?

Good for you for reading up on the city. I keep meaning to read Heinrich Boll. I've looked at Billiards at Half Past Nine many times, but haven't plunged in yet. I look forward to hearing your reactions to his books.

>232 jnwelch: - Hi Joe. The only Murakami I ever read was What I Talk About When I Talk About Running and to be totally honest, I wasn't impressed. I did finish it and though it was a few years ago and I don't remember much of the content, I do remember thinking he was pretty self-centred. I don't often read short story collections so, so far, I haven't tried any others by him.

>233 jessibud2: Oof. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running isn't one I'd have recommended starting with, Shelley. It's of interest, I assume, to Murakamians (completists) and runners, but it's my least favorite of his. It's funny you say self-centered - he hasn't talked all that much about himself over the years, and was a bit of a mysterious figure, so that was one of the draws when that one came out.

If you want to read nonfiction by him, Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack is fascinating, and really well done. For fiction, there are some of my thoughts up above. In your place, I'd give some other Murakami book a chance. What I Talk About isn't, IMO, a good one to determine whether you'll like reading any of his others.

>234 jnwelch: - Fair enough, Joe. Hehe, what you say about his *self* revelations. Who knew. I think I only grabbed that one because I saw it on the shelf at the library as an audiobook and it wasn't too long. The narrator was good, it was just the story I wasn't crazy about. I will look for the one you recommend.

Hi, Joe! I can't keep gushing about My Favorite Thing is Monsters. I will have to warble my tail off about that one. Folks NEED to read it. I did read both of those articles, you recommended too. Good stuff. What an interesting artist.

I requested Flight of the Raven from the library. Thanks for the rec.

And thanks for the offer on the poetry collections. That would be great.

>235 jessibud2: Cool, Shelley. My fingers are crossed. :-)

P.S. His novels and short stories tend to be bizarre; his nonfiction is straightforward.

>236 msf59: Hi, Mark! You can't keep gushing about My Favorite Thing is Monsters, or you can't stop? Her backstory is fascinating, isn't it. I can just imagine her at the Art Institute school with the youngsters. Maybe we'll see her some day, sketching on the Red Line.

You bet re Flight of the Raven (I think you'll fall for the gorgeous central character), and the poetry collections. Just remind me about the latter - they're easy to grab. I'm going to get herLucifer at the Starlite from the library, which I remember you liked a lot, and I've got my eye on another collection of hers.

P.S. I'm about to start Scriptorium, poems by Melissa Range, an ER book. Tracy K. Smith sure liked them.

I can't stop gushing, of course. If you have to wait until your late middle-age, before releasing your first GN and you smash out a grand slam- Well, then bless your inky heart!

I wonder if Ferris drinks beer. I would love to buy her one.

>238 msf59: Ha! I'll join you for that beer. Wouldn't that be a gas?

I am sure she has a very interesting and slightly twisted mind. Maybe invite her on our next outing? Grins...

Ok, got me with My Favorite Thing is Monsters...

>241 drneutron: OMG, Jim, it is sooooooo good.

Morning, Joe!

>227 jnwelch: So long since I read McCarthy, Joe. All the Pretty Horses was a favourite of mine too (and I think somewhere I have Brad Pitt reading the audio book of it too). I ought to take the book off the shelf again. I read most of the others too. I didn't get on with the one people seem to like most The Road, it just didn't seem original enough for me. Maybe one of those novels that were overhyped and your expectations become unrealistic. I hate that. I did think they did a good job with the film though.

>240 msf59: Ha! Yes, perfect company, Mark. A very interesting and slightly twisted mind goes well with beer. And maybe we can get a preview of Book 2. :-)

>241 drneutron:, >242 msf59: Yes! Can't wait to hear your reaction, Jim.

I'm now on the reserve list at the library for it. I should be able to get it pretty quick - I don' think there was much of a line.

>243 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Happy Friday!

>244 Caroline_McElwee: Nice to hear from someone who's read a lot of McCarthy, Caroline. For me, Blood Meridian and the Border Trilogy (including All the Pretty Horses) are my favorites, and No Country for Old Men would come after that. The Road was very good, but I agree, it wasn't as inventive as the others. I want to go back and read more of his older ones at some point. Blood Meridian is violent and merciless, so that's going to deter some readers. But it's amazingly good.

>246 drneutron: Sounds good, Jim. I hope the line develops for her. You'll see why.

Artist unknown

>249 jnwelch: Like!

Morning, Joe. Happy Friday. Cold out here today but I am bundled up.

Glad we have Jim on board with My Favorite Thing. The warbling has paid off and will continue to do so.

Good morning, Joe! Have a great weekend.

>250 msf59: Hiya, Mark. Happy Friday, buddy. At least it's sunny.

Ha! Yes, I'm also glad to have Dr. Jim on board with My Favorite Thing. Great to hear the warbling move from tree to tree. What an unusual and successful piece of work.

I just finished The Assault - very well done. I haven't read all that many books set in Holland, and I liked that, too.

I've got Tenant of Wildfell Hall teed up now. A favorite of my goddaughter's, and one I've always meant to read.

>251 brodiew2: Hey, it's still morning here. Good morning, Brodie! Thanks. It's a packed weekend for us - Bulls v. Houston game tonight, dinner with friends tomorrow, and Louder than a Bomb (slam poetry) semi-finals Sunday. Hope you have a great weekend, too.

>249 jnwelch: That one is gorgeous. :D

>252 jnwelch: Happy to read you finished The Assault, Joe!

>253 MickyFine: Isn't that one in >249 jnwelch: gorgeous, Micky? I wish I knew who the heck did it. I love it.

>254 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita! I did finish The Assault, and I thought it was really good. Everything happened for a reason, even if one reason, the father's lizards, shows how absurdly twisted we humans can be.

>255 jnwelch: Mulisch is a great storyteller, Joe, and that is absolutely true...

#232
I am going to Berlin to see friends and take a short intense vacation. Getting there is going to take two days and I will only be there for one week. As I get closer to the departure date I find myself getting more excited about it.

Last night I met a colleague and her daughter for supper. The daughter lived in Berlin for 5 years. (she is a German professor at Georgetown University.) Turns out she lived in an apartment directly across the park from the hotel in which I will be staying next week. It is in the Prenslauer district and she says I am going to love staying there. The area is gentrifying and she says it is filled with restaurants and boutiques. However, I am not much of a shopper but I do plan on drinking plenty of coffee and doing bunches of sightseeing. Top of my list, a curry wurst sandwich and the radio/TV tower that is located in the former East Berlin. Nary a spy novel or spy/thriller movie made doesn't show that amazing piece of architecture, so I want to see it in the flesh. (remember "Three Days of the Condor?" It was in that. First time I recall seeing it.) The guidebooks say that it serves a fine cup of coffee and that getting above the city is a great way to orient yourself. I find that I recommend that people who are visiting Atlanta go to the top of the Peachtree Plaza hotel and get a peach daiquiri. The trip around the top of the tower takes about an hour and, on a good day, you can see all the way to Stone Mountain in the east and Kennesaw Mountain in the Northwest. It is a great way to orient yourself to Atlanta and have a great daiquiri as well.

After I see those things I will also do the Reichstag and a cruise on the River Spree. There are several museums I want to see, and we are doing a day trip to Lubeck to see another friend. March isn't the best of times for touring, but I don't care much about what the weather is.

#232
I forgot to mention that the friend saw I was reading Berlin Now and she told me not to trust the author and to take what he writes with a good dose of salt. I can't attest to the truth or half-truths of the book because I haven't been to Berlin yet. But I can say that the book is amusing, and for a book of essays it is entertaining. I am also taking Berlin: Portrait of a City Through the Centuries by Rory MacLean. I choose the other book to read first because I wanted to use it as another way to recognize what I was seeing when I first get there and to understand some of the flavor of the culture. The other book is more of a biography kind of book, with a definite lean to the historical rather than the cultural. I hope those long hours on the plane, and the long layover in Schipol (Amsterdam) will allow me to get both books read.

#235
I agree with Joe. Murakami's fiction is outstanding. I would start with Kafka on the Shore or After the Quake. Kafka is a lengthy novel and Quake is a collection of short stories. Be prepared because everything with Murakami is a roller coaster ride full of twists and turns. My favorite novel by him is 1Q84 but Kafka and Wind-up Bird Chronicle are not far behind. Murakami is a master of magical realism and every work of fiction he has written is full of all kinds of weirdness. Be sure to take a look at his web-site. It is simply great.

Murakami is a music lover and on this web-site he has complete play lists for his novels. Every piece of music is indexed down to the page numbers where that particular piece of music was mentioned in the first editions. You will love the web-site.

Oh - and there are always cats. and wells or holes in the ground. and Colonel Sanders. and Jazz.

>256 FAMeulstee: Right, Anita? Arggh. His poor daughter.

>257 benitastrnad: Great, Benita. That should be quite a time you have in Berlin. I had forgotten about the radio/TV tower in east Berlin. Post a photo if you get a chance.

That's a good tip for Atlanta, too. I've haven't been there in ages. We hope to visit Darryl there in the near future.

>258 benitastrnad: Good idea to prep with some helpful reading before you get to Berlin, Benita. We usually prep with guide books, but I like your idea of getting a feel for a place this way.

>259 benitastrnad: Great Murakami post, Benita. I like all of it, and wouldn't add anything. You're inspiring me to want to spend more time on his website.

>249 jnwelch: Lovely. It reminds me of those animated shorts.

>262 Morphidae: I can see it, Morphy. >249 jnwelch: would be great in animation.