Mark's Reading Place: Chapter Twenty-Seven

^The Chicago lakefront, at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary.



-Anne Bascove

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:


Books Read So Far...

August:

91) The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon 3.7 stars (audio)
92) Death in the Air by Kate Winkler Dawson 4.4 stars ALA
93) Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith 4 stars (audio) AAC
94) Love That Dog by Sharon Creech 4 stars
95) Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami 4.8 stars (audio) Reread*
96) Refuge by Terry Tempest Williams 4.3 stars
97) Olio by Tyehimba Jess 5 stars (poetry)
98) Al Franken, Giant of the Senate by Al Franken 4.6 stars (audio)
99) Charlotte's Web by E. B. White 4.5 stars (audio)
100) Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson 4.2 stars (audio)
101) The Girl of the Lake: Stories by Bill Roorbach 4.2 stars ALA
102) Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz 4.3 stars (audio)
103) The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov 4.3 stars
104) The Heavenly Table by Donald Ray Pollock 4.4 stars (audio)
105) The Solace of Open Spaces by Gretel Ehrlich 4.2 stars
106) Go Down Together: The True, Untold Story of Bonnie and Clyde by Jeff Guinn 4.8 stars (audio)

September:

107) Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 3.8 stars
108) The Graybar Hotel: Stories by Curtis Dawkins 4.5 stars (audio) AAC
109) Jesus' Son: Stories by Denis Johnson 4.3 stars AAC
110) Mrs. Fletcher by Tom Perrotta 3.6 stars (audio)
111) The Punch Escrow by Tal M. Klein 4 stars ALA
112) Swing Time by Zadie Smith 3.3 stars (audio)
113) The Dark Dark: Stories by Samantha Hunt 4 stars (audio) AAC
114) Pastoralia by George Saunders 4.2 stars AAC
115) The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne 4.7 stars (audio/print)
116) What We Talk About When We Talk About Love: Stories by Raymond Carver 4.2 stars (audio) AAC
117) In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O'Brien 3.7 stars
118) Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie 4.5 stars (audio)
119) American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land by Monica Hesse 4.2 stars (audio)
120) Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward 4 stars ALA

October:

121) The Fate of the Tearling by Erika Johansen 3.6 stars (audio)
122) Solar Bones by Mike McCormack 4.2 stars
123) Truth & Beauty: A Friendship by Ann Patchett 4.3 stars AAC
124) Things to Do When You're Goth in the Country: Stories by Chavisa Woods 4.3 stars
125) Ranger Games: A Story of Soldiers, Family and an Inexplicable Crime by Ben Blum 4.2 stars (audio)
126) Sourdough: A Novel by Robin Sloan 3.7 stars (audio)
127) Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan 4.7 stars ALA
128) Rules of Civility by Amor Towles 4.2 stars (audio)
129) Lightning Men (The Darktown Series) by Thomas Mullen 4.3 stars (audio)
130) Commonwealth by Ann Patchett 4.8 stars AAC

Welcome to the AAC IV! It should be another fun year. Some interesting and diverse authors.

January- Octavia Butler Completed Kindred
February- Stewart O' Nan Completed Songs For the Missing, In the Walled City: Stories
March- William Styron Completed The Confessions of Nat Turner
April- Poetry Month Completed Incendiary Art, There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyoncé, Scriptorium,
No Matter the Wreckage
May- Zora Neale Hurston Completed Dust Tracks on a Road
June- Sherman Alexie Completed The Toughest Indian in the World
July- James McBride Completed The Good Lord Bird, The Color of Water
August- Patricia Highsmith Completed Strangers on a Train
September- Short Story Month Completed The Graybar Hotel: Stories, Jesus' Son: Stories, The Dark Dark: Stories
Pastoralia, What We Talk About When We Talk About Love
October- Ann Patchett Completed Truth & Beauty, Commonwealth
November- Russell Banks
December- Ernest Hemingway

The General Discussion Thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/244600#
The Poetry Thread Continued: http://www.librarything.com/topic/254101#6045134

^ Once I wrapped up Ranger Games, (which I did) I was planning on starting Rules of Civility on audio, but I realized Manhattan Beach, which I am currently reading is also a historical novel set in NY. So, I thought it would be better if I switched to a different audio, for the time being. I am choosing Sourdough, which I have been hearing good things about, plus I enjoyed his last novel, Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore.

Happy new one, buddy.

Hey, buddy. Happy New Thread.

Love the Montrose photo. What a lakefront we have.

Sorry about them Cubs. Woo, down to winner take all in Washington. We'll see.

I haven't heard anything about Sourdough. Like you, I enjoyed Mr. Penumbra's.

Happy New Thread! Sourdough, sounds like a tasty read!

Cpngrats pn another new one!!

New thread. New thread. New thread!!
Happy new thread :)

>4 msf59: so the arrow is to clarify what exactly the title refers to? Funny.

Eta: from last thread, One Last Warbler- classic literature destined for Mark!

Hi Mark, glad that I get to check in early on this thread. I liked but didn't love Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore so at this point I am thinking that I will pass on Sourdough - but you could possibly change my mind if you warble loudly in favor of it.

Currently I am reading The Grass Is Singing by Doris Lessing in my never-ending quest to catch up to my brother on the 1001 Books List!

Morning, Mark! Happy new thread!

>5 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! You were number one! Yah!

>6 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe. I had a good time in the city on Monday and the Sanctuary was amazing, along with the gorgeous lakefront views.

Go Cubs! Let's keep this alive.

>7 mahsdad: Thanks, Jeff. And it is a quick read too, with a fun premise.

>8 Berly: Thanks, Kimmers!

>9 LovingLit: Thanks, Megan. I have no idea where these threads go. They just keep piling up, like barnacles on a ship's hull.

Looking forward to One Man's Warbler, once I get my mitts on it.

>10 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy. Good to see you. I know not everyone loved Mr. Penumbra but it worked for me. I have had The Grass Is Singing on my T.R. list forever. I'll watch for your thoughts.

>11 scaifea: Thanks, Amber! Much appreciated.

Happy new thread, Mark!

>14 harrygbutler: Thanks, Harry! And Good Morning!

Happy new thread, Mark!

Happy new thread and happy Thursday to you, Mark!

Good luck to your Cubs tonight.

My Carolina Panthers play the Eagles tonight. Last night our calico cat Inara Starbuck was hanging out with us and my husband reminded her of the game tonight. He calls her our variegated Panther.

Love Chicago pics!!

Sounds like you're picking books near the top of my TBR pile.

Root for those Cubbies tonight. I hope to get home in time to see the last few innings.

>4 msf59: Gosh, that is not what I imagined Mr Sloan to look like. I thought he would be a bearded guy in his "senior years"! How funny. Hope his new one works as well as Mr Penumbra...

Feeling blah today. Feels like a cold coming on, mixed with allergy symptoms. Sighs...at least I don't have to trudge around in the rain today. Silver linings...

>16 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley.

>17 karenmarie: Morning, Karen and thanks. Hooray, for Inara Starbuck and Go Cubs & Panthers.

>18 lindapanzo: Morning, Linda. I should post more Chicago toppers. Let's hope the offense explodes tonight. We are way overdue. I also hope it doesn't run super late. This working stiff needs his beauty rest.

>19 charl08: Hi, Charlotte. I kept thinking Sloan was a woman. Lol. Until, I heard him recently on a podcast, which inspired me to track down his new novel. It is off to a charming and fun start.

Happy new thread!

Happy Friday, Mark.

Cool but comfortable out there. Hope your day is going well. I'm hoping to wrap up Ninefox Gambit today and start Punch Escrow. For poetry, I'm going to read Billy Collins' "new" one (for me, anyway), The Rain in Portugal.

Ha! I'm always surprised to see photos of Robin Sloan - I keep thinking he's a woman, too.

Happy new thread, Mark! Hope you're feeling better.

>23 jnwelch: The Rain in Portugal is a good one, Joe - enjoy!

Good morning, Mark!

I'm having a great time with The Punch Escrow! Thanks for putting it out there!

>24 Copperskye: Good to hear, Joanne! Thanks - it always help to hear a positive reaction before jumping in.

Happy new one, Mark! I love both of those toppers you chose.

Happy new thread, Mark! Manhattan Beach is waiting for me at the library. Sounds like a good one! Good luck to your Cubs tonight!

I've started Rules of Civility but am not too far in yet. Killers of the Flower Moon, Sourdough, and Manhattan Beach soon. Probably won't get to Bel Canto right away.

Happy new thread, Mark!
Lovely toppers, a dog and books in the paiting, what more do we need?

>1 msf59:

Online Penguin's READ IT FORWARD this week has a unique

Free Download titled "BOOKS & PETS" which many may enjoy.

Finally sitting down in front on my laptop. Feeling a tad better and hoping to be on the right track tomorrow. The wife made meat loaf for dinner and I made a mess of vegetables, so all is good there, plus my current reads, Manhattan Beach & Sourdough are singing right along.

Also gearing up for the Cubs game, which starts at 7 CT.

>23 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. I have been meaning to request The Rain in Portugal for ages. You will probably inspire me to finally pull the trigger. Looking forward to your thoughts on The Punch Escrow.

>24 Copperskye: Thanks, Joanne. Keeping the symptoms in check. I will have to finally request The Rain in Portugal.

I think you would have a good time with Sourdough.

>25 brodiew2: Nothing feels better than when my warbling pays off, Brodie. Glad you are having such a good time with The Punch Escrow.

>27 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie!

>28 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda. Expect a lot more warbling on Manhattan Beach. Closing in on the halfway point. Storytelling at it's best.

>29 lindapanzo: Wow! We are in each other's reading universe, Linda. The only one I do not have at hand, is Killers of the Flower Moon, but it is high on my To-Read list. I plan on starting The Rules of Civility on Saturday. Go Cubbies!

>30 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita! Glad you like the toppers.

>31 m.belljackson: Thanks for the heads-up on that, Marianne. I have never one any of their giveaways. Have you?

>32 msf59: Fingers crossed for the Cubs, Mark. We are a little greedy though aren't we - didn't win in a millennium and now we expect two on the bounce!

>34 PaulCranswick: Well, if a team is good enough to compete, you have to root for them. The Cubs got off to a slow start, the first part of the season, but definitely earned a slot in the post season, during the second half. The Nationals are wicked tough, though. It is going to be an intense game.

I LOVE that print by Anne Bascove!!!!

Happy new thread. I'm joining you all for the Rules of Civility read and I'm totally rooting for the Cubbies!!!!!!

>34 PaulCranswick: Heck, let's go for a three-peat. :-)

>37 EBT1002: Why not indeed, Ellen!

>36 EBT1002: Thanks, Ellen. Cubs are up 1-0 in the 1st. Got to start hitting. Have you watched any of the series?

Glad you will be joining us on Rules. I will start the audio on Saturday.

>37 EBT1002: >38 PaulCranswick: Damn tootin'...

>33 msf59:

Haven't won a Penguin yet - did win one GOODREADS and Harper Collins just sent
a free advance copy of Wiley Cash's THE LAST BALLAD.

>40 m.belljackson: I am lucky enough to snag quite a few books from different places, just not Read it Forward.

Congrats on The Last Ballad. I acquired a copy at ALA, but have not read it yet.

I should take a vote and see if anyone would like to do a Group Read of it. In November. I loved Cash's first 2 books.

Cubs lead 7-4, in the 5th. Crazy game...

>42 msf59: GO THE CUBBIES!!
:)

>42 msf59: Now we need to hold them. Wish we could've blown it wide open when we had the bases loaded.

Ha! They did it! Cubs win!

Jeez, what a nailbiter!

What a game!! I feel like I've been through the ringer. Whew.

Way to go, Wade Davis. Huge.

Morning, Mark! I hope you're feeling better this morning. I can't seem to shake this sore throat. Blerg.

^Cubs win 9-8, sending the Nationals packin'. An insane, bat-shit baseball game, that lasted just under 5 hours. I did not get to bed, until just before midnight, which is very rare for this old-timer.

Next up, the LA Dodgers, Saturday night. Not sure this old ticker can handle it, but here we go.

>43 LovingLit: See you helped, Megan. Just the nudge we needed. Thanks!

>45 jnwelch: What a completely wacko game, right, Joe? Not sure Davis could have pitched so much, there at the end, but he came through. Whew!

>46 lindapanzo: Yah, Linda! The alarm came up awful early this morning. I wish I could take the day off to recover.

>48 scaifea: Morning, Amber. Sorry, you are not feeling better. I am struggling with a bit of a cold too.

Happy new thread! Congrats on your Cubs moving forward! Needing some extra caffeine today?

Baseball is nothing if not crazy, Mark! Congrats! At least the next one is on the weekend

Wow - post number 52 before I visit your thread?! Happy for you and your Cubs. Hope you feel better. Glad to hear you are enjoying Manhattan Beach. I will likely get to that after I finish The Ninth Hour.

Hurray for the Cubs! We didn't stay up for the entire game, in fact I think it was the 4th inning or so and they were down a run. I'm so glad they won it!

Congrats, Mark! Now that's what I call a great ballgame. Both, the Cubs and Nationals put their heart on the field and it showed. We watched the entire game and it could have been anyone's game up to the last out.
Have an outstanding weekend!

Good morning, Mark! Whew. 5-hour game. Glad your team won. Mine lost. :(

Happy Friday to you and I hope you're feeling better this morning.

>50 msf59: Me too, Mark. I got up a half hour later than usual today. I don't usually go to sleep til midnight anyway but I'm usually nice and relaxed, not so wound up over an incredible game. Good thing it should be a quiet work day.

Whew.

Congrats on the win, Mark!

Happy Friday, Mark!

Did I hear that was the longest nine inning game ever? It sure seemed like it, as we were hoping the Cubs would escape with a W. Thank goodness for Wade Davis. And Baez and Contreras. And . . .

The Dodgers are supposed to be even tougher. Hard to imagine. But the Cubs know how to go about their business and get it done.

We were out at a play, but I'd dvr'd it. So I managed to catch up and then watch the last couple of innings live. Almost midnight . . . there are going to be a lot of folks half asleep in Chicagoland today.

>59 jnwelch: zzzzzzzzzzz

Thank goodness it's Friday.

Surprisingly, heavy volume for a Friday but it looks to be a nice fall day. Now, to stay awake, as I shuffle along...

>51 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle. Happy Friday. Yes, definitely extra caffeine today. Needed every drop.

>52 jessibud2: Morning, Shelley. It was a stressful one. More of the same coming, I fear, but we knock out a very hot team.

>53 alphaorder: Morning, Nancy and thanks. I think you will love the Egan. Superb historical fiction.

>54 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. Go Cubs. You are an hour later than us, so it would have been pushing 1am. Yikes.

>55 Carmenere: Happy Friday, Lynda. Thanks for your thoughts on the Cubs. Unfortunately, many terrific teams fall in the postseason. We have had our share of those too. Now, onto the Dodgers...

>56 karenmarie: Happy Friday, Karen. Go Cubs! Sorry, about your Panthers. I never did see any of it. I was preoccupied. Grins...

>57 lindapanzo: I definitely could have slept in a little today, Linda. It looks like there are going to be some late nights next week too. The price we pay, right? Grins...

>58 drneutron: Thanks, Jim.

>59 jnwelch: Happy Friday, Joe. What a crazy game. Glad you were able to catch the last couple of innings. Now, for the Dodgers...this is going to be tough.

Listen, Mark, don't complain. We (the Blue Jays) had one game this year and another last year, that each went 19 innings!! No kidding. That's longer than a double header. (I can't even remember who won but at that point...). I think our manager even put Darwin Barney and Ryan Goins in to pitch! True story!

Cubbies vs Dodgers...GO CUBBIES!!!

Happy Friday, knowing it's the last sleep you'll get for a while...

Go Cubs! Happy new one, Mark.

Happy new thread, Mark. Glad to report I am all caught up with you. Congrats to your Cubbies, though I am, of course, rooting for the Yankees. I'm not sure anyone can stop Houston, though...

#57
All the Cubs love here, and I didn't even know that they played last night. Until this morning when the win was reported on NPR. Anyway I am at work looking through book reviews and I happened upon this one and immediately thought of the one person I know who loves, loves, love hockey and would know who Gordie Howe was. Nine Lessons I Learned From My Father by Murray Howe is coming out in November. Here is the blurb from Publisher's Weekly about the book:

Love and respect fill the pages of this eloquent tribute to “Mr. Hockey,” Gordie Howe, written by Murray Howe, the youngest of his three sons and the only one who did not follow his father into professional hockey. It’s a moving, insightful look into the entire family (which also includes one daughter), a family that Murray says was remarkable for the “unhesitating positivity” of his parents. “I am still in awe at the thought that Gordie Howe was my father,” he writes. Murray shares anecdotes illustrating how Gordie was both feared on the ice and adored by fans, including stories of him nearly taking an opponent’s ear off with his stick, and yet patiently staying late after every game to sign an autograph for every fan who asked. As a doctor, Murray’s perspective on the controversial stem-cell treatment that Gordie received to extend his life prior to his death in 2016 is fascinating. Murray shares a an account of how a stem-cell treatment made almost miraculous improvements in his dad’s condition following a stroke, allowing him to walk again after being mostly confined to a wheelchair. Though Murray writes that “this book is not about me,” the best bits are a son’s special memories of his father, whether it’s learning to play hockey as a kid or holding his octogenarian parent to keep him from going overboard on a rough fishing trip. Such stories of “how precious every moment is” give the book broad appeal for a readership beyond Gordie Howe’s fans. (Nov.)

Viking Canada, $24.95 trade paper (240p) ISBN 978-0-735-23417-8

>64 jessibud2: I remember hearing about those long games, Shelley. If they are regular season games, I am going to bed. If the Cubs/ Nationals game would have went into extra innings, last night, I would have gone to bed, although it pains me to say it.

What has been frustrating is how long these regulation games are going. It seems to be rare that a game goes 3 hours or earlier.

>65 richardderus: Good to have RD on the Cubs side of the equation. Have you been able to watch any of the games?

>66 BLBera: Thanks, Beth.

Hey Mark! Congrats on the Cubs win. Roll on 18 Wheeler!

>67 katiekrug: Hi, Katie! Thanks for catching up. I know it is a lot to slog through around here, so I am amazed that people keep returning. Grins...

Well, it looks like we will only butt heads, if the Cubs and Yankees meet in the W.S. Well, Lynda, (a die-hard Indians fan) and I remain friends after last year's conclusion.

>68 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. I am just a middling hockey fan. I do like watching our Blackhawks in the postseason. That is about it.

The Howe book does sound interesting though.

>70 brodiew2: Happy Friday, Brodie! And Go Cubs! We are facing an even tougher opponent with the Dodgers. Yikes!

>68 benitastrnad: That is one I will definitely want to pick up. Thanks for letting us know about it.

Happy newish thread, Mark. Looks like things are hopping as usual around here.

Congrats to the Cubbies!

>73 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. Good to see you. Not feeling like hopping around much tonight. Early to bed for the Old Warbler.

>74 Copperskye: Thanks, Joanne! Now, we get to do it all again with the Dodgers. Hope my nerves hold out...

>75 msf59: Mark, I'm with you--this post-season play-off tension is hard on us old-timer Cub fans! We went over 100 years without this stress...

I have a Kiwi-Brit friend (British but lives here, and has done for a decade +), and he went to NYC for his 40th and fell in love with baseball. Now we get to talk about baseball, all of my knowledge* of which comes from you.
*by knowledge,I mean tiny factoids

>76 kac522: "We went over 100 years without this stress..." You are so right! Great to see you Kathy. It has been awhile. Well, we somehow got past the Nats and now onto the Dodgers. Let's take collective deep breaths, okay?

>77 LovingLit: Hooray for tiny factoids! I am just glad I can keep you in a baseball conversation, even for the tiniest bit. The Cubs play the Dodgers, in LA, starting tonight for a 7-games series. I am starting to hyper-ventilate all ready...

^Obviously, I am not drinking a beer this early, in the A.M. so substitute the brew for a cup of coffee. I meant to post this last night. I am starting the audio of Rules of Civility today. I also snagged the print copy from the library, to follow along, and bookmark if necessary.

I have heard nothing but glowing reports about Her Body and Other Parties, a collection of stories that just came out. I am planning on bookhorning it in, so expect some warbling. Short fiction has been kicking major-butt, this year.

I am also into the second half of Manhattan Beach and it continues to entertain and enchant. This should make the Top Reads of the Year list, for me.

Good morning, Mark! Happy wet stormy Saturday to you.

I'm on page 31 of Rules of Civility (and isn't it irritating that it always pops up as George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in company and Conversation?)

>80 karenmarie: - There is a reason for that particular volume popping up in touchstones. No spoilers from me but let's just say *it's ok*..... ;-)

Yowza, Mark. If I drop by tomorrow, you'll be wrapping up thread #27, having just completed your 200th book. Glad you have the energy and drive for all this. I'll watch from a discrete distance. :-)

I'm expecting to finish Rules of Civility this weekend.

Gloat alert. Dropped by the Lib to return three Louise Penny novels my wife read and check out three of the four remaining books in the Gamache series she hasn't read. Bag sale still in progress, so I spent 5 bucks for 10 books. Including Astrophysics for People in a Hurry; just published in May. Fifty cents. Might be the next read. You never know...

Morning, Mark!

It is pouring out here, as I leave for the route. It looks like it will be a long, wet, squishy one today, (sorry for the faintly pornographic description, but I call 'em the way I see 'em). My books won't keep me dry but hopefully they will keep me distracted. 😳

>80 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Rules is off to a lovely start.

>81 jessibud2: Thanks for heads up on the touchstone, Shelley. Smile...

>69 msf59: No, haven't been able to watch games. Our facility's cable package doesn't include sports channels, and the TV in my room is disabled. I keep up via internet.

And my grandmother would haunt me if I failed to root for the Cubbies in postseason play. With my Mets at 70-92 (sob) and 4th in the NL East, I have to have someone to be for! Damn straight ain't the Astros.

>82 weird_O: - Wow, Bill. Was that a mistake on the part of the library, putting that DeGrasse Tyson book into the sale? I thought only books that are no longer in circulation or just plain old, got relegated to that event! Good catch!

Oh, dang. I'm sorry that you've got such a rainy one today. Gloomy here but no rain yet...

Hi, Mark! I hope the rain lets up. I may get a little book-shopping in today, but it's not yet certain.

>82 weird_O: Happy Saturday, Bill. Yep, this is a bustling place sometimes.

Congrats on snagging the Tyson. Good, little book.

>83 scaifea: >88 scaifea: Morning, Amber. It has slowed down to a light rain but I am all ready sodden. Hope there are no more downpours for awhile.

>86 richardderus: Thanks for the TV update, RD. And I am glad to see you rooting for our Cubbies. Going to be a tough one, with the Dodgers.

**I will have to check back later.

Morning, Mark!

What a start to the day you must have had. It was a fierce storm here, and one thunderclap was so loud it set off a car alarm! Debbi almost jumped out of her shoes.

It's let up here; I hope the rain holds off or isn't too bad for you.

>82 weird_O: Including Astrophysics for People in a Hurry; just published in May. Fifty cents. Oh, I am envious, Bill. I read it on Kindle, and I want a nice hard copy. For fifty cents.

I can't explain why Tyson's new book was in the sale. Typically, the sales include donations as well as culls from the library's collection. Since the Tyson was in a plastic bag with six or ten other books, I thought perhaps someone dropped off a bag of books for the sale, and whoever was at the desk just toted them to the sale room and dropped the bag beside other boxes and stacks.

Whatevah! Worked for me.

>92 weird_O: The Library Gods smiled on you, Bill. It was worth burning that Adam Sandler dvd at the altar.

^Glad that one is over. I felt like a damp prune when I got home. Couldn't wait to peel off those sodden clothes. Now, it is time for a couple of these, in preparation for the Cubs game:

>91 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! We have all ready chatted, thanks to our smartphones. Feeling much better after a hot shower. Heading over to friends for dinner, conversation, brews and the ballgame. Go Cubs!

>92 weird_O: Good job, Bill. Enjoy!

Dodgers up two runs...not the happiest I've been but it's the eighth.

Damn. Sorry...I was pullin' but the gawds had other ideas.

Happy Sunday, Mark.

Hi Mark and happy Sunday to you.

Sorry the Cubs lost. :(

>97 richardderus: Happy Sunday, RD! An unreliable bullpen and a lackluster offense did us in. Let's see if we can win one back tonight.

>98 Ameise1: Happy Sunday, Barb. Good to see you.

>99 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. All losses are disappointing but that one felt like the Cubs gave up, in the later innings. We do it again tonight, let's hope we get better results.

I have been seriously behind on my mini-reviews. Hopefully, I reveal enough of my thoughts, about the book, as I post my progress. It is a short-form of warbling, but I hope it suffices. That said, I will try to catch up on a couple of minis, as the day goes on...

Morning, Mark! I'm looking forward to those mini reviews (no pressure, or anything)!

122) Solar Bones by Mike McCormack 4.2 stars

Marcus Conway, a middle-aged civil engineer sits alone, in his kitchen on All Souls Day and ruminates about his past. His reflections are told in one long, unpuncuated, free-form, sentence, as he looks back on the different chapters of his life. The lyrical prose here is stunning, along with sharp observations of society and the human condition.
Obviously, this is not for everyone and it took me a few pages, to find the rhythm of the narrative, but once I locked in, I really enjoyed the flow, of this wonderful Irish novel.

I've been eyeing that one. Gonna bump it up on the list, good review.

Solar Bones sounds great, Mark. I'll have to bump it up the pile.

Have a great Sunday.

>102 scaifea: Morning, Amber. Another mini coming up...

>104 drneutron: >105 BLBera: Morning, Jim & Beth. Reading Solar Bones daunting at first, with the unbroken narrative but you once you realize it is a traditional story of one man's life, told in a unique format, it really begins to shine. I hope you both get a chance to read it.

123) Truth & Beauty: A Friendship by Ann Patchett 4.3 stars

I first learned about the friendship of Ann Patchett and Lucy Grealy, in Patchett's excellent essay collection, This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage, so I knew I wanted to read the full story in this moving and unflinching memoir.
Ann and Lucy met in college. Lucy had a bout of childhood cancer, leaving her with a serious facial disfigurement, that wasted away her lower jaw. She ended up having nearly 40 surgeries, up until her premature death at age 39. Lucy dealt with self-esteem issues her entire life, which led her to substance abuse problems and suicidal tendencies.
This is the story of their unique friendship, which had plenty of bumps along the way, as Ann tried to help Lucy deal with her multitude of issues. The prose is strong, all along the way, with a staunch sense of honesty, that is sometimes hard to bear. Now, I want to read, Autobiography of a Face, which is Lucy's own story. Highly recommended.



**I read this for October's AAC.

>107 msf59: - As I've mentioned somewhere before, I have tried but could never warm up to Patchett's work. That said, I did read Autobiography of a Face and it was heartwrenching and powerful. I do recommend it.

Tonight's the night!

>103 msf59: You're the first person to make me think this is anything but a gimmick, Mark. Clearly this technique resonated with you. Drat...now I have to get it. Satanic book warbler in chief.

>107 msf59: Ha! Dodged that book bullet. Author Patchett and I don't make a good match, I get too eye-rolly for comfort.

>107 msf59: Loved this book, great to see your review of it. I do want to read Autobiography of a Face too- might just add this to the online 'pile' as my secondhand ramblings haven't turned it up in the interim.

Morning, Mark!

That's must have been a tough, soggy one yesterday. Sorry about them Cubbies, too. Maybe tonight.

Good mini-reviews. I'm glad you enjoyed Solar Bones (I think I've got too many on tap to try it), and kudos to you for following the Ann and Lucy story. Lucy's POV should be intriguing.

I think that Solar Bones is one of those novels that you either like or just can’t get into. A friend of mine read it and loved it. I tried and it just bothered me, so I quit and put it aside for the time being. I didn’t take it off the TBR list completely but did put it aside.

>108 jessibud2: Patchett is just one of those divisive authors, but I am glad she works for me. I will have to get my hands on Autobiography of a Face.

>109 richardderus: Happy Sunday, RD. You might want to try Solar Bones. I know you do not care for "pretension" in your literature but there is plenty of deep introspection going in these intricate musings.

Go Cubs! It would sure be nice if we can split these first 2 games ,before heading back to Chicago. We need a stellar performance out of Lester.

>113 msf59: I'd love for the Cubs to steal tonight's
Game. I think the format is 2-3-2. Much better weather here mid-week. Thank goodness they're not playing here today. It's been nasty out there.

>110 charl08: Thanks, Charlotte. I also want to find time for Autobiography of a Face. This one seems to have a wider appeal than the Patchett memoir.

>111 jnwelch: Happy Sunday, Joe. Not feeling like my usual self today, so I think I will spend the afternoon, chillin' with the books. I'll have the Bears game on, in the background.

Solar Bones is not for all tastes, so I completely understand your hesitancy. Go Cubs! Hope we can come back strong tonight.

>112 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. If you can try to read the first 15-20 pages of Solar Bones and see if it starts to click, do so. If it does not, move on to something else.

President Obama was right - when you need to get out of your head read something in science fiction. (He read Three-Body Problem. I read Nine-Fox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee

I had seen the reviews for this title and they were glowing. When the book showed up at the public library it was speaking to me. I started reading and at first I thought it was not going to live up to the reviews. I knew Joe was reading it as well, so posted my doubts about it on his thread. Jim (drneutron) saw that post and told me to keep reading. Boy was it worth it! Now I have to get the sequel, as it was published in either September or October. I doubt I can wait for the public library to get it, but I will try.

I think it took so long to get going because basically the author is doing his world building in most of the first book. That made it confusing. The great strength of this book is his action scenes. Boy can he write about blood and guts giving you a good picture of what is going on but not over-whelming the readers with an excessive amount of gore.

I don’t know how this one would work as a recorded book, but as a reading book, while slow to start, it ends with a bang!

>113 msf59: Jon better be on his stellar best, alrighty all right. This would be a great time to uncork his championship stuff.

I am Loftily Ignoring you re: the unnecessary unneeded and, sad commentary on my impulse control that this is, already ordered book.

>116 benitastrnad: Happy Sunday, Benita. Nine-Fox Gambit sounds like a lot of fun. I have taken note. Have you read the Ship Breaker books? I saw the final book, in the trilogy has just come out. It is called Tool of War. I snagged it on audio. I really enjoyed the first 2 books.

>117 richardderus: Do you have access to a library? Because that is what I suggest for Solar Bones. I hate to see you spend hard-earned cash for something that might not float your boat.

Go Cubs! Go Lester!

>118 msf59: No, sadly the local library won't give me a card. They don't like people from our facility. *shrug*

Forza the Cubbies!

Chillin' with a book sounds like just the thing for a Sunday afternoon, Mark. I hope you feel more like yourself after you get grounded with a good book. Your threads move way too quickly for my slow pace but I do like seeing what you are up to. I loved both Truth and Beauty and Autobiography Of A Face when I read them years ago. They are memorable books about friendship. Good friends are hard to find and keep. I'm so glad I found you on LT!

>119 richardderus: Bummer, dude. You can't sway their closed minds, with the Old RD charm? You are probably better read than most of their staff.

>120 Donna828: Happy Sunday, Donna. Great to see you. I know it is a lot of posts to go through and I commend you, for even trying. I am enjoying Ms. Patchett and I plan on starting Commonwealth early next week.

I will have to visit your home-base and see what you are reading.

124) Things to Do When You're Goth in the Country: Stories by Chavisa Woods 4.3 stars

"Beginning my eighth-grade year, each year, one student in my school would die, and also, one girl would get pregnant, so I guess it evened out. It was a stable population."

Two teenage girls, who like to hang out in a cemetery, befriend a coke-sniffing, homeless woman, who lives in a busted down masoleum. Two goth, lesbians, attend a Mensa party, while on acid. An elderly Evangelical sect, finds theraputic relief, in group sex.
This is a terrific collection of eight, dark, slightly twisted stories, focusing on meth-heads, goths, queers and other folks, who live on the fringes of rural society. Woods is a sharp and bright new voice in short fiction. I will be watching this author closely.

>121 msf59: I think that might be a big part of the problem.

>122 msf59: *owdammit* book bulleted.

Hi Mark! Looks like lots of good reading. Now I have to look for Manhattan Beach! I was a big fan of the Goon Squad.

>123 richardderus: You a problem? Now that is a stretch. Grins...

>124 banjo123: Happy Sunday, Rhonda. Manhattan Beach is completely different from Goon Squad, but equally as good. She is a helluva writer.

BTW- I think you might enjoy Things to Do When You're Goth in the Country: Stories. Just sayin'...

Baez- wow! 1-0, let’s keep it going.

Well, thank gawd they pulled Mr. Walk One After Losing the Previous.

Yeesh. 1-1, soon to be over I hope, 5th.

The double play was excellent. (Ended the 8th!)

All these Cubs pitchers have to do is throw strikes. Why is it so hard for them to do that? It's ridiculous to give up the dreaded leadoff walk.

>128 richardderus: The double play was great but our hitting is atrocious. Swinging at everything.

>129 lindapanzo: Lots of frustrations, Linda. At least the bullpen has been solid but zero offense. WTH?

If it goes beyond the 9th, I might go to bed.

Nope. 4-1. Goddamn.

Morning, Mark! I need to get round to Patchett at some point...

>131 richardderus: Yep, this is what no offense gets you, RD. Let's see if they can come cack to life, in Chicago.

>132 scaifea: Morning, Amber. I would be curious to see what your take would be on Patchett. I will be starting Commonwealth soon.

Sorry about that loss, Mark. I don't know what's worse: a blow-out, lopsided loss or a tight game that slips away in the 9th. Both hurt

Morning, Mark!

It's looking dire, but maybe being back in Chicago will help.

I'm about a 1/3 of the way through The Punch Escrow, and I'm thinking that son #1, who used to work on 3D printing at Microsoft, would like this one, too.

>133 msf59: *heavy sigh*

My crossables are crossed. I would love to see the Cubbies in the Series again.

Morning, Mark! Nice review of Solar Bones - I loved it, and I just posted my thoughts on it today, so it made me smile BIG when I finally caught up with your thread this morning to see that you had done the same.

Hi Mark, and happy Monday to you, even though your Cubbies lost.

>93 jnwelch: Yes they did, Joe.

>134 jessibud2: The lack of any offense, is what is so frustrating. I hope they can turn it back on tomorrow night.

>135 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. It is a cool start but all this sunshine helps.
We have to keep in mind, that we were down 3-0 to the Indians last year and came back. I know, it is hard to imagine doing that twice, let alone once.

Glad you are having a good time with Punch Escrow and I am sure Jesse what have a fine time with it, as well.

Hi Mark, a beautiful, albeit chilly, day out there today.

I'm really liking Rules of Civility. I'm thinking I'd pick up anything Amor Towles writes.

>136 richardderus: Wouldn't it be nice, if we can take all three in Chicago? It might be a fantasy though...

>137 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie. Hooray for Solar Bones. I will have to stop by later and check out your review.

>138 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Heavy Monday but at least we have sunshine, instead of rain.

Good morning, Mark! I hope you had a good weekend despite the ball game.

As an aside, I watched Get Shorty again this weekend. It is one of my favorites and also a film that it equal or better than the source material. So funny.

>143 brodiew2: I haven't seen the original movie in quite a while. Have you seen the new TV series with Ray Romano? I haven't, but the trailers looked pretty interesting.

>141 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. It was a nice day. I sure liked all that sunshine. I am also enjoying Rules of Civility and Towles has made me an instant fan.

>143 brodiew2: Hi, Brodie. The postseason is brutal, just ask the Indians and the Nationals. I understand, a hard fought series, but when your offense just lays down, it can get very frustrating. Lets see what the cubs do back in Chicago.

I am also a big fan of the film version of Get Shorty. Great cast and a terrific soundtrack, which I still have on CD.

>144 mahsdad: I have heard positive things about the Get Shorty TV series. I may have to check it out one of these days.

Morning, Mark!

Morning, Amber! Yah, for a day off!

Hi, Mark! Enjoy the day off, and good luck birding!

Morning, Harry! And thanks! The Arboretum is one of my favorite places and it looks to be a very nice day. Not sure what birds will be hanging out, but we will see.



^Nice to see the white-breasted nuthatches back at the feeders. Always late fall, winter staple.

^After finishing the wonderful Manhattan Beach, I will be moving onto Commonwealth, my second Patchett of the month, (for the AAC). Like most of her work, there is mixed opinions about it, but people that liked it- really liked it. Looking forward to seeing for myself.

Good morning, Mark, and happy Tuesday off! Enjoy your time at the Arboretum.

Brrr! It's a nice brisk 46F here in central NC. Tonight's supposed to get to 34F! Dare I hope that the Summer is Finally Over?

>149 msf59: - Speaking of late fall/winter birds, can the juncos be far behind? :-) I love those little guys, so full of energy.

It's a chilly one here this morning, only 5C right now. But it's going to be sunny and temps going UP all week. It's nearly November, for crying out loud! I wonder if this crazy weather confuses the birds, especially the migrators.

Morning, Mark! We finally have a really nice crisp morning here, so Birdy and I are out on the screened-in porch enjoying it. I have not read Commonwealth, but you are so right that reviews have been mixed - I will await your thoughts on it.

Hoping that your day off is full of fabulous!

>151 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Chilly start to the day here too but it will warm up to the high 60s, with plenty of sunshine. A good day for a stroll in the woods.

>152 jessibud2: Morning, Shelley. We are warming up here too, but I am not complaining. Things can turn on a dime, this time of year, and we can be plunged into winter.

No Junco sightings here but I heard that others have seen them in the area. I know they are harbingers of winter but they are cute little guys.

>153 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! It sounds like you are having a lovely time, in the screened in porch. Enjoy. I am going out for a walk in the woods, in about an hour.

A couple of my dear LT pals, LOVED Commonwealth, so I am hoping to join them.

125) Ranger Games: A Story of Soldiers, Family and an Inexplicable Crime by Ben Blum 4.2 stars

Alex Blum had dreams of becoming a Army Ranger, since he was five years old. Growing up in a close-knit family, in Colorado, he was a popular, good-looking kid, who became a hockey star in high school. He joined the Army, immediately after finishing school and was accepted into the elite Ranger program, achieving his lifetime goal.
Just before his deployment to Iraq, he entered a personal vehicle, along with two other Rangers, drove into downtown Tacoma, Washington and robbed a bank.
Why would Alex participate in this unimaginable crime, just before fulfilling his dream? This question haunted the entire Blum family, for years to come.
The author, a first cousin of Alex's, attempts to answer this baffling question, in this excellent exploration of a federal crime and it's crushing aftermath. Was Alex brainwashed? Was he completely swayed by his team leader, Corporal Luke Elliot Sommer and manipulated into joining this crime, under the guise of a “training exercise”? Or was Alex simply lying, covering up the fact that he made a terrible decision?
It took Ben Blum many years to write this book and he ended up having a very close friendship with Alex, while Alex was in prison. Ben also had conflicting feelings about Alex and his honesty, making for a very compelling read.

I should finish Rules of Civility today. Absolutely love it though I wish he'd write more.

>157 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. Gorgeous fall day. I just spent a few hours outdoors but now it is time to curl up with the books.

I am so glad you are enjoying Rules of Civility. I am too and I will wrap it up tomorrow.

Enjoy your day off, Mark!

>159 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! I was just over at the Cafe. Busy off day. I NEED a shower and then I am going to huddle down with the books, for a couple of hours. I may also doze off, at some point too. Just sayin'...

Hi, Mark! Glad you are enjoying the weekend! There are few things as gorgeous as a perfect fall day in Chicago. Glad you're enjoying your reading. I think I may have busted out of my nearly year-long reading slump, and some of that is thanks to a zombie novel recommended by Berly over on the Halloween thread. I'm not usually much one for zombies - vampires were always my monster of choice, and werewolves, tho even those tropes have wore thin over the past year or so - but The Girl With All the Gifts is something else again. In case you're looking for something with a Halloween theme.

ETA I'm listening to it and can attest it is a fabulous as an audiobook read!

Hi, Mary! Good to see you. Hooray for busting out of your reading slump and you picked a good one, for this to happen. I loved The Girl With All the Gifts and warbled about it quite a bit, after I first read it. He has had a couple of books out since, but I have not tried anything else yet. And yes, the audio was terrific.

Have a good week.

Huh, I must have missed your warbling on that one, Mark. I just learned the second in the series is The Boy on the Bridge. So glad because I didn't want Girl With All the Gifts to end.

You have a great week too!

>163 Storeetllr: You missed my excessive warbling? The nerve of some people...grins. It looks like I also need to track down The Boy on the Bridge.

I'll be interested to see what you think of Commonwealth, Mark. I've read mixed reviews as well and have held off getting a copy, although I do have it on hold at the library. Just waiting for a reason to tip it over and take it out.

I'm glad you're reading Commonwealth, Mark, and hope you like it. Personally, I don't get the mixed reviews. I loved it! :)

I have a copy of Ranger Games so I'm happy you liked it.

We've got juncos out here. One arrived last week, I guess he was scoping out the feeders. There are several here now. They are a winter favorite. Our nuthatches are the red-breasted nuthatches and are much smaller than the white-breasted. They've been a constant here (along with the chickadees and red and lesser gold finches).

>161 Storeetllr: through >164 msf59: Did y'all know The Girl with All the Gifts was a film? Ammy Prime has it. Got good reviews although Miss Justineau is a 20something white woman...talk about whitewash.

>165 cameling: Hi, Caro. Good to see you, stranger. I am a fan of Patchett, so I will try all her work. Commonwealth is off to a good start.

>166 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne. I am enjoying Commonwealth,
in the early going. An ambitious, story-structure. I admire her range.

I hope you enjoy Ranger Games, as much as I did. Good stuff.

Come on, Cubbies! Schwarber just hit a bomb in the first!

>167 richardderus: Howdy, RD. I have a copy of the film version but have not seen it yet. Looks creepy.

Go, Cubbies!

I posted this on the group thread but it was such a nice email that I'll post here, too.

Woo-hoo. I wrote to Amor Towles through his website's "contact me" button to tell him that I loved Rules of Civility and to ask to make Eve in Hollywood available on Amazon.com.

I got an extremely nice reply, thanking me for my kind remarks and saying "to receive a friendly reception from a seasoned reader makes it all worthwhile."

He said he originally planned to give Eve in Hollywood to the readers on his distribution list but he pulled it because he planned to turn it into a full length work but, due to demand, he will make it available soon via print on demand at his local independent bookstore. Said he'd email me the info when it's available later this fall and, in the meantime, urged me to read A Gentleman in Moscow.

Oops, just got home from a library lecture on the history of the nearby Naval Station Great Lakes, the only Boot Camp for the Navy, only to see the Cubs are already losing. Hendricks looks pretty sharp though and Schwarber homered. Hope they can pull this one out and at a reasonable hour, too.

>170 lindapanzo: I saw this on the Group Read Thread, Linda. How, very cool. Glad you reached out and it paid off and you made a new friend. Yah! Keep us updated.

Go, Cubbies! Need to get the offense fired up.

>171 lindapanzo: I do NOT like these late starting games. I normally go to bed, before ten on work nights, so it is tough to stay up, much beyond that. Call me an Old Fart, but that is how it how I am...

Crap. Just...crap.

Morning, Mark! Ranger Games sounds fascinating.

I'm glad you had such a nice day for your day off yesterday - it looks like we're in for another gorgeous one here today, too.

>173 richardderus: That is putting it mildly, RD. Glad I went to bed.

>174 scaifea: Morning, Amber! The author of Ranger Games was in Naperville, (a big suburb west of here). I wish I could have drummed up the energy to go and hear him speak.

^The Cubs are trampled by the Dodgers 6-1. On the brink of elimination. No offense. Bad bullpen. Glad I went to bed.

^Did not see much on my walk in the woods yesterday, but I did spot an Eastern Bluebird, which is always a treat. I heard more than I saw. Lots of chattering woodpeckers and blue jays. Regardless, a lovely fall jaunt.

>176 msf59: Not good news. Can't we infest termites into their baseball bats for the next showdown?

Morning, Mark and happy Wednesday to you. I'm sorry your Cubbies lost and glad you had a nice walk in the woods.

I climbed into the Lazy Boy, listened on the radio, and read a book.

Come to the dark side and root for the Yankees - battled back from 0-2 to tie the series :)

Sorry about the Cubs Mark.

2 hours left in Rules...

>178 PaulCranswick: I just don't think the Cubs have what it takes to go all the way this year, Paul. I am amazed that they made it this far.

>179 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Another lovely fall day here.

>180 lindapanzo: Smart woman. I should do that tonight.

>181 katiekrug: LOL. I watched the second half of the Yankees game yesterday. Impressive comeback. I thought the Astros might run away with the series but that changed quickly.

>182 SuziQoregon: Thanks, Juli. Good to see you, my friend.

>184 msf59: - Yeah, I don't actually expect them to win the series, but I'm glad they're making Houston work for it :)

>183 msf59: I've been reading a few E.B. White children's books. A week or two ago, I read Charlotte's Web for instance and then The Trumpet of the Swan. Last night, I read Stuart Little during that stretch on the Lazy Boy.

>167 richardderus: Well, that's - that just sucks! I won't be watching the film adaptation. The book, however, is on my list to be reread, maybe every October, maybe whenever I need to be pulled out of a reading slump.

>185 katiekrug: I admire a team that can fight back, Katie. So far, my Cubbies have been limp rags.

>186 lindapanzo: Looks like you are enjoying your EB White, Linda. I am sure you will be doing the same thing tonight.

Iwill have to read more of White.

>187 Storeetllr: I have a copy of the film, Mary. I'll give it a try and let you know. Not expecting it to be as good as the book.

>188 msf59: the audiobook of E.B White reading Charlottes Web is a delightful way to spend about 3.5 hours. From my review when I listened to it:

The audio production is certainly not up to the standards expected today. At one point I distinctly heard something falling over in the background and I heard paper shuffling several times but I didn’t care.

E.B White reads the story much the same way as you’d expect a kindly grandfather to read the story to a child. It was recorded after the book was already a success and this bit from the NPR article was what made me want to hear him.

in 1970, he sat down in a studio to record the narration.
“He, of course, as anyone does doing an audio book, had to do several takes for various things, just to get it right,” Sims says. “But every time, he broke down when he got to Charlotte’s death. And he would do it, and it would mess up. … He took 17 takes to get through Charlotte’s death without his voice cracking or beginning to cry.”

>188 msf59: Tonight, I think maybe some Andy Borowitz. I'm thinking I might need some humor. Plus the Hawks are on and Eddie Olczyk will be coming in off his sickbed to broadcast his first game of the season.

Oh, just saw that Lincoln in the Bardo won the Man Booker prize.

>189 SuziQoregon: It looks like you may have missed it, Juli, but I listened to this very same audio edition, back in August and truly loved it. All thanks to a few LT pals, warbling their encouragement. I also heard a White profile on a recent book podcast, that added to my enjoyment.

I will have to track down more of his work. I can't believe I didn't read this stuff to my kids, when they were small. thanks for the link, I will check it out.

>191 lindapanzo: Are you reading something by Andy Borowitz? I did not know he had books out. I follow him a bit on FB. He does have a wicked sense of humor.

I did see that Saunders won the Booker Prize. I have no problem with that. A dazzling, literary achievement.

>192 msf59: Just a Kindle single called An Unexpected Twist.

This afternoon, when I read that our president claims he has the original Renoir, which the Art Institute has owned since 1933, I thought it was a Borowitz thing but, apparently, it's true. His biographer brought this to light to show how he believes lies, despite all proof to the contrary. That's one of the world's most famous paintings. I've seen it at the Art Institute many times.

>193 lindapanzo: Drumpf does not cease to amaze, right? He seems to exist in an alternate universe.

Just turned on the game. We will see...

A friend sent me this link this morning. It is a very good article and so true. trump has no filters, no ethics or morals. He is now, apparently, denying what he said earlier to that fallen veteran's young widow.

As I said, from about 2 minutes after the elections were over, from Class to Crass. Sigh..

https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/10/15/opinion/columnists/trump-spite-obama-legac...

Rooting for your Cubbies, Mark. May they have a tomorrow.

That was a helluva way to end the second!

Mark, I know you read Secret Path, the graphic novel by Gord Downie and Jeff Lemire. Downie died last night. More info on my thread, including Lemire's blog post

>195 jessibud2: Thanks for the link, Shelley. That is a terrific article and paints an accurate picture of our Commander in Chief. A vindictive, classless, blowhard.

Watching the Cubs as I type this, but I will be retiring for the night, before the games end.

>196 richardderus: Nice to see, a couple of bombs, RD, but we need to get more guys on base and score more runs, anyway we can. The Dodgers will not let up.

>197 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. I heard about Downie's passing on FB. There were a couple of tributes. I have always liked the Tragically Hip. Fully, Completely is one of my favorite rock albums. Downie appeared to be a good person and a fine Canadian.

Somebody find out what Baez had for lunch and feed it to the entire team! 3-1 in the 5th.

>107 msf59: this is what my review of this book will likely be like when I get around to reading this book- which I want to! Presently I am reading The Story of a Happy Marriage and was very interested in the FURORE (love that word) over it when it was assigned reading at a college.
*on the list to goes*

>150 msf59: you are on a Patchett bender!!! Good on ya :)

The umpiring is enough to make me want to never watch baseball again. You'd think they'd hire umps who know the rules for the playoffs, wouldn't you?

Cubs win, 3-2, but it was NOT pretty.

Morning, Mark!

>201 LovingLit: I am sure you will love Truth & Beauty and I am so glad you are reading The Story of a Happy Marriage. It is one of my favorite essay collections. I am also really enjoying Commonwealth. She does it all.

>202 lindapanzo: I went to bed in the 7th, Linda. Bad umping, huh?

>203 richardderus: Thanks, RD. I went to bed at the start of the 7th. Glad to wake up to a win. Go, Davis, huh? And, Arrieta and Biaz!

>204 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

^Cubs win 3-2. Avoid the sweep. Still have 3 wins to go...Yikes.

Morning, Mark, happy Thursday, and am glad your Cubs won.

I'm reading a meh mystery, The Wyndham Case by Jill Paton Walsh. I'll add it to my culls when done. Next up will be Eve in Hollywood, which I was able to wrestle onto my computer yesterday.

Hi, Mark! Glad to hear you enjoyed your bird walking, even if sightings were few. Enjoy your Thursday!

Hey Mark - it has been a couple of days since I stopped by. Work has been so busy I haven't been reading or doing much of anything else, including birding. But I did get out yesterday afternoon to see the boardwalk extension that Jason is adding to Mystery Lake. Next time you come up, we'll have to check it out. It has been a beautiful fall week here.

Morning, Mark!

Go Cubs! I'm glad they avoided the sweep, and they're no strangers to coming back from way down in a series, are they.

We're safely here, and I'm about to head off. Hope you have a good one today, buddy.

>205 msf59: The ump called the batter out in a strikeout but there was some question that it was a foul tip. That call is. It reviewable under the rules of baseball but the batter asked the HP ump to get help and he did. An ump over 150 feet away ended up making the call.

Joe Maddon was livid and got tossed. Today, the HP ump admitted he was wrong and Joe was right. It was not reviewable and his original call should've stood. The thing is, if they'd used video review, the call would've stood but I think one of the outfield umps called it.

It was at a key point in the 8th. The closer got out of the jam anyway but had to throw extra pitches which could come back to haunt the Cubs tonight.

I can understand that umps don't get calls right all the time but there's absolutely no excuse for not knowing the rules. Six umps on the field and none of them know the rules? Incredible.

>207 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on Eve in Hollywood. Sounds interesting.

>208 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. My bird feeders are sure hopping. How about yours?

>209 alphaorder: Hi, Nancy. Great to see you. We would love to get back up to the Audubon Center. We really liked it there.

>192 msf59: Yeah - I wasn't around here much in August - just glad to hear you listened to that. It's such a delight.

Beautiful fall day, the mail is light and the books are happily humming along- Life is just fine.

>210 jnwelch: Sweet Thursday, Joe. Enjoy your DC trip and Go Cubs!

>211 lindapanzo: Thanks, for filling me on the bad umping. Fortunately, that didn't cost the game. Nice, if we could take tonight's game too, although we are facing Kershaw.

>213 SuziQoregon: Hi, Juli. I will have to drop by and see what you have been reading.

#214
Bad umping might not cost the game, but it can cost morale and that can cost games! Like, Linda, I know that sometimes humans make bad calls, but with six of them on the field - somebody should have known the rules.

Hey Mark, the Cubs are hanging on and I'll be watching the game tonight to see how it goes. A great series!

>215 benitastrnad: All valid points, Benita. thanks for chiming in on the bad umping. Go Cubs!

>216 Carmenere: Hi, Lynda. I keep thinking about all the terrific teams that have been knocked out all ready, including your Indians and it helps settle me down and realize it is pretty impressive to just make it this far. Glad you'll be watching the game. Go Cubs!

^Last November, I read and enjoyed Darktown, about the first "Negro" police force in Atlanta, circa 1948. Well, Mr. Mullen has a follow-up, called Lightning Men, which I snagged this past ALA. I also found the audio version and decided to go with that format. It is off to a terrific start. This one has the main characters going up against the KKK, hence the title, where the members wore lightning bolts on the sleeves of their robes.

Darktown's on my list, probably because of your warbling - good to know the sequel looks promising!

Eek. I just looked at the score. Go to bed, Mark.

:-(

I just...can't. It's too grisly. I have to stop. I'll find out in the morning.

>220 jessibud2: >221 richardderus: I still have the game on, but I am catching up on some threads and glancing up, now and then. I'll be heading up to bed, in about an hour.

Ugh!

I think this one's over. Sigh. It was a nice run.

I've got it on but am flipping over to the Hawks game more than I thought I would.

>223 lindapanzo: It is frustrating to watch one team do everything right and another do everything wrong. Why was bringing in Rondon a good idea?

>224 msf59: It. Was. NOT.

Got the jimjams from that ball game. I have an idea! Read a book. I am.

Richard Price. Lush Life. Such a good yarn. He creates good characters, doesn't he?

>225 richardderus: The bullpen has been horrific and Rondon needs to pack his bags.

>226 weird_O: A bit too tired to crack a book, Bill, but I loved Lush Life and I love Richard Price. Have you read any of his others? All are stellar.

>224 msf59: Why couldn't Kris Bryant homer when they needed it?

Last Lackey game. Yesterday was probably Jake's last game here. Next year's team, come Opening Night, March 29, will look much different.

>228 lindapanzo: I agree with you on KB. What a bad time, for him and Rizzo to go on a slump.

Sad to see Arietta go. Lackey...not so much.

I'll probably watch the last inning or two and just check in, in the meantime.

Read that Borowitz book I was telling you about. Thought it was a dud. Not funny.

Morning, Mark!

>231 lindapanzo: Looks like a book to avoid. Thanks.

>232 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Happy Friday!

^Talk about, going out with a whimper! Dodgers whupped the Cubs 11-1, sending the Cubs packin' for the season. Dodgers were the better team, outplaying us at every turn and getting sweet revenge for us knocking them out last year.

Regardless, the Cubs had a good season and with a few patches and tweaks, should be in contention again next year.

I am sure for all you non-baseball fans, you are giving a sigh of relief. See you next spring. Grins...

Good morning, Mark, and happy Friday to you.

Oh. Sorry. Tiptoes around the subject of sports.

I'm having some laser surgery on my eyes this morning, a follow-up to my cataract surgery of 3 years ago. Many people have it sooner or later to remove a film that can develop on the lenses. No big, apparently. My husband is taking me and we're leaving in about 40 minutes. I'll be finishing up my 1,000th book since I started keeping track of books read here on LT in 2008, a meh mystery by Jill Paton Walsh called The Wyndham Case, then head on over to Eve in Hollywood. Don't know if I can read today or have to wait 'til tomorrow.

>235 karenmarie: - Am I fully awake? Did you just say you already HAVE Eve in Hollywood to read??! When did that happen? I know Towles responded to your letter but I must have missed your actually acquiring the book (in whatever format)!!!

Good luck with the surgery

>235 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. No tip-toeing is necessary. I expected this. I just would have liked one more win. We still have a talented team and we should be back in the postseason next year.

Good luck with the surgery, my friend. Hope you'll be able to get some reading time after.

>236 jessibud2: I am waiting to hear her thoughts on Eve in Hollywood too...

Sorry about the Cubs, Mark. Next year!!

Sorry to see your cubs are out. I guess they can go relax with my Jays for the off season

Sorry about your Cubbies, Mark. Next year!

>238 lauralkeet: >239 ChelleBearss: >240 BLBera: Thanks, Laura, Chelle and Beth. I appreciate everyone putting up with my baseball shenanigans. Smiles...

Hi, Mark! Despite the season end, I hope you manage a good day today.

Sorry it ended with a whimper Mark.

I started reading Columbine by David Cullen for my real life book discussion group and I am really into this work of non-fiction. It is fascinating. Our book group decided to read this book after the events in Las Vegas and I was immediately struck by the similarities in the two attacks. The Columbine shooters were going after numbers. They wanted to kill as many people as possible and make the record books. It is too early to tell, but it seems like the Las Vegas guy was doing the same kind of thing. The writing in this book is terrific. It reads so easy. I can't believe I haven't opened these pages before now.

Of course, the reason I haven't read it before now, was the subject matter. I am horrified by this type of action and religiously practice avoidance of the topic. The other members of the book group forced me to read this book. Well, not forced, but since I an the discussion leader I should have at least read it.

Oh heaviest of heavy sighs. I don't know if that lone run is a fig leaf or a pile of salt on the wound.

>244 benitastrnad: That Columbine book was a great one. I read it here, years ago, when LT had an author talk/group read with the author, I think.

Mark, not sure how you're doing but I'm not that upset about the Cubs. I guess it's due to lower expectations this year. I never thought this team was as good as last year's. Disappointing, sure, but they did about as well as expected.

Hopefully, for 2018, they call fill their likely starting and relief pitching needs.

Morning, Mark!

Ah well, there's always next year. :-)

You did a way better job of book-snagging at ALA than I did. I didn't see Lightning Men, and I didn't see The Punch Escrow. (I left the latter at home for finishing this weekend). Like you, I thought Darktown was topnotch, so I look forward to your reaction to this one.

Darktown sounds interesting. I somehow missed hearing about it.

Spring will be here soon.....now you have more time to read..... :)

My most sincere condolences to you, Mark, on the expiration of your dream of a second World Series win, you Cubs fan you. But you've been a Cubs fan for, like, forever. You knew what you were signed up for.

So is this going to be an historic rematch of the Yanks and the Dodgers?

>242 harrygbutler: Thanks, Harry! I could not avoid having a good day, with this gorgeous fall weather and 2 very good books to keep me company.

>243 SuziQoregon: Happy Friday, Juli! I am moving on...no time to mope.

>244 benitastrnad: Columbine is a landmark work, Benita. My favorite book of the year I read it. He helped set the record straight too, after the media and public opinion, skewed the facts. I am so glad you decided to read it. Did you know Mr. Cullen stopped by my thread, at one point? He is an LT author.

>245 richardderus: Let's go with the fig leaf, RD. Hope the sighing has ceased....grins.

>246 lindapanzo: Happy Friday, Linda. We share very similar feelings about this current Cubs season. I think I was more rattled after the Mets loss, in '15. Now, we were a helluva team that year. It is very clear, what changes NEED to be made. Now, let's make them.

>247 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. I grabbed so many good books at ALA and I still have a few more to get to, including The Last Ballad, which I plan on reading next month. Manhattan Beach might be my favorite so far of those ALA gems.

>248 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne. I highly recommend Darktown, along with it's sequel. Mullen is a very good author, with a diverse body of work. Have you ever read him?

>249 weird_O: My dreams of repeating the World Series, was dashed after the first 2-3 months of this season. This Cubs team had flaws and we never could quite overcome them, although we ended up going much farther into the postseason, than I ever expected. So, no moping here...

No reading for me tonight. We are going to dinner and then to see Victoria and Abdul, the Judi Dench movie.

>252 lindapanzo: Have a good time, Linda. I think I will catch up on a couple of TV shows, including getting back into The Vietnam War, which has been very good.

^Since baseball season is over, for me anyway, I can get caught up on some films and TV shows. I watched Certain Women last night and I loved it. Based on 3 stories written by Maile Meloy. An author, I had not heard of but I immediately requested one of her story collections. The film has a terrific cast, a lovely Montana setting and a nice, literary tone. See it!!

The same film-maker made a little film called Meek's Cutoff, about a pioneer woman, also starring Michelle Williams, that I also recommend.

I plan on finishing Commonwealth today and it has been excellent. I should also finish up my audio, Lightning Men, which as also been very good. Loving the books. Off to work...

Good morning, Mark, and happy Saturday to you!

My surgery went well and I was able to finish my 1,000th read since I started keeping track here on LT. Why, oh WHY did I never think of recording the books I've read before 2008? I've been a serious reader since I was 8, and that's 46 reading years lost in the mists of time.

>236 jessibud2: @lindapanzo mentioned on the group read thread that it was available on Books-A-Million for $2.99 on October 17th. I posted this on my thread on the 18th: Now, here's a little secret: Someone mentioned that it was on BooksAMillion, so I ordered the download for $2.99 plus .20 tax. I downloaded the Adobe Digital Editions software, created an Adobe ID, and have successfully downloaded Eve in Hollywood to my computer. Downside - can only read it on my computer but apparently because of the Adobe ID read it on other devices. Upside - instant gratification. I've gone back and changed "Someone" to Linda.

>250 msf59: Pretty exciting to have an author visit your thread.....

>254 msf59: - Is this a movie, Mark, or a tv show?

Morning Mark! There is a micro-brewery opening in my sister's neighborhood sometime next year. They are doing a little pop-up today to get the word out, so we will be heading there. I'll let you know how the IPA is.

You're getting lots of great reading in. Glad you like Commonwealth. I did too. I think it is based loosely on Ann's life, right?

I am going to start It's Not Yet Dark or A Working Woman today. Didn't get very far into Birding without Borders or Turtles All the Way Down, so those are also on deck.

Have a great day!

Just found this interview with John Boyne: http://www.readitforward.com/author-interview/john-boyne/

Thought you might want to read it.

>256 karenmarie: I've got my pc next to the tv where I watch ball games and find that I can read on screen pretty easily. Just not very portable.

Victoria and Abdul was excellent. What a performance by Judi Dench.

Not much planned for this weekend. We meet some old friends for lunch once a month and today's the day. Slipping over the state line to meet them today.

Beyond that, probably lots of reading and I'd like to see st least some of game 7 of the ALCS.

Good morning, Mark!

I’m having fun with Nnedi Okorafor’s Akata Witch. I love how she’s bringing more African folklore into sci-fi and fantasy stories.

Hope you have a good one today. We head back this afternoon.

>257 jessibud2: It is a film. I would love to see your take on it, Shelley.

>258 alphaorder: Morning, Nancy. Please, let me know how the brewery is. We will definitely make it up to Milwaukee for at least one weekend, this winter.
The Irish memoir sounds good. I snagged the new Green on audio, just last night.

Some of Commonwealth is based on Patchett's life?
Wow! I have to read about this.

>259 alphaorder: Thanks for the Boyne link. I will check it out, after work.

I have a confession to make. *insert hangdog look*

I was in LA this week, needed dinner Thursday night and somehow managed to find myself in a bar with folks watching the game. Not a Dodgers fan, but I did enjoy sitting with a crowd rooting for the winning home team. Though I was having a bit of fun with the lone Cubs fan in the room. 😀

>260 lindapanzo: Glad you enjoyed the Dench film and have a good time at your luncheon. And hooray for lots of reading.

>261 jnwelch: Happy Saturday, Joe. Glad you are enjoying your current reads. Have a safe return home.

>263 drneutron: No shame there, Jim. You were in LA and the Dodgers are a helluva team. I would now, have no problem with them going all the way. Just don't tell Katie...ssshhh.

Mark -

Here's where I got the idea that Commonwealth was somewhat autobiographical:
http://www.npr.org/2016/09/08/493142355/ann-patchett-calls-commonwealth-her-auto...

>262 msf59:: I certainly have some breweries in mind for your next visit.

>258 alphaorder: Nancy, I'm about 2/3 of the way through Turtles all the Way Down and it is EXCELLENT. The book is getting lots of good press (the NYT loved it), and I just downloaded John Green's interview on Fresh Air from earlier this week.

>262 msf59:, >265 alphaorder: Commonwealth definitely has autobiographical elements. I read it about a year ago, and heard something to that effect at the time (maybe the NPR piece Nancy linked to, can't remember). Reading This is the Story of a Happy Marriage this month, the autobiographical elements jumped off the page. Born in LA, father in the police force, moved to TN as a child when her parents' marriage broke up, blended family with step-siblings, ... yup.

>264 msf59: I'll always root for the NL team to win the Series. Well, except the Braves. Not much danger of that happening in my lifetime, but in the event it happens, go Yank-mes.

>265 alphaorder: Interesting, but still not my favorite Patchett.

Happy Saturday, Mark!

I am so glad you liked Commonweatlh, Mark! and thanks for the link>265 alphaorder: Interesting.

^Lots of drama and sadness around the Freeburg clan today. My daughter had to put down, her 7 year old German Shepard, Reese, today. He was having issues last night and was rushed to the Vet Emergency Care. They sent him home early this morning, thinking it was a stomach/intestinal problem but he was getting worse and they brought him back in and found a large mass on his liver. Poor guy. Bree is devastated. I hurried to the center after work and we all sat outside the facility and spent a few hours with Reese, saying goodbye, as the sunset. A nice send off but the tears flowed freely...

He was a good boy and will be missed.

>265 alphaorder: This is a terrific interview with Patchett, Nancy. Thanks. It definitely sheds some light on Commonweath.

>266 alphaorder: LOVE!

>267 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura. Looks, like I need to move the audio of Turtles all the Way Down way up in the audio queue. It has been getting excellent reviews.

It has been a couple of years since I read This is the Story of a Happy Marriage, so those bio details of Patchett were sketchy at best, but now it all makes perfect sense. Just a few pages left in Commonwealth.

>271 msf59: Such sad news, Mark. Please tell your daughter I send sad condolences.

>268 richardderus: Are you cheering on the Yanks, tonight, RD? I have not been watching, due to other distractions.

>269 Berly: I see a reread in your future, Kimmers. Grins...

>270 banjo123: Happy Saturday, Rhonda. Learning all that stuff, sure makes Commonwealth even that more intriguing. I am truly loving it.

>271 msf59:

What a beautiful companion for your daughter!

A sad loss for a dog so young...

So sorry for your daughter's loss. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy and it doesn't get any easier, no matter how many times you go through it. It's the cost of loving them, but the companionship and love they return is worth it. I hope Bree knows that her Reese knew he was loved.

I'm so sorry to hear about Reese, and totally understand Bree's devastation. I'm glad you all were able to spend time together at the end. So sad.

>274 msf59: Put it this way: I won't even wear pinstriped undershorts.

>271 msf59: So very sorry for your family's loss, Mark. Crying along with you all.

>271 msf59: Oh no, I'm so sorry. What a devastating loss - 7 is just too young. Sending my deepest condolences to Bree and your whole family. Run free, sweet boy.

Thanks- RD, Marianne, Shelley, Laura, Mary & Joanne! This was Bree's first dog, which she picked up from a rescue center, in Portland, the short time she lived there. She was 20 and Reese was a constant companion/protector for the next seven years. Our first dog, Bailey, who she also loved deeply, died here, while she was in Oregon, so she didn't get a chance to see her to the end. I am sure Bree will own several more dogs, through the years, so this is the first of many such passings. I am sure it never gets easier.

>280 Copperskye: Thanks, for that, Joanne. Perfectly said.

News about Reese is heartbreaking. I can imagine that the suddenness makes it even more difficult. Thinking of Bree and all of you.

Argh Mark, I step away for a day or two and have to catch up with 100 messages!

I was also a fan of Darktown and have downloaded the kindle version of the sequel, having been patient for ooh, maybe a whole month?! Just started but a cracking pace. Glad to hear the audio is also good.

>282 alphaorder: Thanks, Nancy. It was an emotional day. It will take awhile for Bree to get over it.

>283 charl08: Yep, you can not step away from here, for long, Charlotte. The chatter slows for no one. Grins...

I finished Lightning Men yesterday. A terrific follow-up. Not sure if Mullen will continue or not. I think making it a two-volume series is perfect.

“We meet wonderful people, but lose them
in our busyness.
We’re, as the saying goes, all over the place.
Steadfastness, it seems,
is more about dogs than about us.
One of the reasons we love them so much.”

“And it is exceedingly short, his galloping life. Dogs die so soon. I have my stories of that grief, no doubt many of you do also. It is almost a failure of will, a failure of love, to let them grow old—or so it feels. We would do anything to keep them with us, and to keep them young. The one gift we cannot give.”

-Mary Oliver

Morning, Mark! I was so sorry to read about Bree's dog - how devastating for her and for all of you. Keeping you in my thoughts and sending my love.

My condolences to Bree and the rest of your family on the loss of her canine companion. It is never easy to lose a loved one.

Oh, I"m so sad to hear about Reese. Poor Bree - she must be heartbroken. It's hard to love so well.

Mark, so sorry to hear about Bree's dog. That is young.

Thanks, Mamie, Meg, Katie & Linda. Much appreciated. Reese was a big presence around here. Booming bark, crazy protective of Bree, even with us, and shed in heaping clumps but the big boy will be missed.

Hi Mark!

I'm sorry to hear about Reese. Poor Bree. It is always hard to lose one of our fur kids. Sending hugs to you all.

>291 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen. I hope a good night sleep helps Bree. She hadn't slept much in those 24 hours. I appreciate the hugs.

Hi Mark - Sorry to hear about Reese. Saying good bye to a dog is never easy.

>293 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. She is still struggling. This will take some time.

>271 msf59: Sorry to read about Reese, so sad at a fairly young age.
big (((hugs))) to all of you, especially Bree, as it always is hard to loose a beloved dog.

>295 FAMeulstee: Thank you so much, Anita. Bree isn't doing very well today either. Just in her room, grieving.