Mark's Reading Place: Chapter Fifteen

^Eastern Screech Owlets. May 2018

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:


Books Read So Far...

OTS- Off the Shelf

March:

24) Don't Skip Out on Me by Willy Vlautin 4 stars ER
25) Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie 4.6 stars OTS (audio) OTS
26) An American Marriage by Tayari Jones 4 stars (audio)
27) Saving Tarboo Creek: One Family’s Quest to Heal the Land by Scott Freeman 4 stars
28) American Wolf by Nate Blakeslee 4.5 stars (audio)
29) The Night In Question: Stories by Tobias Wolff 4 stars AAC OTS
30) My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman 4.2 stars (audio)
31) Where the Dead Sit Talking by Brandon Hobson 3.4 stars E
32) Where Now: New and Selected Poems by Laura Kasischke 5 stars Poetry
33) The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks 4 stars (audio) OTS
34) Mozart's Starling by Lyanda Lynn Haupt 4 stars
35) Celine by Peter Heller 3.4 stars (audio) OTS
36) On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder 4.5 stars (audio)
37) Arthur & George by Julian Barnes 4.4 stars OTS
38) I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search by Michelle McNamara 4.3 stars (audio)

April:

39) Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World by Pénélope Bagieu 5 stars GN
40) Since We Fell: A Novel by Dennis Lehane 3.3 stars (audio) OTS
41) All the Names They Used for God: Stories by Anjali Sachdeva 4.5 stars
42) Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery by Scott Kelly 4.3 stars (audio)
43) We Are Okay by Nina LaCour 4.2 stars
44) The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe 5 stars (audio) OTS
45) In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens: Womanist Prose by Alice Walker 4 stars AAC
46) Becoming Unbecoming by Una 4.6 stars GN OTS
47) Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi 4.3 stars (audio)
48) The Book of Dust: Vol 1 by Philip Pullman 4.2 star
49) Birding Without Borders by Noah Strycker 4.5 stars OTS
50) Cove by Cynan Jones 3.7 stars
51) Career of Evil (A Cormoran Strike Novel) by Robert Galbraith 4 stars (audio) OTS
52) When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors 5 stars (audio)
53) Happiness: A Novel by Aminatta Forna 4 stars

May:

54) Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover 4.6 stars (audio)
55) The Jump-Off Creek by Molly Gloss 4.2 stars OTS
56) Black Swans: Stories by Eve Babitz 4.4 stars OTS
57) A Plague of Giants by Kevin Hearne 3.6 stars (audio) OTS
58) The Beekeeper's Lament by Hannah Nordhaus 4 stars (audio)
59) Tabloid City: A Novel by Pete Hamill 4 stars AAC
60) The Boy on the Bridge by M. R. Carey 3.8 stars (audio)
61) The Parking Lot Attendant by Nafkote Tamirat 4 stars OTS
62) The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya 4.3 stars (audio)
63) Whispers in Dust and Bone by Andrew Geye 4.2 stars OTS
64) End of Watch by Stephen King 3.6 stars (audio) OTS
65) Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison 4 stars Good Reads
66) A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership by James Comey 4.2 stars (audio)

June:

67) Less: A Novel by Andrew Sean Greer 4 stars (audio)
68) Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned by Walter Mosley 4.2 stars (audio) AAC
69) Kingbird Highway: The Biggest Year by Kenn Kaufman 4.3 stars
70) The Night of the Gun (Memoir) by David Carr 5 stars (audio) OTS
71) Bearskin: A Novel by James A McLaughlin 4.2 stars
72) CIRCE by Madeline Miller 4.5 stars (audio)
73) Go, Went, Gone by Jenny Erpenbeck 4.4 stars

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

2018 AAC

January- Joan Didion Completed The White Album
February- Colson Whitehead Completed Sag Harbor
March- Tobias Wolff Completed The Night in Question: Stories
April- Alice Walker Completed In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens
May- Peter Hamill Completed Tabloid City
June- Walter Mosley Completed Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned
July- Amy Tan
August- Louis L'Amour
September- Pat Conroy
October- Stephen King
November- Narrative Nonfiction
December- F. Scott Fitzgerald

Here is a link to the General Discussion Thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/279501#

I read a Lucky 13, in May and it was another excellent reading month, with a nice blend, of fiction and NF. I kicked off the month with an excellent memoir, Educated: A Memoir, which I highly recommend, along with another stellar memoir, The Girl Who Smiled Beads. I had not heard of Molly Glass before, but thanks to Rhonda, I was able to read The Jump-Off Creek and I was quite impressed.
I got my 2 story-collections in for the month, with Black Swans: Stories and Whispers in Dust and Bone. Both new authors for
me and I was happy with the pair. I got some fantasy in with A Plague of Giants and The Boy on the Bridge, a crime/horror novel with End of Watch, wrapping up King's trilogy and finished the month with an impressive political book, A Higher Loyalty, which I will write a mini-review of soon.

Not shabby and as usual I am expecting, another terrific month in June.

^I listened to the latest New York Times Book Podcast and they showcased both Stephen King & Philip Roth. An excellent look at both authors. One of my very favorite weekly podcasts.

Check it out here: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/01/books/review/rise-fall-of-dinosaurs-steve-bru...

Happy New Thread. I'm gonna have to go get that podcast. Cause who doesn't need more podcasts. Not me. :)

Happy new one, Mark! Awe and aaah topper! Have a delightful Sunday!

Those owls!

Happy new thread, Mark. What a topper!! Does your friend have a link to your thread? ;-)

Happy New Thread, Mark. What great toppers! Wow.

I'm glad you're reading Alpha Abidjan, and I hope you enjoy the wrapup of Less: A Novel. I think you will. :-)

Happy new one, Mark. Love the owlets.

Hi Mark and happy Sunday! I love that podcast too. Another good one is from CBC Radio called "Writers and Company."

>6 mahsdad: Thanks, Jeff. I try to limit myself, on the podcasts. I listen to about 4 of them weekly. Books always come first. Grins...

>7 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda. We have busy doing chores around and outside the house today, but these things needed to be done, plus it is a perfect day to be working outdoors.

>8 laytonwoman3rd: Those owls, indeed, Linda. I made that photo my desktop backdrop too, so I see them regularly.

>9 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. My birding pal, doesn't seem to be on the internet much. I am not even sure he is on FB.

Wow, what a spectacular view for reading.

Happy new thread, Mark.

I'll have to subscribe to that NY Times Book podcast. I subscribe to podcasts and then forget about them.

Great toppers Mark.

You are certainly gunnng ahead with your reading.

Yay for a new thread! And I loved both of the topper.

I'll have to give the podcast a listen.

Hope you're having a great Sunday!

Happy new thread, Mark! Good photos in the topper.

Happy new one, Mark! Your love of owls reminds me of my Granny, who claimed them as her totem, and collected some lovely figurines of them, a few of which I inherited.

Happy new thread, Mark, I LOVE those owls at the top!
Looks like you are heading for the magic number in June :-)

Great photo of the owls, Mark!

>10 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe. Glad you like the toppers. I have read and reviewed Alpha Abidjan. I liked it very much.

>11 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. Hooray for the owlets!

>12 vivians: Happy Sunday, Vivian. It looks like I will have to check out "Writers and Company." Thanks! What are your other favorite podcasts?

>14 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda. I hope to get a view like that, in the topper, when we visit Colorado this summer. I miss the mountains. Nice Cubs sweep, eh?

>15 Caroline_McElwee: Glad you like the toppers, Caroline. I should hit the 75 mark this month. Yah!

-Skua (seabird)



-Loggerhead Kingbird (I want to see one of these rarities)

^I am approaching the halfway point in Kingbird Highway. The crazy tenacity and drive of these famous birders, is something to behold, especially since the author, a young man at the time, hitchhiked across America to see these birds, in the early 70s, with no money, practically starving himself.



^Stripe-Headed Tanager (Another beauty)

Happy new thread, Mark. Congrats on seeing screech owls and having a friend who could take that photo topper!

>21 msf59: Alpha Abidjan is up there under your "currently reading." I'm glad you liked it.

>16 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary. A busy Sunday. We got a lot done around the house and outside the house. We are going camping next weekend, so we were preparing for that too.

>17 harrygbutler: Thanks, Harry.

>18 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie! I appreciate the sharing of your Granny's love of owls. I wonder if they are my totem too? Would not be surprised, in the least.

>19 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. Hooray for the owls!

>20 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl. Glad you like the owls!

Stopping by to say hi. Worked most of the day, so not much to report.

Happy new thread, Mark. Great thread toppers! That owl photo is amazing.

Happy reading to you.

>23 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. Hooray for the ESO! Sure made my day.

>24 jnwelch: Hey, Joe. I haven't started a new GN yet, so Alpha is still coming up, as a current read. I plan on starting Royal City soon.

>26 alphaorder: Happy Sunday, Nancy. Work, Work? Or at home work? Bummer, either way.

>27 tymfos: Thanks, Terri. Great to see you. Glad you like the toppers and yes, very pleased with my reading.

>28 msf59: Work, work. I am launching our new website this week and still have things to get done. Which means I was sitting in my cubicle and wasn't even enjoying the day at the nature center. But we head to Colorado on Saturday, so I can persevere knowing the great outdoors and good books are in the near future. I did get to listen to more of the Russo on my commute.

>29 alphaorder: Bummer, about the work, work, Nancy. Good luck on the new website. We were busy taking care of things at the house and starting to prepare for our camping trip to MI, next weekend. I wish we were going to Colorado, but that will have to wait until August. Smiles...

^Lately, house sparrows have been bombarding our main feeder. I filled it on Thursday and it was nearly empty this morning. I recently learned, through a tip, from the Talkin' Birds podcast, (which I have really been enjoying) that if you hang a couple strands of monofilament line, (fishing line) from the feeder, the sparrows will not land on it. Well, I tried it today and it WORKS! We did see one sparrow, defy the odds, land and feed but the others stayed away. The sparrows, of course, can still feed from the ground., so no worries that they will be neglected. What a cool thing! I had to share it with my bird pals.

>31 msf59: That is great that this method worked!

Happy new one Mark.

>5 msf59: Thanks for the link to the podcast. I will read something of Roth's this month in memoriam.

Happy new thread, Mark!

>32 alphaorder: I was keeping an eye on the feeder, through the afternoon and early evening, and other than the one defiant sparrow, they stayed away. This will save me feed costs. Grins...

>33 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. I am under-read, in regards to Roth, so I hope to get to, one or two of his this year, in tribute.

>34 scaifea: Thanks, Amber!

Morning Mark! Thought you might like this post about short stories collections.
https://lithub.com/17-great-writers-and-their-favorite-story-collections/

'Morning, Mark! I hope you have a good workday.

We don't get house sparrows on the feeders in droves, but it's good to know for the future!

Good morning, Mark. Looks like a good one out there.

I hope you like Royal City Vol. 1 as much as I did. I hope to read the second one soon. Right now I'm enjoying that Brubaker-Phillips Kill or Be Killed series. I think you'd like it, too.

>31 msf59: Ha, those guys are always around and so bold. One landed on our table when we were outside having coffee one fine day. I didn't realize they would crowd other birds out from a feeder.

Have a great day, Mark.

Hi Mark. Good to know about that trick, especially since I've also noticed that the sparrows have suddenly returned here too in the last few days! Once upon a time, they were just about the only visitors I had but thankfully, they have been scarce the last few years, as the goldfinches, house finches, chickadees and others have moved in. I wonder, though, if this *trick* might not deter other species, than just the sparrows.

Mail is light, for a Monday, gorgeous weather, sunny & 80, good books going = One Fine Day.

>36 alphaorder: Thanks for thinking of me, Nancy. You know I LOVE my story collections. I will check it out tonight.

>37 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Yep, the sparrows have been swarming my feeder, so I am glad this little trick seems to work.

>38 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. It is going to be a beauty. Hope to start the Lemire tonight. What volume is the Brubaker? I really like that series.

Happy new thread, a little late on my part!

>31 msf59: Interesting tip, Mark. We see a lot of feeding by both house sparrows and starlings, and I'm largely resigned to letting them — as well as the squirrels — have a share.

A red-winged blackbird dive bombed me, as I was taking a little stroll, along a railroad embankment, while on a short break. I scurried along...I am sure I was getting a bit close to a nest.

>39 Familyhistorian: Morning, Meg. The sparrows have been crazy busy lately. Maybe they are feeling young.

>40 jessibud2: The guys on the podcast, didn't mention that it would deter other birds and they seem to be pros at this. Regardless, I will keep an eye out, to make sure.

I am still not seeing many goldfinch, which is a puzzle. I did see a pair yesterday.

>42 drneutron: Thanks, Jim.

>43 harrygbutler: Hi, Harry. I think the sparrows and squirrels can find plenty of feed on the ground. That is where they forage the most anyway.

Funny, I have seen starlings lately too. They seem to love the suet feeder.

>41 msf59: I'm on volume 3 of the Kill or Be Killed GN series. It's a good series, isn't it. I should've known you'd be on top of it.

>29 alphaorder: Where will you be going in Colorado, Nancy? If anywhere near Pueblo, maybe we can meet up?!?

>30 msf59: Can't wait till August, Mark!

>31 msf59: Great pic! Also, great tip. I've seen a lot of the little bugg...um, I mean, sparrows, at my feeder and was wondering why the seed was disappearing so fast. I'm going to find some fishing line and try that. Also going to try the Talking Birds podcast.

Hope you're having a great Monday!

>46 jnwelch: Duh! I have not read the Kill or Be Killed books, Joe. I got them mixed up with with Brubaker's Criminal series. Now, I can look forward to reading this one. I love this artist team!

>47 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary. Nancy mentioned to me, where in Colorado, when we talked last, but I forgot her destination. This happens when you get older.

Yep, looking forward to August. It gets me through the work day. The fishing line trick sure seems to work and I just saw a cardinal at the main feeder, so it isn't spooking him.

Mark, it's almost Twilight Zone-ish, that sparrows have suddenly descended on your feeder, and mine, so far apart! They cleaned me out again today! I will be away this weekend and therefore, the feeder won't be out at all, so maybe they will move on....

In other bird (cam) news, the ospreys have their first chick, as of this morning and I also saw the eaglets learning to rip apart a fish all by themselves. :-)

>49 jessibud2: Twilight Zone music playing...There maybe a reason sparrows are so active now. Maybe nesting, feeding their young? Who knows. So far my fishing line trick is working and I did see a male cardinal at the main feeder, when I got home, so it isn't bothering them.

Thanks, for the cam report. I should check on them more often.

^For the AAC, I started Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned, on audio and it is really good, as it follows Socrates Fortlow, a 58 year old ex-con, trying to assimilate himself back into society. This is the first in the series.

It is narrated by the actor Paul Winfield, (in photo) and he does a stellar job. I did not realize Winfield had died in 2004. I also can't believe this book was written nearly 20 years ago.

No Cubs tonight so I'm watching hockey. Probably will do a lot of reading. I'm halfway through a Keith Hernandez baseball memoir and halfway through a bio of Chicago mayor Harold Washington.

>47 Storeetllr: Mary - A short visit to see my sister-in-law and family in Monument. First time in 20 years! Not sure about the ability for extra visits this time around, but I hope to make it back there more often in the near future.

Looks like there is a raptor center near you too? That would be interesting too, next time around.

>53 alphaorder: Yes, there is! I plan to start volunteering there after the Midterms. (Before that, too hot and also too busy volunteering on various campaigns.) Maybe sometime we could meet there and then get something to eat. Or we could go to Garden of the Gods (which I just "discovered" a week or so ago).

>52 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. Not watching anything tonight, although MSNBC is on in the background.

Hope you are enjoying your books.

>53 alphaorder: >54 Storeetllr: I hope you two, can meet up in Colorado, at some point.

Looking forward to meeting Mary in August.

I can't keep up! A lurking thread or so behind I think - Happy Tuesday anyway ;)

>56 BekkaJo: That is okay, Bekka. It is hard to keep up around here. Great to see you.

Good morning, Mark, and happy Wednesday Tuesday to you! (I've done this twice this year so far.... sheesh)

I think all the goldfinches in central NC are hanging out at my neighbor Louise's - she has put out a mixture of sunflower seed hearts, nyjer seed, and some kind of special finch food and they really like it. At my house all they get is black oil sunflower seeds and wild bird seed.

Morning, Karen! Is it Wednesday, all ready? Smiles...Glad Louise is enjoying the goldfinch. I have seen very few these past few weeks. Still puzzling over that one. It looks like use the same type of feed for our main feeders.

Mark - I think we need to read this book!

https://lithub.com/literary-classics-retold-as-two-panel-comics/

>59 msf59: I bet you wish it was Wednesday so you'd be closer to your weekend off!

-Golden-Cheecked Warbler, ( I have not seen one)

"There is subtle excitement in a woodlot where a wave of migrating warblers has come in. Light lisps and chips in the treetops, almost to soft to be heard; constant movements, almost too quick and delicate and distant to be seen--the presence of the warblers is detected more as a feeling than as a sight or sound."

-Kingbird Highway. I should finish this tomorrow. All bird photos, are birds mentioned in the book.



-Northern Hawk Owl. (Would sure love to see one of these bad boys)

>60 alphaorder: I have not read Proust. This would be perfect, Nancy. LOL.

>61 karenmarie: I did think the same thing, Karen. Smiles...

Good morning, Mark! I haven't been seeing many goldfinches at our feeders, either, though I saw one yesterday, so perhaps I'm just not looking at the same times they're visiting.

>60 alphaorder: - LOL! Love it!

I have never read Mosley, Mark, though I have a couple of his books on my shelves. It sounds like I would like him. I imagine you are enjoying this lovely weather.

I'm about 100 pages from the end of my Walter Mosley book. Although he is "not my style" as I suspected, the book is not as bad as I thought it might be.

>64 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. The mystery of the goldfinch. We may need to call in a bird sleuth. Do you know one?

>66 BLBera: Morning, Beth. Mosley has such a nice, range of books, I think any reader could find something to enjoy.

And yes, the weather has been wonderful.

>68 msf59: - I own a book called The Bird Detective, Mark. Will that do? ;-)

Actually, I own both books Stutchbury has written and met her once on a bird walk. I am embarrassed to admit, though, that I have not yet read them....

I have never read anything by Walter Mosley. That seems wrong, somehow. Maybe I'll follow in your footsteps. Unless there s something else you would recommend instead?

Loving all the owls and other birds here, Mark.

My favorite books of Mosley's are the Easy Rawlins mysteries. Set in L.A. in the 50s through the 90s (I think), except for a few short stories/novelas set in earlier times. For this month's ACC challenge, I'm trying The Gift of Fire and On the Head of a Pin, two short novels from Crosstown to Oblivion, but I plan a reread of the Easy Rawlins mysteries starting with the audio of Devil in a Blue Dress which I think I'm going to buy from Audible.

>67 thornton37814: Hi, Lori. Glad you are trying a Mosley. I hope it works out for you.

>69 jessibud2: Hi, Shelley. I think The Bird Detective will work just fine. How about digging it out of the stacks and giving it a twirl. If you think it is a worthwhile read, I will toss it on the list. Grins..

>70 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen. Great to see you. I am not a Mosley expert, so you may have to ask someone more knowledgeable, like Joe or Mary. I will say, I think Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned is not a bad place to start. I hope you can join us on a Mosley.

>71 Storeetllr: Thanks for the Mosley suggestions, Mary. Let me know how Devil in a Blue Dress plays on audio. I may revisit that one in the audio format.

Cubs not looking too good tonight. Time to turn to my books and hope for the best on our boys in blue.

>74 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. Tough outing for Hendricks. So far, the offense has not been able to cash in. Still plenty of time.

#54
I LOVE Garden of the Gods. I have a print of them hanging above my desk in my office. My sister lived in C. Springs for 2 years and she and I spent a great day hiking there and having a picnic. I SOOOOOO want to go back. It is an amazing place.

If anybody on this thread is from any place within driving distance of New Orleans, Louisiana in the USA - this news is for you.

The American Library Association is holding their summer conference in NOLA starting on June 23, 2018. LT is providing free passes to the exhibits. With those free passes you can get free books and other swag. Mark, Suzanne, and Mary can all attest to the number of books and graphic novels you can pick up at this conference exhibits with that free pass.

In addition, I am planning a LT meetup with the LT Gods, Tim Spaulding, and Abby Blachely if there is interest. I Will be setting up a thread with more information on it tomorrow where you can post if you are interested in a meet-up.

There was a meetup in Denver for the winter conference and we had a great time discussing books and libraries and other things literary and political (as well as birds). I got to meet Storeetllr in person! And we talked about birds. If you would like to join in this summer watch this thread, and some of the others, for information.

Hi Mark, just checking into your new(ish) thread. I love your topper picture, you wouldn't think that owls would have expressive faces - but each one of those owls seems to be having very distinct thoughts!

>76 benitastrnad:, >77 benitastrnad: Stop by my thread, Benita - I posted some pics I took while at GotG a couple weeks ago (http://www.librarything.com/topic/289473#6488063). Also, anytime you are in the area, let me know. You can stay in my guestroom-cum-office and we can drive up in the morning to visit it. Beautiful park, only about an hour from my house. Wish I could join you all for the meetup in The Big Easy. The Denver meetup was so much fun!

Hi, Mark! I'll let you know about Devil in a Blue Dress if I get it on audio. I have an extra credit there, so... Of course, my Audible wishlist is about 20 books long. lol

I've requested an e-copy of Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned from the library, Mark. Unless someone turns me in, I plan to keep my library account and just use e-books. I will miss the physical libraries of the Seattle Public Library. So many branches in the city, all unique and all, well, all libraries!

From last thread (*catching up is hard to do*)
Kingbird Highway: The Biggest Year in the Life of an Extreme Birder- sounded great! A guy, on the road, in search of birds but presumable growing as a person and experiencing life! Cool.

Also, Less (by Marc Lesser, really?) sounds up my alley too! Because of this, I opt out from reading the previous 80 posts on your new thread. I cannot afford any more BBs Mr! :)

>62 msf59: That's well written, it gives a sense of being there.

>76 benitastrnad: >77 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. I was at the Garden of the Gods, when I was a kid, but would love to go back. I wish I could make it to ALA, in New Orleans. I have never been there. Sue went a few weeks ago, with friends, and had a good time. I hope an LT or 2, can join you guys. I don't think there is anyone around locally.

>78 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy. I made that owlet photo my desktop backdrop too, so I see it quite clearly and agree with you, on the expressive faces.

>79 Storeetllr: Devil in a Blue Dress may be available through my elibrary, Mary. I will have to check. That is where I snagged Always Outnumbered.

>80 EBT1002: Sorry, you lose the joy of your physical library, Ellen but I am glad you'll still have use of it's digital services.

>81 LovingLit: Hi, Megan. I will finish up Kingbird Highway today. It is a very good book and they are not kidding about the "extreme" part of this. what this young guy did, with practically no money is truly astounding.

>82 EllaTim: Well said, Ella and you know we love our warblers around here.

'Morning, Mark, and happy Wednesday to you (I got it right today!). I hope your day goes well.

I just set up the ALA NOLA thread. Here is the link. http://www.librarything.com/topic/292255

I am still putting in information and will be throughout the day so don't expect much right now.

If you are going to ALA or if you live in driving distance of New Orleans you might want to check out this thread, and grab the free exhibit passes so that you can get free books and goodies from the publishers who attend.

>85 karenmarie: Happy Wednesday, Karen. Gorgeous day here. Yah!

>86 benitastrnad: I hope some LT folks can come. I have been to a few ALA events and can attest, that they are a treasure trove, for book geeks.

>73 msf59: great illustration, and I'm sure there are times we could all benefit from that bit of wisdom Mark.

>88 Caroline_McElwee: Hi, Caroline. I am glad you liked the owlish wisdom. Yes, we should all take that sage advice.

^ I have wanted to read this memoir, The Night of the Gun since it came out in, 2008, (the year I joined LT). What took so long? I have no friggin' idea. Sadly, Carr died in 2015. What is also sad, is that he was a very famous journalist, but I am not familiar with his work. Well, this memoir should take care of that. I started the audio today and it is off to a terrific start.

Anyone else read this memoir? Or anyone familiar with his journalism?

^After finishing Kingbird Highway (Big Thumbs Up), I decided my next print book with will be Bearskin. This is a crime thriller set in Appalachia, with poachers and drug cartels. This sounds good. Much thanks, to Benita, for picking this up for me at ALA. She knows what I like. B.A.G.

What a finish!! A walk off grand slam by Jason Heyward. I was about to throw in the towel but glad I stayed up to watch the end. Woo hoo.

Morning, Mark! I've heard of Carr, but never read any of his stuff. I'm looking forward to what you have to say about him.

>92 lindapanzo: I went to bed after the 8th, Linda. Missed J-Hey's granny! Yah!!



>93 scaifea: Morning, Amber! I really like Carr's writing style, plus it is a very unique approach to a memoir.

^I saw a female Wood Duck with her ducklings, on the route the other day. They are very elusive ducks, so this was a treat, despite, being in a stretch of creek water, that isn't particularly clean. I did not see the male, but with all the shadows and foliage, he could have been lurking nearby.

What a beautiful duck, those big eyes, and the copper colours. Just on your route?

>95 msf59: I love wood ducks, they are so beautiful and it's such a treat to spot them. And ducklings!! Aren't they just the sweetest little things?

>95 msf59: Good morning, Mark! Congrats on the wood duck sighting.

Morning Mark!

2 days and counting until vacation. Thought I would share what I am taking along.
Have about two hours of Russo's Destiny Thief left on audio. - Highly recommend. He is such a great storyteller.
Tin Man which is getting lots of raves among my publishing friends.
The Ensemble- I have seen a lot of great reviews and it sounds like a perfect vacation read.
And Issue 76 of Tin House, which isn't posted on their website yet, but looks terrific. http://tinhouse.com/shop/filters/product_cat/magazine/?orderby=date

Have a great day - looks like a nice one out there!

Good morning, Mark, and happy Thursday to you! Congrats on the Wood Duck sighting from me, too.

I haven't seen any birds to add to my list, but I anticipate being able to do so when I visit CA for 3 days and then Montana for 2 weeks starting June 20.

>96 EllaTim: The female is a bit dull, compared to the striking colors of the male, but I still like her look. Yes, this is a first time sighting on my route, but I have seen them several times before, in other places. Usually a pair swimming around together, in deep cover.

>97 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura. Yes, I am big fan of wood ducks. Not many ducks spend the warmer months here but I am glad they have chosen to do so. I wish I could have got a better look at the ducklings.

>98 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. I usually see something interesting at this certain spot on my route, when the red-wing blackbirds aren't dive bombing me. Yesterday, I saw a gray catbird, which seems to like hanging out here.

>99 alphaorder: Hooray for the approaching vacation, Nancy. I like your reading picks too. I am especially interested in the Russo collection and Tin Man.

>100 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Your upcoming vacation sounds wonderful.

Have you read anything by Timothy Egan, Mark. I'm half-through The Big Burn and I like it. It's narrative nonfiction about an enormous forest fire that engulfed parts of Montana, Idaho, and Washington in 1910. As much as anything, it's about the establishment of the U.S. Forest Service under TR, the legislative war to eradicate it (driven by representatives of the very states torched by the fire), and the fire's proof of the agency's value.

I've had Egan's Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher, about photographer Edward Curtis, who photographed native Americans in late 1800s, early 1900s, on my wish list for years and just haven't gotten a copy.


White Man Runs Him, c. 1908. Crow scout serving with George Armstrong Custer’s 1876 expeditions against the Sioux and Northern Cheyenne that culminated in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. (from Wikipedia)

More NOLA News. And a reminder, that LT is providing free passes to the exhibits. In case you haven't made it over to the new ALA NOLA thread here is the link to that thread. https://www.librarything.com/topic/292255

If the link for the passes doesn't work directly from here just copy and paste the link into a browser and it should work.

Here is the note from Abby Blachley with the link to the free passes.

Yes, Tim and I will both be there! I think the last time ALA was in NOLA was the first conference I met you at! I'd say just plan a meetup and Tim and I will do our best to join you all. We're there Friday through Monday...

Free exhibits only passes, thanks to ProQuest:
https://www.compusystems.com/servlet/ar?evt_uid=952&oi=UYallag2%2FE%2FHoIiGj...
The link has the code in it already, so people don't have to add anything special when they fill out the form.

Best,
Abby

#103
I read Worst Hard Time a few years ago and liked it. I also have a copy of Big Burn on the nightstand. I just haven't started reading it yet. I keep pushing it back in favor of other titles. I might have to move that one up.

Somehow I missed you starting this thread!
Still love that owl photo!

Wow, you hit me with full-auto BBs today...

Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher - historical photography? Yes please
The Big Burn - Yes please again.
The Night of the Gun - probably not a pretty read, but sounds interesting.

>103 weird_O: I LOVE Egan, Bill. The Worst Hard Time is amazing. My favorite book, that I read that year. I really enjoyed The Big Burn too. I have wanted to get to Shadow Catcher since it came out. Maybe, it is time?

>104 benitastrnad: >105 benitastrnad: Get any interest in, ALA, Benita? Hope so.

I thought The Worst Hard Time was excellent. One of my very favorite NNF books. I have still not read Shadow Catcher. I want to.

>107 mahsdad: Sorry, to riddle you with BBs, Jeff. The hazards of stopping by the Warbler Homestead. Egan is great. You have never read him?

The Night of the Gun has been terrific. A harrowing memoir. Shudders.

I noticed up-thread that you are reading Bearskin. I heard this author speak at Denver. He was impressive. Doesn't look like an author at all. Big guy. Not bearish, just big. Maybe like a drug/Meth dealer. He had to lean over to speak into the microphone and it was obvious that he was uncomfortable while giving his talk about this book.

There has been some action on the NOLA/ALA thread, but it isn't a big region for LT. Not like Chicago and there don't seem to be any thread miester's from that area. Not to mention a warbler. The last time I was there, we had four people at the meet-up. Six counting Tim and Abby. We will have fun no matter.

No I've never read any Egan, I wasn't a big NNF reader until meeting you and the rest of the crazies in this asylum. :)

>110 benitastrnad: Not far into Bearskin, but I like his style and the Appalachia setting. Good choice.

>111 mahsdad: Obviously, I would love for you to start with The Worst Hard Time, Jeff, but any Egan will do. Hooray for the crazies!!

And on the list, that one goes.

Oh and to return the favor, did you see that our favorite (or at least mine) Swedish author (Fredrik Backman) has a new book coming out? Us Against You, I think its a sequel to Beartown, which I still have to read.

>113 mahsdad: Thanks, Jeff. I did see that Us Against You is coming out. I really liked Beartown too. Man, this guy is prolific! Hard to keep up.

Today in my Publishers Weekly newsletter Blackstone Audio announced that they have purchased the rights to the James Clavell catalog from his estate. That means that they now have the rights to make recorded versions of books like Shogun, Tai-Pan, and King Rat. I wonder who they will get to read them? I can’t wait for these in audio. They would be great fun to listen to on long car trips.

I wonder when some audio book company will do recorded versions of authors like James Michner or R. F. Delderfeld? Or the Poldark books? There are so many of those old popular titles that would make great recorded books.

No reading for me tonight. Too excited watching the Caps win the Stanley Cup.

I also have been meaning to read Shadow catcher for some time. Egan is great, and I love Curtis's photography.

Morning, Mark!

>115 benitastrnad: Thanks for the Publishers Weekly updates. Sadly, I have never read Shogun, so if they do an audio version, this would be perfect. The only Clavell I read was King Rat.

>116 lindapanzo: I didn't watch any of the NHL finals, Linda and last night we were packing for our camping trip. Unless, the Hawks are in it, I don't pay much attention to hockey.

>117 banjo123: Looks like a bunch of us NEED to read, Shadow Catcher, Rhonda. I will try to get to it this summer.

>118 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

^We are spending the weekend, camping, in Michigan. It is a state park, on the east side of Lake Michigan. It is a beautiful place. A large group of us are going, but there is no room in the bigger campers, so we are "roughin" in a tent, this year. Wish us luck!

I won't be on the internet much, but I will check in when I get a chance. We come back later Sunday afternoon. Sayonara!

Enjoy your weekend, Mark. It's been years since I went camping (always in a tent, by the way!). I miss it!

I hope you have a great time!

Have a great time camping, Mark!

Have a great weekend in MI, Mark. My Lake Michigan FB pics will be replaced by scenes from CO next week. Looking forward to it!

Have fun Marc, the picture looks wonderful!

Have a great trip! Looks like it's supposed to be a beautiful weekend here so I hope you get the same weather!

Happy Friday, Mark! Your camping spot looks amazing! Enjoy!

Enjoy your travels Mark. Never slept in a tent, I have to admit.

>120 msf59:

Are you camping anywhere near Petosky so you can search for their fabulous stones?

I came by to give you a big Thank You for hitting me with a BB for Go Down Together: The True, Untold Story of Bonnie and Clyde. It was a great read. Enjoy your camping trip!

Have fun, Mark!

Morning, Mark! Finally making it to your newest thread. Wishing you safe travels and a trip full of fabulous, my friend.

Have a great time camping, Mark. I hope you see lots of birds and have great weather.

Greetings from Michigan. A soggy morning here in the campground, since it rained pretty good during the night. Much gratitude goes to my dear wife, for weather-proofing the tent so well, so we stayed dry and warm.

Still, the only one up in my group. Showered and working on my 2nd cup of coffee.

Of course, it started raining again...sighs.

Sorry about that rain, Mark. Wish I could share the morning we're having here. Blue skies, breezes, bird song, and the smell of fresh-mown hay. Sorrynotsorry.

Hi Mark!

Sorry about the rain, so glad you have a waterproof tent.

Happy Sunday Morning, from MI. It is not raining but it is cool and breezy at the moment, as I work on my first cup of java, while the rest of the group slumbers. Lots of crows clawing in this campground. The first thing I heard, a couple of hours ago.

We had a road trip into Grand Rapids yesterday and since that it is a major beer town, we were able to hit 4 breweries. I probably should have hung back and hiked and read, but the lure was to strong.

We will head back home around lunch time. I hope to get a hike in before then. Oh, look, I need a fill up...

Hi Mark! Quiet time with a good cup of coffee is wonderful, isn't it?

Safe trip home!

Awe, on the way home so soon?! Hope you got the hike in and saw a few new to you birds! Safe travels!

^WOW! Today marks my tenth year. Despite, LT being a regular part of my daily life, I still am amazed that I have hung around here for a decade. I do not think any of us, knew how special this place would come to mean to us, and without it, even for a few short hours, we begin the withdrawal process and it sure ain't pretty. Lastly, and possibly the most important, is the friendships that have been forged along the way. I hope to continue to attend meet ups, with new and old alike.

Thanks to everyone here, for making this my second home!

^This is our tent, with extra tarp reinforcement, for impending rain. Sue wanted to make sure we stayed warm, dry and snug, which we did. The "roughin" part of the camping went surprisingly smooth. This is good news, because Sue is willing to do this again.

We are home now, unpacked, laundry started and I am getting some LT time in, as I sip a beer or two.

Speaking, of which, the group decided to hit one more brewery on the home, called Green Bush Brewery, in Sawyer MI. It seems like the whole town is centered around this one brewery and it was a lot of fun. They served good pizza too.

^This is the group, (missing a couple of people) at our first stop in the brewery hop, yesterday, in Grand Rapids, which is an incredible beer town. This is Founders Brewery, one of our favorites. Good chow too.

Looks like you had a great time, Mark! Colorado is beautiful. I am very relaxed. Finished Tin Man. Now it is time for a beer and starting The Ensemble.

Planning on heading to Royal Gorge tomorrow. https://royalgorgebridge.com/

Congrats on your 10 years, too! Glad to have met you, my friend.

>121 jessibud2: You much be made of better stuff, Shelley. LOL. We have camped in tents a few times over the past 25 years, but we prefer the comforts of a deluxe camper, when we get a chance. There are more benefits now to tent camping, like cots or air mattresses, so this has made things a bit easier.

>122 karenmarie: >123 scaifea: >124 alphaorder: >125 EllaTim: >126 ChelleBearss: >127 Carmenere: >128 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Karen, Amber, Nancy, Ella, Chelle, Lynda & Caroline! We had a good time, although one more day would have been perfect.

>129 m.belljackson: We love Petosky, Marianne, but we were staying 3-4 hours south of there. We would love to get back up there.

>130 DeltaQueen50: Happy Sunday, Judy. Hooray for Go Down Together. Wasn't that a great bio? I am glad you got it and enjoyed it too.

>131 Copperskye: >132 Crazymamie: >133 BLBera: Thanks, Joanne, Mamie & Beth. Good times all around.

>136 laytonwoman3rd: We could have done without the rain, Linda. It looks like today may have been the worst, but we were all ready packed up and gone, before it hit. It was pleasantly cool and breezy though, which sure beats the HEAT!

>137 karenmarie: >139 karenmarie: Sue did a good job with the waterproofing, Karen. When we packed up the tent and tarps, everything was perfectly dry underneath.

Funny, I actually slept in both days but was still up, one or two hours before everyone else. Grins...

>140 Carmenere: Hi, Lynda. We could have easily used one more full day. Maybe next time. Not many special birds were seen but my precious hiking time, was limited, this trip, due to our brewery itinerary. Smiles...

Mark, a HUGE congrats on hitting the ten year mark. You expressed it so beautifully, the great value of this special place, friendship and books. Yeah LT!

>144 alphaorder: Hi, Nancy. I missed you up there last night. I am sure you are having a wonderful time in Colorado. I have not visited the Royal Gorge but I have heard it is stunning. Enjoy. I also hope you are trying those fine Colorado brews.

And thanks on the 10 years! It has been a great ride!

>147 mdoris: Morning, Mary. And thanks. Yep, this place has sure become one tight-knit family.

^I got very little reading in over the 3 day weekend. Fortunately, I did log some audio time in, on the drive and I continue to revel in The Night of the Gun. It is a terrific memoir, despite its harrowing subject matter. I hope to get back into Bearskin, which was off to a strong start.

Congratulations on 10 years, Mark! I love this community so much, who'd a thunk it would become such a special place?

I'm glad your camping trip went well, too!

'Morning, Mark, and happy Monday to you.

>141 msf59: Congratulations. You said it beautifully, too.

Glad you had a good outing, Mark, despite the rainy conditions and a little less outdoor time than you had originally expected. Enjoy your Monday.

>141 msf59: - Congrats on the big number! I am half as old as you are, in LT years (sounds like a *dog years* sort of joke, doesn't it, lol). Great description of this group!

Congrats on your ten years, Mark.

Heavy mail volume, light rain falling...my intense dislike of work day Monday, continues, unabated.

I'll be back on my next break...

>150 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura. It looks like many of us, started LT, around the same time and nearly everyone is still involved. I think that speaks volumes.

>151 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen. I know we go quite a ways back too.

>152 harrygbutler: Hi, Harry. I would have preferred more hiking and exploring on the camping trip, but I honestly can not complain. As everyone clearly knows, I like beer too.

>153 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. I love the dog years joke. Nothing wrong with five years either.

>154 BLBera: Thanks, Beth.

Congrats on 10 years of LT! Your presence here helps to make it the wonderful place that it is!

Looks like a great set up for camping! We haven't tried with the girls yet. I don't think we have a tent big enough for that. Maybe next year

Happy 10th Thingaversary, Mark. Wow!! You're one of the true gems on LT.

Happy #10 Mark! And I agree with >157 ChelleBearss: and >158 lindapanzo:...you're a great inspiration for the rest of us, and the glue that keeps us together.

Drizzling has stopped over here by the lake, so hope it's drying out a bit in the 'burbs. Some big Cubs-Brewers games coming up this week, so we've got that to look forward to, right?

>157 ChelleBearss: Thank you for the kind words, Chelle. Have you and Nate camped before? It might be tough, with a little one still, but I hope you give it a try, in the coming years. Our campground had kids of all ages.

>158 lindapanzo: Thank you, Linda. That means a lot. We have been pals for a long time, over here and let's hope it continues. And oh yeah- Go Cubbies!

>159 kac522: Thank you, Kathy. Much appreciated. Here is to many more years! And yes, big series coming up, starting tonight. The Cubs can quickly take first place with a win. Go Cubbies!

Happy 10th Thingaversary, old friend!

>161 Copperskye: Thanks, Joanne. I know you passed that mile marker months ago. Grins...

Congrats on your tenth Thingaversary Mark. I won’t hit mine until February. Ahh remember the heady early days?

I just finished American Wolf. Wow!

>163 brenzi: Thanks, Bonnie. Yes, those were the days. LOL. Just finding our way along in a new world, never knowing that we would still be chatting away, a decade later.

Hooray for American Wolf! It is such a terrific read.

What a ballgame!! Probably one of the best ones of the year for our Cubbies. Certainly one of the nicer comebacks. Woo hoo!!

'Morning, Mark, and happy Tuesday to you!

Happy 10th anniversary, Mark!! You've reminded me to check my own stats, and I've just missed my 11th (on May 29th). Your thoughts on what a special place this is are well put, friend. I agree 100%.

>165 lindapanzo: Yahoo, Linda! I went to bed in the 9th but glad to wake up to a Cubbies win and a first place spot.

>166 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Slowly chipping away at my long work week.

>167 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Happy 11th Thingaversary. You got in on the first wave. Testing the waters, in this hallowed place.

Hi Marc, happy 10th anniversary!

And wonderful weatherproof tent up there.

Good morning, Mark! Happy 10th Thingaversary.

>160 msf59: We used to camp when we were first dating and when we moved to Nova Scotia. We haven't gone since Chloe was born though. I'd like to try and rent a camper for a weekend this summer. I was looking on Airbnb for a cottage for a couple days but most places want to book for a week minimum in the summer.

Mark - Found this list of 50 audio books under 10 hours and thought of you.
https://bookriot.com/2018/06/12/must-read-short-audiobooks/

How come the Brewers have such a tough time with the Cubs? Congrats on the win. I can't say I am happy about it...

You might also like this:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/audio/2018/jun/12/marilynne-robinson-on-democr...

>170 EllaTim: Thanks, Ella. It has been a glorious ten years.

>171 harrygbutler: Thanks, Harry. Here is to another ten. Smiles...

>172 ChelleBearss: Morning, Chelle. Renting a camper sounds perfect. A lot less hassle. I hope it works out.

>173 alphaorder: Morning, Nancy. The audiobook link looks great. I will check it out when I get home.

And yes, I am sure it is frustrating for Brewers fans, but they always seem to play us tough though. This rivalry has surpassed the one we had with the Cards, IMHO.

>174 alphaorder: Sounds like another good link. Thanks, my friend.

Happy 10th, Mark! And maaaaany moooooore! I haven't known you all that time, but it is grand that I do now. I'm well into my 13th year on LT, and I agree with everyone that this place is so wonderful I can't imagine life without it.

A good article for you and other LTers. Another podcast too!

What happened when I (tried to) read 30 books in 30 days:
How one writer went from barely reading to trying to plow through a book a day, and how you can find more time to read, too.
https://www.fastcompany.com/40580273/what-happened-when-i-tried-to-read-30-books...

If it is any consolation to you, Mark, you've got me beat. I'm only three years in this library. But I'm sticking with this place better than other web-based congregations I've gotten involved with. A big plus here is that it is self-moderated. No censor keeping everyone in line.

I started listening to Barbarian Days last night - it came in on my ILL request - and so far it is good. I am about 25 pages into it, and I think it deserves the Pulitzer Prize for Autobiography in 2016. I have a feeling this is going to be as good, or maybe better than Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean by Susan Casey was when I read it several years ago. I may never surf in my lifetime, but it sure sounds like fun.

Congrats on 10 years, Mark. LT is truly a wonderful place, isn't it.

I have a good start on listening to Barbarian Days and am liking it. It is narrated by the author William Finnegan and he is doing a good job of narration. So far it seems like this is a title that deserves to have won the Pulitzer Prize in 2016. This one may be as good as Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean by Susan Casey.

>177 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks, Linda. 13 years? You must have joined, just as LT was dawning. Shining, it's bright light of a promising future. How special is that?

>178 alphaorder: Thanks for another bookish link, Nancy. Looks like this will keep me busy, as I watch the Cubs/Brewers game, a bit later. Grins...

>179 weird_O: I would have guessed, that you had been around a heck of a lot longer than three years, Bill. You have made quite an impression around here, you book-hoarding devil you.

I read and adored The Song of Achilles back in June of 2013. Well, 5 years later, Ms. Miller has a new novel out called Circe, which has been getting glowing reviews from all quarters. I decided to make this my next audio. I am a couple of hours in and it does not disappoint. She is not only a strong writer, she is a helluva storyteller. Not seeing much LT activity on this one yet, so maybe I can light a fire...

>180 benitastrnad: >182 benitastrnad: I was not sure you were going to get to Barbarian Days this quickly, Benita, but since you have and you are enjoying it so much, I will add it to my audio queue. I should get to it, in the next week or so. Like you, I have wanted to read this one, since it came out. Thanks, for the nudge.

>181 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg and hooray for LT. It was definitely a game-changer.

Glad you survived the "roughing it" camping trip-it looks like a fantastic sport to camp! And the local breweries helped, right? :)

And, happy tenth-LT-adversary! A whole decade huh!??!? #lovethisplace ;)

The Cubs don't look too good tonight, do they? That botched rundown was unbelievable. I've never seen all the runners get out of it like that.

>184 msf59: Mark, my older daughter is reading (or maybe recently finished) Circe, and was quite positive about it. I'm planning to steal borrow her copy when we visit her next month.

>186 LovingLit: Hi, Megan. This was "roughin''' it for us, despite electrical hook-ups and nearby toilets and showers. LOL. Hey, I thought we hung in there pretty good and yes, the breweries helped.

Yep, it has been a good ten years in this place and I am looking forward to many more.

>187 lindapanzo: Yep, that rundown by Chatwood was pretty embarrassing, Linda. Chatwood seems to have settled down. Let's hope we can get some offense going.

>188 lauralkeet: I am loving Circe in the early going. Did you and your daughter read and enjoy The Song of Achilles too?

Morning, Mark! I have Circe on my list - I'll get there eventually.

>190 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Not far into Circe but I can tell you would LOVE it!

^Well, I finally got my solar-powered fountain for my birdbath. (Not my photo, but I like the grosbeak). It is a cheapie version from China, but it seems to work okay. I have to make adjustments to it, because the first time, it pumped all the water out. I also do not get a lot of direct sunshine, right at that spot but I hope I get enough to keep it running. Supposedly, birds really enjoy moving water. We will see.

I spotted a hummingbird at 5:15 this morning. Industrious little buggers, eh?

>189 msf59: I loved Song of Achilles, Mark -- 5 stars! I don't think Kate read it at the time. She was in college (English major) and most of her reading was for class. Now that she is reading for pleasure again, I should mention it to her. Thanks for the nudge.

Good morning, Mark! I hope your week is going well so far.

Hi Mark, and happy Wednesday to you. I like your solar-powered fountain and I'm sure the birds will love it too. Congrats on your hummingbird sighting, too. They are industrious and I'm always glad to see them fill up on sugar water at my feeders.

Hi Mark - Here's a piece about a James McBride adaption you might be interested in: https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/ethan-hawke-jason-blum-adapting-the-good-lord-b...

>194 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. This is my long work week, but so far, it is breezing along. Nice weather and good books help too.

>195 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. We should get enough sunshine today to power my fountain. Look forward to seeing what it is doing when I get home.

>196 alphaorder: Loved The Good Lord Bird, Nancy, so looking forward to see how this adaptation develops. Thanks.

Good morning, Mark!

Book bullets and birds - add a bit of coffee and it's a great way to start off my day.

I'm glad you enjoyed the camping. Were you doing hard core air mattresses (in which case I am totally impressed!) or did you have cots?

A friend has been posting pictures on FB of her glamping trip - tipis and covered wagons with king size beds and wifi.

Glad you had a good camping holiday Mark. Your gang look like they were having fun.

What a spectacular weather day today, Mark. Hope it's a good one. I'm aiming to get outside for a walk at lunch today.

I thought Circe was purely wonderful, Mark. My daughter attended a reading by Miller last month, and she said she was delightful. We both loved Song of Achilles too.

Hey there - finally getting a chance to catch up. Happy Tenth!

Somehow I missed Royal City. My Lemire radar must be malfunctioning. Looks like my library has both Volumes so I'll be stopping there on my way home this afternoon.

This week I saw a rufous hummingbird several times at one of the feeders. Those are seasonal here and I haven't seen one for a couple of years. Our year round Anna's hummers are pretty territorial about their feeders so having the rufous around means many aerial antics and divebombing when they all want to use the same feeder. I'm filling the hummer feeders multiple times a week these days. If you want lots of goldfinches put out thistle seed. I have sunflower in one feeder and thistle in two others. Lots of goldfinches and house finches on all of them.

Glad you solved your house sparrow problem. We don't seem to have those. Our troublemakers are starlings. I have cages around my seed feeders to keep the starlings, jays and squirrels out but let the smaller birds in.

#185
I didn't think I would get a recorded version of Barbarian Days this early either. I had planned to listen to it in July. However, this time ILL must have cranked somebody up because it came about 2 weeks after I requested it. Much faster than I expected. Since it is now due back around July 1, and I have vacation scheduled where I won't be listening to anything, I better get cracking on it. I am 1 CD into it, and I am enjoying this look at the surfing life in the 1950's in Hawaii. Little Billy is still in junior high and just starting life as a surf bum.

Suzanne read Circe almost as soon as she got her hands on an ARC at the ALA conference in Denver. She said it was good. Well worth the reading time. Other than her and Joe I don't think that it has had much buzz here on LT. I have a copy of it, and I just haven't heard its siren call - yet. I might have to make it my vacation read for when I am gone in July. In fact, it may be that I faintly hear its song out there in the distance.

>1 msf59: Those screech owls. I "read" a photo book about Pablo Picasso's daily life, shot around 1960, when he was 75. He had a kind of pet screech owl that would fly in and out of his cavernous chateau just outside Cannes.

I don't imagine Chateau Freeberg is sufficiently cavernous that you'd want screech owls making it home.

>198 streamsong: Hi, Janet. I am glad I helped kick off your day. We borrowed cots for our tent. Good ones too and a bit easier than the air mattress.

Tipis and covered wagons? Now, that sounds interesting.

>199 Caroline_McElwee: Hi, Caroline. We did have a good time. It would have been nice to have at least one more day. It felt a bit rushed.

>200 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. It is a beautiful day. I love the breeze and the sunshine. But what happened to our Cubs? The bats went silent again. Come on!!

>201 laytonwoman3rd: "I thought Circe was purely wonderful." I may not be quite at the halfway point, Linda but I completely agree. She has a special talent for this type of story-telling.

>202 SuziQoregon: Thanks, Juli. Great to see. Joe placed Royal City firmly on my radar, otherwise I had missed it too. It is another strong GN by Lemire but dark and dysfunctional. I wonder if Lemire had issues with his family? LOL.

Congrats on the different hummingbird species. I think, all we get is the ruby-throated, here in the Midwest. I have a thistle feeder but I have still seen very few goldfinch, the past 4-6 weeks. Weird.

>203 benitastrnad: Glad you are enjoying Barbarian Days, Benita. I should join you, in a week or so. You will LOVE Circe. Another absolute gem.

>204 weird_O: Hi, Bill. Always good to see you. Owls would not be allowed in the Chateau Freeburg. This law is strictly enforced by Mrs. Warbler. Now, if we had a small barn or a very large shed, I may pitch it to the boss.

That Picasso was quite the nut.

'Morning, Mark, and happy Thursday to you!

We only get Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds here, too, but I saw some Rufous in CA. There are opportunities to see Broad-tailed, Black-chinned, Rufous, and Calliope hummingirds in Montana according to the state's field guide.

>207 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. That is a nice variety of hummingbirds, for Montana. How cool. I hope you get to see a couple of them. I am going to Colorado in August, maybe I'll get a chance to spot one of those beauties too.



- Black-chinned Hummingbird

>184 msf59: Hi, Mark! Sounds like you had a great camping trip/friend get-together! Good for you!

I am about fifty pages into Circe--I started with the audio, since that was the only library version available to me at the time. Then my husband gave me a paper copy for our anniversary (there may have been some prompting on my part (ahem)). I haven't gotten back to it because other books have waylaid me, but I am just loving it. And I loved The Song of Achilles, too.

Karen O.

Hi Mark -

Back home! Colorado was a perfect mix of getting out and relaxing. Really enjoyed the Denver Botanic Gardens on our last day. Had lunch at Avanti, which worked well for our various food desires (https://avantifandb.com/).

Finished up Destiny Thief on our way home. Abridged Classics was waiting for me when I arrived. Breezed through it and laughed aloud, but don't think it is fair to put on my books read list.

BTW, the website work put a damper on my reading this year. I am only at 29 and better get cutting it if I am going to make 75.

>209 klobrien2: Hi, Karen. Great to see you. I am deep into Circe and still loving it. I should finish it tomorrow. I am really enjoying the audio version but I think reading it in print, would even be better, especially with the cast of characters and many names.

>210 alphaorder: Welcome back, Nancy. Your Colorado trip sounded wonderful. We are looking forward to ours in August.

Wishing you luck on the reading for the rest of the year. You have plenty of time to amp it up. Grins...

^Go, Went, Gone was a title and author I was completely unfamiliar with, until the warbling from several LT pals began to trill from the treetops, including Joe and Beth's lovely song. I think Megan has started it too. This is my next print book, after finishing Bearskin yesterday. Has anyone else read any other Erpenbeck?

I am also still having a fantastic time with Circe, on audio. What a gem!

'Morning, Mark, and happy Friday to you.

>212 msf59: I started this a while back but then life got in the way. I hear it is a good one!

I saw a nice little burst of birds on my last short break: blue jays, cardinals, red-wings, robins, a catbird, a goldfinch and a starling. There was another I could not ID. A vireo perhaps?

>213 karenmarie: Morning, Karen.

>214 alphaorder: Looking forward to starting it at lunch, Nancy.

Happy Friday, Mark. Do you have time off this weekend?

>217 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg. Great to see you. I am wrapping my long work week up today, but I will at least have the next two days off and this is good, because we are getting blasted with another HEAT WAVE, which started yesterday.

Good morning, Mark, and happy last-day-of-your-work-week! Bad about the heat. We're going to get it here, too, with highs in the mid-90s starting tomorrow through at least Wednesday. Humidity and afternoon t-storms, too. Blech.

^We will be squarely in a blast furnace for the next few days. UGH! 91 yesterday. 95 today and tomorrow, along with the loving accompaniment of soupy humidity. Send cool thoughts, at least for my work day today.

I will be wrapping up Circe today. More warbles to come on that one...Go, Went, Gone is off to a fine start too.

>219 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I wish I could just continue to sit right here, in the Man-Cave, but that is only a broken dream. Heading out now. Enjoy your day.

Stay cool today, my friend. Glad to hear you have two days off. Tomorrow is supposed to be especially brutal.

Wear lots of sunscreen and think cool thoughts, Mark. At least your legs aren't scary white anymore. LOL

>222 alphaorder: >223 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Nancy & Meg. Getting ready to start the route. Warming up quick out here. Light mail-volume and good books, should help me along and I am packing plenty of water.

Of course, I will be applying sunscreen and I will wear my sun-helmet. And yep, no longer embarrassed about my white legs. Grins...

Stay cool, Mark.

Thanks, Beth. Much appreciated. Getting ready to start my residential. The NYT Book podcast in my earbuds...

I hope your load is a light one, Mark.

Hi Mark, hope you’re doing ok with the start of our hot spell. Also hope you’ve got nice Father’s Day plans.

I’m at our local library and spotted a new birding-related novel and grabbed a copy off the shelf. The Life List of Adrian Mandrick by Chris White. Looks promising.

>227 BLBera: Yep, the volume is light today and I have about 20 minutes of carrying left. Looking forward to a that cold beer and a/c, when I get home.

>228 lindapanzo: Happy Saturday, Laura. I am surviving the heat, with just a few more minutes left and I can get my butt home.

We are going to Brees's tomorrow for Father' Day and my FIL will be joining us.

The birding bird sounds interesting. I will have to look in to it. Thanks.

Hi, Mark! I hope your day went well despite the heat and humidity. Our really hot days will be tomorrow, Monday, and Tuesday, it seems.

Happy weekend, Mark! I will have to check out Circe.

Hi Mark! I'm next in the library queue for the audio of Circe so I'm glad to hear your warbling! Sorry about the hot day for your route. We're supposed to get it here tomorrow so I'm bugging hubby to get the ac units in!

>230 harrygbutler: Hi, Harry. I survived the day just fine. I am sure I will fade early tonight, but since I am relaxing at home that is just fine.

It is supposed to be hotter here, Sunday & Monday but since I am off both those days, I can not complain.

>231 banjo123: Hi, Rhonda. Great to see you. CIRCE was wonderful. Expect al ot more warbling.

>232 vivians: Hi, Vivian. Miller has been on a nice roll, and she delivers another gem with CIRCE. I hope a copy comes in soon.

^This will give you some idea of my Saturday night plans...

**I also plan on visiting a few neglected threads. Haven't got around, much this week.

Hi Mark, I am making a few rounds to neglected threads as well. Congratulations on your 10 years as a LTer. Mine is coming up later in the month. Baseball, beer and visiting LT sounds like a great way to beat the heat.

>235 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy. I visited a few threads, so I am happy with that. More later, or in the morning. Getting ready to switch the ballgame on.

>212 msf59: I read Visitation and was underwhelmed. I think it went over my head! I might try it again one day, if I ever remember who I passed it on to.

>220 msf59: wow! that is hot....cant quite picture it at present as we are stuck in a quagmire of greyness and drudgery. Eurgh.

Happy Father's Day, Mark! I hope you have a wonderful time at Bree's.

>237 LovingLit: Hi, Megan. I am quite enjoying Go, Went, Gone, at a hundred pages in. How far along are you? Sorry, to hear about your grey drudgery. We have had a wet spring here, so we know how you feel.

>238 karenmarie: Morning, Karen and thanks. Looking forward to Brees, later today and Sue is making ribs too. One of our favorites. Yum.

^My Dad passed away fifteen years ago, this month. I think and dream about him regularly. I wish he could have watched my kids grow into fine young adults.

I want to wish my fatherly visitors a Happy Father's Day too!

65) Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison 4 stars

Mike Munoz is in his early 20s and the only thing he likes to do is cut lawns and do other landscaping duties, but these menial jobs barely pay the bills and when he is fired from his lawn service company, he has to really decide what to do with his life.
This is a fine story about a young Chicano man, trying to make his way, in Washington state, as he deals with poverty, a mentally-challenged brother and many shiftless, friends and family, who weave their way through his life.
It is funny and poignant and you will be rooting for Mike, all along the way. This is my first book by Mr. Evison and I am looking forward to reading more of his work.



FREE BOOK: If anyone would like my copy, PM me.

Happy Father's Day, Mark!

Big waves and happy Sunday, Mark.

Happy Sunday, Mark and may your Father's Day be relaxing and filled with reading rime and an A/C!

>242 alphaorder: >243 Ameise1: Thanks, Nancy & Barb!

>244 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda. Good to see you. I have a quiet morning planned, with books in the a/c but then we are going over to Bree's place for Father's Day dinner.

Morning, Mark! I hope you have a lovely Fathers' Day!

>240 msf59:

Happy Father's Day to you too, Mark.

It sounds like you have many good memories of your Dad.

My daughter is creating more today with her Father - taking him a home baked
3 layer Chocolate Cake (inspired by the British Baking Show), gifts,
and treating him to breakfast at The Pancake Cafe.

Though long divorced, we are still friends so he'll be getting a copper bird house
and ten pounds of wildlife bird seed from me!

Good wishes for a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable day with Family, Books, and Birds.

>246 scaifea: Thanks, Amber! Looking forward to some R & R in the A/C.

>247 m.belljackson: Thanks, Marianne. Yep, I have fine memories of my Dad. I miss him.

Your daughter's Father's Day cake sounds lovely and a copper bird house and bird seed sounds like a perfect gift for your Ex. I hope he enjoys it.

68) Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned by Walter Mosley 4.2 stars

Socrates Fortlow, is an ex-con, who had spent nearly 30 years in prison for murder. Working on his eighth year of freedom, he is still struggling to make ends meet and to keep his volatile temper in check. Living in a tiny run-down apartment in Watts, he is surviving by collecting aluminum cans.
Told in a series of vignettes, we follow Socrates, as he tries to pull himself forward, while doling out useful life advice, to those around him.

This is the first in another series, for Mosley and I thought it was very well done and Socrates is a great character to follow.

**It was also excellent on audio, with the late Paul Winfield narrating.

Mark--Happy Father's Day to my favorite postman!!! I am not even going to try to catch up on your thread after a mostly MIA on LT month. That would be like 5 threads!! LOL

Big hugs. : )

Happy Father’s Day, Mark. We took my Dad out to lunch in Geneva.

Happy Fathers Day Mark!

>250 Berly: Thanks, Kimmers. I have missed my pal. I hope to see you around more often. Hugs back to you.

>251 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda. I hope you had a good time with your Dad. We had a nice time at Bree's new place, with ribs and fine brews.

>252 brenzi: Thanks, Bonnie.

Happy father's day, Mark. Sounds like it was a great one.

Good morning, Mark. I hope you had a good Father's Day and will enjoy your time off today.

>254 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. We all had a good time.

>255 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. I am going to try and squeeze a walk in this A.M. but I am doing it early. It is going to be another HOT one.

Hey Mark, your father's day celebration sounds great. Glad you enjoyed your Mosley reading. He is one I can chalk up to LT influence, I'd never followed him before joining the group.

Hiya, Mark.

Oh good, I'm glad you enjoyed Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned. Socrates is a great character, isn't he.

Sounds like a most excellent Father's Day. That Bree is a good 'un.

Stay as cool as you can today. It's supposed to be in the 70s tomorrow.

>257 charl08: Hi, Charlotte. It was a nice Father's Day here. Thanks. Glad we were able to turn you on to Mr. Mosley. I still have a lot of catching up to do with him, but I like his style.

>258 jnwelch: Joe stopped by! Joe stopped! Hooray! Great to see you, my friend. We definitely had a nice time at Bree's yesterday and it sounds like you had a fine time with Becca. Good fatherly treatment.

I am off today but I did a little yard work earlier and it is getting HOT. Staying in with the books for the rest of the afternoon.

^Indigo Bunting

^Despite the heat, I ventured out to the Arboretum this morning. I had the itch. I left nice and early and was done by 9ish. It actually wasn't as bad in the woods, just a bit buggy at times. Not a whole lot of birds, but just enough: bluebirds, catbirds, cowbirds, indigo buntings, red-wings, swallows and a couple I could not ID. I also saw a couple of downy woodpeckers and heard a couple other types.
ibwas hoping to spot a red-headed or pileated but no such luck.

I did get a great look at a red-tailed hawk, perched on a bare branch about 20 feet away. He never even glanced my way, I think he was busy scouting for food, on the ground.

Hi Mark! Your early morning hike sounds very nice, a good variety.

>261 karenmarie: Happy Monday, Karen. It has been a good off day so far. Lots of reading in the P.M.

Mark, I'm glad you had a good Father's Day.

I had two Father's Days, uh huh, uh huh. On Saturday, Judi and I were driven to the Amazing and Terrific coming out party for our sixth (and final) granddaughter in south Jersey. Everybody got to hold her; she didn't grump or cry at all. Just a sweet, happy baby.

Annalise is her name.

Sunday, we loafed and picnicked at Leaser Lake, where we did the same for FD 2017. The results were the same this year as last.

69) Kingbird Highway: The Biggest Year by Kenn Kaufman 4.3 stars

“But in the early 1970s, we were not birdwatching. We were birding, and that made all the difference. We were out to seek, to discover, to chase, to learn, to find as many different kinds of birds as possible...”

Ken Kaufmann dropped out of high school and went on a quest, with a backpack, a pair of binoculars and virtually no money. Since this was the early 70s, his mode of transportation, the cheapest available, was hitchhiking.
Kaufmann's quest was to see as many different bird species, in North America, in one year, as he could, attempting to beat the old record. This is extreme birding at it's craziest, which makes for an entertaining journey.
This coming of age memoir, is his story. It also coincides with a time when birding in America really took off and it became a serious pursuit.
Obviously, this book is not for everyone, but if you like birds and nature and enjoy a good travel tale, you might want to give to give it a look.



-Gryfalcon



-Ivory Gull

>263 weird_O: Hi, Bill. It sounds like you had an extra special Father's Day and congrats on the new and final grandchild. Hooray for Annalise! How very exciting.
We are still waiting for our first grandchild. It may be awhile but we are trying to be patient. It ain't easy.

^I adore Luis Alberto Urrea. I love his books and he does everything- historical fiction, nonfiction and short stories, all with the same flair. I have also had the honor of meeting and chatting with him, at an earlier Booktopia. He also lives in a nearby suburb, although I have yet to meet him here. I missed the author event for this title. All that said, I am looking forward to diving in to his latest, The House of Broken Angels, which has been getting solid buzz but very little LT attention. I NEED to change that.

He also does a fantastic job, narrating his own books, so this is the format I choose. I will begin it tomorrow.

70) The Night of the Gun by David Carr 5 stars

“Memories are like that. They live between synapses and between the people who hold them. Memories, even epic ones, are perishable from their very formation even in people who don't soak their brains in mood-altering chemicals. There is only so much space on any one person's hard drive, and old memories are prone to replacement by newer ones.”

“I now inhabit a life I don't deserve, but we all walk this earth feeling we are frauds. The trick is to be grateful and hope the caper doesn't end any time soon”

I was not aware of David Carr as an award-winning journalist, but I remember being intrigued by this memoir, when it came out about a decade ago. As many books do, it got lost in the shuffle, but I was able to finally track the audiobook down and boy, I am glad I did. This may be the best addiction story I have ever read and possibly the best written.
Due to his chronic drug and alcohol abuse, (and this is some harrowing stuff) he thought the best approach was to rely on others to help fill in the gaps of his careening life, so he began to interview family, friends and associates and unearth police and medical reports. Carr compiled all this research and used it to tell his story. Sadly, Carr died in 2015, still in his late 50s and sober for many years, but what a perfect print legacy to leave behind. Highly recommended.

>265 msf59: But the rewards can be exciting. Our son and his wife had a semi-serious sitdown with Judi and I to report that they were NOT pregnant, but were "working on it." Ahem. And when Tara did get pregnant, she had twins!

ETA: Stop by for a look at Annalise.

> I read The Night of the Gun shortly after it came out, and found it just amazing. Carr's honesty is matched by his writing skills, that's for sure.

Karen O.

>249 msf59: I'm hoping to squeeze in a Mosley, Mark, if I find enough reading time left in the month by the time I get home. I haven't heard about the Fortlow series before I saw your review.

>268 weird_O: I did see baby Annalise. She is adorable. Congrats, Bill.

>269 klobrien2: Hi, Karen. I am glad to hear that you also loved The Night of the Gun. It is a helluva book.

>270 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg. I was not aware of the Fortlow series either, until Joe showed me the way. Grins...

I hope you can bookhorn in a Mosley.

>260 msf59: Good morning, Mark! Sounds like you had a pretty good walk yesterday morning ahead of the major heat of the day. I hope your Tuesday goes well.

Happy Tuesday, Mark! Is this another day off?

Hi Mark - I remember hearing Carr interviewed on NPR years ago. His memoir does sound compelling.

I'll watch for your comments on the new Urrea. I liked the one I read by him.

>272 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. Much better today. Overcast and 67 at the moment. I will take it.

>273 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Nope, working the rest of the week but the temps will be much more comfortable, so no complaints there.

>274 BLBera: Morning, Beth. I was going to ask you about Carr. Were you familiar with him at all, in the early days? He was raised and worked in the Twin Cities for many years.

The Urrea is off to a fine start. I love his writing and sense of humor.

Hey, buddy. I've been wanting to get to The House of Broken Angels, too, so I bet I'll be a buzz supporter when I get to it. Right now I still have to keep it light and unchallenging. I did start the second Lemire Royal City, and I'm liking it.

>277 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. Good to see you. Much better out here today but still a touch humid.

I am sure you will enjoy the Urrea. His characters are wonderful. Yah, for the next Royal City. I will have to request that one.

>276 msf59: I only vaguely remember him, Mark. I think mostly after his memoir.

>279 BLBera: I hope you get a chance to read this memoir, Beth. It packs a heck of a punch.

This May interest you, Mark, a study about whether birds have emotions, fearing featuring NZs famous-in-NZ kea. :)

>281 LovingLit: Thanks, Megan. I will check out the link a little later. I find Kea's very interesting. They were featured on the excellent doc The Life of Birds, which I recently watched. I hope to see one, on my visit. Fingers crossed.



-Kea

>282 msf59: that will be an easy one to tick off the list, I have several places in mind!

>283 LovingLit: B.A.G. I hope to really tick off a bunch of birds on my Life List, during my visit, Megan. Getting excited...

BTW- I really enjoyed Go, Went, Gone. I am so glad my LT pals steered me into this one.

^Once I finished the excellent, Go, Went, Gone, I had an itch for some short fiction. I had Cathedral and a Saunders collection, on my Must Read Now shelf and decided on the former. Honestly, I don't think Carver gets much LT love, as far as I can tell and I hope to remedy that, or at least a smidge, anyway. I read and loved What We Talk About When We Talk About Love last September, for the AAC.

Anyone else read this one? Come on, don't be shy.

I’m going to look at what I have in short fiction after I finish the 600 page tome I’m now reading Mark. Oh look I have both Eve Babitz 😉and Alice Munro on my shelf. Lucky me! Maybe I’ll read them both.

Pretty hard for me to ignore the five stars for The Night of the Gun. Leave it to you to snag me with a good memoir lol.

Mark, I was just scrolling through some old links I have, deciding what to keep and what's no longer even valid. I found one I think you might enjoy:

http://www.birdchick.com/

Read her *About* tab, then check out some of her sections, scrolling down a bit. I think they might be calling your name. You're welcome.... ;-)

>286 brenzi: Hi, Bonnie. My goal is to read at least one story collection a month, but reading two would be a bonus and God knows I have plenty to choose from. Let me know when you are ready for a Munro, because I will definitely join you on that one.

The Night of the Gun is awesome. I am glad my warbling paid off on that one.

>287 jessibud2: Ooh, Birdchick! That sounds perfect. She sounds like a hoot. I wish they were more active on a podcast, but I will check them out anyway. Cool. Thanks, Shelley.

>260 msf59: boy, I'd love to be a bird in those feathers.

>285 msf59: big Ray Carver fan here Mark, but it's been a while since I read him. Might put him on my autumn list for a reread.

>290 Caroline_McElwee: Hi, Caroline. Glad you like the indigo bunting. A handsome bird. And Cathedral is off to a very fine. Carver is a master of the form. I hope you can reread him. this autumn.