Katie’s In For Another Year of Reading. And Snarking. And Shenanigans. Part 11
This is a continuation of the topic Katie’s In For Another Year of Reading. And Snarking. And Shenanigans. Part 10.
This topic was continued by Katie’s In For Another Year of Reading. And Snarking. And Shenanigans. Part 12.
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2018
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1katiekrug
"Reading on the Beach" by Ryszard Ludynia
___________________________________________
Hi All! I’m Katie and I’ve been with the 75ers since 2011. I live just outside New York City with my husband, The Wayne, and our cat, Leonard. In addition to reading, I enjoy eating my way through New York, drinking my way through the wine store, and attending bookish events, plays, the opera, and anything else that strikes my fancy. I also enjoy traveling (which I mostly do for work, on someone else’s dime), bad jokes, shenanigans, and the occasional indulgence in snark. I do not enjoy the misuse of apostrophe’s (ha!), the current President, or stressing about reading. As far as that last goes, I enjoy literary fiction, genre fiction (mysteries and romances primarily but some speculative stuff as well), classics, and not-dry (moist?) nonfiction.
My favorite reads of 2017 in no particular order:
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Everyday People by Stewart O’Nan
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America by George Packer
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
The Golden Legend by Nadeem Aslam
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (re-read)
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt (re-read)
Song Yet Sung by James McBride
Taft by Ann Patchett
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O’Nan (re-read)
Honorable Mention:
Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Another Day in the Death of America by Gary Younge
2katiekrug
CURRENTLY READING
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2018 BOOKS
54. From a Low and Quiet Sea by Donal Ryan (4 stars)
53. Cowboy Pride by Lacy Williams (2.5 stars)
52. A Pemberley Medley by Abigail Reynolds (3.5 stars)
51. On Beauty by Zadie Smith (4 stars)
50. Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza (3.5 stars)
49. Matilda by Roald Dahl (audio) (4.5 stars)
48. A Murder of Magpies by Judith Flanders (3.5 stars)
47. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman (audio) (3.5 stars)
46. A Kid for Two Farthings by Wolf Mankowitz (3.5 stars)
45. The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy (3 stars)
44. Fortunately the Milk by Neil Gaiman (4.5 stars)
43. Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley (audio) (3.5 stars)
42. Come Hell or Highball by Maia Chance (3.5 stars)
41. The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs by Matthew Dicks (audio) (3 stars)
40. Destiny's Surrender by Beverly Jenkins (audio) (2.5 stars)
39. Mudbound by Hillary Jordan (4 stars)
38. Fiesta San Antonio by Janet Dailey (2.5 stars)
37. Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly (audio) (3.5 stars)
36. Midsummer Delights by Eloise James (3.5 stars)
35. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (3 stars)
34. How to Twist a Dragon's Tale by Cressida Cowell (audio) (3.5 stars)
33. The Heist by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg (audio) (3 stars)
32. In a Dark House by Deborah Crombie (4 stars)
31. Dog Crazy by Meg Donohue (audio) (3 stars)
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2018 BOOKS
54. From a Low and Quiet Sea by Donal Ryan (4 stars)
53. Cowboy Pride by Lacy Williams (2.5 stars)
52. A Pemberley Medley by Abigail Reynolds (3.5 stars)
51. On Beauty by Zadie Smith (4 stars)
50. Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza (3.5 stars)
49. Matilda by Roald Dahl (audio) (4.5 stars)
48. A Murder of Magpies by Judith Flanders (3.5 stars)
47. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman (audio) (3.5 stars)
46. A Kid for Two Farthings by Wolf Mankowitz (3.5 stars)
45. The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy (3 stars)
44. Fortunately the Milk by Neil Gaiman (4.5 stars)
43. Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley (audio) (3.5 stars)
42. Come Hell or Highball by Maia Chance (3.5 stars)
41. The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs by Matthew Dicks (audio) (3 stars)
40. Destiny's Surrender by Beverly Jenkins (audio) (2.5 stars)
39. Mudbound by Hillary Jordan (4 stars)
38. Fiesta San Antonio by Janet Dailey (2.5 stars)
37. Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly (audio) (3.5 stars)
36. Midsummer Delights by Eloise James (3.5 stars)
35. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (3 stars)
34. How to Twist a Dragon's Tale by Cressida Cowell (audio) (3.5 stars)
33. The Heist by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg (audio) (3 stars)
32. In a Dark House by Deborah Crombie (4 stars)
31. Dog Crazy by Meg Donohue (audio) (3 stars)
3katiekrug
2018 BOOKS
30. Exit West by Mohsin Hamid (4.5 stars)
29. The Grave's a Fine and Private Place by Alan Bradley (audio) (4 stars)
28. London Calling by Clare Lydon (3 stars)
27. The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan (audio) (4 stars)
26. The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin (3.5 stars)
25. The Completionist by Siobhan Adcock (4 stars)
24. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein (audio) (2.5 stars)
23. A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie (3.5 stars)
22. Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch (3 stars)
21. Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace (3.5 stars)
20. Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck (audio) (4 stars)
19. Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat (5 stars)
18. Pistols for Two by Georgette Heyer (3 stars)
17. The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths (3.5 stars)
16. Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie (audio) (4 stars)
30. Exit West by Mohsin Hamid (4.5 stars)
29. The Grave's a Fine and Private Place by Alan Bradley (audio) (4 stars)
28. London Calling by Clare Lydon (3 stars)
27. The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan (audio) (4 stars)
26. The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin (3.5 stars)
25. The Completionist by Siobhan Adcock (4 stars)
24. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein (audio) (2.5 stars)
23. A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie (3.5 stars)
22. Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch (3 stars)
21. Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace (3.5 stars)
20. Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck (audio) (4 stars)
19. Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat (5 stars)
18. Pistols for Two by Georgette Heyer (3 stars)
17. The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths (3.5 stars)
16. Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie (audio) (4 stars)
4katiekrug
2018 BOOKS
15. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken (5 stars)
14. Big Guns by Steve Israel (3 stars)
13. Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett (3 stars)
12. The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley (3 stars)
11. The Power by Naomi Alderman (4 stars)
10. True Grit by Charles Portis (4.5 stars)
9. One Fine Day by Cindy Kirk (2.5 stars)
8. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (audio) (4 stars)
7. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (4.5 stars)
6. Black Water Rising by Attica Locke (4 stars)
5. How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran (audio) (4 stars)
4. Running Back by Allison Parr (3 stars)
3. The North Water by Ian McGuire (4.5 stars)
2. He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum (4 stars)
1. Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin (4 stars)
Did Not Finish
1. The Hellfire Club by Jake Tapper (clunky writing)
2. My Lady's Choosing by Kitty Curran and Larissa Zageris (too gimmicky)
3. Two Across by Jeff Bartsch (not in the mood for over-the-top quirky; might try again sometime)
4. A Separation by Katie Kitamora (book club pick; did not hold my interest)
5. Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney (book club pick didn't finish in time; might try to read again another time)
6. A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux (just terrible)
15. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken (5 stars)
14. Big Guns by Steve Israel (3 stars)
13. Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett (3 stars)
12. The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley (3 stars)
11. The Power by Naomi Alderman (4 stars)
10. True Grit by Charles Portis (4.5 stars)
9. One Fine Day by Cindy Kirk (2.5 stars)
8. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (audio) (4 stars)
7. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (4.5 stars)
6. Black Water Rising by Attica Locke (4 stars)
5. How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran (audio) (4 stars)
4. Running Back by Allison Parr (3 stars)
3. The North Water by Ian McGuire (4.5 stars)
2. He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum (4 stars)
1. Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin (4 stars)
Did Not Finish
1. The Hellfire Club by Jake Tapper (clunky writing)
2. My Lady's Choosing by Kitty Curran and Larissa Zageris (too gimmicky)
3. Two Across by Jeff Bartsch (not in the mood for over-the-top quirky; might try again sometime)
4. A Separation by Katie Kitamora (book club pick; did not hold my interest)
5. Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney (book club pick didn't finish in time; might try to read again another time)
6. A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux (just terrible)
5katiekrug
My ratings (based on how the book landed on me, not necessarily on literary merit or anything more worthy than personal opinion):
5 stars - O.M.G.
4 stars - Bravo!
3 stars - Comme ci comme ça
2 stars - Not for me
1 stars - A big ol’ NOPE!
5 stars - O.M.G.
4 stars - Bravo!
3 stars - Comme ci comme ça
2 stars - Not for me
1 stars - A big ol’ NOPE!
6katiekrug
2018 “Plans”
I will be participating in, but likely not completing, several challenges – the American Author Challenge, the Nonfiction Reading Challenge, and various fun ones over in the Category Challenge group. I also plan to continue participating in the Take It or Leave It challenges but only to the extent of checking to see if a completed book fits into one of the challenges that month. Also also, I will follow along with a few non-LT reading challenges such as Book Riot’s Read Harder and the Pop Sugar challenges.
My other “plan” is to try to ensure that the books I read come from a variety of sources – my shelves, my Kindle, my Overdrive wish lists, and my library wish list. We’ll see how that goes, but with over 3000 books in my home/on my Kindle, I need to stop getting so easily distracted!
I will be participating in, but likely not completing, several challenges – the American Author Challenge, the Nonfiction Reading Challenge, and various fun ones over in the Category Challenge group. I also plan to continue participating in the Take It or Leave It challenges but only to the extent of checking to see if a completed book fits into one of the challenges that month. Also also, I will follow along with a few non-LT reading challenges such as Book Riot’s Read Harder and the Pop Sugar challenges.
My other “plan” is to try to ensure that the books I read come from a variety of sources – my shelves, my Kindle, my Overdrive wish lists, and my library wish list. We’ll see how that goes, but with over 3000 books in my home/on my Kindle, I need to stop getting so easily distracted!
7katiekrug
2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge
x 1. A book made into a movie you've already seen - True Grit by Charles Portis
2. True crime
x 3. The next book in a series you started - The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
x 4. A book involving a heist - The Heist by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
x 5. Nordic noir - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
6. A novel based on a real person
7. A book set in a country that fascinates you
8. A book with a time of day in the title
x 9. A book about a villain or antihero - The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
x 10. A book about death or grief - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym
x 12. A book with an LGBTQ+ protagonist - London Calling by Clare Lydon
x 13. A book that is also a stage play or musical - A Kid for Two Farthings by Wolf Mankowitz
x 14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
x 15. A book about feminism - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
x 16. A book about mental health - Dog Crazy by Meg Donohue
17. A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift
x 18. A book by two authors - Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly
x 19. A book about or involving a sport - Running Back by Allison Parr
x 20. A book by a local author - Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
21. A book with your favorite color in the title
x 22. A book with alliteration in the title - The Grave's a Fine and Private Place by Alan Bradley
x 23. A book about time travel - Fortunately the Milk by Neil Gaiman
x 24. A book with a weather element in the title - Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett
25. A book set at sea
x 26. A book with an animal in the title - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
27. A book set on a different planet
x 28. A book with song lyrics in the title - Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
29. A book about or set on Halloween
x 30. A book with characters who are twins - A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie
31. A book mentioned in another book
x 32. A book from a celebrity book club - Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
x 33. A childhood classic you've never read - Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
x 34. A book that's published in 2018 - The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley
35. A past Goodreads Choice Awards winner
x 36. A book set in the decade you were born - Fiesta San Antonio by Janet Dailey
x 37. A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn't get to - Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
38. A book with an ugly cover
x 39. A book that involves a bookstore or library - The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
40. Your favorite prompt from the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges (you can easily Google these)
Advanced Reading Challenge
1. A bestseller from the year you graduated high school
x 2. A cyberpunk book - The Completionist by Siobhan Adcock
3. A book that was being read by a stranger in a public place
x 4. A book tied to your ancestry - From a Low and Quiet Sea by Donal Ryan
x 5. A book with a fruit or vegetable in the title - Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library - Chris Grabenstein
6. An allegory
x 7. A book by an author with the same first or last name as you - Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch
x 8. A microhistory - The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin
x 9. A book about a problem facing society today - Big Guns by Steve Israel
10. A book recommended by someone else taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
2018 BookRiot Read Harder Challenge
1. A book published posthumously
2. A book of true crime
3. A classic of genre fiction (i.e. mystery, sci fi/fantasy, romance)
4. A comic written and illustrated by the same person
x 5. A book set in or about one of the five BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, or South Africa) - Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
6. A book about nature
x 7. A western - True Grit by Charles Portis
8. A comic written or illustrated by a person of color
9. A book of colonial or postcolonial literature
x 10. A romance novel by or about a person of color - Destiny's Surrender by Beverly Jenkins
x 11. A children’s classic published before 1980 - Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
x 12. A celebrity memoir - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
13. An Oprah Book Club selection
14. A book of social science
x 15. A one-sitting book - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
x 16. The first book in a new-to-you YA or middle grade series - Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
x 17. A sci fi novel with a female protagonist by a female author - The Power by Naomi Alderman
18. A comic that isn’t published by Marvel, DC, or Image
x 19. A book of genre fiction in translation - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
20. A book with a cover you hate
x 21. A mystery by a person of color or LGBTQ+ author - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
22. An essay anthology
23. A book with a female protagonist over the age of 60
24. An assigned book you hated (or never finished)
2018 Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge
x 1. A Classic You’ve Been Meaning to Read - The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
2. A Book Recommended by Someone with Great Taste
x 3. A Book in Translation - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
4. A Book Nominated for an Award in 2018
5. A Book of Poetry, a Play, or an Essay Collection
x 6. A Book You Can Read in a Day - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
x 7. A Book That’s More Than 500 Pages - Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
x 8. A Book by a Favorite Author - Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck
x 9. A Book Recommended by a Librarian or Indie Bookseller - A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie
10. A Banned Book
x 11. A Memoir, Biography, or Book of Creative Nonfiction - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
x 12. A Book by an Author of a Different Race, Ethnicity, or Religion Than Your Own - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
2018 BingoDOG Challenge
1. Title contains a person’s rank, real or fictional
x 2. Story involves travel - The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
3. A long-time TBR/TBR the longest
4. Poetry or plays
x 5. New-to-you author - Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch
x 6. Autobiography/memoir - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
7. Book with a beautiful cover (in your opinion)
x 8. Book that fits at least 2 KIT’s/CAT’s - A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie
9. Related to the Pacific Ocean
x 10. Title contains something you would see in the sky - Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett
x 11. Book bought in 2017 that hasn’t been read yet - Fiesta San Antonio by Janet Dailey
x 12. Number in the title - Pistols for Two by Georgette Heyer
x 13. Book that is humorous - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
14. Book on the 1001 list
x 15. LGBT central character - London Calling by Clare Lydon
16. Book set during a holiday
x 17. Fat book - 500 plus pages - Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
x 18. X somewhere in the title - Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
x 19. Money in the title - any form of currency, type of payment, etc... - A Kid for Two Farthings by Wolf Mankowitz
x 20. Book published in 2018 - The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley
x 21. Relative name in the title (aunt, niece, etc...) - Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat
x 22. Originally in a different language - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
x 23. Published more than 100 years ago - The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
24. Title contains name of a famous person, real or fictional
x 25. Read a CAT (middle square) - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke (ColorCAT - January - Black)
x 1. A book made into a movie you've already seen - True Grit by Charles Portis
2. True crime
x 3. The next book in a series you started - The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
x 4. A book involving a heist - The Heist by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
x 5. Nordic noir - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
6. A novel based on a real person
7. A book set in a country that fascinates you
8. A book with a time of day in the title
x 9. A book about a villain or antihero - The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
x 10. A book about death or grief - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym
x 12. A book with an LGBTQ+ protagonist - London Calling by Clare Lydon
x 13. A book that is also a stage play or musical - A Kid for Two Farthings by Wolf Mankowitz
x 14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
x 15. A book about feminism - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
x 16. A book about mental health - Dog Crazy by Meg Donohue
17. A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift
x 18. A book by two authors - Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly
x 19. A book about or involving a sport - Running Back by Allison Parr
x 20. A book by a local author - Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
21. A book with your favorite color in the title
x 22. A book with alliteration in the title - The Grave's a Fine and Private Place by Alan Bradley
x 23. A book about time travel - Fortunately the Milk by Neil Gaiman
x 24. A book with a weather element in the title - Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett
25. A book set at sea
x 26. A book with an animal in the title - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
27. A book set on a different planet
x 28. A book with song lyrics in the title - Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
29. A book about or set on Halloween
x 30. A book with characters who are twins - A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie
31. A book mentioned in another book
x 32. A book from a celebrity book club - Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
x 33. A childhood classic you've never read - Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
x 34. A book that's published in 2018 - The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley
35. A past Goodreads Choice Awards winner
x 36. A book set in the decade you were born - Fiesta San Antonio by Janet Dailey
x 37. A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn't get to - Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
38. A book with an ugly cover
x 39. A book that involves a bookstore or library - The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
40. Your favorite prompt from the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges (you can easily Google these)
Advanced Reading Challenge
1. A bestseller from the year you graduated high school
x 2. A cyberpunk book - The Completionist by Siobhan Adcock
3. A book that was being read by a stranger in a public place
x 4. A book tied to your ancestry - From a Low and Quiet Sea by Donal Ryan
x 5. A book with a fruit or vegetable in the title - Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library - Chris Grabenstein
6. An allegory
x 7. A book by an author with the same first or last name as you - Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch
x 8. A microhistory - The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin
x 9. A book about a problem facing society today - Big Guns by Steve Israel
10. A book recommended by someone else taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
2018 BookRiot Read Harder Challenge
1. A book published posthumously
2. A book of true crime
3. A classic of genre fiction (i.e. mystery, sci fi/fantasy, romance)
4. A comic written and illustrated by the same person
x 5. A book set in or about one of the five BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, or South Africa) - Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
6. A book about nature
x 7. A western - True Grit by Charles Portis
8. A comic written or illustrated by a person of color
9. A book of colonial or postcolonial literature
x 10. A romance novel by or about a person of color - Destiny's Surrender by Beverly Jenkins
x 11. A children’s classic published before 1980 - Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
x 12. A celebrity memoir - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
13. An Oprah Book Club selection
14. A book of social science
x 15. A one-sitting book - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
x 16. The first book in a new-to-you YA or middle grade series - Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
x 17. A sci fi novel with a female protagonist by a female author - The Power by Naomi Alderman
18. A comic that isn’t published by Marvel, DC, or Image
x 19. A book of genre fiction in translation - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
20. A book with a cover you hate
x 21. A mystery by a person of color or LGBTQ+ author - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
22. An essay anthology
23. A book with a female protagonist over the age of 60
24. An assigned book you hated (or never finished)
2018 Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge
x 1. A Classic You’ve Been Meaning to Read - The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
2. A Book Recommended by Someone with Great Taste
x 3. A Book in Translation - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
4. A Book Nominated for an Award in 2018
5. A Book of Poetry, a Play, or an Essay Collection
x 6. A Book You Can Read in a Day - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
x 7. A Book That’s More Than 500 Pages - Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
x 8. A Book by a Favorite Author - Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck
x 9. A Book Recommended by a Librarian or Indie Bookseller - A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie
10. A Banned Book
x 11. A Memoir, Biography, or Book of Creative Nonfiction - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
x 12. A Book by an Author of a Different Race, Ethnicity, or Religion Than Your Own - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
2018 BingoDOG Challenge
1. Title contains a person’s rank, real or fictional
x 2. Story involves travel - The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
3. A long-time TBR/TBR the longest
4. Poetry or plays
x 5. New-to-you author - Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch
x 6. Autobiography/memoir - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
7. Book with a beautiful cover (in your opinion)
x 8. Book that fits at least 2 KIT’s/CAT’s - A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie
9. Related to the Pacific Ocean
x 10. Title contains something you would see in the sky - Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett
x 11. Book bought in 2017 that hasn’t been read yet - Fiesta San Antonio by Janet Dailey
x 12. Number in the title - Pistols for Two by Georgette Heyer
x 13. Book that is humorous - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
14. Book on the 1001 list
x 15. LGBT central character - London Calling by Clare Lydon
16. Book set during a holiday
x 17. Fat book - 500 plus pages - Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
x 18. X somewhere in the title - Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
x 19. Money in the title - any form of currency, type of payment, etc... - A Kid for Two Farthings by Wolf Mankowitz
x 20. Book published in 2018 - The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley
x 21. Relative name in the title (aunt, niece, etc...) - Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat
x 22. Originally in a different language - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
x 23. Published more than 100 years ago - The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
24. Title contains name of a famous person, real or fictional
x 25. Read a CAT (middle square) - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke (ColorCAT - January - Black)
11Familyhistorian
Happy new thread, Katie!
14ronincats
Happy New Thread, Katie! And Joe has a good question in >13 jnwelch:. And congratulations to The Wayne on the new job. And welcome home!
17Copperskye
Happy new thread, Katie, and congrats on The Wayne’s new job!
20RebaRelishesReading
Happy new thread! I love the painting at the top.
21Crazymamie
Happy new one, Katie! And welcome home! Like Reba, I love the topper painting. Very exciting about The Wayne's new job - I hope it is everything he wants and more. And how excellent that you can now retire at your leisure - just knowing that is a powerful thing.
22katiekrug
Thanks for the new thread wishes, everybody!
>9 drneutron: - I see you, Jim :D
>13 jnwelch: - Maybe he's a really slow reader, Joe...?
>14 ronincats: - Thanks for all those good wishes, Roni!
>18 susanj67: - We are about to get a heat wave (98F on Sunday - BLECH) so the pics seemed appropriate :)
>21 Crazymamie: - You are exactly right, Mamie. I have no plans to leave my job, but it's nice to know I could. And I wouldn't really retire - just find something a bit less intense :)
>9 drneutron: - I see you, Jim :D
>13 jnwelch: - Maybe he's a really slow reader, Joe...?
>14 ronincats: - Thanks for all those good wishes, Roni!
>18 susanj67: - We are about to get a heat wave (98F on Sunday - BLECH) so the pics seemed appropriate :)
>21 Crazymamie: - You are exactly right, Mamie. I have no plans to leave my job, but it's nice to know I could. And I wouldn't really retire - just find something a bit less intense :)
23jnwelch
>22 katiekrug: LOL!
24katiekrug
The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy
So apparently motherhood is hard? What a shock.
Molloy has written a mystery (kind of) about a baby gone missing but her real interest seems to be in exploring all the ways in which women - especially mothers and especially new mothers - are hard on themselves and on each other. She should have chosen a better vehicle to write that book because the mystery here was clumsy and ridiculously reliant on convenience and coincidence. The writing was pretty weak, as well, which made it easy to put down at the least distraction; hence, it took me a while to get through it which is the only reason I think I fell for the conceit of it (no spoilers here) - I know Molloy is not a good enough writer to have done it so deftly. I just didn't care enough to pay attention...
2.5 stars
25katiekrug
A Kid for Two Farthings by Wolf Mankowitz
A rather dated children's story about a young boy growing up in poverty who believes his pet goat is a unicorn. Despite being dated, and very much of its place (the East End of London in the early 1950s), I was charmed by Joe and his story. Mankowitz writes from Joe's perspective, so the world is full of wonder and mystery. A sweet little read, though I suspect most children today wouldn't find it interesting at all.
3.5 stars
26figsfromthistle
Happy new thread
27katiekrug
Thanks, Anita!
______________________________
I've picked up A Murder of Magpies (not to be confused with The Magpie Murders - someone here recommended the series and because I'm an idiot and usually forget to make a note, I have no clue who it was. But whoever you are - thanks! I think I'm going to enjoy this one....
I am still listening to Norse Mythology on audio, read by Gaiman himself. He's such a great narrator. Otherwise, I find the stories all run together in my head, but that's probably user error, as it were...
______________________________
I've picked up A Murder of Magpies (not to be confused with The Magpie Murders - someone here recommended the series and because I'm an idiot and usually forget to make a note, I have no clue who it was. But whoever you are - thanks! I think I'm going to enjoy this one....
I am still listening to Norse Mythology on audio, read by Gaiman himself. He's such a great narrator. Otherwise, I find the stories all run together in my head, but that's probably user error, as it were...
28Crazymamie
>27 katiekrug: Katie, Charlotte and Beth both loved A Murder of Magpies.
30MickyFine
I'm ridiculously late but happy new thread, Katie! We've got thunderstorms or just straight up rain in the forecast here for the Canada Day long weekend. Still not sure I'd swap you for the 98F though. :P
32katiekrug
>30 MickyFine: - Happy Canada Day, a day early :) I'd take storms over heat any day - I'm going into the city this afternoon and it's going to be gross.
>31 Berly: - Thanks, Kim!
>31 Berly: - Thanks, Kim!
33ELiz_M
Congrats to Wayne on his new job! And I hope you enjoy(ed) an afternoon in the hot, hot city.
34Familyhistorian
>32 katiekrug: Ha, how about rain for a week in a row. I'd gladly trade you for the heat, Katie. A Murder of Magpies is a good one. I have enjoyed all the Judith Flanders mysteries and currently have her latest A Howl of Wolves in my grubby little hands. I am looking forward to Sam's exploits in this one.
Congrats to Wayne on his new job. I had to go back and read your last thread to see what all that was about and you got me with a BB for Come Hell or Highball, looks like a fun one.
Congrats to Wayne on his new job. I had to go back and read your last thread to see what all that was about and you got me with a BB for Come Hell or Highball, looks like a fun one.
35ffortsa
Please give the Wayne my congratulations on the new adventure. Sounds exciting!
I was thinking of him this past week, when my reading student had repeated trouble pronouncing the name of the man in the story she was trying to read out loud. Somehow she thought it was 'Juan' instead of 'WAYne'. Repeatedly. But she's getting better at it.
I was thinking of him this past week, when my reading student had repeated trouble pronouncing the name of the man in the story she was trying to read out loud. Somehow she thought it was 'Juan' instead of 'WAYne'. Repeatedly. But she's getting better at it.
36katiekrug
>33 ELiz_M: - Hi Liz! It wasn't quite as bad as I had feared - not too much humidity, which helped I think. Have you been escaping to the Met?
>34 Familyhistorian: - I guess it's all relative, Meg. I really don't like heat at all, as I am very fair-skinned and when it gets too hot, I tend to get itchy and rashy for some reason.
>35 ffortsa: - I certainly will, Judy :) I used to refer to The Wayne as "Charlie" because I hated "Wayne" - I should have gone with Juan since it sounds closer!
>34 Familyhistorian: - I guess it's all relative, Meg. I really don't like heat at all, as I am very fair-skinned and when it gets too hot, I tend to get itchy and rashy for some reason.
>35 ffortsa: - I certainly will, Judy :) I used to refer to The Wayne as "Charlie" because I hated "Wayne" - I should have gone with Juan since it sounds closer!
37katiekrug
I saw 'The Band's Visit' yesterday, and it was excellent. I loved the music and the quiet humor.
Afterwards, we (I was with a friend and her aunt) got tapas and sangria.
A really nice afternoon, despite the heat :)
38susanj67
Hi Katie! It's hot here too*. But then that gives me the perfect excuse for not going out :-)
*by UK standards
*by UK standards
39lauralkeet
Tapas and sangria are the perfect antidote to the heat!
40katiekrug
>38 susanj67: - I can't really complain about the heat, Susan. It's hot for the area but a normal summer heat for Texas, so it's not bothering me much. And I have central a/c and very little to lure me out of the house today :)
>39 lauralkeet: - It was very good, Laura! Definitely hit the spot.
>39 lauralkeet: - It was very good, Laura! Definitely hit the spot.
42Berly
>41 katiekrug: ROFL!! A perfect, succinct review.
44katiekrug
I started listening to Matilda by Roald Dahl on audio. I think I will love it for no other reason than the opening:
"It’s a funny thing about mothers and fathers. Even when their own child is the most disgusting little blister you could ever imagine, they still think that he or she is wonderful.
Some parents go further. They become so blinded by adoration, they manage to convince themselves their child has qualities of genius.
Well, there is nothing very wrong with all this. It’s the way of the world. It’s only when the parents begin telling us about the brilliance of their own revolting offspring that we start shouting “Bring us a basin! We're going to be sick!"
"It’s a funny thing about mothers and fathers. Even when their own child is the most disgusting little blister you could ever imagine, they still think that he or she is wonderful.
Some parents go further. They become so blinded by adoration, they manage to convince themselves their child has qualities of genius.
Well, there is nothing very wrong with all this. It’s the way of the world. It’s only when the parents begin telling us about the brilliance of their own revolting offspring that we start shouting “Bring us a basin! We're going to be sick!"
45katiekrug
>42 Berly: and >43 drneutron: - Thanks, Kim and Jim :)
46nittnut
>41 katiekrug: Succinct. Descriptive. All I could ask for in a review.
I have such dreams of keeping up, but I won't. Happy July. Maybe I'll be back before August. LOL
ETA: Oooh I LOVE Matilda. It is so great. Major snark, all the way through.
I have such dreams of keeping up, but I won't. Happy July. Maybe I'll be back before August. LOL
ETA: Oooh I LOVE Matilda. It is so great. Major snark, all the way through.
47katiekrug
LOL - thanks, Jenn!
No need to keep up. Not much going on :)
I am a sucker for snark, so I'll love it. I can't believe I never read it as a kid - other Dahls were favorites so it's not like he was unknown to me...
No need to keep up. Not much going on :)
I am a sucker for snark, so I'll love it. I can't believe I never read it as a kid - other Dahls were favorites so it's not like he was unknown to me...
48Berly
It is YA fantasy, but I just finished The Last Dragonslayer and I think you might like it -- the humor is right up your alley!
50ChelleBearss
Happy new thread!
>24 katiekrug: I keep seeing that one and I won't be picking it up now! Thanks for the warning :)
>24 katiekrug: I keep seeing that one and I won't be picking it up now! Thanks for the warning :)
51vivians
So great that you enjoyed The Band's Visit! When we saw it Jo (as always) insisted on "stage dooring" (now a verb) and Tony Shalhoub came out and chatted with everyone. Such fun! Next week I'm taking my mother to see My Fair Lady at Lincoln Center.
Not sure if you've been there yet, but another great NY summertime excursion is Governor's Island. We took a ferry there last week and spent a couple of hours walking around. There are great views, a little art and some nice walks.
Not sure if you've been there yet, but another great NY summertime excursion is Governor's Island. We took a ferry there last week and spent a couple of hours walking around. There are great views, a little art and some nice walks.
52katiekrug
>50 ChelleBearss: - Thanks, Chelle! And yes, you can safely skip The Perfect Mother...
>51 vivians: - Vivian, I was bummed not to have seen Shalhoub in it, but the new guy was pretty good. The star, to me, is the woman (too lazy to look up her name) who plays Dina. She was fantastic.
I've been meaning to go to Governor's Island - it's on the list! This Saturday, we are going to Randall's Island where Bloomberg has it's ginormous annual picnic. Should be fun :)
>51 vivians: - Vivian, I was bummed not to have seen Shalhoub in it, but the new guy was pretty good. The star, to me, is the woman (too lazy to look up her name) who plays Dina. She was fantastic.
I've been meaning to go to Governor's Island - it's on the list! This Saturday, we are going to Randall's Island where Bloomberg has it's ginormous annual picnic. Should be fun :)
53katiekrug
A Murder of Magpies by Judith Flanders
A fun first entry in a mystery series set in the world of London publishing. Sam Clair is a smart and snarky protagonist, and I look forward to visiting her world again.
3.5 stars
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Absolutely delightful, and perfectly read by Kate Winslet.
4.5 stars
54FAMeulstee
>53 katiekrug: Yes, Matilda is delightfull. I did read it again last April and was still in love :-)
55Crazymamie
Morning, Katie! You got me with Matilda - I have not read that one although I am familiar with the story. I will look for the audio by Winslet.
56katiekrug
>54 FAMeulstee: - I'm sure I will re-visit Matilda again, Anita!
>55 Crazymamie: - Hope you like it, Mamie!
>55 Crazymamie: - Hope you like it, Mamie!
57katiekrug
I'm kind of sorry The Wayne is leaving his current comapny - we went to their summer picnic yesterday and it was awesome (I missed it last year). My favoriye part may have been the private ferry ride from Jersey City, through NY Harbor and up the East River to the picnic location on Randall's Island. I can't imagine what the whole thing costs or how long it takes to plan. Every detail was just impeccable and so well thought-out. In additon to "real" food stalls, they had snack stations scattered about with goldfish crackers, trail mix, etc. and the snacks were organized in old card catalogues. It was adorable :)
Anyway, not much reading getting done - I guess I'm in a bit of a reading and LT slump but I'm too busy enjoying real life to care much. Looking around, it seems most people are pretty quiet, too, which suits me just fine - not as much of an "I'm so behind!" feeling ;-)
I leave tomorrow for California for a conference, back on Saturday.
Hope y'all are well!
Anyway, not much reading getting done - I guess I'm in a bit of a reading and LT slump but I'm too busy enjoying real life to care much. Looking around, it seems most people are pretty quiet, too, which suits me just fine - not as much of an "I'm so behind!" feeling ;-)
I leave tomorrow for California for a conference, back on Saturday.
Hope y'all are well!
58vivians
Wow you're doing a lot of traveling these days! I drove past Randall's Island last night on my way home from the city - were fireworks part of the big shindig? I've lived in NY my whole life and have never set foot there! Sounds like you had a blast.
59susanj67
Hi Katie! I was just doing a crossword and one of the answers was "attic", so of course I thought of you :-) The picnic yesterday sounds like a lot of fun. And a lot of organisation! Enjoy California, if that is possible with a work thing.
60Familyhistorian
>57 katiekrug: Oh too bad that the Wayne is leaving the company with the company picnics, Katie. Picnics are something that many companies did way back when but they seem to have fallen out of favour along the way. At least you got to experience one.
Safe travels.
Safe travels.
61charl08
Picnic sounds rather lovely Katie. Ours are on campus (good: lovely grounds), but dry, which is a bit of a downer.
62katiekrug
>58 vivians: - I'm not sure about the fireworks, Vivian. We left before it got dark - apparently when evening comes, all the hip young things who work there turn it into a giant dance party or some such horror ;-)
I'm not sure there's much to do beyond walking on RI - there was a driving range and mini-golf course but they appeared to be closed.
>59 susanj67: - Hi Susan! Funny about "attic" :) The picnic was great and whoever they hired to plan and execute it did a great job. California is quasi-work - a professional development conference but not something I have to "work" myself. I'm at the airport in Phoenix now, waiting for my connecting flight.
>60 Familyhistorian: - I'm sure his new company will offer similar fun benefits - it's de rigeur with tech companies, apparently. Guess I'll find out!
My little non-profit does a summer picnic each year, but it's pretty tame compared to The Wayne's.
>61 charl08: - What is the point of a dry picnic?!!? (Assuming by "dry" you mean no alcohol ;-) )
I'm not sure there's much to do beyond walking on RI - there was a driving range and mini-golf course but they appeared to be closed.
>59 susanj67: - Hi Susan! Funny about "attic" :) The picnic was great and whoever they hired to plan and execute it did a great job. California is quasi-work - a professional development conference but not something I have to "work" myself. I'm at the airport in Phoenix now, waiting for my connecting flight.
>60 Familyhistorian: - I'm sure his new company will offer similar fun benefits - it's de rigeur with tech companies, apparently. Guess I'll find out!
My little non-profit does a summer picnic each year, but it's pretty tame compared to The Wayne's.
>61 charl08: - What is the point of a dry picnic?!!? (Assuming by "dry" you mean no alcohol ;-) )
64MickyFine
Have fun at your PD conference in California! Hopefully there was some fluffy airplane reading?
66katiekrug
Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza
An ambitious tech executive moves from Silicon Valley back to her run-down hometown to run for Senate... but her reasons for doing so are complicated, as is her marriage and the secrets she is keeping. Some of this novel was great and fun, but it started to lose something as it went on. Piazza's reflections on the craziness of modern political campaigns are spot on, but she also devolves into stereotypes that take away from the story. And Charlotte wasn't likeable - I get that she was a complicated modern woman but I still wanted to root for her for reasons other than her opponent being awful. I felt like the author wasn't sure what kind of book she wanted to write - a political satire, a feminist screed, a secrets-and-lies family drama, a fish out of water story, or what. There was no way she could be fully successful trying to do it all. So a mixed bag for me - not terrible but could have been so much better.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. It will be released later this month.
67charl08
Sounds like it should have been straight up your street Katie, what a shame it didn't quite work.
(and yes 'dry', no alcohol. Although this may be related to the fact we have to go back to work after!)
(and yes 'dry', no alcohol. Although this may be related to the fact we have to go back to work after!)
68BLBera
>41 katiekrug: Great review, Katie.
>53 katiekrug: I KNEW you would love Sam.
Stay cool.
Congrats to the Wayne on his new job.
>53 katiekrug: I KNEW you would love Sam.
Stay cool.
Congrats to the Wayne on his new job.
69EBT1002
>57 katiekrug: Enjoying real life is a good thing to do. Congrats to The Wayne on his new job even though it means missing that annual picnic.
>41 katiekrug: *snork*
Your takeaway actually makes me want to read the book! Heh.
>41 katiekrug: *snork*
Your takeaway actually makes me want to read the book! Heh.
70katiekrug
Hi Charlotte, Beth, and Ellen - Thanks for stopping by!
________
I got back from California last night. It was mostly a good trip - I especially enjoyed the field trip to Cal Tech, and Bill Nye was one of our keynote speakers and he was great. The weather was hot but beautiful. But all in all, I'm glad to be home :)
I am reading On Beauty by Zadie Smith for book club on Tuesday. I am surprised by how much I like it.
I am miles behind on work so expect that will take up a lot of time in the next week or so. The Wayne is off this week before starting his new job, so we are taking Wednesday to go "down the shore" as they say here. That will be a nice little break, but will put me even farther behind! Oh well, worth it, I think. Since I don't technically need this job thanks to The Wayne's new one, I am less concerned with being The World's Best Employee ;-)
________
I got back from California last night. It was mostly a good trip - I especially enjoyed the field trip to Cal Tech, and Bill Nye was one of our keynote speakers and he was great. The weather was hot but beautiful. But all in all, I'm glad to be home :)
I am reading On Beauty by Zadie Smith for book club on Tuesday. I am surprised by how much I like it.
I am miles behind on work so expect that will take up a lot of time in the next week or so. The Wayne is off this week before starting his new job, so we are taking Wednesday to go "down the shore" as they say here. That will be a nice little break, but will put me even farther behind! Oh well, worth it, I think. Since I don't technically need this job thanks to The Wayne's new one, I am less concerned with being The World's Best Employee ;-)
71Crazymamie
Welcome home, Katie! Sorry that work is so busy for you right now, but a trip "down the shore" sounds lovely.
I listened to Matilda narrated by Kate Winslet, and I loved it, so thanks for the recommendation - it was delightful.
I listened to Matilda narrated by Kate Winslet, and I loved it, so thanks for the recommendation - it was delightful.
72katiekrug
>71 Crazymamie: - Oh, good, I'm glad you liked it, Mamie!
73weird_O
Oh, company picnics. When I first started, the company had an annual clambake at the owning family's suburban farm, the one with an ample swimming pool and cabana well removed from the houses. Open bar. All the clams you could eat. As the company grew, the liquid refreshments were reduced to beer and wine, the clams were rationed, the venue was changed (hung-over employees in the bushes on the morning after rattled family members).
74katiekrug
LOL, Bill. Still sounds like some fun. The Wayne's now-former company (as of Friday) has 19000 emplyees (admittedly not all in NYC) so if the awesomeness of the picnic was going to diminish, it probably would have happened already :)
75charl08
Hope you have a lovely day off Katie. Are you shore like shaw or sho-rr? (or something else?) No reason, just curiosity. I really liked On Beauty, despite never having read Howards End and having no plans to after Death by Forster in English class aged 17.
(no, I have no plans to let that go either). I have her new essay collection on the TBR, but have been rubbish about getting to it.
>73 weird_O: This sounds like the perfect setting for a novel. ETA Maybe a murder mystery? One of the employees isn't passed out, they are...
(no, I have no plans to let that go either). I have her new essay collection on the TBR, but have been rubbish about getting to it.
>73 weird_O: This sounds like the perfect setting for a novel. ETA Maybe a murder mystery? One of the employees isn't passed out, they are...
76katiekrug
>75 charl08: - I think it's closer to sho-rr, but with an almost "w" sound in there somewhere...
I didn't know there was a connection to Howard's End, ehich I, too, have never read. I like the Forster I have read (just A Room with a View and A Passage to India), though.
I didn't know there was a connection to Howard's End, ehich I, too, have never read. I like the Forster I have read (just A Room with a View and A Passage to India), though.
79msf59
Welcome back, Katie! I have missed seeing you around. Are you done with your travelling for now?
I will be watching for your final thoughts on On Beauty. I am also interested in her latest essay collection.
I will be watching for your final thoughts on On Beauty. I am also interested in her latest essay collection.
80RebaRelishesReading
You went to CalTech! That's just a few miles from where I was born and grew up. I can get really hot there in summer though and sounds like it did its "best" for you. Glad you're home now and going to get a nice week at the shore. Enjoy!
81katiekrug
>77 BLBera: - Too true, Beth.
>78 Berly: - Heh. It's rough...
>79 msf59: - Hiya, Mark! No more travel until September, other than a long weekend in Dallas (oh joy) to celebrate my cousin's 40th. I'm really enjoying On Beauty - slow starter, but it's humming along now. I have about 100 pages to go, which I won't finish by book group tonight, unfortunately.
>80 RebaRelishesReading: - Pasadena is a pretty cool city, Reba. This was my second time there, and I really liked it.
Unfortunately, we are only going to the shore for a day, not a week :(
>78 Berly: - Heh. It's rough...
>79 msf59: - Hiya, Mark! No more travel until September, other than a long weekend in Dallas (oh joy) to celebrate my cousin's 40th. I'm really enjoying On Beauty - slow starter, but it's humming along now. I have about 100 pages to go, which I won't finish by book group tonight, unfortunately.
>80 RebaRelishesReading: - Pasadena is a pretty cool city, Reba. This was my second time there, and I really liked it.
Unfortunately, we are only going to the shore for a day, not a week :(
82RebaRelishesReading
Oops, sorry I misunderstood. I actually grew up west of CalTech in the low-rent district although Pasadena wasn't all that neat when I was a kid but I agree that it is a very nice place now. I misread about your trip to the shore...too bad it isn't for longer but then you did say you have a lot to catch up on so... Enjoy it!
84katiekrug
What is up with new people in this group lately? I feel a rant coming on...
"I'm just here for the books." And yet you've just posted a paragraphs-long screed about a non-book issue. ON SOMEONE ELSE'S THREAD.
FFS. This place is getting more annoying by the second.
"I'm just here for the books." And yet you've just posted a paragraphs-long screed about a non-book issue. ON SOMEONE ELSE'S THREAD.
FFS. This place is getting more annoying by the second.
85Crazymamie
>84 katiekrug: Sing it, Sister!
87japaul22
>84 katiekrug: being in club read, category challenge, and 1001 books I can happily say I have no idea what you’re talking about. 😁
Only commenting because you’ve seemed a little dissatisfied with LT lately and I’d be sad to lose your book comments and presence here!
Only commenting because you’ve seemed a little dissatisfied with LT lately and I’d be sad to lose your book comments and presence here!
88rosalita
>84 katiekrug: Yeah, that was completely insane. Here's hoping I don't get stuck in an elevator with that one.
89katiekrug
>87 japaul22: - I'm not going anywhere, Jennifer! I'm just less invested, which is probably healthy :)
>88 rosalita: - Seriously. I was going to respond and then said to myself, "Self, this is not your thread. Go to your own thread to rant."
>88 rosalita: - Seriously. I was going to respond and then said to myself, "Self, this is not your thread. Go to your own thread to rant."
91ffortsa
>84 katiekrug: hm. I seem to have missed that one. Just as well.
92ChelleBearss
Hi Katie. Glad to see you had a good trip. Enjoy your downtime with The Wayne on his week of unemployment. I enjoy seeing your travels and pictures!
94norabelle414
>84 katiekrug: please PM me a link to whoever you are talking about because you know how I love LT drama
96susanj67
>84 katiekrug: I saw it and thought WTAF? But that's because I spend too much time with Young People and their acronyms :-)
97weird_O
>84 katiekrug: Boy. I feel a rant coming on...
People referencing unspecified posts, expressing fairly intense reaction, but leaving the rank-and-file in the dark.
It's like posting a photo of three people but providing only two names and failing to specify which person is which and which person is anonymous (and why).
Well, I shan't rant.
Did you see what I did there? You did, didn't you.
People referencing unspecified posts, expressing fairly intense reaction, but leaving the rank-and-file in the dark.
It's like posting a photo of three people but providing only two names and failing to specify which person is which and which person is anonymous (and why).
Well, I shan't rant.
Did you see what I did there? You did, didn't you.
98jnwelch
Ha! Enjoying the mysterious rant talk, Katie.
Welcome back! How cool that you got to hear Bill Nye talk. He's got to be one of our most admired citizens, based on a long body of work and a lot of wit.
Welcome back! How cool that you got to hear Bill Nye talk. He's got to be one of our most admired citizens, based on a long body of work and a lot of wit.
99katiekrug
>94 norabelle414: and >95 lauralkeet: - *smiles mysteriously*
>96 susanj67: - I had to think for a second what that "A" was, Susan :)
>97 weird_O: - Bill, I'm not going to call it out explicitly and publicly. I use my own thread to rant, which is part of the point of having a thread. What that person should have done, IMO, is post her rant on her own thread. That's my point.
>98 jnwelch: - I wasn't loving Bill Nye in the run-up, Joe, because I'm on the conference planning committee and he (or his "people") were really difficult and exhibited some diva-like behavior. But he eventually delivered a fun talk that everyone seemed to enjoy, so that's good.
>96 susanj67: - I had to think for a second what that "A" was, Susan :)
>97 weird_O: - Bill, I'm not going to call it out explicitly and publicly. I use my own thread to rant, which is part of the point of having a thread. What that person should have done, IMO, is post her rant on her own thread. That's my point.
>98 jnwelch: - I wasn't loving Bill Nye in the run-up, Joe, because I'm on the conference planning committee and he (or his "people") were really difficult and exhibited some diva-like behavior. But he eventually delivered a fun talk that everyone seemed to enjoy, so that's good.
102DeltaQueen50
Hi Katie, I sure had a lot of catching up to do here! Since I last visited you've been globe-trotting and The Wayne has landed a new job. Congratulations to him and lots of excitement for the two of you. Our summer really took off this week and I've been spending a lot of time outside in the shade with a book in one hand and a cool drink in the other. I'm always ready to read a Katie-rant - you go girl!
104drneutron
The things I miss while working so much... Yup, was surprised to see the post.
Anyway, rant away!
Anyway, rant away!
105katiekrug
>102 DeltaQueen50: - Hi Judy! I've been lurking on your thread... Sounds like you are having a good (and relaxing!) summer.
>103 BLBera: - :)
>104 drneutron: - Ha ha! As if I could stop...
>103 BLBera: - :)
>104 drneutron: - Ha ha! As if I could stop...
106katiekrug
Yesterday, we went down to Atlantic City for the day. It was a big pile of meh. I might go back if The Wayne goes at some point to play poker, but I'll just make it a reading trip and make sure we stay somewhere with a nice pool :)
107Crazymamie
Sorry about the "big pile of meh". But a reading trip that involves sitting poolside sounds like a plan.
108kidzdoc
>84 katiekrug: Yikes. I just read that rant. Needless to say I agree with you.
>106 katiekrug: A "big pile of meh" (almost typed "big pile of men") is an apt description of AC. My neighbors and coworkers talked about it as if it was Shangri-La when I lived in PA in the 1980s, so my brother, my cousin and I decided to go there for a weekend. We were not impressed, and left early IIRC.
>106 katiekrug: A "big pile of meh" (almost typed "big pile of men") is an apt description of AC. My neighbors and coworkers talked about it as if it was Shangri-La when I lived in PA in the 1980s, so my brother, my cousin and I decided to go there for a weekend. We were not impressed, and left early IIRC.
110rosalita
I've been to Atlantic City twice and failed to see the enduring appeal unless you were a nut for slot machines. Even the boardwalk was pretty sad when we were there (this was the 1980s and again in the 1990s). On the bright side, now that you've checked it off the list there's no need to go back!
111katiekrug
>107 Crazymamie: - I do try to make the best of things, Mamie ;-)
>108 kidzdoc: - Yeah, I just don't see the appeal at all, Darryl. I'm glad we only made a day trip of it.
>109 charl08: - Thanks, Charlotte! Hope yours is good, too.
>110 rosalita: - I did win twenty cents at a slot machine while waiting for The Wayne to use the restroom :D
>108 kidzdoc: - Yeah, I just don't see the appeal at all, Darryl. I'm glad we only made a day trip of it.
>109 charl08: - Thanks, Charlotte! Hope yours is good, too.
>110 rosalita: - I did win twenty cents at a slot machine while waiting for The Wayne to use the restroom :D
113katiekrug
Hi Jenn! I've been lurking on your thread (bad Katie!) - sounds like you are having a busy summer!
114katiekrug
In the past few days I've finished
and 
I really liked On Beauty, my first foray into Smith's work. We had a decent book group discussion of it, though I seemed to like it the most of anyone. 4 stars
A Pemberley Medley was a fun little diversion of several Pride and Prejudice variations, some of which worked better than others. 3.5 stars
It did lead me to re-watch the Keira Knightley film version last night, and then the long BBC Firth-fest version. No better reason to stay up until 2:00am :)
I've now started reading Auntie Mame and am still plugging away at the audio of Chestnut Street by Maeve Binchy.
and 
I really liked On Beauty, my first foray into Smith's work. We had a decent book group discussion of it, though I seemed to like it the most of anyone. 4 stars
A Pemberley Medley was a fun little diversion of several Pride and Prejudice variations, some of which worked better than others. 3.5 stars
It did lead me to re-watch the Keira Knightley film version last night, and then the long BBC Firth-fest version. No better reason to stay up until 2:00am :)
I've now started reading Auntie Mame and am still plugging away at the audio of Chestnut Street by Maeve Binchy.
115lauralkeet
>114 katiekrug: so you had an 8-hour P&P marathon? Wow.
116katiekrug
>115 lauralkeet:- Well, I skipped some of the more boring bits in the long version...
117EBT1002
>70 katiekrug: "Since I don't technically need this job thanks to The Wayne's new one, I am less concerned with being The World's Best Employee..." That is awesome. How liberating!
As I mentioned on FB, I am a huge fan of the BBC Firth-fest of P&P. We own it and it's a go-to binge when we need comfort telly (although yes, there are some boring parts, especially when you have it memorized!). And I have On Beauty on the shelves, right next to Swing Time. Your positive reading experience is encouraging.
As I mentioned on FB, I am a huge fan of the BBC Firth-fest of P&P. We own it and it's a go-to binge when we need comfort telly (although yes, there are some boring parts, especially when you have it memorized!). And I have On Beauty on the shelves, right next to Swing Time. Your positive reading experience is encouraging.
118lauralkeet
* whispers * I haven't seen the BBC Firth-fest of P&P.
Yes, I know I should. Just haven't gotten around to it.
Yes, I know I should. Just haven't gotten around to it.
119charl08
>114 katiekrug: I had recorded the P&P series (as well as Keira) and then the backup harddrive thing died and we lost it. Very annoying.
Now for Bride and Prejudice?
Now for Bride and Prejudice?
120katiekrug
>117 EBT1002: - Ellen, the sort of send-up of academia in On Beauty might be of particular interestentertainment to you :)
>118 lauralkeet: - It is a bit of a time commitment, Laura, but a fun watch. I go back and forth and which I like more but right now the newer film version is winning - I like that it gets some of the darker or more ambiguous bits.
>119 charl08: - I have it on DVD somewhere, but it's available for free on two streaming services here (Hulu and Amazon for any American friends interested). I bought the Keira version so I could watch it that night, since I know I'll re-watch it a lot. The only problem is I realized after buying it through the streaming app that the TV is connected through The Wayne's Amazon account and not mine - oops :-P
Is Bride and Prejudice the Bollywood version? I've seen that one and thought it was fun.
A mention on Susan's thread had me borrow Cowboy Pride from the library... Surely I'll be P&Ped out soon?!?!
>118 lauralkeet: - It is a bit of a time commitment, Laura, but a fun watch. I go back and forth and which I like more but right now the newer film version is winning - I like that it gets some of the darker or more ambiguous bits.
>119 charl08: - I have it on DVD somewhere, but it's available for free on two streaming services here (Hulu and Amazon for any American friends interested). I bought the Keira version so I could watch it that night, since I know I'll re-watch it a lot. The only problem is I realized after buying it through the streaming app that the TV is connected through The Wayne's Amazon account and not mine - oops :-P
Is Bride and Prejudice the Bollywood version? I've seen that one and thought it was fun.
A mention on Susan's thread had me borrow Cowboy Pride from the library... Surely I'll be P&Ped out soon?!?!
121norabelle414
>120 katiekrug: Have you watched The Lizzie Bennet Diaries on Youtube? That's a great one.
122weird_O
My wife has and fairly regularly watches both P&P versions. S&S likewise.
Just read an article about the movie Die Hard that went on and on about Bruce Willis just making the film so great after he was, like, the eighth or twelfth on the list the role was offered to (behind Sinatra {!!??!} and Gere and Eastwood, among others). No mention at all of Alan Rickman, who really did make that movie so good.
Just read an article about the movie Die Hard that went on and on about Bruce Willis just making the film so great after he was, like, the eighth or twelfth on the list the role was offered to (behind Sinatra {!!??!} and Gere and Eastwood, among others). No mention at all of Alan Rickman, who really did make that movie so good.
123lauralkeet
>120 katiekrug: I have a special place in my heart for the Keira version. It came out when my oldest was 12, so we went to see it together. The movie ignited some sort of literary fire for her, making her an instant Jane Austen fan, and I'm pretty sure gets some credit for inspiring her to become a writer. So, the BBC version has Colin but it doesn't have *all that*.
124katiekrug
>121 norabelle414: - On the list!
>122 weird_O: - Rickman was great in that, Bill.
>123 lauralkeet: - Ah, that's lovely, Laura. As much as I love Colin, I really do think Matthew Macfadyen does a great (albeit totally different) Mr. Darcy.
>122 weird_O: - Rickman was great in that, Bill.
>123 lauralkeet: - Ah, that's lovely, Laura. As much as I love Colin, I really do think Matthew Macfadyen does a great (albeit totally different) Mr. Darcy.
125katiekrug
I just saw that Shonda Rhimes has a development deal with Netflix and among the first projects are adaptations of The Warmth of Other Suns (so excited!) and the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn (swooning!)....
126lauralkeet
>124 katiekrug: speaking of Matthew Macfadyen, have you seen him in the new adaptation of Howard's End? He's fabulous.
>125 katiekrug: that's exciting news!!
>125 katiekrug: that's exciting news!!
127msf59
Great news about The Warmth of Other Suns. I loved that book but that would be quite an undertaking. I think a long series, might do it justice.
128katiekrug
>126 lauralkeet: - I didn't know there was a new adaptation of Howard's End, Laura! I've never read it but want to, as apparently On Beauty is a sort of re-telling of it...
>127 msf59: - I agree, Mark.
>127 msf59: - I agree, Mark.
129Crazymamie
We have big love for the Keira Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice, too Katie. That is Rae's favorite Darcy.
>123 lauralkeet: I love this story!
>125 katiekrug: Oh! *happy dance* Most exciting!
>126 lauralkeet: Now I have to hunt this down, thanks for the tip!
Morning, Katie! Your thread has made me very happy - and it's not even 8:30!
>123 lauralkeet: I love this story!
>125 katiekrug: Oh! *happy dance* Most exciting!
>126 lauralkeet: Now I have to hunt this down, thanks for the tip!
Morning, Katie! Your thread has made me very happy - and it's not even 8:30!
130Crazymamie
I'm back to add that I really loved Howard's End, so you should definitely read it. That is all.
131lauralkeet
>128 katiekrug: oh right! When I posted I'd forgotten you recently read On Beauty. I actually haven't read Howard's End (shame on me!), so I can only compare the new adaptation (four 1-hour episodes) with the original feature-length film, which starred Anthony Hopkins & Emma Thompson. I liked both, but the length of the new one allows for more plot and character development (and yes, I'm keenly aware this is probably also true of the original BBC P&P ...)
132katiekrug
>129 Crazymamie: - Glad I could help start your day off right, Mamie!
>130 Crazymamie: - Yes, ma'am.
>131 lauralkeet: - Laura, who produced the new HE? Wondering where to look for it...
(And, tbh, the length of the BBC P&P doesn't actually add much - just more time for the secondary characters to be even more annoying...)
>130 Crazymamie: - Yes, ma'am.
>131 lauralkeet: - Laura, who produced the new HE? Wondering where to look for it...
(And, tbh, the length of the BBC P&P doesn't actually add much - just more time for the secondary characters to be even more annoying...)
133Crazymamie
>132 katiekrug: Yes, but also a wet Colin Firth, and the scene that follows is completely charming. *sigh*
134katiekrug
>133 Crazymamie: - Oh, absolutely! And the smoldering looks as he watches Elizabeth at the pianoforte at Pemberley... *sigh*
135Crazymamie
Yes!
137lauralkeet
>132 katiekrug: it's on Starz, Katie.
>133 Crazymamie: okay, well, I've seen that bit! Be still my heart.
>133 Crazymamie: okay, well, I've seen that bit! Be still my heart.
138katiekrug
Thanks, Laura! We have that as an add-on to our Prime so I will definitely be adding HE to the watch list...
139vivians
I've been re-watching Downton this summer but now I'm thinking I have to add P&P to the queue.
140katiekrug
I gave up on Downton after three seasons but keep thinking I should at least finish it out.
Apparently, they are making a film with the original cast. Not sure why....
Apparently, they are making a film with the original cast. Not sure why....
141kidzdoc
I'm glad that you liked On Beauty, Katie. I enjoyed it, but nowhere near as much as White Teeth, her debut novel.
I'm looking forward to watching The Warmth of Other Suns with my mother; she, her mother and two sisters were part of the Great Migration, as they moved from Troy, Alabama to NYC in the early 1940s to escape the Jim Crow South, while her father was in the military during World War II.
I'm looking forward to watching The Warmth of Other Suns with my mother; she, her mother and two sisters were part of the Great Migration, as they moved from Troy, Alabama to NYC in the early 1940s to escape the Jim Crow South, while her father was in the military during World War II.
142rosalita
>140 katiekrug: Because it was enormously popular? Just a guess. :-)
143katiekrug
>141 kidzdoc: - Hi Darryl! I have White Teeth, The Autograph Man, and NW on my shelves/Kindle and am looking forward to reading more of her work.
I'm interested to see what they do with TWOOS - dramatization? Documentary? Sounds like we may have a while to find out as I don't believe any of the projects have started production.
>142 rosalita: - LOL, Julia - of course! I guess I meant more were things left unresolved at the end of the series? They made a movie after Firefly was cancelled (bastards!) because some of the story arc wasn't completed before cancellation.
I'm interested to see what they do with TWOOS - dramatization? Documentary? Sounds like we may have a while to find out as I don't believe any of the projects have started production.
>142 rosalita: - LOL, Julia - of course! I guess I meant more were things left unresolved at the end of the series? They made a movie after Firefly was cancelled (bastards!) because some of the story arc wasn't completed before cancellation.
144BLBera
Hi Katie - You're giving me all kids of ideas of things to watch. I admit the BBC P&P is my favorite. Another version of Howard's End sounds interesting.
It will be interesting to see what they do with TWOOS. Loved that book.
I must get to On Beauty. White Teeth is wonderful.
It will be interesting to see what they do with TWOOS. Loved that book.
I must get to On Beauty. White Teeth is wonderful.
145brenzi
On Beauty was my first Zadie Smith novel Katie and I also loved it. Then I read White Teeth and in the words of Jon Stewart—-mind blown.
146rosalita
>143 katiekrug: That's a good question whether the Downton finale left storylines unresolved. As usual, I can't quite remember exactly how it ended but my shaky recollection is that things seemed to be satisfyingly resolved. But as long as people's favorite characters aren't killed off they are going to want to revisit them, I suppose.
Although I swear if Anna and Bates end up in legal hot water again, I'm through! :-)
Although I swear if Anna and Bates end up in legal hot water again, I'm through! :-)
147norabelle414
I really liked the new Howards End adaptation EXCEPT that it expects us to believe that Matthew MacFayden is a generation older than Hayley Atwell and that he's a father of four adults. Other than that it was fantastic.
148DeltaQueen50
Hi Katie, you made my day with >125 katiekrug:! I am excited about both productions.
149katiekrug
>144 BLBera: - I think White Teeth will be my next Zadie Smith, Beth!
>145 brenzi: - Between you and Beth, I'm going to have to get to White Teeth sooner rather than later, Bonnie :)
>146 rosalita: - Yeah, I think I gave up on it in large part due to my annoyance over the Anna-Bates soap opera... Thanksnothanks.
>147 norabelle414: - I need to read the book first and then I'll watch it. It's on my list of potential reads for next month...
>148 DeltaQueen50: - Me too, Judy!
>145 brenzi: - Between you and Beth, I'm going to have to get to White Teeth sooner rather than later, Bonnie :)
>146 rosalita: - Yeah, I think I gave up on it in large part due to my annoyance over the Anna-Bates soap opera... Thanksnothanks.
>147 norabelle414: - I need to read the book first and then I'll watch it. It's on my list of potential reads for next month...
>148 DeltaQueen50: - Me too, Judy!
150Familyhistorian
LT is still a good place to hang around, Katie, even if there is a bit of drama here and there. Hope you are having a wonderful week!
151laytonwoman3rd
A whole thread behind...and I see it's been all about wet shirts and adaptations and not- needing-this-job and good stuff like that.
152Berly
I need me some drama so I am going to rant on your thread.
RANT!
Ok. I'm done.
Huh. I don't feel any different...
: )
Happy Wednesday.
RANT!
Ok. I'm done.
Huh. I don't feel any different...
: )
Happy Wednesday.
153katiekrug
>150 Familyhistorian: - Yes, it's still a good place to hang out. Just seems like there were fewer annoyances in the past - maybe I'm just getting curmudgeonly in my old age.
>151 laytonwoman3rd: - An excellent summary, Linda!
>152 Berly: - No drama! Please! LOL, Kim.
>151 laytonwoman3rd: - An excellent summary, Linda!
>152 Berly: - No drama! Please! LOL, Kim.
154katiekrug
I went to hot yoga for the first time in 4 weeks last night (3 of those Wednesdays I was out of town and the other I was too jet-lagged to go...). I didn't die, so that's good. And I wasn't a complete mess, so that's even better. It felt good, sweat-soaked and all. By the end, my wet shirt would have given Darcy's a run for its money - only not clinging to nicely sculpted muscles - ha!
155RebaRelishesReading
>154 katiekrug: Ah but keep it up and it will be (clinging to nicely sculpted muscles0 :)
156MickyFine
>154 katiekrug: I do one of those barre fitness classes and I know between the wedding and honeymoon I'm going to miss class for 2-3 weeks. I'm scared of how bad it will kick my butt when I come back. Kudos to you for going back and not dying!
158charl08
Did I miss a rant? ;-)
I need to sign up for yoga again, but hopefully I can get one with a/c!
I need to sign up for yoga again, but hopefully I can get one with a/c!
159katiekrug
>155 RebaRelishesReading: - Snork! Doubtful...
>156 MickyFine: - Micky, you might be surprised. I really thought it would be like starting completely over, and it wasn't.
>157 weird_O: - Hi Bill!
>158 charl08: - No, you didn't miss a rant. Kim tried to muster one up but it was a bit of a let-down ;-)
Yoga with a/c? Where's the fun in that?!?!
>156 MickyFine: - Micky, you might be surprised. I really thought it would be like starting completely over, and it wasn't.
>157 weird_O: - Hi Bill!
>158 charl08: - No, you didn't miss a rant. Kim tried to muster one up but it was a bit of a let-down ;-)
Yoga with a/c? Where's the fun in that?!?!
160katiekrug
I still have 20 books to read in order to finish the PopSugar challenge (we'll just not mention the other challenges I was doing, mkay?)... 4 a month seems doable except I tend to rebel when I *have* to read something.
161charl08
Which ones are you still looking for Katie? >159 katiekrug: Ha!
162katiekrug
>161 charl08: - See below. I have books picked out for each already but I reserve the right to change my selections at any time :D
Favorite color in the title - Purple Hibiscus
Set on a different planet - The Sparrow or Red Rising
Bestseller from the year you graduated high school - To the Hilt
Book that you saw a stranger reading in a public place - Don't Let Go
Recommended by someone else taking the Pop Sugar Reading Challenge - March, Book One
Related to your ancestry - From a Low and Quiet Sea (currently reading)
Set at sea - The Plover
Time of day in the title - The Five-Forty-Five to Cannes
A book from a celebrity book club - Behold the Dreamers
About or set on Halloween - Hallowe'en Party
Ugly cover - Jumping the Queue
Novel based on a real person - Georgia
True crime - Devil in the White City
Set in a country that fascinates you - Oleander Jacaranda
Female author who uses male pseudonym - Cuckoo Calling
A book mentioned in another book - Auntie Mame (currently reading)
An allegory - Lord of the Flies
Favorite prompt from past Pop Sugar reading challenges: 2015 - Place You Want to Visit - The Jukebox Queen of Malta
Book that was borrowed or given as gift - Mr. Fox
Past Goodreads Choice Award winner - When Breath Becomes Air
Favorite color in the title - Purple Hibiscus
Set on a different planet - The Sparrow or Red Rising
Bestseller from the year you graduated high school - To the Hilt
Book that you saw a stranger reading in a public place - Don't Let Go
Recommended by someone else taking the Pop Sugar Reading Challenge - March, Book One
Related to your ancestry - From a Low and Quiet Sea (currently reading)
Set at sea - The Plover
Time of day in the title - The Five-Forty-Five to Cannes
A book from a celebrity book club - Behold the Dreamers
About or set on Halloween - Hallowe'en Party
Ugly cover - Jumping the Queue
Novel based on a real person - Georgia
True crime - Devil in the White City
Set in a country that fascinates you - Oleander Jacaranda
Female author who uses male pseudonym - Cuckoo Calling
A book mentioned in another book - Auntie Mame (currently reading)
An allegory - Lord of the Flies
Favorite prompt from past Pop Sugar reading challenges: 2015 - Place You Want to Visit - The Jukebox Queen of Malta
Book that was borrowed or given as gift - Mr. Fox
Past Goodreads Choice Award winner - When Breath Becomes Air
164katiekrug
>163 MickyFine: - I know! I have a feeling I am going to rebel against this list...
165MickyFine
>164 katiekrug: I promise to enable your rebellion.
166DeltaQueen50
Kate, I have about a dozen or so to read to complete my Pop Sugar Challenge and I will also be reading Hallowe'en Party - most likely in October. I'm sure you will be able to fit a romance or two in-between your challenge books. :)
167weird_O
Why are you even doing it? You know you don't want to read any of those insipid books. Huh? Huh? Just bag the whole thing.
Bwahahahahaha...
Bwahahahahaha...
168nittnut
>113 katiekrug: I'll lurk on yours if you lurk on mine...
although it is hard not to comment on wet Darcy and smoldering Darcy. Sigh.
Just to throw a different opinion into the mix - *whispers* I can't stand Keira Knightly as Elizabeth.
although it is hard not to comment on wet Darcy and smoldering Darcy. Sigh.
Just to throw a different opinion into the mix - *whispers* I can't stand Keira Knightly as Elizabeth.
169katiekrug
>165 MickyFine: - I knew I could rely on you, Micky :)
>166 DeltaQueen50: - Nicely done, Judy! Only 12 to go, you lucky thing...
>167 weird_O: - Ha ha, Bill. I can't resist driving myself crazy :)
>168 nittnut: - It's a deal! And I don't totally disagree with you about Keira. She is not my favorite part of that film. I feel like her portrayal works in some scenes and then not in others...
>166 DeltaQueen50: - Nicely done, Judy! Only 12 to go, you lucky thing...
>167 weird_O: - Ha ha, Bill. I can't resist driving myself crazy :)
>168 nittnut: - It's a deal! And I don't totally disagree with you about Keira. She is not my favorite part of that film. I feel like her portrayal works in some scenes and then not in others...
170katiekrug
TGI-effing-F!
It feels like this has been a really long week...
And not to make anyone jealous, but tomorrow I am having brunch with Darryl, Vivian, and Liz from Club Read, and then Darryl and I are going to see a play, followed by some bumming around New York, followed by dinner, followed by another play :)
It feels like this has been a really long week...
And not to make anyone jealous, but tomorrow I am having brunch with Darryl, Vivian, and Liz from Club Read, and then Darryl and I are going to see a play, followed by some bumming around New York, followed by dinner, followed by another play :)
171laytonwoman3rd
>170 katiekrug: You made me jealous anyway.
174kidzdoc
>173 katiekrug: Dang. I hope I didn't mess anything up.
175katiekrug
>174 kidzdoc: - If you did, I promise never to let you hear the end of it...
178Familyhistorian
>153 katiekrug: I don't know about you "getting curmudgeonly in my old age", Katie. You have a looong way to go before you can realistically say that. I think that it is more like being at overload on "fake news" and the like. I am sure you will be mellowed out after tomorrow's outings with LT pals.
179lauralkeet
I knew about the meet up but not the two plays, wow! That should be a pretty fun day. Enjoy the Pimm's, too!
180katiekrug
>177 nittnut: - Thanks, Jenn!
>178 Familyhistorian: - It's not my LT pals who are the problem, Meg. It's the other LT people - ha!
>179 lauralkeet: - Well, Laura, hop on the train. I kow have an extra ticket to the evening play because my friend, Eileen, forgot her family was celebrating her father's 70th birthday tonight :-P I'll even buy you a Pimm's!
>178 Familyhistorian: - It's not my LT pals who are the problem, Meg. It's the other LT people - ha!
>179 lauralkeet: - Well, Laura, hop on the train. I kow have an extra ticket to the evening play because my friend, Eileen, forgot her family was celebrating her father's 70th birthday tonight :-P I'll even buy you a Pimm's!
181ChelleBearss
>162 katiekrug: That is quite the list! I like that you already have something picked for each prompt (even if you have the right to change your mind!) I did that too and found myself changing it on a whim.
Have fun in NYC today!!
Have fun in NYC today!!
182lauralkeet
>180 katiekrug: thanks for the invitation, Katie, I have some stuff going on here though, so I'll stay put. I also still haven't fully realized how doable it is to make a spontaneous trip to the city. I'll have to keep that in mind!
183katiekrug
>181 ChelleBearss: - Hi Chelle - the making of the list is the best part :)
>182 lauralkeet: - Easy-peasy, Laura! One day....
>182 lauralkeet: - Easy-peasy, Laura! One day....
184katiekrug
Had a great meet-up yesterday! Darryl has given a full account here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/292199#6538894.
The play we saw, 'Cyprus Avenue,' was excellent - funny, topical, and ultimately very shocking. Stephen Rea was superb. I highly recommend it. Here's a good review of it from The (Failing) New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/25/theater/cyprus-avenue-review-stephen-rea.html.
And below is my loot from The Strand. I am trying not to buy physical books, given the prospect of mvoing in the next year or so, but I heard Roxana Gay speak last month at the NYPL about this anthology she's edited, and it was signed, so I snapped it up. The other pretties are two pairs of socks, a postcard for my laptop to annoy my conservative colleagues, and a pencil bag I will find some use for :)
The play we saw, 'Cyprus Avenue,' was excellent - funny, topical, and ultimately very shocking. Stephen Rea was superb. I highly recommend it. Here's a good review of it from The (Failing) New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/25/theater/cyprus-avenue-review-stephen-rea.html.
And below is my loot from The Strand. I am trying not to buy physical books, given the prospect of mvoing in the next year or so, but I heard Roxana Gay speak last month at the NYPL about this anthology she's edited, and it was signed, so I snapped it up. The other pretties are two pairs of socks, a postcard for my laptop to annoy my conservative colleagues, and a pencil bag I will find some use for :)
187ELiz_M
>184 katiekrug: Looks like time well-spent! :)
188kidzdoc
Sigh. I don't know why you bought that pencil case. You know you'll never use it. 😎
I did take front and back photos of the Strand book bag I bought. I'm still unsure if I should post them, though...
I did take front and back photos of the Strand book bag I bought. I'm still unsure if I should post them, though...
189lauralkeet
>185 nittnut: nice haul, Katie. If you're serious about filling that pencil case, the next time you're in the city be sure to visit CW Pencil Enterprise on the lower east side. They moved to a new location since my last visit, but I'm sure it's even more wonderful now.
>188 kidzdoc: You can't leave that dangling out there, Darryl. Spill it. 😀
>188 kidzdoc: You can't leave that dangling out there, Darryl. Spill it. 😀
190katiekrug
>185 nittnut: - Those socks are my new favorites :) Every grammar stickler should have something similar :)
>186 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth!
>187 ELiz_M: - It was, Liz!
>188 kidzdoc: - I *will* use the pencil case, I *will* use the pencil case... Re: the bag, you could find an image of the quote online and link to it and tell people with delicate sensibilities not to look :D We're all adults here. Mostly.
>189 lauralkeet: - God, I love New York. How can you not love a place with a store devoted to pencils and pencil paraphernalia? Thanks for the tip! I am planning to sue the case for some of the random crap I have to bring to Board meetings like Sharpies, highlighters, a tiny stapler, a slide advancer, etc. etc. etc.
>186 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth!
>187 ELiz_M: - It was, Liz!
>188 kidzdoc: - I *will* use the pencil case, I *will* use the pencil case... Re: the bag, you could find an image of the quote online and link to it and tell people with delicate sensibilities not to look :D We're all adults here. Mostly.
>189 lauralkeet: - God, I love New York. How can you not love a place with a store devoted to pencils and pencil paraphernalia? Thanks for the tip! I am planning to sue the case for some of the random crap I have to bring to Board meetings like Sharpies, highlighters, a tiny stapler, a slide advancer, etc. etc. etc.
192katiekrug
I finished From a Low and Quiet Sea last night. It was very good, but I'm afraid I didn't quite "get" it. It's beautifully written, the individual character portraits are wonderful, and it was a lovely read. I'm just not sure I understood all that Ryan was trying to say or do with it. Still, a worthwhile read...
4 stars
193katiekrug
>191 charl08: - It's almost back to school time here in the US, so the stores are full of shiny new notebooks and pens and folders, and I keep trying to think of excuses to buy stuff....
194BLBera
>192 katiekrug: I have this one waiting for me at the library; I've heard so much LT love for Ryan that I want to give it a try.
>193 katiekrug: I have a drawer full of Post-its, and plenty of pens, notebooks so am trying to stay out of the stores now. Temptation...
>193 katiekrug: I have a drawer full of Post-its, and plenty of pens, notebooks so am trying to stay out of the stores now. Temptation...
195lauralkeet
>190 katiekrug: Katie, should I mention that CW Pencil offers a quarterly subscription? I haven't caved yet but it's tempting.
>191 charl08: you're among friends here, Charlotte!
>191 charl08: you're among friends here, Charlotte!
196katiekrug
>194 BLBera: - It's a really lovely read, Beth, even if I was left wanting a little something more...
I love Post-Its. After notebooks, they are my favorite school/office supply :)
>195 lauralkeet: - But really, how many pencils can one use? And my dirty little confession is that I tend to prefer mechanical pencils. *gasp**horror**shock*
I love Post-Its. After notebooks, they are my favorite school/office supply :)
>195 lauralkeet: - But really, how many pencils can one use? And my dirty little confession is that I tend to prefer mechanical pencils. *gasp**horror**shock*
197lauralkeet
>196 katiekrug: yeah, so do I. Actually, I overwhelmingly prefer pens to pencils, but if I need a pencil, I loooove the mechanical ones because the lead is always sharp. So I really don't need a pencil subscription, it just looks cute & fun. I keep telling myself to stick to yarn subscriptions.
199susanj67
>162 katiekrug: I came over because I heard there was a list with *no romance* on it. Katie! Really?! (Although I just swapped out a romance on my list for a Pulitzer winner so I can tick two categories at once).
>189 lauralkeet: And then I saw stationery! I was sad to see that the CW subscription box is US only, but a quick google brought up some UK options for anyone over the pond who is a pencil nerd (Hi Charlotte!)
https://undertherowantrees.org/ https://sherbetlane.com/ https://www.spotlightstationery.co.uk/
There is so much lovely stuff out there. I'm still using the pens I bought at the Staples on 5th Avenue when I was in NY in 2012 (I buy boxes of refills for them. And it turns out that they are available here too, but they're my New York pens which makes them super-glamorous)
>189 lauralkeet: And then I saw stationery! I was sad to see that the CW subscription box is US only, but a quick google brought up some UK options for anyone over the pond who is a pencil nerd (Hi Charlotte!)
https://undertherowantrees.org/ https://sherbetlane.com/ https://www.spotlightstationery.co.uk/
There is so much lovely stuff out there. I'm still using the pens I bought at the Staples on 5th Avenue when I was in NY in 2012 (I buy boxes of refills for them. And it turns out that they are available here too, but they're my New York pens which makes them super-glamorous)
200charl08
>196 katiekrug: Sigh. Notebooks.
I see the pencil shop, and I raise you: the Pencil Museum (!)
https://www.derwentart.com/en/gb/7523/derwent-pencil-museum
>199 susanj67: Thanks Susan. I'd just started looking at shipping costs!
I see the pencil shop, and I raise you: the Pencil Museum (!)
https://www.derwentart.com/en/gb/7523/derwent-pencil-museum
>199 susanj67: Thanks Susan. I'd just started looking at shipping costs!
201ChelleBearss
Looks like another great meet-up! Awesome loot too!
202katiekrug
>199 susanj67: - Hi Susan! I will see if I can find a romance to fit at least one of the prompts I have left - promise! I like the sound of your glamorous pens.... :)
>200 charl08: - Ooh, the pencil museum! Very nice.
New notebooks are the best - all that unfulfilled potential...... I have a pretty one sitting next to me - soft leather-ish cover with gold foil dots. I don't want to use it for anything and ruin it :-P
>201 ChelleBearss: - Thanks, Chelle! The meet-up was great and the loot was icing on the cake...
>200 charl08: - Ooh, the pencil museum! Very nice.
New notebooks are the best - all that unfulfilled potential...... I have a pretty one sitting next to me - soft leather-ish cover with gold foil dots. I don't want to use it for anything and ruin it :-P
>201 ChelleBearss: - Thanks, Chelle! The meet-up was great and the loot was icing on the cake...
203vivians
Thanks again for organizing the meet-up. It was such a nice & relaxed time (and good food too), just what I needed. I enjoyed meeting Eileen after having read all her FB snark - how great that you two have such a good friendship. Where can I find Liz's thread?
204katiekrug
I went to the library at lunch and picked up two holds:
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones which is my book club's August pick.
Snap by Belinda Bauer because I've loved the other books I've read by her. I didn't know there was a new one out until I saw it on the Booker long list....
My list of possible August reads:
Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay (NF Challenge - essays) (Kindle e-loan)
Our Homesick Songs by Emma Hooper (NetGalley)
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (book club) (library)
Snap by Belinda Bauer (library)
Don't Let Go by Harlan Coben (PopSugar prompt - saw a stranger reading it) (library)
The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell (PopSugar prompt - set on another planet)
I doubt I'll get them all read, but we'll see. We fly to Dallas on Friday for the weekend (my cousin's 40th birthday), so I'll have some airport/plane time...
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones which is my book club's August pick.
Snap by Belinda Bauer because I've loved the other books I've read by her. I didn't know there was a new one out until I saw it on the Booker long list....
My list of possible August reads:
Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay (NF Challenge - essays) (Kindle e-loan)
Our Homesick Songs by Emma Hooper (NetGalley)
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (book club) (library)
Snap by Belinda Bauer (library)
Don't Let Go by Harlan Coben (PopSugar prompt - saw a stranger reading it) (library)
The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell (PopSugar prompt - set on another planet)
I doubt I'll get them all read, but we'll see. We fly to Dallas on Friday for the weekend (my cousin's 40th birthday), so I'll have some airport/plane time...
205katiekrug
>203 vivians: - It was great fun, Vivian! I am glad you could make it. I hope things settle down for you soon.
Liz's thread is here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/279568#6301501.
Liz's thread is here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/279568#6301501.
206MickyFine
>204 katiekrug: Bad Feminist is great!
207msf59
Ooh, The Sparrow. I LOVE MDR. I sure hope you can bookhorn that one in.
Hi, Katie! I hope life and the books are treating you fine.
Hi, Katie! I hope life and the books are treating you fine.
208Familyhistorian
Ooh, pencil and paper envy. It is that time of year isn't it? I started early taking my stationery love to the next level - art stores. There is lots of great stuff there!
209jessibud2
>208 Familyhistorian: - Good thing you didn't mention this when you were here, Meg. I have a few art stores that I love going to. You wouldn't have had room in your suitcase, anyhow....right? ;-)
I am also a stationery fan. Also, those blank books of handmade paper, as well.
I am also a stationery fan. Also, those blank books of handmade paper, as well.
210ELiz_M
>188 kidzdoc: Was it perhaps a John Waters quote on the Strand bag?
211lauralkeet
>199 susanj67: Susan, I completely understand your attachment to the pens, especially if they remind you of a special time in your life. What brand are they? Asking for a friend. 😀
~~~~
Good morning Katie!
~~~~
Good morning Katie!
212katiekrug
>206 MickyFine: - I'm looking forward to it, Micky!
>207 msf59: - Everything is great, Mark! I will do my best to get to the MDR...
>208 Familyhistorian: - I agree, Meg! There is a Kinokuniya bookstore not far from The Wayne's old office, and it had a great art supply section that I loved to peruse, too.
>209 jessibud2: - So many stationery lovers!
>210 ELiz_M: - Ding! Ding! Ding! Right you are, Liz :)
>211 lauralkeet: - Morning, Laura!
>207 msf59: - Everything is great, Mark! I will do my best to get to the MDR...
>208 Familyhistorian: - I agree, Meg! There is a Kinokuniya bookstore not far from The Wayne's old office, and it had a great art supply section that I loved to peruse, too.
>209 jessibud2: - So many stationery lovers!
>210 ELiz_M: - Ding! Ding! Ding! Right you are, Liz :)
>211 lauralkeet: - Morning, Laura!
213kidzdoc
>189 lauralkeet: I just spilled it on my thread, Laura!
>190 katiekrug: After thinking about it I decided to post the front and back photos of the book bag on my thread, Katie. As you correctly said, we're all adults here, and the truth of that quote is indisputable, at least amongst us book lovers!
>192 katiekrug: I'll read From a Low and Quiet Sea soon, probably next week.
>210 ELiz_M: Yes it was, Liz!
>190 katiekrug: After thinking about it I decided to post the front and back photos of the book bag on my thread, Katie. As you correctly said, we're all adults here, and the truth of that quote is indisputable, at least amongst us book lovers!
>192 katiekrug: I'll read From a Low and Quiet Sea soon, probably next week.
>210 ELiz_M: Yes it was, Liz!
214katiekrug
I started Snap by Belinda Bauer last night. I'm already hooked and wishing I could give up on work for the day and just read....
215kidzdoc
>214 katiekrug: Ooh, nice. I downloaded it last week, and I'll read it next month as well.
216japaul22
I am a pencil lover (no mechanical pencils for me!!!) and I have already purchased that pencil box that Laura mentioned! My first box hasn't come yet, though. I'll let you know how it is!
217laytonwoman3rd
"how many pencils can one use?" It's not a matter of USING them...remind me to post a picture of my pencil collection one of these days. And don't get me started on the mechanical kind....don't need none of this new-fangled technology.
218susanj67
>211 lauralkeet: Laura, they're the Pentel Energel pens: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TDKOOO/ref=psdc_1069828_t1_B00LPMGUCE Someone in the office stole one, so now I only have two but they've lasted well. I think I'm on my third box of refills. When I bought them in NY I hadn't seen them here, but noticed them a few months later. Before that, just in case your friend is interested, I was a big fan of the Uni-ball Signo Broad: https://www.paperchase.co.uk/stationery/pen-shop/all-pens/uni-signo-broad-metal-... The inks have a slightly metallic finish, which always cheered me up taking notes at the office :-)
Hi Katie! I must investigate the book that has you wanting to read all day. Not that I need any more excuses...
Hi Katie! I must investigate the book that has you wanting to read all day. Not that I need any more excuses...
219jessibud2
I have a beautiful pencil case that a friend once brought me back when she went to NY City. It's from the NY Public Library shop, and looks like one of those old black and white *Composition Book* notebooks. Attached to it, inside, was a replica old library card that used to be in the back of borrowed books, with the borrower's name and date due stamped in. The whole thing was created by Out of Print and each purchase "makes possible the donation of one book to a community in need through our partner Books for Africa". I love it. I do own a few pencil cases and though I don't make a habit of toting around pencils, I use one of them to carry my headphones, phone charger and camera charger, when I travel. I will try to post a pic of this one soon.
221katiekrug
>215 kidzdoc: - Interested to hear what you think, Darryl. Not quite your usual fare!
>216 japaul22: - Oh, fun, Jennifer! Do post a pic when it comes.
>217 laytonwoman3rd: - LOL, Linda!
>218 susanj67: - I love a nice retractable pen myself, Susan, so I will look for those EnerGels...
You'll gobble up Snap in no time. It's a very fast read.
>219 jessibud2: - Out of Print does such lovely stuff, don't they, Shelley?
>220 vivians: - I'll be interested to hear how it works on audio, Vivian. SO far, it's lots of short chapters that alternate time and place and characters...
>216 japaul22: - Oh, fun, Jennifer! Do post a pic when it comes.
>217 laytonwoman3rd: - LOL, Linda!
>218 susanj67: - I love a nice retractable pen myself, Susan, so I will look for those EnerGels...
You'll gobble up Snap in no time. It's a very fast read.
>219 jessibud2: - Out of Print does such lovely stuff, don't they, Shelley?
>220 vivians: - I'll be interested to hear how it works on audio, Vivian. SO far, it's lots of short chapters that alternate time and place and characters...
222rosalita
Hi, Katie!
>218 susanj67: I am a huge fan of the Pentel Energel pens. If I'm not using a fountain pen, that's what I'm using. They write so smoothly.
>218 susanj67: I am a huge fan of the Pentel Energel pens. If I'm not using a fountain pen, that's what I'm using. They write so smoothly.
223jessibud2
>221 katiekrug: - They sure do, Katie. The mug I just treated myself to the other day (pics on my thread) is also from Out of Print. Here is the pencil case:
224katiekrug
>222 rosalita: - Another vote for EnerGels!
How funny/weird is this: I have a big round candle holder on my desk, that I actually use to hold pens. I randomly reached in a bit ago for a pen and pulled out a blue.... EnerGel! So apparently I'm not as behind on pen trands as I thought :)
>223 jessibud2: - Adorable!
I have a pair of Out of Print socks printed like the old library check-out cards. Like these, but mine are blue-y-green.
How funny/weird is this: I have a big round candle holder on my desk, that I actually use to hold pens. I randomly reached in a bit ago for a pen and pulled out a blue.... EnerGel! So apparently I'm not as behind on pen trands as I thought :)
>223 jessibud2: - Adorable!
I have a pair of Out of Print socks printed like the old library check-out cards. Like these, but mine are blue-y-green.
225jessibud2
>224 katiekrug: - Oh, I LOVE those socks!! I should go have a peek at the Out of Print website.... or maybe I shouldn't, could be dangerous to the bank account!
226RebaRelishesReading
>196 katiekrug: Love your loot but I'm extra happy with your "dirty little secret" because I pretty much only use .5mm mechanical pencils (soft lead please). I can't stand dull pencils and it seems non-mechanical always want sharpening so...
227katiekrug
>226 RebaRelishesReading: - Aren't they great? They were a gift from my husband after I reminisced about hanging out with my mom after school in the library where she worked... I use to take blank cards and randomly fill them out and use the date stamp. I was easily amused...
228katiekrug
>226 RebaRelishesReading: - Great minds, Reba!
230Berly
>224 katiekrug: I want the socks!! They are awesome. : )
Also very jealous of your meetup with Darryl. One of these days you guys are gonna hit the west coast...I'd say I'd be out your way, but you both travel more than I do these days.
Also very jealous of your meetup with Darryl. One of these days you guys are gonna hit the west coast...I'd say I'd be out your way, but you both travel more than I do these days.
This topic was continued by Katie’s In For Another Year of Reading. And Snarking. And Shenanigans. Part 12.
