Joe's Book Cafe 11 2021

We all learned of the artist Miguel Freitas on the last thread. He has quite a body of work featuring "whimsical buildings."

January 2021

1. The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist by Adrian Tomine*
2. The Dreaming by Simon Spurrier*
3. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
4. The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay
5. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
6. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
7. Poems 1962-2012 by Louise Gluck
8. Lady Mechanika by Joe Benitez*
9. Catwoman Friend or Foe by Joelle Jones*
10. Jack by Marilynne Robinson
11. Bone Rattler by Eliot Pattison
12. The First Four Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder
13. Slam by Pamela Ribon*
14. Mezo by Tyler Chin-Tanner*
15. Be More Chill by Ned Vizzini*
16. The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
17. Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude by Ross Gay
18. Shadow of the Batgirl by Sarah Kuhn*
19. Prodigal Son by Greg Hurwitz
20. Bodega: Poems by Su Hwang

February 2021

21. Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
22. Books of Magic by Neil Gaiman*
23. Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas
24. Human Voices by Penelope Fitzgerald
25. Mortal Instruments The Graphic Novel Vol. 4 by Cassandra Clare*
26. Wicked Enchantment by Wanda Coleman
27. The God of Nothingness by Mark Wunderlich
28. Charlotte Sometimes by Penelope Farmer
29. Blood Grove by Walter Mosley
30. Bookshop of the Broken-Hearted by Robert Hillman
31. Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis
32. The Dreaming Vol. 2 by Simon Spurrier*
33. Faithless in Death by J.D. Robb
34. Pride by Ibi Zoboi
35. The Sunflower Cast a Spell by Jackie Wang
36. The Dreaming Vol. 3 by Simon Spurrier*
37. House of Whispers by Nalo Hopkinson*
38. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
39. Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls
40. Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor
41. Punisher Max Omnibus Vol. 1 by Garth Ennis
42. Becoming by Michelle Obama
43. Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke
44. Stay Safe by Emma Hine

March 2021

45. Monstress Vol. 5 by Marjorie Liu*
46. The Way of the Househusband by Kousuke Oono*
47. The Lefthanded Booksellers of London by Garth Nix
48. Slam! The Next Jam by Pamela Ribon*
49. The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths
50. A Portable Paradise by Roger Robinson
51. Mary’s Monster by Lita Judge*
52. Trader’s Leap by Sharon Lee
53. Soft Science by Franny Choi
54. Alex Rider Ark Angel by Anthony Horowitz*
55. A Wealth of Pigeons by Harry Bliss*
56. Injection Vol. 1 by Warren Ellis*
57. inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
58. New Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 5 by Kazuo Koike*
59. The Sheriff of Babylon by Tom King*
60. Dr. Strange/The Punisher Magic Bullets by John Barber
61. Butch Geography by Stacey Waite
62. New Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 6 by Kazuo Koike*
63. The Undertaking of Lily Chen by Danica Novgorodoff*
64. Manazuru by Hiromi Kawakami
65. The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson
66. Dark Sky by C. J. Box
67. Murderi in an un-sound Mind by Anne Cleland
68.

April

68. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
69. First person Singular by Haruki Murakami
70. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah Maas
71. Cluny Brown by Mathery Sharp

May
72. Fugitive Telemetry by Nartha wells
73. Home, Habitat by Martha Wells
74. New Lone Wolf and Cub vol. 6
75. New Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 7 by Kazuo Koike
76. New Lone Wolf and Cub. Vol. 8 by Kazuo Koike
77. The Galaxy and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers
78. Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse
79. The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
80. And Shall Machines Surrender by Benjanun Sriduangkaew
81, Chaos on Catnet by Naomi Kritzer

June

82. Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev
83. Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce
84. Reckless by Ed Brubaker
85. Friend of the Devil by Ed Brubaker
86. I’ll Fly Away by Rudy Francisco
87. Men Explain THings to Me by Rebecca Solnit
88. Sandman Universe Lucifer by Neil Gaiman*y
89. Catwoman Soul Stealer by Sarah J. Maas*
90. Americanah by CHimanda Ngozi Adichie
91. Habitat Threshold by Craig Santos Perez
92. Patience and Esther by SW Searle
93. The Devil in the Dark Water by Stuart Turton
99. The Spill Zone by Scott Westerfield*
100. The Girl from the Other Side Vol. 8 by Nagabe*

July

101. Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell
102. Night Hawks by Elly Griffiths
103. Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger
104. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas*
105. M by Jon J Muth*
106.. Personal by Lee Child
107. The Hard Way by Lee Child
108. Ghettobirds by Bryant O’Hara
109. Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
110. To the Bright Edge of the World! by Eowyn Ivey
111. The Complete Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar
112. A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
113. Long Bright River by Liz Moore
114. The Girl from the Other Side by Bilal*
115, The Secret Garden A Graphic Novel by Mariah Marsden*
116. Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
117. World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
118. The Body Factory by Heloise Chochois*

August

119. The Bookseller of Florence by Ross King
120. Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
121. Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
122. Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Tallia Hibbert
123. The Authority by Ed Brubaker*
124. You can only yell at me for one thing at a Time by Roz Chast
125. Yours, Cheerfully by AJ Pearce
126. Eric by Shaun Tan*
127. Hench by Natalie Walschots
128. Jane Eyre by Charlotte bronte*
129. the Secret to Superhuman Stength by AlisonBechdel*
130. Frank:Sonnets by Diane Seuss
131. TheGolden Age by Cyri Pedrosa*
132. Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo okparanta

September

133. Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale
134. Mozart’s Starling by Lyanda Lynn Haupt
135. Monstress Vol. 5 by Marjorie Liu*
136. Any Other World Will Do by Alex Lubertozzi
137. In by Will McPhail
138. Goldenrod by Maggie Smith
139. The Inheritance of Orchidea Divina by Zoraida Cordova
140. Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker
141. Forgotten in Death by JD Robb
142. Don’t Know Jack by Diane Capri

October

143. Captain Marvel Re-entry by Kelly Thompson*
144. Shang-Chi by gene Luen Yang
145. Bewilderment by Richard Powers
146. The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki
147.Matrix by Lauren Goff
148. Monstress vol. 6 by Marjorie Liu*
149. Good Bones by Maggie Smith
150. Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy
151. Better Off Dead by Lee and Andrew Child
152. Brzrkr by Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt*
153. Catwoman Far from Gotham by Joelle Jones*

November

154. Harlem Shuffle by Colson whitehead
155. Little Victories by Yvon Roy*
156. The Last Thing by Patrick Rosal
157. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

* illustrated or graphic book

Favorites of the Year So Far

Bewilderment by Richard Powers

Matrix by Lauren Goff

The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozecki

Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghey

Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker

House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil

Cluny Brown by Margery Sharp

Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls

The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson

The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin

The Galaxy and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers

Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Long Bright River by Liz Moore

Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce

Cheerfully, Yours by AJ Pearce

Good Bones by Maggie Smith

Rafa and Fina say Happy Autumn!

Good bones

by Maggie Smith

Life is short, though I keep this from my children.
Life is short, and I’ve shortened mine
in a thousand delicious, ill-advised ways,
a thousand deliciously ill-advised ways
I’ll keep from my children. The world is at least
fifty percent terrible, and that’s a conservative
estimate, though I keep this from my children.
For every bird there is a stone thrown at a bird.
For every loved child, a child broken, bagged,
sunk in a lake. Life is short and the world
is at least half terrible, and for every kind
stranger, there is one who would break you,
though I keep this from my children. I am trying
to sell them the world. Any decent realtor,
walking you through a real shithole, chirps on
about good bones: This place could be beautiful,
right? You could make this place beautiful.

Miguel Freitas

It was refreshing to read Matrix by Lauren Groff, with its straightforward, chronological telling of a feminist story in the unlikely time of the 12th century. Marie is a royal-related "bastard" who is bitterly exiled from the royal court and sent to be the prioress of a remote, failing English abbey filled with starving nuns, most of whom are sick and dying. She is young, tall and unattractive when she arrives, unhappy to be there. She has left behind the sexual companionship of her dear friend Celine. Despite her unhappiness, she has passion and fire and a keen mind, and gradually begins to assert herself.

Based on real life author Marie de France, Marie is indomitable once she gets momentum, restoring the health of the abbey and making it a successful seat of power from which she challenges the male-dominated practices of the Catholic church while struggling with her own sexual desires and those of the nuns around her. This is a beautifully written book, filled with the color of the time, and Marie is an unforgettable powerhouse, human and godly.

from the last thread

Happy new thread, Joe!
From >1 jnwelch:, I know you told us Freitas is based in Toronto and though 3 of the 4 in >1 jnwelch: I would not necessarily recognize as my city, that third one is the skyline I know well (in a matter of speaking!). I do like his interpretations!

And I love Rafa's shirt! Pumpkin farms were a staple of my teaching days, usually the first field trip of the school year! Lots of fun.

>1 jnwelch: Lovely pictures of whimsical buildings, Joe.

Happy new thread.

Happy New Thread, Joe. Love the Freitas toppers, along with the grandkid pics. I have requested both Good Bones & Matrix from the library. Did you finish Once There Were Wolves? If so, pretty damn good, right?
I am enjoying Bewilderment. He is such a good writer.

I did make it out for a bird jaunt this AM. There was a touch of winter in the air. Not a whole lot of birds seen either.

Happy new one, Joe! Love your toppers - they are full of whimsy. And the photos of Rafa and Fina are so fun - they are getting big!

>8 jessibud2:. How cool that you can recognize the third Freitas, Shelley. I’d sure seek out his work in Toronto. I’d put one of these on our wall in a blink.

Going to the pumpkin farm is a wonderful tradition for kids, isn’t it.

>9 PaulCranswick:. Thanks, Paul. I’m glad you enjoyed those.

>10 msf59:. Thanks, Mark. Yes, Once There Were Wolves was aces. Inti and Aggi! I’m about to post a review of Cloud Cuckoo Land and Wolves will come after that.

I’m glad you’re picking up Good Bones and Matrix. What a poem, what a book! And I’m happy Bewilderment is working for you. As you say, what a writer.

Congrats in getting out for a bird peruse. We got put off by the glum weather, and I’ve been LT-ing it.

Some good news: my shoulder has progressed a lot, and I may be ending rehab soon. Evaluation in the coming days.

>11 Crazymamie:. Thanks, Mamie! Aren’t those whimsical paintings fun? Rafa and Fina are getting big all right. He’s in a growth spurt, eating continuously, and she remains at the top of the size charts for her age. Wish I could post videos here - we just got one of Fina stocking their wine cooler. Clever Papa.

“Hope is the pillar that holds up the world.”

“I know why those librarians read the old stories to you,” Rex says. “Because if it’s told well enough, for as long as the story lasts, you get to slip the trap.”

As you may have heard by now, Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr consists of multiple stories that he weaves into something greater. I was reminded of David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas, although Doer's fragments are shorter and more numerous. We have a starving young girl in 15th century Constantinople who takes harsh physical risks to retrieve ancient writings from an abandoned seaside building to sell; a disfigured boy who has been recruited, with his huge oxen, into an army intending to storm Constantinople; a mentally unstable environmental zealot teen determined to blow up the real estate office responsible for wiping out his beloved neighborhood forest; a Korean War veteran who learns Greek; and a girl in a multi-generational space ship that is headed for an earth-like planet.

Tying all of them together is the titular invented manuscript, "Cloud Cuckoo Land", an ancient Greek tale of a self-identified nobody who searches for that paradise.

“The things that look fixed in the world, child—mountains, wealth, empires—their permanence is only an illusion. We believe they will last, but that is only because of the brevity of our own lives. From the perspective of God, cities like this come and go like anthills.”

Yet something remains that connects the past to the present, one way or another. He's such a good writer that the links and leaps all flow naturally. What a sprawling challenge to take on!

Throughout we are reminded of the importance of stories and their preservation. They are a means to slip the trap of our often daunting existence, and a means to carry forward what we have learned,

“But books, like people, die. They die in fires or floods or in the mouths of worms or at the whims of tyrants. If they are not safeguarded, they go out of the world. And when a book goes out of the world, the memory dies a second death.”

His invented manuscript, once thought gone, lives and breathes life into these characters. He reminds us of the importance of keeping our collective story going.

'

You confused me, Joe. Every reference you made for the book title "Good Bones" by Maggie Smith linked to the touchstone for "Good Bones" by Margaret Atwood. Mark rescued me, 'cause his reference to "Good Bones" linked to Good Bones by Maggie Smith. Sorry. I shoulda just said, "Psst, Joe. Wrong touchstone for Good Bones."

Happy new one, Joe!

>1 jnwelch: >6 jnwelch: Love whimsical buildings.

>4 jnwelch: How dey growed. Lovely.

>7 jnwelch: Reading this now Joe.

>14 jnwelch: On my list.

New thread orisons, Joe, and what a lovely collection of Freitases you've got! (Wouldn't it be glorious to have real ones on one's real walls?)

>4 jnwelch: *baaawww* they get *cuter*! How is this possible?

I'm so glad to read "But books, like people, die. They die in fires or floods or in the mouths of worms or at the whims of tyrants. If they are not safeguarded, they go out of the world. And when a book goes out of the world, the memory dies a second death." It is a truth I think we look away from at our peril. “You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them,” said Ray Bradbury, and that's the thing I dread the most on behalf of our grands and great-grands.

>15 weird_O: Thanks, Bill. It is good to find that out. I covered a lot of ground this morning, and fooling around with the touchstones does come in last place, from my POV.

It’ll likely happen again. Just let me know.

>16 drneutron:. Thanks, Jim!

>17 Caroline_McElwee:. Hi, Caroline. Thanks re the lovely whimsical buildings and grandkiddoes. How do you like Matrix so far? I look forward to your comments on Cloud Cuckoo Land. Hard one to review!

>18 richardderus:. Thanks, Richard. Yes! I’d love to be surrounded by Freitas paintings on real walls.

Thanks re the cuddly gerbils.

I know what you mean about books dying or not being read. It’s one of the first things fascists try to control, isn’t it. We’ve got lots of homegrown fascists we need to keep an eye on and limit their damage.

Today’s Bargain: A Long Way to A small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers for $1.99 on Kindle. Read the one that started it all for this much-talked-about author.

>21 jnwelch: We need to be vigilant indeed...try this: https://bookriot.com/how-to-fight-book-bans-and-challenges/

This stuff always goes on, always has, but the scum are getting ahead by being quieter about their evil-doing. And I *still* don't mount protests and attempt bans of their hate-speech-filled horseshit! How good and tolerant I am.

Hi Joe, mate, Happy new thread and great thread topper pictures by Miguel Freitas. Rafa and Fina are certainly growing up quickly mate. Hope all is well with you and Debbi and that things are good for you both. We are both fine and send love and hugs to both of you from both of us, dear friend.

>23 richardderus:. That’s quite an article! Thanks for the link, RD. I like its pointing out this is really about white supremacy and (right wing) power. It’s only one among its many suggestions, but it underscores the importance of voting in the local, state and national elections.

>24 johnsimpson:. Thanks, buddy. I’m glad you like those Freitas paintings. The fast growth of those two wee ‘uns is breath-taking. Fina is talking now and is very funny ( e.g., a beluga whale is a begooga) and Rafa is just about ready to run the neighborhood, with running the world not far down the agenda.

I’m happy to hear all is well with your growing family, and the same is true on our end.

Happy new thread!

>1 jnwelch: It must be my guilty conscience, they loom at me. "Aren't we pretty, now go away!"

>4 jnwelch: Darling pumpkins!

Happy new thread, Joe! Glad to see Rafa and Fina having such fun in the pumpkin patch.

>14 jnwelch: I liked this one, but somehow it didn't quite hit my high expectations. Glad it was a good one for you!

>22 jnwelch: Chiming in to say it's totally worth the $1.99! I still have to read the next book in the series...

Happy new thread, Joe!

>4 jnwelch: Always love to see pictures of the grands! They are growing up so fast!

>7 jnwelch: Already in the BlackHole so I am dodging that BB.

>14 jnwelch: Having read a couple of less than stellar reviews, I have bumped that one down in the BlackHole.

>22 jnwelch: I have read all the books in the series thus far and thoroughly enjoyed them.

Hi, Joe. Say, would it be presumptuous of me to place a room service order for a breakfast coffee for tomorrow? Say about 8:30. Oh, and maybe a breakfast bun. That would be sooo special.

Happy new thread, Joe!

And congratulations on reaching 2 x 75 with Once there were wolves. I hope it will be translated soon.

>1 jnwelch: A feast for the eyes. Thanks Joe!

Happy new thread, Joe, and congrats on maybe almost being finished with PT!

>26 quondame:. Thanks, Susan!

Aw, I bet the buildings would love to have you visit. Darling pumpkins at the pumpkin farm - can you tell which ones are Rafa and Fina?

>27 bell7:. Thanks, Mary! I love that their parents take them to the pumpkin farm every year.

Richard was not totally won over by cloud Cuckoo Land either. All the Light We Cannot See is a tough act to follow. His successfully bringing us through this complex set of intertwined stories impressed me.

I’m glad you’ve read the first Becky Chambers book and agree. You’ve got some good reading ahead with the others.

>28 alcottacre:. Thanks, Stasia!

I’m glad you’re a fan of Becky Chambers’ books. The grands are grand indeed. Yesterday was a big day for building with Legos - a tower for Rafa and a train for Fina. I know, a lot of tbrs have turned into black holes. Those two will still be available when you climb out.

>29 weird_O:. Got it, Bill. The challenge is remembering. But I appreciate your waiting for tomorrow. The early days of a new thread are always jam-packed.

>30 FAMeulstee:. Thanks, Anita! This has been a different kind of reading year with that big bump in the road early on. I’m glad to have reached the 2x75, and with such exceptional books recently.

>31 NarratorLady:. Oh good, Anne. What a fine artist we’ve all found in Miguel Freitas.

>32 scaifea:. Thanks, Amber! I was going to find out about PT on Friday, but I had to cancel for some legal education. So now it’ll be next week. I’m about 90% or more back to my normal. If she wants me to continue for a bit to up the %, i’m fine with that. But I’m back to being able to reach high shelves with my left hand, put it into sleeves without trouble, and all that good stuff I took for granted before this.

I finished When the Emperor Was Divine and it was another little jewel by Julie Otsuka. It managed to set a tone and atmosphere and tell exactly what emotions were happening in 148 pages. Remarkable. If you can find it - it would be a good novel to read, but it may be hard to find as it was published in 2002. Buddha in the Attic was published in 2011, so I didn't realize that WTEWD was so much older of a book. Otsuka has a new book coming out in February 2022. It is The Swimmers and it is another look at the Japanese immigrant experience in America - but from a bit of a different angle. Otsuka amazes me with how much she can convey in so few pages.

It's fall, Joe. Afternoons need snacks.

A bit of coffee, a bagel, a book. Afternoon sorted.

>35 richardderus: - That is the saddest looking bagel I've seen in a while, RD. I'm assuming it's from Nebraska or something? Heh.

Hi Joe!

>36 katiekrug: Can't put *real* bagels up just anywhere, Katie. They're too much for so many.

>34 benitastrnad:. Good for you, Benita. I remember Buddha in the Attic, too. That one seemed to have a number of LT fans. I admire authors who manage to convey a lot in a slim package. Patricia MacLachlan. Is a master of that in children’s books.

>35 richardderus:. Nummers. Good idea, RD. I see you’re getting some criticism about the bagel.

>36 katiekrug:. Spoken like a connoisseur of the genre, Katie. “Nebraska bagel”. - haha! Love it!

>37 richardderus:. I wouldn’t mind a heartier bagel, monsieur, and I imagine folks here could handle it. - in fact, might fight for the chance to handle it.😅

Here you go, Joe, from the Bagel Capital of the World: https://twitter.com/NJGov/status/1349744711670652929?s=20

(Sound on!)

>39 katiekrug:. Mmmm. I tried not to drool on the screen.😀

>40 jnwelch: It's risky, what >39 katiekrug: did there...too many expectations set too high...mobs attacking Einstein Bros franchises...burning down Thomas' bakeries, then where would all our english muffins come from?! Yes, they perpetrate a fraud on the US eaters but we *need* english muffins! How else will our eggs benedict and eggs sardou stay together?

Actually, I thought Montreal was the bagel capital of the world.... :-)

https://www.mtl.org/en/experience/the-famous-montreal-bagel

https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/ShowUserReviews-g155032-d5974072-r216847731-Real_B...

:-D

A little late however, wishing you a happy new thread :)

>14 jnwelch: Good review. I have been teetering on should I add it to my list or not....I will wait a bit

Enjoy the rest of the week!

Morning, Joe. Sweet Thursday. Good review of Cloud Cuckoo Land. Kudos to Doerr for taking on such an ambitious novel, despite it not completely working. I will have to get to it at some point. How is Harlem Shuffle coming along? Whitehead has been on a killer roll. After I finish Bewilderment, I will start Passing. Have you ever read it? I had barely heard of it, until recently.

>41 richardderus:. I feel like we need to elevate our bagel tasting to the highest pinnacle possible, Richard, even if we risk riots against the lessers and English muffin disdain (something I can’t even imagine happening - our home will always have room for English muffins). The exquisite experience of a high level bagel enriches a life in a way that should not be missed, like the Strand bookstore or Powell’s. Mouth-watering goodness can take many forms, but a Katie bagel can be like a chewy, delicious bread cloud from heaven.

>41 richardderus: - I wouldn't mind if a mob destroyed the Lender's factory. Abominable things...

>45 jnwelch: - I love a "chewy, delicious bread cloud from heaven" - both as a descriptive phrase and an actual thing.

>42 jessibud2: - I've never had a Montreal-style bagel, Shelley, so I won't say a word against them, but my understanding is that they are very different from what I know as a bagel.

Hi Joe, and a very happy new thread to you! I love the artwork in >1 jnwelch:.

From your previous thread, I liked Cold Mountain - warning! serious until near the end, when Inman dies. I admit to book mayhem – I was at work on my lunch hour reading and threw the book at the (cloth) wall of my cubicle in disbelief.

>3 jnwelch: Congrats for 75 x 2!

>4 jnwelch: More cute pics of Rafa and Fina, thanks for sharing.

>5 jnwelch: Thank you for re-posting this poem.

>35 richardderus: - >42 jessibud2: Sob. I wish I could get a real bagel. The closest decent almost-wanna-be-bagels are 26.8 miles away and are still only wanna-be bagels.

A message to our friend Bill (weird_o): i’m attending a virtual event and away from the kitchen (on my phone),so I’m going to have to get back to you on the coffee and breakfast bun.

I probably shouldn’t multitask too much with this virtual event!

>42 jessibud2:. I didn’t know that Montreal prided itself on its bagels, Shelley. That’s a good example of the benefits of our inter-connectedness on LT. I’ll look forward to the chance to try one. I’ll have to circle back to your links.

>43 figsfromthistle:. Thanks, Anita - and thanks for letting me know you liked the Cloud Cuckoo Land review. Because of the nature of the book, that was a tough one. I hope you try the book. He’s such an impressive author.

>44 msf59:. Thanks, Mark. I’m glad you liked the review. As I mentioned to Anita, that one was particularly challenging because of the nature of the book. I can’t remember whether I reviewed Cloud Atlas, but that would be similarly challenging.

I haven’t read Passing. How is Bewilderment going? Harlem Shuffle is fine so far. It’s a crime caper book, as you know. So that’s different from what I’ve read of his before. Although The Intuitionist is also quite different from … anything. I sense that he likes trying different genres. So far this one makes me think of Walter Mosley•s crime books.

P.S. For me, Cloud Cuckoo Land “completely worked”; it’s Richard and Mary who (my words) felt it fell a bit short.

>46 katiekrug:😀

>47 karenmarie:. Thanks, Karen! Your spoiler comment is exactly why Madame MBH ended up not liking Cold Mountain. I looked at it more philosophically.

Thanks re the 75 x 2 and the Rafa/Fina pics. Isn’t that a knockout poem?

You’re in a tough bagel situation, for sure. I imagine there are compensating factors, like beautiful surroundings. Perhaps a bagel road trip is in your future? This isn’t a food that can be ordered online, I don’t think. Freshness is key for the high level experience, isn’t it?

>48 jnwelch: - Don't miss this fun fact from my first link, Joe:

"Fun fact; the Montréal bagel has been to outer space! Astronaut Gregory Chamitoff (Montreal native and nephew to the current owner of Fairmount Bagels) couldn’t think of leaving earth for six months without his favorite bagel, so he made sure to bring three bags with him to the International Space Station.

Ask any local which bagel is best and you will see that bagel alliances are fierce. Despite what may divide us, there is one things all locals can agree on: Montréal bagels are the best bagels."

I guess that qualifies them as *out of this world*... ;-)

>50 jessibud2:. 😀. Thanks, Shelley. That raises the intriguing question of what portable food would each of us take into outer space? Voodoo donuts from Portland? Deep dish pizza isn’t really practical or outer space-portable.

we were so bummed that we were in Portland for a week and didn't get over to voodoo donuts :-(

>46 katiekrug: We do not use the L-word in polite company. This...solecism...must never, ever be repeated. Ever.



That's a fair sampling of the bagelry on offer in NYC. I'm agnostic on toppings/fillings/add-ons. Y'all knock y'all's selves out...me, I'm for a schmear and my teeth as toppers.

>54 richardderus: - I definitely need to go get a bagel tomorrow morning. There's a great bagel place just down the street from us - walking distance! My preferred preparation is a toasted everything (especially if it's heavy on the garlic and salt) with scallion cream cheese. I usually remove about half the cream cheese they put on, as it can sometimes be thicker than the bagel!

Hi Joe - apologies for the hijack :)

>34 benitastrnad: Thanks for the heads up about the new Julie Otsuka book Benita. I also adored When the Emperor was Divine.

>48 jnwelch: Can’t wait to get my hands on Cloud Cuckoo Land. Right now I’m immersed in Towles’ The Lincoln Highway; his characters are fascinating enough that I don’t mind it’s 576 pages long!

Um.. Montreal bagels are very different than Toronto bagels- and there is a fierce rivalry as to which version is the best. Me.. I like them both ( having had the Ottawa Kettleman's version)

>55 katiekrug: Hijack?! These are BAGELS we're talking about! Joe even says (>45 jnwelch:) they're in need of elevation among the attendees.

That bagel sounds excellent.

I knew about the Canada bagels! I watch lots of PBS and one of the travel shows on PBS (I don't remember which one) had a big thing about bagels in Canada. They explored the differences between the Montreal and Toronto bagel by going to several different bakeries. After watching that show, I knew that if I ever made it to Canada, I will be building a bagel tour into the trip!

>57 torontoc: - You are right, Cyrel. Montreal bagels and Toronto bagels are lightyears apart. I like Toronto bagels, having lived here now over 40 years. But, having been born and brought up in Montreal, I will stay say, hands down, there is NOTHING like a Montreal bagel. :-)

Joe, 2x75 in the year you have had, wow. You are knocking it out of the park. I have a couple more to go to 75.

>54 richardderus: Onion seeded are my favourite bagels Richard. It's years since I had a real East End bagel in London. Must put that right. It's mainly US brands sold in our supermarkets.

>47 karenmarie: - Goldbelly ships bagels from a few different NYC places. It's a bit spendy, but you could freeze the extra maybe. Christmas gift!

Just stopped by for a cuppa, Joe. Happy Thursday!

>61 Caroline_McElwee: I think the US brands are just there because no one else was doing the bagel thing as early as they were...and supermarket bagels are a little bit, erm, wanting when the Real Deal's available.

I'm most partial to an pumpernickel everything bagel but they can be challenging to locate. I tend to buy as many as I can afford when I do find them, and use the eensie-weentsy freezerette to keep the ones I don't eat that day.

>52 magicians_nephew: I hope you get a return visit, Jim. There’s another stellar donut shop in Portland: Blue Star Donuts. We loved both.

>54 richardderus:. A visual delight, Richard. A schmear suits me, too.

>55 katiekrug:. This is a good hijack, Katie, and appropriate for a cafe, yes?

You’re in prime bagel country. My perception is we’re very influenced here by NYC bagels. Steingold’s is our go-to, and Kaufman’s is good, too.

I like a sesame bagel with a healthy dollop of cream cheese.

>56 NarratorLady:. Another Otsuka fan. Good to know, Anne. Please let me know your reaction to Cloud Cuckoo Land when the time comes. I’m looking forward to reading The Lincoln Highway; good to hear you find it immersive. I love it when a book’s so good that 500+ length is not an issue. I’ve had some like that that I loved so much I wished they were longer.

>57 torontoc:. A Toronto-Montreal bagel competition? I’d no idea. Thanks, Cyrel.

>58 richardderus:. Agreed, RD. Great cafe topic.

>59 benitastrnad:. Good to know even PBS is intrigued by Canadian bagels. Good for you for expanding your bagel knowledge.

>60 jessibud2:. You’ve done the real taste comparison, Shelley. Expect to be contacted by the Montreal Bagel Association.

>61 Caroline_McElwee:. Thanks, Caroline. Luckily the wallop left my cognitive centers unscathed. And reading = relaxing for me, so it gave succor in the hard times.

Bagels must be a U.S. invention, yes? Or at least not native to Mother England. I never read about tea and bagels in my Anglophile reading.

>62 katiekrug:. Good Channukah gift, too, Katie!

>63 alcottacre:. Hi, Stasia. As I mentioned to Bill, I’m unfortunately away from the kitchen, so I’ll have to owe you a cuppa tea ( not coffee, for goodness’ sake!)

>64 richardderus:. 😀

>66 jnwelch: So glad that wallop missed those crucial areas, and reading could support your recovery Joe.

Here bagels are associated with the Jewish community. I'm not sure bagels were around with first Jewish settlers (11th Century from what I can see). But maybe bagels were around in the 1800s, certainly 1900s.

>64 richardderus: hmm, don't think I've had pumpernickel bagels Richard.

You are right about supermarket bagels of course. But needs must. I ought to dig the recipe I have out, and give them a go sometime.

Bagels. They go well with books. So here I am, perusing your thread on a laptop and folks are exchanging bagel lore, so I open a new tab and check out "bagel" at Wikipedia. The bagel originated, sez Wiki, in Jewish communities of Poland around the 13th century.

The Jewish Bagel Lovers at The University of Chicago also organized the Lattke/Hammantash debates.

>68 Caroline_McElwee:. Thanks, Caroline. You and me both! I could have lost some things I hope to never lose.

Oh, making your own bagels. I don’t think I know anyone who does that. I should ask my breadmaking sister whether she’s tried that.

>69 weird_O:. That make sense, doesn’t it, Bill. Bagels originated with Polish jews. 13th century is further back than I would’ve guessed. Thanks, Bill.

>70 m.belljackson:. Intriguing, Marianne. I know what latkes and hamantascen are, but what are those debates all about. Jeez, U of Chicago - you’d think I’d have heard of that. Madame MBH has, and says they’ve been going on for years.

This is day 2 of my getting educated so I can keep my law license (40 hours are required in my state), so I won’t be working in the kitchen or posting visuals.

>72 jnwelch: Have fun today! Hoping it's something you didn't actually write the textbook on.

>73 richardderus:. Ha! Thanks, RD. It does have that benefit. Although things change so fast in this area, it’d probably be newish to me anyway.

>74 jnwelch: It's an exciting field...and there's about to be a LOT of new law made thanks to that f*ck Zuck. The rights implications of his "vision" for Meta...!!

Oh, and: Freddy and the Baseball Team from Mars by Walter R. Brooks is $1.99 today only! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P0AYOU2/

Happy National Cat Day, Joe and Friends!

"What greater gift than the love of a cat?" -- Charles Dickens

"Celebrate cats and help them to find forever homes.

Cats can lower blood pressure,
offer unconditional love and companionship,
tons of laughs, and alert their owners to danger."

For six years, I took photographs and made calendars of our dogs and cats.
We still enjoy their presence every day with our wall of calendars.

>75 richardderus: I’m not sure it’s due to that Heavy Meta guy, F*ck Z*ck, but it does have to try to keep up with our racing online and tech-related developments. It does make it exciting.

>76 richardderus:. Freddy! I remember our discussing Freddy. Ok, I’ll pick it up and st some point give it a go. I’ll imagine your halcyon reading in childhood.

>77 m.belljackson:. Thanks for alerting us, Marianne. Facebook (for me, anyway) has been remarkably quiet about this. We had cats (Dora and Grace) way back when, but had to give them to a friend when their fur aggravated our young daughter’s asthma. I hope you and your cats have had a fine special day.

>72 jnwelch: Have a wonderful time getting educated, Joe! I will allow you to serve the tea when you are back :)

Morning, Joe!

I have a couple of bagel recipes and keep thinking I'll give it a go, but it seems so work-intensive that I've never quite managed to do it. One of these days...

Happy weekend, Joe!

>76 richardderus: Read all the Freddy The Pig books when I was a kid.

Now im wondering if they would still be fun reading them now

>82 magicians_nephew: Jim, my brother read all the Freddy the Pig books in his youth and has a complete set the the books. At the beginning of this year, I asked for the loan of a few. So far, I've read and enjoyed:

  Freddy and the Perilous Adventure
  Freddy and the Bean Home News
  Freddy the Magician

The still have his copies of Freddy Goes Camping and Freddy and the Dragon (which I see involves a headless horseman, just in time for Halloween) to read. And I've acquired a couple of my own Freddys at library sales.

Now im wondering if they wold still be fun reading them now. Go ahead and try one, Jim.

Hi, everyone. Still occupied elsewhere. Thanks for stopping by. I’ll come back and respond more later.

Today’s Bargain: Lathe of Heaven by Ursula LeGuin for $1.99 on e-readers. I’ve always loved this wild one from a sci-fi master.

>84 jnwelch: Oh, me too! Although I've never read it, I saw the old TV production with Bruce Davidson and Kevin Conway and adored it.

>85 ffortsa: Hi, Judy. Yeah, I loved that TV adaptation,too. The book is not long and is worth your time when you're in the mood.

P.S. the book is better than the TV production, IMO.

>83 weird_O: The one I remember best was Freddy the Detective and the one about First Animal Bank..
Have to say I thought ringing in the Martians was the books own version of jumping the shark

I read Freddy as a kid also! I liked them, but don't remember too much now.

And on the Latke/Hammentaschen debate, the latke should always win.

>79 alcottacre:. Thanks for your patience on the tea, Stasia. The educating was less fun than it might have been due to a poor technological choice they made. But it’’ll help me continue being a lawyer, so I’ll take it. Doe any other profession require continuing education like this?

>80 scaifea:. Let me know when you try making the bagels, Amber. Based on photo evidence of your other mouth-watering culinary creations, I might fly out to visit.

>81 bell7:. Thanks, Mary! Back atcha! What a beautiful time of year it must be in your neck of the woods.

>82 magicians_nephew:. Man, the Freddy the Pig enthusiasm didn’t make it to Ann Arbor, where I grew up, Jim. But I’ve got one now I can report on.

>83 weird_O:. Jeez Louise, Bill, you all are making me feel like I was raised by non-Freddy-reading wolves. I originally thought this was an eccentric pash of Richard’s, but now I find out all the cool book nerds have known about Freddy for ages.

>&7. Although I won’t have any others to compare, I can let you know if I see Freddy shark-jumping, Jim.

>88 banjo123:. Hi, Rhonda. This supports my dawning realization that everyone on LT has read Freddy except me. How is this possible? I was your typical book nerd as a kid, combing the library stacks and roving through bookstores with a keen eye. Is it a Midwestern shortcoming? Did my esteemed parents simply raise me wrong? How am I going to be able to show my face at ALA conferences after finding this out?

In response to your favoring latkes, as much as I love them, I must say it depends on who makes the hamantaschen. Madame MBH’s mom was aces with baked goods. This is probably why that debate has been raging for years.

>76 richardderus: - >91 jnwelch: Freddy formed no part of my childhood, but is on my daughter's shelves. I found they didn't suit me.

BTW Joe Walter Brooks who wrote the Freddy books also created the famous Mr. Ed the talking horse in a series of short stories.

I never heard of Freddy but I do remember Mr. Ed. In grade 6, our teacher's name was Mr. Ed (pronounced EED; he made sure we knew that!). ;-)

Morning, Joe. Happy Halloween. I hope you are having a nice weekend. We had Jackson all afternoon yesterday, which of course we loved but I have been getting very little reading in. We then joined friends for a backyard fire. A perfect night for it. My FIL is planning on going back to his place later today, so it will be nice to get back to my usual routine.

I am enjoying Passing. Go Bears! It would be nice to rebound after that disaster last week.

>89 jnwelch: I know that medical professionals have to do CE courses as well, Joe, and I am sure that there are other professions that have to do so as well.

Happy Sunday!

Happy new thread Joe. Feel like rustling up a piece of pecan pie and a mocha for us?

>22 jnwelch: Okay, thanks. I've just read that one but I'll get it for my Kindle. I'll have to put it on the thread for deals - when I find it.

Unfortunately I can't see your pictures of the grandkids but I'll assume (especially from what everyone has said) that they're as gorgeous and cheeky as ever.

I'll have the rest of the pie and the pot from >97 humouress:'s order, please. It's Halloween, time to go mad.

We'd better start with the sustenance. For Nina, Bill and Stasia:

Happy Halloween Joe and Family!

To celebrate, go to KING ARTHUR'S website for today's feature: "Sunday Recipe Inspiration" -
where you'll find a glorious Everything Bagel and their best recipe for baking it!

>99 jnwelch: Ooh, yum! Thanks.

>99 jnwelch: OooOoOOooo. Oh oh. Mmmmm. What a Sunday brunch! Thank you, Mr. Proprietor. Yes, eat some.

>89 jnwelch:
School teachers in many states have to have x number of hours of continuing education in order to keep their licenses/certificates. This requirement doesn't change even if you have a terminal degree. In Kansas I had to have 15 college hours every 5 years to keep my teacher's certificate. I managed to keep mine current until 2015 when that yahoo Republican governor decided that only in-state residents or currently employed out-of-state residents could get or renew teaching licenses in Kansas. I couldn't do that so finally after 30 years lost my certification.

Librarians in many states have to do continuing education hours in order to keep their Librarian certificates as well.

>92 quondame:. Good thing your daughter is prepared if you have a sudden onset of Freddy-deficiency, Susan.

>93 magicians_nephew:. Man, that’s good info, Jim, thanks. I hope Mr.Ed made him a wealthy man. “Wilbur!!!”

>94 jessibud2:. Right, Shelley. Once you’ve seen and heard Mr. Ed (pronounced Eddddd), there’s no forgetting.

Wilbur (Alan Young) complained that no one believed him when he said he had a talking horse. Mr. Ed responded, “Why should they? It’s ridiculous.”

>95 msf59:. Happy Halloween, Mark. Here’s the secret: read Jackson Charlotte McConaghy and Richard Powers, or whomever, when you’re with him. He’ll love it, and probably look at you in amazement. This will only work until he wants to look at the pictures.

Go Bears! I feel like their playoof chances are already gone, but maybe I’m too pessimistic. At least we can watch Justin Fields develop. You may want to become more of a Bulls fan. They’ve got an exciting team this year, although one of their main guys (Patrick Williams) just got injured.

>96 alcottacre:. Do medical professionals have to regularly do CE, Stasia? I’m glad to hear it. It’s probably more important for them to keep with the latest than someone like me. I wish they were expected to do a certain amount of pro bono work, too, like lawyers.

Happy Sunday! Your tea has been served.

I have made bagels in the past. They weren't successful. As with any baking - practice makes perfect and I just didn't do enough practicing. Today I am going to experiment with a new recipe for using butternut squash to make pasta sauce. It will be a fun afternoon in my kitchen.

>97 humouress:. Your pecan pie and mocha are waiting for you, Nina.

Jeez, I’m sorry you can’t see the grandkid photos. I’ll never understand why posts don’t show up for some people.

I’m glad you read the Becky Chambers book and decided to pick up a Kindle copy. I’ve done that sort of thing before, but usually the other way around: readit on Kindle, loved it, and picked up a hard copy for the shelf.

>98 richardderus:. There’s more in the kitchen, Richard, and you’ve shown you can find things in the kitchen. 😀

>100 m.belljackson:. Happy Halloween, Marianne! Good tip on the bagel recipe, thanks.

>101 humouress:. 😀

>102 weird_O:. Thanks, Bill. Appreciate your patience!

>104 jnwelch:. Interesting, Benita, thanks. I’d never heard that for teachers and librarians. That seems excessive to me, mainly since both are underpaid. We’re lucky good people choose to do that while underpaid, and shouldn’t add to the burden, IMO. Your experience also shows there need to be common sense exceptions to these governmental requirements.

>105 benitastrnad:. I can easily imagine that it would be hard to successfully make bagels.

>89 jnwelch: Even Frank has to do some courses for his job of two nights a week as night watch in a home for young adults with mental problems. Each year a day to continue his licence for Emergency Response Officer, once every few years a short (4 hours) course about medicines, and an other about how to respond in case of aggression.

>89 jnwelch: Aren't we learning all the time though, Joe? In my case much of the law is evolving based on our system of commonwealth precedent that, without constantly keeping abreast of what cases have been recently decided, we would make fundamental misjudgements in construction and contract law.

The British commonwealth countries (if they can so be called still) are problematic in that precedent in case-law in one of the many jurisdictions can impact decisions in your own. Positions I might have taken twenty years ago on Performance Guarantees or material escalation clauses would be detrimental to my clients today. Then of course because the differing specific legislation what is applicable in Malaysia may not be so in Singapore or India or Australia but may be ok in New Zealand or Canada or the UK. All very confusing but needing regular brush-ups.

By the way, well done on achieving 2x75 books already.

Congratulations on double 75 Joe!

I saw Anita's message earlier ... and went looking for the book ... and got lost down the rabbit hole ...

>108 FAMeulstee:. He’s a mensch for doing that, Anita, and it’s a position with the risk of something going awry. It’s probably a hassle for him, but it seems like a good idea to have continuing education. I’m sure he appreciates any tips he can get on dealing with aggression.

>109 PaulCranswick:. Yes, that’s part of what bugs me, Paul. We are learning all the time. To be a successful lawyer, you have to stay on top of the latest. The real change has been the growth of a lucrative education industry, which benefits from all the hourly requirements.I’m sure they think it’s wonderful.

>110 PaulCranswick:. Thanks, buddy.

>111 humouress:. Thanks, Nina! Which Anita message and book? I want to check out that rabbit hole. Alice had such an amazing time with hers.

Today’s Bargain: Ballad of the Sad cafe and Other stories by Carson McCullers for $1.99 on Kindle. Here’s a good chance to read this one if you haven’t yet.

Another Bargain: Dissolutionby C.J. Sansom For 99 cents on e-readers. My sister loved this medieval monastery mystery, and I thought it was pretty good.

Vermont, unidentified photographer

>112 jnwelch: Anita's message at >30 FAMeulstee: And the rabbit hole was your thread; I was looking for the specific book you hit 150 with.

Ah, Once There Were Wolves. Good one, Nina. I’m honored to have my thread called a rabbit hole.

>99 jnwelch: I will take the tea, Joe, thanks. No pie though - pecan pie makes my teeth ache with its sweetness :)

>114 jnwelch: I love that picture. It reminds me of Pennsylvania, where I hale from and still miss.

Have a wonderful week!

I got that butternut squash pasta sauce made yesterday. It tastes very good. Sort of sweet with just a bit of kick from the red pepper flakes on the back end. By the time I thin it down with the pasta water and put the cheese in it, this is going to be a great fall pasta recipe. I spend more time these days looking for recipes that I can split into smaller parts and prepare bits and pieces for several days when it comes time for my monthly wine club meetings. I just don't have the energy at the end of the day to spend too much time all at once on a recipe for the group. This sauce is going to have a beautiful color and with the broccoli florets, it is going to really pop on a plate.

I had some great tea on Saturday while I was taking my knitting class. The woman who owns the yarn shop also sells tea and she has some really good teas. This week I had a Masala Spice Chai Black tea blend and it was perfect for Halloween weekend. The only thing as good as reading a good book with a comforting cup of tea on a rainy cloud miserable day is to have a ball of yarn and knitting needles, a cup of tea, and a recorded book playing. That is a perfect rainy day activity.

>118 benitastrnad: I might try that pasta sauce; it sounds nice.

>118 benitastrnad:
There are several recipes for it online, so just search butternut squash and pasta and one or more recipes will pop up.

I had never heard of using squash to make a sauce instead of tomato so I thought it was time for me to broaden my horizons and think of a golden sauce instead of a red sauce.

>118 benitastrnad:. Sounds great, Benita. Butternut squash often works well for me, and that pasta sauce sounds like a winner. I can imagine the visual pop of your dish.

How cool to have a group of knitters listening to an audio book together. What book?

>119 humouress:. 😀

>120 benitastrnad:. 😀

>113 jnwelch: Good bargains!

Well, it's another one of Those Days. Are you all done with your continuing education?

>117 alcottacre:. No worries, Stasia. The pie was for Nina. If you ever get stuck with a piece of pecan pie, I’ll be happy to take it off your hands. It’s one of my favorites.

Pennsylvania is beautiful, too, this time of year. We’re getting to know it better now that Son#1 is in Pittsburgh.

>122 richardderus:. Hiya, RD. I am all done with continuing education, thanks. And I’m nearing the end of rehab! The shoulder is working well again, and there’s just one area of pain the therapist wants to address. We’re going to do this week, and decide on Friday what’s next.

Hi Joe, mate, congrats on 2 X 75 books for the year so far, dear friend.

>124 johnsimpson:. Thanks, buddy. I’m happily surprised that I’ve read that many in what for me has been a very unusual year.

>118 benitastrnad: I love the sound of that pasta sauce. I really like the winter squashes - I cannot stand cooked summer squash - so a butternut pasta sounce sounds perfectly lovely to me.

>123 jnwelch: I was born in western Pennsylvania and have not been back for years, but I fondly remember the trees turning color up there in the fall. *sigh*

Morning, Joe. I hope the week is off to a good start for you. Sue has a later start on Tuesday, so she will take her FIL back to his apartment today. He is doing much better, thanks to our loving care. Grins...It will be nice to have sole possession of the Man Cave again.

I really enjoyed Passing, so if you have not read it, I would recommend it. A film version of it, is being released too. I just started Five Tuesdays in Winter. I am a fan of King and this collection is off to a promising beginning.

I hope our Meet Up works out.

>127 msf59:. Morning, Mark. I’ve got to check with Becca re Sunday - it’s her usual visit day. Good to hear your books are treating you well. I’m enjoying Harlem Shuffle so far, although it’s a bit more routine than I’d expect from this author. Plenty of pages left for that to change.

Today’s Bargain: Way Station by Clifford D. Simak for $1.99 on e-readers. A sci-fi classic that won the Hugo.

>129 jnwelch: Way Station! Oh gosh, such good memories of that read. I'm glad that Open Road's putting his old stuff on sale to get people reading it again. At various points his short-fiction collections have all been $1.99...all fourteen of them!

>128 jnwelch:. I’m with you, Richard. I love what I’ve read by him, including this one, and I’d like to read more.

>127 msf59: Hi Mark - Abundant birds at feeders again - have to hide both in garbage can at night, thanks to raccoons.

Great that your FIL is well enough to return home - did you read to him?
Proust will be a challenge, so rest up and stock up on Madelines. (sp?)

For meetup with Joe, don't forget long ago books for him and family!

Favorite Halloween treat so far is a Reese's Peanut Butter Bat.

Just a heads up for the poets among us (*cough*Richard*cough*); there are a couple of books on offer via Early Reviewers.

>132 m.belljackson:.😀

>144 jnwelch:. Hi, Nina. Thanks- I’ll look for the ER poemetry.

Jesse, Ariana, Rafa, Fina

Way Station is SUCH a good book and good story. Just purchased it and looking forward to reading it again. Simik doesn't always get his just desserts in the pantheon of Golden Age Sci-Fi but this one is as good as anything aybody ever wrote.

Hmm. Maybe I'll suggest it to my Book Club.

>136 magicians_nephew:. Agreed, Jim. He’d be my #1 underrated sci-fi writer. City also was great.

I remember getting a kick out of Cordwainer Smith, who never gets mentioned these days.

>135 jnwelch: Love your trick or treaters Joe.

>128 jnwelch:. Thanks, Caroline. They’re sweet ones, those two.

Happy Wednesday, Joe. Taking advantage of my downtime and getting lots of reading in. I am really enjoying Five Tuesdays in Winter and the GN I mentioned. Have you read Lily King?

>135 jnwelch: Love the Halloween pics!

>140 msf59:. Yes, I read and liked Writers& Lovers. I’m glad to hear this new one is working well for you. I’m liking A Sister (can’t find the touchstone) by Bastien Vives, as I mentioned, and Harlem Shuffle is going fine; I probably expect too much from him.

Aren’t those fun Halloween pics? Rafa was so excited!

P.S. I’ve actually spent a good part of the morning reading Patrick Rosal’s new and selected poems, The Last Thing. I can’t decide what I think of it. There’ve been a couple of really good ones.

>137 jnwelch: My YGC loved Norstrilia and the other Cordwainer Smith books I gave him a few Yules past. He's still re-reading them, which makes me happy; and he's gobbled down all the Kindlebooks I have of Simak's too.

"Imagine where I'd be without all these stories...I'd never have even heard of them" is a frequent soothe-the-anxious-old-man refrain.

>135 jnwelch: Such beaming smiles! So happy for you all.

>142 richardderus: Always got a kick out of the fact that Harlan Ellison when he came to create a pen name (one of many) came up with "Cordwainer Bird" in secret tribute to Cordwainer Smith

>142 richardderus:. Yay for Nostrilia and Cordwainer Smith and kudos to you for recommending them to your YGC! No wonder he likes you. I think some re-reading by moi of CS may be in order. I’ve sure enjoyed re-reading Simak.

Thanks re the you-all happiness. There are always bumps in the road - we think back on ours sometimes- but they’re great parents and kids and they sure make us laugh and smile.

>143 magicians_nephew:😀

I loved Way Station, too, Joe. Such a lovely surprise, that one.

*Love* the costume photos! What a great little family.

>135 jnwelch: Quite adorable. They must have had quite a fun night!

>145 scaifea:. Wasn't’ Way Station a good one, Amber?

Thanks re the great little costumed family. They’re a hoot.

>146 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Anita. They did have quite the fun night. A friend of Rafa’s joined them. Rafa almost rotated right out of his shoes he was so excited by it all.

>129 jnwelch: Never heard of either the book or the author. I will have to check into that one. Yes, I know my sci-fi reading is lacking. I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to remedy that.

>135 jnwelch: Love the family photos! Looks like everyone was having a great time.

Happy Thursday, Joe! Keep a cuppa warm for me, please.

>144 jnwelch:, >143 magicians_nephew: Very few things about Ellison make me smile but that one does!

I'm pretty sure, Joe, that the main purpose for my continued existence is to be found in the books I make a few people aware of that they probably wouldn't have encountered/attended to otherwise.

There are far, far worse fates!

Hi Joe! I’m having trouble keeping up with threads these days. 101 messages since my last visit. Sheesh. Belated congrats on 75 x 2!

>54 richardderus: Richard, you devil. Anything except everything or onion bagels works for me, but I especially love poppy seed or sesame seed. I remember one time in 1979, in NYC, getting REAL bagels for 13¢ each.

>68 Caroline_McElwee: You are right about supermarket bagels of course. But needs must. I ought to dig the recipe I have out, and give them a go sometime. I just thought the same thing, Caroline.

>76 richardderus: My friend Karen is appalled that I’d never heard of Freddy the Pig. I’m not sure what kind of experience I’ll get by reading on Kindle, but the first book, Freddy Goes to Florida is available on Kindle for $1.99 today and I splurged.

>77 m.belljackson: I did not realize there was a National Cat Day, and must wish my own three furballs a belated one.

>91 jnwelch: We’re in the same boat, Joe, but once I get the old Kindle charged up and download Freddy Goes to Florida you will be the only one who hasn’t read Freddy. *smile*

>99 jnwelch: Covering your audience’s bases, eh? I personally vote for the middle one. Plain black coffee, and a sweet roll.

>135 jnwelch: Sweet. Just plain sweet.

Morning, Joe. Happy Friday. I am still on the mend, but getting better each day. Getting ready to head over to Bree's place to sit with Jackson for a few hours. Bree has returned to work, albeit from home so she could use all the help she can get. I am enjoying The Highest Tide, which I am doing a shared read with Stasia. My kind of book so far...

>148 alcottacre:. Hi, Stasia. Yes, if tou’re at all inclined toward sci-fi reading, Way Station and Simak will be happy discoveries for you.

Thanks re the great tine family.

We’ll keep plenty of cuppas (tea!) on hand for you.

>149 richardderus: I’m thinking now about changing this to Cordwainer Joe’s Cafe.

The Book Finder? The Reading Influencer? There’s got to be a better name for what you do, Richard. I’ve certainly benefitted many times from the obscure gems you unearth.

>150 karenmarie:. Thanks re the 75 x 2, Karen.

I’m glad there’s at least one other person in the world who didn’t know Freddy the Pig. I’ve got the Freddy-Mars bargain, but i should grab this Freddy Goes to Florida bargain, too, since it’s the first.

I’m not a plain black coffee guy (some milk please) but a sweet roll sounds good.

Thanks re that sweet family.

>151 msf59:. Happy Friday, buddy. I somehow missed that you were under the weather, sorry. I’m glad you’re feeling improved. We had a couple of low energy days after getting the Moderna booster, but both feel better today.

Enjoy that Jackson. We wish we lived near Rafa and Fina so we could help out like that. Good for you for freeing up Bree a bit.

That’s cool, doing a shared read with Stasia. Let me know when the Proust read comes up,

Friday orisons, Joe, may this double-Thursday be replete with reads only the most redoubtable.

...I read a Poirot story last night...sorry.

>152 jnwelch: Is there any place in particular that you recommend I start with Simak? Not that my local library is going to be of any assistance there. . .

>153 richardderus:. Friday orisons, my friend. Hmm, double Thursday sounds pretty good. What exactly is time? The only important measuring stick? If we go to Daylight Savings Time this weekend, do we get to keep the time we save, for use when we choise? When would it come in handy to have an extra hour you could use?

No need to be sorry about reading Poirot! I’m all for reading about the little Belgian gentleman with the well-maintained mustache..

>154 alcottacre:. Your local library may have Simak, Stasia. His work was shelfworthy in its day (still is, of course, IMO). Do you like dogs? If so, I recommend starting with City, in which the world-running dogs reminisce about humans. Way Station is, as Amber says, a lovely one, and you can’t go wrong with that one either.

Today’s Bargain: Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke. The sci-fi classic at $1.99 on e-readers.

>156 jnwelch: No, it does not. I checked yesterday when Way Station was mentioned. Thanks for the recommendation!

>158 alcottacre:. Shoot, your library not having Simak dismays me, Stasia. But I’m spoiled - not only a big city library, but part of a system with a lot of libraries that can send books.

Anyway, enjoy!

Good to see that things are humming along here at this...um...Cordwainer Joe's Cafe. I added the two Simak titles you recommended to Stasia to my WANT! list.

We are plan on starting Swann's Way around the 15th. Were you thinking of joining us? Fingers crossed...

>160 weird_O:. Ha! “Cordwainer Joe’s” has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it, Bill.Great to hear you’re going to try those Simak books. Yay! They’re so good. Report back when time permits.

>161 msf59:. Yes! I’m on board with the informal group read of Swann’s Way. As when you and I read Infinite Jest, i need the moral support to make it happen.

>159 jnwelch: I found copies of both City and Way Station through ABE Books, Joe, so they are now both on their way to me.

>163 alcottacre:. Great to hear, Stasia. I hope you enjoy them as much as we have, and end up being glad to have copies for your shelf.

>164 jnwelch: I just finished A Tale for the Time Being, Joe. Thanks for the recommendation of that one! I enjoyed it.

>165 alcottacre:. Oh good, Stasia! What a book. It really took off for me when I met the grandmother.

If you enjoyed that, odds are you’ll also like her Book of Form and Emptiness. In reflecting on the year’s books, it rose to the top as my favorite, with Matrix close behind.

Today’s Bargain: Timeline by Michael Crichton for $1.99 on e-readers. A surprisingly enjoyable time travel adventure. Don’t see the terrible movie adaptation.

>167 jnwelch: is that as in 'The Matrix'? Or a different story?

Hi Joe - where is the link that explains how to send photos, pictures or videos?

Thank you.

>166 jnwelch: Unfortunately my local library still does not have Book of Form and Emptiness, so it may be a while before I can read it.

>169 m.belljackson: Try this wiki for tips on how to do snazzy things in threads.

>168 ffortsa:. My bad, Judy. Lauren Groff’s memorable book. I fixed it in the post.

>169 m.belljackson:. See Nina’s >171 humouress: post, Marianne.

>170 alcottacre:. Ah, that’s a shame, Stasia. Well, some day.

>171 humouress:. Thanks, Nina.

^From a few years ago. Looking forward to doing this again today!

Happy Sunday, Joe. Looks like we picked a fine fall day for a Meet Up. Glad to hear you might join us on Swann's Way. I assume you have a copy? I plan on starting next weekend.

>167 jnwelch: The movie's just...bland. It doesn't really adapt the book. It uses the title and the character names...other than that, it's the canned creamed corn of the 1990s film world.

>173 msf59:. Hey buddy! Yes, this should be an excellent weather day for a meetup. You’re getting me fired up with that photo.

Yes, our system has lots of copies of Swann’s way, and it’s (fingers crossed) supposed to get here in time for me to join in. I won’t be starting early, which otherwise would’ve been tempting with this one. I’m doing the Lydia Davis translation.

See you soon!

>174 richardderus:. So true, Richard. I’d gotten immersed in that book, and was excited to see the movie adaptation. Took Debbi and the kids. What a disappintment.😟

>173 msf59: I asked Mark to give you a hug from me, so please give him a hug for me too. I am hoping that one of these centuries I will meet you both!

Happy Sunday, Joe! Have a lovely meet up with Mark.

>176 alcottacre:. Thanks, Stasia! Will do. Having you join in would be great.

>177 jnwelch: Well, you know you guys could always mosey on down to Joplin. I am there every week after Thanksgiving :)

>178 alcottacre:. I like the sounds of “ Mosey on down to Joplin”, Stasia. If I recall correctly, you used to get some other Lters to gather there. I’m discussing it with our friend Mark at Begyle Brewery.

^Great Meet Up with you today, Joe. We always have a terrific time and we picked an absolutely perfect late fall day. It was gorgeous. This was at Begyle Brewing. They required proof of vaccine before we could order and fortunately we both were able to comply. I wish more of our local LT friends could join us.

>180 msf59:. Thanks for posting that, my friend. What a great time! Beautiful day for it. I’m still a bit loopy from all those good brews. Go Chiefs!

>180 msf59: Looking good!

>180 msf59: Nice!

>173 msf59: >180 msf59: Those two photos look awfully similar; must be the glasses. That looks like a good meet-up.

>180 msf59: Good to see you together again, Joe and Mark.

>184 humouress: I had the same thought!
I love that you guys can get together once in a while.

Yay for a great meet-up! Love the photo.

Cheers! Great pic! And yay for the proof of vaccine requirement. I am all for that, especially if we want to get anywhere near the end of this thing. Maybe it will wake more people up to *reality*!

>182 quondame:. 😀

>183 drneutron:. 😀

>184 humouress:. ‘Twas a good meetup indeed, Nina. I think the two guys in the photos might be the same, too.

>185 FAMeulstee:. Agreed, Anita. What a day for it!

>186 lauralkeet:. Thanks, Laura. We, do, too. We try to make sure we get together regularly.

>188 jessibud2:😀. Yeah, that vaccine requirement was fine by us, Shelley. They did lose some customers, but plenty more replaced them. I carry my vaccine card in my wallet, so it’s easy enough to produce it. We just got the booster last week.

>187 scaifea: Thanks, Amber.

Central Park

>190 jnwelch: ...mere moments before the La Palma Tsunami strikes...

Foreboding, that one.

Happy Monday!

Hi Joe!

>180 msf59: Excellent meet up photo. Yay for a bit of loopiness.

>190 jnwelch: That is gorgeous Joe.

Glad you and Mark managed to get together, and had such a nice day to do so.

>191 richardderus: wow, I sure hope that volcano collapse- East Coast tsunami never happens, man. Yikes. You coasters should think about moving to the heartland, where tsunamis don’t extend and earthquakes are unlikely.

Happy start to the week, RD.

>192 karenmarie:. Hi Karen! Thanks. I don’t know what it was, but those crafty ales had a cumulative impact on me. I probably did a loop-de-loop without a plane for a few moments there.

>193 Caroline_McElwee:. Thanks, Caroline. Central Park is one of the wonders of the world as far as I’m concerned. Yes, we lucked out again on the weather. There are few things better than sitting outside a brewery on a balmy day, quaffing excellent brews and talking books.

>194 jnwelch: I feel about the Tsunami the way I feel about the collapse: I might could survive it, but why would I want to? That world fills me with dread and misery!

>195 richardderus:. That world would be a tough one, for sure, RD. Worth grabbing some extra comfort food tonight. It’s true, as we’ve discussed, that Mother Nature doesn’t care what we ants think is so important about our activities and choices on the planet crust, and thst a whole heckuva lot is always going on under that crust. Fingers crossed that the theoretical tsunami scenario never plays out that way. We can put you up if you want to fly here for the duration.

>196 jnwelch: *chuckle* I expect the duration to be "forever" when the tsunami hits...and I seriously doubt there'd be a lot of warning. I'll just go sit on the beach. I hope it'll make enough of an impression that my next incarnation will remember it!

>197 richardderus:. We need you to stick around for sarcasm, vocabulary expansion, and book tips, mon frere. Not to mention your culinary skills.

>180 msf59: ❤

>199 kac522:😀

>180 msf59: Great meet up photo! Glad you were able to enjoy the nice weather as well.

>201 figsfromthistle:. Thanks, Anita!

Maine

>203 jnwelch: Spectacular! Simply...unbelievably gorgeous.

>196 jnwelch: & 197
Your gloom and doom talk about tsunami's brought to mind the excellent PBS series that is playing now on NOVA. This one is called "The Universe Revealed." The very first episode dealt with the birth and death of the universe. And it had wonderful foreboding music and so many amazing scientists. I am enjoying watching it and even though I know that the end of the universe is hundreds of billions of years in the future, it was disconcerting to think about the end of the universe.

>204 richardderus:. 😀. Ain’t that a treat, Richard? So gorgeous.

>205 benitastrnad:. Good for you, Benita. I love that kind of show. I got caught up in both Cosmos shows (A fair amount of Sagan’s and all of Neil DeGrassi Tyson’s). Maybe by the time we reach the end, we’ll find we’re back at the beginning.

“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”

T. S. Eliot

Happy Tuesday, Joe. It has been exactly a week since my tumble in the woods and I finally got out birding/hiking today. A couple of hours too, with little or no discomfort. Yah! Now...book time. I have really been enjoying The Fortune Men. At least the Bears made an interesting game out of it last night. They really should have won that game. Bad calls and penalties killed 'em.

>203 jnwelch: Love it! I hope to visit and explore Maine. It is on the list.

>203 jnwelch: Hats off for Photoshop. What would autumn be like without it?

>208 weird_O:. Man, you’re cynical, Bill. Sigh. I’m just going to continue on my autumn-photo-enjoying way. Like Mark, i really want to get to Maine, one of the few states that has eluded my toes.

>207 msf59:. Hey, buddy. As we were just texting about, I totally agree with you about the Bears game. It was exciting! I’m so glad Jesse and Adriana got to be at such a good one, and at least they went home happy about the hometown Steelers.

You and I should be put in charge of the Bears. We’d quickly get them straightened out. 😀

I’m glad you’re feeling more recovered from being camera-bashed in that fall, and successfully birded (is that a legit verb?) this morning.

Enjoy your book time! For the first time in forever, I don’t need to go to rehab. I’ll get some extra book time, but I wasn’t quick enough in protecting it - Debbi already signed me up to make applesauce this afternoon. Kitchen patrol for four big bags of apples. Oh well. The result always is delicious.

I’m reading The Last Thing, a poetry collection by Patrick Rosal, and liked this one. I know it’s a little longer than I usually post, but it’s an easy read.

Guitar
by Patrick Rosal
For Sheila who wants to learn to play

The bottom end’s a little shallow
and you might need to shim the bridge
to hush the fifth-fret buzz. The action’s low
and the neck, a tad warped, but I swear,
this thing sings. For ten years,
I’ve accompanied lovers, convicts, and children
with this guitar, bought it with my last
hundred bucks, fifty more perhaps
than it was worth that day.
I just wanted to touch nylon again,
to play the way my Uncle Eli used to,
‘til cancer mugged him for his lungs. He sang, Sheila,
and the guitar did too. And that kind of singing
was like eleven acres of sky to a nine-year-old kid
terrified of a 50 mile-per-hour hard ball.
The summer my father came back
from burying his mother in the Philippines,
he told my brother and me, the two oblong
boxes he pulled off the luggage conveyor
were ours. Once home, we pried the cardboard
apart, tearing the packing tape
and snapping the industrial staples
loose with our bare hands. I ran my fingers
slow around the slick soundhole edge.
I stuck my nose into the strings to smell
the jackfruit wood stewing inside
and when I pulled my face away,
the instrument made its first silken hum.
I don’t know if you believe in time
the way I do, but when history touches us
it’s like hearing a skinny uncle sing
with a cigarette dangling from his lips
without one note of misery in his dying,
and the guitar he’s holding is yours.
You might not understand the words sailing
past you, but one day, years later, on a drive back
to Rockland maybe, where an old woman
scolded you as a child or kissed the small bones
of your shoulders, you may find yourself
singing, out of nowhere, that tune. I mean to say,
I never thanked my father for that first guitar.
I smashed it in a tantrum against my heel
and didn’t own another until this one.
I should warn you, every guitar has its ghosts,
and they’ll ask you whom you love and how much.
As for learning. your hands are going to ache
a little while, but one day, when the chords come easy,
the guitar will whisper to you some old secret.
Whisper back. The most beautiful intervals are ancient
and imperfect. They will teach you to love
something so deep, you will want
nothing better than to give it all away

>179 jnwelch: We have met in Joplin the Tuesday after Thanksgiving every year since 2009 or so. We even met last year, although there were only 4 of us there. It looks like this year it may just be Terri Loeffler and me, although Donna Henderson has indicated she might come. I am hoping to talk Roni into coming as well.

Nice that the weather cooperated for your meet-up with Mark, Joe. The weather there looks much more civilized than here! Congrats on your 2 x 75!

>211 alcottacre:. Thanks, Stasia. I thought I remembered something like that! That timing wouldn’t work for me, and probably Mark either. Some day though . . .

>212 Familyhistorian:. Thanks, Meg. Yeah, for once we’re doing well in the weather sweepstakes. It continues to be pretty decent here.

Morning, Joe. Happy Wednesday. Hooray for no more rehab sessions. I bet that feels damn good. I had a great time with my birding buddies yesterday. We hit the trails for over two hours. It felt so good to be out in the fresh air and I had very little discomfort. I am so glad but at all surprised that you both are enjoying Maid. It is such a good series.

>210 jnwelch: I really like this "Guitar" poem. Thanks for sharing. Is the rest of this collection, the same quality?

>214 msf59:. Morning, Mark. Happy middle of the week. It is great to be done with rehab. I actually have time to read and write in the afternoon. I’m glad the birding went so well after your rib trauma. “Maid” is excellent. Good call. What acting chops from Andie Macdowell’s daughter! She’s become one of my favorite actors in no time flat. And what an education about women put in that position. It’s one thing to know about it abstractly, and a whole nuther thing to see someone go through it.

The Last Thing is new and selected poems. It starts with the new, which unfortunately for me are not at the level of that guitar poem (I’m glad you liked it!). The selected ones are at that level.

Hi Joe, online SMITHSONIAN has an incredible article about Portuguese Sousa Mendes vs "neutral" Portugal.

>216 m.belljackson:. Thanks for the tip, Marianne.

>213 jnwelch: As you say, some day!

So, it's Thurs again, and there's nothing gonna change that. Not one single thing. Why exactly should that be? Shouldn't we be able to customize our calendars by now? The pandemic brought Wednesday, February 388th, 2020, so isn't it only right and just that we get to have Saturday six times in a row?

Today’s Bargain: World’s Fair by E.L. Doctorow for $1.99 on e-readers. 1939 New York through the eyes of a 9 year old. National Book Award winner.

Happy Thursday morning, Joe! My photo memories reminds me that it was three years ago yesterday that we met in the Berkshires. Boy time does fly!

>221 bell7:. Sweet Thursday, Mary. That’s a good memory! It was so nice to spend time with you in person, and I loved that cafe. We would’ve been back in your area last month, but the pandemic has screwed everything up. Thanks for the good times reminder, and I hope you have a relaxing weekend.

Another Bargain: The King Must Die by Mary Renault for $1.99 on Kindle. The terrific historical novel that retells the story of Theseus.

>218 alcottacre:. I’ve got my inner compass pointed in that direction, Stasia. Maybe the winds will blow you to Chicago, too?

>219 richardderus:. I like your reasoning , RD. I’d love more Saturdays, but I’d hate to lose our Steinbeckian Sweet Thursdays, and I’ve always enjoyed the keen weekend anticipation on Fridays, too. Of course, Sunday is our day of rest. How about Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, Sunday?

>224 jnwelch: Your new-week proposal receives the

Seal of Approval.

>225 richardderus:. 😂

A line from Patrick Rosal in “Ten Years After My Mom Dies I Dance”:

“Oh magic, we move
Through the universe at six hundred seventy miles per hour even when
we are lying absolutely still.”

I’m reading it as I whiz along through space on our blue marble. 😀

>194 jnwelch: Now and then I think of buying some land away from the coast, before the sealevel rise strands me on the 15th floor.

>205 benitastrnad: I haven't heard about this Nova series. Sounds fascinating.

>229 ffortsa: 😀

Today’s Bargain: A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole for $1.99 on Kindle. Not everyone was won over by this one, but I was.

>231 jnwelch: Hard pass. *shudder*

>228 jnwelch: How adorable...a true Gothic heroine. Trust Gauld to find the humo(u)r in the weirdness.

Happy weekend-ahead's reads, Joe.

>231 jnwelch: I definitely was not won over by this book. But, it may be that it will appeal to me more after marinating. Back of the TBR reread list.

>231 jnwelch: I think the problem with A Confederacy of Dunces was that is was praised to the skies, and on everyone's lips, and then it's slender and curious virtues just didn't land with me.

Perhaps as Judy suggests it's time for a re-examination

>232 richardderus:. Such strong reactions to this book! You’re not alone, RD.

One of my favorite Gaulds, that one. I’m finishing the most excellent The lincoln Highway and next taking on Fundamentals: Ten Keys to Reality by Frank Wilczek, a physics book.

Here’s to your having a great reading weekend, too.

>233 ffortsa:. It’s been a lot of years for me, Judy, but I found it an exciting read when it came out.

>234 magicians_nephew:. Good point, Jim. I read it before anyone was praising it. Only booksellers were excited by it. I’ve come to other books that have been praised to the skies and been disappointed after all the build-up. Maybe this one has been around long enough that folks can read it without that buzz effect.

>224 jnwelch: I would love to go to Chicago if for no other reason to see my beloved Cubs play and visit the Oriental Museum. If I could meet up with you and Mark - and LindaP - that would be the icing on my Chicago cake.

Another Bargain: To Dance with the White Dog by Terry Kay for $1.99 on e-readers. Debbi and I both loved this charmer.

>237 alcottacre:. Sounds great, Stasia.The Oriental Museum is a nice pick. Mark used to have gatherings at his house; he’s been distracted lately by grandkids and such. We’ve been gathering at local watering holes recently, and that would be pretty easy to arrange if you’re in town. Linda P. normally can make it.

Happy Friday, Joe. Getting a touch of winter today. No birding for me but I did get some Jackson time in. The kid brings a lot of joy to my life. So glad to hear you are enjoying The Lincoln Highway so much. I will have to get on the waiting list for that one. I will be starting Swann's Way this weekend. Still enjoying "Maid"?

>228 jnwelch: LOL. Gauld rules!

>240 msf59: Happy Snowy Weekend, Mark.

I also started Swann's WAY and was thinking "Geez, why do folks say Proust is so difficult?"

Then up pops "metempsychosis," sending many to a dictionary.

If still puzzled, one may bring up "reincarnation" for comparison...whew.

>240 msf59:. Gauld rules! Happy Friday, Mark.

I’m glad you got some Jackson time. Wait until you can take him birding. Talk about joy!

Yes, I’m having a grand time with Emmet, Billy, Duchess, Sally and Wooly, and all the others, in The Lincoln Highway. I’m entering the final stretch of road. Becca picked up Swann’s Way for me at the library, and comes over Sunday, so I may start then. Meantime I expect to get into that physics for poets book I mentioned to Richard.

We need to get back to “Maid”. We haven’t had a chance to watch more. Lots has been going on in our casa.

>241 m.belljackson:. 😀

Hi, Marianne. I’m hoping Swann’s Way is not too difficult. Mark and I made it through Infinite Jest, so I’m figuring we can make it through this one. I’m glad we’ll have your moral support and commiseration, too.

Based on the successful re-introduction of wolves into Yellowstone, in Once There Were Wolves author Charlotte McConaghy (Migrations) imagines a similar "re-wilding" of the Scottish Highlands. Exceptionally empathetic Inti Flynn heads up the team, and works to win over locals concerned that the wolves will disrupt traditional farm life or otherwise bring unwanted danger. She has brought with her her twin sister Aggie, who has survived traumatic domestic abuse. The description of the healthy effects wolves have on the forest and the food chain is seamlessly woven into the story and is convincing, although some locals remain unpersuaded. When Inti finds a mauled man's body, she hides it for fear his death will be attributed to wolves, and tries to identify the killer. Inti is a strong, conflicted character I admired and liked; as she falls for the local police chief, the intricate plot becomes more so. This was a well-written race-through-the-pages read with a lot to say about wolves and the need to avoid over-civilizing our environment, as well as our scary violence toward each other and the need to better civilize ourselves. One of my year's favorite reads.

>243 jnwelch: ...do you know...it was not until this precise moment that I *clicked* into the fact that this is a NOVEL not a memoir. I'm so glad you said, um, whatever it was that you said that clicked the switch on in my brain! I might read it now. I've been resisting because I thought it was a cheesy faked-up memoir!

Harlem Shuffle was a solid crime-caper-in-Harlem story. I'm sure author Colson Whitehead is no stranger to reading Walter Mosley (Easy Rawlins and Leonid McGill) and Chester Himes (Cotton Comes to Harlem). Ray Carney has one foot in the legit world (his furniture store) and one in the criminal world (fencing stolen goods -usually brought to him by his habitual criminal cousin Freddie). Carney is trying to build a middle class life for his wife and kids, and stay unknown to the police, so that he is only "slightly bent". But Freddie gets him involved in a major heist at a high-end Harlem hotel frequented by celebrities, and Carney has trouble maintaining his slightly bent status. Part of the pleasure is watching Ray walk the tightrope between two worlds. and part is Whitehead's rich description of Harlem 60 years ago. The underworld characters are a feast of storytelling, especially WWII veteran Pepper, who helps Ray.

I was not surprised that this creative, adventurous author was trying another genre, nor that he so thoroughly succeeds. I was a little surprised that there was no unconventional twist or angle, as we've seen in his other novels. That may be all to the good, as readers who haven't tried him find easy access with this one.

,

>244 richardderus: I'll tell you, buddy, that just as you had to check on whether the manuscript of "Cloud Cuckoo Land" was real, I had to check whether there was a program to re-introduce wolves into the Scottish Highlands. The answer is, not yet.

>244 richardderus: I caught that a bit earlier, but memoir was my first impression.

>247 quondame:😀

At least I am not alone in my inattentiveness!

>249 richardderus:. 😴

>239 jnwelch: Yeah, my problem is actually being in Chicago, lol.

>243 jnwelch: >245 jnwelch: Both of those are already in the BlackHole, so I get to dodge those BBs.

Happy weekend, Joe!

>228 jnwelch: Pretty much what I would do.

>243 jnwelch: Hmm. Looks interesting ... though I've started building/ falling behind on my library TBR pile as well as the one at home of my own books.

Dropping to wish you a happy Sunday!

>245 jnwelch: I took the BB for this one a while ago but I forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder. I read the Underground railroad and enjoyed Whitehead's writing style.

>243 jnwelch: Great review of Once There Were Wolves. So glad to hear that it will be one of your favorites from this year.

Morning, Joe. Happy Sunday. I went and saw Dune at the theater yesterday and it was a fine decision. It looks fantastic on the big screen and pretty good adaptation too, IMHO. I am glad to have previewed a chunk of it, from the GN you so kindly lent me.

I started Swann's Way. 20 pages in. I am still getting into the rhythm of his narrative but at least I am turning the pages. I am also glad to hear you liked Harlem Shuffle. I may not race out to read it, but it is certainly on the list.

>243 jnwelch: This is already on my wishlist otherwise I would have added it.

Your review reminds me of the Sarah Hall novel which imagines a similar attempt (but in Cumbria, northern England), The Wolf Border. But you've probably read that one too!

>251 alcottacre:. I’m glad you’ve got both Once There Were Wolves and Harlem Shuffle on the radar (in that black hole), Stasia. Worthy reads.

>252 humouress:. Hi, Nina. I think you’d enjoy Once There Were Wolves. I’m sure those pesky tbrs won’t mind.

>253 figsfromthistle:. Happy Sunday, Anita. He’s quite an author, isn’t he. This is another good one.

>254 msf59:. Thanks re the review, Mark. That was a top read.

I’m glad you liked the Dune movie. It’s sounding like this one is doing the book much more justice than the clunky David Lynch one. Wait until you read the book! Sci-fi perfection. I’m glad the HN helped. It helps to know the players, I’ m sure.

I’ve heard the big screen is the way to go; unfortunately it’s not in the cards for us.

I’ve made it about as far in Swann’s Way; this is going to take a while, isn’t it. At least it’s beautiful writing. Has he gotten out of bed yet?😀

>255 charl08:. Hi, Charlotte. I have not read The Wolf Border - it sounds like I’ll want to check it out. I’m glad you’ve got Once There Were Wolves on your wishlist.

Bayern, Germany

Wow, that's gorgeous!

>258 jnwelch: - This looks like the path to my happy space! I recently bought a similar, but winter (snow) themed picture and placed it on a long wall where you see it as you walk down the stairs. It feels like you are walking right into that path! I love *path-into-the-woods* pictures!

>259 drneutron:. Isn’t that cool, Jim? It really captures the imagination, doesn’t it.

>260 jessibud2:. Mine, too, Shelley. Meet you there. Your winter one sounds great. I also am pulled into path-into-the-woods pictures.

>256 jnwelch: Joe - Out of his childhood bed, yes, but no kiss...

I'm finally up to page 43 and will stay with you guys and Marcel up to the end of Combray,
then leave you to deal with Swann.

>262 m.belljackson:. That’s very sweet, how much he enjoys his maman’s good night kiss, Marianne.

Why are you leaving after Combray? What if we get lost without you?

Much as I love Colson Whitehead, all you had to do was mention Cotton Comes to Harlem and I was a gone goose.

Can't decide whether to go back and re-read all the Coffin Ed and Gravedigger books, or just dive right in and watch the wonderful Godfrey Cambridge movie of "Cotton".

will keep you informed.

>263 jnwelch: At first reading, M. Swann and his so-called life with his wife got tedious pretty fast.

Well, "sweet" is one way to describe the poor little guy's obsession...

>258 jnwelch: Bavaria's Best, that is. Magnifique!

(I can't call the Bavarian word for "magnificent" to mind, besides it probably wouldn't fit in just the one text box...20K character limit, y'know.)

>266 richardderus: Ausgezeichnet? Fabelhaft? Hervorragend?

>264 magicians_nephew:. I haven’t read all of the Coffin Ed and Gravedigger novels, Jim, but I do love that movie!

>265 m.belljackson:. Fair enough, Marianne. I didn’t realize this was a second time through for you. Yeah, I wanted to take back that “sweet” after reading another page or three. He is obsessed, isn’t he. It gets a bit squirmy.

>266 richardderus:. I tried to remember the Bavarian word for magnificent, and my brain said, “Why in the world would you look here for that?” So i asked Google and it said: “Gobartig”. It’s gobartig, isn’t it.

>267 FAMeulstee:. Gesundheit, Anita! Were you sneezing, or just clearing your throat? I’m showing my ignorance once again. I thought your post was gobartig.

>268 jnwelch: Just clearing my throat, Joe, großartig ;-)

>267 FAMeulstee: "Hervorragend" gets closest to what "magnifique" means in English. "Großartig" is more like "well done" or "nicely made," like on GBBO showstopper day.

>266 richardderus:, >267 FAMeulstee:, >270 richardderus: - What about wunderbar? (and I don't mean the chocolate bar)

Morning, Joe. I hope the week is off to a good start. I can't believe it has been 2 weeks since my tumble and I am still sore. I think I am going to venture over to the Arb and stretch these legs, along breath in some fresh air. How are you coming with Swann's Way? I am just over a 100 pages and enjoying it. The lovelier passages easily make up for the drier ones. Mamie is all ready in Part 2, so she is cruising along.

Nice review of Harlem Shuffle, Joe. Your comments about it made me think that my father might enjoy it, so I'll buy a copy for him for his birthday next month. Thanks!

>269 FAMeulstee:😀

>270 richardderus:. Thanks, RD. Good to know for when the Bavarians show up. (“Bavarians at the Gate”).

>271 jessibud2:. Wunderbar sounds good to me, Shelley. We’ll see what the experts say.

>272 msf59:. Morning, Mark. Wunderbar to see you. Thank goodness we’ve got yesterday behind us. Now the week is off to a good start.

Sorry to hear you’re still tumble- sore. Ribs take a long time to heal, in my experience. Maybe put some barbecue sauce on them?

I’m only at p. 70 or so. I’m still adjusting to nothing much happening, although I am enjoying those lovelier passages. I’m glad to have encountered the famous petits madeleines.

>273 kidzdoc: Oh good, Darryl. I hope he enjoys it. How are you doing? Debbi and I were just talking about how we miss seeing you. Dratted pandemic.

Keith Taylor's bio of me came up in my Facebook memories today

>276 jnwelch: - How fun is THAT?!!!

>275 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! I'm doing fine, all things considered. I'm off from work until Saturday, after a tough three day work week, and I'll spend Monday through Saturday of Thanksgiving Week with my parents in the Philadelphia area, which should be especially nice as my mother's younger sister will fly from Houston to spend the week with them, along with the youngest son of their recently deceased older sister. A close cousin of mine, who has become more like a sister to me, will fly from Detroit to Philadelphia at roughly the same time I will on Monday, so we'll have a nice house full of family together all week.

I cancelled my planned vacation to Lisbon from late October to early November, both to help out my parents, and because Donah (@deebee1) is currently in the Philippines helping her ailing mother. I made an appointment for my mother at the Penn Memory Center at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, to get a second opinion about her dementia, and during the second visit last month the neurologist who saw her diagnosed her with Alzheimer's disease, based on a thorough history, physical examination, and the MRI the neurologist ordered during her first (virtual) appointment this summer, which showed white matter changes consistent with the disease. My mother's primary neurologist had diagnosed her with dementia, but hadn't given a name to it, so it was helpful to know exactly which type she has, what to expect for her, and what I need to do for myself, since it can be inherited from one's mother. Ironically, the head of the Penn Memory Center, Dr Jason Karlawish, wrote a book titled The Problem of Alzheimer's: How Science, Culture, and Politics Turned a Rare Disease into a Crisis and What We Can Do About It earlier this year. I received my copy of it earlier this month, and I'll start reading it today.

Fortunately my mother's primary neurologist has been treating her with the correct medications, which is great, but there are also no other pharmaceutical agents that can help her at this time.

My father's cognitive status has noticeably declined over the past year. While I was there I took him to see his neurologist, a colleague of a classmate of mine at Pitt. She noticed the same thing, and was dismayed by it. She and the neurology resident at Temple University who saw him first performed a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) on him, and based on the result he was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. He was started on one of the medications my mother is taking, and hopefully that will help him.

Given my parents' continued decline I can't guarantee that I'll be able to make many, if any, vacation trips in 2022, although I've tentatively agreed to spend a week or so in Portugal with one of my dearest friends from medical school, as I plan (or at least hope) to be able to go to Lisbon for the month of June. If all goes well I'll be able to visit London at least once, but my parents are my #1 priority, even if that means resigning from my position at Children's and moving back to the Philadelphia area; moving them to Atlanta is not an option.

>276 jnwelch: Fabulous!!

>276 jnwelch: That is fantastic, Joe. I am so impressed. BTW- How is Keith doing? I miss him.

>276 jnwelch: Your fiftieth birthday! Good heavens. I had no *idea* Keith was that old. Celebrating something from back in the Nixon administration...fancy that.

Heh.

>277 jessibud2:😀

>278 kidzdoc:. Hey, buddy. I’m glad you get a few days off, and that sounds like a great group in Philly for Thanksgiving.

I’m so sorry to hear about the Alzheimer’s diagnosis for your mother. That’s a tough one. My favorite uncle had it. As you say, it’s good though to know exactly what you’re dealing with. I keep expecting a big breakthrough with Alzheimer’s; there sure are a lot of smart people searching for an answer tio it.

Mild cognitive impairment for your dad seems a little better, but I know it’s hard to see your parent diminished. I hope he continues to enjoy his life and his family.

No worries. We understand this has to have an impact on your travel plans. We’ve talked about visiting you in Atlanta, and maybe even we could rendezvous with you in Philadelphia some time.

Thanks for the fulsome report. I’ll let Debbi know.

>279 kidzdoc:. 😀

>280 msf59:. Isn’t that cool, Mark? Keith’s having a tough time - you may have noticed he’s had fewer cartoons on FB. He got covid, on top of battling cancer, and made it through that, but now he’s in the hospital being seen by a neurologist, poor guy. Put him in your prayers.

>281 richardderus:. The worst part is that 50th birthday was quite a while ago, Richard. Keith’s eternally young, but I’m getting a bit dusty.

I can remember even before Nixon: *gasp*

>278 kidzdoc: oof, that's going to be tough, Darryl. And I'm not so happy with you mentioning inheritance through the mother's side. I'm two for two (grandmother and mother), although we never got a definitive diagnosis and my sibs think it was really Lewey Body dementia. Not much to choose from, is it? Every time I can't come up with a word, I have to calm myself down.

Here's hoping you get to Portugal with your friend next June, and that you don't have to abruptly move back to the Philadelphia area.

>276 jnwelch: Joe, that's quite a bio! So clever.

>285 ffortsa: This mother's inheritance is a bit problematic for me as my mother died at 64 and her mother at 38 and no one was on speaking terms with my great grandmother in living memory. My sister is more than coherent approaching 80 and hasn't shown any tendency toward the cancer that killed off all my mother's female relatives older than her mother so there's some reason to keep the worry level slow. Strokes are what did in my father's line, though probably not him.

>285 ffortsa:. Thanks, Judy. He’s a clever guy. I like the three sports I’m “natural” at.

>286 quondame:. 👍

Hi Joe - who knew that Ted Cruz would supply the Laugh Riot for the Day?!?

I bet Keith will love it.

>276 jnwelch: I love that!

Happy Wednesday, Joe. Pour me a cuppa and sit for a chat, would you?

I'm just idling over here in the corner, Joe. Enjoying the ambiance. Could I...uh, please...have a bit of a warm-up.

Greetings, Sir Joseph of the Welch. I'm trundling past the Cafe on my Thursday rounds a bit late. I was reading Chouette until 4am. It grabbed my nose-hairs and wouldn't let go until I finished it and reviewed it. Such a wildly inventive look at Sacred Motherhood!!

You're well, of course, because the Universe can't smack you AND Karen down the same month.

I’ve fallen behind (can you tell?). I’ve got a couple of IOUs for Stasia and Bill, and I’m intrigued by Chouette. I’ll be back later.

Hi Joe!

>276 jnwelch: Wonderful. I didn’t know you were raised by wolves…

… Otherwise, I’m drawing a line in the sand and moving forward thread-wise.

I hope you have a great weekend.

Has anyone read Hell of a Book by Jason Mott? Matrix by Lauren Goff and Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr were finalists for the fiction National Book Award, but Hell of a Book beat them out.

>294 jnwelch: Heh...I just wrote this over in PC's thread:
The Prophets deserved the win. Hell of a Book is...decent. Nothing special, really. He's got wordsmithing deficits in comparison with Jones, Jr. The story's ordinary, does nothing new or all that interesting with its jumping around.