Mark's Reading Place: Chapter Seven

-Belem Tower, Lisbon



-Algarve, Portugal



-Chapel of the Bones, Evora Portugal



“We need the tonic of wildness... At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.”

~ Henry David Thoreau

"I go to NATURE to be SOOTHED and HEALED, and to have my SENSES put in order."

--John Burroughs

Audiobook:


Graphic/Comic:



March:

19- The Zorg: A Tale of Greed and Murder by Siddharth Kara 4.3 stars (audio)
20- Vigil by George Saunders 3.7 stars
21- The Feather Detective by Chris Sweeney 4 stars
22- On the Beach by Nevil Shute 4.4 stars
23- Henry Himself by Stewart O'Nan 3.6 stars (audio)
24- A Far-flung Life by M.L. Stedman 4.5 stars
25- Lucas Wars by Laurent Hopman 4.3 stars GN
26- Heart the Lover by Lily King 4.2 stars
27- A Fortunate Life by A.B. Facey 4.6 stars (audio)
28- The Glorians by Terry Tempest Williams 4.4 stars E
29- Brawler: Stories by Lauren Groff 4.2 stars

April:

30- Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang 4.5 stars (audio)
31- Work Like Any Other by Virginia Reeves 4 stars
32- World Without End: Illustrated Guide to the Climate Crisis by Christophe Blain 4.4 stars GN
33- We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker 4.2 stars
34- Hope in the Dark: Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities by Rebecca Solnit 3.8 stars (audio)
35- An Unfinished Season by Ward Just 4 stars
36- You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir by Harry Bliss 4.3 stars GN
37- Go as a River by Shelley Read 3.8 stars (audio)
38- The Feather Wars by James H. McCommons 4.5 stars E
39- Are You Listening? by Tillie Walden 3.3 stars GN
40- The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer 4.3 stars (audio)
41- John of John by Douglas Stuart 4.6 stars E
42- Belonging: A German Reckons with History and Home by Nora Krug 4.7 stars

May:

43- Sunset Park by Paul Auster 4 stars
44- A Registry of My Passage Upon the Earth by Daniel Mason 4.8 stars E
45- Glyph by Ali Smith 3 stars E
46- A Violent Masterpiece by Jordan Harper 4.5 stars E
47- The Violence: My Family's Colombian War by Adriana E. Ramírez 5 stars (audio)
48- Letters From Eden- Julie Zickefoose 4 stars

June:

49- Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy by Mary Roach 4.2 stars (audio)
50- The Lazarus Project by Aleksandar Hemon 4 stars

P: Poetry
GN: Graphic Novel
E: E-reader
RR: Reread

^ I have really enjoyed doing our shared reads in 2025 and I would like this to continue through 2026 and beyond. Primarily, I would like to read books off shelf, but I could be swayed by an irresistible title. I also would like to do a few rereads. Here are some titles already planned. Let me know if you have any ideas.

2026

The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman Judy, Benita, Bill, Joanne, Jeff June
The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love by Oscar Hijuelos Benita, Jeff, Bill July
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry Kristel, Irene, Ella, Stasia, Benita August?
Winter's Tales by Isak Dinesen Benita, Kristel, Marianne Dec

Any suggestions?

Let Birds

Eight deer on the slope
in the summer morning mist.
The night sky blue.
Me like a mare let out to pasture.
The Tao does not console me.
I was given the Way
in the milk of childhood.
Breathing its waking and sleeping.
But now there is no amazing smell
of sperm on my thighs,
no spreading it on my stomach
to show pleasure.
I will never give up longing.
I will let my hair stay long.
The rain proclaims these trees,
the trees tell of the sun.
Let birds, let birds.
Let leaf  be passion.
Let jaw, let teeth, let tongue be
between us. Let joy.
Let entering. Let rage and calm join.
Let quail come.
Let winter impress you. Let spring.
Allow the lost ocean to wake in you.
Let the mare in the field
in the summer morning mist
make you whinny. Make you come
to the fence and whinny. Let birds.

-By Linda Gregg

Happy new thread, Mark and welcome home. Fabulous photos!!

A *graduate*??! When did he turn 17? ;-)

-Rose-Ringed Parakeet (NMP) Lifer

Well, I somehow eked out 29 Lifers on this trip but sadly no bird pics of my own. I honestly didn't like hauling my camera around everywhere I went and we did a whole lot of moving around. That said- seeing the birds was good enough for me. Of course, this wasn't a birding expedition, so I had to seek out green places on my own and it wasn't easy in big, sprawling urban areas. I missed a few of my target birds which was a bummer but I added enough surprises to make up for it. Unfortunately, I completely struck out on waterfowl and wading birds, on the coast and while taking a boat cruise on a gorgeous reservoir.



-European Robin. These were much smaller than our American robins and were absolutely adorable. Lifer

>6 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. Happy Monday! This is Jack graduating from pre-K. LOL. He does look like a big boy, right?
I may not have got any bird pics but I took tons of other photos.

‘Morning, Mark! Happy new thread.

>7 msf59: Wow. 29 Lifers. Congrats.

Quiet day around here, although Arsenal play Burnley at 3. 🤞

I’ve got a female Cardinal and a female Red-Bellied Woodpecker on the feeders, a squirrel underneath.

Happy new one, Mark.

Love the Portugal shots. Hani loves the place to bits and will be taking me there fairly soon, I guess.

>2 msf59: Already. A rightly proud, Granddad.

Happy new thread!

>9 karenmarie: Good afternoon, Karen and thanks. Just got back from PB and food shopping. We were out of everything. Enjoy your quiet day. Go Arsenal. I haven't checked my feeders much yet but a storm just blew through.

>10 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. I hope Hani escorts you to Portugal. A wonderful country with a rich history. And yes...Go Jackson.

>11 foggidawn: Thanks, Foggi.

European robins are indeed too cute to be believed until you see one. I'm impressed that you got to add 29 lifers. I'm finally going home and deeply glad to be doing so. No huge problems to monitor just one adjustment to my meds. *whew*

>2 msf59: Absolutely not. I refuse to believe he is that old! Lol

>7 msf59: Twenty-nine lifers?! Wow!

Happy new thread, Mark!

Happy new thread, Mark!

Welcome back!

>8 msf59: Aren't all trips bird expeditions?

>7 msf59: Twenty-nine lifers! Well done, Marc. I know that a lot of our more well-known birds were imported in the US in earlier times, so seeing new ones is maybe not that easy?

Wow, happy new thread. Nice bird pics and other pics. Congrats on Jackson graduation.

I read these
22- On the Beach by Nevil Shute read
26- Heart the Lover by Lily King read
28- The Glorians by Terry Tempest Williams I need to read this on
33- We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker read

>13 richardderus: Sorry to hear about the health issue. I hope they got those meds adjustments. 🙏

I was happy with the birdies I saw. One of the European robins dropped down at my feet one time, like it was expecting a treat. I was all out of treats. 😊

>14 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia. Happy Monday. Jack looks all grown up in that pic, doesn't he? His last day of pre-K is Wednesday. Hooray for the new Lifers!!

>15 quondame: Thanks Susan and Happy Monday to you. "Aren't all trips bird expeditions?" I can't argue with that, my friend.

>16 EllaTim: Thanks, Ella. The only birds I saw on my trip that we also have in the US were house sparrows and rock pigeons and they were everywhere. There were also starlings but not the European type that we have at home.

>17 Kristelh: Thanks, Kristel and Happy Monday. I had a good time playing PB this morning. I missed it. I wish I could have got a few of my own bird pics but that's how it goes.

Thanks for your book update. I will stop by your thread and check out your comments.

"A powerful chronicle of Colombia’s descent into decades of civil war through the lens of an intimate, multi-generational tale of upheaval and betrayal...Gracefully braiding together macrohistory, family history, and personal narrative, Adriana E. Ramírez traces these parallel stories of upheaval in a sweeping portrait of a country and family in flux."

Many of you probably already know this but Adriana E. Ramírez is Joe's daughter-in-law and we also know that she is also a very fine writer. Of course, Joe and Richard raved about The Violence: My Family's Colombian War in their reviews. I decided to listen to this one on audio, especially with Adriana narrating it. I am not far into it but her narration is beautiful.

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Mark! 29 lifers is impressive! I'm glad you were able to see so many birds even though that wasn't the point of the trip.

>2 msf59: That picture was a surprise. Jackson is already graduating. His first graduation, I assume, with many more to come. They sure do grow up fast.

Happy new thread, Mark!

Happy new thread, Mark. It sounds like your trip back was a brutal one but thankfully in the past. I just finished The Zorg and was wondering where I picked up the BB for that one until I saw it listed as your first book in March.

Happy New Thread,Mark. Welcome home. Dave was in hospital and back again tomorrow. He needs a pacemaker and it's been a bit frustrating. I hope it will done on Wednesday.

>22 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Anita. Good to see you.

>23 atozgrl: Thanks, Irene. Good to be back and yes, it is nice to add to the Life List. Speaking of our graduating Jackson, I will see him later this morning. 😊

>24 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda.

>25 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. Yes, it was a long trip back home but I am glad I had Sunday for a recovery day. Getting back in the groove. I am glad you got to The Zorg. Strong stuff.

>26 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deb. It was a fun trip. So sorry to hear about Dave. I will have to follow any updates over on your thread.

I've had some vivid color at my feeders lately: scarlet tanager, indigo bunting, goldfinch, and the usual cardinals and blue jays. I'm waiting for the rose-breasted grosbeak.

'Morning, Mark, and happy Tuesday to you.

I've got a Tufted Titmouse, and that's it right now.

Have a good day with Jackson and glad you were able to get back to PB. I will leave soon to play today. I was debating about going but decided to go.

Welcome home, Mark! Beautiful photos - thanks for sharing!

>29 labfs39: WOW! I want to come over and hang out at your place, Lisa. That is some color. I have never had a tanager or a bunting at my feeders. I didn't realize they were feeder birds. I am also waiting on a grosbeak visit. 🤞

>30 karenmarie: Happy Tuesday, Karen. Hooray for the tufted titmouse. I haven't seen one in awhile.

>31 Kristelh: I had a fine time hanging with Jackson. Thanks. How did PB go? I am leading a bird walk tomorrow so I won't be able to get on the courts until Thursday.

>32 Copperskye: Thanks, Joanne. Getting back into our usual routine.

-Harry Bliss

Hi Mark and welcome home! Sound like you enjoyed your visit to Portugal. This has bveen a vey full month of reading for me and it would be good to see my TBR shrinking - but of coure I still continue to add books faster than I read them. Right now I have goten interested in pulp fiction from the 1950s and 60s and have been searching for that.

>21 msf59: I gave that one 4.5 stars in my recent read of it, so I hope that you appreciate (enjoy is not a word for this one!) it as much as I did.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

>35 DeltaQueen50: Happy Wednesday, Judy and thank you. We had a great, memorable trip. Glad to hear that you have been storming through the ever-expanding bookshelves. I always admire your eclectic taste. I will watch your thoughts on that pulp fiction. What triggered that?

>36 alcottacre: Happy Wednesday, Stasia. Glad to hear more positive thoughts on The Violence. It has been terrific so far. Adriana does a superb job narrating too. The Welch clan must be proud.

^I am leading a bird walk this morning. I think there will be 12 of us. Migration is in full swing so I am hoping for a productive trip. I have a reputation to uphold. Come on warblers! I have not seen any here this year, other than a yellow-rump or 2.

'Morning, Mark! Happy Wednesday.

Good luck and have fun on the bird walk.

I've got male and female House Finches, a male Cardinal, and a Tufted Titmouse on the feeders right now.

>38 msf59: Mark - Many Black and White Warblers up north in Token Creek!

Good afternoon Mark. I hope the weather is cooperative as well as the birds. Looking forward to your reports. I was outside briefly and the bird sounds were increased. I think they're happy that the weather is better. No PB today, or tomorrow for me.

>37 msf59: Over at the Category Challenge someone reported reading a Harry Whittington book and I couldn't resist looking him up. He was one of the more well known pulp fiction writers so I picked up a couple of his and then just kept going with a few more by variuous writers. Now I just have to fit them into my reading schedule.

>38 msf59: I hope it was a productive birdwalk! Wednesday orisons.

HI Mark, I asked the library to purchase the new Bliss graphic novel and I got my mitts on it yesterday. I know I am going to really like it and have you to thank! Glad you enjoyed your trip to Portugal. Hope you have caught up from your long travel home!

>39 karenmarie: Happy Wednesday, Karen. We had a great bird walk today. I will post the results. I always feel good about that, especially when I am the leader. Thanks for the feeder report.

>40 m.belljackson: Hi, Marianne. Hooray for the black & white warblers. We were sure expecting to see a b & w today but failed to do so.

>41 Kristelh: Happy Wednesday, Kristel. The weather wasn't bad at all, despite it being a bit breezy. I will post the results. It was a fine birding morning. Taking a break from PB?

>42 DeltaQueen50: Thanks for replying to my pulp fiction question, Judy. I had not heard of Harry Whittington. I will have to check out your reviews.

>43 richardderus: It was a great birding day, RD. I will post the results. I hope you are enjoying a fine day.

>44 mdoris: Hi, Mary. I am so glad you got a copy of Bliss's graphic memoir. I am sure you will have a good time with it. It was darker and edgier than I expected.

-Scarlet Tanager (pic from a couple years ago)

My Bird Walk was a booming success, despite the lack of warblers. The group saw 51 species. I saw 48. We saw many returning residents like the above scarlet tanager, both m & f, rose-breasted grosbeak, m & f, Baltimore orioles, orchard orioles, catbirds, indigo buntings and house wrens. We also had eastern bluebirds, a pileated woodpecker and a red-headed woodpecker. We only saw 4 warblers. I had 3- common yellow-throat, redstart and chesnut-sided warbler. Maybe migration is already winding down. Regardless, it was an awesome morning.

I also had my first hummingbird, at my feeder today.



-Eastern Bluebird (pic from a couple of years ago)

>47 msf59: I do love the tanagers! So vivid, so happy making.

Looks like you're back in fine form and had a wonderful Wednesday with a colourful bird walk, Mark.

>47 msf59: What a wonderful bird walk today! I wish I could have been there.

>48 richardderus: I wonder if you saw tanagers in the winter down in Texas? Their breeding range seems to be in the north during the warmer months. Yes, they are beauties.

>49 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg, slipping back into my usual routine. I just need to make more time for birding.

>50 atozgrl: It was, Irene. I wish you could have been there too. I have birded with a few LTers over the years and it is always a joy. Let's not talk Cubs...groans.

>51 msf59: December and January were tanager months. They're very visible against the dark-green junipers and live oaks of central Texas. When we'd go to Enchanted Rock state park there were often tanagers galore.

Your bird walk sounds great. I saw a black and white warbler last week, quite camouflaged on some gravel. I snapped the pic from a distance when I saw movement but didn't realize what it was until I got home and enlarged the pic on my phone! I posted it on my thread. It's only the second time I have ever seen one.

Happy new thread, Mark!

‘Morning, Mark, and sweet Thursday to you.

>47 msf59: 51 species. Fantastic. We get tanagers here during breeding season, but I haven’t seen one in quite a while. It was a male Summer Tanager.

This morning I’ve had a male Cardinal, a male Blue Grosbeak, finches, and a Tufted Titmouse.

Morning Mark. Happy new thread.

Are you still going to read Light Between Oceans in June? Count me in. I forgot that I got it for Christmas this year. I'll start it next, as soon as I finish Going After Cacciato

Hi Mark! We are off on a birding trip to Malheur next week, so looking forward to all the birds. I did visit a local garden, and saw bald eagle, but no warblers.

>52 richardderus: Those months make perfect sense for those wintering tanagers. You have a very good memory. I sure like the sound of the Enchanted Rock State Park. Sounds heavenly.

>53 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley and congrats on seeing a b & w warbler. Good job spotting it, although they are easier to identify due to their color scheme and their behavior. I have not seen one here this year- only in Florida. I will stop by and check out your pic.

>54 drneutron: Thanks, Jim.

>55 karenmarie: Sweet Thursday, Karen. I am glad you got to see a summer tanager. I haven't seen one here yet this year but they are nesting here in a few different spots so my chances are good. I will continue to envy your views of the blue grosbeak.

>56 mahsdad: Thanks Jeff and Sweet Thursday to you. We are definitely doing a shared read of The Light Between Oceans in June and would love to have you along. I had a good time with Going After Cacciato. I hope you are enjoying it.

>57 banjo123: Malheur National Forest sounds great, Rhonda. I had not heard of it. Enjoy and I am looking forward to your birding updates. Any specific target birds?

>58 msf59: I do have a very good memory...it's called "hypervigilance" and is a symptom of child abuse. Proof there's no such thing as a fully and solely bad experience. It's served me very well over my lifetime.

Autumn:

Spring:

Winter:

Fredericksburg's also the hometown of Admiral Nimitz, a hero of the Pacific War, and there's a museum about that in town. I was really pissed that Mama turned down a job there in the early 1970s! Imagine growing up near that pink-granite dome!

Sounds like a very successful Bird Walk.

>51 msf59: We've seen Summer Tanagers a few times at our feeders in the summer. But they are a pretty rare sighting. Gorgeous birds.

The Cubs. When you left on your trip, the Cubs were on a great winning streak. Then they went on the road, and their hitting went away. They had to face deGrom in Texas, and he's back to being a great pitcher. Then Atlanta, who had the best record in baseball. Then the White Sox, who have a much better team than they've had for the past several years. (And the Cubs could have won 2 of those games.) Finally back home, and they can't beat Milwaukee. And they keep losing pitchers. So you came home in time to watch some of the Cubs worst baseball this year. Can we please send Milwaukee back to the American League?

>60 richardderus: Wow! Enchanted Rock even looks better than I imagined. You are used to seeing Texas as mostly flat so this really stands out. The Nimitz Museum sounds interesting too.

>61 Kristelh: It was a good walk, Kristel, despite the dearth of warblers.

>62 atozgrl: Glad you are able to enjoy summer tanagers at the feeders. I have witnessed their feeder activity while visiting Arizona and Texas.

Yep, the Cubbies are really under-performing. I just don't get how the whole team shuts down like this. It is a puzzle. Maybe they can turn it around with the Astros. I am going to the game tomorrow.

>51 msf59: Let's not talk Cubs...groans. They are so so sad right now. Maybe you will bring them some luck when you see them playing the Astros.

I hope you have a fantastic Friday, Mark!

>64 alcottacre: Happy Friday, Stasia. Come on Cubbies! Turn this thing around and show us you are champs.

45- Glyph by Ali Smith 3.2 stars

This begins with two sisters- Petra and her younger sister Patch. They hear a terrifying ghost story, which ends up haunting them for the rest of their lives. This story even ruins their tight relationship, which they try to repair thirty years later. The story involves a WWI soldier, a blind horse and an execution. The soldier may have been their great-grandfather, so as an adult Petra tries to dig into their family’s past. She can’t let it go.
At first this feels like a YA ghost story but the story keeps morphing into different shapes and narratives, that personally caused a disconnection for me. I am a fan of Smith but her latest fell short for me.

*This was a NetGalley DRC

**Percival Everett also has a novel called "Glyph". I wonder how that one is?

Happy New Thread!

>67 SilverWolf28: Thanks, Silver. Happy Friday, Marathon Queen! 😊

>66 msf59: I think that title gets used a lot since it's so evocative and graphically easy to use. I'm not much of a fan of either of the two writers you mention so can offer nothing useful.

Happy Friday! Enjoy the weekend-ahead's reads.

>66 msf59: Hi Mark! I've been waiting for this new Ali Smith and I'm sorry it didn't work for you. She published a novel called Gliff in 2014, and these two are supposed to interrelated in terms of theme. Gliff is set in an authoritarian state which surveilles everyone and classifies (and persecutes) some people as "unverifiables." It follows two siblings (I was never clear on their gender) who try to save a horse from the slaughterhouse. I thought it was good but not great, and I'll probably read Glyph soon.

'Morning, Mark, and happy Friday.

I've got a doctor's appointment, a 4 p.m. chat with my Aunt Joyce, and various and sundry.

Female Cardinals, a hummingbird (!), Mourning Dove, and several finches.

Happy newish thread, Mark. I love all the birds! I look forward to Ali Smith's new one. I will probably reread Gliff first.

>63 msf59: The Cubs looked fantastic for about 3 weeks, and then they hit a wall. All the pitching injuries do not help. I sure hope they play better this weekend, and that you have fun at the game tomorrow.

I've been seeing plenty of birds at our feeders (cardinals, goldfinches, bluebirds, blue jays, etc., etc.), as well as a squirrel who has managed to already chew my new feeder. (They hadn't damaged the old one, which I still plan to use in rotation.) My DH saw a hummingbird in the yard one day within the last week, so I finally got my hummingbird feeder up a couple of days ago. I saw a hummingbird at the feeder this morning.

>69 richardderus: Happy Friday, Richard. Yep, you can easily skip the new Smith.

>70 vivians: Happy Friday, Vivian. Great to see you. I should have mentioned Gliff in my mini-review. I have not read it. Her latest does involve siblings and a horse but does not feature an authoritarian state. I may get to it. I hope her latest works better than it did me.

>71 karenmarie: Happy Friday, Karen. I hope the doctor's visit went well, along with your chat with Aunt Joyce. Nice feeder report.

>72 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. Great to see you. Glad you like the birdies. I hope the latest Smith works better for you, than me. 🤞

>73 atozgrl: Well, Irene- our Cubbies delivered another stinker. Ugh! And against a bad team. Double ugh. I hope they turn things around, while we attend the game tomorrow. 🤞

Thanks for the feeder report. It sounds like things are hopping there and the squirrels busy themselves elsewhere.

^Jack & Co. went up to the boat for the holiday weekend. Windy and cool up there in WI but they will make the best of it.

^Bree and Oak had a horse show last weekend, (how Bree fits this in her busy schedule is a marvel) and they performed well. ❤️

>76 msf59: Cold in Wisconsin? It's been Winter Coats, Scarves, Hats, and Gloves all Week!

^^^^^

Love to hear more about the Horse Shows.

>78 m.belljackson: Well, we are supposed to get a big warm-up next week, Marianne and I am sure you will able to enjoy it too. Bree has been participating in horse shows for many years now. Not always easy with 2 jobs and a young boy. We have gone to a few of her shows. This makes her happy.

>66 msf59: Too bad that one wasn't a better read for you, Mark. I hope your next one is better!

>76 msf59: They all look like they are enjoying themselves!

>77 msf59: Yay for Bree and Oak!

Have a super Saturday!

>80 alcottacre: Happy Saturday, Stasia. I have enjoyed the other books I have read by Smith so no worries there. It is cooler up there in WI, especially along Lake Michigan but they will make the best of it. Go Bree & Oak!

Going to the Cubs game today. Hopefully we can help turn this ship around. They have been abysmal, to say the least.

>81 msf59: The Cubs. Ugh. Please bring them luck today, Mark!

I enjoyed Smith's Seasons quartet - Autumn was my favorite - so I know she can do better.

>82 alcottacre: I really enjoyed the Seasons Quartet too. I am going to slip out and do some early birding before we take off later this morning. Come on, Cubbies! Stop flailing!

>83 msf59: Have a great time with the birds. I am fixing to dive back into This Is Happiness, which I am very much enjoying.

How in the name of All that's unholy does Bree do it all?!

Yo, Birddude! A Goodreads buddy of mine alerted me to this September book from Netgalley: A Murmuration of Starlings: A Birder Murder Mystery by Steve Burrows and she says it's really fun to read. Go forth and procure is my considered opinion.

>81 msf59: Poetic connection:

Below the thunders of the upper deep

Far far beneath the abysmal Sea ...

Tennyson's "Kracken"

'Morning, Mark, and happy Saturday to you.

I've got Cardinals and squirrels, although the squirrels are not on the feeders.

My Ali Smith reads include; Winter, The Accidental, There But For the. My favorite so far is the There But For the. Which have you read? Favorite? I do find her experimental sometimes off putting.

Hi, Mark! Happy new thread and happy weekend! I thought I posted on your new thread a couple days ago, but apparently I got distracted or something and didn't. Better late than never, my motto.

>2 msf59: Sweet boy! Getting so big!

>7 msf59: Wonderful how many lifers you saw on your trip! Congrats! I had a pair of ring-necks back in the 90s. I loved the male of the pair, he was such a character and so sweet. They are really gorgeous birds.

I've got a hold on the audiobook of The Violence, My Family's Columbian War and hope it becomes available soon. I'm looking forward to it!

Hi Mark--I'm late to the Welcome Home party. All the pics are fantastic; kudos on all the lifers, and to grad Jackson and show-winner Bree.

But sorry about the Cubs today; at least it was sunny at the ballpark, so hope it wasn't too chilly.

>84 alcottacre: I did have a fine time with the birdies, Stasia. I think I had 26 species. Sadly, the Cubs continued their ugly streak of underperforming. It was not pleasant to watch. I thought for sure that I had read This Is Happiness but it looks like I was wrong. I am sure you will encourage to read it, right?

>85 richardderus: My daughter is wonderful at juggling. Very admirable. I will look into A Murmuration of Starlings: A Birder Murder Mystery. Thanks for the heads-up, RD.

*For some reason it is not coming up on NetGalley for me...bummer

>86 m.belljackson: Very fitting, Marianne, especially after today's pathetic performance.

>87 karenmarie: Happy Saturday, Karen. We are finally seeing the hummers visit regularly, not much else to report.

>88 Kristelh: Hi, Kristel. Out of the Season Quartet, I loved Autumn & Winter. I had also read The Accidental. I need to read more of her work.

>89 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary. Thanks for catching up. Hooray for big boy Jackson. I was happy with my Portugal/Spain birding, although I wish I could have seen a few more. Yep, it is a goofy obsession. I think that is so cool that you had a pair of ring-necked parakeets. I didn't realize they made good pets.

I HIGHLY recommend the audio of The Violence. Adriana does a wonderful job.

>90 kac522: Thanks Kathy and Happy Saturday. I appreciate the kind words. The game was awful. Painful to sit through, but we made the best of it. We sat on the 3rd base side. That side stays shaded and it was cool, especially with the northeast breeze. 12 degrees warmer back home.

>91 msf59: Here's a direct link:
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/845966

>93 msf59: 12 degrees warmer back home

And probably warmer at home base, too--the field is usually a lot warmer than the stands in the shade. When my dad took us when we were kids, we were always in the cheapest seats--the upper deck on the third base side, if I remember correctly. Quite the breeze!

>95 kac522: I remember our parents took us to a game at Wrigley back when we were kids. We were sitting on the third base side too. It was May, great weather, nice and warm, and my sister and I at least were in shorts. (I don't remember what my parents were wearing.) But the wind changed during the game and started blowing off the lake. We were not prepared and we about froze by the time the game was over.

>94 richardderus: Good Morning, Richard and thank you. When I did my own search by title and author nothing came up. Funny, I had another title Half Light, (you might like this one too) and it did not give me the option to download it to my Kindle. I sure hope this doesn't become a regular thing because I do not want to read a DRC on my laptop or cellphone.

>95 kac522: I agree- the folks in the full sun had it much better but it did cloud up and it got cooler there too. I definitely prefer sitting in the shade on hot days. Third base side all the way. Not if this darn team can get it's sh*t together. Sighs.

>96 atozgrl: Nice memories, right Irene? The Cubs make a lot of money on Cubs blankets and outerwear during April and May.

>97 msf59: I figured you'd be able to avoid the dreaded "Read on laptop" fate if I shared that. It's weird how fussy their lookup function can be.

Sunday orisons.

Good news, the cold weather is on its way out. Suppose to be 80s today. From freezing to sweltering. Typical Minnesota.

>99 richardderus: I am hoping that it is just this title and not the Starlings DRC or future ones. They seem to be really pushing the NetGalley app.🤞🤞

>100 Kristelh: Unfortunately it is raining here, Kristel. We were supposed to play PB outdoors a little later on but I am sure it will be a washout. It is supposed get warm and sunny later on.

"At the age of seven, Julie Zickefoose knew that she wanted to paint birds for a living, and her lifelong dedication shows in her paintings, which are meticulously accurate as well as beautiful. The paintings used here, of scenes from her beloved home in southern Ohio, illuminate well-crafted essays based on her daily walks and observations... The essays are arranged by season, starting with winter, providing a sense of movement through the year."

A birding friend of mine highly recommended Letters From Eden: A Year at Home, in the Woods. I was not familiar with this author but she is a well-regarded naturalist, artist and nature writer. I just dipped into this and her artwork is lovely. It is structured much like The Comfort of Crows, with the seasonal theme.

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Sunday to you.

>93 msf59: So glad the hummingbirds are visiting.

>94 richardderus: I’m sorry the game was awful, but you look happy just being out and at Wrigley Field.

The bird report: yesterday after Trevor and his son Braxton filled the feeders, I had Cardinals, Mourning Dove, hummingbirds, Carolina Chickadees, Downy Woodpeckers, and a male Cowbird. There was also a Carolina Wren fluttering near the window. Right now I’ve got a White-Breasted Nuthatch, a Carolina Chickadee, and a female Cardinal.

Morning, Karen. We had a good time at the game, despite a totally lackluster performance. Sue saw the hummers a couple of times yesterday. Your feeders are certainly hopping. What a show they must put on for you.

46- A Violent Masterpiece by Jordan Harper 4.6 stars

"We are America dreaming itself. We're a fractal of fortunes and crimes, fortunes and crimes. We're cars and guns and land grabs and tacos, money and movies and big tits and death, all served under a dirty sky - please rise for our national anthem, and I right?"

“They serve to reduce the women to objects. A thing with no function but to be destroyed. Misogyny amplified”

"The high desert is Southern California's unconscious. It's where the things we push down go, where the unspeakable lives. It's the place we go to go someplace else.”

I have not read a big juicy crime novel in quite some time and this epic, hyper-violent tale certainly fits the bill. It is set in a nightmarish LA and the story is told through three characters- Jake, a live-streaming nightcrawler, who documents the nasty side of the city and feeds it to his subscribers. Kara- a young woman that works for a private concierge company, that caters to the kinky rich and famous. Doug Gordon- a street lawyer, that has dedicated his life to helping the down-out. After a Hollywood big-shot is arrested for child abuse and pornography (this has Jeffrey Epstein written all over it), he threatens to unleash a mountain of files implicating his high-class friends and co-conspirators. On top of this, there is a horrific serial killer on the loose, called the LA Ripper. How these events bring these three characters together is the black heart of this novel. It reads like an adrenaline shot to the heart and for those faint-hearted types, you may want to skip this one. It is not easy to read with your eyes closed. Fans of James Ellroy and Richard Price will love this one. Highly recommended.

*Thanks to NetGalley for supplying a DRC. Also, thanks to Richard for a fine review and a heads-up to a NetGalley review-copy.

>102 msf59: - Believe it or not, I have this one on my shelf! How have I not read it yet??? Thanks for the nudge! I believe the author used to write for one of the birding magazines, as well.

Oooh...Julie Zickefoose! I used to read her blog all the time, and somehow she slipped off my radar. She was a frequent commenter on Murr Brewster's blog, (and vice versa). They both changed platforms, and I never did reconnect with Julie.

>105 msf59: Such a good thing you liked the read! I'm so glad it pulled you in the way it did me, too.

>106 jessibud2: Well, that is cool beans, Shelley. I hope you can bookhorn it in. I may not have heard of her but she was definitely well known in nature circles. Maybe I need to expand my horizons...😎

>107 laytonwoman3rd: Hi, Linda. Great to see you. I am so glad you are familiar with Zickefoose. I am so glad I finally connected with her. Have you read any of her books?

>108 richardderus: It was such a good discovery, RD. I will be seeking out more of Harper's work. Was that the first time that you read him?

>109 msf59: I bought LOVE AND OTHER WOUNDS years ago and have dipped in and out over time. I think he did good work in the stories but I'd never have looked for novels from him, not resisting more reads either. "Perfectly fine" isn't a ringing endorsement. I love knowing he's really developed his talent!

>98 msf59: I can believe they make money on blankets and jackets and whatnot when the weather turns cold early in the season. Being from downstate, we didn't realize the temperatures at Wrigley could change so drastically so quickly. We learned! But the games were always fun.

I'm afraid to look at a Cubs game at the moment. I sure thought they could beat the Astros at least once. I don't know how they went from being so good to so bad in such a short time.

>109 msf59: I haven't read any of Zickefoose's books, and I didn't realize she had so many. I gave my MIL one years ago about creating a bird-friendly backyard garden, but I don't know what became of it (MIL downsized several years ago, and is lately in a nursing home). I'm going to seek out Letters From Eden. I messaged Julie through her website this afternoon, asking for permission to post a photo on her author page here, and she sent me the lovely one now appearing there. She was extremely gracious, and pleased to see her books listed here.

>111 atozgrl: All fairness aside, they sell that stuff at every game but I am sure they sell many more blankets in the chilly weather. Yep, another awful loss. Maybe they change things out on the road today. It's a bad stretch.

>112 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks, Linda. I hope you can get to Letters From Eden. I am sure I will seek out one or 2 of her other books. I am glad you were granted permission to post an author pic. I hope you said hello for me. LOL.

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Memorial Day to you. I’m sorry that Sue’s under the weather.

>105 msf59: I’ve got it on my wish list. I’m tempted to use one of my precious Audible credits on it. We’ll see. In the meantime, I love this quote:"The high desert is Southern California's unconscious. It's where the things we push down go, where the unspeakable lives. It's the place we go to go someplace else.”

The bird feeders aren’t busy right now – it’s between first and second breakfast.

Mark: here's an interesting article about a new book coming out: A Librarian's War (apparently no touchstone yet) about books issued to soldiers in WWII:

https://www.npr.org/2026/05/25/nx-s1-5823711/soldiers-books-world-war-ii

My husband remembers his dad having some little books he got in the Army. I don't remember my dad having anything like this.

>115 karenmarie: Well, I left the high desert of Southern California behind me 5+ decades ago, but then it was a safe backwater. 15 years ago, the ingrown conservative religious had seeped in so deeply there wasn't room or resource for the sorts of minds that fence-posted my youth. But unspeakable, that's harsh. I might not enjoy speaking about it, but, in fact, I suspect the author is able to diss the details.

>115 karenmarie: Good Afternoon, Karen. I had a good time playing PB this morning. We finally have a beautiful day. Sue is feeling better but she has struggled with this cold for a week. For some reason it seems to hit her after a vacation.

I am glad you are interested in A Violent Masterpiece but just keep in mind, it is very dark and disturbing.

>116 kac522: Happy Memorial Day, Kathy. Wow! A Librarian's War sounds wonderful. I am surprised that that giveaway hasn't caught our attention before. It would certainly be something worth reading, especially for us bibliophiles.
Thanks for sharing.

>117 quondame: Hi, Susan. This crime novel is no travelogue. LOL. Its main focus is the sordid underbelly (mainly the rich & powerful) of the LA area, looking at their various depravities. I thought it was excellent but it will not be for everyone.

>116 kac522: I read her earlier book about ASE books, When Books Went to War, and was inspired to pick up a few.

>120 labfs39: Good to know--I thought about checking to see if my library her prior book, so now I'll get on it.

HIya, Mark, just passing through, skimming the threads to try to get caught up. RD's photos of Enchanted Rock had me pausing, as Fredericksburg was one of the only things we liked about Texas ;-) Lots of good beer, excellent German food, and many wineries in the area. We actually spent our honeymoon there, so lots of happy memories...

Also, I thought of you when I discovered some birds have built a nest in the corner of a shelf on our deck. I think there are chicks inside, but I haven't wanted to investigate for fear of disturbing them. But I see the adult birds bringing things to the nest frequently - grubs, worms, who knows.

Hi Mark, I am very interested in reading A Violent Masterpiece as last year I read She Rides Shotgun by the same author and it was a big hit with me. Gritty and dark just the way we like 'em!

I think I will be starting The Light Between the Oceans early next week.

>120 labfs39: I will also add When Books Went to War to the obese TBR. Thanks, Lisa.

>122 katiekrug: Hi, Katie. Great to see you. It sometimes slips my mind that you lived in TX for a spell. Glad to hear that you also enjoyed Fredericksburg. I like beer and excellent German food. Nice to hear that you have birds nesting on your deck and that you respect their privacy. 😊

>123 DeltaQueen50: There's my favorite book reading machine. Hi there, Judy. Someone else mentioned She Rides Shotgun so I will be reading that one as well. I think you will like his latest but it can be a tough read.

Glad to hear that you are starting The Light Between the Oceans next week. I am going to try and start it, in the first week or so of June.

-Eastern Bluebirds



-Cedar Waxwings

^I mentioned in my preview of Letters From Eden that Julie Zickefoose is an artist. I am having a hard time finding highlights from the book but here are a couple pieces.

Tuesday orisons, Birddude! May it be as perfect an early-summer day as we're having. It will be mid-80s and it's sunny as one could wish it to be. I'd like it a weentsy widget cooler but we're not into oppressive territory yet.

Yet.

Summer. Ugh.

>125 msf59: I'm curious. Her cedar waxwings look nuthatch-like, especially the one on the left. Do they normally perch upside-down like nuthatches? Or is that artistic license? I scanned dozens of photographs online and didn't see one perched like that.

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Tuesday to you.

>117 quondame: I remember that you’re from the high desert, Susan. Conservatism has infiltrated everywhere in CA, but as a whole, I think the state is mostly blue. Always excepting Orange County. Or, as my friends and I always called it, behind the Orange Curtain.

>118 msf59: I’m so sorry that Sue’s been sick for so long. Thanks for the warning about A Violent Masterpiece. Had I heard about it even 10 years ago I would have run screaming into the night, but my 4-year-long deep dive into MM romances, a.k.a. smut, has exposed me to sociopaths and psychopaths and organized crime and just run-of-the-mill violence in addition to the unspeakable rejection of LGBTQA+ kids by their parents.

I’ve got a male Blue Grosbeak and several finches on my feeders.

>126 richardderus: Hey, RD. It has been a lovely day here as well. Currently low 80s but just comfortable in the house with the windows close that A/C is not required...for now. Especially in Marky's Man-Cave.

>127 labfs39: I would say that is perfect behavior for waxwings, Lisa. They love munching on berries and will do whatever acrobatic maneuvers required to get to that succulent fruit. I saw a couple waxwings today while doing Trail Watch. It may be the first time I have seen them here this year.

>128 karenmarie: Good afternoon, Karen. I am glad to hear you have a strong stomach for violence and other atrocities. Certainly not everyone does. I have several starlings hanging around- feeding and bathing.

>60 richardderus:
That pink-granite dome is a batholith. Welllllllllll, technically it is an exfoliation dome, but I like the word batholith a bit better.

>130 benitastrnad: "Batholith" is an excellent word indeed! Given that's the ancient sea floor, it sounds even better still for Enchanted Batholith to be called.

>124 msf59:
I read She Rides Shotgun. Listened to the recorded version of the book and got along fine with it. I don't like huge amounts of violence when I think it is gratuitous, but She Rides Shotgun didn't seem to be gratuitous. It is violent, but that is what the story is. And the plot of that book was not overly silly as so many violent crime thrillers are. The reason I listened to it, was that it was an Alex Award winner in 2018. The Alex Award is given by the ALA to adult books suitable for YA's and have a reading level of grade 9 and up. I read it because I wanted to see what that committee thought was a YA violence level. I think they did a good job in picking a title that was exciting, interesting, and had a level of violence that was tolerable. She Rides Shotgun temped me, but, I do have to say that I am not even tempted by A Violent Masterpiece.

I really enjoyed A Far-Flung Life, Mark. I hope you enjoy the first novel by the author.

Welome home, Mark! I just returned from a week in Maryland, DC and Virginia so now that I'm home, I'll go back to your previous thread for pics.

>2 msf59: Way da go, Jackson! Congrats!!

>129 msf59: Good to know about waxwings. I have never seen them around here, which is odd. The bottom shelf part fell off my tube feeder and broke and boy are the birds disgruntled with me. The bigger birds are used to standing on the shelf and feeding through the holes. I'm having to refill my little flat feeder twice a day to keep up with demand. I need to get a replacement pronto or I'm going to be a victim of angry bird doodoo.

>130 benitastrnad: >131 richardderus: I did not know what a "batholith" was. Thanks.

>132 benitastrnad: Thanks for chiming in on Harper and She Rides Shotgun. I think I will read that one, once I am ready to read another one by him. Yep, you could safely skip A Violent Masterpiece.

Are you still joining us on The Light Between Oceans in June? I will start it early in the month.

>133 vancouverdeb: Happy Wednesday, Deborah. Good to see you. Glad you enjoyed A Far-Flung Life. Yep, I am looking forward to The Light Between Oceans.

>134 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda and welcome home to you too! I will have to stop by and check out some of your adventures. Yep- Go Jackson!

>135 labfs39: I hope you get to see the waxwings, Lisa. They are unbelievably beautiful. While we were birding in MN a few years back we got to see Bohemian Waxwings, which are also stunning. Good luck with replacing that feeder. It sounds like you have a ravenous base of visitors.



-Bohemian Waxwing (NMP) These beauties range farther north. We saw them in MN during the winter.

They are beautiful. Supposedly we have two waxwings in Maine: the Cedar Waxwing that nests here and the Bohemian that is a winter and spring vagrant. No luck at my feeders, however.

Have you ever seen the crossbills? I had them a few times at my feeders in Washington. Amazing beak adaptation. They are rare sightings in Maine, but I remain hopeful.

>138 labfs39: I am not surprised that you have the Bohemians during the winter, being so close to Canada. I hope you get a chance to see them. Maybe they will pop up on an Ebird list during the winter months and you could check them out if they are close by. They like to hang in a flock and that is what we saw in MN.

I have seen both red & white-winged crossbills. They will sometimes dip down into our area during the winter but not very often. Always a highlight for birders when they do. They are Canada residents too so you never know.

"On March 2, 1908, nineteen-year-old Lazarus Averbuch, an Eastern European Jewish immigrant, was shot to death on the doorstep of the Chicago chief of police and cast as a would-be anarchist assassin...A century later, a young Eastern European writer in Chicago named Brik becomes obsessed with Lazarus's story. Brik enlists his friend Rora -- a war photographer from Sarajevo -- to join him in retracing Averbuch's path."

I remember The Lazarus Project catching some buzz when it was released in 2008. I think I read a glowing review in the Chicago Tribune. I can't remember if it got any LT attention but I did snag a copy early on and it has been on shelf forever. Hey, better late than never, right? I just dipped into it yesterday. Anyone read this or any of Hemon's other work?

>140 msf59: I have not read or heard of this book, but I remember reading about the actual incident at some point. I'll be interested to know how you like it. I'm wondering what resources he used to research what happened.

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Wednesday to you.

>129 msf59: I do have a strong stomach for “violence and other atrocities”. On the other hand, I absolutely cannot bear to watch, listen to, or read about children or animal abuse.

>137 msf59: Gorgeous birds. We have Cedar Waxwings here in Central NC. We’re apparently on the border between non-breeding and year-round. I’ve only ever seen them once, in the trees between Louise’s and my property. It was twilight and I basically only saw their silhouettes. Louise has seen them get drunk on fermented berries and fall to the ground.

I’ve got Cardinals, a Tufted Titmouse, a White-Breasted Nuthatch, and a finch or two.

For truly terrifying real life reading, here comes WHAT IS THE WHAT.

Never my preferred reading, but then I'm an LT minority, rating Middlemarch at 3.
(I re-wrote it in my Review for a change of humor pace.)

>141 kac522: Hi, Kathy. I didn't realize that The Lazarus Project was based on a true story. Interesting. It looks like Hemon relocated to Chicago from Sarajevo in the early 90s and has become a literary figure here.

>142 karenmarie: H, Karen. I am with you on child or animal abuse and I am sure we are not alone. I hope you get to see some waxwings one of these days. They are not yard birds here and there numbers seem to be dwindling in our area. Hooray for the feeder activity.

>143 m.belljackson: Middlemarch 3 stars? Ouch! And we used to look up to you too. LOL.

I read What is the What back in 2018 and gave it 4 stars. That may have been the last Eggers that I had read.

"The body is the most complex machine in the world, and the only one for which you cannot get a replacement part from the manufacturer. For centuries, medicine has reached for what’s available—sculpting noses from brass, borrowing skin from frogs and hearts from pigs, crafting eye parts from jet canopies and breasts from petroleum by-products. Today we’re attempting to grow body parts from scratch using stem cells and 3D printers. How are we doing? Are we there yet?"

I am a big fan of Roach and have read 5 of her books but I haven't read her in 5 years. Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy came out last September and thanks to Jeff for recently reading & reviewing it, reminding to put it back on the TBR. I started the audio today and if you haven't listened to her narration, do yourself a big favor. She is a delight. I did miss her military book Grunt. Anyone want to make a case for it?

>144 msf59: Hey, Mark - check out my review and choose your new favorite version!

>144 msf59: I just wish I could remember where/how I heard about Averbuch--on TV, in a book or someplace else. It was a while ago, though, probably the late 1990s.

ETA: maybe it was this piece on Chicago Tonight from 2012:

https://www.pbs.org/video/chicago-tonight-february-08-2012-mysterious-murder-of-...

It was broadcast after the book was published.

>137 msf59: >142 karenmarie: I have never seen cedar waxwings in our yard, but a friend who lives in the same town that we live in does get them. However, when I was working our workspace was renovated and I got moved into a tiny office with a window. It looked out over a holly tree (I think it was an American holly). It was a large tree, and when spring came, that tree was covered with cedar waxwings for 2 or 3 days. That was amazing to watch. I was looking forward to watching the show again in future years, but COVID forced us into working from home and I missed them the next couple of years.

>146 m.belljackson: Well, it certainly was an enthusiastic review. It has been 8 years since I read it, so it is a bit fuzzy.

>147 kac522: Thanks, Kathy. I will check out the link.

>148 atozgrl: Thanks for sharing your waxwing story and I am glad you got to see a small flock feeding. They really seem to love feeding on berries. Their numbers here seem to be dwindling. I hope for a resurgence.

Happy Wednesday Mark. I've read Nowhere Man by Aleksandar Hemon. I read it last year.

My birds probably are pretty unhappy. I had to move all my feeders so they are having to adjust. My trees have had a lot of birds; common yellow throat, yellow warblers, Flycatchers. etc. I haven't seen the cedar waxwings yet, but they're out there. I've had some Martins around and hoping they stay. This morning a Mallard green head was just sitting in the front yard. The other day there were Trumpeters around.

Today was a day with ladies for Mexican Train and lunch so hopefully tomorrow I'll be back playing pickle ball.

>149 msf59: Well Mark, I watched the Chicago Tonight piece on Averbuch, and it all came back to me: I read An Accidental Anarchist by Walter Roth (who is interviewed in the piece). It was a book I bought before I joined LT, probably the early 2000s. I'm not sure why or where I bought it--but probably at the Newberry Library's big used book sale (which they don't do any more.)

Averbuch is buried in an unmarked grave in a cemetery near Pulaski & Bryn Mawr, not far from where I live. It's a Jewish cemetery, and I had heard from a friend of mine whose parents are buried there, that there is a small section of "anarchists" (probably IWWs/socialists) in the very back of the grounds.

>140 msf59: I've had The Lazarus Project around (unread) forever too. The comments here may prompt me to finally get to it.

>145 msf59: I have only read Grunt by Mary Roach, but immediately fell in love with her writing. I found it fascinating. I have been collecting other books by her, but maybe I'll try her on audio. I'm currently looking for something to listen to.

ETA: What do you know? I was able to access the audio version of Replaceable You from Cloud Library immediately. That never happens!

>150 Kristelh: Sweet Thursday, Kristel. Thanks for chiming in on Nowhere Man. Based on your review, I'm not sure I will get to it but you never know. Wow! Nice bird report. I wish I heard and saw those kinds of birds in my backyard. I have only had warblers a few times in my backyard over many years. Have you ever seen Bohemian Waxwings? Or do they mostly track further north?

>151 kac522: That is so cool that you tracked the episode down. I might do the same after finishing the book. This anarchist sounds eerily similar to the one that shot Garfield. Hey, the Cubs finally won!! Turning point??

>152 labfs39: Sweet Thursday, Lisa. I hope I can inspire you to read The Lazarus Project. I am still not very far into it. Glad to hear you liked Grunt and snagged an audio of Replaceable You. Her books are so much fun. My favorite remains Packing for Mars but each one is a joy.

'Morning, Mark. Sweet Thursday and happy 37th anniversary to you and Sue.

I've got a female Cardinal and a male Blue Grosbeak. My feeders already need attention but will have to wait for Trevor to visit.

Morning Birddude. Hope you and Sue will spend the next 37 (!!) years together, healthy and happy.

>145 msf59: - Grunt is much like all her other books - full of fascinating details about stuff one rarely thinks about it, and featuring her signature wry humor and asides.

I am looking forward to getting to her latest!

Happy Thursday, Mark! Hope Sue is feeling better and you are gearing up for a fun last-weekend-in-May.

I read Replaceable You last September and loved it. The chapter on joint replacement was of particular interest as I've had two of 'em in the past three years. I really get a kick out of her take on things.

>140 msf59:
I have a copy of Lazarus Project that I haven't read. I also remember that it had very good reviews when it was published. It should be a good read.

I placed my Inter-Library Loan Request for Light Between Oceans and I plan on joining you in June.

Right now, I am concentrating my reading on Universe of Stone. It is a biography of Chartres Cathedral. I am preparing myself for that trip to the middle of France that I am never going to take. But if I do manage to cobble together the money to make it, I will be prepared.

So, what book were you reading a year ago? I had just finished reading City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami. It was a group read with you in May 2025. Guess that means it is time to do another group read.

>154 msf59: The Chicago Tonight episode also includes some comments from Aleksandar Hemon, the author of The Lazarus Project, so I would definitely recommend you watch it. What irks me is that I remembered a lot about the case, but couldn't remember how I knew about it until I saw that episode and saw the book An Accidental Anarchist mentioned. Then it came back to me--it's a nonfiction account of the incident. Just can't trust the memory these days--sheesh.

Well, hope the Cubs have a better memory on how to win a ballgame....🤣

Sweet Thursday, Mark. I would not trust my reviews as a reason to read or not. I just got done redoing my spreadsheets and I find that some years I have been more negative than other years. I wonder if a person needs to read a book more than once to come up with a more reliable rating. So I guess I am saying "I am an unreliable rater".

I am pretty sure I have seen Bohemian Waxwings. Not sure where or when. I lived in Ely for awhile so maybe there or maybe here. I just know there are Cedar waxwings here as they show up on the app when I am listening to bird sounds. I am very lucky to live where I do. I have lilacs which birds like the seeds. I have wind shelters and birds can find things there to occupy them. I have apple and crab apples, and ornamental cherries and I suspect the warblers like to be here because of my trees. I am surrounded by lakes and sloughs and that brings in the water birds. I am also surrounded by fields so have turkeys, pheasants, etc. I am truly blessed.

>155 karenmarie: Sweet Thursday, Karen and thank you. Not a whole lot happening at my feeders.

>156 richardderus: Good afternoon, RD and thank you, sir. Not sure I can hold out for another 37 but I would be happy with half of that. 🤞

>157 katiekrug: You sold me on Grunt, Katie. Job well-done. I am sure you will also enjoy her latest.

>158 Storeetllr: Sweet Thursday, Mary. Sue is feeling better- thanks and we do have a busy weekend ahead but we will be doing are own things. I leave for MI on a birding venture on Sunday.

>160 kac522: Thank you for this, Kathy. I hope I can remember to watch this Chicago Tonight episode. I am enjoying the book. Go Cubbies! Let's get 2 in a row!

>161 Kristelh: Hi, Kristel. I do trust my LT buddies. You get used to the way they review and which way their tastes go and of course not everything works the same for everyone so sometimes you go with your gut.

You live in an absolute paradise, as far as nature goes. Yes, I am very jealous. You will live here year-round now, right?

>162 msf59: Not planning to be alive in 2062? Heck, you'll only be 103!

>163 msf59:. Yes, I will be staying in Minnesota year round.

I will add my best wishes for a happy anniversary, and hope for many more.

And the Cubs won again today! Maybe they can start a new winning streak.

>164 richardderus: 2062? Sounds frightening! No thanks! 😟

>165 Kristelh: Well, enjoy that wonderland year-round. I know your winters can be tough. Happy Friday, Kristel.

>166 atozgrl: Thank you, Irene and go Cubbies! Back to 2nd place and let's beat up on those Cardinals!

Mark - Here's a Bird Love story to start your Day:

We've talked before about whistling with the Red-winged Blackbird along my morning Portage Road walk.

Today, he was not on his usual spot along the high up power line.

I took a few steps back toward the house, then whistled anyway.

He came flying over from the neighbor's big Oak Tree Across Portage Road!

And we whistled away!

'Morning, Mark, and happy Friday to you. I hope PB and Jackson make for a fine day.

I've got a female Cardinal, a male House Finch, and a male Blue Grosbeak on the feeders.

>168 m.belljackson:, I love your bird story. I talk to my birds. I think they do get used to us when there is regular contact.

HI Mark, I just finished the Harry Bliss graphic memoir You Can Never Die . I really liked it! It is so personal and honest and of course fabulous to look at his cartoons sketches and art work but I really liked his stories. I have just written to him to tell him about a kid's book. When I read the bit about him loving to peer into holes in trees to see if perhaps a squirrel or chipmunk has made it fully furnished I thought he might like a favourite books of mine Miss Suzy's Easter Surprise by Miriam Young. He may not be able to get his mitts on it as it is now an old book (1972). If I hear back from him I will let you know! Thanks for the tip to read it!

Hi Mark. Yes, it's me and I'm making some rounds here on LT. I have followed your international adventures a bit on FB and, of course, I always love your posts of political cartoons!

I'm seeing lots of love hereabouts for Replaceable You. Funny, seeing it on the bookshop table, it didn't particularly appeal to me, but (like you) I trust my LT buddies.... I might give it a shot.

>168 m.belljackson: I love your blackbird story, Marianne. It put a smile on my face. Keep on whistling, my friend.

>169 karenmarie: Happy Saturday, Karen. Never made it back here yesterday. Busy hanging with Jack & Co. 😎

>170 Kristelh: I liked it too, Kristel.

>171 mdoris: Happy Saturday, Mary. I am so glad you enjoyed the Bliss memoir. I expected it to be a bit more light-hearted but it ended up being more edgy which I think added to it's allure. Let me know if you hear back from him.

>172 EBT1002: Happy Saturday, Ellen. Great to see you, old friend. Have you read Roach before? If not- Replaceable You is not a bad place to start but try the audio version. Her narration is a joy.

^I had a fine Jackson Day on Friday. We hung out at a splash park for a couple of hours and then headed back to Jack's abode where we continued to play for awhile. He is such a joy to hang out with.

47- The Violence: My Family's Colombian War by Adriana E. Ramírez 5 stars

American writer and poet Adriana E. Ramirez traces her family’s Colombian history, covering the years from the late 1940s to current times. The main focus centers on her maternal grandmother, Esther Angarita Samiento. This was also the beginning of what Columbians call “la violencia”, a decades long stretch of civil war, followed later on by the rise of the powerful drug cartels. How Esther and her family survived on their small farm, after endless upheavals is the heart of this story. Ramirez is a wonderful writer, seamlessly laying down her family’s history with lyricism and the right amount of edginess. She also does a fantastic job with the audiobook narration so keep that in mind. Highly recommended.

*For those that may not know- Adriana is Joe's daughter-in-law. There is so much talent in the Welch family. I have had the honor of meeting her, along with their beautiful children. I hope this gives you another reason to read this excellent book.

** Esther is 97 and still going strong.

>145 msf59: I am also a Roach fan. I know I have a couple on my shelves. It's been a while, so I need to pick one up.

>175 msf59: Aren't grandkids the best? The only bad thing is that they grow up way too fast.

'Morning, Mark, and happy Saturday to you.

>175 msf59: Glad you and Jackson had a good time.

I've got two male Cardinals and a male House Finch on the feeders. Yesterday was special, though - I snapped a photo of a pair of Downy Woodpeckers on one of the suet feeders. Bill enhanced it, and here it is:

>170 Kristelh: >173 msf59: Thanks to you both - it is great to have that beautiful Bird connection...

Along with my night visitor, Perry Possum, and the Doe who turns and watches when I say "I love you."

Happy weekend, Mark and welcome back! And Happy Newish Thread! I love the photos up top and all the bird photos and bird talk. I’m another Scarlet Tanager fan. What a cool photo that is.

And photos of the adventurous Jackson always make me smile!

Kudos for the nice review of The Violence: My Family’s Colombian war. You can imagine my relief, but no surprise, that it’s so darn good.😊 She’s a wonder.

I’m going to be another one encouraging you to read This is Happiness. It’s a special one, and I’m pretty sure you’ll be happy with it. How could you not, with that title?

I just received the new Walter Mosley, titled Ghalen. I’ll report back on that. We’re enjoying this gorgeous weather. Debbi and Becca are running a humming yard sale, featuring plenty of Becca’s cast-off books. I supplied some early muscle, but now I’m in charge of watching Indy and enjoying our back deck. Rough life.

Have a great rest of the weekend, buddy.

I would have been outside on the deck this afternoon, but... It is hot and windy. I turned on the AC this afternoon. The wind is blowing out of the southeast, so that portents more rain and it is hot and muggy. I need to get three more large "thriller" plants for my pot garden and will have to get those on Monday. I was reading and waiting for the deck to dry off so I could clean off the leftover leaves from the fall harvest of the trees discarded dressing gowns and then the mad mowers showed up. That was the signal for me to move inside and turn to the books. I am reading Universe of Stone. The biography of the cathedral at Chartres. I am reading it in preperation for my upcoming visit to the Isle-de-France.

A Violent Masterpiece looks interesting, Mark. Have a great time on your birding expedition in Michigan.

>175 msf59: You are both so lucky to have each other!!! : ) Happy Sunday.

>179 m.belljackson: Well, I am glad you have Perry Possum and Ms. Doe to bring you joy. Happy Sunday, Marianne.

>180 jnwelch: Happy Sunday, Joe. Thanks for stopping by. Hooray for the lovely scarlet tanager and my adventurous sidekick. Yep, I was very impressed with The Violence. Is Adriana working on anything new?

I will get to This is Happiness. For some odd reason, I thought I had read it awhile back so it fell off my radar. I hope the yard sale was a success. It was a gorgeous day.

>181 benitastrnad: Our weather has been gorgeous and it looks like this will continue. What are "thriller" plants? Gardening is not my thing. I am glad you have The Light Between Oceans waiting in the wings.

>182 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg. I know you are a crime fan so this should work for you but it is extremely violent. You may also want to look into this author's other books.

>183 Berly: You got that right, Kim. Great to see you, my friend. You have been missed.

^As a reminder, we are doing a shared read of The Light Between Oceans in June. I believe Judy has already started it. I have to get to a new library loan that just came in, so I plan on starting it in just over a week. I hope you can still join us.

-Kirtland's Warbler (NMP)

"The Kirtland’s Warbler is a neat gray-and-yellow bird and one of the rarest songbirds in North America. A true habitat specialist, it breeds only in young jack pine forests in Michigan and adjacent parts of Wisconsin and Ontario. During the past century, timber rotations and fire suppression proved incompatible with the bird’s needs, and Kirtland’s Warblers spent nearly 50 years on the Endangered Species List. Intensive conservation, including suppression of Brown-headed Cowbirds, allowed the population to increase tenfold, and the species was delisted in 2019."

Me and a few of my birding buddies are heading up to northern Michigan this morning to find this special little warbler. They have nested in Hartwick Pines State Park for a number of years so we should have no problem locating it. Of course, we plan to do a lot of other birding while we are up there. Like, Duh! I will be back on Wednesday.

>187 msf59: Nice Mark. Thanks for the information. We have Jack pine in the Ely area. I used to pick Jack pine cones for reforesting back in the 70s. Maybe the Kirkland will hop over to Ely. I did not get to see any interesting birds on my short trip up yesterday. But listening to bird sounds, I did hear an ovenbird. Another interesting bird. Do you have it on your LTL?

>176 msf59: Totally agree about the Welch family's extraordinary reservoir of talent, and Adri's terrific book.

Sunday orisons!

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Sunday to you.

You missed me up there at >178 karenmarie:, and I was so proud of the Downy photo.

I hope your birding trip is going great guns.

>187 msf59: Sounds like a lovely trip, Mark--enjoy! I actually watched most of the Cubs game last night, since it was on Fox. I picked a good one!

Have a great trip, Mark! I hope you have seen the Kirtland’s Warbler and are also finding many more birds. Have fun!

Hey, everyone! Quick report: We had 7 Kirtland Warblers today. Lifer for all of us. Yeah, baby!!

Whoohooo!!

>193 msf59:, that's great Mark!

Cool!

'Morning, Mark! Congrats on the Kirtland Warblers!

Stopping by to say hi, Mark.

Your trip's paid for itself, then! Glad for you.

^Hartwick Pines State Park, Grayling Michigan

I am home. It was a good trip. We covered all our target areas, probably logging nearly 200 miles up there. We ended up with 77 species which we were very happy with and of course that included the Kirtland's warbler- our only Lifer. We estimate we saw 10-12 of them but it is tough to say because we may have seen the same bird twice, (but we were in 3 different locations). This time I got a few photos and will share them when I get to them.

Thanks to everyone for keeping my thread warm. I will slowly catch up...off to play PB soon.

Thanks, Kim, Kristel, Jim, Karen, Deborah and Richard. It was a special sighting. A Kirtland's warbler has been spotted in northern IL during migration but it is rare. This made it much easier because they breed and nest in that particular area.

'Morning, Mark, and sweet Thursday to you.

>200 msf59: Love the photo.

My bird feeders are empty so my birds are boycotting. Trevor will be out on Saturday to replenish them and the bird bath.

>202 karenmarie: Sweet Thursday, Karen. Nice to be back. Glad you like my pines photo and I hope Trevor tends to those feeders. 🤞

Super-special sighting indeed! I'm really glad you liked the whole trip, it looks like a pretty place in general and clearly gets All the Best Birds. Enjoy the sleep in your own bed!

>204 richardderus: It was a grand sighting, RD. It is nice to finally check this one off the list. Of course, if I ever have a chance to see one in IL, I will make an effort to do so.

Yes- always nice to sleep in my own bed.

-Harry Bliss

^These Kirtland Warblers were singing everywhere in this area, mostly unseen. Occasionally, the males would jump up on a snag and sing in view. You had to be quick taking a photo and with my smaller camera, it was a challenge and this was the best I could do. With their singing they are marking their territory so they will be ready when Miss Warbler arrives and they can begin to nest.

These warblers can only be found in 3 places in North America- one small area in both WI and in Ontario and this place in MI. 50 years ago they were down to 167 breeding pairs. They now have 1,200-1,300 breeding pairs, with most of them in MI. Great comeback but sadly they are still losing their habitat.

Another Lifer!! Whoohoo! And I am glad they are making a comeback, despite less habitat. Sigh. Awaiting more photos. : )

>208 Berly: Thanks, Kimmers. Those are the only warbler pics I have but will share a couple scarlet tanager pics I took.

"G.W. Pabst, one of cinema’s greatest directors of the 20th century, was filming in France when the Nazis seized power. To escape the horrors of the new and unrecognizable Germany, he fled to Hollywood. But now, under the blinding California sun, the world-famous director suddenly looks like a nobody. Not even Greta Garbo, the Hollywood actress whom he made famous, can help him...Daniel Kehlmann's novel about art and power, beauty and barbarism is a triumph. The Director shows what literature is capable of."

The Director landed on my TBR after reading a glowing review but what sealed the deal was a rave review by both Kristel and Richard. I decided to request it there and then, so it wouldn't fall by the wayside. Well, it came in and I will start it today.

*I am a film buff too, so I am sure I will go back and rewatch a few of Pabst's early classics.

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Friday to you.

>207 msf59: Sweet pics and yay for the badge. Or patch. Or sticker.

"A spellbinding account of a family devastated by the sudden death of their nineteen-year-old son, only to discover that he had created a secret life which drew him into the dangerous criminal underworld that lies beneath London’s glittering surface...London Falling is a mesmerizing investigation of an inexplicable death and a powerful narrative driven by suspense and staggering revelations."

After reading Say Nothing... & Empire of Pain, Keefe became a favorite NNF author and like many others here I was looking forward to reading his latest London Falling which has also received much attention. It came out in April and I will start the audiobook today.

>211 karenmarie: Morning, Karen and thanks. I think my sticker is all 3. I don't like bumper stickers but I will feature it prominently somewhere. 😎

Congrats on the successful birding trip and a new Lifer! My foster kiddo's been into birding lately, so I'm looking into places around that we can do some joint hiking and birding - there are some great options for Mass Audubon properties within about an hour's drive that we'll be checking out this summer for sure.

Have a great weekend!

Happy weekend Mark. Where will be heading with your camper? I hope you enjoy The Director. I look forward to your thoughts. Also let us know which movies you watch. Maybe I will try to find some to watch. I don't watch a lot of movies but I do try to do some book/movie ones sometimes.

I am listening to Light Between Oceans and am about halfway done. So far it is a very scenic picture of a life, but the scope of the story is gradually widening.

>210 msf59: I'm really glad you're taking the plunge! I hope it's a good read indeed.

Oooh--->212 msf59: we heard the author talking about London Calling and he made it sound SO good.

Glad to hear you had a successful birding trip, Mark! I’m curious about your reaction to The Director. I had it checked out from the library a month or two ago but never really felt drawn to it. Perhaps another hold is in order.

I'm glad you had a such a successful birding trip Mark, and I think I read somewhere you are off camping this weekend ? Dave was lucky enough to see a barn owl last night , out walking the dog. It's so rare to see an owl, at least for me.

>185 msf59:
When planting plants in a pot, basket, or window box, there should be 3 kinds of plants. A thriller, a filler, and a spiller. The Thriller plant is the large showstopper plant. Usually it is taller, has loud flousey blooms, strange leaves, or some other eyecatching detail that grabs attention. a Filler plant is the intermediate plants that "fill" in the understory spaces of the container. The Spiller plant is the long trailing plant that falls (spills) over the sides of the pot and adds to the appearance of lushness in the container. These plants also have eyecatching details, such as strangly shaped leaves, or varigated coloring on leaves, and usually a smaller bloom that doesn't take attention away from the Thriller plant.

This year my Thrillers are Canna. With red flowers. Most years I use Hibiscus, but this year I decided to try something new and Canna's were it.

>214 bell7: Thanks Mary and Happy Friday. Good to see you, my friend. So glad to hear that the kiddo is into birding and it is perfect that you are supporting that. I am sure there are plenty of opportunities around you. Guided bird walks are ideal. I hope you have a fun weekend too.

>215 Kristelh: Happy Friday, Kristel. I just dipped into The Director and I like the writing. The film I am most familiar with by Pabst is Pandora's Box which is a classic. I will revisit that one and a couple of others, yet to be determined.

We are camping at a state park, along the Illinois River. A favorite of ours and it is less that an hour and a half away which is a bonus.

>216 benitastrnad: Thanks for the update on The Light Between Oceans. I am glad to hear that you are enjoying it. You might finish it before I start it, which will be later next week.

>217 richardderus: I am not far into The Director, RD but I can already tell that this will be a good one.

>218 banjo123: I am jealous that you got to attend an author event by Keefe. Not far into London Falling but the writing is excellent, as expected.

>219 Copperskye: Happy Friday, Joanne and thanks. It was a fun, productive trip. I am not far into The Director but I have a feeling this is going to be a gem for me. How into it did you get?

>220 vancouverdeb: It was a good trip, Deborah. Yep, we have a camping trip coming up. We leave tomorrow and return on Wednesday. Hooray for Dave seeing a barn owl. That is a great sighting. They have become very rare in northern IL and I have only seen them once here.

>221 benitastrnad: Thanks for the planting lesson, Benita. I had never heard of any of that. I like the sound of those spillers.

>224 msf59: Oh, just a couple pages. I was starting something else just as my hold came in and then never went back to it. Another time. The reviews are all so good - enjoy!

It sure sounds like you had a great trip to Michigan, Mark. I'm glad the birds treated you so well.

And already getting ready to hit the road again. You certainly stay busy. Have a great time camping!

>225 Copperskye: I am still only 50 pages in but I am pretty sure I will recommend you trying it again. Being a movie buff sure helps.

>226 atozgrl: Happy Saturday, Irene. We had a good MI trip and looking forward to our first camping trip. We have another one scheduled in just over 2 weeks. Have a great weekend.

Male and female scarlet tanagers. Quite a difference in appearance, right? There was a very nice visitor center at the Hartwick Pines State Park and it was tucked into an old growth forest. They had several feeders out and the birds were feasting- lots of rose-breasted grosbeaks and a few tanagers, along with a red-breasted nuthatch.

‘Morning, Mark. Happy Saturday, happy beginning of your camping trip.

>213 msf59: I do not display stickers anywhere on my SUV. I’ve never displayed stickers on any of my vehicles. I’m supposed to display a county recycling center sticker in my windshield, but I had Bill put it on a bit of clear plastic and pull it out when needed. Nobody’s ever noticed that it’s just in the windshield not on the windshield.

>228 msf59: Great pics of the tanagers.

Hi Mark hope you are having a great weekend. I started Light Between the Oceans yesterday and my thoughts are much the same as Benita's above. The story drew me in right away and although there isn't as much drama as it opened with it's an excellent account of running a lighthouse on an isolated island.

>229 karenmarie: Happy Saturday, Karen and thanks. I will be heading out shortly. Warm and muggy here today. Hopefully it will be cooler by the river. Glad we both are in agreement about bumper stickers. 😎

>230 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy. Always good to see you. Glad you started Oceans and are enjoying it. I hope to get to it in a few days. Have a great weekend.

^Loaded up and ready to go...

Enjoy!

>228 msf59: Nice pictures! I was thinking to myself how different they looked before I noticed that you wrote the same thing. I would never have guessed that they went together if I hadn't been told. I haven't seen scarlet tanagers in person.

Have fun camping!

^ What Irene said! Have a great trip!

>232 msf59: What a rig, Mark! That's big. Nice!

Mark - Here's my Lifer - while out whistling down Portage Road, I saw a Plover!

Hi Mark, I have completed The Light Between Oceans and give it a big thumbs up!

Hi Mark.
I needed something to read on my kindle - I'm going to see Bonnie Raitt at an outside venue this evening and I don't know what the ambient light will be if I want to read while waiting and/or between acts. Anyway,, I was perusing books I've saved on my library "for later shelf" and I checked out The Painter by Peter Heller. I see you gave it 4.5 stars. :)

We went camping last week and I was reminded how much I love it!

"I'm going to see Bonnie Raitt" *envious sigh* Sad fact: I saw her father in Carousel when I was too clueless to realize what I was seeing. I was in college at the time, and my roommate, a voice major, was gaga over John Raitt, so encouraged me to go with her. I knew the songs--our high school music department had done a production of the show, and I had the soundtrack memorized, so I'm sure I enjoyed it. I did get his autograph on the program, and managed to hang on to it long enough to appreciate what I had---it's now a prized possession, but I seriously have no memory of meeting him.

I know you are off on your travels buddy and I am sure that you are enjoying yourself, but I couldn't resist quick congratulations on the last post being the 2,000th on your threads this year.

>232 msf59: Have a great time!

>240 laytonwoman3rd: it was a great concert, Linda, despite the cold and windy evening with off-and-on showers. Bonnie is still quite an amazing performer at age 76! She was suffering up on the stage. At one point she stopped mid-song because rain was blowing in her face. She went back to her guitar, sang a different song while they moved her piano, then went back and started "Nick of Time" all over again. It was awesome. She was a champ.