Mark's Gallant Attempt For 2010 (MSF59) Take #2

Time for a fresh thread! Thanks everyone for making these 1st few weeks so enjoyable! You are an amazing bunch of people!

1) The White Rhino Hotel by Bartle Bull ****1/2
2) A Good Fall: Stories by Ha Jin ****
3) Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith ****1/2
4) A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore ***
5) Tear Down This Myth by Will Bunch ****1/2
6) Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Hurston ****1/2
7) Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter ***1/2
8) World Without End by Ken Follett ****
9) The Dogs of Riga by Henning Mankell ****
10) Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson ****1/2
11) Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro ****1/2
12) Open Season by C.J. Box ****
13) The Audacity to Win by David Plouffe ****1/2
14) Spooner by Pete Dexter ****
15) Too Much Happiness by Alice Munro ****1/2

Link to my 1st thread: here

Tee hee hee...looks like i'm the first one here.....

hello there, friend
J

So close and yet so far...I'll take third!

Thanks for the recommendation for West With the Night - it's gone onto the wishlist. Normally, I'm not a big fan of memoirs, but I like to do a couple each year just because. This one sounds vaguely familiar, and I'm curious if it's one I read years ago (before LT came along and I began keeping track of my books).

Maybe I missed your explanation, but why do you only have 4 titles on your list in msg #1?

This is the reason that the 75-Books challenge has over 2900 make that 3000 messages in a week that's only four days old...and out of 450 members...we're a chatty bunch, eh what?

*looks around* oo

This must be the new thread -- *star!*

Tracked you down again, Mark!

aha! gotcha! thanks for the link :)

Jude- You are always Numero Uno, with me!
Berly- You are always 3rd! (actually 2nd but who's countin'!)
Sandy- Yes, West With the Night is a keeper! You shall not be disappointed. You asked about my list up above: that's the list of the books I've "read" so far. I'm not counting the audiobooks. Why? Good question! I'm odd I guess. Maybe it feels like cheating. I will still review them and discuss them, though. I've listened to some terrific books! I plan on starting Their Eyes Are Watching God today. It's all loaded up in my trusty Ipod!

Hi again Mark - You know, you're kinda' making me feel a little guilty for counting my audio books...but not so much that I'll stop. ;)

#9 That is what I wondered - however, unlike coppers, I'm not feeling a bit guilty about counting my audio books!

I totally agree with Joanne and Sandy. I am counting the two books I listened to on my recent trip. I don't do many audio books over the course of a year. They are not my preferred method of "reading" but do make traveling more bearable.

Mark, I'll take the opposite approach in reviewing. I'll probably just post some comments on my thread and not do a formal review. I usually jot a few notes down while I am reading a book -- sometimes just a key phrase or a page number to refer to -- that I depend on for my review. I draw the line at taking notes while driving!

I know I'd be counting them if I ever listened to them but with a 12 min. commute it's not worth the bother, LOL.

I work a whopping 15ft from my bed, so my commute is, shall we say, negligible. Audio books appeal for long car trips, though!

Not a fan of audio.. poor attention span with them or something..
passing though to say hello!

Back to West With the Night and Hemingway. First of all, if Hemingway thought someone else wasn't a very nice person......well, I'm not sure what to think about that, given his own burliness and some of those in the Lost Generation he hung out with. And, as mywife often reminds me, writers are better read than met.

I guess I sound silly in my explanation of not listing my audiobooks. I better come up with a better excuse, otherwise I'll just start countin' 'em! Dilemma solved!
Like I've explained before, I prefer the book form, I will never give up that, but since my job affords me the opportunity to listen while I work, why the heck not? Speaking of audiobooks, I'm nearly finished with Their Eyes Were Watching God and it has been excellent. Shout-out to Berly & Donna for this one!
Mac- Yes, I saw that Hemingway quote on a website. Bottom-line, Markham had a fascinating life!

Not quibling.....did it sound that way. Shame, shame; you know my name.

Yeah! Glad you are enjoying Their Eyes Were Watching God! I think you should count all your audiobooks, but at the very least count this one! It is the ONLY book I truly wish I had listened to rather than read (because of the phonetic dialect). On to part 5 in World Without End. Love reading Hemingway and it probably would have been fun to hang out with him at the bar for an evening, if I had my fake mustache and sideburns on...

Hi Mark! I just started listening to Juliet, Naked today, thanks to your recommendation! So far, I love it!

>19 Berly:: I agree that Their Eyes would have been an amazing book to listen to. Our library book sale has been having more and more audio books. I'll look for this one. With kids in three different states, I'll probably be putting in plenty of highway time.

Thanks, Mark, for the welcome home. You went and started a new thread, but you can't hide from me!

Berly & Donna- Yes, I remember you both mentioning that you might have liked it even better listening to it! So I was pumped, when I saw it was available in a.b. Since the majority of the narrative is dialogue, this is perfect! The female reader is excellent! I am at the point with her marriage to Tea Cake and he has started gambling! Very vivid!
Porch- I am so glad you are loving it! I love the different narrators! Great book!

Hey Mark... like what you've done with the place... passing through to catch up and star you again!

Hi Ellie- See what a little tidying up will do? Thanks for stopping in and have a great weekend!
I finished Their Eyes Were Watching God and it was terrific! I'm so glad I listened to it on a.b. What a pleasure! I'm taking a break from audiobooks for a week or so, due to vacation next week. Paper only!

Ah, vacation, I love those! Do you spend a ridiculous amount of time picking out the books to take with you? I do.

Joanne- "Do you spend a ridiculous amount of time picking out the books to take with you?" No, because I'm staying right here at home, with all my books! All I need to do is lean over and select one! My wife is starting her new job as a surgical tech on Wednesday, which is very exciting, so I will be solo! So now I can look out the window and say boy it sure looks cold out there and then go back to the recliner!

Even better - I love getting the opportunity to just stay home and veg out. Sounds like you'll have a relaxing week - enjoy!

>26 msf59:: Ah, the good life. Sounds like my day today. Snow here, but hubby loves to get out in the Jeep so he went to work leaving me to finish Part 4 of World Without End, watch the snow, read some more of The Girls for Orange January, watch the snow, catch up on LT threads, make soup, well...you get the idea. A perfect day in my book. Yes, pun intended.

hey Mark, so have you decided which Murakami book we're doing for the group read yet?

>29 cameling: If y'all do the sheep one, I'll join you.

I have had that one on the baaaaaa..ack burner for awhile now.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
HISSSS
HISSSS

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

I have been wavering about Juliet, Naked after only half enjoying his previous one. All in all, I really like Hornby - an accessible, neurotically funny guy with recognizable obsessive tendencies.

Kiwi- Please don't waver over Juliet, Naked. If you've enjoyed his earlier works, you will love this one! It's one of his best!

Caroline- How about we take that vote on Murakami? I've narrowed it down to The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle or Norwegian Wood. Anyone interested, make your selection!
Sorry Richard but please reconsider joining us, on one of the above! We would love to have you!

hmm..... i think i'll vote for Norwegian Wood if only because I've had that on my TBR for a long long long while now and still haven't managed to get to it.

Norwegian Wood's on my TBR pile as well so that one gets my vote.

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is my choice only because I have a spankin' brand-new copy here that I bought for another group read that was going to be too slow. I like your pacing, Mark.

Hi Mark,

Stopping by to star you !

I vote for The Wind-up Bird Chronicle, but I wouldn't mind reading Norwegian Wood again. Count me in, either way.

Oh Mark...blessed be the week's vacation..i'll be thinking of you reading/listening in that recliner...and congratualtions to the wife on her new job...hope it measures up.....life, sometimes, can be quite grand....no?

;-}

Well the race is on and it's all tied up! I'll probably go with The Wind-Up Bird (I can vote right?) And I know Bonniebooks will pick Norwegian Wood, when she returns, so that makes it 3 to 3! BTW, I would love to read either one!
Heather- Thanks for stopping by! I hope you can join us!
Jude- Thanks I'm looking forward to it! The recliner, the book and the beer! Heavenly!
Question-How do I advance my Ticker at the top of the page? Do I have to click on it and adjust it, each time?

Mark, yes. You click on it and then add however many books you have read to your total. There are steps to go through then (just press next).

5) Tear Down This Myth by Will Bunch ****1/2
Ronald Reagan’s star has been on an upward trajectory, for these past few years, reaching such celestial heights, that the Right utter his name in hushed reverence. The Holy One! There was even a proposal, on having him added to Mt. Rushmore. Will Bunch, an award-winning political journalist, brings our sainted fortieth President, crashing back to Earth, where he belongs, leaving the cowboy hat and big stick, resting quietly by the door. This is not a heated slam-fest, it is a clear-eyed, factual look at a misunderstood presidency. Yes, there are undeniable qualities to this man, but there are also a fair share of flaws. Someone famously said that “facts are stubborn things”. Reagan flubbed this line, in a speech, as “facts are stupid things”. In this excellent, well-researched book, facts rule the day!

#5 is headed for my wish list......

Glad that you are on break this week... cold cold cold.

my mail carrier ( from hell) finally got a new ( driving ) route.
I guess they forgot about us.. we got no mail yesterday..sigh

Good thing I am not waiting for a huge check as the result of a wealthy aunties will or anything .

Morning Kath! Here's to all of us early morning-risers! Glad you switched letter-carriers! Nothing worse than crappy service! I wish I could be your mailman, (and a driving route too!). You would receive such amazing attention! Boy, that sounded a bit flirtatious!
Yes, the Reagan book is quite the eye-opener!
Ficus- Thanks for the info!

#42: Do I get to be the tie-breaker then? I am in for Norwegian Wood.

6) Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston ****1/2
I'm not going to attempt to review this breath-taking book, instead I am going to refer you to Berly's terrific entry. It perfectly capsulizes this lovely novel! Once again, this proves how special LT is, I stumble on another book and author I had never heard of and find another treasure. Also based on Berly and Donna's suggestions, I decided to listen to Hurston's book on audio, which quickly found me transfixed with the beauty of her reading. If you appreciate the work of Alice Walker and Toni Morrison, seek this one out too!

#48: I listened to the audio version with Ruby Dee as the narrator and loved it. I am so glad you did too, Mark!

Stasia- I do like Ruby Dee, but she wasn't the narrator on this version. I can't recall her name.
And yes, at the moment you are the tie-breaker. Norwegian Wood is in the lead!

Mark,

I've never read anything by Murakami so I'll leave the choice up to others. I am interested in the group read though.

I attempted Their Eyes Were Watching God many years ago and dropped it but I think maybe my taste was less mature at that time so I'm going to try it again.

Big wave to Bonnie!! Glad you are considering the Murakami G.R.!!
Julia Keller is the book editor for the Chicago Tribune and today she reviewed the latest novel by Jami Attenberg, (an author I'm unfamiliar with) and she started her review with this:
"Words are weapons. Sometimes they're goofy, harmless weapons- a squirt gun,say, or a slingshot-and sometimes they're AK-47s. But they aim to get your attention, and they can do it the easy way or the hard way."
BTW, she loved the novel!

I am almost afraid to visit this thread while you are on vacation.....lol
I am finding too many good books on our 75 threads.. and know how dangerous yours can m=be,,

Mark--I am so glad you liked Their Eyes Were Watching God and thanks for the props! (Phew--I was feeling some pressure there!)
I have not read either of the Murkami that you are suggesting, so I'll follow your lead. A reading vacation sounds heavenly!! But try not to overload my TBR pile while you are at, OK?
I just hosted the pre-Winter Formal Dance gathering of parents and kids for photos and appetizers and then the girls all came back afterwards for a sleepover last night. Today, my youngest had his first band recital and --wonder of wonders--it was actually enjoyable for the audience! Very few squeaks and missed notes. I was impressed. He was grinning from ear to ear.

Happy reading.

Kath- Please do not be afraid on stopping by! When a book is involved, just avert your eyes a little!
Berly- I'm hoping to get a few more votes for the Murakami read but right now it looks like Norwegian Wood, but barely. I'm so glad you are enjoying WWE, like you I had my doubts early on but it has found a nice rhythm. You seem like such a good fun Mom! I sometimes miss those days when my kids were younger and we could goof off!
For everyone's information: I did speak to Ruthie (womansheart), yesterday. She hopes to be getting some relief from her health issues soon, so she can get back to LT and her many friends!

#44 Tear Down This Myth - I'm from California and already experienced him as Governor. I was absolutely disgusted when he was elected President. He didn't do much to change that impression over the course of his presidency either. The man was a boob. A dangerous boob.

It's amazing how good Richard Nixon has started to look in the wake of so many ridiculous, ineffective, and/or dangerous presidents since then. I never would have thought I'd even think that, much less admit it. Pfui, as Nero Wolfe would say.

This better make it .... it's about the 6th time I'm trying to post something to this thread.

Ahah ... so the glitch is gone ..... ok so what I was trying to say was ............. *sigh* I forgot.

Oh yes ... Kath .... you have every reason to be afraid ... because are a sane being. Mark's thread is a little like a candy stored lined with land mines. You know it's dangerous but you're tempted by all the yummy candy that's promised in there. So you tip toe in, and try to gingerly feel your way around, hoping to emerge relatively unscathed (what's losing a little limb anyhow) with just 1 book to add to your wish list or TBR but more often than not being thrown out by the multiple blasts, all bloodied and wounded with multiple books added....but smiling happily

#58: Shucks, I thought that was my thread, lol.

Stasia : Your thread is not a candy store ... your thread is Nirvana with the Hounds of Hell lurking among the foliage

#60: LOL!

Karen- Funny, I was raised in a Republican family and then I joined the Army in the late 70s, so I voted for him both times and then Bush Sr. also! Needless to say, I finally saw the light! To be young and foolish! Well, that's my testimony, please don't hold it against me!
Caroline- I wonder what the glitch was? I hope Richard didn't have anything to do with it! He's been M.I.A. lately. Thanks for the compliments but all I can think about is I wish I was a much faster reader, so I could "really" post some books. I have so many potentially great books stacked up to read, it's ridiculous!!

#62 Mark - I won't hold it against you! Especially as you've seen the light.

I was raised in a Republican family too but remember "voting" for LBJ in 5th grade and writing a letter to the White House on behalf of our school telling him we "elected" him. I diverged from my parents' politics early and learned quickly to not discuss them (politics) with them, especially my Dad.

In the last election before he died, however, he couldn't bring himself to actually vote FOR the Democrat, but for the first time in his voting life he DIDN'T vote for the Republican candidate - Bush Jr.

Mark, why don't you set up polls for your tracking ease?That way you don't have to keep track and also keep trolling for possibly understated opinion-havers.

Richard- Thanks for an excellent idea! It didn't even cross my mind! And I'm glad you are planning on joining us! It will be an honor!
So if everyone can vote again, that would be great!

Join you? Who said that? I don't really like Murakami much. I was being altruistic.

No! Really!

You are very astute Caroline... and correct.
I enjoy the word altruistic, and also Rachael Rays's hair.

Sorry - voted automatically - didn't mean to crash :/

If nobody minds I'd like to join a Murakami group read - already reading Wind-Up Bird Chronicle for another group read so it would be good to see what other people think as well.

How do you add a poll to your thread?

Richard- Did you vote? If so, you're in dude!
Big Wave to Kath!!
BekkaJo- Come join us! You are more than welcome!

7) Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter ***1/2
Welcome to sleepy Grant County Georgia! Although Mayberry, it ain’t. A brutal killer is hunting down young women and leaving behind a gruesome trail. A smart beautiful doctor/coroner and her police chief ex-husband are trying to track this twisted monster down. This is my first American based crime novel in quite awhile. It’s a solid debut and kicks off a promising series. Dark and intense!

>71 msf59:: "Mayberry it ain't"...great line but not great enough to entice me to read about twisted monsters leaving gruesome trails. :-)

I think it's interesting that Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is leading in the current poll and was behind in the straw poll. Whatever book is chosen is fine with me because I've heard so many good things about Murakami.

>69 kidzdoc: It's pretty easy Darryl; if I can do it anyone can. You use the same brackets you use for italics and instead of the i you put in vote. Your question has to have a yes or no answer.

Mark, I'm not voting as I'm not familiar with either book so whatever is chosen will work fine with me. Blindsighted does not sound like my cuppa.

Donna & Bonnie- Maybe, I wanted to make sure no one confused it with a "cozy" mystery! Hopefully, I didn't over-emphasize it's dark soul.
Donna- Yes, I thought that also about our poll. The Wind-Up Bird now has a commanding lead but I will give it plenty of time so others to chime in.

I have The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle buried somewhere in the TBR mountain. If that wins I will dig it out and try to join in, provided I'm not swamped by (a) other things going on or (b) a landslide from the complete collapse of the TBR mountain.

OK Mark. I voted for Bonnie.

I'd love to join the Murakami group read. I haven't even heard of the Norwegian Wood, but I'm open to whichever. I did read his nonfiction What I talk about When I Talk About Running and enjoyed it.

I just set up the poll, I not gevoting in. No desire to Murakami myself again, though the sheep book exerts some fascination for me. Not sure why.

My Karin Slaughter is Faithless....more recent. I got it from a girlfriend who is a serious Holy Roller..she thought it was "Christian Fiction" and was, uh, disturbed...to say the least by its Darkness and Grue...i haven't read it yet (it languishes in the back bedroom..at the top of the stairs...where all good myst'ries dwell.) Thanks for the Heads-up on the series...

I don't do Group Reads...but like Murukami quite a lot...

Caty & Laura- Please join us on the Murakami Group Read! Remember, it does not start until May. Plenty of times to read other things and snag a copy.
Bonnie- Thanks!
Richard- Sorry, my friend, I thought you had voted after setting up the poll...my bad!! BTW, thanks again!
Jude- You might like this series! I know dark & gruesome is right up your alley!!

Not sure I want to admit it in public, but Blindsighted sounded pretty interesting to me. Thanks for the heads-up on another not-cozy series, Mark. :-)

Hey, I'm back and no one is stealing my vote! (Ha! Ha!) I'm officially voting for Norwegian Wood, because I already know I don't want to read The Wind-up Bird Chronicle. But if you choose the latter, I won't feel bad because I'm not all that excited about reading Norwegian Wood either. (Then why did you buy it, Bonnie? I don't know, I just wanted to say I read a Murakami, I guess...)

#73: Thanks, Bonnie! I just tried it on my thread, following your instructions, and it worked perfectly.

Bonniebooks is back! Bonniebooks is back! You just made my day!
Sandy- Thanks for stopping by and it's good to see you aren't one of the "wimpy" ones!

Jumping into this thread just in case you ever decide to do a different Murakami book. I've already read the other two...

Squeaks- Jump in at anytime! Nice to see you!
Henning Mankell helped kick-off the phenomenal interest in Scandinavian crime fiction and I'm currently reading his 2nd Kurt Wallender book, The Dogs of Riga. It's very good, as expected! Any Mankell fans out there?
BTW- Norwegian Wood is sneaking up in the poll. It's now 4-6.

>86 msf59:: Those polls are kinda fun, aren't they? I just posted one on my thread about book cover choices. Ya'll go vote!

Hey, Mark, I'm eagerly awaiting your comments about Part 5 in WWE. We need a little more talk action over there. Are people always this reticent?

*she waves her hand* for The Dogs of Riga....but, it's the only one i have read

;-}

Donna- Reticent is a perfect word, for "over there". They'll catch up though and I'm glad most readers are enjoying it! I plan on starting Part 6 tomorrow, right on schedule!
Jude- Look for The Faceless Killers, his 1st Wallender book! Good stuff!

Hmmm? Thinking if I want to reread a Murakami. I usually don't do that, but it's, oh, so tempting!

#86,89 Not read any Hennring Mankell but have just added The Faceless Killers to the wishlist. I've enjoyed The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series so far and it's given me a yearning to investigate Scandinavian books and given that I had heard of no other Scandinavian authors I was a bit stumped! Now I have Henning Mankell and Arnaldur Indridason to investigate.

I really need Norwegian Wood to win the poll because I have a lovely Vintage edition of this one and The Wind Up Bird Chronicle is not going to be released with the matching cover until September, so if we end up doing a group read of The Wind Up Bird Chronicle I would have to get a copy that didn't match!

ETA: Touchstones not working

Squeaks- C'mon, you can dooo itttt!!
Heather- Mankell is much leaner and darker than Larrson's style. I really enjoyed Dragon Tattoo but he is a bit windy at times. You also mentioned Indridason, I loved Jar City and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of that excellent series. I have Karin Fossum's 1st book also and I've heard many good things about it!
So you want Norwegian Wood to win because it has a cooler cover? Ooookay!!

>91 souloftherose:: So go vote @ msg. #64, so we can win! Go Woods! or Go Norwegians!

#92 Yeah, I'm weird.

#93 I had voted already (it won't let you vote twice) but I can see Norwegian Wood is in the lead now! Obviously my desperate plea worked..

>91 souloftherose:: Another example of the book cover being important to the reading experience, although matching covers might be a little extreme, Heather. :-)

Wow! Norwegian Wood has the lead 7-6! This reminds me of the story of Seabiscuit! Lags way behind, then rockets ahead!
BTW- I don't want to be a defeatist, but I may have to start hunting down a copy. Oh boy!

When does this event take place?

I'm only waiting for you guys to decide, which Murakami book. I have yet to read anything by this author, so either would be ok with me. Unless someone wants to buy my vote. OH, forget I said that we can't be like politicians.

I'll be fine with reading Norwegian Wood. I just hope I can get the Beatles tune out of my head while I'm reading it! I hope we can all say at the end of the book...."Isn't it good? Norwegian wood." There, my work is done, I've planted that nonsensical song on Mark's thread.

Squeaks- Probably May 1st! I'm hosting a Midnight's Children G.R. March 1st and then Darryl's G.R. on The Plague April 1st, so that will be the earliest!
TJ- How much you want for the vote? Remember I am from Illinois and you must have heard about "our" politics! Go Blago!
Donna- You may have sealed it, my friend! Lennon was the best!!

Uh oh! I have a copy of The Plague which I've never read here at home. I see danger ahead...

The term G.R. freaks me out, though. I keep thinking it's referring to GoodReads. :(

Donna! It is totally stuck in my head. I may not like you by the end of today... :P

For those just wandering in:

A Group Read/Good Read of a Murakami title is going to start about May 1st. Mr. MSF59, aka Mark-a-doodle-doo, will be hosting this event. He'd like you group/good readers to vote on which Murakami title you'd like to read. The poll is in post #64 above.

The poll will close, though voting will still be possible, on April 8th. It will take your mind off paying your taxes if you vote that day.

edited/link

Mark-a-doodle-doo, I made some executive decisions, which I can and will change at need, but I think linking people to the poll every fifty messages or so, and giving them a date on which voting ends that's in enough time to order the book, is a practical thing.

Nice nickname Mark. We rhyme! ;)

Berly Boo

I have my own personal male secretary! How cool is that??
Richard- Thanks so much! This kind of took off so fast, that I wasn't thinking ahead, as much as I should have. I'm wondering if I should end the voting on the 1st of April and that gives a whole month to locate a copy and still gives plenty of voting time. What do you think?
Mark-a-doodle-doo

All this chatter about Murakami has got me sidetracked! I can't forget we have a Group Read of Midnight's Children coming up in a few weeks. I thought I would post a General Thread so anyone interested can get it starred: here
Hope everyone is tracking down their copies!

just stopping by to wave hello ...... *going back to snooze for a while*

>106 Berly: Hi Berly-Boo!

>107 msf59: A whole month? Don't you think it's possible people will forget about getting the book if you wait that long? How about April 8th? Three weeks allows even the standard shipping contingent to get a copy. What sayest thou?

I've been dog-sick all day, some 24-hr thing that's made me sweaty, urpy, and achy. It's letting up now, and showering plus broth-drinking equals rapture.

Thanks for reminding me, Mark! I'm going to send you that copy of Midnight's Children--honest!

Caroline- Thanks for dropping by! I hope you are getting some rest! Stay cool!
Richard- April 8th sounds good! I hope you are feeling much better today!
Bonnie- That would be great, thanks! BTW, Norwegian Wood is still in the lead, but just barely!

OK, well, since I've never read Rushdie either and since a copy just happened to come into the shop yesterday, I might just be persuaded to join you!

For those just wandering in:

A Group Read/Good Read of a Murakami title is going to start about May 1st. Mr. MSF59, aka Mark-a-doodle-doo, will be hosting this event. He'd like you group/good readers to vote on which Murakami title you'd like to read. The poll is in post #64 above.

The poll will close, though voting will still be possible, on April 8th.

Repeat post after #133.

Ellie- Since a copy of Midnight's Children just popped up in the shop, it is destiny, you have to come join us! It should be a blast!
Richard- You are the very best! Hope you are feeling better!

I agree with Mark...Richard, you are the best and I hope you are feeling better today.

I began listening to Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. This is a true story about an American with a vision and the story follows him as he tries to build a school in a desolate, mountainous region in Pakistan. Good stuff!

polls and group reads and .. well they make my head spin..
just making the rounds quickly today before I pick up a book..
(fluff.. but I want to read it before I give it to my sister to read)

Morning Kath- Yes, polls and group reads can make your head spin but in a fun, engaging way! Careful of the fluff...

Nah... some fluff is essential
and this also happens to be one of my last vine reviews ( for a while anyway)
So it must be read.. this then a Bohjalian ... then I am almost free. I have one or two for here....ARCs

See what I mean? Too many have to's . I am taking a break from ER's here too..
THEN I can read more of what I want.

Funny, I liked Skeletons at the Feast, (don't tell RD), but I have no interest in reading anything else by him. He seems to be too much of a mixed bag.
I pretty much gave up the ER books too. Working on clearing the shelves, needs to be my top priority!

I received 2 ERs this year so far. One I don't even remember requesting ..... not that I'm complaining.

How are you enjoying Three Cups of Tea?

I only request books that I want to read.. but the issue is timing! lol

I have read all of the books Bohjalian has written, including the one with his newspaper columns .. I have liked them all.. some more than others.

Aprapos of your comment on my thread, thanks for missing me. I'm still around, I've just reduced my LT time and am more a skimmer on the threads this year to allow for other projects. I am faithfully lurking about here and on other threads and drop in the occasional commetn when something catches my eye.

Caroline- Three Cups of Tea has been very good! I should knock a nice chunk out today!
Mac- Thanks for the visit! Come by any time!
I'm off to work, after a nice week taking it easy. A snowstorm is on it's way, later today, which sucks! :-(

Ugh, snowstorm...stay as warm as you can. I'll crank the heat up and beam warm thoughts your way.

Mark--I enjoyed Three Cups of Tea and had the opportunity to meet Greg Mortenson. He came to my son's school (they had been collecting pennies) and gave a talk. Very cool what he is doing. Brave, committed man.

Back at work Mark? We did get mail today.. there was non on Saturday or Monday.. and frankly, I was shocked to get it today.. crazy weather..
They are saying possible 8 more inches tomorrow into wednesday. yikes.
I am about to pick up Chris Bohjalians new one..

Richard- Thanks for beaming the warmth! Fingers crossed that this approaching storm goes easy on us!
Berly- Thanks for the comments on Mortenson and it was great that you had a chance to meet him. I heard him on the Bill Moyer's Journal podcast (excellent weekly program by the way!). He was talking about his latest book and it sparked my interest. Have you read the new one? I listened to a nice portion of Three Cups of Tea today and it's a heck of a story!
Kath- Yes, back to the grind! May have to bring out the waders for tomorrow!

I owe a review on the sequel, Stones Into Schools, even better, I believe.

Hi Mac- Yes, Mortenson is quite an amazing figure! I will plan on reading Stones Into Schools, sometime in the future!
We only got 5-6 inches of snow, so far, but it's going to get windy over night, so plenty of blowing and drifting. How many more weeks of this??

Uh, I believe the groundhog said six Mark;-)

Oh, brrr, Mark. I feel for you...

Bonnie- Thanks for the reminder, my good friend! Couldn't you have fibbed a little!
Joanne- It's been stuck in the mid-20s! Not too bad, better than the teens!

Wait until our 30-miles-per-hour winds come roaring into the Windy city. It was unbrrrrrable here today. Seriously, Mark, wear those ear muffs tomorrow.

That was the bad news....the good news is that I am closing in on the final chapters of World Without End. It's beginning to feel a little like "book without end," but I'm still reading it and liking it pretty well so Follett must be doing something right.

Donna- Thanks for the wind warning! Ear muffs will be worn! I have to agree with you on WWE. I have 50 pages left and it's getting somewhat draggy but there is no question, it's been a good read, better than expected!

Man, I still have 150 pages left....Mark you will really like Stones Into Schools as well. Stay warm!

I will be reading Stones into Schools in the next week or so, Mark. It will be interesting to compare notes.

Hi Berly- Better get crackin' on WWE!
Stasia- I'm still listening to Three Cups of Tea, probably finish in a day or two, so it'll be a long while for Stones into Schools, although I will get to it!

#139: OK. Thanks for clarifying for me. I would have been looking for your comments any day now on SiS.

Oh, I wondered about those suicide statistics taking an upturn...here I thought it was the Snowpocalypse followed by Snowmageddon. Silly man, I forgot all about the group read of "Book Without End that kills all ability to sense joy and laughter" by Ken "There's a Dead One" Follett.

Ah, c'mon, Richard! Tell us what you really think of Follett.

#141/142: I am on Richard's side with this one.

Mark did you feel the earthquake this morning? I heard about it on the radio.

Tammy- No I didn't and neither did my wife but some co-workers and other family members all mentioned that they did. They said it was brief but jarring! I felt the last one a few years ago. Strange feeling for the Midwest!
I finished World Without End or aka ""Book Without End that kills all ability to sense joy and laughter", the title Richard uses. Yes, it's a hefty book but another good, highly readable story!

Yes, all the mean old toadies got their just rewards, but it took Follett long enough to do it! Whew.

>142 karenmarie: Oh, he's okay, Karen.

>143 alcottacre: The prostitution rests. The Final Arbiteress hath spake.

>146 Berly: Too little, too late....

Berly- Yes, Follett is a bit long-winded but you know what, if he chooses to write another mammoth middle-ages book, I'll probably read it!
Richard- How's tricks, sir? We ended up getting about a foot of snow-sad face- so walking will be tough for awhile-another sad face!

Mark, did you read Eat, Pray, Love at some point and like it? I remember there being a discussion on it somewhere and I was so sure it was over on one of your threads... Anyway, I'm reading it right now and wanted to thank whoever it was who liked it enough to fly in the face of the bad reviews! They helped me start reading it on a less biased level after all the scathing reviews I'd read, and now I'm enjoying it immensely - and I think I'm going to to take an awful lot away from it in the end. So Mark or whoever it was - thanks! :-)

I publicly vouchsafed for Eat, Pray, Love on Mark's thread at the great risk of public scorn and now I feel vindicated!! Thanks Ellie.

Mark--If he writes another one, I will read it. And it would help if you would lead another group read of it!

I'm with Richard on my opinion re. the Ken Follet book.

I enjoyed Eat Pray Love too Ellie!

Ellie- Yes, it was on my 1st thread of the year! I'm so glad you're enjoying it! I know opinion is very divided on EPL but we have some heavy-weights on our side, including Berly-Boo. I actually listened to it and it was read by Gilbert. I loved her voice!
Linda-They might not be great literature but they're fun, fast-paced and well-researched!
I'm starting Never Let Me Go! I read and loved Remains of the Day many years ago and have been trying to read more of his work!

Mark,

Re: Stones into Schools, I finished up my review and thought I'd link it to you. You have to read it, Mark. My Review on the book's home page.

Stay warm and dry.

Mac- Thanks for the excellent review! I finished listening to Mortenson's 1st book, Three Cups of Tea today and loved it!
Anyone unfamiliar with Mortenson, please check out Mac's (blackdogbooks) review of Stones into Schools. He does a great job!

Hi Mr. MSF59, aka Mark-a-doodle-doo - voted for Norwegian Wood - never done a group read, but willing to try it.
amobogio/michael

Michael- Thanks for dropping by and casting your vote! I hope you can join us!
Once again everyone, I am running a voting ticker for a Murakami G.R. choice. It can be found in Message #64. Norwegian Wood is currently leading 8 to 6. (somewhere in the Northwest BonnieB is beaming!)

8) World Without End by Ken Follett ****
This is Follett’s long-awaited follow up to his successful The Pillars of the Earth. It is also a sprawling epic of the Middle-Ages, taking place in fourteenth century England. It is populated with a variety of monks, serfs, nuns, builders and knights and everyone is either good or bad, without much in between. The storytelling rules here and you will be flipping pages to keep up with one plot crisis after another, although at over a thousand pages, this begins to grind the reader down somewhat. There is plenty of sex and violence and the Plague becomes a devastating presence. The author also returns with his “heaving bosom” fixation. Hey, I’m a devoted fan too but this almost becomes comical. I don’t think one female character enters a scene without her breasts mentioned. Regardless, this was a good entertaining read!

Oh, thanks for the reminder, Michael!

For those just wandering in:

A Group Read/Good Read of a Murakami title is going to start about May 1st. Mr. MSF59, aka Mark-a-doodle-doo, will be hosting this event. He'd like you group/good readers to vote on which Murakami title you'd like to read. The poll is in post #64 above.

The poll will close, though voting will still be possible, on April 8th.

>158 msf59:: Your review nailed World Without End perfectly, Mark. It was entertaining, but it did grind me down with its length. It really helped me to be part of a group to finish the book. Thank you for your leadership. I'm going to pass on Midnight's Children, although it is my favorite of the few Rushdie books I've read. I'll be lurking in the background on this one.

Great review, Mark!!
--BJ

Very nice review Mark. I think we felt much the same about WWE. I have never read a Rushdie (gasp!) and hope to get my hands on Midnight's Children so I can have the pleasure of yet another group read with you. I am also awaiting the outcome of your poll in #64!

My copy of Midnight's Children arrived today Mark so I'm psyched for my first group read.

I like your review but think I'll pass on WWE. I remember reading (and loving) his early book Eye of the Needle.

Oh Brenzi! We get to read a book together. :)

Donna- Like you, I kept my review of WWE simple, also figuring there would be enough better reviews written. I'm so glad you liked Midnight's Children, I think it will be a good G.R. choice. Joining us for Murakami?
BJ- Thank you! I saw that you just finished Never Let Me Go and I'm just starting it. This is one of my favorite experiences here on LT, reading along with others!
Berly- Yes, this would be our 3rd or 4th G.R.! Very cool but I hope people don't start talking....ok let 'em! Find your Rushdie!
Bonnie- I'm so glad you can join us! Yes, I too loved Follett's early thrillers but had not read him in over 20 years, until I picked up "Pillars".

OH woe! I would hate it if I missed an earthquake :(

*waves*

Kath- I'm not disappointed not feeling the earthquake but of course it is quite a novelty here in the Midwest! A bit freaky!
BTW, I started listening to The Audacity to Win by David Plouffe. Plouffe was Obama's campaign manager and this covers that historic election. He's a terrific writer and it begins beautifully...

Mark....Liked your review of World Without End..I don't own it but the prequel Pillars of the Earth is around here somewhere. I do like Follett, however, for his sheer "hackiness"...and i don't mean that as a slur. I heard an interview with him several years ago..wherein he admitted to being a hack...and was proud to be called such....an honest Author?????what a concept!

J

Hi Jude- How are you my friend? How's the Larsson book coming?
I listened to a big chunk of The Audacity to Win today and it's been riveting!
For anyone interested, the latest NPR Book Review podcast is worth hearing. It features mini-interviews with Don Delillo and Louise Erdrich, discussing their latest works!

I caught those NPR programs on air, Mark and they were interesting. I bought Shadow Tag today with my 25% off coupon from my favorite indie book store.

Hi Joanne- I've been meaning to read more of Louise Erdrich! I read Four Souls several years ago and I have more of her books in my tbr, including The Plague of Doves. How do we find the time? That's the big question! Shadow Tag sounded very good!

Joanne,

I'll be waiting for your thoughts on Erdrich's newest. She's one of my favorite authors. Love Medicine and Plague of Doves are my two favorites but everything she's written is very good.

Oh, now I have to get Plagues of Doves cuz I loved Love Medicine! And thanks for the heads up on the NPR author interviews.

My favorite by Erdrich is The Last Report of the Miracles at Little No Horse followed closely by Plague of Doves. Erdrich is one of my LT discoveries!

Happy Valentines Day!
I've been listening to Book Review Podcasts for almost 2 years now. They usually post them on Fridays. I enjoy the NYT Review and the NPR, sadly the Washington Post folded theirs. There's also a good one called Between the Lines but it only appears sporadically. Anyone else have a recommendation, that I'm not aware of?

9) The Dogs of Riga by Henning Mankell ****
A life-raft containing two well-dressed men, washes up on the Swedish shore. Both men have been tortured and murdered. They have been stripped of identification and their origins are unknown. Inspector Kurt Wallander is handed this difficult case. Wallander is a divorced loner, with a sharp, deductive mind. The case finally leads him to the city of Riga, across the Baltic Sea from Sweden. Latvia is a country of turmoil and dark secrets and Wallander is drawn into this perlious, shadowy world. His only ally is Baiba Liepa, the wife of a slain police officer, (lovely name, by the way) and they soon find themselves on the run, vulnerable and alone. Mankell’s prose is lean and stark with just the right amount of eloquence. This is the second book in a terrific series. The first book is Faceless Killers. If you are looking for a launching point for Scandinavian crime fiction, search no more.

Good Morning Mark - My favorite book podcast is Books on the Nightstand followed closely by NYT Book Review.

What's the first Mankell book Mark? Or doesn't it matter wat order you read them in? Your review really has me ready to try one although I'm getting ready to start the second book in the Thre Pines series too. Hmmmm....too many books, not enough time. Again.

Joanne- Thanks I'll look for that one! What do you listen to them on? Through Itunes or just online?
Bonnie- I should have mentioned the 1st book, it's called Faceless Killers, (I added it to my review too) and yes, I always feel a series should be read in order, whenever possible!

On my iPod, through iTunes. Let me know how you like it.

Mark, my favorite podcast is Bookworm, Michael Silverblatt's half hour weekly program from KCRW in Santa Monica, CA. IMO, he is the best author interviewer I've ever heard, as he reads the authors' works thoroughly and asks very insightful questions. I don't listen as often as I should, but I always enjoy his program.

Other favorites of mine are The Guardian Books Podcast, and Atlanta's own Between the Lines with Valerie Jackson, the wife of the late Maynard Jackson, who was the first African-American mayor of the city. It comes on WABE, the local PBS station, every Sunday at 7:00 pm.

Joanne & Darryl- Thanks, I just subscribed to both Books on the Nightstand and Bookworm. Is Bookworm Banter also good? I really have enjoyed Between the Lines, she's a terrific host but they only post a show every few weeks.

~brenzi~171

Have you read Tracks? An oldi but goodie of hers.

Thanks for the Wallander review, Mark. I've been wondering whether to try them and the buzz seems to be firmly on the side of 'Yes!' so I've duly noted down the first title to look out for!

Very interesting discussion about podcasts about books. I like to listen to the radio and have long lamented the fact that down here there is little local book talk. Very unusual for a university town. I'm always a little wary of the major book stores podcasts as I tend to think they are toadying to the publishers? That may not be fair, but I sort of think that I am being manipulated and so tend to resist. Even though I liked the idea of the Oprah book club, because it got people to talk about books and perhaps read some of them, I felt that it was getting to be too much in the pocket of the publishers. Maybe, I'm wrong, but ...

So Thanks for all the great places to go for a listen every-now-and-then.

I have Faceless Killers around somewhere to read. One of these days I might actually get to it!

Ellie & Stasia- Yes, I highly recommend starting the Mankell books, (although I have only read the 1st 2). I will be continuing the series. The next Scandinavian crime series I'm itching to start, is Karin Fossum's acclaimed novels and then I have The Girl Who Played With Fire waiting in the wings!
Benita- Yes, we cannot get enough book-talk, right?

BTW, I'm totally engrossed in Never Let Me go. What a creepy delight! I love this line: "It's like walking past a mirror you've walked past every day of your life, and suddenly it shows you something else, something troubling and strange."
Perfect words to describe this unique novel.

My favorite Erdrich is The Master Butcher's Singing Club. I also liked The Crown of Columbus which she co-wrote with her then-husband Michael Dorris.

Re earthquakes: I was on the 24th floor of the tallest building in Seattle when the big Seattle earthquake hit about 10 years ago. The whole building swayed back and forth like a reed in the wind for what seemed like forever, accompanied by a loud rumbling sound. Don't want to do that again!

Mark-

..........."What a creepy delight"???.........do tell....Never Let Me Go has been on my WishList for...ever how many years...since i read a total Slag Review...i think in BOOKFORUM??....glad you're enjoying it, friend

;-)
J

oh, and i do live Louise Erdrich..the only title i own is A Plague of Doves...it's somewhere around here..i hope..oh confuzzled me!! but, i have read many of her books..from The Beet Queen through Tracks....and my late father really liked The Master Butcher's Singing Club..since it wasn't "girly"........

Hi Jude- Yes, Never Let Me Go kinda gets under your skin, everything rumbles under the surface. I only have 40 pages left! What a writer!

Thanks for the heads up regarding Never Let Me Go. This one is alreardy on my tbr pile and needs to be read soon.

Linda- Yes , this had been languishing in the stacks for awhile but thanks to LT, I kept moving it up and bingo! I have a strong feeling it may not be a book for everyone, we'll see!

I liked the second Mankell I read (not sure which though!) much better than the first, Faceless Killers. I liked Karin Fossum's first 2 books to be translated from Norwegian a lot (often these books are not translated in series order).

For book stuff on the radio, BBC Radio 4 has a lot of programmes and parts of programmes about books, as does Radio 7. Most programmes are available on iplayer for a week after they were broadcast, some are podcast. Mark Lawson started doing a series on 20th century American literature last week - it's on Thursday mornings at 11.30 so a bit early on the East Coast and the middle of the night for some of you, but you should be able to find it on Listen Again - I'm going to have to listen to the rest that way. We had a digital station called Oneword which was great but it closed down 2 years ago.

Ooh, Mark, you've really piqued my curiosity about Never Let Me Go now... I *ahem* 'acquired it' (read: 'nicked it from a new batch of books') recently and it's high up on Mount TBR. Plus my one Louise Erdrich might have to get boosted now too. I can't even remember which one it is - I bought it before I'd even heard of her, just because it tickled my fancy!

Elkie- Thanks for dropping in! Yes, I'm looking forward to the Fossum books!
Ellie- I finished Never Let Me Go today and all I can say is...wow! I'll say more later!
Joanne- I listened to a couple podcasts of Books on the Nightstand. Very good! On the latest, they were discussing Sherlock Holmes! Thanks for the recommendation!

I'm glad you like them, Mark. I just started listening to that episode in the car this morning.

Joanne- I listened to another episode of Books on the Nightstand and learned of a promising author. His name is Adam Haslett. I will be looking for his work. I think I will love this show!
Speaking of book podcasts, I forgot to mention Book Lust with Nancy Pearl. Her latest featured writer Tracy Kidder. Why have I not read this author? Shameful!

Hey Mark - I'm so glad you're enjoying it! Adam Haslett's Union Atlantic was featured on this month's Indie Next List, too. (indiebound.org)

BOTN also has a website where you can sign up for email notification of the new podcasts. It's handy because they list the books they talk about.

I enjoy Nancy Pearl, too.

Oh and I have Child 44 winging its way to me from Amazon. It sounded so good and, darn it, I had to get my order up to $25 to get the free shipping! :)

#198: Mark, I just read Kidder's Strength in What Remains a few weeks ago. I highly recommend it!

Joanne- Union Atlantic sounds excellent! I will be on the prowl. I signed up over at BOTN. Thanks again. You are in for a treat with Child 44!
Stasia- Yes, that one's at the top of the list, along with Mountains Beyond Mountains.

#201: Good! I cannot wait to see what you think of it.

Juat have to comment.... Never let me go is amazing, just totally amazing. I've read it, my sis has read it and my mum has read it. We all enjoy different styles and all thought this was stunning. 5 retrospective stars right here.

Ok Mark, that's it. I was resisting because my totally bloated TBR pile just can't handle one more addition but I'm overcome and now will have to addNever Let Me Go to the pile. Arrrgghh.

Never Let Me Go is already on my TBR pile. (whew!)

10) Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson ****1/2
In the U.S. the term hero has been over-used and we can sometimes forget it’s true meaning. Greg Mortenson is the real deal. In the early 90s, he was simply a nurse, in his mid-30s, working in California. He was also a mountaineer and after a failed attempt at climbing K2 in the Himalayas he found himself stopping at a small impoverished town in rural Pakistan and witnessed something that would change his life forever. A group of girls were participating in a makeshift class, kneeling outside in the cold, no teacher and sharing one tattered book. This was their school. Mortenson made them a promise: he would return and build them a proper school. For a man with a few hundred dollars in his savings, this would be quite a challenge. This is his story and it’s an amazing one!

Just wanted to pop in and say hi Mark! It's been a while. I started reading this thread but I was about 190 posts behind so I didn't quite make it all the way through. But I'm all caught up now (I think!), so I can follow your reviews from here on out more regularly. Looks like you've had some good books on the go!

11) Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro ****1/2
Be forewarned, I will be intentionally vague in describing this novel. I found a deep satisfaction in peeling away the layers of this thought-provoking story, having absolutely no clue what was lurking just over the hill and I want to pass on a little of that joy. All I will reveal, is that this involves a group of English children, raised in a special boarding school and it’s shocking aftermath. Reading this book was like assembling a creepy puzzle, working from the sketchy borders inward and what slowly reveals itself is both haunting and heart-breaking. Sorry to be such a spoiled-sport, but thems the breaks!

>206 msf59:: Greg Mortenson is my kind of hero! And such a great example of what one person can do!

>208 msf59:: I'm looking forward to that one, Mark.

Me too Mark.

How did I miss the Three Cups of Tea review right before my own post?! I'm glad to see you liked it so much, I recently borrowed it from a friend and am hoping to get to it in the next little while.

Btw, I noticed on brenzi's thread that you're now reading Too Much Happiness. I'm looking forward to your thoughts on that one, is it your first Alice Munro collection? Hopefully it won't be your last :)

Hi Both Bonnies!! It's like doubling the fun!
Space- I listened to Three Cups after hearing Mortenson on a podcast. His latest Stones into School is also supposed to be very good!
Yes, Too Much Happiness is my first Munro and I can tell immediately, this will be a gem! Thanks for stopping by!!

I aleady have Never Let Me Go waiting for me on the shelf (along with When We Were Orphans, also unread). I need to get cracking on them.

I think you'll like Too Much Happiness!

>208 msf59:: Your "vagueness" is a sneaky way to make Never Let Me Go an irresistible book. I haven't read any of Ishiguro's work (shame, shame) but you can be assured that this one will be read ASAP -- right after my library books are read. I have a lovely hardcover on the shelf patiently waiting for me.

I know I will really like the Ishiguro book, Mark. It is up the list on my TBR.

I also voted in the Murakami poll, which is a bit unfair as I won't be joining the read and I have already read the Windup Bird Chronicles.

I haven't heard of anyone not singing the praises of the Mortensen book.

Hi Mark, Glad you enjoyed Three Cups of Tea. My book club read it a few years ago, and it inspired one of our best discussions ever, as well as the desire to support those who are doing so much good in the world. There's a junior version, too, which my 11-year old read.

I loved your "review" of Never Let Me Go, especially where you found deep satisfaction in peeling away the layers of this thought-provoking story, having absolutely no clue what was lurking just over the hill... Great stuff!

I am dodging book bullets having read both Three Cups of Tea and Never Let Me Go.

I just finished Stones into Schools a couple of days ago, Mark. I hope you get to that one soon!

Hi, Mark -

I have your thread starred. I hope I won't get so far behind again in keeping up with your reads.

Love,

Ruthie

Donna- I have only read The Remains of the Day, which was excellent but this was so completely different. I have added several of his books to my wishlist.
Karen-If we do select Norwegian Wood, like Donna I still want to get to Wind-Up Bird in the very near future
Anne- Thanks for the compliments. I wanted to entice readers, without revealing a thing. Hope it works!
Ruthie-It's great to see you, my friend! Don't be a stranger!

Grand review of Never Let Me Go; one book where Spoilers in a Review, would be criminal..You did Ishiguro proud, sir..Keep up the good work..(pip pip and all that..Where did this creepy British Tone come from?)

;-)

Periodic reminder:

For those just wandering in:

A Group Read/Good Read of a Murakami title is going to start about May 1st. Mr. MSF59, aka Mark-a-doodle-doo, will be hosting this event. He'd like you group/good readers to vote on which Murakami title you'd like to read. The poll is in post #64 above.

The poll will close, though voting will still be possible, on April 8th.

Hi Jude- Thanks! I'm sold on him now! I will have to read all of his work, I've been scanning Bookmooch!
Richard- Thanks for the reminder! BTW, Norwegian Wood is kicking royal butt, (hear that Bonnie-boo!), so I might just concede, we'll see!
I'm loving Too Much Happiness. She's my kind of writer and where has she been all my life?? I also plan on squeezing in Small Island by the Group Read. It could be tough, but I like a challenge.

Oh Mark... After removing Three Cups of Tea from my wishlist months ago (you know, to make a little room in there!), it's now made it back into the fold and is beckoning irresistably. Plus your cryptic 'review' of Never Let Me Go has pushed it even further up Mount TBR than after your last enthusiastic comments. I love going into a book blind, as it were, only to find that it's as wonderful as I hoped and all the better for going in with a clear mind...

swooping in to say hello ..... I'm glad you enjoyed Never Let Me Go. I read that a few years ago and loved it as much as I was shocked by it. It is a hard book to review without giving out spoilers. It's the book that's made me go looking for other Ishiguro books. I've found him to write books that never fail to keep me enthralled. This is definitely one author who doesn't write on formula.

I'm so glad you're liking Alice Munro, Mark! If you like Too Much Happiness, I think you'd love Runaway. The stories are just as good, but not quite as dark.

Caroline- It's great to see you! You've been missed, my friend!
Andrea- Yes, I am falling hard for Ms. Munro, (don't tell my wife) and plan on reading all of her work. Thanks for Runaway, I have added it!

Loved Runaway. Sadly, I've not read more by Munro. I Need to fix that!

creepy delight sounds like a must read to me..

Anne- You should try locating Munro's latest! Amazing stuff!
Kath- Are you referring to Never Let Me Go? If so, yes perfect description but I have a feeling it might not be for everyone. You might have to go with your gut!
I started listening to Spooner yesterday. It's the latest novel by Pete Dexter and it's another treat! I found myself laughing out loud, as I walked the route. There goes that dotty but happy carrier !!

I am once again struggling to find reading time... but I do love creepy.. I will investigate that one Mark.. stay warm!

I have Spooner on my pile Mark (also Train) and, like you, haven't read anything since Paris Trout which I loved.

12) Open Season byC.J.Box ****
This is the first in a mystery series featuring Joe Pickett, a game warden in northern Wyoming. Pickett is a terrific character: stoic, soft-spoken, happily married and very capable. Think of a young Gary Cooper with a harder edge! Well-written and taunt, with a wonderful feel of the modern West. Highly recommended!

Morning Bonnie! Not many of our fellow readers here, have mentioned Pete Dexter, but he is a very talented writer, he reminds me of a Southern John Irving. Quirky characters, great sense of humor and clever prose.

Another series? Ack! You're killing me, Mark. I did love Gary Cooper ... oh wait, I think I'm thinking of Jimmy Steward ..oh well, they both kinda look a little alike.

Oh, Pete Dexter! aside from Paris Trout, try The Paperboy both of which are Favorites of mine..haven't read Spooner.........yet.....or Train.

never heard of C J Box....shame on me, huh?

later
;-}

Hi Caroline- Yes, another series! I have so many potentially promising ones, still waiting in the wings! There's another highly acclaimed series by Craig Johnson, also based in modern day Wyoming. I love Jimmy Stewart too but I was thinking more of Cooper's particular brand of stoicism.
Hey Jude- Yes, I jotted down the other Dexter titles. If you are a fan, you should track Spooner down and yes the C.J. Box too!

I like the C.J. Box series as well and I read an excellent stand alone book by him last year, Blue Heaven, if you are interested in giving that one a try, Mark.

Stasia- Thanks, I will check that one out as well!
Due to much LT love, I started Small Island and it begins wonderfully.
Keep in mind fellow travelers, Midnight's Children Group Read starts in one week. Hope you are prepared!

I'm trying to get through the book I'm now reading before I can get geared up for Midnight's Children. It's absolutely fascinating and I have abpout 100 pages to go. Of course then I have to write my review. Then I will be ready for Rushdie.

I read both Open season and Blue heaven last year (actually, I picked up the first on the strength of the second), and add a hearty "Me too!"

Blue heaven is actually one of the rare mysteries that grows stronger in my recollection of it, so I'll add my recommendation to Stasia's.

Bonnie- Glad you are gearing up for the G.R. and I'm starting to get pumped too! I see that you are currently reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I've been hearing such good buzz on this one! Anxious to hear your thoughts!
Swynn- Thanks for dropping by! Yes, I will be continuing the C.J. Box series!

Oh no....tempted by another series, but Open Season sounds interesting. The library three blocks from my office has this one on the shelf so I'll check it out tomorrow (well, if the weather warms up, that is). Thanks Mark!

Joanne- I see what you mean about BOTNS being hazardous to Mt Tbr, they mentioned another promising novel & author: The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers: A Novel. Sounds very fresh & clever!
BTW, I am loving both Small Island & Too Much Happiness. Oh, I can't forget the audio of Spooner. It's been a treat!

Great to read the podcast recommendations here Mark - thanks! I'm about to hunt down Bookworm and Booklust.

Mark,

The Firefly Brothers is my next read. I should be starting it in the next couple of days.

Cmt- Thanks to Joanne, the latest podcast about books called "Books on the Nightstand", might be my favorite yet! Check it out!
Hi Mac- I'll be anxiously waiting for your thoughts on The Firefly Brothers. His first book, The Last Town on Earth, also sounds promising!
BTW, it looks like Norwegian Wood will be my G.R. for May. It's taken a commanding lead! What's the problem with Wind-Up Bird? Does it have cooties or what?

Psst..i think Wind-Up Bird is a longer book than Norwegian Wood....i could be wrong...and won't be doing the Group Read anywho..but i'll Lurk, if possible

;-}

Some heavy sounding reading listed here !

I think that Norwegian Wood was an earlier book and so people might think that they will get a better handle on Murakami is they start with an earlier work. At least I would like to think that is isn't length that determines people's interest. Look at WWE. Lots of us read that one. I suspect that some readers might be a little intimidated by what they have heard about Murakami and so think that if they start with books earlier in his writing career they might understand his writing better.

Jude- Yes, Wind-up Bird is the bigger book but like Benita so astutely pointed out, it is also the more challenging read, so I agree that the voters seem to be going with the more accessible choice. I don't think we would have been disappointed with either, IMHO.
Hey Kath- How are you, my friend?

Mark-a-doodle-doo, time for a new thread....

Mark, I already love BOTNS! It's great. (And the Guardian and NYT podcasts too.) I found the other 2 last night - haven't listened yet.

I voted for Norwegian Wood simply because I just finished The Wind Up Bird Chronicle.

BTW - I agree with Richard - time for a new thread!

Richard- Thanks sir! You are like a big brother!
cmt- I'm not familiar with the Guardian. Any good? I also love the NYT podcast! The NPR one is also quite good!
Stasia- Is that mean you are joining us, on the Murakami? That would be great!

Yes, I am in if you are going to be reading Norwegian Wood.

Mark, the Guardian is wonderful!! (The whole paper, but especially the Books page and the podcast). Have a look at www.guardian.co.uk - there are tons of podcasts from them in the itunes store.

I agree with Cushla; The Guardian is my favorite newspaper, and its Books section is the best of any daily paper. The Saturday Guardian Review is chock full of great reviews of newly published UK books, and feature articles about authors, the book industry, etc.

Today's Guardian has an interesting piece in the Books Blog section, about the new trend of hardback books published without jackets. The Long Song by Andrea Levy is mentioned in the article, and I love the appearance of the copy that I have:



The actual book is more impressive than this image, as the reeds are raised and have a shiny copper paint, and the cover is bright yellow. Hopefully the US edition will have a similar appearance.

I subscribe to the Guardian Weekly, which is a digest of articles from The Guardian, its sister paper The Observer, Le Monde and The Washington Post. IMO it is far superior to weeklies such as Time and Newsweek.

So...the new thread is...?

I finished (twice!) and reviewed the February TIOLI challenge book Sacred Games that you'd recommended to me long, long ago. It's in my Homeless Reviews thread...post #78.

It would've been as good or better at ~650pp, but it's a very, very good book and I'm glad I finally read it all the way through!

Yo, Mark

NEW THREAD time......

Cushla & Darryl- Thanks for the links to the Guardian! I haven't found the podcast link but I'll keep looking!
Richard- Glad you hung in there with Sacred Games! You nailed it perfectly with the 650 page reference. Editing it needed! There is some terrific writing and I'd like to see what he's going to do next!
Jude- As you wish, my friend...

Yes, it's time for a new thread:
over here