richardderus's 2010 threads, #3

250-plus posts, so here 'tis.

I'm in the Books Off the Shelf group, too, so I will review 25 books that've sat on my shelves since who-whipped-the-cat and also 75 new books...published no earlier than 2008...this year.

Reviews 1,2,3: first thread
Reviews 4-7: second thread

I now have a Homeless Reviews thread in Club Read 2010. I've set a completely arbitrary goal of 50 books to review that I don't own, and were published before 2008, so they don't fit anywhere else.

FOR THOSE JUST TUNING IN: I don't know the readers of my reviews personally, for the most part, so I don't have any way to gauge whether you'll agree or disagree with me. It's always perfectly fine with me either way, and I invite comments from all.










Books are reviewed in post number:

12. Let the Great World Spin...#232

11. The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves......#184

10. Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of An American Original...#156

9. The Brutal Telling...#106

8. A Rule Against Murder...#100

Found you again!

Lawsy me, Miss Stasia, you are one fast lady!

Did somebody say Richard has new threads?...on...a new Thread...sorry......must have something stuck in my ear!!
;-}

#4: It took 4 tries just to have it double post!

>5 jdthloue: Threads! I haven't heard that in *years*! And no, I haven't bought a stitch of clothing in 2010.

>6 alcottacre: Stasia, serves ya right for posting before the thread was even fully up! Patience, patience, grasshopper.

NO!!!

Hi Richard - Another starred thread;-) If people continue this way I won't have time to read any books!

>8 alcottacre: SOMEone needs a time out! To your room, young miss, until the triple exclams disappear from your posts! Quick sticks, now!

>9 calm: calm, I feel your pain...I'm trying to keep up with sixty-two threads at last count. I lurk in a lot of places, but it's still a huge time-sink.

Young miss? You need your eyes examined!!!!!! lol

**can't keep up, sigh**

ahhh found again!!

found you and starred you. I've added The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation to the tbr pile. Great review...as usual!

#253 from Thread 2 Linda3rd, who on this God's earth told you I was easily embarrassed? Aren't you shy? I thought you were shy. And retiring. Meek. Like a mouse. That's what I thought. Huh.

Thread crumb.

I've got you starred again!

Richard- I'm following you with much diligence and delight! And thanks again for all your kind assistance!

*waves*

*trailing behind the masses*
Hello!

Apparently I need to visit my own thread more often...

>11 alcottacre: Young at heart, Stasia, and no denying that.

>12 brenzi: Bonnie, I know *exactly* how you feel. I can't, either!

>13 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita, glad to be found!

>14 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda! You'll enjoy the book or my name isn't Jubilation T. Cornpone.

>15 laytonwoman3rd: Linda3rd, Meek. Like a mouse Yeah, that's me, just so hard to see me from behind all that mild-manneredness, um hmm. *snort* Someone give whatever she's smoking to the Repulsivecans!

>16 mckait: Twinkle-twinkle, number 16.

>17 rocketjk: JK! So glad to see you! You can crumb up my thread any time.

>18 tymfos: Welcome back, Terri, place isn't the same without you.

>19 msf59: Hi Mark...uhhhmmm, what assistance would that be? I'm glad you perceive it kindly, whatever it is.

>20 ronincats: RONI!! I don't see you 'round here enough! Please come and visit more often, I miss you!

>21 elliepotten: Who let **her** in? I must speak to that lazy, lazy bouncer! She is SO fired after this!

Hello, Miss Eleanor Potten.

What can I say, a quick feint and a deft duck-and-run and I was in... :-)

>25 elliepotten: LOL!

I've just reviewed Diana Gabaldon's Lord John and the Hand of Devils, a collection of mystery novellas.

I liked 'em. Read all about it in post #59.

#22 "...all tattered and torn-pone..."

Ah, Richard, I am here every day, but am trying to do my part to hold down the pernicious and rampant thread proliferation that is spreading throughout the group. ;-)

>29 ronincats: Well said.

#29: Some of us would not proliferate as much as we are forced to if other people would not post on our thread :)

Do I detect whining Stasia? Say it isn't so...

Who, me?

Oh NO! You have giffed on Richard's thread! *runs away quickly*

Yea, now he has to show up and stick his tongue out at me :)

Peeks from around the corner...waiting for retribution...

It is a comfort to know that he is snowed in up in NY and here in Texas, I am not.

So he will not have the element of surprise then. You stand a chance.

Yep! What can I say? I am a lily livered coward, lol.

"lily livered coward" Where does that expression come from anyhow? Off to google...

From localhistories.org Lily livered means cowardly. People once believed that your passions came from you liver. If you were lily livered your liver was white (because it did not contain any blood). So you were a coward.

I guess I could cut myself open and see what color my liver is. Then we would know for sure.

Pass.

I'm glad. I am a terrible seamstress and those stitches would be murder.

LOL!! Now I am in stitches!!

Well, let's hope you are a better seamstress than I am!

Do you realize we have monopolized this thread since #31? Tee hee.

So? He's not around to kick us out! lol

It's been real, and it's been fun, but now I gotta run! (Time to put kiddo's to bed -- they are up WAY too late -- obvioulsy it is not 12:50 am where I live.). See you around Stasia. Oh, and Hi! Richard.

Good night, Kim. Good night, kids. Good night, Richard.

*Brews a nice strong coffee for rd~prepares to make it nice and frothy and sweet if that is his desire.*

*Browses hundreds of gifs looking for just the right kitty gif*

Amazing. 24 posts and no sign of rd anywhere.

Auntie issues. I'm back now. No GIFfing...the fine is sending me one expensive hardcover that you don't want to part with. *sips frothy unsweetened coffee that one of the GOOD threadies has thoughtfully provided*

Cranky old people are as much fun as cranky toddlers, only you can't send them to bed. Well, actually, you can and I did, and at least she didn't jump up and down on the bed, but the complaining and hollering were not a lot of fun.

*googles nursing homes, just in case*

Places a large tray of pastries as comfort food.

and a cute kitty to keep company

#53: Hey, I'm GOOD. Berly and I were just keeping the place warm for you in your absence.

just in case

Yeah! What Stasia said. We are your bestest buddies.

Thanks for the tissues Kath. I have *achoo!* cat allergies, too.

#58: Yep, that's our story and we are sticking to it!

*choo*

Oh great, I can't get the car out of the garage to go get allergy pills and SOMEone puts a vile, despicable, dander-laden *Minion of Satan* on my thread!

Nice, to quote Onslow.

Guess I'll be getting...hmmm...three hardcovers! woot!

You won't be getting one from me unless you come to Texas to get it :) That's what I call incentive.

You guys make me laugh!!!

Welcome, Tammy, glad we can amuse....

I've reviewed The Cruelest Month, a very aptly titled entry in the Gamache/Three Pines mystery series, in my Books off the Shelf thread...#89.

Nice review Richard! It was Gamache's issues that really made this book shine for me. So you're going to wait before you read the next one, huh? A Rule Against Murder is my favorite (so far). I'm waiting to read A Brutal Telling. I like knowing I have a book I can count on waiting for me on the shelf.

If I get another kitty, I'll name it Minion.

Would it count if I got another pet rat and named it Minion, Richard? Are you allergic to and/or hate rats? Our dear pet rat Saki died yesterday and I'm sad.

Oh Richard I read (and thumbed, of course) your review and I have to say I was afraid you'd give me too much info, but no, it was just the right blend of humor and suggestion. And good news, I've got Books two and three coming in the mail from a kind LTer. They will be read in March, probably in quick succession so that I can pass them on to someone else.

Oh no, Karen, I'm sorry for Saki's loss. I don't like rodents, they stink even when kept clean, but I have no brief against rats. I do, however, think mice, gerbils, hamsters, et alii, are good for snake food and little else.

Saki was supposed to be snake food, literally - she was a feeder rat that we rescued.

She had a good life. No more pets any time soon. Daughter's off to college in a year and a half and I don't want the care of any more pets than we currently have (now down to 5 cats, one gekko, a 56-gallon tank of fish, and 2 horses).

Hamsters are definitely good for snake food only - they're evil. We had two and couldn't wait for them to die - which they took a long time to do, drat them. They were pre-rat.

So sorry to hear of your loss. I hope he (she?) had a good long life.
Rats have always seemed to me to be very intelligent - in the main. Wouldn't mind having one. I also think that a crow would be a good pet too - they seem very smart. All of this is just wishful thinking, of course. Willie would not allow any additional wildlife in the house.

>55 mckait: Kath - awwwww, if that little ball of fluff is a minion of Satan, I'm okay with Hell... :-)

I knew something's been missing from my days........I was aghast to discover that I must have involuntarily unstarred you...yeah inadvertently, that's it....unintentionally.

>72 elliepotten: Careful what you say 'round here, Ellie, you don't know WHO might be listening in....

>73 Carmenere: Lynda...sure, that's it, it was inadvertent...*mentally scrubs Lynda from Christmas card list*

#73 ETA: in order to find/locate and dust off/clean thesaurus. :)

ellie... you and me both..

After a long day it is wonderful to read these posts and laugh right out loud at the creativity and quick, witty banter.

Richard, I know how much you LOVE gifs and chocolate so this is for you!



Love, Your Berly-Boo!

In an ironic twist, I can't see the thing! It's a red "x" in a box to me...hahaha I am GIF-proof!

*eating Richard's chocolates, since he can't see them*

Curses!! Foiled again. (And I don't mean the wrappers on the chocolate!) Decides to nibble on some with Darryl.

Pass the chocolates please Darryl?

*munches*

Yum Berly, good gift.

Richard darling - how is the writing going?

...writing?...

I spent the three-day weekend being cook, taxi service, and tour guide for Gale Force Girl and her two great kids, The Divine Miss's friends Yoga and Yoga Jr., and the electrician. Today I am lying in bed while it snows, eating peppermint cookie straws and ignoring Auntie.

*aaah*

#84: Did you get my Valentine yet? I was hoping you would have it by today.

>85 alcottacre: No, nothing arrived from Texas...but keep in mind that Snowmageddon delays are still being worked through by the Dallas and Philly sorting centers that intervene betwixt us.

I'm amazed and impressed at how *little* delay there's been in deliveries. Auntie ordered about $500-worth of vitamins and supplements before I found out and tried to cancel the order--already arrived. UPS got it here, Snopocalypse notwithstanding, in three days.

Impressive!

Wow! That is impressive!

I just sent you a PM regarding your Valentine.

UPS has formally adopted the motto formerly held by the post office: "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds."

Don't let Mark know I said that.

Bonnie- That really hurts, my friend!
Richard- Flying by to say hi!

Richard $500 of vitamins? Yowza!

>89 brenzi: Bonnie, they've been the standard-bearers of the industry for some time, second only to fedEx...DHL third, and the ol' pokey PO about eleventh in a field of ten.

>90 msf59: Oh! Hi Mark-a-doodle-doo! (Bonnie! Ix-nay on the ossip-gay!) What's shakin', m'man?

>91 Whisper1: Could you just plotz?? I about had an attack when I heard the confirmation message on the machine. But, as I say, that was too late. The order was outside the door. Couldn't refuse it. I was ready to MAIL it back to them. Such carryins-on I have never heard! In the end, I gave most of it to Gale Force Girl for her kids. Don't tell The Divine Miss.

tsk tsk.. the things the children get up too.. lol
I suspect she keeps you on your toes.. this is a good thing..
I too want to hear more about the writing..
I am barely able to stand it.. I am ready to preorder on Amazon :)

miss ya rdear

DHL stinks! I was a delivery driver for them for about 4 months in 2008.

A quiet day with peppermint straws and a good book sounds lovely.

Dewey, Huey & Louie

Okay, McKait. I give. Tom, Dick and Harry! (What are you talking about in #96?)

>97 Berly: Non-sequiturs. See mckait's third thread, message four.

I need to write my reviews of Penny's last two books. I am having a tough time because I'm mad at her. *ngurmph*

>98 richardderus: - Oh no! Do I want to know why as I haven't read the last one yet? I loved A Rule Against Murder though, so I am curious...

Review: 8 of seventy-five

Title: A RULE AGAINST MURDER

Authoress: LOUISE PENNY

Rating: 1/2* of five
(not really: **** of five)

I'm mad at Louise Penny because of book #5 in the Three Pines/Chief Inspector Gamache mysteries, and I want to take it out on her now, but in fairness I just can't. I loved this book as much as I expected to. I thought that moving the action out of Three Pines would make me grumpy, but instead it made me feel, more than ever, that I want to live in Three Pines because Manoir Bellechasse is close for those times I need to get away from the hectic hustle and bustle of Three Pines (snort).

The Gamaches seem so at home in the splendid, isolated Manoir, with its beautiful robber-baron-era main building and its spectacular lake. The murder this time is one I was saddened by; the murderer was one I felt so strongly about that I hollered at the pages, "Don't do it!" in the vain hope I could alter the course of the action.

I couldn't.

Damn.

But the real surprise here is the Morrows...Peter and Clara Morrow show up at the Manoir to be at a special family reunion of Peter's horrid family. I know families like this exist. I belong to one. But it's really distasteful to watch the Morrow clan in action. I suppose if my family still had money, we'd behave pretty much exactly like the Morrows, and I mean exactly, down to every detail of the action. Recessions, divorces, and bad business decisions be praised!

I like Clara a little less now; I like Peter almost not at all; and the Gamaches are aces in my book, though I suspect that Armand would wear on me if he's really like he was at the very, very end of this book...a little too perfect. And I still could not WAIT to get to book five! I was panting for it!

Bah. Humbug.

I'm waiting for my local library to notify me re. the first in the Louise Penny series. I should be able to get my hands on the book this week. Stasia told me I need to read them in order.

Ah! Closing my eyes to your review of another Three Pines book. I want to read them so badly but I've got way too much to begin something new. Nope, I'm not going to do it, uh uh, no way, eyes still closed, back off slowly as to not bump it to anything, *

Not looking, not here, don't want to know any more about Three Pines until I get to the next two that are patiently waiting until I'm done with the Group Read of Midnight's Children. I'll save your review to savor later Richard.

Ricardo, would you PLEASE stop writing these intriguing, glowing reviews of the Louise Penny books. Soon my book-buying-patience will crumble to dust and I will be found sitting in the middle of a towering shiny pile of Three Pines novels, laughing hysterically and stroking each book by turn until the nice men in white coats come to take me away...

>101 Whisper1:, 102, 103, 104: Do NOT read the next review. DO NOT! It is one long spoiler. I discuss the perfidy and sinfulness of authors who have the audacity to make choices that result in...

Oh wait. I'm supposed to be *warning* you of spoilers!

SPOILERS IN NEXT POST! SKIP READING IF SPOILER AVERSE!

***SPOILERS***SPOILERS***SPOILERS***

Review: 9 of seventy-five

Title: THE BRUTAL TELLING

Authoress: The perfidious, wicked LOUISE PENNY

Rating: -15,000*

Okay. I've told everyone that I read books twice before I write a review, because it's not fair to someone who spends a year just bringing a book to market, plus who knows how long dreaming it up and committing it to paper and lovingly burnishing its prose, simply to wing off some half-baked sentences about it.

So I read this book twice, and thought about it, and examined my responses to it. I was careful to think through my strong reactions to the book.

I can now state, in all fairness, that I loathe Louise Penny from the depths of my soul. Hate her! Wish to see her tied to a stake and burnt as the ensorcelling, enticing Succubus of Fiction that she is!

*pause to put out spontaneously combusted desk blotter*

The rational reason: The murderer in this book is clearly identified early on; doubts are cast onto tthe murderer's guilt at the end of the book, but it's too little too late, as we are already eviscerated, devastated, squashed flat like a bug, by the revelation that Olivier...that's right, fearless readers, OLIVIER! as in the bistro's owner and Gabri...poor, poor Gabri!...Gabri's one true love is plain ol', flat-out nasty.

Yeup. Heard me right. OLIVIER is the bad guy. So what if maybe, just maybe, he didn't kill the victim? Big deal! He did some very very very vile stuff, and he did it in full possession of his faculties, and he...I mean, I mean, LOUISE PENNY did...made us love him and care for him like Gabri...poor, darling Gabri, such a pain he is, but such a mensch...does!

*pause to put out spontaneously combusted letter holder*

Okay, okay, I will attempt some restraint out of fear for my home furnishings.

Emily Carr, the Canadian artist whose life and career serve as one of the support rods of this perfidious, sneaky attack on the hearts of loyal fans...I mean, this narrative, was a delightful painter of the stunningly beautiful world of Canada's West. Penny doesn't need to make her more famous in Canada, but I venture to guess that most Murrikins have never heard of her. This is a shame, but not a surprise: How many who aren't serious art buffs have heard of Canada's Group of Seven anyway? So go look at Carr's bio and follow some links to her spectacular artwork: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_Carr

Go Louise Penny. Rah.

And if it's possible, Armand Gamache becomes even more lovable in this instalment of the series. It's unnerving, really, how much I believe that he really exists, Three Pines really exists, the whole Pennyverse is actual not virtual. The Chief Inspector is so gentle and patient and loving in his treatment of Gabri. He grieves with him. He explains the facts as he knows them to Gabri, whose denial he fully and completely understands after the ending of The Cruelest Month. Armand Gamache makes the whole agonizing betrayal-fest that is this hot poker of a book worthwhile.

Oh, and Clara's art show is even more satisfying than it would be otherwise because of the way it all falls into place. That's all I can say. Plus Peter's come-uppance! After A Rule Against Murder, I actively dislike Peter Morrow; his complete and utter vitiation in this book felt *so* good. But, honestly, I don't expect that it'll last...Penny's proven she's a cruel and unusual punishment specialist, you just wait...she has some horrid shock awaiting us about Peter....

Recommended, Goddammit, because it's too integral to the series not to read. But it ticks me off to recommend it. Really, truly, it does.

Ooh boy..... was just passing through and ended up sitting a spell reading through your thread.
Question for you, richard .... do you ever feel saturated by an author if you read all the books in a series at one go? I find i need to space them out a little otherwise I stop appreciating the later books in the series ... usually after I've read 3 or 4 in a row without a break.

Wow, I don't think I've ever read such a fervent review! Sadly, I've never heard of Louise Penny or Emily Carr...and plan to promptly fill both gaps. My library has the first one in the series (yay!) but I'm a little nervous to get to this entry...

>107 cameling: Hi there Caro! How was the trip home?

do you ever feel saturated by an author if you read all the books in a series at one go?

No. I'm a sponge reader anyway. I want to know it ALL and give it to me QUICK and COMPLETE. It's true that a writer's peccadillos become painfully obvious when reading series books this way. That's not necessarily a bad thing. I remember the Kerry Greenwood fiasco all too clearly, but I really, really don't enjoy child sexual abuse, implied or perpetrated, in my fiction reading, and she trotted that trope out way too often for me. I also think that sex in a series mystery needs to serve a purpose, further a character's development, or be so titillating that all it needs to be is pruriently stimulating. Phyrne Fisher's sex was dull as ditch-water, served no purpose and developed no character that I could discern, and I didn't figure that out right away. It was swallowing five in a row, or whatever the count was, that made me aware of these authorial lazinesses.

Anyway, that's how the situation looks to me. The Gamache books will be winging their way to you soon. I expect you'll love them, since the writing is so stellar, but if you don't, no harm done. *mental note to cancel "Friends" function vis-a-vis cameling if she doesn't like the Pennyverse*

>108 barefootlibrarian: But you have a long time to get there! Four books intervene, and perchance you won't like them. *horselaugh* Well, it's possible....

#106 I was doing so well at resisting Yet Another mystery series until I read this bit. Every sinew was strained as I succeeded - yes, succeeded - in NOT adding these to the TBR. And then you had to go and say it:

Armand Gamache becomes even more lovable in this instalment of the series. It's unnerving, really, how much I believe that he really exists, Three Pines really exists, the whole Pennyverse is actual not virtual.

*PING*

You hear that? That was my self-control going. You finally stretched it beyond breaking point.

*Sob*

If I'm found buried under a mountain of books, suffocated by my TBR pile, it'll be Your Fault.

Richard - always a great laugh coming to your thread.

Your reviews are priceless. A tad worrisome, but priceless.

BTW - Emily Carr was also a writer and her books are worth a look too.

For a mystery-adverse reader, would l still like Penny?

Richard - I'm trying so hard to control the towers of unread books stacked around my desk as I find wishlists don't seem to work for me - I have to 'see' what I want to read so I can enjoy the anitcipation. OK, do I really have to read these Louise Penny books? You make them sound so entrancing and my library, of course, no longer has book 1.

>110 Eat_Read_Knit: *unkind chortle*

My work here is done. *potters off to collect vigorish for making another addict to the Pennyverse*

>111 kiwidoc: Yes, Karen, I think someone who's not a mystery person can simply read the books for their clear, spare, well-built prose and for the endearing, enduringly enjoyable characters Penny creates. I don't imagine the entire series will howl at your window, scratch at your door, and generally pestiferate itself against you the way it does a cozy-mystery buff, but it should prove a pleasant way to wile the hours away.

ETA: >112 avatiakh: Yes, Kerry, you **must** read Still Life, and read it first. I predict you'll like it, but not to the level that I do; I think your appreciation will not extend to overlooking certain stylistic tics of Penny's, so please space your reads out. You are a careful reader, one whose opinions are considered and thoughtful, where I am a gonzo love-it-or-hate-it person. But in the end, I can see so many things I imagine you'd enjoy about the story itself that I think it's a sure thing.

# 106 I concur with all you have said.. completely!

And I am sorry. I knew that you would be as sad about it all as I was.
:(

I am glad I have already read (and loved) the Three Pines series so I do not have to join the multitudes in throwing the books into their TBR piles now.

>115 alcottacre: Same here Stasia! I have The Brutal Telling waiting for me on the shelf and since I didn't look at Richard's review I don't know now if I should bump it up or not. I'm very curious...

I had the odd fortune of receiving The Brutal Telling as an Early Reviewer book before I'd read the rest -- and didn't have time/money to get my hands on the others before I needed to review it. It totally messed up my perspective for reading the others . . . but it still made me want to read them, and I'm slowly working my way through the series. And loving Three Pines . . .

But, yes, the more I read of the others, the sadder I am about what happened in the 5th installment . . .

ooh the pressure, the pressure is insurmountable ... i wait with bated breath for my LP books and will be sure to light the right incense cones to clear my mind, all the better to appreciate the series and thereby keep my 'friend's status with you, and ensure my berth on the Saskatoonie trip.

I reviewed The Aluminum Christmas Tree: A Novel over in my Homeless Reviews thread...post #72.

I received an email the other day from one of the booksellers I have patronized in the past offering first editions of all 5 of the Three Pines series for a mere $1250. Any takers?

*chokes on coffee*

HOW much?!

*stops coughing*
*blinks*
*wipes eyes*
*sees that the cost was indeed what it looked like*

Are they gold plated? Calfskin leather with diamonds? Hand-inscribed by trained chimps on carefully-preserved palm leaves and bound with silk thread?

Or merely signed by Shakespeare? (I bet it's a forgery.)

#121: Yeah, that was pretty much my reaction too, lol. (except for the coffee part)

I got the same email, Stasia! They were SIGNED first editions, I think, but even so???? I was thinking the same thing as you two - oh, and do you know how many books I could buy if I had $1250 to spare??? I'd want to use it for a lot more than 5... :)

#123: If I went to Goodwill, where they charge $1 a hardcover and 50 cents for paperbacks, I could buy 1250 or 2500 more books. That sounds like a better deal to me, lol.

Of course, then there is the small problem of where I would put them (a purely academic exercise since I do not have $1250.)

$1,250!!! What would I do with $1,250??? If I had $1,250 I think I would give it to people who are hurting right now in this terrible economic climate. I would not spend $1,250 on a mere five books.

Heck, my favorite book is To Kill A Mockingbird. I've read everything I can get my hands on regarding Harper Lee. Still, I would not pay $1,250 for a signed copy or even for a visit with her to pick her brain regarding her masterpiece.

ok, I'm jumping off the soap box now.

Richard, as always, your reviews are incredibly delightful!

One thousand two hundred and fifty United States dollars for five modern, industrially produced books.

*horselaugh*

If Louise Penny delivers them, stays for dinner, and tells me all the secrets of her gift for characterization, then spends the night *winkwink* and inscribes the books to "The original model for Armand Gamache, with passionate devotion, Ever Your Weezie"...I still don't know if I could make with the spondulix. I know for sure and certain I wouldn't be allowed to.

#120> On the other hand, as someone once said to me during my college days . . .

People who are willing to pay should pay.

126- LOL!

I want so badly to read your Spoiler. This is pure torture for me. I hope you're pleased with yourself.

>129 tloeffler: Hee hee hee...it's so much *fun* being wicked!

>128 BookAngel_a: Angela, what has amused you? I was completely serious!

>127 rocketjk: So wise and so true, Jerry.

>125 Whisper1: Why, thank you, Linda! Nice to hear that I'm giving pleasure in reading.

>121 Eat_Read_Knit: Caty, that's the old fight...resist consumer insanity! (Like you need any encouragement, since you've got common sense!)

>120 alcottacre: I wonder why *I* didn't get this email...it's a conspiracy....

#131: Should I write them and ask why they are conspiring against little old you, Richard?

I could move to Three Pines for that kind of money.

If it existed. Which I wish it did ... despite the turn of events in The Brutal Telling
I am still not convinced. I know I should be but...
I simply can't believe it. I never did like Peter. Somehow it must all be his fault.

130- I KNOW you were being serious, Richard! I just had to laugh out loud at Ms. Penny signing a book "Ever Your Weezie"!

I wonder if anyone would buy the Year books where I wrote pithy remarks and signed my name with little hearts around it!

>132 alcottacre: It being a conspiracy and all, I doubt they'd tell you the truth...waitaminnit here...YOU're in on it too! *fearful glance over shoulder* Where's the Fattycam? (Like a Nannycam, only for fat old men)

>133 mckait: Gabri isn't either, dearest, so you're in good company. My BIG question is, why does Clara love this creepy yutz? Or is it simply a question of habits and patterns that she's still with him, after A Rule Against Murder? Therrible Thomas and that wife of his...! And Marianna, with the weird Bean...ewww. She shoulda run long, long ago.

>134 BookAngel_a: Meanie. I am too sexy and worthy of such devotion. Or so The Turkish Delight tells me. But then again, he's Turkish so he's odd.

>135 cameling: Perhaps if you got famous...? Maybe take some hostages and shoot the place up next time you're in Australia...?

I'm not already famous?!!! What about the fan club that keeps send me little notes, witty posts and occasionally books in the mail? oh wait... those are just relatives and friends .... hmm.. how many people need to know me before I'm considered famous?

Hint: Seven figures before the decimal, and you're famous.

booohoooooo...... i'm a poor unknown!

#138: Hint: Seven figures before the decimal, and you're famous.

How did you find out about my waist size?

Yeah, sniff sniff...imagine how *I* feel, no one ever comes to any of my threads or leaves me fan notes or sends me presents or nothin'.

Oh wait....

>140 alcottacre: I looked at mine and divided by two.

#141: Yeah, well a Certain Someone comes by my thread, but never looks at my books for the week. Now you know how I feel.

#142: Then we should both be famous. What is wrong with us?

>143 alcottacre: Now, be fair! I've added at least 500 books to my scary wishlist-that-has-gravity because of your temptationfest of a thread, so no sense blaming me for wising up and running away on Sundays.

As to fame...honestly...you can have it, I think it sounds like a horrible job and I wouldn't want it. Every erection and eructation seen, scanned, dissected, discussed...nuh uh! No, nyet, nix, nein!

#144: 500 Richard? That would mean almost every book I read last year. Somehow I sincerely doubt that.

I am with you on the fame thing - too many strings attached. I like being plain, little old me, thank you very much, warts and all.

Huh..."Wishlist" on LT = 563 items, 82% Stasia inspired; wishlist on Amazon = 1,818 items, 31% Stasia inspired; total damage done by Stasia to Richard's self-control, 1,025 items in two years.

The prostitution rests.

$1250.00?????

*falls out of chair, toppling massive TBR pile*

#146: OK, I concede that you might have a little bit of a point. Your wish list is still not as big as the BlackHole, so you could still pay attention on Sundays you know!

>147 tymfos: Terri...yeah! I know! Someone is a nutball, eh what?

>148 alcottacre: Hah. Like that'll happen. I know a near occasion of sin when I see one...once the Dominicans gotcha, they gotcha.

#147: I take it you are not in the running for snatching them right up, Terri?

#149: I bet if we took all the recommendations from you to me, the playing field would level out substantially, Domicans or no.

RE: Clara loving the creepy yutz... habit is certainly part of it, I am sure.
Gabri, such a sweetie himself... The next book better clear up this mess!!!

*wanders merrily into thread, stops dead, puts hands up and backs out slowly so she doesn't get caught in the wishlist-belting Stasia-Ricardo crossfire*

I love you guys. :-)

Hi, Ellie!

I finished (twice, and no mean feat for a 928pp book) and reviewed the February TIOLI challenge book Sacred Games that Mark 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.

Good review Richard!! Glad you persevered!

Loved your review, Richard. I might get to it this fall, but several tomes are ahead of it in my pecking order.

Review: 10 of seventy-five

Title: THELONIOUS MONK: The Life and Times of an American Original

Author: ROBIN D.G. KELLEY

Rating: *** of five

Oh dear. No one, and I mean NO ONE, tell Darryl about this review! I am serious as a heart attack here. Not a word!

I wish I'd never read this book. I now don't like Thelonious Monk, who comes across in these pages as a self-centered snot whose mental illness could and should have been medicated to ameliorate its nasty effects on those around him; and I flat don't like the selfishness and effrontery of the man.

His music is great. I will do my damnedest to forget the rest.

I spent 451pp hoping that soon I'd get past the building distaste for the man whose talent I'd revered for decades. Sadly, it never happened. I think Robin Kelley got Stockholm Syndrome and fell into the world of Monk so completely that he became an apologist instead of a biographer and the book became a hagiography. Kelley's serviceable prose rises to a sort of two-dimensional poesie when rhapsodizing about Monk's music, but it's never better than average.

Not recommended. Not at all. Want to know about Monk? Listen to "Ruby, My Dear." It'll teach you what you *really* need to know.

Gasp! You didn't like it??? No problem, I guess...

*trudges off to his room, pouting and sucking thumb madly, with favorite teddy bear in arm*

Ahh jeez, who blabbed? Now look, I have to go make nicey-nice because SOMEone yapped.

Darryl, sweetie, come back! Mean ol' Uncle Richie wasn't casting aspersions on you, really! It's just that, well, different people like different things, and we're all right to like what WE like and not what THEY like! (Except cats. And Dickens. Oh, Miracle Whip too.)

Great. Juuust great. And he's got his Steady Teddy, too. It'll be WEEKS before he says a civil word to me. *gusty sigh*

Richard and Darryl...Many thanks for making me laugh right out loud -- again!

You two are so darn funny. After a long day of compiling complicated financial reports to document that yes, indeed, the student newspaper advertising revenue is following the nation wide trend of a severe, steep downward slope in the industry, and I'm too tired this evening to even sip a glass of chardonny, I visit this thread and am cheered.

It is snowing AGAIN and now wind is whipping around the windows...You both saved me from today's winter dulldrums.

Garshk, Linda, you sure know how to butter a boy up!

I left a profile message inadvertently bragging on the complete nothing that is this storm here on Long Island. It's rained more than anything else, and it's a shade on the breezy side, but NOTHING like Manhattan and Jersey! Funny, it's only 35mi away and it could be Siberia for how different the climate is.

If I am missing from LT for awhile, simply send the St. Bernard (or the dancing boys referenced on Terri's thread). I'll be face down in a huge pile of snow that I jumped into because I admit defeat. I just simply cannot take any more of this terrible wet, white, icy slippery, day after day accumulation.

>161 Whisper1: Why do I hear the guffaws of the Swedes, Norwegians, Poles, Russians, Nepalese, and Tibetans ringing in my ears? Not to mention the Canuckistanis....

#106, Just jumping in to voice my rah-rahs for the Group of Seven. (I have one "Group" calendar on my wall, and one that is only Tom Thomson...)

Since the Louise Penny book involves Emily Carr, I shall have to read it...

#161 -- I just realized that we are only in the middle of this winter storm and are now going to deal with this slush pile for another few days. Yuck yuck yuck.

#158 Miracle Whip too? In addition to kitties? Ah, Richard.

>161 Whisper1: NO!!! The dancing boys are MINE. Besides, they'd get cold there in the snow with their little dancing boy costumes on. You can have the Saint Bernards, though. And maybe a little brandy. I'm not altogether selfish.

Well ha-ha-ha on me! The little nothing of a storm dumped 18in of snow last night, it's still snowing, and it ain't a-gonna stop 'til Saturday afternoon.

I sense a sacrificed dacing boy in Terri's direction...she just couldn't bear the idea of Long Island getting off lightly...and Linda, too...I'm surrounded!

>164 Chatterbox: I'd really suggest starting with Still Life Penny because so much happens in the course of the series that's resolved or amplified in The Brutal Telling...too hard to keep it all straight....

>165 karenmarie: Karen dearest, I've catechized this with you so many times: "Q: What are the four irrefutable proofs that Satan exists? A: Cats, Miracle Whip, Charles Dickens, and Republican politicians."

Really, my dear, the Lord Baltimore Catechism is limpidly clear on this! Pay attention!

>166 tloeffler: Ohhh yeaaah?! Well, well, well! Those dancin' boys are in for a good old-fashioned catfight, I see. Keep 'em entertained, ladies, while I sneak off with a few.

Your thread is always a sure way to brighten up my day. And after being forced to stay away from LT for almost a week thanks to everyone going mental at the office trying to keep up with new (ridiculous) policies and cost cutting measures (meaning more work on the already anorexic team) and a steadily more and more harassed (and therefore slightly more unreasonable and twitchy-eyed) boss, this has been such a breath of fresh air and given me much needed belly laughs.

Love you, love you, love you guys lots! I am smiling once more and not minding the bare patches on my head where I tore chunks of hair out in frustration this past week. Mange, is, after all, the latest in coif fashion

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

I *heart* Lolcats...
Doesn't matter how down in the dumps I am feeling, lolcats make me... lol.

#169: I would like it to be pointed out that I did not post that gif, but I love it! *Stasia scurrying away in light of Richard's wrath*

Suzanne - duly seconded! And anything that makes you smile no matter how miserable the day should be held in the highest esteem - even, grudgingly, by Ricardo, on our behalf. It's really only polite... :-)

...hm? There's a GIF there? Wow...this new "Readbility" button really works! Cool!

**nyah**

As if you won't look~

very funny picture, Kath .... although for a second there, since it came just after my post, I was wondering if you thought I should have fallen prey to natural selection! but surely not .. you sent me a gift on FV so i know you still love me. *tripping the light fantastic in heady glee*

Of course I love you Caroline... rd too.. but he is.. well you know....

Do you Zoo?

No, I'm limiting myself to just 1 FB game at a time, otherwise I'd never have any time at all for LT and reading. It's amazing how time consuming some of these games can me ... you think you're just going to play for a few minutes and the next thing you know, an entire hour or so has flown the coop.

Ain't that the truth, Caroline! I see you in the Zoo, Kath--your zoo is growing exponentially!

Hi!

Zoo... I just went back to it for my niece. will stop again soon. I had two good days there.. things have slowed down though..
I will stop that, and Happy Island.. which I like, but it crashes my browser. I am not farming. I guess I will keep my pets and Island paradise .. but stop the rest. I am pretty bored with them...

I am pretty bored with them... Say Hallelujah!! No more stupid FB games!! Come home to LT, all is forgiven.

Richard- I saw and read your review on Jar City. Good job, sir! I read it back in November and really enjoyed it and look forward to continuing this promising series. I also have Voices in my tbr but I want to read them in order. I finished Small Island today and this will be the standard for the rest of the year! Outstanding!

Hey Mark...yeah, I liked Jar City. It's a compulsively readable book. I couldn't put Voices Indridason down, either...awake until 2a reading it the first time! Pretty rare for me. I'll review it later today.

Review: 11 of seventy-five

Title: THE ASTONISHING LIFE OF OCTAVIAN NOTHING, TRAITOR TO THE NATION:Volume II, The Kingdom on the Waves

Author: M.T. ANDERSON

Rating: ***1/2 of five

Well, second books often don't rise to the level of the first in inventiveness and freshness. This one is typical of the syndrome.

Beginning where the extraordinary and original The Pox Party left off, The Kingdom on the Waves makes the adventures of Octavian Nothing complete. His best efforts are thwarted, his noblest desires unfulfilled, his quest for justice failed. All very true to history, but all very easy to predict. It's not that this is a bad book; it's a very good book. It's not clear to me why Anderson took 561pp to tell this story. I think the book sags a bit under the weight of its tale. It could easily have clocked in under 400pp and led us the same place.

I *love* that this is a YA book, written in so challenging and uncondescending a voice. Octavian is a very erudite narrator. I loved the structure of the book as a reader; it's in tasty-morsel-sized chapters. It's a very good book, and I recommend it.

I am firmly on record in many places as disliking the obesity of modern literary production. It's not that all books should be short in my opinion; it's that there is no reason for many, if not most, books to be as bloated with redundant and sometimes pointless verbiage as they are *stares pointedly at the Outlander books*. This book takes as its canvas a richly colored (no slur intended) part of American history. It's trying to fit a giant Technicolor extravagaza into a TV show. I think the editor would have done better to focus the author's obvious familiarity with the period on fewer episodes and left it at that.

But still, better a flawed and oversized story than none at all. The pleasures of the tale are many and savory, and I really hope you'll venture into YAdom to find this book soon.

#184: One of these centuries I will get both of those books read (I own them, I should read them, right?) Nice review, Richard, and I will even forgive the pointed address to my beloved Outlander books.

Once again Richard, excellent and insightful review; never got into the Outlander books myself.

I admit that I liked the first two Outlander books, then got seriously bored and abandoned them. Blated, redundant, and pointless verbiage seems to cover it, Richard.

I'd love to read the Octavian Nothing books - got them wishlisted on BookMooch but so far nothing's shown up.

Richard - have you heard of/read the Ramage books by Dudley Pope? I've read the first one and they are wonderful nautical adventures that take place during the time period 1796-1806.

>185 alcottacre: Hiya Stasia...I'd rumble these up the TBR because they're so much fun to read, were I you. As to the Diana Gabaldon books, well loveycuddles, we don't all like chocolate, either. She's a very original storyteller, but damn girl! Can she drag out a scene! Jamie in durance vile, for a notable example.

>186 brenzi: *blush* I thank you for your kind words, Mme Bonnie!

>187 karenmarie: Karen Marie Northcarolinagirl! STOP TEMPTING ME!! I did not see your post I did not see your post I did not see your post I did not see your post I did not see your post oh damn *sighs defeatedly off to put Dudley Pope on the Wishlist that Ate Siberia*

erm... thanks for the forgiveness...

?

I missed you your old curmudgeon.. and I have a question for you..

>189 mckait: K!

Glad you liked Jar City ... and you're right.. it's an incredibly obsessive read. I couldn't put it down once I started in on it. Can't wait to read your review of Voices. I've got that in my TBR tower and am planning on reading it soon ... if only other books didn't keep jumping out from the tower into my arms first.

*hmm...touchstone for Voices does not appear to be working*

>#188:
St. Richard;
You know you are just HOT for him. Up and admit it!~!
I want you,
I need you,
I love you,
From the very heart of my bottom.
xoxo
belva

Simply stopping by to say hello.

>191 cameling: Hi Caro, the review's up on the Homeless Reviews thread.

>192 rainpebble: Rainpebble daaahhhling! How aaahhh ewe?

>193 Whisper1: {{{Linda}}} Getting hard to keep up, isn't it?

Ahh... found it .... too many different threads to follow for your reviews. I'm definitely moving Voices up a step or two in my tower.

I also found Kingdom on the Waves a bit too long - I ended up putting the book aside for a couple of weeks and then finished it. It does cover an interesting incident in history that I hadn't read about before. The slaves really had a no-win situation on their hands at that point in time.
I just read Emergency Sex and it touches briefly on the colonisation of Liberia by freed American slaves who proceeded to govern in the only way they had known. Another ironic part of history that had passed me by till now.

Wondering if you like pizza?

Although you wrote an interesting review, at this point, I believe I'll be skating right past Mr. Indridason's novels at my local bookstore. Perhaps it's just my delicate side peeking out.

>195 cameling: Caro, you'll enjoy Voices Indridason quite a bit, I'll bet. Let us know.

>196 avatiakh: Kerry, it's a bitter irony pill, but it should immunize the world against ignoring the clear, inescapable lesson: People do what they're taught to do; absent didactic education, they emulate what they see; therefore, to break the cycle of violence and hatred, start educating the people. It will be a slow process, I bet, since all available evidence suggests that humans like killing, maiming, and enslaving each other, but there ain't no other solution.

>197 mckait: Only white pizza. I don't like tomato sauce that's not home-made. Why?

>198 Carmenere: No no no, Lynda, run like a fast li'l bunny from Reykjavik books. You'll be haunted by one scene in particular from the first book that I will not describe. But based on stuff you've said, I think this book would be a *horrible* mistake for you to read.

I've just started Jar City, on the recommendation of other LT'ers some time ago. I read a lot of hard-boiled stuff, so I'm not shying away from the grimness, but I do worry a little about those itchy dingle-dangles you've mentioned. *Ewww*

And I just want to say, re the discussion above on the $1,250.00 set of books---it's clear this crowd is composed of passionate Readers, not Collectors. There are definitely books I would (if I could) pay that kind of money for. And a signed first edition of To Kill a Mockingbird would be very high on the list.

I'm not easily impressed. I really cannot think of a movie star I would like to meet. On the other hand, meeting Harper Lee would be a sheer joy. Though, I'm not sure what I would ask/say.

I would probably be like a deer in the headlights and would shake her hand and say, "oh, thanks!" "thanks!" "thanks for such a marvelous, marvelous book." "ah, thanks, thanks again..."

I'd want to hear some stories about her shared childhood adventures with Truman Capote. She couldn't have used everything in that one book.

I would like to look at the authors from afar ... perhaps seated a few feet away from them as they tell me about what inspired them to write their books (only those I liked, of course... haha. I don't have THAT much free time to sit and listen to people ramble).... but I don't think I would go up and talk to them since I don't think I'd have anything to say beyond "thanks, I really enjoyed your book(s)" which I'm sure they get often enough.

Much like the time I bumped into the entire Yankees team in the lobby of the Ritz Carlton in Boston by accident .... they're my favorite team but I couldn't even bring myself to go up and shake their hands, much less ask for an autograph ..... much to my friend's disgust ... he wanted an autograph (don't ask me why since I've never fathomed why people would want to keep other people's scribbled signatures) but thought I'd have a better chance of getting one (on a soggy napkin) than he would.

I met Patrick Stewart once...Jean-Luc Picard, y'know?...and screwed up my courage for three drinks before I walked up and said, "I just want to thank you for the hours of pleasure your performances have given me."

He was speechless for a second, then shook my outstretched hand and said, "Thank you so much. I have no idea what you could ever say to top that line."

So I walked away.

Wow, Richard! I am jealous.

Wanna hear the one about Lauren Bacall?

You met Lauren Bacall?!!

#207: Not unless Bogie's involved!

>208 cameling: Yup.

>209 alcottacre: Well, he died in 1954, and I was born after that, so it doesn't, so I won't tell it.

#210: He died on Catey's birthday in 1957. I missed meeting him by 5 years too. Still love his movies though!

WELL OF COURSE WE WANT TO HEAR THE ONE ABOUT LAUREN BACALL! You old tease, you.

I met Robert Picardo once. And if any of you know who that is, good on ya. My daughter asked for his autograph, and she was just a teenager at the time. My husband just missed sharing a men's room with him at a hotel by a couple minutes...we caught him coming out as hubby was going in. I have also met and chatted with Ken Burns, Robert MacNeil, and Garrison Keillor. (Husband works for a PBS/NPR station. They don't pay anything, but some of the perks are nice.)

I can honestly say I haven't really met anyone very famous although I've heard a lot of different authors speak, Margaret Atwood, Nora Ephron, David Sedaris, Kiran Desai to name a few.

Famous People?? Let's see..I sat in on classes/jam sessions that Cecil Taylor taught/led at Antioch College way back in the early 70s...the man was Fine...the music was Difficult...the whole Era was scary...in hindsight...

;-}

Waiting patiently for the Lauren Bacall story...

( I met Mr Rogers in an airport once)

I met Zsa Zsa Gabor at an airport when I was 2. She said, "Oh, how shveet". My dad said after meeting her I only wanted everything that was too expensive.

Waiting for Lauren too, Richard. She is so cool.

>>>215 mckait:. Mr. & Mrs. Rogers came into the bookstore where I worked, and I was so awestruck that I neglected to give Mrs. Rogers her discount on bestsellers. Mr. Rogers called me later to tell me about my mistake. I stumbled all over myself to offer to give him the money back, but he said he just wanted to point it out so it didn't happen to another customer. For quite a while, I thought Hell was in my future for ripping off Mr. Rogers. I love him so much to this day...

I've met a lot of famous musicians, mostly jazz musicians, through my work. But as to people I've been able to say "hello and thanks" to in a non-professional setting, my top three are:

Dizzy Gillespie
Bo Diddley
Bonnie Raitt

*drumming my fingers waiting for the Lauren Bacall story ..... *

I once got hit on at a sci-fi convention by none other than Aaron Douglas (played Chief Ty in BSG). It was... a strange moment, to say the least... LOL

Richard dear, don't be such a tease! Waiting for your Lauren Bacall story....
I used to be the community relations manager for the MN Timberwolves so I met lots of famous basketball players. They are even taller in person.

...but guys, Stasia doesn't want to hear about the time I met Lauren Bacall at a celebration of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris's 25th anniversary of creation, where I was chatting to Eric Blau (creator of said revue) when she came up and began towing him away. Being a polite man, he said, "Betty, this is my..." and she said, "Yes, of course, how do you do, I'm what's left of Lauren Bacall" and finished towing him away.

I think she was a little the worse for wear. But The Divine Miss's later encounter with her was no more pleasant or polite.

Well despite your encounter with Ms. Bacall, I still think she's way cool.

Tease.

I met Bishop Desmond Tutu in 1984, a week before he won the Nobel Peace Prize. He led a retreat at the center where I worked. To this day, I can honestly that I've never been in the presence of anyone like him.

He emanated such rich, positive, spiritual energy. He had a wonderful laugh, a gentle, kind, sensitive nature that seemed to surround him in a very special glow....

I'm don't mean to sound so New Age like, but there aren't words to describe the feeling I had when he shook my hand.

Hi Richard- Have you read Howard Frank Mosher? I was listening to a podcast today and someone was raving about his latest, Walking to Gatlinburg. It sounds very promising. He is supposed to be quite a writer!
I saw you are starting Small Island. I hope you enjoy it!

Hmm.... she was a bit worse for the wear you say........ forgiven! :-)

>226 msf59: Mark, I heard the same podcast and looked up some of Mosher's books and he looks very interesting.

Anthony Weiner... :)

Then Queen Julianna patted me on the head when I was 2 and told my grandfather I was a cute baby. That's my only famous person--although my sister was in an elevator alone with Mick Jagger (in 1968 when he was young) and I was so jealous.

It's not very starry, but I met the Red Arrows a few years ago. I couldn't have been more excited and star struck if I tried - I got a bit giddy when I spotted all the red flysuits and realised who it was. I kinda felt like I should be curtseying or something, meeting such an incredible group of people! An hour later they were flying and it felt quite special, having met the men behind the machines just beforehand. It's just been ingrained into me since I was a little girl: Red Arrows = Legends!

Oh, and when I was working at the farm shop at Chatsworth, I hid in the fridge when the Duchess of Devonshire (Deborah Mitford, as was) brought Cliff Richard to look round... I wasn't bothered about him and I was so in awe of her, so I went into the walk-in-fridge until she'd gone through the kitchens!

Review: 12 of seventy-five

Title: LET THE GREAT WORLD SPIN

Author: COLUM MCCANN

Rating: ****1/2 of five

Reviews, in my opinion, aren't the right place for book reports, nor for nosegays of fanboy gush. I'm supposed to let the reader know why he or she should, could, or would want to read a title.

You should, could, AND would want to read this National Book Award-winning novel of grief, sadness, and loss because it's so damned easy to love and cherish these characters. The Catholic monk whose vocation is to bring a whisper of compassion, in its ancient and literal meaning of "shared pain", to the least and the last of people, the whores, drunks, druggies that we (most of us, anyway) do our damnedest to ignore; the wealthy mother of a Vietnam war casualty, one of the Army's computer guys, a geek whose interest in computers led him to help develop ARPANET, whose grandchild you and I are using right now; the tightrope-walking oddball whose main claim to an entry in the Akashic Records is walking between the World Trade Center's towers.

I love them all, and more besides...Tillie, the whoring mother and grandmother, whose entire world-view centers on making it all just a little, weentsy bit better than it has to be, Gloria whose losses mount and mount and still mount but whose sense of life is that it's here, so's she, so what's a girl to do but laugh? And Jaslyn. Oh, so much hinges on Jaslyn, Claire's niece of the heart. So much comes to its final, painful, joyous fruition with her arrival...and truly, ladies and gentlemen, at last here the great world spins.

Really, nothing I say can impact your personal decision to read the book or not. I can, and do, recommend it. Millions of the maniacs on a mission who have already read it are doing just that. I can only encourage you to support a writer who can create a character who says of her dead daughter's attempted savior:

"They told me {he} smashed all the bones in his chest when he hit the steering wheel. Well at least in Heaven his...chick'll be able to reach in and grab his heart."

#232: Very nice review of a very good book, RD!

Thanks, Stasia! I'm so hoping the book's success continues. It deserves its moments of fame, much more so than so many that achieve market success.

Colum McCann is lovely. Dancer didn't grab me like I hoped it would, but Let The Great World Spin is still on my list. Wonderful review.

Luxx darling, whatever are you doing awake at this hour?!? Sleep!

And thanks for the compliment. I loved the book. It's just so rare to find one I think is so beautifully and fully realized.

It's been Kindled. Two raves the same day, from you & Caroline.

Let the Great world Spin has been living on my Kindle for a while, now. And I have been a self-same gushing fan(girl) for much longer...ever since I read This Side of Brightness. While your review didn't snag a New Fan, it reinforced an Oldie's love and respect for a veddy, veddy talented Writer. And he's Irish, to boot!

;-}

Richard- Great review! Of course, I read it back in December and it still lingers! Wonderful read!

Excellent review, Richard! I loved this book, and I'm still on the lookout for Everything in This Country Must.

I bought this one yesterday... it should be here tuesday...
I can hardly wait to read it!

Once again, an excellent "hot" review.

Great review, Ricardo! After a spate of wonderful reviews, this one's hit Mount TBR running and will be high up the priority list next time I get carried away doing another book order... ;-)

#235 - Sleep is a thing of the past! But last night we had a good excuse: Cirque de la Symphonie at the BSO. Once again, thank goodness for grandparents!

Daylight Savings has thrown us all off this morning. I hope you got some sleep yourself.

Excellent review Richard. My only 5 star read so far this year.

Great review! Book is already on my list to read. :)

I enjoy an author's ability to create memorable characters. Good review but alas already wishlisted.

Hello all, and thanks for the soothing words. I'm down with a nasty cold, last night's fever was 101, and still waiting on an ungrateful, whining old person, plus walking the dog, and thinking up meals. In short, I feel the way your mother did, and you mothers with useless husbands still do.

I can tell I'm getting better because instead of not caring, it's pissing me off.

Back to sleep until the next outbreak of disaster: Lunch isn't on the table! O misery! How shall civilization survive the blow?

*grumble*

Sorry you are not feeling well, Richard. I hope you feel better soon.

Maybe some homemade chicken soup is in order?

>249 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia. If I didn't have to home-make it, I'd give it a whirl. Off to shower then sleep. Her Majesty can just get her own damn lunch.

#250: I hope the shower unstops your nose and the sleep helps you feel better!

I can attest to the fact that our rd sounded like death warmed over last night..
poor dear....

What's for dinner?

Wasabi - a sure cure for unstopping a congested nose! Time for sushi and some a warming miso soup or soba in broth with tempura.

Sounds like a good night for take-out. Rest up, sir!

The only time I wish I liked wasabi is when I have a bad head cold...

I ordered in sushi, and the wasabi helped. Hearing Auntie howl about the bill and the fact that she hates fish was no fun. On balance, wasabii trumps whiny old lady by a teensy runnel of...

Shanghai shrimp dunked in Chinese mustard, that'll fix you up.

Hope you feel better soon.

Shriiimmmp...om nom nom...shriiimmmp

Glad to see you are well enough to post a few comments.

So sorry you still aren't feeling well.

Why not give Auntie a copy of the movie What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? It might give cause for her to be more than a tad reasonable. Bettie Davis and Joan Crawford were so wonderful in this movie.

>259 Whisper1: LOL! "But'cha aaarrre, Blaaanche, but'cha aaarrre!"

*hmmm* There is merit in idea, little grasshoppah....

You don't happen to have a bird in the house do you?



kidding, only kidding...Well, maybe...

Feeling unwell is no excuse to ignore my social obligations. There is now a fourth thread for my 75-Books Challenge reviews, and attendant falderol, badinage, and quip-mongering.