brenzi's Impossible Dream - Take 2

This is the second thread for 2010 for me as unbelievable as that seems (to me anyway). My first thread can be found here.

I am going to be tackling the 1010 Challenge but with only five books in each category to start because I would only reach 100 books with some change in my lifestyle, such as ...oh I don't know....maybe retirement. So we shall see. Here are my categories:

1. Top o' the Heap (Pulitzer Prize winners)

2. Best Brit Books (Booker longlists)

3. Orange You Glad to See Me (Orange Prize longlists)

4. It's All About Me (Memoirs)

5. Really? (Non-fiction)

6. Gathering Dust (Books owned for at least two years)

7. Must Have! (Just released fiction - within 6 months)

8. Remember When (Historical fiction)

9. Clock's Ticking (1001 Books to Read Before You Die)

10. That's a crime (Mysteries/crime)


My 10/10 Challenge is here http://www.librarything.com/topic/79324







My Take It or Leave It Challenge for January:

Still Life by Louise Penny
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Take It or Leave It Challenge for February:

The Liars' Club by Mary Karr
Ordinary Thunderstorms by William Boyd
American Salvage by Bonnie Jo Campbell

Take It or Leave It Challenge for April

In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin

Books Read This Year:

17. The Plague by Albert Camus - Africa - 4.5 stars
16. In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin-Pakistan-4st.
15. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson-Sweden-5 st.
14. The Spare Room by Helen Garner - Australia - 4 stars
13. Dead Cold by Louise Penny - Canada - 4 stars
12. Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie - India - 2 stars
11. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Sloot - 4.5 stars
10. American Salvage by Bonnie Jo Campbell - 4.5 stars
9. Even the Dogs by Jon McGregor - UK - .5 stars
8. Ordinary Thunderstorms by William Boyd - UK - 4 stars
7. The Liars' Club by Mary Karr - 4 stars
6. Where the God of Love Hangs Out by Amy Bloom - 4 stars
5. Blame by Michelle Huneven - 3.5 stars
4. Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh - India - 4.5 stars
3. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie -Nigeria - 4 stars
2. Still Life by Louise Penny Quebec 4 stars
1. Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann - 5 stars

Hi, Bonnie -

It is good to be the first friend to get to post on your new thread, unless someone is keyboarding away and hits return before I do.

I've been thinking about you, in this cold, snowy Winter weather that we are experiencing this year. I hope that you and yours are warm and well, too.

I just started reading Louise Penny's Still Life yesterday, and once again discovered that you had read it yourself, very recently. So far, I'm liking it.

The progress trackers/tickers are very charming, here on your thread, and I enjoyed reading through the categories that you created for your 10/10 Challenge and your TIOLI Challenge.

I'll stop by again soon.

With love,

Ruth

Just following the thread... Hi Bonnie, Hi Ruth!

Hi Bonnie! Hi Ruth! Hi Kim! What august company we have here!

Hi Bonnie! Hi Ruth! Hi Kim! Hi Stasia! Let's see how long we can keep this up.

Uh I'm going to have to interrupt here to do something very odd.....talk about a book I read. I know no one does that much anymore but here I am doing it. Anywho, here it is:





Even the Dogs by Jon McGregor

From my review:

I’m one of many LT members that feel they don’t want to know too much about a book before I read it, so when I opted to receive Even the Dogs by Jon McGregor as an ER book, I didn’t know anything about the book. I did know that the author was long listed for the Booker Prize for a previous novel he had written. Let me save all of you who are now reading this review from the torture that is included within the pages of this novel, and I use that term very loosely, for, to call it a novel, is to assume it has a plot. It doesn’t.

Read more here.

Even tho it's obviously a lousy book, I appreciate the honest review. It's good to know ahead of time that this one doesn't belong on my TBR pile. Hope your next read is better.

Hi Bonnie! Welcome to Take 2! Sorry you had to read a dud! You were probably way over due!

Hi Bonnie, So Even the Dogs was a real dog, huh? ;)

And speaking of dogs, those were three adorable dogs (yours and Tad's) on your old thread along with a new author for me to check out William Boyd. Thanks!

It's great to see "the gang" here and posting on one thread and no, ... I won't go back and name all of our names. We know who we are by now.

We are book lovers AND neat, intelligent people lovers, too. It is really fun that we get to have each other and share the joy of reading also. Top drawer, by golly.

Thanks for the mini-review here, Bonnie. (Sounds like a "fire-hydrant-substitute-book" to me). I will go read your full review, even though, I think I have stated where I am on this one pretty clearly, already.

You go, girl.

Love, Ruth

#6: Not touching that one with a 20 foot pole. Thanks for the warning!

Right, thanks for that - fantastic review! Will make sure it doesn't get anywhere near my backpack.

Congratulations on two hot reviews listed on today's home page!!! Kudos to you!

I love the "bamboo under the fingernails" description, that book sounds horrible. I'm not a fan of authors taking such huge liberties with proper grammar and punctuation. We have those rules for a reason: to avoid unreadable writing like this!

I have often wondered about Jon MacGregor - but will do so no longer! Thanks.

10



American Salvage by Bonnie Jo Campbell

This wonderful short story collection more than makes up for that last stinker I read.

From my review:

In American Salvage, National Book Award nominee Bonnie Jo Campbell sought to portray the lives of America’s working poor in her native Michigan and the timeliness of this story collection is striking. With unemployment still hovering at around 10%, and with Michigan unemployment near 15%, Campbell highlights the unemployed and the underemployed, the down and out, and the practically there, but in doing so she portrays working class characters that don’t give up even with the odds stacked against them and, in the end, she allows them to let hope emerge. Things may seem hopeless here, but these characters prove that just the opposite is true.

Read more here.

Bonnie- I loved the review! (A shocker, huh?) I will wishlist this one. I just started Too Much Happiness by Alice Munro and I think there will be some similarities between the two.

Catching up on my starred folks and just want to say hi. Hi :)

Sounds interesting Bonnie. I haven't heard of it before.

I already have a note to myself to place American Salvage on ILL. I will have to do it soon.

American Salvage sounds like a must-read, and very timely too. I'm adding it to my list. Thanks for the review.

American SAlvage sounds good. It is now on the tbr pile.

Well after a week off for our winter break I find that tomorrow is the end of the land of perpetual Saturdays and Sundays for me until mid-April. My hubby finds it very amusing to see me go through the withdrawal of being off and then having to gear up for another stretch of work. He continually brings up the fact that I've never worked a summer day in my life, which is very true but I don't see why that should interfere with my griping about having to go back to school on Monday. Especially coming from someone who has been retired for over two years! Arrgghh.

Anywho, back to the salt mines Monday morning. I'm a little disappointed at how much reading I've gotten done for February. Apparently I've underestimated how much time I spend logging on to LT and reading through a gazillion threads; time which could be spent, oh I don't know, maybe.........READING ;-)

I know what you mean! When I was unemployed for 6 months last year, I had all these plans for the things I'd get done around the house. When I got my job, it all happened so quickly and that was when I realized how much I did NOT get done during those 6 months, lol.

Enjoy your last days before you head back to the grind. At least you'll have memories of all the good books you read while you were off :)

I think one of the reasons my son is thinking of going into teaching is that he doesn't want to give up his breaks! I envy you your very well deserved time off Bonnie.

I had New Years Day off and my next holiday will be Memorial Day. It's not like I don't have vacation time I could use to take a day off but it does seem like a long time without a holiday...

I should just be happy to have a job and not worry about it! :)

OMG my one year anniversary on LT was on Sunday and it slipped by unnoticed by me. And what a wonderful year it has been, filled with new online friends, and the best year in reading I've ever had, very few DNF books (actually only one that I can remember) and lots of fabulous books. Thank God for LT and the wonderful addition it is in my life:)

Happy belated Thingaversary, Bonnie!

Congratulations on being around for a year, Bonnie. Upon reflection, do you think your reading has changed, increased, expanded, etc. I feel supported more, and less of a freak for consuming books when there is housework to be done!!

Yes right changed, increased, expanded, all that. And yes, forget the housework (now that's got to make everyone happy). The great suggestions and recommendations here on LT have contributed mightily to the long (well, not by Stasia standards; just by normal standards) and excellent list of books I've read in the year since I joined. Life is good:-D)

Hi Bonnie- Congrats on your LT anniversary! It has been an absolute pleasure making your acquaintance! My 2 year is in June. Yes, I agree LT has changed our literary life in many ways, all good, IMHO, of course! And how about those friendships??

Is it one year already!? My, my.....well Happy Anniversary, so glad you are part of the LT family :)

Congratulations Bonnie! I'm happy to have met you here.

Bonnie

Your delightful presence has contributed so much to the 75 challenge group. It does seem longer than a year.

So good to have you here!

Well, that year went by quickly....it seems like I've known you much longer than that. I often feel a sense of history with people who have read and loved the same books over the years. Here's to many more books --and years-- on LT!

11.



The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Sloot

For those of you interested in science wrapped with mystery, history and human interest, this book is a humdinger and highly recommended. From my review:

Fascinating. Remarkable. Extraordinary. Incredible. All these descriptors and many more came to mind as I read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Sloot’s book that was fourteen years in the making. Where to begin? Let’s start with a simple question: where does ownership of your body and all its parts begin and end? When an organ is removed, a biopsy taken, blood drawn, an appendage amputated, what do you assume happens with the tissues and cells? The answer might surprise you, as it did me.

Read more here.

Bonnie- Another home run! Terrific job! I've been hearing glowing reports on this book and it's great to hear your lavish praise!

Hi Bonnie - I seem to be following Mark around tonight. Ditto what he said!! I'm 62 on the hold list...

Bonnie

What a great review of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks! I added this recently and after I finish the stack of books from the library, I'll try to get a copy of this one!

Great review, Bonnie! I bought The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks last week, and will probably read it this week or next.

Great review! *thumb*

I'd add this to my Wishlist -- but I think it's already there!

>30 msf59: Mark

> 31 Lynda

>32 lauralkeet: Laura

>33 Whisper1: Linda

>34 Donna828: Donna

Thanks to you all for helping me celebrate my Thingaversary. You've all added to my fun here on LT.

>36 msf59: Mark, I think you'll like this one too.

>37 Copperskye: Joanne, 62?? That sounds like a long wait :(

>38 Whisper1: Linda, Hurry up and wade through that pile. This is a goodie:)

>39 kidzdoc: Darryl, This book will mean much more to you with your medical background. You probably already know what HeLa cells are.

#35: Already in the BlackHole. Great review, Bonnie!

Fantastic review Bonnie. And happy thingaversary!

Thank you Cushla and Stasia.

Wow, now I really can't wait to read Henrietta's story! I may have to cave and buy this one, since I'm far down the list at the library. Great review.

Happy LT-versary! I'm really excited after seeing your latest review, my husband won a free copy of Henrietta Lacks from the publisher. He signed up online for me and found out a few days ago that we'll be getting it. I didn't read the entire review, just in case, but that paragraph you posted here sounds very promising!

Bonnie - Great review of Henrietta Lacks! It went right on my TBR. And Happy Belated Thingaversary! It's been so great getting to know you!

I'd like to take this opportunity to warn everyone out there of an imminent danger lurking here on LT. Do not, under any circumstances, click on Cover Guess on the Home Page. DO NOT DO IT!! You will be sorry. It is the most addictive waste of time you'll ever find.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

>>>49 brenzi:. I agree. I finished the day at work w/ Cover Guess and then came home and did some more.

>49 brenzi: - Too late... But thanks for the warning! :)

>49 brenzi:: LOL, I got lost there earlier today myself. And now after reading your message, I'm going back !!

Bonnie

I'm having difficulty obtaining a copy of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I'm number 12 on the waiting list at my library.

Regarding your message of warning...ok, I admit, I'm like a child. Now, I simply have to scurry on over to the cover guess feature.

>53 Whisper1: Linda - 12? I'm jealous. I'm currently at 60 and there are 4 copies. They are ordering more though!

Back to the cover game...

darn you Bonnie. ...Thanks, I think. I believe the cover game can be addictive.

Great review, Bonnie. I've already got The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks on my wish list but if I hadn't your review would have had me running to add it.

>49 brenzi:: Yah, I stumbled on that little black hole earlier today. Sheesh, what I can do to waste time when I should be cleaning house - or could be reading!

I was smart - I clicked on it to check it out and promptly left!

Bonnie- I took your advice too! Stayed away! No time!

>52 lauralkeet: and 53

Hi Joanne and Linda,

If I had an actual copy of Henrietta I would gladly send it your way but mine came from the library. I think I got it just before it broke in the press and got all the attention.

OMG! Bonnie, have you noticed that you can immediately purchase (amazon) or wishlist the books you see on CoverGuess?! LT better find a job for me to afford this new addiction.

I have an addictive personality when it comes to many games, but I'm safe from this one. Personally, I think it would be a better game if points were scored for the tags that are unique -- as in Scattergories. Naming background colors and objects just doesn't do it for me! I'm free now to go back to reading threads and The Lacuna.

I've got to agree with you Donna, after I attempted to think of creative ideas for the covers I began to notice that other people were using tags like red rather than passion and green instead of envy etc. What's with that? So to get the points I started tagging with colors too. Perhaps the powers that be have noticed this too and will tweek it.

>61 Carmenere: No Lynda I didn't notice that, nor do I want to know that; I can't afford to be on LT. Spending time and now giving us ever easier ways to spend money. These people have no mercy!

>62 Donna828: Donna, How are you liking The Lacuna so far?

Yah, I caved and bought Henrietta Lacks today. It's one of the dangers - and advantages - of living just a few blocks from Powell's. It was a decent price... I probably won't have time to read it for awhile ... I dunno, though, it's awfully enticing.

>65 brenzi:: I have about 100 pages to go. I am loving it so far. It's looking like a 4+ star book unless it falls apart in the end.

I've got Henrietta Lacks on my radar after your enticing review. Where did you hear about this one?

>67 Donna828: I'm glad you're liking it Donna. I really enjoyed it too.

I first heard about Henrietta Lacks on Darryl's thread when Laura brought it up. Then I heard an interview with Rebecca Skloots on NPR that really got me interested and I also read a review in the Wall Street Journal and by then it was on its way to me via library request. Fascinating read and eye opening.

Can't wait for your review of The Lacuna, Donna. I've got this in my TBR Tower for quite a while now.

>68 brenzi:: Thanks for sharing your sources with me. My husband takes the WSJ to work with him; guess I'll have to get up earlier to read it before he leaves.

>69 cameling:: Caroline, I posted my review of The Lacuna on Thursday. It's a book I'll be thinking about for quite some time.

12.



Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

From my review:

All you members of the intelligentsia, who loved Midnight's Children, excuse me while I try to figure out why. This book has been described as post-colonial literature and is written via a style referred to as magical realism. I’d like to get that stated up front so that in the future, I can avoid at all costs books that fall into these categories because, for me, this 533 page tome was a tortuous read. The last section of about 100 pages was like walking through a field, a foot deep in molasses, pulling one foot up as it is being pulled down with equal force and looking ahead to see that you have about 1000 feet ahead of you. You say to yourself, “I’ve come this far, I am not quitting now.”

Read more here.

>71 brenzi:: I'm not sure why, but I kinda liked it. This doesn't make any sense, because as you know I intensely dislike magical realism. In fact, I went back to my review and found I had written, "I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. At first, I found Rushdie's prose a bit wordy, and I'm not a big fan of magical realism."

There were parts of it that were a slog, but it still earned a respectable 3.5 stars. Weird, now that I think about it :)

I think I'll skip this one! Thanks for saving my shoes from becoming molassess dipped.

#70: I started along with the group read and have not gotten far into the book at all - side-tracked with too many library books. I am wondering now whether to continue with it.

>71 brenzi: Great review. I might have stayed away from this book simply because magical realism isn't a genre I enjoy, but you've given enough reasons to just stay away from it altogether.

I'm feeling sort of luke warm on this novel yet I am interested in the way he writes MR compared to the Latino authors I have read. So for that reason alone it's on to the wishlist. Good Review Bonnie.

I intended to participate in the GR for Midnight's Children. I got to about page 60 and decided I could go no further. I've been watching to see what everyone else's reaction was and if I missed out. I'm glad I didn't continue reading. Thanks Bonnie for sharing your view and saving me from the torture.

>72 lauralkeet: Laura, I'm surprised because we usually like the same books. Don't get me wrong, the family saga was a good story. But all the distractions really took away from it for me.

>73 Whisper1: Linda, Glad to oblige.

>74 alcottacre: What can I say Stasia? Maybe it will appeal to you.

>75 L-Anne: Louanne, yeah magical realism, blech!

>76 Carmenere: I hope it works out for you Lynda. I should have known better since I never cared forthe Latino versions of mr.

>77 tjblue: Tammy, Just an old torture stopper here LOL.

Stopping by to say hi.

I'm sorry you didn't end up enjoying Midnight's Children, Bonnie! I think your review was very fair. I am leaning more towards liking it than not, personally, but I still have many "WTF?" moments along the way. I'm not a huge fan of magical realism either, but for me, that is only one of the many confusing aspects of this novel!

I started to read Midnight's Children and just couldn't get into it. I gave up after about 120 pages. Kudos to you for persevering and reading the whole thing. I like your review ... it made me feel better for having given up the book. :-)

I hope your next read is a more enjoyable one.

Andrea- "many "WTF?" moments along the way". You nailed it perfectly!

Hey everybody the Orange Prize longlist was just released and is here.

Some of our favorites are on it including Wolf Hall, The Help, The Long Song and The Little Stranger.

If you think the Kindle, the Nook and all those other e-readers are going to define the future of the book industry take a look at this cool video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Weq_sHxghcg

(Also posted to the kitchen and interesting articles threaqds.)

I love magical realism, but I couldn't stand Midnight's Children, for all the other reasons that you stated! Glad to hear I wasn't the only one...

Great video! And a laugh-inducing review on Midnight's Children. There were times in Disney World when I had that same feeling of walking through molasses. :-) M.C. was one of my Top Ten Books in 2002! I used the words "complex" and "challenging" in my book journal.

Well I just returned from my little local library and guess what was just sitting on the shelf calling my name? A book that has not yet been published in this country? A book that isn't even listed as an option when you type in the name in the county system so that you can request it? The new Stieg Larsson book The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest!! So now I have it and it's pushing other, possibly more worthy reads aside. At over 600 pages this will take me awhile but as I look at it I may even be able to renew it although not online since it doesn't exist as far as the library is concerned!

Could I possibly be entering a lucky streak in my life? That would be sweet and unexpected.

Quick! Go buy a lottery ticket! That is one bizarre happening. I wonder where the book came from? The Twilight Zone?

#89---if it wasn't in the catalog, how did they check it out?

Great find, Bonnie!

No kidding! That's awesome!!

Wow - how was it cataloged?

Thank you so much for making me feel better about myself after my fail at reading Midnight's Children! I wasn't keeping up on the GR thread very well because I wasn't keeping up with MC so I was starting to think it was just me. I began to hate picking it up so I stopped. What a great, funny review you managed to write though - almost made the read worth it! :)

>90 Donna828: Hmm Donna, lottery tickets...maybe I'll try that tomorrow:) As far as where it came from, I'm guessing the librarian there must have ordered it from Amazon UK (or some other European outlet) as I see they got it in November.

>91 tututhefirst: and 94 It got checked out as a "generic book" with no title. I started it this morning and I don't think I'll have to renew it. Non-stop adrenalin rush picks up right where the last one (The Girl Who Played With Fire) ended.

>93 drneutron: Hi Doc. Thanks for visiting.

watch for the pot of gold at the end of your lucky rainbow!!!

I hope you continue to enjoy the book.

lucky library day, wow, never heard of such a thing! glad to hear the 3rd book is starting out as well as the 1st 2!

A fair review of Midnight's Children considering you did not enjoy it too much. I loved it when I read it a good 15 or so years ago. I read Freedom at Midnight at the same time and that may have helped. I love a dose of magical realism in my fiction.
I still haven't read another Rushdie, apart from his children's Haroun and the Sea of Stories though I keep meaning to.

Freedom at Midnight is one of my all-time favorite books! It is incredible!

Your review of American Salvage made me even more eager to find it quickly! :)

I read Freedom at Midnight years and years ago, and still remember it being one of the most impressive books I've read. I think I was pregant with my 30 year old son and read it while we were living in Japan....it was incredible....I think I must dig it out and put in on the re-read shelf. Thanks for jogging the memory.

Hi Bonnie- I'm glad to hear you are enjoying Hornets Nest. I'm still behind but plan to start The Girl Who Played With Fire sometime in the next few weeks!

>96 Whisper1: and 97 Yes luck; I will ride this as long as I can :)

>98 avatiakh:, 99 and 101 - Thank you for the recommendation for Freedom at Midnight. It is now on my pile.

>102 msf59: Hi Mark, You need to get that up near the top of your pile but who has time for all the wonderful books out there. Great problem to have :)

Thanks for clearing up the mystery about Hornet's Nest. Happy reading!
I'm going to the library today and hope to find a hidden treasure.

Hope you're enjoying your non-existent book, Bonnie. I recommend a nice non-existent glass of wine as you read this evening.

13.



Dead Cold (Book 2 in the Three Pines Series) by Louise Penny

From my review:

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is on the case again in Book 2 of the Three Pines mystery series by Louise Penny. For a small town in rural Quebec, there are an awful lot of murders. And once again Gamache brings his quiet, thoughtful, cerebral detective skills to the forefront in helping to solve the crime in this police procedural. And also once again the residents provide all the charm needed to make you wish you lived in their midst.

Read more here.

I am very excited because I just ordered A Brutal Telling from B&N for $3.99. Yes, it's 5th in the series but I intend to start it only after I've obtained all the others in the series. Everybody on LT describes them as so charming and I look forward to meeting this Gamache guy.

Good review, Bonnie.

>107 Carmenere:: We are reading twins, Lynda. I placed my order last night for my upcoming group reads: The Plague and Norwegian Wood; of course, I had to check out the bargain books in order to spend $25 to get free shipping. I also got A Brutal Telling w/o having read the four previous ones in the series! And then I had to get a Disney storybook for the same low price. Love it when I can get some $3.99 hardcovers.

Bonnie, I didn't hit the jackpot at the library today, but I did reserve Stitches to expand my reading horizons.

Gave you a thumbs up on the great review of Dead Cold. I love the characters in the series as well....Gabri, Myrna, and Ruth who seems sarcastic and hilarious at the same time. Yes, I totally agree about living there! I still have to get to Book 3.

By the way, LT touchstones do not like the Three Pines series. It's like Forrest Gump....ya never know what you're gonna get when you hit a link.

>108 Donna828: Donna, I'm afraid I'm going to have to skip the GR of The Plague (although I already have the book) unless Darryl puts it off until a little later since I have this huge read going on right now and very little time to devote to it. I think you'll like Stitches.

Also don't read the Three Pines series out of order if you can help it. They kind of build on each other. There's a real cliffhanger at the end of Book 2.

>109 L-Anne: Thank you Louanne for the thumb. I know what you mean about the touchstones and watch out if you have to edit because then you lose it altogether :(

Thanks to what I've read on LT I for sure know not to skip around in the Three Pines Series. I'm going to look for them at next month's library sale so I can read them in fairly close proximity -- in the proper order, of course.

I've never read any Camus so I'm hoping I won't appear to be too dense in The Plague G.R. I've kept pretty mum on my Faulkner forays, too. I don't mind sitting in the back of the class listening to the smart kids talk!

Don't you get a spring break, Bonnie? Or have you already had it?

Whoopeee... I'm home and therefore all set to get back to my Three Pines friends. I started somewhere in the middle and so I think instead of reading them in order, I might as well just select the rest of my Three Pine reads at random.

>111 Donna828: Spring break? Yes Donna the week of April 19. Maybe if you're not too far along The Plague I'll get it in. I wish I had a day off sometime this week or next to knock off a big chunk of this book.

>112 cameling: Welcome home Caroline. I'm stretching these books out so I can savor them.

I loved your review, Bonnie. I'm up to The Brutal Telling. When are we all going to meet up in Three Pines? There are a lot of fans around LT.

One of the problems with the Three Pines touchstones is that for some reason, the publisher insists on putting out the books with different titles for the Canadian and US versions. Louise Penny has had quite a discussion on her blog (http://louisepenny.blogspot.com) and is aware that this is causing quite a bit of confusion. She has asked her publishers to try not doing that anymore. It remains to be seen.....

I think she now has such a following that they probably won't have to do that anymore. Most of us who love her books will read anything she writes, irregardless of the title.!

>114 Copperskye: Joanne, thank you. Can't you just picture yourself in that setting? I can and yes all our other LT friends who love this series will be here too. Great :-)

>115 tututhefirst: Thanks for the link, Tina. Very interesting.

That link is great! Thanks.

>108 Donna828: Donna, I was purchasing YA books by Kate Klise for my son, she'll be signing books at his school, which gave me a good reason to reach $25 too. Is that Twilight Zone music I hear?

>128 Whisper1: Is that Twilight Zone music I hear?

Very likely.

LOL, Especially since message 119 is referring to message 128.

Oh you noticed that eh ;-)

congratulations on yet one more hot review for you!

Thank you Linda.

14.



The Spare Room by Helen Garner

From my review:

How fitting that Helen Garner chose the title, The Spare Room, for her first novel in fifteen years as it is full of spare, haunting, beautiful prose. The title also refers to the spare room in Helen’s house where her good friend, Nicola, who is suffering from terminal cancer, stays for three weeks while she obtains an alternative medical treatment. I can only assume Garner went through this herself and this is an autobiographical novel, because the story is searing and could only be told by someone with first-hand experience. Helen is a 60ish Australian woman who just so happens to be a writer.

Read more here.

Sounds like a soulful and sad read. Good review, Bonnie.

Hi, Bonnie! *waves*

Great reviews, especially of the Three Pines novel (by whichever name you call it -- I had a copy with the American title, A Fatal Grace.

It took a while, but I added American Salvage to my list based on your review. (Thumbs up for that one, too!)

Another one that looks so good, Bonnie. I love the cover with the drooping tulip on the left. It's getting tough to keep up with you.

another hot review for you...
thumbs up from me for your excellent review...

Nice review of The Spare Room, Bonnie. I've had my eye on that one so I'm happy to read another glowing review.

> 125 soulful and sad Yes Caroline, well said.

>126 tymfos: Hi Terri, Oh so my copy has the Canadian title? Why do they do that? Makes no sense to me.

Those stories from American Salvage are staying with me so I think that one will end up on my Top 10 for this year.

>127 Donna828: You're right Donna, it's very good.

>128 Whisper1: Thanks Linda.

>129 Copperskye: Joanne, I think you'd like it.

Wonderful review of The Spare Room. I liked that book a lot too (not surprising).

#124: I already have that one in the BlackHole, thanks to Terri. I hope I can locate a copy soon. Great review, Bonnie!

>132 teelgee: Of course you did Terri LOL.

>133 alcottacre: I think you'll enjoy it Stasia.

I'd read Spare Room also (it had been an Early reviewer book for me) and thought it was a wonderful story. Love your review, by the way!

You and I have been leap frogging all day for #1 and #2 Hot Review!

>135 SqueakyChu: Thanks Madeline; wonderful story, yes, exactly.

>136 teelgee: Really? I guess I missed that Terri but I see I'm off today and you're still at #2. You go girl!

Nice review of The Spare Room, Bonnie; I also enjoyed it.

Thank you Darryl. Everyone seems to enjoy it. I'd never heard of Helen Garner before but I will be looking for more of her books.

Bonnie, didn't you think The Spare Room had a striking cover? I loved it. I kept looking at it over and over while reading that book.

>140 SqueakyChu: I did Madeline, and I'm not usually one to pay a lot of attention to the cover but it was nicely done.

I don't know the story, but it looks like a room I'd love to take an afternoon nap in.

I wouldn't mind having Helen as a friend either!

>142 madhatter22: Definitely; especially as Helen describes the room in the early stages of the novel as she puts on crisply ironed pillowcases and the breeze is coming through the window. Perfect for a nice nap!

>143 SqueakyChu: That's what I liked about Helen, Madeline. She was just so normal in how she dealt with her granddaughter and how painful it was to watch her try to not feel guilty about her feelings for Nicola, and the way in which those feelings changed as the story ensued and she finally realized that what was being asked of her was just way too much.

I think that's what I liked most about the story. It wasn't really about illness, or even terminal illness. We're all going to die some day. It's about "human-ness". The more I think about that novel, the more I like it.

Just read your review of Henrietta Lacks, prompted by discussion on teelgee's thread. Not sure how I missed it before. And then I saw kidzdoc also loved it. Must find this book !!!

>146 lauralkeet: Yes Laura do. I got lucky and read it just before the hype took off and was able to get it from the library without any wait at all. I know you'll enjoy it.

15.



The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest by Stieg Larsson

From my review:

At this point in time, I have finished the Millenium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson and, since he died in 2004, there will be no more for me to read. That is truly unfortunate since this was a crime fiction series extraordinaire. As a matter of fact, I would never go out of my way to read crime fiction, but when everyone was raving about The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I climbed on the bandwagon and never got off until I finished Volume three, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest. What a ride it has been!

Read more here.

I think this is where you and I part ways - oh not permanently! - I just can't do crime fiction. Too much violence for me.

#148: Great review, Bonnie. I am planning on re-reading the first two over the summer before I read number 3. It is unfortunate that there will be no more books from Larsson.

>149 teelgee: I know Terri, I know. Why am I reading these books? But I love them. Unbelievable. We'll get back on track with my next read:)

>150 alcottacre: Stasia you're going to love it:=)

#151: I am glad to hear it!

I hope you don't think I was dissing you! Not at all. It's just not my cuppa. I'm glad you enjoyed them!

>153 teelgee: No, no, no; not at all.

> 148 I have been delaying starting this series, knowing that it ended before the author intended. I wanted to see what people are saying after reading the third book. Are there too many loose ends? I don't know if I would like to start a series that seemed like it ended in the middle.

Gah! It's out and I missed the news? Off to the bookstore I go...

>155 profilerSR: There are no loose ends. He wrapped everything up.

>156 drneutron: Uh Unless you're going to a bookstore in Europe Doc, you'll have to wait. See post 89 above.

#156: Jim, I ordered mine from The Book Depository (www.bookdepository.com) last year, so you might try there if you are in a hurry for it and do not want to wait for its arrival here in the States.

Oh boy, finally caught up with you, Bonnie, and you have some wonderful reviews here. Must get that Three Pines series or lose my Canadian citizenship. Loved the molasses analogy for Rushdie! And you've reminded me to hunt down American Salvage...yours is about the third solid endorsement I've seen for it.

Bonnie- Terrific review! I plan on getting to Girl Who Played With Fire in the next couple of weeks. I hope this will get you to take more chances with crime fiction. Maybe, Henning Mankell?

Nice review (again!!) Bonnie. I still have the first book in the series waiting for me on the shelf - I am so far behind!

>159 tiffin: Thank you tiffin. Ah Canadian, eh? We've got lots of Canadian relatives in Toronto and Hamilton. I have a love affair going on with Canadian authors but I keep forgetting that Penny is Canadian too. I've loved Robertson Davies, Michael Ondaatje, Wayne Johnston and I'm looking forward to Alice Munro and Lawrence Hill.

Anywho, yes do try American Salvage; those stories have really stayed with me so I think this one is going to end up on my Top 10 for 2010.

>160 msf59: I hope this will get you to take more chances with crime fiction. Maybe, Henning Mankell?

Hmmm a distinct possibility Mark.

>161 Copperskye: Thanks Joanne. Take it off the shelf :)

I am delighted that you have read Wayne Johnston...he was our guest writer at the uni, so I got to meet him when we wined & dined him. Signed books, huzzah!

I've ordered American Salvage from the BookDepository.

Simply stopping by to catch up on your very popular thread.

All these great books and wonderful reviews make it such a pleasure to visit here..

I would love to meet Johnston (wouldn't mind wining and dining him either;-)

Have you read The Colony of Unrequited Dreams? Sheilagh Fielding has got to be one of the most fascinating women in literature!

yes, I have! Here's a Wayne Johnston story for you:
He was giving his first reading in St. John's and was filled with trepidation about it because he knew his mother would be there. He wasn't even sure if she had read his book but he was her son, so she would show up. It went as book readings go, with Wayne reading excerpts, and then it opened up to questions from the audience.

Well, didn't (and here I'm not sure of the first name but I think it's Patrick) one of his old neighbours, Patrick Donovan, stand up and say, "I know who that Fielding woman is, it's her", and turns to point at his mother, who stood up herself and snapped at him, "Oh you sit down and shut up, Patrick Donovan. You don't know a damn thing and you never did!"

Wayne said he thought a donnybrook might break out with everyone opining about whether Fielding was his mother or not. Isn't that super?

Oh hahaha, excellent. But wait that is exactly like something that Fielding would say. Wonderful story. I'd love to hear him.

Ooo, that sounds like a good one. I may have to search for it.

>165 Whisper1: Hey there Linda. Thanks for stopping by.

>169 teelgee: Ok Terri do that because Colony of Unrequited Dreams was one of my Top 10 reads last year. Loved it and also enjoyed the follow up book Custodian of Paradise (although not quite up to the same level but still good.

Baltimore's Mansion was excellent.

>170 brenzi: OK. Our library has it, yea. Oh, it's quite a chunkster. Will probably have to wait till fall or winter. I'm fascinated with Newfoundland for some reason.

I've been meaning to start the first Larsson book but I've been afraid it will be too intense for me, a 'cozy' mystery lover...I just have to sit down and TRY it one of these days (soon).

>171 tiffin: I'm glad to hear that. I'll add it right now.

>172 teelgee: It's funny Terri, I knew next to nothing about New Foundland but this was a fascinating read; couldn't put it down.

>173 BookAngel_a: Angela I must say, there's nothing cozy about this trilogy. It is, however, compulsively readable.

That's such a great Wayne Johnston story. I loved, loved, loved The Colony of Unrequited Dreams but haven't read the second one yet.

>175 cushlareads: Wayne Johnston fan club forming here.

I'm now going to check into the Wayne Johnston books. I recently told my partner how very glad I am to have found LT. My knowledge base has increased and I'm learning about new authors, new books...PLUS I love the very healthy social network we have all developed!

following up on my previous message. Is there one of his books that you recommend I should read first?

#178 The Colony of Unrequited Dreams is the only one I've read and that was enough for me to add him as a favourite author.

Interested to see what the better-read WJ groupies think!

Linda,

The Colony of Unrequited Dreams is his masterpiece I believe so why not start at the top?

I agree.

Thanks Bonnie and Tiffin.

Bonnie, I'm going to be out of town a lot this month and wanted to be sure to acknowledge that you have a birthday April 8th...

I'm sending early birthday wishes to you!

I'm not generally a mystery reader, but y'all are getting me interested in the Larsson trilogy.

Hi Bonnie! Drive-by hug

Bonnie- I remember when we first started conversing, here on LT, you were raving about The Colony of Unrequited Dreams. I have yet to track it down, maybe I need to try harder?

JUst a quick hello! Catching up with your thread.

>183 madhatter22: **dusts off hands in satisfaction** My work is done here:)

>184 richardderus: Hi there Richard.

>185 msf59: Just great historical fiction, my favorite genre. I think you'd enjoy Joey Smallwood.

Hi, Dear Bonnie:

Feeling well enough this AM to stop by and say hello and remind you that I am taking good care of myself AND I miss being in touch, very much.

Hoping to regain some new red blood cells soon so that I have enough energy to keyboard a little.

Any crocuses peeking through up there in Buffalo? My heart contains warm Spring thoughts and wishes for you, Bonnie. Lots of flowering trees and bushes here and brilliant new green leaves.

I read enough of your posts to take some time to add a couple to my wishlist and hope to track them down through the library.

Enjoy your friends and groupies. You are a treasure and your reviews really shine, girl.

With love,

Ruthie

Ruth,

It is sooo good to see you here. I hope you are regaining your strength and long for the day when you are able to post regularly. Everyone misses you!

It's 70 here today and the next couple of days are in the 70's so the crocuses are in full bloom.

Take care,

Bonnie

Hey, Sis! Somehow when I kept getting behind in late February/early March, I failed to star your new thread and just now realized it. I would have bet my life that I have been talking to you all this time! (Maybe through that special esp that sisters have?)

I already have the book about Henrietta Laks on my wish list, but added Colony of Unrequited Dreams--though I can't figure out why it isn't already on my wish list if it was on your Top Ten list for 2009? I'm going to have to go check out my Best of your Best list to see if it's on there. Take care, Bonnie.

P.S. I noticed you've got a new sister (your "twin" Donna) but I'm not going to be jealous since she's at the top of practically everyone's list of similar libraries.

We passed crocuses weeks ago and are now coming into rhodies, lilacs and wisteria. So so early for some of these.

>190 bonniebooks: Hey there sisterbelle! Good to "see" you; very easy to get lost amid the plethora of threads. Every day someone comments on my thread and I realize I've never followed theirs so I have to hunt it down until I've got so many threads starred that it's actually a full time job. Whew!

Very true about Donna. She's been at the top of mine since the beginning of time:)

>191 teelgee: Ok now Terri that's just cruel.

191: teelgee:

Ooh, lilacs! Here in the north we will be waiting quite a while for lilacs, but they're well worth the wait, aren't they?! I can almost smell them now.

Karen O.

Yes, I actually stuffed my nose into one this morning on a walk. One of the best fragrances on the planet.

One of my favorites--because it arrives so early in the year and follows me into the house--is my Daphne. Mmmmm...

I'm just minding my own business, catching up on threads, and, lo and behold, I find out I have a "common" library! Now if you two Bonnie sisters will let me in the fold, I've told you I'm willing to change my name to Bonna.

Btw, Ms. Brenzi, I saw on the TIOLI Challenge that you too are going to receive Secret Daughter as an ER. I'll be glad to read mine under the India challenge if I receive it in time. I'm still waiting for In The Company of Angels from the February ER group.

>196 Donna828: Well you remember way back when we adopted Mark don't you? You're golden, girl. Welcome aboard, Bonnie of a different name.

February ER group? Really? I've always gotten mine within days of getting the notification that I snagged it. Let's hope we both get Secret Daughter in time for the TIOLI Challenge. I'm looking forward to it because it's gotten some great reviews.

Double posting.

16.



In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin

From my review:

Daniyal Muenuddin’s vehicle for familiarizing readers with life in Pakistan from the middle of the last century through modern times, is a mesmerizing collection of interconnected short stories. Eight stories that share themes of loneliness, loss and class differences as well as a connection to K.K. Harouni, civil servant and feudal land owner. Mueenuddin brilliantly weaves together the stories and the resulting mosaic is a compelling look at the lives of modern jet setters and destitute farm workers, women servants and women professionals, people comfortable in their place in the world and others struggling to grasp that elusive brass ring.

Read more here.

Excellent review, Bonnie! Now I know I have to read this one.

>195 bonniebooks: I love daphne too. mmmmmmmm. Comes on after the delicious witch hazel. January to September, we have lovely fragrance around here!

I have a cousin named Bonnie and a sister in law named Bonnie, so I'd rather not change my name, but could you adopt me anyway??

Great review, Bonnie! I still hope to read this later this month, for the TIOLI challenge.

#199: I already had that one in the BlackHole from when dcozy recommended it earlier this year, but if I did not, your review would have made me add it. Nice work as usual, Bonnie!

>200 teelgee: Consider your self adopted in spite of the fact that you're related to a lot of other Bonnies :-)

>201 kidzdoc: and 202 Thank you and do try to get to it.

Unfortunately, it is not available at the local library, so it will probably be a while before I get my hands on a copy.

Hey, Bonnie! I gave In Other Rooms, Other Wonders as a gift to someone else for Christmas, but didn't get a chance to peek at even the first few pages, so won't read your whole review until after, but the first little bit was tantalizing! :-) Your description reminds me of Interpreter of Maladies (one of my favorite short story collections) in that most of Lahiri's stories were about Indian-Americans, immigrants from India, or Indians visiting the U.S., but the stories/characters didn't feel redundant at all.

Bonnie- Excellent review! It sounds like something I would really like and on the wishlist it goes! I too, am a big fan of Lahiri!

>205 bonniebooks: Hey Bonnie,

Didn't we talk about this at Christmas time? Reading the book before we gave it away as a gift? It seems we did. So get it back from whoever you gave it to and read it. Is that possible?

And yes, similar to Lahiri although I've only read Interpreter and not the more recent Unaccustomed Earth (although it is staring at me from my bookshelf)

>206 msf59: Hi Mark,

Thanks and yes, I think you'll like it.

Lol! Nah-huh. Don't want to start that conversation again with Bonnie Prince Mark hanging around. ;-) Unfortunately, it was one of the books I gave to my son's girlfriend, so it's in NYC, but maybe when I go visit, I can read it while I'm there. :-)

There you go:)

Nice review, Bonnie ....thumbed you. Sounds like something I'd really like to read, so off to the wish list it goes.

Just catching up on your thread finally. I have The Spare Room sitting on my shelves and hope to read it this year.

Happy Birthday! Have a great and special day!!

Happy Birthday Bonnie!!!!

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Bonnie, happy birthday tooooo youuuuuuuu

Happy, Happy Day to you!

Enjoy joining us old folk now that you're 40 at last, Bonnie!

Happy Birthday to You , Bonnie! (sung in dulcet tones--definitely not mine)

I hope you have a wonderful birthday, Bonnie!

Happy Birthday, Bonnie!

Happy birthday Bonnie - have a fantastic day with lots of books and cake!

Happy Birthday, Sis! I just had to try a slice of this cake to make sure it was good enough for you! ;-)

Happy Birthday Bonnie! It's been an absolute pleasure making your acquaintance!

Wow! Look at all that cake...I'll be right over...I wish. Also wishing you a wonderful birthday. Let us know how many books you get!

Thank you, thank you and thank you:
Sher
Lynda
Linda
Richard
Terri
Stasia
Darryl
Cushla
Bonnie
Mark and
Donna

Extra thanks to my sis for testing out the cake. You never can tell.

It was a great day. I had kindergartners singing to me and cake and balloons at school and a nice cocktail waiting for me when I got home (thanks to my hubby) and a dinner that he made. I've gotten a couple of gift cards for books and of course last night I treated myself to about a dozen books from the Book Closeout sale thanks to Linda (I guess). All in all a great day and on the weekend I'll get together with my family. Life is good:)

Happy birthday!

I picked a good day to catch up on your thread! A very happy birthday to you :)

It sounds like you had a lovely day and there's still more to come!

Happy Birthday Bonnie!!

I cannot wait to see what birthday books you picked up!

Happy belated bday! Sounds like you had a great day. :)

Thank you Jim, Andrea,Joanne and Shauna. Yeah I think this birthday got a little out of hand and it's not even one of the BIG ones haha.

>228 alcottacre: All I know is I have to make room for these new acquisitions Stasia :)

How long does it usually take for Bookcloseouts to arrive, does anyone know?
It said 1-4 weeks which is a pretty broad estimate.

#230: In my experience with them, closer to 4, especially if they are having a big sale like the current one.

Happy birthday -- hope you had a great day!

Thanks so much Anne:)

puff, puff, puff -- arriving late to the party with cake and b-day wishes...

>234 Chatterbox: Wow! More cake! I'm glad you could make it Suzanne.

I posted this on the Kitchen this morning but I'll post it here again:

I don't know where else to post this so I'm posting it here. I heard from Ruth (womansheart) yesterday and apparently she was back in the hospital with dehydration and anemia of some sort. She should be home by tomorrow but she wanted everyone to know where she's been and why she hasn't been online.

Hi Bonnie- Thanks for the update on Ruth!! Glad you are enjoying The Plague, so am I ! Have a good weekend!

Thanks for the news re. Ruth.

Yes, thank you and let Ruth know we are thinking about her.

Been out of the loop for a spell.... sorry I missed your birthday. Sounds like it was a great one if you say it got out of hand!

Dear Bonnie and all LT friends:

Wow. Thanks for letting people know about my recent re-hospitalization. I was released Friday afternoon, after some excellent treatment, lots of fluids, minerals, anti-biotics, and two units of blood to help replenish the red blood cells. I hope things are uphill from here and I'm very glad to be feeling better. I even took a short walk today with Robert (DH) and our dog Arthur. Yeah. Physical therapy at home will start soon. Anemia and dehydration are a wipe-you-out combination, so I feel as though I am being re-set to start over with my recovery.

Bonnie, sorry I missed your special Day, but, it sounds as though it was a great celebration for remembering the day you were born! Happy, happy belated B'Day to you.

I have just started reading The Colony of Unrequited Dreams which I read about on one of your threads and read the other comments, too. I think it will be one of my favorites, too, although I am not very far along in the book.

Are you seeing signs of spring yet? Tallahassee is beautiful in the Springtime with all the trees and shrubs that bloom here annually. Huge bursts of color everywhere and lots of new green leaves.

Special love to you, Bonnie, and Lots of love to all of you reading enthusiasts here on LT.

Ruth/womansheart

Hi Joanne and Caroline,
Thanks for the well wishes. Party time is over and now back to the real world.

Welcome back Ruth!
So good to see you back and finally on the mend. I hope you enjoy Colony of Unrequited Dreams. I'll be interested in what you think of Sheilagh Fielding.

Yes everything is starting to bloom, although probably significantly behind Tallahassee. But it's just good to be out in the sun.

Ruthie... you're back! Yaaay..... glad to see you're feeling better and enjoying Spring in Tallahassee. We're all rooting for you to be fully back on your feet

>230 brenzi:: Bookcloseouts?? Off to Google ...

17.



The Plague by Albert Camus

NO SPOILERS HERE

I read this for the group read but could not put it down so I finished way before I was supposed to. I'm not going to review it since others in the group are not yet finished and I want to still take part in the conversation but I will say that it was a book about a small town in northern Africa, struck with the plague in around 1947. The story is about how the residents cope with the plague, but it's loaded with symbolism for good and evil, conscience and happiness and challenges the reader to consider their own moral philosophy. All this is wrapped around a cracker jack of a story (to paraphrase Darryl) and beautiful prose. I suggest you read it.

And I'll second Bonnie's suggestion to read The Plague. I'm a new Camus fan after reading this book. I had no idea he was so readable!

Also happy to hear from and about Ruth. I discovered a message on my cell phone from her so will be talking to her later today. I'm learning that keeping my cell phone in the car (or at the bottom of my purse) is not the way to keep up with people.

That's my problem Donna. Once I get home, it's as if my cell phone doesn't exist because it's at the bottom of my purse so I don't hear it ring and then the next day, if it even occurs to me to check my phone, I'll see people tried to get a hold of me. Duh!!

Bonnie & Donna- I'm also loving The Plague. I'm nearly finished with Part 4 and will be done with the book later in the week. I've been reading it since the 1st but very slowly. It was very hard to do!

it's as if my cell phone doesn't exist because it's at the bottom of my purse so I don't hear it ring and then the next day, if it even occurs to me to check my phone . . .

Sounds like you manage your cell phone the way I do!

Belated happy birthday, Bonnie.

Ruth, so glad you received good care and are on the mend!

I've been so biased against The Plague and reading Camus; I'm still not convinced it's the book for me, but my interest has been piqued by the fact that all three of you are loving it.

>249 bonniebooks: Biased?? How come?

Just added The Plague to my short list. Thanks for the recommendation.

Karen O.

Happy to oblige Karen :)

Echoing the query re being biased?

This is Camus's most accessible novel; the other one is The Stranger. After that, the going is a bit heavier, but still v. worthwhile.

I read an excellent book about Camus last year, Camus, a Romance by Elizabeth Hawes, about the books, the author, and one (literary-oriented) reader's relationship with both. Very, very good -- a 5-star book for me.

I always had this idea that I'd find Camus dull & dusty & heavy, and then I read The Stranger last year and loved it. Glad to hear so many of you found The Plague similarly engaging. I know I have a copy in one of these piles somewhere ...

Hello Bonnie. A fast stop-in, with a box of triple chocolate cookies and some champagne, to request that you consider the possibility of perhaps beginning the consideration of starting a new thread.

Hi, Sweetie (keyboarded with great affection)

Your non-review of The Plague showed me a way to get started on reading something by Camus, whom I have avoided for decades. Don't know how soon I will get to it, but, its on the radar and in my library now.

I am currently enjoying reading The Colony of Unrequited Dreams, which I also found out about here on your thread.

> 255 - Hello Dear Richard ... I'm in alignment with you and hoping for a new thread from Miz Renzi. I'll be in touch soon.

>255 richardderus: Oh Richard, thank you so much for the goodies.

>256 womansheart: Ruth, You must be feeling a little better at least. So good to "see" you.

As requested, new thread.