Mark's Reading Place: To Infinty and Beyond...Take 5

Here we go my friends! The "book geek" is in heaven!

Books read so far...

1) The White Rhino Hotel by Bartle Bull ****1/2
2) A Good Fall: Stories by Ha Jin ****
3) Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith ****1/2
4) A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore ***
5) Tear Down This Myth by Will Bunch ****1/2
6) Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Hurston ****1/2 (audio)
7) Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter ***1/2
8) World Without End by Ken Follett ****
9) The Dogs of Riga by Henning Mankell ****
10) Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson ****1/2 (audio)
11) Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro ****1/2
12) Open Season by C.J. Box ****
13) The Audacity to Win by David Plouffe ****1/2 (audio)
14) Spooner by Pete Dexter ****
15) Too Much Happiness by Alice Munro ****1/2
16) Small Island by Andrea Levy *****
17) The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley **** (audio)
18) Don't Look Back by Karin Fossum ****
19) Night Train by Martin Amis ****
20) Sleepless by Charlie Huston ****1/2 (audio)
21) Stitches by David Small **** (graphic)
22) Shanghai Girls by Lisa See **** (audio)
23) Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie ***
24) When Will There Be Good News by Kate Atkinson ****1/2
25) Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving ****
26) The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein ***1/2 (audio)
27) The Magdalen Martyrs by Ken Bruen ****1/2
28) The Help by Kathryn Stockett ****1/2 (audio)
29) Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton ****1/2
30) Fade Away by Harlan Coben **** (audio)
31) The Plague by Albert Camus ****1/2
32) Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins ****
33) Horns by Joe Hill ***1/2 (audio)
34) Walking to Gatlinburg by Howard Frank Mosher *****
35) The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick ***** (graphic)
36) Eye of the Red Tsar by Sam Eastland ***1/2
37) Tinkers by Paul Harding ****
38) Maus I: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman ****1/2 (graphic)
39) Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman ****
40) Chess: A Novella by Stefan Zweig ****1/2
41) The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova ***1/2 (audio)
42) The Wrong Kind of Blood by Declan Hughes ****
43) The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery **** (audio)
44) Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami **** (Group Read)
45) The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot ***** (audio)
46) Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow ****1/2
47) The Privileges by Jonathan Dee ***1/2
48) The Big Short by Michael Lewis ****1/2 (audio)

To infinity and beyond indeed!

Mark

What a great year of reading thus far. So many books on your list that you gave 4.5 star rating.

I'm looking forward to your next wonderful reads.

just stopping by to say Hi! Will put Walking to Gatlinburg on my wish list. I really liked Cold Mountain and 13 Moons. I started just The Remains of the Day so I think I might give Never Let Me go a try.

Stopping by to say that I too loved Manhunt and just last week there was a show on PBS that was about the hunt for Booth. Fabulous!

I just acquired the audio of The Historian as well. Mine is an abridged version that has 11 Cd's. I thought this was not enough considering that the novel is over 700 pages in length. I investigated and found that the CD version I had was an abridged edition. However, the reviews I found stated that this abridged edition was even better than the original novel. This suggests to me that the original novel could have had better editing and been a better novel for it. I have not started listening to my abridged version of the Historian, but I am looking forward to doing so as this book has been recommended by several of my reader friends.

Welcome! Looks like a great list for the year so far.

#6: As far as I can remember The Historian was a good novel, but as you pointed it could have been edited a bit different at times. At times it moved forward a bit slowly, but it was very exciting towards the end. A few years since I read it, but I would recommend it to others. I hope you like it:)

OMG- I misspelled Infinity in my Topic Heading! See what happens when I try typing at 5:30 in the morning. Embarrassing!

Stasia & Linda- Thanks! And yes, it's been a terrific reading year so far and it looks like it will continue unabated or at least I hope so!

Tammy- I have not tried Thirteen Moons yet. People on LT seem to like it though! I loved Never Let Me Go.

Bonnie- I heard there was going to be a mini-series on HBO, based on Manhunt. In the right hands, that could be pretty darn good!

Benita & Apolline- My audio of The Historian is like 26 hours long. I'm only a few hours in but I'm enjoying it. Is this common with releasing abridged versions on audiobook?

Hi Doc! And thank you, sir!

Never Let Me Go gave me the heebie jeebies.

Mark, I thought I had discussion thread for Norwegian Wood starred, but can't find it. I do have the "general discussion" thread starred. Will you add a link there? Or if the link is already there and I'm just blind, make it bigger? Thanks!

And, Mark, though maybe you won't want to read it so soon after Walking to Gaitlinburg, I think Thirteen Moons would be an excellent book to listen to while you're walking along. You'll see (hear?) why when you start it! :-)

Wonderful year so far Mark - though in my 'reading an actual book rather than just the LT threads' mission I'm starting to feel like the kid who goes away to boarding school only to come home for the holidays and find her family's moved house... I'll try and keep up this time, promise!

#9: I'm glad you like it so far, you're in for a treat as the plot thickens:) I'm not really familiar with the audio version, so I'm sorry to say I can't answer your question.

Hey Mark, you are doing some heavenly reading here. Don't worry about your misspelled heading. Just shows that you're human like the rest of us. Haven't you noticed all the misspelled words in recent novels?

26 hours of The Historian would be about 25 hours too long for me. Do you get the feeling I didn't care for it?

>14 Donna828: Well, Donna just answered the question of whether I should read The Historian which has been languishing on my shelves for a long time, passed on to me by a friend. I'll put it on my pile to head for the library sale donations. It never sounded like anything I'd like and Donna and I usually jive. Finally, something that can leave my house.

Aww Who cares if you misspell??? I don't!

The Historian??? I blench....I thought the first half/third of the book was good...then a major Suck Fest afterwards..I t was as if Ms Kostova was writing as she was plotting the story in her head..without an editor present..and the ending was so much Mush..Oh, yes..the book I detest! Sorry, my friend....the audio would kill me...or lead me to kill others. Overhyped book, indeed..If you want Vampires..Go to Anne Rice....or Bram Stoker...leave Ms Kostova in a small room with her own thoughts...
.........although..her new one The Swan Thieves..I haven't met...yet....

:-}

What? Mark is normal? And makes mistakes? Join the club! I'm always editing my posts for glaring mistakes that I can't seem to notice until they've been posted. I hate that our thread headings can't be fixed. And, btw, I would have never noticed it if you hadn't brought it to my attention, so next time keep mum!

I hadn't noticed that misspelling eihter.

First of all, you guys are the greatest! You make my day, every day! I can misspell and no one cares! Although, it bugs me that I can't correct it, so hurry up and keep posting!

Ellie- Always enjoy your visits! Did you crack the G.R. today?

Apolline & Donna- A friend from work, someone I share books with, lent me The Historian a couple months ago. I was hesitant because I knew it got mixed reviews here on LT, plus it's of monster length but then I was able to grab it on audio and figured that was a good way to knock it out!
So far it's actually pretty good but if my friend Jude had told me she had detested it beforehand, I would have stabbed it with a stake and fled like hell!

Bonnie- "What? Mark is normal?" Man, I ask myself that all the time!

Darryl- Good one, sir!

If I spent my time correcting my spelling mistakes in my posts, I would never make it through all the threads :) People will just have to put up with my errors, lol.

The results are in: The Once and Future King will be the Group Read for July. It'll probably start on the 1st and take the whole month. Should be a good summer read! In case I become absent-minded, maybe someone here can remind me, as we get closer!

Speaking of Group Reads, I mentioned this in my last thread but did not get a response, would anyone be up for doing Blindness in September? Or should we just read it on our own?

I started Neverwhere! My very first Neil Gaiman. Please do not mention this to Richard, he could get very upset. BTW, the novel begins quite well.

#21: I read Neverwhere last year - it was also my first Gaiman, and I liked it. I promise not to tell Richard.

Blindness in September sounds good to me. I had planned to read it over the summer, but I can wait.

>21 msf59: & 22: I enjoyed Neverwhere also. In some ways, it was my introduction to Gaiman. I had read Good Omens previously, but attributed it pretty much to Pratchett, whose humor I knew and (some of it) liked.

would anyone be up for doing Blindness in September I'll pass. I read it last year and, while I loved it, it's too soon for a re-read. The read of the T. H. White sort of draws me...I haven't read that book since high school. I'm generally trying to steer clear of group reads in order to knock down my TBR pile, but we'll see.

What Linda said.. you are on fire.. so to speak..

36) Eye of the Red Tsar by Sam Eastland ***1/2

His name was Pekkala but was known as The Emerald Eye. Hand-picked by the Tsar himself, as a personal investigator. A protector and devoted keeper of secrets. In 1917, when the Romanovs were executed, Pekkala was gathered up, along with the other loyalists and cast into prison. Ten years later, the Soviet leadership have released him and want him to investigate the Tsar’s murder and to look into the dangerous possibility that a Romanov may have survived. On the jacket, there are comparisons to “Child 44” and “City of Thieves”. This novel does not possess the tension and craftsmanship of those superior novels but is a good solid thriller, in it’s own right. This is also the first in a projected series.

Stasia- Have you tried anymore Gaiman? And thanks for not saying anything to RD! Could get ugly!

Tad- Thanks for stopping in! I just ordered a used copy of Good Omens. I have American Gods waiting in the stacks and I just reserved the first book in the Sandman series. I also read the T.H. White book in H.S. but been waiting forever for a re-read and since it's all-ready part of my tbr, it ends up working both ways. Glad to hear you liked Blindness! (why doesn't the touchstones work for this title?)

Kath- Morning, my friend! Thanks and I hope to stay on fire for the rest of the year!

#25: I am going to be reading that one this month. I am looking forward to it.

#26: I actually have two of Gaiman's coming up this month, Mark: Odd and the Frost Giants and Coraline, Richard be darned, but other than Good Omens, his collaboration with Pratchett, I have not read any of his other books.

Hi Mark

I also discovered Neil Gaiman this year (after being nudged by flissp) but Neverwhere is one I haven't got to yet. American Gods is lined up for some time this month.

I'd like to read Blindness and I've checked that my library has a copy so I'd join in with the group read if it goes ahead (for some reason the touchstone comes up blank until I click on 'others').

And I didn't notice the error in the title until everyone pointed it out!

Stasia- Yes, I received Eye of the Red Tsar as an Early Reviewer, that's why I wanted to knock it out! I saw the film Coraline and it was very good.

Heather- Nice to see you! Yes, I'm enjoying Neverwhere. I'm glad you are considering joining us for "Blindness", if we end up doing it.

We watched the film The Lovely Bones last night. I loved the book and the movie was pretty good. It's worth seeing and Stanley Tucci as the monster, is terrific!

just breezing through your new starred thread, Mark.

Just stopped to say hello, trying to catch up on threads!

Hi Mark - I had my eye on Eye of the Red Tsar (because of the comparisons you mentioned) but now I'm not so sure. I still have Child 44 to read.

Now if you hadn't mentioned the misspelling a lot of us probably wouldn't have noticed.

Have a good week! Joanne

*waves*

Caroline- Good to see you! Be safe!
Hi Terri!!
Joanne- Eye of the Red Tsar is a good book and if you like the Romanov story, this might work. It's just not in the same league as the others I mentioned.

#34: I like the Romanov story (I took one summer when I was a teenager and studied the Soviet revolution - what can I say? I was a weird kid), so I may like that book more than you did, Mark.

Hi, Mark!
I would be interested in a group read of Blindness next September. You have such a terrific variety of titles in your group reads. I like that! :)
--BJ

I'm enjoying Norwegian Wood, thanks for setting up the GR.

Just this year I have read American Gods and Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman (Richard probably already knows) and enjoyed both. I just picked up a copy of Neverwhere at the library sale for a buck and I'm looking forward to reading it this month.

I have The Once and Future King on my shelf, it's been years, so I'm looking forward to reading it again in June.

Stasia- I'll admit I haven't read a lot of Romanov history but I do find it intriguing. Actually I read The Kitchen Boy less than 2 years ago and loved it!

BJ- And I love having you on the Group Reads! You bring much joy and insight to the table. BTW, I loved your thoughts on The Plague. Great stuff! I'm glad I'm seeing some interest on "Blindness" for September. I might need to be reminded, though! Trying to keep these straight!

Laura- Glad you are enjoying Norwegian Wood. I am too! I think I'm going to be a Gaiman fan too! Keep in mind The Once and Future King is for July. That should be a lot of fun!

Typos usually jump right out at me and yours didn't - until you mentioned it, lol...

Just stopping by to say hello.

Angela (amwmsw04)

If anyone is interested in reading a great accounting of the Romanov dynasty I highly recommend The Romanovs: Autocrats of All the Russias by W. Bruce Lincoln. This is a weighty tome but it reads almost like a novel. Prof. Lincoln taught at Northern Illinois University where I earned my degree in history. His books are very highly regarded and readily available in paperback. He died much too young.

Angela- I'm glad you identified yourself. When I first saw the name, I thought what's this person selling? Ha ha! Good to see you!

Michele- Thanks for the rec! It sounds very good!

>38 msf59: Not surprisingly, Mark, I also read The Kitchen Boy a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it.

Phew! Just found your new thread, and you're up to 42 posts already!

Glad you're liking Neil Gaiman, he's a favourite of mine. (Although I have not read Neverwhere, strangely enough.)

I will be a week or so behind in the Norwegian Wood read, The Children's Book is excellent, but it is long. (And I must finish it for bookgroup!)

I'll be starting Child 44 at some stage after that, I've been looking forward to that one quite a bit!

Joanne- Yes, not surprising at all! Have you read any of the follow-up books to The Kitchen Boy? And BTW, I'm nearly finished with Maus I. It's excellent!

Wookie- Good to see you! Norwegian Wood is a pretty quick read, you'll catch right up! I've never read A.S. Byatt. You are in for a treat with Child 44. Terrific thriller!

Glad you liked The Help. I have it on audio, saving it for June!

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you about the abridgement of the audio of Historian, but to answer your question - abridgements of audio versions of books are very common. The reason is the cost. It is very expensive to produce a good audio version of a book. Anything that can be done to cut costs will be done. I would say that most audio books sold are abridged versions. That is true of the 200 page book as well as the 800 page book. I am getting so that I can look at a box of CD's and be fairly accurate in the number of pages in the book. An 800 page book would be in the neighborhood of 25 CD's. The version of The Historian I had was something like 11 CD's. I checked Amazon by using the ISBN number and sure enough buried deep in the reviews was the fact that it was an abridged version. But the review stated that this probably made it a better book than the book.

In general I find that most books published today suffer from poor editing. When a children's book Harry Potter can reach 800 pages there is something wrong with the editing process. When The Historian first came out there was bubbling about its length and the lack of editing, so it didn't surprise me that the CD version might be abridged. The reason there is poor editing is that publishers don't want to pay editors. Editing is expensive. I am looking forward to listening to the abridged version of the Historian I have in hand, because, while I find the story line mildly interesting I really didn't want to devote that much time to reading 800 pages of poorly edited book. I do own a copy of the book, but will probably listen to my abridged version of the audio book, rather than read it.

I have read three Gaiman books: American Gods, Anansi Boys, and Coraline. I find his ideas food for thought. However, in any discussion of Gaiman I find that people rarely mention his early career. He wrote a series of graphic novels - the Sandman series. The success of this series is what allowed him to start writing. I also have to confess that while I have seen these graphic novels I have not read them. I heard about Gaiman about 5 years ago from a 6th grade school teacher. She read Coraline out loud to her class every year and they loved the book. I figured that perhaps I should put this book on my radar screen and did so. That lead me to American Gods, which I listened to in the car. That lead to Anansi Boys.

Gaiman is a very busy author. He also wrote the screenplays for Coraline and Enchanted. Both were very good movies and probably the better because Gaiman kept control of the storyline. (Sort of like Sachar did with Holes.)

I find Gaiman to be a very philosophical writer, and can't decide if Gaiman is an optimist or a pessimist regarding modern society.

Drive-By Wave, friend!

Keep up the good work...

J
;-}

Dr Dawn- Thanks for stopping in and welcome to LT! You have joined a very special place! Yes, The Help was very good! They did an amazing job on the audio! I see you are reading Good Omens, I just snagged a used copy.

Benita- Excellent explanation on the abridged audiobooks! I'm going to have to keep an eye out. I really would like to only listen to the complete versions and will avoid anything else. My copy of The Historian is 22 discs, about 26 hours, this has to be the long version. I just picked up The Elegance of the Hedgehog and Bloodroot and both are unabridged.
Thanks for your Gaiman history. Did you like The Anansi Boys? I have a nice hardback in the stacks. I also just requested the 1st Sandman graphic and I'm looking forward to it.

Jude- As usual, great to see you! Stop by for a longer visit next time!

The Help has been languishing on my shelf forever... soon.. soon I say...

Found you, several threads later. Hi!!

Just popping in to say that my daughter loves the Sandman graphic novels. She has all but the last one. We have got to find a copy of that one to complete her set! Have a great day!
--BJ

#25 Mark, Eye of the Red Tsar has been on my TBR list for a while!

#35 I like the Romanov story (I took one summer when I was a teenager and studied the Soviet revolution - what can I say? I was a weird kid),

If so, I guess I was a weird kid, too, Stasia. I've been fascinated by the story of the Romanovs ever since we had a class trip to see the movie Nicholas and Alexandra. (I really liked the book it was based on, too -- Nicholas and Alexandra by Robert K. Massie.) I did research papers about the Romanovs in high school and college.

#40 I'll have to look for the Lincoln book. I don't remember reading that one!

Have a great day!

Kath- I don't think you'll be disappointed with The Help. She crafted a very good story!

Berly- You made my day, my friend! We've missed you and hope to see around more often.

Terri- Eye of the Red Tsar is a good fast read. Have you read Child 44?

I know there are a few fans of the "Bill Moyers Journal" here. I just wanted to mention that this past Friday was his last broadcast. I only listened to it for a couple of years but it was an outstanding show. He will be missed.

Hey, just picked up a remainder copy of Child 44 on your recommendation, alnog with a few others. don't know when I'll get around to reading it, though.

#55 "Don't know when I'll get around to reading it, though." Details, details and not the point. Isn't it nice knowing it is just waiting on the shelf for you? I need TBR piles by my bed in order to get a good nights sleep!

37) Tinkers by Paul Harding ****

Up in New England, George Crosby is dying. The old man is reclining in a rented hospital bed, placed in the center of his living room. He is suffering hallucinations but in his more lucid moments, his memory trails back to his boyhood and his recollections of his father. This is where the story shines, as we are introduced to Howard Crosby. He is a “tinker”, driving a wagon, led by an old mule, combing the back roads, selling his wares and performing small repairs. He does not own this business, so he makes little money, but still delivers a reliable and honest service and his isolated customers, grow to depend on him. Howard’s story is filled with wonderful vignettes and is beautifully written, like this passage: “The Storm came up from behind the mountain, shrouding the peak. Lightning crawled down the mountain and drank at the water, lapped the shallows with electric tongues, stunning bolt-eyed frogs and small trout and silver minnows. Thunder cracked like falling timber and shook the cabin as it clapped the water skin.”
Unfortunately, when the narrative returns to George and other meanderings, it loses some of it’s power and focus but is still a worthy read and I recommend it, mainly for Howard’s journey and it’s stunning prose.

I'm in the middle of Tinkers right now, Mark. I'll get a chance for some quality reading time this afternoon and evening to finish it. This is a book I don't want to rush. I was surprised how small it is, both in actual size and number of pages. I'm liking it very much so far...as you said lots of meandering with stunning prose. I liked the quote you chose.

Excellent review Mark. Right on the money:)

Mac- Try to find time to read it sooner than later! Child 44 is a terrific thriller!

Donna- Thanks and lets talk more about it, when you finish. It should have been a hands-down 5 star read!

Bonnie- I appreciate it! It means a lot coming from you!

Mark--Glad you enjoyed Tinkers. I thought it was a beautiful book, too.

Anansi Boys was just plain good old fun. American Gods was better, in my opinion, but keep in mind that they are two different stories that emphasize two different things on purpose. American Gods is much more philosophical and makes you think. Anansi Boys is more fun to read. Also American Gods does a great job of introducing the reader to many of the old heroes and gods that are not as well known today. It steps out into the folkways of other cultures and presents them in a way that makes them come alive. Which is the point of the book. (That and the fact that losing the connections to these old gods and mythologies.) Anansi Boys is fun. All in keeping with the spirit of Anansi. But it too reinforces the point about the old mythologies and belief systems. These are great books that bring up some philosophical questions about modern life and its cultures that should be talked about, and probably aren't.

Great review of Tinkers, Mark! I'm looking forward to reading it once it is available for purchase.

Berly- You must have been way ahead of the curve on that one, along with Ruthie. When did you read Tinkers, last year?
FYI- Tinkers recently won the Pulitzer for fiction!

Benita- I appreciate your thoughts on Gaiman. I'm surprised somewhat though, I figured he was an entertaining and inventive author but I didn't know he had depth too! That's a great combination!

Darryl- Thanks, sir! It's not available for purchase? I know I got my copy from the library but it was released early last year.

Tinkers was unavailable for awhile on Amazon. I just checked, and copies are now available, so I ordered it.

Tinkers has been in the BlackHole for a while now. I hope my library gets a copy soon. If not, I may have to break down and buy it.

Hi Mark!

Back to The Historian for one tiny minute....

I recently read The Swan Thieves, Kostova's new book. I thought it was wonderful. A brilliant artist attacks a painting then won't speak. A psychologist tries to understand him and studies his paintings and his women. He discovers more about the artist of the attacked painting and this leads to the story of a woman artist in during the beginnings of French Impressionism. It is only 561 pages and is a rich, complex, detailed, beautifully conceived book, both a mystery and a love story. No vampires.

Tinkers looks good. Historian is on my tbr....
someday...

Stasia- Yes, Tinkers contains some beautiful writing! I wish it could have been a 5 star but that's nit-picking!

Karen- It's good to see you! You sold me on The Swan Thieves and I chuckled at the "only 561 pages", you make it sound like a novella compared to the 1st book.

Kath- I can't imagine you having the patience for The Historian, unless you find the Cliff Notes version, which is only 300 pages..ha ha!

Okay, everytime I see The Historian getting skewered, I have to step in and defend it. I enjoyed the book a great deal. I didn't find much slogging in the second 2/3 of the book. While long, I found it a quick read.

This is where you guys pick up your rotten vegetables and eggs and begin to toss them at me.

BDB: I liked The Historian too. I agree on the quick read part. I got through it in no time at all.

I read Tinkers in the beginning of '09. It was one of the books I received from Powell's. My husband signed me up for this reader's club and every month or two I get a surprise package in the mail. They are usually early-release books, or signed editions--something pretty cool. Isn't my hubby a nice guy? And he is not even a reader! And I agree with Mark: not a five star, but still, such beautiful words! Definitely worth reading.

>70 blackdogbooks:

Ah no, I won't toss my garbage at you..I just didn't like The Historian is all. i thought it was over-hyped and a bit over wrought.....I read the darn thing and returned it to the Library toot sweet. There are too many books...out there...that I WANT to read. I don't spend time whinging about the few Stinkers I encounter...And you have a pretty impressive track record for reading gooduns......

;-}

>69 msf59:: Nit picking, Mark? See my comments and review of Tinkers if you want to see nit picking!

Okay ... I just skipped 74 messages... okay 72 as I read #1 and 74 :)

Mac- I'm still listening to The Historian. Over 2/3rds through, so I'm reserving judgment. It's really not bad, I just think she could have said it with less words.

Berly- It's so nice to have you back chiming in! Are you still in this reader's club? It sounds very cool. And yes, your husband is a nice guy and his wife ain't bad either... I sound like Groucho!

Jude- Thanks for the explanation! I know you are our resident vampire expert and I always defer to you, my friend!

Donna- Wonderful job! You are the best!

suslyn- C'mon, no skipping! We'll have to report you next time!

Well Gee, Mark....Fangs Alot!

;-}

I am with Mac on The Historian. I liked it.

Me, too. I've read it twice. I understand that the pace and the style may not be for everyone, though.

Stasia & Jim- I'm glad you are both fans of The Historian. I'm on the home-stretch now, less than 150 pages left or about 3-4 hrs on audio.

We won't get into to much politics on this thread, I'll leave that to someone else, but I will say I'm happy with the direction the country is going in, although there is much more work to be done. Okay, enough!

I finished my first Neil Gaiman and have to say I'm impressed. It was also good to hear so much support here for the man. BTW, the book was Neverwhere.
Thanks to Caroline, my favorite world-traveler, for passing it on to me and Brenzi, who recently raved about it, I started Chess Story by Stefan Sweig and it begins wonderfully. BTW, my copy is just called "Chess". I wanted something short before I jump into a crime novel , which I've been getting a "jones" for.

If anyone here likes book podcasts or would like to try one, give "Books on the Nightstand" a try. It reminds me so much of this place. Here's the link to the latest episode: right here

Neverwhere was my first Gaiman too...

Thanks for the book podcast recommendation, Mark. I am downloading it now. I'll listen to it this weekend, along with two of my favorite book podcasts, The Guardian Books Podcast and Bookworm from KCRW.

Kath- Have you read any others? I have American Gods in the stacks and I have a copy of Good Omens winging it's way here.

Darryl- I've been listening to those as well! I tried The Christian Science Monitor book podcast today and it featured a good interview with Paul Harding, discussing his recent celebrity with Tinkers.

I picked up the audiobook of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks today. I'm so looking forward to this one!

Hi Mark, The only Gaiman I've read is The Graveyard Book, which I loved.

I found the audio discussion above interesting (sorry to backtrack!). I'm always carefully to get the unabridged versions but maybe The Historian would be good abridged. The story has always seemed interesting but bloated - maybe that's how I'll "read" it.

Joanne- It's good to see you and you can backtrack anytime, my friend. Yes, I have The Graveyard Book on my list, among others.

It's going to be a chilly one here today. Low 50s and windy. I have a long-sleeved shirt on and a jacket. C'mon Spring, where are you?

#85: Down here in Texas! It is going to be in the 70s here today. We have the wind though.

Not here where we have 50 mph winds and temps in the upper 40's. Brrrrrr.

We had snow again! Yuck! Looks like I won't really get to enjoy my lilacs this year. :(

My son wants to go to a track meet today. I guess I will take along Norwegian Wood and sit in the car. Thank God for books!!

Stay warm today, Mark. It is chilly and windy here in Missouri. Even the dog was glad to get back from our walk this morning! I haven't had a chance to do much reading the past few days so I'm going to settle in for an afternoon of catching up with Therapy and then forging ahead with Norwegian Wood. Gotta love the word play in that sentence.

Sunny and 60 here. By Monday it'll be colder though, so no flower planting for me yet. I'm enjoying the afternoon and will probably be napping. Tonight's after-prom, check-in for us volunteers is 11pm. I've either been at the school or at work for the last few days. I'm tired already...:)

I read American Gods.. Good Omens is around the house.. it belongs to Cory, but I haven't read it. He loves both Gaiman & Pratchett and has at least one copy of each of their books up there...

Chilly here today too.. lol
Freeze warnings last night..

Good Morning and Happy Mother's Day! Yes, yesterday was chilly, hat and gloves day. Today starting beautifully, but still cool!

I finished Chess: A Novella and what a knockout! And an excellent introduction to Zweig! Thanks to Caroline and Bonnie (Benzi)!

39) Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman ****

Richard Mayhew has been living in London for three years and life is grand. He has a good job and is engaged to a beautiful young woman, from a wealthy family. One night, on the way to dinner with his fiancé, he finds a girl, lying injured on the sidewalk. He decides to stop and help her, much to the disappointment of his disgusted girlfriend. This kind-hearted decision will change his life forever. There are dangerous people hunting this girl down and he must bring her to safety, which leads him into a dark underworld, hidden beneath the city subway system. Here he meets a ragtag group of misfits, all trying to protect “Door”, this special young girl, hotly pursued by a pair of colorful hired killers named Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar, who has a fondness for eating mice. When Mr. Vandemar attempted a smile: “It was unquestionably the most horrible thing that Richard had ever seen.”
This story is filled with adventure, humor, fantasy and horror and for me a wonderful introduction to this gifted author.

Ooooh....I have had Neverwhere upstairs on a shelf for a while now....might just have to read the darn thing, thanks to your wonderful review. A dainty thumb (up), sir! From the story line, it reminds me of that book I read The Green and the Gray...which was also a Good "Un...carry on, friend....carry on!

;-}

#93: I really liked that one too, Mark. I am glad to see another fan!

Hi Kath- I have Good Omens on it's way!

Jude- You might have to pull that one down, my friend! I'm sure you will love it!

Stasia- How many of his have you read?

I'd like to share this from the Tribune. It was from their book editor and it's in an article called Rules for Readers: "They're all big books. They all matter. The ones you don't read end up being as important as the ones you do: our lives are as defined by the stories we miss as by those we embrace and savor."
Now I can look at these growing stacks of books, in a different light!

Love that quote Mark. I haven't read anything by Gaiman but all this talk about his books is getting me interested. Great review BTW:)

Thanks for posting this wonderful quote!

#96: Thus far, only two, Neverwhere and The Graveyard Book, although I will be reading Coraline for the TIOLI challenge this month and have read Gaiman's collaboration with Pratchett, Good Omens as well.

Love the quote!

Bonnie- I know he's not your type of author but you never know! One of the other "Rules For Reading" was selecting something out of your comfort zone. I guess my favorite is, There are no rules in reading, just let her rip! Amen!

Hi Linda!

Stasia- The Graveyard Book does sound good!

#100: The Graveyard Book won the Newbery. It is excellent. Give it a try!

>93 msf59: The British TV show was okay. But I have vowed that, after the horrors I experienced while trapped in the goopy, ploppy muck of The Graveyard Book, that no further Gaimanity shall ooze across my ocular field.

Norwegian Wood read going okay?

Richard- Always a pleasure having you stop by! I didn't know there was a British TV show, Neverwhere. Although, I know they are doing a play, based on the book.
I think the Norwegian Wood G.R. is going well. Some are enjoying it more than others but that was to be expected. I, for one, am loving it!

I finished the audio of The Historian. It was a long listen but overall, I enjoyed it. I will be starting The Elegance of the Hedgehog next. Something light & fast for the eardrums. I've also started another Irish crime novel called The Wrong Kind of Blood and I'm quite impressed so far!

40) Chess: A Novella by Stefan Zweig ****1/2
A chess match on a cruise ship. For a pair of terrific reviews, see both Brenzi's and Caroline's contributions. They both nail it! For a small book, all 75 pages, it packs a big big punch! Also, for something that was written over 65 years ago, there's not a spot of rust on these pages. I will be looking for more of this guy's work!

Chess: A Novella is already on the tbr pile, or I would add it.

#104: I received that one for my birthday this year. I may actually read it some time this year too :)

Chess: A Novella, a.k.a. Chess Story, a.k.a. The Royal Game, is an excellent novella, one of several that Zweig wrote. I also loved Journey into the Past, Amok, and Twenty-four Hours in the Life of a Woman, in particular. I'll read several more of his novellas later this year: The Post-Office Girl, Fear, and Confusion.

Morning Stasia- I can't imagine anyone not liking this and with your reading record, you'll knock this out in about 15 minutes.

Darryl- Thanks for the other suggestions. Do these all come separate or can they be found in a collection?

I bought "Journey into the Past" last summer in London; New York Review Books (NYRB) will publish it in the US, but not until this coming fall. "The Post-Office Girl" is available from NYRB, and it is the one other book by Zweig that you'll have the easiest luck in locating on this side of the pond. "Amok" is one of the novellas in "Amok and Other Stories", and "Twenty-four Hours in the Life of a Woman" is included in the collection "Selected Stories" by Zweig. "Fear" and "Confusion" are sold as separate books. The last four are all available from Pushkin Press, which I've found in NYC and on Amazon, but I think you would have a hard time finding it in other bookstores, as Pushkin Press is a UK bookseller.

Glad you enjoyed Chess Story too Mark. I have Amok coming up next.

>102 richardderus: I'm glad I'm not the only one who was repulsed by The Graveyard Book!

Darryl- Thanks for all the Zweig info! He is an author I will be looking for!

Bonnie- I'm be waiting for your thoughts on Amok. Remember, I like following you around!

I started the audio of The Elegance of the Hedgehog. I guess I was expecting lighter fare but that it is not. Very philosophical. I like the Renee character, more than the younger girl, (2 different readers BTW) and I loved the scene where Renee goes to the movies with her dying husband to see The Hunt For Red October. I was scanning the LT reviews and it seems somewhat divided. What do my friends here think?

Loved it!

I am so glad that you appreciated The Historian on audio...i couldn't stand it "on the page"....but...you are a better man than I

the Chess: A Novella..i'll put on THE LIST..but i'd rather play chess...the GAME

;-}

I liked The Elegance of the Hedgehog. I didn't love it from the beginning. I wondered what was the point and thought it was a little pretentious with the philosophy stuff. But by time I finished it I was very glad I had read it.

I read it just a few months ago. I too liked it. The beginning was a bit slow and I almost quit. But I read the first page of the last chapter and decided I should give it another chance. In the end I really liked it.

Mark, You probably already know but I loved The Elegance of the Hedgehog. Although I'm not sure about audio; it's pretty cerebral. I loved Rene, "prophet of the contemporary elite", her story was so compelling to me. Oh yeah, in my Top 10 last year. I hope you enjoy it :)

Terri, Laura & Tammy- Thanks for the encouragement! I still have a long way to go!

Jude- I haven't played chess in at least 25 years! Maybe the next time I'm thru S.E. Ohio??

Bonnie- It's so good to hear you loved it! As far as the audio goes, the woman reading Renee is truly excellent!

#112: I am definitely in the 'loved it' camp on The Elegance of the Hedgehog. It is one of my top reads for this year.

#112 I'm another "loved it" on Hedgehog.

I think I will have to move The Elegance of the Hedgehog up on my "To Read" list after the comments here.

I finished The Help audiobook yesterday. I agree with your comments. I loved it. Great narration.

Can't say, as I haven't read it.

Stasia & Cushla- It's good to hear you are fans of "Hedgehog"! That is the one downside of giving up on a book to early, you might be missing out on a fine experience. It looks like several readers struggled with the 1st 50 pages or so but went on to love it!
Dawn- I listened to a big chunk today and it's a real keeper!

Hi Susan- You'll have to let me know about Snow Flower! I really enjoyed Shanghai Girls.

A quick Neil Gaiman update, (we are fanatics, aren't we?): I snagged a nice copy of Good Omens and picked up The Sandman:Volume 1 from the library. It's a graphic novel. And lastly, thanks to Richard, I requested the first disc of Neverwhere from Netflix. It's a British mini-series based on the book.

Just passing though to see what you are reading....
:) (or listening to!)

Mark, my introduction to Neil Gaiman was through Good Omens - we were, of course, Terry Pratchett fans at the time and I thought this co-written book was far better than any Pratchett book! Then we found out that Gaiman was a writer of graphic novels, so we hunted down the Sandman series. Brilliant stuff.

I've also never read Neverwhere (I have a borrowed copy somewhere), but I'm rather fond of the BBC version. It was a screenplay first, and then the book was written, with the bits that Gaiman wanted in the TV version that proved to not work, filming-wise.

I've got Neverwhere on VHS (!!! Must see about upgrading it to DVD) and there was a great interview with Gaiman at the end about the whole process. I hope it's on the DVDs too! If not, I'm sure it's on YouTube somewhere.

I struggled with the first few pages of The Elegance of the Hedgehog and put it to one side. I shall return to it, though!

Oh, I'm finally finished with The Children's Book (oh dear, I don't want to be dismissive, it was brilliant, but it was a long read and I do like changing my books regularly and after two weeks I was champing at the bit for something a bit silly). I'll get onto Norwegian Wood soon - I just needed something palate-cleansing in the meantime while I continue to absorb the ending of The Children's Book and I didn't think Murakami was quite what I needed. :)

Hiya Kath!
Wookie- So good to see you! Yes, I read the 1st few pages of Sandman last night. It's looks promising. I have never read Byatt. One of these days?
Speaking of Gaiman, I saw on BookTV, that they are doing "One Book One Twitter" and they chose American Gods for a global read. Interesting. I don't "tweet" myself!

Mark, I haven't forgotten about Norwegian Wood; I'll start it tomorrow, read the first seven chapters, and then keep up with everyone else after that.

Hi, Mark. Great collection of books for the year!

Good to see lots of comments about Neil Gaiman books and Norwegian Wood. My first Gaimans were the Sandman books, which are unique among graphic novels and quite ambitious and interesting. The first one is the weakest, so I'd recommend going beyond it for those who are interested.

Neverwhere is my favorite of his books, and I'm really looking forward to seeing it adapted on stage here in Chicago the first week of June. I'm another big fan of the BBC production.

Norwegian Wood is one of the most accessible of Haruki Murakami's books, and I believe it's his most popular one in Japan. Although they're pretty challenging, Kafka on the Shore and The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle are my favorites of his, and I also like the short story collection After the Quake. Truth be told, I like everything of his.

Darryl- No problem, sir! I know this is a re-read for you but I'm still interested in your thoughts. I really like this book, it is very different from the ones I've read.

Joe- I'm so glad you could stop by! I read more of Sandman:Volume 1 today and it's very intriguing so far. If you say the series gets better as it goes along, that sounds great! And I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the Neverwhere mini-series. I should get the 1st disc tomorrow.
As far as Murakami goes, I have not read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle yet but it will be the next one of his that I read. I also enjoyed After the Quake and I recommend After Dark, one of his latest books.

Mark, I'm usually here, lurking somewhere. :) But I must admit, this is a very noisy thread! It does take commitment to stay in the loop - go away for a week, and all of a sudden you're up to another thread!

I do love Byatt's books, but they are very dense literature. Well worth reading, they are very rewarding. BUT I did once discuss her Booker Prize winning Possession in terms of "best book I've ever read" with an English teacher efriend of mine, and she almost fell over in shock that I found it an "enjoyable romp". And *she* gets through the Russians (I've only managed Anna Karenina successfully).

So, what I'm saying is, I love Byatt, but I don't necessarily recommend her as obviously Byatt is somehow completely on my wavelength, and may not be on yours. One of those tricky things! Maybe try some of her short stories first, instead of one of the doorstoppers to see if you too are on her wavelength (I am yet to read any of her short stories, although I do have a collection somewhere...).

Wookie, I confess that Possession has been on my bookshelves since 1990... and I still remember buying it from the university bookshop and being excited. I really haven't given it a decent go. I have The Children's Book waiting too.

Cushla, I did really (really) like Possession. It's one of the few books I make time to re-read every few years. But I am a bit worried about recommending it around, given other people's reactions. And I did think The Children's Book was marvellous. (And now I've finished it, I can start participating in the discussion with my (online) book group! Woot!)

I still remember which bookshop I bought Possession from - sadly it's now a surf shop. (Not that there's anything wrong with surfing.)

Edited for clarity.

Wookie- Thanks for all the Byatt info. I will definitely give her a shot one of these days. I thought this thread was only moderately noisy...compared to others!

I will be wrapping up Elegance of the Hedgehog today and yes the 2nd half is where it really shines. I really like the Ozu character. I love Japanese cinema and I've seen several Ozu's films, all brilliant!

Hiya - just swinging out from the lurking cupboard to say thanks for organising the Norwegian Wood group read. I'd decided to leave Murakami for a bit beacuse (despite being brillinat) I found Wind Up Bird Chronicles quite draining. But so glad I'm reading this - it's is equally good, though almost feels like a different author writing it.

Oh and the BBC version of Neverwhere, despite being a bit dated now, is great fun and (I think) well worth a watch if you come across it

*waves*

I really enjoyed Possession. It was on one of my best books of the year lists. But I do have to confess that I haven't read another of her books since. Somehow the subject matter, or the book blurbs, never caught my attention enough to scream buy me, or take me home and read me. Once I got into Possession I couldn't stop. I listened to it and loved the recorded version.

BekkaJo- I'm glad you are enjoying Norwegian Wood. I am too. I'll be starting Chapter 8 tomorrow and then I'll probably just finish it over the next couple of days. Wind-Up Bird Chronicles will be the next Murakami I read, maybe in the fall.

Hi Richard!!

Benita- I'm glad you loved the audio of Possession and it gave me the idea of trying it that way!

On the latest NYT Book Review podcast, there was a nice interview with Scott Turow, discussing his new book Innocent, which is the long-awaited sequel to Presumed Innocent. It's hard to believe that book came out in '87. I was a big fan of it too and it was also a terrific film!

Mark, well, maybe this thread is moderately noisy on the "75 books challenge", but it's insane compared to over on the "100 books challenge" where I usually hang out. I only pop into this group for special occasions. :)

Started Norwegian Wood this morning. Mr Bear did insist that I pay attention to the Batman cartoon he was watching though, so I haven't really gotten that far. Like, two pages.

Wookie- So "the 100 Book Challenge" is pretty sedate? Well, this makes a nice contrast. Hope you like the Murakami. It looks like we are getting a mixed reaction on it, so far. I'm on the positive side, with 50 pages left.

I knocked out a nice chunk of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks today on audio and it is an excellent book. Smooth narrative, with heart. She handles the science elements with perfect ease, so everyday schlubs like me, can follow along perfectly.

I saw Sebastian Junger on the "Daily Show", the other night, promoting his latest book "War". He followed a a company of soldiers for 15 months in Afghanistan. It looks very good. BTW- I was a big fan of A Perfect Storm.

The 100 Books Group is smaller than this group. We do potter over and natter on each others threads, but there are fewer members, so it follows less nattering.

Which is *fine*, I would never be able to keep up with all the 75 Book Challenge threads, like I can over there. I like just popping by here, every now and then. Got a few favourite threads starred, that sort of thing. Get far too many recommendations though, *sigh*.

A S Byatt a writer i do love..if you're starting out as a First read..Elementals ain't bad...proceed to Posession toot sweet, you...a wonder to behold...

you'll figure it out anyway, friend!

42) The Wrong Kind of Blood by Declan Hughes ****

Ed Loy has returned to Dublin to attend the funeral of his mother. He has been living in LA and has been gone for twenty years. He is approached by a drunken female acquaintance and she asks him to look for her missing husband. He had been working as a private detective in the States and word gets around. He agrees and quickly finds himself mired in a complex web of land-deals, gangsters and murder, reaching back decades and slowly drawing in his own parents. Hughes has constructed a solid, somewhat convoluted tale, bringing in some nice Irish color, like in this passage: “ I’d had it with Dublin, where everyone was someone’s brother or cousin or ex-girlfriend and no one would give you a straight answer, where my da knew your da and yours knew mine, where the past was always waiting around the next corner to ambush you.” In this story, blood is everything!
This is the first book of a series and is a strong introduction.

Wookie- We do our share of pottering & nattering too! I think I like nattering better! It's 6:40 here, Saturday night, just finishing dinner.

Jude- Thanks for the Byatt info! I'm getting ready to start the 1st disc of the BBC version of Neverwhere. I'll let you know!

*waves* .... trying to absorb all that I missed while I was away .... whew!

#142: I will have to give that one a try. Thanks for the recommendation, Mark.

Still here :)

Caroline- Great to have you back! Drop in, when you have a little more time!

Stasia- It's a good solid book! I prefer Bruen's leaner style but Hughes is a bit more conventional. I look forward to trying another one.

Hi Susan!

"Books are not made for furniture, but there is nothing else that so beautifully furnishes a house."
Henry Ward Beecher

>142 msf59: In this story, blood is everything!

I think you have an affinity for these kinds of books Mark LOL.

Not adding books today, Mark. Just leaving some fingerprints behind to let you know I've been here and I'm sending all the best to you.

Ruthie

Bonnie- Why thank you...I think! There is a fair amount of real blood spilled in this book but mostly I refer to blood-relations.

Ruthie- You can leave fingerprints, footprints, whatever, as long as you swing by and say hi!

Dear Mark -

Here's a quote that I came across in an email this morning that I thought you and your regular followers would appreciate:

“I would be the most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves.”
― Anna Quindlen

I like it, myself!

Oh, btw, the link to my most active thread right now is:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/81298

Come on over, you will be welcome anytime.

Ruthie

Hi Mark! I STILL haven't managed to start Norwegian Wood - I have a library book due back too soon! - but I have my copy, shiny and new, ready, so it will be read at some point... Sometimes I despair, I really do!

Anyway, I'm adding Chess Story and The Elegance of the Hedgehog to my wishlist (the latter has been on and off my wishlist so many times I might just have to buy it soon before I change my mind again!). I'm also adding Neverwhere, which sounds wonderful - I finally cracked and bought The Graveyard Book last week, and I have Anansi Boys lying around somewhere, but so far the only one I've read is Good Omens - which I've read twice and loved! Let's hope I like his non-collaboration books as much, there's nothing yummier than finding a new author to 'stalk', as it were...

Mark : I love the Beecher quote and wholeheartedly agree. Don't you find a house looks odd without any books in it at all.

Ellie : I loved Good Omens - cracks me up every time I read it. I think you'll enjoy The Graveyard Book - Gaiman does a good job with that one too.

can't keep up...
can't keep up ...

woe

Ruthie- Thanks for the quote! That's not my kids though! Bummer! They are still young, maybe they'll come around!

Ellie- It's great to see you! I loved Norwegian Wood! I hope you do too! I did not review The Elegance of the Hedgehog but it's a very good listen. I think you will like it. I just landed a copy of Good Omens but the next Gaiman will probably be American Gods.

Hi Caroline- Yes, books add character! Otherwise, naked & sterile!

In the King Arthur vein, I received a nice copy of The Crystal Cave today. So thanks for the recommendation, whoever you are!

I've read over a 100 pages of Sharp Teeth and it's been great. This is a modern tale of werewolves in L.A. I have a feeling I will be singing this ones praises! I know I have a crappy singing voice but you'll get the idea! This book is written in free verse, like this:

"She could play in your yard, but
you would not want to find her
crossing your trail in the twilight.
And were you cornered by her,
eye to eye,
you would see that
there are still some watchful creatures
whose essence lies unbound by words.
There is still a wilderness."

Mark
What a busy thread you have here. But, I'm not surprised. You are loved by many!

I'm stopping by to wave hi.

interesting verse - so what tune would you sing it to, Mark? ;-)

Bet you finish the book tonight, Mark!

>147 msf59: great quote.

Caroline- I'll probably pick the tune Norwegian Wood. It's good! How's that?

Bonnie- It's funny, it would look like a fast read but to savor those delectable words, it takes a bit of time. Give me a few more days.

Susan- thanks!

If anyone hasn't read Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. I have a nice softcover I could send you. Please PM me. It's a terrific book, BTW!

Drive-By Wave~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

;-}

A friend of mine read Sharp Teeth and thought it was one of the best books he had read last year. He thought it worked very well in free verse. He was also disappointed that it didn't do better in sales. He thought it was one of those books that slipped under the radar and that it was a shame it didn't find a wider audience. Because of his recommendation it is one of the books on my wishlist. Unfortunately I don't own it, and last weekend I found it on the remainders table at Barnes & Noble where it was screaming at me to take it home. It was very hard to resist at $5.98.

Hi, Mark,
I told my graphic novel loving daughter about The Arrival. Now that she is back from college, we requested it from the library. I can't wait to get it!
--BJ

#161 : haha.. very apropros, Mark .... now you've got me humming the song

Hi Jude! Waaaaiiitttt!!!

Benita- Yes, Sharp Teeth is quite a joy to read! I'm glad you have a copy. See if you can fit it in sometime soon. I'd love to hear your thoughts! And yes your friend is correct; people should have been raving about this one!

Caroline- You can not go wrong with Mr. Lennon!

BJ- Yes, The Arrival is a wonderful book! Also crazy for that Hugo Cabret!

Adding Sharp Teeth to the wishlist! Sounds interesting.

Just waving as I go through the threads . . .

What stasia said :)

you are blasting through books..
and some good ones :)

good day to ya!

Dawn- It's been terrific!

Stasia & Kath- Thanks for sailing through!

Gorgeous day in the Midwest! Mid-70s, bountiful sunshine, blue sky and a nice breeze. Perfect weather for a mail-carrier!
Also enhanced by some excellent books: I finished the audio of Henrietta Lacks, actually I still have a few minutes of an interview left but the book was terrific! Also on the home-stretch of Sharp Teeth. Here's another taste:

"Packs of thirty of forty at a time
wander loose
like gauchos in their own damn ghost town.
They come from the hills, up from the arroyos.
We don't know how many, estimates vary,
but each time they come in
a few house dogs go back with them.
Anytime you got toy poodles breeding with coyotes
it's gonna be interesting."

Your thread is so dangerous to the tbr pile....

Hi Mark. It is a gorgeous day in NE Pennsylvania. The flowers in my garden are purple and incredibly beautiful.

Thanks for the excerpt. Loved it!
--BJ

Glad to hear your weather is good, Mark, as my husband is in Chicagoland for a few days. It's another rainy day here in SW MO. We've had over 5 inches so far this month.

That's an interesting book you're reading about toy poodles and coyotes. Is this the one with werewolves? I think I'll take a pass this time.

Linda- Yes, being dangerous is our hobby! BTW- your garden looks beautiful!

Hey BJ!!

Donna- Your husband is in my neck of the woods, huh? Well at least the weather is nice and hopefully moving your way!
Yes, this is about the werewolves...chicken!

I heard about another promising book, from BOTNS, it's called Woodsburner. It's a fictionalized account of a young Thoreau and a friend accidentally starting a major forest fire, in 1844. This is based on fact!

I heard about that one on BOTNS and also two others I'm interested in The Invisible Bridge and The Imperfectionists. It's going to be a very busy summer.

I will have to check out Woodsburner. Thanks for the heads up, Mark!

Bonnie- Yes, I've also added both those titles! BOTNS can be a dangerous place.

Stasia- I have to check with my library on Woodsburner. It looks very good!

I finished both Henrietta Lacks & Sharp Teeth. Yes, both are polar opposites and both are excellent!
I plan on starting The Privileges, (thanks to my good but absent friend Belva) and the audio of The Big Short by Michael Lewis. Another promising pair!

I found Woodsburner at my local library tonight. I have no idea when I will be reading it, but at least I have the book in house now.

Stasia- You'll probably beat me to it, by a long shot! I checked the library system but I don't think it's available in audio, so it may be awhile till I get to the book, unless you inspire me!
Back to gloomy & rainy here! Sad face!

I am staring out into a very foggy morning here, Mark. Gloom abounds evidently!

I just heard about The Imperfectionists and added that one to my TBR list. It sounded really good. Am listening to a BOTNS even as I type. You are right a dangerous place. But so is the BBC book program, and some others. Bottom line is that I just love books.

>181 alcottacre: Mine went from gloomy to rain... the cats *think* they wanna go out...

We're looking at 75 degrees and sunny. Helloooo summer:)

I read the first 1 1/2 stories in The Imperfectionists last night before I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. I'm looking forward to getting back to it.

Should hit the 80s here this weekend. Finally!! Nice weather!!

45) The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot *****

In 1951, a poor young black woman, a mother of five, enters John Hopkins Hospital and is diagnosed with a severe form of cervical cancer. She dies a short time later and without her consent, samples of her cervix are excised and these cells are stored for research. These cells turn out to be immortal and they grow rapidly in culture, unlike any other cells in scientific history. The cells are named HeLa and become very important in a variety of landmark medical breakthroughs, including polio vaccinations, cloning and gene mapping, to name just a few. Sixty years later, if you could weigh all the HeLa cells that have been grown, it would top the scales at over 50 million metric tons.
The author first hears about HeLa in college and it fascinates her and this leads her on a relentless journey of discovery. Who was this unknown woman? This is where the story shines, as Skloot learns that the woman’s name is Henrietta Lacks and she begins to track down her surviving family, who know very little about their mother’s monumental contributions. The author meets the children, of course all grown now, and eventually has a strong on-going relationship with them. There is plenty of anger, frustration and some revelations, as she strives to tell their mother’s story.
Skloot is able to express the science in an easy and digestible manner but her ability to put a human face on this amazing real-life drama, is triumphant.

Nice review, Mark! I predict that Rebecca Skloot will take away one or two major literary awards (Pulitzer? National Book Award?) by the end of the year.

Great review Mark! I don't know if you watch Law and Order but right now I'm watching the episode that was on last Monday that we dvr'd and guess what was "ripped from the headlines"? They've incorporated the Henrietta Lacks story into the episode. Cool.

Darryl & Bonnie- Thank you, that means a lot coming from you! I've read both of your reviews and they were excellent!
Bonnie- Was the Law and Order episode good? I haven't watched it in years.

Wow, Mark. I put Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks on my wishlist. I usually try to stay away from books on medical issues, but this sounds like one I want and need to read.

I hope the Skloots book does win some prestigious awards because it is most certainly deserving.

Glad you enjoyed it, Mark!

A dainty Thumb for you review, sir.....the weather is has been foggy/cloudy/rainy/cool......kinda like me!

;-}

I have had Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks on thr wish list for some time......
I will have to get to it soon.... fascinating!

Dawn- Thanks! Yes, it's the human element of the story that really sings, although the science and medical issues, particularly the ethics of ownership are fascinating.

Stasia- I agree! Pour on the awards! Well deserved!

Jude- Thank you! It's starting out overcast here but it will soon move out and we will see some sun and the warm-up begins. It looks like mid-80s tomorrow and for most of the coming week.

It was an excellent book and I'm sure it'll win some awards. Did you know HBO recently bought the rights and Oprah will be producing a movie based on the book? Could be good.

Just got on the library waiting list :-)

Kath- I can't imagine anyone not getting swept away with Henrietta Lacks! Give it a try!

Joanne- Yes, I heard that too about HBO! That could be very interesting, if they do it right! Glad you are enjoying The Imperfectionists. Did you hear about that one through BOTNS?

I am less sanguine than y'all about the idea of the book making it to the screen in a decent, watchable movie. Color me cynical, but the sensationalism already bids fair to knock me over.

I'm still on the waiting list (number 15) for Henrietta Lacks. Most likely I'll be able to read it in the fall given how popular it is at my local library.

46) Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow ****1/2

A pack of feral dogs
roam the hills of East LA.
A closer look reveals, these
are not ordinary dogs but
werewolves. They are searching
for a rival pack. In this
lycanthrope world,
territory is everything.
Caught in the middle of this,
is a kindly dogcatcher and a young
woman he loves, who also may
have abandoned her pack.
This is a dark, freshly original
tale of survival, told in a free
verse style, that flows like a
moon-lit stream.

um...

How do the wolves fare?

Love It! Love It!

You be the Bomb!!! And a Dainty Thumb, to boot.

Kath-
not saying....

Jude- Thanks my friend! The book is the Bomb!

READ IT!!

Great review of Sharp Teeth!

I already have Sharp Teeth in the BlackHole. I just need to get around to it one of these centuries!

*Carefully does not place wolf book on list of any sort, and erases it from memory*

Sharp Teeth sounds great. :)

Linda- Thanks! The good thing is, it's not exceptionally violent or nasty, so it might fit in for most tastes!

Kath- Scaredy-cat!

Stephen- Thanks for stopping by! It's great having you! And yes, terrific book!

Very clever review Mark. Thumb! But werewolves are not my cuppa.

Bonnie- Thanks so much, my friend!

Yesterday was sunny and warm but I got the tomato plants in, plus I knocked out plenty of other yard work. Today will be hot & humid! Oh joy! Last Monday I wore a light jacket! Go figure!

Sounds very much like Texas weather, Mark. The last time it snowed here, it had been 80 degrees two days before.

I am a huge fan of wolves.. not sure if the werewolf bit would keep me from hating it or not.. just don't know.

I need a nap...

I have some tomato plants too.. not in yet, though. They are a seedless variety..
I want to get some Stripy plants too.

>200 msf59:: Ha! Ha! Thumbs up, Marko!

Stasia- Yes, it was a hot & sticky one today!

Kath (a huge fan of wolves)- Try to get those tomato plants in! Times ticking...

Bonnie- Thanks! It's so good to see you!

I'd like to share this quote from Ann Patchett, it's from an essay of hers, describing her favorite bookstore: " It is just so thrilling to be around people who read, people who will pull a book off the shelf and say, 'This is the one you want.' People who want to know what I'm reading and will tell me what they're reading so that while we talk, stacks of books begin to form around us. It's my own personal idea of heaven."

Hmmmmm...sounds kind of familiar!

Mark, are you a Sherlock Holmes fan? I know you are a thriller fan, but I am reading a pretty good mystery with Holmes as the protagonist chasing down Jack the Ripper, Dust and Shadow. You might take a look.

ETA - Re the Patchett quotation: I love that one! I believe I have already mentioned on my thread that if there are no books in Heaven, I will think I am in the other place :)

Morning Stasia- Yes, I'm a fan of the Arthur Conan Doyle books, about Holmes. This one sounds very interesting. Thanks for the rec. I will put it on the list, asap!
I love your "no books in heaven" line!

You may have already read it, but there's another Holmes book I just read called The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King. Holmes has retired to the country and meets a precocious 15-year old girl. It's told from her point of view and is quite wonderful.

#216/217: I love the King series, so I will recommend it too.

Thanks Karen & Stasia! I'm not familiar with Laurie R. King.

Finally starting Strength in What Remains. I've wanted to get to this one for months!

#219: I hope you like that one, Mark!

#214 ... great quote! and I agree

Stasia- I read a nice chunk of Strength in What Remains today and it flows wonderfully! I have a feeling this will be another phenomenal read!

It begins with Wordsworth:
"Though nothing can bring back the hour
of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower:
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind."

Hi Mark, I just put Strength of What Remains on my iPod but I haven't started it yet and am frankly not sure if I will be able to listen to it. I'll be interested in your thoughts!

(I love finding out where a book's name comes from.)

You're planting tomato plants too, Mark? Am I the last one not have down any tomato plants yet? Arrggghhh.... I'm going to need to do some planting this weekend or have no tomatoes this summer. boohooo....

Oops! I double posted. I'll have to save this for some later pithy remark. Coming back when I think of one! ;-)

All of Kidder's books are good, but this one is especially gripping. Mark, I wondered why one of your message bars was yellow, then I remember that I had marked posting because of the Ann Patchett quote. That was a good one! I had been cataloguing LT quotes on my computer, but can't find them now. I'm going to have to start a new collection, beginning with that one--thanks!

Joanne- You will love the Kidder book! Try to fit it in!

Caroline- I keep a very simple garden. Besides tomatoes; green peppers, jalapenos & cukes. Gotta have those fresh tomatoes, though!

Bonnie- This is my first Kidder and it will not be my last. I love his fluid style.

Much more comfortable here today! Mid-70s, low humidity. Perfect! Last three 3 days were mucky!

>222 msf59:: Mark, I love that Wordsworth quote and plan on reading Strength in What Remains sometime this summer. I'm allowing a little space after his wonderful Mountains Beyond Mountains. What a writer!

224: Caroline, I just put out my tomato plants yesterday so you're not too far behind. At least with your travels, you have a great excuse. Mine was just procrastination.

Donna- I'm less than half-way through "Strength" and I can't wait to read Mountains Beyond Mountains. I have to find a copy!

Karen & Stasia- I was recently turned onto a new podcast, called "Sword and Laser" and on the very first episode I heard, they featured a wonderful interview with Laurie R. King. You can find it: right here
I have to find The Beekeeper's Apprentice! Sounds great!

Mark .... you HAVE to come over and plant a vegetable garden for me ... and then stay and tend it too because if I did it, they would all die a quick but gruesome death.

Planting will take place this weekend ...definitely ... and I hope they like staying in their pots because I'm tired of putting them in the ground only to have to dig them up later when they die or when the season's over.

Caroline- As long as you have good beer & good books, I'm there!

Here's a passage from Strength in What Remains. Deo has recently arrived in New York City and loves bookstores:
"Some of the stores were like forests themselves, forests of books, more books than he'd thought there were in the world, and all in one place. He often went to the stores in the evening after work, just to walk among the tables and shelves and pick up books and turn the pages and imagine he was reading them."

You're making me salivate for that book Mark =) (it's already on the pile).

Our garden won't be planted til this weekend but the peas have been planted since St. Patty's Day, the traditional day for planting peas around here. We've been enjoying asparagus this week and the rhubarb is ready to be made into some pies. God, we LOVE rhubarb pie, warm with vanilla ice cream. Mmmmm.

Hi Bonnie- I love rhubarb pie too! Although it's been quite awhile since I had some. I know you are a fan of BOTNS! Did you hear the latest episode? If not, this is what they have in the works:
"Announcing the first Books on the Nightstand Weekend Retreat! On April 8, 9 and 10, 2011, we’ll be gathering at the Inn at Manchester in Manchester Center, VT and we hope many of you can join us!"
It's being held at a beautiful Bed & Breakfast. A whole weekend of relaxation & book talk! Sounds good! I'm seriously thinking about this!

I would do almost anything for a good strawberry rhubarb pie with a generous dollop or three of freshly whipped (non-sugared) cream...mmmm.......

>229 msf59:: Mark, I'd send you my copy of Mountains Beyond Mountains, but I gave it to my friend's daughter who does mission work in Haiti through her church. I usually hang on to books I love; however, I thought this was a better place for it.

>231 msf59:: One of my favorite places for rejuvenation is a bookstore. I don't even have to buy anything; like Deo, just to look at the books and heft them is good enough for me...sometimes.

I never developed a taste for rhubarb pie, thank goodness. There are too many other temptations out there w/o adding one more to the list. I'm making a key lime pie tomorrow for my son and DIL's week end visit. Now that's pie!

#229: I do not think you will be disappointed in The Beekeeper's Apprentice.

#231: Great quote, Mark! I am glad you are enjoying the book.

Donna- I'm sure I'll find Mountains Beyond Mountains somewhere! There's always the trusty library. I hope you have a terrific weekend with your son!

Stasia- I found a copy of The Beekeeper's Apprentice on Half.com. Try to check out the interview with King. The link to it is msg # 229.

#237: I cannot wait to see what you think of The Beekeeper's Apprentice. I hope you enjoy it! I will definitely check out the interview.

47) The Privileges by Jonathan Dee ***1/2

It begins with a wedding! It is a perfect start to this beautiful couple’s privileged life and this well-written narrative follows Cynthia and Adam Morey as they move to NYC, raise two gorgeous children and begin an impressive upward climb. Adam becomes a major player on Wall Street, while Cynthia becomes an ideal mother and wife. Adam is a restless, highly ambitious young man and soon finds himself dealing in the dangerous world of insider trading ,which places this highly privileged existence on a precipitous edge. Dee has crafted a good story here. His prose is sharp and crisp. It still seemed to fall short in a few places but there is still much to recommend it!

>233 msf59: BOTNS Retreat?? It just happens to be happening on my birthday Mark! Wow, you're really thinking of going huh?

Bonnie- Yes, I'm considering it and what would be a clincher, is if I can get a few LTers' to hop aboard. How far are you from Manchester Center? It looks like a perfect setting for a "book lovers" weekend! Plus I've never been to New England.

What's BOTNS, Mark? I'm too lazy to go back and find the reference. :-)

I can answer that for you, Bonnie. It's a podcast - Books on the Nightstand. Ann Kingman and Michael Kindness work for Random House but put together a weekly podcast as a personal project to talk about books and make recommendations, etc. It's very good - check out booksonthenightstand.com or they are on itunes. I could keep up with them when they did a podcast every two weeks but now that they are weekly, I tend to be a week behind all the time. Really, try it - it's great!!

eta links are beyond me apparently...

Caro, this is the perfect time to put in the plants.. I promise.

Managing to add nothing ( due to skipping some posts, no doubt)

A visit to the nursery is on my to-do list today ..... although that might be edged out by a tennis game since the weather is so nice.

I think you'll enjoy The Beekeeper's Apprentice, Mark .... congrats on snagging a copy.

Late to the party, me...

Laurie R King......The Beekeeper's Apprentice?? I read that one..and the following two..before my Dad died..Haven't picked up on the series since..but I know I have one title...UPSTAIRS...so can't be specific. The series is a corker...heads up!

The Privileges...sounds like my brother's friends..and people i graduated college with..who gave up the Hippie Dust and got rich....not sure I want to read this book..but I will read your review!

Yo! if you're going to Boston to plant Caro's tomatoes..stop by in Ohio. No Tomatoes here..but I got beer and I am a good cook! Bring the wife, i have lots of room...

;-}

Bonnie- Thanks to Joanne, you now know what BOTNS is! It's a terrific site and podcast about books. Here's the link: right here
Stop by and take a look at the place where they are having the retreat!

Hi Kath!!

Caroline- How far are you from Manchester Center Vermont? Take a look at the website above!

That BOTNS retreat sounds good. I may consider it as well. And April is perfect time for a weekend getaway for me. Work is usually slower at that time of year.

Does anybody here know if the LibraryThing gods are going to be at the American Library Association conference in June? Last January they were at the winter meeting and had a gathering of LTers at a local pub. I couldn't go because my professional section had a dinner that same night but I would like to go this time since my professional obligations are done. Is there someplace on LT that I can find out if they will be at this conference?

Never mind the tomato plants -- I haven't finished the raised bed yet and here I am inside on the computer! Mark, I like the sound of the BOTNS podcast but I like the idea of the actual B&B get-together with friends even more. : )

*sigh* Never made it to the nursery after all today because I had a flat tire and had to wait for AAA to come rescue me and fix my tire, so the tomatoes may remain but a pipe dream.

What an interesting website. Thanks for sharing the link, Mark. Manchester VT is about a 3 hour drive for me so it's not that far .... a B&B get-together sounds very very tempting!

Jude- I skipped you last time...I was running out to a graduation party. Will you forgive me? Actually what I liked about The Privileges was that the main characters, despite their success and wealth, were decent charitable people. It was refreshing in a way. And I promise, if I'm driving in your direction I will stop and see my pal! Good beer and book talk! Sounds heavenly!

Benita- Good to see you! I do not have an answer about the LT gods attending the conference but I hope you consider going to the BOTNS retreat. I'll post information when I learn anything.

Berly- How's the wayward stranger? Manchester Center is just under 900 miles from me, so I would probably fly, due to time restrictions, but for you it would be coast to coast. Yikes!

Caroline- Sorry to hear about the flat but at least you brought a book. I hope you
can fit the Retreat in your busy plans. If I can get a few LT friends to attend, I will do my best to make it! I'm a bit shy by nature, so having some buddies there would help immensely!

I leave for Salem Oregon in just about a week. Berly & Bonnie country! We'll be visiting my sister and her family. There are other relatives in the area, as well! Haven't been out there in 7 years. Looking forward to the getaway!
Vacation book: The Girl Who Played With Fire. I also just received Hornets Nest from Amazon and plan on getting to that later in the year.

#252: What a great vacation book, Mark! I hope you like it.

Safe travels, my friend!

Have a great vacation, Mark! Hopefully all the rain we've been having lately will leave you with sunshine, though--except in midsummer--Oregon and Washington hardly ever completely run out of rain. ;-)

Not too late...

get a couple of plants.... you will be glad you did...

I would really like to attend the retreat so you're going to have to remind me of the dates again next year so I can try and schedule my work stuff around it if possible. It would be really fun if some of us were there.

I hope you have a great vacation in Oregon next week, Mark. Don't forget to bring some reading material. ;-)

Thanks everyone! We don't leave until next Monday and we'll be gone for just over a week.
Bonnie- My sister has mentioned the rain there lately! Hopefully it'll be long gone. Usually the weather is gorgeous there at this time of year!

I wanted to mention something else about the BOTNS Retreat. Ann & Michael, the hosts and creators of the site, both work for Random House and are planning to try and snag a couple of authors to speak that weekend, which would be very cool!

Arrrgghhh...and April is almost a whole year away!

I finished Strength in What Remains! What a great book! Review forthcoming! I started the audio of Columbine and will be starting the The Yiddish Policemen's Union. The goal is to finish them before vacation starts. How do we overcome life's tricky obstacles?
BTW- I just ordered The Passage. This book has gotten such great buzz. Might be the book of the summer!

I'm going to look into the timing of that BOTNS Retreat and see if it's a possibility with my crazy schedule. So glad you're finally getting to The Yiddish Policemen's Union, one of my favorites.

Have a great vacation Mark!

Hi Mark - I'm de-lurking to say that I finished American Gods this morning and really enjoyed it.
I haven't seen any mention of Gaiman's Stardust which I also enjoyed, it's much lighter than Neverwhere. I'm also making my way slowly through his Sandman graphic novels.

I hope you enjoy The Yiddish Policemen's Union, I'm a fan of Chabon's writing.

Just popping out of lurking to also lend my support to The Yiddish Policemen's Union! Great stuff.

Have a fab holiday, Mark!

Bonnie- I'm hoping you can fit it in your "crazy" schedule. Even if it's only for one of the nights. It sounds like a great time!

Linda- Thanks! I still have one more week in the trenches though!

Kerry- It's good to see you! Please de-lurk here anytime! I probably won't get to another Gaiman, for another couple of months but American Gods will most likely be next. I also finished the first Sandman book but was a bit underwhelmed. I heard it gets better as it goes a long.

Wookie- It's great to hear all this encouragement for Yiddish Policemen's. I'm really looking forward to it. Actually I meant to get to it months ago. Story of our LT lives, right?

Wrapping up another great reading month!
Time for a new thread: right here

I like your remarks to Jude on The Privileges. Sounds good.

Have a great trip :)

Hi Susan- Nice to see you! Stop by my new thread sometime!