Mark's Reading Place: To Infinity and Beyond...Take 6

"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. ~Charles W. Eliot

Once again, I'd like to thank all my faithful visitors for bringing me such joy in my reading life! It's been a great five months!

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)
49) Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder *****
50) Columbine by Dave Cullen ***** (audio)
51) The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon ****1/2
52) The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson ***1/2
52) Drown by Junot Diaz ****1/2
53) Bonk by Mary Roach ***1/2 (audio)
54) WAR by Sebastian Junger ***** (audio)
55) The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King ****
56) American Salvage by Bonnie Jo Campbell ****1/2

You can run, but you cannot hide!

49) Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder *****

Deogratias is a man on the run. His homeland is in bloody tatters. He is in his early twenties and has been a medical student for three years. He flees East Central Africa and somehow manages to catch a flight to New York City. Deo arrives with two hundred dollars, knows no one, cannot speak English and is haunted by deep-set horrors. He finds a job delivering groceries, for lousy wages and ends up living in Central Park. Within two years, he is attending Columbia Medical School and in less than a decade he is returning to his motherland and building a much needed health clinic.
“Sometimes it is better not to know what is impossible”. This thought crosses Deo’s mind, as a friend suggests he leave Africa and go to America and this becomes his beacon of hope.
The author has crafted this fascinating young man’s journey with beauty and care. He also does not shy away from the atrocities that Deo has witnessed. Kidder met Deo in Boston in 2003. This is his description of him: “Deo’s face jumped out at me. It was a night sky full of lights, a picture of eager, trusting friendliness. He seemed younger than he turned out to be. This impression of innocence lingered, even after I knew that it was mostly inaccurate.”
Highly recommended and one of my top reads of the year!

#3: I am glad you liked that one, Mark. Have you read any of Kidder's other books?

Mark, I've been keeping track of your thread but not posting. I like your review of Strength in What Remains and will put it on my wishlist. I read Mountains Beyond Mountains two years ago and it still stays with me. Kidder is a great writer and storyteller.

I must say I'm impressed with the variety of your reading selections and may have to finally try an audiobook after seeing how many you've liked.

Pat

Great review of Strength in What Remains. This is not the sort of book that I usually read, but I think I will give it a try.

Stasia- This is my Kidder debut! I can't wait to try his other books! I have to snag a copy of Mountains Beyond Mountains. Great writer!

Pat- Thanks for stopping in! Yes, I'm sold on the audiobooks. A year ago I would have not thought that possible. They will never replace my beloved paper books but with my job I'm able to listen to a couple hours a day, which is perfect! I just started the audio of Columbine and it has been excellent!

chinquapin- Thank you! And please give the Kidder book a shot!

#7: Columbine was one of my memorable reads last year, Mark. I hope you like it!

I've been hearing Tracy Kidder's name bandied about for a while, but have yet to "test the waters".....p'rhaps your review will give me the needed spark! a dainty Thumb to you, sir. Excellent review!

;-}

I am within a few pages of finishing Shadow Divers. You were right this is a really good book. It had all the elements of a thriller and it was non-fiction! This one was on audio and worked very well in that format. I couldn't stop listening.

When does the Foucault's Pendulum group read start? Or am I confused and think that you are organizing that one when you really aren't? I have been slowly working my way through that book.

Hi Mark, I've been pretty wrapped up in family activities the past few days, but had to acknowledge your new thread. Enjoy your day off today and your upcoming trip out west. I'm not a bit surprised that the Kidder book was 5 stars. I've liked everything I've read by him.

I guess I have to move the Kidder book up the pile especially since it's a 5 star read for you. Reading your great review, I notice it's not at all what i thought it was about so maybe I had it mixed up with some other book. I don't know how that could happen. Huh.

Hi Jude- Please "test the waters" with this one! It's an amazing book! Thanks for the thumb!

Benita- I'm so glad you are enjoying Shadow Divers. It was also one that caught me by surprise. Good read! As a matter of fact, I have Kurson's latest book in my tbr and it's called Crashing Through: A True Story of Risk, Adventure, and the Man Who Dared to See. It's got very good reviews!
And no I'm not doing Foucault's Pendulum. My next Group Read will be The Once and Future King starting July 1st. BTW- Would you be interested in a G.R. of Blindness in September?

Donna- Hope you are having a nice holiday! Yes, I will be looking for more Kidder books, most definitely!

Bonnie- I know you will love "Strength"! Yiddish Policemens grabbed me immediately! Wow, what a writer!

We had some family over today for a get-together/cookout but it rained the first 4 hours. The good side was it got cooler afterward and much less humid. Now back to the Chabon!

I missed the mention of your retreat in your last thread until I was catching up there just now.. it sounds wonderful!!

Foucault's Pendulum group read? I have that one on my shelf, but I don't think I am much of a joiner.. these group reads intimidate me. I just finished reading two books today, myself. One pure entertainment, one informational.

Have fun on your trip... :)

Hey, Mark. You and I have talked about "Strength" and Kidder, and it's great to see you getting others fired up about both! What Deogratias went through, and accomplished, is unforgettable. Kidder conveys all of it so well.

Looking forward to hearing what you think of The Once and Future King (I liked it a lot when I was a young lad) and the Chabon, which is one of his I haven't read.

Six threads, Mark! Wowser! Good review of the Kidder. That Chabon review promises to be heady....

I hope the rain didn't ruin your cookout today, Mark. The weather remained sunny and nice out my way.

Kath- Did you see the BOTNS website? Would you consider going to the Retreat? It would be great to get a small crowd to go. We'd probably take over the place! LTers Rule!

Joe- Getting folks fired up about good books, is what it's all about, good sir! You should join us for the Group Read. Like you, I also read it back in my school days but would love a re-read. BTW, the Chabon is excellent!

Richard- Great to see you! I'll have to send the Retreat info to you, if you didn't see it on my last thread! You would love the Kidder Book!

Caroline- We just did the cooking inside! It turned out fine and the gang left early, so more reading time for moi! I like that others are expressing interest in this Retreat. Very cool!

I've been watching the Blackhawks, in between pages! I'm not a big hockey fan but it's hard not to get swept up in the excitement!

Mark--yet another thread. Too bad nobody likes you!! I hope the weather cooperates and clears up for your visit out here to Portland. Although I tell everyone that it isn't really summer until July 5th and then it is GORGEOUS right through October. Give me a shout when you are out here. (Salem is only an hour away so I'll hear you. ;) )

Hi Berly- Glad to have you back in the fold! I talked to my sister yesterday and she said it was dry but cool. Very unusual weather for you guys, right? Maybe next week the good stuff will kick in! Listen for my shout-out!

*waving Hello*

I did look at the site.. Now that is something i could use my 'run away from home' fund for :) That would be fun, wouldn't it?

Mark, Glad you are liking the Chabon. I also listened to Yiddish Policemen last year and it made my top ten books. Might I recommend Adventures of Kavalier and Clay if you have not already read it. I read it this year, and it will definitely make my top ten list. I might have to get my hands on Wonder Boys as I have only heard good things. (and I haven't seen the movie)

It would really be fun if a bunch of us made it for that retreat, Kath! I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend .... well not better but as good .... but this would certainly be up there on the list. :-)

#25: I would love to be there too! What a fun time we all would have.

I am going to enter the fray about Yiddish Policeman. I have also read Kavalier and Clay. I like Chabon's writing but for me Yiddish didn't pick up until far into the book. I had real trouble with the main character and his partner being his half-brother was just over the top. However, the story picked up and I really liked it. Not one of my best of the year but a good read. I also have Summerland on my want-to-read list.

Chabon said that he was inspired to write this book because he read an article about Yiddish being a dying language and he thought that the world was losing something precious. There was a great deal of culture that used Yiddish as its base and in the span of just 50 years it is rapidly dying out. He wanted to create a world where Yiddish was alive and kicking.

I'll see if I can't find the title of that article and post it to you. I am not very good at putting in links to outside things so don't expect to much from me. However, if I can get it to you it might be information worth having as you are reading.

I found it! Here is the link. The book that inspired Chabon to write Yiddish Policeman's Union was Say it in Yiddish. The story of his inspiration is fascinating. Hope you will take time to read it.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2007/jun/07/culture.fiction

Kath- I hope you are considering the Retreat! Could you imagine a bunch of us swaggering into that joint, with all of our bookish airs! Sounds tantalizing, doesn't it?

Susan- I have read Kavalier and Clay. It was my first Chabon. I did see the film version of Wonder Boys, very good but did not read the book.
I am enjoying Yiddish Policemens. I like it's hard-boiled attitude!

Benita- Fortunately, "Yiddish' grabbed me right away! I love his prose. You have to take your time with it and savor it, like a fine meal!
Thank you very much for the article and it answered another question I had: Wasn't this Jews in Alaska idea based on a real proposal? And it sure was! Fascinating!

BTW- Columbine on audio has been incredible! Very disturbing but very well told!

bookish airs? swagger? hmmm... in my case it would be walk, bump, crash, trip rather than a swagger and instead of a bookish air, i'll probably be the retreat's bookish dunce. I'll just have to hide behind Kath & Stas's skirts and your pants, Mark.

Caroline- C'mon, you are painting yourself as a klutz or something! I do not believe it. Okay, we won't swagger in, but it'll still look impressive! Maybe we'll all wear dusters!

#31: Maybe we'll all wear dusters!

I want a black one!

While I was looking for that article about Yiddish last night I was surprised to learn that the Cohen brothers are going to make a movie out of the book. I wonder how the public will receive that?

Don't get me wrong it was a good book but I wasn't bowled over by it. It just took too long to hook me, but once it did it was a great fun read. What did intrigue me was the idea that the author was inspired by a book on a dying language. When you stop and think about all the culture and cultural heritage that is tied up in a language you start to realize that language is an important part of identity. It also intrigues me what little tidbit writers need to create a story with plot and characters.

>33 benitastrnad: Benita, you weren't instantly captivated by Shnapish?! And the image of **Alaska** as a Jewish homeland?! I was under Chabon's spell the instant I started the blurb, so I can't honestly make a criticism of those who weren't fans, but then I couldn't put the book down.

We're all different, and yet so much the same, eh what?

Stasia- Maybe we could all wear black dusters! Sounds cool to me! Although, I am currently immersed in Columbine and those monsters both wore dusters, so maybe it won't work after all!
BTW- I received a nice softcover of The Beekeeper's Apprentice today. Looking forward to it!

Benita- Actually, I heard the Coen brothers were making it, quite some time ago and that was one of the reasons I knew I had to read it first. Maybe they could make it on the same level as No Country For Old Men. Hoping so!

Richard- Glad to hear you adored Yiddish Policemens! The guy can write his tail off!

Mark ... I am the Queen of Klutzdom ... seriously. I gain at least 2 new scars on my person (usually my arms or legs) each year because I'm never paying attention to where I'm going. I've walked into doors, windows, fire hydrants (don't even ask how I didn't see this one), potholes, off a dock, .... I think you get the picture. ;-) This past weekend I took my bicycle out and went on a nice 40 mile bike ride...and fell over twice adding 1 new scar to my left knee and 6 bruises on my hips, knee and shin.

#36: You and I can form a 'Queens of Klutzdom' club, Caroline. My mother will tell you there could be nothing in a room and I would still trip and fall!

#35: I had forgotten about the monsters in Columbine both wearing dusters. OK, re-thinking the duster thing.

Caroline & Stasia- Okay, how about you both just lean on me, as we make our entrance. We don't want to do a Dick Van Dyke do we?
Anyway I can't afford to be klutzy on my job! I wouldn't last very long!

#39: Sounds like a plan :)

#31: Maybe we'll all wear dusters! I'm in :)

Caro.. what is this skirt of which you speak?

Some studies have shown that regular injuries actually make the body more resilient to injury and allow it to heal faster. You're just toughening yourself in case there's every a real problem. :-D

Hey, Mark! Strength in What Remains is a great book. It's sad to think of all the men and women who have come to the US whose talents and abilities are wasted because they didn't get the kind of support that Deogratias did. Because, though he was (is) truly exceptional, he was also very fortunate that he met up with the Sister (sorry, I don't have my book in front of me so don't have any names) and that she found that very generous couple to support him, and that he started working for Dr. Farmer. It was interesting, too, to read about the history of the Tutsis and the Hutus in Burundi versus Rwanda. The latter story is so much more known.

Different topic: I can so see The Yiddish Policeman's Union as a movie. It just screams movie to me; it has so many important visual components to it. And it's a political/murder mystery/thriller type movie with an alternative reality regarding the Jewish Diaspora post WWII. I can't wait to see if it matches my image of it in my mind as I was reading it. I hope the right people get to direct and produce it.

Oops! Misspelled Tutsis the first time around. How come I never see those mistakes until after I submit. Don't tell me if I've made any more errors.

Kath : I figured if I hide behind you, Stas and Marky-Mark, your combined biblio-genius will shed an umbrella over my paltry knowledge ... so I'll just bask in the glow that emanates from the three of you.

lolol yeah right... lol

Mark,

I remember you telling me they were going to make a movie out of the Chabon book way back when I read it in Sept. 2009 and that the Coen brothers were doing it but I haven't seen anything recently.

#43 boonie books

You hit the nail on the head. The book just screamed movie to me. When I feel like about a book I tend to not be wowed by the book. It is like it is trying to hard to be something it shouldn't. A book is a book. A movie is a movie. It takes real talent to turn a book into a movie and most authors aren't screenwriters. When they try to do so it usually doesn't work. Gaiman and Sacher are two exceptions to that general statement. Don't even ask me about turning a movie into a book? Those are usually dreadful.

What I did like about the book was the imagination the author showed. Can you imagine being able to take an interest in a dead language and turning that into a whole story in a imaginative setting with characters you like? That's talent.

I think that what I didn't like was the "red heifer" thing, and radical right wingers trying to hasten the second coming. That story line is overused. I liked the book. I didn't love the book. It was just too over the top. I felt the same way about Da Vinci Code.

You know that's another thing I love about this group, is your rampant sense of humor! I've been told mine is dry and somewhat twisted but you guys hang in there every inch of the way! It so makes my day!

Tad- If your theory is correct, Caroline should be the bionic woman!

Bonniebooks (or is it boonie?)- Some great thoughts on Strength in What Remains. What a fantastic book! Yes, I could not think of any one better than the Coens to take on this story. Their Jewish background is just the first reason. Sadly, there's not an official release date yet. Next year I think.
If there is anyone interested in watching a neat teaser video of The Yiddish Policemen's Union,it's very short, check it out: here

I've been in touch with Ann on BOTNS, about the Retreat. Here's some of what she had to say:
"So glad you're thinking about attending the retreat! We are on the search for a second inn/hotel in the area, since early interest is more than we ever dreamed! I'm very excited, because the more listeners we get to meet, the better! We'll have more details on the lodging and rates near the end of June."

Like Caroline pointed out: Too bad we have to wait 10 months!

Hmm... I'm hearing the theme song for The Bionic Woman thrilling away in my head now. :-)

Wow ... if the response is already that enthusiastic that they're looking for a second hotel, this looks to be an exciting event. Looks like this is something we're going to need to register for early or risk all seats being sold out months prior to the event.

#49: It will take me at least 10 months to save the money to go to the retreat, especially as Beth is having $3000 of oral surgery next week. Ouch!

Caroline- I can't remember how the Bionic Woman theme song went but I do recall having a slight crush on Lindsey Wagner, when I was a teenager. Memories...

Stasia- I'm so glad you are considering the trip! I know I have a decent distance to cover but you down in Texas? Wow! And that is one of the main positives, as it gives folks plenty of time to plan and save!

#52: I would not hold my breath about me being there, Mark. I will try, but that was what I said about heading to PA this year. Unfortunately, finances being what they are, those plans fell through.

Okay, I'm late.....

All the talk of Dusters...and i realized Mark was listening to Columbine..........yes sir!..I own an Australian Drover's Coat that i made myself...many years ago..out of heavy canvas...It's quite dashing, in a sly way...and still fits....lovely gray color. Too bad I have no place to wear it..no cattle/sheep to herd!

The Coen brothers can make a movie of anything..and I'll watch it at least once...FARGO is still my favorite.

;-}

MARK! YOU'VE DONE IT AGAIN!
*sigh*

You're flying through these threads like nobody's business... Maybe I'll be able to keep up better over the summer? I tend to read when the shop's quiet, and catch up on LT between chapters and at busy times. It's easier than trying to go back to a book between sales and questions and keeping an eye on noisy kids!

*wanders off to add lots of Chabon novels to Wishlist Mountain*

Loved the Chabon trailer, Mark, thanks for the link!

I wonder how the movie will be different...can't wait to see!

I read Kavalier and Clay and listened to Yiddish Policeman's Union. I enjoyed both very much. Listening to YPU really made the language vivid and made the book more enjoyable than had I read it.

Stasia- You can only do, what you can do! Love to have you, but I understand that life intrudes!

Jude- Any pictures with you in your "Australian Drover's Coat"? I'm also a big fan of the Coens! They can be hit or miss, but when they are on, they smoke! And I agree "Fargo" is the ONE!! We are getting scary, Jude!

Ellie- It's always great to see you! Stop by when you have more time and please try Chabon's work. He is an amazing writer!

Richard- Thanks!

Karen- I've heard good things about the audio of "Yiddish", maybe I'll have to give that a try, somewhere down the road!

I'm off to my son's highschool graduation. We are not having the "party" until later in the month!

Have a wonderful graduation, and take lots of photos! Congratulations to your son.

An exciting day! Congrats to him.

Have fun Mark!

Congrats, Mark! I think graduation is almost as big a day for parents as it is for students. Maybe even bigger because you've got your memories of your own graduation that add to the day.

Congratulations to you and your son, Mark! My Catey is graduating this year too, so we are having her party July 3rd.

Thanks everyone! They held the ceremony in the massive school gym and it was very warm, plus there was around 700 kids graduating. We were out of there in less than an hour and a half, which was impressive, but by then my rear-end was numb and my spine was moaning! We headed over to a favorite Chinese restaurant and pigged out! Nice time!

700 graduating?! Wow! I can understand the rear-end numbness and spinal moaning in that case, lol.

Glad you had a good time, Mark.

Congratulations Mark and Stasia! It must feel wonderful to have graduating children. I hope they both go on to be successful in adulthood. :)

Wow Mark, 700 graduates? They must have run across the stage for you to get out in 1 1/2 hours. Congrats my friend.

Congrats Mark! My oldest walks the stage next year, and I hope my rear fares better than yours...she only has about 475 in her class. LOL

Stasia- Congrats on your daughter's graduation! Exciting, right? My son is the last one for us, so now I have to try and get him into college!

Stephen- Thank you very much for the kind comments! BTW- I'm downloading the audio of Bonk as I type this but I won't be able to start it until after my vacation!

Bonnie- Thanks! It was very well organized, with two lines going continuously!

Berly- It's good to see you! We will be in your neck of the woods tomorrow night! I'll make sure I give you a wave as we make our descent!

BTW- I finished Columbine and I cannot recommend it higher! An incredible piece of work! Disturbing, horrifying and absolutely riveting!
And thank God I never thought about it once during my son's ceremony! It gives me major chills just thinking about it!

Have a good vacation, Mark!

My son is the last one for us, so now I have to try and get him into college!

Uh oh! Is this the part where the last kid goes to college and parties like crazy, and the adults get the house to themselves and do the same!? :)

Joanne- Thanks! It should be very nice! I saw my sister last summer but I haven't seen the rest of her family in four years. That's ridiculous!

Stephen- That made me laugh! No, we will be enrolling him in a local community college and he'll live at home and he'll WORK! Our serious partying days are over, just a bit wild now and then, for old time sake!

I got a shiny new hardback in the mail today! It's Hellhound on His Trail by Hampton Sides. It's about the hunt for James Earl Jones and it is supposed to be fantastic! The last 3 non-fiction books I've read, have all been 5 star reads. This might be another! Sadly, I won't be getting to it soon enough!

#69: Catey's graduation is easy - she is in a class of 1! She is planning on studying pediatric nursing and going to Texas A&M @ Corpus Christi in the fall of 2011. She is hoping to save up tons of money in the meantime, lol.

How many kids do you have Mark?

Stasia- It looks like Catey will be the center of attention, then! Perfect! I like her future plans! Sounds focused!

Morning Kath- I have a beautiful daughter, as well! She graduated 2 years ago. She attended UIC Chicago for one year, is taking a sabbatical and will return to a community college this fall. She does have her dog-grooming license (she loves animals, particularly canines) and is plying her trade.

The Group Read for The Once a Future King will begin July 1st! Still plenty of time to acquire a copy. Hope to have a healthy attendance! Here's the link for the General Thread: right here
It should be a great summer read!

This church lady wishes you a safe and happy trip to Oregon. Family rules! And many congrats on your son's graduation. I hope he enjoys the "real world."

There was a great quote in The Likeness about real world living...I'm in a hurry now to get to my church business...but I'll look it up and post it on my thread tomorrow. Will you be in touch with LT while you're away?

Have a wonderful time and a safe trip, Mark. Don't forget to bring some books and I hope you have time to find some cute local bookstores while you're there.

Donna (aka the church lady)- Thanks! Looking forward to it! And yes, I will be connected! We are taking the wife's lap-top, so I'll be able to check in now and then and see how my "Other Family" is doing!

Caroline- I appreciate it, my friend! I know there are a few nice used-book stores in the area! I will have to breeze through them!
The vacation book will be The Girl Who Played With Fire. It's pretty hefty, so I'll probably be bringing it back home to finish!

50) Columbine by Dave Cullen *****
I could not have picked a better book for my big Five-O! Please put aside, your fear and discomfort, this is a truly outstanding read! My favorite book of the year!

51) The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon ****1/2

I'll have to return to this review, when I have more time! One word comes to mind: Dazzling! This guy can write his butt off!

What made Columbine and outstanding read for you, Mark?

#80: I am glad you liked that one. What a terrific book to hit number 50 with!

The Once a Future King , I love that book!

and I agree with you about Columbine

safe journey and fun~!

Greetings from Oregon! We made it safely but it was cool and damp here when we landed! Today looks very nice though!

Caroline- I will come back to the Columbine review. I cannot rave about it enough! I just ran out of time yesterday.Very short version: READ IT!!

Hi Stasia & Kath- Yes, Columbine has rocketed to the top spot!

I knocked out a nice chunk of The Girl Who Played With Fire during the flight. The wife watched "Valentine's Day". You got to love her! I also spied several people at the airport reading Larsson. Not a big surprise, I guess!

I hope you are liking the Larsson book, Mark!

#85 Glad you arrived safely Mark and hope you all have a lovely holiday. I'm off to star the group read thread.

It's making me sick reading about all these people so enamoured with the Millenium Trilogy. I finished it back in March and have nothing more to look forward to unles his partner comes up with the fourth book, which she is said to have in her possession. :(

>>WHAT?!!! A 4th Larsson book? Maybe? We all need to go and stalk this "partner." Maybe a little terrorist book lover pressure will help move things along.

Mark--Waving to you down in Salem from up here in Portland. Looks like you brought some nice weather with you. If I'd known you'd have this sunny effect I would have PAID you to come earlier!!

I have added The Once and Future King to my To Be Found list. And I am just starting the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. BTW, I thought this was a complete trilogy. Are you all telling me there is unfinished business?! NOOOOOOOO!!

Hope you are having fun out here.

Berly, I'm yet to read the final The Girl... in the trilogy, but the first two stand on their own two feet very well, no cliffhangers. Apart from just wanting more. :)

#88: There is no fourth book. What his partner has in her possession is an unfinished manuscript. It could conceivably be published - if the partner and Larsson's father and brother ever finish sparring in court - however, it would be completed by someone else, but to me, would not be the same because Larsson would not have written it all.

92 I would buy it anyway... just in case!

So, Mark, I know you're going to be down in Salem, but are you flying in and out of Portland? Because if you are, you should visit Powell's Bookstore. It has both new and used books and is supposed to be "largest book store west of the Mississippi." It's only about a mile west off the freeway in downtown Portland (on Burnside). I think there is even a Burnside exit (close to the "Rose Quarter" exit, only that's east).

Stas : Didn't his partner also claim to have ghost written the first 3 books and that it was published under Larsson's name because she didn't want to be in the limelight or something like that? Did anything come out of that claim? If that claim is true, then she can finish the 4th.

#95: I had not heard that particular rumor, Caroline. If it is true, then yes she can finish the 4th. But if it is true, then the manuscript would belong to her and why is there a brewing court battle over it?

Carolyn/Stasia: I had read where there was a question about the authorship of the books although his partner has never claimed credit for writing them. His father and brother are apparently claiming everything in his estate as his only living next of kin and his longtime partner is being left out in the cold. They have offered her a large amount of money for the unfinished manuscript but, so far, she hasn't given it up.

#97: Personally, I think it is ridiculous that there is no protection under the law in Sweden to protect her even though they were together for some 30 years. Especially, since as I understand it, Larsson and his father were estranged.

Aside from all this Book Chat (Nothing wrong with that...i be a poet)

Have a great Vacation, you!!

Whatever you read is Aces...with me.

;-}

#98 - I agree with you, the Swedish law stinks in this respect.
Anyway, I think the trilogy wraps up rather nicely and for me there is no 'want' for a fourth book. There are lots of other great crime/thrillers set in other parts of Europe, petermc pointed me in the direction of the website Euro Crime last year.

Hi guys! Just a quick hello! We are staying in a hotel on the Columbia River (outside of Portland) for the night. It's beautiful! Ciao!

Which one Mark?

Have a great time, Mark! I'd love to see photos, if you take any, as I've never been to the Pacific Northwest.

#94> Bonnie, you know, I've never been to Portland (frankly, I'm not even too sure where it is on a map of America), but a flatmate of mine many, many years ago spent some work time in Portland. And he came back with eyes glowing, talking of this wonderful bookshop called "Powell's". And, about 15 years later, whenever you mention Powell's, I am reminded of Colin and his book lust. And I am envious.

Mark, can you see the Columbia River Gorge from your hotel room window? It's a gorgeous view. Take photos ... of the view, not your hotel room. ;-)

I hunted and hunted for the link to this thread... And then I found it, in the line above my post.

Have a wonderful time Mark!!

>106 suslyn:: I think it would be so helpful if everyone put the link to at least their current thread on their profile page. It seems like I'm always losing someone's thread. I know I can't find mine most of the time without it.

>108 bonniebooks: What a good idea! *bustles off to make the link*

Hey everyone! We got back from the coast late yesterday afternoon. We stayed in Jantzen Beach, just outside of Portland, at the Red Lion Inn. And yes, you can see the Columbia River from the room. It's a majestic river.
Earlier that day, we stopped at a few places along the Gorge, for sight-seeing and hiking, including Multnomah Falls, which is about 560 feet high, with some breath-taking views!
Yesterday, we drove along the coast, stopping in Seaside, Ft. Stevens State Park and Tillamook, the home of the great cheese. The Oregon coast is gorgeous, a rugged beauty and the weather co-operated for the most part.

Sounds like a wonderful time, Mark. Hope it's going to get even better from there!

Susan- Glad you found me!

Bonnie- Yes, that is a great idea! I've been doing it for awhile!

Hey Mark, sounds like you're having a great time. I'll be out that way in July (well, Seattle anyway).

Sounds absolutely idyllic, Mark ... glad you're having such a great time.

Mark..
As always, visiting your thread is very pleasant.

I will read Columbine. It is on the tbr pile. Your recommendation certainly pushes it up closer to the top.

Thanks for the images of the Oregon coast. A few years ago I attended a publication conference in Seattle Washington. The windows in the hotel provided a magnificent view of Mt. Rainer! I fell in love with that part of the country. You are right, it is stunningly majestic and breathtakingly beautiful.

Happy Vacation!

So, Mark, have you met up with berly or teelgee? I almost planned to come down to Vancouver this weekend--I could have waved to you from across the river. Did you follow the coast line from Seaside down to Tillamook? I love that the coast is so much closer from Portland than it is from Seattle. We live on the Puget Sound (salt water), but you have to go around it (takes a few hours) to get to the coast with real waves.

P.S. Right now, it's raining, so it's probably raining down in Portland too--sorry about that--but I just love being curled up with a good book, listening to the rain drumming on the roof.

Glad to see you back safe and sound, Mark!

*waves*

Welcome home, Mark. Your trip sounded fantastic. We took the same route when we visited Portland too many years ago. I agree, the coastline and Columbia River valley are gorgeous. I took us a long time to get anywhere as we had to stop, walk around, and take pictures so frequently.

Did you get much reading done? Thank goodness for the airport wait and time in the air. That's where I get my best reading done when we're on vacation.

Hey everyone! I guess I didn't make it clear in my last message, when I said we were back. We were back in Salem. We don't leave for home until Monday! We are having on a big family cookout tomorrow, to celebrate the marriage of my neice.
My kids were supposed to fly out of Chicago yesterday, the flight was delayed, so they missed their connecting flight in Denver, could not get on another flight, had to spend the night. (They were not happy campers). They just made it on a flight to Portland this morning. Whew!!
BTW- Very little reading being done...

Hope you enjoy the last couple days of your trip, Mark. Have a great weekend! :)

Bonniebooks- Yes, we went through Vancouver Wash. No, I did not hook up with Berly. She's a very busy woman! We did take 101 down the coast to Tillamook and then back across to Salem. Good cheese in Tillamook and actually very good ice-cream. The weather is supposed to get better today and then a beautiful weekend ahead!

Stephen- Thank you sir!

Ah, OK. I thought you were back back :)

Hi Mark! Summer in Oregon (at least on the coast) doesn't start until July 5th, but seems like the good weather is starting tomorrow. Sunny and 80. Yeah! We are hitting the Rose Festival Parade tomorrow in downtown Portland and then it is off to a World Cup party. Hope the cookout is wonderful and I am free all day Sunday if you want me to meet you somewhere. Yes, I would even venture down to Salem for you!! Hugs. Berly

did you get your coffee yet?

Berly- What a wonderful offer! I'll have to check with the "boss" and see what our schedule looks like for Sunday. I will PM you. You are a treasure!

kath- Yes, I did! It's weak but it'll do! Nothing like your own coffee, right?

My son sat next to an older woman on the plane and she started telling him the whole story of a series of books, about a "Dragon Tattoo" or something, so he asked me if I was aware of these books, cause they sounded pretty cool. I smiled and held up my current book!

And Mark scores points with his son for being a cool dad, and being up with the latest book craze. ;-)

Hi Mark, Happy to hear you are having a great vacation! Guess what I found on the new arrivals shelf at the library! Walking to Gatlinburg. Of course, I added it to the pile. Hope you have a safe trip home.

Hey everyone! Kind of quiet over here, due to excessive non-reading on my part! Bad Mark! But we are stranded in Portland Airport until late tonight, so maybe I'll finish The Girl Who Played With Fire or at least I should. My wife is finishing a re-read of Watchers, which I read and loved twenty years ago.
Tammy-Thank you and I hope you enjoy Walking to Gatlinburg. It's still one of my top reads!

I'm sorry you're stranded ... hopefully not for too long. Is the delay weather related? You don't have to go to work tomorrow morning, I hope.

I hope you are able to get home tonight Mark. At least you have a good book to read! My husband had a delayed flight yesterday and so missed his connection to Baton Rouge. Luckily he found a helpful agent or he would have been stranded in Dallas over night. Flying has long ago lost its fun factor.

I didn't realize you were stranded at the airport, Mark. Dang--though I think Powells has an outlet there too? Not the same though. I just haven't traveled enough to calmly wait at an airport. I'm anxious the whole way to the airport and then waiting to go through the scanner. (I suffer the hyper-vigilance/guilt of the innocent) Then because you have to get there so early, you have to sit and wait and wait. I just can't relax because I'm so worried I'm going to get involved in my book and not hear the announcement for boarding. Once I almost did miss my plane because I was concentrating on finishing a Sudoku puzzle! Hope you're on the plane by now!

Caroline- We are flying stand-by with United, so we understood the risks, (even though we don't like'em). The next one is 11pm and then 6:30am. Yikes!
Wish us luck!
Joanne- Thanks, my friend! Hope we get out too!
Bonnie- We found a nice bar/resturant with a dandy Happy Hour and killed some time there and just across the way was a Powell's Bookstore.(Berly recommended Powell's also) It was small but very well set-up. I loved all the personal notes attached to the books. I, of course jotted a few titles down for further digestion. Now back to waiting....

Good luck on getting back home, Mark!

{{{Mark}}}...I hope you made it home by now and that you have a few days off to rest from your vacation. Did you finish The Girl Who Played with Fire on the looooong trip home?

*She Waves*

;-}

Hope you're not still stuck in "infinty", Mark? *Smiling sweetly* but getting you back for calling me "forceful." "Why I oughta..." ;-)

hmmm the qiet does not bode well~

Flying is a nightmare, standby is worse.

See ya soon Mark!

Mark, Please say you're not still stuck at the airport?

HONEY, I'M HOME! To take a famous phrase from Jack Nicholson. After spending the night in the airport, we still could not get on the 6:30 flight and just barely got on the 8:15. We had a terrific head-wind though and it got us in Chicago by 1:30, which is impressive.
Good to be home and see a nice stack of books waiting for me! (The wife rolled her eyes). Thanks for all the support, everyone!

Donna- Believe it or not, I still did not finish the Larsson book. I still have a 150 pages left. Yes, I know, Ridiculous!

Bonniebooks- Loved the "infinty" jab! Touche, my friend!

*Fanfare* all around

Our MARK is back home!!!

;-}

#141: Welcome back!

HONEY, I'M HOME! To take a famous phrase from Jack Nicholson.

I thought that was Fred Flintstone's line...

Jude & Darryl- Thanks! Good to be back at the homestead!

Darryl- Jack delivers that line as he crashes an axe through a door in The Shining. Jack may have been borrowing it from Fred, though! Good point!

I thought it was The Shining. I can still see him sticking his head through the hole in the door and his weird creepy eyes.

Regardless of the movie, he always has weird creepy eyes.

Glad you are truly back this time, Mark!

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Welcome Back!

What Linda said~

Mac- I had a good laugh over that one! Talk about a creepy moment! For those who do not recognize "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy", that was also from The Shining. Didn't those same lines repeat over hundreds of pages? Of course, I'm remembering the film version but was that also mentioned in the book?

Thanks everyone, it's good to be home! Weather is beautiful today but it'll be back to hot & sticky for the next several days. Sad yucky face. I don't return to work until tomorrow, so I'm trying to get a few things done around here, including cutting the grass, which my son failed to do before he joined us in Salem, so it's a bit of a jungle in places. At least I got him to help me!

Have to check the book when I get home as it's been a few years since I read it. and both movie versions are tightly woven in my head with the book.

I think only Stephen King could make snow seem so creepy. *shudder*

Okay, everyone might be wondering: Does this guy read books anymore? Excellent question and the answer is YES! I finally finished The Girl Who Played With Fire. It's a long read and teamed up with vacation time, it took a ridiculous length of time. The book was good, my biggest problem is, like portions of the 1st book, is the lack of editing. I'm be presenting a mini-review, very soon.
I started the audio of Bonk, (thanks to Stephen for this one). This is my first by Roach. I also will be cracking Drown by Junot Diaz. This has been at the top of the heap for quite awhile. I really enjoyed his last book, Oscar Wao.

Mac- I've read The Shining, at least twice, but it's been many years! Speaking of King, I downloaded the audio of Blockade Billy. It's his latest, a short YA novel.

Mark: Let me know how that audiobook is. It sounds...interesting. Not sure how it'll translate, it'll either be hilarious or VERY awkward... tell me what you think! :)

Stephen- So far, I'm really enjoying the narration! She seems to capture the tone perfectly. Have you read The Inner Circle by T.C. Boyle? It's fictional but a very well researched look at Alfred Kinsey. It's an excellent book and Boyle is an amazing writer!

I have Talk, Talk and The Women by Boyle at home. Just haven't really moved them up to the top of the mountain yet. I haven't read anything by Boyle do perhaps I should try to move the mountain a little and shuffle those closer to the top?

Welcome home, Mark! Isn't it funny how we never have time to read on our vacations? (Especially when there is family involved!)

I also enjoyed The Girl Who Played With Fire, but I agree: both it and Dragon Tattoo needed a good edit! I still have The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest in Mt TBR. One day rsn.

156: I haven't, but my library has a copy. Onto the infinilist* it goes.

*abbreviated infinite wishlist :)

Benita- I have not read either of those Boyle selections, although The Women has been high on the WL. My favorite book of his is Drop City. I cannot recommend it high enough!

Wookie- Nice to see you! I also have my copy of Hornet's Nest but I probably will wait for a few months before I get to it!

Stephen- I think you will love this guy's writing!

The Girl Who Played With Fire, has never called out to me. None of that series.. is it a series? has. Glad you like it though. :)

#161: It is a trilogy, Kath. Larsson originally intended a 10 book series, but he died before the series could be completed.

I didn't know that about Larsson, but once I read one I knew that I needed to read the others.

Mark, you got your thread title fixed!

Sounds as though you had a great trip, travel difficulties notwithstanding. Welcome home!

eta -- if anyone ever gets stuck in Denver again, let me know!

Kath- I've been following your "book tastes" for a couple years now and I don't think you would like the Larsson trilogy. I just don't think you would have the patience. There is much to admire in the 1st 2 books but also quite a bit to plod through, as well! Keep in mind, I might be wrong too! Books can be tricky!

Bonnie- Yes, I did! It bugged me for a month! I felt stoopid!

Anne- Thanks for stopping! It's always good to see you!

We stopped at an annual book sale last night and I came away with another 7 books. Is this a crazy obsession we have, or what? I haven't even sorted the last batch, that was waiting for me when I got back from vacation. At least we are a happy bunch of fanatics!
I finally got a nice copy of Mudbound and the follow-up to Child 44, it's called The Secret Speech and features the same characters.
I also picked up Captain Alatriste. It's the 1st in a series of historical adventure novels and one that I've heard very good things about.
The rest of the books were various crime novels (big shock, right?), including one by Andrea Camilleri, another series that sounds promising!
I also requested American Salvage from the library, due to the insistent raving! Yes, I have gone off the rails!

#167: Is this a crazy obsession we have, or what?

Decidedly. I have no desire to get rid of it though!

ooooh! a books sale! how fun!

#167 - Hi, Mark, this may be my first post on your thread, but I have been following it for a while. Just wanted to say that if this is your first Camilleri book you are in for a big treat - I think he is fantastic, and the descriptions of Sicily and of the food the characters eat are worth reading even for people who don't like mysteries.

Air travel is the Devil's own.

Mark, have you seen the previews for the TV miniseries of The Pillars of the Earth yet? It's on Starz, which I got so I could watch "Spartacus: Blood and Sand"...the page is here if you're curious...and it comes on starting 23 July, plenty of time to order the service!

I'll echo >170 JanetinLondon: JanetinLondon on the Andrea Camilleri mysteries, Mark. Terrific series, and cantankerous Inspector Montalbano is a hoot.

Mudbound was one of my favorites last year--such a fantastic begining! I would go find my book and quote from it, but I'm just too lazy! I don't know if you'll like it all the way through as much as I did, but I think you'll find both the writing and the subject very good.

I worked today, it was another warm one, high 80s but bright sunshine and less humidity. A fierce storm blew through here late yesterday afternoon. Many trees down and other arbor mutilations. Quite a few people are still without power!

Janet- Thanks for stopping in, please chime in, I'd love to hear from you! The Camilleri book is The Terra-Cotta Dog. I'm usually a fanatic for starting a series at the beginning but for a buck what the heck!

Richard- Thank you, sir! I thought it was going to be on HBO. I might have to get Showtime. Did you like "Spartacus"? My son watched it. I think the series, I'm most pumped about is A Game of Thrones, which will premiere on HBO, early next year. It's a monumental fantasy series. Have you read any of them?

Joe- It's good to hear from you! Hopefully I'll get to it sometime this year!

Bonnie- I remember several of my LT pals liking Mudbound. Looking forward to it!

52) The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson ***1/2

Our favorite brainy, scrappy, tattooed outcast is back! Lisbeth Salander has returned, not quite five feet tall but still kicking ass and taking names. Unfortunately, she’s mostly flying solo, leaving her estranged lover Mikael Blomkvist, shuffling around, somewhat lost. The plot revolves around a murdered pair of journalists, who had been investigating a complex and brutal sex-trafficking ring. This is the 2nd book in Larsson’s Millennium trilogy and it is exciting and entertaining. It also suffers from some of the excesses that plagued “Dragon Tattoo“, mainly in the editing. Did these books have an editor or were they released as written? I wonder. Regardless, the story is infectious, the strengths outweigh the flaws and Salander is a terrific literary creation.

I just stumbled across this regarding Never Let Me Go. The film version comes out in October. Here's the trailer: right here
It looks good!

#175: I did not like the second book in the trilogy as much as I liked the first one. I am going to read the third one some time soon.

#175, #177 - I just read the third one, and I liked it better than the second one, although possibly not as much as the first. Reminds me of a discussion we had somewhere recently on the disappointment we often feel with an author's second book. But I also agree with all the comments about editing - all 3, but I think the third one especially, are too fat, and could have been tidied up. I have read that Larsson intended to write a series of 10, which may explain why so many threads seem to lead nowhere and characters seem to get dropped - they were all set to reappear in book 5, or whatever. What a shame we'll never know.

Hey Mark - Just stopping by to say hi and wish you a happy Father's Day!

Hey Mark...Happy Father's Day!!

and the review is short, to the point....as usual!

Happy Father's Day, Mark. I think you'll really enjoy Mudbound.

Mark,

You'll love Mudbound I think although only 3.5 for the Stieg is a big disappointment to me. I think I just got so wrapped up in incredible characterizations and the unique storyline that I forgave the wordiness. Book 3 picks up right where Book 2 left off. It's seamless.

ETA Happy Fathers' Day!!

Stasia- I'll probably wait until later in the year to start Hornet's Nest.

Janet- Thanks for the thoughts on Larsson! If the series had continued, lets hope it would have become tighter and more stream-lined.

Joanne, Jude & Anne- Thanks for being so thoughtful! It means alot!

Bonnie- Glad to hear such strong encouragement for Mudbound. I struggled a bit with my star rating on the Larsson book. I wanted to give it at least 4 but just couldn't do it. Are we still pals?

I knocked out just under 50 pages of The Beekeeper's Apprentice and I'm really enjoying it. I like the smart, brisk flow of her prose.

I'm glad you're liking The Beekeeper's Apprentice, Mark. I thought it was great and look forward to reading the series.

As for that other series...I'm not so sure. As you know, I cheated and watched the movie version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and thought it was riveting. I sat on the edge of my seat much of the time forgetting to breathe! Played with Fire is going to play here at our local art theater in late August. Since I probably won't get the book from the library until then anyway, I may just opt for another film. I have plenty of time to decide.

Hope you got to do something special today, although 50 pages of reading is pretty special on a hot summer day.

Glad to hear that you are enjoying The Beekeeper's Apprentice.

I hope your Father's Day was a good one - and that you got books!!

Donna- Yes, I'm impressed how well written The Beekeeper's Apprentice is and she does not get "cutesy". I'm looking forward to seeing the film version of Dragon Tattoo.

Stasia- Yes, I had a very nice Father's Day! Thanks!

Good! Did you get any books?

Hope you had a great Father's Day Mark!! We had nice weather up here!! I spent all day watching baseball and soccer before going to work.

I guess I will have to give the Larsson books a try. Everyone keeps talking about them and I see many parents at the sporting events reading them.

I'm waiting patiently for the GR to start!

Happy Reading! -- Tammy

WOW! A series of Pillars of the Earth. Great balls of fire. I wish I could get some of these great series. I may have to break down and join Netflix.

I finished Girl With the Dragon Tattoo this weekend and am 150 pages into Girl Who Played With Fire. Fire has not been a let down for me. I was hooked from the first page. I do wonder about what I consider to be excessive praise of these books. For me they were good, but so have been some other books that made me read far into the night. Shadow of the Wind, Special Topics in Calamity Physics, and Thirteenth Tale to name a few. I think that those of us who do lots of reading might wonder what all the buzz is about regarding these books because we know that there are lots of really good thriller/mystery/suspense/spy novels like them out there. Books with great riveting stories that the less knowledgeable reader has trouble finding. For some reason these books are striking the right cord at the right time and so will become a phenomena. Larsson may not be any more remarkable writer than is Henning Mankel or Arnaldur Indridason but he just managed to write the right book at the right time. Anyway, I am enjoying the reading of these.

Thought I'd say hi. I'm reading the first book you read this year The White Rhino Hotel and it's definitely interesting;)

Stasia- No books, but that's okay! Boy, I need to start making a dent in what I have! Yikes!

Tammy- Thank you! It's good to see you and we'll be seeing more of each other over on the G.R.!! Just a few more days!

Benita- I like the way your mind works! I was thinking the exact same thing about the immense popularity of the Larsson books. Are they worthy of this kind of attention? Probably not but it's great seeing people read, Period!

Mark, if you are liking Bonk you should try reading her Stiff about human cadavers. It's really an eye opener and she covers the topic really well with good detail, history and humor.

Calm- Thanks for swinging by! I hope you enjoy The White Rhino Hotel. It's a lot of fun!

Caroline- Actually I finished the audio of Bonk today! I liked it and I've added Stiff to the list. I enjoyed her wit!

Books On The Nightstand has an update about the retreat. You can find it right here
They are going to start taking reservations starting tomorrow. The 18 room B&B might fill up fast, I wonder if we should all shoot for the motel. Let me know what you think!

I'm going to try for the Inn first and then if they're all booked I'll go with the motel. Oh dear .. i wonder if the motel will run out of rooms too?

Glad you liked Bonk, Mark. :)

I asked my husband about heading to New Hampshire next spring. I am not sure he is all that gung ho about the idea - especially since he is afraid that once I am up in the New England area, I might never want to leave!

>196 alcottacre: I don't know that Spring will seduce you...I remember it as muddy and cold. Then again, from 90+ in February, that might not sound so bad.

You got that right, Richard. I would much rather be cold than hot - I can always put more clothes on than I can take off!

Stasia- Who care what the weather will be next April! The gang will be together! Or at least a few of us anyway! I'm really hoping for a nice LT crowd. Wouldn't that be great? We can't have the Good Reads bunch bossing us around! Remember our dusters!

Stephen- Yes, I did like Bonk and looking forward to Stiff, one of these days!

I'm really enjoying The Beekeeper's Apprentice and I started the audio of WAR by Sebastion Junger. It's a powerful listen. The author reads it himself and captures a good no-nonsense, gritty style.

Anyone else joining us for The Once and Future King Group Read, which starts July 1st? C'mon, don't be left out. The link can be found: right here

I fear that a series of Pillars of the Earth would bore me into a catatonic lump.
As for Roach, I liked Spook

Here's the rates and info for the lodging: here

I'm thinking about booking with The Palmer House!

Kath- I think a mini-series would condense Pillars of the Earth into an easier package. Are you still considering "The Retreat"?

Mark
I'm catching up on your thread...lots of great messages and books here.

It is good to know that there will be a movie of Never Let Me Go. I will certainly watch this one!

Mark : I just booked at the Inn this morning. Whoohooo... I'm done! Can't wait for April.

We are going to get it all today: heat, humidity, heavy rains & storms! Not a fun day for a mail-carrier!

Linda- The trailer of Never Let Me Go looks promising. It looks like a different approach though, which might be necessary.

Caroline- That's great! I'm going to try to book mine tonight sometime!

Hey all,

Ann from Books on the Nightstand here. So thrilled that some of you are thinking of coming to the retreat!!

I think the Goodreads folks and the LT folks can coexist peacefully, and maybe we'll even see some cross-pollination! :)

Hope to meet many of you in April! Thank you so much for your support of BOTNS, especially you, Mark!

I'm off for the library conference tomorrow and won't be taking Girl Who Played With Fire as it is a hardback and much to heavy to schlep around. I will be taking Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All instead. I should be back next Wednesday with some ARC's in hand to keep me busy.

I really regret having to sit in an airport without Lisbeth in hand. I am really liking this book. It is great how the author has sort of let Lisbeth take a back seat but still be both catalyst and participant. I may have to break my resolution to not buy another new book and go get Hornet's Nest just to finish this series!

I'm glad all of you sort of shamed into getting with the program and reading these books. Well worth it.

#200 : Can't imagine Kath as a catatonic lump .... maybe a dessicated cupcake....

Ann (BOTNS)- It's great to have you stop by! It made me forget how hot & humid it was today! And yes, I'm trying to drum up more interest in the "Retreat". Please stop by again. Great show by the way!

Benita- I'm so glad you are enjoying the Larsson books. I have some quibbles with the first two but I still liked them and will finish the series.

I'm nearly finished with the audio of WAR by Sebastian Junger and this will be another one I will be raving about. It's an incredible experience. Non-fiction has been treating me veddy veddy good!

Mark

Simply stopping by to say hello. I always enjoy visiting here.

Linda- There is info for the Retreat in msg#193 and #201. Check it out! Plenty of time to save up the bucks!

Mark..
I am very tempted!

I'm on the wrong continent for the BOTNS retreat! I do hope lots of you go, and that way I can attend vicariously. :)

Going back a bit now: I've read the first two Capitan Alatriste novels, liked them both, but the second one was heavier-going. Haven't sourced the third yet. There's a good movie adaptation with Viggo Mortensen (aka Aragorn) that I've caught bits of.

I didn't realise HBO were adapting the A Game of Thrones series! I assumed it was going to be the Sci-Fi Channel (whatever they're called now) so wasn't expecting much. Feeling slightly happier about the adaptation now, although I wonder where it'll air on Australian TV...

Must track down a copy of The Bee Keeper's Apprentice...

Kerry and I are talking about making the trip, but I am not at all sure that it is worth it for us. We would almost certainly have to drive and it is 26+ hours, so we would actually spend more time getting back and forth than we would at the retreat.

Linda- I hope you decide in favor! It will be literary heaven to be able to sit around with LT friends and talk books for 3 days!

Wookie- Maybe you'll win the Aussie lotto or something! I'm looking forward to the Captain Alatriste books. I did not realize there was a film adaptation, though. BTW- I picked up a library copy of The Knife Never Letting Go, should get to it in a few days. Hopefully get through it before the Group Read starts.

Stasia- Yeah, that sounds like a brutal drive. I plan on flying. 900 miles is also too far to drive for a long weekend. I sure hope you can work out something. Remember: "literary heaven".

We shall see, Mark, we shall see.

It would really be awesome if you guys could make it Stas .... but a 26 hour car ride is daunting .... but if you and Kerry made the trip, we'd be your welcoming committee complete with big smiles and tons of hugs!

Well I'm booked! The Inn is all-ready sold out but I'm nearby at The Reluctant Panther. Cool name anyway! And they only have a few rooms left but there is still another motel on the list. I know this is many months off but I'm pretty excited and I would love it if more could make it. Like Caroline said, we'll be the welcoming committee, greeting you with a hug and a beer...or wine!

The Reluctant Panther! Love it. Mark, I'll get myself a lottery tickets, but if I do win, the family might have a say in where we go. I take it this retreat is nowhere near Disneyland? ;)

(My sister's taking her family to Disneyland and Aspen next January! I am slightly green with envy.)

#216: We have to pray that I get rich between now and then, Caro :)

Part of my deal is that, although my hubby gets paid vacation time, I do not have that luxury, so I would miss one weekend for sure, possibly 2. That is a big chunk of money for us, plus just the cost of the trip.

I do not mean to complain, but it sure would be nice if I could move Texas closer to the northeast!

Wookie- Yes, you can see Disney World from the motel window. Hee, hee! Sounds like a great trip your sister is taking!

Stasia- We can only do, what we can. It's an expensive deal. I've got to start saving now but just think about those rewards...

I'm slacking big time on my reviews! Bad Mark! Maybe it's the heat. Yeah, that's what it is!
BTW- WAR was excellent and has found it's way on my crowded "Best of the Year List", which is made up of mostly non-fiction. Pretty interesting.

#220: Looking forward to your review of War. Peter has recommended it as well, so I will have to get to it soon.

52) Drown by Junot Diaz ****1/2

There are ten stories, linked around a young boy, first growing up in poverty in the Dominican Republic and then moving to a poor area of New Jersey. Another squalid place the American Dream has bypassed. There is an absent father, a strong loving mother and the only career choices available for a boy growing into manhood, are stealing and drug dealing. Dead ends.
His prose is spare and edgy: “We head down a road for utility vehicles, where beer bottles grow out of the weeds like squashes. The Hacienda is past this road, a house with orange tiles on the roof and yellow stucco on the walls. The boards across the windows are as loose as old teeth, the bushes around the front big and mangy like Afros.”
These are darkly beautiful stories, of pain, heartbreak and just enough flashes of distant hope.

I second Mark's praise of this excellent selection of short stories by Díaz. Great review!

#222: As I could not stomach Diaz's The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao I think I will pass on that one too. I am glad you enjoyed it though, Mark (and Darryl)!

Another great review, Mark. We all need flashes of hope in our lives, even though they are sometimes distant. I like your reviews because they usually include a quote or a phrase that makes me want to read the book.

I'm still trailing in your dust....this time with Henrietta Lacks whose family has their own tale of heartbreak and dead ends.

53) Bonk by Mary Roach ***1/2

Thrill hammers, coital coronaries and pig orgasms. If any of these subjects spark your interest, this book is for you! Roach explores the scientific slant of the complicated and humorous world of sex, sometimes placing herself daringly in the center of some of the research. You will find yourself cringing one minute and laughing the next, sometimes simultaneously. This was my first book by Roach and I’m looking forward to reading or listening to more of her work. For a better review, check out Stephen’s, (Ape).

Darryl- Thank you, sir!

Stasia- Sorry Oscar Wao didn't work for you! Readers seem to love it or hate it! I was one of the former and it happily lead me to his 1st book, Drown.

Donna- Thanks, my friend! Glad you are enjoying Henrietta Lacks and don't worry I've eaten plenty of your dust too! We sound like NASCAR drivers!
BTW- Loved Beekeeper's Apprentice. Review forthcoming...

207 ~ you have no idea how much i needed that laugh today....:)

54) WAR by Sebastian Junger *****

Second platoon, of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, is entrenched on a bloody hill in the Korengal Valley. This deadly place is located in the rugged terrain of eastern Afghanistan and is considered one of the most dangerous places occupied by American forces. The mortality rate is disturbingly high. Junger made several extended visits to this platoon, from 2007 to 2008. He lived with them, ate with them, went on patrols and nearly died with them.
Junger captures their story here, with amazing depth and poignancy. The boredom, the blood-lust, the profanity and the deep bond that soldiers hold for one another. This is not a political look at war, politics are not mentioned, instead it peers at the psychology of the soldier. Fear and bravery are scrutinized and their meanings reveal truths that may surprise the reader. The author tells the story with grit and a vivid honesty. I highly recommend this book. It is a must read.

I saw Sebastian Junger on Charlie Rose and really want to read that book -- and give it to my son to read.

Hi Bonnie- Yes, War is a definite keeper! What have you been reading?

My son's graduation party went well yesterday. It was very warm but it didn't rain. Most of the guests stayed inside, in the a/c but me and a few braver souls hung outside, in whatever shade we could find. C'mon, it's summer!
Today has started stormy though!

Hi Mark,

Junger was just on Meet the Press this morning. You can probably find it online. The book sounds very good.

*waving*

Hi Bonnie (Brenzi)- The Junger book is excellent! Wanted to let you know I'm deeply immersed in American Salvage, thanks to you & Richard for the nudge. It's an incredible read! Her prose just sings:
"If only they could all remain together forever like this, he being the yard man, with his wife and the kids, and Holroyd stopping by to visit. And snakes and bees and deer and ground birds and nighthawks could all stay here with them, and those snakes would stay out of his wife's sight line, and she would relax and start to love this place the way he did."

Kath- waving back!!

hmm.. Mark, I didn't like Oscar Wao much ... do you think I'll like Drown?

Caroline- Yes, I would think you would like Drown. I can understand Oscar Wao being somewhat polarizing but his debut goes down easier. I also think you would love WAR.

I just finished the film version of The Road. It's a decent 3 star film. Gray and desolate. I was a big fan of the book, although I know it has it's LT detractors, as well.

Oh, I thought The Road was magnificent, but so very very bleak. I still get depressed and scared thinking about it. Not at all keen on seeing the movie, I must say! I prefer my movies on the entertaining side. :)

I had mixed feelings about Oscar Wao. I must try some of his other works!

I'm pondering looking up that War book in the library catalogue... (Not buying any new books this quarter - going to make inroads in Mt TBR, I hope!)

Somehow I don't think one can see DisneyLand/Disney World from Vermont. Unless Vermont mountains are taller than I realise. :)

I already have WAR in the BlackHole thanks to Peter's review. Sounds like I need to bump it up some though!

> 231: I just read a total chick-lit book that I bought for someone else. The writing was really mediocre, but I wasn't in the mood to work or think today and it only cost me a couple of bucks. (I think the book will remain nameless.) But, hey, I also bought American Salvage yesterday--40% off the used-book price. I'm going to read it next, so I'll come back and talk to you about it. Glad the graduation party went well in spite of all the wimps who holed up inside. ;-) How hot was it anyway?

You watched a film of The Road?~?~?~?

on purpose, or do you still have duct tape goo on you?

What is the opposite of magnificent? I loathed that book... ew. ew. ew. ew.

Wookie- I wanted to let you know, thanks to you, I started The Knife of Never Letting Go. I wasn't sure at first, what I was getting into but it slowly drew me in. A strange unusual world.

Stasia- I can't imagine you not enjoying it! Junger has a great writing style! Were you a fan of The Perfect Storm?

Bonnie- It was around 90 but the humidity was ridiculous. American Salvage is excellent. I'm considering buying a copy for myself. She is an amazing new talent.

Kath- Ha ha! No duct tape involved. I thought you were one who detested The Road, along with dear Richard. I loved the book, bleak as it was. Are you a fan of McCarthy at all?

Yes, I was a fan of The Perfect Storm as well as Junger's A Death in Belmont.

Grrr! I'm going to read The Road eventually. It's right up my alley, and I see it everywhere. Must must must read it sometime!

I loved reading The Road but watching it is an entirely different matter; although I just saw "Winter's Bone" at the theater last week, and it was pretty grim.

>231 msf59:: Most of the guests stayed inside, in the a/c but me and a few braver souls hung outside, in whatever shade we could find. C'mon, it's summer!

Yes, it's summer...and that's the whole point of having A/C! 90 degrees with high humidity is the perfect reason to enjoy the party from the comfort of being indoors. I'm just glad your son had a fun graduation party!

I don't want to get anything thrown at me but I loved really appreciated The Road. I did watch the movie and have to say that I thought the book was much better.

Ok, Mark ... I'll give Drown a try .. only because your review made it sound interesting.

Can't be as bad as The Road.. can it???

Stasia- I have not read A Death in Belmont. Good one, huh?

Stephen- Yes, I think you will like The Road or anything else by McCarthy, especially Blood Meridan, his nightmarish western masterpiece.
BTW- Don't let RD know you are reading The Road. He could get very upset and you don't want to see him when he gets upset...

Donna- Was the film Winter's Bone any good? I have not read the book either!

Bonnie- I agree the book was much better too! No question!

Caroline- I lent out Drown over the weekend, maybe when I eventually get it back, I'll send it to you!

248: I'll definitely have to check The Road out from the library soon...and they have Blood Meridan as well...*adds to wishlist, with moderate amounts of grumbling* :)

Congrats on your son's graduation.

Mark ..... my library doesn't have a copy of it either, but they're putting out feelers for possible interlibrary loans. So I'll have to wait and see

Stephen- Once you start either of those books, the grumbling will cease immediately!

Susan- Thank you! It's great to see you! Are you joining us on the Group Read?

Caroline- Maybe you'll get lucky!

I just finished the season finale of "Treme". It's an HBO series, set in New Orleans, post-Katrina. It was excellent and the music was outstanding! Any other "Treme" fans? If not, there should be!

#248: A Death in Belmont is a good read - not great, but a solid read.

Good, good! You liked American Salvage! Now I can torment you: Q Road is Bonnie jo Campbell's *novel*, and so far is quite good.

The Road stank. On ice. Like a rotten fish submerged in sour milk.

The Road stank. On ice. Like a rotten fish submerged in sour milk.

But, do you think I would like it, Richard? ;)

>255 Ape: Probably.

;-P

Weighing in on the whole Cormac McCarthy issue...Just got my very own copies of both No Country for Old Men & The Road. While I thought his earlier "cowboy" books were good..he tended toward a case of Wordiness.....these two might be MY ticket, since i like dystopian fiction...."comfort reads" bore me....and A Good Villain Is Hard to Find!!!

the Junot Diaz??? I read quite a few of his short stories in The New Yorker...prior to the publication of Drown...and i liked them a lot!!!

American Salvage is on THE LIST...but, i fear I know these people only too well....

;-}

Richard- I finished American Salvage today. It was incredible and now I will have to read all her other works. She is a major talent! Now to add Q Road!

Jude- I'm a big fan of McCarthy, although I still need to read some of his earlier works. You will love American Salvage and yes, you will know some of these people. I feel she knows her subjects very well too!

I started the audio of So Cold the River by Michael Koryta. It begins very well and I have no idea where this dark tale is dragging me to! Anyone else familiar with this author?

So Cold the River sounds wonderful! I just checked it out on Amazon.com and will try to get a copy. Nothing on Bookmooch... no cheap used copies on Amazon... maybe I'll just have to be be patient.

THx for the visit Mark. Yup read a lot, but, sadly, not a high proprotion that I'd urge on others! :) But there have been a few winners this year.

Just got back from the Library conference. Not as many ARC's this summer as last. I did buy some books but not as many free books as in the past. I had a great conversation with the library sales reps for Books On Tape and Listening Library. In May they lowered their prices to libraries. They now charge the same to libraries as they do for recorded books produced for bookstores and other commercial outlets. They said they had to as orders from libraries had fallen off the edge of the earth. Libraries had simply stopped ordering recorded books due to severe cuts in the budgets. The drop-off in sales is going to have an effect on production. They are going to not produce as many recorded books as in the past and those they do will be produced cheaper by getting lesser known readers and cutting corners on editing and other production costs.

I started reading an oldie this week. My book discussion group is reading The Sparrow. I didn't realize this book was a 1996 copyright and I hadn't heard anything about it. I know I can't read every book but don't know how I missed this one.

I heard So Cold the River reviewed on NPR and thought this one sounds like a really good read.

Oh Markster...yoo-hoo Mark-a-doodle-doo...guess what time it is? Go on, guess! That's right, time for the Thread Police to remind you that not everyone is a highly paid government functionary with fast cable Internet, so it's time to make a new thread!

I do agree with rd's summary of The Road

Karen- I listened to another nice chunk of So Cold the River today. It's very good and has shadings of The Shining in it. This is the second book of the summer with strong Stephen King influences, the other being The Passage.

Susan- I always enjoy your visits! What are your winners?

Benita- Good to see you! Hope you had a good trip! Did you see my info on the "BOTNS Book Retreat"? We need a crowd to attend! I've had The Sparrow in the stacks for awhile now, maybe you'll be able to push me over the edge. And yes, So Cold the River has been terrific! Superbly narrated too!

Yes, General Derus! I'll try to get to it a little later!

The New Thread is: right here