Terri (tymfos) runs her 2014 Reading Race #4: April Adventures

Hi! Welcome to my fourth 75 Challenge thread of 2014! This is my primary challenge for 2014. All the books I read this year will be here. As April arrives, it's time for a fresh thread.


My cat Sig




I enjoy many different kinds of books. I'm partial to mysteries, but I read a lot of other things, too, both fiction and non-fiction.

You may notice I have a fondness for lists and organizing things.

Feel free to comment. Part of the joy of reading is sharing the journey!

COVERS OF BOOKS I'M CURRENTLY READING

NON-FICTION E-BOOK AUDIO

BOOKS I'VE PUT ASIDE IN ORDER TO READ FOR SPECIAL CHALLENGES/THEMES:
FICTION NON-FICTION AUDIO

FIRST QUARTER BOOKS

Books read in JANUARY (challenges fulfilled; date completed)
1. Blood Land by R. S. Guthrie e-book (2014 category Rifleman; 1/2/14)
2. A Comedy of Heirs by Rett MacPherson (1/3/14; ROOT, 2014 Honor Thy Father category)
3. 58 Degrees North: The Mysterious Sinking of the Arctic Rose by Hugo Kugiya (1/6/14; ROOT, January Joyrides)
4. Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather (GeoCAT, RandomCAT, unofficial alphaCAT, American Author Challenge, 2014 American Author category 1/11/14)
5. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson (ROOT, MysteryCAT, 2014 Category Whodunit?1/13/14)
6. How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny (2014 Category Garden of Evil 1/20/14)
7. One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson e-book (2014 Category still deciding; randomCAT, mysteryCAT)
8. Southern Lady, Yankee Spy by Elizabeth Varon (ROOT, 2014 Category "war"& unofficial alphaCAT)
9. North of Nowhere by Steve Hamilton (MysteryCAT 1/30/14)
10. Firewall by Henning Mankell (audio -- 2014 Garden of Evil category 1/30/14)
10a Divorce Horse by Craig Johnson e-book short

abandoned:
Murder on the Mind by L. L. Bartlett. (Just not my cup of tea)
Huntress Moon by Alexandra Sokoloff (may try again later when in different mood)

Books read in FEBRUARY
11. The Round House by Louise Erdrich (2/1/14)
12. The Risk of Darkness by Susan Hill (ROOT, 2014 Category "Garden of Evil," MysteryCAT, unofficial AlphaCAT)
13. Blood is the Sky by Steve Hamilton (2/10/14; ROOT, MysteryCAT, unofficial alphaCAT H)
14. Faith Under Fire by Roger Benimoff (ROOT, 2014 Category "war," GeoCAT)
15. As the Crow Flies by Craig Johnson (2014 Category Rifleman, MysteryCAT) e-book
16. Real Men Work in the Pits by Jeff Hammond
17. Ice Run by Steve Hamilton (e book)
18. A Necessary End by Peter Robinson (MysteryCAT, unofficial AlphaCAT)

abandoned this month:
The Godwulf Manuscript by Robert Parker AUDIO

Books read in MARCH
19. Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear (paper book & audio book)
20. I Was Right On Time by Buck O'Neil with Steve Wulf & David Conrads
21. The Watcher in the Shadows By Carlos Ruiz Zafon (e-book)
22. All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
23. No Nest for the Wicket by Donna Andrews
24. A Stolen Season by Steve Hamilton (e-book)

SECOND QUARTER BOOKS:

Books read in APRIL

25. Not Even Wrong: Adventures in Autism by Paul Collins (Five Star Read!) 4/8/14
26. Silence of the Grave by Arnaldur Indriðason (e-book) 4/11/14
27. Where's Your Jesus Now?: Examining How Fear Erodes Our Faith by Karen Spears Zacharias (4/15/14)
28. Jazz by Toni Morrison (American Author Challenge)
29. The Pyramid: And Four Other Kurt Wallander Mysteries by Henning Mankell (audio)
30. Sun Storm by Asa Larsson (e-book)
31. Not Flesh Nor Feathers by Cheri Priest (Fiction)

Currently reading:
Embracing the Wide Sky by Daniel Tammet (Non-Fiction)
Dead Wood by Dani Amore (e-book)
Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler (Audio)

Temporarily suspended
Nightmares and Dreamscapes by Stephen King (audio)
Winter Tides by James P. Blaylock
Rocket Men by Craig Nelson

Books read in MAY

Books read in JUNE

I'm doing the ROOT (Read Our Own Tomes) challenge again in 2014, "trimming" neglected books that have taken root on my TBR shelf:

I'm also doing the Book Bingo thing so many people are doing:



I'm not sure how to define "a book at the bottom of your to be read pile." Maybe pull one from the bottom shelf of the TBR bookcase?

A book with more than 500 pages
A Forgotten Classic
A book that became a movie Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather
A book published this year
A book with a number in the title 58 Degrees North by Hugo Kugiya
A book written by someone under Thirty
A book with non-human characters
A Funny book No Nest for the Wicket by Donna Andrews
A book by a female author How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny
A book with a mystery North of Nowhere by Steve Hamilton
A book with a one-word title Firewall by Henning Mankell
A book of short stories Nightmares & Dreamscapes by Stephen King (in progress)
FREE SQUARE
A book set on a different continent Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear
A book of non-fiction Southern Lady, Yankee Spy by Elizabeth R. Varon
The first book by a favorite author
A book you heard about online Faith Under Fire by Roger Benimoff with Eve Conant
A best-selling book
A book based on a true story
A book at the bottom of your to-be-read pile A Comedy of Heirs by Rett MacPherson (the M's are on the bottom of my first TBR case)
A book your friend loves
A book that scares you
A book that is more than 10 years old
The second book in a series One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson
A book with a blue cover Case Histories by Kate Atkinson

And I'm participating in Mark's American Author Challenge:


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My (very) tentative list for the American Author Challenge

January Willa Cather -- Death Comes for the Archbishop (I've wanted to read this for some time, at local library)COMPLETED
February William Faulkner -- As I Lay Dying, library Louise Erdrich The Round House COMPLETED
March Cormac McCarthy -- All the Pretty Horses COMPLETED
April Toni Morrison -- Jazz (owned) COMPLETED and possibly Beloved (I really want to read this one, at local library)
May Eudora Welty -- Losing Battles (at local library)
June Kurt Vonnegut substitute Thomas Wolfe - Look Homeward, Angel (owned)
July Mark Twain substitute Ernest Hemingway - For Whom the Bell Tolls (owned -- for over 20 years, about time I read it!)
August Philip Roth The Ghost Writer (owned)
September James Baldwin substitute Ray Bradbury - A Graveyard for Lunatics (for September Series & Sequels, owned)
October Edith Wharton substitute F. Paul Wilson - The Keep (for Halloween reading, owned)
November John Updike (Still deciding on selection)
December Larry Watson Let Him Go (I really want to read this, e-book available through library)

All titles subject to change. In fact, they will PROBABLY change, more than once!

I'm doing the 2014 Category Challenge:



http://www.librarything.com/topic/162285


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I struggled to decide on a theme for this year -- or whether to even have an overall theme for my categories. I considered using the titles of hit songs from 1974 (40 years ago) as my category titles. But I think I've settled on themes loosely based on a number of famous folks born in the great state of New Jersey.

I pretty much consider myself a Pennsylvanian now, but my formative years were spent in the Garden State, and my old home has shaped my sensibilities somewhat. (Its certainly affected my musical tastes, as anyone can attest whose heard how frequently I blast Springsteen and Bon Jovi songs.) So this challenge is my tribute to my old "home state." I was listing my categories, but I keep editing them, so I've decided to now omit them from this thread.

THE SERIES I'M READING

As you can see, I'm reading a lot of series! I'm trying to keep track of which installment is next; also, I'm trying to track how many are in each series, though that's hard to keep up with! These lists are as much for my reference as for visitors to see what I'm working on!


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RACING TO READ MY SERIES!

A. CHECKERED FLAG: Series that I'm actually caught up/finished with those which have been published!!! (as far as I know, anyway!)
Blood Detective/Nigel Barnes series by Dan Waddell (have read both)
Cork O'Connor series by William Kent Krueger. (have read all 13)
Dave Gurney series by John Verdon. (have read all three -- a fourth is coming out in July)
Dublin Murder Squad series by Tana French. (have read all 4)
Eden Moore series by Cherie Priest. Next: Not Flesh Nor Feathers (have read all three)
Elm Haven series by Dan Simmons (read both)
Fever Devilin series by Philip DePoy. (have read all seven)
Flap Tucker series by Philip DePoy (have read all 5)
Kenzie/Gennaro series by Dennis Lehane. (have read all six)
Lake Superior Mysteries by Matthew Williams. (have read all three)
Lincoln Perry series by Michael Koryta (have read all four)
Mallory series by Carol O'Connell (have read all 11)
Three Pines/Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny. (have read all 9)
Trilogy of Fog by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. (have read all three)

B. WHITE FLAG LAP -- ONE TO GO!: Series that I am reading, only one left to read that has been published (As far as I'm aware)
Christopher Miller Holiday Thrillers by Chris Grabenstein. Next up: Hell for the Holidays #2 of 2
Rev. Claire Ferguson series by Julia Spencer Fleming. Next up: Through the Evil Days, #8 of 8 (library)
Sam Blackman series by Mark deCastrique. Next up: A Murder in Passing, #4 of 4 (owned)
Samantha Kincade series by Alafair Burke. Next: Close Case, #3 of 3
Shetland Quartet by Ann Cleeves. Next up: Dead Water #5 of 5 (owned)
Walt Longmire series by Craig Johnson. Next up: A Serpent's Tooth, #9 of 9
Kurt Wallander series by Henning Mankell. Next: The Troubled Man, #10 of 10* (Note: some sources count Before The Frost as part of this series, and some consider it a separate Linda Wallander series. I may read that before I read The Troubled Man.)

C. GREEN FLAG LAPS: Favorite Series that I am very actively reading -- not as far along
Alex McNight series by Steve Hamilton. Next up:Misery Bay, #8 of 10
Buryin' Barry mysteries by Mark deCastrique. Next up: Foolish Undertaking, #3 of 5 (owned)
Dave Robicheaux series by James Lee Burke. Next: Last Car to Elysian Fields, #13 of 20 (local library & One Click)
Inspector Sejir series by Karin Fossum (English Publication Order). Next: The Water's Edge, #6 of 10 (local library)
Jackson Brodie series by Kate Atkinson. Next up: When Will There Be Good News , #3 of 4
John Cardinal series by Giles Blunt. Next up: The Delicate Storm, #2 of 6 (owned)
John Ceepak series by Chris Grabenstein. Next: Rolling Thunder, #6 of 9 (FLP)
John Madden series by Rennie Airth. Next up: The Blood-Dimmed Tide, #2 of 4 (owned)
Simon Serralier series by Susan Hill. Next up: The Vows of Silence, #4 of 7 (owned)
Torie O'Shea series by Rett MacPherson. Next up: A Misty Mourning, #4 of 11 (owned)

D. YELLOW FLAG: Other series to continue, but I've slowed down for now:
Alexandra Cooper series by Linda Fairstein. Next:Hell Gate, #12 of 15 (library)
Alex Cross series by James Patterson. Next:Alex Cross' Trial, #15 of 21 (library)
Benjamin January by Barbara Hambly. Next: Sold Down the River, #4 of 12 (owned)
Border Trilogy by Cormac McCarthy: The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy, #2 of 3
Bryant & May by Christopher Fowler. Next: The Water Room, #2 of 10 (CLP/FLP download)
Commissario Brunetti series by Donna Leon. Next: Death in a Strange Country, #2 of 23 (at library; I own #3)
Crumley mysteries by Ray Bradbury. Next: Graveyard for Lunatics, #2 of 3 (owned)
David Ash series by James Herbert. Next: Ghosts of Sleath, #2 of 3 (at library)
Dr. Siri series by Colin Cotterill. Next up: Anarchy and Old Dogs, #4 of 8 (owned)
Emma Fielding series by Dana Cameron. Next: Grave Consequences, #2 of 6 (download FLP)
Genevieve Lenard mysteries by Estelle Ryan. Next: The Braque Connection, #3 of 4
Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson. Next up: The Hanging Valley, #4 of 21 (owned)
Inspector Erlendur (UK publication order) by Arnaldur Indrudason. Next: Voices, #3 of 10
Inspector Ramsay by Ann Cleeves. Next: A Day in the Death of Dorothea Cassidy, #3 of 6 (owned)
Joe Pickett mysteries by C.J. Box. Next up: Savage Run, #2 of 14 (owned)
Lamb/Holly series by Belinda Bauer. Next: Darkside, #2 of 3 (owned)
Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear. Next: Messenger of Truth, #4 of 10 (borrowed)
Marty Singer series by Matthew Iden, Next: Blueblood, #2 of 3 (owned)
Meg Langslow series by Donna Andrews. Next: The Penguin Who Knew Too Much, #8 of 13 (county library)
Merrily Watkins series by Phil Rickman. Next: The Cure of Souls, #4 of 12 (owned)
Mistress of the Art of Death, by Ariana Franklin. Next: The Serpent's Tale, #2 of 4 (owned)
Temperence Brennan series by Kathy Reichs. Next: Spider Bones #13 of 17 (library)
Tess Monaghan series by Laura Lippman. Next: Another Thing to Fall, #10 of 11 (library)
White House Chef series by Julie Hyzy. Next: Eggsecutive Orders, #3 of 7 (owned)

E. ONE-OFF DEALS: Series I started reading out-of-order once in a while over the years as I came upon volumes:
(I'm not sure which books I've read in some of these series!)
Ballad novels by Sharyn McCrumb (ten in series)
D.D. Warren series by Lisa Gardner.
Elizabeth MacPherson series by Sharyn McCrumb
Faith Fairchild mysteries by Katherine Hall Page (I own some unread)
Harmony series by Philip Gulley (first in County Library & One Click)
Kate Shugak series by Dana Stabenow (recently went back and read #1 in series)
Michael Kelley series by Michael Harvey (read 2nd; own 1st)
Mickey Rawlings series by Tron Soos
Penn Dutch Inn mysteries by Tamar Myers (I own some unread; library has some I've not read)
Richard Christie series by Kathleen George (read 4th of 4 from library) next to read: #1 Taken (at county library, CLP)
Skip Langdon series by Julie Smith

F. START YOUR ENGINES: New-to-me series that I'm currently reading first book:

G. START-AND-PARKS: Series I started at the beginning and don't necessarily feel like going the distance with, though I may try one now and then:
Charles Lenox series by Charles Finch. Next: The September Society, #2 of 7 (CLP/FLP Download)
Claire DeWitt by Sara Gran. Next Up: Claire DeWitt and the Bohemian Highway, #2 of 2
Death on Demand series by Carolyn Hart. Next up: Design for Murder, #2 of 23 (owned)
Emily Locke series by Rachel Brady. Next: Dead Lift, #2 of 2 (CLP download)
Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbo. Next: The Redeemer (FLP download)
Home Repair is Homicide series by Sarah Graves. Next up: Triple Witch, #2 of 16
Ian Rutledge series by Charles Todd. Next: Wings of Fire, #2 of 16 (library)
Ravynne Sisters Paranormal Mysteries by Merabeth James. I'm definitely skipping #2, the vampire one. Next up: A Haunting at Storm House (owned, e-book)
Rebecka Martinsson series by Asa Larsson. Next up: Blood Split, #2 of 5
Wine Country Mysteries by Ellen Crosby: Chardonnay Charade, #2 of 6 (download FLP)

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Series I'm thinking of starting

A. Series to start; own (or was loaned) at least one book in series
Agent Smoky Barrett series by Cody McFadyen. First up: Shadow Man, #1 of 5 (owned)
Body Farm series by Jefferson Bass. First up: Carved in Bone, #1 of 7+ (FLP download -- own #2 e-book)
Booktown mysteries by Lorna Barrett. First up: Murder is Binding, #1 of 6 (owned)
Bruno series by Martin Walker. First up: Bruno, Chief of Police, #1 of 5 (borrowed)
Coffeehouse mysteries by Cleo Coyle. First up: On What Grounds, #1 of 11 (owned)
Det. Ellie Hatcher series by Alafair Burke. First up: Dead Connection, #1 of 4 (owned)
Emmanuel Cooper series by Malla Nunn. First up: A Beautiful Place to Die, #1 of 2 (owned)
Frank Renzi series by Susan Fleet. First up: Absolution, #1 of 3 (Kindle book)
Gin Palace Trilogy by Daniel Judson. (Own #2 in series as Kindle Book -- I understand that it's a "prequel" so may work to read first.
Hackberry Holland by James Lee Burke. First up: Lay Down my Sword and Shield, #1 of 3 (owned)
Hannah Swenson series by Joanne Fluke. First up: Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder, #1 of 15 (owned)
Huntress Moon/FBI thrillers by Alexandra Sokoloff. First up: Huntress Moon, #1 of 2 (Kindle book)
Inspector Alan Grant series by Josephine Tey. First up: The Man in the Queue, #1 of 6 (owned)
Inspector Matt Minogue Mysteries by John Brady. First up: A Stone of the Heart, #1 of 10 (owned)
Julie O'Hara series by Lee Hanson. First up: Castle Cay, #1 of 3 (Kindle book)
Lacey Flint series by S. J. Bolton. First up: Now you See Me, #1 of 2 (owned)
Lady Julia Grey series by Deanna Raybourn. First up: Silent in the Grave, #1 of 7 (borrowed)
Lake Champlain mysteries by William Kritlow. First up: Crimson Snow, #1 of 3 (owned)
Laszlo Kreizler series by Caleb Carr. First up: The Alienist, #1 of 2 (owned)
Loon Lake fishing mysteries, by Victoria Houston. First up: Dead Angler, #1 of 13 (owned)
Madeline Dare series by Cornelia Read. First Up: Field of Darkness, #1 of 3 (owned)
Mark Tartaglia series by Elena Forbes. First up: Die With Me, #1 of 3 (owned)
Missing Pieces mysteries by Joyce & Jim Laverne. First up: A Timely Vision, #1 of 5 (owned)
Quirke series by Benjamin Black. First up: Christine Falls, #1 of 6 (owned)
Rosa Thorn series by Vena Cork. First up: Thorn, #1 of 3 (owned)
Shadows series by Cege Smith. First up: Edge of Shadows, #1 of 3 (Kindle book)
Sister Agnes series by Alison Joseph. First up: Sacred Hearts, #1 of 9 (own)
Tony Boudreaux Mysteries by Kent Conwell. First up: Galveston (no touchstone), #1 of ? (own 6th in series)
Underhill/Maiden series by Will Kingdom. The Cold Calling (owned)

B. Series I'm eager to start; none owned, but at least first book available at library:
Bess Crawford series by Charles Todd. First up: A Duty to the Dead, #1 of 4 (library)
Cemetery of Forgotton Books by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. The Shadow of the Wind, #1 of 3 (FLP downloads)
Deborah Knott series by Margaret Maron. First up: Bootlegger's Daughter, #1 of 18 (library)
DS Alex Morrow by Denise Mina. First up: Still Midnight
Guido Guerrieri series by Gianrico Carfiglio. Involuntary Witness, #1 of 4 (CLP download)
Harry Bosch series by Michael Connelly. First up: The Black Echo, #1 of 18 (library, library downhload)
Homer Kelley series by Jane Langton. First up: The Transcendental Murder, #1 of 18 (FLP download)
Inspector Silva series by Leighton Gage. First up: Blood of the Wicked, #1 of 4 (CLP download)
Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. First up: Killing Floor
Jack Sawyer series by Stephen King. First up: The Talisman (library, downloads)
Kathryn Dance series by Jeffery Deaver. First up: The Sleeping Doll
Lynley/Havers series by Elizabeth George. First up: A Great Deliverance (library paperback)
Matthew Shardlake series by C.J. Samson. First up: Dissolution, #1 of 5 (FLP download)
Millenium Trilogy by Steig Larsson. First up: Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, #1 of 3
Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz. First up: Odd Thomas, #1 of 6 + novellas
Rizolli/Isles by Tess Gerritsen. First up: The Surgeon: A Rizzoli, #1 of 10
Shakespeare Secret series by Jennifer Lee Carrell. First up: Interred With Their Bones
Steve Vail series by Noah Boyd. First up: The Bricklayer, #1 of 2
Strange & Quinn series by George Pelicanos. First up: Right as Rain
Tea Shop mysteries by Laura Childs. First up: Death by Darjeeling
The Sparrow series by Mary Doria Russell. First up: The Sparrow
Thora Gudmundsdottier series by Yrsa Sigurdardottir. First up: Last Rituals
Tradd Street series by Karen White. First up: The House on Tradd Street, #1 of 3
Women's Murder Club by James Patterson. First up: 1st to Die

G. Series to start where first book is at county library
Anna Travis series by Lynda LaPlante. First up: Above Suspicion, #1 of 7
Barker & Llewellyn series by Will Thomas. First up: Some Danger Involved, #1 of 5 (county library)
Cackleberry Club by Laura Childs. First up: Eggs in purgatory
Duncan Kincade series by Deborah Crombie. First up: A Share in Death
Evelyn James series by Elizabeth Becca. First up: Trace Evidence
Gregor Demarkian mystery by Jane Haddam. First up: Not a Creature was Stirring
Inspector Rebus series by Ian Rankin. First up: Knots & Crosses, #1 of 17
Jack Daniels series by Joe Konrath. First up: Whiskey Sour
Jason Kolarich series by David Ellis. First up: The Hidden Man
Jemima Shore series by Antonia Fraser. First up: Quiet as a Nun
Joona Linna sereis by Lars Kepler. First up: The Hypnotist, #1 (only one in English so far)
LA Quartet by James Elroy. First up: The Black Dahlia
Leaphorn series by Tony Hillerman. First up: The Blessing Way
Lincoln Ryme series by Jeffery Deaver. First up: The Bone Collector
Nobody Nowhere series by Donna Williams. First up: Nobody Nowhere
Nora Gavin series by Erin Hart. First up: Haunted Ground
Ray Dudgeon series by Sean Chercover. First up: Big City, Bad Blood
Sister Agatha mysteries by Aimee Thurlo. First up: Bad Faith
Virgil Tibbs series by John Ball. First up: In the Heat of the Night, #1 of 7

C. Recommended series, not readily available:
Antique Print Mysteries by Lea Wait. Shadows at the Fair
Books by the Bay Mysteries by Ellery Adams. First up: A Killer Plot
Chief Inspecter Adamsburg by Fred Vargas. The Chalk Circle Man
Donut Shop mysteries by Jessica Beck. Glazed Murder
Emily Tempest series by Adrian Hyland. Moonlight downs
Inspector Challis by Hal Disher. The Dragon Man
Jack Frost by R.D. Wingfield. Frost at Christmas
Jack Taylor series by Ken Bruen. The Guards
Joe Faraday series by Graham Hurley. Turnstone
Joe Plantagenet by Kate Ellis. Seeking the Dead
Kyle Murchison Booth by Sarah Monette The Bone Key
Logan McRae by Stuart MacBride. Cold Granite
Matthew Bartholomew series by Susanna Gregory. A Plague on Both Your Houses
Max Tudor by G.M. Malliet. Wicked Autumn
Mike Bowditch by Paul Doiron. The Poacher's Son
Nathan Active series by Stan Jones. White sky, Black ice
Novel Ideas series by Lucy Arlington. Buried in a Book
Sam Turner mysteries by John F. Baker. Poet in the Gutter
Sigrid Harald by Margaret Maron. One Coffee With
Tom Thorne series by Mark Billingham. Sleepyhead

THE STATS: I always try to keep these kinds of stats, and I always mess them up sometime in the course of the year so that the totals don't add up properly.

total books READ 2014: 31

ROOT books -- off my (real or virtual) TBR shelf: 15 (including one that's not part of this challenge)

Paper books: 19 1/2
E-books: 9
Audio books: 2 1/2

Fiction: 24
Non-Fiction: 7

male author(s): 16
female author: 14
male/female team author: 1

US authors: 20
authors from other countries: 11
NO IDEA:

living author (as far as I know): 29
deceased author: 2
unsure:

THE POSTING FORMAT:

This is my template for ease of posting the books I read:

Title:
Author:
Genre or subject information:
Copyright/Year of original publication:
Series?:
Date finished:
Off the Shelf?
My Rating:
Notes:

Tentative Monthly Goals (one book can fill multiple goals) and what I'm working on to fill them

at least:

4 "ROOT" books (on my TBR shelf at least since 12/31/13): Not Even Wrong COMPLETED, Where's Your Jesus Now?COMPLETED, Jazz COMPLETED, Not Flesh Nor Feathers COMPLETED;
suspended: Winter Tides, Dead Wood, and Rocket Men
1 American Author Challenge book (designated author or appropriate substitution): Jazz COMPLETED
1 of the official "CAT" challenges from the 2014 Category Challenge (MysteryCAT, GeoCAT, RandomCAT):
(MysteryCAT: Nordic mysteries; GeoCAT: Eastern Europe; RandomCAT: poetry) Silence of the Grave COMPLETED for MysteryCAT
1 of the Unofficial "CAT" challenges from the 2014 Category Challenge (AlphaCAT or GastroCAT): (AlphaCAT: I, P; GastroCAT: Seafood or juice) Silence of the Grave by Arnaldur Indriðason COMPLETED; The Pyramid COMPLETED
1 book from a 75 Challenge Theme of the Month or group read: (Atwood, Autism) Not Even Wrong: Adventures in Autism COMPLETED for Autism
1 book from my "white flag" series list (as long as there are items available for that designation): Not Flesh Nor Feathers COMPLETED
1 next-in-series book that's not the last in a series: Silence of the Grave COMPLETED
1 first-in-series, preferably one that I OWN (or own others in series): Sun Storm by Asa Larsson COMPLETED
1 spirituality/religion book: Where's Your Jesus Now? COMPLETED
1 general non-fiction book: Not Even Wrong COMPLETED
1 TIOLI book: Not Even Wrong: Adventures in Autism COMPLETED Jazz COMPLETED
1 book from a least filled category in my 2014 Category Challenge: Where's Your Jesus Now? COMPLETED

Looks like I met all these goals this month! I may give myself some slack in May.

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Welcome all!

Happy New Thread, Terri! I love the Sig topper!

Happy April Terri! It's official! I am totally in love with Sig :) Great thread topper!

Now about those sounds... I doubt they are sad sounds, but they might be his chirping. Two of mine do the chirpy thing three ( as far as I know Seamus does not either.. we shall see) do not. You are giving him a long safe happy life of loving care in exchange for killing for food. Good trade. Well Done. No guilt.

:)

Settling in to your new thread for Sig-watching.

I'm not sure what's going on. I had trouble with LT last night when I made my thread. Now I know I posted a reply to Amber's post, and it's not here. Try again:

>14 scaifea: Thanks, Amber, and welcome! You're my first guest!

>15 mckait: Kath, I knew you'd love that thread topper! I've occasionally heard what I think is his chirp -- once when he was trying to get at a fly that was stuck in the space between the screen and the window. This was definitely not it.

>16 cbl_tn: Glad to see you, Carrie! Make yourself comfortable.

Today is my day off, and it's actually a nice day! That gives me way too many options of what to do with my free time today. It's a nice dilemma to have, after all the horrid winter weather. I do know I have a church women's group meeting to attend this evening.

Well, remember the saving his life part.. ! :)
Do you work today? I do :P I wanna go outside and dig in the dirt.

eta

AND I have to do story hour :PPPP

>18 mckait: Sorry you have to work on this glorious spring day, Kath. I'm off today, so I may play a bit in the dirt. I think "pick up sticks" would be a possibility in my yard. Yeah.

I started my annual Autism Awareness Month reading thread here:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/172153

OK, I'm thinking of temporarily putting aside the books I've got started, because they don't really work with my goals for the month, nor am I really "into" them. They're not bad -- one is very good, in fact -- but wrong timing, wrong mood. One is a book of short stories, so it really won't hurt to set it aside one bit.

I want to get started on Jazz for the American Author Challenge (and a TIOLI -- the first time I've tried that) and Not Even Wrong: Adventures in Autism for my Autism Awareness thread (also for a TIOLI).

OK, I've got The Silence of the Grave checked out for Unofficial AlphaCAT and MysteryCAT. I have a hold on the audio of The Pyramid for the same challenges; I'm the only one on the list with two copies, so I should easily get it this month. Until the hold comes available, I'll keep listening to Nightmares and Dreamscapes, which is a good short story collection. I'll start Jazz and Not Even Wrong.

I'm putting aside Rocket Men (definitely temporary pause, because it is quite good so far), Winter Tides (not sure if I'll pick this back up, as the story line has taken a turn with which I'm uncomfortable), and my e-book Dead Wood (I'm prejudiced against this one because I see the author's profile/account has been removed from LT, which probably means she was spamming. Why do they keep an author noted as a Library Thing Author on the book's page when their LT account has been removed?)

You know, I think I'm over-thinking this reading thing . . . ;)

I'm spending the best part of my day off deciding what to read and posting. Now the weather is clouding up.

Terri, I thought I was organised (in a thread lay out sort of way) but I am a bungling amateur at the side of you my dear.

I will join you on Beloved if you manage to get round to it this month.

Congratulations on your new thread.

Thanks, Paul! I think your threads are much more visitor-friendly. A lot of what I put at the top of mine are for my own reference as I muddle through my various challenges. I hope we both get to read Beloved.

"my cat Sig' Aren't those sweet words? We've only had our cat, Molly, since the end of September (we were a dog household for about 25 years before that). Every once in a while my husband will say, with a wondering tone, "we have a kitty cat!". It's happy-making.

>24 laytonwoman3rd: It's happy-making.
It is, isn't it, Linda? Of course, I think the words "my cat" are not quite accurate. I suspect that the cats really own us, and not the other way around! ;)

Cats are happy making, for sure!

Hi Terri, lovely new thread with your beautiful cat to top it off. We had a beautiful day here today too:-)

Compliments to Sig! He is so handsome ;-)

It's good to know you are starting to know who belongs to whom...
you are a quick learner.

Nice new thread, Terri! "April Adventures" could prove interesting.

LOL at Cee's post!

Do you work today? I do... all day. It will be with Laura though, so hopefully it will be good. Its chilly and raining today, so I won't mind having to be inside ....

Good day to you, Sig's mom :)

Loving your thread topper!

>27 brenzi: Thanks, Bonnie. Isn't it nice to finally have some spring weather?

>28 -Cee-: Sig is teaching me well, Cee. I know who is boss. ;) See next post for more April Adventures!

>29 mckait:, >26 mckait: Kath, we had staff meeting early & I worked until school let out. We have kind of chilly & drizzly, too -- though still not too cold, compared to what we had Sunday. Hope your work day was good.

>30 thornton37814: Hi, Lori, and Thanks!

Weird stuff:

My son has this habit of leaving his wash cloth in the bathtub when he's done his bath, which is annoying but reasonably understandable with a teenager.

When my son does this, Sig has started dragging the wet wash cloth out of the tub, out of the bathroom, down the stairs, and into the front hallway or living room. This seems just a bit bizarre.

Any ideas what is going on in his little kitty mind?

Wait. You have a teenaged boy who uses a washcloth? I find that more remarkable than your kitty's behavior!

>33 laytonwoman3rd: LOL, Linda, believe me, he requires much prompting and nagging!

I've gone from a pile of books-in-progress that I wasn't in the mood for -- and thus was neglecting -- to an array of books that have me wanting to read again. Sometimes you just need to know when to put something(s) aside for another time. The thread of a reading funk has been overcome for now!

ETA to add Looking at my monthly goals, I realize I'm working on books to fill almost all of them! The two I need can be dubbed "Alpha and Omega" -- a first-in-series book, and a "last available in series" book! I have books in mind to fit both categories.

Aw, Sig looks so angelic and calm in his photo - does that mean he is thinking of what he can get into next?

>33 laytonwoman3rd: LOL!

Sig is a beauty.

Our kitty Boomer likes washcloths too, and I have no idea why. When she spent the weekend in the ER last year, I brought one with us so she could cuddle up and gnaw on it while she was away from home.

My dog loves washcloths, especially wet ones. He rubs his face on them. Lol

>32 tymfos: prey. That is a hunting behavior, and Sig is probably thrilled to be able to capture his prey and bring it to where you will find it. Your son is just helping Sig to have fun!

Reading. I have no time for that again today. I shouldn't even be online, but once the washer chimes, I will be up and at it. I work until 7 p. tonight. No programs though. Rainy and chilly here, but not cold, at least not today. I have worked a lot lately.Interesting developments at our library.. but things that will take time to play out. I don't like it at all.

>32 tymfos: Hilarious!

>33 laytonwoman3rd: *snork!!*

Sig is a handsome guy! I do love an orange tabby and miss our Pinxton every time I see one. (A little piano student who had picked up on the fact that black men don't want to be called "boy" and therefore, avoided the word in every context said, "He's the nicest ---- guy cat I've ever seen!")
Love the washcloth drama, and I'm sure that Kathleen has the right of it.
I'm currently loving Just One Damned Thing After Another (free on Kindle, with thanks to Tui for pointing it out) so much that I can't think about what I'm going to read next. I do have some ideas though.
Oh. And it may be late, but Happy New Thread!

>39 scaifea: Snork all you want...Charlie Angel will be a teenager one day...

>35 Familyhistorian: As I recall, he was saying "who, me?" after clearing my stuff off the patch of desk where he was sitting.

>36 Copperskye: Thanks, Linda! It sounds like your Boomer was using it more as a security blanket!

>37 cal8769: Carrie, Sig did that, too!

>38 mckait: That makes a certain sense, Kath. And after washing a teenage boy, the cloth might smell a bit like prey, too! :) Sorry for the long day you have today, and the developments at work you don't like.

>39 scaifea: Hi, Amber! Aren't cats funny?

>40 LizzieD: Thanks, Peggy! That's a sweet story about Pinxton and your piano student. Glad you've found a book you love -- and free, too! (Must investigate . . .)

>41 laytonwoman3rd: LOL, Linda!

Adventures of Sig!

I always get such a chuckle out of Sig's adventures! I think you got a tiger there.

Facecloths: Our cat never touches them. The dog, otoh, will go into the shower and take MY facecloth down from the bar - and leaves Ron's alone. I don't know what he does with it (he does it on the sly or when we are not home). I don't take any chances though and always get out a new one for myself. I go through a lot of facecloths. Not my fault!

My theory is he likes the smell of my soap better than Ron's.

Sig is hilarious. Every picture could be captioned, " What? I'm not doing anything!"

A Carrie sighting!!!! YAY!

And she's right. Every picture is as good or even better than the last, and a lot of fun :)

>44 -Cee-: Cee, how does Loki reach the bar?!?! You never mentioned he could fly.....! He is such a short little thing! ( well, compared to Duncan, whose head is hand height)

Happy new thread, Terri! What a gorgeous kitty your Sig is, and of course, all your stories of his adventures make me smile! Hoping that your weekend is full of fabulous!

Hi Terri, your thread is giving me lots of smiles and chuckles as well. What is it with teenage boys and washing? My daughter is in the depths of despair over my grandson's avoidance of the washcloth!

Sig looks to be a very "adventurous" cat and I think he will be entertaining us (and driving you crazy) for quite some time.

I wish I was as organized as you are, I am involved in so many challenges that it's hard to fit in all the books that I want to. I have "overbooked" myself every month this year.

Terri, Sig seems to be having most of the April Adventures around your house. I love the story of "capturing" the washcloth! I wish we could have a cat but my family members have way too many allergies to have a cat in the house. Ah well, I can enjoy Sig's shenanigans over here! Good luck with your reading plans for April.

Sig has to explore everything just like Brumley does. I can't imagine life without a cat around anymore.

>44 -Cee-: Cee, definitely a tiger!

>45 cal8769: Hey, Carrie! Actually, I say "What?" a lot to him. Can't always figure what he's up to or what he wants.

>46 mckait: Kath, good question to Cee. Inquiring minds want to know. . .

>47 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. A Fabulous weekend to you, too!

>48 DeltaQueen50: Judy, how are you feeling? You are right about him driving me crazy. Some days I wonder what I got myself into when I let that sweet frozen little kitten in the door!

>50 thornton37814: Lori, that's the key. He explores everything Last night he managed to get to the oil lamp (not lighted). I'm amazed it didn't break.

Sig's latest trick is climbing onto the backs of chairs. He especially loves the desk chair, which spins around (thus the blur).



His most impressive trick is getting up onto the back of the hickory rocker. I haven't managed to get a photo of that yet, as the process moves so quickly. He jumps up from behind it (so far, only when I'm sitting in it to give it some stability) and gets his claws over the top and hauls himself up onto it. (He's so strong!) Then (after I get out of the way) he scampers down the front side of the chair back, as the chair rocks rather wildly. I think these are his version of amusement park rides.

His sense of balance just astounds me.

Brumley prefers walking over my face, especially between 4 a.m. and the time my alarm goes off.

>52 tymfos: Oh, joy, Lori. I think that would drive me crazy. Hubby still won't let Sig into the bedroom at night because he pounces with claws on anything that moves under the covers (like feet). A face pounce would be really unpleasant!

Well, my Kindle app for PC expired. It took me a while to figure out how to find the new version, but I think I've figured it out.

I can't imagine life without a cat around anymore agreed.

Sig is still a kitten and at the height of his shenanigans phase. Things will quiet down sometime, honest!

There are times I have 4 cats on my chair/lap when I am sitting here reading.. I have one of those
( too big) chair and a half recliners. Good thing, as it provides room for the crowd. So far Seamus only comes up when there is either no other kitty here, or only Angus. Progress, though... he is making a place for himself, and doing fine..

My two boys, Angus and Seamus are both very big kitties, probably part Maine Coon... and they can really set things rocking and roliing when they get started. But wee Morgan can too. I have a wooden desk organizer next to my chair.. I keep lots of things in it, including my kindle.. and she somehow sent it flying off the table yesterday. Sheesh!

Happy weekend to you... I know it is usually very busy, so I will wish you some down time :)

Sig won't sit with me, Kath. I'd love for him to settle down and sit in my lap. He only sits in my son's lap. Maybe when he's a bit older.

Happy weekend!

Ah, Sig has discovered the classic naughty kitty trick of unrolling all the bathroom tissue and shredding it!

Ah, Terri, the joys of cats. Sig is a handsome boy! Just think of all the free entertainment...

Sophie, my small calico, has a stuffed white rat that she totes all over the house. She often brings it over for me to play with her. She also talks nonstop, using a variety of sounds.

Ruby, the big gray tiger, is much more dignified, until she jumps up on the table and skids off the other side, dragging the tablecloth with her. At first she barely spoke, but she's becoming much more vocal.

Terri, there is a video on facebook of a kitty unrolling a roll of tp and then rolling it back up... hilarious!

Kittens are always into something... and while it's annoying, it is also fun !

My kitties are more sedate, since my youngest is 4ish I think? Angus, that is. I don't know how old Seamus is. Mostly, they push their dish off the counter when it's empty. Occasionally they push something else off of somewhere else.. but age brings more calm.

>57 tymfos: hmmm it seems that Sig has found his person. That doesn't mean that he won't ever sit on your lap though. In time, he will. He is laying claim to his chosen one right now :)

>58 tymfos: Ahh - Brumley did that once or twice early on, but he hasn't done it in years. He'll probably do it tonight now that I've said that.

Hi Terri, it's really heart warming to see how much you guys have taken to Sig. And I love all the pictures. I think my current favorite is the one of him attacking the moving chair.

Just catching up after our visit to London. It's impossible to read everything in every thread but I'm trying.

And I love Sig and his adventures!!

>59 Matke: Gail, free entertainment indeed! He is so much fun.

>60 mckait: I know he'll settle down, Kath. And it's kind of sad to know he'll (hopefully live to a ripe age and) grow old some day. When we first got him, I was reading one of Kate Atkinson's books and the one family had an elderly cat that reached the end of his life, and they were remembering when he was a kitten and dashed up the stairs "like quicksilver," and I felt suddenly sad because that was Sig dashing up the stairs now, and someday he'd be old and leaving us. *sigh* OK, that's years away . . .

>61 thornton37814: He'll probably do it tonight now that I've said that.
LOL, Lori!

>62 phebj: Hi, Pat! Sig has become part of the family. It's kind of like having a toddler again . . . only my son didn't have claws . . . ;)

>63 connie53: Connie, I know how hard it is to keep up, let alone catch up after time away. Glad you're enjoying Sig's adventures!

Today I set up our library's display for Autism Awareness Month. I am donating this book to the library & plan to display it prominently, because I want people to read it!

75 Challenge Book #25
Title: Not Even Wrong: Adventures in Autism
Author: Paul Collins
Genre or subject information: non-fiction, book about autism from various angles
Copyright/Year of original publication: 2004
Series?: n/a
Date finished: 4/8/14
Off the Shelf? yes
My Rating: 5 glorious stars
Notes:

This was a wonderful book. This was a fabulous book. This may be the best book I've ever read about autism, with the exception of Temple Grandin's Thinking in Pictures.

Paul Collins is an historian. He is also the father of a son with autism. This book is kind of hard to describe. It combines history (people of the past with autism and those who dealt with/ reacted to them), and a memoir of his experience of life with his young son with autism, and some modern-day developments in dealing with autism. It is well-written and engaging. There were moments when I laughed out loud -- not so much that the material was funny, but simply out of RECOGNITION, because I'd lived the experience with my son and it was so good to see someone putting a loving spin on what so many people recount with gloom.

So many autism memoirs make me sad because I relive unhappy times, or wish I'd done things differently. This one reminded me why I love my son so much, and made me better appreciate the special view he has of life.

Enthusiastically recommended to anyone even remotely interested in the topic of Autism!!!

I know what you mean about pets getting older. Maia is 7.5 years old now. I think that she's about halfway through her lifetime. I say to myself, "Wait! Wait! Wait! Time is going too fast!" She's the dog I've been most close to. Sara was MrMorphy's dog. They were very close. Tawnie as she got older was just... there. She had chronic health issues, was very independent, partially (if not totally) deaf, slept a lot and didn't interact much with us. So when she went, it was almost a relief. Maia is *my* dog and she is my heart.

So, it's totally understandable for you to be thinking, "Hey, slow down, Sig! You're growing up too fast!"

Holly Mollie, Sig is quite a character! He makes me laugh right out loud to see him spinning around a desk chair like it is a carnival ride.

I've been lurking, but I came out to ask again - I know I've mentioned it before and can't remember what you said - whether you like Elizabeth Moon's The Speed of Dark. I know nothing really about autism, but I loved this book and think that she makes her autistic protagonist very accessible and intriguing.

>66 Morphidae: Hi, Morphy! I guess none of us are getting any younger, so it's that way with our pets, too. Best wishes to you and Maia, and Mr. Morphy.

>67 Whisper1: Linda, he's a character and a half! He keeps finding new ways to both entertain and confound me.

>68 LizzieD: Peggy, I loved The Speed of Dark! It's one of those rare novels that I'm actually considering for a re-read. (I rarely re-read books.) Moon's son has autism, so she created a very believable protagonist, IMO. And I think she addressed some of the really big issues -- the existential issues, if you will -- regarding the nature of autism. Is autism something you "have," or is it part of who you are? Where is the line? What would it mean to be "cured" if such a thing was possible? Would you still be the same person? Some folks might argue where Moon seems to come down on some of the issues, but it was a masterful way to raise them for consideration.

Terri, my cats typically live to 20 ish years...not always, but usually. So you have a long time to enjoy your Sig. And even once he settles down, there will be plenty of times that he will make you laugh out loud.

My book will come today.. sigh.

Hey there, Kath. That's a good and comforting thought.

It's a pretty nice day here, though the wind is strong and rather chilly.

The issue of my service-policy-that-wasn't-registered has taken another bizarre turn. I thought it was settled when the store gave me a refund for what I paid for the policy. I was content with that, and was ready to put it behind me. But it seems the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing with these guys.

I blew a circuit breaker when I plugged in the vacuum cleaner. I think maybe I need a new one. I really don't like shopping for vacuum cleaners.

I'm moving along in my reading of various books, but they all seem to be going rather slowly . . . maybe because I have so many going at once.

Silence of the Grave (e-book)
The Pyramid and Four other Kurt Wallander Mysteries by Henning Mankell (audio)
Jazz by Toni Morrison (fiction)
Rocket Men by Craig Nelson (non-fiction)
Where's Your Jesus Now: Examining How Fear Erodes Our Faith by Karen Spears Zacharias (religion/spirituality)

They're all good, but all rather heavy. I think I'm ready for some fluff next . . .

I haven't read in days. I hope to remedy that today, but after working all but Monday, I need to do errands and may do a home pedicure for me :) ( summer?) I am having a lot of trouble with foot pain. I bought a pair of summery shoes from LLBean that I hope will help. They seem to fit well. But they have open bits. I also have 6 furkids to brush and then vacuum after.. I don't plan to cook, so that helps. Maybe after that I can read?

Rd is tearing around recommending a kindle book.. I picked it up.. Just One Damned Thing After Another (The Chronicles of St. Mary's Series) which he says is good and fun, you might want to look at that.. it was free when I got it :)

wait..

ok.. still is

http://www.amazon.com/Damned-Thing-After-Another-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00EUIEKA4/...

>72 tymfos: Sig would like you to know that ALL vacuum cleaners are minions of the Evil One, and this is a sign from the Master of the Universe that you should not have one in the house! (Every animal I have ever shared houseroom with has held this firm belief.)

>73 mckait: Kath I'm reading in fits and spurts grabbing time here and there. I hadn't expected to finish my e-book next but was reading in bed till 2 am last night not able to put it down until I just couldn't read anymore. Then I was almost late this a.m. finishing it.

I saw Richard and someone else touting that book but it doesn't sound like my cup of tea. Anyway, too many books!

I hope you find some reading time! You're so busy! And I hope the feet will feel better.

>74 laytonwoman3rd: Linda, my son and Sig are in full agreement about the evil of vacuum cleaners. (I'm none too fond of them myself but they're a necessary evil.)

I'll be back to post the book I finished.

Brumley doesn't like vacuum cleaners either.

>76 thornton37814: I think that high-pitched whine they tend to have hurts their sensitive ears. I know it bothers my son. (Folks with autism have sensory issues, and certain sounds really bother my son.)

ETA Now why is your post showing up as #75 on my screen? The post above it is #75, so obviously that's wrong. I've changed my reply to reference #76, and it's working. #75, #75, #77. Can't LT even count? I assume the numbers will correct themselves eventually.

ETA again OK, now the numbers look right! I had to leave the thread and come back.

75 Challenge Book #26
Title: Silence of the Grave (e-book)
Author: Arnaldur Indriðason
Genre or subject information: "Scandi-Crime" or "Nordic Noir"
Copyright/Year of original publication: 2002; English translation 2005
Series?: #2 of Inspector Erlandur /Reykjavik series
Date finished: 4/11/14
Off the Shelf? No, library download
My Rating: 4 stars
Notes:

This story perfectly fit the template for Nordic Noir -- very bleak, very dark, very atmospheric, featuring a detective with a dysfunctional personal life. It pondered societal issues of the day and days past. It was disturbing. It was also very, very well-written.'

As the city of Reykjavik expands, excavation begins for development of a hill once outside the city, near an old military installation from WWII. Bones are found in one of the foundation areas -- bones that have been there for a long time, possibly dating back to the war days. Who are they? Can Inspector Erlandur bridge the gap of time and find out what happened? At the same time, he is dealing with family tragedy, as his daughter lies in Intensive Care at the local hospital.

Interwoven with this is the tale of a violently dysfunctional family during the war years. How did their story end -- and is it related to the bones? How?

I stayed up late and started reading again early to finish this one. (I'm yawning now, but not when I was reading!)

One of the best books I've read recently is a Kindle Daily Deal! A Land More Kind than Home by Wiley Cash is only $1.99 today!

This would be an appropriate read for Autism Awareness Month, as the great tragedy of the story involves a young man never described with the word autism, but exhibiting the classic symptoms. (In the time and place of the story, he would have been unlikely to have been properly diagnosed, thus the lack of label.)

Thanks for the Kindle Deal tip, Terri. That sounds like an interesting read.

I hope you like it Julia!

I missed that one, since yesterday got away from me.. drat!
Oh well, at least one less to not feel guilty or frustrated for not getting to .

I work today.. BOO!

>82 mckait: Sorry you have to work today. I was off and it was a beautiful day. Church matters took me somewhat toward Uniontown and a lot of the major chains have stores there, so I took a shopping break. I made my first visit to a Pet Smart, so Sig has some new toys. They had rescue cats there for adoption and I fell in love with one, but resisted the temptation to adopt.

I replaced my shorted-out vacuum with a Kenmore from the K-Mart. It has a special attachment to handle pet hair that looks useful.

Sig would like a playmate best of all. ( After a week or two_)

>84 mckait: maybe someday?

Oh, and while I was in Uniontown, I found the book outlet store. Most of my purchases were early shopping for my son's birthday but I may claim one of the baseball books for myself (or at least read it) and I got American Rust for myself.

Any chance of you heading out his way anytime soon?

Hi Terri- Just checking in. Glad you liked Silence of the Grave. I need to return to Inspector Erlendur. I think I stalled out after book 3. I hope you are enjoying Jazz. It is one of my favorite Morrison's.

I read American Rust, after snagging it from an ER selection, a few years ago. I liked it.

Terri, I got a kick out of Sig's attitude toward vacuum cleaners. It's too bad that your son also has the aversion to them. Yes, they are loud and high-pitched. Our Lab Lucky actually learned to like the almost-daily vacuuming. As a special treat, he gets a once-over with the small furniture brush! When I vacuumed at my son's house in Denver, however, the machine was attacked and lifted off the ground by Buster the Boxer. Now I knew why they don't bother to vacuum very often!

>86 mckait: his way? Or this way typo? Different meanings. Not sure of the question.

eta to add Do you mean out toward where the other cat is? At first I thought it was "this way" and you missed the "t" (which I do all the time) as in out your way, but now I'm wondering if you really meant "his way" and thus another visit to that pretty kitty -- I hadn't mentioned the gender, it's actually a "her" -- a female who has been spayed.

I don't think that cat would work out. I think she might be declawed and Sig is not and will not be. Might not be fair. Plus she is so pretty and has such personality someone else will probably adopt her soon.

>87 msf59: I like Jazz a lot, Mark. I'm about 2/3 of the way through.

>88 Donna828: Hi, Donna! I can't imagine Sig letting any part of the vacuum that close to him!

I'm about halfway through Jazz. I might be 2/3 of the way before I go to bed.

>90 thornton37814: What do you think of it, Lori?

I've done no reading today. Busy plus not feeling well. Not sick, just very tired.

Oh, my! Spring is here, if only for a moment (they're using that "s" four-letter word for tomorrow night). I have windows open (with screens) for a bit, there's lots of chirping birds and scurrying bunnies out there, and Sig is being very, very vocal in a variety of ways. I'm hearing different types of chirps and other sounds I've never heard from him before, as he gazes out (and sniffs at) at the spring morning. Very interesting!

>86 mckait: Kath, I've edited my reply to your message 86 so many times as my tired brain worked over one simple sentence you wrote. I invite you to look at my message 89 again. Maybe my reply will make sense now. ?

I'm scheduled to go in to work at noon. I just got a heads-up from the morning shift that it's going to be a really rough shift as it is crazy busy, there are computer issues, etc. I'm going in early to try and get some stuff done that needs to get done. Wish me luck!

Once I finish my cozy, maybe today, I intend to get cracking with Jazz.

With the start of baseball and the winding down of the hockey season/start of NHL playoffs soon, I've been quite distracted in my reading lately.

>91 tymfos: Terri, I had mixed feelings about it. I've written and posted my review now. On the one hand, the writing was lovely. The story, however, was not quite so lovely. I didn't dislike it. It's a book that really needs to be discussed and/or re-read. I don't think I liked it well enough to commit to that.

Sorry! It should read THIS way...

:(

I hope work wasn't too crazy yesterday?

When Candy comes in early... she doesn't work.. She says I'm not here, yet and goes online, no matter WHAT is going on... even 5 minutes early.. ::eyeroll::

>95 lindapanzo: Linda, so far, I'm liking Jazz, though there are moments when I need to stop and get my bearings a bit. I can't say I really like any of the characters in the book, but I don't actively dislike them -- though I certainly question their judgment. I guess my biggest question is about the role of jazz itself. I've always resisted the notion that music of any kind makes people behave badly, unless they were already significantly predisposed to do so anyway. Morrison seems to be saying otherwise, at least at times, so far. Do people reflect the prevailing type of music, or does the music reflect the times? Perhaps I need to read on to get a better sense of that issue. I hope that's not a spoiler; it really doesn't say anything about the plot, just what appears to be the primary (even title) motif.

>96 thornton37814: Lori, I haven't read your review yet, but I agree that it's certainly not a lovely story. There are some very flawed people, and I suspect the story will show even more of that as I read on. The writing is definitely wonderful. You said, It's a book that really needs to be discussed and/or re-read. I don't think I liked it well enough to commit to that. and I would agree.

>97 mckait: Kath, that was my initial guess, but then I second-guessed myself. I don't see myself getting any closer than Greensburg (which is still pretty far from you) unless the family does an outing to a ballgame which would take me all the way to Pittsburgh; but ballpark outings tend to be going straight there and straight home afterward.

I just left a message on your thread; I repeat here, good wishes to your son and to you.

Yesterday wasn't nearly as bad as I expected even though 1) We were shorthanded. 2) One of the two computers at the circulation desk, well, this is the clever sign my colleague on the morning shift put up on the terminal, a note "from" the computer:
"Out to Lunch
Gone Fishing
On Vacation
(Out of Order)"

Of course, the computer that was out of order was the one I usually use; So I had access to the library's catalog/circulation system from the other computer, but not my Word documents nor the link to system overdue notices (which are my responsibility). I also hate the display on the remaining terminal -- it's set so some information is outside the borders of the screen and all efforts to resize the display seem futile, at least as far as the catalog/circulation system is concerned.

Despite that, it wasn't a bad day. My morning colleague stayed an extra hour manning the circulation desk so I could do some work on a computer in another area of the library. I had some timely help from a wonderful volunteer. I got some good work done, managed the patron flow pretty well, and closed the library at the end of the day satisfied that I'd put in a good day at work.

Today is my day off, but I'm going to stop in to the library for a while to work on my overdue notices, as they have the balky computer terminal back up and running again. There's also a grocery run in my plans. It's supposed to maybe snow (ack!) tonight.

Just another day in Paradise . . . ;)

Not only did I get the above-mentioned chores done, I did a thorough cleaning of my refrigerator today! I hate that job, and it was worse this time. Somehow, molasses got spilled down the back of the fridge, some landing on each shelf, and puddling on the bottom beneath the crisper. Ugh! I'm pleased to have that job done.

I also gave my new vacuum cleaner a good workout for the first time. I LOVE IT! I never thought I'd love a vacuum cleaner, but this one is so easy to handle and works so well, I'm absolutely delighted! The pet hair cleaning attachment is super!

And I got my $20 Food Lion coupon for doing the Easter promotion that they run.

Not a bad day, even if have already seen some wet snowflakes . . .

Hi Terri, sounds like you are keeping busy. I sure don't like the sound of snow at this time of year! I remember really liking Silence of the Grave which is the last of that series that I have read, and I need to get back to it. This month would have been a perfect opportunity since the MysteryCat is Nordic crime but I got caught up in both Jo Nesbo and Jussi Adler-Olsen, not to mention starting a new series with The Boy In the Suitcase.

Hi, Judy! It sounds like you've got plenty of Nordic crime reading for the month.

Snow; bah, humbug.



How can a kitty that looks so sweet and innocent get into so much mischief? ;-)

He's got to rest sometime!

Love the pose ;-)

>104 -Cee-: LOL, thanks, Cee!

Okay, what brand and type of vacuum is this again? I need a new one desperately.

Hi stranger! I'm back. Yay on the new vac! Boo on the molasses, but I always love my fridge after it gets a cleaning. Once again, I am in awe of your book stats up top. There is NO WAY I could keep track. I was all impressed with myself this year because I added how many pages I read. Baby steps, baby steps...

>106 Morphidae: Morphy, it's a Kenmore canister vac. The one I bought is bright orange! It's the kind that uses bags and a replaceable filter. It has a HEPA filter, which is good for dealing with my allergies. It has a special attachment for dealing with pet hair that is idea for a pet-owning home. I found it on sale at K-Mart (or Super K-Mart, or Big K-Mart, or whatever they're calling it these days.) It cost more than I've been spending for vacs in the past, but I'm hoping this one will last a while.

I know the bagless ones with a filter you clean are better for the environment and save on operating expenses, but they play havoc with my allergies. I need the dusties all bagged up to toss away with as little handling as possible.

>107 Berly: Hi, Kim! Glad you're back. Now, see, I tried keeping track of the pages I read, and couldn't manage it. So you're ahead of me there.

Yay me!! ; )

>109 Berly: :-)

75 Challenge Book #27
Title: Where's Your Jesus Now?: Examining How Fear Erodes Our Faith
Author: Karen Spears Zacharias
Genre or subject information: Religion/Spirituality
Copyright/Year of original publication: 2008
Series?: n/a
Date finished: 4/15/14
Off the Shelf? YES
My Rating: 3.4 stars
Notes:

I have really mixed feelings about this one. I agree with most of her basic themes
1) that fear is rampant in our world, and that this fear undermines faith.
2) That fear-mongering is a way of life in our society
3) that too much fear is peddled in the name of God (hellfire & brimstone, natural disasters as "God's punishment," etc.)
4) that the prevailing fear among many Christians of those the perceive as being not like themselves -- an "us vs. them" mentality toward Muslims, homosexuals, "liberals" -- stands in the way of obedience to the command to love neighbor as self
5) that God is a God of love and grace who is with us in our trials and troubles, not a "Gotcha!" God looking to trip us up

There's more, and a lot of it is good. Unfortunately, Zacharias falls into some of the very pitfalls she warns us about. Mind you, I'm pretty much a liberal, but I can see that she's guilty of judging conservatives in the same way that the conservatives she's bashing are judging the liberals. I've notice that this is a common failing on both sides of the political divide. (A pastor I know once admitted, "I judge the judgmental people; that's my own sin.) I'm not a Dick Cheney fan, but seeing him lumped with Hitler and Stalin in one sentence was eyebrow-raising, to say the least.

I liked many of the examples she used. The title of the book is an over-arching example within the book -- the mother, held hostage at gunpoint by her religiously deranged son, who was asked by him, "Where's your Jesus now?" to which she replied, "He's right here." Some would be funny if they weren't so sad: the owner of ArmageddonBooks.com, who watches the news to gauge likely demand for his literature. "If things are bad for Israel, business is good. But if there is peace in the Middle East, I'm in trouble."

In all, there was a lot that was worthwhile, but the author got in her own way with a bit too much of a judgmental attitude toward those with whom she disagreed.

Good review Terri. Also, sweet pic of the wee Sig :)

Lots of behind the scenes stuff at the library....making things ...icky.

Do you work today? Is your library closed on saturday? We are, thank goodness!

>111 mckait: Thanks, Kath. I don't officially work today, but I'll probably stop in at the library to see if there are any overdue notices that need to go out. To celebrate National Library Week, we are offering Fine Forgiveness this week. I'm trying to get overdue notices out promptly with an insert regarding Fine Forgiveness, so people can take advantage of the amnesty to bring stuff back. We're closed Friday (Good Friday), open Saturday but I'm not scheduled to work. It's a busy week with church stuff for Hubby and me.

We have Lucky Books, and also a "game" of guess how many books in the library.. for Library week. Our find forgiveness is in October, I think? I do he overdues, too. No one does them if I'm not there, so I work hard to keep on top of them..

I swear that no one EVER reads the inserted messages to update phone numbers. Well, I know. they don't. That doesn't help :-/

Great review of Not Even Wrong! Went to thumb it, but its not on reviews. Got it on my library wishlist, though!

>113 mckait: We have a game this week to guess how many jelly beans are in a jar. The winner gets the jar and the beans.

I swear that no one EVER reads the inserted messages to update phone numbers. Well, I know. they don't. That doesn't help :-/
That seems to be a universal issue, Kath!

>114 countrylife: Thanks, Cindy! Maybe I'll post it on reviews. I haven't been doing much of that lately.

Now I'm off to start the day . . .

ETA to add Posted! NOW I'm off to start the day . . .

>72 tymfos: >74 laytonwoman3rd: Ah, the dreaded Suck Monster!!!!
>101 tymfos: And you got a wonderful new one!!!!! I confess that I do so want a bagless one although I hadn't stopped to think what it might do to my sensitive respiratory system. Alas, the big, heavy, green monster is still going great guns.
That's an interesting review of *Your Jesus Now*, and I think you've written enough that I'm not particularly tempted to read it. I do appreciate your pointing out that the author does a bit of what she accuses her opposites of doing. It's hard when we are so strongly divided. I finally had to say to my dear friend that I was not going to talk or listen to her about hot button issues any longer. I love her and respect her faith, but mine has led me in a direction diametrically opposed to where she stands. Actually, I'm not sure that she respects my faith, but that is truly her problem.

Sig is such a cool kitty! And a teenager too, so it's not surprising he is mischievous.

I long for a Dyson.. the pet version. I. Will. Never. Have. One. too much $$$$$$!

Still, I covet the one my son has.

I may have to try the Kenmore. I need a new vacuum and that one sounds great!

My Sig is running around like a madman, er, madcat right now. I saw him vocalizing madly at the den window and looked out. There were two pretty gray-and-white calico cats out there. Then he moved to the living room window, and Calico Cats headed down the walk to that window.

>117 LizzieD: Peggy, for the most part I liked the book and agreed with a lot of what she said. There were just points where I think she crossed a line. Anytime you imply a comparison with Hitler, Stalin, and Osama Bin Laden -- even if you're talking about a particular trait that many people share (in this case, it was what she called "certainosity") -- you've hit emotional buttons that derail rational discussion. That is not helpful for making what might be a valid point. Especially when the point involves the importance of humility and tolerance.

>118 connie53: Thanks, Connie! I know he'll settle down some eventually.

>119 mckait: Dyson doesn't interest me at all, Kath. They are bagless. Sneezy-wheezy for me when emptying, I'm sure. Plus the $$$$ thing. (How $$$$, anyway? I've never priced one.)

>120 cal8769: Keep in mind, Carrie, I've had it not quite one week. Thus I cannot attest to its durability.

The Cat Convention has moved to the front window now. :)

At the time I purchased my last vacuum, I researched extensively online, settling on a Hoover Wind Tunnel. It had the best ratings in the price range I could afford. I've been happy with it. I'd have to go look at the vacuum to get the model number, but I'm sure they have newer ones available now.

Dyson DC15 Animal Upright Vacuum Cleaner - Deluxe Kit
$589.99 from Allergy Be Gone136 seller reviews
Dyson · Upright

Has all sorts of attachments. Works great! Cory has one. My vacs usually hover around the 85$ end of the line. Durability is the thing. They all work great to begin with, then it just all sort of goes away, no matter how clean I keep it.I love bagless vacs! They are so much easier to clean, imo. Sorry that they don't work for you:(

I recently had to replace a 20-year-old upright. I would have had to do it anyway with the new asthma diagnosis. I can't go bagless either because of allergies and asthma, so I opted for a Panasonic canister vacuum with a Hepa filter. It's supposed to do well with pet hair, although Adrian doesn't shed much.

Happy Easter!

>122 thornton37814: Lori, I think the vacuum I had before the last one was a lower-end (very inexpensive) Hoover Wind Tunnel canister vac I found on sale. That's the one that set my allergies crazy, cleaning the filter, then it was recalled (because of a fire hazard, I think) and I didn't bother to get it fixed because because of my allergies; I decided to get a new one with bags. That next one was a rather cheap (on sale sub-$100) Hoover Upright. The switch broke after a year, and I used it that way, turning it on and off by plugging it in and unplugging it in, until it started blowing circuit breakers.

The vacuum before those ones, I had to give up because I couldn't find bags for it anymore -- I think the manufacturer went out of business, because I never saw the brand any more.

>123 mckait: Kath, my new Kenmore is a little more expensive than my usual $100-or-less machines (but still a heck of a lot cheaper than a Dyson!)

>124 cbl_tn: Carrie, I've been getting vacs with HEPA filtration since I first learned about them when my son was young. I was learning about protecting him from lead poisoning in our old house, and one of the suggestions was using a vac with HEPA, as lead dust can be very fine. It's also been great for our allergies.

>125 wilkiec: How adorable! Thanks so much, Diana! Happy Easter to you, too!

75 Challenge Book #28
Title: Jazz
Author: Toni Morrison
Genre or subject information: literary fiction
Copyright/Year of original publication: 1992
Series?: n/a
Date finished: 4/18/14
Off the Shelf? YES
My Rating: I don't know how to rate this; it was brilliantly written, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped
Notes:

Toni Morrison has an amazing way with words, with metaphor, with imagery . . . her writing is so original and creative, it's hard to say anything bad about it. I just had difficulty getting into the story . . . actually, I liked it much better when I was finished than I did partway through, especially when I was reading the section about Golden Gray (what a name!). I think it was Lori who said this is a book that really needs to be discussed or re-read to fully appreciate, and I would agree. I'd also agree with her that I'm not sure I liked it enough to do that. Maybe someday.

>126 tymfos: Terri, my Hoover does have a bag; however, I checked and it is a Widepath Tempo with allergen filtration instead of the WindTunnel.

>128 thornton37814: Widepath Tempo -- hmm, I wasn't familiar with that!

OK, I felt like I needed something lighter for my next novel, rather than jumping into another Toni Morrison book. I was going to start the next White House Chef book. But I need another ROOT book (owned before 2014) and a last/most recent-in-series book in order to meet my goals for the month. Not Flesh Nor Feathers by Cheri Priest fits the bill, though I'm not sure how "light" it is. I gather it has zombies, so I guess I won't take it too seriously. ;)

Did I mention that I started my inter-library loan, Embracing the Wide Sky: A Tour Across the Horizons of the Mind by Daniel Tammett?

Sig has decided he likes to hide under the covers in our bed. Then he eventually pops out:



I love that silly cat!

Happy Easter, everyone!

Happy Easter, Terri and family!
Happy Popping, Sig!

When our Sally was younger changing beds was a challenge as she wanted to be in the middle of the bed as each layer was put on. Sometimes I ended up making the bed with her under the covers. She would eventually wiggle her way out later. Cats and covers can bring a smile to your face.

I need to get an upright bagged rather than a canister. It's much easier for me to handle.

Happy Easter, Terri!

Comment about cats and making beds: I'm an expert at it. Brumley is actually getting better about not getting on it while I'm making it, but I can make it with or without him in it!

>131 tymfos: Awwww cutie pie! My Angus likes to hid under the blankets, too :)

Have you stopped to take a breath yet?

I may put Jazz aside for awhile. Not liking it that much.

I've been in a bit of a reading funk and I think mysteries, baseball books, and books of a kind I really like might help get me out of the funk.

Hi, everyone! Individual answers when I get some time tomorrow night. Now need to vent. Just wanted to use googlemaps or mapquest to get the travel time to my dermatologist. I can't believe the ridiculous directions they give! Meandering all over on little back roads, or using toll roads -- when the route is actually very simple on main roads with no toll. AAAGH! I just wish I remembered how long it takes to get there.

Must go. LOng day tomorrow.

Sorry to hear about the wrong day. If it cheers you up any.. yesterday I overheard a co-worker telling a ( clueless) patron that he needed to go to google maps to pick up his airline tickets. Tickets that he purchased a month ago...When that didn't work...they decided to go to www.AmericanAirlines.com. And when that didn't work I went over to them and sorted him out, printed his info and then went to the corner to scream and pound my head against nonfiction. It was like that all day.... at the end of the day she picked up the phone and told the caller ( my husband) that I was busy (counting the drawer). WITHOUT ASKING ME. The entire day was like that. Help help... I work with her all day again today. Terri... she counted the money 5-6-7 times during the day. She didn't know she had to add it up to the previous days . ( nightmare_ stupid system) and so when I went to do it, it was all a mess. I just left it and will tackle it this morning.

I asked the treasurer if we could use a differnt system.. ( closing out each day.. ) she said yes.. but LAura isn't ready to start that system yet. Why? Because the treasurer is making a new sheet for us and hasn't done so yet. So even though the treasurer said ok.. go ahead.. no go.. we are still adding every single day to every day before it and having to count increasing amounts each day.

how's that for a rant? :P Sorry.

Good luck with your day.

>127 tymfos:: Terri, I liked your review of Jazz. I reread it two years ago for my book club and agree that I got much more out of it with the second reading and the added bonus of a discussion with some thoughtful readers. It's still not my favorite Morrison book, however. The Bluest Eye holds that spot because it was the first one I read and also the most accessible one in my opinion.

Wow, I'm behind!

>132 LizzieD: thanks, Peggy! I hope you had a nice Easter.

>133 Familyhistorian: Meg, i think cats in General can bring lots of smiles and even giggles.

>134 Morphidae: Morphy, for me I'm finding the canister easier to handle. I'm so short that carrying the high upright up and down stairs is really hard. The canister is a nice size to carry, and the part that I push is so much lighter to push than the big upright.

>135 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie, and I hope your Easter was great.

>136 thornton37814: Lori that's a talent I guess I need to develop.

>137 mckait: Kath I'm finally relaxing.

>138 lindapanzo: Linda I agree you should just read what works for you.

>140 mckait: Kath, that's just insane. Google maps for tickets? Definitely rant-worthy.

I spent much of a long work day yesterday fighting with computers.

>141 Donna828: Hi ,Donna! Thanks. I probably should try The Bluest Eye.

Today I finished listening to my audio book download of Henning Mankell's The Pyramid during my long drive to the dermatologist and back, just hours before the library loan expired. I finished my e-book Sun Storm sitting in the waiting room. Productive reading day. I stopped and visited two used bookstores in the area but left empty handed. I also got to recycling drop off and the grocery store.

Sunday night I tried sitting down and reading my zombie novel, but I think I was the zombie that evening.

HA! good job on finishing the audio book in time :)

Yeah.. srsly. And there was more... I am glad for it being Wednesday. Wednesdays are usually quite busy, and the day wil fly by. We have the Women's club who crochet plastic bags into mats.. they are there first thing. Then we have tutors nearly all day...Oh and Sean our new volunteer will start today
:) He is a 30 year old man with autism, and he is going to work at removing stickers for us! They wanted him to be there on a really busy day (?) So Wednesday it is. He was supposed to start last week, but was ill. He will come in the afternoon, after the women's club and after the morning toddlers group for Build and Play ( with Duplos) so that wil be some of the chaos over before he comes. I hope he likes it there! He will always ( basically) be working when it is just Laura and me, so it should work out well.

>142 tymfos: Ah. We don't have stairs. And I find that dealing with the canister dragging around me aggravating.

>145 mckait: Sounds like a busy day, Kath. Best wishes to your new volunteer Sean!

>146 Morphidae: We're just in different vacuuming situations, Morphy. The up-and-down stairs thing has been a killer with past vacs for me. If I had a single level, I'd probably stay with the upright . . . though the canister is nicer for moving between rugs and bare floor, which I have to do a lot of.

Today was weird. Locally, phones -- both land line and cell -- were out today. Verizon internet was down. Several banks had to shut down for the day because they had no internet connection. However -- for ONCE -- Comcast came through, and our Comcast internet at the library was working. By now everything seems fixed. I'd like to know what kind of havoc took out so much of our local communications.

Sig has taken his dislike of the vacuum cleaner out on the box it came in. See the hole he tore in it, bit by bit?



Actually, he seems to have created a side door into the box! Yes, he really went in and out that way:

I love the way Sig loves boxes!

>149 connie53: He does have a thing for cardboard, Connie!

75 Challenge Book #29
Title: The Pyramid (audio book)
Author: Henning Mankell
Genre or subject information: Scandinavian crime short stories
Copyright/Year of original publication: varied
Series?: Kurt Wallander (listed as #9)
Date finished: 4/22/14
Off the Shelf? No, library download
Category for 2014 Category Challenge: still deciding where it fits, or if it goes into the miscellaneous category
How does it fit the category? (if not obvious):
Alternate category
My Rating: 4 stars
Notes:

This collection of short stories and a novella covers the time period before the first Kurt Wallander novel, Faceless Killers. It's fun to see the "beginnings" of the detective. However, through the whole first story, set prior to his marriage to Mona, I spent much of the story wondering, "Why did he marry this woman, anyway?" Other stories were set early in his marriage, as his marriage was failing, after their separation, and (the final, title novella) shortly after the divorce -- the ending leading directly into the opening events of Faceless Killers, if I'm not mistaken.

75 Challenge Book #30
Title: Sun Storm (e-book)
Author: Asa Larsson
Genre or subject information: Scandinavian crime novel
Copyright/Year of original publication:
Series?: Rebeka Martinson #1
Date finished: 4/22/14
Off the Shelf? no, library download
Category for 2014 Category Challenge: How's the weather?
How does it fit the category? (if not obvious): Title, and also weather was a factor
Alternate category
My Rating: grudging 3 stars
Notes:

I was not thrilled with this dreary mystery involving the murder of a religious figure. I also found all the negativity surrounding church a bit draining. We all know that the church has its hypocrites and bad apples, but aren't there any good-hearted Christians in that city? I didn't feel a strong liking for the protagonist, either.

I'm in a bit of a quandary because I have the 4th in this series on my shelf. I know some (probably most) series improve after the first book. Should I try the next-in-series and see if it's better? Should I (heaven forbid!) SKIP to the one I have and try it?

I am SO far behind now on everyone's threads. I hope people will be patient with me as I slowly try to get back up to speed on LT.

I need a new audio book, and whatever I pick will almost certainly be finished in May, so I need to think about May goals to make my selection. Themes and challenges to consider:

Theme: May Murder & Mayhem?
American Author Challenge: Eudora Welty (I have none of her books on shelf; the library has Losing Battles
MysteryCAT: Classic & golden age mysteries
GeoCAT: South Asia
RandomCAT: Mothers
Unofficial AlphaCAT: E & U
Unofficial GastroCAT: Dairy or Coffee

My library recently added several Ellery Queen audiobooks to Overdrive so that's what I went with when I downloaded a new book yesterday. It will fit the May MysteryCAT. Like you, I knew I wasn't going to finish it before May.

>153 cbl_tn: Ellery Queen is good!

Anyway, I've checked out the audio of Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler. It's the second in the Phillip Marlowe series, but I'm sure I've read the first-in-series, The Big Sleep, at some time in the past. Anyway, I'd say it's a classic golden-age mystery and I want to listen to it. I hope the narration is well done. Stories like that can be great to listen to.

I loved the 1970s Ellery Queen TV series. I keep expecting to hear Jim Hutton's voice on the audio, but of course that isn't possible.

I guess it must have been you that caused me to pick up the Wiley Cash book? I couldn't remember who it was that caused me to request it. I am so glad to have read it!

so... I'm freezing.. 33F here.. how about you, any better there?

>155 cbl_tn: That was a good show!

>156 mckait: I'm really glad that you liked it so much, Kath. There were several people giving the book great comments, but I suspect it was my raves that finally pushed you into buying it. The book just blew me away. BTW, your review of it was so very insightful!

I don't count picture books in my challenge, but I wanted to point out this little gem:


All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome by Kathy Hoopman (c 2006)

This is a delightful picture book which really does a good job of explaining Asperger Syndrome to children (and grown-ups, too). Using high-quality photos of cats and kittens and simple words, it explains basic qualities of the higher end of the Autism Spectrum. It's a very positive kind of explanation, too. (The photos are adorable, too!)

Of course, the new DSM-V diagnostic manual has done away with the term "Aspergers." I hope the publishers re-issue All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome with some re-wording or at least a note about the terminology change. A lot of it really does apply to others at the higher end of the autism spectrum, anyway.

>147 tymfos: Yeah, if I had stairs I'd use a cannister vacuum, too. I can't imagine using an upright on steps!

>159 Morphidae: Morphy, it was a challenge, even with a long hose attachment!

Hi Terri- I thought I would swing by and say hello and inform you that the M & M thread is up, along with the Eudora Welty.I am sure you have many lined up for the former. I know I do.

Hi Terri. I'm all caught up here and it looks like you've been doing some great reading:-) Off to exlore those two threads Mark started.

>161 msf59: Hi, Mark! Thanks for the alert. I've already popped over to Eudora's place, and I'm glad to know that M&M is up, too! I'll be over in a little while. :)

>162 brenzi: Good evening, Bonnie! I'm not sure I'll ever get caught up with folks, but I have enjoyed my reading lately.

75 Challenge Book #31
Title: Not Flesh Nor Feathers
Author: Cheri Priest
Genre or subject information: Something Scary is happening down by the river in Chattanooga . . . *cue the spooky music*
Copyright/Year of original publication:
Series?: Eden Moore series, #3
Date finished: 4-24-14
Off the Shelf? Yes
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Notes:

OK, this book wasn't very plausible. As the author admitted in her note, "This is a work of fiction, which probably dawned on you at some point before you met the homicidal zombies." She took some liberties with timeline and geography, and just the basic mechanics of how things might work -- besides which, well . . .

Her first concern was that people not see it and relate it to Hurricane Katrina. As she pointed out, the novel premise was "sold" before that disaster happened, and Chattanooga is a very different city than New Orleans. However, it is about a flood that strikes a southern city, and she knew people would make a mental connection. She wants to make it clear that this story is not about that. Not at all.

What it is about is dirty secrets buried and uncovered and buried again -- but which won't stay buried. It's about a flood that unleashes a supernatural evil on a city, rooted in the city's history. It's about a woman who sees dead people, and really wishes she didn't.

The story isn't very "plausible" but it's a pretty entertaining yarn. I think I like it as much or better than the other installments of the series.

I really need to avoid reading your reviews, looking at your books.. avoiding your blue text... etc. I don't have TIME to read as much as I want to :P Especially series...!

Hope your day is a good one, Terri!

>165 mckait: LOL, Kath! Blue text/book bullets abound all over LT, though. No gettin' around it.

I wish I had more time to read, too. I need to shut down this computer and get ready for work. Another busy day today, and busy weekend to come.

Just dropping by to wish you a happy Friday, Terri.

Thanks, Gail. Happy Friday!

Has anyone read a book called Clammed Up by Barbara Ross? It's set in Maine and supposedly was a 2013 Agatha Award nominee. The e-book is on sale for $1.99 on various platforms, and I'm wondering whether to yield to temptation. It has a 3.83 rating here on LT, and a 4 1/2 star average on Ammy . . .

>168 tymfos: It's on my wish list, but I haven't read it. I think I've kind of been awaiting a verdict too.

>169 thornton37814: Good ratings here, Lori, but no pronouncements (at least that I recall) from readers I trust.

>170 tymfos: Exactly. I'm not sure where I got the book bullet. It may have been in Library Journal, from the awards list, or even from a review on a blog or something. One of us may have to try it.

My kitten Sig has been very, very vocal lately . . . and not sounding happy. His mews and squeaks sound downright mournful. I'm not sure what's up with him, except perhaps that it's spring and he's seeing critters outside through the window, and can't go out and join them?

>171 thornton37814: That's what I was thinking . . . maybe one of us should try it . . .

I already have way too many books waiting.

>173 tymfos: I keep hoping Tina, Cheli, or Linda has read it. I have a lot awaiting me too. I've had such bad luck with some of these new cozy series that I'm almost afraid to try one.

>172 tymfos: Are there any female kitty's in heat outside? He might hear them and it's spring so....

A cat in heat sounds like a baby crying! Really it does! I heard one last night and it sounded awful.

>174 thornton37814: Exactly, Lori!

>175 connie53: Connie, I know that sound and haven't heard it lately. Also, being as he's neutered, would he still be interested in the female kitties that way? (I've noticed that since the procedure, he's not been darting for the door every time anyone tries to open it, like he did before.) I do know he's interested in at least friendly contact with other cats that he sees through the window. He had a peaceful "chat" through the glass with a pair of calico cats one morning, but I haven't seen them lately.

Terri....I'm familiar with Barbara Ross (she gets lots of press here in Maine as a "local" author) but confess I've not had time to sample her wares. The author is very active in the Maine Crime writers group, and I've heard the two books she's penned best described as cozy little cozies. Probably prized correctly at $1.99.

>176 tymfos:...maybe he needs a friend? * she says innocently*

>177 tututhefirst: Tina, I decided to not get the Ross book. Thanks for the input.

>178 mckait: Kath, I hear ya!

Good news: dentist check ups, son and I with NO cavities.
Bad news: I had a nasty fall this evening in the kitchen, probably the worst fall I've ever had.
Good news: I didn't break anything, though I'm really sore and my head hurts from smacking it against the table on the way down.

Good news: I won an LT ER book this month, Guests on Earth.

Oh no Terri! Falling is terrible. I have had a couple of very bad falls, and the effects do linger at times. Be sure that you don't have a concussion. When my car was hit a couple of years ago, I didn't even hit my head and had a concussion just from the jolt. I couldn't speak clearly and had some wicked headaches. Be careful with you :)

So, is there a chance that Sig might get a sister? :) That would be double the pleasure you know...

Oh, sorry to hear about the fall, Terri! Ouch! Glad nothing was broken and I hope you recover quickly.

>43 tymfos:, I swear this cat deserves a book title and contents regarding his adventures. He is a stunningly beautiful cat!

Happy Wednesday to you Terri.

Terri, I'm sorry to learn of your fall. Do take it easy and don't stress yourself. As we get older become more mature, a little pampering is in order after any sort of accident.

I'm loving your Sig stories.

Ouch Terri, sorry for the fall. Please take care of yourself and take it easy. Hugs.

>181 mckait: I think I'm OK, Kath, just sore. I functioned OK on the job today.
So, is there a chance that Sig might get a sister?
Kath, I am thinking about it, but I don't think hubby will go for it.

>182 msf59: Thanks, Mark!

>183 Whisper1: Linda, he is quite a character -- and I agree, he is beautiful! Happy Wednesday to you, too!

>184 Matke: Thanks, Gail. as we get older mature, we do take a bit longer to bounce back from accidents, don't we? I'm planning a stress-free evening with a book . . . and a cat.

>185 wilkiec: Thanks, Diana!

The fall was the result of laziness and stupidity. I needed to get something out of reach in the cupboard, and I climbed up on a chair with my sneakers on, thinking I'd just wipe off the chair when I was done. My shoelace caught in some ornamentation on the chair back, and so when I went to climb down, I came down with a crash, chair and all, with the chair attached to my shoe. I hit the table on the way down. And I broke a tray that was on the floor, into some jagged edges. (Why was it on the floor? you may ask. Ask the cat; he put it there.) It was more of a scare than anything -- scared Sig the Cat, too, I may add.

Since the American Author Challenge for April featured Toni Morrison, I thought I'd post this new picture book she did with her son Slade.


Please Louise is about a timid girl who finds comfort and knowledge in a special place -- her local library. The book is dedicated "For librarians everywhere."

Oh my! That sounds like a terrible fall. Yikes.
I'm not sure if we actually fall more as we get older mature, or if we just remember all the details, aches and pains more. It shakes one up a bit. I fell making the bed awhile ago. Tripped over my own flip flops. (They were on my feet.) Surprised the heck out of me and made a lot of noise! No one came to save me, so it's a good thing I didn't get hurt.

>148 tymfos: Love Sig's idea for a hideout ;-)

Oh my goodness, Terri, I'm glad you're okay! I'm the queen of ridiculous falls, so I feel your pain.
Also, I'm adding the Morrison book to the library list - sounds wonderful!

>188 -Cee-: It does, indeed, shake one up!

Sig lost interest in the box, but he is always looking for a place to hang out:

Good morning, Amber! Thanks for the concern. I'm OK.
I think you'll like the Morrison book.

OK, the new thread is up and running!

https://www.librarything.com/topic/173388#