Weird_O Bill's Bookish Whatchamacallit...4 (and probably final for 2021)
Dit is een voortzetting van het onderwerp Weird_O Bill's Bookish Whatchamacallit...3 (Three).
Discussie75 Books Challenge for 2021
Sluit je aan bij LibraryThing om te posten.
1weird_O
Our daughter posted a Mother's Day homage:
I'll continue to celebrate my mama on Mother's Day, even on this first without her. Today I will play in our garden, wear a striped shirt, eat some seafood, and have a beer in your honor. And wish you were here ❤
Taken at the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in northern Berks County, PA, in 2008 by Son the Elder.
2weird_O
Current Reading
AN-tic-ipation
Current Reading
Best of Intentions to Read
...but sent to the bench nontheless.
AN-tic-ipation
Current Reading
Best of Intentions to Read
...but sent to the bench nontheless.
4weird_O
Covers of books read, October thru December 2021
# 114.
# 113.
# 112. 
# 111. 
# 110. 
# 109.
# 108. 
# 107. 
# 106. 
# 105.
# 104. 
# 103. 
# 102.
# 101. 
# 100. 
# 99. 
# 98.
# 97. 
# 96. 
# 95. 
# 94.
# 93. 
# 92. 
# 91. 
#90.
#89. 
#88. 
#87. 
# 114.
# 113.
# 112. 
# 111. 
# 110. 
# 109.
# 108. 
# 107. 
# 106. 
# 105.
# 104. 
# 103. 
# 102.
# 101. 
# 100. 
# 99. 
# 98.
# 97. 
# 96. 
# 95. 
# 94.
# 93. 
# 92. 
# 91. 
#90.
#89. 
#88. 
#87. 
5weird_O
Books Read, October thru December 2021
December (13 read)
114. A Rumpole Christmas by John Mortimer (12/29/21)
113. A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote (12/28/21)
112. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (12/28/21)
111. Marley by Jon Clinch (12/24/21)
110. The Complete Persepolis by Marhane Satrapi (12/21/21)
109. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (12/18/21)
108. 47 by Walter Mosley (12/15/21)
107. FINNA by Nino Cipri (12/13/21)
106. Haring-isms by Keith Haring, edited by Larry Warsh (12/12/21)
105. Women Who Read Are Dangerous by Stefan Bollmann (12/11/21)
104. Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit (12/10/21)
103. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (12/5/21)
102. The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket (12/1/21)
November (9 read)
101. The Giggler Treatment by Roddy Doyle (11/28/21)
100. Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast (11/26/21)
99. One Writer's Beginnings by Eudora Welty (11/22/21)
98. The Open Boat and Other Stories by Stephen Crane (11/17/21)
97. Pops: Fatherhood in Pieces by Michael Chabon (11/14/21)
96. Will You Please Be Quiet, Please? by Raymond Carver (11/10/21)
95. On Writing Well by William Zinsser (11/8/21)
94. This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen by Tadeusz Borowski (11/4/21)
93. The Voice at the Back Door by Elizabeth Spencer (11/1/21)
October (6 read)
92. The Acts of King Arthur and his Noble Knights... by John Steinbeck (10/24/21)
91. Not Quite Dead Enough by Rex Stout (10/21/21)
90. Slapstick by Kurt Vonnegut (10/20/21)
89. Junkyard Planet by Adam Minter (10/17/21)
88. Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things by Randy O. Frost and Gail Steketee (10/8/21)
87. Time's Arrow by Martin Amis (10/2/21)
December (13 read)
114. A Rumpole Christmas by John Mortimer (12/29/21)
113. A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote (12/28/21)
112. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (12/28/21)
111. Marley by Jon Clinch (12/24/21)
110. The Complete Persepolis by Marhane Satrapi (12/21/21)
109. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (12/18/21)
108. 47 by Walter Mosley (12/15/21)
107. FINNA by Nino Cipri (12/13/21)
106. Haring-isms by Keith Haring, edited by Larry Warsh (12/12/21)
105. Women Who Read Are Dangerous by Stefan Bollmann (12/11/21)
104. Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit (12/10/21)
103. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (12/5/21)
102. The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket (12/1/21)
November (9 read)
101. The Giggler Treatment by Roddy Doyle (11/28/21)
100. Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast (11/26/21)
99. One Writer's Beginnings by Eudora Welty (11/22/21)
98. The Open Boat and Other Stories by Stephen Crane (11/17/21)
97. Pops: Fatherhood in Pieces by Michael Chabon (11/14/21)
96. Will You Please Be Quiet, Please? by Raymond Carver (11/10/21)
95. On Writing Well by William Zinsser (11/8/21)
94. This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen by Tadeusz Borowski (11/4/21)
93. The Voice at the Back Door by Elizabeth Spencer (11/1/21)
October (6 read)
92. The Acts of King Arthur and his Noble Knights... by John Steinbeck (10/24/21)
91. Not Quite Dead Enough by Rex Stout (10/21/21)
90. Slapstick by Kurt Vonnegut (10/20/21)
89. Junkyard Planet by Adam Minter (10/17/21)
88. Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things by Randy O. Frost and Gail Steketee (10/8/21)
87. Time's Arrow by Martin Amis (10/2/21)
6weird_O
Covers of books read, July thru September 2021
#86.
#85. 
#84. 
#83. 
# 82.
# 81. 
# 80. 
# 79. 
# 78.
# 77. 
# 76. 
# 75. 
# 74.
# 73. 
# 72. 
# 71. 
# 70.
# 69. 
# 68. 
# 67. 
# 66.
# 65. 
# 64. 
# 63. 
# 62.
# 61. 
# 60. 
# 59. 
# 58.
# 57. 
# 56. 
# 55. 
# 54.
#86.
#85. 
#84. 
#83. 
# 82.
# 81. 
# 80. 
# 79. 
# 78.
# 77. 
# 76. 
# 75. 
# 74.
# 73. 
# 72. 
# 71. 
# 70.
# 69. 
# 68. 
# 67. 
# 66.
# 65. 
# 64. 
# 63. 
# 62.
# 61. 
# 60. 
# 59. 
# 58.
# 57. 
# 56. 
# 55. 
# 54.
7weird_O
Books Read, July thru September 2021
September (13 read)
86. Holy Cow by David Duchovny (9/28/21)
85. Jefferson's Children by Shannon Lanier (9/27/21)
84. Have His Carcase by Dorothy L. Sayers (9/26/21)
83. Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House by Eric Hodgins (9/21/21)
82. The Best of Connie Willis by Connie Willis (9/18/21)
81. Timbuktu by Paul Auster (9/15/21)
80. Lord Arthur Savile's Crime by Oscar Wilde (9/13/21)
79. ...and then we'll get him by Gahan Wilson (9/12/21)
78. The New Yorker Book of Kids Cartoons edited by Robert Mankoff (9/11/21)
77. The Bird Artist by Howard Norman (9/7/21)
76. America, America by Ethan Canin (9/5/21)
75. The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman (9/1/21)
74. Nothing Personal by James Baldwin (9/1/21)
August (11 read)
73. Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton (8/31/21)
72. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke (8/28/21)
71. A Judgement in Stone by Ruth Rendell (8/23/21)
70. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (8/20/21)
69. Notes on Grief by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (8/19/21)
68. All Clear by Connie Willis (8/18/21)
67. Blackout by Connie Willis (8/14/21)
66. Nathan Coulter by Wendell Berry (8/11/21)
65. The Round House by Louise Erdrich (8/8/21)
64. How the South Won the Civil War by Heather Cox Richardson (8/6/21)
63. The Great Halifax Explosion by John U. Bacon (8/3/21)
July (9 read)
62. A Coyote's in the House by Elmore Leonard (7/29/21)
61. Freddy and the Perilous Adventure by Walter R. Brooks (07/27/21)
60. Thank You, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse (7/25/21)
59. Demon Box by Ken Kesey (7/23/21)
58. Millennium Philadelphia Updated & Expanded by the staff of The Philadelphia Inquirer (7/22/21)
57. The 101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived by Allan Lazar, Dan Karlan & Jeremy Salter (7/22/21)
56. Walker Evans: Photographer of America by Thomas Nau (7/13/21)
55. Here Is New York by E. B. White (7/12/21)
54. The Adventures of Tintin, Vol. 5 by Herge (7/11/21)
September (13 read)
86. Holy Cow by David Duchovny (9/28/21)
85. Jefferson's Children by Shannon Lanier (9/27/21)
84. Have His Carcase by Dorothy L. Sayers (9/26/21)
83. Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House by Eric Hodgins (9/21/21)
82. The Best of Connie Willis by Connie Willis (9/18/21)
81. Timbuktu by Paul Auster (9/15/21)
80. Lord Arthur Savile's Crime by Oscar Wilde (9/13/21)
79. ...and then we'll get him by Gahan Wilson (9/12/21)
78. The New Yorker Book of Kids Cartoons edited by Robert Mankoff (9/11/21)
77. The Bird Artist by Howard Norman (9/7/21)
76. America, America by Ethan Canin (9/5/21)
75. The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman (9/1/21)
74. Nothing Personal by James Baldwin (9/1/21)
August (11 read)
73. Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton (8/31/21)
72. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke (8/28/21)
71. A Judgement in Stone by Ruth Rendell (8/23/21)
70. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (8/20/21)
69. Notes on Grief by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (8/19/21)
68. All Clear by Connie Willis (8/18/21)
67. Blackout by Connie Willis (8/14/21)
66. Nathan Coulter by Wendell Berry (8/11/21)
65. The Round House by Louise Erdrich (8/8/21)
64. How the South Won the Civil War by Heather Cox Richardson (8/6/21)
63. The Great Halifax Explosion by John U. Bacon (8/3/21)
July (9 read)
62. A Coyote's in the House by Elmore Leonard (7/29/21)
61. Freddy and the Perilous Adventure by Walter R. Brooks (07/27/21)
60. Thank You, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse (7/25/21)
59. Demon Box by Ken Kesey (7/23/21)
58. Millennium Philadelphia Updated & Expanded by the staff of The Philadelphia Inquirer (7/22/21)
57. The 101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived by Allan Lazar, Dan Karlan & Jeremy Salter (7/22/21)
56. Walker Evans: Photographer of America by Thomas Nau (7/13/21)
55. Here Is New York by E. B. White (7/12/21)
54. The Adventures of Tintin, Vol. 5 by Herge (7/11/21)
8weird_O
Covers of books read, April thru June 2021
# 53.
# 52. 
# 51. 
# 50. 
# 49.
# 48. 
# 47. 
# 46. 
# 45.
# 44. 
# 43. 
# 42. 
# 41.
# 40. 
# 39. 
# 38. 
# 37.
# 36. 
# 35. # 34. 
# 33. 
# 32
# 31 
# 30 
# 29 
# 28 
# 27
# 26 
# 25 
# 53.
# 52. 
# 51. 
# 50. 
# 49.
# 48. 
# 47. 
# 46. 
# 45.
# 44. 
# 43. 
# 42. 
# 41.
# 40. 
# 39. 
# 38. 
# 37.
# 36. 
# 35. # 34. 
# 33. 
# 32
# 31 
# 30 
# 29 
# 28 
# 27
# 26 
# 25 
9weird_O
Books Read, April thru June 2021
June (11 read)
53. The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin (6/25/21)
52. The Hot Rock by Donald Westlake (6/23/21)
51. The Ballad of the Sad Cafe and Other Stories by Carson McCullers (6/21/21)
50. Instant Replay by Jerry Kramer and Dick Schaap (6/18/21)
49. Kid's Book Trio (6/17/21)
The Amazing Bone by William Steig
Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman, Illus. by Gustaf Tenngren
Sesame Street See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Smell No Evil by Anna Jane Hays, illus. by Joe Mathieu
48. Abel's Island by William Steig (6/15/21)
47. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (6/14/21)
46. The Devil and Dr. Barnes: Portrait of an American Art Collector by Howard Greenfield (6/6/21)
45. Bangkok: City of Angels by Bill Wassman (6/5/21)
44. Bangkok 8 by John Burdett (6/5/21)
43. The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody by Will Cuppy (6/2/21)
May (10 read)
42. The Ponder Heart by Eudora Welty (5/30/21)
41. Black Orchids by Rex Stout (5/29/21)
40. Circe by Madeline Miller (5/27/21)
39. The Beginner's Goodbye by Anne Tyler (5/20/21)
38. If It's Not Funny It's Art by Demetri Martin (5/19/21)
37. Midnight Rising by Tony Horwitz (5/18/21)
36. The PreHistory of The Far Side: A 10th Anniversary Exhibit by Gary Larson (5/17/21)
35. Kid's Book Medley (6/15/21)
Catwings by Ursula K. Le Guin
Night Creatures by Gallimard Jeunesse
Madeline's Rescue by Ludwig Bemelmans
Madeline and the Bad Hat by Ludwig Bemelmans
Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
Seal by Eric S. Grace, photos by Fred Bruemmer
Pigsty by Mark Teague
Red Ranger Came Calling by Berkeley Breathed
34. Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell (5/13/21)+
33. Summer Lightning by P. G. Wodehouse (5/7/21)
April (8 read)
32. How Music Works by David Byrne (4/29/21)
31. Humans by Brandon Stanton (4/28/21)
30. The Italian Secretary by Caleb Carr (4/22/21)
29. Freddy and the Bean Home News by Walter R. Brooks (4/19/21)
28. Freddy the Magician by Walter R. Brooks (4/17/21)
27. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (4/14/21)
26. The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernest Hemingway (4/10/21)
25. Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson (4/9/21)
June (11 read)
53. The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin (6/25/21)
52. The Hot Rock by Donald Westlake (6/23/21)
51. The Ballad of the Sad Cafe and Other Stories by Carson McCullers (6/21/21)
50. Instant Replay by Jerry Kramer and Dick Schaap (6/18/21)
49. Kid's Book Trio (6/17/21)
The Amazing Bone by William Steig
Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman, Illus. by Gustaf Tenngren
Sesame Street See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Smell No Evil by Anna Jane Hays, illus. by Joe Mathieu
48. Abel's Island by William Steig (6/15/21)
47. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (6/14/21)
46. The Devil and Dr. Barnes: Portrait of an American Art Collector by Howard Greenfield (6/6/21)
45. Bangkok: City of Angels by Bill Wassman (6/5/21)
44. Bangkok 8 by John Burdett (6/5/21)
43. The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody by Will Cuppy (6/2/21)
May (10 read)
42. The Ponder Heart by Eudora Welty (5/30/21)
41. Black Orchids by Rex Stout (5/29/21)
40. Circe by Madeline Miller (5/27/21)
39. The Beginner's Goodbye by Anne Tyler (5/20/21)
38. If It's Not Funny It's Art by Demetri Martin (5/19/21)
37. Midnight Rising by Tony Horwitz (5/18/21)
36. The PreHistory of The Far Side: A 10th Anniversary Exhibit by Gary Larson (5/17/21)
35. Kid's Book Medley (6/15/21)
Catwings by Ursula K. Le Guin
Night Creatures by Gallimard Jeunesse
Madeline's Rescue by Ludwig Bemelmans
Madeline and the Bad Hat by Ludwig Bemelmans
Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
Seal by Eric S. Grace, photos by Fred Bruemmer
Pigsty by Mark Teague
Red Ranger Came Calling by Berkeley Breathed
34. Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell (5/13/21)
+33. Summer Lightning by P. G. Wodehouse (5/7/21)
April (8 read)
32. How Music Works by David Byrne (4/29/21)
31. Humans by Brandon Stanton (4/28/21)
30. The Italian Secretary by Caleb Carr (4/22/21)
29. Freddy and the Bean Home News by Walter R. Brooks (4/19/21)
28. Freddy the Magician by Walter R. Brooks (4/17/21)
27. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (4/14/21)
26. The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernest Hemingway (4/10/21)
25. Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson (4/9/21)
10weird_O
Covers of Books Read, January thru March 2021
# 24
# 23 
# 22 
# 21 
# 20
# 19 
# 18 
# 17 
# 16
# 15 
# 14 
# 13 
# 12
# 11 # 10 
# 9 
# 8
# 7 
# 6 
# 5 
# 4
# 3 
# 2 
# 1 
# 24
# 23 
# 22 
# 21 
# 20
# 19 
# 18 
# 17 
# 16
# 15 
# 14 
# 13 
# 12
# 11 # 10 
# 9 
# 8
# 7 
# 6 
# 5 
# 4
# 3 
# 2 
# 1 
11weird_O
Books Read, January thru March 2021
March (8 read)
24. The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins by Dr. Seuss (3/27/21)
23. This Is a Bad Time: A Collection of Cartoons by Bruce Eric Kaplan (3/27/21)
22. Maigret and the Killer by Georges Simenon (3/25/21)
21. Some Buried Caesar by Rex Stout (3/21/21)
20. Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder by Claudia Kalb (3/20/21)
19. The End of the Alphabet by CS Richardson (3/14/21)
18. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster (3/12/21)
17. The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson (3/9/21)
February (9 read)
16. The Five Red Herrings by Dorothy L. Sayers (2/28/21)
15. Gone Fishin' by Walter Mosley (2/19/21)
14. Home Truths by David Lodge (2/18/21)
13. A Promised Land by Barack Obama (2/15/21)
12. Art at Work: The Chase Manhattan Collection by Marshall Lee (2/12/21)
11. Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers (2/8/21)
10. The Library Book by Susan Orlean (2/7/21)
9. Pretty Good Joke Book, 5th Edition by Prairie Home Companion (2/5/21)
8. One of Our Thursdays Is Missing by Jasper Fforde (2/3/21)
January (7 read)
7. The Brinksmanship of Galahad Threepwood by P. G. Wodehouse (1/30/21)
6. Obama: An Intimate Portrait by Pete Souza (1/26/21)
5. New York From the Air by Antonio Attini (photog) and Peter Skinner (intro) (1/18/21)
4. The Golden Spiders by Rex Stout (1/15/21)
3. The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben (1/7/21)
2. One Story by Gipi (1/4/21)
1. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (1/1/21)
March (8 read)
24. The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins by Dr. Seuss (3/27/21)
23. This Is a Bad Time: A Collection of Cartoons by Bruce Eric Kaplan (3/27/21)
22. Maigret and the Killer by Georges Simenon (3/25/21)
21. Some Buried Caesar by Rex Stout (3/21/21)
20. Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder by Claudia Kalb (3/20/21)
19. The End of the Alphabet by CS Richardson (3/14/21)
18. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster (3/12/21)
17. The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson (3/9/21)
February (9 read)
16. The Five Red Herrings by Dorothy L. Sayers (2/28/21)
15. Gone Fishin' by Walter Mosley (2/19/21)
14. Home Truths by David Lodge (2/18/21)
13. A Promised Land by Barack Obama (2/15/21)
12. Art at Work: The Chase Manhattan Collection by Marshall Lee (2/12/21)
11. Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers (2/8/21)
10. The Library Book by Susan Orlean (2/7/21)
9. Pretty Good Joke Book, 5th Edition by Prairie Home Companion (2/5/21)
8. One of Our Thursdays Is Missing by Jasper Fforde (2/3/21)
January (7 read)
7. The Brinksmanship of Galahad Threepwood by P. G. Wodehouse (1/30/21)
6. Obama: An Intimate Portrait by Pete Souza (1/26/21)
5. New York From the Air by Antonio Attini (photog) and Peter Skinner (intro) (1/18/21)
4. The Golden Spiders by Rex Stout (1/15/21)
3. The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben (1/7/21)
2. One Story by Gipi (1/4/21)
1. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (1/1/21)
13weird_O
Fav o' the Month...so far
JANUARY: One Story by Gipi
FEBRUARY: One of Our Thursdays Is Missing by Jasper Fforde
RUNNER-UP: Home Truths by David Lodge+
MARCH: The End of the Alphabet by CS Richardson
RUNNER-UP: The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson
APRIL: How Music Works by David Byrne
RUNNER-UP: Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
MAY: Circe by Madeline Miller
RUNNER-UP: Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell
JUNE: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
RUNNER-UP: The Hot Rock by Donald Westlake
RUNNER-UP: Abel's Island by William Steig
JULY: Demon Box by Ken Kesey
RUNNER-UP: A Coyote's in the House by Elmore Leonard
RUNNER-UP: Thank You, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse
AUGUST: Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
RUNNER-UP: How the South Won the Civil War by Heather Cox Richardson
RUNNER-UP: A Judgement in Stone by Ruth Rendell
RUNNER-UP: The Round House by Louise Erdrich
SEPTEMBER: The Bird Artist by Howard Norman
RUNNER-UP: The Best of Connie Willis by Connie Willis (9/18/21)
OCTOBER: Junkyard Planet by Adam Minter
JANUARY: One Story by Gipi
FEBRUARY: One of Our Thursdays Is Missing by Jasper Fforde
RUNNER-UP: Home Truths by David Lodge
+MARCH: The End of the Alphabet by CS Richardson
RUNNER-UP: The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson
APRIL: How Music Works by David Byrne
RUNNER-UP: Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
MAY: Circe by Madeline Miller
RUNNER-UP: Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell
JUNE: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
RUNNER-UP: The Hot Rock by Donald Westlake
RUNNER-UP: Abel's Island by William Steig
JULY: Demon Box by Ken Kesey
RUNNER-UP: A Coyote's in the House by Elmore Leonard
RUNNER-UP: Thank You, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse
AUGUST: Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
RUNNER-UP: How the South Won the Civil War by Heather Cox Richardson
RUNNER-UP: A Judgement in Stone by Ruth Rendell
RUNNER-UP: The Round House by Louise Erdrich
SEPTEMBER: The Bird Artist by Howard Norman
RUNNER-UP: The Best of Connie Willis by Connie Willis (9/18/21)
OCTOBER: Junkyard Planet by Adam Minter
15weird_O
Well. Someone...no names, no finger pointing...made a mistake.
(Credit: Roy Lichtenstein, 1973)
Yes, do go ahead and post.
(Credit: Roy Lichtenstein, 1973)
Yes, do go ahead and post.
16PaulCranswick
>1 weird_O: Lovely homage by your daughter, Bill - she is a credit to you both.
Happy new thread, dear fellow.
Happy new thread, dear fellow.
17FAMeulstee
Happy new thread, Bill.
I love your rating style, I might steal them for my next years threads.
And loved the Keith Haring and Roy Liechtenstein appearances :-)
I love your rating style, I might steal them for my next years threads.
And loved the Keith Haring and Roy Liechtenstein appearances :-)
18jessibud2
Happy new thread, Bill. I agree with Anita, your visual style of listing books is great fun and very appealing. I wouldn't have a clue how to do it, myself, so I just come here to admire...;-)
20msf59
Happy New Thread, Bill! I hope you had a R & R Halloween and I hope your football team(s) won. So are you joining us on the Proust? It will probably kick-off mid-month.
22karenmarie
Happy new thread, Bill!
>12 weird_O: Aargh. Quick scrolling…
I want to thank you again for posting that meatloaf recipe on my thread. Mamie and I tried it and Katie's making noises about trying it.
>12 weird_O: Aargh. Quick scrolling…
I want to thank you again for posting that meatloaf recipe on my thread. Mamie and I tried it and Katie's making noises about trying it.
23weird_O
Before doing replies, I want to report that I finished The Voice at the Back Door by Elizabeth Spencer. The Halloween festivities disrupted by imaginary reading time, so I couldn't count it as an October book. That delinquency made October the most disappointing reading month this year. Crapolas!
I'm mulling over the book. Also mulling over what book is next. So many wondrous possibilities.
I'm mulling over the book. Also mulling over what book is next. So many wondrous possibilities.
24weird_O
>16 PaulCranswick: She's the best daughter we ever had, Paul. Thank you.
>17 FAMeulstee: Go right ahead, Anita. I'd be proud to have them spread across LT. I'm sure I've mentioned many times that Keith Haring grew up and graduated from high school about 15 miles from where I live. Didn't Roy grow up in that country next to Switzerland? That one he took his name from? (Juuust kidding.)
>18 jessibud2: You can drop by anytime you want, Shelley. Mashing up the cover images and all is quite a rigamarole. It's that screw tumbling around in my skull that makes it happen. :-)
>19 drneutron: Yes indeed, doc.
>20 msf59: Good to see, Mark. I hope you brought more than batfood.
I went to my older son's house for tricking and treating. I don't think we ever had a trick-or-treater in the 30+ years we've lived here. On the other hand, where Jeremy lives, oy, Gott im Himmel! One of his neighbors asserted that their block was the Halloween equivalent of the Las Vegas Strip. So I left the house mid-afternoon and got home after 9, thereby missing NFL football. But I had a good time, and returned home with a mason jar of homemade noodle soup, half a freshly baked sourdough bread round, four Twix bars and two peanut butter cups. Bread was great for breakfast, the soup just right for lunch.
>21 bell7: Thank you, Mary.
>22 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. Glad you liked the meatloaf. I'm soon going to cook cottage pie, just not tonight.
>17 FAMeulstee: Go right ahead, Anita. I'd be proud to have them spread across LT. I'm sure I've mentioned many times that Keith Haring grew up and graduated from high school about 15 miles from where I live. Didn't Roy grow up in that country next to Switzerland? That one he took his name from? (Juuust kidding.)
>18 jessibud2: You can drop by anytime you want, Shelley. Mashing up the cover images and all is quite a rigamarole. It's that screw tumbling around in my skull that makes it happen. :-)
>19 drneutron: Yes indeed, doc.
>20 msf59: Good to see, Mark. I hope you brought more than batfood.
I went to my older son's house for tricking and treating. I don't think we ever had a trick-or-treater in the 30+ years we've lived here. On the other hand, where Jeremy lives, oy, Gott im Himmel! One of his neighbors asserted that their block was the Halloween equivalent of the Las Vegas Strip. So I left the house mid-afternoon and got home after 9, thereby missing NFL football. But I had a good time, and returned home with a mason jar of homemade noodle soup, half a freshly baked sourdough bread round, four Twix bars and two peanut butter cups. Bread was great for breakfast, the soup just right for lunch.
>21 bell7: Thank you, Mary.
>22 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. Glad you liked the meatloaf. I'm soon going to cook cottage pie, just not tonight.
25lauralkeet
Bill, your meat loaf evangelism has spread. I quietly uttered the words "meat loaf" and my other half began salivating. That BA recipe looks fab, so we are thinking about making it when our daughters are here (Thanksgiving week or over Christmas).
27weird_O
# 93. The Voice at the Back Door by Elizabeth Spencer Finished 11/1/2021
The Weird ReportTM 
I wanted to love this book, written in the early 1950s. Unanimously chosen by the Pulitzer Prize jurors as the best novel published in 1956, it wasn't awarded the prize by the Columbia University Trustees, who have the final say. They said nothing. While I know nothing of the trustees in 1956-7, it suits me to picture them as all white men, the generals of business, banking, and industry, Masters of the Universe (though Tom Wolfe was decades from coining that phrase). But still reluctant to endorse this indictment of Southern Culture, this roiling of...mmm…"the race issue". This...erm...exposé was not to be condoned.
Elizabeth Spencer's third novel depicts a dry Mississippi county whose voters must elect a sheriff because the office-holder has died. He departed this life in a grocery store in the town of Lacey, where he'd gone—knowing his life was expiring—to endorse its proprietor as his successor. That man, Duncan Harper, is a local, a low-key man who was, nonetheless, the greatest running back in Mississippi football history.
The sheriff expects Harper will maintain his policies, but Harper is intent on enforcing the county's ban on liquor sales and is supportive of rights for Blacks. As interim sheriff, Harper personally busts a bootlegger. The bootlegger is a life-long friend who has always loved the woman Harper is married to. With the help of a local Black, Harper is set up so his views on race will be publicized in the county and beyond. Then the bootlegger is shot, and rumor quickly spreads that the shooter was Black, that Harper knows who he is and where he is, but that he's covering for him. The victim won't say who shot him. In only a few weeks, Harper's electoral support evaporates. Still, he remains interim sheriff and he continues to investigate the shooting.
As the story unfolds, Lacey society reveals itself as implacably segregationist. The mob rules, but it's easily manipulated. Familiar ring, isn't it?
What is shocking to contemporary readers is the endless, casual use of the n-word. You have to understand that in 1953, not only in the South, but throughout the country, it was a commonly used word. To really appreciate how oppressive the racial climate was, you have to immerse yourself in the conversation of the time. I think it's an essential element of the history, the culture, the story.
Spencer grew up in Mississippi, a member of a socially elite family, living on a plantation with an army of Black servants. It was after receiving a Guggenheim grant that allowed her to retreat to Italy that she was able to confront her own upbringing and write her novel of repudiation. Thereafter, she lived and worked in Italy, London, and Montreal, returning to the South (to Durham, NC) only in 1986.
So did I love The Voice at the Back Door? Not really. But I do like it and I admire it. I think it deserved the Pulitzer. I view it as an accurate reflection of an unsavory culture in the 1950s.
The Weird ReportTM
I wanted to love this book, written in the early 1950s. Unanimously chosen by the Pulitzer Prize jurors as the best novel published in 1956, it wasn't awarded the prize by the Columbia University Trustees, who have the final say. They said nothing. While I know nothing of the trustees in 1956-7, it suits me to picture them as all white men, the generals of business, banking, and industry, Masters of the Universe (though Tom Wolfe was decades from coining that phrase). But still reluctant to endorse this indictment of Southern Culture, this roiling of...mmm…"the race issue". This...erm...exposé was not to be condoned.
Elizabeth Spencer's third novel depicts a dry Mississippi county whose voters must elect a sheriff because the office-holder has died. He departed this life in a grocery store in the town of Lacey, where he'd gone—knowing his life was expiring—to endorse its proprietor as his successor. That man, Duncan Harper, is a local, a low-key man who was, nonetheless, the greatest running back in Mississippi football history.
The sheriff expects Harper will maintain his policies, but Harper is intent on enforcing the county's ban on liquor sales and is supportive of rights for Blacks. As interim sheriff, Harper personally busts a bootlegger. The bootlegger is a life-long friend who has always loved the woman Harper is married to. With the help of a local Black, Harper is set up so his views on race will be publicized in the county and beyond. Then the bootlegger is shot, and rumor quickly spreads that the shooter was Black, that Harper knows who he is and where he is, but that he's covering for him. The victim won't say who shot him. In only a few weeks, Harper's electoral support evaporates. Still, he remains interim sheriff and he continues to investigate the shooting.
As the story unfolds, Lacey society reveals itself as implacably segregationist. The mob rules, but it's easily manipulated. Familiar ring, isn't it?
What is shocking to contemporary readers is the endless, casual use of the n-word. You have to understand that in 1953, not only in the South, but throughout the country, it was a commonly used word. To really appreciate how oppressive the racial climate was, you have to immerse yourself in the conversation of the time. I think it's an essential element of the history, the culture, the story.
Spencer grew up in Mississippi, a member of a socially elite family, living on a plantation with an army of Black servants. It was after receiving a Guggenheim grant that allowed her to retreat to Italy that she was able to confront her own upbringing and write her novel of repudiation. Thereafter, she lived and worked in Italy, London, and Montreal, returning to the South (to Durham, NC) only in 1986.
So did I love The Voice at the Back Door? Not really. But I do like it and I admire it. I think it deserved the Pulitzer. I view it as an accurate reflection of an unsavory culture in the 1950s.
28lauralkeet
>26 weird_O: Why is that, Laura?
Hmm, I'm not sure what your question pertains to, Bill. Why did Chris begin salivating at the thought of meat loaf? Or: why are we waiting so long to make it, especially with hard evidence that said loaf can be consumed by one person over just a few sittings?
Hmm, I'm not sure what your question pertains to, Bill. Why did Chris begin salivating at the thought of meat loaf? Or: why are we waiting so long to make it, especially with hard evidence that said loaf can be consumed by one person over just a few sittings?
30weird_O
>28 lauralkeet: I was thinking of the salivation. Why does just the thought of meat loaf set so many mouths to watering? But your second response is a good one: Why is the meat loaf meal being put off?
31lauralkeet
Both are good questions, Bill, for which I lack good answers!
32weird_O
>29 richardderus: Thanks, Richard. New thread orisons are good, right?
33richardderus
They beat the heck out of maledictions!
36weird_O
Guess I'm serious about Swann's Way. Amazon is dropping off a new copy—Mamie! It's got deckled edges!!—tomorrow. Lydia Davis translation.
Currently reading a collection of Auschwitz stories by a Polish writer and Auschwitz survivor, Tadeusz Borowski. This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen. Grim.
Currently reading a collection of Auschwitz stories by a Polish writer and Auschwitz survivor, Tadeusz Borowski. This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen. Grim.
37msf59
Happy Wednesday, Bill. I am out of commission for a few days, so I am getting extra reading time in. Glad to see you are grabbing a copy of Swann's Way. I hope you can join our little group.
38figsfromthistle
Happy new one!
39weird_O
>35 quondame: >37 msf59: >38 figsfromthistle: Thanks. Business seems kind slow...
Still waiting for my book order to arrive. Maybe it's in the mailbox.
Is he talking to ME?
Still waiting for my book order to arrive. Maybe it's in the mailbox.
Is he talking to ME?
40weird_O
Swann's Way did arrive via U.S. Postal Service. My palms are sweating.
Linda talked me into reading a book by Albert Murray for November's American Author Challenge. Amazon persuaded me to buy not one Murray book, but three. To be delivered Sunday.
Meanwhile, I'm reading Raymond Carver's first collection of short stories, titled Will You Please Be Quiet, Please. Alternating stories/chapters with William Zinsser's On Writing Well. I read a Zinsser chapter called "Clutter", in which he stressed eliminating excess words. "Clutter is the ponderous euphemism that turns a slum into a depressed socioeconomic area...." Shortly after, I read the Wikipedia entry about Carver, which commented:
Too much of a good thing.
Linda talked me into reading a book by Albert Murray for November's American Author Challenge. Amazon persuaded me to buy not one Murray book, but three. To be delivered Sunday.
Meanwhile, I'm reading Raymond Carver's first collection of short stories, titled Will You Please Be Quiet, Please. Alternating stories/chapters with William Zinsser's On Writing Well. I read a Zinsser chapter called "Clutter", in which he stressed eliminating excess words. "Clutter is the ponderous euphemism that turns a slum into a depressed socioeconomic area...." Shortly after, I read the Wikipedia entry about Carver, which commented:
Carver's editor at Esquire, Gordon Lish, was instrumental in shaping his prose...—where his earlier tutor John Gardner had advised Carver to use fifteen words instead of twenty-five, Lish instructed Carver to use five in place of fifteen. Objecting to the "surgical amputation and transplantation" of Lish's heavy editing, Carver eventually broke with him.
Too much of a good thing.
41charl08
>40 weird_O: That's a lot of words in the discard pile!
Happy new (ish) thread Bill. Any library sales coming up?
Happy new (ish) thread Bill. Any library sales coming up?
42karenmarie
Hi Bill!
>25 lauralkeet: meat loaf evangelism. *smile*
>27 weird_O: What is shocking to contemporary readers is the endless, casual use of the n-word. You have to understand that in 1953, not only in the South, but throughout the country, it was a commonly used word. To really appreciate how oppressive the racial climate was, you have to immerse yourself in the conversation of the time. I think it's an essential element of the history, the culture, the story. Heck, when I first moved to NC in 1991 and married Bill, his dad and uncle-by-marriage flung the n-word out all the time. I don’t remember if I said something or Bill said something for me, but use was curtailed over subsequent years. It may have been when Jenna was born in 1993… My parents and family never used it, but I’m afraid my dad always called Brazil nutsn-word toes.
>40 weird_O: Yay for your shiny new copy of Swann’s Way.
>25 lauralkeet: meat loaf evangelism. *smile*
>27 weird_O: What is shocking to contemporary readers is the endless, casual use of the n-word. You have to understand that in 1953, not only in the South, but throughout the country, it was a commonly used word. To really appreciate how oppressive the racial climate was, you have to immerse yourself in the conversation of the time. I think it's an essential element of the history, the culture, the story. Heck, when I first moved to NC in 1991 and married Bill, his dad and uncle-by-marriage flung the n-word out all the time. I don’t remember if I said something or Bill said something for me, but use was curtailed over subsequent years. It may have been when Jenna was born in 1993… My parents and family never used it, but I’m afraid my dad always called Brazil nuts
>40 weird_O: Yay for your shiny new copy of Swann’s Way.
43weird_O
>41 charl08: It is quite a heap, isn't it, Charlotte. Arbitrary, too, if each time you look at what's written you have to cut, cut, cut.
Library sales? Yes. First weekend is December is the year's end sale at Bethlehem library.
>42 karenmarie: Mmmmm. I could eat a meat loaf sandwich right now. Mmmm. And a Brazil nut, too.
Swann's Way, not to mention the Albert Murray three-pack that's supposed to appear on my doorstep Sunday.
Library sales? Yes. First weekend is December is the year's end sale at Bethlehem library.
>42 karenmarie: Mmmmm. I could eat a meat loaf sandwich right now. Mmmm. And a Brazil nut, too.
Swann's Way, not to mention the Albert Murray three-pack that's supposed to appear on my doorstep Sunday.
44msf59
Hooray for receiving your copy of Swann's Way & getting sweaty palms. I am also a big fan of Raymond Carver but have not read that collection.
45richardderus
I finally found out why I don't care for Brazil nuts: They're loaded with radon!
46RBeffa
>40 weird_O: Last year I picked up a lovely 65yo Modern Library copy of Cities of the Plain aka S&G the fourth book in the series. It was at a library sale and a friend gave me the side-eye and said something like "Proust ... hunh??." I replied that I thought I might need some philosophical reading one day. The book is sitting on the shelf waiting for that day still, which seems ever closer. There are a number of translations. Mine is by Moncrieff.
47weird_O
>44 msf59: These are the first Carver stories I've read, Mark. I like them, though I don't understand every one. You are starting Marcel on the 15th, right? I have the two current reads to finish, and I want to read one of the Murray books I ordered before then.
>45 richardderus: Oh man. That's why I like them. hee hee
>46 RBeffa: Nice find. Scott Moncrieff's translation appears to be the standard. I inherited a two-volume edition of Remembrance of Things Past from my in-laws, who got it as Book of the Month Club members. It's Scott Moncrieff's translation, except for the final book. He died before completing that one. I read the first page or two several years ago and drifted into slumber. I'll see how it goes.
>45 richardderus: Oh man. That's why I like them. hee hee
>46 RBeffa: Nice find. Scott Moncrieff's translation appears to be the standard. I inherited a two-volume edition of Remembrance of Things Past from my in-laws, who got it as Book of the Month Club members. It's Scott Moncrieff's translation, except for the final book. He died before completing that one. I read the first page or two several years ago and drifted into slumber. I'll see how it goes.
48ffortsa
I recall someone recently decrying Montcrief's translation. I think there's a newer one out, but can't recall by whom and how much of it has been published.
49weird_O
>48 ffortsa: I did run across a brush-off of Scott Moncrieff's translation. Most of it was done almost 100 years ago, and when the translator died in 1930, he hadn't completed his translation of the final book. The newest thing is a translation done by Lydia Davis, and I think she's completed the entire cycle. Her translation will probably reflect the speech of the 21st century, rather than that of the early 20th century British.
50weird_O
I'm ready for this new week. Amazon's emissary DID deliver the Albert Murray collection, so I am set there. Do need to conclude the current readings.
Stephen Crane is suddenly in sight. The New York Review of Books has a review of Paul Auster's new bio, titled Burning Boy: The Life and Work of Stephen Crane. I'm less interested in the bio than in the reminder the review provides to Crane's work. The Red Badge of Courage is the only work I've read, but I have a book of four other stories. Maybe move that up in The Pile.
Stephen Crane is suddenly in sight. The New York Review of Books has a review of Paul Auster's new bio, titled Burning Boy: The Life and Work of Stephen Crane. I'm less interested in the bio than in the reminder the review provides to Crane's work. The Red Badge of Courage is the only work I've read, but I have a book of four other stories. Maybe move that up in The Pile.
51benitastrnad
>50 weird_O:
Auster was interviewed about Stephen Crane and his biography on this week's episode of "On the Media." Here is a link to that interview.
https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/segments/forgotten-writer-who-changed-l...
I had the pleasure of waking up to that program this weekend and then listened to this interview when I was awake enough to comprehend what was going on.
Auster was interviewed about Stephen Crane and his biography on this week's episode of "On the Media." Here is a link to that interview.
https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/segments/forgotten-writer-who-changed-l...
I had the pleasure of waking up to that program this weekend and then listened to this interview when I was awake enough to comprehend what was going on.
53weird_O
Finished On Writing Well by William Zinsser, thereby inching closer to the Century Mark. A re-read actually, since I read it when it was first published in 1976. The pub date is why I've re-read it now—answering RD's call for reading something published in 1976. Still to complete, in answer to the Call, is Raymond Carver's first short story collection, Will You Please Be Quiet, Please. I'm halfway through this excellent collection.
I've sampled two of the three Albert Murray books I got, and have settled, at least for now, on reading Stomping the Blues, which is the third book.
I've sampled two of the three Albert Murray books I got, and have settled, at least for now, on reading Stomping the Blues, which is the third book.
54weird_O
Finished the volume of Raymond Carver short stories I was reading. Will You Please Be Quiet, Please? Excellent.
Believe I will read a chapter or two of Stomping the Blues, the Albert Murray book I've picked for this month's AAC.
I have a road trip lined up for tomorrow. Whee! You all behave while I am gone.
Believe I will read a chapter or two of Stomping the Blues, the Albert Murray book I've picked for this month's AAC.
I have a road trip lined up for tomorrow. Whee! You all behave while I am gone.
55richardderus
Stomping the Blues! What a great read that was. Have a lovely time, and bring pictures of the book haul.
56ffortsa
>49 weird_O: Lydia Davis! Right.
57weird_O
Winners I Own But Haven't Read
Somebody mentioned Pulitzer winners. I know I heard it. (And no, it wasn't the voice that keeps telling me to B U R N things.) I have lots of Pulitzer winners on the TBR. Here's a list of just the unread fiction winners.
1921: The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
1925: So Big by Edna Ferber
1926: Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis (Declined)
1937: Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell M1000
1938: The Late George Apley by John Phillips Marquand
1939: The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
1948: Tales Of The South Pacific by James Michener
1952: The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk
1955: A Fable by William Faulkner
1967: The Fixer by Bernard Malamud
1969: House Made Of Dawn by N. Scott Momaday M1000
1979: The Stories Of John Cheever by John Cheever M1000
1980: The Executioner's Song by Norman Mailer M1000
1985: Foreign Affairs by Alison Lurie
1987: A Summons To Memphis by Peter Taylor
1990: The Mambo Kings Play Songs Of Love by Oscar Hijuelos (Stalled)
1991: Rabbit At Rest by John Updike
1993: A Good Scent From A Strange Mountain by Robert Olen Butler
1997: Martin Dressler by Steven Millhauser
1999: The Hours by Michael Cunningham
2003: Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
2004: The Known World by Edward P. Jones (Interrupted)
2014: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
2016: The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
2020: The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
The red check marks those at the head of the queue.
Somebody mentioned Pulitzer winners. I know I heard it. (And no, it wasn't the voice that keeps telling me to B U R N things.) I have lots of Pulitzer winners on the TBR. Here's a list of just the unread fiction winners.
1921: The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton1925: So Big by Edna Ferber
1926: Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis (Declined)1937: Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell M1000
1938: The Late George Apley by John Phillips Marquand
1939: The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
1948: Tales Of The South Pacific by James Michener 1952: The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk1955: A Fable by William Faulkner
1967: The Fixer by Bernard Malamud
1969: House Made Of Dawn by N. Scott Momaday M1000
1979: The Stories Of John Cheever by John Cheever M1000
1980: The Executioner's Song by Norman Mailer M1000
1985: Foreign Affairs by Alison Lurie 1987: A Summons To Memphis by Peter Taylor1990: The Mambo Kings Play Songs Of Love by Oscar Hijuelos (Stalled)
1991: Rabbit At Rest by John Updike1993: A Good Scent From A Strange Mountain by Robert Olen Butler
1997: Martin Dressler by Steven Millhauser
1999: The Hours by Michael Cunningham
2003: Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
2004: The Known World by Edward P. Jones (Interrupted)2014: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
2016: The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen 2020: The Nickel Boys by Colson WhiteheadThe red check
marks those at the head of the queue.58weird_O
I just obliterated a swell account of my weekend and current chores. I don't want to redo it. So forget about it.
Bah...
Bah...
59richardderus
>58 weird_O: Isn't that maddening!! I get so pissed off with myself for not remembering to hit ctrl-A ctrl-C before doing ANYTHING ELSE!
60msf59
>57 weird_O: For whatever it's worth, I highly recommend your 2003-2020 selections. Some great ones there.
I never did read Martin Dressler. We should consider a shared read of that one.
I never did read Martin Dressler. We should consider a shared read of that one.
61Crazymamie
Bill, I had somehow managed to lose your thread, but you are found again now, so don't panic. Sorry I am so late to your newest endeavor. The ordering of the book with the deckled edge pages makes me happy, and the fact that deckled edge pages made you think of me is over the moon full of fabulous.
I also loved your meatloaf evangelism. Feel free to spread the Good Word with me anytime - what will be cooking next?
>58 weird_O: Well, poop.
I also loved your meatloaf evangelism. Feel free to spread the Good Word with me anytime - what will be cooking next?
>58 weird_O: Well, poop.
62weird_O
Nerts. Falling behind. Falling behind. Will I ever...? Oh, never mind. Here are some stats. A secretive government agency have given approval for them to be published.
Reading Stats
2021 Thru October
These stats are kind of weird. (Could you expect something normal? From me?)
One evening (the evening of 5/15/21, in fact), I read 9 children's books I intended to give to my granddaughters. It would be cheating/unfair to give the same "heft" to a 32-page picture book and a 350-page novel. Well, at least in my mind. And never mind that I've equated E. B. White's 56-page Here Is New York with David Mitchell's 571-page Utopia Avenue. It's weird, ok? I'm weird.
Anyway, I count those 9 kid's books as 1 "reported" read. Same with a batch of 3 kid's books read 6/17/21. Three counting as 1.
Except the stats form asks about authors—gender, nationality. So some of the following stats aggregate the data about each individual kid's book author.
1st Report: January thru April
2nd Report: May thru July
Current: August thru October
Books reported read: 30 2nd Rpt: 30 1st Report: 32 Year-to-Date: 92
Books really read: 30 2nd Rpt: 40 1st Rpt: 32 YtD: 102
Authors read: 27 2nd Rpt: 35 1st Rpt: 29 YtD: 91
Single-read Authors: 25 2nd Rpt: 32 1st Rpt: 25 YtD: 82
Multi-read authors: 2 2nd Rpt: 3 1st Rpt: 4 YtD: 9
Rex Stout: 1 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 2 YtD: 4
P. G. Wodehouse: 0 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 3
Dorothy L. Sayers: 1 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 2 YtD: 3
Walter R. Brooks: 0 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 2 YtD: 3
Ludwig Bemelmans: 0 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 2
William Steig: 0 2nd Rpt: 3 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 3
Madeline Miller: 0 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 2
Connie Willis: 3 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 3
Oscar Wilde: 2 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 2
Multi-author books: 2 2nd Rpt: 4 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 7
New-to-me authors: 12 2nd Rpt: 22 1st Rpt: 13 YtD: 47
Reads/month
January: 7
February: 9
March: 8
April: 8
May: 10 Really 18
June: 11 Really 13
July: 9
August: 11
September: 13
October:6
Rating
Meh: 0 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 2
OK: 1 2nd Rpt: 5 1st Rpt: 2 YtD: 7
Good-: 4 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 1
Good: 4 2nd Rpt: 6 1st Rpt: 5 YtD: 15
Good+: 7 2nd Rpt: 5 1st Rpt: 6 YtD: 18
Very Good: 10 2nd Rpt: 15 1st Rpt: 12 YtD: 37
Very Good+: 7 2nd Rpt: 4 1st Rpt: 5 YtD: 16
Very Good++: 0 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 1
GREAT!: 1 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 4
Author gender
Here I am listing gender by author, rather than by book. Once a male always a male. (OK. Don't get picky with me here. I'll deal with exceptions as I happen upon them.) Since I've read Wodehouse three times so far this year, and I'm counting authors rather than books, I list him once as male. So if you tally males and females, the sum will be less than the total number of books read.
Male: 17 2nd Rpt: 25 1st Rpt: 24 YtD: 66
Female: 22 2nd Rpt: 12 1st Rpt: 4 YtD: 38
Author Birthplace
Belgium: 0 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 1
Canada: 0 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 1
France: 0 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 2
Germany: 0 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 1
Ireland: 1 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 1
Italy: 0 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 2 YtD: 3
Nigeria: 1 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 1
South Africa: 0 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 1
UK: 3 2nd Rpt: 3 1st Rpt: 4 YtD: 10
UNK: 0 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 1
USA: 22 2nd Rpt: 28 1st Rpt: 19 YtD: 69
Dead or alive
Currently breathing (afaik): 22 2nd Rpt: 18 1st Rpt: 20 YtD: 60
R.I.P.: 5 2nd Rpt: 14 1st Rpt: 8 YtD: 27
N/A or Unk: 0 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 3
First published
>1800: 0 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 0
1800–1925: 2 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 2
1926–1950: 3 2nd Rpt: 7 1st Rpt: 7 YtD: 17
1951–1975: 2 2nd Rpt: 9 1st Rpt: 4 YtD: 15
1976–2000: 8 2nd Rpt: 9 1st Rpt: 4 YtD: 21
2001–2010: 5 2nd Rpt: 6 1st Rpt: 5 YtD: 16
2011–2020: 8 2nd Rpt: 6 1st Rpt: 12 YtD: 26
2021:2 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 3
Unk: 0 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 2
Binding
Hardcover: 23 2nd Rpt: 17 1st Rpt: 21 YtD: 61
Paperback: 6 2nd Rpt: 19 1st Rpt: 7 YtD: 32
Mass-market paperback: 1 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 4 YtD: 7
Other: 0 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 2
F/NF
F: 22 2nd Rpt: 29 1st Rpt: 21 YtD: 72
NF: 8 2nd Rpt: 11 1st Rpt: 11 YtD: 30
Age group
Adult: 29 2nd Rpt: 23 1st Rpt: 28 YtD: 80
YA: 1 2nd Rpt: 3 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 4
MG: 0 2nd Rpt: 8 1st Rpt: 3 YtD: 11
ER: 0 2nd Rpt: 6 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 7
PB: 0 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 0
Note: YA = Young Adult
MG = Middle Grade
ER = Easy Reader
PB = Picture Book
Source
Acquired new in 2021: 4 2nd Rpt: 4 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 9
Acquired used in 2021: 13 2nd Rpt: 24 1st Rpt: 10 YtD: 47
Gift: 3 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 5
ROOT: 10 2nd Rpt: 8 1st Rpt: 19 YtD: 37
Library: 0 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 0
Loaner: 0 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 2 YtD: 4
Reviews posted: 3 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 3
Pulitzer winners: 0 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 0
Booker winners: 0 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 0
Nobel laureates: 1 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 1
Reading Stats
2021 Thru October
These stats are kind of weird. (Could you expect something normal? From me?)
One evening (the evening of 5/15/21, in fact), I read 9 children's books I intended to give to my granddaughters. It would be cheating/unfair to give the same "heft" to a 32-page picture book and a 350-page novel. Well, at least in my mind. And never mind that I've equated E. B. White's 56-page Here Is New York with David Mitchell's 571-page Utopia Avenue. It's weird, ok? I'm weird.
Anyway, I count those 9 kid's books as 1 "reported" read. Same with a batch of 3 kid's books read 6/17/21. Three counting as 1.
Except the stats form asks about authors—gender, nationality. So some of the following stats aggregate the data about each individual kid's book author.
1st Report: January thru April
2nd Report: May thru July
Current: August thru October
Books reported read: 30 2nd Rpt: 30 1st Report: 32 Year-to-Date: 92
Books really read: 30 2nd Rpt: 40 1st Rpt: 32 YtD: 102
Authors read: 27 2nd Rpt: 35 1st Rpt: 29 YtD: 91
Single-read Authors: 25 2nd Rpt: 32 1st Rpt: 25 YtD: 82
Multi-read authors: 2 2nd Rpt: 3 1st Rpt: 4 YtD: 9
Rex Stout: 1 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 2 YtD: 4
P. G. Wodehouse: 0 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 3
Dorothy L. Sayers: 1 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 2 YtD: 3
Walter R. Brooks: 0 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 2 YtD: 3
Ludwig Bemelmans: 0 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 2
William Steig: 0 2nd Rpt: 3 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 3
Madeline Miller: 0 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 2
Connie Willis: 3 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 3
Oscar Wilde: 2 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 2
Multi-author books: 2 2nd Rpt: 4 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 7
New-to-me authors: 12 2nd Rpt: 22 1st Rpt: 13 YtD: 47
Reads/month
January: 7
February: 9
March: 8
April: 8
May: 10 Really 18
June: 11 Really 13
July: 9
August: 11
September: 13
October:6
Rating
Meh: 0 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 2
OK: 1 2nd Rpt: 5 1st Rpt: 2 YtD: 7
Good-: 4 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 1
Good: 4 2nd Rpt: 6 1st Rpt: 5 YtD: 15
Good+: 7 2nd Rpt: 5 1st Rpt: 6 YtD: 18
Very Good: 10 2nd Rpt: 15 1st Rpt: 12 YtD: 37
Very Good+: 7 2nd Rpt: 4 1st Rpt: 5 YtD: 16
Very Good++: 0 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 1
GREAT!: 1 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 4
Author gender
Here I am listing gender by author, rather than by book. Once a male always a male. (OK. Don't get picky with me here. I'll deal with exceptions as I happen upon them.) Since I've read Wodehouse three times so far this year, and I'm counting authors rather than books, I list him once as male. So if you tally males and females, the sum will be less than the total number of books read.
Male: 17 2nd Rpt: 25 1st Rpt: 24 YtD: 66
Female: 22 2nd Rpt: 12 1st Rpt: 4 YtD: 38
Author Birthplace
Belgium: 0 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 1
Canada: 0 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 1
France: 0 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 2
Germany: 0 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 1
Ireland: 1 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 1
Italy: 0 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 2 YtD: 3
Nigeria: 1 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 1
South Africa: 0 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 1
UK: 3 2nd Rpt: 3 1st Rpt: 4 YtD: 10
UNK: 0 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 1
USA: 22 2nd Rpt: 28 1st Rpt: 19 YtD: 69
Dead or alive
Currently breathing (afaik): 22 2nd Rpt: 18 1st Rpt: 20 YtD: 60
R.I.P.: 5 2nd Rpt: 14 1st Rpt: 8 YtD: 27
N/A or Unk: 0 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 3
First published
>1800: 0 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 0
1800–1925: 2 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 2
1926–1950: 3 2nd Rpt: 7 1st Rpt: 7 YtD: 17
1951–1975: 2 2nd Rpt: 9 1st Rpt: 4 YtD: 15
1976–2000: 8 2nd Rpt: 9 1st Rpt: 4 YtD: 21
2001–2010: 5 2nd Rpt: 6 1st Rpt: 5 YtD: 16
2011–2020: 8 2nd Rpt: 6 1st Rpt: 12 YtD: 26
2021:2 2nd Rpt: 1 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 3
Unk: 0 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 2
Binding
Hardcover: 23 2nd Rpt: 17 1st Rpt: 21 YtD: 61
Paperback: 6 2nd Rpt: 19 1st Rpt: 7 YtD: 32
Mass-market paperback: 1 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 4 YtD: 7
Other: 0 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 2
F/NF
F: 22 2nd Rpt: 29 1st Rpt: 21 YtD: 72
NF: 8 2nd Rpt: 11 1st Rpt: 11 YtD: 30
Age group
Adult: 29 2nd Rpt: 23 1st Rpt: 28 YtD: 80
YA: 1 2nd Rpt: 3 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 4
MG: 0 2nd Rpt: 8 1st Rpt: 3 YtD: 11
ER: 0 2nd Rpt: 6 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 7
PB: 0 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 0
Note: YA = Young Adult
MG = Middle Grade
ER = Easy Reader
PB = Picture Book
Source
Acquired new in 2021: 4 2nd Rpt: 4 1st Rpt: 1 YtD: 9
Acquired used in 2021: 13 2nd Rpt: 24 1st Rpt: 10 YtD: 47
Gift: 3 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 5
ROOT: 10 2nd Rpt: 8 1st Rpt: 19 YtD: 37
Library: 0 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 0
Loaner: 0 2nd Rpt: 2 1st Rpt: 2 YtD: 4
Reviews posted: 3 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 3
Pulitzer winners: 0 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 0
Booker winners: 0 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 0
Nobel laureates: 1 2nd Rpt: 0 1st Rpt: 0 YtD: 1
63weird_O
>59 richardderus: Maddening it is. And so deflating. It's being that kind of week so far, but I shall pull out of this spiral.
>60 msf59: I'll keep your recom in mind. Obviously, I'm not going to read any of those books this year. I just hope I prevail over Proust.
>61 Crazymamie: I haven't had much to say, Mamie, though I check your thread regularly.
I spent prime parts of both Saturday and Sunday rooting for My Grand Gracie in two field hockey tournaments. She's on a club team that plays in big tournaments, doing a lot of weekend traveling. This was outdoors, and she'll be going to a do in Richmond on the post-Thanksgiving weekend. After that, I think most of the games are indoors. Saturday was brutal: temp in the low 40s, windy, and rain. We probably spent more time in the car trying to warm up between games than watching the games they played. Sunday was pretty much the same, but happily without the rain.
What will be cooking next? I got some grub Monday evening and got fresh cod. I've got half of it left for Wednesday supper. Tonight, I had a burrito and a chimichanga from the grocer's freezer, lovingly heated in the microwave. Well, live and learn.
>60 msf59: I'll keep your recom in mind. Obviously, I'm not going to read any of those books this year. I just hope I prevail over Proust.
>61 Crazymamie: I haven't had much to say, Mamie, though I check your thread regularly.
I spent prime parts of both Saturday and Sunday rooting for My Grand Gracie in two field hockey tournaments. She's on a club team that plays in big tournaments, doing a lot of weekend traveling. This was outdoors, and she'll be going to a do in Richmond on the post-Thanksgiving weekend. After that, I think most of the games are indoors. Saturday was brutal: temp in the low 40s, windy, and rain. We probably spent more time in the car trying to warm up between games than watching the games they played. Sunday was pretty much the same, but happily without the rain.
What will be cooking next? I got some grub Monday evening and got fresh cod. I've got half of it left for Wednesday supper. Tonight, I had a burrito and a chimichanga from the grocer's freezer, lovingly heated in the microwave. Well, live and learn.
64weird_O
For your viewing pleasure, a photo of my favorite field hockey player score a goal (her second of the game) during a tournament Saturday. (She's wearing the orange socks) Rain, blustery wind, temp in the 40s.
Gracie's dad shoots hundreds of photos at her games, and shares them through Google Photos. I picked this one, among others, to crop and tweak a bit.
Gracie's dad shoots hundreds of photos at her games, and shares them through Google Photos. I picked this one, among others, to crop and tweak a bit.
65Whisper1
Bill, I talked to Diane today. If all works well, we may be attending the Wednesday December book sale at the Bethlehem Library. Any chance you would attend?
66FAMeulstee
>62 weird_O: I always love to see stats, Bill.
Yours have all the information I like to see, and even a bit more!
I wondered about the meaning of the age groups, but then saw your explanation, thanks.
>64 weird_O: Two goals, wow!
Yours have all the information I like to see, and even a bit more!
I wondered about the meaning of the age groups, but then saw your explanation, thanks.
>64 weird_O: Two goals, wow!
67msf59
>64 weird_O: Hooray for Grand Gracie! I am sure she makes Grandpa very proud.
68Crazymamie
>64 weird_O: This is a most excellent shot of the Grand Gracie! And two goals!!
Off to the rain and the cold - I remember those days from when our kids played soccer in Indiana. Some weekends it was just miserable out there.
I loved reading through your very interesting stats, so thanks for sharing them, Oh Weird One.
Off to the rain and the cold - I remember those days from when our kids played soccer in Indiana. Some weekends it was just miserable out there.
I loved reading through your very interesting stats, so thanks for sharing them, Oh Weird One.
69richardderus
>64 weird_O: She's heavily focused on that goal, so it's no wonder she achieved it.
>63 weird_O: Ugh. The best one can say about such grub is "at least I'm not hungry anymore."
>62 weird_O: Intimidating....
>63 weird_O: Ugh. The best one can say about such grub is "at least I'm not hungry anymore."
>62 weird_O: Intimidating....
70weird_O
>65 Whisper1: In all likelihood, Linda, Gig and I will be there. Maybe we'll see either other.
>66 FAMeulstee: >68 Crazymamie: Glad you like the stats. I always make it a chore to pull the numbers together, just because.
>66 FAMeulstee: >67 msf59: >68 Crazymamie: >69 richardderus: Gracie likes the club competition. The coach is excellent, and all the players are top notch. Yeah. We're all proud of her.
Trivia: Dad has a Tesla, which has a touch-screen in the center of what would be the dashboard. No gauges or knobs. Just that screen. Arriving after the team had already played two games, we saw the family in the car, out of the wind and rain. Grace was in the front passenger seat, a teammate behind the wheel. The heat was blowing. On the screen, a video of logs burning in a fireplace. Perfect!
>66 FAMeulstee: >68 Crazymamie: Glad you like the stats. I always make it a chore to pull the numbers together, just because.
>66 FAMeulstee: >67 msf59: >68 Crazymamie: >69 richardderus: Gracie likes the club competition. The coach is excellent, and all the players are top notch. Yeah. We're all proud of her.
Trivia: Dad has a Tesla, which has a touch-screen in the center of what would be the dashboard. No gauges or knobs. Just that screen. Arriving after the team had already played two games, we saw the family in the car, out of the wind and rain. Grace was in the front passenger seat, a teammate behind the wheel. The heat was blowing. On the screen, a video of logs burning in a fireplace. Perfect!
71weird_O
What do you know? After denying (to Richard) the existence of any book haul resulting from my excursion last Thursday, I discovered some books in the car. I opened the back to load hockey-watching gear, and, golly, there were some books in there. Who knew? I'm not one to refuse a book or two, so instead of the recycling bin, I dumped them in The Reading Room. I think maybe the books got put in my car when I stopped at a Panera's for coffee and a bun. I seldom lock the car, and I was inside the cafe ogling my snack. So that's when it happened.
72quondame
>71 weird_O: Good story. Random book drop. Fine. Why doesn't this happen to me. Oh. I never go out.
73weird_O
The Balkans: A Short History by Mark Mazower (pbk)
In Pharaoh's Army: Memories of the Lost War by Tobias Wolff (pbk)
Justice by Larry Watson (pbk)
The Smartest Guys in the Room by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind (pbk)
Amnesia Moon by Jonathan Lethem (pbk)
This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War by Drew Gilpin Faust (pbk)
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (pbk)
Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion (pbk)
The Leopard by Giuseppe Di Lampedusa (pbk)
Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver (pbk)
Abide with Me by Elizabeth Strout (pbk)
The Last Drive and Other Stories by Rex Stout (pbk)
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins (pbk)
In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick (pbk)
The Children's Book by A. S. Byatt (pbk)
Mathew Brady's Illustrated History of the Civil War by Benson J. Lossing (pbk, oversize)
The Marble Faun by Nathaniel Hawthorne (hc)
Indignation by Philip Roth (hc) Upgrade
Joe Gould's Teeth by Jill Lepore (hc)
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy (hc) Upgrade
The Late George Apley by John P. Marquand (hc)
Here, There, Elsewhere by William Least Heat-Moon (hc) Bah! Dupe
You Must Remember This by Joyce Carol Oates (hc)
The Mandibles: A Family, 2029-2047 by Lionel Shriver (hc)
Portrait of an Artist, as an Old Man by Joseph Heller (hc)
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman (hc)
Pops: Fatherhood in Pieces by Michael Chabon (hc)
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (hc)
Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler (hc)
The Dark Side of Camelot by Seymour Hersh (hc)
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, illus. by N. C. Wyeth (hc) Upgrade
Pierre S. Du Pont: A Rare Genius by Michelle Ferrari (hc, oversize, slipcase, DVD)
Life FACES commentary by John Loengard (hc, oversize)
Master Photographs The International Center for Photographs (hc, oversize)
74lauralkeet
>71 weird_O: LOL. you crack me up, Bill.
75msf59
>71 weird_O: This is one heck of an accident, Bill. Wow!
76drneutron
>71 weird_O: Guess I need to start leaving my car unlocked more often!
77mahsdad
>71 weird_O: Great stack, there's at least several that I'd want to peruse.
78weird_O
>72 quondame: >74 lauralkeet: >75 msf59: >76 drneutron: Whoever it was that left these books "on my doorstep", so to speak, must have recognized me as someone who would care for them, providing a clean, warm spot for each on a shelf. This is my volunteer calling: steward of books.
:-)
ETA Thanks, Jeff. I see quite a few of special appeal to me. It's almost as if the mystery donor could read my mind.
:-)
ETA Thanks, Jeff. I see quite a few of special appeal to me. It's almost as if the mystery donor could read my mind.
79Berly
>71 weird_O: A likely story....not!! : ) Happy weekend!
81PaulCranswick
>71 weird_O: I want one of those motor vehicles
82Crazymamie
Lovely story *blinks* and great photo of your contraband. I loved Slouching Towards Bethlehem, and Practical Magic is a favorite of mine. I also thought Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald was good. And I have a soft spot for Robinson Crusoe only because it is the favorite book of the primary narrator of the Moonstone, which is full of fabulous. I am surprised to see No Country for Old Men in there since a few years ago you sent me your extra copy of that one. Heh.
>72 quondame: Same!
Hoping your weekend is full of fabulous, Oh Weird One!
>72 quondame: Same!
Hoping your weekend is full of fabulous, Oh Weird One!
83richardderus
Good gracious! The Book Fairy™ was generous to you. Park in that Panera's lot more often, you never know.
Quite a lot of people don't seem to care for The Marble Faun, but I liked it. Even still have a tanned old Washington Square Press copy from the 1950s somewhere. Justice was a good read, as well.
Happy shelf-merging!
Quite a lot of people don't seem to care for The Marble Faun, but I liked it. Even still have a tanned old Washington Square Press copy from the 1950s somewhere. Justice was a good read, as well.
Happy shelf-merging!
84charl08
>71 weird_O: I knew there was a reason I should get a car.
I'd love to hear more about the Jill Lepore, that's one I've not come across. Strout, Kingsolver and Didion on their own would be a great day in my second hand book shopping. What's next?
I'd love to hear more about the Jill Lepore, that's one I've not come across. Strout, Kingsolver and Didion on their own would be a great day in my second hand book shopping. What's next?
85weird_O
>79 Berly: I'm hurt, Kim, that you disbelieve my explanation. * sigh * The weekend thus far has been swell.
>80 figsfromthistle: My car passes most time in my driveway. This was a one-time stop; haven't been there before. Don't know if it was the parking spot, the car, or just my incredible karma.
>81 PaulCranswick: See my reply to Anita, Paul. The car's a standard Subaru Forester. I'd be astonished if you can't get a Sube in your town.
>82 Crazymamie: Hmmm. What does that *blink* signify?
Interesting to me that The Book Fairy™ donated several books I have been looking for. For example, my wife bought and read Practical Magic, then promptly passed it to a friend, knowing it would be passed to someone else, then someone else, and never would get back to her. And I didn't get a crack at it. I think maybe this is a bb with attitude. The edition of Robinson Crusoe is illustrated by N. C. Wyeth. As for McCarthy, didn't I send you The Road? I have a paperback of No Country…, unread; perhaps The Book Fairy™ is telling me it needs my attention.
As for the weekend, so far so good.
>83 richardderus: Sadly, that Panera's is 50 miles away and situated in a sector I seldom visit. 'Twas a drive in the country.
The Marble Faun is unknown to me, but I've enjoyed several Hawthorne novels, so why not give it a try?
>84 charl08: I think that buying a car in hopes that The Book Fairy™ will stock it with books is a financial misstep, Charlotte. Instead of tossing the money down the auto drain, toss it down the book drain and see how much better the return is.:-)
>80 figsfromthistle: My car passes most time in my driveway. This was a one-time stop; haven't been there before. Don't know if it was the parking spot, the car, or just my incredible karma.
>81 PaulCranswick: See my reply to Anita, Paul. The car's a standard Subaru Forester. I'd be astonished if you can't get a Sube in your town.
>82 Crazymamie: Hmmm. What does that *blink* signify?
Interesting to me that The Book Fairy™ donated several books I have been looking for. For example, my wife bought and read Practical Magic, then promptly passed it to a friend, knowing it would be passed to someone else, then someone else, and never would get back to her. And I didn't get a crack at it. I think maybe this is a bb with attitude. The edition of Robinson Crusoe is illustrated by N. C. Wyeth. As for McCarthy, didn't I send you The Road? I have a paperback of No Country…, unread; perhaps The Book Fairy™ is telling me it needs my attention.
As for the weekend, so far so good.
>83 richardderus: Sadly, that Panera's is 50 miles away and situated in a sector I seldom visit. 'Twas a drive in the country.
The Marble Faun is unknown to me, but I've enjoyed several Hawthorne novels, so why not give it a try?
>84 charl08: I think that buying a car in hopes that The Book Fairy™ will stock it with books is a financial misstep, Charlotte. Instead of tossing the money down the auto drain, toss it down the book drain and see how much better the return is.:-)
86weird_O
The husband of the chairwoman of the Pottstown, PA, Public Library called on Friday, beseeching me, in my role as The Book Steward™, to attend a sale at said institution. Since the beseecher is my brother, I was obliged.
Best rescue: a clean copy of Roz Chast's Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?. Right now, it's more compelling to me than M. Proust's musings. I'll give the Frenchman a tin of madelines, then devote attention to the Chast family. Uh, as soon as I polish off current active reads of Eudora Welty (One Writer's Beginnings) and Albert Murray (Stomping the Blues).
At my brother's place, we filled each other in one current activities, made plans for a Thanksgiving meetup, stuff like that. At some point, he asks me, "Do you know James McBride, know who he is?" Seems that he got a post card from McBride, providing contact info. When Tom called McBride, he learned that the author was researching a new book project and wanted to visit Tom for information about Pottstown. So they met and spent an afternoon together. Huh. My smarter younger brother.
ETA: Coincidentally, I picked up a copy of McBride's Five Carat Soul at the sale.
Best rescue: a clean copy of Roz Chast's Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?. Right now, it's more compelling to me than M. Proust's musings. I'll give the Frenchman a tin of madelines, then devote attention to the Chast family. Uh, as soon as I polish off current active reads of Eudora Welty (One Writer's Beginnings) and Albert Murray (Stomping the Blues).
At my brother's place, we filled each other in one current activities, made plans for a Thanksgiving meetup, stuff like that. At some point, he asks me, "Do you know James McBride, know who he is?" Seems that he got a post card from McBride, providing contact info. When Tom called McBride, he learned that the author was researching a new book project and wanted to visit Tom for information about Pottstown. So they met and spent an afternoon together. Huh. My smarter younger brother.
ETA: Coincidentally, I picked up a copy of McBride's Five Carat Soul at the sale.
87Crazymamie
>85 weird_O: Nope. You sent me No Country for Old Men. I have already read The Road, and I absolutely loved it. If you decide to read your copy, let me know, and I will join you. And yes, please do get to that bb with attitude - I have big love for it and have read it several times.
I read One Writer's Beginnings ages ago, and I remember liking it, but I know I was still living at home then, so I must have been a teenager. I did love reading through the letters that she and William Maxwell exchanged over the years - What There is to Say We Have Said. It's beautiful, if you are ever so inclined.
Oh, my word about your brother's encounter with McBride!! How full of fabulous.
Hoping Sunday is kind to you, Oh Weird One.
I read One Writer's Beginnings ages ago, and I remember liking it, but I know I was still living at home then, so I must have been a teenager. I did love reading through the letters that she and William Maxwell exchanged over the years - What There is to Say We Have Said. It's beautiful, if you are ever so inclined.
Oh, my word about your brother's encounter with McBride!! How full of fabulous.
Hoping Sunday is kind to you, Oh Weird One.
88weird_O
Quick reply, Mamie. Sunday IS going pretty well, so far.
My McCarthy recollection is errant then. I will alert you if I pick up and read No Country for Old Men. I doubt if it will be this year anymore.
Miss Welty is fun. I looked up the YouTube vid of her reading of "Why I Live at the P. O." and it froze about 1/3 of the way through. Crapola. I felt a sting reading your post; I've taken a bb on the collection of Welty-Maxwell letters. Cut that out!
Hoping, trusting your week will be marvie.
My McCarthy recollection is errant then. I will alert you if I pick up and read No Country for Old Men. I doubt if it will be this year anymore.
Miss Welty is fun. I looked up the YouTube vid of her reading of "Why I Live at the P. O." and it froze about 1/3 of the way through. Crapola. I felt a sting reading your post; I've taken a bb on the collection of Welty-Maxwell letters. Cut that out!
Hoping, trusting your week will be marvie.
89Crazymamie
No worries- I won't be getting to it this year, either. I mean, we are almost done with this year anyway.
I have heard Miss Welty reading that story - just listened to it earlier this year, and it was full of fabulous! She really makes her stories come alive. And hooray for the bb - I think you will really enjoy it when you get to it. I will try to behave myself from here on out, but I can't make any promises.
Thanks for those good wishes! The week will be a full one as newest daughter's birthday is this Monday. She and Daniel will be celebrating with us on Tuesday for dinner, and then we will be launched into the madness of Thanksgiving prep.
I have heard Miss Welty reading that story - just listened to it earlier this year, and it was full of fabulous! She really makes her stories come alive. And hooray for the bb - I think you will really enjoy it when you get to it. I will try to behave myself from here on out, but I can't make any promises.
Thanks for those good wishes! The week will be a full one as newest daughter's birthday is this Monday. She and Daniel will be celebrating with us on Tuesday for dinner, and then we will be launched into the madness of Thanksgiving prep.
90ffortsa
Bill, who else is reading the Proust? And is there a thread for it, or is it more casual. I just got hold of the Lydia Davis translation and would love to follow along.
91weird_O
Mark, Joe, and Mamie have already finished Swann's Way. I haven't started it yet. Mark's the goader, but he opted not to set up a thread for The Read. Check out his thread.
92msf59
>90 ffortsa: Stop by Joe's thread, Judy. He posted an amusing review. Glad you got the Davis translation. That is the way to go.
93msf59
Howdy, Bill. I am a fan of Chast and I loved Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?. So most likely the Proust will keep getting buried in the stacks? I probably wouldn't have read it, without the boost.
Hey, who you calling a "goader"? 😄
Hey, who you calling a "goader"? 😄
94weird_O
>93 msf59: Why, it's you! eMark, M. Birdman. Warbler of the unread. Keep up the good work, Herr Goader.
I'm being called away from many very many active and interesting chats. Daughter Dearest is due at the airport bus stop in just 3 hours. (Her United ticket provides a seat on an airplane from Boston to Newark and a seat on a shuttle bus from Newark to the Lehigh Valley airport. Hence, I go to the airport to welcome my visitor exiting...a bus.)
Anyway, lots to do in the next couple of hours. Then in the next four days.
I'm being called away from many very many active and interesting chats. Daughter Dearest is due at the airport bus stop in just 3 hours. (Her United ticket provides a seat on an airplane from Boston to Newark and a seat on a shuttle bus from Newark to the Lehigh Valley airport. Hence, I go to the airport to welcome my visitor exiting...a bus.)
Anyway, lots to do in the next couple of hours. Then in the next four days.
95ffortsa
Thanks for the updates on the Proust. I have started it, and I liked the translation notes in the front very much. It should flow well enough to get me a credit for this year. I'll check on everyone's thread for comments.
96benitastrnad
>88 weird_O:
I am glad you got wounded about the book on Welty and Maxwell's letters. It is a great read. I want to read the sequel to it. The one with Welty's letters to Ross MacDonald. It's title is Meanwhile There Are Letters
I am glad you got wounded about the book on Welty and Maxwell's letters. It is a great read. I want to read the sequel to it. The one with Welty's letters to Ross MacDonald. It's title is Meanwhile There Are Letters
97Berly
>86 weird_O: Your brother met up with James McBride?! How cool is that! Now if only he had invited you to go with him...take notes of something...
98weird_O
>97 Berly: I'd have embarrassed myself, and my bro in the bargain, Kim. I'm sure that McBride got a lot of food for thought. I hope he'll do a book based in a Pottstown-like setting.
>96 benitastrnad: Thanks for that book title, Benita. When I read some Ross Macdonald books a few years ago, I did learn that he and Miss Welty had corresponded voluminously. I'll have to see what I can scare up to read. Maxwell, Macdonald. I do have some unread Welty novels and stories.
>95 ffortsa: I AM, honestly I am, going to at least start Swann's Way before the year turns over.
>96 benitastrnad: Thanks for that book title, Benita. When I read some Ross Macdonald books a few years ago, I did learn that he and Miss Welty had corresponded voluminously. I'll have to see what I can scare up to read. Maxwell, Macdonald. I do have some unread Welty novels and stories.
>95 ffortsa: I AM, honestly I am, going to at least start Swann's Way before the year turns over.
99weird_O
Heading off shortly to the primary Thanksgiving fest. Regretfully, the Jersey folks aren't able to share thanks with the rest of us. But two of the three Jersey Girls have gotten the first COVID shot, and that's something we ALL are thankful for.
100PaulCranswick
A Thanksgiving to Friends (Lighting the Way)
In difficult times
a friend is there to light the way
to lighten the load,
to show the path,
to smooth the road
At the darkest hour
a friend, with a word of truth
points to light
and the encroaching dawn
is in the plainest sight.
Bill, to a friend in books and more this Thanksgiving
In difficult times
a friend is there to light the way
to lighten the load,
to show the path,
to smooth the road
At the darkest hour
a friend, with a word of truth
points to light
and the encroaching dawn
is in the plainest sight.
Bill, to a friend in books and more this Thanksgiving
102figsfromthistle
Happy thanksgiving!
103Berly
Bill, I am so very grateful for you, my wonderful friend here on LT.
I wish you (and yours) happiness and health on this day of Thanksgiving. And cookies. : )
105weird_O
This Thanksgiving featured, just for me, a captivating mashup of coincidences. Tonight, I finished my 100th read of the year, which was Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by cartoonist Roz Chast. It's a memoir of the aging, the decline, and the deaths of her parents. It resonated with me personally because of the death of my wife earlier this year, my own aging, and the pleasures of sharing the satisfactions and accomplishments of my children and grandchildren.
After I documented the book's completion up top, I clicked on "HOME", and the births and deaths of the day popped up. I discovered that coincidentally, today is Roz Chast's birthday, a more pleasant counter to her parents' deaths.
Yet another coincidence is a quote from Swann's Way that a friend of Chast sent her shortly before her mother's death:
That cinches it. I really am going to read M. Proust's book.
After I documented the book's completion up top, I clicked on "HOME", and the births and deaths of the day popped up. I discovered that coincidentally, today is Roz Chast's birthday, a more pleasant counter to her parents' deaths.
Yet another coincidence is a quote from Swann's Way that a friend of Chast sent her shortly before her mother's death:
The process which had begun in her...was the great and general renunciation which old age makes in preparation for death, the chrysalis stage of life, which may be observed whenever life has been unduly prolonged; even in old lovers who have lived for one another with the utmost intensity of passion, and in old friends bound by the closest ties of mental sympathy, who after a certain years, cease to make the necessary journey, or even cross the street to see one another, cease to correspond, and know well that hey will communicate no more in this world.
That cinches it. I really am going to read M. Proust's book.
106ffortsa
Oh do read the Proust, Bill. It requires close reading, but it's quite delightful.
And congratulations on 100 books! Wow.
And congratulations on 100 books! Wow.
107richardderus
Reaching your century read was amazing, but having it be so resonant...*chef's kiss*
109weird_O
It's Monday. Did you know that? I hear the call to get something done, dammit! There's a load in the washer. Have to wash dishes (with the machine not responding to the "Start" button). Move stuff into longer-term stand-by status. Do some on-line shopping. Spackle a wall for to make it ready for painting. Etcetera etcetera etcetera.
I did read a few pages in Stomping the Blues by Albert Murray. It's kind of pedantic. Not compelling. I also started to read the Intro (by the translator) to Proust. I acquired a few kids' books in the last couple of months. One that intrigued me was The Giggler Treatment by Roddy Doyle, a favorite author. I read it yesterday. (No point to saving it for the AAC December event, since Doyle continues to be Irish.) Let's just say: disappointed. 'Twas "ok" but not more. But Lia and Annie will probably giggle. There's that upside.
I did read a few pages in Stomping the Blues by Albert Murray. It's kind of pedantic. Not compelling. I also started to read the Intro (by the translator) to Proust. I acquired a few kids' books in the last couple of months. One that intrigued me was The Giggler Treatment by Roddy Doyle, a favorite author. I read it yesterday. (No point to saving it for the AAC December event, since Doyle continues to be Irish.) Let's just say: disappointed. 'Twas "ok" but not more. But Lia and Annie will probably giggle. There's that upside.
110Crazymamie
>109 weird_O: I did know that. I am acutely sensitive to Mmmdays. Good luck with the getting of things done. I have done laundry and dishes and unloaded the dishwasher. I have also done some online Christmas shopping.
I have not read anything by Albert Murray. I have also not read any Doyle - what is your favorite by him who continues to be Irish?
I have not read anything by Albert Murray. I have also not read any Doyle - what is your favorite by him who continues to be Irish?
111weird_O
Spent some time in the stacks today, reacquainting myself with the books squirreled away in the basement. Gee there are a lot of nice books down there. I was looking for books I have that fit the December AAC. Linda's intro to December's challenge included links to several, and I worked with a TIME list of "the top 100 YA books" or some such and with DISCOVERY's 115 Best Young Adult Books of All Time. I did a merge/purge, and came up with ten meritorious books I own.
You can see that three titles are on both lists. Also on both lists and on my shelves are Little Women and Anne of Green Gables. I'm summarily disqualifying both for reasons.
Will I read them ALL?
Ah hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket (D)
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (D)
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman (D)
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (D/T)
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (D)
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (D/T)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (D/T)
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende (D)
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (T)
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (T)
You can see that three titles are on both lists. Also on both lists and on my shelves are Little Women and Anne of Green Gables. I'm summarily disqualifying both for reasons.
Will I read them ALL?
Ah hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
112Berly
>111 weird_O: Great list!! I have read all but Ender's Game and Persepolis. And how did you get the "haha"s to run off the side of the page like that? Very fun.
113weird_O
Hi, Kim. Nice to have you stop by, even though you didn't leave any cookies (this time).
Winnowing the various "Top" YA titles was interesting, and my gleanings were sifted by a fellow Book Rescuer today as we motored to a rescue site that typically has eminently rescuable books for us to try our magic on. Gig is a mostly retired elementary librarian, and incidentally is maternal grandmother to three girls that I am paternal grandfather to. She offered her sense of the YA realm.
Hahahaha without spaces. Or any alphanumeric string without spaces.
Winnowing the various "Top" YA titles was interesting, and my gleanings were sifted by a fellow Book Rescuer today as we motored to a rescue site that typically has eminently rescuable books for us to try our magic on. Gig is a mostly retired elementary librarian, and incidentally is maternal grandmother to three girls that I am paternal grandfather to. She offered her sense of the YA realm.
Hahahaha without spaces. Or any alphanumeric string without spaces.
114msf59
>111 weird_O: Many good YA titles on here, Bill. The Fault in Our Stars, The Glass Castle, The Hate U Give are favorites of mine and I loved the Collins & Pullman books too.
115weird_O
>114 msf59: I'm sure you are right about the YA titles I listed. I just finished the first of the 13 (short) Lemony Snicket books, and though I do have most of the books, I'm unlikely to gobble up the entire work. I'll read several other books on the list.
One book I need to buy is The Lightning Thief, which is the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. I gave a boxed set of hardcovers to My Grand Claire for her birthday, and she was giddy with delight. She'd blazed through those five books in, I don't know, middle school and she said the series had sparked her determination to study the classics—Greek, Latin, mythology, archaeology, ancient history. Spending the spring semester in Greece. I just have to find out for myself.
One book I need to buy is The Lightning Thief, which is the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. I gave a boxed set of hardcovers to My Grand Claire for her birthday, and she was giddy with delight. She'd blazed through those five books in, I don't know, middle school and she said the series had sparked her determination to study the classics—Greek, Latin, mythology, archaeology, ancient history. Spending the spring semester in Greece. I just have to find out for myself.
116Crazymamie
>111 weird_O: It seems like you can't go wrong with that list - I have read six of those titles and really enjoyed them. My favorites wold be Hunger Games and Ender's Game - both were excellent and books that I will read again.
Like Kim, I love the runaway laughter! Nicely done, Oh Weird One.
Like Kim, I love the runaway laughter! Nicely done, Oh Weird One.
117karenmarie
Hi Bill!
>71 weird_O: Sneaky books. You got quite a variety there. I heartily recommend Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald.
>71 weird_O: Sneaky books. You got quite a variety there. I heartily recommend Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald.
118weird_O
>116 Crazymamie: I'm coming around to see the dazzle, Mamie. Halfway through Ender's Game, I'm wondering when Pinkie will show up to complete Peter Wiggins as The Brain. Also too, I discovered that Code Talker, a copy of which fell into my hands just this week, is considered YA, as evidenced by its inclusion on the TIME YA list.
>117 karenmarie: Just rewards for good deeds done, Karen. I will jot your recom of Z in the comments of my catalog.
And now, my friends, I see the "books in peril" beacon in the sky. My call to duty! I'm off. See you anon.
Or whatevs...
>117 karenmarie: Just rewards for good deeds done, Karen. I will jot your recom of Z in the comments of my catalog.
And now, my friends, I see the "books in peril" beacon in the sky. My call to duty! I'm off. See you anon.
Or whatevs...
119weird_O
The second round of book rescuing wasn't as stellar as the first. I bolted the house after a cuppa—no solid food—so I ran out of steam quickly. Duh. I'll get a second day photo, then come clean about what I was able to save. Last rescue of the year, I expect.
I do what I can.
In the evening, I rescued a lamp. Two more to go, but I need to get more obscure jam nuts at the most-excellent independent hardware store nearby.
For what it's worth, I packed, addressed, and mailed a parcel for the swappee Jeff assigned to me. It's traveling "book rate".
I read another quarter plus of Ender's Game. Only 40 or so pages to go. As many have told me, it's very good. Want to finish today.
I do what I can.
In the evening, I rescued a lamp. Two more to go, but I need to get more obscure jam nuts at the most-excellent independent hardware store nearby.
For what it's worth, I packed, addressed, and mailed a parcel for the swappee Jeff assigned to me. It's traveling "book rate".
I read another quarter plus of Ender's Game. Only 40 or so pages to go. As many have told me, it's very good. Want to finish today.
120weird_O
Book Rescue Post
December 1, 2021: Bethlehem Area Public Library book sale, day 1
December 4, 2021: Bethlehem Area Public Library book sale, day 2
December 1, 2021: Bethlehem Area Public Library book sale, day 1
Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit (pbk)
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart (pbk)
The Rubber Band & The Red Box by Rex Stout (pbk)
Patrick Leigh Fermor: An Adventure by Artemis Cooper (pbk)
Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War II by Joseph Bruchac (pbk, YA)
White Fragility by Robin Diangelo (pbk)
Writing Rainbows: Poems for Grown-Ups by Richard Carl Subber (pbk)
Our Story Begins by Tobias Wolff (pbk)
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut (pbk) Upgrade
Skink: No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen (pbk)
The Essential Iliad by Homer, edited and translated by Stanley Lombardo (pbk)
The Essential Odyssey by Homer, edited and translated by Stanley Lombardo (pbk)
The Iliad of Homer translated by Richard Lattimore (pbk)
Beloved by Toni Morrison (hc) Upgrade
Circe by Madeline Miller (hc) Upgrade
The Princess Bride by William Goldman (hc) Upgrade
Losing Battles by Eudora Welty (hc)
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz (hc)
Mermaid in Paradise by Lydia Millet (hc)
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell (hc)
The Triumph of Christianity by Bart D. Ehrman (hc)
Epitaph by Mary Doria Russell (hc)
Nightwoods by Charles Frazier (hc)
Varina by Charles Frazier (hc)
The Odds by Stewart O'Nan (hc)
Luka and the Fire of Life by Salmon Rushdie (hc)
See Now Then by Jamaica Kincaid (hc)
Blitzed: Drugs in the Third Reich by Norman Ohler (hc)
The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro (hc)
The Shakespeare Requirement by Julie Schumacher (hc)
Creationists: Selected Essays, 1993-2006 E. L. Doctorow (hc)
Snow by John Banville (hc)
The Smithsonian Institution by Gore Vidal (hc)
Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout (hc)
The Last Days of New Paris by China Mieville (hc)
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (hc)
The Cutting Season by Attica Locke (hc)
Women Who Read Are Dangerous by Stefan Bollman (hc)
Mark Twain: The Stamp of Genius by the U. S. Postal Service (novelty)
World Unfurled by Matteo Pericoli (hc, oversize, slipcase, novelty)
Manhattan Unfurled by Matteo Pericoli (hc, oversize, slipcase, novelty)
December 4, 2021: Bethlehem Area Public Library book sale, day 2
On Hitler's Mountain: Overcoming the Legacy of a Nazi Childhood by Irmgard A Hunt (pbk)
Point to Point Navigation by Gore Vidal (pbk)
Einstein's Dreams by Alan Lightman (pbk)
Around the World with Mark Twain by Robert Cooper (pbk)
Jazz: A History of America's Music by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns (pbk, oversize)
The Drawings of Roy Lichtenstein by Bernice Rose (pbk, oversize, D.A.P)
Defining Eyes: Women Photographers of the 20th Century by Olivia Lahs-Gonzales and Lucy Lippard (pbk, oversize, D.A.P)
Between Them: Remembering My Parents by Richard Ford (hc)
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan (hc, YA)
Love by Toni Morrison (hc)
Chronicles From the Land of the Happiest People on Earth by Wole Soyinka (hc)
The Collector of Lives: Giorgio Vasari and the Invention of Art by Ingrid Rowland and Noah Charney (hc)
The Odyssey by Homer, translated by Robert Fagles (hc)
13 Ways of Looking at the Novel by Jane Smiley (hc)
Ansel Adams: An Autobiography by Ansel Adams (hc, oversize, D.A.P)
America: A Celebration by Martin W. Sandler, photos from Getty Images (hc, oversize, D.A.P)
121Crazymamie
>120 weird_O: That top shot is a very fun photo! Nice haul What great rescue missions - look at all those books you saved single handedly. I have several from that first mission in my stacks, but your second mission shares only one title with my library - The Odyssey. I have that same translation but in Penguin Deluxe Classics edition because deckled edge pages.
122charl08
>120 weird_O: Wow. That second stack looks great too. For me would be looking especially to read first the one on women photographers. The Soyinka is so new! Lucky you to get a copy this way.
123weird_O
>121 Crazymamie: That top shot is a very fun photo! Do you think, Mamie, that the books I was able to rescue are laughable? Probably not, for I note the approving "What great rescue missions."
Ha ha. You mention The Odyssey. I've rescued copies of that and The Iliad and The Aeneid in translations by Alexander Pope, W. H. D. Rouse, Robert Fitzgerald, Richard Lattimore, and Stanley Lombardo. The version I just rescued is Robert Fagles' translation. I've only read Rouse's translation of The Odyssey, that in December 2014, several months before I stumbled upon Library Thing. I understand that Prof. Scaifea favors the Lombardo translations. Oh my...he sighed.
On the Day 1 Mission, I was pleased to find hardcovers of The Princess Bride, Beloved, and Circe to upgrade the collection. As well as a sound paperback of Slaughterhouse Five to upgrade the now-unbound copy I got after high school. (Gosh, maybe I should rate the rescues. Huh? Huh? Crapolas. Maybe I should just read the damn things!!)
>120 weird_O: It's a good collection of work by women photographers. Regrettably, each is represented by a single photo. Only one.
Ha ha. You mention The Odyssey. I've rescued copies of that and The Iliad and The Aeneid in translations by Alexander Pope, W. H. D. Rouse, Robert Fitzgerald, Richard Lattimore, and Stanley Lombardo. The version I just rescued is Robert Fagles' translation. I've only read Rouse's translation of The Odyssey, that in December 2014, several months before I stumbled upon Library Thing. I understand that Prof. Scaifea favors the Lombardo translations. Oh my...he sighed.
On the Day 1 Mission, I was pleased to find hardcovers of The Princess Bride, Beloved, and Circe to upgrade the collection. As well as a sound paperback of Slaughterhouse Five to upgrade the now-unbound copy I got after high school. (Gosh, maybe I should rate the rescues. Huh? Huh? Crapolas. Maybe I should just read the damn things!!)
>120 weird_O: It's a good collection of work by women photographers. Regrettably, each is represented by a single photo. Only one.
124Crazymamie
>123 weird_O: Nope. I mean I love looking at that elongated landscape type of photo of the books. Very cool.
You are right that Amber loves the Lombardo translations - I have not read those, but I want to. Mine are all Fagles' translation because Penguin Deluxe Classics.
I have a hardcopy of Circe, and it is full of gorgeous - that is one I know I will reread. Birdy has a lovely copy of The Princess Bride in hardcopy - I have not read it, but Birdy and I are going to read it together soonish. Slaughterhouse Five I have on Kindle, and I have read it. Beloved I have on Kindle but haven't read it yet. I like the idea of rating the rescues, so I am here for you if you decide to go that route.
You are right that Amber loves the Lombardo translations - I have not read those, but I want to. Mine are all Fagles' translation because Penguin Deluxe Classics.
I have a hardcopy of Circe, and it is full of gorgeous - that is one I know I will reread. Birdy has a lovely copy of The Princess Bride in hardcopy - I have not read it, but Birdy and I are going to read it together soonish. Slaughterhouse Five I have on Kindle, and I have read it. Beloved I have on Kindle but haven't read it yet. I like the idea of rating the rescues, so I am here for you if you decide to go that route.
125msf59
>120 weird_O: Wow! Just wow! Shuggie Bain was my favorite novel of last year. Just sayin'...
126weird_O
Well, cripes, Mark. Someone had to save it. I was there. I could do it. Same with Wole Soyinka's new book. Yeah. And a couple or twelve others. I'm on Santa's "Nice" List!
127weird_O
I've been playing the house elf the last few days, and while a lot of it is onerous, it has its upsides.
Today I fixed the dishwasher. But, heh, only after washing all the dishes, cups, and silverware in the sink. I did that because I was out of clean coffee cups and spoons. After I did that dishwashing, I called the store and the boss there gave me a pro tip. Go to the main electrical panel and trip the breaker. Leave the power off at least a half hour. It may wash dishes, but it is a computer. Did the job.
While the dishwasher, cut off from electricity, was rethinking its purpose in my kitchen, I drove to Kutztown for groceries. Stopped at the farm where we like to get eggs, stopped at the butcher, then at a local independent bookstore, where I bought socks, Keith Haring dominoes, Keith Haring crayons, and not surprisingly a couple of books from the dollar cart. One of them was The Master by Colm Toibin. Yes, and then to the supermarket to get those essentials, coffee beans and cream.
Back at home, I reset the breaker and found that the dishwasher was now willing to run.
After I drive the trash can out to the end of the driveway, I'll tuck myself in bed and see if I can get some reading done.
Today I fixed the dishwasher. But, heh, only after washing all the dishes, cups, and silverware in the sink. I did that because I was out of clean coffee cups and spoons. After I did that dishwashing, I called the store and the boss there gave me a pro tip. Go to the main electrical panel and trip the breaker. Leave the power off at least a half hour. It may wash dishes, but it is a computer. Did the job.
While the dishwasher, cut off from electricity, was rethinking its purpose in my kitchen, I drove to Kutztown for groceries. Stopped at the farm where we like to get eggs, stopped at the butcher, then at a local independent bookstore, where I bought socks, Keith Haring dominoes, Keith Haring crayons, and not surprisingly a couple of books from the dollar cart. One of them was The Master by Colm Toibin. Yes, and then to the supermarket to get those essentials, coffee beans and cream.
Back at home, I reset the breaker and found that the dishwasher was now willing to run.
After I drive the trash can out to the end of the driveway, I'll tuck myself in bed and see if I can get some reading done.
128Crazymamie
>127 weird_O: Morning, Bill! Hooray for the timeout for the dishwasher working. Sometimes it's good to ponder one's existence.
I had to goggle Keith Haring - I bet those dominoes are very fun. My Aunt Lois loved to play dominoes, and we spent many an afternoon at the task. Hooray for snagging The Master from the dollar cart - that is one of my favorites.
Hoping you were successful with the reading - I spent yesterday afternoon and evening binge watching Netflix. I really need to get back to reading. Heh.
Hoping today is kind to you, Oh Weird One.
I had to goggle Keith Haring - I bet those dominoes are very fun. My Aunt Lois loved to play dominoes, and we spent many an afternoon at the task. Hooray for snagging The Master from the dollar cart - that is one of my favorites.
Hoping you were successful with the reading - I spent yesterday afternoon and evening binge watching Netflix. I really need to get back to reading. Heh.
Hoping today is kind to you, Oh Weird One.
129ffortsa
I can't believe all the really good books you have rescued. If I were in an area such as yours, where these quality book sales went on, I'd be sunk. Of course, I'd have more room for them too. Double sunk. Enjoy all those great finds.
130weird_O
Well, there you go, Judy. :-) Here I am, alone in a big house, in an area with many book sales. And possessed of that do-gooder penchant.
------------------
I've been on the rutch, as the Pennsylvania Dutch say, meaning I've been antsy and scurrying here and there without a specific purpose. Perhaps I'm being needled by a desire to find worthy items I want to give to children and granddaughters. Without having specific ideas of what. So I've driven to small shops, thrift stores, Borg stores and walked the aisles. I'm finding some fun stuff. My hips ache 'til I get home. Still, it's stimulating to get out.
------------------
I've been on the rutch, as the Pennsylvania Dutch say, meaning I've been antsy and scurrying here and there without a specific purpose. Perhaps I'm being needled by a desire to find worthy items I want to give to children and granddaughters. Without having specific ideas of what. So I've driven to small shops, thrift stores, Borg stores and walked the aisles. I'm finding some fun stuff. My hips ache 'til I get home. Still, it's stimulating to get out.
131quondame
>130 weird_O: How much are Borg going for these days?
Rutch seems to be a default condition which I treat mostly with reading. Mostly it works. Spending money is the usual untreated result with other worse possibilities somewhat less frequent.
Rutch seems to be a default condition which I treat mostly with reading. Mostly it works. Spending money is the usual untreated result with other worse possibilities somewhat less frequent.
132weird_O
>131 quondame: How much are Borg going for these days? How much have you got? I personally am little interested, but they got the merch.
I've spent most of my time pursuing merch, but I did finish Rebecca Solnit's Men Explain Things to Me. I ran across a mention of her book River of Shadows: Eadweard Muybridge and the Technological Wild West last June. Muybridge's name caught me, and I added it to my wish list. Meanwhile, that book is the hook in Solnit's first essay, in Men Explain Things to Me. The host at an open house corners Solnit and a friend talks and talks about a marvelous book he just read. When Solnit's companion breaks in to tell him that, yes, yes, they know the book because SHE wrote it, the guy ignores them but continues to gush about the book. Thus the theme: too many men ignore, belittle, yahda yahda, women when they should shut up and listen. Very good essays.
I've begun reading a YA story by Walter Mosley. It's her first (perhaps his own) YA novel. It's called 47, that number being the name assigned to a slave boy. The boy's mother was the favorite of the plantation owner's wife. Her death during childbirth pushes the plantation mistress into a physical decline and death. The identity of the father is unknown, absolutely unknown, and the slaveowner is violently impatient to find out just WHO that father is. The surviving house slaves are keeping 47 out of sight.
Well, that's as far as I've gotten.
I'm also strolling through Women Who Read Are Dangerous, a collections of art works depicting women reading, ranging from a Vermeer and a Rembrandt to an Edward Hopper to an Eve Arnold photo of Marilyn Monroe reading Ulysses. A squib beside each work tells about the painter and his or her subject. Not heavy reading by any means, but a swell excuse to reproduce some excellent art.
I've spent most of my time pursuing merch, but I did finish Rebecca Solnit's Men Explain Things to Me. I ran across a mention of her book River of Shadows: Eadweard Muybridge and the Technological Wild West last June. Muybridge's name caught me, and I added it to my wish list. Meanwhile, that book is the hook in Solnit's first essay, in Men Explain Things to Me. The host at an open house corners Solnit and a friend talks and talks about a marvelous book he just read. When Solnit's companion breaks in to tell him that, yes, yes, they know the book because SHE wrote it, the guy ignores them but continues to gush about the book. Thus the theme: too many men ignore, belittle, yahda yahda, women when they should shut up and listen. Very good essays.
I've begun reading a YA story by Walter Mosley. It's her first (perhaps his own) YA novel. It's called 47, that number being the name assigned to a slave boy. The boy's mother was the favorite of the plantation owner's wife. Her death during childbirth pushes the plantation mistress into a physical decline and death. The identity of the father is unknown, absolutely unknown, and the slaveowner is violently impatient to find out just WHO that father is. The surviving house slaves are keeping 47 out of sight.
Well, that's as far as I've gotten.
I'm also strolling through Women Who Read Are Dangerous, a collections of art works depicting women reading, ranging from a Vermeer and a Rembrandt to an Edward Hopper to an Eve Arnold photo of Marilyn Monroe reading Ulysses. A squib beside each work tells about the painter and his or her subject. Not heavy reading by any means, but a swell excuse to reproduce some excellent art.
133Whisper1
>71 weird_O: I think I will lock my car and see if I find a stack of incredible books! Alas, my car currently is filled with books I am donating to the local library.
All good wishes for a wonderful Saturday.
All good wishes for a wonderful Saturday.
134weird_O
Good luck, Linda. I hope you'll be gifted a stack o' books that'll be favorites, not to be donated.
Yes, Saturday was pretty good. I acquired birthday gifts for my two Daughters in Law, plus some other gift items. Also finished an art/reading book, Women Who Read Are Dangerous. Not a weighty read, but entertaining with lovely paintings, drawings, and photographs.
I'm halfway through: 47, a YA novel by Walter Mosley; and also Haring-isms, a compilation of wit and wisdom excerpted from various interviews and writings by Keith Haring; and also too FINNA, a short novel by Nino Cipri. The first of those is for the December episode of the AAC, while the last is a gift from Anonymous, my 2021 75ers' Secret Santa Swappee. That middle title there was a gift from me to me that I bought the other day at a bookstore in Kutztown, Haring's hometown.
Today, I am expecting the loan of The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, which is another read for this month's AAC.
Going to a cake-and-ice cream party for my DiL. Both she and her dad have December birthdays, and as it happens, the two will turn a combined 125 years old.
Yes, Saturday was pretty good. I acquired birthday gifts for my two Daughters in Law, plus some other gift items. Also finished an art/reading book, Women Who Read Are Dangerous. Not a weighty read, but entertaining with lovely paintings, drawings, and photographs.
I'm halfway through: 47, a YA novel by Walter Mosley; and also Haring-isms, a compilation of wit and wisdom excerpted from various interviews and writings by Keith Haring; and also too FINNA, a short novel by Nino Cipri. The first of those is for the December episode of the AAC, while the last is a gift from Anonymous, my 2021 75ers' Secret Santa Swappee. That middle title there was a gift from me to me that I bought the other day at a bookstore in Kutztown, Haring's hometown.
Today, I am expecting the loan of The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, which is another read for this month's AAC.
Going to a cake-and-ice cream party for my DiL. Both she and her dad have December birthdays, and as it happens, the two will turn a combined 125 years old.
135richardderus
Cake-and-ice cream parties rule. Enjoy the comestibles, and which book are you taking with you for boredom insurance?
Women Who Read Are Dangerous is a terrific title! And it's hard to argue with the thesis.
Another week...another round of public asininity from our various leaders.
Women Who Read Are Dangerous is a terrific title! And it's hard to argue with the thesis.
Another week...another round of public asininity from our various leaders.
137weird_O
>135 richardderus: Since all are small, I'll probably toss all three current reads into my tote. But as I mentioned, there's a loaner copy of The Lightning Thief waiting for me at the Party House. I may dip into it.
>136 drneutron: Awww, I shoulda known. You were the reason FINNA was on my list. Thanks for the excellent selections: FINNA by Nino Cipri, Way Station by Clifford Simak, and River of Shadows by Rebecca Solnit.
>136 drneutron: Awww, I shoulda known. You were the reason FINNA was on my list. Thanks for the excellent selections: FINNA by Nino Cipri, Way Station by Clifford Simak, and River of Shadows by Rebecca Solnit.
138drneutron
I’m interested in how the Solnit is - hadn’t seen it before, but sounds like my kinda thing.
139weird_O
I've read only one Solnit book, Jim, Men Explain Things to Me. As I reported in >132 weird_O:, the opening essay's hook is River of Shadows. I hope to get to soon. Stack of YAs and Christmas stories that precedence.
140Whisper1
Bill, You read some mighty fine books this year. And, you collected quite a few good ones as well.
141Berly
>119 weird_O: Your very happy swappee is here! Thank you so, so much -- I think you might have gone a wee bit overboard, not that I am complaining or anything. : ) And I love your return address label...
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
>113 weird_O: ^^^ (See, I am a quick learner!)
>120 weird_O: Wow! Those are some awesome books youscored rescued!! Are those ones you've read, but they are great books and you want a copy; or are they ones that you want to read; or are you giving them away...what's the deal? : )
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
>113 weird_O: ^^^ (See, I am a quick learner!)
>120 weird_O: Wow! Those are some awesome books you
142weird_O
The tension between quantity and quality is ever present, Kim. The truth is that those five books are all from library book sales, and what I spent for the books plus the Media Mail postage falls within the $25 limit. You should withhold judgment on the quality until after you unwrap the books. But all are on your wish list.
(You are a quick learner. Those x's and o's are a bit over the top, me thinks.)
Regarding the books in >120 weird_O:, what can I say? I've read some of them; those labeled "upgrade" denote a book I've read and want to have a copy in top condition for the...ahem...the permanent collection. I do want to read them all. I know it's not possible.
(You are a quick learner. Those x's and o's are a bit over the top, me thinks.)
Regarding the books in >120 weird_O:, what can I say? I've read some of them; those labeled "upgrade" denote a book I've read and want to have a copy in top condition for the...ahem...the permanent collection. I do want to read them all. I know it's not possible.
143weird_O
The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket (finished 12/1/21) December's AAC: YA
For the uninitiated, The Bad Beginning is the first of 13 books composing "A Series of Unfortunate Events" by an author hiding behind the penname "Lemony Snicket". From the get-go, the reader is warned: "If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book." My 10-year-old granddaughter pronounced it "the dumbest book ever written." I got through it. But I'm not feeling compelled to read more of the series. The premise is that three gifted children, while gamboling on the beach, lose their parents and home to a fire. The storyline descends from there. For the rest of the book. For the dozen remaining books. It's done very well, I must say. It's been in print since 1999.
I call it:
Women Who Read Are Dangerous by Stefan Bollmann (finished 12/11/21)
The title is arresting, but not really born out by the text and images. This is a coffee table book for those whose coffee tables are small. It's nicely printed and bound. The author, Stefon Bollmann, seems knowledgeable and interesting. Most spreads present a full-color image of a woman reading something—a letter, a magazine, a book. Opposite is a squib about the image, or the subject, or the artist.
Photo by Eve Arnold
I call it:
Haring-isms by Keith Haring, edited by Larry Warsh (finished 12/12/21)
Collected in this small book are Keith Haring quotes from interviews, articles, and recordings of him in conversation. Organized in 10 categories:
If you know Haring's work, particularly if you like it, this is a supplement to your knowledge of Haring lore.
I call it:
For the uninitiated, The Bad Beginning is the first of 13 books composing "A Series of Unfortunate Events" by an author hiding behind the penname "Lemony Snicket". From the get-go, the reader is warned: "If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book." My 10-year-old granddaughter pronounced it "the dumbest book ever written." I got through it. But I'm not feeling compelled to read more of the series. The premise is that three gifted children, while gamboling on the beach, lose their parents and home to a fire. The storyline descends from there. For the rest of the book. For the dozen remaining books. It's done very well, I must say. It's been in print since 1999.
I call it:
Women Who Read Are Dangerous by Stefan Bollmann (finished 12/11/21)
The title is arresting, but not really born out by the text and images. This is a coffee table book for those whose coffee tables are small. It's nicely printed and bound. The author, Stefon Bollmann, seems knowledgeable and interesting. Most spreads present a full-color image of a woman reading something—a letter, a magazine, a book. Opposite is a squib about the image, or the subject, or the artist.
Photo by Eve Arnold
The question "Did she or didn't she?" is almost unavoidable. Did Marilyn Monroe, the blonde sex symbol of the twentieth century, read James Joyce's Ulysses, a twentieth-century icon of highbrow culture and the book many consider to be the greatest modern novel—or was she only pretending? For, as other images from the same photographic session make clear, Ulysses is the book that Marilyn is seen reading here.
A professor of literature, Richard Brown, wanted to find out. Thirty years after the photo session, he wrote to the photographer, who ought to know the answer. Eve Arnold replied that Marilyn was already reading Ulysses when they met. Marilyn had said that she liked the style of the book; she would read it aloud in order to understand it better, but it was hard work. Before the photo shoot, Marilyn was reading Ulysses while Arnold loaded her film. And this was how she was photographed. We need not pursue Professor Brown's fantasy that Marilyn continued her reading of Ulysses, registered at a college, and abandoned her life as a movie star so as to further her research into Joyce, and that as a retired college lecturer she looked back on the exciting days of her youth.
But we can follow Professor Brown's recommendation to read Ulysses as Marilyn did: not in sequence, from start to finish, but episodically, by opening the book at different points and reading in short bursts. We could perhaps call this disorganized way of reading the Marilyn method. At any rate, Professor Brown recommends it to his students.
I call it:
Haring-isms by Keith Haring, edited by Larry Warsh (finished 12/12/21)
Collected in this small book are Keith Haring quotes from interviews, articles, and recordings of him in conversation. Organized in 10 categories:
Youth
Method / Performance / Process
Visual Language;
America / Pop Culture
Public Art
Subway Drawings
Sex
AIDS
Artists / Friends / Influences
Money / Commerce
If you know Haring's work, particularly if you like it, this is a supplement to your knowledge of Haring lore.
I call it:
144weird_O
Finished up Walter Mosley's YA novel, 47. Nifty story of slavery and fantasy action adventure.
Launching into Jon Clinch's Marley for Christmas reading and Rick Riordan's The Lightning Thief, the first installment of his Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.
Launching into Jon Clinch's Marley for Christmas reading and Rick Riordan's The Lightning Thief, the first installment of his Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.
145richardderus
>143 weird_O: TIL I used The Marilyn Method™ to (slowly, painfully) read Ulysses over the course of I forget how many years! Go know from this...I have something in common with Marilyn!
147richardderus
Um...yeeesss, only it'd perforce break in different, longer strands. And reading it aloud would be challenging. To say the least.
148charl08
>144 weird_O: Tempted by the Mosley. Have yet to read a bad book by him.
Your wrapping (over on Kim's thread) is impressive stuff.
Your wrapping (over on Kim's thread) is impressive stuff.
149karenmarie
>120 weird_O: Your civic-mindedness overwhelms me, Bill! To rescue so many books is above and beyond the call of duty. I hope they appreciate the comfortable home they’re coming to.
>127 weird_O: Congrats on tricking the dishwasher into working again.
>130 weird_O: My rutching is low-key these days, but I am antsy about getting my Christmas cards out. The goal is to get them to the post office tomorrow.
>127 weird_O: Congrats on tricking the dishwasher into working again.
>130 weird_O: My rutching is low-key these days, but I am antsy about getting my Christmas cards out. The goal is to get them to the post office tomorrow.
151weird_O
>147 richardderus: I wasn't serious, Richard, in asking if The Marilyn Method™ would work with Proust. Thanks for you considered answer. Aside from reading picture books and the like to the kids, I haven't done much reading aloud. I should work at it. (There's no one here but me to complain.)
>148 charl08: If you can find a copy, Charlotte, try it. It is a realistic presentation of slavery, mercurial masters, unrelenting misery. With an agent from another civilization interfering. Two agents, actually, one for good, one for bad.
Kim must be recognized for her wrapping embellishment. I merely covered each book. Kim (or someone) tied them together with the ribbon.
>149 karenmarie: On please, please, Karen. You're embarrassing me.
Re: the dishwasher. I merely followed instructions.
Good luck with the cards. I've been pleasantly surprised by the Postal Service this year. The package I sent Kimmers shipped at Book Rate, a.k.a. Media Mail, and it crossed the country in about a week.
>150 Berly: Why thanks you, Kim. I was just talking about you. In a good way, in a good way.
>148 charl08: If you can find a copy, Charlotte, try it. It is a realistic presentation of slavery, mercurial masters, unrelenting misery. With an agent from another civilization interfering. Two agents, actually, one for good, one for bad.
Kim must be recognized for her wrapping embellishment. I merely covered each book. Kim (or someone) tied them together with the ribbon.
>149 karenmarie: On please, please, Karen. You're embarrassing me.
Re: the dishwasher. I merely followed instructions.
Good luck with the cards. I've been pleasantly surprised by the Postal Service this year. The package I sent Kimmers shipped at Book Rate, a.k.a. Media Mail, and it crossed the country in about a week.
>150 Berly: Why thanks you, Kim. I was just talking about you. In a good way, in a good way.
152Berly
>151 weird_O: This post explains why my ears were burning. Glad it was good stuff. Phew! : )
Okay, I added the ribbon. But you wrapped them all!
Okay, I added the ribbon. But you wrapped them all!
153Crazymamie
Happy Friday, Bill!
>143 weird_O: I love this bit about Marilyn Monroe. And "This is a coffee table book for those whose coffee tables are small." made me laugh out loud.
Back in the day, I read those Lemony Snicket books aloud to the kids, and they are very fun that way. I can still remember when the final book in the series came out - it was a Tuesday, and Rae and I volunteered in the school library (grades 3-5) on Tuesdays. I had ordered copies of the final book for each of the teacher's classroom libraries and two for the school library, and picked them up at the local BAM before going in to the school. Everyone was so delighted. And the two students who found the books on the library shelves acted like they had found gold. Such a fun memory, and so those books will forever hold a place in my heart.
Have a good one, Oh Weird One.
>143 weird_O: I love this bit about Marilyn Monroe. And "This is a coffee table book for those whose coffee tables are small." made me laugh out loud.
Back in the day, I read those Lemony Snicket books aloud to the kids, and they are very fun that way. I can still remember when the final book in the series came out - it was a Tuesday, and Rae and I volunteered in the school library (grades 3-5) on Tuesdays. I had ordered copies of the final book for each of the teacher's classroom libraries and two for the school library, and picked them up at the local BAM before going in to the school. Everyone was so delighted. And the two students who found the books on the library shelves acted like they had found gold. Such a fun memory, and so those books will forever hold a place in my heart.
Have a good one, Oh Weird One.
154weird_O
Good story, Mamie. The first book in the series just didn't quite grab me. OTOH I picked up a tattered copy of The Lightning Thief (first in the Percy Jackson series) after the football and read 100 pages. Less than 300 to go. I've been warned that some OMG coincidences keep the story rolling; it'll be okay with me. I think.
Meanwhile, I have Marley up to No Good, a box of rocks to mail to south Jersey, and still more gifts to wrap.
Have a happy.
Meanwhile, I have Marley up to No Good, a box of rocks to mail to south Jersey, and still more gifts to wrap.
Have a happy.
155weird_O
Wow, I got sucked into Percy Jackson. All done with the first book. Three more, if I keep going in the series. I think there's nomenclature to encapsulate these kinds of fantastical magical adventure series in which adolescent boys and girls face extraordinarily harrowing challenges. The Percy Jackson series posits that the Classical Greek gods live on, and they are still acting out their middle-school fantasies. Some poor half-human/half-god has to intervene—in other words, be the adult in the room.
So I got devoured by the first book. Three of my granddaughters were devoured by this series. So I have access to the books. Will I fall victim to book after book?
I spent Friday disguised as a sloth. I did step out of character for about 45 minutes to take my box of rocks to the P.O. to mail it to Jersey the New. I was so exhausted by this activity I had a take a nap. I did coax myself into wakefulness long enough to read and finish #109.
Back to Marley.
So I got devoured by the first book. Three of my granddaughters were devoured by this series. So I have access to the books. Will I fall victim to book after book?
I spent Friday disguised as a sloth. I did step out of character for about 45 minutes to take my box of rocks to the P.O. to mail it to Jersey the New. I was so exhausted by this activity I had a take a nap. I did coax myself into wakefulness long enough to read and finish #109.
Back to Marley.
156weird_O
This day is half over, but I haven't gotten a focus on it. Yet. I'm telling myself I shall get my attention focused on something productive.
I've read more of Marley. I'm not enthusiastic about spending time with a scumbag swindler, though I know he's going to spend eternity in chains. I chose to look for a palate-cleanser and settled on The Complete Persepolis, a GN about the author's life in Iran during the '70s and '80s. I have 7 YAs and 4 Christmas-themed books as my end-of-the-year TBR; I won't read them all, of course, but a few of them.
More later, perhaps.
I've read more of Marley. I'm not enthusiastic about spending time with a scumbag swindler, though I know he's going to spend eternity in chains. I chose to look for a palate-cleanser and settled on The Complete Persepolis, a GN about the author's life in Iran during the '70s and '80s. I have 7 YAs and 4 Christmas-themed books as my end-of-the-year TBR; I won't read them all, of course, but a few of them.
More later, perhaps.
157msf59
^I love that image of MM with a book. There are several good photos with her immersed in a book.
Happy Sunday, Bill. I am a big fan of Jon Clinch and even met him one time, so I had been interested in Marley but it had fallen off my radar. Worth tracking back down?
The Complete Persepolis is outstanding. Great choice.
Happy Sunday, Bill. I am a big fan of Jon Clinch and even met him one time, so I had been interested in Marley but it had fallen off my radar. Worth tracking back down?
The Complete Persepolis is outstanding. Great choice.
158Whisper1
>132 weird_O: Women Who Read Are Dangerous is a book I need to purchase! Thanks for your review, and the images of art work contained therein!
All good wishes for a wonderful holiday!
All good wishes for a wonderful holiday!
159weird_O
Marley certainly is worth tracking down, Mark. I'll definitely be rereading A Christmas Carol to see how Clinch's version of Marley himself conforms to what little Dickens had to say of him.
160weird_O
Thank you, Linda. Best holiday wishes to you. I'm rooting for you as you get closer to the implanting of the pump.
I'm in a bit of a slump, but I have faith I'll crawl out of it. I wrapped gifts for my Jersey girls, and I got them mailed. I'm stumped for a gift for their mother. She and my son have been tut-tutting about gifts for them, but I want to. My goal for today is to pull that perfect gift out of the air, wrap it and box it for mailing tomorrow. And then...
I can wrap the stuff for the Easton girls and for my daughter.
Also do the laundry, clean, wash the dishes, yahda yahda yahda.
Happy Holidays to you, Linda.
I'm in a bit of a slump, but I have faith I'll crawl out of it. I wrapped gifts for my Jersey girls, and I got them mailed. I'm stumped for a gift for their mother. She and my son have been tut-tutting about gifts for them, but I want to. My goal for today is to pull that perfect gift out of the air, wrap it and box it for mailing tomorrow. And then...
I can wrap the stuff for the Easton girls and for my daughter.
Also do the laundry, clean, wash the dishes, yahda yahda yahda.
Happy Holidays to you, Linda.
162weird_O
>161 msf59: I have. 'Twas very good.
163ffortsa
>154 weird_O: I'm sort of with you, Bill, on the Lemony Snicket books. I actually disliked the first one intensely, and felt it anything but funny. I wonder what that says about me?
164benitastrnad
I read three of the Lemony Snicket books and quit because I found them to be the same book over and over with different names for the characters. However, I read all 5 or 6 of the Percy Jackson books and loved the spin that Riordan put on the Greek myths. I totally understand why middle graders love this series. It is fun. The recorded versions are very well done and make for entertaining listening. If you get tired of reading them try the recorded versions.
165weird_O
It's all coming together. Just as I planned. It looks like a gorgeous day, bright and sunny. Don't think it's cold. I have much to do (other than reading). Cleaning primarily. Daughter Dearest is arriving just in time for rush hour, but it'll be a swell stop-and-go with her in the car.
Presents are wrapped, with one big exception. I don't feel at all like a Grinch or a Scrooge or a curmudgeon, but I am just not dragging out Christmas decorations.
I did complete The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. Book number 110 for the year. And a very good one. I seem to have locked most of the details of Iran's tumble into authoritarian chaos out of my mind. Just horrible.
Presents are wrapped, with one big exception. I don't feel at all like a Grinch or a Scrooge or a curmudgeon, but I am just not dragging out Christmas decorations.
I did complete The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. Book number 110 for the year. And a very good one. I seem to have locked most of the details of Iran's tumble into authoritarian chaos out of my mind. Just horrible.
166richardderus
>165 weird_O: I think your stop-n-go with your kid sounds like a great time! It's all about the company.
Decorating should be about enjoying...if it's about dreading clean-up and repacking later, it defeats the purpose of getting pleasure out of it.
Satrapi's GN/memoir is a wonderful tale well told. It is a good 110th.
Decorating should be about enjoying...if it's about dreading clean-up and repacking later, it defeats the purpose of getting pleasure out of it.
Satrapi's GN/memoir is a wonderful tale well told. It is a good 110th.
168Berly
>166 richardderus: Regarding decorating...I agree with Ricardo. Don't do it unless you want to! Glad your wrapping is done. Me too! And I am usually pulling a marathon Christmas Eve, so I am feeling pretty accomplished. : )
169Crazymamie
>168 Berly: What she said.
I am wanting to get to The Complete Persepolis in the New Year. I keep meaning to read that and then getting distracted by new shiny things. I should just request it from the library now, and by the time it comes in, it will be the New Year, and I can check it off right away. Look at me planning ahead!
Hoping today is full go happy, Oh Weird One!
I am wanting to get to The Complete Persepolis in the New Year. I keep meaning to read that and then getting distracted by new shiny things. I should just request it from the library now, and by the time it comes in, it will be the New Year, and I can check it off right away. Look at me planning ahead!
Hoping today is full go happy, Oh Weird One!
171karenmarie
Hi Bill!
175PaulCranswick
Have a lovely holiday, Bill.
177weird_O
I believe I've broken through to the other side. I've got to clean the kitchen, as in scrubbing pots and pans and loading the dishwasher. Sweep through the place to gather up clutter. That rowdy crowd I spend Christmas Day with will be returning the favor in just a few hours.
A good time was had by me. Would have been better with the presence of my younger son and his wife and girls, but...you know...covid. The best time of all would have been the presence of Judi in the flesh (her spirit was with us, as it has been throughout the year).
Hope all of you had as good a Christmas holiday as I did.
Thanks to each of you who posted a digital greeting. Susan, Paul, Jeff, Anita, Linda, Mark, Rhian, Roni, and Karen.
A good time was had by me. Would have been better with the presence of my younger son and his wife and girls, but...you know...covid. The best time of all would have been the presence of Judi in the flesh (her spirit was with us, as it has been throughout the year).
Hope all of you had as good a Christmas holiday as I did.
Thanks to each of you who posted a digital greeting. Susan, Paul, Jeff, Anita, Linda, Mark, Rhian, Roni, and Karen.
178Crazymamie
Bill, I am so happy that your Christmas was as full of fabulous as was possible. I am sorry that you could not all be together and sorrier still that your Judy could not be there in the flesh. I know you are missing her. I think you are doing a good job of keeping your life full and focused - she would be proud of you. It's been ten years since I lost my Dad, and I still miss him every day.
Hoping the cleaning goes quickly and smoothly. Have fun with your rowdy crowd again today, Oh Weird One.
Hoping the cleaning goes quickly and smoothly. Have fun with your rowdy crowd again today, Oh Weird One.
179Berly
Thank you SS!!! I absolutely love all the books you got me. : ) And I almost bought one of them the other day because I have to read it soon, but I showed restraint and it paid off. LOL Glad you had such a wonderful holiday and may the festivities continue. xoxo
And this is appropriate because we got two inches of snow today!!
And this is appropriate because we got two inches of snow today!!
180benitastrnad
My mother and sister went shopping today and left me the house!!!!! time for reading in the quiet. I am loving it. I am also going to clean up the kitchen a bit and get rid of some leftovers that need to be out of the house before they come back. We had one causality this Christmas. Number One Daughter (my niece) got a bad case of hives. We thought it was the laundry detergent. Yes, she brought her laundry home - (she is one year past college, with a job, but still in the habit of bringing laundry since her apartment doesn't have a washer/dryer). She tolerated it for three days but left yesterday afternoon so that she could go see a doctor this morning. She wasn't doing the best, but she was amusing even with her affliction. She loves her job and had all kinds of stories about her learning curve, so I was very glad that she visited for the shortened time that she did. She was great fun. It was a good Christmas in Kansas. And now an afternoon with the books.
181jessibud2
I'm late to the game for holiday wishes but I will say an early Happy New Year, Bill. Time to kick back and relax, maybe see if you can find a book or two. ;-)
182weird_O
Today I finished two Christmas stories.
112. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
113. A Christmas Memory, Truman Capote
I started a third Christmas book, a collection of Horace Rumpole stories set during the holidays.
A Rumpole Christmas, John Mortimer
And I continued reading...
Reaching Down the Rabbit Hole, Allan Ropper & B. D. Burrell
If I finish the two books I'm still reading (and I'm sure I will), I'll have 115 books for the year.
112. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
113. A Christmas Memory, Truman Capote
I started a third Christmas book, a collection of Horace Rumpole stories set during the holidays.
A Rumpole Christmas, John Mortimer
And I continued reading...
Reaching Down the Rabbit Hole, Allan Ropper & B. D. Burrell
If I finish the two books I'm still reading (and I'm sure I will), I'll have 115 books for the year.
183msf59
Hey, Bill. How did you like the Capote? BTW- Your puzzle image did not come through on my thread.
184RBeffa
I wasn't going to read any more books before year's end, but I borrowed my daughter's The Lightning Thief and started reading it before bed last night. It is all your fault ...
185weird_O
>184 RBeffa: Oh geez. Sorry Ron. It won't take you long to read it. Why you might even opt to read the whole series. I'm tempted.
>183 msf59: Capote was fine, but not sublime. I liked Haha. BTW, I changed the link to the puzzle photo. Can you see it now? Let me know; I have a third link option I can try.
>181 jessibud2: Never too late, Shelley. I have been looking around, and I do believe I have a book or two of immediate interest.. :-)
>180 benitastrnad: Benita! So glad to read you had a joyful holiday. I hope to hear your niece got relief from the hives.
>179 Berly: I'm relieved and happy I picked books that you like. The festivities here are mostly wound down. I've a couple of books to finish, then I'll take some time off from that, at least until next year.
>178 Crazymamie: Thanks for the message, Mamie. The brouhaha is pretty much over, and I'm still breathing. But I am pooped.
>183 msf59: Capote was fine, but not sublime. I liked Haha. BTW, I changed the link to the puzzle photo. Can you see it now? Let me know; I have a third link option I can try.
>181 jessibud2: Never too late, Shelley. I have been looking around, and I do believe I have a book or two of immediate interest.. :-)
>180 benitastrnad: Benita! So glad to read you had a joyful holiday. I hope to hear your niece got relief from the hives.
>179 Berly: I'm relieved and happy I picked books that you like. The festivities here are mostly wound down. I've a couple of books to finish, then I'll take some time off from that, at least until next year.
>178 Crazymamie: Thanks for the message, Mamie. The brouhaha is pretty much over, and I'm still breathing. But I am pooped.
186weird_O
Curiously, some books came into my possession this month. Not too many, but what’s there is cherce.
I've already read Finna because. Drneutron winged me with a bb when he posted his comments on it. And then he picked it off my wish list and sent it to me. He was my SS. He also gifted me River of Shadows and Way Station. Thanks again, Jim.
I'm almost through Reaching Down the Rabbit Hole.
I believe all will be read by me in January.
I've already read Finna because. Drneutron winged me with a bb when he posted his comments on it. And then he picked it off my wish list and sent it to me. He was my SS. He also gifted me River of Shadows and Way Station. Thanks again, Jim.
I'm almost through Reaching Down the Rabbit Hole.
I believe all will be read by me in January.
187weird_O
Finished A Rumpole Christmas. Just now.
188LovingLit
>62 weird_O: (yes, I am that far behind)
Fascinating stats! I always look at fiction/non fiction, and gender of author. I have found myself skewing towards non fiction these days, but still read more males than females usually.
>120 weird_O: Oh my. That is some list! At a glance, I will say I have read only five of them, but would be interested in many more (including Women Who Read Are Dangerous (!!) and the Ansel Adams biography).
>182 weird_O: I think I would re-read A Christmas Carol, I enjoyed it first time around....and then I could have the excuse to watch all the screen adaptations! (that's a given, right?)
>184 RBeffa: famous last words. I have already compiled my list of 2021, but then I just went ahead and started We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo and Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction! Sheesh. Will I never be organised?
Fascinating stats! I always look at fiction/non fiction, and gender of author. I have found myself skewing towards non fiction these days, but still read more males than females usually.
>120 weird_O: Oh my. That is some list! At a glance, I will say I have read only five of them, but would be interested in many more (including Women Who Read Are Dangerous (!!) and the Ansel Adams biography).
>182 weird_O: I think I would re-read A Christmas Carol, I enjoyed it first time around....and then I could have the excuse to watch all the screen adaptations! (that's a given, right?)
>184 RBeffa: famous last words. I have already compiled my list of 2021, but then I just went ahead and started We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo and Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction! Sheesh. Will I never be organised?
189weird_O
>168 Berly: I also am far behind, Megan. I see too many people here that I want to follow, but I'm not swift enough in my thinking to digest what's said and then sort my thoughts for something relevant to say or ask.
Fascinating stats! I've posted the year-end stats on the 2022 thread I started. My reading skews shamefully toward male writers.
That is some list Yes, an embarrassment of riches. Some of the library sales are such a rush that I get carried away.
A Christmas Carol I've read this several times and each time, I'm struck by something I overlooked (or just didn't remember) from previous reads. But that's true of any book.
Fascinating stats! I've posted the year-end stats on the 2022 thread I started. My reading skews shamefully toward male writers.
That is some list Yes, an embarrassment of riches. Some of the library sales are such a rush that I get carried away.
A Christmas Carol I've read this several times and each time, I'm struck by something I overlooked (or just didn't remember) from previous reads. But that's true of any book.
190weird_O
It's been a fabulous year for The Book Steward™. But of course, it's ended. Tomorrow is a new year, right?
Except that at an extended-family birthday do last evening, my book-shopping pal Gig (my DiL's mother) confronted me with a carton of books a friend of hers gave her, telling her, "See if Bill wants any of these."
Oh my. I picked through the carton's contents. Pushing the box aside, I gave that comme ci, comme ça head wag and subtle shrug. Gig started book warbling. All righty. I called up LT on my laptop and checked the book pages, skimming the publisher's squibs and some of the reviews. And as it came down to "I think I've heard of this one" or "this sounds interesting", the pile at my foot got higher and higher. Came home with nine new-to-me books.
Today, I'm hiding under the bed.
Do please note that all but one are by female authors.
Except that at an extended-family birthday do last evening, my book-shopping pal Gig (my DiL's mother) confronted me with a carton of books a friend of hers gave her, telling her, "See if Bill wants any of these."
Oh my. I picked through the carton's contents. Pushing the box aside, I gave that comme ci, comme ça head wag and subtle shrug. Gig started book warbling. All righty. I called up LT on my laptop and checked the book pages, skimming the publisher's squibs and some of the reviews. And as it came down to "I think I've heard of this one" or "this sounds interesting", the pile at my foot got higher and higher. Came home with nine new-to-me books.
Today, I'm hiding under the bed.
Finlay Donovan Is Killing it by Elly Cosimano
With or Without You by Caroline Leavitt
The Collector's Apprentice by B. A. Shapiro
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
The Light Over London by Julia Kelly
The Paris Apartment by Kelly Bowen
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
The Yellow House by Sarah Broom
An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten
Do please note that all but one are by female authors.
192quondame
>190 weird_O: I hope you and the underbed monster are having a good time down there.
193weird_O
>191 ffortsa: You are correct, Judy. I started the first story in the little "Elderly Lady" book last night when I got home. See? It got me right from the gifting.
Today, Mamie told me she's reading The Yellow House in January; I may join her. The marketeers at the publisher of The Collector's Apprentice invoked the famous/notorious Barnes Collection (a subject of interest to me). The Paris Apartment works the rich vein created by the Nazi art thieves. So yeah, good stuff.
>192 quondame: Ahhh. Kind of dusty under here.
BUT I finished Reaching Down the Rabbet Hole. Number 115 for me.
I recall that you, Susan, are a SuperReader, one of those remarkable people who can digest 200 or 300 books every year. It reminds me of a year-end story in the WaPo the other day about the impact that the pandemic had on reading. A lady in Virginia complained that her reading dropped by 100 or more books from previous years. She missed out on what I consider a good year's worth of reading.
I gotta get cracking on Book # 1 of 2022!
Today, Mamie told me she's reading The Yellow House in January; I may join her. The marketeers at the publisher of The Collector's Apprentice invoked the famous/notorious Barnes Collection (a subject of interest to me). The Paris Apartment works the rich vein created by the Nazi art thieves. So yeah, good stuff.
>192 quondame: Ahhh. Kind of dusty under here.
BUT I finished Reaching Down the Rabbet Hole. Number 115 for me.
I recall that you, Susan, are a SuperReader, one of those remarkable people who can digest 200 or 300 books every year. It reminds me of a year-end story in the WaPo the other day about the impact that the pandemic had on reading. A lady in Virginia complained that her reading dropped by 100 or more books from previous years. She missed out on what I consider a good year's worth of reading.
I gotta get cracking on Book # 1 of 2022!
194Crazymamie
Hooray for 115, Bill!
195weird_O
Thank ye, thank ye kindly, mam...uh, Mamie. I read just now that Cranswick got to 150, almost two months ahead of me.
196quondame
>193 weird_O: My 2022 reading is on hold pending my finishing the LT75BPY threads I have starred. But I'll get there soon!
197PaulCranswick
Forget your stresses and strains
As the old year wanes;
All that now remains
Is to bring you good cheer
With wine, liquor or beer
And wish you a special new year.
Happy New Year, Bill.
