Mark's Reading Place #25: Desiderata

-Karen Hollingsworth

Audiobook:



Graphic:


Books Read So Far...

September:

114) The Devil's Oasis by Bartle Bull 4.3 stars
115) Double Cross: The True Story of the D-Day Spies by Ben Macintyre 4 stars (audio)
116) The Cove by Ron Rash 3.7 stars
117) Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell 3.3 stars (audio)
118) The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber 4.7 stars
119) Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen by Susan Gregg Gilmore 3.6 stars
120) Blood Oath by Christopher Farnsworth 3.8 stars (audio)
121) Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin 4.5 stars AAC

October:

122) Cress (The Lunar Chronicles) by Marissa Meyer 4 stars (audio)
123) The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell 3.8 stars E.R.
124) The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin 4.4 stars (audio)
125) I Am One of You Forever by Fred Chappell 4.5 stars Booktopia Rec
126) The Painter by Peter Heller 4.3 stars (audio)
127) Mr. Tall: A Novella and Stories by Tony Earley 3.6 stars E.R.
128) Bad Debts: Jack Irish Thriller by Peter Temple 3.8 stars (audio)
129) Good Kings Bad Kings by Susan Nussbaum 4.2 stars
130) Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel 4.5 stars (audio)
131) Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami 4 stars G.R.
132) Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing 5 stars (audio)
133) The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny 3.8 stars (audio)
134) The Custom Of The Country by Edith Wharton 4.8 stars AAC
135) We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson 4.3 stars (audio)
136) Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?: A Memoir by Roz Chast 4.5 stars GN
137) Family Bible (a memoir) by Melissa J. Delbridge 4 stars
138) Bird Box by Josh Malerman 3.8 stars (audio)

November:

139) Trapped (Iron Druid Chronicles) by Kevin Hearne 3.6 stars (audio)
140) The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff 3.7 stars
141) Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng 3.5 stars (audio)
142) Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline 4 stars (audio)
143) Lila by Marilynne Robinson 5 stars
144) World of Trouble: Last Policeman Book 3 by Ben Winters 3.7 stars (audio)
145) Rabbit, Run by John Updike 3.8 stars AAC
146) Yes Please by Amy Poehler 4 stars (audio)
147) The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken 4.2 stars
148) An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield 4.5 stars (audio)
149) Junkyard Dogs (A Longmire Mystery) by Craig Johnson 4 stars (audio)
150) Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky 3.8 stars
151) A Sudden Light by Garth Stein 4.3 stars (audio)
152) The Devil (Jack Taylor Novels) by Ken Bruen 3.6 stars (audio)
153) Ancillary Justice (Imperial Radch) by Ann Leckie 3.8 stars

December:

154) The Carter Family: Don't Forget This Song by Frank M. Young 3.7 stars (GN)
155) The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher: Stories by Hilary Mantel 4.4 stars
156) Fourth of July Creek by Smith Henderson 4.7 stars

American Author Challenge 2014

Willa Cather- January
William Faulkner- February
Cormac McCarthy- March
Toni Morrison- April
Eudora Welty- May
Kurt Vonnegut- June
Mark Twain- July
Philip Roth- August
James Baldwin- September
Edith Wharton- October
John Updike- November
Larry Watson- December

Mark's picks:

Willa Cather- Death Comes for the Archbishop * Completed
William Faulkner- Light in August Completed
Cormac McCarthy- Suttree * Completed
Toni Morrison- Tar Baby * Completed
Eudora Welty- The Collected Stories * Completed Read the first 2 collections
Kurt Vonnegut- Mother Night* Breakfast of Champions Completed
Mark Twain- Life on the Mississippi- Thanks to RD * The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Completed
Philip Roth- The Plot Against America * Completed
James Baldwin- Giovanni's Room- Thanks to Kerri * Completed
Edith Wharton- The Custom of the Country Completed
John Updike- Rabbit Run *
Larry Watson- Orchard or White Crosses or both. *

* On shelf

**If you are interested in the American Author Challenge, check out the main thread. This is shaping up to be a highlight of the year, IMHO:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/162960

Main thread- Part 2:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/182058

The author selections for AAII 2015:

Carson McCullers- January
Henry James- February
Richard Ford- March
Louise Erdrich- April
Sinclair Lewis- May
Wallace Stegner- June
Ursula K. Le Guin - July
Larry McMurtry- August
Flannery O' Connor- September
Ray Bradbury- October
Barbara Kingsolver- November
E.L. Doctorow- December

I thought this would be a good idea, to keep track of what is coming up and to supply links when they are available.

November:

John Updike American Author Challenge: http://www.librarything.com/topic/182191#4895241

December:

Larry Watson American Author Challenge: http://www.librarything.com/topic/183345#4928854

Christmas Swap: http://www.librarything.com/topic/182814

*Peeks her head out* Is it safe?? :)

Happy new thread, Mark! LOVE the thread toppers - so cool! Hoping that your weekend is full of fabulous!

>5 jolerie: Hooray, for Valerie, for being first:



>6 Crazymamie: Nothing wrong with second place either, Mamie! Great to see you, my friend!

Great pictures to start a brand new thread!

What fun, bird picture toppers! Nickel would love them too. Except maybe not so much the owl. Whenever she's outside, she usually keeps one eye on the sky, watching for predators.

Hi Mark- is it a new month already..... I see a lot of new threads :)
Is it a locust invasion up top?
Happiest of weekenings to you.

*waving* *jumping up, and clapping enthusiastically* Congrats on your nice new thread!!

I think you might enjoy Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell. I talked a bit about it over on my thread, but maybe read a couple of reviews, too.

>8 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg! Good to see you!

>9 Storeetllr: Nickel doesn't care for owls, eh? I guess that makes sense. Make sure she steers clear of the toppers! LOL.

>10 LovingLit: Hi Megan! I thought of birds, not locust, but it is not really clear. Let's just go with warblers, okay? Have a great weekend.

>11 maggie1944: Careful, Karen, don't jump around to much, I have limited insurance over here. I did read Unfamiliar Fishes, on my Hawaii trip. I was a bit underwhelmed with this one, although I have enjoyed some of her previous work. I hope you liked it more.

ah, well. OK. We'll see what I think. I'm only 50 pages in.

I like jumping around since my back, leg, ankle, and foot are all feeling very much better. After two months, it is about time.

>12 msf59: oh yea, locusts aren't exactly a great omen, are they? :)

Just cracked an American Double IPA, from Boundary Road Brewery. I love the name, it's called 'Stolen Base'. First sip great, and (but?) getting stronger with each sip. Saturday night beer after a busy and hot day.
*aaaaaah*

Happy new thread, friend! Hope you are doing well!

Happy Saturday! Yes, I am working today but I am happy for everyone else. Grins...We will have some rain but at least the temps will be high 40s. Yippee! I am enjoying Gracefully Grayson and I should wrap up Junkyard Dogs. It's always a fun-ride with Walt & the Gang.

>13 maggie1944: I really liked the first part of Unfamiliar Fishes but it seemed to bog down for me. Hope it works better for you.

>14 LovingLit: Oooooooh...that Stolen Base sounds wonderful. Double Pales are currently my favorite brews. Hope I can locate one tonight...prays silently.

>15 TinaV95: Thanks, Tina! Great to see you, stranger!

Happy New Thread, Mark and I wish you a lovely weekend.

Do I have to warble or wobble to be allowed in here? I can do either, but I'm probably better at the wobbling. Unless you'd accept wombling.

You asked for a recent pic of Connie, so here are two from last night.





Not the best quality, there seems to be something going wrong with the focus on my camera. Must investigate.

Good morning, Mark! From the last thread, I would definitely read The Book of Illusions. We should have a postmodern month in 2015! Postmodern June! Who's with me?

Happy New Thread, Mark!

Happy weekend Mark! I hope you have got enough time to recover from your 6 day/week and congrats to another beautiful thread.

Loved your comments on Rabbit Run on your previous thread. Read this sometimes last year or the year before. It was a little to gritty to my taste from time to time. Still have got Rabbit Redux on my TBR.

Great to hear that you enjoyed Ida as much as I did. Such a beautiful movie with his black and white setting.

Gracefully Grayson expects me in Germany as my order went there :). Can't wait to get my hands on that one.

I am join in on the happy weekend wishes for you. I know you are working Saturday, and so I hope Sunday is especially relaxing and rejuvinating. You deserve good resting and relaxing and reading time. Most people want R&R but we are the tribe of R&R&R!

I'm still in Unfamiliar Fishes and I see what you mean. She does spend a long time on some subjects which could be dealt with more quickly, I think.

Happy weekend, Mark! I hope that your work day is short and sweet, and that you have an enjoyable Sunday ahead of you. The Bears should easily handle Tampa Bay at home tomorrow, right?

>17 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb! Hope you are having a great day too.

>18 lunacat: Love the photos of Connie. She is gorgeous. We prefer warblers around here, compared to wobblers but what ever you are comfortable doing. Smiles...

>19 DorsVenabili: I would love attending a Postmodern June! And we could do the the Auster too.

>20 scaifea: Thanks, Amber!

>21 drachenbraut23: Thanks, Bianca! I loved the film Ida. Great recommendation.
Maybe we could do Rabbit Redux together in a few months? Gracefully Grayson has been very good.

Hiya Mark! Starred again and ready for your next set of recommendations. Happy weekend.

>24 msf59: Or Maybe Postmodern August. I forgot, but June tends to be a crazy month for me, due to our annual conference. I would be happy to set it up, but we'll need your rock star bump and endorsement. :-)

Oh, we're going to Chef Shangri-La tonight, the cheezy tiki bar/Chinese restaurant in North Riverside. Have you ever been? We drive by it all the time and say we should go, so tonight we are!

Happy New Thread Mark! I've been listening to Stone Mattress, the latest short story collection by Margaret Atwood and it's really good and works very well on audio too, with different narrators for each story. I just know you'll love it when you get to it. I'll probably finish it today and I'm glad I made room for it sooner than later, mostly because Mamie was raving about it in the last few weeks. Pass it on! ;-)

hi :=)

^This is an old stand-by, by a Chicago brewery called Revolution. We are meeting friends for dinner and brews and then we are coming back here to play cards and drink more refreshments. Sounds like a plan to me!

>29 msf59: Packaging of your beers is a bit different from ours!

Probably the most common IPA drunk in the UK is Greene King IPA. Interestingly, (or not), Greene King is a brewery based in my hometown, six miles away from me now. On the rare day the wind goes from east to west instead of west to east, we get the smell of hops and yeast drifting over here. Of course in town, it's often around. Combined with the unique smell of the sugar beet factory, we get some interesting aromas! It was a lot stronger in the home I grew up in (5-22yr old) as we were on the south side of town so got a lot of the scents.

I've still never been round the Greene King brewery however, although tours are discounted (free even maybe?) for residents. My only excuse is that I don't like beer!

>22 maggie1944: We LOVE "R&R&R", Karen! Hope you enjoy your last few days of paradise. I am sure it is hard to leave.

>23 kidzdoc: Good to see you, Darryl! Hope you are enjoying the weekend. Yes, the Bears should beat-up on the Bucs, but then they have Detroit on Thanksgiving. That could be rough! LOL.

>25 Berly: Kimmers made it! Kimmers made it! Yah! I am hoping to pull together a mini-review of The Giant's House tomorrow. I hope that is a BB that hits you squarely on the chin.

>26 DorsVenabili: "Maybe Postmodern August."? Sounds good to me. Just let me know, my friend. I think we went to Chef Shangri-La, many many years ago but I don't remember much about it. I will wait for a full report.

>27 Smiler69: Hi Ilana! Stone Mattress is very high on my to-read list, so that is wonderful news. And I have one credit left in my Audible account. I was saving it for the In the Kingdom of Ice, but sometimes sacrifices have to be made in our dog-eat-dog book world.

>28 AuntieClio: Big loving waves to Stephanie!!

>30 lunacat: " My only excuse is that I don't like beer!" Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!

>24 msf59: Great idea Mark. Wouldn't mind reading Rabbit Redux together with someone :). Looking forward to War and Peace, considering about getting the unabridged audiobook version as well. Will be in two parts and a total of 60 hours. The one which appealed most to me was the one narrated by Neville Jason.

Squarely on the chin, huh? Well, come on then...hurry up and get it over with! Where's the review?
; )

Well if you can find me a sweet, non-yeasty, non-beery beer then I'll give it a go! I can't even tolerate 99% of wine as it's not sweet enough. Dessert wine is all I can stomach - Sauternes or similar.

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! (Continuing from #30)

Hi, Mark! Happy new thread!

>30 lunacat: Jenny doesn't like beer?!!!! Repeat of your post >35 msf59:

Congratulations on another new thread buddy - Amber, Joe and you are keeping the group numbers up just a lately.

Have a great weekend and I hope Chicago is not too cold.

Happy Sunday!! Gloomy in the Midwest, with rain moving in, but mild temps. Books, chores, football & books are all on the agenda. I will be wrapping up Gracefully Grayson and I hope to take a peek at Ancillary Justice. This is part of a Sci-Fi book club, I recently joined with Kerri at the helm. Go Kerri!!

>32 drachenbraut23: Let's remind each other about the Updike. I am glad you'll be joining us for War and Peace. I've heard good things about the Neville Jason narration but I need to find it cheaper. It will cost 2 full credits through Audible and it is not available on digital audio through my library. Sad face.

>33 Berly: I'm working on it! I'm working on it! Grinning...

>34 lunacat: "Well if you can find me a sweet, non-yeasty, non-beery beer." This is going to be tough, Jenny. LOL.

>36 tymfos: Thanks, Terri! Big Waves!

>37 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! Hope you are finding plenty of R & R this weekend.

Mark wishing you a gorgeous R & R Sunday.

I found the perfect beer for Jenny:

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/2097/91313/

>38 msf59: that would be me. I think my travel partner is tired of "sitting around, just reading". She unfortunately is addicted to what I like to call grocery store books, and they do get old. I'm almost finished with Unfamiliar Fishes and then I will have some good time deciding what is up next, off the Kindle.

I love listening while on the plane so I'll probably listen to A Land More Kind Than Home. But I also have about a dozen other titles waiting on the Kindle for me to read. I'll be home Tuesday morning.

The Larry Watson thread is up. It is hard to believe this is the final AAC selection for 2014. Swipes away a tear:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/183345#

147) The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken 4.2 stars

“My memories are not books. They are only stories...”

Cape Cod, 1950. Peggy Cort is a librarian and she is already destined to be a spinster, at the tender age of twenty-six. One day, a boy walks into her library and a friendship develops that will alter both of their lives. James Sweatt is very tall for his age. Six-five at eleven years old and he will grow into an eight foot giant. Peggy falls in love with this special boy and becomes a surrogate parent/guardian. Their love of books, is their bond.
This is a misfit love story, which manages to avoid being overly sentimental. The writing is both strong and fluid. It is also one of the most quotable books, I've read this year:

“Library books were, I suddenly realized, promiscuous, ready to lie down in the arms of anyone who asked.”

I also think fans of Anne Tyler will enjoy this book. Highly recommended.

Hi Mark, happy Sunday!! It'll be nice to see Lovie Smith today. I always liked him, much more than the current Bears coach.

Quite a Hawks game last night. 7 to 1 over Edmonton, the most goals the Hawks have had in a single game.

Besides football watching, I'm starting a new mystery today.

>40 Ameise1: Love the Trollope quote, Barb! It is perfect.

>41 kidzdoc: The Kuhnhenn Lucky Charms Lager, might just work, for Jenny. Have you tried it, Darryl?

>42 maggie1944: Looking forward to your final thoughts on Unfamiliar Fishes and I hope you decide to read A Land More Kind Than Home. It is such a terrific read.

>45 lindapanzo: Sounds like a fantastic Hawks win, Linda! I hope you enjoy your Sunday, filled with football and books.

Hi Mark! Hope you get some well-deserved rest this Sunday.

I would probably be in for a group read of Rabbit Redux sometime in 2015. I am loving his writing.

>44 msf59: Well, that does sound cute!

Oh, we ended up not going to Chef Shangri-la, because we learned that Brixie's had Zombie Dust on tap, so we went there for a couple several and then picked up some Thai food at our favorite place.

Hi Mark, how exciting that you and Kerri are in the sci-fi book club together. Should be great fun! I'm glad those polar temps are behind us for awhile. We are having the same gloomy weather this week end. I think it's perfect for reading and I won't complain about the relatively balmy temps either!

No tears for the AAC as it will be going strong again in 2015. I may not be a purist as I can't seem to find time to fit in an Updike book. I rather liked Rabbit at Rest when I read it (in 1990) and have wanted to go back and read the earlier adventures of Rabbit Angstrom. I just noticed that he very appropriately has "angst" in his last name! I have the story "Lifeguard" downloaded from Hoopla and will listen to that as my lame attempt to hang in there with the group. He reads the story himself which should be worth extra points?!?

Ha! You swing, you miss! I have already read The Giant's House. I gave it 4 stars in 2009. My chin is safe. Neener, neener!

"The outside light bounces off the shimmering writing and it's kind of hard to read, but I don't mind. It makes me forget about the darkness and think about the light. "

-Gracefully Grayson

Yes, I finished it. Yes, it was good. Yes, Joe makes fine recommendations. And as a bonus: This is #150!! Yah!!

>46 msf59: I haven't tried that lager, but Jenny is addicted to a fan of Lucky Charms. I Googled it on a whim, and was shocked to find out that someone made a beer that tasted like that cereal!

Yikes. Did the Bears forget that today is Sunday?

I am wallowing through another mediocre Bears game. Boy, this team sucks! I think I am going to spend more time reading than watching, for the second half.

>47 banjo123: Yes, I am enjoying a kick-back Sunday, Rhonda. Glad you are interested in reading Rabbit Redux together. We will have to remind each other.

>48 DorsVenabili: Hi, Kerri! I was looking forward to the scoop on Chef Shangri-la. LOL. Zombie Dust is hard to pass up though, so I understand. I hope to crack Ancillary Justice. Have you started it?

>49 Donna828: Hi, Donna! This Sci-Fi Book club should be fun. We will be meeting on Dec. 5th.

"No tears for the AAC as it will be going strong again in 2015." Great point, my friend. I am very pleased at the way the AAC turned out. Beyond my wildest dreams. LOL.
Glad you are reading some Updike.

>50 Berly: Yes, Kimmers, your chin is safe....THIS TIME!! I am glad to see you read it, though. I really want to read her short fiction.

>51 msf59: Wow and congrats on the double 75! Way to go!

I'm still waiting for the audio of Rabbit Run. I'm starting to think I'll probably be listening to that one in December, but I still will claim my purist badge. :-) I reserved a copy of Justice for December, since the idea of short story backstories for the characters of Montana 1948 appeals to me.

Hmm, War and Peace on audio. I've never read it, but my understanding has always been that the names are a bit of a challenge. If that's true, I better stick with a print version of that one.

Congrats on 150, Mark.

>30 lunacat: >31 msf59: My only excuse is that I don't like beer!" Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo​!!!!!
LOL, I knew that was coming!!!

My local odour as a kid was the pig farm a wee way away. When the wind was right (-wrong-) we got pig poo smells!

>49 Donna828: angst is in Rabbit Angstrom's name....of course! That has got to be intentional.

Happy New Thread, Mark!

^Yes, but it sure was UGLY!!

>52 kidzdoc: "Did the Bears forget that today is Sunday?" It sure looked like that, in the first half. Ugh! Sure, they won but they are not a good team. Completely unfocused.

>54 streamsong: Thanks, Janet! Glad you are still going to squeeze in the Updike and you have the Watson lined up. In regards to W & P, I plan on doing both audio/print, which should help with name recognition.

>55 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda! It is all about the audios, otherwise, I would be less than half of that.

>56 LovingLit: Pig poop smell is pretty damn nasty. Did you squeeze in any reading?

>57 connie53: Thanks, Connie!

At least they are hanging in there...

Congrats on your Bears' win, Mark. And congrats on making it to 150 books this year!

Hi Mark. Thanks for helping to keep my thread alive. And congrats on the Bears win. I LOVE you thread topper!

>59 alphaorder: Hi Nancy! Great to see you, stranger! Yes, the Bears are exactly where they should be: slightly below the middle of the pack. Green Bay has been really tearing it up though!

>60 EBT1002: Thanks, Ellen! I am much happier about my reading achievements! LOL.

>61 brenzi: Bonnie made it! Bonnie made it! You just made my day, my friend. You will always be one of my favorite LT pals!

Congratulations on an awesome number of books completed this year, sir. Well done.

I did finish Unfamiliar Fishes and like you I found some issues. Generally I liked it, and enjoyed being reminded of the complicated Hawaiian history. I am not sure her attempt to be even handed worked; but she definitely was amusing and I appreciated her point of view. I recommend it to other readers who already know a bit about Hawaii's complicated and sad history. It would not be a book I'd recommend to an average tourist.

I then did fall in love with The Garden of Evening Mists immediately afterwards. The Kindle made me do it, but I expect I'll not finish it before I finish listening to A Land More Kind Than Home on the airplane ride back to Seattle Monday night.

I am so glad you enjoyed Gracefully Grayson. I think it is extraordinary and deserves wide readership.

Happy Sunday, both your team and mine won their football games! Yay.

My God, I have a quiet weekend, and come back to a new thread and 63 previous messages! No wonder I can't keep up here. :P

Hope your weekend was glorious, mine was very very quiet. Which was rather wonderful. :)

Congrats on the 150! Is that a record? I'll be happy if I get to 75 (I'm pretty sure I will, but not much more) :-|

>58 msf59: That reminds me: Last week while playing Librarian at Charlie's school, a few 1st grade boys were all clustered round the desk waiting to check out books on football, and all chattering away at me about The Packers (yes, we are deep into Packers country up here, which isn't really all that shocking). I kept nodding and smiling until I got them all sorted and checked out, and then the little boy who was next (and also last) in line to check out a book quietly walked up to the desk, put his book on the counter and whispered to me, "I'm a Bears' fan," and then grinned an adorably lopsided grin. I smiled right back and whispered, "Me, too!" I think I made a friend for life - ha!

I normally cherish my Mondays off, BUT, a slew of my fellow co-workers are obsessed with taking Thanksgiving week off, so we are short-handed and they asked me to come in. I agreed, not because I am a helluva guy, (although, this is true too) but because I could use the MONEY!!

I just started Ancillary Justice, so I am looking forward to getting back to it. On audio, I will be walking to A Sudden Light. Valerie was responsible for this one, after giving it HIGH praise.

>63 maggie1944: If you can find the audio to Assassination Vacation, try to do so, Karen. It remains my favorite Vowell. I am glad you are enjoying The Garden of Evening Mists. I loved that one too!
Have a safe flight home, my friend!

>64 wookiebender: I can't help it, Tania, people just keep coming by and of course I have to welcome each visitor. Grins...Yes, I had a good weekend. I am glad you had a nice one too.

>65 DorsVenabili: Morning Kerri! I would be in the same biblio-boat, as you, if I didn't have my trusty audios. They really pad my numbers!

>66 scaifea: Morning Amber! That is a wonderful story. Awwwwwww....The boy wasn't extremely tall was he?

Good morning, Mark. We're getting ready to leave for the airport.

You reviewed Gracefully Grayson on Goodreads, but I'm no good at finding it there. What did you think?

Thank you, Mark, for the recommendation of Assassination Vacation. I'd heard of it, and thought I might like it, but it is good to have a recommendation from one who's opinions I honor.

Money can be a good thing, so happy overtime, I guess, Mark. I've now started on The Narrow Road to the Deep North as of yesterday evening... am about 3.5 hours into the 15h audiobook and pretty well hooked. Another one you need to get your hands on. I got the library to get it via OverDrive.

Have a great week!

Rain/sleet/snow! Nice way to start a Monday morning. Ugh!

>68 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! I hope you have a safe flight in. It is very messy out here at the moment.
I left a brief few words over on G.R. about Gracefully. I liked the book. It is a subject matter that is rarely explored, especially with a juvenile. Thanks for the nudge.

>69 maggie1944: I think you will enjoy that Vowell, Karen. It is a lot of fun.

>70 Smiler69: Extra money is always good, especially at this time of year. Glad the Flanagan is working on audio. I might try it, in that format.

Hi Mark, hope you're handling the snow ok. Up to 5 inches today in my part of Chicagoland. I am working from home today.

>58 msf59: Did you squeeze in any reading?
Barely.
I don't want ot talk about it.
:)

>67 msf59: I agreed, not because I am a helluva guy, (although, this is true too)
LOL, you are a helluva guy! Many would leave the cash just to watch them suffer. In the snow?? (What's with that anyway?). We have been oscillating between hot (real hot) and poxy here. In true Spring stylee :)

Oh, the pressure is on! I hope you enjoy it and it keeps you entertained while at work. ;)

>71 msf59: OK, thanks. Glad Gracefully Grayson was positive for you.

^My lunch spot, in late November. What a difference a few weeks make, eh? It was pretty cruddy out there today and it got cold & windy on top of it. This still beats Buffalo, right?

>72 lindapanzo: 5 inches? That stinks, Linda! We got an inch or 2. At least, you got to work from home.

>73 LovingLit: "In the snow?? (What's with that anyway?)" Great question, Megan! Actually the Chicago area has avoided the heavy stuff, that has hammered other places. Buffalo NY, had between 6-7 feet of snow. In November??

>74 jolerie: No worries, Valerie. A Sudden Light has been very good so far. I really like Stein's smooth narrative style.

>75 jnwelch: It was good, Joe. Thank you kind sir.

Mark, love your pictures of your lunch spot. Just went back and compared this to the fall color one from late fall.

In the end, we got about 3 inches, I'd say. Glad I'm home. I have a 270 degree exit from the tollway and I just heard that there was an accident they needed 7 ambulances to handle it.

^^Breaking News: Longmire has been picked up by Netflix, after being abandoned by A & E. The 10-episode 4th season will air next year. Hooray, for Walt & the Gang!!

>78 lindapanzo: I've been waiting to take a contrasting photo, Linda and today was perfect. Hey, 3 inches is better than 5, right?

What a great photo of your lunch spot!!!!

I recently read Forgive me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick. Because I read many of your recommendations, I'm not sure if this was one you recommended. If so, thanks!!!

Excellent news about Longmire, which has become my husband's favorite show. We were both pretty upset that it had been cancelled.

>67 msf59: I can't help it, Tania, people just keep coming by and of course I have to welcome each visitor. Grins...Yes, I had a good weekend. I am glad you had a nice one too.

Yes, it's why I do pop in here, the lovely greetings and nice chat. Sorry if I sounded churlish before! That was quite unintended.

And hurrah for good weekends!

Brrr, I feel cold just looking at that spot. We're so far up to four frosts for the Autumn in this neck of the woods, which is two more than we had last year - it was very strange last winter to have such mild temperatures, and it never felt right not having to de-ice the cars. We generally have a few days of below freezing, followed by some creeping up and a bit of rain, and then a drop again.

Sadly it isn't a beautiful frosty morning as it's overcast and dull, but I'll take frost over the rain any day of the week. We had 15 days worth of rainfall in 24hrs on Sunday, and are expecting another 10 days worth in 24 hours tomorrow. Flood warnings have started to be issued for my area (flood warnings here being a 'be aware' notice, as opposed to the more severe 'be prepared' or 'take action') for tomorrow *sigh*.

Morning! Let's hope this short holiday week goes quickly (Americans only, sorry). I am enjoying both my current reads, Ancillary Justice & A Sudden Light.

>80 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda! I have not read Quick, so it was not my recommendation, this time. I hope to get you with A Sudden Light.

>81 DeltaQueen50: I am sure there are many Longmire fans celebrating today. I just finished Junkyard Dogs recently. How far have you got.

>82 wookiebender: I knew you were kidding around, Tania. I know your sense of humor. Hope this week goes quickly for you.

>83 lunacat: Frosts & flooding!! Oh, my!! Welcome to an early winter! We had another light coating of snow over night, but nothing bad.

Morning, Mark! So, did you get much snow there overnight?

Not much, Amber, a dusting to less than an inch. How about you?

2-3 inches overnight, I think. *shrug*

Bless you, Netflix. The Longmire series is such a good one.

I'm a ways into The Peripheral and liking it. It takes a while to sink into what he's doing, with the ones set in the future in particular. Lots of jargon and tech he's created, as well as not-our-time situations. But from past experience with him I knew it would start to sort out, and it has.

I'm also finally reading The Frozen Thames, one I've been wanting to get to for forever. Very well done so far.

Hope it goes reasonably well for you today, and that you've got a good one on the audio.

So, I'm really making progress with Ancillary Justice and I like it a lot! The first couple chapters are quite intense in terms of a big load of rather complex world-building info (Woo!), but I took copious notes, and think I've got it now.

Looking forward to Snowpiercer too. I recently saw the movie and thought it very good.

>76 msf59: Mark, that's a huge difference in such a short time. I hope you have a lovely day not too freezing.

>87 scaifea: After last winter, 2or 3 inches ain't bad, right?

>88 jnwelch: Yep, hooray for Longmire. Glad you are enjoying the Gibson. I will have to get to him one of these days.
Not familiar with The Frozen Thames.

>89 DorsVenabili: I should be taking notes too, Kerri. 70-plus pages in and I find some of it dense. I am sure I will pull it together. I do like the world-building.

>90 Ameise1: I was waiting for the right time to snap that photo and that was it, Barb. Yes, it is cold today but we have sunshine and light winds, which help.

>84 msf59: You are now a couple of books ahead of me, mark. My next Longmire book will be The Dark Horse which I hope to get to fairly soon.

Hey Mark! Long time no visit here - bad me ;-(

I need to get my hands on Snowpiercer

Congrats on making it to 150!

>69 maggie1944: Chiming in to say yes to Assassination Vacation! our favorite of hers.

So so happy Longmire will continue :-)

You know, speaking of Longmire, George Guidall was interviewed on last week's NYT Book Podcast. Fans of his great narration, should check it out. He highlighted the Longmire books as one of his favorites. He has narrated over 1,200 books. Here is the podcast link:

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/11/21/book-review-podcast-deep-down-dark/...

Here is his website:

http://georgeguidall.com/biography.html

>88 jnwelch: Joe, I'll be curious to hear your take on The Frozen Thames. I got that last Christmas, either through Santa Thing or the Christmas Swap. Still haven't gotten around to it yet.

>92 DeltaQueen50: I couldn't remember where you were at on the Longmire series, Judy! The good news is, they are all GOOD!

>93 SuziQoregon: Good to see you, Juli! I am enjoying Snow-Piercer. Joe is reading and liking volume 2. I am also enjoying A Sudden Light, which is a ghost story set in the Pacific Northwest.

>95 lindapanzo: Big Waves to Linda! Hope your day goes fast tomorrow!

Hiya Mark! Happy Tuesday. Nice lunch spot. Do you stay inside the truck in the winter? Looks kinda chilly. Enjoy the extra moola.

>84 msf59:...You got me. I've added this one to the tbr pile. Thanks for another excellent recommendation!

Happy Wednesday! I hope this is the last work day of the week, for many of you. Sadly, I'll have to drag my over-stuffed, over-saturated butt to work on Friday but then I'll have a chance to walk off those added calories.

I am continuing Ancillary Justice & A Sudden Light and on the GN front, Snow-Piercer, thanks to Joe.

>97 Berly: Hi Kimmers! Of course, I stay in the truck. I need a little reprieve, right? Hope your week is going well.

>98 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! I am sure you will enjoy The Giant's House, along with my current audio, A Sudden Light.

Morning, Mark!

I mentioned this on Joe's thread to, but I saw "The Wind Rises", which is reportedly Hayao Miyazaki's final film. It is another beauty. It is a "fictionalized biopic of Jiro Horikoshi (1903–1982), designer of the Mitsubishi A5M fighter aircraft and its successor, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero", which were used heavily in WWII. If you have not seen this amazing film-maker, do yourself a very large favor.

>100 scaifea: Big Morning Waves to Amber!

>101 msf59: Go, Miyazaki! Thanks for reminding me about this one, Mark. I added it to the WL.

Hope you have a good one today, as you set up for what I hope is a long Thanksgiving weekend for you. We're hoping to catch the new Mockingjay movie.

>95 lindapanzo: So far The Frozen Thames is really good, Linda. I think you'd enjoy it. Beautifully written.

Oh, poop! You have to work on Friday. So does Joe. I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving tomorrow though! I think I'm at 40% with Ancillary Justice. Still going strong!

OK Mark, you got me with Nailbiter. Looked it up and the description at Image Comics sold me right away. I'm first on the hold list at the library.

>102 jnwelch: Howdy, Joe! No long weekend for moi! Back to the grind Friday. The good news is, I will be off Christmas weekend, so that is special and very rare.
We also might see Mockingjay on Sunday.

>103 DorsVenabili: Enjoy your quiet Thanksgiving. Sounds tantalizing to me. I am a 130 pages into Ancillary, still a bit confusing but I am liking it.

>104 SuziQoregon: I am sure you will enjoy Nail-Biter, Juli. Just your cuppa. LOL.

I adore Hayao Miyazaki and at some point I'm going to collect all his films.

Hi Mark, I posted this over on the Updike AAC thread, but thought I'd leave you with my thoughts here too, I am explaining how I handled the darkness ;)
The defining event in the book didn't affect me as much as it should/could have, I think because the person involved in it was under the influence. As their experience of it was clouded and blurry, the description of it was not a fully loaded emotional event for me. Of course it was gripping and sad, but I didn't get pulled right down into the abyss.

Onwards! I am at the library now and having established that Larry Watson is not well represented in the Chch library system (ggrrr), I will try for Updike's 2nd Rabbit book.

I just d/l from my library the following: Child 44 and Bird box. And guess what? Both are audiobooks. Woot, woot! Thanks Mark!! ;)

I will second all the recommendations for Assassination Vacation as I really enjoyed that book. I have Ancillary Justice next to the bed, so maybe I will tag along with you guys and read this one now as well but I have been so busy this last week I haven't had time to do much of anything. I am so looking forward to having tomorrow and Friday off.

What was the reason that Longmire was canceled? I thought it was one of the better shows on TV. Which reminds me that I need to get to ready on those books before the TV show spoils them for me.

Ok, ok, ok. I'll go look to get Assassination Vacation, I'm on the floor, slammed by a barrage of Book Bullets.

Happy Thanksgiving, Mark, and all your family. I am so grateful you are a part of my life, along with my other friends on LT. So many good books. I'm currently loving The Garden of Evening Mists which I know you liked, also.

- Ewing Paddock- "London Underground"

^This reminds me a little of Ilana's artwork.

Yah, I get one whole day off for the holiday! Hooray! And since we are hosting tomorrow, yes, once AGAIN, I doubt I'll even be able to squeeze in any reading time...okay, maybe a little, while the wife is distracted. Silently praying for lots of distractions...

>106 Morphidae: Yah, another Miyazaki fan! I NEED to go back and look over his filmography and see which ones I've missed.

>107 LovingLit: "how I handled the darkness." I think I just found a name for your memoir! LOL. I enjoyed your thoughts on Rabbit, Run.

In regards to Larry Watson, I wish we lived closer, so I could pass on the titles that I have. I really think you would like him.

>108 jolerie: I think we just opened the floodgates, Valerie! Here come the audiobooks! Yes, it is a tsunami! LOL. I LOVED Child 44, but I did not listen to the audio. I still think it's a very good choice. I DID listen to Bird Box and that was a terrific audio.
You go girl!

>109 benitastrnad: Good to see you, Benita! Ancillary Justice is not always a smooth read, but it very clever and inventive.

In regards to Longmire: A &E dropped the show for lackluster ratings, which is very sad, because it was the best show they had on that channel. Don't worry about reading the books and spoiling the show. The plot-lines are different and there is very little cross-over.

>110 maggie1944: Happy Thanksgiving, Karen. Are you all settled in back home? I do not think, you will go wrong with Assassination Vacation.

>112 msf59: These are the full length films he specifically directed:

W= Watched, O=Owned, #/# (stars)

The Castle of Cagliostro - W, 3/5
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind - WO, 4/5
Castle in the Sky - W, 4/5
My Neighbor Totoro - W, 4/5
Kiki's Delivery Service - W, 4/5
Porco Rosso - W, 3/5
Princess Mononoke - WO, 5/5
Spirited Away - WO, 3/5
Howl's Moving Castle - W, 5/5
Ponyo - W, 3/5
The Wind Rises

^Is this perfect or what? This will be the cover of the New Yorker, for the December 8th issue. Bob Staake, is the illustrator.

>114 msf59: I saw this. Love this cover.

>113 Morphidae: Thanks Morphy! What a handy list of Miyazaki films. There are several I haven't seen, especially the ones before My Neighbor Totoro.

I also saw that upcoming New Yorker cover yesterday. It's simple, yet powerful and unforgettable.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving with your family!

^Of course, I am thankful for good health and my wonderful family and friends, but I am also hugely grateful for our little community here and all the joy it brings. Okay, sappy stuff over...

>118 msf59: Well said, buddy. Have a great Thanksgiving!

Yup, what you said: >118 msf59:

>115 lindapanzo: It says a lot doesn't it, Linda?

>117 kidzdoc: " It's simple, yet powerful and unforgettable." Well said, Darryl! Happy Holiday, my friend.

>119 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! Enjoy the day with your family.

>120 maggie1944: Big Waves and Hugs to my pal!

Happy Turkey Day, Mark. have a tasty brew for me

Happy Thanksgiving, Mark. I hope you have a fabulous feast.

>105 msf59: still a bit confusing but I am liking it. Yeah, I couldn't do it without taking notes. It's getting easier though, and I think I'm keeping everything straight in my brain.

Have a lovely holiday!

Calvin Johnson is a beast.

The Bears started out well but faded by the end of the 1st half. Lions lead 24-14. I should be reading, instead of watching.

>122 mahsdad: Thanks, Jeff! I will have a tasty brew, no question.

>123 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb. The wife has made an incredible spread.

>124 DorsVenabili: Thanks, Kerri! There are sections that are still confusing but it has gotten a bit easier.

Woo, I just finished the dense Graphic Canon Volume 2, Mark. I think some day you'd enjoy these. Nice reminders of great lit with unusual visual interpretations. On to Volume 3!

>114 msf59: *consults newly purchased National Geographic Famous Places and Worldly Wonders flashcards*
Would that arch be the Gateway Arch in St Louis, Missouri, designed by Eero Saarinen, constructed 1961 and dedicated in 1966?
Is the image about the police violence against black the population there?

The London underground painting is reminiscent of Ilana, true!

>112 msf59: "How I handled the Darkness" would be a good memoir title! Although- I have never suffered from depression or had much anything bad happen to me, so the darkness I am 'handling' would have to be literary darkness!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Loving the Miyazaki love, he is a marvellous filmmaker. (I thought Ponyo was excellent, mostly because it was the first Miyazaki that my kids saw, and they were gobsmacked.) It's Friday today, so I'm in jeans & t-shirt, and I came *this* close to my Princess Mononoke t-shirt this morning. Went with Doctor Who instead, because. :)

Am so annoyed, I seem to have lost my copies of Princess Mononoke AND Spirited Away. HARRUMPH.

Mr Bear's 12th birthday party tomorrow night - local pizza place for dinner and noise and happiness, then three of the guests also coming back to our place for a sleepover. Should be fun.

Happy Thanksgiving Mark!

Congrats on your double 75!

Yeah, for another Mayazaki fan :) I own :

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Castle in the Sky
My Neighbor Totoro
Kiki's Delivery Service
Porco Rosso
Princess Mononoke
Spirited Away
Howl's Moving Castle
Ponyo

My fave being Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Princess Mononoke and Howl's Moving Castle.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving, Mark!!

Hope your Thanksgiving has been great, Mark!

(PS: I checked out and downloaded Let Him Go for Decembers AAC today!)

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that the rest of the holiday weekend follows suit!

Literally the Postie with Mostie and I think the group must be unanimous on that. Mark thanks for your friendship in 2014, one of the best things I ever did was stumble upon this group. Thanks for your stewardship of the AAC and the inspiration to have the Brits alongside you next year! Have a lovely Thanksgiving weekend, buddy.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving, Mark, and that tomorrow is an easy work-day!

Black Friday!! Shopping and working are not that far apart for me, so I guess I would rather work, plus I get to listen to books, which is always a bonus.

Bravo to my lovely wife for putting on such a gorgeous holiday feast. She worked her fanny off. I helped when I could...

I'll be wrapping up a Sudden Light today and then I think I will take a trip to Galway, to visit my mate, Jack Taylor.

>127 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! I will keep Graphic Canon Volume 2 in mind. I really liked Snow-Piercer.

>128 LovingLit: Yes, the New Yorker cover is the Gateway Arch and it is making a statement about the division of race in our country. You think we would be farther along in 2014. Shakes head sadly...

>129 wookiebender: Thanks, Tania! Good to see you. It looks I will have to do a Miyazaki film-fest. Happy Birthday, Mr. Bear

>130 drachenbraut23: Thanks, Bianca! More Miyazaki Love! Hooray!

>131 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda! We had a great day.

>132 tymfos: Thanks, Terri! and yah for Larry Watson! Is this your first?

>133 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary! I hope you had a great holiday too.

>134 PaulCranswick: Thanks, for the kind words, Paul. You were a perfect fit for our little community. Next year should be a blast around here.

>135 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda! I hope the work day goes smoothly too.

Sounds like my kind of workout..haha ;)
Now if only I can find a way to make the calories just disappear, we would be golden!

Happy Belated Thanksgiving, Mark! I'm glad you and the family had a nice day. Sorry you've got to go back to work right away. Booooo!

Mom and I will be making a round of soap shortly, and then she'll be heading home. I'm debating going to Half Price Books later tonight to use their online coupon for Christmas presents - otherwise it'll be a pj day, hopefully with some reading!

>138 jolerie: I am trying to walk off some of my Thangsgiving meal today, Valerie. I might need a few additional miles added to my route. I did finish A Sudden Light and was very pleased. Thanks again the for the nudge.

>139 LauraBrook: Hope you had a great holiday, Laura. I wish I had a HPB closer to me. I really like that store and they do offer terrific coupons. Enjoy your weekend.

Enjoy your day, Mark. Doesn't seem too bad out. I'm heading downtown on Metra today for the Lyric Opera. Porgy and Bess. Summertime and the livin is easy.

Glad you liked Snowpiercer, buddy. I'm a ways into Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant and it's great. What a gift she has. Thanks for the push.

-Snowfall County Wicklow Print by John Nolan

Hey Mark! Hope your workday wasn't too terrible. I have about an hour left with Yes Please and I have just loved this one. Amy is the bomb! Since I have a lovely 4 day weekend, I also finished Death of a Salesman, finally. Now I am all ready for Larry Watson December!

>143 msf59: Beautiful. I was in County Wicklow one January. No snow...everything was still green then.

I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving. We had snow, and a red fox and four deer on the hill in back of our house.

>145 lindapanzo: You were in Ireland in January? I don't remember that. How was Porgy and Bess?

>142 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! I am so glad you are enjoying Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant. That might be the best GN, I've read this year and like you, I have read A LOT of them!

>144 Cobscook: Glad you are enjoying Yes Please. It is a lot of fun, Heidi. I am looking forward to Watson too. I plan on reading two. One early in the month, one late.

>145 lindapanzo: Good to see you, Linda! Yes, we had a fine Thanksgiving. I hope you did too! Very cool seeing "a red fox and four deer" behind your house!

>147 msf59: We were in Ireland about 10 years ago. We stayed in a castle. Great trip at very little cost as my friend's friend had lodging she couldn't use.

Mark, I wish you a fabulous weekend.

"Across the blank immensity of an eternal winter, from one end of the planet to the other, there travels a train that never stops..."

"On this endless trip without rest or reprieve, every passenger is heading for the same destination. But some will arrive sooner than others...the final stop is called...Eternity."

- Snow-Piercer, Volume 1

^This was a terrific GN. Thanks to Joe for the nudge.

Almost 50 today? What?

>148 lindapanzo: I thought you said last January, Linda. LOL. Sounds like a fantastic trip. I visited there (near Dublin) and stayed with family, back in the early 80s. I was stationed in Germany at the time. A trip I will always remember.

>149 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb! I hope you are enjoying your weekend too!

>143 msf59: Gorgeous painting.

>137 msf59: Let Him Go isn't my first Watson, Mark. I read Montana, 1948 a while back, so I know how good a writer Watson is!

It is nice to read that Montana 1948 was a good book. I mean, I knew it was cuz it is on the list, but nonetheless, sometimes a little repeat encouragement is good.

Hope you Saturday is not too hard. This means tomorrow is a day off! Yay!

>150 msf59: I'm glad Snow-Piercer, Volume 1 gets high praise! This might be one of my next graphic novels.

Hope you're getting some relaxation time in today, Mark!

I'm picking up Let Him Go for the AAC, Mark. You gave it high marks, yes?

Glad Snowpiercer got you like it did me. The second volume was really good, too, btw. Debbi and I plan to watch the movie tonight.

Better out there than yesterday, and it's supposed to keep warming up. Have a good work day, and then enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Oh, The Frozen Thames was topnotch. I'm going to be looking for others by Helen Humphreys.

Nice out here! Sunny, mild, making the work day a bit more tolerable.

>152 lunacat: Happy Weekend, Jenny!

>153 tymfos: Those are the only 2 Watson books I have read, Terri. Looking forward to reading more. I will start the month with Justice.

>154 maggie1944: I think repeat recs are important for all of us, Karen. You never know which one will pull that trigger.

>155 DorsVenabili: You might like Snow Piercer, Kerri. A simple, gritty style and very original.
I am working today but trying to make the best of it.

>156 jnwelch: Howdy, Joe. Yes, Let Him Go is excellent. Watson packs a lot into a short novel.
I have the Snow Piercer film available on Netflix streaming, so I also hope to get to it soon. It looks like Ed Harris is in it, which is interesting.
I have not read Humphreys. Should that be remedied?

And Mark, it was so nice of you to pick an author for December with several short novels!

^A wonderful family member stopped by Half Acre Brewery, (one of my favorites) and picked up a few special brews, including the Heyoka IPA. It is crisp, hoppy and the perfect way to kick off a Saturday night.

>158 banjo123: Hi, Rhonda! I think Watson will be a perfect wrap-up for the AAC and yes, short is good, that is why I am reading two. Grins...

Hi Mark! I'm glad you're having some nice late November weather. I know it makes your job so much more pleasant.

I'm putting Snowpiercer on hold if the library has it.

Belated Happy Thanksgiving and I sincerely hope you enjoyed your one day of holiday!! I have copied your AC challenge to my thread so I don't lose it and I am busy coming up with books to read. Since I have read most of the authors, my rule is the book has to be a new read for me. We'll see how I do! Hugs.

Eek! I can't believe I almost missed your entire thread, Mark! I hope your Thanksgiving was turkeylicious and shared with family and friends.

^I started Fourth of July Creek. I knew I wanted to read this, as soon as it came out. This one pushes all the right buttons for me and it is terrific on audio. BAS. (Big Ass Smile!)

Happy Sunday! Today, I will wrap up Ancillary Justice for my RL Sci-Fi BC. I plan on starting the new Mantel story collection next.

I might also page through Sit Like a Buddha. This is pocket guide to meditation. I've been always curious about meditation but have never really practiced it. Anyone here meditate? If so, can you recommend a good, easy to read book on the subject?

>160 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen! It was such a nice day yesterday. I wish I was home, so I could put up the outside Christmas lights. (We WILL NOT turn them on for a couple weeks, FYI). Snow-Piercer was a good one!

>161 Berly: I hope you had a great Thanksgiving too, Kimmers! It sounds like you were busy. And yah, to the AACII!!

>162 Carmenere: You missed my entire thread, Lynda? Shame, Shame! Yes, we had a nice holiday. Hope you had a good time too!

Regarding your newest book, Fourth of July Creek, I commented on my thread that I will not be reading such a dark, sad book; however, I will look forward to what you think of it.

Regarding meditation, I have done so on and off for many, many years. And every time I practiced with regularity I have loved the positive affect it has had on me. I should start again to supplement all the other health supporting habits I feel I need to be doing to survive being an "old lady", with joy and pleasure.

Happy Sunday to you, Mark!

Like >165 maggie1944:, I've done meditation off and on for years. I always feel better (calmer, happier, more centered and focused) when I do it with regularity, but it's fallen off of my daily schedule the last year. I'm currently reading Meditation for Beginners by Jack Kornfield, and it comes with a CD with six (I think?) guided meditations. I have an extra copy here, if you're interested? Anyway, I really like it. It is basic, but it's the best "starters guide" to the subject that I've seen/tried.

Hi Mark, Happy Sunday!! Looks like a day of temperature drops so that's incentive to get out and about and do things earlier rather than later. It's just as well since I'll be sure to watch a noon football game and then the Packers/Patriots in the second game. Should be a good one.

>165 maggie1944: Morning Karen! Yes, Fourth of July Creek looks to be a very dark book. You know that's what I like, although a steady diet of anything is not good for the soul.
I've been meaning to try a form of meditation for a long time. Just never jumped in. Thanks for the thoughts. It is encouraging.

>166 LauraBrook: Happy Sunday, Laura! I would gladly take you up on that offer. Thank you. I just read the first few pages of Sit Like a Buddha. Have you heard of Lodro Rinzler? and thanks for sharing your thoughts on meditation. Glad to see it has worked for you.

>167 lindapanzo: Happy Sunday, Linda! If I can get my son to help me, I am going to try to put up the outside Christmas lights, while it is milder.

Looks the the Packers/Pats game is shaping up to be one of the best games of the season. It's nice to watch 2 quality teams. Smirks...

Yes, I've meditated for ages, Mark. I'm all for it. As far as I'm concerned, if everyone did, we'd be a lot more civilized out there.

Way back when I would've recommended Lawrence Leshan's How to Meditate. But I see on Amazon there's a much more recent one of the same title, How to Meditate by a Buddhist nun named Pema Chodron. It looks really good.

I'm really liking The Way I See It by Temple
Grandin, about dealing with autism. Fascinating.

Hi Mark, glad you're enjoying Fourth of July Creek. I haven't gotten to it yet, but I have the audio version too via the library. Thanks for posting the "London Underground" painting. I had a look at other paintings in the series and what the artist's process was about, which of course was of interest to me, as you can imagine.

Wishing you a Happy Sunday!

Happy Sunday to you, Mark. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Hi Mark,
Yes, I can recommend Meditation for Dummies. My other half is praising it to the hilt and doing daily meditation which he is finding very worthwhile.

Happy Sunday, Mark! Sounds like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Here to second Joe's rec for The Frozen Thames. That is my favorite Humphreys read so far.

>169 jnwelch: Happy Sunday, Joe! Glad to hear your thoughts on meditation and that you are an active participate. I know it takes some dedication and focus but I am going to try it. And thanks for the recs.
I've been hearing about Temple Grandin quite a bit of the years. I really should try this memoir.

ETA: I requested the Chodron meditation book. Thanks!

>170 Smiler69: Happy Sunday, Ilana. Fourth of July Creek seems to be a perfect audio experience, in the early going. I still have to get over to Audible and snag the Atwood collection

>171 BLBera: Thanks, Beth! We had a terrific holiday.

>172 mdoris: Hi, Mary. Great to see you. Thanks for the rec. As soon as I am done here, I will check my library's website.

ETA: I requested Meditation for Dummies. Smiles...

>173 lkernagh: Thanks, Lori! Hope you are having a nice weekend. It looks like I better get my mitts on The Frozen Thames.

>168 msf59: No problem, Mark, I'm happy to send it to you - and I may have an extra copy of The Frozen Thames too, if you're interested? I just need to locate that particular stack of "extra copies" I have in the guest bedroom. I haven't heard of Lodro Rinzler, but the titles and covers of his books look familiar. I'll pick one of them up, along with a Pema or two when I'm at work tomorrow. And, once Meditation for Dummies comes back in, I'll grab that too. :)

I'm just about to start the third episode of "Broadchurch" - is this a series you've watched?

>163 msf59: I've tried many times throughout the years to be a consistent meditator, but I'm terrible. However, I do agree with Joe and Laura's recommendations of Pema Chodron (she has a CD of guided meditation too) and Jack Kornfield.

We went to Thalia Hall last night and it's a lovely, lovely venue, if you ever get a chance to see a show there. Great bar downstairs too and efficient and friendly staff. Also, amazing acoustics. And beautiful restoration.

>175 LauraBrook: Thank you, Laura! I would be interested in both. Let me know what you think of those other meditation books you'll be picking up, since you'll have them in hand before me.
We did watch the original Broadchurch series and it was very good. I wonder how the American version is? I haven't heard much about it.

>176 DorsVenabili: So, Kranky Kerri is a Bad Meditator? You seem to be very well focused, so I thought you would be good at it.

I have not heard of Thalia Hall. Sounds gorgeous. Who did you see?

So, Kranky Kerri is a Bad Meditator? Shocking, isn't it? Ha!

We saw Angel Olsen (be still my heart) and she was AMAZING.

Mark, you don't have to work on Sundays, do you? I just got a package delivery from the USPS.

>178 DorsVenabili: I'll have to go back and listen to more Angel Olsen. I remember liking her, when you first recommended her but it has been awhile.

>179 lindapanzo: Yes, there is package delivery on Sunday. They are not going to pay us regulars OT, to do it though, so it goes to the temps/new hires to do it. Getting pumped about the Big Game?

I don't practice meditation regularly but I have meditated and I believe it is good for the body, the soul, and the heart. I keep fantasizing about attending a days-long silent retreat during which I would engage almost solely in mindfulness mediation exercises. Perhaps I will do this one of these days.

>181 EBT1002: Great to see you, Ellen. Thanks for sharing your meditation thoughts. Can you read on these silent retreats? Just wonderin'....

>182 msf59: Ha. No, I think reading on a silent mediation retreat would be counterproductive. It may be one reason I've never actually gone on one. I mean, I can be quiet for a weekend by a lake with a book, right? It's probably almost as good for me.

I saw your comment on Judy's thread and then did a bit of investigating and I just put Fourth of July Creek on my wish list.

Thanks for the nudge with Snowpiercer - I saw the movie earlier this year and enjoyed it, and have been meaning to read the graphic novel. I'm first in the queue for the library copy now!

And that Thanksgiving workout is cruel. Burpees for carbs?? It's almost enough to make me give up toast. Almost. (I am the most uncoordinated person, and can barely touch my toes. I'd rather run stairs than do a burpee.)

Turns out the Snowpiercer movie has some significant differences from the graphic novel, but I liked the story they put together in the movie, too.

>183 EBT1002: I didn't think silent meditation included reading a book but it never hurts to ask, right? And yes, Fourth of July Creek has been terrific in the early going. Expect more warbling...

>184 wookiebender: I ended up liking Snow-Piercer the movie more than I thought I would, Tania. The GN is completely different, so it will be a different experience.
" Burpees for carbs?" Hooray!

>185 jnwelch: The 2nd half of Snow-Piercer saved it for me, Joe. It became more wacky and surreal, reminding me more of Terry Gilliam's work.

^Please be very kind to us, especially the hard-working folks that work out in the great wide-open. She must be ignoring me, because it will only be 22 today, with a frigid wind. Maybe, we can start the goodwill tomorrow??

I did not crack The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher like I hoped yesterday, due to football distractions, but I WILL today and I can not WAIT to get back to Fourth of July Creek.

SAD NEWS:



^^Kent Haruf has died at the age of 71. What a loss to the literary world! His last novel, “Our Souls at Night,” will be published next year.



^Plainsong will always be one of my favorite books! A masterwork! Now, I regret not including him in the AAC. He certainly deserved it.

Mark -

I think we talked about Kent at breakfast when you visited Milwaukee. I was stopping by your thread to share the sad news, but I see you already saw it. Wonderful writer and lovely man. I was fortuante enough to have dinner with him once and enjoyed a sort of quiet conversation that weaved through the night. I will cherish that memory.

You can, of course, include him in your next AAC. We coudl all read his new book.

Have a good Monday. Stay warm.

-Nancy

>188 msf59: What a sad loss. 71? Will is going to be 70 two days after Christmas. It gives me pause to stop and count blessings.

I think it would be quite accepted to put Kent Haruf on the 2015 list as an optional month 13 author. It would be a fine tribute to an author much appreciated by you, and others on LT who are smart and who's recommendations are worthy.

I hope the mail load is reasonable and that you are able to finish in a reasonable amount of time. Bundle up, and do what you can to stay warm. I feel your pain. I've dealt with Chicago area cold and I hated it.

Very sad news about Kent Haruf. I just picked up his debut novel, The Tie That Binds, in a used bookshop over the holiday.

I've not read Kent Haruf, but I'm terribly sorry to read this news, as I know he's a favorite around here.

This is not going to help my Kerri Kranky-pants reputation, but I think if I was on a meditation retreat, I would go nuts listening to everyone around me breathing. Ha! I've actually tried going to a couple shorter sessions and that was the take away for me (wanting to smack people up the side of the head for breathing too loud). I do realize I'm pretty much hopeless.

Such a shame about Kent Haruf. He was too young! My MBH says he finished all work on a new book that will be published at some point.

I'll post something over at my thread, too. Darn. I loved all three of the Plainsong books, as you know, and The Tie That Binds was pretty good as a first outing. Are there any others? I'll have to look.

Hope Monday goes well for you.

Couldn't agree more about Haruf, Mark. Almost makes me want to post another tribute to him, but that would be silly, wouldn't it?

>196 msf59: P.S. Haruf as my big brother would have been aces, that's for sure.

>189 alphaorder: Thanks for sharing the wonderful Haruf story, Nancy. He is an author I would love to have a beer with or a cup of coffee. We lost a good one.

>190 Whisper1: Yes, Linda, a sad loss. I lost my Dad at 72 and I still feel that was ridiculously young.

>191 maggie1944: Including Haruf for the AACII,is an excellent idea, Karen. I'll team him up with someone, maybe on his birth month?

>192 lauralkeet: Thanks for chiming in on Haruf, Laura. He will be missed. I have not read The Ties That Bind but I know Joe read it this year and liked it.

>193 DorsVenabili: Wham! Pow! Kranky Kerri strikes again! LOL. We an compare meditation notes, if and when I ever get going with it.
Do yourself a favor and read Plainsong. Hopefully, you have it on shelf??

> 195 Hi, Joe! Did you mean to post the Haruf on your thread? Don't get me wrong, I think he deserves multiple tributes.

BTW- Haruf could be your big brother.

>196 msf59: For some reason I misread your second sentence as "He is an author I would love to have shared a bed with or a cup of coffee." It struck me as an interesting way to show your appreciation ;)

> 197 Come on, Jenny, I love Haruf's work but let's not get carried away. LOL!

>196 msf59: Jeez Louise, I did, Mark. Sorry about that! Fixing . . .

>198 msf59: I'm not sure quite where I got the 'sharing' with, or indeed the bed for that matter! Perhaps I need to examine my subconscious, but my brain was adamant for a few seconds ;)

>193 DorsVenabili: Haha, Kerri, could we possibly be twins who were separated at birth? Your reaction to group meditation sounds pretty much exactly like mine. On that subject (meditation), I've taken your, Joe's and Laura's recommendations of Pema Chodron and gotten an eAudio of her beginning meditation book How to Meditate. Let's see if that will get me past the problem of listening to others' breath, not to mention my ungovernable racing mind.

So sorry to hear about Kent Haruf's passing, Mark. I haven't read any of the Plainsong books yet, but I do plan to after all the warbling that's been done around here about them.

>197 lunacat:, >200 lunacat: Jenny, you crack me up!

>188 msf59: oh wow, I hadn't heard that Kent Hanuf had died! And 71 isnt so old really, is it. What a shame.

Glad to see, however, that there are so many meditators out there. I 'tried' it once, but as it was at the bank where I worked, all sitting in out uniforms before we started work, I felt like a complete buffoon. I barely lasted a few months at that job, and am all the better for it. I get my meditation from yoga...the final 5 minutes or so is usually a lie down flat on your back rest time. It is often 'guided' with talk of how to more deeply relax and calm your mind. It is effective!

I knew someone who meditated daily, rain shine or whatever. He would place a statue outside his door to let the rest of the house know he was unavailable, then he would float out 20 minutes or so later and be so chilled out! He even went off into the bushes when we were away tramping to get his fix. I was impressed.

I wouldn't be into group meditation, but I have always wanted to go on a retreat where everyone remains silent for the duration. I think that would be really interesting in this loud world.

>201 Storeetllr: Or I'm cracking up. Take your pick ;)

>197 lunacat: LOL

>201 Storeetllr: Ha! Maybe so! not to mention my ungovernable racing mind. Right. This too.

This is for Mark too: I just thought of another book. A few months ago, I started listening to the audiobook of Buddha Standard Time and thought it was very good, but not a good audiobook candidate, due to the meditation exercises at the end of each chapter that I couldn't really do while walking to the train. Anyway, I had planned on getting a print copy, but haven't done that yet. I didn't finish it on audio, but what I listened to seemed very accessible and practical. It's also written in an engaging style. Maybe someone else has tried this one?

>200 lunacat: " Perhaps I need to examine my subconscious." You are not alone there, Jenny. That is for sure! If you are cracking up, we all are!

>201 Storeetllr: There is a long in-depth interview with Pema Chodron, by Bill Moyers, on You Tube. I only saw a fragment of it but she is a very interesting woman.

Do yourself, a HUGE favor, Mary, and read Plainsong SOON! This is the perfect excuse. I'll be checking in regularly with you, to see if you have started it. Kidding, of course.

>202 LovingLit: Yes, very sad about the passing of Haruf. Thanks for chiming in about meditation. I am impressed that so many of my LT pals have tried it or practice it.

>205 DorsVenabili: I admire the fact that you keep giving it a try, Kerri! I have not heard of Buddha Standard Time, but I will also keep that in mind.

"An ungovernable racing mind." Sounds like a song or the title of your memoir.

Oh, it is sad news about Kent Haruf, he was an amazing writer.

It sounds like with Smith Henderson, we may have another western American author to follow. Fourth of July sounds like my kind of book!

You all keep it up about meditation and I'm going to start up again. I love doing meditation at least once a day. I do cheat and set my phone to 20 minutes and then I sit and close my eyes, no music, no TV, no nothing, and refuse to open my eyes for 20 minutes. Then I try to remember to follow my breath, and try to check my body to be sure it is as relaxed as I can get it to be. Done. That is what I call meditation. It does settle me down quite a bit, and makes it much harder for my intermittent depression to rear its ugly head.

That's sad about Kent Haruf. I haven't read anything by him, but have been meaning to for some time.

>193 DorsVenabili: Kerri, you crack me up!

Morning, Paul! Uh, MARK! Sorry! *snork*

Happy Tuesday! Yes, I am off today. I have a physical scheduled for early morning, (let's hope I am in ship-shape) and I have a massage lined up for later in the afternoon. I have not had one of these, in over 6 months. I am due.
In between these events, I hope to cram some reading in: I am only a couple stories into The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher but I really like her writing. I heard Wolf Hall will be featured on Masterpiece Theater, in March, I believe? I would really like to FINALLY get to that one before then.
I am also loving Fourth of July Creek. This is a dark, tough read, despite it's beautiful Montana setting.

>209 banjo123: Try to bookhorn Plainsong, into your reading plans, Rhonda. You will quickly see what all the fuss is about.

>210 scaifea: Morning, Mary! Keep warm today...snickers.

Good morning, buddy. The Peripheral was really good, but you'd want to find out whether he's your cuppa before you jumped into it. I'm also liking that Temple Grandin a lot, and I got started on a Miss Fisher mystery, since we've been enjoying the Aussie TV productions so much.

The Gaiman Hansel and Gretel came in at the library, so I'll be giving that a go, too.

Enjoy your day off!

>196 msf59: I forgot to add, I think I'll read Plainsong as a substitute for Richard Ford, who I'm struggling with, trying to find a selection that appeals.

>212 jnwelch: Hi Joe! I hope to give Gibson a try, in the new future. Looking forward to your thoughts on Gaiman Hansel and Gretel . Sounds like another good one.

>213 DorsVenabili: Hi Kerri! I am glad you will finally give Plainsong a try. I am thinking of adding Haruf to the July AAC, to keep Le Guin company.

I'm thinking you should make Haruf an alternate selection for when another AAC author just isn't palatable.

I scored a used copy of Plainsong and Eventide when I was down at Powells earlier this year so I'm excited to try those next year possibly. :)

You remind me that I'm due for a massage as well....sigh. Just need to find the time!

Happy Tuesday, my friend. :)

Ooooooh, the massage was wonderful. I feel very loose and relaxed right now...I NEED to go more often.

>215 Morphidae: Any suggestions, Morph? I think the list is pretty solid. There a few months that will be busier than others and those include Jan, Feb & Aug, so I thought July might work.

>216 jolerie: Yah, for having Plainsong & Eventide on hand. You will not be disappointed.

I haven't had a massage, since early in the year. Since I work outside, the cold weather, is harder on my body, so I seem to tighten up and I can get very stiff and sore. My wife wants me to go, once a month but we will see...

>217 msf59: I was thinking of Haruf more of a floater alternate. In other words, one person may not like Henry James, so they would read Haruf instead. Another person may not like Larry McMurtry, so would read Haruf, etc.

I support your wife's very generous desires for your massages. Yes, to once a month. From the point of view of an old woman I can say taking care of your body is so very important! Go do it.

>218 Morphidae: That is a very good idea, Morph and one I will suggest. I think I will still add him officially, to one month, just so this man gets the recognition he deserves.

>219 maggie1944: My wife also gets a very good discount, at the chiropractic facility, where she works. She gets a free massage a month and the spouses get it for 39 bucks, which ain't shabby. I NEED to take advantage of it more.
I've been considering using 30 minutes of the hour, having my feet attended to. Boy, that feels good! LOL.

Howdy!
It's been awhile since I got around to all the threads and yours is one of the last I have to catch up with. Life has gotten really busy the last few weeks so I have had trouble keeping up. My Mom and sister came from Kansas for Thanksgiving and it was a wonderful visit.

I loved Plainsong and have a couple of his other titles in my collection but have not read them yet. For those of you who think that you might read Plainsong, I loved it. It is one of the best descriptions of life on the High Plains of any book I have read. He nailed those isolated small towns perfectly. It is a lovely book.

I am liking Ancillary Justice. I sure got caught up in the universe she has created. It is a little rough at times to figure out what it is going on, but so far it is working for me. It is sort of a Four of Seven kind of thing, like in Star Trek - next generation. Very interesting. It is much better than the fantasy I listening to in the car. Seraphina really isn't doing it for me.

Mark, I knew that you and Fourth of July Creek would be a good fit. It had your name written all over it. I just returned from a fun day in Joplin with some other 75-ers. Your name may have come up in the conversation. We are all in your fan club!

>221 benitastrnad: I was worried, that you didn't love me anymore, Benita! Good to see you, my friend. How nice your Mom and sister came in for Thanksgiving.

I enjoyed your thoughts on Plainsong. He nailed every bit of it, didn't he?

I finished Ancillary Justice and I completely agree with " It is a little rough at times to figure out what it is going on." I think it was a good read but that is what kept it from being anything stronger.

>222 Donna828: Another one of my favorite people! Yah! I acquired, Fourth of July Creek, on audio, shortly after you warbled about it. I was going to hit the halfway point and stop by your thread and mention it. It is strong stuff and I am loving every minute of it.

Hooray, for another Meet-Up! "Your name may have come up in the conversation." Only once?? You know I am very pleased to have a Marky-Mark Fan club out there. Blushes a little...

Add me to the meditation fan list, got out of the habit in recent years, something I shd remedy, agree with above recommendations, quite like Surya Das read his stuff when I younger, & also Pema Chodron

But today would really rate Thich Nhat Hanh

“Closing your eyes isn't going to change anything. Nothing's going to disappear just because you can't see what's going on. In fact, things will even be worse the next time you open your eyes."
― Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore

Morning, Mark! A massage sounds wonderful!

Both my current reads, The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher: Stories and Fourth of July Creek are really clicking. I even listened to the latter, as I drove between errands. It's a big book and I am still short of halfway. Nice way to kick off December.

>224 roundballnz: Thanks, Alex, for your thoughts and recs on meditation. I am also intrigued by Pema Chodron and will look into Thich Nhat Hanh. I am going to try to do this every evening, make it part of my routine.

>225 msf59: Morning Amber! I was a bit stiff and sore yesterday pre-massage, but feel much better today, more loose and relaxed.

Happy Hump Day, Mark!
Sad to hear of Haruf's passing but to know another great book is on the way is very uplifting.

Great quote from Murakami, love it, love it, love it!

Morning, Mark! I have finally caught up with you, and now I need a nap! Hoping that Wednesday is kind to you. YOu'll be happy to know that I have started on my Larry Watson read - Let Him Go, which I am loving so far, and thrilled to know that I also reached my 150th read - AND it was a graphic novel! Are you so proud or what?! See what you and Joe have done?!

Happy Midweek Mark.

Love that quote from Kafka on the Shore.

I also used to meditate regular and kinda stopped the last few years. Hm, think should go back to it again at one point.

Nice to see the Murakami quote, Mark. I just read his The Strange Library, which is kind of an odd little fable. Fans of Sheep Man will be happy at his reappearance.

Stay warm as best you can out there. The loads must increase hugely in this month?

Hey, Mark! I finished the book and posted some comments - I really liked it, and think it will be a very good discussion vehicle for the group. Are you going to lead the discussion? :-)

>225 msf59: Too true.

Not bad out here on this fine Hump Day. Chilly and breezy but with ample sunshine. It truly helps.

>228 Carmenere: Good to see you, Lynda. Yes, bummer about Haruf. We wish he could have stuck around for a few more books.
Glad you liked the Murakami quote.

>229 Crazymamie: Mamie made it! Hooray! And congrats on hitting 150 and double congrats for starting the Watson. That is a terrific read.
What was the GN?

>230 drachenbraut23: Good to see you, Bianca. Always a pleasure. Glad you liked the Murakami quote.
I am just dipping my toe into meditation, we'll see where it goes.

>231 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! I have been seeing so much about The Strange Library on FB and I was curious. So, it is worth tracking down?

>232 DorsVenabili: Hooray for finishing A.J. I will let you take the lead on the discussion, since you seem to have a better grasp of it, than I did.

The second book in the Essex County trio.

>234 Crazymamie: You know I am crazy about that collection, Mamie. Swoons a little...

>233 msf59: To me The Strange Library is a very minor outing from him. I'm not even sure why he wanted to put it out in the fancy form it's in. It's an unusual fable, not very long. Worth your getting from the library, and I hope you do, as I'd enjoy hearing your reaction.

>210 scaifea: >211 msf59: :-b

Finally caught up on your thread, after being away before Thanksgiving, and then all the holiday hoopla (MIL in house...need I say more?) ANYWAY, really glad to see all the talk about Kent Haruf, who I had not read before this year, and now count as one of my favorite authors. I wish the talk wasn't occasioned by losing him, of course. I will read Benediction soon, and look forward to the new novel coming out next year.

"A library is a good place to go when you feel unhappy, for there, in a book, you may find encouragement and comfort. A library is a good place to go when you feel bewildered or undecided, for there, in a book, you may have your question answered. Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people - people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book."

―E.B. White

>239 msf59: I like the first part of that White quote. Today was the day that they announced all the changes in job duties and I did put in charge of that other thing, as I thought I might be. In addition to all of my other work, not instead of, though they did cut back on what I''ll be adding. I'm actually splitting the retiring guy's old job with someone else.

>236 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! I'll put in a request for The Strange Library.

>237 Storeetllr: Snickers...

>238 laytonwoman3rd: Good to see you, Linda! I know you love your American authors, so I am glad you finally discovered Haruf. This man will be missed. I have all 3 of the Holt books on my "keeper shelf" and look forward to adding a 4th.

>240 lindapanzo: Actually, not a bad day out there for early December. No complaints out of me. Sorry to hear about the added work load. I hope it's not to bad for you.

Howdy Mark. I am more than a thread behind. I love Morphy's idea of making Haruf a floater for the AACII challenge.

I hope you are keeping warm. In less than a week I will be meeting up with KAK at our first annual Reading Retreat. Wish you were going.

Oh dear! I got a text from the library saying that Snowpiercer was ready to pick up AND I had the day off work so excitedly made my way to the local branch, only to find I'd forgotten to specify to send it to that branch, and it was in the city branch. (Not a convenient part of the city, mind.)

It's not that bad though, they'll get it to my local branch by the weekend and I'll pick it up then. To assuage my disappointment, I did borrow another 9 books. Ahem. (Including Tell The Wolves I'm Home, is that one you've recommended as well? I know I've read about it somewhere on LibraryThing...)

Sweet Thursday! I should wrap up The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher. This has been very good. Surprisingly dark and creepy, which, you know, I LIKE. I am about 2/3rds of the way through Fourth of July Creek. I am loving this book but I sure hope something nice happens to these people, SOOOOOOOOOOOOON!

I have Mr. Watson waiting in the wings...I plan on reading 2 this month, so I will start one early. As a bonus this is a shorty! We LOVE shorties!!

>242 luvamystery65: I've been waiting patiently for you to stop by Ro! And you did! Yah! Yes, Morph had a fine idea about Haruf. One more week before the retreat, with KAK! Hooray! I am sure you are very excited.

>243 wookiebender: Howdy, Wookie! Glad you'll be able to pick up Snow-Piercer. I need to request the 2nd volume. Yes, I loved Tell The Wolves I'm Home. I hope you can get to it.

Morning, Mark!

I'm another one who loved Tell the Wolves I'm Home, Mark and Wookie.

Not bad out there today. Hope it's a good one for you. I'm feeling hungover from too much work, so I purchased a bucket o' latte at the local Bean Down So Long (okay, made that one up - but I did get a huge latte).

Still loving the Temple Grandin, although a section on drugs that can help those on the autism spectrum was outside my interests. For something lighter, I'm alternating it with the first novel in the Miss Fisher mystery series that we've been enjoying on Netflix. I'm in a lull as to good GNs - do you have anything interesting going?

Dang! It's only Wednesday. Can you tell I just want the weekend to get here?? :)

Once again, not bad out here. Keep 'em coming baby.

>245 scaifea: Big Waves to Amber!

>246 jnwelch: Good to see Tell the Wolves get some renewed LOVE. It deserves it.
On the GN front, I just finished The Carter Family bio, which I liked but I am not sure will be your cuppa. Next up is one Caro sent me called Picket Line. Have you heard of this one? I also have Tomboy, which Kerri recommended.

>247 jolerie: It is actually Thursday, Valerie, so you gained a day. LOL.

LOL. I need to crawl back into bed...my goodness...

You actually made me question myself for a moment there. Giggles...

>248 msf59: I was looking at my Facebook feed this morning and someone I'm not FB friends with posted on a FB friend's wall about Tomboy and how this person should read it. I was so happy and wanted to say something, but always feel weird commenting in that scenario. Anyway, what is my point? I'm not sure, but I hope you like it. :-)

>248 msf59: Thanks, Mark. I hadn't heard of Picket Line, and haven't read Tomboy, so I'll look forward to your thoughts on both. I do have Vol. 3 of The Graphic Canon and the Gaiman Hansel and Gretel, so that should keep me out of trouble for a while.

> 251 It sounds like someone was trying to reach out to Kranky Kerri...Poor soul.

Hey there Mark ;-) How are you holding up under the holiday catalog and package season so far?

I am currently taking a break from audiobooks to use my listening time to catch up with the podcast Serial. Absolutely fascinating.

"Serial is a podcast exploring a nonfiction story over multiple episodes. First released in October 2014, it is a spinoff of the radio program This American Life. Episodes vary in length, and are available weekly. Even before its debut, it ranked number one on iTunes, and remained there for several weeks.

Season 1 is an investigation into a 1999 Baltimore murder. Koenig has said, Serial is "about the basics: love and death and justice and truth. All these big, big things."She also has noted, "this is not an original idea. Maybe in podcast form it is, and trying to do it as a documentary story is really, really hard. But trying to do it as a serial, this is as old as Dickens." Episodes are released weekly on Thursday, and vary in length."

>254 SuziQoregon: I had been hearing really good things about this weekly podcast and Juli, just gave me the "final" nudge, to give it a try. I downloaded all 10 episodes on iTunes. I plan on listening to EP1 tomorrow.

This is the official Serial website:

http://serialpodcast.org/

Serial is amazing. I've been listening weekly (vs binge listening), so I can't wait for Thursdays to roll around. I make a point of downloading the latest episode before leaving work. I am totally hooked!!

Ooh, always interested in a good podcast. (Currently enjoying "99% Invisible" which is about design. Everything from white bread to ouija boards, and a handy 15 - 20min, which suits the boring walk bit of my commute when I can't read.)

Glad lots of people are loving Tell The Wolves I'm Home, I recognised the name but wasn't sure if that was for good reasons or bad reasons. :) Miss Boo insisted I pick it up though, she's currently wolf obsessed.

I love podcasts. Serial is really good, I've been savoring it. Next to audiobooks, its the only thing that keeps me sane on my commute. Some others I enjoy...

This American Life (where Serial got its start)
Wait Wait Don't Tell Me
Welcome to Nightvale - creepy weird mix of Prairie Home Companion and Twilight Zone
Books on the Nightstand - a new one that I think Mark suggested
Nerdist - Chris Hardwick talks to interesting people, usually celebrities
Kevin Pollak's Chat Show - same
Mohr Stories w/ Jay Mohr - same (I sense a trend)
WTF - Mark Maron - same
Penn's Sunday School - Penn Jillette

There are others, but those are my usual suspects...

Another joyless, painful Bears game...I am heading to bed, hoping for sweet dreams.

I will respond in the A.M. Good night!

Hiya Mark! Sleep tight. I'll just talk to you in your dreams....glad your reading is treating you well. Hope the packages are light and have fun with Serial. Shhhh. Night, night.

Serial has been on my radar for a little bit, but I listen to so many podcasts had not taken the plunge yet ..... sounds like I shd do!

This place is just too damned dangerous, I wander in, innocently looking for talk about books and author challenges and then I get caught up talking about podcasts! Yikes. I am ducking so many bullets of books, now I'm also needing to dodge podcast punches, and movie mallets, or my, oh, my ..... pocketbook! And then, there's TV shows which one can now see at any ole time. Not only can't I afford all this entertainment, I don't have time for it, either and I'm retired!

Sigh.

Well, I am going back to shopping. Instacart and I have made up and tomorrow I think I will get some scheduled days.

Oh I'm so glad you're starting Serial. I just started it this week. I'm currently in the middle of episode 5 and utterly fascinated.

The other podcasts that The Hubster and I listen to together are Wait Wait Don't Tell Me and Pop Culture Happy Hour.

>262 maggie1944: I am now giggling uncontrollably about Podcast Punches and Movie Mallets.

Morning, Mark! I've never done the podcast thing, for some reason, but I do love audiobooks. I should give it a go sometime, I suppose.

I was very impressed with The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher: Stories. This turned out to be a nice introduction to Mantel and I was surprised to find how creepy and dark, some of the stories were. Just my cuppa! I will be wrapping up Fourth of July Creek, which will be one of my top reads of the year.

I will start Justice, for the AAC and I feel like visiting Inspector Montalbano, to soak up a little sun and heat.

>256 lauralkeet: That's great news, Laura! I heard Serial mentioned on BOTNS and have been meaning to give it a go. I am all set now.

>257 wookiebender: Good to see you again. I don't remember a lot of wolves in Tell The Wolves I'm Home, but I do remember a very good story.

>258 mahsdad: Thanks, Jeff! It sure looks like you love your podcasts! I do too, but most of it is book related:

Books on the Nightstand
Bookrageous
Book Riot
NYT Book Review
NPR Books
Literary Disco
Sword & Laser
The Readers
The Guardian Books

plus a couple more. Yes, I am book crazy.

And I like the Bill Moyers podcast. I have also listened to Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, but it has been a couple of years. I would like to try This American Life.

**If anyone would like me to supply a website link to any of the above, let me know!

>260 Berly: I heard you in my dreams, Kimmers and I slept like a baby. Awwwwwwww....

>261 roundballnz: I plan on starting Serial today, Alex. Expect another nudge or two.

>262 maggie1944: " podcast punches, and movie mallets" Oh, my! "podcast punches, and movie mallets." Oh, my! LOL. Yes, LT is a dangerous place but it also it is heavenly. You can do what you can do, right?
I listen to my podcasts, while I am working inside, sorting the mail and now, I do it a little, in between my business stops. I can knock out 1-2 hours this way.

>263 SuziQoregon: Thanks,again, Juli! You were the special nudge. I'll listen to #1 today and #2 tomorrow. I will let you know. I haven't listened to Pop Culture Happy Hour in awhile but I did like it.

>264 scaifea: Morning Amber! Podcasts are very easy to listen to, while doing stuff around the house, working out or whatever and most of them are fairly short. I've listened to them doing yardwork or riding my bike, (at a low volume of course).

>265 msf59: Mark, my daughter got me started on This American Life, which is very good -- and then of course they spun off Serial, and I had to check it out. I'm still a regular BOTNS listener, as well as The Readers. I download Fresh Air's long interviews if I'm interested in the subject.

Yes, Mark, you are so right. We each do what we can do, and in the end if I did not like being hit by all these various projectiles I would skip LT each morning, now wouldn't I?

Hope your Friday is excellent, Saturday is sweet, and the weekend provides all the R&R&R you can handle.

Happy Friday, Mark!

Our kids LOVE Serial. They've been talking about it a lot. I'll be interested to hear what you think.

Should be decent out there today. Hope it flies by for you.

The hubs and I are planning to listen to Serial on our drive to Florida in a couple of weeks. It's hard for us to find a book we are both interested in listening to, so, brilliant woman that I am, I thought of trying podcasts. They are not a regular part of my listening, so we've got lots to explore!

#262
You made me laugh. I feel the same way. I have all this stuff already lined up for me to do when I retire, and want to increase the number of books I read as well. I fear there won't be enough time.

I love podcasts. I listen to lots of BBC podcasts. I especially like "In Our Time" and I have downloaded a boat load of the Reith lectures. I also listen to the NY Times Book Review podcast. I like Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me, and I listen to the TED Talks regularly. I just finished listening to the History of Music in 50 Songs. This was a BBC production. Each segment was about 10 minutes in length and they were very good.

I do my listening while I cook in the kitchen.

It's FRIDAY. Right?!? :D

I listened to the first episode of Serial and will gladly report that it is terrific. It is 53 minutes long. I plan on diving into ep2 tomorrow. My daughter also started it and reported OMG!!

FYI- these are a free listen, so if that is the reason you are hesitating...

>267 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura, for the podcast info. I think I will try This American Life, after. I am through with Serial. Have you tried the Bookrageous podcast?

>268 maggie1944: We must love our "various projectiles" Karen, we sure keep coming back for more. I hope you have a great weekend too.

>269 jnwelch: Happy Friday, Joe. Your kids have impeccable taste. I really liked the first episode of Serial and it turns out Bree just started it as well and without my interference. WTH?

>270 katiekrug: KAK made it by! Yah! Yes, I think Serial will be perfect for a car ride. There are 10 episodes available, at the moment.

>271 benitastrnad: Trying to remain sane and not overwhelmed is part of a serious reader's life. How we deal with the day to day, with our looming TBR shelves, proves it constantly. That History of Music podcast sounds very good. Do you have a link?

>272 jolerie: I sure hope so, Valerie. LOL. I hope you are loving A Monster Calls.

Hi Mark - You have way too many ideas on how one can spend time. Serial sounds interesting and I do listen to podasts occasionally.

So glad you liked Serial. I cannot wait to do my after work errands so I can continue with episode 5. My hope is to get caught up before the new episode drops next Thursday.

I have succumbed to 'Serial' its been downloaded, hope to hit Episode one on the weekend sometime .... there is baking to be done so .....

couple of book based podcasts:
2014 International Edinburgh book Festival
BBC Books & Authors
BBC World book club
Hear read this ( Simon & Gave of readers are here as well)
You wrote the book
Adventures with words
The writer & the critic ( more on the urban fantasy end of genre reading)

Thanks for the link to the SERIAL podcast. Alex and I love podcasts and listen to them quite regular. I just downloded the first episode to find out how this one is.

Wish you a wonderful weekend and a Happy second advent!

Well, I only have a few minutes before heading out to my Sci-Fi Book Club, hosted by Kerri and her husband Joe. We will be discussing Ancillary Justice and I am sure beer will be involved, one way or another.

>275 BLBera: " You have way too many ideas on how one can spend time" Yes, Beth, this is our conundrum. Have a good weekend.

>276 SuziQoregon: I think I am going to squeeze in episode 2, on my drive tonight. Sneaky, huh?

>277 roundballnz: Pop back in Alex and let me know what you think of EP1. I plan on listening to EP2 tonight or tomorrow morning. I am hooked already. And thanks for sharing the book podcasts. Wow! I bet that keeps you busy.

>278 drachenbraut23: Once you listen to EP1, stop back by and let me know what you think, Bianca. Hope you have a nice weekend planned.

I need to get myself organized enough to listen to podcasts!

I haven't tried Bookrageous, Mark. I will check it out!

Loving all the podcast talks....I have not tried Serial yet but I want to. In addition to the book related podcasts listed above, I like the Book Riot podcast, the Reading Lives podcast, and Dear Book Nerd (all from Book Riot media). I also really like Freakanomics Radio podcast.

Serial - I'm on EP 6 and I still don't know what to think. This is a messed up case. Excellent podcast.

Podcasts in general, for all of iTunes faults, and there are many. Getting podcasts on your favorite apple device is dead easy. If you are an Android devotee, then you're on your own :)

Lastly, speaking of beer, and when do we not speak of beer on this thread. If you see Little Sumpin' Wild from Lagunitas. Get it. Its a limited release, 8.9 ABV and 72.5 IBU, so it packs a little bit of a punch. Quite tasty

Happy Saturday! I had a good time at the book club. Ancillary Justice ended up being a good book to discuss. Thanks to Kerri & Joe for hosting.

I started Justice and I am visiting with Inspector Montalbano in Voice of the Violin. This series is a hoot.

I also listened to the first 2, Serial episodes. Good stuff.

>280 banjo123: Podcasts are perfect for housework or driving around or walking the dog or playing with the cats or...

>281 lauralkeet: Bookrageous is one of my favorites and it only comes out once or twice a month.

>282 Cobscook: Thanks for chiming in on the podcasts, Heidi. I also like the Book Riot podcasts and the spin-offs. They also have one called Oh, Comics, all about, you guessed it...comics.
Try to make time for Serial.

>283 mahsdad: It looks like Serial is quite a thorny and twisty tale. I am going to try and listen to EP3 this morning. I have had Little Sumpin' Wild in the past but I will try to pick up more of this tasty beverage. Thanks, Jeff.

*waving* at Mark

Yay for the Montalbano series! Glad it's working for you.

Any book club insights into Ancillary Justice? Are you going to read the second one? I'm sure I will at some point.

I've started Let Him Go, and it's very good so far. It's funny, when I read "Sheriff" now in a book set in the West, I automatically think of Walt Longmire, and the actor playing him in the series. So I'm trying to let George be George.

I'm also getting a kick out of the Phryne Fisher series. She is a powerhouse. I'm on the second one now.

Hope today treats you well. I know they have to give you tomorrow off!

Hi Mark, I wish you a fabulous weekend.

>285 alcottacre: Big Waves & Hugs to Stasia!

>286 jnwelch: They said the sun is supposed to come out later. I am waiting for it.
Even if you weren't blown away by Ancillary Justice, there was still plenty of cool stuff to talk about and yes, I plan on reading book 2.
I am glad you are enjoying the Watson. I loved that one.

>287 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb! I hope you are having a great day too..

Hi Mark, just dropping by to wish you a happy Saturday, I know I've been AWOL for the past few weeks due to most unusual circumstances, so I hope I am forgiven for my poor attendance, but please believe me I am still fully here in spirit! Sorry about the news about Kent Haruf. Haven't read him yet, but I intend to eventually.

Just dropping in to wave, wish you a lovely weekend - and to apologise as usual for sketchy attendance!

Hi Mark, I hope you are having a good weekend. I think having Kent Haruf as an alternative author in the AAC next year is a fantastic idea. I am planning to start my Larry Watson read, Montana 1948 tomorrow, really looking forward to this one.

Hey Mark, come visit my thread! I found a couple of books to fill in empty spaces on the AAC challenge. Fun, fun, fun!

Have a great weekend!

^Two Brothers is a local brewery and Cane & Ebel is one of my favorites. We are having dinner, at my daughter's house, tonight. Her and her roommates are having their collective parents over. This should be interesting. I HOPE someone is a reader or at the very least, a beer snob like me, so I can talk shop.

>289 Smiler69: No, apologies necessary, Ilana! I am glad to see your life taking a bit of a turn. I hope you are happy. I also hope you can bookhorn in Haruf, one of these days.

>290 BekkaJo: Like I mentioned to Ilana, Bekka, no apologies necessary. We all have our RL commitments and distractions. Good to see you.

>291 DeltaQueen50: Yes, I think Haruf will make a fine "floater" for next year's AAC. I think I will still add him to the July list, just in case. I can not wait to hear your thoughts on Montana 1948. This is so your cuppa! I am nearly halfway done with Justice, which features some of the characters from that acclaimed novel.

>292 Carmenere: I will be over shortly, Lynda. Grins...

Hi Mark, I have no show in catching up with all I have missed in my 3 or 4 days "off"! But I see a craft beer in there, and.....
>265 msf59: >277 roundballnz: one day I am seriously going to get into podcasts and then I will FLY :)

Did your Sci/Fi book club organizers get the idea from Jo Walton's book Among Others?

Happy Sunday, Mark!

Wow! Sunday again. It is a lovely morning here. Quiet, and the temps are warmish, and the rain has stopped for now. Feels very fresh. Lovely.

I hope your Sunday is also lovely, and that the day holds all you want it to hold for you. Happy reading.

Happy Sunday! Our plan for the day, is to pull out all the Christmas decorations. I also plan to put up the tree. We can only do this when we are all home together and time is a tickin'...

We had a terrific time by the daughters, last night. They put on a nice spread and catered in some mighty tasty Italian beef and Italian sausage. And of course, the beer was flowing....Smiles.

>294 LovingLit: While you are flying around, Megan, I hope you can stop by and see us, here in the Midwest. Fingers crossed.

>295 benitastrnad: Honestly, I don't know, Benita. I am not sure Kerri has read that one or not.

>296 scaifea: Morning Waves & Hugs to Amber!!

#298 LOL - we put up our tree last night. For years we only put up half of it cos the room was so small. Then we had a clear out and managed the whole thing. This year in the new digs we've put it up and it looks pathetic and so tiny! New tree for next year methinks.

Enjoy the decorating :)

>297 maggie1944: Morning Karen! Fortunately, we've been experiencing normal temps, without any snow. Let's hope this trend continues, until, next month or beyond. Grins...

>298 msf59: It sounds like you have a Charlie Brown tree, Bekka. LOL. I hope you have a great Sunday.

^Warble on over...