Mark's Reading Place: Chapter Twelve

-Late Summer by Pol Ledent



-Eastern Bluebird

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:



June:

46- Pollak's Arm by Hans Von Trotha 4.5 stars E
47- Taft by Ann Patchett 3.5 stars E
48- The Hurting Kind by Ada Limón 4.3 stars P
49- Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield 4 stars
50- Tunnels by Rutu Modan 3.7 stars GN
51- River of the Gods by Candice Millard 4.2 stars (audio)
52- The Ghost in You: A Reckless Book by Ed Brubaker 4.2 stars GN
53- Arctic Dreams by Barry Lopez 4.5 stars Group Read
54- The Deep Blue Goodbye by John D. MacDonald 4 stars (audio)

July:

55- You Better Be Lightning (Button Poetry) by Andrea Gibson 5 stars P
56- Zorrie- Laird Hunt 4.3 stars
57- Understories by Tim Horvath 4.2 stars
58- The High Desert: Black. Punk. Nowhere. by James Spooner 4 stars GN
59- Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel 4.5 stars
60- Fights: One Boy's Triumph Over Violence by Joel Christian Gill 4.2 stars GN
61- Gillespie and I by Jane Harris 4.3 stars
62- The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan 5 stars (audio)
63- Unseen City: Wonders of the Urban Wilderness by Nathanael Johnson 4 stars
64- Plainsong by Kent Haruf 5 stars (shared read)
65- The Cold Cold Ground (The Sean Duffy) by Adrian McKinty 4.2 stars

August:

66- Time Is a Mother by Ocean Vuong 3.6 stars P
67- Afterlife by Julia Alvarez 3.7 stars (shared read)
68- This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger 4 stars (audio)
69- Putin's Russia: Rise of a Dictator by Darryl Cunningham 5 stars GN
70- Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart 4.3 stars
71- Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks 4 stars
72- Ask the Dust by John Fante 4.3 stars
73- Strange Piece of Paradise by Terri Jentz 3.8 stars (audio)
74- The Con Artist by Luke Healy 4 stars GN
75- Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner 4.8 stars (shared read)

September:

76- Rogues: Grifters, Killers & Rebels by Patrick Radden Keefe 4.3 stars (audio)
77- Mercury Pictures Presents by Anthony Marra 4.2 stars
78- Kaddish: Before the Holocaust and After by Jane Yolen 4.6 stars P
79- Post Office: A Novel by Charles Bukowski 4 stars
80- Sentient by Jeff Lemire 4 stars GN
81- Blank Pages: And Other Stories by Bernard MacLaverty 4.2 stars
82- Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain 4.5 stars (audio)
83- Us Against You (Beartown Series) by Fredrik Backman 3.8 stars w/Stasia
84- Flung Out of Space: Indecent Adventures of Patricia Highsmith by Grace Ellis 4.2 stars GN
85- Sugar Street by Jonathan Dee 3.6 stars

October:

86- To Hell on a Fast Horse: Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett by Mark Lee Gardner 3.7 stars (audio)
87- Hostage by Guy Delisle 3.8 stars GN
88- The Ski Jumpers by Peter Geye 4.3 stars

^ I was able to do some shared reading, with a few of my book buddies recently and really enjoyed it. I would like this to continue. Primarily, I would like to read books off shelf, but I am still catching up with a few titles that I missed reading last year. I will list some titles and if you are interested, we will set a firm date.

State of Wonder w/ Kim, Nov or Dec?
The Singapore Grip w/Benita Fall or winter?
Women Talking November?
The Winners January w/Stasia

"A deliciously funny, delectably shocking banquet of wild-but-true tales of life in the culinary trade from Chef Anthony Bourdain, laying out his more than a quarter-century of drugs, sex, and haute cuisine."

Somehow, I have made it through these many decades without really knowing anything about Anthony Bourdain, other than he was in the culinary field and that he committed suicide. Maybe, I just do not watch any cooking or travel shows. Well, I was just finishing up Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks and the last piece was a profile of Bourdain and I knew I had to read this memoir. I just started the audio of Kitchen Confidential which Bourdain narrates. I also noticed that several of my book buddies loved this memoir, as well. Better late...

-Clay Bennett

Happy new thread, Mark!

I tried Kitchen Confidential and didn't get very far before I decided it wasn't for me, but I hope you continue to enjoy the audio and find several more potential reads in Bourdain's work.

Happy new one, Mark!

HAppy new thread

Happy new thread Mark!

>1 msf59: That's fall making an impact! With coordinated bird.

>2 msf59: The cute ones of the family!

I haven't read anything by Bourdain, not even consulted a cookbook. It just hit a tender spot that this tall attractive guy could go all over the world being a foody, and I, well, couldn't. As it turned out he had his own overwhelming demons, which while not unusual is still always a shock.

Lovely pre-autumnal topper, Mark.

Happy new one, buddy.

Happy new thread, Mark!

>1 msf59: The Eastern Bluebird is beautiful

>2 msf59: Jackson and Juno, both adorable in their own way :-)

Happy new thread, Mark!

>1 msf59: Lovely colours!

>2 msf59: Ah! Very cute again.

>7 bell7: Thanks, Mary. Sorry, Kitchen Confidential didn't work for you. I like tough and edgy and this delivers on that level.

>8 drneutron: >9 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Jim & Figs.

>10 quondame: Thanks, Susan and hooray for the cute ones in the family. I did not expect to connect with the Bourdain memoir like I am. I will have to check out some of his shows.

>11 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. Whenever I am not sure what my topper is, I will lean toward seasonal artwork.

>12 FAMeulstee: >13 EllaTim: Thanks, Anita & Ella. Glad you like the toppers. The bluebird was my photo.

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Sunday to you.

>1 msf59: I’ve never seen Pol Ledent’s art and am absolutely stunned. Thank you.

Cardinals and Finches, rinse and repeat.

Hi, Mark. Great toppers!! All of them! Two-footed, four-footed winged and acrylic (or whatever paint he used)! Gorgeous!

Happy new one, Mark.

>15 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I had not heard of that artist either. I do know, while walking the trails, how pretty it is this time of year and this captures it a little bit. Hooray for ubiquitous cardinals & finches.

>16 jessibud2: Happy Sunday, Shelley and thanks. I like featuring what I am most fond of. Sorry Sue. LOL.

>17 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie.

^Since my Cubs really tanked this year, I have been waiting for my Bears to take the field. They are not projected to do very well, below .500, but I can't wait to see what they do. They take on the 49ers today in the season opener. Go Justin Fields! We need you to really step up.

>1 msf59: What a beautiful fall image, Birddude...say, are y'all about to get migrated over sometime soon? That should get you some birding time, right?

>20 richardderus: Happy Sunday, Richard. Fall migration is already in full swing. Different bird species come through at different times, so it is always exciting or at least it is for us birder geeks. I also love the fall.

"This classic 1971 novel--the one that catapulted its author to national fame--is the perfect introduction to the grimly hysterical world of legendary writer, poet, and Dirty Old Man Charles Bukowski and his fictional alter ego, Chinaski."

^I worked as a mail-carrier for 34 years without reading Post Office. WTH? Of course, I had heard of Bukowski for decades. I remember really enjoying the film, Barfly, with Mickey Rourke but had never read his fiction or poetry. It took reading Ask the Dust, a few weeks ago, to put Bukowski back on my radar. I am 50 pages in and loving it. It brings back memories- good and bad. 😁

I fell way behind in your last thread, but I'm making a fresh start with this one. Happy is-it-really-here autumn!

Wow! What a beautiful topper! Actually, all of your topping pictures are terrific!

Happy reading, etc.!

Karen O.

>2 msf59: Love the pics!

Happy new thread, Mark!

Hi Mark, I am happy to say that I am all caught up here! I haven't read Kitchen Confidential although I did enjoy many of Bourdain's shows. I will have to add this one to my list.

>23 labfs39: Hi, Lisa. Always nice to see you. As you can tell, all good here. I will have to stop by and see what you are reading.

>24 klobrien2: >25 alcottacre: Thanks, Karen & Stasia. Glad you like the toppers.

>26 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy. I hope you had a good weekend. I am glad I could add Kitchen Confidential to your list. It is a good one.

Mercury Pictures Presents by Anthony Marra 4.2 stars

“No one truly touched by reality believes it worth honoring. What monster or dullard provisioned with Hollywood’s godly powers would reproduce life as it was, without revision or redemption?”

“The compact opulence of her build was downright subversive in this city of willowy starlets. She was Rubenesque, and, like both painter and deli snadwich, irrefutable proof of Creation’s genius.”

At the center of this story, is Maria Lagana, who left Rome and arrived in LA, as a child. It was the early 1900s and over the next 15 years, through her drive and determination she rose through the ranks in a small Hollywood studio, called Mercury Pictures. This is one part of the tale, there are many other threads to follow, both in Italy, at the rise of the Third Reich and back in LA, as movies moved from the silent era to sound. Marra is a master wordsmith and I love his writing. The novel meanders a bit in the final third, taking a few narrative detours, that I found unnecessary but overall, it was a fine read and I am glad to see Marra back after a long hiatus.

'Morning, Mark. I hope you have a good day. Congrats to your Bears. My Panthers didn't fare as well, although Mayfield's 50-yard pass to Robbie Anderson for a TD was a thing of beauty. Unfortunately, they got off to a slow start.

The early days of film making have always fascinated me, and I love the pic in >28 msf59:.

>29 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Sorry about your Panthers. Yah, for the Bears. They will have their hands full with the Packers next week. Glad you like the vintage Hollywood pic.

Holocaust Stories

These are the stories
no one wants to tell,
but must be told.
Memory cannot hold them fast,
They fade with the death
of the last survivor.
Victim, guard, even they
do not remember it all.

But story binds the actual
to the true.
It is no coincidence
that history ends this way.
We made it true again, truer,
because story sticks
when memory fails.

Water over stone, day by day,
leaves but a small impression.
Centuries later,
with searching fingers
we read the truth
of the rounded rocks.
What was lost
is found again
in that reading.

-Jane Yolen

Kaddish: Before the Holocaust and After by Jane Yolen 4.6 stars

I highly recommend this poetry collection, which is dedicated to the memory of the Holocaust. Many dark gems here. I want to thank Benita for sending me this from ALA. Perfect choice.

>32 msf59: I’ve got Kaddish requested. Thanks for the heads-up!

Karen O

I am looking forward to watching Ken Burns' new doc about the U.S. and the Holocaust. Which reminds me, I need to check if it's started yet...

Congrats to your Bears. I loved the video of the players running and sliding on the soaked field after the game!

>28 msf59: I have had that one in the BlackHole since I found out about it. Now I just need to get it read!

>32 msf59: While that one seems a natural for me to read, given my interests, I have less than no interest in poetry, lol.

Have a marvelous Monday, Mark!

>33 klobrien2: I am glad I got you with a BB, on Kaddish, Karen. It is a terrific collection.

>34 katiekrug: Hi, Katie. I will have to look for that Burns doc. Thanks. Yep, it was quite an entertaining Bears game, especially with the surprise comeback. I have never seen a game played in that kind of downpour, notably in the 4th quarter.

>35 alcottacre: Hi, Stasia. I am sure you will enjoy Mercury Pictures Presents, once you get to it. Kaddish might work, even for someone who is not a fan of poetry. Just sayin'...

I thought you would enjoy this.

Stunning toppers, Mark...autumnal art, Bluebird of happiness, Jack in the pool (more happiness), and Juno. I love that you have a dog to love again.

>28 msf59: Mercury Pictures Presents is already on my TBR list. I think I will wait until winter to read it. I will have more time then to appreciate a long book with multiple storylines.

I'm finding that every time I visit your thread, I have to bop up to the top to see that wonderful picture again! Just spectacular!

Have a great week!

Karen O

>37 richardderus: I love it, Richard. I cannot wait for the day when he finally gets his comeuppance.

>38 Donna828: >39 Donna828: Thanks, Donna. Glad you like my photo selections. I think Juno has found a home here. She sure is a fine addition. I am glad you have Mercury Pictures Presents in your future. I can't imagining you not enjoying it.

>40 klobrien2: LOL. Glad you are enjoying that topper, Karen. I had to decide between two. I think I made the right choice.

^I think this sums it up pretty well.

>36 msf59: Mark writes: I have never seen a game played in that kind of downpour. Do you remember the infamous "Fog Bowl"? It was played at Soldier Field on Dec. 31, 1988, a playoff game between the Eagles and the Bears that was won by the Bears. If you don't remember it, here's a link to an account (with several photos): https://www.history.com/news/nfl-fog-bowl-game-bizarre-weather

Rain? Soldier Field was the site of the annual "College All-Stars" game, featuring a team made up of players leaving college and entering the pros. The last one was held in 1976, with the Steelers defeating the all-stars 24 to zip. The game was ended in the third quarter in a deluge. A DELUGE. Turned out to be the last such game. Here's a link to video of the game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0lkHGKV44U

I remember watching both games.

Loved >1 msf59: >2 msf59: and >6 msf59: Mark. >6 msf59: beautifully subtle.

>43 weird_O: Howdy, Bill. I do remember the "Fog Bowl". Was that Doug Flutie? (it was Mike Tomczak as QB) That was another crazy game. I do not remember the "College All-Stars" game, though. That sounds pretty cool, though. Thanks for sharing the links.

>44 Caroline_McElwee: Hi, Caroline. Glad you like my toppers and The Queen tribute.

'Morning, Mark! Happy Tuesday.

Cardinals and Finches. Looks like a Carolina Chickadee on the suet feeder.

>46 msf59: Vale QEII.

Happy Tuesday, Mark.

>34 katiekrug:- Katie, the Burns doc starts on Sept. 18 and runs over 3 nights on PBS. Also, I am on my tablet now and don't know how to copy and paste a link, but if you go to the website of CBS Sunday Morning, there was a segment last week (or was it the week before, can't remember) where Burns and one of his collaborators talk about the making of the doc and more importantly, why they made it. He is, in my opinion, brilliant, on so many levels.

Happy new thread, Mark! Love the photos up top!

>45 msf59: I forgot about Mike Tomczak. I though Jim McMahon was the Bears QB during that period; perhaps he was injured. Flutie wasn't listed on the roster then, but Jim Harbaugh was.

In other football related news, I yielded to my internal demons and signed up for YouTube TV. I watched the Seahawks-Broncos game from start to finish, first game I've watched in its entirety in a couple of years. (And I'm set to view the Ken Burns Holocaust doc next week.)

Mired in a reading slump, sorry to say.

>49 jessibud2: - Thanks, Shelley!

Hi Mark!

>47 karenmarie: Happy Tuesday, Karen. Hooray for the chickadee sighting.

>48 richardderus: Back at ya, Richard. I hope you are curled up and enjoying those books.

>49 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley, for the Burns info. Certain to be a winner.

>50 scaifea: Thanks, Amber. Always good to see you.

>51 weird_O: Howdy, Bill. Looks like McMahon's last year with the Bears was '88. Maybe he was on his way out. What an interesting career Harbaugh had, right? Congrats on watching a complete NFL game. Football is easily my favorite sport to watch, as long as it is a good match-up.
Boo, to the book slump. That stinks.

>52 katiekrug: Happy Tuesday, Katie.

"A collection of twelve powerful and moving new stories from one of Ireland’s most celebrated writers."

I had not heard of Bernard MacLaverty until Bonnie warbled about Blank Pages and Other Stories earlier this year. I never ignore Bonnie's warbling, so I knew I had to read this one, plus I have been itching to read a story collection. I started it today. It looks like this author is an acclaimed Irish author. Has anyone else read him?

>49 jessibud2: I watched the CBS interview with Ken Burns. Thanks for the heads up. The link is here.

>55 labfs39: Thanks, Lisa. I will check it out.

'Morning, Mark, and happy Wednesday to you. Yay for picking up the new camper.

Trying to wake up with my first cup of coffee.

Morning, Karen and thanks. Enjoy that first cup of coffee. I am going to let Juno out and then I am outta here! Wish me luck.

>49 jessibud2: Thanks for the info, Shelley, as I too am a Ken Burns fan.

>54 msf59: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks, Mark!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

>58 msf59: I hope your new camper proves a good time!

Happy New Thread!

Nice looking camper! Of course not as nice as other new additions in the last year, but I predict, that boy and dog and camper will make some wonderful memories. :)

I'll have to check out that Ken Burns series on the Holocaust. Thanks for mentioning it.

Hi Mark! Hopelessly behind on your speedy thread, but....

>4 msf59: State of Wonder how about October?

>37 richardderus: >42 msf59: I am laughing, but sadly.

And congrats on the new camper!! Have you planned your first trip?

Hi, Mark! Happy new thread. I love the painting up top. Haven't heard of that artist, but plan to google him as soon as I get off LT. Love the pics of Jackson too. What a cutie!

>59 alcottacre: Happy Wednesday, Stasia. Blank Pages and Other Stories is off to a very good start.

>60 richardderus: Hey, RD. The camper sure looks good in our driveway. 😁

>61 streamsong: Thanks, Janet. Always good to see you. Yep, a precious one year old, a new dog and a new camper- All good here, my friend.

>62 Berly: Hey, Kimmers. Your visits always put a smile on my face. I think State of Wonder would be better for mid-October. My stacks are beginning to overwhelm. Thanks for following through.

Yes, the camper is currently on our driveway and we are camping at a local forest preserve this weekend. Yah!!

>63 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary. Happy Wednesday. Glad you like the colorful topper. It is turning out to be a hit. Hooray for Jackson! I will see him on Friday.

>54 msf59: Wow I hope you enjoy it as much as I did Mark. I just picked up another one of his called Grace Notes.

Funny but I actually came over here to ask if you'd ever read Frank O'Connor because I just finished this one . 701 pages but it was excellent. He's long dead but he wrote in the early to mid 20th century, stories about life in Ireland. Just wonderful. Add that one to your list of short stories to try.

^I picked up our camper, (travel trailer) today. We will leave it at the same storage area, which is about 30 miles from here. Unless we find somewhere closer for a similar price. I had new tires put on the trailer. It is currently parked in our driveway. I definitely need more practice backing up this bad boy, but driving it, is not bad at all. We will clean the camper and start stocking it, while it is here. We go to a local forest preserve to try it out this weekend. Yah!!

Whoohooo!

>65 brenzi: Happy Wednesday, Bonnie. I was going to stop by your thread and mention that I started Blank Pages. 3 stories in and really enjoying it. Nice recommendation. I have heard of Frank O' Connor but I have never read him. Thanks for another solid suggestion.

-Mike Luckovich

Camper looks great!

>66 msf59: What a handsome trailer. It looks like your truck and trailer match quite nicely.

>66 msf59: Great looking camper, Mark! Congrats and happy travels.

For some reason it puts me in mind of a movie I love,The Long, Long Trailer…

>66 msf59: Wow, it is large, Mark!
Enough space for a longer stay. Will Juno go with you, when you go out camping?

That is some camper, Mark, larger than I imagined. You and Sue (and Juno!) should be really comfortable in it. Have a great time!

>70 drneutron: Thanks, Jim.

>71 figsfromthistle: We are all about the color schemes, Figs, or just lucky. LOL.

>72 Copperskye: Thanks, Joanne. Lucy & Desi? Not quite as funny or elegant. More grunge.

>73 FAMeulstee: It doesn't seem as big, when you are in it. We are happy with a larger bathroom in the back though. We do plan on taking Juno camping but probably not on the next 2 trips.

>74 lauralkeet: Sweet Thursday, Laura. Sue thinks it is too long also but she picked it. LOL. There is a queen bed in front with a curtain, which probably sold it for me.

^Stasia and I are reading Us Against Them next week, if anyone else would like to join us. I really enjoyed Beartown but that was 5 years ago. I can't believe it has taken me this long to get to this follow-up. The third in the trilogy is expected to be released in the states this fall.

Have you ever watched the light but funny-for-camper-owners movie RV with Robin Williams?

‘Morning, Mark, and sweet Thursday to you.

>66 msf59: Gorgeous and impressive.

>70 drneutron: Sad, but true.

>66 msf59: I get collywobbles imagining trying to back the beast into a space...but it will transform y'all's camping experience for the better!

>69 msf59: Hah! I saw this on FB and thought about posting it on my thread. Great minds and all that.

Hurray for getting together with Jackson tomorrow!

Hey there just catching up

Backman, would like to and will get to it eventually, got too much backlog, and that’s just his stuff. Lol

Mercury Pictures Presents - that’s definitely a BB for me

Bukowski - he’s from San Pedro, or at least he died here. My kind had to read Post Office and Ham on Rye in high school. I need to read them. Thanks for the nudge

>76 msf59: Ooh! I will definitely have to get my hands on a copy of Us Against You because I love Backman and Beartown!

>66 msf59: Nice!

>76 msf59: Looking forward to it. I am glad I am getting to it so soon after reading Beartown. Normally it takes me forever to get trilogies or series read.

Have a fantastic Friday, Mark!

>54 msf59: Yes Mark, I read much of Bernard Maclaverty's work, from Cal and Lamb in the 1980s onward. I have this collection in the tbr mountain. They made fine films of both books too.

>77 labfs39: I do not think I have seen that one, Lisa. I will try to seek it out. Thanks.

>78 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. It was a busy day yesterday and this was my first chance getting back here.

>79 richardderus: I am sure I will continue to get collywobbles too, RD, but it should get easier with experience.

>80 Storeetllr: Happy Friday, Mary. Yep, I am looking forward to my Jackson day. I sense another trail hike with the little guy.

>81 mahsdad: Hey, Jeff. Good to see you. Have you read Beartown? If not, I think you would really like it, along with Mercury Pictures Presents. I hope you can find time to read the Bukowski. Yep, so many books...

>82 Berly: I know you are juggling a few books at the moment but we would love for you to join us on Us Against You, Kim.

>82 Berly: "Normally it takes me forever to get trilogies or series read." Amen, to that, Stasia. That is why I appreciate my LT buds, to give me reminders, otherwise...forgetaboutit!! You have a great day too.

>83 alcottacre: I am so glad to hear you are a Maclaverty fan, Caroline. I am sure I will be seeking out more of his work, in the future.

‘Morning, Mark! Happy Friday to you. Enjoy your Jackson time and good luck on your first trip with the new camper.

>76 msf59: I loved A Man Called Ove but haven’t been called to read anything else by him. However, our book club is reading Anxious People for the November meeting and it looks promising.

>86 msf59: Yeah, I've read Beartown, not my favorite, but pretty darn good. My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry is still my favorite.

I've got Anxious People and Britt-Marie Was Here on the shelf

Hi Mark! I hope you and Sue are enjoying The Camper and The Camp Site and etc.

Like >89 mahsdad: mahsdad, Beartown was not my favorite, but I've loved everything else he's written. Anxious People and And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer are my favorites. And Ove, of course.

Happy weekend, Mark! I have yet to read anything by Backman, though I keep meaning to.

Nice trailer up there, Mark. I rode (and camped) in one like that about a million years ago. I was 17 and went with my parents from Upper Michigan to Florida and then backtracked to Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri so my dad could finish out his military career. It wasn't much fun for me hanging out in close quarters with my parents. You, Sue, Jack, and Juno will get along much better I'm sure. ;-)

Greetings from Blackwell Forest Preserve, in Warrenville IL. It is about 15 miles from home, in a nice wooded area. Our first 2 days and nights in the new camper went very well. I am still not sure how to copy and share pics on my cell, so I will do that when I get home. We had several visitors in those 2 days, including our precious Jackson. You know I am in heaven, when I can "bird" and read, while sitting at my campsite, with a cup of coffee.

Thanks for visiting. I will catch up with everyone when I get home. We leave around noon.

>94 msf59: It sounds like a tremendously fun mini-escape, Mark. Glad this has worked out for y'all.

^No words necessary. On the camping flag- this camping group formed when we had a Wii Bowling League. That ended about 7 or 8 years ago but strong friendships and camping continue.

>87 karenmarie: >90 karenmarie: Happy Sunday, Karen. Thanks for your visits. As you can tell we had a great time camping. I hope you have a good time with Anxious People. It is a fun, light read. I will be back visiting tomorrow.

>89 mahsdad: Hey, Jeff. I hope you had a good weekend. Maybe, we could nudge you into reading Us Against You. I also had a good time with My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry.

>91 labfs39: Happy Sunday, Lisa. I have not read And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer: A Novella. Glad to know you enjoyed it.

>92 banjo123: Happy Sunday, Rhonda. In regard to Backman, I would start with A Man Called Ove, but I also loved Beartown but, as you can tell, not everyone loved it.

>93 Donna828: Hi, Donna. Thanks for sharing your camping memories. I am assuming you have not done any in decades, right? We never camped as kids. My first taste was in the military, and I hated it. LOL. When I met Sue, she also hated camping. I guess, things change. Double LOL.

>95 richardderus: Thanks, RD. As you can see, we had a great time on our Maiden Voyage.

Great photos, Mark. Did all of you (including Jack) stay in the camper? Where is Juno?

>96 msf59: >97 msf59: Oh what a wonderful time! Has Jack got some foot wear in case he starts his roaming career?

Hi Mark. Dropped by to express my wish, my hope, that you and yours had a stellar camp-out. Ha! Seems that you sure did. Excellent. I was called to a library sale to see if there was anything I could do to "Save the Library Books!!" There was. I took in more books than Martha's Vineyard took in migrants (shanghaied from Texas by Floridah Man. Uh on his personal expense account, I'm sure).

Hi Mark, your camping trip looks like it was fun. I can tell from the expression on Jackson's face that he loves the experience! I am currently reading Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and I am totally swept up in this story!

'Morning, Mark!

>96 msf59: and >97 msf59: Thank you for the pics. I especially love the photo of you, Sue, and Jackson, although all are wonderful of course.

One House Finch is on the sunflower seed feeder, otherwise all's quiet on the feeder front.

>99 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. Only Sue and I stayed in the camper. Bree and family came out Friday night, along with friends. Juno stayed home with my son for the weekend. We plan on bring her on camping trips but not for the first couple of times. It will still be tricky. She is not a lap dog. LOL.

>100 quondame: Hi, Susan. Jack does not wear shoes very often but he should have that day. When Bree came out on Saturday, he was wearing shoes.

>101 weird_O: ""Save the Library Books!!" If there is anyone better to call than you, in a crisis like this, I can't think of it. I will have to stop by and see how you did. Funny, I can't make a dent in the books I already own.

>102 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy. We sure had a good time. Thanks. I am so glad you are enjoying Never Let Me Go. I also loved that book.

>103 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Glad you like the pics. Yep, you can see we had a good time. All my feeders are empty. I have to take care of that today.

Great camping pics, Mark. It looks like you had a successful first outing. Here's to many more.

Those're some happy smiles! I'm so glad this is working out so well.

Juno will be interesting to add to the mix. Should be more fun with her there, I predict.

>105 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. It was a good time.

>106 richardderus: Yep, those smiles are genuine, Richard. We will have some challenges, when Juno joins us in the camper but we will work it out. That probably won't be until next year.

-Harry Bliss

Great photos, Mark, and glad your trial run went well!

>97 msf59: That photo with you and the little fella chewing the fat outside that monster of a mobile is simply priceless.

Little chap has such an expressive face.................and your grandson does too!

>97 msf59: Looks like everyone was having a great time, Mark!

>109 Copperskye: Thanks, Joanne. That trial run gave us some of that experience we really needed.

>110 PaulCranswick: Hey, Paul. Glad you like the photos. As you can see, I have not tired of photographing this little guy. He is just too darn cute.

>111 FAMeulstee: We sure did, Anita. Happy Tuesday!

'Morning, Mark, and happy Tuesday to you.

All quiet on the bird front, with a House Finch or two and a female Cardinal.

Morning, Mark. Yes, it is. Read on, read on.

<97 That expression! Means "grown-ups can be SO ridiculous!", right? How is Juno settling in to life with the Freeburgs? I hope she knows she's landed in clover.

>113 karenmarie: Happy Tuesday, Karen. Only taking peeks at my feeders this afternoon. Nothing much happening. Very warm out there.

>114 weird_O: Howdy, Bill. I had a great reading afternoon. I am hoping for more of the same tomorrow.

>115 laytonwoman3rd: Jack definitely is an expressive child, Linda. He could have certainly been thing that, at the time of the photo. LOL. Juno is fitting in just fine and is now an official member of the Freeburg Clan.

>96 msf59: >97 msf59: Awesome!! Camping fun!!

>117 Berly: Happy Wednesday, Kimmers. It was a good camping trip. We needed the experience.

'Morning, Mark, and happy Wednesday to you. I hope the bird walk goes well.

>119 msf59: Ah yes, dogs and balls...

Oh happy day! Sez WaPo:

New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit Wednesday accusing former president Donald Trump, three of his grown children and executives at his company of flagrantly manipulating property valuations to deceive lenders, insurance brokers and tax authorities into giving them better rates on bank loans and insurance policies and to reduce their tax liability.

The suit asks the New York Supreme Court to bar Trump, as well as Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump and Eric Trump, from serving as executives at any company in New York, and to bar the Trump Organization from acquiring any commercial real estate or receiving loans from any New York-registered financial institution for five years.

It seeks to recover more than $250 million in what James’s office says are ill-gotten gains received through the alleged deceptive practices. While the lawsuit itself is not a criminal prosecution, James (D) said she has referred possible violations of federal law to the Justice Department and the IRS.

May this be the first of many.

>119 msf59: >120 karenmarie: No kidding. Nutmeg is the first ball obsessed dog we've lived with, but I've become used to having my calf assaulted with a ball or other toy any time of day.

>121 weird_O: I've been enjoying this news every time I've encountered it today. At the very least it will cost DT etc $$ as I assume his attorneys know how to get paid.

>120 karenmarie: Happy Wednesday, Karen. The walk went well. I had some terrific birders tagging along. Yah for dogs and balls!!

>121 weird_O: Happy Wednesday, Bill. I sure hope all these lawsuits, charges & investigations add up to something. I cannot believe nothing hasn't stuck yet to this despicable man.

>122 quondame: Hi, Susan. Hooray for Nutmeg and these new lawsuits against "you know who"!!

>119 msf59: What a great cartoon! Loved it.

>124 mdoris: Sweet Thursday, Mary. Good to see you. Glad you like the cartoon.

"After everything that the citizens of Beartown have gone through, they are struck yet another blow when they hear that their beloved local hockey team will soon be disbanded."

I read Beartown in the summer of 2017. I was surprised at how much I loved it. Why has it taken me so long to get to the follow-up, Us Against You? Who the heck knows but I am finally starting it today and Stasia is reading along with me. If anyone else wants to jump in. Just sayin'...

^Has anyone watched "Hacks"? What a nice surprise this is. I am 3 eps in. Jean Smart is excellent. A comedy with a nice edge. It is on HBO. Thanks to Joanne for recommending it.

I am also really enjoying The Sandman on Netflix. Only 2 or 3 eps left.

'Morning, Mark, and sweet Thursday to you. Enjoy the day at the zoo.

I'll be hanging around the house til 2-ish, then have a couple of errands at the Library in preparation for tomorrow's book sale.

Morning, Karen. The only reason I am looking forward to visiting the zoo, is that it will be with Jackson. Ooh, the book sale looms. Good luck with all of that.

>119 msf59: *snort*

>126 msf59: I've recently finished the third book in the trilogy (comes out Tuesday!), so I won't be joining you and Stasia for this one, but I'll look forward to both of your thoughts on it.

Sweet Thursday!

>127 msf59: Hacks is an excellent show! I so hope there will be a third season.

BTW, we’re loving “The Bear”—thanks again for the reccie!

Karen O

Saw this on Twitter. Seems apt, doesn't it?

I'm still around, Mark. In case you were wondering.

>130 bell7: Sweet Thursday, Mary. How was The Winners? I just started Us Against You.

>131 klobrien2: Sweet Thursday, Karen. I am enjoying "Hacks" and I am so glad to hear you had a good time with "The Bear". Come on, Season 2!!

>132 richardderus: NAILED IT, Richard!!

>133 weird_O: Glad to see you are still with us, Bill. How are those books treating you?

>134 msf59: I thought it was an excellent ending to the trilogy. Beartown and sequels are my favorites of Backman's, along with A Man Called Ove.

>135 bell7: Wow! That is great to know. Thanks, Mary. I hope to spend a lot more time in Beartown, over the next few days.

I am going to try to get to Beartown. I have a recorded version of it and will listen to it next. Right now I am listening to Water Knife and am finding parts of it to no longer be science fiction. That's scary.

>137 benitastrnad: Happy Friday, Benita. I loved Beartown on audio. I think Backman works perfectly in that format. I hope you end up enjoying The Water Knife more than I did. I liked it okay but did not love it.

"No outlaw typifies America’s mythic Wild West more than Billy the Kid. To Hell on a Fast Horse by Mark Lee Gardner is the riveting true tale of Sheriff Pat Garrett’s thrilling, break-neck chase in pursuit of the notorious bandit. "

I love reading about the Old West and the legends that populated it. I have had a copy of To Hell on a Fast Horse on shelf for years but it took acquiring an audio copy that sparked me to finally get to this one. I started it yesterday.

^Highlights from our trip to Brookfield Zoo yesterday. I have not been to a zoo in years but Jackson lured me in. I particularly had a good time with the birdies. Bree has season passes, so I am sure I will go again.

>140 msf59: - Great pics, Mark and it looks like you all had a great time. What a terrific start Jackson is getting to nature and outdoor activities.

>141 jessibud2: Happy Friday, Shelley and thanks. Bree and Sean have been taking Jack to the zoo for nearly a year now. This was my first time joining them. It will be fun and more challenging as he gets older.

Hey, Mark - saw your message on my thread. I left a link there to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail you might find interesting since you're planning a trip to that area.

Your trip to the zoo looks like fun, Mark. Hope you enjoy further excursions as much. Have a great weekend!

I haven't been to a zoo in decades. I'm glad you enjoyed the trip, Birddude!

Lovely weekend-ahead's reads.

Hi Mark--I'm a little late, but Happy New Thread--great toppers and flicks, as always.

I posted this on Joe's thread, and thought you might be interested to know about this author appearance of Tom Gauld at the Seminary Co-op, discussing his new book Revenge of the Librarians:

https://www.semcoop.com/event/tom-gauld-revenge-librarians?utm_source=Master+Lis...

Seminary Co-op is an Independent bookstore AND not-for-profit. I try to get all my new books through them. If you fancy a ride to the South Side, this might be a fun event.

>143 drneutron: Thanks, Jim. I will swing by and check out the Bourbon Trail link.

>144 bell7: Thanks, Mary. As you can tell, I love spending time with that kid.

>145 richardderus: Happy Friday, RD. If Jackson wasn't included on these zoo trips, I probably wouldn't be going either. My PM is now reserved for the books.

>146 kac522: Happy Friday, Kathy. Glad you like the toppers. Always good to see you. I will check out the link. I am a big Gauld fan.

I am going to do the Bourbon Trail when I retire. My former supervisor and I are going to make it into a short trip. I also want to spend an evening eating in Bowling Green, KY. That town is famous for its Bosnian Chefs. Right after the Bosnian War several chefs from that part of the Mediterranean settled in Bowling Green because there was a Bosnian community there. (There was a Chevrolet plant there so they had plenty of employment.) These immigrants/refugees were kind enough to share their food and chef's training with us and I want to go eat and see what all the fuss was about.

>140 msf59: I'm sure that the bird isn't twice Jackson's size, but my first impression was that I wouldn't want such an imposing dinosaur quite so near a wee dear one. Birds really can be scary.

>148 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. I am glad you have the Bourbon Trail on your To-Do list. It will be our first time and I am sure I will be discussing it more, before and after. The Bowling Green/Bosnian Chefs sounds very interesting too.

>149 quondame: Yes, that bird was as big as Jackson and we were being careful. It flew out of the enclosure and landed on the railing, right near us. It appeared very tame and very beautiful.

-Adam Zyglis

>151 msf59: A mordant chuckle is about all I could raise for that one...too terrifyingly true!

Have a happy reading weekend.

>152 richardderus: Happy Sunday, Richard. We need mordant humor from time to time. I hope you are having a book-filled weekend.

"Hilary Mantel, the British author who twice won the Booker Prize, has died at the age of 70.
The acclaimed writer, who received the prestigious award for two of the books in her historical "Wolf Hall" trilogy, died peacefully on Thursday surrounded by close family and friends, according to her agent."

RIP, Hilary Mantel. Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies are two of my very favorite historical novels. The third in the trilogy was a lesser work but what a marvelous writer. She will be missed.

Great photos of your trip Mark. Glad it was a good one.

'Morning, Mark. I thought I posted yesterday - whew. Bad Karen.

I hope you have a great day.

Yay for your Bears, yay for my Panthers.

>154 msf59: 70 sounds young to me, since I'll be 70 next June. I was sorry to read about her death.

>155 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Caroline. It was a good trip and we have another one coming up in about 10 days.

>156 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. No worries. You were just tuckered out from Saturday. Yep, the Bears won but in ugly fashion, against a fairly weak opponent. Glad to see your Panthers won.

^This looks like my current TBR stack. Happy Fall!

>158 msf59: - Love it!

Hey Mark! I love the camping photos. You are living the life, my friend.
So sad about Mantel, 70 is so young. I plan on reading Bring Up the Bodies in October. It's been on my bookshelf way to long.
How are the birdies treating you?

>158 msf59: That's a happy sight, isn't it? All those yummy stories there, ready to be harvested...

Hi Mark, it looks like Jackson enjoyed his trip to the zoo, but probably not as much as his grandad did! Enjoy these times, they grow up all too quickly.

>158 msf59: My sort of fantasy...

>159 jessibud2: Yah!!

>160 Carmenere: Hey, Lynda. Good to see. I have to agree with you, life has been good for us. May it continue. Bring Up the Bodies is wonderful. Enjoy. The birdies have been treating me fine. Our fall migration has been very productive.

>161 richardderus: Hey. RD. We sure love our "yummy stories" don't we?

>162 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy. You are probably right about me enjoying our zoo visit more than Jack. His time will come. Yep, we are trying to savor every moment.

>163 quondame: I think all of us book nerds can relate to that one, Susan.

>158 msf59: Hi Mark, I love that image!

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Tuesday to you.

>157 msf59: Panthers hung on against a Saints team that woke up in the 2nd half. It ended 22-14. Winning ugly is better than losing.

>158 msf59: Books and fall – two of my favorite things.

>165 mdoris: That one seems to be a hit, Mary. Quite predictably.

>166 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Well, it sounds like both of our teams won in ugly fashion. We are having a cool week. It may struggle to get 60F today.

>158 msf59: Love that.

>158 msf59: Sounds about right.

Hope you're having a good day, Mark.

>168 Caroline_McElwee: Glad you like my autumn books post, Caroline.

>169 bell7: Happy Tuesday, Mary. I hope the work week is off to a good start.

'Morning, Mark! Happy Wednesday.

Cool out, 42F, and now that Jenna's working I have to put out the suet and hummingbird feeders myself. All quiet on the bird front.

Morning, Karen. You have to put out your suet and hummingbird feeder, by yourself? Well, that's not fair. Grins...Yep, only 44F here.

>173 msf59: - LOL! I will have to remember that next time I travel by train to Montreal, especially now that mask restrictions have been (stupidly) removed, as of this Saturday. I am not happy about that. Maybe I'll tweak the *title* a bit... ;-) Bad Shelley

>173 msf59: Ha! Cute. Hoping it's a perfect day.

>173 msf59: I love it!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, Mark!

>174 jessibud2: Hooray for Bad Shelley! I think all of us in the reading world can feel the same way.

>175 richardderus: Happy Wednesday, Richard.

>176 alcottacre: Happy Wednesday, Stasia. I have added our January date up above. I just finished Us Against You. I liked it. 👍

I am about half way through listening to Water Knife and finally have time to sit down and write something in response to your earlier question to me about the book. I think I got this book as an ARC when we were all in Chicago for the ALA conference when the book was first published. I decided to read/listen to it after I read the following articles (series of articles) on the NPR web site.

https://www.npr.org/2022/09/15/1123289459/arizona-has-5-5-years-of-excess-colora...
https://www.npr.org/2022/09/21/1124218312/states-dependent-on-colorado-river-won...
https://www.npr.org/2022/09/22/1124150368/where-the-colorado-river-crisis-is-hit...

Reading this reminded me of the book Water Knife and I decided to pull it out of the box it was in and read it. Then I found my local public library had the recorded version so I started listening to it. The book is telling in fictionalized form what the radio stories tell in facts. I am amazed that Bacigalupi was able to translate these climate change facts into fiction. Of course, that is what Bacigalupi is known for - apocalyptical scenario novels. (I also have his book Windup Girl in my collection and do plan on reading it. It is about a post-oil world in which food shortages are the norm.) His YA novel Ship Breaker won the Prince award from ALA and it is about genetically engineered humans. I do plan on reading/listening to this one as well.

I am finding Water Knife to be a very dark and gritty novel and I really don't like all the violence in it, but I am committed and now engaged with the novel so I think I will finish it, even with the blood and guts. However, I don't like the graphic descriptions of violence. What I do like, is that he was right about the water crisis. I have long said that Phoenix, Las Vegas, and most of Southern California should require that people moving into the area have to pay the water bill up-front, or they should have to pay a flat water fee something in the neighborhood of $50,000 per person up-front. For each person in the household. People who have lawns and swimming pools should be fined and those two items should be outlawed for residents of the Southwest. Golf courses, park, and farming in the southwest should be curtailed and restricted and strictly controlled. We should be doing this now. The nation simply can't ignore the fact that the water in the Southwest is running out, as is the water in the Central Plains - but that is another story.

I am not sure about the quality of the writing and will wait to give my verdict on that until I have finished the book.

I was amused - the Water Knives are required to read Cadillac Desert by Marc Resiner. I have read this book and wonder why more people haven't read it?

>178 benitastrnad: Heh, lots of us were born in So. Calif and well, there are laws that say U.S. citizens are free to move where they want, rather important laws actually. Not that they can afford to live where they want, that's different.

>178 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. Thanks for all your thoughts and links, on The Water Knife. I think I may have also snagged a copy from ALA. I read it in 2015. I really liked The Windup Girl & Ship Breaker, so I recommend both. The Water Knife just didn't click with me. I completely agree with you about the water shortage in the West. It may even be too late for drastic measures. I should get to Cadillac Desert. Sounds really good.

-Barry Blitt

lol

"In Jonathan Dee’s elegant and explosive new novel, Sugar Street, an unnamed male narrator has hit the road. Rid of any possible identifiers, his possessions amount to $168,548 in cash stashed in an envelope under his car seat. Vigilantly avoiding security cameras, he drives until he hits a city where his past is unlikely to track him down..."

I have enjoyed Dee in the past- The Privileges & The Locals were solid reads. His latest, released this month, has an intriguing premise. I dipped into it yesterday. Thanks to Benita for snagging it for me from ALA.
Has anyone read Dee?

"Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, this is the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father's good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival."

^Fans of Barbara Kingsolver rejoice. She has a new novel coming out next month and Demon Copperhead sounds promising. It is her modern take on David Copperfield. I am sure Richard is doing cartwheels.

Morning, Mark!

I've not read any Dee, but I think I have The Locals on my Kindle. I look forward to your thoughts on Sugar Street, as it sounds interesting.

>185 katiekrug: Morning, Katie. I definitely recommend The Locals and Sugar Street is off to a good start. I like his spare style.

‘Morning, Mark, Sweet Thursday to you.

>173 msf59: Excellent idea. Jenna found the text-version equivalent for me a while back:



>178 benitastrnad: Water Knife’s a BB, Benita, and on Mark’s thread at that. I just ordered a copy from Amazon.

I have long said that Phoenix, Las Vegas, and most of Southern California should require that people moving into the area have to pay the water bill up-front, or they should have to pay a flat water fee something in the neighborhood of $50,000 per person up-front. For each person in the household. People who have lawns and swimming pools should be fined and those two items should be outlawed for residents of the Southwest. Golf courses, park, and farming in the southwest should be curtailed and restricted and strictly controlled. We should be doing this now. The nation simply can't ignore the fact that the water in the Southwest is running out, as is the water in the Central Plains - but that is another story.

Nope. That thinking would require people who live in Florida or the Gulf Coast or the East Coast to pay fees in advance for when catastrophic hurricanes devastate an area. Or people who live in Tornado Alley ditto. I agree with >179 quondame: Susan.

>181 msf59: Ah yes, the Rube Goldberg of politics.

>184 msf59: I am looking forward to receiving my pre-ordered copy of that one.

>177 msf59: It sounds like you enjoyed Us Against You more than I am doing, Mark. I ranked Beartown at 4.25 stars. This one is not nearly as high for me.

>184 msf59: I did not know she had a new book coming out. That is great news!

>178 benitastrnad:, >180 msf59: Cadillac Desert is an astonishing book. I read it nearly a dozen years ago, and a lot of it has stuck with me to this day. The extraordinary cost of moving water hither and thither. And where are we? Just on Tuesday, I discovered a copy of A Dangerous Place, a Reisner book published posthumously in 2003, at a library book sale. It's a warning about the seismic volatility of California.

>184 msf59:
Yay.

>187 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. I love Jenna's text- version. I agree with you on Benita's response. That is a bit extreme.

>188 laytonwoman3rd: Hi, Linda. Great to see you. Another Kingsolver fan. Yah!

>189 alcottacre: Sweet Thursday, Stasia. It looks like you might end up giving the Backman 3.5 or so. I liked it, just a bit more but I agree Beartown was better.

>190 weird_O: Howdy, Bill. It looks like I should get to Cadillac Desert at some point.

>191 richardderus: Sweet Thursday, RD. Some good moves there, my friend.

-Clay Bennett

>193 msf59: No. De Santis, Rick Scott, and Marco Rubio must...leave. Then the Weather Goddesses will let Florida up (and go after Alabama).

>184 msf59: I can't wait!

>187 karenmarie:
It is an interesting thing about tornado alley. Where is it? People thought that it was in the Central Plains, and that is where it should be, but with climate change tornado's are everywhere. It is also interesting that tornados kill more people outside of the traditional tornado alley than they do in it. The reason - depopulation of the Plains. A tornado can touch down and never hit a living thing other than plants due to the miles and miles of open country. Oh that sounds delicious! It is a good thing that retirement is getting closer and closer and I can move back out there where the population density is 2 per square mile. Contrast that with the growing population of many of the states where tornados are now commonplace. States like Alabama and Mississippi. These are becoming the new tornado alley and they have so many more people packed into much smaller states. Alabama is about half the size of Kansas with twice the population.

I lived 36 years of my life in Kansas and never saw a single tornado in all that time. I live off and on in Alabama for 30 years and never see a single tornado. However, I did see the results of 2 fairly close. One, the great Tuscaloosa Tornado of 2011 laid a tree down in front of the door to my apartment and kept my electricity off for two weeks.

I have never understood the attraction that people have for coastlines. For me they are pretty enough, but just to visit. I wouldn't want to live there.

>190 weird_O:
Cadillac Desert plays a prominent role in the plot of Water Knife. I was not aware that Reisner had written another book until a few years ago.

Cadillac Desert was made into a PBS documentary and if I get time I will see if I can track down more information on it. In these days it might be available on some streaming source and would make interesting watching.

>194 richardderus: Yep, the Sunshine State really knows how to churn them out, right, RD. A maniac breeding ground.

>195 figsfromthistle: Yah!!

>196 benitastrnad: I know tornados have increased in the Midwest, Benita, (some striking uncomfortably close) and touching down in areas that have rarely had tornados. They have even occurred in Canada, which you wouldn't think possible. I definitely sparked my interest in Cadillac Desert.

'Morning, Mark! Happy Friday to you.

We're between bands of Hurricane Ian rain right now. The interesting thing about hurricanes is how the winds shift. Right now they're moving NNW, but the circular nature of the storm will have them going through all iterations of NESW over the course of the next day or so.

>199 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Good luck with the storms. Stay safe indoors with the books and the kitties.

Flung Out of Space: Inspired by the Indecent Adventures of Patricia Highsmith by Grace Ellis 4.2 stars

I knew very little about the life of Patricia Highsmith, other than, that she was gay and authored some terrific books. This excellent illustrated biography filled me in. It turns out she was a very complex, unpleasant person, along with being immensely talented. She was also a heavy drinker and smoker. It covers her early years, writing comics, which she abhorred, and this led to writing Strangers on a Train and her landmark lesbian novel The Price of Salt, later titled Carol. I am sure there are much more detailed bios about Highsmith out there but if you want a condensed version, I highly recommend this graphic novel.



*I want to thank Lisa, over on Club Read for turning me on to this one.

**Has anyone read The Price of Salt? I did see the film Carol, (very good) but I am curious about the novel, which was originally released under the pseudonym Claire Morgan.

Related to Cadillac Desert, Assembling California by John McPhee (my choice for this month's American Challenge)
has some great water quotes, like "Arizona is mining its groundwater."

Happy Friday, Mark! I love the family photos with Jackson, “Mr. Personality”. It’s easy to tell he’s going to bring a lot of joy growing up. Good job, Bree!

Flung Out of Space looks intriguing; I’m going to check with the library. She sure was a talented author.

All is well with us. We’re heading to Chicago Shakespeare tonight to see a musical version of The Notebook. Their quality is usually high, so I have my fingers crossed. Theater and basketball seasons are back, so I’m a happy guy.

The Price of Salt is deffo worth your eyeblinks. I'd give it four stars now, probably was five when I first read it in the 1980s.

Happy Friday, Mark! I hope you have a great day and a wonderful weekend.

>202 m.belljackson: Hi, Marianne. Great to see you. I will also add Assembling California to MT. TBR. Have you read Cadillac Desert?

>203 jnwelch: Happy Friday, Joe. Always a pleasure to see you. Yep, Jack is definitely “Mr. Personality” and continues to bring joy to our lives. I think you will like Flung Out of Space. Enjoy your time at the theater tonight and I know you are stoked about the NBA season. I hope the best for the Bulls.

>204 richardderus: Hey, RD. Thanks for the nod at The Price of Salt. I hope to get to it one of these days. I wonder how well it holds up?

>205 alcottacre: Happy Friday, Stasia. Enjoy a book-filled weekend.

^I have been meaning to post some Juno pics. She is doing just fine at Casa Freeburg

>207 msf59: She has such a great smile! Quiet, shy, sweet.

>207 msf59: - She's so cute!

>207 msf59: Aww. The sweetie!

Thanks, Richard, Katie & Susan. Jackson is our special boy and Juno is our special girl.

>207 msf59: Such a sweet and gentle smile at the first picture. You can see Juno has found a home :-)

>212 FAMeulstee: Happy Saturday, Anita. Juno has fit in well here. She loves hanging out with me during the day.

I had a solid reading month in September. Clocking in 10 books. It was nice having Anthony Marra back with a new novel and a good one too. Patrick Radden Keefe has quickly become one of my favorite NF writers. I am also glad to have finally read Bukowski. My favorite read of the month and quite a surprise too, was the cooking memoir Kitchen Confidential. Still thinking about that one. I also want to give a shout out to Kaddish: Before the Holocaust and After, an excellent poetry collection.

On Deck for October:

Ski Jumpers by Peter Geye
Waltzing the Cat by Pam Houston
The Devil Takes You Home by Gabino Iglesias
The Book of Jonas by Stephen Dau

^^If anyone wants to join me on any these, jump right in.

Hiya Mark! I love the Juno pics. She looks a little smaller than I imagined. Or maybe that's just the angle. Anyway, she's a sweetheart.

>215 lauralkeet: Happy Saturday, Laura. Juno is a small Rott, which is perfect for us. Other than her size, she does have that classic Rott look, with a perfect head.

-Roz Chast

^I need to forward this one to my dear wife.

>217 msf59: This cartoon is so great! I am always thrilled when I come across Roz Chast—she is brilliant!

Karen O

I ran across this aspirational library space on #FridayNightZillow this week.

I would commit all the venial and quite a few of the mortal sins to have this space in my home.

>219 richardderus: I think we all aspire to something similar. *sigh*

>220 laytonwoman3rd: *sigh* indeed
***
So Birddude! Go have a gander at this UK bird sanctuary video clip. (Ignore the silly juvenile presenters.) https://youtu.be/GdxFY_wtiOI?t=750

Hi Mark. Do you know about this place? I just read about it in one of the birdwatching newsletters I subscribe to:

https://www.birdwatchingdaily.com/news/birdwatching/magic-stump-documentary-high...

>218 klobrien2: Another Roz Chast fan! Yah. Looking forward to a new GN from her.

>219 richardderus: >221 richardderus: Hey, RD. That library is stunning. I could get very comfortable there. Thanks for the UK bird sanctuary link. Awesome stuff. I particularly love the eagle owl. Wowza!

>220 laytonwoman3rd: I concur, Linda...

>222 jessibud2: Happy Saturday, Shelley. I have heard of the Magic Stump but I have not been there and I did not know there was a documentary about it. I have been meaning to get down there. I have never seen a prairie falcon. I also did not realize they are the only endemic falcon in America. Cool stuff.

...waitwaitwait...we only have ONE endemic falcon species?!? Wow. I am floored.

I'm glad you enjoyed those amazing owls!

"A writer and former ski jumper facing a terminal diagnosis takes one more leap—into a past of soaring flights and broken family bonds"

I really enjoyed Geye's earlier novels, The Lighthouse Road & Safe From the Sea but somehow missed Wintering and Northernmost. I am hoping his latest The Ski Jumpers, about a family of, you guessed it, ski jumpers puts me back on track with Geye's work. I have already started it today and it is immediately shaping up to be another winner. Footnote: I met Peter Geye at a Booktopia event in MI, a number of years ago.

>224 richardderus: I am sure your tongue was firmly in cheek when you typed that, RD. LOL. Honestly, I don't think the US has very many endemic species at all.

Okay, I just checked. There are only 15 species endemic to the US, more than I thought. I have only seen one of them, the Carolina Chickadee. Several others are on my list.



^I would love to see a yellow-billed magpie.

>226 msf59: Yeah, well, I never want to be *too* easy to predict but that was a slow one down the fat part of the middle!

...what a glorious shot...pretty bird caught in the exact perfect cycle to show everything off. There's a photographer who's proud as hell!

>225 msf59: I got my DRC request in too late and my "wish" hasn't been granted (?yet?). I've followed him since you warbled your fool lungs out about him all those years ago!

>217 msf59: Roz Chast is the best! Yes her books are a wonder too!

>225 msf59: Mark, I picked up The Ski Jumpers at the library a few days ago. I hope to jump in this weekend. Haha. I have liked all his other books.

>227 richardderus: I got an e-galley copy of The Ski Jumpers too. I think from Edelweiss. That is the main reason I wanted to get to it. I have had it a couple of months. Hooray for the cuckoo. Beautiful photo.

>228 mdoris: Hi, Mary. Hooray for Chast.

>229 Donna828: Happy Saturday, Donna. Nice to hear from another Geye fan. Glad to hear you will be starting The Ski Jumpers soon. I am a hundred pages in and really enjoying it. Have you read all of his books?

83- Us Against You (Beartown Series) by Fredrik Backman 3.8 stars

We return to the same Canadian town, where, like football in Texas, hockey is everything. Two seasons- summer and hockey. It has only been a short time since the last dramatic events occurred in the first book, Beartown. This time the local team may have to be shut down, due to various internal and external forces. How this effects a wide variety of characters is the focus of this novel. How Backman juggles all these storylines is admirable but he has a tendency to be heavy-handed at times, laying the desperation and angst on thick. I didn’t like this one as much as Beartown, but well enough to want to read the final book in the trilogy.

* I did a shared read of this one with Stasia and we will do a shared read of The Winners in January.

85- Sugar Street by Jonathan Dee 3.6 stars

“What a cesspool this world is. Democracy, capitalism, liberalism: all in the lurid end-stages of their own failure, yet we won’t even try to imagine anything different, any other principle around which life might be organized: we would sooner choke each other to death, which is basically what we are doing.”

“What are books anyway, though, in this world? Little antiquities. A library is a sort of roadside museum.”

Our unnamed male narrator has decided to fall completely off the grid, the only thing in his possession is $168,000. He diligently avoids any security cameras, (very difficult to do) or leave any type of footprint- cash only, no ID. He decides to live in a poor section of a distant town and rents an apartment from and an oddball landlady. How the world finally tracks him down, despite all this, is the point of the story. I did enjoy most of this slim novel, in a strangely hypnotic way but was not satisfied by its conclusion, along with some unnecessary pontification. If the premise is intriguing enough to you, give it a try.

*I want to thank Benita, for sending this along to me from ALA.

**If anyone is interested in the book, I would gladly pass it along to you.

>232 msf59: He does seem to have a Type, doesn't he...the man who's been Wronged by a woman but he just can not quit her...Palladio was a similar idea though a different take.

>233 richardderus: Hey, RD. I have spaced Dee's books out too far, to really notice a pattern. I remember really liking The Locals. I had not even heard of Palladio.

>201 msf59: Nope, not me. :-) I hadn't heard of the Highsmith book until I saw your post on the CR Graphic Stories thread. Or do you mean lisapeet from CR? Too many Lisas of a certain age...

Hi, Mark! Fun pics of Jackson at the zoo. I love Brookfield Zoo, tho it’s been years since I’ve been there. For Rowan’s first birthday, my ex and I got the family a year’s pass for the Bronx Zoo, which also includes admission to Central Park And Queens zoos. They love going to the zoo! Cute pics of Juno. She looks like a really good dog.

Hi Mark! We have also been watching "Hacks". Excellent acting. Sometimes it makes me a bit uncomfortable, but that's probably good for me.

>235 labfs39: Hi, Lisa. I swear I thought you had recommended Flung Out of Space. It doesn't even look like it was mentioned on Club Read GNs. Hmmmmm...I am baffled. Regardless, it was a good one. I am reading one, you did recommend- "The Waiting".

>236 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary. Always good to see you. I have avoided zoos for years but with Jackson aboard, it looks like I will be visiting them once again. Bree & Sean have annual passes too. And yes, Juno is turned out to be a very good dog.

>237 banjo123: Hi, Rhonda. I just finished the first season of "Hacks". I love the acting and the edgy humor.

Hi Mark.

>217 msf59: Yup. Too much stuff in drawers, closets, attic space, shelves.

>227 richardderus: Plan on visiting California any time soon since their range is limited to portions of my home state? I’d have to visit my aunt in Aptos, CA to see Yellow-Billed Magpies.

Glad that Juno’s working out.

I’ve got a few finches and a Carolina Chickadee on the sunflower seed feeder. I saw one male hummingbird yesterday.

>239 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Welcome back. I have seen black-billed cuckoos but not yellow-billed. Yah, for Juno. I have only seen a lone cardinal at the feeders.

Monday again, isn't it? I wonder why it bothers, some days, since so few of us really like it when it turns Monday. Imponderable, the ways of the Week, eh what old sport?

Hello again, Mark - just read that A Cardinal is supposed to signal an Angel nearby.

Have you ever seen the Woodcock dance? If yes, at what time of the year?

>241 richardderus: Hey, RD. Since I have retired, I have no problem with Mondays. I used to dread them while working and always rejoiced when I had one off.

>242 m.belljackson: Hi, Marianne. I had not heard that about cardinals but I wouldn't be surprised. I have seen the famous woodcock dance. I think it occurs here, in early Spring, mid-April, early May. Always at dusk, sometimes just before full dark. I highly recommend it.



-American Woodcock

-Joe Heller

"A novel tracing a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus."

I probably would not have given Remarkably Bright Creatures a second glance, (although it is a lovely cover) but a number of my pals loved it, including Joanne & Richard so it landed firmly on my radar. It came up on an Audible Daily Deal and I snagged it. I started it yesterday and the dual narrators work perfectly.

^I went on my first solo bike ride yesterday with Jackson. The Burley worked out great. Of course, he fell asleep but we did end up at a toddler park. Cool start to the day but it warmed up fast.

^He liked the slide.



^He did not like the swing. 😁❤️

Morning, Mark!

Aw, Jackson! Charlie didn't like swings when he was little, either, so he's in good company.

Love the Juno photos, too!

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Tuesday to you.

>244 msf59: Ah, Oktoberfest. I attended the one in Munich in 1977. It was absolutely wonderful, and I drank more beer there than I have in all the years since.

>246 msf59: and >247 msf59: Sweet pics, even if he didn’t like the swing. “Grandpa, get me out of this thing!”

>248 scaifea: Morning, Amber. Good to see you. Jack is pretty fearless, so we are a bit surprised that he doesn't like swings. Glad to hear that Charlie wasn't a fan either. I am sure he will come around. Yep, Juno has been a fine addition.

>249 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I remember you mentioning Oktoberfest before. I also attended, (also Munich)- early 80s. An event you will never forget. Jack was being a bit dramatic in the photo but he certainly didn't like it.

>246 msf59: Definitely Jackson's kind of Camper!

>251 m.belljackson: It is perfect for Jackson, right, Marianne?

Great Jackson pics Mark!

>245 msf59: Mark, if you haven't read The Soul of the Octopus, I highly recommend it!



I love the Jackson photos!!!!

>249 karenmarie: Love the expressive swing photo, Mark. I have exactly the same look on my face if Erni announces that we have aubergine or bitter gourd as part of our evening feast!

>247 msf59: Too cute!!

>254 Whisper1: And I concur -- great book!!

: )

>247 msf59: Little chap is quite expressive. Great photos. Watching other kids have fun on the swing will probably win him round.

Hi Mark, looks like you and Jackson had a fun outing (except for the swings). My October reading has gotten off to a great start with books like November Road and 419 - I have my fingers crossed that the good books will continue on. We are gearing up for our Thanksgiving which is next Monday, October 10th, but I will be cooking our family dinner for the 9th.

Hi Mark! I love the photos of Jackson at the park, and your deadpan caption about the swing. Kids surprise us all the time, don't they? Just when you're sure they're going to love something that "everyone" loves, it turns out they don't.

>254 Whisper1: Hi, Linda. Always good to see you. Glad you like the photos. I have added The Soul of the Octopus to my audio list. Thanks.

>255 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul. That Erni is a hoot! That does not sound tasty. LOL.

>256 Berly: Hey, Kimmers. I added The Soul of the Octopus to my audio list. See how easy I am?

>257 quondame: Hi, Susan. You are so right about Jack being expressive. It is so fun taking photos because I never know what face I will get.

>258 DeltaQueen50: Happy Wednesday, Judy. Have a great Thanksgiving and I am so glad to hear that the books are treating you so well. May it continue...

>259 lauralkeet: Happy Wednesday, Laura. Glad you like the photos. I never get tired of this kid, although he can be exhausting at times. We are truly surprised that he didn't care for the swing. Of course, that could change.

Hi Mark. Happy Wednesday to you. Good luck with the errands today, hope you can get a bit of reading in.

I've got a female Cardinal. That's it. But I did forget to mention a female Downy Woodpecker who visited the suet feeder two days ago, first time I've seen one in a while.

>262 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I will be heading out shortly to start my day and yes, I plan on bookhorning in some reading too. Just about finished with The Ski Jumpers which has been very good. I have not glanced at the feeders yet.

^Tomorrow morning, we will be leaving for our second camping trip. This time we will be going to Frankfort Kentucky. A campground on the Kentucky River. Of course, this is a key spot on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, so you can guess what we will be up to. Buffalo Trace, one of my very favorite distilleries, is located in Frankfort. This is just over a 6 hour drive, so it should earn me some quality highway experience, trailing the camper. We did have this trip planned, with several other couples, before we acquired the camper, so it will be nice to be snug in our own place. The temps could drop down to the upper 30s at night so the heat will be nice.

I am getting ready to leave shortly, to pick up the camper. I will bring it back here for the night, so we can pack everything. Wish me luck backing it into our driveway...by myself. 😁

Will Juno Be joining you this time, Mark? If not, what do you do with her? Boarding?

Have a great time!

>264 msf59: I'll cross all crossable parts for your camper experience to start and finish with success.

>265 jessibud2: Hi, Shelley and thanks. Juno went to Bree's house. She will hang out the boys while we are gone. We will try to avoid boarding her. We plan on bring her camping with us next year. This was a long trip so we thought it would be best to leave her behind.

>266 richardderus: Thanks for all the crossables, RD. Hauling this beast for 6 hours, will be a bit of a challenge but it will the experience we need. Plus, lots of bourbon waiting for us. 😁

-Marshall Ramsey

^I am a fan of classic country and Loretta Lynn was a towering figure, immensely talented and a class act, through and through. RIP, Coal Miner's Daughter.

Safe travels, Mark, and great decision re Juno. Great that Bree can take her.

>268 msf59: - I am not generally a fan of country music but there is no question that Loretta Lynn was an icon. I thought this cartoon was very sweet.

I finished Water Knife and I liked this dystopian thriller. I gave it 4 stars.

This book was not as popular as some of Bacigalupi's other dystopian sci/fi and I wonder why? Bacigalupi is known for his dystopian view of the future world, and he is also known for taking current elements and pushing them into the future where that problem gets magnified. That is exactly what he does with this book. This book was set at some point in the future when it was written back in 2015. It involved a megadrought and the water problems of the Southwest. At that point Lake Meade was low, but not as dangerously low as it is now. I think that back in 2015 this book seemed like a really far out there possible future scenario. None of that is true 7 years past the publication date. Now Lake Meade is in danger of being shut down as a power source, and the Colorado River is not even a river for most of its journey. I don't think this is a techno-thriller, it is more like a detective thriller. As such I really enjoyed it.

I also enjoy books about books and this dystopian novel falls squarely into that category as well. The novel is grounded firmly in another book - Cadillac Desert. So grounded that Cadillac Desert appears, then appears again, then again. If you haven't read Cadillac Desert you should read it before reading Water Knife because it lays the ground work for Bacigalupi's imagined dystopian future for our so very thirsty Southwest with its every growing population. Bacigalupi takes a series of small decisions made in the past and imagines what the results of the decisions would be if they were compounded by a megadrought. Decisions as small as allowing people to have backyard swimming pools in Pheonix, Las Vegas, and all over Southern California.

There are some holes in the plot of this book. The major one, is why is the population of Texas on the move? Is it from some kind of environmental disaster? A civil war? Drug Wars?, etc. etc. None of this is explained even though the migrating population of refugees from Texas play a major part in the story.

As a thriller, the plot problems can be overlooked because the twists and turns keep coming at the reader. As a statement about our environmental security, it leaves me puzzled and perplexed rather than seeing this as one of many possible could-be-the-coming-futures.

I would recommend this dystopian novel, but would strongly encourage readers to read Cadillac Desert first. Or at the very least find the PBS series that was done based on the book. This might be hard to find as it is old. Done about 20 years ago, but it would provide background for the novel.

>264 msf59: You are really enjoying your retirement...Amen!

>269 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. We are ready to take off in the next 2 hours. Yep, Loretta Lynn will be missed. The last of her kind.

>270 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. I am glad you found the The Water Knife a good read and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts over here. You definitely got me stoked on reading Cadillac Desert. You asked why this one wasn't as popular as other Bacigalupi works- I just don't think it was engaging or entertaining as his earlier books, despite having a strong message.

>271 Whisper1: Hey, you only live once, right, Linda? Trying to do things while we can.

"Now, in eleven linked fictions featuring a peripatetic photographer named Lucy O'Rourke, author Pam Houston once again serves up her charismatic blend of relationships and adventure."

I loved both Cowboys Are My Weakness: Stories & Deep Creek, Houston's memoir but like many books and authors, she got buried in the shuffle of so many other books, so thanks to Katie for putting Waltzing the Cat on my radar. I am starting it next. It will be my camping book.

^Buffalo Trace Distillery, in Frankfort KY, will be a main hotspot for us, while camping. We hope to bring home a few bourbon treasures.

Obviously, I won't be online much over the long weekend, so I will see everyone when we return on Monday.

Hi Mark, and sweet Thursday to you.

>264 msf59: Have a wonderful time. Your destination reminds me of the joke:How do you pronounce the capital of Kentucky? Louie-ville or Louis-ville?

It's Frankfort.

>268 msf59: 👍

Hope you have a fantastic weekend trip, Mark!

Safe travels, Mark!

Enjoy the Houston :)

>274 msf59: oooohhhh

All that gorgeous, scrumptious golden glory

wooow

Oh yeah, have a great time *snort* and be safe and well.

Great photos of Jackson and Juno, Mark.

Hi Mark! I love the pictures of your grandson! He's so adorable.

>4 msf59: woah, you and Mamie are reading The Brothers Karamazov this month huh? Good for you!
I have just downloaded Women Talking as an audiobook, seeing as it was available and I am almost finished 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World. I am lined up!

>183 msf59: that synopsis draws me in, tbh! But if it's a brand new book, the chances of me getting my hands on it are slim. It'll wait though; I am sure it will find me some time.

>247 msf59: that slide face!!! lol!!! That swing face though.... :( :( :(

Happy camping, Mark!!

>268 msf59:. Love this. RIP Loretta Lynn.

Happy Sunday, Mark!

How's the bourbon hangover treatin' ya, Mark? *chuckle*

Hey, LT pals! We are back after a long day on the road. We are happy to report that the trip went smoothly. My truck handled the camper very well. I had a little anxiety on our way to Kentucky, until I felt more confidence and ease, at the wheel. The return went smoothly. The only downside was my gas mileage, which took a big hit. The price you pay, right?

I did not read a page and got in very little birding. This is a very social bunch and we were always on the go- distilleries and breweries and hanging out together around a campfire. All the distillery tours were sold out so we couldn’t get on any of those but we were still able to check out the grounds and sample some of their bourbons. We had spotty WiFi service, so I could not get online very often. Oh yeah- the weather was gorgeous, despite the frigid temps overnight (low 30Fs). It warmed up quickly in the morning, with lots of sunshine.

^This brewery was less than five minutes from our campground, so we felt at home there. A beautiful location.



^We spent the most time at Buffalo Trace Distillery, waiting in line to snag whatever their daily offering was. This was the best day, as we snagged two bottles of Blantons bourbon, (so did everyone else). It is my current favorite. A little pricey but well worth it.

>275 karenmarie: >284 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. Thanks for keeping my thread warm. I will get back into my usual swing tomorrow.

>276 bell7: >277 katiekrug: Thanks, Mary & Katie.

>278 richardderus: >285 richardderus: Hey, RD. We are back. Yep, lots of bourbon and beery beverages were consumed. I did suffer a bourbon hangover but it was worth it.

>279 Caroline_McElwee: >280 The_Hibernator: Thanks, Caroline and Rachel. Glad you like the Jackson photos. You can expect more in the future. B.A.G.

>281 LovingLit: Hi, Megan. Great to see you. I should remove The Brothers Karamazov shared post. Mamie has been M.I.A. and I can't fit it in this month. Maybe, by the end of the year. Glad you snagged a copy of Women Talking. I plan on reading it in November.

>282 scaifea: Thanks, Amber. It was a good trip.

>283 banjo123: Glad to hear from another Loretta Lynn fan. Yah, Rhonda.

>286 msf59: >287 msf59: Looks like you had a very good time, Mark!

>289 FAMeulstee: Hi, Anita. It was a very good time. Thanks.

Hi Mark, and welcome back. Glad the trip went well.

>287 msf59: I just went down the rabbit hole of scotch vs. bourbon vs. rye. Interesting. A Friends of the Library friend has promised me a scotch lesson sometime this fall.

>291 karenmarie: Morning, Karen and thanks. I like scotch too but bourbon/rye are the craze right now and we are loving every minute of it. I hope your friend gives you the scotch lesson.

Glad the trip went well. Great weather surely helps!

Mmmmm, Blantons! Glad you had a good trip.

>292 msf59: Any recipes to share Mark? Seems like rye Old Fashions are one of the in cocktails around here and people are always coming up with their signature version that has a slight variation.

>293 jessibud2: It was a good time, Shelley and the fine weather certainly contributed.

>294 drneutron: Hey, Jim. I am assuming you have had Blantons? I have never owned a bottle but have tried it a few times. It never disappoints. Have you had Colonel EH Taylor? It is also excellent and priced nearly 20 dollars cheaper than Blantons. We got a bottle of that too.

>295 Oberon: Hi, Erik. Great to see you. I am still experimenting with my old-fashioned recipe but this one is solid:

2-3ozs of a solid bourbon or rye, (I wouldn't bother with an excellent bourbon. Save that for a neat pour)
2-3 dashes of Angostura Bitters. Flavored ones, like black-walnut are a nice addition too.
1 tsp of simple syrup. I heard a splash of maple syrup works really well too.
1-2 Luxardo cherries, (dirty) These candied Maraschino Cherries are excellent.
a small orange peel.
one large ice cube. Stir. Enjoy.

>296 msf59: I've had it a couple of whiskey-pairing dinners. Haven't tried Taylor yet, but I'll add it to my list.

>297 msf59: Yeah, Old Fashioned and Manhattans really ought to be ryes - needs the bite to offset the sweet of the simple syrup or vermouth. For Manhattans, I like Angostura bitters, but Old Fashions are great for playing around with different bitters.

I'll have to try the maple syrup idea - that sounds great!

>298 drneutron: I have to agree with you on the rye, Jim. It does work well with those mixed drinks. I recently picked up a large bottle of Sazerac Rye, so I am set there.

>286 msf59: >287 msf59: Sounds like you had a great trip Mark.

>300 Caroline_McElwee: We sure did, Caroline and we are getting ready for another one. Yah!!