Mark's Reading Place #12

- 'Distant Thunder' Andrew Wyeth 1961



- Di Li Feng

Audiobook:



Graphic:


Books Read So Far...

March:

26) In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming 3.7 stars (audio)
27) Birds of a Lesser Paradise: Stories by Megan Mayhew Bergman 4.8 stars
28) The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt 4.5 stars (audio)
29) Galveston by Nic Pizzolatto 4 stars (audio)
30) Suttree by Cormac McCarthy 4.5 stars AAC
31) An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris 4.7 stars (audio)
32) Kids These Days by Drew Perry 3.8 stars
33) The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon 4.3 stars (audio)
34) Glitter and Glue: A Memoir by Kelly Corrigan 4.2 stars
35) One More Thing: Stories & Other Stories by B. J. Novak 4 stars (audio)
36) A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny 3.8 stars (audio)
37) This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett 4.7 stars (audio)
38) Independent People by Halldor Laxness 5 stars
39) The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion 4.2 stars (audio)

April:

40) Blood Will Out by Walter Kirn 4.7 stars
41) Agent Zigzag by Ben Macintyre 4.6 stars (audio)
42) Negotiating with the Dead: A Writer on Writing by Margaret Atwood 3.6 stars
43) The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes 3.7 stars (audio)
44) The Burning Air by Erin Kelly 4 stars
45) Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack by Haruki Murakami 4.2 stars (audio)
46) Tar Baby by Toni Morrison 4.2 stars AAC
47) Brilliance by Marcus Sakey 4.4 stars (audio)
48) Dare Mel by Megan Abbott 3.7 stars (audio)
49) The Devil All the Time by Donald Ray Pollock 4.5 stars
50) Journey Into the Past by Stefan Zweig 4 stars
51) Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan 4.3 stars (audio)
52) This Dark Road to Mercy by Wiley Cash 3.8 stars (audio)
53) Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor 3.8 stars (E)
54) Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood 4 stars (audio)
55) Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler 3.8 stars

May:

56) Annihilation (Southern Reach Trilogy) by Jeff VanderMeer 4 stars (audio)
57) The Dark Horse: (A Longmire Mystery) by Craig Johnson 3.8 stars (audio)
58) The Accident by Chris Pavone 3.7 stars
59) Mad Mouse: A John Ceepak Mystery by Chris Grabenstein 3.6 stars (audio)
60) The Harlem Hellfighters by Max Brooks 4.4 stars GN
61) Hammered: Book Three by Kevin Hearne 4 stars (audio)
62) Pnin by Vladimir Nabokov 4.5 stars
63) The Purity of Vengeance: Dept. Q by Jussi Adler-Olsen 3.7 stars (audio)
64) The Farm by Tom Rob Smith 4.5 stars
65) Before I Go To Sleep by S. J. Watson 3.6 stars (audio)
66) The Confabulist by Steven Galloway 3.5 stars E.R.
67) Slash and Burn: A Dr. Siri Mystery by Colin Cotterill 4 stars (audio)

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
Mark Twain- Life on the Mississippi- Thanks to RD *
Philip Roth- The Plot Against America *
James Baldwin- Giovanni's Room- Thanks to Kerri *
Edith Wharton- The Custom of the Country
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

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

April:

Atwood April: https://www.librarything.com/topic/171813#

Toni Morrison- American Author Challenge: https://www.librarything.com/topic/171799#

May:

Eudora Welty- American Author Challenge: http://www.librarything.com/topic/173048#

May- Murder & Mayhem- http://www.librarything.com/topic/173133

June:

Kurt Vonnegut- American Author Challenge: http://www.librarything.com/topic/174613

First! Woo hoo!

ETA: I was so excited to be first that I forgot to say I bought a small collection of Nabokov books last year and have yet to get to them. Now that I've heard your raves, the first I'll tackle is Pnin. I've read Lolita twice and haven't understood the ending either time.

Nice Wyeth. There's a pretty good museum with works by Nathaniel, Andrew and Jamie, about 20min from my house, in Chadds Ford PA which is very near the Wyeth homestead.

Hi, Mark! Compliments on your shiny new thread, and I really like the Wyeth too!

Mark, I caught up with the last 100 posts on the previous thread. I was glad to view the art work and see that you are still interested in current events such as the Naked Reading Club. I keep telling my DH that he would like it here on LT! I see you are reading the new Tom Rob Smith. I must get back to his books.

It was finally acting like spring down here and then it rained today (nice light spring rain) and the front came through. Much cooler now.

On the PBS Newshour tonight the talk was of the climate report and they opened it by telling how much American's love to talk about the weather, watch the weather, and be out in the weather, but nobody wants to talk about what is causing the weather. It was a great lead-in.

I have been absent from the threads this week and that trend is likely to continue. I have lots of things coming up in my life. Next week I am interviewing for the job I have been doing for the last year as an interim department head. I have been employed by the same institution for 22 years and been promoted twice but I still have to interview for the job as department head. I wish the public (especially Scott Walker and other uninformed Tea Party people) understood that just because you are a tenured professor that pay increases and promotions are not automatic. Especially not at a publicly funded institution. Bottom line is that I am trying to get things done and still prepare for my interview presentation. I am not sure that I want people I have worked with for 20+ years watching me.

Lisa- You are :



I want to read more Nabokov too! It's been awhile since I read Lolita, so I can't quite remember the ending.

Laura- Good to see you! Thanks for the Wyeth info! Very cool.

Mary- Thanks, my friend!

Donna- Glad you got caught up. I will start the Farm tomorrow. I have to read The Secret Speech one of these days too!

Purty new thread, my friend!

Congratulations on your new thread, Mark!

Hello Mark! I have been woefully absent from LT lately, it is not cool :)
But you know, life etc. And this old box that some people might call a computer is sooo sloooooow. It is frustrating. I need me some new technology. I shall try not to miss too much of this thread though....can I get an A for effort at least ;)

Happy Saturday! We have another nice day in store: Partly sunny, low 70s. Yes, I am working on that farmers tan too!

I loved Pnin. It is such a perfect little book. I am enjoying the Purity of Vengeance. Nice to be among the Dept Q bunch. I might knock out a Welty story or 2 before starting The Farm. I've been hearing very good things about this one.

Benita- Glad things have cooled down for you. Good luck with that work position. I hope you get it.

Julia- Thanks! I've been listening to Spotify radio, while doing my LT A.M. routine.

Diana- Thanks!

Megan- Good to see you. You are juggling school and being a Mom! I completely understand. You stop by when you can. I will have to drop by and see what you are reading. Always curious...

Happy New Thread, Mister! Love the paintings up top!

Mark, here's a link to the museum I mentioned, just in case you ever find yourself in the Philadelphia area!!
Brandywine River Museum

Mark, congratulations on your new thread. As always I love the paintings. I wish you a fabulous weekend.

Happy new thread Mark! Wishing you a lovely weekend.

It is the National Food Drive today! And the Boy Scouts are coming around and collecting the food. Bless their little hearts. That will really help us out.

Amber- Thanks!

Laura- Thanks. If I make it to the Philly area, I'll have to look you up too! Grins.

Barbara- thanks! Have a great weekend too!

Seriously painful shoulder but had to stop in and say WOW to the Wyeth. So beautiful.

Happy New Thread, Mark.

Re: Sowa pics: the first one with the flying pig is not working for me, so I could not say anything about it. Going back to google!

Edit: there are lots of flying pigs in his pics!

Nice toppers, Mark!

Thanks for the jumping pig painting on the last thread. "Leaping into the weekend" - right! I thought that terrorizing rabbit one was funny, too.

You've convinced me on Pnin. I've got Dr. Siri up next for M & M, and I'm getting into the creepy mysteriousness of Annihilation. Oh, and I just started This One Summer, and it does look like one I'll enjoy. It reminds me at this point a bit of Blankets.

Are you going to the beer festival at soldier field, Mark? Everyone on my train seems to be going there.

Mark, love Wyeth's Distant Thunder.

Happy New Thread Mark! I've always loved Andrew Wyteth's work and that painting is new to me. I'll have to make room for Pnin sometime this year.

Hi Mark, I also love your topper pictures. I was a little nervous about the giant spider on the last thread. Spiders and me do not mix well!

Can't wait to hear what you think of The Farm

Hi Mark! Love the Wyeth thread topper. I can't wait to hear what you think of The Farm. It definitely has me intrigued...

Happy new thread, my friend!

Hey Mark, happy new thread and have a great weekend.

^I think I am ready for one of these and if another one follows, closely on it's heels, well so be it!

A gorgeous spring day!!

>19 Thebookdiva:- Big waves up there to Abby! I hope you and the family are sitting around that pool and soaking it up!

>21 richardderus:- There's the wounded soldier. Good to see you, RD!

Connie- Not a big fan of flying pigs, huh? Unless, it's tied in with Pink Floyd, I probably feel the same.

Joe- Thanks! I love the current reads you are juggling. Hope you like the GN. I am enjoying the Dept Q book, but he sure gets sinister. Yah, for Dr. Siri. I will also be starting one of his soon.

>24 lindapanzo:- N0, beer festivals for me today. I worked. I did go to that one last year and had a good time. My son had recently turned 21. There are several beer fests out in the 'burbs, that are easier to attend.

Nancy- Glad you liked the Wyeth. If it has a book in it, I am all over it!

>26 Smiler69:- Thanks, Ilana! Wyeth's work is very interesting. I'll be sharing more. And yah, for Pnin. I would like to see everyone's response to that one.

Judy- I will try to avoid featuring spiders. I do not want to chase you away. I did not get far in the Farm but it grabbed me immediately. It has a chilly, paranoid feel to it. i have a feeling this is going to be a good one.

>28 katiekrug:- Thanks Kick As Katie! I think the Farm is going to be a keeper. I'll mention more, as I go.

Rae- I hope, you and the gang are sitting around that lovely pool and enjoying yourself.

Whew! I think I am caught up. We are heading over to play cards with some friends. I am sure there will be beer involved somehow...someway.

I'll be back in the A.M.!!

Love the Wyeth you used as a topper Mark. And I'm glad you loved Pnin. The only other Nabokov I've read is Lolita but I have a couple others on my shelf. I think I may read his memoir Speak, Memory in the somewhat near future.

Hi Mark! The Michael Sowa works from your previous thread were very intriguing, but I do think I prefer Wyeth when it comes right down to it.

I finished listening to Sula today and I also picked up The Optimist's Daughter at the library. I have A Curtain of Green sitting on my bedside table but I might do the novel just to be sociable. :-)

I've not read anything by Nabokov but Pnin sounds interesting.

>31 msf59: what card game do you play? Please don't say 500, as if that is the case I shall have to move me and my 2 friends to Chi-Town. We have been in need of a 4th for our 500 games for an age now.
As a kids we used to play canasta a lot, family and multi-family games were common. A kids card table and an adults one, it was so much fun!

A few days into your latest installment mate but I am slowly but surely catching up.

Have a great Sunday, buddy, and remember there wouldn't be any Mother's Day without great Dads like you.

^A big loving shout-out to all my maternal visitors! Yes, you know who you are!

Sadly, both of our mothers are gone, so today, we will direct our sights on my dear wife and mother of my wonderful children. We plan a cook-out, (fingers crossed, the weather holds out) a few games, inside and out and just good cheer. I picked up some kebabs yesterday, both beef and chicken and they look mighty tasty.

I love "Distant Thunder" by Wyeth. I may be able to ease my way back into reading and posting more often. My left wrist and hand have been almost pain free for a couple of days. I'm still taking more prednisone than I like which is disrupting my sleep but the time when I can begin to taper it down is approaching.

Also approaching: Booktopia! Leaving Friday morning for the trek to Boulder. Looking forward to some "down time" in between sessions, too. Sitting in a quiet, comfortable hotel room with a book on my lap is my idea of paradise right now

Happy Sunday! It is supposed to be 80 degrees, with a chance of rain later. If I am to squeeze in any reading today, I'll have to do it early.

>32 brenzi:- I am sure you will love, Pnin, Bonnie! The Nabokov memoir sounds really interesting.

Ellen- Sowa is not for all tastes, that is for sure. LOL. I do like that surreal style though. I am so glad you are picking one Welty or the other. I have been dipping in and out of her 2nd collection, which I think is stronger than her first.

>34 LovingLit:- We love playing spades and last night we played an alternate version, where you are dealt one card, you bid, you play it out and then shuffle and then deal out 2 cards and so on up to 13 and then you reverse back down. We didn't care for it much. We much prefer the original version.
We also love playing canasta but we need to play it with someone who knows the rules because it is a lot to remember.

What is your version of 500? Just the old standard way?

Paul- Great to see you mate! I hope you treated SWMBO with love & grace today.

>31 msf59:. I like pigs, especially when they are little piglets. I just meant Sowa has a lot of pigs in his pictures. I gave Sowa's name to my daughter and her boyfriend. They have to come up with a picture of their choice to be printed on some kind of canvas screen for their garden.

^The Reason I Jump is today's Audible daily deal. I've heard very good things about this one. I think Joe was a fan. And it is very short, which is always a bonus.

Morning Karen- I am glad the pain is easing up and I hope that continues right through your Booktopia trip. You guys will have such a wonderful time. I wish I was going.

Connie- Glad we cleared up the pig issue! LOL. Happy Mother's Day, my friend!

Hope you are having the beautiful weather today that we are having!
It's already 69! Yikes... I'm getting nervous - LOL

Mark, I have Speak, Memory in my listening stacks too, and considering how many other Nabokov books I have on the wishlist, I certainly have the intention at least of reading lots more of his work.

>42 msf59: LOL.

Late to the festivities, but happy to follow you to your new thread nonetheless. Hope you are having a warm weekend, Mark! :)

>41 -Cee-:- It's clouding up out there but it is definitely warm out, with a touch of humidity. I hope you are having a great day.

>43 Smiler69:- I will have to add Speak, Memory to my audio list. I am very glad I decided to revisit Mr. Nabokov.

Barbara- Waves!

Valerie- I hope you are having a great day with the family. That is what Mother's Day is all about.

>40 msf59: The Reason I Jump - I read this last year, after seeing the gentleman who did the translation on the Daily Show. Really fascinating look into the mind of an autistic young teen.

I donated to the Mail Carriers food drive yesterday. I think this is a good thing and it stays local. I know it is an extra burden in a very real way. Sometimes it can be quite a trek to that nifty truck when you are carrying a sack full of canned goods. Thanks to our Mail Carriers for doing this every year. Keep it up.

I finished Bel Canto yesterday while I was cooking lamb for supper and can't figure out why I waited so long to read it. It was well done.

I love the Mother's Day cartoons! Hilarious!

>45 msf59: Mark that one is even better. I love those cartoons. waves right back

We had a nice afternoon. I grilled up some kebabs, steak & chicken. We played a couple games and just missed the rain, which has been moving through, for an hour or so.

Now, I hope to read for awhile before Call the Midwife and Game of thrones comes on.

Jeff- Good to see you! Glad you were a fan of The Reason I Jump. I hope to squeeze it in soon.

Benita- My route was very bad on the food drive. I think I got 2 bags. Hopefully, the rest of the routes did much better.

Glad you enjoyed Bel Canto. I did too and it was also my first Patchett.

Connie & Barbara- Glad you liked the cartoons. It is nice to put a smile on my visitor's faces.

We put our bag out. It's a great community service the postal service does.

Trying hard to catch up on everything here! I've been out of town for a week, but I feel like I'm a month behind when I look at how many posts I have to catch up on.

Good episode of CTM tonight. I still have to go back and watch last week's.

Another very good Call the Midwife and Game of Thrones! I love Sunday night TV. Did anyone else notice that the young actress from Bletchley Circle, was featured in tonight's CTM?

^

Lisa- Thanks for participating in the food drive. I don't think our office did very well this time.

Lori- Thanks for catching up. I hope it was entertaining enough. LOL.

Linda- We also really enjoyed CTM! I am having a difficult finding the Hawks game on TV. I've been watching the score on the internet.

Mark, it's on CNBC. On Comcast, it's channel 59 for us. It's usually a business channel, I think.

It's a must win. Whoop. The Hawks just tied it up.

*waving*

Heya Mark! I've been busy and mostly unplugged for the past week and finally getting a chance to catch up. Nice to see you also enjoyed The Dark Horse didn't realize we were both listening to it at the same time. Love that series!

>38 msf59: What is your version of 500? Just the old standard way?
There's more than one version? I just play the old fashioned way I guess then...I have heard of a three-handed version but it just isn't the same without a proper partner to assist in getting tricks. I love that game.

I just bought the 3 Game of Thrones books, I could not help it. It was a school fundraiser. It would have been criminal not to.

Black Monday! We are getting route inspections again. Ugh. Starting today, our office time will be closely monitored and then Thurs- Sat, someone will walk the route with me. I HATE this!! We just had this done 2 years earlier. What has changed? My performance is still good. The mail volume has actually increased since then. I guess they want to keep giving us the SQUEEZE! Leave me alone!
Of course, my reading will suffer, (LOL!) especially my audio input. The good news is, I will be on vacation next week, so I'll have plenty of time to lick my wounds.

Looking forward to getting back to my Dept Q book and the Farm, which is really been good.

>52 msf59: *snork!* Love it!

Linda- Go Hawks!! Yahoo! Of course, I was in bed before 10. LOL. I still did not find that channel. It's frustrating hunting down the channel every time.

Roberta- Loving waves!

Juli- Good to see you. Yep, big fan of the Longmire books. After, listening to the interview, I would like to go back and start listening to the Tony Hillerman series. I read several years ago. They were pretty good.

Megan- We might be talking a different version of 500. My version was the old simple one, collecting points. I'll look up the definition.

>40 msf59: I've been meaning to read that one...
not today though, I have an Iron Druid plannned.

Nice thread topper :) I plan on a version of that today :)

>57 msf59: Did anyone else notice that the young actress from Bletchley Circle, was featured in tonight's CTM?
Ah ... I thought she looked familiar!! Another great episode -- good to see Jenny again and I like the Trixie storyline too.

Nice Hawks win! Ugly is fine with me.

I did like The Reason I Jump a lot, and like others here, found it fascinating. David Mitchell and his wife translated, if I remember correctly, and they found it a godsend for dealing with their own autistic son.

My MBH, who has known a heck of a lot more autistic kids than I have (she worked in special education) is very skeptical that the boy actually wrote it - she thinks the parents must have had a lot to do with it. See what you think. Even if that were true, for me it's still an invaluable book for giving insight into a little-understood world. It's a fast read, too.

Annihilation was weird and well done, and I'm glad I read it. I did think we were going to get more answers at the end, but the route he chose probably is more haunting.

The latest Dr. Siri is excellent, as always, this time featuring to a large extent his new love, Daeng.

Happy Monday, Mark! How annoying that you have to put up with being monitored at your job. I do believe that would drive me batty but I'm sure you will handle it well. Do you suppose it's related to all those problems a while back with people calling off sick and things getting piled up. Perhaps they are looking for a way to document the inadequacies of some of your co-workers? That could end up being a positive for you since you will shine by contrast!

I sympathize with you regarding the evaluations. We are just finishing up evaluations here and they are getting ugly. Of course, the reason for that is that now I am the boss, so I have to stand there and take the crap when you tell people they aren't meeting performance expectations. We had many of the same issues you had with people not showing up or calling in at the last minute leaving their colleagues in the lurch. As a boss how can you not document this in a yearly evaluation? It causes other lots of problems.

Happy new thread, Mark! Yes, I have finally caught up with you! And I am sorry to hear about the mail escort. Just try to grin and bare bear it.

Mark, too bad about the inspection or whatever you call it.

The Hawks are on CNBC again on Tuesday night at 8 pm so I hope you can find it. Let's hope they clinch the series then and not at a game 7 on Thursday.

Has it been two years since your last inspection already?? I thought you'd had one just last year. Tempus fugit and all that. I'm sorry about the bother, sounds majorly annoying, but yes, great timing with the vacation afterward, allowing you to catch up with your reading again. xx

Here's hoping that the person who walks on your route with you looks like Marilyn Monroe. That should make it more bearable.

Ugh - the monitoring and route inspections sounds highly aggravating. Hope that's all over with quickly.

I've never read or listened to Hillerman - one of these days . . . .

and now I apparently need to add The Farm to my list . . .

Ok, so I finished The Martian last night. I think you were the one asking whether it's technically accurate. Yep, amazingly so! While the story gets pushed along by some lucky breaks, all the engineering looks right to me (although I didn't spend much time checking the math).

What impressed me the most? When they booted up the rover, the operating system was right - Wind River made the actual rover OS, which is one we also use on our missions. It takes a lot of work to get that kind of detail right!

We got The Martian in at the library a few weeks ago and so far it has not been checked out. I may have to remedy that situation. However, I understand it is quite tense and that sends up caution flags for me as I like a thriller but not if they get to intense.

>65 mckait:- Hope you had a good day off, Kath! It was warm and humid today but I stayed dry. Yah! Which Iron Druid book were you reading?

>66 lauralkeet:- I like that young actress from Bletchley. Even my wife didn't realize it was the same actress. It was nice to see Jenny back. I liked her time in that hospital. Also some good stuff with Chummy's wonderful mother. LOL.

>67 jnwelch:- I'll try to squeeze in The Reason I Jump soon, Joe. It's only 2 1/2 hours on audio. I think Mitchell has a new book coming out later this year.

I snagged "Authority", the 2nd Annihilation book. The 3rd comes out in the fall. I wonder if this will start a trend: releasing a trilogy close together?

>68 rosalita:- Julia, this route inspection, is supposedly because a couple of the routes weren't adjusted properly last time. Why they have to do the whole office, is a puzzler. It costs a lot of money to do these damned things.

Benita- This inspection didn't have anything to do with attendance. We did finally hire more people, so we have been covered for the most part. I think most of these new hires are paid $15 an hour, no bennies! That is probably the future.

Yes!! Spread the word on the Martian!! It deserves a strong following.

>70 Crazymamie:- Thanks, Mamie! I can never get enough of Norma Jean. There are also so many great photos of her reading.

>71 lindapanzo:- Boo to inspections, Linda! I am trying to keep my stress levels in check. 4 more days! Go Hawks!

>72 Smiler69:- The inspection did feel like it was just last year. Our management walks out with us once a year or so, but that's a one-shot deal. This is the Big One! And yes, I am thinking longingly of vacation next week.

>73 kidzdoc:- I like the way you think, Darryl but I got a good look at all the inspectors, (most are postmasters or upper management types) and no one remotely looks like M.M.! Boo!

Juli- I saw that most of the Hillerman books became available on audio, from an audio site I use, but I think I am going to snag them, especially if they are read by Guidall!
The Farm is really good. Creepy and suspenseful.

>75 drneutron: I am glad to hear that, Jim! I am on the library waiting list for The Martian. It was a long list, but I think I'm up to #27 or so.

>-75- I am so glad you finally got to The Martian, Jim. Of course, you were the first one I thought about, while reading it and I loved your comments about the accuracy. I am so glad Weir is getting some well-deserved attention over this one. And now, a movie in the works? Nice!

Next: You might want to try Annihilation.

Julia- If I had a copy of The Martian, it would be winging it's way toward you. I heard it on audio, which was excellent but I definitely plan on snagging a "keeper" copy at some point.

Sorry to hear about the inspections Mark. I haven't watched CTM yet but I have it on the DVR now and I will see it tomorrow or Wednesday.

Bah on the inspection!

One of your San Jose brethren nearly got creamed by crossing in the middle of a busy street today. Glad I saw him in time and was able to stop so he could cross. Silly man.

>62 msf59: Mamie might have something mate you could get a hottie to accompany you or, possibly less distracting, someone interested in books. You have nothing to worry about buddy because as you mention your performance is great and your route accompanier will easily recognise it.

Here's hoping that you do indeed get a hottie as your shadow, and that she has a smoky voice and will happily read your book aloud to you as you work...

^I managed to snag an egalley of The Rise & Fall of Great Powers. I was a big fan of The Imperfectionists and this one looks good too. Now, I have 2 NetGalley books to read, so I better not request anything until I read at least one.

And I finally got the audio of Longbourn, after waiting a couple months for the library to free up a copy. Not sure, when I can squeeze this one in. The audio queue is a traffic jam.

I should wrap up The Purity of Vengeance today. It isn't quite as strong as the others but it's nice spending time with the Dept Q gang. I am really enjoying the Farm. A terrific psychotic vibe to this one.

Bonnie- CTM has been so pleasantly consistent. It is easily one of my favorite shows on TV. That and Game of Thrones makes Sunday night, a joy.

Stephanie- Ouch! How is that carrier? Was he hurt badly?

Paul- Thanks! They do monitor performance, on this inspection but it is more about "time savings" and where they can squeeze in more minutes. I've had my route "added on", 3 or 4 times in the past 5 or 6 years. Fortunately, I've had small additions compared to other routes.

Morning Amber! Oooooh, I like the way you think. That would be a lovely idea. I plan on still listening to my audio, while walking, (if they don't say anything), unless it becomes distracting. We will see.

Too many businesses are trying to make do with fewer people. Hospitals included. Those in positions of power just want more money, and we all end up paying in the end in many ways. I hate having people looking over my shoulder, it would have been a rough day for me, hope it wasn't too bad for you.

Howdy do, Mark! Poo Poo on these inspection things. Should leave the conscientious workers alone and zero in on the slackers. Maybe,(fingers crossed) your shadow will be a book lover!

>75 drneutron: Great to hear you find The Martian technically accurate, Jim! Really well done book, wasn't it?

Hey, friend Mark. Lots of good book discussions going on. Glad you found The Purity of Vengeance good, if not as strong as the others. I'm looking forward to spending some time with the Dept Q gang.

I'm near the end of The Woman Who Wouldn't Die, and he's kept the quality at that same high level as the earlier ones. If you haven't read it yet, you'll have a good time with it.

Cloudy, damp and cooler. Hope the rain holds off for a few more hours.
I just started the audio of Before I Go to Sleep. This has been on my To-Read list for ages. I love the creepy way it begins...reminds me of the terrific film thriller, Memento.

Kath- Yes, the crunch is on everywhere. I truly feel sorry for the newer generations.

Lynda- They start walking with me on Thursday. Ugh!

Hey Mark, sorry to hear about the bad weather. Audiobooks are just the best aren't they? It's rare to see me without my iPod and headphones.

Well, if your inspector isn't a dish, I hope she's at least a reader and you can talk about books!

Inspection time sounds no fun especially if you aren't going to be able to listen to the books during that time I assume? Glad to hear you have a vacay coming up tho, Mark! Enjoy it! :)

Time savings on your route? Our post office must not do this. Their idea of time savings is not delivering much mail that day.

I like the fact that our mail lady is friendly but I really don't see any need to stop and chat for 10+ minutes. I'd rather have all of my mail at a reasonable time.

I hope you've managed to find CNBC by now. The Hawks are on that channel at 8 pm again today. Hope they can clinch tonight or else Thursday night is going to be a real nailbiter.

Enjoyed CTM this week. Good catch noting the connection to Bletchley. Very moving episode. Nice to see Jenny back.

Congrats on snagging the new Rachmann. Saw that and was quite intersted. Anxiously awaiting a review...

Hi Mark, I am sold on The Farm even before you have finished it, and The Martian is another one that sounds very intriguing. I am feeling a little bogged down with my reading right now but that's probably due to my have too many chunksters on the go at one time.

I'll be back...

>85 msf59: Mark, he made it to the other side without injury. But what a chance to be taking!

>88 jnwelch:- Sorry, Joe! I ran out of time on my break and didn't get to you up there. I finished the Dept Q book. It is my least favorite but still worth reading. There is always interesting stuff going on with the gang and Assad is growing bolder with each book.
Glad you enjoyed the Dr. Siri. I'll be starting Slash and Burn soon. That is book 8.

>90 Thebookdiva:- " Audiobooks are just the best aren't they?" You just made me cry, Abby! Thanks a lot! At least they are tears of joy.

>91 rosalita:- My inspector is a middle-aged Hispanic woman, Julia! I would not consider her a dish. The chances of her being a reader are slim but you never know. I just hope she's not to much of a stickler.

>92 jolerie:- I plan on listening to my books during the walk-out inspection, which begins Thursday but I might ask her first, just to make sure. It will definitely keep me calm.

>93 lindapanzo:- I don't do a lot of extensive chatting out there with my customers. I do goof around with some of my business customers though.

Funny, when the inspector is walking with us, people seem to drift outside, to see what is going on. "Who is that?" "You aren't in trouble are you?"

>94 michigantrumpet:- We will miss CTM when it is over. It is one of our favorite shows and yes, good to see Jenny back in the fold. I probably won't get to the Rachman for a little while. Did you read The Imperfectionists?

Judy- the Farm is truly creepy and chilling. I can't wait to see where this one is going. Have you read Before I Go to Sleep? It's very good so far.

Stephanie- Whew! That's good!

I have the new Rachman ready to go in a week or two Mark. And Memento is my all time favorite movie. Coincidentally, I have Before I Go to Sleep saved on my iPad.

I'm share you'll charm your inspector, and she will give you five stars. ;-)

Are you watching the Hawks?? 3rd period is so tense and frantic!

>75 drneutron: Yay for The Martian! I loved it and am so glad our own rocket scientist has given it his stamp of approval!

Hi, Mark ~ Hope you're having a decent week so far, notwithstanding the horrible-sounding field inspection coming up. I hope your own inspector is a reader too!

Not to be a downer or anything, but...

Mark, just dropping in and wishing you a wonderful day.

>96 msf59: *snork!*
*puts on her best Austin Powers impression* Oh, behave, Mark!

Hi, Mark. As you may remember my Niece's husband is also a "letter carrier" and has mentioned to me when he also had this "walking along with you" type of evaluation. It would make me paranoid in the extreme to be observed so carefully. Having a school administrator in the classroom for evaluations used to make me a little bit of crazy but usually they were too busy to stay for more than about an hour. I can't imagine how stressful a full day might have been. Whew.

Our book group discussed Gone Girl on Monday and although I'd barely begun to crack it and was discouraged by its slow pace the discussion did convince me that I must read it to the end. As I have chosen to not attend Booktopia because RL was just getting out of hand, and my stress was increasing to unacceptable levels in a RETIRED person, I have decided to focus on finishing Gone Girl and then moving on to Mission to Paris for next month. I am tired of stressing myself over many books to read, and have retreated to "let's just do this one at a time".

My hand is better if not perfect. The roofers have made good progress and should be finished by the end of this week. The potluck supper is just around the corner and then..... I think I can settle down into a peaceful and pleasant stress free summer.

Hope to see your thread more often and keep up with you. Good luck on your "walk about".

^Go Blackhawks!

Happy Wednesday! I am off. I am happy. The weather has turned back to cool & damp. WTH? I will relax today and get my mind set, for the big "walkabout" that begins tomorrow. Ugh! 3 days! But then vacation...ahhhhhhhhhhh.

I plan on reading a large chunk of the Farm and might come close to finishing it. This is a terrific psychological thriller and I am anxious to see how the author wraps this up. I am also enjoying Before I Go to Sleep, which also has creepy undertone to it.

Bonnie- You might beat me to the new Rachman and I think you will like Before I Go to Sleep. It's a creepy page-turner.

Lisa- I have the advantage, that my examiner just finished with my "neighbor", who is a real "piece of work", if you get my drift, so I should look like Mr. Golden, compared to him. LOL.

Valerie- I went to bed at the start of the 3rd period. I am old fart, even before my day off. LOL. It looks like the game went on at least another hour anyway. I did jump up this morning to check the outcome. Yah!

Mary- I have not seen anyone, underwhelmed by the Martian and Jim just sealed it! It's a Must Read! Yes, I have to muddle through 3 more days and then...freedom!

Barbara- Waves! Thanks for the drive-by.

Amber- Why? You don't think reading is sexy? Bats eyes innocently...

Karen- Thanks for checking in. Sorry, to hear you had to cancel Booktopia, but it sounds like you made the right decision. Hopefully, you can make one next year.
As far as the "walkabout" goes, a carrier has to strike the right balance: look efficient but try to take your time. No one wants additional deliveries. I am sure they will be adding more to many routes, to justify the expense of the inspection.

Enjoy your day off, Mark.

Very exciting conclusion to the Hawks game. A real fluky bounce but Patrick Kane certainly knows how to take advantage. Now I can rest easy for a few days and just root a bit for Montreal and LA. We're going to the first home game next round. If I'm not mistaken, Hawks would have home ice vs LA so that's why I'd root for them. I don't have a strong preference otherwise between the two California teams. However, Montreal has been a favorite going back to the 1960's.

Go Hawks! Great win in a tough, tough series.

Before I Go to Sleep - oh man, that one got me. Get the midnight oil ready.

Have a good time on your day off. Sorry about the inspector - jeesh. I don't think anybody would like a critic looking over their shoulder while they work.

I'm reading the second Atticus and Oberon, Hexed, and I've got an ER book in my bag, The Boy in His Winter. Cat's Cradle, a re-read, is going to be my pick for Vonnegut in the AAC. It meant a lot to me as a kid - I wonder how it will stand up all these years later?

Happy Day off Mr. Mark! I hope you do all your favourite things. Good for you for getting to bed at a decent hour. That is a lesson I am still learning as I sit here nursing my morning coffee and my panda eyes.... :)
I want to read Before I Go to Sleep because it's another one sitting on my shelves and it sounds like a gooder. Looking forward to hearing what you think of it.

Linda- It looks kind of cool & dreary out there. I think I will stay right here for the day. And yes, go Hawks! It looked like a hard-hitting game and Crawford was outstanding.

Joe- You will like Before I Go to Sleep. It has the elements you enjoy. And you will love Hexed. Can't get enough of that Oberon. Ruff!

I did watch portions of the Hawks game and it was sure a rough-tumble game. How about Corey Crawford? Wow!

I loved Cat's Cradle. I think it was my last Vonnegut.

Valerie (aka, Panda Eyes)- I thought you had read Before I Go to Sleep. Many of my LT pals have. I thought I was one of the only hold-outs.

No, Mark. You mistake me for the girl who actually reads the books she has on her shelves instead of taking out more library books. I am Valerie, the book hoarder who hoards at a faster rate than she can keep up with. ;)
I do want to read it sooner than later, but I say that with all my books....haha

LOL, Valerie! That cracked me up. Honestly, most of us are in the same boat. You are not ALONE!

Hockey fans would call Corey Crawford's performance last night "standing on his head."

Incidentally, his teammmates and Bhawks fans call Crawford "Crow" and that was even before he blurted out a no-no at the Stanley Cup parade last year.

The whole office looks tired today. The game ended late and everyone was revved up by it.

I know I am in the minority, but I was not that taken with Before I Go to Sleep. I found it a bit of a slog and not all that suspenseful.

To each their own!

Enjoy your day off....

Go, Hawks, Go! My dream matchup would be the Black Hawks vs the Habs!

I'm another one who has Before I Go To Sleep on my list, just haven't gotten to it yet.

>114 lindapanzo:- I am an amateur hockey fan, so I appreciate the Blackhawks lore. You think they will go all the way?

Katie- Yep, "To Each their own." It is one of our many mottoes. Thankfully, we agree more than disagree. I am still finishing the 1st half of Before I Go to Sleep, which is still working for me but I have a LONG way to go.

Judy- It's nice having a Chicago sports team, that can deliver the goods. Our baseball teams have been pitiful. I am sure you will really like Before I Go to Sleep.

**I did manage to snag the audio of both Frog Music & Astonish Me today. I'll be adding them to the pile. I've heard very good things about both titles. Anyone else hear anything about the Shipstead? I know her first book. Seating Arrangements was well-received.

>117 msf59: Words to live by!

Amen to "a Chicago sports team that can deliver the goods." Pitiful baseball so far, although the Sox's Abreu got the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Hope you've been enjoying your day off.

The Cubs scored 17 runs the other day. That's about two weeks' worth of runs for them.

With no Blackhawks game tonight, I hope to get some reading in, finally.

Joe- You know I don't follow the Sox closely, but I do know Abreu has been Red Hot! Yes, I had a very fine day off. I am not looking forward to tomorrow though. Ugh!

Linda- The Cubbies did kick some butt in that game! Too bad, they can't string a few together. Happy reading!

HI Mark

I'm breezing through and read of the stress of work! Geesh...How very unfair.

Hey Mark - good to see you are enjoying Before I go to sleep though I guessed the outcome early on which spoiled it for me a bit...Absolutely adore the Wyeth. I have been a major fan ever since seeing an exhibition of his at the Tate in London many years ago. As always, they were stunning in the flesh.

Good luck tomorrow!

Doomsday (1st of 3)- Yes, the day has arrived and the weather is perfect for it: cold & rainy. I hope the mail volume is there. It's definitely more difficult to pull this off, with no mail to carry. Fingers crossed.
I will be leaving my iPad at home, so there will be no daytime check-ins. Sad face.

At least, I had a great day off. I did get plenty of reading in. I finished The Farm. This is a terrific mystery/thriller, filled with paranoia, secrets, lies and superb writing. I even listened to an hour of Before I Go to Sleep, while doing a couple house-chores. I do not expect to read much today but I think I will dip into the Welty collection for a story or 2.

Linda- It's great to see you! I hope the next 3 days go quickly.

Prue- Great to see you too, stranger. I like Wyeth too. He definitely has a distinctive style.

Lisa- Thanks! I am glad I have a vacation waiting for me on the other side.

Ah, Mark! I am sitting in my quiet, peaceful, "day off" home this morning sending you the strongest mojo I can manage to glamour the Walkabout person into seeing nought but good, competent, and professional behaviors! All the while, you are able to accomplish your route with ease and comfort! Go Mark!

ETA: not that you needed any assistance from the Powers, just thought you'd enjoy it!

Thinking of you today, Mark - good luck!

Hope that doomsday passes quickly for you :)

Criminy, Mark, what a lousy day out there! Hope Karen's mojo helps with the Walkabout person. At least you should get some sympathy from him/her for making your way through it. My umbrella got turned inside out by the wind multiple times; you probably wear a rain poncho? Seems like that would be easier on a day like this one.

Nothing major to report on my end. Near the end of Hexed, and it's been a fun ride.

Hope your day is going well, Mark!

Sun's out here Mark. Thinking about you and hoping your inspection is going well.

>117 msf59: Moto of my day. Has anyone let me yet? No :( *sulks*

Marky-Mark survived Day One! (Is anyone surprised? LOL.) I am bit more wore out than usual, because I change my stride and I think being focused and on edge, also add to it. Usually, I am zipping along on auto-pilot. The examiner was fine but I think she is a bit of a hard-ass. I'll have to see what kind of comments she makes in her evaluation.
Hardly any print reading was done. She actually sits in my vehicle with me, while I eat lunch. I just couldn't focus on the Welty. LOL.

**Footnote: If this is the most stress in my life, then my life is pretty damn good!

Karen, Amber & Kath! Thanks, my friends! The vibes DO help.

Joe & Linda- It was a miserable morning, until about 11 o' clock. Cold, windy and rainy. Then it settled down and the sun came out for awhile, but it didn't last. Only 51 on the way home.

And yes, Joe- I wear a Gortex rain jacket and pants, if necessary.

Valerie- Thanks! It went well enough. 2 more work days and then VACATION!!

Bekka- Isn't that a damn shame? Shakes fist!

I'm glad you survived, Mark. When will you hear the results?

OK, I'm crossing the cross-ables for tomorrow! More good stuff and luck, too, finding its way to you and your Walkabout Lady. And maybe the weather gods will consider giving you a little bitty bit of a break, too. It is Spring after all!

Am about 1/2 through Gone Girl and I confess it took a long time to hook me, but with the help of my book club buddies and their encouragement, I am now well and good hooked!

Ugh on the ride/walk along - and that it even invades your lunchtime - pffft!!

Hi Mark! We're all looking forward to hearing about the feedback you get. Were you able to listen to books as you usually do when delivering folks' mail?

I'm almost done with The Optimist's Daughter and rather enjoying it.

Good to hear that it wasn't to hard. waves

D-Day Deux! Pray the volume is there. It really makes the difference. Another cruddy weather day too. 50, cloudy, chance of rain. Boo!

I think I will crack the Confabulist, during my heavily monitored lunch break! I wish this was Saturday....or Sunday.

Lisa- The evaluation process takes a long time. They have to finish doing all the routes and then put all the data together and then decide how to adjust all the routes. It could be a couple of months. Fingers crossed, that I am left alone.

Karen- I wish I had a better Walkabout person. She's way to serious. Eagle eyes. Weather Gods have been merciless too. Glad you have locked into Gone Girl. It is a roller-coaster to the very end.

Juli- I am lucky if I read 15 print pages yesterday. Boo! They are really cramping my style. LOL. Thankfully, I have audios!

Ellen- The feedback could take awhile, plus I am on vacation next week. Recovery time. LOL. And yes, I did listen to my audiobook yesterday, Before I Go To Sleep. She didn't say anything and she had headphones on too, part of the time.
Glad you enjoyed the Welty. For many, it seems, the Welty has been an AAC Wash-out!

Barbara- Thanks! Waves back!

Doncha hate it when people take themselves too seriously? An all too common problem!

Morning Kath- She's a delivery supervisor, on detail. I think she wants to be back in her office, doing her own work. I just hope she gives me a fair shake. The carrier she evaluated earlier in the week, is a "joke", so compared to him, I should look princely. LOL.
I just do not want anymore additions!

I understand. It seems that the more work you do, they more you are given to do. With no benefit other than more work. Bah! It would drive me crazy to be followed around :P !

Having been in the position of having to observe, and "evaluate", people who were doing a perfectly acceptable job I feel sympathy for your Walkabout Partner. I am sure she will note everything you do well, and hopefully does not feel pressure to find "areas for improvement"; and, I know the need to look as if you have plenty to do, and in no way do you need any additional work. That will be my focus for the sending of helpful thoughts in your direction. I will face east and imagine your looking precisely busy enough; completely efficient and thorough; a complete Credit to the Service, and all that good stuff. A credit to the long and noble history of Letter Carriers! (smirk)

Mark, it's too bad your Shadow is not a reader. You could chat about books as you walk the route. It must be awkward having lunch in the vehicle with her. Ah well, I predict that your shining personality will win her over and you will get a glowing evaluation.

I'm glad The Farm was so good. I must get back to the Tom Rob Smith books!

Hey Mark! I wanted to pop over due to the fact that I just finished a radio dramatization of Star Wars a New Hope. My mum bought it, and it was very good! We got the next two in the dramatization, and I plan on loading them onto my iPod and starting them immediately. They were very fun to listen to. So, if you like Star Wars, you might want to check them out. If not, then you can just ignore everything above. *smiles*

Morning, Mark. Yuck. Another stay in bed and don't bother kind of day - Sunday looks like the day it starts turning around.

I'm sure your Walkabout Partner will appreciate the quality of what you do (nice to have her last one be a sub-performer), and I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get no additions.

Can't wait to hear what you think of the new Galloway! Like you, I thought The Cellist of Sarajevo was excellent.

I started my ER, The Boy in Winter, about a time-traveling Huck Finn, and so far the author is talented but the content is more cutesy than I'd like. Lots of jocular jockeying around about the Twain original - just tell the story!

Seems like I have been gone from your thread for a long long time. 69 messages worth. I am now deep into Empire of the Summer Moon and like it. I finished Bel Canto and have started Thre Junes for my RL book club. That is my reading life.

RL - the Interview is over. I am not sure how I did and won't find out about the job until probably after June 1. The last candidate is coming to campus to interview on May 29 & 30. It will be a long wait and in the meantime I have to keep the ball rolling.

I spent a very nice evening playing Dominoes with some lady friends. We laughed and had a good time. It was a wonderful relaxing way to get together and have some fun. Games are so much fun and it seems that people don't do these old fashioned board games as much as they used to. For me the games are secondary. I love talking with the ladies. We live such exciting lives. One lady spent the week working on a house for Habitat for Humanity!

I am still trying to get my phone working and that is proving to be a hard thing to get done. Lots of phone calls from work - since i can't call from home. Very aggrevating. To-top-it off, FedEX seems to have lost my package. I ordered 4 recorded books for my birthday present to myself and they say the package was delivered. It wasn't. Now I have to wait for them to find it, and I wanted to start listening to those books while driving home next week. I got the first of the Jason Goodwin mysteries - the ones set in Turkey in the Sultan's palace - and had wanted to listen to it for the May M&M month reads. If they can't find the package I won't be listening to it.

And - what happened to spring? The last two days have been cold down here!

What is the story on the Hillerman recorded books? Is this the Tony Hillerman Jimmy Chee and Joe Leap-Horn series?

Can you tell me a little more about this Iron Druid series? Are they recorded?

Hopefully today goes better and by better meaning you get to squeeze in more reading and not having someone watching over you during your lunch as well. Happy Friday, Mr. Mark! :)

Mark I just finished The Lies of Locke Lamora and I loved it! Thanks for that book bullet. Have you read/listened to the sequel?

>147 benitastrnad: Luke Daniels narrates The Iron Druid Chronicles. He does an excellent job. The series is fun, urban fantasy. Go to the review page and look at Richard's review. I think he has described the series very well.

Hi Mark, Happy Friday!

Hoping you are on VACATION! by the time you read this. You will definitely be ready for one by the end of this week. :-)

Hope you've got tons of lovely reading on tap for the week.

Hey Mark--if it's a walkabout, you all need to fly to Australia, right? I saw this slogan at the Seattle Public Library, and thought of you:

By now you are finished with your two difficult days and can put it all behind you. Knowing you, I am sure you will get a glowing report but I do hope they don't decide to give you more to do. You must be counting sleeps until your vacation starts!

Wow, nice to see so many visitors and so many loving vibes...Aw, shucks, guys!

D-Day Part Deux is history. And what a crappy weather day it was. Cold & rainy, the entire time. Only 44 on the way home. I think I did fine on the Walkabout but I am still anxious about the final day, tomorrow, which is the OFFICIAL evaluation. Some of my business stops are closed on Saturdays and the mail volume is also lighter, but at least I'll have the strong numbers from the past 2 days, to help off-set it....Let's hope.

>141 mckait:- I think they will be zeroing in on the "shirkers". My examiner hinted at it, anyway and said I shouldn't have anything to worry about.

>142 maggie1944:- Wow! Thanks for all the positive vibes, Karen. I think it did the trick. Someone mentioned we might be having these every year now. Seriously? The expense of these evaluations has to be astronomical. Most of these examiners are supervisors, OICs or postmasters. And this justifies, snipping and adding to a few routes?

Donna- I hope you are having a fantastic time in Boulder, my friend. And yes, it is kind of weird sharing lunch time with the examiner, in such close proximity. She never once commented on the books I was reading, so a little light went off in my mind: Non-Reader!! Non-Reader!

Abby- Thank you very much, of thinking of me. I will see if I can track down those Star Wars dramatizations! They sound great.

>145 jnwelch:- It was a very crappy day, Joe! I was bundled up! I just started The Confabulist. Not very far in. I have always been fascinated with Houdini, but have never read deeply about him. I hope Galloway can pull it off.
The Boy in Winter sounds interesting.

Benita- Thanks for all the updates. The dominoes, the faulty phone, the lost packages! I hope it all works out and I am glad you are still enjoying Empire of the Summer Moon.
As far as Hillerman goes, I believe these audiobooks are part of the Jimmy Chee and Joe Leap-Horn series. I haven't read one of these, in about a dozen years or more but I was a fan.
And like Roberta kindly added, the Iron Druid books are great on audio.

>148 jolerie:- This is a three day inspection, Valerie! So today was only Day 2. Tomorrow is the Grand Finale!

>149 luvamystery65:- I am so glad you loved The Lies of Locke Lamora. I did not read book 2 but I am trying to track down the audio. I do have book 2 saved though. I really need to get back into these. They are a lot of fun.

>150 Smiler69:- Loving waves, Ilana!!

Marianne- I work tomorrow and my vacation kicks off on Monday. So one more stressful day and then....FREEDOM! Yes, I plan on getting a lot of reading in. I'll need to make up for the past couple days.

Rhonda- Thanks for the poster. LOL. I would love to be part of a beer-drinking book club!

>155 msf59: Fingers crossed for you buddy but I'm sure that there will be no issue mate. She got wet through too which will surely work in your favour methinks.

Have a great weekend and hopefully a celebratory one.

ow no right hand usev stlll so wavewavewave with the left

Mark - sending good thoughts - hope all goes well and some semblance of understanding about business hours happens.

~~~~~~~ waving ~~~~~~~~

******good positive mojo******

I am confident your person will see all your sterling qualities and superior performance without concluding you could do more. No "doing more"! No "doing more". No "doing more"!!

D-Day III- The Finale! This is the OFFICIAL inspection day, whatever that means. At least, it won't be raining. Well, I've had 2 days of practice, so I should have my rhythm down. Fingers crossed, that the volume isn't ridiculously light.

I'll be wrapping up Before I Go to Sleep. I have mixed feelings on this one. I really liked the first half. I think I will visit Dr. Siri next. I miss the little fella. And maybe I can read another 10 pages of the Confabulist. LOL.

>153 DeltaQueen50:- I didn't miss you up there, my friend. I have one more day of inspection and then I am outta HERE! I won't return until the 27th. Hope you have a great weekend.

Paul- Thanks, for the kind words. I probably get more stressed out than necessary but at our age, it is hard to change our stripes.

>157 richardderus:- Good to see you, RD! I am a lefty, so I like the left-handed wave!

Juli- Thanks! I am sure they will but Saturday is a crappy day for a walkabout, regardless.

Karen- Thanks! I am soaking up all that positive mojo! Hope you have a great R & R weekend.

^Isn't this great? Stephanie created T-shirts and other swag and a thread for following and ordering:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/174116

^I think we should support the effort. Good job, Stephanie!

If only every workplace honed in on shirkers!

Next week will be better, so there's that....

Good luck with the official eval today, Mark. Sounds like she's already hinted that you don't need to worry. Too bad she's not a reader!

Son Jesse is fascinated by Houdini, so if The Confabulist is any good, I'll recommend it to him. I gave you a short rundown on the John Rain series over at the cafe. I had a good time with Dr. Siri in Slash and Burn and The Woman Who Wouldn't Die. Cotterill really keeps the quality high.

I'm seeing sunshine out there now, and we're starting to climb out of that temperature hole. Sending positive thoughts for a good Saturday with the Walkabouter, buddy.

Mark, didn't know till today you're a leftie too! My parents being the counter-culturists they've always been probably encouraged me to use my left hand when I was a toddler!

Hope your inspection finale is going well today.

With a little advance planning, maybe we could've all sent letters to someone on your route. Is it in DG? I could've sent a letter to my boss who lives near you.

>152 banjo123: Stealing that for my bookgroup! We've lapsed somewhat in recent years - too many babies and exams. So now I'm pretty much the only one who will finish the books... so I pick a new one then we all get drunk :)

^Did I make myself perfectly clear up there? I feel like a rather large boulder has been removed from my back. The Saturday inspection went fine. I was back early, but nothing ridiculous. IF, I get an addition, then something is amiss, because I did everything to the T.
I read exactly Zero pages but did start the beginning of Slash and Burn, on audio. I might have to re-listen to it, due to mental distractions.

>162 mckait:- Kath, my examiner has another shirker on Monday. I was sandwiched in between both, which should make me look even better. LOL.

Joe- I hope to dive into The Confabulist tomorrow, without distractions, with just me & Galloway. We are going over to Bree's place for a cookout but not until 3. Hope you are having a fine Saturday!

>164 Smiler69:- Yes, Ilana, I am a lefty. Not a true one though. I throw righty. I bowl lefty. I bat righty. I am a messed up dude! Not many lefties in my family. Just an uncle. I think that is it.

>165 lindapanzo:- Linda, my mail route is in Westchester, not Downers. It is right off the Eisenhower, near the Hillside strangler. LOL. My daughter was at the Cubs game today and they WON!

Bekka- Steal away, my friend! We share around here. LOL.

Yay! Happy holiday Mark. We've got a three-day weekend here, Monday being Victoria Day, not that it means much for me. I would venture to guess that most lefties have learned to use both hands, since most things are made for right handed people and it's just easier to adapt for a lot of things. I can't for the life of me use left-handed scissors, among other things I'm happier to do with my right hand.

Happy vacation, buddy. I hope you unwind and settle in for some good reading, and relaxing, and recreating!

Yay for Mark!!

I have tix to both the cubs game and the hawks game on Sunday afternoon. You can guess which one I'm going to.

Congrats on getting through the inspection process, and have a great well-deserved vacation!

>84 msf59: Great job on getting a copy of The Rise & Fall of Great Powers, I liked the Imperfectionists too. It was quite distinctively written.

>166 BekkaJo: So now I'm pretty much the only one who will finish the books... so I pick a new one then we all get drunk :)
LOL
ROTF
I love that.

Glad the work inspection is over with Mark. No one likes to be shadowed, it makes one edgy :)

Are you watching Fargo by any chance? On fX? Pretty interesting and I think your kind of thing.

I am looking forward to a relaxing A.M. I want to spend a little time on the threads and then get into the books. I have some catching up to do. We are going to my daughter's house, later this afternoon, for a cook-out. It is supposed to get to the upper 60s and warming up through the week.

>169 Smiler69:- Happy Victoria Day! Unfortunately, I can't use both hands equally. Maybe I am not coordinated enough but I remember switching hands, while playing tennis or racquetball. Have a great Sunday.

Karen- Thanks again for all those good vibes during my inspection. I soaked up every one.

Linda- You lucky gal! That is great. Have a fantastic time at the Hawks game and bring home a WIN!

Mary- Thanks! I saw some of the Boulder Meet-up photos. You guys look great and...happy!

Megan- I plan on getting to The Rise & Fall of Great Powers early next month. It is an egalley, so they will expect a review. I hope you are having a great R & R weekend.

Joanne- I have been watching Fargo. I have some problems with it. The "quirkiness" is laid on a little thick but it does have good moments and the potential to be a good show. I like the female deputy and Colin Hanks. I would like to see it focus more on them.
I am sure you had a fantastic time at the Meet-Up. You needed a male presence. I wish I could have made it.

I hope your Sunday and holiday are beautiful, Mark!

Glad to see you survived your inspection at work and that it is now vacation time. YAY!!!

Happy Sunday Mark! Good riddance with the inspection too! Have you watched the new Penny Dreadful show with Eva Green et al?

- Lea Colie Wight

Diana- Thanks! I am having a good day so far.

Lori- Thanks! Yes, it is all good now. Hopefully, I don't have to worry about any more inspections, for at least a year.

Ilana- I have not watched Penny Dreadful. I haven't heard much about it yet. Have you been watching it?

It's Sunday! PBS marathon evening! Oh wow and wonders!

I made it to my knitting class and so will have something to occupy my hands while I am watching CTM and Selfridge. However, no Bletchley Circle tonight. I don't know where it went on my local station but it isn't in it's Sunday night slot anymore. Instead there is some stupid program on super-weapons of the Nazi's. That is irritating because if they were such super weapons we wouldn't have the EU. It always fascinates me that the losers get such good press. The breaking of the Enigma Code and all the activity at Bletchley Circle was way more important to the outcome of the war than were any so-called super weapons of the Nazi's! I am going to be throwing a temper tantrum soon and start screaming "Bring Back Bletchley Circle!"

I did find time late yesterday afternoon to get some more flowers and herbs planted by the front door. Maybe with some bright yellow and orange marigolds and some hot pink begonia's lining the sidewalk up to the entry the FedEX guy will be able to find the door. I tired to make them the equivalent of red arrows and green pins on Google maps. Time will tell if I succeeded.

I have vacation this next week as well. I am heading home to Kansas - again. I stopped at the library to get a couple of recorded books to listen to on the way. I couldn't find any of the Iron Druid books so picked up The Uncoupling a contemporary novel by Meg Wolitzer same author as The Interestings a novel you read earlier this year, Blood Lure a Nevada Barr Anna Pigeon mystery, (I just love listening to those while driving), and the start of a YA dystopian series Graceling. That should give me a variety of things to listen to while on the trip. 19 hours is lots of listening time.

Hooray Mark! Walkabout complete and nothing but blissful days stretching as far as the eye can see. Plus the Hawks are up by one as I type. ;-)

Congrats, my friend! Sounds like the Walkabout ended up fine, and my buddy's started on his vacation. Yeah! Enjoy!

I have a lump in my throat after tonight's CTM. But oh, so good ...

^We went to my daughter's house for a cook-out and it turned out to be a surprise 25th Anniversary Party for us!! Our anniversary is on the 28th! And we were completely caught off guard and it was wonderful! Loaded with family & friends. Good food & and good beer.



^We had a GREAT DAY!

What a wonderful surprise!!! Happy early anniversary Mark!!!

Nice Mark!! Congratulations on both your 25 years and having a couple of wonderful kids!

What an awesome daughter you have Mark. Good looking family too. Congratulations on your anniversary.

What a nice surprise! But a well-deserved one, I'm sure.

Happy vacation, my friend.

Oh what a wonderful surprise! Happy anniversary!

Ah! What a great day. So much fun to have an intelligent and capable daughter who can pull of a surprise party! And keep it a surprise! Happy Anniversary to the happy parents. Congratulations. There are few accomplishments in life as important as a successful partnership and happy nurturing of great kids.

I hope the remainder of your vacation is full of sweet times.

Happy Monday (Yes, I can say that today!)- It's warming up again here and let's hope it sticks around, this time. 70 today, 80 tomorrow.

I have a mix of chores and reading planned for the day, which might be the itinerary for the week.

>181 benitastrnad:- Thanks for the update Benita! I think Bletchley Circle is over. I believe it was just those 4 episodes and I heard it was canceled after that.

Have a nice vacation and have a good time with family in Kansas. It sounds like you have some good audios, lined up. I loved the Interestings, which I did listen to and I was also a fan of Graceling and the follow-up.

Marianne- I am so glad the inspection is far behind me and yes, the Blackhawks brought home another win. Yah!

>184 jnwelch:- Thanks, Joe! We had a great day. It is very special being surrounded by good friends & family and when you add some fine brew, it shines even brighter. LOL.

>185 lauralkeet:- Hi, Laura! Our Sunday evening TV watching was postponed, due to partying. LOL. We'll catch up with CTM tonight...hopefully.

Tina, Joanne, Roberta, Katie & Amber- Thank you all very much! And big hugs all around!

Karen- Thanks for the kind words. My daughter had some help, but she did pull it off and it is really amazing that my wife and I, had no clue.

64) The Farm by Tom Rob Smith 4.5 stars

“I'm sure your father has spoken to you. Everything that man has told you is a lie. I'm not mad. I don't need a doctor. I need the police. I'm about to board a flight to London. Meet me at Heathrow.”

Daniel is living a quiet uneventful life in London. A few months earlier, his parents retired to a small farm in Sweden. He has put off visiting his mother's home country and then one day he receives a frantic call from his father, stating that his mother has gone off the edge and has been hospitalized, for a serious mental condition. This sends Daniel into a tail-spin and shortly after receives a call from his mother...

To reveal anymore of the plot would be a crime but the elaborate tale the mother reveals to Daniel is shocking and absolutely frightening, but is she telling the truth or is his father? Secrets, lies, deceptions and revenge, all play a part. The author has crafted another deftly written novel, brimming with paranoia and piling on the suspense, until it becomes a powder-keg of fear and emotion.

I was a big fan of his first book, Child 44 and I am gladly reporting, that he has done it again, delivering a psychological labyrinth, that will leave you exhausted and completely satisfied.

Mark, what a fantastic surprise, Happy Anniversary! Isn't it gorgeous that the own kids are organising a party? We have our 25th anniversary on the 14th of July.
I wish you happy vacation full of reading, good weather and fantastic moments with family and friends.

ookie, dokie, The Farm goes on the tbr pile.

I'm going to see if I can obtain a copy for Will. He loved Child 44.

Happy Day Mark!

Happy belated anniversary!

Hey Mark, happy early anniversary. Wishing you a famous week.

>186 msf59: Congrats, Mark! 25 years! Please give our best to Sue. How cool that they sprung an unexpected anniversary party for you.

Hope you're enjoying some well-earned time off. Have you read Exit Wounds? Ellen gave it high marks, and I'm adding it to the WL.

P.S. I had a couple of 3 Floyds Alpha Kings Saturday night - nice! I hadn't tried that one before.

What a great thing for your family to do for you, Mark. I'm sure that you are proud and happy. And congrats on the upcoming anniversary :)

Okay, got a chunk of reading in, before I head out to cut the lawn.

>195 Ameise1:- We are both having our 25th anniversary this year! How very nice! We are finalizing our plans to Hawaii, in September. We had hoped to go for our honeymoon and it never worked out.

>196 Whisper1:- Hi Linda! Child 44 was excellent but for some reason I didn't read the other 2 in the trilogy. I'll have to do that.

>197 drneutron:- Thanks, Jim! And you are not late, my friend. Our anniversary date is the 28th. You are early. LOL.

Rae- Thank you very much. I am sure this will be a very nice week.

Joe- I don't know how Bree pulled it off but it caught both us, totally unaware. Credit goes to the family and friends, that helped with the nifty deception.
I did add Exit Wounds to my WL , thanks to Ellen. Have you read this author?
And yah, to Alpha King!! Believe it or not, a friend presented me a CASE yesterday! Of course, I am tickled pink.

Kath- Thank you! We had such a good time. Nothing better than spending the day surrounded with friends and family.

Happy 25th Mark! What a wonderful surprise.
And The Farm -- well, that sounds really good. Darn those book bullets.

Thanks for sharing the news about your surprise party - I'm smiling ear to ear reading this. So pleased for you. Happy 25th! What a splendid way to start your vacation.

Loved the review on The Farm -- you are sure to pull some people in on that one!

Congrats to you and Sue on your 25th anniversary, Mark. That's wonderful. So nice that they managed to surprise you with a party.

Enjoy your week off. Looks like you chose a great week, weatherwise.

>186 msf59: Great surprise for you, Mark. Happy anniversary!

Skipping all the other posts (140 of them) but my eye fell on the very happy picture of the four of you.

"Time really is one big continuous cloth, no? We habitually cut out pieces of time to fit us, so we tend to fool ourselves into thinking that time is our size, but it really goes on and on.”

― Haruki Murakami, A Wild Sheep Chase

Laura- Thank you! the Farm is terrific! Hope to watch CTM tonight.

Marianne- Thanks! And yes, it was a splendid way to kick off my vacation. Have you read Child 44?

Linda- Thanks, my friend. Yes, it looks like we are in for a nice stretch of fine weather. Little cool out there now but perfect for doing yardwork.

Awww... what great kids you've got! That must have been such a wonderful surprise! Very sweet. Happy Anniversary Mark. I'll have to fit in Child 44 sooner than later somehow.

CTM was GREAT!!!!!!

I have Child 44 somewhere on the shelves. And I think I have the sequel to that one but I don't have The Farm. Guess I will have to add another book to the TBR. GRaceling is part of a trilogy, and this trilogy is complete so I hope to listen to the entire series this summer and knock that one out instead of doing two and having to wait for the third.

Happy Anniversary! Nice to see you had a great time. Did you have good beers?

>207 Smiler69:- Thanks, my friend! I read Child 44 in print but I would think the audio would work very well. I have the 2nd book saved on audio and in print.

Benita- Hope you had a good day of traveling. The Farm hasn't been released yet. A couple more weeks. I snagged an ARC.

"Did you have good beers?" Did I have good beers?? Of course, my friend, even if I have to bring them myself. LOL. Several of my friends gifted me with some choice brew too. Gotta love 'em.

Will try to watch CTM tonight, if Sue can do it.

Mark, what a wonderful surprise! Congratulations! Do you know where in Hawai'i you're going? The first time I went, I sat in the parking lot of the Lahaina Safeway and cried when I had to come back to the mainland.

>186 msf59:: Love the family picture. I think I 'liked' it on FB when I did one of my infrequent passes through the craziness that is posted there. What a lovely surprise for you and Sue! Kudos to Bree for planning the party and others for keeping the secret. Early congrats on your 25th Anniversary!

>194 msf59:: Mark, that was a great non-spoiler review of The Farm. So much for the peaceful rural life! I am going to reserve this as soon as I finish here. Maybe I will be No. 1 in line as it hasn't been released yet.

LOVE the family photo! So cool that your daughter pulled the surprise off. Happy anniversary!

We watched Call the Midwife and boy was it good! If you haven't seen it yet, make sure you have a box of Kleenex at hand. Sue sobbed. This sure feels like the last episode....I mean the LAST episode.

Stephanie- Thanks! We are spending the first week on the big island and then the last few days in Oahu. CAN'T WAIT!

Donna- Thanks! Yes, Bree really pulled it off. We had a great time. I think you will like The Farm. It's exceptionally well-done.

Rhonda- Thanks! We had a wonderful time.

>213 msf59: Mark, I'm sure you've been told this, or know it already. Be sure to hit at least one Hilo Hattie's. I think the one in Honolulu is their flagship and you can actually hear the sewing machines humming as they make those wonderful aloha clothes.

Hi Mark,
Well, my friend, I do think May will be the AAC low point. I finished The Optimist's Daughter and I get that she is a talented writer, but I just don't care. I will find the short story "Why I Live at the P.O.," I will read it, and I will move on. It's okay, you know that June will pick back up again! I've always wanted to read something by Vonnegut so your challenge will provide me with the structure and the company (yay LT!) to get to it!

Hugs to you, my pal!

What a wonderful surprise for you and your wife, Mark. Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary. And now a week to kick back and unwind - life's pretty good, huh!

I had already added The Farm to my list just from your early words of praise, but your 4 1/2 star rating just sent me off to Amazon to pre-order it for my Kindle. I can now look forward to getting it on June 3rd.

>201 msf59: Wow, Hawaii, that sounds absolutely GORGEOUS. Enjoy your vacacion.

"A great many magicians began to work for the government beginning in 1916. As Wilkie had known all along, the skills of a magician and the skills of a spy were nearly identical."

-The Confabulist

^I find this fascinating and I wouldn't mind reading more about it. I know The Confabulist is fiction but it has referenced many interesting historical tid-bits. I read a very healthy chunk of this one yesterday and I might be able to wrap it up today. If anything, it has encouraged me to pick up a definitive bio on Houdini. Anyone have a rec?
I also listened to a swath of Slash & Burn, while doing some yard work.

>214 AuntieClio:- Thanks, Stephanie! I will keep Hilo Hattie's in mind. I am sure my wife would love it. I don't think I've ever owned a Hawaiian shirt, so I might have to pick up one of those.

>215 EBT1002:- Yes, Ellen, I think we had a Welty Wash-out! I guess we can have a minor stumble, as we take our make our way along the AAC Trail, at least until Updike. LOL.
I am looking forward to Vonnegut too. I have one lined up but I am going to try 2 K.V. reads.

Judy- Thanks! It's nice being on vacation, even if I am just staying home. Sue is off Friday, so we will have a nice long weekend to hang out. I am sure you will not be disappointed in the Farm. You were a fan of Child 44, correct?

Barbara- We have been planning and dreaming about this Hawaii trip for a long time. It's great having it finally take shape.

Hey Mark! Well, I was sidetracked reading your thread today and just ordered a commuter mug from Zazzle.com. Today they are 50% off. Thanks for advertising cause I most certainly would have not known about this site.

Here's to Hawaii plans taking shape! Hope the big island is included. Simply astounding!

65) Before I Go To Sleep by S. J. Watson 3.6 stars

“What are we, if not an accumulation of our memories?”

“This is dying everyday. Over and over.”

A woman wakes up in a strange bed, with a strange man, lying beside her. She pads into the unfamiliar bathroom but does not recognize the person reflected in the mirror.
This has become Christine Lucas's life...every single day. She begins to keep a daily journal and fills in her memories and her life finally begins to take shape, but there are questions and shadowy gaps. What type of accident caused this scary malady? Who is her husband? Why is he lying?

I loved the premise of this psychological mystery, (I don't think this qualifies as a thriller) and I enjoyed the way the first half unfolded but I think it began to bog down in the last third, leaving me somewhat dissatisfied by then end. I will still recommend it and I know many other readers were perfectly happy with it. Also, if you were a fan of the excellent film “Memento”, you might also want to give this one a shot.

Loved the film "Memento", Mark. I can see the comparison. Glad you had a decent time with Before I Go to Sleep. Sounds like I enjoyed it a bit more than you did.

I'm having a good time with the second Longmire mystery right now. I liked the Eisler one I mentioned; one feature of it was a believable romance between the able-bodied Rain and a young woman in a wheelchair. It was handled respectfully and well.

Glad we're having some great weather for your time off. I must have missed it - when is the Hawaii trip?

Morning Mark, all caught up here. Hoping that your thoroughly enjoying your vacation.

Catching up with you after the long weekend Mark and was so happy to see you had a surprise anniversary celebration! 25 years is AWESOME and definitely worth celebrating with everything you've got! What thoughtful and sweet kids. A reflection of their rents I'd say! :)

Okay, great review of The Farm which was on my WL already, but now I actually want to read it sooner than later. This group has definitely opened my eyes to the world of crime/thrillers, which I didn't read a whole of of before. I am still curious Before I Go to Sleep because the premise sounds really interesting, but maybe no need to rush to get to it. :)

Happy Tuesday my friend and enjoy your vacay!!

>220 Carmenere:- Good to see you, Lynda! We will be staying on the big island for almost a week. My cousin has a condo there and they've been going for 20 years, so they will be perfect guides. We are then going to Oahu for a few days, after that.

Hi Joe! I didn't realize you had already read Before I Go to Sleep. I am so glad you are jumping back into the Longmire series. It is wonderfully consistent. If you ever have a chance to hear the audio version, George Guidall does a knock-out job narrating.
Yep, we are leaving for Hawaii on September 7th. Our first time. Pumps fist in air!

Abby- Thanks and hugs!

Valerie- Thanks for the kind words. Our "kids" are not always so sweet, LOL, but we'll keep 'em. The Farm is terrific! Have you tried Child 44?

>221 msf59: - Is it bad that I take perverse pleasure in the fact that FINALLY someone else wasn't thrilled by Before I Go To Sleep?

The Farm, on the other hand, sounds awesome. It's on my WL but I'm going to check the queue at the library, too.

Happy Anniversary Mark :) Lovely pic of you and the family.

I'm looking ahead to June, which I hadn't really twigged was Vonnegut month. Trout to the fore!

Finally got a chance to watch CTM last night. Please tell me you know if they are going to do any more in the series?! I need MORE!

Great episode. Tears and smiles at the same time.

I haven't seen the season finale of CTM (maybe tonight) but I'd heard the big news earlier.

They've commissioned another season. In fact, on one website, I read that they've already started filming season 4. I'd be glad to pm you with the news that made me the happiest. (I can't remember how to do the spoiler thingy or I'd do it here)

Oh, Definitely PM the good news, Linda!

Whew! I just spent 3-plus hours researching our flights to Hawaii, (Yes, absolutely grueling. LOL.) And I think we have it nailed down and will probably book it tonight. We sail, (fly) on September 7th.

I have not cracked a book but I will very shortly...

>226 katiekrug:- I really liked the 1st half of Before I Go To Sleep, but the 2nd half petered out. There were actually similarities, between that one and The Farm, the fear and the unknown, but the latter was better executed, IMHO. the Farm will not be released for a couple more weeks.

>227 BekkaJo:- Thanks Bekka! And yah to Vonnegut Month!

Marianne- Wasn't CTM wonderful! It sure felt like it was wrapping everything up, didn't it? I loved the storyline with the doc and the ex-nun. Awwww...!

Linda- Thanks for the CTM news! What a great show. Never misses a step.

>219 msf59: I think we had a Welty Wash-out!
I'm half way through my Welty at the moment and I have to say I'm actually enjoying it!

>228 michigantrumpet:: Please tell me you know if they are going to do any more in the series?! I need MORE!
As the credits were rolling on Sunday's episode, I saw an on-screen reference to Season 4. My vision was a little fuzzy, what with the tears and all, so I just checked the PBS website which says it will air in spring 2015. It will be interesting to see how it fares without the Jenny character. The actress has left the show permanently to explore other career opportunities.

>233 lauralkeet: Yes, that's right. I'll send you a pm with the news I heard, too.

Nope, I haven't read either, but I think both are on my to borrow from the library list. Yeesh, that list is getting ridiculously long! :D

Boom! You got me with a BB; I'm off to hunt down a place to order a copy of The Farm.

I'm delighted you have a Hawaii trip all scheduled. I am sure you will love it so much that for next year you will plan to visit one of the other islands - Kaua'i - and in November. Just before Thanksgiving is a great time to travel.... very quiet. But get home before the Thanksgiving travel crush! Then we can do a Meet-up!

I am on the verge of shopping an airplane ticket for November 1-14 +/-. My friend will rent a house again, and we can celebrate my 70th birthday!

OK. I need to get off LT and go do some work. But I had to tell you about the BB and my idea of a Hawaiian Meet-Up in 2015!

^I've been hearing some pretty good buzz on Thunderstruck & Other Stories, a new story collection by Elizabeth McCracken but I also noticed her novel, The Giant's House, which really sounds good. It seems to be popular on LT, anyone here, read it? Inquiring minds and all that...

OK, the above touchstone for "The Farm" leads to a dystopian YA book. Not the Tom Rob Smith one. I found that I could pre-order it on Audible! Yay! So after 6/3 I'll be listening to it...

>232 SandDune:- Good to see you Rhian! I am so glad you are enjoying your Welty. By no means, am I disliking her, many of her stories have been very good. I just expected a bit more consistency. I find her uneven.

>233 lauralkeet:- Sorry, your vision was a little blurry, Laura. The same thing happened to my wife. Must be something going around. LOL. Thanks for the Jenny info.

Linda- Are you going to PM me the details too or am I just chopped liver? LOL.

Valerie- Just to keep things straight: Child 44 is the first in a crime trilogy, (I have not read the others) but the Farm is a stand-alone.

Karen- Which touchstone for The Farm was incorrect? I am sure we would LOVE to return to Hawaii in 2015 but it did take us 25 years to get there this time, unless we win the lotto or something, which I don't play but my wife does occasionally, so you never know.

>239 msf59: Heh-heh, I will send you the info now, Mark.

Sure is a hot one out there today. I was out at lunch, trying to bake (when I've got a cold, sitting out in the heat always seems to help). Anyway, it's got to be close to 90.

Yup, thanks for making sure. And yup, both are on my to borrow list. Since there is a bajillion books on that list, which one would you say I should read first??

I like the idea of Hawaii and those major vacations, but I have started to do smaller more local trips. I took a very nice Friday through Monday trip to New Orleans last spring and had a fabulous time. I did a weekend trip to the Jack Daniel's brewery and then on to Nashville for overnight and really loved that drive. I also did a Friday through Sunday trip to Chattanooga and this fall I am going to do a weekend to Vicksburg and Natchez. I find I spend less on these trips and come back refreshed. I should also tell you that I generally take these trips alone and all that time in the car with a recorded book is time well spent. On my trip to Nashville and Jack Daniels I took the ipad and my knitting. I listened to a recorded book and knit and then read in bed. Wonderful weekend away.

I can also say that I am becoming a food snob and pack picnic type food. I either eat in my room or find a nice place to stop along the way. Nothing like a brie, ham, and apple sandwich eaten at a roadside stop with a good book beside you. Lots of private time is wonderful.

>242 benitastrnad: "...I can also say that I am becoming a food snob and pack picnic type food. I either eat in my room or find a nice place to stop along the way. Nothing like a brie, ham, and apple sandwich eaten at a roadside stop with a good book beside you. Lots of private time is wonderful."

Love this.

>221 msf59: - I enjoyed the way the first half unfolded but I think it began to bog down in the last third, leaving me somewhat dissatisfied by then end.

Good to know... I have been eying that one but a psychological mystery really should carry the reader through and not get bogged down in 'stuff'. I have never seen the film "Memento"... must add that one to my future viewing list. I am more willing to tolerate an okay viewing than I am an okay reading. ;-)

>186 msf59: love this picture of you and your family. What a wonderful surprise from your daughter.

I read Before I Go To Sleep a year or so ago and enjoyed it very much. I think you're right in that is slowed down in the second half, but it was still an enjoyable read for me.

Congrats on your upcoming trip to Hawaii. A trip there is on my bucket list too.

Oh and congrats on surviving your evaluation. Sounds like it was a real drag but at least it is over!

Love the picture of you and your family Mark and congratulations on 25 years of wedded bliss. Have fun in Hawaii too. I heard the rest of CTM is going to be all new material because they are done with the books so we will have to see how it unfolds.

Happy (early) anniversary to you and Sue, Mark! I guess if your kids are hosting surprise parties for you, they must kinda like you guys, eh? :-)

I hope your vacation is shaping up nicely. It looks like you are getting some great reading in, the most important part of any vacation.

Life is good, eh, Mark. There you are on vacation, planning your next vacation! Well, you certainly deserve it. I hope you had time today to put your feet up, open a cold one and turn a few pages.

^Despite being off, I still got up super early, so I am shuffling off to bed...I'll respond to my lovable peeps in the A.M. Hugs!

Morning Mark, I hope you have another wonderful vacation day.

Before I go to sleep sounds excellent!

Happy Hump Day, for you working folk...no I am not smirking. We had a LOT of rain last night and bad storms but everything is crisp, cool and fresh this A.M. Ahhhhh...I am getting a massage later this morning and meeting my favorite cuz for lunch. Yep, another grueling day.

I did finish The Confabulist. It was good enough but with mixed blessings, review to follow. I will read a couple Welty stories and finish up the 2nd collection. I am still deciding if I will continue on to the next one.

>240 lindapanzo:- It looks like a nice one out there today, Linda! Go Hawks! I am sure you are very pumped.

>241 jolerie:- I would start with Child 44, Valerie. The Farm doesn't come out for a couple weeks anyway.

Benita- Those small trips sound fantastic. I wish we could do more of them. Natchez trace is mentioned heavily in Welty's work. And I love the sound of that lunch you pack.

>244 lkernagh:- Lori, Before I Go to Sleep worked for a lot of other LTers, so maybe it was just me. And yes, add "Memento" to your Must Watch list!

>245 Cobscook:- Thanks for all your kind words, Heidi! We had a wonderful time at the party and yes, I am so glad the inspection is over with...for me anyway. The 2nd half of the office is being evaluated this week.

Bonnie- Thanks, my friend! I am so glad CTM will be returning. It might be my favorite show right now.

>247 rosalita:- Julia is back! Julia is back! Good to see you. Yes, I have been getting some reading in. Only my audio output has slowed to a crawl...

>248 DeltaQueen50:- " I hope you had time today to put your feet up, open a cold one and turn a few pages." Yes, my friend, I did exactly that. LOL.

Those storms are headed my way, meant to hit later today :)
Free water for flowers~

Have a good one, Mark. Maybe a day for a Revolution Double Fist?

Morning Barbara! Big Waves!

Kath- I think Before I Go to Sleep is just your cuppa! These storms were fierce. Baseball-sized hail and flash flooding in some places.

Morning Joe! Ooh, Double Fist! I think I have one or 2 bombers left, from the wonderful batch you brought. We are planning on going to the West Loop Craft Beer Fest on Saturday, for a little pre-anniversary celebration. Mmmmmmmmmmm...

Morning Mark! All caught up with you - what a lovely surprise your kids provided you with! I hate surprises where I end up being the center of attention, so I would have totally panicked. And 25 years- congrats! Craig and I will celebrate our 24th in October, and that just doesn't seem possible. Of course, then I look at our kids and it all makes sense, but I have no idea how it all went by so quickly.

LOVE the Murakami quote on time - you are reminding me that I need to get back to him. And The Farm sounds right up my alley. I have Child 44 in the stacks, but I have yet to get to it.

I am another who liked Before I go to Sleep perhaps just a bit more than you, but I completely agree that the first half is much stronger than the second. I think it would have been better if it had been shorter, but I loved the premise.

Hoping that today is full of fabulous for you!

Hawaii? Any special reason? Your anniversary or just a general vacation? You are such a traveler!

>257 Crazymamie: Ha! MrMorphy and I are celebrating our 24th this June.

>257 Crazymamie:- It's always a pleasure to see you Mamie! You never fail to make me smile. Yes, please slot in Child 44. It's a Must Read. Speaking of Murakami, I am looking forward to his new one coming out this fall and it's a shorty! Yah!
The big 24 coming up, eh? How exciting.

Morphy- Yes, the Hawaii trip is for our 25th. We wanted to go for our honeymoon and just couldn't swing it at the time. Honestly, I wish we could travel more but it's just not possible. Also looking forward to Asheville in August.

Well, Happy Anniversary to you crazy kids! My husband and I are celebrating our 42nd, our daughter's 4th, and our niece's 3rd today!

Love that you got surprised with an anniversary party!!

Yep - definitely going to have to read The Farm but I also still need to read Child 44 - it's sitting there unread on my ereader.

I started Midnight in Europe. This is only my second ebook and it is getting easier and more enjoyable to read on a device. I've wanted to read more Furst. I have several in the stacks but snagged this egalley and thought I better jump on it. This is his new one and it grabbed me pretty quickly.

Linda! Thanks! Yep, we are just some crazy kids! LOL. Happy 42nd!!

Juli- Thanks! The Farm is a stand-alone, so you can read that any time, (although, why wait?) but try to get to Child 44! It's amazing.

Go Blackhawks!

^She looks forlorn. How is that possible with all those wonderful books?

Sweet Thursday, everyone! Hope the week is going well for everyone. Vacay has been great!

^Do I smell? Did I tell a particularly offensive joke?

*waves at Mark* You're not bothering me none.

66) The Confabulist by Steven Galloway 3.6 stars

“Every man's memory is his private literature.”

-Aldous Huxley

Magic, memory and illusion. This tale has all three in spades. Martin Strauss, our unreliable narrator, spins the story of Erich Weiss, aka Harry Houdini and how their lives were fatefully entwined, through Houdini's sudden death in 1926 and beyond. The story weaves us through, Houdini's humble origins to his immense stardom. It also traces his involvement with the Secret Service, his recruitment as a spy, which ties him to to the fringes of the Romanov murders. It also deals with Houdini's war with the spiritualists, which includes combat with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Of course, this is all intriguing but what is fact and what is fiction? Is Strauss, suffering from a brain disorder, mixing fantasy with the truth?
This is an ambitious novel and Houdini is endlessly fascinating but something key is missing in the narrative. A soul, more depth? I am not sure but it did disconnect me with from the story, leaving me no choice but to give it a marginal recommendation.

Just finished watching the CTM season finale.

Still dabbing at my eyes. Great episode.

>265 laytonwoman3rd:- Thanks for the visit, Linda! You got me a bit choked up.

>266 msf59:- Wasn't that a terrific episode, Linda? Just about perfect. Are you feeling a little better?

>264 msf59: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvpTzitlSos

Mark, enjoy your vacation. Wishing you a fab time. Waves

Hehe..maybe she's sad because those are just cardboard fake books, like the ones you see in furniture stores. I'd be disappointed if that were the case.... :P

You good in my books, Mr. Mark! I hope you are having a fantastic vacay. :D

I think I'd still want to check out The Confabulist, but no need to be in a rush about it.

>266 msf59: - The Confabulist seems to be such a different kind of story for Galloway from his first book, I just wasn't sure how it would come across. I am glad to see you enjoyed it!

>263 msf59: Not forlorn, content.

Poor Mark, steward of a thread that went 4 whole hours without a post. LOL. Welcome to the real world, son. ;-)

Hi Mark, I read Before I Go To Sleep and I liked it but it was kind of forgettable...

Can I recommend a couple of books for your upcoming Hawaii trip? I think you like to read...:)

Hawaii The Big Island Revealed - I have their guides for Maui and Kauai but I haven't been to the Big Island so haven't used this particular book. Excellent guides. Opinionated and fun. Good maps. There was controversy a while back with the Maui book concerning some remote areas they talked about and so I tended to hide my copy under a towel, but they really are great resources.

Six Months in the Sandwich Islands - Isabella Bird is an excellent travel companion and her adventures in Hawaii in the late 1800s are unforgettable.

Still trying to get it in gear and make our own plans for right around the same time, different island though. Drat!

Hi there! Just wanted to pop in. Will catch up on reading your thread tomorrow. Hugs!

"But nothing warps time quite like childhood."

- Saga- Vol 3 (for you GN enthusiasts, this is a terrific fantasy series)

Happy Friday! Yes, the vacay is going along great, just a bit to fast for my taste. I am really enjoying Midnight in Europe and I am still listening to tid-bits of Slash & Burn here and there.

>269 Morphidae:- Morning Morphy! I will check out the link, as soon as I finish my responses. Thanks.
ETA- Very funny, my friend. LOL.

Barbara- Big waves! Hope you have a nice weekend planned.

Valerie- Yep, no one likes fake card-board books and yes, The Confabulist is still worth reading, especially if you are interested in the subject matter.

Lori- I am a BIG fan of the Cellist of Sarajevo and I do admire his diversity but this new one, just didn't have narrative beauty/flow of that gem.

>273 mckait:- Good point, Kath!

>274 rosalita:- Yes, Julia, poor little ole' me. The ignored and the forgotten. Only 12 little ole' threads. LOL.

Joanne- Thank you so much for those Hawaii book recs. We had planned on picking some up and getting better informed and now we know what to look for. Hugs!
I also want to listen to Unfamiliar Fishes, which has been waiting in the audio stacks, for a couple years now.

Kimmers made it! Kimmers made it!

Oh! I'd like to second with enthusiasm Joanne's recommendation of Isabella Bird's accounting of her travels in the Sandwich Islands (which now I know was that time's name for the Hawaiian Islands). I found her account to be remarkably easy and fun to read. What an adventure she had.

I am glad you are enjoying your vacation!

Karen- Thanks! I wrote both of those titles down. Summer always seems to go quickly, (unlike winter) so September should roll around quick.

The Kurt Vonnegut is up! The Kurt Vonnegut is up!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/174613

>263 msf59: She looks forlorn. How is that possible with all those wonderful books?

I say either she's not a reader, or on the contrary, she's already read them all. More than once.

Happy Friday Mark! Although, does it really make a difference when you're already on vacation?

Here's a little taste of Hawaii for you.... a shack in the sun

Hi Ilana- I never thought of the girl up there, having read all the books. No wonder she is sad. LOL.

Karen- Thanks for the little slice of Hawaii! I am not sure, I'll ever want to leave, once I am there.

Yay for Saga Vol. 3! Isn't it good?

I finished Vol. 1 of The Graphic Canon, and now I've started Vol. 2. These are door-stoppers, but quite intriguing. Sort of a tour of world lit, with graphic artists riffing on each.

Hope you're enjoying this wonderful weather. We're a bit housebound, but still liking it, and we may get Walklover out on the porch later today.

Yes - Saga, Vol. 3 continues the wonderfulness. I did give up on waiting for collected editions after volume 2 though. I've been getting the individual issues through Comixology and reading them on my ipad. Wednesday was the first issue of the next collection and I'm traumatized and have to wait until June 25th for the next issue.

Hi Mark, just passing through on my way outside to catch some rays. It rained here all morning, but now the sky is blue, the sun is out and the patio is calling to me. How many more days of vacation do you have? Hopefully at least over the weekend and a on into next week.

Hi Joe- I've been on a nice GN roll lately. Loved The Wrong Place and I still have to get to the 2nd Hawkeye. I brought home a few more from the library, including Exit wounds and the new Tan. Did I ever tell you how much I love my library??

Juli- I heard about Comixology on a podcast. How is it? Expensive or reasonable? Speaking of Saga, have you read Y-The Last Man? It is another terrific series by Vaughan.

Judy- I go back to work on Tuesday after our Memorial Day holiday. It's been beautiful here too. Lots of sunshine, low to mid-70s. Sweetness!

Too bad The Confabulist didn't live up to your expectations, Mark. I was hoping he would hit the same heights as Cellist but I guess that was hoping for too much.

Bonnie- The Confabulist wasn't a bad read but my expectations were high after The Cellist. Oh, well, this happens in our little book world.