Mark's Reading Place: Chapter 9

-Barry Hilton

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:


Books Read So Far...

February:

09) Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod by Gary Paulsen 4.7 stars
10) War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy 4 stars (audio)
11) Single, Carefree, Mellow by Katherine Heiny 3.8 stars
12) Eleanor by Jason Gurley 3.2 stars (audio)
13) My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout 4.2 stars (audio)
14) Straight Man by Richard Russo 4.6 stars AAC
15) Ru by Kim Thuy 3.8 stars CAC
16) The Girl With All the Gifts by M. R. Carey 4.3 stars (audio)
17) Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie 4.2 stars (audio) BAC
18) A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain: Stories by Robert Olen Butler 3.8 stars
19) The Lost Garden by Helen Humphreys 4.6 stars CAC
20) Shattered: The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne 4 stars (audio)
21) When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi 4.5 stars (audio)
22) Half-Resurrection Blues by Daniel José Older 4 stars (audio)
23) Hollow City by Ransom Riggs 3.7 stars (E)

March:

24) Some Luck by Jane Smiley 3.2 stars (audio) AAC
25) King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hochschild 5 stars
26) Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart 4.3 stars (audio)
27) The Vegetarian by Han Kang 3.6 stars ER
28) Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Seal by Morgan Callan Rogers 3.4 stars (audio) Booktopia
29) The Accidental by Ali Smith 3.5 stars (audio) BAC
30) I'm Glad About You by Theresa Rebeck 3.8 stars Booktopia
31) Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat 4 stars (audio) CAC
32) The Dew Breaker by Edwidge Danticat 4.2 stars
33) SuperMutant Magic Academy by Jillian Tamaki 4 stars GN
34) Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham 4 stars (audio)
35) The Sunlit Night by Rebecca Dinerstein 3.8 stars Booktopia
36) Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate 4.3 stars (audio)
37) How to Breathe Underwater by Julie Orringer 4.4 stars
38) Dodgers: A Novel by Bill Beverly 4.3 stars
39) City on Fire by Garth Risk Hallberg 3.6 stars (audio)

April:

40) The Hummingbird by Stephen P. Kiernan 4.5 stars Booktopia
41) American Housewife: Stories by Helen Ellis 4 stars (audio)
43) Denali's Howl by Andy Hall 4.2 stars
44) The Art Forger by B. A. Shapiro 4 stars Booktopia
45) The Dream of a Common Language: Poems 1974-1977 by Adrienne Rich 4.3 stars Poetry AAC
46) Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert 4 stars (audio)
47) Silas Marner by George Eliot 4 stars BAC
48) Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond 5 stars (audio)
49) The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood 3.3 stars (audio) CAC

American Author Challenge 2016

January- Anne Tyler
February- Richard Russo
March- Jane Smiley
April- Poetry Month
May- Ivan Doig
June- Annie Proulx
July- John Steinbeck
August-Joyce Carol Oates
September- John Irving
October- Michael Chabon
November- Annie Dillard
December- Don DeLillo

Mark's Picks for the AACIII: (under construction)

January- Anne Tyler- Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant Completed
February- Richard Russo- Straight Man Completed
March- Jane Smiley- Some Luck Completed
April- Poetry Month The Dream of a Common Language Completed
May- Ivan Doig
June- Annie Proulx
July- John Steinbeck
August-Joyce Carol Oates
September- John Irving
October- Michael Chabon
November- Annie Dillard
December- Don DeLillo

The General Discussion Thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/209611

BRITISH AUTHOR CHALLENGE/CANADIAN AUTHOR CHALLENGE

There is no way, I'll be able to read all 4 of these Challenge authors, per month but I will select one each and try my best to bookhorn them in. There are other various Challenges going on, in '16 and I would like the chance to give one or 2 of those a chance too.

BAC:

January - SUSAN HILL & BARRY UNSWORTH -Morality Play Completed
February : Agatha Christie & William Dalrymple The Murder on the Orient Express Completed
March : Ali Smith & Thomas Hardy The Accidental Completed
April : George Eliot & Hanif Kureishi Silas Marner Completed
May : Jane Gardam & Robert Goddard
June : Lady Antonia Fraser & Joseph Conrad
July : Bernice Rubens & H.G. Wells
August : Diana Wynne-Jones & Ian McEwan
September : Doris Lessing & Laurie Lee
October : Kate Atkinson & William Golding
November : Rebecca West & Len Deighton
December : WEST YORKSHIRE writers
Wildcard : Rumer Godden and George Orwell

CAC:

January: Robertson Davies, Kim Thúy- The Manticore Completed Ru Completed
February: Helen Humphreys, Stephen Leacock The Lost Garden Completed
March: Farley Mowat, Anita Rau Badami Never Cry Wolf Completed
April: Margaret Atwood, Michael Crummey The Heart Goes Last Completed
May: Michel Tremblay, Emily St. John Mandel
June: Timothy Findley, Joseph Boyden
July: LM Montgomery, Pierre Berton
August: Mordechai Richler, Gabrielle Roy
September: Miriam Toews, Dany Laferrière
October: Lawrence Hill, Jane Urquhart
November: Michael Ondaatje, Margaret Laurence
December: Alice Munro, Rawi Hage

All yours folks!!

Happy new thread!

ETA: Was I really the first?

I'm here! (Having totally missed your last thread...)

Wow, spectacular thread topper, Mark.

>6 The_Hibernator:



Thanks, Rachel! You did it!

>7 laytonwoman3rd: Happy Sunday, Linda! hope to see you more this time.

>8 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda! We NEED some color in our lives, don't we? Hope you had a great 4-day weekend. I enjoyed my 3-dayer. Now, I am looking at 6 straight. Ugh...

Great new thread, Mark! I'll keep The Hummingbird in mind, Mark. And I'll let you know what I think of A Book of Memory when I finish it - so far I think it has the name Mark Beer Fridge on it ! It's very promising.

Edited to add that my library has The Hummingbird on order, so I put a hold on it , when it comes in.

Happy new thread, Mark. That's a very bright topper - is that to encourage more warmth outside?

Huzzah! It's new thread time. I'll try to be more present for this one.

Hope you have a great week

Happy new thread, Mark! Stunning Hilton up top. Cute birdie reading a book. :)

Congrats on your shiny new thread, Mark. What a strong opening. Love it. Wishing you a great start into the new week.

Congrats on your new thread, Mark! I just started mine, too. And I see that you loved The Hummingbird--I will have to keep an eye out for that one. I just finished Good Omens, which I loved, too. We are off to a good start for April!

Wonderful artwork for the topper. Reminded me of Sweetland where he noted that there is weather on the way... Happy new thread!

New threads aplenty! I sure know when to show up. I must drop by more often.....after my presentation this Wed, Im sure I will be able :)

>11 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deb! I hope your library acquires a copy of The Hummingbird soon. I think that one will work for you.

>12 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg! We NEED some serious spring color around here. Windy and cold here today, so not happening this week.

>13 mahsdad: Good to see you, Jeff. I hope you can slot in Dodgers soon.

>14 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary! Glad you like the toppers. I love Hilton's work. Stunning landscapes.

>15 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb! I wanted to kick off the new week in style.

>16 Berly: Thanks, Kimmers! You will also like The Hummingbird and it's set in Portland and other Oregon settings. I really loved it.

>17 charl08: Hi, Charlotte! Glad the topper reminded you of Sweetland. High praise.

>18 LovingLit: Hi, Megan. Always nice to see my pal. Good luck with the presentation. Fingers crossed.

^On audio, I am starting American Housewife: Stories. I have heard good things about this collection and I know Joanne was a fan. I do not listen to short stories on audio very much but we will see how it goes.

Of course, I also have Denali's Howl going, along with the Adrienne Rich volume. I never lack for reading material...

Happy new threads and happy Monday to you, Mark. Hmmm, never tried short stories on audio myself. I'm thinking it could be very very good or very very bad. I'll await your thoughts.

ETA: Oh oh oh , I almost forgot I want to say, what an eye opener for a topper. Love it!

Happy new thread, Mark.

>22 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda! And good morning. Glad you like the topper. I have tried a few story collections on audio, over the years and they actually worked fine, so I'll see how this one does.

>23 DianaNL: Thanks, Diana!

Morning, Mark! Happy new thread! I love the topper - that red is so striking.

Hey Mark, new series of CTM kicked off last night. I kinda forgot that was happening and we came across it while channel-surfing, just in time. Did you see it?

Morning, and happy new thread!

Congrats on the new thread, Mark!

Sounds like you've got good reading going on. I'm still working my way through A Manual for Cleaning Women, and having a good time with Fire Touched.

A bit nippy out there today. Hope it goes okay for you.

The thread topper looks like some of the book covers I have been seeing in the last few years. Stark, minimalist, with lots of color. It reminded me of the cover of the Charles Todd mystery Red Door. It is one of the Inspector Rutledge mysteries. The topper also reminded me of some of the covers on the hardbound versions of Rennie Airth books. Not to mention the cover on some of the Ivan Doig books. I liked the thread topper. I would love to have that picture somewhere where I could see it all the time.

April 4th: Hat on, gloves on, hood up- Really??

>25 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! And thanks. Glad you like the topper.

>26 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura! I completely forgot about CTM. Thanks for the reminder. Hopefully, my DVR picked it up.

>27 Thebookdiva: Thanks, Abby! Good to see you.

>28 jnwelch: Morning Joe! Thanks! Lots of interesting stuff going on in my reading life. Hope you are still locked into Cleaning Women.

>29 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. Back at work? Glad you like the topper. Check out Barry Hilton's other art work. Mostly landscapes and mostly gorgeous.
I have never read Todd. Someday?

The new season of CTM started. Yah!

Happy Monday, Mark. I am on vacation having some work done to my place. Today the electrician is here. Great time to catch up on LT while someone else is doing the work!

>32 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg! Are you off all week? Have a good vacation. Get some reading in.

Come on, Cubbies! Of course, Cubs fans are pretty excited...once again. Should be another terrific season. Yeah, baby!

Happy new thread!

>1 msf59: Love that painting - gorgeous colors.

How's American Housewife on audio?

Good morning, Mark. Wishing you a lovely day.

That is some opening shot buddy.

Happy new thread.

Go Mark!
Go Cubs!

>33 msf59: I'm off work until April 12 because my brother is coming for a visit. Most of my time so far has been spent cleaning and doing all the stuff that has been neglected around here while I spend my time taking courses, going on research trips and *sigh* working. There is a lot of stuff to do because I have been in school part time since 2009 and lately I have been working my Fridays off (we get every second Friday off). I am not sure how much reading I will get in except for the reading/studying for my exam on April 12.

I plan to take a day off from housework on Wednesday to head to the library and hunt down a book for the April AAC.

Cubs Win the Opener 9-0!! (Of course, I went to bed after the 3rd inning).

>35 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda! Hope the week goes well.

>36 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! Glad you like the topper. I finished American Housewife quickly and it was very good on audio. I liked the collection. Funny & sharp.

>37 Ameise1: Hi, Barb! Hope your weather is much better there. We are back to cold.

>38 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! Enjoying your holiday? And yes Go Cubs! Off to a nice start.

>39 Familyhistorian: Thanks for filling me in, Meg. Good luck with all your various chores. I hope you can find a little down time, for the books. Fingers crossed.

Morning, Mark! Happy new one!

Thanks, Amber! Have a good one too!

Morning, Mark! Good job for your Cubbies starting the season off right. I don't follow baseball, but I do follow your thread. Happy Tuesday to you!

Good morning, Mark! Congrats to your Cubs! The Indians opener was postponed yesterday due to inclimate weather. Hoping for good things this year.

Good morning, Mark!

Nice way for the Cubbies to start the season. This should be a good one!

>1 msf59: What a beautiful thread topper!! Such vivid colors, you can almost feel the rain is coming soon.

>44 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! The baseball season is very long, so I won't be boring folks with regular updates but here and there, you can expect some Cubbies cheer.

>45 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda. Go Indians!

>46 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. Still chilly but all this sunshine feels good. Hope it sticks around.
I am just looking forward to another fun baseball season. We have not had many of those, over the years.

>47 FAMeulstee: Hi, Anita! Good to see you. Glad you like the topper. I am glad I decided to go with that one.

^A book friend, (Vivian) surprised me with this spanking-new copy of Spain in Our Hearts. I recently read his book King Leopold's Ghost and it was excellent. Happy Camper!

Spain in Your Hearts was recently reviewed in the NYT Book Review and he was interviewed on the NYT Book podcast.

Big Hugs to Vivian!!

>49 msf59: Nice gift. Hope it's a good read. I really liked I am Spain last year.

>50 charl08: Hi, Charlotte! Very pleased with this acquisition and now I have another Spanish Civil War rec, to keep in mind. Perfect, my friend. Thanks.

-After the Bath, Edgar Degas

I am really enjoying The Art Forger, which Degas is frequently mentioned. It is nicely written and well-plotted. Hooray for another Booktopia winner.

I should wrap up Denali's Howl today. Solid NF. NEED to read more of my Rich collection.

Morning, Mark!

Howdy, Mark! Looks like you're hitting the jackpot with Booktopia!! Enjoy!

Morning, Mark! I am thinking that lovely young lady will be sorry that she perched on the tub like that when she goes to get up. The poor dear.

Morning, Mark!

Congrats on the surprise gift of I Am Spain. The Art Forger looks intriguing - a thriller involving fine art. Hmm.

I liked A Manual for Cleaning Women very much. I'm struck by how relatively little-known she was before this collection was released - all those involved in getting it published must be feeling a huge sense of satisfaction at its success.

It is pouring out here. Groan and then a sigh...

>53 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

>54 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! So far, so good with my Booktopia selections and I have a couple more left, that also look promising. B.A.G.

>55 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Yes, be careful bathing beauty.

I thought you might have mentioned post #49, since it is of interest to us both. Grins...

>56 jnwelch: Morning Joe! I will definitely recommend The Art Forger to you, especially with your cultivated sense of art.

I am so glad you liked Cleaning Women and I agree with you about her lack of attention. The folks that compiled this treasure, should be applauded.

>49 msf59: That does look like it would be excellent. I will await your thoughts - I did love King Leopold's Ghost.

>59 Crazymamie: If you can try to catch his interview on the most recent, NYT Book podcast, try to do so. He describes the book beautifully.

Will do.

>57 msf59: At least it isn 't snow, Mark. Hope it dries up for the rest of the week.

>20 msf59: My presentation did go well, in spite on me being convinced it wasn't going to. My self-doubt does lead me to be over prepared though, so that probably helps in the end!

>21 msf59: So many housekeeping stories lately, Mark. I would think you were developing a new hobby if I didn't know better :)

>51 msf59: Spanish Civil War books? Yikes, that would be tough reading, I am sure.

Hi there Lone Ranger! I guess I'm going to eventually succumb to the A Manual for Cleaning Women. You have the nearly the entirety of the 75's warbling about it. My library is not getting it , except in E book format, which does suit me. I'd have to read from my Ipad mini, which is not my style. Sadly amazon has not enabled Canadian Libraries to use kindles. Sad but true. Kobo's yes, I pad , virtually every brand of e- reader but the Kindle. Licensing issue.

>61 Crazymamie: Go, Mamie! Go, Mamie!

>62 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg! It was a light rain, off and on, so it wasn't terrible. It doesn't look we will be getting any pleasant weather, for the next week or so. Sad face.

>63 LovingLit: Hooray for a good presentation, Megan. High Five! I do my share of housekeeping around here but I honestly can't say I am a big fan.

In regards to, Spain in Our Hearts, if the narrative is as strong, as it was in King Leopold's Ghost, this should be a helluva read.

>64 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb! Good to see you. I am so happy to hear the positive response to Cleaning Women. My warbling has paid off.

How is it reading on your mini-iPad? I have a full size and would not like to read on it.

Reading from my Ipad mini is not a good experience and one I avoid. It is to brightly back - lit. I don't mind using it for facebook, brief articles etc but not for prolonged reading. I prefer the kindle by far.

I wish there was a way around it, for you, Deb! Maybe, when it come out in trade paperback?

See? If we were neighbors, you would have copy in your hands immediately.

Sorry I've been such a stranger lately, Mark. You are still my favorite Book Warbler. I like the picture of the bird with its beak in a book to start off your thread. The threatening sky looks too familiar to this midwesterner. I'm glad your Booktopia books are working out for you. Vermont and books is a lovely combo…I'm glad the tradition is continuing even if its on a smaller scale.

Popping to say (again) thanks for introducing me to Courtney Barnett. I am listening to her now - my day off seeing as I'm working Friday and Sturday- and she is still a favourite.
Funny W story, he heard the name spoken of a locally famous morning radio host- Simon Barnett, and he asked me if he was related to Courtney!! Heaps of people love this radio host. He is a really decent guy, if not a bit sanitised....but I loved it that W immediately thought of CB ;)

Good for you on your pleasant surprise.

Have you ever been to Bulldog Ale House? I think there are 5 or 6 of them around. I think we are taking my sister there for her birthday.

Tomorrow morning, a celebration/reception for two others and me in honor of our 30th anniversary. Tomorrow night, the Blackhawks game.

>68 Donna828: Hi, Donna! Good to see you. I have missed you. Glad I am still your favorite Book Warbler. I wish you could have joined the folks, participating in the G.R. Of Cleaning Women. I would have loved to hear your take on that one.

I am definitely enjoying my Booktopia reads. You might like both The Hummingbird and The Art Forger.

>69 LovingLit: Yah, for Wilbur & Courtney! You should see my B.A.G.
I have been trying to listen to a little more music lately, but it gets pushed aside by books and other distractions.
Have you listened to P.J. Harvey or Sleator-Kinney?

>70 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda! Go Cubbies! I loved my book surprise. It made my week.
Yes, I have been to Bulldog Brewery. There is one, about 20 minutes away. They have a good beer list and the food is decent.

^Public Service Announcement. Thank you. Carry on...

Morning, Mark!

PJ Harvey - that brings back memories - I've been to a concert or two in my day...

Good morning, Mark!

I'm enjoying The War That Saved My Life and trying to wrap my mind around The Transmigration of Timothy Archer.

Hope the slightly warmer day goes okay for you. I'm sure we're going to get sunshine again some day . . .

ETA: Hey, Sweet Thursday!

Morning, Mark! Sweet Thursday!

>74 scaifea: Hi, Amber! I love P.J. Harvey and I did see her live one time. Amazing artist.

>75 jnwelch: Not So Sweet Thursday, Joe. Another strange, dreary day. We need a break.

Hooray for hitting post #75!

>76 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Not very sweet in Chicagoland today.

I started to read Going Clear. Very interesting and strange! Hope you get some sun soon.

>78 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg! I have wanted to read Going Clear since it came out. I did see the documentary based on the book and that was excellent but I plan on trying the book at some point too.

I'll be watching for your thoughts.

^After finishing The Art Forger, I decided to listen to Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, by Elizabeth Gilbert. It is her exploration of creativity and inspiration. I am finding it very interesting and Gilbert does a nice job narrating. I like Gilbert and I have to admit, that I liked Pray, Eat, Love, despite it's indulgences. (Hey, no throwing anything on my thread!!) It was a good audio experience. Sadly, I have not read The Signature of All Things ,which did receive strong reviews. I hope to finally get to it, this year.

This is a shorty, so I will finish it quickly.

40) The Hummingbird by Stephen P. Kiernan 4.5 stars

Deborah Birch, is a hospice nurse, in Portland, Oregon. She is very good at her job, but her home life is a mess. Her mechanic husband, has returned from Iraq, after serving three deployments. He is not the same man she married and he is tormented by many horrors. This may be the biggest challenge of her life.
Adding to her woes, is her current patient, Barclay Reed, a retired history professor, who is a crabby, self-absorbed jerk, who is dying from kidney cancer. Their relationship deepens, as Deborah reads to him, an unfinished manuscript, that he wrote, about WWII. This sets them on a journey, of discovery, forgiveness and healing. It also sets Deborah on a path, of how to help her husband through his nightmares and demons.
This novel was such a nice surprise. The writing was solid and it avoided any heavy-handedness or sappiness, that could have plagued such a story. The author handled it, with a sure and steady hand.

**Kiernan wil be one of the authors in attendance at Booktopia. He also lives in Vermont.

Oh dear, Eat, Pray, Love...... We all have such different tastes, don't we? :)

The Hummingbird sounds good. I love the cover, shallow as that may sound.

>82 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! I know, I know, E.P.L. did not get much LT love but I did like it. I can not tell a lie. I am a better reader now. LOL.

I think you will like The Hummingbird. I hope you can find a copy.

Haha, Mark, I liked Eat.Pray,Love also. (but not the movie!) And now I have to look for The Hummingbird. It'll be fun to read a book set in Portland.

Happy Friday, Mark.

>81 msf59: I've not read Eat Pray Love so am not going to judge Mark...

The Hummingbird sounds like a good read. Will look out for it. Great review.

Morning, Mark! Still cold today. Gah.

>84 banjo123: At least I am not alone on, E.P.L. Rhonda! LOL. The Hummingbird is a very good read and there is plenty of good Oregon settings, especially down by Brookings. Hope you can get to it.

>85 Ameise1: Happy Friday, Barb!

>86 charl08: Hi, Charlotte! Have you read Gilbert at all? I would think The Signature of All Things would be your cuppa. (I have still not read it).

Thanks, in regards to the review. I liked that book a lot.

>87 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Not only cold today but also some rain, mixed with snow. Really??

- Loreto Isle, Iseo Lake, Italy

^Hey, I found a Book Retreat for us! Who's in? Raises hand...

Snowy greetings from Cleveland, Mark! We're expected to get 1 - 6 inches of that godawful white stuff tomorrow. *Kleenex box please* *sob sob sob*

What?? Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!! I will stop complaining about our weather, right now.

Howdy, Lynda!

>90 msf59: Dibs on one of the tower rooms! Love it!

>91 Carmenere: Lynda: Oh, what the actual what, April?! I mean, honestly.

Hi there Mark, just stopping over here after reading your comment on my thread about Call the Midwife. Season 5, Episode 1 aired on our local station last Sunday (April 3). The PBS website has more information here: Season 5. Maybe you can catch it on demand.

Happy Friday, Mark!

I wouldn't have pegged you as an Elizabeth Gilbert fan, but I haven't read her, and I'm not throwing anything. I have liked middle grade books by her sister, Catherine Gilbert Murdock, the D.J. ones starting with Dairy Queen.

You read Red Rising, didn't you? I just started the third in the trilogy, Morning Star, and it's really good so far.

Hit was a good GN. Now I'm reading the second Kate Beaton collection, Step Aside, Pops.

Hope it's a decent one for you today. A "too bad" Hawks loss last night - Darling (the goalie) deserved better after the way he played.

Morning, Mark! Happy Friday!

Snow again? Are you kidding me?!!

I haven't read EPL, but I'm still judging you ;-) Ha!

The Hummingbird sounds good!

>93 scaifea: I have a room reserved for you and Charlie! Smiles...

>94 lauralkeet: Thank you, Laura for the info. I do not know why my DVR didn't pick it up.

>95 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! I never did read Red Rising but it was on my T.R. list.
Hooray for Beaton. I like her work too.

^You didn't want a room at the Book Retreat?

>96 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Plenty of room at the Book Retreat if you are interested...

>97 jnwelch: I am so ready for spring. The "real" kind, of course. Sighs...

>98 katiekrug: Happy Friday, Katie! I am amazed at how many people hate EPL. She actually addresses that, in this book.

I hope you can find a copy of The Hummingbird. It was such a nice surprise.

>95 jnwelch: Hi Joe, I was looking for you in section 103 last night but didn't see you.

Good game against the probably first-round playoff opponent. The actual playoffs will look different as both teams will have a number of their injured regulars back by then.

>99 msf59: Ha! Yes, count me in for the Book Retreat, Mark. That looks good to me.

>101 lindapanzo: We were in sec. 213, Linda. We looked for you, too, but what a crowd!

It was a good game, wasn't it? We had a lot of fun. I did feel bad for goalie Scott Darling, who played so well. He deserved better.

You're right, it's going to be quite different when both teams are at full strength in the playoffs.

>90 msf59: I am in, Mark, any room wil do ;-)

>101 lindapanzo: You don't even say hi, to the host? The nerve of these Chicagoland people!!

Waves to Linda!!

>102 jnwelch: You know we will reserve a perfect room for the Welch Crew!

>103 FAMeulstee: Glad you are in, Anita! We will have a wonderful time. Good to see you.

Sure, I'm in on the LT retreat, though my suggestion of the Foggo Inn in Newfoundland and Labrador that I put on Ellen's thread has been greeted with enthusiasm. Dueling LT meet - ups? :) Thumb for your review of The Hummingbird which I have placed a hold on at my library. And yes, I think you'd enjoy The Book of Memory .

>105 vancouverdeb: Ooh, I like the idea of the Book Retreat in Newfoundland. I have a special fondness for that mystical place.

Hi, Deb! Thanks for the Thumb! Those are always welcome

Hi Mark. I've spent much of the work day cleaning in anticipation of our move. In 30 years here, I've never fully cleaned out. Now, I'm about 3/4 done with it all, with about 3.5 to 4 weeks til first move day.

I found at least one book that was on my Christmas wishlist so that was a good thing. Sue Grafton's D Is for Deadbeat.

Sounds like the Cubbie curse has struck again. Kyle Schwarber is out for the season.

Happy Friday, Linda! I hope you have an R & R weekend planned, after all that cleaning. Are you still doing your walking too?

I read some of the Grafton books, way back when. I am not sure how far I got. H or I, I think.

That is a major bummer about Schwarber. I really feel sorry for the young player.

"We want to live like trees,
sycamores blazing through the sulfuric air,
dappled with scars, still exuberantly budding,
our animal passion rooted in the city."

- Twenty-One Love Poems

"The leafbud struggles forth
toward the light of the airshaft this is faith
this pale extension of a day
when looking up you know something is changing
winter has turned though the wind is colder
Three streets away a roof collapses onto people
who thought they still had time Time out of mind

I have written so many words
wanting to live inside you
to be of use to you

Now I must write for myself for this blind
woman scratching the pavement with her wand of thought
this slippered crone inching on icy streets
reaching into wire trashbaskets pulling out
what was thrown away and infinitely precious

I look at my hands and see they are still unfinished
I look at the vine and see the leafbud
inching towards life

I look at my face in the glass and see
a halfborn woman".

-Upper Broadway

"My heart is moved by all I cannot save; so much has been destroyed

I have to cast my lot with those
who age after age, perversely

with no extraordinary power,
reconstitute the world."

-Natural Resources

^All from The Dream of a Common Language by Adrienne Rich I was very happy with this collection and I thank Joe for the recommendation.

>109 msf59: That first quote is wonderful.

>90 msf59: I'm in on the LT retreat. Looks like an interesting place. Make sure you leave your weather at home when you come to the retreat, though.

>110 charl08: Hi, Charlotte! I was very happy with the Rich collection. Mary Oliver is up next.

>111 Familyhistorian: LOL. I promise you, I will Meg! This is something I would not like to share. Happy weekend.

^On audio, I am starting Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. This one has been on my T.R. list since it came out but Joe's warbling, bumped it up a few slots.

Not far into Silas Marner but I am enjoying it.

Last work day, of a long work week, but at least I have Monday off. B.A.G.

Morning, Mark! Evicted looks good - I'm excited to hear what you think of it. And here's hoping the sun stays out for you today, even though that wind is a bit on the bitter side...

Morning, Mark! Thanks for sharing the poetry - the first poem is my favorite.

Happy weekend, Mark.

Hi Mark, happy Saturday. A beautiful day, but cold. This brooming the snow off the car in April business is getting old, though.

Lots of reading, baseball, and hockey on tap for today. A perfect day!!

>114 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Evicted is excellent so far. Of course, it is also very disheartening. It is set in Milwaukee too.

>115 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! I also love that excerpt. I was quite pleased with the Rich collection.

>116 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb! Happy Weekend to you too.

>117 lindapanzo: Morning, Linda! Plenty of sunshine but it is only 30 degrees at the moment, plus there is snow in the shady areas. Really? It's April, people!

Enjoy your day of baseball & Hockey. I am looking forward to finally watching a full Cubbies game tomorrow.

oops! Got a rare duplicate. Goofy iPad!

Happy weekend, Mark! I am glad you enjoyed Adrienne Rich She really is a powerful poet.

>120 banjo123: Happy Saturday, Rhonda! I was impressed by the Rich collection and will be reading more of her. Mary Oliver is up next.

Happy weekend, Mark!

I'm also reading Silas Marner - chosen mostly, I hate to admit because it is so short. I'm reading it on Project Gutenberg.

Do you have any recall of the Classics comic books? I remember a few from the 60's. I never bought them because they cost a quarter instead of the 12 cents for a regular (much shorter) comic. My older brother would spring for them, and I distinctly remember reading his copy of Silas Marner when I was about in third grade. I can still see the panel with Silas with his gold piled around him and another with the little girl with golden hair. So it doesn't feel like a totally new read, although those two panels pretty much sum up what I remember.

Happy Saturday, Mark! You know when a warbler recommends a hummingbird, well, I can't resist! On to the wishlist!

Hope you are having a sunny and warmer Saturday, Mark. My interest in Evicted was piqued on Joe's thread. I hope you are finding it interesting as well. I wonder how well it would translate to the experience in Canadian cities?

Hiya, Mark!

>109 msf59: Nice excerpts from Adrienne Rich. I'm so glad you're enjoying A Dream of a Common Language. She had a huge impact on a lot of folks, including me.

And Evicted! I was just bending a friend's ear about it last night, and had to pull myself back from taking him to some store to buy it immediately. :-) Can't wait to hear what you think. Does Matthew Desmond narrate it? He's a mensch. I couldn't stop watching this hour-long video of him talking about the book and answering questions at Politics and Prose bookstore in Washington, DC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24M9wUaCEKo

We drove in that snowstorm last night - ridiculous. It was a near-whiteout by the lake around 11 pm or so.

But the sun has shown up today. I'm off to the library. Hope it's a good one for you. Glad you're getting Monday off.

>122 streamsong: Happy Saturday, Janet! I am enjoying Silas Marner. It is not a long book but it is also not a fast read. Some of the prose is a bit dense, but not in a bad way.

I do not remember the classic comics. Maybe Joe will remember them?

>123 Carmenere: Hi, Lynda! This warbler definitely recommends The Hummingbird. Glad it snagged you.

>124 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg! Not very warm at all, about 40, but plenty of sunshine which really helps.

Evicted is incredible. I am about a 1/3rd of the way in. More warbling to come.

^This will be me, warbling about Evicted.

>125 jnwelch: Happy Saturday, Joe! Hope you see the guy up there, with the megaphone, because that is me, praising Evicted. It is excellent, but also achingly heart-breaking. Desmond is doing a fantastic job here. Narrative nonfiction at it's finest. No, he does not do the audio, but the guy narrating, is terrific.

Thanks for the post I will check it out tomorrow.

Now, for one of these:

Happy Saturday, Mark! I look forward to your comments about Evicted, as I bought a copy of it last month.

Happiness is a Pirates three game sweep of the Cardinals to start the regular season.

30 F! Dreadful! Meanwhile we are breaking out the shorts and capris. Yesterday was just a short sleeved t- shirt on the dog walk. Today is the same, but Dave is home so I am skipping a walk or two . Happy Days off Mark.

Happy Sunday, Mark. I hope it's a good one.

>128 kidzdoc: Happy Saturday, Darryl! Good to see you! And I am happy to report that Evicted is excellent. Another important book about the social ills in this country and one that is sadly overlooked.

>129 vancouverdeb: You really like to rub it in, don't you, Tonto! Shorts & capris? Shakes head...We are back to 50 today but it looks like it may rain all day. Ugh..

Happy Sunday, Deb! Get some reading in.

>130 Ameise1: Hi, Barb! I hope R & R is in your plans for the off day.

Hey Mark! Is it true? Is the price of postage reallllly being reduced?! or is this an April fool joke?
Enjoy your chillin' type of day!

>131 msf59: Happy Saturday Sunday, Mark! I'm eager to read Evicted as well, and warbling from you and Joe has helped pique my interest that much more. It's now not uncommon for my partners and I to care for children whose families are homeless, living in substandard housing, facing eviction due to rising rents, or living without heat or electricity due to their inability to pay their bills. One of the intensive care physicians at Children's recognized these families' need for legal services, as these problems frequently had negative ramifications for the children, especially medically fragile ones, and he, some of the lawyers who work for Children's and several law professors at Georgia State University in Atlanta created the Health Law Partnership (HeLP) to assist these families.

I say EVERYONE needs to ready Evicted. A topic not often discussed, but very real. Desmond does such a great job presenting it. Does he read the audio?

>132 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! I do not think this is an April Fool's joke. I think I also heard this. We should rejoice, right? Probably a savvy move, since we are doing so well in the package delivery department.

>133 kidzdoc: Morning, Darryl! Yes, I am sure you have seen your share of heart-rending cases, of the poor and homeless. Evicted is set in Milwaukee but it is just a microcosm of American cities. Some of the numbers the author offers, are truly staggering.

>134 alphaorder: "I say EVERYONE needs to ready Evicted." I second that emotion, Nancy! This should be read alongside, with Ghettoside.

Desmond does not do the narration. Dion Graham does the reading and does a fine job.

Great to see you, by the way!

43) Denali's Howl by Andy Hall 4.2 stars

In the summer of 1967, twelve young men struck out on an expedition, to reach the top of Denali, the highest mountain in America. Five returned...

The men, after reaching the summit were caught in an “arctic super blizzard,” with winds reaching a mind-blowing 300 miles per hour.
The author, is the son, of the park's superintendent, at the time and has done a fine job, researching and exploring this little known tragedy, which remains the worst climbing disaster, on American soil. There was plenty of blame to go around too. A few of the climbers, did not have the experience to tackle this indomitable mountain and others made poor choices, with their equipment. Rescue efforts were thwarted time after time, since the storm raged on for nearly a week.
Fans of Into Thin Air and other rugged, white-knuckle, adventure stories should really like this one, but it is not for the faint of heart.

>135 msf59: I still need to read Ghettoside. It is in my mountain... Thanks for the reminder.

I didn't think that Desmond would read it, but I have heard so many interviews by him, it is his voice I hear talking about the issue. He does a really good job, I think, making sure he is NOT in the book, if you know what I mean.

How are along are you?

>137 alphaorder: Ghettoside is terrific and I would also add in Missoula too. All 3 books, discuss heart-rending issues, that are not being discussed, in this "Great" country of ours, which is tragic and totally unacceptable.

I am just over a 1/3rd done, with Evicted.

Morning, Mark! I read Silas Marner years ago in school, and it was not a favorite. I did love Middlemarch, however. Enjoy that lazy day you have planned!

>136 msf59: Oooh, that one sounds really good! Wishlisted, and thanks for the review, friend.
And Happy Sunday!!

>139 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! The prose in Silas Marner is not as smooth and effortless, as Middlemarch but I like the darker elements in the story.

And yah, for lazy days!

>140 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Glad you like the review. I love NF adventure tales. He is not of the same caliber, as say Krakauer but he does a perfectly capable job.

>127 msf59: Yes! Loving the megaphone for Evicted! What a fantastic job he did. And he's got a great heart. I'm glad the narrator is doing it well for the audiobook. I think there's a good chance this will get a lot of folks focused in the right way on the problem and how to solve it.

Silas Marner not as smooth as Middlemarch sounds right. I suspect if Middlemarch didn't exist we'd all think more highly of Silas Marner. It's quite a book in its own right, but Middlemarch is one of those best ever types.

Hope you're enjoying your Sunday. We're lazing around, and getting a visit later from Becca and her furry companion.

>142 jnwelch: Making sure you are aware of Desmond's website: http://justshelter.org/

Happy new thread Mark and Happy Sunday!

Love that Barry Hilton pic.... looks like quite the storm brewing and WOOT on your Cubs winning their opener. Sounds like spring sunshine doesn't seem to be happening in your neck of the woods. Will try to send some your way. ;-)

>90 msf59: - Love the location for the Book Retreat!

Like you (and others) I am reading... well, listening to... an audiobook of Silas Marner. Looking forward to seeing your thoughts on that one.

... and that is me now caught up!

>142 jnwelch: Happy Sunday, Joe! The warbling on Evicted will continue. I promise.

" lazing around," sounds like a perfect plan for a day like this. Grins...

>143 alphaorder: Thanks, Nancy! Duly, noted. So nice, seeing you around this morning.

>144 lkernagh: Happy Sunday, Lori! And thanks for the new thread greetings! I am in love with Hilton's art work and I am, obviously in love with my current Cubs team. Both, bring me joy. I am looking forward, to watching my first full Cubs game this afternoon. They have been playing on the west coast this past week and the games have all started late.

I bet Silas Marner would sound just fine on audio. I hope it is working for you.

Hi Mark, happy Sunday. I'll have to keep an eye out for Denali's Howl You know I like thosebooks about little-known disasters.

Watching the Cardinals until the Cubs come on. Sox game got rained out? WTH? No rain up this way.

>147 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda! It rained early this morning. Now it is just gloomy. I think you would like Denali's Howl and it's a shorty. Win, Win!

Come on Cubbies! Looking forward to watching a full game.

Awaiting the jacket ceremony at Augusta. Great final one. I love watching the Masters. Have been checking in on MLB.com though ....

Nice review on Denali's Howl -- sounds interesting!

Hi there Mark! Are there icicles growing from your chin with the cold weather in Chi - Land? Tell the truth :-)

>72 msf59: P.J. Harvey- yes. Love her. Sleator-Kinney- no, have yet to hear, but I hear one thing about them, that the lead is uber cool and worth listening to.

>136 msf59: that does sound harrowing, goodness only knows how close so many have come to losing their life in dramatic outdoor adventures gone wrong!

Excellent episode of CTM tonight, I thought.

>149 michigantrumpet: Happy Sunday, Marianne! Hope you had a good weekend. I do not watch golf but I know the Masters is a big deal.
I really liked Denali's Howl. If you like a good, outdoor adventure, give it a try.

>150 vancouverdeb: No, icicles forming on this guy's chin, Deb. I was only out for a minute today. Just damp and cool. We will be getting warmer this week...finally.

>151 LovingLit: Hi, Megan! Hope you had a restful weekend. Try to listen to some Sleator-Kinney. I know you like reading about the great outdoors, so Denali's Howl, should be your cuppa.

>152 lindapanzo: Good Cubs game, Linda. Go, Arrieta! Did not see CTM yet. I hope we have it recorded. It was the first of the season, right?

Today's was the second one of the CTM season, not counting the Christmas episode.

Aw shucks, Linda! I missed the first one. I'll see if I can find it On Demand. I am not sure why my DVR didn't pick it up.

It was on last Sunday at 7 on WTTW. Same as tonight. I think it goes through May 22nd.

I'll miss the next two weeks and probably won't see CTM for a day or two after.

Good morning, Mark. Wishing you a good start into the new week.

>157 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda! I think I have it locked into the DVR now. Hope to catch up this week. Hooray for the Cubs opener!

>158 Ameise1: Hi, Barb! I hope you have a good week too!

Morning, Mark!

Morning, Amber! I heard 60s by the end of the week! Hooray!

Woo Hoo for Mondays and warming temps! Ok, maybe just warming temps. Have a great day, Mark!

Morning, Lynda! Yes, this the best way to start a week. And the warming trend, starts mid-week. B.A.G...indeed.

44) The Art Forger by B. A. Shapiro 4 stars

“In the early morning hours of March 18, 1990, a pair of thieves disguised as Boston police officers entered the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and roamed the Museum’s galleries, stealing thirteen works of art.”

“It remains the largest unsolved art heist in history.”

-The Gardner Museum Heist

Claire Roth is a talented young artist, but after being involved in a scandal, involving a past boyfriend, she has been black-balled by the art community. She now paints reproductions. When an old friend and gallery owner, approaches her, to forge a painting, he offers her a chance to have her own, one-woman show, which will gain her the respect she yearns for. The glitch is: the Degas painting that she is asked to copy, appears to be one of the stolen artworks, from the Gardner theft.
This sends Claire down a very dangerous path, which involves local police, the FBI and possible prison time.
There is mystery, intrigue, romance and gorgeous descriptions of art and the process of creating art. The author seems to know her stuff. The novel begins to stretch credibility in the last third or so, but not quite enough to sink the story. A good, old-fashioned yarn.

**Shapiro will be one of the Booktopia Vermont authors.

That sounds like a good one, Mark. And I LOVE that painting, for all sorts of reasons. V. cool.

I saw that image when I was browsing through, the Gardner heist information. It is now the background image, on my laptop. Grins...

Good morning, Mark! Happy Day Off, buddy.

Nice review of The Art Forger. I will have to give that one a go. I've been to that museum - what a shame to have all those paintings gone.

I'm still enjoying the chunkster Morning Star. He's really kept up the momentum with Darrow and the gang. I'm re-reading The Secret Garden with Inga Moore's illustrations as a sort-of GN.

Morning, Mark! I already have The Art Forger on the list, since you told me to put it there last week.

Happy No Work Monday, Mark! Nice review of The Art Forger; if memory serves me correctly Caroline also thought highly of it.

>167 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! The Art Forger might be your cuppa. I know your appreciation of the arts, runs deep.

I was hoping to read a larger chunk of Silas Marner, but I decided to be distracted instead. I hope to make up for it today.

>168 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! i think you will like the book.

>169 kidzdoc: "Happy No Work Monday." Ooh, that has a nice sound to it.

Morning, Darryl! Glad you liked the review. I hope your work week goes well.

Hey, how is Dream of a Common Language going? Are you still liking it?

I just finished Tracy K. Smith's Life on Mars and liked it very much. I'll try to post some comments on it.

>171 jnwelch: I finished Dream of a Common Language a few days ago. I liked it a lot. I better request Life on Mars. Sounds terrific.

I think I will, integrate a poetry collection, into my regular reading schedule. Hey, what's one more book? Plus there is the advantage, of dipping, in and out.

>172 msf59: Ha! I saw that in the newspaper. I may have to send it to our slammer son.

>173 msf59: Oh good, buddy. Glad Dream of a Common Language was good to the last drop, and that you're going to integrate poetry collections into your reading. I agree, they're easy to dip in and out of. As you've seen, I've made Sunday my day to read poetry. That doesn't preclude reading it other days, but it keeps me dipping in on a regular basis.

Oh, I think I'd like The Art Forger. A few years back, I read The Gardner Heist and really liked that.

>175 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda! I would also recommend The Art Forger to you. It is not about the heist though, although one of the stolen paintings, is important to the plot!

Hooray for Opening Day! Go Cubs!

Glad you've enjoyed Evicted, it sounds like a very important book. I'll have to check it out.

>177 The_Hibernator: Hi, Rachel! Good to see you. I am not even halfway done with Evicted but it is an excellent book and yes, a very important one too. Hope you can track down a copy.

“Perfect love has a breath of poetry which can exalt the relations of the least-instructed human beings.”

“Before such calm external beauty the presence of a vague fear is more distinctly felt - like a raven flapping its slow wing across the sunny air.”

"In old days there were angels who came and took men by the hand and led them away from the city of destruction. We see no white-winged angels now. But yet men are led away from threatening destruction: a hand is put in theirs, which leads them forth gently towards a calm and bright land, so that they look no more backward; and the hand may be a little child's."

-Silas Marner

I just finished it and was quite pleased with the result. It is not a smooth read (not as polished as Middlemarch) and it is sometimes long-winded, especially in the dialogue, but it is a good story, populated with memorable characters and, of course, there is the fine prose.

Happy Day off, Mark! Glad to hear that it is warming up in Chicago - if you are telling me the truth . Nice review of The Art Forger and thumbed. I'm not sure if the story would be for me , I confess to knowing little about art. But I'll keep my eye out for it.

"if you are telling me the truth." Has the Lone Ranger ever lied, Tonto? Presents stoic face...

>180 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb! Thanks for the Thumb. Always appreciated. Yes, mid-60s by Friday. Sweet!!

Your thread is exploding! I'm just going to "pretend" I'm caught up.

>182 thornton37814: Hi, Lori! Good to see you. Sorry, about the explosion. It happens sometimes...

Hi Mark--phew! Caught up again here...for at least 30 seconds. Dang, your thread is on fire, you are reading up a storm; what other weather am I going to find here?!

Hi, Kimmers! So glad to see you. Yes, I am very pleased with my reading output, but why does it seem like, I never make a dent? Jeesh...

^I am starting Shelter by Jung Yun. Yun was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Fargo, North Dakota. She was recently added to the Booktopia Author Roster, after another author dropped out. This is good news, since this novel has been receiving rave reviews. Looking forward to it and looking forward to meeting her.

Oh no Mark! I just heard that Cuba is running out of beer! Apparently, many visiting Americans are asking for it. Hope you have no plans to head south in the near future! Try to have a good day despite this upsetting news ;0)

>187 Carmenere: *snork!*

Morning, Mark! Way to go on Silas Mariner - I need to get round to that one soon. And I'm interested to see what you think of Shelter - looks good!

I'm glad you enjoyed The Art Forger. My book club read it earlier this year and I quite liked it, too. It will be interesting to have you report back on what's next for this author.

>187 Carmenere: Thanks for letting me know about the beer shortage in Cuba. Looks like I will be steering clear until that fix that glaring problem.

>188 scaifea: I am glad I had a chance to read Sils Marner, Amber, otherwise it may have sat on shelf, for a much longer time. Do you have a copy?

>189 streamsong: Hi, Janet. I think Shapiro's last book was The Muralist, which also looks good, although it is doubtful, I'll get to it before Booktopia.

Great reading going on here Mark. Sounds like Booktopia is going to be fun.

And I love the poetry slam cartoon. I've never been to one - have you?

Hey, buddy. Happy Tuesday!

At least we have some decent weather, and it should get better.

I liked that last one in the Red Rising trilogy; it was quite an ending. I just started In a Different Key for Autism Awareness month, and so far it's a good one.

>191 charl08: Hi, Charlotte! No complaints in the reading department. I like Shelter: A Novel in the early going and Evicted continues to fascinate and infuriate. The latter should be required reading.

I have not been to a poetry slam but once I get my bearings on, poetry and read more, I would like to attend one. Joe and his wife, have been to many.

>192 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! Turned out to be a pretty nice day but even better tomorrow. Do you think I would like the Red Rising trilogy?

* wipes sweat off brow* I had trouble locating your thread! That is a first, Lone Ranger. Shelter looks interesting - I'll look into that one.

>194 vancouverdeb: You lost me, Tonto? Say it ain't so? Well, it looks like you found me. Whew! Shelter: A Novel begins very well but this could turn very dark, which, of course, I don't mind. Stay tuned...

"When death comes
like the hungry bear in autumn;
when death comes and takes all the bright coins from his purse

to buy me, and snaps the purse shut;
when death comes
like the measle-pox

when death comes
like an iceberg between the shoulder blades,

I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering:
what is it going to be like, that cottage of darkness?"

-When Death Comes by Mary Oliver

The rest of the poem, can be found here:

http://www.famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/mary_oliver/poems/15793

I've never head of Mary Oliver, but after reading the above poem, I certainly will check her out. Thanks!

>172 msf59: Lol! I'm stealing that to share with my son. He'll appreciate it because:
1. He's an English teacher but he doesn't like to teach poetry.
2. He started one of the monthly poetry slams in Ft Collins.

Love Mary Oliver. I'm reading Billy Collins this month.

>197 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! Good to see you. My LT friends introduced me to Mary Oliver and this is my first collection by her. Only about 8 poems in but I am enjoying it.

>198 Copperskye: Steal away, my friend! LOL. Hi, Joanne. What is your favorite Oliver collection? I am reading New and Selected Poems Vol. 1.

>200 msf59: Gee Mark, you had to ask? Dog Songs, of course! :)

I am absolutely shocked, Joanne. I would have never guessed. Grins...it is now officially on the T.R. list. Thanks!

I put a purchase request into my library for Shelter. Do let me know how it turns out, Lone Ranger.

Morning, Mark! I'm very early today - can't sleep. I really love that Mary Oliver poem - so great.

Another Mary Oliver fan piping in! So far A Thousand Mornings is my favorite, but that may be because I saw her read shortly after the publication of that book. Really, you can't go wrong with any collection of hers.

I can't tell you how terrific Helen Macdonald was! I am sorry you missed it. I wouldn't have guessed that she was on day 17 of a 20-day tour. She really made a connection with the audience and was very personable. I think she loved being at the nature center and meeting our hawks!

>203 vancouverdeb: Glad you got the request in, Deb. It is shaping up to be another dark family drama.

>204 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! I hope you were able to go back to sleep. Fingers crossed. I am definitely enjoying the Oliver collection.

>205 alphaorder: Morning, Nancy! I am so glad the Macdonald event, went so well. Sorry, I missed it. I am sure you did a stand-up jog hosting. Did she mention, what her next book might be?

A Thousand Mornings is on the list. It will be the next one I try, by Oliver.

>191 charl08: Morning, Mark! Yes, I've got a copy of Silas Marner round here somewheres...

Morning, Amber! If you can't find your copy of Silas Marner, let me know and I will send mine out to you.

>208 msf59: Aw, thanks so much for the offer! Feel free to pass it one elsewhere, as I've just glanced up at my shelves and noticed my copy looking at me like, "Really? I've literally been here the entire time."

^I know I am tooting my own horn here, but I think I deserve a badge like that; I am reading a print book, (fiction), an audiobook, (NF), a GN and a poetry collection. Yahoo! The only thing missing is, some short fiction, but let's not get crazy, okay?

Puts away horn and picks up a book...

Should finished Evicted today. More warbling will ensue...

>210 msf59: Ha! Yes! You ARE a Super Reader!

If I can't brag over here, where the heck am I going to do it? Who else would give a crap? LOL.

>212 msf59: Ha!

> 206 I wasn't in the room the whole time, but no, I didn't hear a mention of a next book.

I thought that was you on the PBS Kids! show Super Why:

Morning Mark! Is it Wednesday already?! Looks to be a sunny one! Enjoy!

Morning, Mark!

>210 msf59: Agreed; you deserve it. :-)

Do you think I would like the Red Rising trilogy? Yes. Dark, complicated, smart. The author looks to be surprisingly young. Now he's young and rich.

I got to do a meet and greet with Pierce Brown a few years ago at ALA. He is young and smart. He was plugging Red Rising and completely sold me on the book. Now I just have to read the trilogy. I have had readers here who really like the books. If you read Sci/Fi this series is a good'un.

>210 msf59: Isn't that hitting for the cycle? :)

>213 alphaorder: Well, Macdonald sure has plenty of talent, so I hope she comes up with something else.

>214 kidzdoc: I see we watch the same TV programs, Darryl. LOL. Hooray for Super Readers!

>215 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! Yes, it is Wednesday and it is warming up. All is good.

>216 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Did you see the Oliver poem up there? I really liked that one.
I will keep an eye out for the first book in the Red Rising trilogy. You rarely steer me wrong.

>217 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita! Good to see you. It looks like we will have to read the Red Rising books together.

>218 mahsdad: Hitting for the cycle is a perfect description, especially with the baseball season kicking off.

>196 msf59:, >220 msf59: I did miss that Mary Oliver poem, Mark, and I like that one, too.

Here's a short one of hers I like, "At Blackwater Pond":

At Blackwater Pond the tossed waters have settled
after a night of rain.
I dip my cupped hands. I drink
a long time. It tastes
like stone, leaves, fire. It falls cold
into my body, waking the bones. I hear them
deep inside me, whispering
oh what is that beautiful thing
that just happened?

>221 jnwelch: That is another good Oliver poem, Joe. Thanks. I like the natural/outdoorsy feel to many of her poems. Plan on reading more tonight.

^I had a used library copy of The Heart Goes Last and lent it to a couple of my work buddies. They both liked it and since I also have had it saved on audio, I thought I would finally give it a spin. I know reviews were a bit mixed but I am enjoying it, early on. Good set-up.

I did not feature a Atwood April, this year, due to Ilana choosing her, for the CAC, so this is a perfect opportunity, to read another of her works. I have a stack yet to get through.

Anyone else reading Madam Maggie?

>210 msf59: Maybe suggest to Tim he adds them to the LT swag (please!)

>221 jnwelch: Love this. I think my favourite is still the one that starts something like 'one day you finally knew...' and has the line about the voices saying 'fix my life...' (hurrah for the internet and google - it is 'The Journey')

#220
Since the third in the trilogy is already out we may have to do that!

My book discussion group talked about Burial Rites and everybody called it grim. However, everybody was also impressed with the writing and can't wait to see what this author will write next. At some point I will finish the book, but just can't go where that book will take me right now. I started listening to Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and like the narrator. This will be a nice easy book to listen to in the car. I started to listen to Radiance by Catherynne Valente but it wasn't making much sense. I took a look at the hardcopy of the novel in my library and figured out why. This is not a novel to listen to. It is told from multiple viewpoints at multiple points in time and it skips between the two. In the book the author uses different fonts to indicate who is talking, but with only one reader the recorded version isn't as successful. As soon as I finish reading As the Crow Flies, my next Longmire, I will start the book, and then move on to an Atwood. By that time the month will be up and I can start Radiance for May.

>224 charl08: I think those would make fine T-shirts, Charlotte. How about a Mighty 75, at the bottom?

>225 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita! Looking forward to your thoughts on Hotel on the Corner. I also have it saved on audio and I liked his last book, Songs of Willow Frost, plus Ford is a very interesting guy.

I am going to see if I can find the audio of Red Rising.

> 226 I liked Corner quite a bit, better than Songs.

Pictures of our event with Helen - and a few of our hawks - can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/SchlitzAudubonNatureCenter/

>227 alphaorder: Well, that's good to know, Nancy! I will have to check out Hotel on the Corner soon.

I love the Helen Macdonald photos. Looks like a great event. Have you tried her poetry?

Evening

"You call—and in a little pomegranate tree
an owlet barks like a puppy.
In the evening height the moon’s curved blade
is so lonely and ringing.

You call—and a spring splashes with the turquoise of evening:
the water is fresh, like your voice,
and the moon, quivering, pierces a clay jug,
gleaming with its glaze."

- Vladimir Nabokov

#226
I doubt if I will do the audio of Red Rising and the sequel Golden Son since I have the ARC, but I might do that with Morning Star. I don't have a copy of it, and I am not sure I will buy it. Right now Sherif Longmire is calling.

>230 benitastrnad: I found Red Rising on audio. B.A.G. Not sure, when I'll be able to slot it in but at least I have it.

The Longmire books are soooooooooooooooooooooo good on audio. I need to line up, one of those too!

Morning, Mark! Will you be breaking out the shorts today?

Morning, Amber! No shorts, yet! LOL. We will have to see if I pull them out, before the end of the month. Stay tuned...

Mid-60s here today - that's pretty much shorts weather here in Wisconsin... Ha!

Yup, I'm reading an Atwood - a book of short stories that Stephanie mentioned on her thread earlier this year called Wilderness Tips. So far, so good. I like reading short stories at the rate of about one a day.

>233 msf59: Like!

Morning, Mark!

Thursday greetings, Mark! Hmmm, did Nabokov write poetry too?! Did you find Evening in a collection or within a novel? I like it.

>234 scaifea: It looks like the warming trend will continue until the end of the month, so shorts remain a possibility.

>235 streamsong: Hi, Janet! I have Wilderness Tips on my T.R. I hope to read a couple more Atwood's by year's end.

>236 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! We sure like our birdies around here. They are our mascots, after all.

Good morning, Mark! Sweet Thursday, buddy.

Glad you had such a satisfying time with Evicted. What a book.

Nice Nabokov poem up there.

>224 charl08: "The Journey" is another good 'un by Mary Oliver, Charlotte.

My bride and I love her "The Summer Day", too, and have put up on our fridge its ending:

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?"

>237 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! I signed up for the Knopf poem a day thingy and the Nabokov was featured yesterday. Cool way to discover new poetry.

>239 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Do you still have that link for the Desmond interview, otherwise I can try to locate it ,up there somewhere?
Life on Mars is waiting for me at the library, thanks to you.

Here you go, buddy, Matthew Desmond at the Politics & Prose bookstore, talking about Evicted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24M9wUaCEKo

It's not short, so you want to watch in pieces, but I was caught up in the whole thing. What a modest and remarkable guy he is.

>241 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! I appreciate it. I have saved it on my browser and will dip in when I get a chance. I sure hope this book garners plenty of attention. It deserves every bit.

We've got some pretty good weather going on here, Mark. Supposedly in the next few days we are supposed have around 70 F temps. Now I'll really have to dig out my capri's and shorts. Love the purple bird.

Hi, Deb! Good to see you. It is beginning to warm up nice here too. Hope to shed my jacket, for the next few days and start working on my tan.
Hope you can crack out those shorts and capris.

I am enjoying Shelter, waiting for it to take another dark turn.

Hi Mark, what a gorgeous day today. The highlight was my 30th anniversary luncheon with friends/co-workers today.

Plus a day off tomorrow, for a 3-day weekend. Yahooooooo!!

>245 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda! It was a nice day today and even better tomorrow. I want to finally shed my jacket.

Glad the luncheon went well and hooray for a 3-day weekend. I have vacation in a couple of weeks, so my sights are set on that.

ETA- Loving these Cubbies!

I am psyched for the weekend here--supposed to be sunny and in the 80s!! yes! And rain all week, which is good for our business, so I am liking the weather, yes, I am. : )

Hi, Kimmers! Hooray for warm weather! It looks like many of us are enjoying springtime! B.A.G.

Hope the week went well.

^This is my current GN, Deep Dark Fears. Here is a description: "A devilishly funny collection of 101 comics that explores our most gruesome, hilarious, and bizarre fears-and the dangers lurking around every corner."

Almost halfway done. These are a lot of fun. Not every one hits the target but many do.

Deep Dark Fears looks interesting.

We've been having some great, warm weather this week, too. There's a possibility of a foot of snow this weekend, though. April in Colorado... *sigh*

>223 msf59: I finished Atwood's Surfacing last week, Mark. I enjoyed it very much, but found the ending a bit unsatisfying.

Happy Friday, Mark. Big waves from over the pond.

>251 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! Boo to snow! We are finally getting the warm weather, we have been praying for. 70 today. 75 tomorrow. Happy Camper!

You might like my current read Shelter: A Novel. A dark, family drama.

>252 laytonwoman3rd: Hi, Linda! Good to see you, stranger. Funny, I was going to read Surfacing, but I opted, last minute, to read The Heart Goes Last. It has been a mixed bag for me. I love her work, so I always expect more.

>253 Ameise1: Happy Friday, Barb! Hope the week went well.

Those are some interesting fears! The one with the cat made me laugh (could another fear be that the cat is messing with him?!).

The library ordered Patience by Daniel Clowes for me, so I'm looking forward to that as my next GN.

Morning, Mark! Ooof, I admit that I'm a bit creeped out now, after those Deep Dark Fears...

>256 charl08: Those, creepy, sneaky cats! Grins...I am dog guy, myself. I have not read Clowes, which is a bit surprising. Bad Mark?

>257 scaifea: Morning, Amber! There are many twisted fears in this book. Better to read in the daylight.

Morning Mark! Funny I wasn't fearful of those things till I read the cartoon. *shiver* but now that I think about it, I'm very fearful ;o}

Enjoy this beautiful and fantabulous Friday!

Morning, Mark! Happy Friday!

>259 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! Sorry, those Deep Dark Fears creeped me out. Some of them, creeped me out too, that's why I had to share.

>260 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! No Deep Dark Fears?

Just checking in - I've missed over a whole thread so I'm not even going to pretend to be caught up :)

Loved my April Atwood - and managed to get my book group to all participate in Atwood April which they have all enjoyed immensely!

>261 msf59: Um...no. I am not easily creeped out. However, if any of those involve snakes or being buried alive, please do not post them. Ha! Seriously. DO. NOT. POST. THEM.

>262 BekkaJo: Hi, Bekka! Great to see you. Glad you love Atwood April. My current Atwood is not really working for me, but I will persevere.

Which one did you read this month?

>263 Crazymamie: Rubs palms together with sinister relish...just kidding. I also have a strange phobia with snakes, although I love in a cage.

I tucked into The Robber Bride - I literally experienced a sense of loss when I finished it :/

>265 BekkaJo: Ooh, I have The Robber Bride saved on audio too. I hope to slot it in, sometime this year. Thanks, Bekka! Glad you loved it.

^Hooray for Poetry Month! I bought my first volume of poetry, A Thousand Mornings, (someone buy him a beer!) and I picked up 2 volumes from the library, one called Trapeze: Poems from Deborah Digges. I do not remember who recommended this one. Has anyone read her? And Life on Mars, which Joe raved about. It looks like I am set for the rest of the month.

Hi Mark!

I really enjoyed A Thousand Mornings and I hope you do, too.

I think I'm just sneaking in under the wire, before you launch a new thread.

I'm intrigued by Life on Mars. And I have a little stack of books of poetry that I acquired for this month. I need to start reading them!

>268 EBT1002: Happy Friday, Ellen! What I like about poetry, is the convenience of dipping in and out, plus I am enjoying it more and more, as I go along. A win, win, my friend.

#245
30 years - with the same company? And to think nobody here commented on it. I will - Congratulations!

Happy weekend Mark!!

Hope you have some time off this weekend to enjoy your warmer weather, Mark.

>270 benitastrnad: That is impressive, Benita! Go Linda!

>271 Berly: Happy Weekend, Kimmers!

>272 Familyhistorian: Happy Saturday, Meg! I will find some down time, this weekend, but I work today and I have some outdoor chores to do tomorrow. We are going to enjoy the warmest weekend, so far this year. Yah!

^Of course, that number is very important around here, but it also happens to be our temperature in Chicagoland today. B.A.G. I am not switching to shorts yet. I will wait another couple of weeks, but I will be in shirt-sleeves, working on that farmer's tan.

On the reading front, I am enjoying Shelter: A Novel. It is another very dark, family drama. She pulls no punches here. I will wrap up, The Heart Goes Last today. This one was not Primo Atwood. It's not bad, great premise but feels somewhat half-baked. Oh, well...

I am also still reading Deep Dark Fears and my Oliver collection. Keeping me busy on the book front.

>267 msf59:

Can't wait to hear what you think of A Thousand Mornings!

Not so warm up here, but will feel like spring. I am enjoying the beautiful but heartwrenching The Narrow Door. Hope to get a lot of reading time in the next two days.

Hooray for 75!! Morning, Mark! I am wanting to read Life on Mars, too, so I'll be looking forward to your thoughts on it.

Happy Sunny Saturday, Mark! Ooooo, Life on Mars looks goooooood!

Happy Saturday, Mark! Wow, 75 F in Chicago? It's only supposed to get to the upper 60s in Atlanta.

I'll have to find my copy of Life on Mars. I'll read it this coming week, assuming that it's here and not at my parents' house.

>275 alphaorder: Morning, Nancy! I am sure I will love the Oliver volume. Have you read any of the others I featured up there?
Not familiar with The Narrow Door...hmmmmm.

>276 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Do you have a copy of Life on Mars? If so, maybe we could read it together. It is a very slim volume.

>277 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! It is just after 10 here and it all ready feels glorious. Better lather on the sunscreen.
Looking forward to Life on Mars.

>278 kidzdoc: Morning, Darryl! Yes, we have been waiting for a weekend like this one. The warmest of the year, so far.

Have you been reading much poetry this month?

>280 msf59: I haven't been reading much of anything this month, and what I have been reading for the past month has come from the Man Booker International Prize longlist and the Wellcome Book Prize shortlist. I'll be off from work until next Saturday (although the Emergency Department at my hospital just called me on my work phone to ask me to admit a patient to my service, even though I'm at home), so I should be able to finish several books by then.

It was a glorious day here to spend a couple of hours on the mower. Workin' on my farmer tan too... :)

Nice weather here, too , Lone Ranger! Temps in at 75! Oh my, then I'd need to turn on our air conditioner quite soon! :)

>281 kidzdoc: Well, I hope you can get plenty of reading in, Darryl, on your days off. I am sure you have a healthy stack to get through.

>282 drneutron: Hi, Jim! Good to see you! It was 78 degrees on the way home from work. My outdoor chore day will be tomorrow. Everything is looking shaggy and neglected. I hope you will be able to kick back with a cold one or two. And hooray for that farmer's tan!

>283 vancouverdeb: Ooh, we are all getting some nice spring weather. Yah! Definitely got a bit of sun on this pale skin today, Deb!

If you want darkness, read The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea. Just saying.

>286 Berly: Duly noted, Kimmers! I have heard about this book for a long time. I have never read Mishima but I did see a film about him.

Happy Sunday, Mark. We had some lovely sunny days but today it's cloudy and will problay rein soon.

Happy, Sunday, Barb! I will have to spend part of my day, doing outdoor chores. Things are looking shabby, but I will make time for the books too.

Mark - I am reading a book I think you should watch out for, if it wasn't already on your radar. The Atomic Weight of Love. The cover alone should hook you. :) Pub date is May 3.

Morning, Nancy! Happy Sunday! I do love that cover. I think it may have been an E.R. pick. The Atomic Weight of Love is now officially on the list. Are you reading an ARC?

No, my publishing friend just sent me a finished copy. :)

>292 alphaorder: Sweet! I will keep my eye out. I bet it will look good on shelf.