brodiew2's Not So Big Bin of Books

Here goes nothing! This is my first book thread for Library Thing. It is also my first advanced reading list in..forever. I have list of books that do not have any thematic connection, but I did want to Include one of a few different types of books.

Currently reading:


Currently listening:


1. Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
2. 'Til Death by Jason Anspach
3. In Movement, There Is Peace by Elaine Orabona Foster
4. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas
5. Fire of Heaven by Bill Myers
6. Star Trek: Doctor's Orders by Diane Duane
7. The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
8. Test of Wills by Charles Todd
9. Churchill by Paul Johnson
10. Rascal by Chris Brady
11. Throwback by Jason Kendall
12. The Dream Giver Bruce Wilkinson
13. Outliers by Malcom Gladwell
14. A.D. 30 by Ted Dekker

Hold for 1st Quarter

And we're off...script.

I have picked up Gary Smalley's If Only He Knew and prioritized it.

Hold for 2nd Quarter

Hold for 3rd Quarter

Hold for 4th Quarter

Welcome brodiew- look forward to seeing the record of your 2016 reading.

>6 zenomax:: Thank you!

I'm attempting to add some imagery to my page to spice it up. Any and all suggestions regarding my rookie image placement are welcome.

You're very organized considering this is your first thread. :)

>8 The_Hibernator: Thank you, The_Hibernator. I appreciate the thought. I'm eager to start discussing books, but it's not yet 2016. I'm still trying to find myself on this site; picking groups, entering conversations, and getting my 'your books' page in order.

75 in 2016 will be a fantastic one. They're lighthearted and chatty. But they haven't opened the 2016 page yet. Might look at 2015.

There is something about this book cover that I am unable to escape. As I navigate to different book related sites, this cover appears repeatedly and I am enamored of it each time. I have no interesting in reading this book, but I can speculate as to why it catches my eye each time I see.

First, the gold. The overall coloring of the cover draws me in. It must be a color of peace for me.

Secondly, the clothing of the featured character is enticing. I'm a fan of Silver and Golden Age clothing, not to mention that she is a pilot and a horse trainer.

Thirdly, the demeanor of the character has a strong, even hardened sex appeal. There is no doubt this woman could be a tough customer for whatever man she is bound to encounter.

Fourthly, there is the tree in the background which also shows us that the African landscape features heavily in the novel. It reminds me of golden backdrops, safaris, graceful animals, and savage beasts.

This is just my two cents about a cover, not a book, which has made its mark on me.

What do you think?

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Alan Rickman. He will always be Hans Gruber to me. His villain in 'Die Hard' is one of film history's great performances. I cannot imagine anyone who could drip evil from his lips so languidly and with such perfection as Alan Rickman.

He could also be funny. His deadpan delivery in such films as 'Galaxy Quest' and 'Dogma' are classic comedy.

Finally, if you have not seen his performance in the overall fantastic film 'Bottle Shock', I highly recommend it.

He was excellent, so sad to hear of his passing, and just days after Bowie, too. Sad sad week it is. :(

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Although I finished the first two volumes in the Fire of Heaven trilogy last year, Fire of Heaven was started and completed in 2016.

In Fire of Heaven, the End of Days is at hand and Sara and Brandon Martus are front and center as the prophesied 'Two Witnesses' of the Book of Revelation. Meanwhile, young Eric and his mother are hold up with The Cartel, a multinational organization with the goal of world peace. Eric has a special talent which The Cartel is using to advance their goal. Tension rise as do the stake as these four individuals march toward their destinies.

When I began this series, I was surprised by depth of writing I encountered. Bill Myers is a gifted writer who immerses you in the world and characters he has created. There is a beauty in the words which compels one forward on journey he has laid out. He is also gifted in pacing and gradually rising the tension and action to a satisfying conclusion.

I have really enjoyed this series over all. It is a thematic trilogy which features contained stories in volumes one and two, and combines the themes and characters in volume three. The overarcing theme is God's love for His children.

Rogue Lawyer is the best John Grisham I have listened to in years. One word says it all: Attitude!

Sebastian Rudd is a Lawyer on the edge. He will do whatever it takes to defend his client to the best of his ability. Sometimes that ability is a matter of circumstance. Sometimes is a matter of innocence of his client and the pure unadulterated guilt of other parties. But make no mistake, Sebastian Rudd is like no previous Grisham protagonist. He has grit without swagger, fortitude with facetiousness, and incredulity at ineptitude.

I also enjoyed how Grisham changed up the format of his novel, splitting it into six parts. Though the book follows for separate 'cases' in which Rudd is involved, the characters and their stories weave in and out of each other at a compelling pace. Each of the four stories are captivating in their own right.

Mark Deakins narration shines here, most especially in Rudd's biting sarcasm in dealing with clients, government officials, and his ex-wife alike.

If you haven't picked up a Grisham in a while, this is one to bring you back. I highly recommend it.

>15 brodiew2: Thanks for your thoughts of Rogue Lawyer. I haven't read Grisham in years and this one is going right on my wishlist now.

>15 brodiew2:

Now if the hold line in the library decides to start moving a bit faster... :) Sounds like a great one (but then I suspect I won't balk at him publishing his shopping list anyway so....) :)

Thank you, OscarWilde87. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I had to wait in the library line as well, AnnieMod. Here's hoping that it speeds right along.

Han and Chewbacca embark on the rescue mission of a Rebel intelligence agent in the heart of the Imperial Core. Little do they know that said rescue mission leads a larger dangers not only for Han, personally, but for the Rebellion as a whole.

Sadly, I stopped listening to this book about half way through. It was not that the story was bad, but I finally hit the wall on Jonathan Davis' narration, Han Solo's voice specifically. Star Wars fans know, well enough, that Han Solo can be a complainer when things don't go his way. However, it was the whinyness of the voice that has grated on me since Star Wars: Razor's Edge that I simply could no longer abide. Given that this is Solo centric story, the camel's back was broken.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'll have to seek out *Bottle Shock* - I was/am a huge fan of Rickman's too.

Love the painting in your topper.

I highly enjoyed this history of the Lusitania and its demise. As a young man I remember well the mystery of the ship: was she carrying heavy artillery for the British war effort or not? You'll be happy to know that the author answers this question, but it is far from the focus or intent of the book.

In telling the story of this fateful voyage, Erik Larsen also gives a historical lens from which to view it. The Atlantic crossing was at the height of the WWI and the waters the ship traveled through was a war Zone. Add to that that the German embassy placed an add in the NY Times that the ship might be in danger of u-boat attack. No one believed that the German's would be soulless enough to sink a passenger liner.

The account of the sinking and subsequent recovery of survivors and dead is sobering. There are stories of heroism as well tragedy. From those who incorrectly put on their life vests to those who assisted others into lifeboats.

What made this experience extra rich for me was the narration of Scott Brick. He is a master storyteller and makes fiction and nonfiction come alive in ways grip me and compel me to keep listening when a lesser narrator might cause me to quit the book. His inflection and voice modulation match the tone of the text in rising and declining action as well as his even keel of his standard narration.

If you haven't read or listened to a Erik Larsen before, I recommend Dead Wake!

Yes, I went and did it. I decided to listed to this audio book even after warnings that the novelization did not live up to the author's previous efforts or to the film itself.

In part, I have to agree. The production is uninspired and misses the mark on what made the film epic. It is also hard for the narrator to match the spontaneous humor in the film. The character voices are passable as are the standard sound effects which accompany most Star Wars audio books.

What I enjoyed about this book is internal dialogue for each of the characters. This was helpful for me with Rey because much of her Force use during the last act of the film seemed to have no explanation. The book, at least, shows her exploring the idea of her abilities which we do not see in the film.

There are also a few bits that didn't make it into the final version of the film. These were fun as well. I'm sure you all want to know how Poe survived the Tie-Fighter crash.

In conclusion: not great, not terrible. Run of the mill.

I enjoyed Erik Larson's Devil in the White City and In the Garden of the Beasts, so this one needs to hit my wishlist.

> 27 Thank you for stopping, NanaCC. If you have enjoyed his previous books, I believe you will like this one as well.

‘The Camino provides for all’.

It is a simple statement but one that is true, more often than not for the Pilgrims who travel its 800 Kilometer length. I first head of the Camino de Santiago after watching the film ‘The Way’ starring Martin Sheen, directed by his son Emilio Estevez. I found the film inspiring and wanted to know more about the pilgrimage, which is travelled daily by hundreds if not thousands of people.
The first travelogue I read was 'To the Field of Stars', by Kevin A. Cobb. As a Catholic priest, Cobb had great incites on ‘The Way’ and his personal, physical and spiritual, experience touched me. I wanted to walk the Camino. I wanted to commune with God and his creation. I wanted to touch history with my hand reach out to God with my heart. When it was over, I was both relieved and sorrowful, as was Mr. Cobb.

However, my vicarious journey on the Camino did not stop there. My next stop was the book you see above, 'In Movement There Is Peace'. This book was immediately different from its predecessor. It is a husband and wife travelling together rater than a single man. I was touched by Joe and Elaine’s experience in a different way. It took a few pages to get into it, but over all these two persevered through intense physical pain, frustration with self and each other, deeply personal concerns that were yet unresolved, and the weather.

‘The Camino provides for all.’

What made such endurance worth it was what they experience on the journey as well as its destination: great food, great fellowship, new, lifelong friends, the charity of strangers, life changing understanding and acceptance, freedom from fear, and a new understanding of God.
The best praise I can offer the authors is that I felt like I was on the journey with them. As they learned lessons so did I. I also enjoyed their experiences on The Way. There is a doosey near the end of the trip. One word: Dryer.

Sadly, the Camino is not in my immediate future, but I am content to live vicariously for now.

This book was a fun, yet brutal jaunt through a fascinating post apocalyptic landscape. A catastrophic event known as The Descent has plunged the world into darkness and chaos. men and women have been infected by an unknown presence which has transformed them into freaks, half breeds with a uncontrollable blood lust. Chaos reigns. There is little hope. But there are pockets of humanity doing their best to survive day after day.

They story begins in Chicago with a man named Prescott searching for his sister. Little does he know that what he finds will turn his world upside down and set him on a road he never expected to take...

Bob Williams is a surprising new author on the post apocalyptic landscape. His pacing is fast. The action is high. His characters are interesting and compelling. I like the serial nature of it. It is easy to read and flows well without being bogged down in too much description. He has created an intriguing world with new twists on old cliché's. I look forward to more.

I recommend it. You will not be sorry.

The Story of Diva and Flea

I got this at the library and read it to my kids over two nights. What a fun, charming book about a worldly street cat and well loved dog who teach each other lessons on bravery and friendship.

The story take place in Paris, France and is beautifully written by Mo Willems and illustrated by Tony Diterlizzi.

I highly recommend this one.

I read a couple of the early Leo Waterman books by G.M. Ford many years ago and decided to try this one on audio. It is pretty standard P.I. fare, with a likable, wisecracking protagonist knocks over rocks and kicks proverbial ant hills until incites the villains to action.

In Chump Change, Leo is drawn into a murder investigation when a past acquaintance dies in the process of a supposed robbery with Leo's name on his lips. Leo soon partner's up with an ex rookie cop and they head to the WA/ID border root out the truth.

Romance! Action! Drama!

Corruption! Torture! Murder! More!

I enjoyed Ford's use of colorful similies and metaphors. This added to Leo's humor in the first person narration.

This audiobook did its job in helping me wile away my commuting hours, but it did not stand out as anything special.

Ghosts, Guns, Giddiness, and Guile!

Meet Sam Rockwell. He is struggling private eye who specializes in Returns. Returns are the recently departed sent back from the hereafter to complete unfinished business. Though Returns are higher in number than ever before(WWII), Sam's business is not thriving. Soon, Sam's personal and professional life collide when his father, a domineering, self absorbed, business man, is murdered. Sam comes home to Tacoma, WA where he discovers that his father has a connection to US Atomic secrets. Secrets that the Russians would love to get their hands on. Thus Sam and his assistant Alicia are plunged into not only a murder investigation, but international intrigue.

I enjoyed this offbeat detective novel. Equal parts 'Heaven Can Wait' and 'Arsenic and Old Lace', Anspach treats us to comedy of errors laced with serious danger and violence. I was impressed by the development of the characters, specifically with Sam. He is introduced as a kind of hapless pretender, but as the story progresses, he isd shown to be brave and capable in his chosen field.

The novel also has good message. I was thankful to author for reminding me about what is important in life and how easily one can lose track of such priorities.

I recommend it.

I loved this book! I think you will too.

Open Season is a well crafted mystery which introduces Wyoming Game and Wildlife warden Joe Pickett. Joe is a good man doing a hard job for little pay. He is quiet and loves the job despite it not meeting the need of his loving but growing family.

When a man turns up dead on Joe's wood pile, it soon leads to more bodies, betrayal, corruption and the fate of a mountain species thought long extinct.

It is a fascinating story with excellent pacing, timely reveals, and suspenseful turns.

The characters are rich and well drawn, especially Joe and his daughter Sheridan.

Highly recommended.

>34 brodiew2: Open Season sounds like a possibility for my mystery pile. Did you like the audio version? I tend to do mostly mysteries when listening to audiobooks.

>35 NanaCC: Same here, NanaCC. Yes, I listened on audio and really enjoyed it. Chandler is a new narrator for me so it took half a disc for me to get used to him.

I also liked the wide open space feel of the writing.

The first time I heard of Felica Day was on an episode of 'Supernatural'. I had to ask my brother who she was and why I was so cool that she was a guest star. He explained her internet qualifications and I shrugged. I have never been part of the online gaming world, nor have I immersed myself in youtube to the extent necessary to discover her. That said, When I saw her audio memoir on the shelf at the library I could not resist.

I got just what I hoped for; a fun, neurotic, and inspirational jaunt through the life of and internet icon. From her nontraditional 'home school' education to her violin funded college years to being a working actress and web series creator to web business owner and inspiration to many, Felicia Day has weathered successes and failures, a wacky off beat mother, and few deranged fans to be where she is today, the author of this book. :-)

I was amused by her self deprecating humor and neurotic delivery. I was also inspired by her over arcing theme: Don't be afraid to be who you are.

Recommended.

Sadly, this one is not living up to my expectations. I'm 75 pages in and while the strange, weird, off beat, and creepy are present, the thread of humor I was hoping for is not. There is a certain absurdist style to the writing, but its randomness leans more to nonsense rather than coherence. It seems to exist solely to please itself rather than me as a reader.

I am aware of of the central mystery/conflict of the story, but I find myself caring less and less about its resolution. Bummer.

I guess I was expecting something more in the vein of Christopher Moore, not...I don't even have a comparison. Not bad, just not my thing.

Given my trouble with finding the next book, lately, it may be time to thrown in a Star Trek novel. Nothing like a little popcorn to break up the monotony.

I'm a lot like the dog in 'UP' these days: "Squirrel?" I have started reading the Newberry Medal winner The Westing Game as well a middle grade WWII books called Guts and Glory: World War II by Ben Thompson . I am reading it along with my 9 year old son and getting a real kick out of the action oriented writing style and graphics.

I will keep you apprised as to whether this will help settle the reading slump I have discovered.

>39 brodiew2: Good for you, Brodie. I read with both my kids, and we all have fond memories of it. If you haven't already considered it, The Magic Treehouse series, which Amber is reading along with Charlie, is a good one for boys around that age.

As you may have seen, The Westing Game is probably my daughter's favorite book, still being re-read while she's in her 20s. I liked it, too, although not with the same passionate enthusiasm as Amber and seasonsoflove.

Hope you have a great weekend.

> Hello Joe! Thanks for stopping in. My first son was not interested in The Magic Treehouse at all, but my middle son is just starting to discover it. He's read two in a row and really enjoys it. There is a comparable series that has fewer volumea, but is just as fun called The Imagination Station.

I've haven't had much reading time this week, so The Westing Game is waiting patiently.

You have a good weekend as well.

After many months of a co worker relentlessly suggesting I read a Neil Gaiman book, I finally gave in...sort of. I decided to listening to Gaiman himself narrate his Newberry Medal winning The Graveyard Book. Yes, it was worth it and yes, I will likely listen to more. Good Omens?

Aside from the pleasant surprise that Gaiman is a excellent narrator, I enjoyed the journey of a baby who come into the care of the ghosts of a local graveyard when his family is murdered. The inhabitants decide to protect the boy from his would be killer. The book follows the boy, Nobody, on his adventures in the graveyard, which is a place of love and learning as well a place where unspeakable evil dwells.

Bod, short for Nobody, is has a support system in the graveyard, headlined by his adoptive parents, the Owens' and his guardian, an undead 'man' named Silas. There are other people in the graveyard who have lessons and experiences to share over the years leading up to the final confrontation with his family's killer.

I liked this book most especially for the fact that is a compete coming of age tale. The development of Bod is well played as he ages a year or more from chapter to chapter; knowledge and maturity growing right along with his body. The novel is well crafted with elements of supernatural suspense as well as intimate moments moments of love, laughter, and discovery.


I suggest you give it a go. It is well worth it.

>42 brodiew2: I enjoyed The Graveyard Book too. Gaiman is quite a good narrator. I can also recommend Neverwhere.

>42 brodiew2: I love listening to Neil Gaiman reading his own stuff. He has the perfect voice for it. I second the above recommendation for Neverwhere, and American Gods is also great. Good Omens has long been a favourite of mine, but I love both Pratchett and Gaiman so I guess that was going to happen.

>44 valkyrdeath:

I'd second these and add Coraline as well :)

>33 brodiew2: Your review made me think of A Dirty Job and then you mentioned Christopher Moore a few posts later! I don't see it in your library but think you might like it.

>43 NanaCC: Nice to see you, NanaCC. He is a great narrator. I will look into Neverwhere. I picked up The Ocean at the End of the Lane from the library yesterday and started it this morning. It is definitely different from GB. I am aware of the differences. A friend mine suggested it much more adult and darker in its subject matter. I guess I'll see.

>44 valkyrdeath: Thanks for stopping in, valkyrdeath. My brother is a huge Gaiman fan. I have not been a big fan of his though I have read some of comics in past years. Good Omens is likely my next Gaiman outing. Considering how Ocean Lane goes, I may need a break.

>45 AnnieMod: Hello AnnieMod! I've heard of that one, including the film. I'll check it out.

>46 detailmuse: Good to have you drop in detailmuse. I read Christopher Moore back in the day, but stalled at The Lamb: The Gospel. I have not read ant since, but Dirty Job sounds familiar. I want to say I listened to it on audio. I hope you'll give 'Til Death a chance. It's short, inexpensive and an opportunity to support and independent author.

It has been almost a week now since I saw 'Captain America: Civil War'. It has been a long time since I left the theater pumping my fist in excitement over a movie. Super hero movie or not, this movie is the real deal. It is my favorite Marvel movie to date. Guardians of the Galaxy is a close second. Civil War delivers on all levels: humor, action, drama, and intensity. The new character introductions of Spider Man and The Black Panther were handled seamlessly and with great care. I want to see the Black Panther movie now! So cool. As you can tell I am stoked about this film. If you haven't seen it yet, it's time. You will have FUN!

>48 brodiew2: I want to go see that movie myself in a couple of days. Glad to hear it's fantastic!

>49 OscarWilde87: Hello Oscar! So have you had a chance to see it yet?

Good morning all. I'm feeling rather giddy this morning as I was able to have an unexpected impact at my children's elementary school yesterday. I was there being a Watch Dog (dads of great students) and spent some time in the library. I have volunteered before and the librarian knows me as a lover of books. I mention to her a new non fiction history series I discovered called 'Guts and Glory' by Ben Thompson. It is a grade school level series that focuses on historical bravery, gallantry, and heroism. He has three volumes to date, featuring The Civil War, World War II and The Vikings. My son, 9, may be a tad too young to absorb all the facts, but the author makes the battles and the individuals come alive in a compelling way.

I also mentioned a series called Dog Diaries, which focuses on true historical dogs, but allows them to tell their own stories. My son read the first in the series which featured the first seeing eye dog (German Shepherd) and I read the third on Barry, the famous Saint Bernard rescue dog.

What has me so excited this morning the fact that the librarian researched the series during her lunch break and ended up ordering all three G&G books and a set of five of the Dog Diaries books. She also suggested to me that she would be open to any other recommendations I might want to give.

Very cool.

Last week I was gifted a copy of Who moved My Cheese. It was a quick, easy read and one that I did not think would have an impact on me. I did not think that the simplicity of it would get past my more cynical self when it comes to change in life. As I read through the story of four mouse friends (Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw), I began to get angry because I knew which mouse I was in the story. I know and have known for a couple of years now, that I need a change in my professional life. However, I'm scared. It's a big world out there. I've been here for 15 years and have tenure and vacation time, if not satisfaction. A major career change into a completely new field seems paralyzingly impossible.

That said, the book both convicted me and reinforced my fear. Weird, huh? In reading all the praise for the book, I wondered how it was possible. Those who do no fear change do not need a book like this. Those that do can get some use out it if they allow it. I'm still battling myself on the whether to allow it. Can you see my conflict?

So, if you need a push past your fear, this may well be the story that will give the perspective from which to change.

So That Happened

Right of the bat, I have to confess that I love humorous celebrity memoirs narrated by the celebrity themselves. It is so much more genuine that way. You hear the actor you have been following for so long telling their own story. You get behind the scene dish, the voice and comic timing you expect. And, its more fun.

With John Cryer, you get a lot of fun. Not only do you hear of his New York neighborhood upbringing with his stage actor/writer mother, you also get the full scoop on Pretty in Pink and the Charlie Sheen meltdown while on Two and a half Men.

Fair warning, however, and Cryer gives the same one in his introduction, there is some salty language her in. I was not deterred and thankfully so. The language is not pervasive and is usually strategically placed as part of a punchline or to cap a specifically important anecdote.

I like Cryer and found his recounting of Charlie Sheen's 'Winning' descent into addiction both entertaining and sad. You could tell that Cryer lamented his friend's actions, recognized the destruction they wrought, and wanted to see him sober more than anything else.

Overall, I enjoyed this memoir. It is well worth your time.

>50 brodiew2:: Yeah! And I must say, it was indeed fantastic. Enjoyed it a lot!

>50 brodiew2: Good for you for making some great recommendations to the school library! I'll be taking note of your suggestions to remember when my son, who is 6 now, gets a little older. He loves nonfiction.

>50 brodiew2: Congratulations on your impact at the school! Interesting to experience a success like that amid the questioning of Who Moved My Cheese!

>53 OscarWilde87: Sorry, I'm late in responding, Oscar. I am so glad to hear that you liked it. I thought it was fantastic, if you didn't already get that. ;-)

>54 japaul22: Welcome, japaul22! It's good to see you. Thank you for the kudos. I think your son will enjoys these when he gets old enough. The Dog Diaries are good for 1st or 2nd graders depending on their reading level.

>55 detailmuse: Thanks for stopping in, detailmuse. I appreciate your comments. sometimes I think I should be a librarian or a teacher or a librarian at a school. I love kids. I love books. I love teaching kids about books.

In Doctor's Orders, Captain Kirk, on a lark, decides to leave Doctor McCoy in command of the Enterprise when he beams down to a planet on an innocent fact finding mission. While planetside, Kirk mysteriously disappears. Kirk's order leaveing the doctor on command cannot be changed.

While McCoy and crew search for their missing Captain, Klingons show up making the situation that much more tense. Mccoy must dig deep and draw on all resources available, including Spock, to see the situation through.

Ultimately, I enjoyed this adventure. I was initially drawn in by the plot of Docotor McCoy being in charge. There is certain humor in the very thought of it. Especially with Spock at his side, either offer advice or questioning his decisions.

The book got off to a slow start with a lot of science being laid down. The crew is on a first contact mission and planet they are exploring have three cohabitating species. We learn a lot about their nature early on.

But as soon as 'Bones' is in the command chair, things start heating up. My primary enjoyment in this novel is the bravado exhibited by McCoy in his dealings with the Klingons. It is very funny. I also enjoyed the collaboration between McCoy and Spock, which never degenerates into name calling...for the most part.

Throw in some cat and mouse space battling and traditional clever maneuvering and you have yourself a right smart and entertaining novel.

As for stars, I figure I should using them. Better late than never.

3 of 4 stars

>57 brodiew2: There's a blast from the past! I read that one way back in the day, and remember finding it one of the more enjoyable Trek novels. But then, I always did love Bones.

>58 bragan: Thanks for stopping in, bragan. I've been a Trek fan for years and thought it would be fun to see what Bones would do if in command. It was fun.

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I traded a few posts with Joe (jnwelch) yesterday regarding school stories. I was in boarding school, in North Carolina, for my first two years of High School and it has given me an affinity for the literary genre. That said, I'm here to tell you about The Lawrenceville Stories by Owen Johnson. This a fun series of private school tales that take place around the turn of the century in the US. These books err on the side of humor with moral, but are in no way heavy handed. The stories are chock full with interesting characters, wacky situations, and flavor of Americana that is not as prevalent today.

Now that I've told you about the books, you should know that these stories have been adapted to the screen twice; the first a feature film titled 'The Happy Years' (1950) and secondly, a tv miniseries, 'The Lawrenceville Stories' (1986). The books, the movie, and the miniseries are a delight. Overall, I love the film 'The Happy Years'. I just love it. What can I say.

I hope you will take some time and explore this world. You will not be disappointed.

I might seek those out - the Lawrenceville triumvirate, that is. I did boarding school too, but in such a different era! (early 70's) A weird mix of still dressing up for Saturday afternoon teas and sneaking off to the cemetery to get high. But some things never change in that sort of setting.

>61 sibylline: Thanks for stopping in, sixby. Shenanigans definitely about in this setting, real and imagined. I neglected to mention the The Varmint is the book that is featured heavily in 'The Happy Years', but it integrated elements of The Lawrenceville Stories as well. Great fun.

,

After a couple of false starts on audio (The Bootlegger by Cussler, narrated by Scott Brick) and Gumption by Nick Offerman), I decided to got for a sure thing, The Cat Who Knew Shakespeare. I used to listen to a lot of Lilian Jackson Braun back in the day. I greatly enjoyed dulcet tones of narrator George Guidall. It was time to return to Pick Ax.

I absolutely loved The Cat Who Knew Shakespeare! It did everything I expected it to. It relaxed me. I didn't have to work to hard understand the goings on. And, I was treated to a story that more than a mere mystery novel.

In Shakespeare, We meet protagonist Jim Qwilleran early in his time in Pick Ax. He has only been living there for 18 months or so. Qwilleran is a former crime reporter for a major newspaper 'Down Below'. He comes into a lot of money and leaves the big city fora quieter country life. Soon, The owner of of local newspaper, Pick Ax Picayune, is killed in a single car accident. His son is left reeling, and his mother is ready to sell the paper before her husband's body is cold. Throw in a fire, some hinky hanky panky, and two cats (Koko and Yum Yum) with an affinity for prescience, and this is a wonderful story.

What I loved about this particular story is the fact that I didn't feel like a reading a light mystery. It fel like something more, something important. I was drawn into the world of Pick Axe, its inhabitants and the outsider becoming insider perspective of protagonist Qwilleran.

Shakespeare is also an import volume in the 'Cat Who' series as a whole given that major events occur that affect the series going forward.

I guess you could say I was immersed in a world that I have loved and will love in the future. I am a big fan of George Guidall, especially in this, but also in John Dunning's Bookman series.

If you have not entered the world of Pick Axe, Moose County, and Jim Qwilleran before, now is the time. It is a pleasant good time.

5 stars

I am invoking the Pearl Rule on Smoke: A Novel. After a fair amount of excitement for its arrival, I am pronouncing it DOA as of today. After 186 pages, I have decided that I do not care about what happens to these characters. As I have stated, in brief, in other users threads, part one has a pretty hefty world building info dump. When the story finally transitioned from set up to main action, I could not muster much interest in what happened next. Given that the Peal Rule allows me to pitch it at 50 pages, I gave this novel more than enough of an opportunity to grab me.

I'll say this for Smoke: A novel, it is atmospheric and intense. I will give credit to the author for creating an interesting idea. However, the execution of that idea seemed to plod too long to bring me back around. Sadly, there was no fire with this 'Smoke'.

>64 brodiew2: Too bad. I had been looking at this one lately - it does sound fascinating

>65 AnnieMod: Hi Annie! The concept is very interesting, I just couldn't connect with any of the characters.

Blood Flag follows attorney Paul Madriani as investigates the murder of one of his employees. Her death at home of a client accused of killing her father, sparks an investigation of a WWII conspiracy, international intrigue, and secret lovers.

I don't have a lot to say about Blood Flag by Steve Martini. When I first saw that there was a new Paul Madriani book, I was excited because it had a WWII tie in and seemed to be getting good press. I grabbed up the audio book narrated by Dan Woren and went to work. Sadly, this book did not meet my inflated expectations. It is a serviceable thriller, with a few interesting historical footnotes. Otherwise, it was just ok. My main beef is that there seemed to be passages of setting and background that went on too long or were awkward in placement. These passages made the book drag in places when advancing the plot would have been better. In the interest of full disclosure, I leaped from halfway through disc 8 to disc 10 and didn't feel like I missed much.

Michael Harvey's Brighton is SO GOOD. I picked it up in my library haul this weekend and have read 100 pages in 2 days. For me, this is huge. So compelling.

I thought I would share a couple of the quotes that leaped out at me in Brighton: A Novel by Michael Harvey.

Kevin stepped out of the box and stared at the ghosts manning his empty infield. To grow up in Brighton was to be tethered to the past. Some tethers swung tight and fast, a viscous, self-destructive arc that took the measure of everyone who got in the way. Others, wheeled far and wide, sweeping up new friends and family, money, power, even infamy. But, all held this place at their center. A tangled grasping place. A place of dark and light. Kevin walked back down the first base line, took a seat on the bench and cracked a beer. Maybe he thought he broken his tether, maybe he was a goddamn fool.

And

"I read everything you ever wrote on Tallent. I'm proud of you, Kev. Your grandmother would be busting...when she wasn't telling everyone 'I told you so'. Doesn't mean you should have come back, though. You shouldn't have."

"Why?"

"Same reason you stayed away in the first place. Out there you got your future. Something special."

"And back here I've got a past?"

"Eat you whole, brother. Bones and all."

text

There is a desperation and fatalism in the words that is laced throughout the book. However, it also seductive and compelling in a noirish crime novel kind of way.

From the dust jacket of Brighton: A novel:

Kevin Pearce—baseball star, honor student, the pride of Brighton—was fifteen when he left town in the back of his uncle’s cab. He and his buddy Bobby Scales had just committed heinous violence for what they thought were the best of reasons. Kevin didn’t want a pass, but he was getting it anyway. Bobby would stay and face the music; Kevin’s future would remain bright as ever. At least that was the way things were supposed to work. But in Brighton, things never work the way they’re supposed to.

I unabashedly love this book. From the moment it started to the last word read, I was in an oil slick, bouncing off partitions, rounding dangerous curves, and sliding toward the inevitable ditch. Figuratively speaking, of course.

What has me, specifically, enamored of this novel is the brilliantly dark, yet surprisingly alluring prose of author Michael Harvey. Not only does he show you the seedy side of Boston, he makes you feel it. His characters are tortured by past and present and seem to be inevitably stuck in the cycle of crime, abuse, loyalty and treachery. At the center of the story are Kevin and Bobby. Childhood friends bound by violence, a mutual understanding of each other , and grandmother who loves them both.

I am not blind to the coincidences and holes that pop up from time to time, but I am completely invested in Harvey's literary style. Things that might bug me in another book or movie did not break my stride one bit in devouring this novel.

I highly recommend it.

June has passed and with it the first half of the reading year. Below are the books I've completed, audio, print, or otherwise (e-books!).

Fire of Heaven by Bill Myers
Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham
Dead Wake by Erik Larsen
Star Wars: The Force Awakens by Alan Dean Foster
In Movement, There Is Peace by Elaine Orabona Foster
Music City Macbre by Bob Williams (e-book)
The Story of Diva and Flea by Mo Willems
'Til Death by Jason Anspach
Open Season by CJ Box
You're Never Weird on the Internet by Felicia Day
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, MD
So that Happened by Jon Cryer
Star Trek: Doctor's Orders by Diane Duane
The Cat Who Knew Shakespeare by Lilian Jackson Braun
Blood Flag by Steve Martini
Brighton: A Novel by Michael Harvey
Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson

Favorites of the first half:

Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham

The Cat Who Knew Shakespeare by Lilian Jackson Braun

Brighton by Michael Harvey

I really enjoyed your review of Brighton and the quotes.

> Thank you, dchaiken! I appreciate you stopping in. I enjoyed that book quite a bit.

I am seriously sorry that I completed only 75% of this audio book. Disc 5 of 7 was the last and for no particular reason that the subject manner and the manic delivery finally took its toll. This book was very funny and, at the beginning hand me laughing til my sides hurt while trying to stay on the road to work. The early chapters of the book that focused on her childhood were the best and I have not laughed as hard as when she described tripping into a deer carcass. I think she said it was a 'deer sweater' or some such. Her stories of working in HR were hilarious as well.

Sadly, the freshness had worn off and I was not as enamored. Sometimes, you wake up one day and you think, I'm done with that. I've had enough. Even after a break of a long weekend I could not reengage.

4 of 5 stars

I have just started reading By the Shores of Silver Lake to my kids. It follows On the Banks of Plum Creek. There has been a year or so since the later and so starting up again was fun. Last night, as I read the chapter 'Growing Up', I shed a few tears. I was surprised and not by my emotion as this chapter describes the death of their dog Jack who had been with for a long time. He was as much a member of the family as any of them. Laura Ingalls Wilder did not make her goodbye short. The description of her recent 'neglect' of her pet, given the illness in the home, was sad as well her of his settling down for his final sleep. She went on to relay how she would miss him and all the things he would never do again.

I silently cursed and thanked the author for such an affecting passage and was not embarrassed to shed tears in front of my family. My wife teared up as well while kids looked at us in wonder.

>74 brodiew2: this book so annoyed me -- egocentric and "noisy" (even in print). For reasons I can't remember, I listened to her next, Furiously Happy on audio and liked it.

>76 detailmuse: I'm not alone! I agree with the 'noisy' assessment, detailmuse. It was funny, but got old long before the book was over. I may consider furiously happy down the road.

Slow Burn, by Ace Atkins, is the latest extension of Robert B. Parker's long running Spenser detective series. In this volume Spenser is drawn into an arson investigation when a friend in the fire department enlists his help in an unsolved church fire that cost three fire fighters their lives.

As usual, I greatly enjoyed this new entry by Parker's literary heir. He knows the characters well, treating us to dialogue the may well have come from the creator himself. What I have enjoyed also about Atkin's range is the seems to return to the meatier stories which inhabited Parker's early career. There is definitely more of a balance in the exposition and dialogue than in some of Parker's latter offerings.

There was something special about this book; something foreboding and sad. The theme of age was prevalent in this book. Not only are we told that Spenser's dog Pearl is 'aging', but the word is used more than a few times in reference to Spenser himself. He is call 'old man' a couple of time.

There is also a theme of departing, leaving, moving on. No spoiler there.

Finally, with aging and moving on, this book does one more thing that most Spenser books don't do: It set's up the next book. There are some actions taken in this books that will have severe consequences. Perhaps, I'm being alarmist, but this book seemed to set up a series finale. I hope it isn't so and I could be wrong, even overly emotional about my favorite detective and his 'thug' friends.

And, of course, the fun, light, and sophisticated narration of Joe Mantegna.

5 OF 5 STARS