brodiew2's galaxy of books Door the 2nd

Hello everyone. I have been gone for a while and I will likely not return to my activity level of last year, but I have been inspired to start a new page by finally starting the Lord of the Rings trilogy on audio. I have never read LOTR, but I read The Hobbit as a young man. I am closing in on the end of The Fellowship of the Ring and have a few observations.

1. Gandalf is the man! Though Ian McKellan was stellar in the films, the original character is easily the most alive (fully realized) character in this fist book. He is quick to anger, quick to laugh, and fully aware of his power and limitation. His snark is also some of the best in the book. In the scene above he faces the evil Balrog and utters the famous line: 'You shall not pass!'

2. Tolkien is a master world builder and linguist and storyteller. In this first book, there is a lot of history and description that keeps the story at such a slow pace that I would not have been able to get through it if not for the brilliant narration of Rob Inglis.

3. I have met new characters that were not introduced in Peter Jackson's film trilogy. Most notably, Tom Bombadil and the elf Haldir. Tom B. is at once annoying and intriguing. He is a strong power in Middle Earth, but one resigned to patrol his own borders and not get involved int the larger world. His gaiety and propensity for singing nonsenical makes you wonder why Tolkien included him.

Haldir is a character who appears later in the book. He is an elf of Lothlórien. I like his directness and though he is bound by the laws of his country, he is not quick to judge Gimli, the dwarf, when the Fellowship enters Lothlórien.

4. Favorite quotes.

Strider/Aragorn: "Yet for the work we do, we have less thanks than you do. Travellers and countrymen look down on us, and call us names. 'Strider' I am called by one fat man who lives a day away from evil that would kill him and his village if he were not always gaurded. Yet we do not want it any otherway. If simple folk are free, and do not worry, simple they will be, and we must be kept secret for them to remain free."

Gandalf: “Saruman,” I said, “I have heard speeches of this kind before, but only in the mouths of emissaries sent from Mordor to deceive the ignorant. I cannot think that you brought me so far only to weary my ears.”

Haldir: "In nothing is the power of the Dark Lord more clearly shown than in the estrangement that divides all those who still oppose him."

I hope to complete the entire trilogy by the end of the year, perhaps well before. If you are a LOTR fan please don't hesitate to drop some knowledge or comments. Just remember, I am only now finishing up 'Fellowship'.

Antonio Carlos Jobim

Hold 1

Happy New Thread, Brodie! That's a fearsome Gandalf up top.

Good comments on and quotes from The Fellowship of the Ring. I loved the LOTR books. Our kids were less taken with the books ("too much walking"), but loved the movies.

I don't know when yet, but at some point I want to start a re-read of the whole Middle Earth cycle - Silmarillion, Hobbit, LOTR - while listening to this podcast I found that comments chapter-by-chapter through the whole thing. I suspect this will be a long-term project... :)

Gotta finish my History of English podcast first!

>6 drneutron: What podcast is that? Sounds really interesting, and I'm probably due a re-reading anyway.

I am another fan of the Lord of the Rings, Brodie. I remember getting the run of my Headmaster's private school library at about 12 or 13 and he insisting that I read The Fellowship of the Ring. I was absolutely enthralled by it and have read it three times already.

Happy new thread.

>5 jnwelch: Thanks Joe! I wanted the Gandalf image to be part of his encounter with the Balrog. This is the one I liked best. I can identify with your kids, but will see it through to the end.

>6 drneutron: Sounds interesting, Jim. I think I will need to get through the story fist before adding a commentary. Thanks for stopping in.

>7 PawsforThought: Hello, Paws.

>8 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul. Thanks or coming in. Nothing like LOTR to break in a new page. What is your favorite part of 'Fellowship'?

Happy New Thread, Brodie! Love the Gandalf topper! And I am glad you are making your way through LOTR!

Hope to see you around, now and then.

>9 brodiew2: I think probably the bit on Weathertop where Frodo puts on the ring and is stabbed by one of the ring wraiths.

>10 msf59: Hi Mark! Thanks for stopping in. I'm glad you like the topper. I'll be around. A Gentleman in Moscow is now at the library.

>11 PaulCranswick: That is a good one. I think my favorite part is Gandalf's encounter with Saraumon in the tower.

>3 brodiew2: Hey Brodie. I'm a modest Jobim fan and put an album on the old turntable now and then. My dad liked him and it rubbed off on me a little. The last one I listened to was "Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim"

I never got through the LOTR.

Hi Ron. I will definitely check that one out. I love 'Finest Hour', but have not branched out to far.

No worries. LOTR is not for everyone. I am doing this in part because a Tolkienite friend of mine challenged me. Given that I loved the films, it is only a mild challenge.

Hooray for A Gentleman in Moscow. That one has been a big hit around here. I hope you will feel the same.

Happy new thread, Brodie! I read LOTR a lifetime ago, back in grade school, though I probably shouldn't count it since I skimmed most of ROTK when I lost patience for anything but the ringbearers' story. I've often wondered how my older eyes would change things, but haven't gotten around to finding out.

>15 msf59: I am hoping so. I read the intro on my kindle and it is an interesting premise.

>16 swynn: Hey swynn! Thanks. Audio is a good way to get through if reading it in print proves too ponderous. What? Frodo was more interesting than Aragorn? Of course, this was before Elijah Wood and Viggo Mortensen.

LOTR haiku for your enjoyment.

The Grey on the bridge
Sends evil monster toppling
Cannot duck last ditch

Kingdom heir hidden
In muddy secret battle
To save innocents

Silly so and so
Clutches earthy powers close
While patrolling home

Wisdom from the throne
Weary of eternity
Sends fellowship

Piercing eye unnerves
Through murky mirror's water
Destiny's keeper

>9 brodiew2: Hi. Soory, just notised that I forgot to say hi in my previous post. A bit too excited to talk LOTR/tired to think.

>7 PawsforThought: The Tolkien Road is the one I was looking at, though there's a wealth of podcasts on the subject. :)

>19 drneutron: Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for that one.

Happy new thread, Brodie! All of us here at the Pecan Paradisio love LOTR - both the films and the books. The last time I read through all of them was in 2012. My son Daniel loves them on audio and has listened to them multiple times through the years.

Hoping you do get to A Gentleman in Moscow - it was a perfect read for me, and I think that you would love it.

>19 drneutron: Oh! Thanks for that - I was wondering, too!

>18 PawsforThought: no worries, Paws. I hope you'll come by another time. :-)

>19 drneutron: I'll look into that one, too, Jim.

>21 Crazymamie: Glad to hear it, Mamie! The depth of Tolkien's world and language is staring to break through my initial concerns. I'll keep you posted on 'Gentleman'.

Hi, Brodie. LOTR is one of my favorite series. I received a box set including The Hobbit when I was in Jr. High and was hooked! I've never been able to make my way through The Silmarillion though, although piece by piece I may have read nearly all of it. I've read the books many, many times. I believe the last time I read them was shortly before The Fellowship movie came out, so that would make it over 15 1/2 years ago. I know this because my husband and I went to see The Fellowship at the first showing, the night before it was released to the general public - this also was the night before our older son was born! (He turns 15 1/2 next week and will be getting his learner's permit!) We were holding our breath all through the movie that I would not go into labor!

I have to agree about Gandalf - he was always my favorite character of the books. I've often wondered what the wizards were thinking to make Saruman their head. I believe that Cirdan, the Shipwright, and Galadriel always thought Gandalf was a greater wizard than Saruman, so I've alway had a soft spot for those two characters as well.

You will certainly learn a lot more about Middle Earth from the books than you did in the movies. I thought the movies were great, but they can only capture so much of the world, and there is a lot more to learn. Stick with them, as you already know, there are some long parts but it is VERY worth it in the end.

>24 rretzler: He Robin. I'm glad to see that there are so many Tolkein fans her in the 75. I should expect that to be the case as the books are classics. You are so right about it be worth it in the end. I have found that Tolkien's narrative voice and his characters have grown on me over time. Also the rich history and language which is, at first cumbersome, reveals its beauty along the way. I look forward to Aragorn coming into his own and I can already see that Sam Gamgee is and will be an amazing character.

I also look forward to meeting Theodin and the Riders of Rohan!

It is hard to believe that 15 years have passed since Fellowship debuted in theaters. Crazy. I think casting of the films was very well done. I also think that Peter Jackson did an excellent jog of bringing Middle Earth to life, visually. They are beautiful films, wonderfully made and acted.

Psst. It's actually 16 years since The Fellowship of the Ring came out in theatres, 15 since The Two Towers.

>26 PawsforThought: Even more shocking! ;-)

>24 rretzler: I thought the movies were great, but they can only capture so much of the world, and there is a lot more to learn.

that's the truth, right there.

I have been a fan of the books since childhood, and have to admit I cringed at the thought of movie versions. How would a director ever do justice to this richly envisioned world? I was relieved and delighted at the outcome. Places like Rivendell, Gondor, and especially Mordor are so excellently portrayed, which in some ways I feel is testament to Tolkien's power of description. A truly great author can share their vision so vividly that we all share it.

Welcome back, Brodie! I'm glad to see your thread active again (and no worries about "keeping up" with last year's level of activity -- we all make adjustments as life does what life does).

I have read The Hobbit twice and absolutely loved it. However, for some reason I have not wanted to read the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I can't explain it. I didn't see the movies, either.

Happy new thread, Brodie. Good to see you back.

Hi, Brodie! I hope you had a nice Father's Day and have a good week.

>28 Darth-Heather: Hello Darth-Heather and welcome to my thread. I agree with you. A film is only one director's vision of the source material. I think Jackson's vision is brilliant, but there could be others. It would have been nice to see Lothlorien rather than Galadriel as a oracle wandering the woods by herself.

>29 EBT1002: Hi Ellen! It's good to see you. Thank you for understanding. As for LOTR, I get it. Although, I wonder what has kept you from the films?

>30 Familyhistorian: Thank you, family historian. It's good to be back. :-)

>31 msf59: And, to you, Mark! Thanks for stopping in.

In a midstride change, I had to return News of the World to the library because it was blocking my account. A Gentleman in Moscow was waiting on hold and I was not willing to lose it. I will return to 'News' after 'Gentleman' and the new Spenser Little White Lies.

I think time is the only barrier, Brodie. Just too many things that I want to do and too little time in which to do them.
:-)

> Thank for responding, Ellen. The films really are brilliant. I hope you will take the opportunity at some point. :-)

Happy new thread, Brodie, here an other fan of LOTR, I re-read it last January.
I was 12 or 13 when I read it for the first time and after that many times again. It still is one of my favorite reads.
After the animated movie version (1978), that was terrible, I wasn't sure if I dared to see the new movies. But they turned out great.
In my teens I read all works by Tolkien that were available in Dutch translation

>35 FAMeulstee: Thanks for stopping in, FAMeulstee! I am glad to have all the Tolkien support. Over all I enjoyed Fellowship and will begin The Two Towers soon. The films are brilliant!

A Gentleman in Moscow is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.

I know I am late to the party, but I am now three episode into this creepy, mysteriously gripping series. I love it!

Yay for Stranger Things love!

>37 brodiew2: It's an amazing series. I've watched it twice in six months, and am thinking of watching it again during summer.

>37 brodiew2: You ARE late for the party, but that's OK. My daughter and I watched it together when it first came out and we are looking forward to (hopefully) another season this Fall.

>38 swynn: Hi swynn! Amen to that. I have heard that payoff is sweet.

>39 PawsforThought: Wow, Paws. That's dedication. The characters and story are really good so far.

>40 RBeffa: Hey Ron! Being late only means that I don't have to wait as long for S2. I understand it will arrive in October.

We loved Stranger Things, Brodie. Good news, if you hadn't heard: the second season was approved and is expected to be released on Halloween, Oct. 31.

Oh, awesome. Halloween!

>42 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe. I finished series 1. Fantastic! I loved the entire cast. The story is so original. I think Hop and Eleven were my favorites.

>43 drneutron: Right on, Jim!

,

I am in awe of A Gentleman in Moscow. I cannot say enough about it. And, I am only just over halfway through. As i have been listening to brilliant narration of Nicholas Guy Smith, I am reminded of actor Alexander Siddig. He is most famous for playing Doctor Julian Bashir on Star Trek Deep Space Nine. Though not Russian, I can see Siddig in the role of the Count Rostov. I look forward to every pending minute I have remaining.

>37 brodiew2: Excellent show! I am currently watching it for the second time.

>26 PawsforThought: BTW, Paws, Fellowship was released on either December 19 or 20, 2001 - my son was born December 21, 2001, and he has just turned 15 1/2, will be 16 in December, so its not quite 16 yet. The Two Towers came out in December 2002 and Return of the King in December 2003. The internet says the December 19 for Fellowship - but I believe it to be incorrect as Beckham was born on a Friday (12/21/01) and most movies come out on Friday, with a pre-release showing the evening before - which is when we went to see Fellowship (12/20/01). The first Harry Potter movie was released a month before he was born.

>46 rretzler: Oh, believe me I know it was released in December. I was in high school when the trilogy came out and my friends and I lived and breathed LOTR for all three years.

And the film was released on the 20th in New Zealand, which would have been the 19th in the US - maybe that's why? The very first showing was on the 10th (in London, with celebs and red carpet) - I know that because it's my LOTR-obsessed friend's name day (she was very pleased with her "present").

Happy Friday, Brodie! And hooray for A Gentleman in Moscow. For me, it never flagged, so enjoy.

Have a great holiday weekend.

Oh good, another fan of Gentleman in Moscow. I also loved that one.

And yesterday we saw "The Exception" at the SIFF Uptown cinema. It was excellent!

>45 brodiew2: That one is out here in hardback and I am rather impatiently waiting for the paperback version to hit the stores.

>46 rretzler: More Stranger Things love! Hi Robin. I'm glad to hear that you loved it so much to watch it twice. El, Hop, Dustin are my favorites.

>47 PawsforThought: Hi Paws!

>48 msf59: Hello Mark! It has not flagged for me either. Each new situation is just another opportunity for Rostov to shine.

>49 EBT1002: Hi Ellen. Nice to see you. Count Rostov is magnificent. I'll look into 'The Exception'. I've seen the trailer and thought to check it out once is hits blue-ray.

>50 PaulCranswick: Paul, I look forward to your thought A Gentleman in Moscow. I think it is the kind of book you would enjoy. It is literary with a touch of whimsy. It's central character is virtually imperturbable and exudes such grace that I can only marvel.

I've been sharing the love for A Gentleman in Moscow recently and is shows no sign of disappoint as I enter the final chapters.

Today, I want to share my love for the recent Wonder Woman film. I am presently in love with this film. It is everything I wanted from 'Man of Steel', but never got. Gal Gadot is magnificent in her portrayal of Diana. She is earnest and genuine, innocent and vulnerable, formidable and daunting, and just. She embodies all of the qualities you would expect from the Amazon princess.

I was also impressed with Chris Pine in the film. The the role is fairly straight forward, but Pine is given opportunity to show emotion and delivers in pivotal moments.

The below images show first, a shot of Steve Trevor and Diana after saving a village from German occupation and the second is a close up of one best scenes/images of the film. Diana climbs out of a WWI trench and walks across No Man's Land. She is attacked mortar fire and a machine gun emplacement. Raising her shield, she stands against a barrage of machine gun fire. It is a epic/iconic image in the film.

,

>52 brodiew2: I LOVED Wonder Wiman! IT SAS so god I felt like I was high on something when I was watching. And on my walk through town afterwards I walked with more self-confidence and strength than I ever have.
It was incredible - and the actors (all of them but especially Gadot) were amazing.

I'm counting down the days until it's released on download/DVD.

+1 for Wonder Woman. The number of ways it could have gone wrong is exactly the number it didn't.

>1 brodiew2: brodiew2: this is way late, but I only just encountered your thread. So, hello!

I used to read the trilogy annually, from the ages of 12 to 20, probably, and I always thought that Tom Bombadil was God. That's Eden he's living in, and his role in the world has long since past: maximally powerful, but no longer relevant. I was a kid when I came up with that idea, so maybe it just had to do with my own existential plight as I fell away from the Church in which I was raised, but I suspect that it could be sustained by analysis.

>53 PawsforThought: Amen to that, Paws! I felt similarly empowered; a generally good feeling all the way around.

>54 swynn: Welcome, swynn! You are so right.

>55 majleavy: Hello majleavy. That interpretation of Tom Bombadill is not far from mine, but on the opposite end of the end. It is clear that he is uber powerful. I never understood why he was so disinterested. I did not think he was irrelevant, but more preoccupied. C'set la vie.

My wife and I loved Wonder Woman, too, Brodie. I agree with you that Gal Gadot was outstanding and Chris Pine was very good with that pretty straightforward part. I hear there's a second one already in the making.

>57 jnwelch: Glad to hear it, Joe! The more WW love the better.

Another moment that I thought was really well acted as the moment when Diana learns that her solution did not have her desired outcome. She loses faith for a couple of minutes and Steve Trevor is not able to bring her back.



Gadot brilliantly displays her momentary disillusionment.

>57 jnwelch: The sequel got greenlighted after the first week!

Happy Tuesday, Brodie. I hope life is treating you good and you are still having a grand time with the Count.

I have had Super Hero Film Burnout for a long time now, but the new Wonder Woman film does look promising.

Hi Brodie, I came to thank you for your shout out regarding "Stranger Things" . I watched the first episode and I am totally hooked!

I saw yesterday that Netflix has confirmed Oct 27th for the premiere of the 2nd season of Stranger Things!

>61 DeltaQueen50: You are so welocome, DeltaQueen50! Someone share it with me. The least I could do is share the wealth. PM me or keep me posted on your progress, if you like.

>62 RBeffa: I saw that too, Ron. Three days sooner gets no argument from me. ;-)

>61 DeltaQueen50: Yeah, a Stranger Things convert! It's SO good! I'm not the slightest bit ashamed to admit I squeed out loud when I watched the new teaser trailer yesterday.

A conversation came up on another site about hatred toward fictional characters. It is bad enough that there is a lever of 'hate' in the world, but that those same attitudes crossover into the realm of fiction is ridiculous. I'm not talking about hating a character for his villainy; there are plenty of characters we 'love to hate'. What I'm talking about is taking the step of cyber bullying regarding a person's opinion on novels, films, comics, art, etc. It appears to me that the same attitude expressed ignorant and intolerant political speech ripples out into even the most mundane elements of popular culture.

This bring to mind a time that I was rude without being conscious of the person's feelings. Oddly enough it was regarding the Jesus television miniseries in 1999. I was not enamored of the depiction of Jesus in the film. There was a lot of literary license taken in the film. I had been dating my now wife for a few months and we were at one her friend's house. The friend expressed how much she liked the interpretation. I was incredulous and defended my perspective a little too aggressively. I wasn't loud or argumentative, but more dismissive of her opinion. I later apologized, but it certainly was not the attitude Jesus would want me to show.

Why are there those of use who are quick to condemn because of difference of opinion? Of course this question could branch out into any number of topics, but that is not my intent.

Are there fictional characters that you despise; have a guttural hatred of their very existence?

This is a toughie: Do you find it necessary to explain to others whey their difference of opinion is wrong?

It seems to me the LT has risen above this for the most part, but it is pervasive on other forms of social media.

^^Did you miss your book pal up there?

>60 msf59: Hello Mark. I am on the last disc of the 'Gentleman'. It is so good! The 'Bishop' is a character you can love to hate. or, just greatly dislike. :-P

I really enjoyed WW as a refreshingly hopeful vision for the DCU. Gadot and Pine are a great combo.

>66 msf59: ACK! I missed him!

"It seems to me the LT has risen above this for the most part, but it is pervasive on other forms of social media."

^I am with you, brother. Scary times...

Glad WW was enjoyable!

>68 msf59: Indeed, Mark. I should have learned my lesson long ago about commenting on sensitive subjects on facebook. Even reading the comments on thread I had nothing to do with is disheartening because it degenerates into name calling self righteousness. Doesn't matter which side of the argument you are on.

>68 msf59: That's true for the most part, but even LT has its pockets. Don't venture in Pro and Con, for instance, without a thick skin. 😀

But yeah, we seem to be able to accept here that there can be differences of opinion about a lot of things without demonizing the other. And it's refreshing and fun!

>70 drneutron: The 75 keeps me pretty busy, Jim. Not much time for other LT sites. No thanks on the Pro and Con. Grins...

>70 drneutron: Thanks for chiming in, Jim. I learned early on that Pro v. Con was not going to be one of my groups. I was thankful for the good conversation I experienced during the election. But back to the question, have you ever run into a fiction character you wished was never created?

>71 msf59: I here that, Mark! What about you? Have you ever run into a fictional character that you despised so much you wished they had never been written?

Let me start by saying that all of the hype surrounding A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles is totally, utterly, and completely true!

The story follows Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat who left the country before The Revolution, but decides to return in its wake. Instead of being shot on principal, by the Bolsheviks, he is allowed to live under house arrest in Moscow's Metropol Hotel. This is set up for the Count Rostov's next 30 years.

What struck me most was the grace of Towles' writing mixed the incomparable grace of Alexander Rostov. He is a man who is determined to make the best of every situation; to be the best he can be in every situation, and to make others their best in every situation. He is educated. He is cultured. He is wise. He is kind. He is loyal. He is proper. He is loving. He is deceptive. He is creative. He is imperturbable.

As I proceeded through book, I was constantly delighted with each new character introduced and each new situation explored. For a book with little action or intrigue, I was fully wrapped up in the life of Count Rostov well as his friends and adversaries.

6 of 5 stars :-P

I could not recommend it more!

Yours is about the 5th review recently that has raved about the book. I think I'm getting a message here... :)

Good morning, Jim! It really is something special. I hope you'll take the opportunity. One of many words that comes to mind regarding my listening experience is pleasant.

Flash Fiction Friday returns!



Babby Sitter

Clara O'Brien thought baby sitting would be a cinch. Most of the babies she had encountered over the years were pretty happy. Push them in a stroller, carry them around and pat their bottoms, tickle their fine haired little heads, and any infant would be eating out of her hand in no time.

Clara O'Brien had been wrong. In fact, the baby she was sitting, the lovely Constance Kinkaid, was a demon straight from the hellfire she heard preached at church. At first, the crying was simply annoying. No swaying or bum patting would make it stop. Putting the kid in a stroller and taxiing her around the kitchen and living room only made it worse.

After only an hour of a three hour job, Clara understood why mothers sometimes looked exhausted and haggard at the end of the day. When all else fails, they persevere; press through the noise, the inconvenience, and the poop. Figurative and literal.

She had not noticed it before, but Mrs Kinkaid had left a babysitting pamphlet on the side table next to the rocking chair. She must have thought Clara might need some help. Sadly, she was right. Taking Constance out of the stroller, she sat in the chair and perused it.

The little rage monster chose that moment grab hold of one of her pigtails and yank! She would persevere, but she wouldn't be happy about it.

>76 brodiew2: - Love it!

>77 lkernagh: Thanks, lkernagh! I have fun with these.

I'm trying to decide what to do. I now have both an audio and print copy of Killers of the Flower Moon. I kind of want to read it, but the audio would be more expedient. And, I'm already reading Brilliance. What would you do?

>76 brodiew2: Love your summary! Too funny!

>79 brodiew2: I find myself in that position every once in a while - I have a tendency to buy books on sale that I think may interest me, and I don't always check to see whether I own it first. I find that I can concentrate better on reading, although I do love a good audio book, so I may try to listen in the shower or grocery store and then try to figure out where I've left off and read the rest of the time. This works fairly well as long as I don't listen for too long.

>65 brodiew2: Good question! There are quite a few villains that I "love to hate" especially in the books that give me a "book hangover." I think I used to be a lot more emotionally involved in books/movies (or sports teams, for that matter) when I was younger and certainly before kids, and not as much after kids because I'm more conscious of my behavior in general than I used to be. I think I have a little more tolerance for the despicable fictional character because I know they cannot help themselves (and besides they make the book that much better) than I honestly do for actual people that I wish I had never met - there are a couple of those in my life!

I do like to hear other's opinions even when they do not agree with mine, as long as they are thoughtful and do not belittle.

>79 brodiew2: - Tough question. I while I can read multiple books at the same time, I tend to struggle if I have more than one audio on the go. My recent read of The Children's Book was an exception in that I did both - listened to audio and read my print copy. I would listen to the audio while walking, find my place in the print copy when home and listened to the audio at 2X speed when reading the print copy. That way, I never lost where I was in the audio. Added bonus is I found my comprehension of the story was improved. Sometimes when I just listen to an audio I can miss subtle pieces of information or lose part of the story.

My explanation probably wasn't very helpful for your decision making. :-)

>73 brodiew2: Hooray for the Count, Brodie! And yes, 6 of 5 stars, sounds just about right!

Ooh, I want to get my greedy mitts on Killers of the Flower Moon. And like you, preferably the audio. Personally, I would finish Brilliance, it's a quick listen and then jump into Killers.

>80 rretzler: Hi Robin! I'm glad you enjoyed my little ficlet. More to come.

I usually either read or listen, but I prefer to read books that I have a higher interest in. Comprehension is better.

I don't think I've ever fallen into the true character hate either. Villains are villains. they are created to be despised. however there are characters that are created who are truly heinous. I just don't want to spend time hating them. There is enough evil in the real world.

>81 lkernagh: Thanks, lkernagh! I have often thought of trying to do both, but it messes with me too much. :-P I'm gonna read it in print.

>82 msf59: The Count was so much excellence, Mark! I have decided to forgo 'Flower Moon' on audio and read it in print when I'm able. Brilliance is an ebook, not audio. And, so it goes...

Spenser is back! And, it was just okay. This outing follows the wise cracking gumshoe as he attempts to retrieve money for his client whom was taken by a confidence man. As expected, the plot thickens, Hawk and other recurring characters enter the picture, and guns blaze. Par for the course. And that's what Parker's Little White Lies is. Par for the course. It feels just like the books Parker was churning out at the end of his time; thin story, but excellent dialogue.

I love that Ace Atkins does such a good job at capturing the voice of Parker's character. The book is funny, I laughed out loud many times at Spenser's literary witticisms and his outright sarcasm. Spenser's banter with Hawk is spot on.

On the other hand, I was disappointed in the cliched plot and the fact that heavy plot and theme points from Parker's Slow Burn seem to have fallen away. Atkins has shown us that he can up the Spenser ante, but his one took a step back.

As usually Joe Mantegna's narration is excellent. His comic delivery is perfect.

3 of 5 stars

Happy Thursday, Brodie! I am still hoping to snag Flower Moon on audio. If you get the urge to read some fine fantasy, try The Golem and the Jinni, plus it is a terrific audio.

Good morning, Mark! Let me know how the audio goes. It has three narrators, including Will Patton, who is always excellent.

I"ll look into the The Golem and the Jinni. I've seen it, but never looked further.

Brodie, I don't give many 5-star ratings, only one last year and none so far this year, but like you I thought A Gentleman in Moscow exceeded the scale. What a book! I read the print version but may look at the audio when I revisit it someday. Currently listening to Hillbilly Elegy, read by the author. He should have hired someone to narrate his book. Hahaha! I hope you are having a great summer!

Thanks for stopping in, Donna. It is a special book indeed. I recommend the audio at some point. Smith is brilliant.

>84 brodiew2: Hmm. Sorry White Lies wasn't better, but it sounds fun enough that I'll still read it. I just finished Robert B. Parker's Kickback by Atkins, and had a good time with it. He does do a high quality job of carrying on the series.

Hi, Brodie! Just stopping by to say hello and catch up.

I agree with you about the unkind attitudes that reign in so much of the social media world -- and in RL, too. So many people are deliberately unkind, and it's sad.

6 out of 5 stars, is that really allowed, Brodie? :) I really need to get to A Gentleman in Moscow - read somewhere that it was going to be adapted to the big screen, but I guess I have to read it before that.

>89 jnwelch: I am sorry for the late response, Joe! Thanks for stopping in. You know I love Spenser and the job that Atkins is doing. It was a little disappointing, but still fun. Parker's Cheap Shot and Parker's Slow Burn have been my favorites of Atkins run.

>90 tymfos: Hi tymfos! it's good to see you. It is sad that social media has become a cesspool in many ways. I comment so seldom anyway, but its harsh out there.

>91 ctpress: Hi Carsten! Thanks for stopping in. 6 stars are reserved for mountain top reading experiences. :-) You really should check it out sooner than later. Count Rostov and crew are a rare treat.

I started The Two Towers last week and say Fi! on those who think there is too much walking about. Granted, I have seen the films and am listening on audio, but this book is proving more interesting to me than The Fellowship of the Ring. I have just reached the point where one of my favorite supporting characters is introduced. Whom am I speaking of? Theoden, of course! I loved Bernard Hill's portrayal in the Peter Jackson films.

>93 brodiew2: The Two Towers is way more interesting than The Fellowship of the Ring, which only really gets interesting at Rivendell.

>94 PawsforThought: Amen to that, paws.



Love That Dog is another wonderful example of how LT has influence my reading habits in a positive way. What a lovely book, told in poem format, about poetry and a boys love for his 'yellow dog'. For such a short, quick read, I was beautifully moved. The book can turn on a emotional dime, but it is an amazingly good thing. Creech writes with such an innocent, wise, and wonder style that is hard not to get caught up in the boy's poetic journey.

As an aside, I loved Jack's repeated reference to his school as 'clean with mostly nice people in it.'

More love for Love that dog :-)

Ditto, Brodie. Glad you enjoyed it.

>96 FAMeulstee: >97 jnwelch: Yes, this story was an unexpected joy. I loved the voice given to Jack, the narrator.

We could start a "Love that book" thread! I read it because I saw somebody else had read it, but I really had no idea what to expect (I got an ebook version). It was a solid treat when I decided to give it a look. Can't wait to get Hate That Cat. And Creech has written a TON of kids' books.

Karen O.

That's exactly what happened to me, Karen. :-) I'll be looking into Hate that Cat as well.

That would be a great thread idea. What was your favorite part?

Jack was so sweet, so unsure of himself as a poet, but so strong in his feelings about the importance of words. Just a lovable kid. I think I have to read that book again!

Karen O.

Amen to that, Karen. I absolutely adored his excitement over the poet agreeing to come the school. His enthusiasm is affecting.

Hi Brodie. I just replied to your post on my thread. I will (modestly) take a little credit, though, for starting the buzz on the Sharon Creech books. I reviewed them in my thread (post #59, back in June) and the love seems to have caught on there. :-) The second one is as good as the first, so I hope you get to it soon.

Edited to add that if you go back to my thread, Linda (laytonwoman3rd) posted an answer to your question and a link to your elusive thread)

>103 jessibud2: Oh Shelley, you should totally take credit for the recent flood of enthusiasm for Love That Dog!! You definitely started the whole thing. :-)

Hi Brodie.

>95 brodiew2: I know exactly what you mean, Brodie.

I wouldn't have read any YA books five years ago and now take plenty of pleasure from them.

Have a great weekend.

>103 jessibud2: Thanks for stopping in, Shelly! I guess I owe you double thanks for the 'Dog' and 'Delderfield'. :-) I appreciate it.

>104 EBT1002: >105 EBT1002: Hello Ellen! Yes, Shelly started a wave re Love that Dog.

>106 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul. It's always good to see you. There is a lot to explore in grade school and YA level reading. Pax is one I plan to include this year. I still have some Newberry's to catch up on. :-)

The Way, My Way by Bill Bennett is my third memoir of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. After seeing the film, The Way, I became fascination with the 800 kilometer walking journey.

Bill Bennett is an Australian filmmaker, who became fascinated with the the Camino on a previous visit to Spain. He fascination became an obsession which him, ultimately to make the pilgrimage himself. What sets this book apart is the snarky, self deprecating humor of the author. Bennett encounters many challenges, including a bum knee, blisters, and getting lost among the worst. He meets many colorful characters along the way, some encouraging and others not so much.Throughout the memoir, which he posted as a blog, he was still trying to answer the question of why he was walking The Way. Bennet's unique perspective made this a joy to read.

4 of 5 stars

I have just entered Book Four in The Two Towers, but this quote had the hair on my arms standing up and the joy of pride welling my throat. So brilliant. As I said above, I love Theoden! The below is Theoden's response to Saraumon's question: Shall we have peace?



'We will have peace,' said Théoden at last thickly and with an effort. Several of the Riders cried out gladly.... 'Yes...' he said, now in a clear voice, 'we will have peace, when you and all your works have perished — and the works of your dark master to whom you would deliver us. You are a liar, Saruman, and a corrupter of men's hearts. You hold out your hand to me, and I perceive only a finger of the claw of Mordor.... Even if your war on me was just as it was not... even so, what will you say of your torches in Westfold and the children that lie dead there? And they hewed Háma's body before the gates of the Hornburg, after he was dead. When you hang from a gibbet at your window for the sport of your own crows, I will have peace with you and Orthanc.... A lesser son of great sires am I, but I do not need to lick your fingers. Turn elsewhither. But I fear your voice has lost its charm.'

Hi, Brodie! Hope the week is off to a good start for you. Glad you are having a good time with the Two Towers. I loved this trilogy and hope to revisit them at some point.

>110 msf59: Thanks, Mark. As for the start of the week, I should be getting more sleep than I am. I've been doing overtime and lack of quality sleep can wear one down quickly.

I am having a great time with The Two Towers. If you haven't noticed, I love Theoden. ;-)

Friday Flash Fiction is back!


Norman Rockwell's 'Losing the Game'.

It was a special kind of denial that kept the three friends in their court side seats half an hour after the game had ended. Wendy Thompson sat frozen in catatonic shock as her friends, Lucy and Janice flanked her in more present dejection.

"How long are we going to sit here?" asked Janice, staring at the court, a scowl marking her frustration.

"As long as it takes, I guess," replied Lucy, dreamily.

"I wouldn't want to be Bryan come Monday," Janice bitterly. "He should have fouled that guy. Time was running out, seconds to go. How on earth do you not only not foul him, but then let him have an open shot?"

"It was a lucky shot," Lucy countered, still staring at the basket. "From downtown."

"Lucky shot...lucky shot?" Janice challenged, her tone rising. "That kid will probably go pro while Bryan is still bagging groceries!"

This statement stirred Wendy from her desultory state. She turned to Janice.

"You don't have to be so mean?" she whispered. "The guys played their hardest."

"Still lost," Lucy added, sadly.

"Yeah," Wendy added. "They did."

"I'm mad, Wendy," Janice said. "We should have won. We should be State Champions."

"I know. Me too. But it's not Bryan's fault. The Bruins made it happen. We didn't."

Tears welled in Janice's hard eyes. "But it, stinks," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "It stinks so bad."

Wendy placed her arm around Janice's shoulders and leaned her head lightly against her friend's.

Lucy got up did the same on her other side.

"It sure does," Wendy said, also hoarse. "So bad."

>109 brodiew2: Great book The Two Towers, Brodie.

Have a wonderful weekend.

>108 brodiew2: You got me with your comments on The Way, My Way, Brodie. I am fascinated by the people who undertake this and similar quests. I'll check to see if my library has it.

Woo Hoo! for Friday Flash Fiction.

>113 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul! I started the final disc this morning. Frodo just faced down Shelob with Sting and the special Light of Galadriel. cool scene.

>114 Donna828: Great to see you, Donna! I really enjoy the Camino memoirs. Give it a try! I'm glad you enjoyed the FFF. I enjoyed writing this one a lot.



I also saw Dunkirk this weekend. It is a cinematic feast. As epic as the historic evacuation was, Christopher Nolan make this film surprisingly intimate. He follows 2 pilots in the air, 2 men on the ground, and a family coming the soldiers rescue in their person boat.

The dog fighting in the air is beautifully filmed as are some of the water and land challenges.

As a heads up to those who have not seen the film, Nolan does jump around in time, as he shows some of the same events from the air, land, and sea perspectives.

The Two Towers by J. R. R. Tolkien has deepened my appreciation for the enduring legacy of The Lord of the Rings and Middle Earth. The stakes are raised as Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas' search for the missing Merry and Pippin, leads them to Rohan where King Theoden is under the sway of evil council. With the aid of Gandalf The White, Theoden is restored and the Battle Helms Deep follows. The book then switches back to Frodo and Sam and their quest to destroy the one ring. From the Deadly Marshes to the Shelob's lair, the tension builds to a fever pitch leaving us with quite a cliffhanger.

Though the story can slow down in a couple of places, the reader's patience is well rewarded as Toklien's slow burn blooms in to outstanding drama and action. I was also very enamored of new characters such as Theoden and Fararmir. Both men. Both suffering loss and regret; having to set it aside in the land's darkest hour.

I also greatly enjoyed the evolution of Sam Gamgee. His distrust and disgust of Gollum puts in a relative negative light for much of their journey, but he is restored to faithful servant/brother/hero in Shelob's lair which ended up being a favorite passage (that I was somewhat dreading further slowness).

As ever, Rob Inglis' narration is perfection. Though there is less singing in this one, there is plenty of Gollum for whom his voice is excellent.

Overall, it is a nice set up for the finale which pit men, elf, dwarf, and hobbit alike against the evil of Sauron. I greatly look forward to The Return of the King.

5 of 5

I hope work has slowed down it's pace for you, Brodie and you are getting some sleep.

I really want to see Dunkirk at the theater. I have not been to many shows this year but this one looks like my cuppa.

Hooray, for Two Towers! Good review.

>117 msf59: Hell Mark! I've been working OT these days, but by the time I get home and get the kids to bed, it time to go to sleep myself. So, I end up staying up and the cycle continue.

I hope you get to Dunkirk in the theater. It really is worth it.

Tolkien is showing me, book by book, what all the hype has been about. Excellent storytelling.

I really enjoyed this trade paperback of Star Trek: Boldly Go. This story picks up after the event of Star Trek: Beyond. Captain Kirk and crew are dispersed while the Enterprise-E is being constructed. Kirk and McCoy are on 'The Endeavour', Spock and Uhura are on New Vulcan, Scotty is at Starfleet Academy, and Sulu is promoted to first officer of another ship. The band is brought back together when a mysterious force attack's Sulu's ship and abducts his captain. The enemy is plowing a destructive path straight to Romulus. Kirk and crew pursue.

The art and story are well done and new characters introduced on the Endeavor are interesting, if not fully realized. There is also a single issue interlude that gives a back story to Jaylah, a character introduced in Beyond.

4 of 5 stars

Agreed, Paul. Rylance did very well. I was also surprised by the actor playing his son Peter, Tom Glynn-Carney. He showed a range of emotions once the Cillian Murphy character knocked his friend down the stairs.

Edit: my 10 year old took a spill on his bike yesterday evening and had to be taken to the emergency room. Thankfully, no broken bones or serious damage. Just a banged up face and shoulder. I remember doing something similar at the same age.

Hi Brodie, finally doing some catch up around here. Great to see your Friday flash fiction make a return, both entries are great.

I'm thinking about taking the boys to Dunkirk tomorrow as its the last day before school starts. We haven't seen too many movies this summer SpiderMan Homecoming and Guardians of the Galaxy 2 are the only ones that I can think of. I had Valerian on my list, but from the Rotten Tomato scores, it sounds like it's not very good, so I guess I'll wait.

Sorry to hear about your 10-year-old, but glad he's okay. I think both of mine have taken pretty bad spills but fortunately never needed to go to the ER - just a lot of bandages, stiffness, and ibuprofen along with some TLC!

>122 rretzler: Hi DeltaQueen50! Good to see you. I'm glad you enjoyed the Flash fiction. I'm due for another soon. The cheerleaders are one of my favorites to date.

>123 brodiew2: Hi Robin! Dunkirk is definitely worth it. If nothing else, it is amazing visual experience.

Given that he wasn't wearing a helmet and his head hit the pavement, getting him into the ER seems like a good idea.

Yikes Brodie. Scary moment for you and your son. It is tough being a parent!

Hope you are well otherwise.

Thanks for checking in, Ron! He'll be find. He has a bandaged face and a war story to tell. All else is going pretty good.

Hi, Brodie! Just checking in. I hope the week is off to a good start for you. How are those current reads treating you?

Hell Mark! The week is going okay. As for my reads, I've been wandering a bit. I started The Whole Art of Detection, but I ran into trouble with disc errors around disc four. I to library and picked up a few random audio, but none are interesting at the moment. I started Talon of God by Wesley Snipes, but I stalled on it for now.

Last night I completed the fist episode in a multi-author, serialized novel called Harbingers. For all its contrived TV style story telling, it's entertaining.

I have been holding my tongue of late mostly because I don't have much to add. However, my gut is in knots and my frustration is rising. I tend to look at things logically, perhaps even to break them down in to simpler terms. I am analytical by nature and can be emotionally reserved.

I suggested a scenario to a friend of my today. He is more liberal than I. He said my scenario was grossly simplistic. I guess he is right, but I'd like to hear your opinion. I realize I am presenting to a largely progressive audience, but I am trying to make sense of the progressive hostility. This could be much the same conversation we had around election day, but here I am.

A bully tells the whole school he will be on the playground at a certain time. The bully is a nasty character and has been hurting other kids at the school as long as he been there. A defender against such bullies shows up at the prescribed time. Heated words are exchanged which leads to blows and blood. When the fight is over, the principal investigates and determines both are guilty of fighting.

Does the principal side with the bully? Does he side with defender? I realize it matters, but school rules state that there is no fighting and subsequently both parties are at fault. Can/Should the principal condemn bullying? Of course. However, should that absolve the defender from breaking the rules?

Is it too simple?

I know what happened in Charlottesville. I know a woman was killed. I know reality is more complicate than base scenarios.

Make no mistake, I condemn the precepts and actions of all Nazis, neo or otherwise.

I prize racial equality. I was taught to judge a person by their actions and in no way judge an entire race or creed by skin color or religious beliefs.

I'm just saddened and frustrated by 'the world is ending' rhetoric.

>129 PawsforThought: I'd say that the biggest flaw in your scenario is that there's a big difference in hurting someone (like you do when you bully someone, whether it's hurting physically or psychologically) and to actively support a movement that wants people dead.

The anti-fascists in Charlottesville were not like someone picking a fight with a bully - they were telling people that they won't accept nazis and fascists (who want people dead, and who did try and succeed in killing).

I agree with your friend that it is simplistic.

There are a number of places the analogy breaks down: (The President is not a principal. In this scenario, the principal is the mayor of Charlottesville. And the mayor's options are constrained in ways that a principal's are not. And Nazism is to schoolyard bullying as a sledgehammer is to a rubber mallet.) But let's run with it. To help flesh things out:

- Suppose that the gang of bullies actively supported the principal.

- Suppose they'd helped arrange for the principal to get the job.

- Suppose the principal wants the bullies' support again in his next performance review.

- Suppose that the principal is aware of the bullies' behavior, and has been reluctant to address it, never mind condemn it, though he has been asked about it repeatedly.

- Suppose that the principal approvingly retweets threatening remarks by the bullies' leaders.

- Suppose that the defenders show up because of a perception that the principal is favorably disposed to the bullies and is reluctant to intervene on behalf of victims. (For the sake of argument we'll leave unasked whether the perception is valid.)

- Suppose that the bullies arrived wearing t-shirts and ballcaps that read, "Principal Smith, He's Our Man!"

- Suppose that the bullies actually kill somebody.

- Suppose the somebody they kill isn't one of the defenders ready to fight, but a peaceful advocate for victims of bullying.

- Suppose that the principal was too busy golfing to respond promptly to the incident.

- Suppose that when the principal finally said something it was: "You know, it takes two to start a fight. And a lot of those bullies are pretty good guys."

- Suppose that the principal pointed out that the bullies have a long and glorious history of bullying and that they are only trying to preserve it. It's too bad that they got in a fight over it, but they probably didn't start it and there's plenty of blame to go around.

In those circumstances, I'd suggest that it might be time to find a new prinicipal.

>131 PawsforThought: Very well put!

>130 swynn: I appreciate your comments, Paws. I recognize that someone was killed and that Nazis are deadly. that does change the scenario greatly.

>131 PawsforThought: Hey swynn. I say your post on your thread. I agreed with everything. What I'm trying to work out it more related to the president and 'the sky is falling' / 'tear it all down' rhetoric. Your points are well made and I see where you are coming from. Thank you for taking the time to make such a thought out statement.

>131 PawsforThought: - Very well said. And right on point.

>129 PawsforThought: - Brodie, on all the threads here on LT where you and I have met, you have always presented as being fair-minded and intelligent. I will never be on the same political page as you are but that's ok. You aren't the first in my life I have been on opposite sides from. We had this conversation once before (on Ellen's thread, I think) , about agreeing to disagree and still being able to have compassionate, respectful and civilized discussions here on LT; it's a safe harbour, if you will. And that's a good thing, one of the things I like best about this place.

I'm not American (well, half; my dad and grandparents were Americans) but I am as aware and disturbed by what has transpired in Charlottesville as anyone else. I follow the news with perhaps a bit less fervor than Americans (only because I can't stand the 24/7 - ness of it) but still, the reality of what is happening in your country, our neighbour, is painful and frankly, terrifying. I won't comment further except to say that my mind always goes back to a quote I read many years ago in school, by a philosopher named Santayana:

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

- George Santayana, The Life of Reason, Volume 1, 1905

Nazi Germany may have happened before I was born but it is not ancient history. Both my own parents were born here, in Canada and in the United States. But my mother's family escaped from the Europe of the 1920s,30s and 40s and for me, personally, it was living history I grew up hearing about. I think, as a species, we humans are dangerously close to living out Santayana's prediction. I hope with all my heart that I am wrong but at the moment, there is very little that is convincing me otherwise. I think strong-minded people need to stand up and speak out, to do what they can (without violence) to prevent this from advancing to where it appears to be going.
Heaven helps us all...

>133 jessibud2: It wouldn't have made any difference if they hadn't killed someone. Their ideology is that some people are worth more than others and the others deserve to die - and should die. That ideology is a threat of violence in itself, it doesn't need to be followed by actual harm or murder (which this was, it was a murder) for it to be different.

>134 PawsforThought: Thanks for your response, jessibud2. That is why I felt ok to post here. I know the difference of political opinion is high here, yet is also place of acceptance. I guess we will have to agree to disagree again because the the term of one president, in this day and age, is not enough to create a Fascist state. The kind of support necessary to carry off any kind of dictatorship would have to be massive. In Germany, in the wake of WWI, in the midst of depression and poverty, and no 24 hour news cycle, it grew. Here, there are enough failsafes to keep it from happening. My two cents.

>135 brodiew2: I completely agree, Paws.

Hi Brodie! Just stopping by to say and ask how are the books treating you? I've been of LT for a little while, losing weight, of all things! But now I'm back in the saddle! :-)

Hi Deb! It's been a while. I'm glad to hear you're losing weight. Fantastic!

This year, my best reads have been A Gentleman in Moscow and the first two books of the The Lord of the Rings. The Return of the King is on deck.

What about you? What is your best of the year so far?

"This year, my best reads have been A Gentleman in Moscow and the first two books of the The Lord of the Rings." I think that qualifies as a success, Brodie.

OMG! My best of the year list is certainly a challenge, at this point. No question, that News of the World, Just Mercy and Infinite Jest are right at the top, with many, many contenders, breathing down their collective necks.

I'm still waiting for a library copy of A Gentleman in Moscow to free up.

I removed a post I made concerning Charlottesviile - Ron

Hi, Brodie.

>131 PawsforThought: is nicely put.

I would like a different president asap. I believe he inspired and gave heart to the Nazis and white supremacists in Charlottesville - and continues to do so. I guess I'll leave it at that.

>139 RBeffa: Hey Mark! Thanks for stopping in. Success, indeed. I'm holding off on Return of the King until September. I have a couple of others in the meantime. I started both News of the World and Just Mercy and need to get back to them.

>140 jnwelch: I hope you enjoy it, Ron. It is something special. As for your post on Charlottsville, I'm glad I got to read it. I agree with you on the general demonizing of Southerners; especially Robert E: Lee. My Grandfather wrote a book on Lee's spiritual life. I realize he fought for the Confederacy, but anyone who has researched Lee knows he had no love of slavery. He was fighting for his home state of Virginia.

>141 brodiew2: Thanks for commenting, Joe. I think swynn made a good point as well.

>142 RBeffa: I have a bit of a soft spot for Virginia since that is where my earliest American ancestors began. My 4th great grandfather Mark Mitchell is on the muster rolls with a Virginia Regiment spending the winter with George Washington at Valley Forge. One of my cousins claims he was part of Washington's personal guard at the time, but I don't know.

Robert E Lee was no saint as the lost cause tried to make him out to be after the Civil War - but as I noted, I don't think he should be demonized either. The citizens of a community should be able to decide who they want statues of in their town.

>129 PawsforThought: Can I throw in a libertarian/anarchist take? What if the problem is that school policy of no fighting? There are times when stands must be taken, and in certain circumstances at least, taking a stand may require force. If the Principal doesn't stop the bully, must all the other students simply cede the space to him or her?

Brodie, it is sad that in 2017, we even need to have conversations like this. >134 PawsforThought:'s reminder of Santayana's quote is spot on.

This reminds me that there has been a debate in our school district (our 3 HS's always rank highly in the US News & World Report rankings) regarding the need for requiring history to be taught. The latest development was that the district was polling the community to get their opinion. ARGH! Of course, requiring history doesn't mean that it is being taught in a meaningful and thought-provoking manner, but to actually consider doing away with it seems irresponsible, at best. I think it would be great if the schools while teaching about WWII, for instance, would discuss parallels with contemporary society. Of course, I'm sure that there would be many parents who would complain due to the politically charged nature of the discussions.

You may have seen this, or it's already been said here and I missed it, but the family of Robert E. Lee rejects the actions of those who supposedly protested the statue removal in Charlottesville, and has suggested that Confederate War-related statues, including this one, be moved to museums and put in context. They're thoughtful about it, and say those were very different times.

>146 jessibud2: - They certainly were different times. Every era has its nuances and perspectives. I think museums are a good idea for statues, actually. Because one of the themes that emerged from the Holocaust was to *never forget*. And putting history into realistic perspective without forgetting is perhaps the only way to learn from it.

I think my favourite read this year has been Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo. It was shortlisted for the women's Bailey's fiction prize and I wrote a bit about it on my thread. I also really enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant which was a fun, quirky read.

>143 majleavy: Hey Ron. Thanks for the follow up. That is a cool bit of history about your family.

>144 rretzler: Hello majleavy! Welcome. Another good question. In the absence leadership which addresses bullying, I can see where taking the situation into your own hands is viable response. On the school grounds. In adult life there are laws we should abide by. Taking violent action in a public or private setting is not something I would condone. On second thought, violence might be necessary under certain conditions. I just don't thing public protests are the place for violence.

>145 jnwelch: Robin, I absolutely and unequivocally advocate for history to be taught in our school. I don't think it should even be a question. Also bridging the gap between past and present is a good idea as long as it is not agenda related.

>146 jessibud2: I had not heard that, Joe. Interesting. I think Ron makes and valid point that cities and towns should be able to decide what statues they want in their communities. And, I understand that many city councils have made the decision to remove them.

>147 vancouverdeb: Nicely said, jessibud2.

>148 brodiew2: Very cool, Deb. I saw a couple of these while lurking on your thread. :-)

>149 majleavy: I don't necessarily disagree with you there, Brody. I've always wondered, though: was there a point where the rise of Nazism could have been halted if only a sufficient number of people had said no to the bullyboys, with force if necessary?

>149 majleavy:, >136 vancouverdeb: - I wish with all my heart I was wrong and that I will be proven wrong in this but I really have to disagree with your thoughts in >136 vancouverdeb:, Brodie, and by way of explanation, I just have to remind people that in Germany, educated, intelligent people, who had lived in Germany for generations, truly thought and believed that such things could never happen there. Even after they were happening. Germany was a civilized and cultured society, after all. By the time people were opening their eyes and were forced to face reality, it was far too late for most of them. The lesson we have to take from that is one that, sadly, too many people are ignoring today. Your comment: " the term of one president, in this day and age, is not enough to create a Fascist state. The kind of support necessary to carry off any kind of dictatorship would have to be massive. In Germany, in the wake of WWI, in the midst of depression and poverty, and no 24 hour news cycle, it grew. Here, there are enough failsafes to keep it from happening." is precisely what I mean. The lesson is that one cannot - MUST not - underestimate the power of one mentally unhinged leader. The times are different (the news cycle, for example) but the writing is on the wall for anyone who cares to read it. He has a lot of support, whether people like me care to acknowledge it or not, but more importantly, those fail-safes you speak of, are the people in power with him; those with the actual authority to do something concrete. And sadly, none are brave enough to risk their own careers for the greater good, for the good of the country. If I were American, I would never be a Republican, but I know, as surely as anything, that not all Republicans are evil, not all Republicans are racist, dishonest or any of the other hundreds of nasty labels being levelled on trump. As >150 jessibud2: asked, not enough people with the authority to make a difference, are stepping up and speaking out. Back then, there was no precedent to compare to so believing it couldn't happen was a rather valid belief. Today, we DO have a precedent and believing it can't happen is simply naïve. I truly believe that this is not about the party, it is about the man at the top, right now, with the power to do whatever he wants. Just as Hitler was the man at the top in his day.

This is far more than I intended to write. I don't often get into discussions such as these because I truly don't want to offend anyone and Brodie, I especially don't want to offend you (on your thread, no less!). I hope I am not coming across as aggressive or mean-spirited because that is definitely not my intent. I just want to bring another perspective to the table. Even though I am not American, what happens in your country is important to me and to the world and I think this week has been a turning point; the time is past for silence. But you have always been amenable to respectful discussion so I hope this is ok.

Good point, majleavy. It does make me wonder at what point the general public was aware there was something sinister going on. Hitler youth? jack boots? Night of Long knives?

>151 brodiew2: I apologize, jessibub2. I had the my response to majleavy going, but didn't post it until after you did. I will admit that I may have been hasty in saying it wasn't possible. I also concur that Hitler was well entrenched by the time even his public actions against Jews were made. Vigilance is never a bad thing.

Brodie, one of the key tenets of being a progressive whether liberal, socialist or other is the acknowledgement of the right, within the confines of decency, to hold different opinions.

You are perfectly entitled to your own and enunciate your thoughts with clarity and due sensibility. I am a socialist but I recognise that not all conservatives are racist hysterics to be castigated. After all it was a conservative, Winston Churchill, finding support from the socialists (Attlee and Bevin and Morrison) he promoted to the cabinet that was the chief bulwark that prevented the world being overrun by the Nazis whilst the USA sat on its hands before Pearl Harbour.

The American Civil War still rankles with many and it wasn't just about the issue of slavery as is simplistically portrayed today, although that was certainly a fair part of it. The right side won that conflict IMHO but Robert E Lee was neither saint nor devil and it was Sherman who torched Atlanta.

I think the Germans must have known from almost the moment Hitler became Chancellor what was afoot. That they were too afeared or too impressed by his other achievements to care enough, will always be a stigma to an otherwise brilliant nation of people.

Have a great weekend.

>155 brodiew2: I apologize for the late response. I appreciate your words, Paul. I'm not sure what else to add as your comments all are historical and make total sense. :-)

I've been warbling about this elsewhere so I thought I should do it on my own thread. I am absolutely loving this Jason Bourne meets The Equalizer meets Person of Interest concept. I am just over half way through Scott Brick's narration and cannot wait to get back to the car to hear more. I cannot imagine it disappointing. The Nowhere Man is the second and the third, Hellbent is due in January. I cannot wait to immerse myself in the world of Evan Smoak, a.k.a Orphan X, a.k.a. The Nowhere Man.

😀 I loved 'em too!

By the way, just saw a report that Brian Aldiss died August 19 at age 92. There's another sf writer I hadn't thought about in a while. Time for a reread.

>157 drneutron: Excellent! >158 brodiew2: That is sad news. I have his short story collection on the hold list at the library.

Hi, Brodie. Glad you are still having a good time with Orphan X. You have definitely sparked my interest with that one.

I will wrap up Magpie Murders tomorrow. It has been a lot of fun and a great audio.

Hello Mark! I found out last night that my dad is reading The Magpie Murders. He is enjoying it. I hope to as well.

I'm down to the final disc and half of Orphan X. I think one element that make this books unique is the concept of a man made into a killing machine discovering his humanity. And, that's just one thing about this book that I love. Make no mistake that it does have some standard spy thriller tropes, but it is so much more.

>158 brodiew2: I was sad to hear about this. I devoted his stuff back in the day. I read the Helicons series twice, except for Heliconia Spring, which I read the times. My favorite of his works, though, is a short story, "Intangibles, Inc." He'll definitely be missed.

I note that there is a $1.99 sale on several of his books today.

“The hard part isn’t turning you into a killer. The hard part is keeping you human.”

"Do you need my help?"

I've been pretty lucky this year with some amazing reads. From the literary (A Gentleman in Moscow) to fantasy (Fellowship and Two Towers) to history (River of Doubt and The Monuments Men. That said, I can now add and exceptional spy thriller to the list: Orphan X.

Evan is a 12 year boy living in a group home in East Baltimore. He has no prospects and his quality of life is marginal at best. He is abducted/recruited for the top secret black budget government Orphan program. For seven years he is trained to be the most elite of assassins. He is then sent out into the world to do his country's bidding. After years of job after job, Evan tires of the work and through a tragic set of circumstances he is suddenly free of his leash. He disappears, but soon put's his particular set of skills to work helping those who can't help themselves. However, the past comes calling putting Evan in a fight for his life and the life of his client.

I have been warbling about this book since just after starting. I have found it to be a breath of fresh air to the adventure/spy thriller genre that I love to listen to during my commute. The Orphan program is reminiscent of Jason Bourne as much as Evan's desire to help people with his skills reminds me of the 80 television series The Equalizer. Add in a bit of the 'The Man in the Suit' mystique from Person of Interest and Evan Smoak, 'The Nowhere Man', is refreshingly original in the combination of these spy thriller tropes.

One of the themes that I enjoyed most is that of Evan regaining or coming to terms with his humanity. As much his handler trained him to be a killer, he specifically wanted to make sure that Evan's humanity remained intact. It seems as if that humanity had been locked away while he was an operator, but gradually, at a snail's pace, he is allowing it to emerge.

Did I mention the action? The action is high and Evan's particular brand of justice is more often than not, final. The methods and intensity of Evan's pursuers are just as lethal, leading to amazing gun battles as well brutal hand to hand combat.

Overall, it a new and fascinating look at the spy genre which introduces a character who both 'machine' and man, learning to embrace his place in the world while helping to make it a better place.

5 of 5 stars

Stopping by and now caught up.

>112 brodiew2: - Continuing to enjoy the Friday Flash Fiction!

Interesting discussion going on here.

Thanks for stopping in, lkernagh! They arent coming as often this year, but I still have fun writing them. thank you.

>165 RBeffa: You have fun writing them and we have fun reading them. Good morning Brodie.

Thanks Ron! I'll see what I can do to get one out this week.

Here is a special Monday edition of Friday Flash Fiction! I hope you enjoy.



Doctor Clarence Waddell was a practical man. As such, he liked to see his patients, make his prognosis, and move along. In most cases, he was afforded this luxury. However, in the case of Lorelai Smithers, he was not so lucky.

Dr. Waddell had visited the home to see Jonathan Smithers, whom had fallen ill with the chicken pox. The boy was miserable, as expected, but Waddell had a decent enough bedside manner to leave the boy laughing even has he handed his parents a recipe for an oatmeal bath to control the itching.

As he entered the foyer and retrieved his coat and hat, the Doctor was approached by Lorelai, Jonathan's younger sister. She was a four year old spitfire and, one who did not often let him leave the house with tending to one of her dolls. Lorelai was dressed to go outside, a beret, scarf, and coat to keep warm in Winter air.

"I'm going out to play, Doctor Waddell, but I'm not sure Joey is well enough to come. He says he's sick."

"Does he, now," Waddell replied, skeptically. "What's his trouble this time?"

"Says he has a cough," the little girl answered, matter of fact. "It's a chunky cough, too."

"Those are the worst," said the Doctor, raising an eyebrow in concern. "He may have to stay in, get some rest in bed."

Lorelai's shoulders drooped in defeat. "Can't you just given him some medicine? Make him better?"

"Not all sickness is cured with medicine. At least, not immediately."

The girl's eyes welled with tears and Waddell was sure she would start crying. He couldn't have that.

"Well, maybe I can give Joey a check up," Waddell offered, to head off the tears. "If I give him a clean bill of health will you be okay to take him outside?"

It was her turn to look skeptical. She pursed her lips and squinted her eyes.

Waddell took his stethoscope and placed the diaphragm to Joey's chest. He listened intently, nodding sagely as if confirming his suspicions.

"What is it, Doctor Waddell?" Lorelai asked, suddenly, seriously concerned for Joey.

"Lorelai," he asked quietly. "Has Joey been eating candy? You know, like that special cinnamon rock candy your mother makes?

Lorelai's eyes widened and started darting around the hallway no longer looking at the Doctor.

Waddell turned Joey over and patted him on his wooden back. he placed his other hand in front of the doll's mouth. Suddenly snatching his hand away, he said: "Got it!"

Something between disbelief and chagrin painted the girl's face. "What happened?"

The older man feigned a big sigh of relief. "Thank goodness you brought Joey to me, Lorelai! He had a piece of candy stuck in his mouth. That's why he was coughing. He should be just fine from here. You can take him out to play, now. I hope you have fun."

Lorelai took the doll from Waddell and held him gently, whispering encouraging words into his ear as she went to the door. She stopped before opening it and turned back to the Doctor. She mouthed the words 'Thank you' and slipped quietly through it.

>168 RBeffa: cute as always Brodie!

Thinking about the "random old SF" idea I looked on one of my bookshelves and pulled out one I must have had for 15 years, and it was first published in 1987! The Forge of God by Greg Bear is 30 years old. Old enough I'd say. I think I had started it a couple times before and never got very far but I believe it is considered one of Bear's better ones so I am charging forward this time. The beginning chapters introduce a wide cast of characters and having it bounce around without getting to know them is a little hard sometimes but I will persevere.

>169 brodiew2: Thanks, Ron! Perhaps, I need to add some drama? Nah, cute works for me. ;-P

I've hear of The Forge of God, but never read it. I look forward to your review. Charge on!

Here's some drama. with a book twist. About 4 years ago i bought a used book and inside the book was this photo that someone apparently used as a bookmark!

So I'm going to offer you a challenge if you'd like - use this photo for your next flash fiction!

>163 lkernagh: Well, 5 stars is good enough to catch my attention, kind sir!

Hope the week is going well for you, Brodie. I think you might really like my current audio, Go Down Together. Wow! This is great stuff. I have found a new NNF author to keep an eye on.

>171 msf59: Challenge accepted, Ron. The wheels are already turning on this photo which is in really good shape.

>172 brodiew2: I liked it that much, Mark. I hope you will too. I remember Jim talking about this author. I think he did OK Corral book as well. I'm glad your enjoying it. I think you are right. I probably would too.

Just stopping by to say hello and wish you a good Labor Day weekend.

Hello tymfos! Thanks for the good wishes. I hope you are having a good holiday as well.

Hi Brodie and Happy Labor Day. I loved today's Flash Fiction. I remember way back when doctor's made house calls and had time to look at one's dolls as well. Times have certainly changed since then!

Thanks, DeltaQueen50! Good to see you, here. I was trying to remember if a doctor ever visited our home when I was a kid in the 70s. I don't think so.

Morning, Brodie! Hope you had a nice holiday weekend. How are the books treating you?

Hello Mark! Doing well on audio anyway. I finished In the President's Secret Service yesterday and have kicked off The Nowhere Man, which is the follow up to Orphan X. After that, I will be finishing Just Mercy which I read 2/3 in print, but never finished. I've started a Star Trek novel as a palate cleanser in print and will keep you posted about what comes after that.

In the President's Secret Service by Ronald Kessler is an interesting book. It start's with a brief history of the assassinations of Lincoln, Garfield, and Mckinley and transitions in the Secret Service coverage of all of the presidents from Kennedy to the inauguration of Obama.

There are three themes/general subjects discussed in the book: a peek behind the curtain at the personal lives of the presidents and their families, duties and training of agents, and how management has failed the average agent.

1. With both Kennedy and Johnson, the books seemed like a tell all expose about their infidelities, and to a greater extent John's uncouth, uncensored, approach to the presidency. The narrator Alan Sklar contributed greatly to the expose style.

2. I was at once surprised and not by some of the behind the scenes peeks. If people have trouble with Trump in the White House, they must have cringed just as hard with Johnson. What a mess. Public and private. I was also unaware of how vain and arrogant Jimmy Carter was while president. It was such a contrast to his public image. It was said by agent's that he did not like agents or other staff to even look him in the eye. Public and private personas of Reagan, Bush, Clintons, Bush, and Obama seem to match what we already know.

3. If the previous themes were the set up, final theme of management cutting fiscal corners, creating a toxic work environment, and risking the lives of protectees, is the knock out punch. Kessler is scathing in his indictment of SS management. the denial, shortsightedness, cronyism goes unchecked. From denying transfers of agent who may have a spouse in a certain city to demanding overtime of agent with no foreseeable relief, management created an atmosphere that cause many agents over the years to quit.

Most shocking was how management cave to Presidential staffers by suspending magnetometer screenings at presidential and candidate events when it appeared that all of the spectators would not get in in time. The magnetometer issue was hammered at the middle and end of the book. The author and agent's incredulity of such mismanagement at the top of the Secret Secret service is 'staggering'.

Over all, this book was informative, but not terribly compelling. The narrator's voice seemed to erode the text's impact because of his lilting cadence.

3 of 4 Stars

The President's Secret Service does sound interesting! It's too bad that it wasn't as wonderful as it sounds. Better luck next time.

>181 brodiew2: Thanks, Rachel. It was enlightening and makes me wonder if the book made any impact on how the Secret Service is managed. Ultimately, I think the narrator was the weakest link.

Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye is not my usual gig. This title in under the Young Animal brand which has heavy Vertigo line feels. I have always enjoyed the 50s-60s era explorers also including the Challengers of the Unknown, but this revival book is psychedelic, psychotropic, and psychotic in some respects. While the baseline story is pretty simple, the artistic style employed is Journey to the Center of the Earth meets The Yellow Submarine.

The story begins after Cave's wife Marza passes and he learns of a greater evil threatening her homeland deep below the Earlth's surface. The danger also extends to his daughter who is now being sought after by a bizzare cult associate with Cave's employer, EBX. Cave then contact's his friend, the vigilante Mad Dog to assist in saving the city below.

While I liked the Cave Carson character and his daughter Chloe, even Mad Dog, I will probably not return to the series when the next trade is released.

3of 5 stars

I liked The Challengers of the Unknown - they appeared in my early Showcase and Brave and the Bold Comics. The original Cave Carson was in there a few times also. I don't think I'd like the reboot you just read!

>184 brodiew2: Thanks for stopping in, Ron. Yeah, this is a weird one. I prefer he original version of the characters as well.



Lazarus Vol. 5 'Cull' continues the story of Forever Carlyle, The Lazarus for Family Carlyle. It is a near future scenario in which the world is ruled by families rather than governments. Each family has an ultimate warrior (Lazarus) who leads their forces in battle and also fights one on one battle with other family's Lazarai to solve geopolitical squabbles.

The story by Greg Rucka is amazing and the artwork of Michael Lark make the dim grimness of this world come alive. Be warned that Ruck rights brutally. There is harsh language and graphic violence.
In most cases I probably wouldn't stick with it, the word building and story is pretty amazing.



What can I say? This writer, this character, and this narrator were made for each other. In The Nowhere Man, Gregg Hurwitz up the ante for Evan Smoak, also know as Orphan X. While following up on one his 'pro bono' assignments, Evan is abducted. This strange enough in itself, but when he wakes up in a palatial chalet in a snow covered valley, the plot thickens. The Chalet has become Evan's prison and his abductor specific plans him. Evan is now in the very position of helplessness, that his clients are coming to him to escape. Add in ghosts from his past, both real and imagined, and you have another cracker jack thriller.

Scott Brick is a well know narrator and one whom has a long list of thrillers in his wake. If you ask me, Evan Smoak is one of Brick's best characterizations. He is not only a master of many different voices, he is a master of many different emotions. Both of these skills are showcased in this book.

5 of 5 Stars

Hi, Brodie. Hope the week is going good.

It looks like I should finally track down Hurwitz and I need to catch up on the Lazarus series.

If you can track down a copy of The Punch Escrow, I highly recommend it.

>163 lkernagh: My library has copies of all 3 books in the series so I may give it a try when the time feels right. You've given these a good rec!

I'm really enjoying Zoo Station, set just before WWII.

>185 msf59: As you know, Brodie, I've enjoyed the Evan Smoak books, and I'm also a fan of the Lazarus series. I'm waiting for that #5 to come into the library.

>186 RBeffa: Good to see you, Mark. I'll be looking into The Punch Escrow immediately. Was that a ARC? I hope you will give Orphan X a try. It was good to to get back to world of Lazarus.

>187 jnwelch: Good moring, Ron. Thanks for stopping in. I think it would be a fun diversion for you. You never know what will take hold of you from time to time. This series has me hook, line, and sinker.

>188 brodiew2: Indeed, I do Joe. I may just PM you to discuss it further if your memory serves. I got the Lazarus through the library as well. I'm starting to like Sonja Bittner as much as Forever.

My brain is having trouble slowing down long enough to read anything in print, paper or kindle. My Kindle is chock full of samples, most of which I haven't read. Here is a sample of my samples:

The Punch Escrow

The Bullet Catcher's Daughter

Autumn

The Way of Kings

The False Prince

Salem's Lot

The Shadow of the Wind

Stars are Legion

Good Morning, Midnight

An Irish Country Doctor

We are Legion

Blink

The Magpie Murders

Okay, more than just a sample. That's pretty much all id nt samples. What to do?

Look at that: Friday Flash Fiction on Friday!



When Tommy O’Halloran entered the pro shop of the Princeville Country Club that morning, he was in good spirits. Mom had filled his stomach with eggs, bacon, and she even added a couple of flapjacks. He was fat and happy. He crossed the shop the counter which held the schedule of tee times and caddy-member assignments. When he saw with whom he had been paired, all the joy that he had been exhibiting vanished in an instant. Joe Carnahan. Dog gonnit! Joe Carnahan was not only a terrible golfer, he was angry golfer. Angry golfers are miserable to be around and tend to make life miserable for their caddies.

Tommy trudged out to the tee for the first hole. He found Mr. Carnahan vigorously handling his golf bag, obviously struggling with it. The boy sidled around the man’s bulk to see him trying to unzip the pocket which held his balls.

“May I help you, sir?” Tommy asked as quietly and unassumingly as possible.

Still, Carnahan jumped as if struck by lightning and when he turned, his face was as red as a beet.

“Masticated meatballs, Boy!” the man boomed. “You nearly took my life!”

With effort Tommy did not roll his eyes. Mr. Carnahan was also an English teacher at the high school and spoke in maddening alliteration. This trait was accentuated when he was on the links.

“Sorry, Mr. C.,” Tommy apologized. “What seems to be the trouble?”

“I can’t breach the blasted bag,” Carnahan fumed.

Tommy approached the bag and gently tugged on the zipper. The pouch yawned open easily and displayed the jumble of white orbs. The teacher wiped his already sweating brow and stared in wonder.

It was on the fourth hole, a par five, that Joe Carnahan lost his proverbial mind. He had sliced his drive into the trees, his second shot landed in a sand trap, and the third teetered on the edge of a water hazard. The fourth shot landed at the base of grassy knoll adjacent the green.

“Son of a blistered backside!” the golfer exclaimed. “Obnoxious obstructed opportunities!”

Tommy watched as the frustration with his previous shots escalated. Tommy wondered if he was even aware that he still had a shot at par. The fact that he was this close to the green was miraculous enough. If he calmed down and made a more purposeful shot, even said a prayer, his luck could hold out.

One stroke later, all hope was dashed. The mounting anger and frustrated got the better of Joe Carnahan. The downward stroke was too low and too hard. Dirt and grass flew, but the ball was only mildly disturbed. The growl that emitted from the golfer was primeval. He let loose with such a foul and profane string of alliterations that Tommy plugged his ears for fear that he might be dragged into Hell by mere proximity.

Carnahan reared back for another shot that was equally misguided. In its wake, Tommy feared the man might have a stroke. He dropped the bag and beat feet back to base.

Nice story! I love the way you characterized the golfer with alliteration. Worked perfectly.

>191 drneutron: Nice!

Ha! I used to golf so I am quite in sympathy with Joe. I used to declare that I was WWWG - meaning world's worst woman golfer but for all of that I now look fondly back at my trials and tribulations. Good Flash Fiction, Brodie.

>191 drneutron: Also enjoyed that, Brodie - keep 'em coming!

Have a great weekend.

Love the list of your unread samples. I have Punch Escrow on my WL, such an interesting title!

Thanks for stopping in, sixby! The sample for The Punch Escrow seems short, but interesting.

47 today! Another year behind me. One thing I can say is that I am thankful for the 75ers and some of the solid reads I have picked up on over the last year. Being a part of the group has been a pleasure.

Happy Birthday, Brodie!

Happy birthday!

>199 drneutron: >200 brodiew2: Thank you for the birthday wishes!

I want to apologize to >192 RBeffa: >193 DeltaQueen50: >194 PaulCranswick: >195 sibylline: for not responding to your FFF comments last week. I was out on vacation last week and did not have much access to to the web. Thank you all for your comments and I am thrilled that you enjoyed the misadventure of Joe Carnahan.

47 sounds like a good age! Happy Birthday Brodie. As our mutual 'friend' would say, "Live long and prosper"

>202 brodiew2: Thanks, Ron! I watched Star Trek:2009 this weekend with my kids. It was their first time. They enjoyed my daughter, who is 8 got a real kick of out Chekov's heavy Russian accent.

>203 RBeffa: My daughter loves the new Checkov and bought me all three dvd's of the reboot as they came out. It is really sad about his bizarre death. I should sit down and have a mini marathon with them one day.

>204 brodiew2: I wholeheartedly agree, Ron.

Happy Birthday, Brodie. I am glad you decided to join the Mighty 75. You have fit in well over here.

I hope you can settle into a read...

Happy belated birthday Brodie! Hope you had a good one.

>206 PawsforThought: Hello Mark! Thanks. I am nearing the end of The Return of the King and have plenty, including The Underground Railroad to get to. But first, I'm going to indulge myself in a frivolous celebrity memoir.

>207 brodiew2: Thank you for the Birthday wishes, Paws!

The occasional frivolous celeb memoir can be fun! which one?

Hi Jim! Either Revenge of the Nerd or Almost Interesting.

I also have My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business, but it's running third so it may be a while.

I discovered Empress Millar when searching through the library 'on order' list of graphic novels. I read the description and decided to give it a go. I am so glad I did.

Queen Emporia has had enough of her life a wife of the evil dictator Emporer Morax. With her faithful bodyguard, Dane, she hatches a plan to escape, with her children. She is then chased by Morax across the galaxy culminating in their face to face confrontation.

The story, colors, and artwork are a lot of fun. The actions is non stop and the characters interesting. Fan of space opera light will really enjoy this one.

5 of 5 stars

I have finally concluded The Return of the King and, thus, The Lord of the Rings trilogy. It has been an amazing experience, brilliantly narrated by Rob Inglis. Back in Fellowship it took a while, almost into the final quarter of the book, for J.R.R. Tolkien's depth of story, character, and world to dawn on me. Since then, I have been blissfully immersed in the world of Middle Earth.

It was good to see the One Ring destroyed, Aragorn crowned King, Faramir and Eowyn find love, and the Hobbits return home. It was sad to see Theodin die, but the reverence given him after his death was fitting and comforting. The Battle of Pelennor Fields, as with Helm's Deep, did not 'feel' as epic as their visual interpretations on film. That was not a fault at all. The epic-ness of this story is down deep, rooted in the words, the history that Tolkien made time to devise. It grows like a beautiful tree from the Lothlorien forest.

Another element this final book that really struck me was the hero journey of Samwise Gamgee. Much of the book told from his point of view and shows his utter devotion to Frodo and how he would do anything to aid his 'master' to point of carrying him part of the way up Mount Doom. Many times he frets over Frodo's condition and even after they return home, he torn about leaving his family join Frodo in the Havens. I also enjoyed Sean Astin's portrayal in the Peter Jackson's films.

The budding romance between Faramir and Eowyn was a pleasant surprise as well. Tolkein packed a power love story into very few pages. Eowyn is under spiritual attack after her confrontation with the witch-king. Faramir loves her, but she must first exorcise her demons, so to speak, before returning his love. Well played.

I am thankful to my friend, Mark, who encouraged me to make this journey. He has been with me along the way and we have discussed it along the way. It has been a unique pleasure and I am glad I did it.

Just skulking through.

>212 weird_O: Nice recap for your experiences with LOTR. Its probably been almost 20 years since I last read/listened to the books. Probably before the first movie came out (which was in 2001, if you can believe that).

I had always loved the Hobbitt growing up, but I could never catch hold of LOTR when I was in High School. It wasn't until I was out of college that I tried again and loved them

>213 mahsdad: Nice to see you, weird_O! I'm glad you stopped in.

>214 brodiew2: Hello Jeff. Yes, it's taken me this long to appreciate the genius of Tolkien from the source material. Now, I know what all the hub bub is about. I've got name such as Emyn Muil, Lothlorien, Ministereth, Rivendell, Fangorn, Gondor, Rohan, Orthanc, and Isengard, among others will not leave me for some time.

However, one of the terms I enjoyed most was 'Westernesse'. I just learned that it was another name for Numenor, a land during the second age in which many of the best of Middle Earth was created.

Two things I really appreciated about the LOTR movies:

- They really bring out the sense of desperation associated with the quest. The books are great, but it wasn't until I saw the movies that that aspect of it hit me. Now, I do think the movies went a bit too far with it at times, but they brought out that new aspect for me.

- The movies made the battles seem more epic and more real to me (with the exception of Legolas' acrobatics, which I thought was pointless). The books don't bring out the scale of the battles as much as the movies do.

>216 brodiew2: Hello Jim! I'll be revisiting the films soon and I will look for the desperation element. I agree that Tolkien did make the desperation of the quest palpable.

I totally agree that the films make the battles much more epic and periless than Tolkien's description.

>212 weird_O: Good review of The Return of the King and the whole trilogy, Brodie. I'm happy that you had such a good time with it. What a world he created and populated.

Jim's points about the movies fit with what I felt while watching, although I hadn't thought about them until he said it. The huge scale of the battles comes through so well in the movies, and that feeling of desperation, too.

>211 brodiew2: Added this one to the GN WL based on your fly-by on my thread. :-)

Flash Fiction Friday! Enjoy!



Starstruck

Stephen Thorsen had a problem. He loved three girls. Not just one. Not just two. Three. How did he get himself into this situation?

Brenda was a raven haired beauty with alabaster skin and the grace of angel. She was lean and fit from all the tennis she played. She was sweet and soft hearted, but could get a mean streak if pushed too hard.

Alice was blonde and tan and buxom, if he be so bold. she was aloof and guarded and it was hard to tell what she was thinking. Especially when she wouldn't answer your honest heart-felt questions. But, now and again, she would given him a look; a look that conveyed more than she was willing to say.

Geneva had auburn hair and freckles. The freckles drove him mad, the way they lounged on her nose and disappated into her cheeks. She was authentic and calm and her voice was free and unfetterd, like Stallion before taming. She wasn't worried about what other people thought. She walked to the beat of her own off beat dress code.

Stephen had a picture of each laid out before him and his eyes jumped to each frenetically. He would have to make a choice, to cut two pieces of his heart aside and survive with only one. He couldn't possibly make he choice himself. He would leave it to chance. Gathering the pictures together, he shuffled them. Each picture that surfaced stung his heart. He closed his eyes and shuffled them again.

When he opened his eyes he was staring into the confident, glorious eyes of Geneva Stanton. He was happy. This would work. Now, all he had to do was get the address to her fan club and write her a letter.

*Starstruck by Norman Rockwell.

>218 brodiew2: Thanks, Joe! It really was a grand experience and one I'm glad I waited until now to enjoy. I think the timing was perfect.

I hope you enjoy Empress Millar. I'm looking into some of his other sf titles in his Millarverse.

Hi Brodie! Happy belated birthday!

Thanks, ChelleBearss!

Wishing you a great birthday weekend, Brodie.

>223 brodiew2: Thanks, Paul!

Happy Sunday, Brodie! Hope you are enjoying a fine weekend. I have been spending the day with the books.

Hello Mark! I'm in a GN phase of late and picked one called The Old Guard by Rucka and Chrononauts by Millar.