Mark's Gallant Attempt For 2010 (MSF59) Take #4

I must be dreaming, lost in the literary stratosphere, there is no way I'm starting a 4th thread! If anyone wakes me up, they're dead-meat!

Books read so far...
1) The White Rhino Hotel by Bartle Bull ****1/2
2) A Good Fall: Stories by Ha Jin ****
3) Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith ****1/2
4) A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore ***
5) Tear Down This Myth by Will Bunch ****1/2
6) Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Hurston ****1/2 (audio)
7) Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter ***1/2
8) World Without End by Ken Follett ****
9) The Dogs of Riga by Henning Mankell ****
10) Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson ****1/2 (audio)
11) Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro ****1/2
12) Open Season by C.J. Box ****
13) The Audacity to Win by David Plouffe ****1/2 (audio)
14) Spooner by Pete Dexter ****
15) Too Much Happiness by Alice Munro ****1/2
16) Small Island by Andrea Levy *****
17) The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley **** (audio)
18) Don't Look Back by Karin Fossum ****
19) Night Train by Martin Amis ****
20) Sleepless by Charlie Huston ****1/2 (audio)
21) Stitches by David Small **** (graphic)
22) Shanghai Girls by Lisa See **** (audio)
23) Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie ***
24) When Will There Be Good News by Kate Atkinson ****1/2
25) Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving ****
26) The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein ***1/2 (audio)
27) The Magdalen Martyrs by Ken Bruen ****1/2
28) The Help by Kathryn Stockett ****1/2 (audio)
29) Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton ****1/2
30) Fade Away by Harlan Coben **** (audio)
31) The Plague by Albert Camus ****1/2
32) Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins ****
33) Horns by Joe Hill ***1/2 (audio)
34) Walking to Gatlinburg by Howard Frank Mosher *****
35) The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick ***** (graphic)
36) Eye of the Red Tsar by Sam Eastland ***1/2

25) Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving ****
The cook, the writer, the logger and the cowboy. These are the central figures in this fine sprawling tale of family, friendship and mortality, which of course is a favorite Irving fixation. It begins in 1954, with the cook working in Twisted River, a rugged logging camp in the northern neck of New Hampshire. Danny, his twelve year old son, is the writer and the cook’s best friend, a big leathery man by the name of Ketchum, is the faithful logger. Rounding off the list is Constable Carl, the cowboy, a mean-spirited, vengeful lawman, who propels the story to it’s unpredictable trajectory, which spans the next fifty years and touches fatefully down in several different states, with an extended stop in Canada. Irving has crafted his usual colorful, bigger-than-life characters, like Injun Jane, Six-Pack Pam, Leary, Danny’s kind influential English teacher and Lady Sky, who first appears, quite shockingly, as a naked skydiver. This is a very good novel, filled with humor and pathos and it’s a pleasure to see that Irving is still a topnotch storyteller.

Hi Mark! Nice review of Last Night in Twisted River. I enjoyed that one too! It has some great secondary characters. I don't think I'll ever forget Lady Sky's entrance.

There you are Mark. Boy I can't believe how many books you've read this year. You are on quite a roll sir.

Gee, Mark, I'll never get caught up to you if you start a new thread everytime that I do. Kidding, of course. You deserve your popularity with all the group reads and encouragement that you give to fellow LTers. I'm just glad you put a star on my new thread! Also glad that you liked Last Night in Twisted River by that wonderfully twisted author, John Irving.

Mark

If you haven't read A Prayer For Owen Meany, you might want to do so. It is one of my favorite top books of all time. I laughed; I cried.

Ahhh...now there's room to breathe. Good review, Mark! And I have a package to send to you. It contains a book you're expecting and a surprise.

*heehee*

Found you again, Mark! Nice review of the Irving book. I have to get to it soon.

For months after I read A Prayer for Owen Meany, I kept it in my bathroom, because I could open it almost anywhere and laugh and/or appreciate his writing once again. It's been years since I've opened it, but it's one of those books I'm going to read again to see if it has the same effect on me.

Oh yes, Owen Meany was spectacular. I've lost my love for Irving over the last decade though. I might give this one a try based on your review.

Are you not counting The Arrival as one of your 75?? I think you get to, if you want!

Good Review, sir! Last Night in Twisted River is resting on my Kindle..waiting for warmer weather..when I don't feel like lugging books around. I loved A Prayer for Owen Meany too..but also A Son of the Circus, one of Irving's "lesser" works

;-}

Duhhh...I forgot to add my review to the book page! Done now!
Porch- Thanks for dropping in! This is my 7th Irving book and I've been reading him for nearly 30 years, starting with Garp. I have read Owen Meany but for some reason it didn't register as strongly as with most of it's fans. Maybe a re-read, one of these days?
Donna- Yes, I'm starting a new thread, every time you do! You said I was your 1st friend here on LT, or was I the 5th or 9th?
Richard- I'm waiting with bated...thank you sir!
Hi Linda, Sasia & Terri!!
Bonnie- Enjoy your B & B!
Jude- I never read A Son of the Circus! Worth it, huh? Was not a fan of The Fourth Hand.

lurk

starred

When are you putting up the poll for The Sword in the Stone and The Mists of Avalon? I am ready to vote!

>11 jdthloue:: I have a (gasp) unread copy of Son of the Circus languishing on my shelf. I'll have to take care of that little problem soon. Thanks for the nudge, Judith.

>12 msf59:: I'm with you, Mark, on your assessment of The Fourth Hand. It's rare when I give up on a book, but I couldn't get very far in this one. Owen Meany is my favorite Irving -- and on my recently made list of Top Ten All-Time Favorites.

>14 alcottacre:: TSitS, TSitS, TSitS. Love that book, and it has been an eon since I read it.

I really hated Son of the Circus and every Irving book I've read since then has just not worked for me. But I loved everything before that. Hoping he'll redeem himself with this one!

Ok looks like i'm the last person on earth who hasn't read A Prayer for Owen Meany so I guess I'll have to remedy that. I've never been an Irving fan but maybe this will convince me.

I'm 100% sure my sis is gonna like it! :-)

>17 brenzi: Second to the last, Bonnie. I own it, but it hasn't made it to the Short Stack yet. Maybe this summer...

>19 tloeffler:: Hey, that would make a good thread if everyone created a "Short List" out of their longer wish lists or tbr piles, wouldn't it?

>17 brenzi:, 18 bonnies: I'm 99.9% sure!

I refuse to allow my "Short Stack" to rise higher than one foot. They're the ones that I a) am reading for an upcoming group read; b) that I pulled off the shelf, intending to read because it was their turn, but got waylaid; or c) library books.
You're the List threadmaker, Bonnie--have at it!

I'm setting up a poll for a Group Read in July. It is King Arthur related.

I love King Arthur but won't be near a computer in July. I will be on vacation, so I won't join that group read. I read Once and Future King years ago and kept it. I used it as sort of a reference book and encourage readers who like Lord of the Rings to read Once and Future next. I also encourage them to read the {Mary Stewart} series on King Arthur. I liked those and still have my paperback copies of those great adventures.

I have never read Mists of Avalon. I never had any desire to do so. I am not sure why. I would think that either one of these books would make a great group read. But then group reads depend just as much on the organizer as they do on the book, and you are a good organizer.

I found Prayer for Owen Meany to be a very Presbyterian novel. All that predestination stuff, I think. I really liked it. I read Son of the Circus and thought it was OK but not in the same league with Owen Meany. I have three other Irving books in my house to read but they just haven't screamed at me loud enough so keep getting moved back on the shelves.

I've tried maintaining a "short stack" also! It's a great idea but for me it doesn't always work. Some poor volumes keep getting bumped and finally end up back in the big stacks. Quite sad, actually. Books are continuously maneuvering for better position. It's bloodthirsty. There's a war going on here, by Golly!
Benita- It's great to see you! I'm not familiar with Mary Stewart's books on King Arthur. Will have to look into them! In regards to Irving, if one of those, on your shelf, happens to be The World According to Garp. Read it!!

Or The Cider House Rules.

Mark, I have Garp on my list of all time favorites - top ten. It was a phenomenal book and I need to re-read it soon. And Owen Meany is on the top twenty list.

I do need to revisit those lists now, it's been a few years. But I think those two are secure.

eta: Do you know David James Duncan's book The Brothers K? I have a hunch you would love that book. We have similar tastes in books we feel strongly about, and that is one I adored.

This is a very nostalgic thread with all this talk about Irving. I agree that his earlier works were better than his latest ones.

>23 msf59:: Mark, I like how you put the Once & Future King in the "yes" position. I will read it on my own if I have to, but it would be more fun reading with friends.

>25 msf59:: I keep getting a visual of the book wars at your house, Mark. Too funny.

>26 teelgee:: Terri, you are walking me down memory lane with your latest review of Housekeeping and now the mention of another favorite, The Brothers K. I also liked The River Why by Duncan.

Me too, Donna - and his nonfiction is spectacular. God Laughs and Plays and My Story as Told by Water - wow.

Terri- Yes, I agree Cider House is right there at the top! And no, I'm not familiar with the Duncan books but they all look very interesting."The River" books look good too! Thanks for the suggestions!
Donna- No I wasn't trying anything subliminal on the voting poll...or was I?

#23 I voted No for The Mists of Avalon but I would join in with The Once and Future King as well! Would we be reading all 4/5 books or just The Sword in the Stone?

I've been enjoying the conversations about John Irving and the TBR short stacks! I have A Prayer for Owen Meany in my long stack and guess I should bump it up to the short stack at some point.

All this talk about "short stacks" makes me want to have some pancakes! I guess my short stack consists of library books that I don't want to mix in with my own books, my current read(s), and new acquisitions that are awaiting either a temporary or a permanent home. Right now I have 8 books that qualify, although they are somewhat scattered throughout the house, rather than being in a tidy short stack.

Good morning all! All this talk of Irving (and I'm a big fan of his early work) but no one's mentioned A Widow for One Year, probably my fourth favorite of his. Am I the only one who liked that one?

mmm, pancakes...

I loved A Widow for One Year too ..... I read it last year, and couldn't believe it took me such a long time to get to it. I don't think I've read an Irving book yet that I didn't like.

Heather- The Once and Future King is the first 4 parts. That's the one we will read if it wins the poll. I have not read the 5th! Glad you are joining us, another faithful follower!
Donna- Had a short stack for breakfast! Yummy!
Joanne- I also loved A Widow for One Year. Thanks for the reminder!
Caroline- Good to see you! Are you interested in joining us in any of these Group Reads, missy? Love to have ya!

The Once and Future king is another that I have read over and over since..1980, I think. I have also read The Book of Merlyn. good, good reads.

*star* (better late than never)

I attempted A Prayer for Owen Meaney twice, and couldn't finish either time. I felt like I was being shouted at whenever Owen spoke, with the all-caps format used for his speech.

Oddly, my husband -- who rarely reads fiction -- liked it. Go figure

I also liked A Widow For One Year

Kath- I probably read it back in the mid-70s, the first time! You must be quite a fan with those multiple re-reads!
Terri- You are never late to this party! Are you a fan of Irving, otherwise?
Hi Linda!
I started the audio of The Help and it's been very good. Terrific narrators! I'm also doing some non-fiction, Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton and it has the makings of being a winner!

#38: I read Doug Stanton's book In Harm's Way several years ago and really liked it, so you might give that one a try too, Mark. I have had Horse Soldiers in the BlackHole for a while now and will be interested in seeing what you think of it.

#34 Excellent, those are the parts I own :-)

26) The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein ***1/2
Enzo is bright, loyal and loves both car racing and watching films. His favorite actors are Steve McQueen and Paul Newman (mainly because they were in movies about race-car drivers). He adores pancakes and chicken nuggets. He is also a Labrador mix. This unique, entertaining novel, is narrated by Enzo and he smartly chronicles his life with his master Denny, a professional race car driver, (big surprise, huh!) and his subsequent marriage and the birth of their daughter. Like any family, there are happy moments and some unexpected dark turns and here they are all closely monitored by this faithful, sensitive observer. The story is filled with funny moments but you will also be sniffing back the tears. This may be lighter fare but by no means is this kids stuff!

#41: I think I gave it 3 stars when I read it. The book just had too many over-the-top soap opera elements to it for me, but I thought it was well-written. It sounds like you enjoyed it a bit more than I did, Mark.

Stasia- I have to agree with you on some of the "melodrama" in the story, a bit heavy at times but listening to it on audio, with an expert narrator, transcended most of it for me.
A friend of mine is reading In Harm's Way, which I did not realize was also written by Stanton, until I spotted it on the jacket. Glad you liked that one, it looks very good!

27) The Magdalen Martyrs by Ken Bruen ****1/2
The Magdalene Asylums, as they were called, were institutions for "fallen women". The first opened in Dublin in the 1700s. The objective was to rehabilitate these misguided women and release them back into society. These places were maintained by nuns. The inmates were used for hard manual labor, mainly in laundries and were subjected to cruel and unusual punishment. Many took their own lives.
Jack Taylor, our favorite alcoholic ex-cop from Galway, is hired by a local gangster to locate a particularly nasty nun, nicknamed Lucifer, who abused his mother, fifty years earlier, in a Magdalene “Home”. Bruen has a gritty but poetic narrative style and seems to have a deep understanding of chemical dependency. This is the third book in a terrific series! Highly recommended!

#43: Narrators can make or break a book, can't they? I was extremely lucky in that the very first audio book that I picked up was narrated by Barbara Rosenblat, who happens to be one of the best in the business.

#44: Well, I struck out with Mr. Bruen. My local library does not have a single one of his books. Rats.

Two reviews in one day! Crikey!

The Ken Bruen I will definitely add to THE LIST....The Garth Stein...probably not, although his Raven Stole the Moon has piqued my interest..

Good reviews, as usual!

;-}

Stasia- Yes, the narrators can make all the difference! What has Barbara Rosenblat narrated? Sorry to hear that your library does not have Bruen. He's actually quite prolific and has many books out. Do you have a inter-library loan system?
Hi Jude- Thanks! I let the books percolate around in my mind for a few days and then I write them down when I have a chance. Since I keep the reviews so simple, it's not too difficult. Yes, Raven Stole the Moon does look good!

#48: Rosenblat has narrated a ton of books, most notably the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters. You can see a partial list of the titles she has narrated here: http://www.recordedbooks.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=rb.show_narr&narr_id=2368

Yes, I do have ILL, but it is a pain to use. I have been waiting for one book now for almost 3 months.

Mark..I wasn't being sarcastic...heaven forbid..I find that MY best reviews are the ones i knock out in 20 minutes...depending on the book..the longer i let things percolate..the easier it is for me to devolve into Over-Criticism (too much thought hurts a serious review..am i reviewing the book or just looking "smart"?)

Your reviews are good..no matter what..sometimes i envy you

J

Stasia- Thanks for the list! I could lend you my copy of Guards, the 1st Jack Taylor book. It would be no problem, let me know!
Jude- Actually, this time I did not note any sarcasm in your 1st message, hee hee! I like your reviews, straight and to the point, with a poetic twist, like a lime wedge in a Modelo!
I'm off to an Aunt's for Easter dinner, flying solo. Both my wife & son are working. Bummer, plus I have to take it easy on the Modelos, driving and all!

Happy Easter, Mark. Hope you had a good visit with Auntie.

I'll definitely join you for the Norwegian Wood group read, but I've already read Mist of Avalon

Good reviews there buddy. I'm glad you liked The Art of Racing in the Rain and your review of The Magdalen Martyrs was enough to have me adding it to my wish list.

I have a copy of The Art of Racing in the Rain but don't think I can read it.
I love John Irving, but have not read Widow for One Year...I loved A Prayer for Owen Meaney...

Why don't you think you can read the book, Kath?

Get you to the library... you have to read Widow for One Year .. you'll love it, I know you will

#51: If you are willing to loan it, I am willing to take it. I will PM you, Mark.

Caroline- Yes, I had a nice time with Auntie! It was nice here, low 70s, partly sunny but then a storm rolled in late in the afternoon and it poured! Glad you will be joining us for the Murakami!
Kath- I'm curious too, about the Stein book? Are you being mysterious?
Stasia- No problem! I just hope you enjoy it!
Breaking out the shorts today! Need to get some sun on these white legs! I think it is supposed to be close to 80 tomorrow!

It has hit 80 here already. Less than 2 weeks after we had snow, no less.

I just can't deal with it when animal books are sad..
thats all, no mystery. For some reason people can die in books..
but the animals can't. :P

Hi Kath! I wouldn't consider the Stein book sad! Not regarding animals anyway!
I'm loving all my current books: Horse Soldiers, The Plague, (for the G.R.) and the audio of The Help. Hey, it's a Trifecta!

Hey Mark;
Old buddy, old pal;
I got my vote in and will be there for either one of the "Authurian" reads but will skip the Murakami read. I am so far behind on my G/Rs but I hope the rest of you enjoy it.
I have loved catching up with your thread and seeing what everyone is talking about.
>#24:
I am totally with you regarding the Mary Stewart saga on the King Arthur legend. Hers are hard to beat, no matter that they were written eons ago. She wrote them beautifully and I would much rather be reading them again. But I love the "King Arthur Legend" and so will read which ever Mark has for us. Hope to see you there.
Hi everyone.
xoxo & big hugs all round,
belva

Hey Belva- I'm glad you plan on joining us for the King Arthur choice. So you have not read either? Yes, I plan on looking into the Mary Stewart versions. Do you recall what the 1st one was called!

Has anyone heard from Berly?? Really miss her around here!

The Crystal Cave is the first in the series, followed by The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment and The Wicked Day.

No Mark, I've not read either one, so it doesn't really matter to me which one we read. The legend itself is so wonderful that I have indeed enjoyed all the books I have read on it. I have Le Morte d' Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory and I can not wait until I have the time to read that one. It is HUGE!~! I do know, though, that The Mists of Avalon is part of a series, though I do not know where within the series it falls.

re: the Mary Stewart books on the Arthurian legend; they fall in the following order:
1. The Crystal Cave,
2. The Hollow Hills,
3. The Last Enchantment and
4. The Wicked Day.
I hope you enjoy them when you get around to them.
I haven't talked to Berly for a couple of months. I hope her kids aren't sick again. When you talk to her, please tell her "hi" for me.
hugs,
belva

Mark,

I sent Berly a PM the other day but haven't heard anything either.

>63 rainpebble:: Belva, I read and loved Mary Stewart's books many years ago. They aren't even listed in my LT library. I guess I should reread them one of these days. Maybe after we read The Once and Future King...*crossing my fingers and toes that it is the chosen book*.

That Florida sun must have gone to Berly's head. Maybe she gave up on Portland to become a beach bum!

I'd love to attempt to join a group read of The Once and Future King. Haven't had much luck joining group reads... maybe this will be the one. I'll be watching your poll results! I didn't love Mists of Avalon enough to want to read it again.

Where's the poll?

Terri;
It is post # 23 & I think Mark has it "jerry-rigged" as this is what it looks like.

"I'm setting up a poll for a Group Read in July. It is King Arthur related.
Vote: Vote Yes for The Once and Future King, Vote No for The Mists of Avalon
Vote: Yes | No | Undecided Current tally: Yes 10, No 6, Undecided 1 You voted: Yes (Cancel)"

So for those of us who wish to read The Once and Future King"; no sweat because I do not see how The Mists of Avalon can win with that poll. LOL!~!
hugs & see ya on F/B
belva

Hi Mark:

Lurker exposed! Here I am to say hi publicly. I enjoy your thread a lot, you know.

The Ken Bruen books sound good - I'm going to check them out.

Roni & Belva- Thanks for taking the time on listing the Stewart books. I'm searching for a copy of The Crystal Cave. Maybe this will be a King Arthur year!
Hi Bonnie & Donna!
Anne- I'm so glad you are considering on joining us for the G.R.!
Belva- I'm not sure how else to set the poll up! There is no question I'm leaning toward "Once" but that's mainly because I think it would make a better G.R. and after the Rushdie, I'm stepping very carefully! Ha ha!
Karen- Thanks so much for stopping in and leaving a message and yes the Bruen books are amazing!

Mark, I picked up a copy of Norwegian Wood for next month's group read. I loved it the first time around, and look forward to reading it again.

I never realized how small my book world was until I found LT and all of you. I'm really really glad I found you guys!!!

Darryl- I'm glad you have your copy of Murakami and are joining us for the May G.R.! BTW- I'm loving the re-read of The Plague!
Tammy- I think we all feel the exact same way! We belong to a very special place! Thanks for stopping by! Did you vote in the poll in msg#23?

I'm the undecided one.

Didn't Love Mists? #666 I am shocked

I read the Mary Steart Series and loved that too.. Did not love
the Stephen Lawhead series.

Hey Mark - Did you notice the book closeouts $1.99 sale? Linda brought it to my attention. I'm telling you because I noticed 4 or 5 Ken Bruen books listed.

I'm just trying to share the misery, er, joy!

>75 mckait:, I know, and I really wanted to! Perhaps it was just the wrong time.

Why is it everywhere I go someone is talking about the book closeouts sale. I've been able to avoid it so far, but now I'm wondering if I'm missing something.
dagnabbit.

Kath- #666? Sounds ominous!
Joanne- Thanks for the heads-up! I buzzed over there but it takes so long to scan through the sale items. I'll try to go back when I have more time. How much is the shipping over there?
Hi Tammy (the undecided one)!!

I've been caught up on my current threads for a while, so I thought I'd add another. You won LOL I didn't read the previous ones, but I am current on this thread. I have an aversion to Arthur tales in general, but OaFK is on my shelves. Therefore, I will at some point read it. This summer could work. Really hated The Mists of Avalon and happily don't have a copy, so if that one wins I won't be playing :)

Well, Suse, it's too bad you're not here in the States, since the cable network Starz is broadcasting a new show called "Camelot" that's a "major reimagining" of the Arthurian legend. Perchance you can get it there, as it's an Irish co-production and I suspect available on one of Rupey Murder-hock's networks.

I shall diligently work to keep you informed of new Arthurian materials! I had no IDEA you were such a fan!

> oh, dear Richard, really... it's kind of you to think of me. But, it would not be fair of me to allow you to expend that kind of energy on my account. I wouldn't want your writing, cooking, dog and people care to suffer. But thank you, yes, thank you, for the thought.

Hi Susan- Thanks for picking me! I hope the thread doesn't let you down! I'm glad you are considering the G.R. for July. "Once" is firmly in the lead. 12-7.
Hi Richard- Thanks for the info on "Camelot". I didn't watch it, but Starz had a hit with "Spartacus".

#79 oops! lol

**drive by waves Mark**

Hi Kath & Bonnie!!
I finished both The Help & Horse Soldiers today and both were excellent! Also loving The Plague and plan on starting Catching Fire.

Hi Mark ... miss you ... been AWOL for a few days and am just catching up on the threads. Guess what ... I've just finished Sleeping and the Dead by Ann Cleeves and I'm going to read your boy Charlie's Already Dead next. Have you read this Houston book yet?

Caroline- It's great to see you, my friend! And yes, I've read and loved Already Dead, the 1st Joe Pitt book. There are 5 in the series. I've read the 1st 4, which I also own, so if you enjoy it, let me know!

Dear Mark -

I am home again after another short hospital stay and some good medical intervention. Just want to say Hi, and leave you evidence of my love,

Ruthie

28) The Help by Kathryn Stockett ****1/2

There has been much written about this wonderful novel, so I would like to keep it simple. The place is Jackson Mississippi, in the early 1960s. The story focuses on three principal characters: two black maids and a young white woman, who begins to interview the domestics, trying to find out the real story about how it is to work for a white family. The interviews need to be conducted in strict secrecy. This was a turbulent time in the South, when people were killed for lesser offenses. Stockett has crafted a terrific narrative, each of her characters are given their own voices and it makes for a rich, rewarding experience. Highly recommended!

Ruthie- It's great to hear from you, my friend! I'm glad you are back from your latest stint in the hospital and are on the mend! I appreciate you taking the time to swing by and giving me an update!

29) Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton ****1/2
Short version: Excellent! More to come...

Glad to see you also enjoyed The Help Mark.

>90 msf59: & 93: Me too, since it was one of my favorites of last year.

Sorry if this info is upthread--I've forgotten it if it is. When is the voting for the Arthur book over, and what is the time frame in which to plan to read the chosen book?

Both Bonnies!! I was hoping to get some positive input, about The Help, from my friends here! I loved Brenzi's review and I think everyone should bypass my lame one and read hers! You will be sold!
BTW- I listened to this on audio and it was an absolute treat! There are 3 different readers, for the 3 main characters and they really come to life! Anyone on the fence about listening to audiobooks, give this one a shot!
Roni- I think I'll keep the "King Arthur" poll (in msg #23) for another week or 2 and then call it! And as far as the time frame goes, it'll probably be the month of July, due to the length of either book. Hope that answers your questions!

I was about to start on CH, but then something else caught my eye. I've got Already Dead at least out though, so it will definitely be something I'll read this week. After a long day with a few friends boozing it up for yucks, I'm going to need a light read for sure tonight. :-)

I've already got The Help on my wishlist, so I'm glad you liked it.

Hi Mark! I'm catching up again, as usual. I see you liked Last Night in Twisted River a little more than I did. But, that Lady Sky chapter nearly made up for the things I disliked.

The Help keeps popping up in my book club as a future selection, glad to see another positive review for that one!

Hey Caroline & Andrea- Good to see you both! And yes, you have to read The Help! It's a winner!

Both The Help and Horse Soldiers are already in the BlackHole, so nothing new for me to add.

I am glad you liked both books, Mark. I hope you get a chance to read Stanton's In Harm's Way. It is very good.

Loved The Help. I requested it from the library immediately after Bonnie (bonniebooks) recommended it last year. I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Mark, and I add mine to any other recommendations!

Stasia- A friend of mine is currently reading In Harm's Way, so I'll have it in my greedy little hands, in the near future!
Anne- Thanks for stopping in! Always a pleasure!

#102: Good! I look forward to seeing what you think of it.

Hi Mark:

Thanks for popping by my thread and commenting on my Horns review.

Our real life bookclub had it's book selection meeting last night and The Help is on that list. Glad you liked it.

>96 msf59: Aw shucks, she says, blushing.

Mark;
hate to bug you bestest buddy, but is the G/R of Norwegian Wood going on currently? I wasn't going to take part but I must have forgot & ordered the book anyway, because it arrived last week. And your other G/R's? What & when are they?
I may just have to join a "book thread" after all. I can not keep up with all of my buds. I got a post from --BJ the other day and actually wept. What a woose!~!~!
hugs all round,
belva

The Help is on my shelf.. waiting...........

Yaay, my brother has The Help and he said he'd let me have his copy when he's done ........ in exchange for my making him a pan of my ultra cheesey mac & cheese.

Karen- I hope to start the audio of Horns soon! Sounds very good!
Bonnie- You look so cute when you blush! And you easily deserve all my praise!
Belva- Some confusion, huh? Age, or what? Norwegian Wood starts on May 1st. I'm glad you are joining us on that one, now put it on the calender. The King Arthur choice will be in July, most likely "Once", although you never know?
Caroline- How about your friends here? Do we get some "ultra cheesey mac & cheese?

Yes, you're all welcome and invited over for the ultra mac & cheese party. Complete with a selection of garnishes, including crispy crumbled bacon, cajun shrimp, chopped roasted tomatoes, sour cream & chives, and grilled chorizo.

Caroline- OMG, sounds incredible! I just ate dinner and I'm still drooling! We need to have an LT get-together, just so we can eat, forget boring old books!

I wanted to give a quick Graphic Novel update. I finished The Bloody Streets of Paris, (a Jude rec) and enjoyed it. A French Sam Spade in post-war Paris. I also just started The Invention of Hugo Cabret, ( a Terri rec) and it begins amazingly, this could be my favorite so far!

>110 cameling: What time? *mouth watering*

># 108 & 110:
cameling;
Recipe, please???????????????????

Caroline, OMG I'm there! Hope you set an extra place.

Mark ol' buddy! I can't say that I have even attempted to catch up on your threads. I just skipped right to the end and we'll just carry on from here!! I have read about a third of your books you listed for this year and so I shall have to look at the rest for your top ratings and add them to my wish list. Hope all is well with you.

Cameling--I'd like to crash the party too!

I thought I heard trumpets & angels singing! Welcome back Berly!
Caroline- You've also made a stir with your delectable treats!

Mark,

Some of my boys here at school are reading The Invention of Hugo Cabret so I'm going to look forward to your review. I know that 13 year old boys love it so this could be one of those YA books that crosses the line and adults love too.

#117: I loved The Invention of Hugo Cabret when I read it. I do think it is one that transcends the age lines.

#108: I would also love the recipe for the ultra mac n cheese. Love that stuff and yours sounds heavenly. :)
--BJ

Bonnie- Hugo Cabret is amazing! Not only will it be my favorite G.N. (so far), it also has a chance of being one of the best books I've read this year!
I'm nearly at the midway point of Catching Fire and have to say, if anyone who visits this humble thread has not read this series: Do So Now!

I'm so glad you're enjoying Hugo Cabret! I loved it. The illustrations are stunning and cinematic.

#120: I am not reading Catching Fire until I have Mockinjay (already on pre-order from Amazon) firmly in hand. Nope, no way. Then I am going to read the entire trilogy in one sitting :)

Anne- It is wonderful!
Stasia- That's the title, huh? Cool! And that's a great plan! I turned on at least four people at work to this series (starting with The Hunger Games) and everyone's gaga over them!
BTW- If any of my faithful visitors have not voted in the King Arthur poll and wish to, you can find it in MSG# 23. I'll probably keep it up another week or so. "Once" is leading 13 to 8.

#123: When I read The Hunger Games, I had no idea it was not going to be a stand alone book. Then when Catching Fire came out, I bought it immediately, but did not read it once I heard that it ended in a cliffhanger. Hence, my decision to wait on reading it until I have Mockinjay.

#124> You are so smart. I read Name of the Wind for a group read at least a year and a half ago because the next book was due out any day now. Still not out, I don't think. Now I might have to reread to remember and it was a long book. It was good, but still I am not sure that I want to reread it with all the other wonderful books on my tbr! What to do, what to do?
--BJ

#125: I think Tad has mentioned before that there is a hold up on the sequel and no firm publishing date at this point. You might check with him, BJ.

Thanks, Stasia! I heard that the manuscript has been finished, but still has to be printed.
--BJ

#127: No problem.

Invention of Hugo Cabret is written and illustrated by Brian Selznick. He is the nephew of David O. Selznick. So the cinematic connection is very accurate, even if it weren't in the story line of that book. You can also check out some of Selznick's earlier work. In particular I like Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins.

BJ- I'm not familiar with Name of the Wind but it sounds very good! One to check out?
Benita- Thanks for the interesting info on Hugo Cabret. I am going nuts for this book!

For you Louise Erdrich fans out there, she is featured on the latest Bill Moyers Journal and it's a terrific interview: found here
I need to read more of her work! Shameful, I know!

Hey, Mark!
I say yes, one to check out. But, that being said, I think that it is a trilogy. So you might want to wait until all the books are published. I wish I had done that.
--BJ

For all who asked for my mac & cheese recipe, it's here

Here's your thread back, Mark. ;-)

Mark, I listened to the Erdrich interview the other day, it was wonderful. She's one of my alltime favorites. Can't wait to read her new book!

What Terri said. Great interview!

Food and entertainment! I'll be checking out the recipe and the interview. Thanks Mark and Caroline!

BJ- I have added it to the WL!
Caroline- Thanks for the yummy recipe!
Terri & Bonnie- Erdrich's latest does sound good! I have at least 2 of hers in the stacks all-ready!
Joanne- Nice to see you, my friend! You've been away! BTW, I found my daughter a copy of Dewey and she loves it. She also just finished The Art of Racing and was crazy for it!

quick visit before work to wave!

Here at work we have been stuck on discussing steampunk and decided that Invention of Hugo Cabret is steampunk. I wonder if Netflix would have a DVD copy of the movie featured in the book? (I can't remember the name of the movie or they guy who made it. Gosh, my mind is going. And I'm so young. Said with lots of wailing and whining!)

If you want to check out some of David O. Selznick's work you could spend a good portion of your weekend watching the movie version of Gone With the Wind.

I loved Dewey. How old is your daughter, Mark? I read Merle's Door by Ted Kerasote some time back, and it's a wonderful book about a man who found a puppy in the desert and adopted her, and through her, he learned about the complexities of a dog's mind. The book covers the journey they both take together as they build their relationship of love and trust.

Hi again Mark - Yes, I'm back! If your daughter likes Dewey, have her try Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper. It's wonderful and not at all sad (**mini spoiler - in the manner of what happens generally to animals, mostly dogs, in books, if you get my drift**).

Benita- I heard something interesting today! Martin Scorcese (the film director) is planning to make a 3D version of Hugo Cabret. And yes, I have heard there is a video version that goes along with the book. I might have to see if I can track that down too!
BTW, I love old movies too, so I'm quite familiar with the mighty Selznick!
Caroline- My baby-girl is 20. She goes through long reading slumps but I'm always trying to get her to read. I think someone I know has a copy of Merle's Door, so thanks for the rec!
Joanne- I remember you reading Homer's Odyssey, so I will see if I can locate a copy. Thanks!

I second the recommendation of Homer's Odyssey, Mark. I read it not long ago and thought it was terrific.

I third the Homer's Odyssey rec! Wonderful book. Probably one of my favorite animal books now. I've been passing it around to my family, and they've all be rather surprised at how much they liked it. Some really fascinating parts in there.

Have you started the thread for Norwegian Wood? And a schedule? I am almost done with my April read and want to start the one for May.

Benita- Thanks for the reminder! And BTW, I could not imagine hosting a Group Read without you onboard!
We are starting a G.R. of Norwegian Wood on May 1st. This is the link to the General Thread: right here
Hope everyone can join us!

*running away* from Pet books.....

Kath- Please don't run away!
I finished Catching Fire and once again she hit a home-run. Fortunately, the next book comes out in August. We wait and we drool. I started Walking to Gatlinburg today, after hearing some strong praise and it's easily living up to the hype. A reviewer mentioned that this book was a cross between Cormac McCarthy and Mark Twain and it nailed me right there! This is a Civil War era novel and this is how it begins:
"Years later Morgan Kinneson would conclude that it was probably reading that had gotten him and his brother, Pilgrim, into trouble in the first place. The Kinnesons of Kingdom Mountain had always been great readers."
Heavenly!

popping in to say hello ....

#147: I have never heard of Walking to Gatlinburg, so I am looking forward to your thoughts on that one, Mark!

Hi Caroline!
Stasia- If Walking to Gatlinburg keeps up at this pace, it will be a major contender for my favorite book of the year!
BTW- I'm going to the Cubs game today. They are playing the Astros. It'll be sunny but chilly, low to mid-50s. Dempster's on the mound. Should be a lot of fun!

Mark...
I went away, and came back to 58 new posts on your thread.

I'm adding Walking to Gatlinburg to the pile of books that I want to read soon!

Hugs
Linda

Hi Linda- Great to see you! Hugs back!
I know this is Darryl's territory but this is a list of the recent Pulitzer winners:

Fiction - Tinkers by Paul Harding Drama
History - Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World by Liaquat Ahamed Biography - The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt by T.J. Stiles Poetry - Versed by Rae Armantrout
General Nonfiction - The Dead Hand: The Untold Story of the Cold War Arms Race and Its Dangerous Legacy by David E. Hoffman
I just reserved Tinkers. Hope to get to it soon!

#150: Definitely going into the BlackHole then! (I am so jealous of you going to a Cubs game it is beyond words, lol)

#152: I have had Tinkers in the BlackHole for a while now. My local library still does not have it though. I checked again last night.

Good morning Mark. I'll look forward to your remarks on Walking to Gatlinburg. I put it on my list after hearing about it on the podcast Books on the Nightstand. I have Tinkers on the way to be from the library too. I've had it on my list since last year when it appeared on a couple of the "Best of 2009" lists.

Trying to catch up, very late!

Oooh, goodie, the county library has Walking to Gatlinburg. I've added it to my list! Sounds like a winner!

Must not read animal books.. but came back to see if it was safe yet :)

> 152 - Hi, Mark -

I really loved reading Tinkers last year. There are passages written by Paul Harding that stopped me in awe of his talent with descriptive writing. I think you will enjoy reading (or listening) to it when it becomes available through reserve. I'm really thrilled to know that more people may now read his book.

I was going to add Tinkers to the tbr pile and then discovered that Avaland (Lois) recommended this awhile back. I'll try to read this soon.

Ruth, it is wonderful to see posts from you!

Stasia & Bonnie & Terri- Walking to Gatlinburg is wonderful. It reminds me a little of Cold Mountain, but with more colorful and animated characters and a twisted touch of the surreal.
Ellie- It's great to see you! Please stop by when you have more time...
Ruthie- Thanks for dropping in! That is so great that you've read Tinkers and loved it. I'm really looking forward to that one!
Linda- Glad you have it in the pile!

Back from the game! Cubbies lost! Had a good time, though, but it was chilly! We sat in the upper deck, in the shade, with the wind in our face! Nippy! Then when we got out in the sunshine and out of the wind, it felt 20 degrees warmer.

31) The Plague by Albert Camus 4.5 stars
A menacing disease has struck a coastal town in Algeria, during the 1940s. This story follows it’s beleaguered inhabitants, led by Rieux, a selfless, compassionate doctor, as they valiantly struggle to survive and somehow tend to the stricken. Despite the cruel, relentless, sweep of this blight, this is a book about the strong human spirit, that resides in these charitable individuals. I read this as a Group Read, (thanks to Darryl) and I highly recommend it!

32) Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins 4 stars
Katniss is back! Our fiesty young heroine has returned to District 12, fresh and victorious after The Hunger Games. She is content with her modest wealth, feeding her friends and family but her celebrity and defiance may have given her a lofty leadership status, among the downtrodden, that she might not be expecting or wanting. The story catapults from there and I will say no more, other than, if you have not ventured into this exciting, well-written series…do so now!

#161: I am reading that one with the group too. I think I must be the only person that has not finished it yet!

#162: Not until I have Mockingjay!

Stasia- I might have liked The Plague more, if I would have read it faster. Reading it in small chunks over 3 weeks, robbed it of it's rhythm. I love your discipline on the Collins books. My wife just finished Hunger Games, she loved it and is waiting a little while before starting C.F.

BTW- Has anyone read Bloodroot? I recently heard Amy Greene on a podcast and the book sounded very interesting. I think I will try this on audio because I love that East Tennessee accent!

#164: Someone in the group just read and reviewed Bloodroot in the past couple of weeks. I just cannot remember who!

You've got the perfect job for audiobooks, don't you Mark. Has it slowed your day down at all? Or distracted and/or messed you up? I'm not a good multi-tasker at all. Well, I guess most people aren't as good as they think they are. For me, sometimes it's worth it to be slower if I'm enjoying what I'm doing more.

Hi Mark, you did an admirable job of condensing the message of The Plague in your comments. I'm with you...I kind of lost the rhythm of it as well by breaking up the reading. It is going on my reread stack. I'd love to rent a cabin by an Ozarks stream and just take these books that I haven't done full justice to over the years. The problem is, I'd probably have to stay there at least six months and do nothing but read!

Stasia- I think Kath read it sometime ago and disliked it!

Bonnie- Yes, I am blessed and no it does not interfere or distract me, unless I'm listening to a riveting segment and collide with a tree. I have it set-up, so I can pause it immediately and if I have to, I can rewind it back a little. Yes, it's been a great pleasure and it helps knock those books off the WL & tbr. Audios will never replace my paper books but what a fantastic addition!

Donna- Thanks! Actually I just kept it simple, I'm sure there are tons of beautifully written reviews of this book out there. I guess that's one of the drawbacks in the Group Reads, having to space the book out, especially the shorter novels. Regardless, I loved the book anyway.

#168: Mark, Terri also read it recently: http://www.librarything.com/topic/85711#1902319

As far as The Plague goes, this is a re-read for me, but it has been at least 5 years since I read it; however, already being familiar with it helps with the group read, I think.

Hi Mark,

I am very glad that I read The Plague non-stop and finished a while back. I'm starting to think group reads are not for me. The idea of stretching a book out over 3-4 weeks just doesn't appeal. So, I've decided I won't be joining you for the GR of Norwegian Wood. I will read it sometime though, maybe over my summer vacation.

I do the group reads and sometimes I am ahead of the group and sometimes behind. I think that is the beauty of doing a group read by computer. You can be ahead and put your comments and thoughts in when the time comes. I keep a book diary and so it is easy for me to go back to it and then type a thought or a question into the group read.

Sometimes I am behind in the reading and sometimes don't finish a book at all. (As was the case with Midnight's Children.) I simply check the posts when I am done with that section and add my comments to those already there. I probably wouldn't post something three months after the deadline for that part of a book, but if I am three days behind it isn't a problem.

I do think that having a good mentor/monitor for the group is a must. This must be the person who gets the discussion going and sets the schedule. It takes a little advance planning, and sometimes a good question to spark the ball rolling in the discussion. I think that it is this that makes group reads with Mark work. He tries to divide the book out over the month and keep the discussion rolling along.

What seems to garner the most complaints from participants is spoilers. Spoilers don't bother me, but the do seem to really irk some people. I think that people participating in an on-line forum have got to expect that spoilers will always be a part of the venue. They will just have to be accepted and then move on with the reading. If you are absolutely so picky about spoilers then don't look at that thread until you have finished reading that part of the book. That is why organization and scheduling plays such an important role.

So - Hats off to Mark! He's good at getting the ball rolling with these group reads.

I didn't mean to suggest that Mark doesn't do a good job. I'm just saying that, for me, it's not the best way to read a book. I've only done two GRs and I'm still waiting to participate in The Plague, a book I really liked whereas Midnight's Children was a book that I didn't care much for, although I did finish reading it.

Bonnie- Sorry to hear you won't be joining us for the Murakami! I want to also add that I think the positives of the G.R. experience out weigh the negatives. I enjoy the pleasure of reading and discussing a book as a group. If it's not your thing, no problem, I just appreciate you jumping aboard on Midnight's Children.

Benita- Thanks for the kind remarks! I kind of just set it up and the readers make it come alive! Did you ever finish the Rushdie?

Well, I know I'm going to read at my usual pace. No way am I going to read a book over 3-4 weeks! It would be rare if I took 3-4 days to finish a book--if it's fiction, that is. But I just want to try a GR; it will add to my experience of the book, I'm thinking. I'm going to have to try Benita's strategy of writing notes as I go, then I'll just post them later at the appropriate time.

I didn't realize there was a group read for The Plague. I've had it on my "must read very soon!" list forever (rendering the "must read very soon" status obsolete, I suppose...) I'll most definitely have to pick it up, well, soon!

I did not finish Midnight's Children. I got about half-way through and had to return it to the library. I had already reached my limit on re-checks and haven't gotten back there to get it. I do plan on finishing it. It just won't be in the next two months. I started on Norwegian Wood today.

:) I did read and not like Bloodroot, but someone else read it recently.. jody maybe?? dunno... just passing through on my way t my book
*waves*

Bonniebooks- So, are you going to try the Murakami or are you waiting for something else? Did you ever vote on my King Arthur poll, in msg#23? That one should be a good time too!

Stephen- It's great having you stop by! It's probably not to late to jump into The Plague G.R. and think about Norwegian Wood! Love to have you!

Benita- I'll be making up the weekly threads, here in a couple of days!

Kath- I thought you were a Bloodroot detractor! Waving back!!

Hi Mark -- just passing through to say hello.

Me too - just passing through to say hello.

The Plague sounds good - I've never read Camus.

>178 msf59:: Wa' chu talking about, Mark?! I was the one who led the charge for Norwegian Wood. How could I not be in the GR?! :-)

Hi Anne & Karen! Good to see you both!
Bonnie, Bonnie, Bonnie- I'm sorry, how could I forget! Just a bit spacey, trying to keep everything in line. I will try to stay more focused, I will try...

I finished the audio of Horns today, my first Joe Hill and it was quite good. He has inherited his father's dark touch! (His Pop being Stephen King)

You'll like Heart Shaped Box then. I still haven't read the short collection.

Heart-Shaped Box is wonderful.

I don't usually like short stories, and 20th Century Ghosts lived down to my expectations - meh. And, they weren't really ghost stories at all (grumble).

Horns was excellent.

Two out of three. I'll keep buying his novels, but won't bother with his short stories.

Glad you enjoyed Horns, Mark. And Heart-Shaped Box was definitely creepy in that great I-need-someone-close-by-so-I-can-read-this-book sort of way.

And another thumbs-up for Heart-Shaped Box from me. I've got 20th Century Ghosts on Mt TBR, and am resisting Horns at the bookshop...

My sister has a copy of Heart-Shaped Box, so I plan on snatching it from her, in the next couple of months!

Hi, Mark - Oh, Wizard and Master of the Group Read -

Just stopping by to keep your thread on the top of my starred threads and up to date in reading posts. Wouldn't want to miss a terrific book or a terrific review!

Luv, Ruthie

Hi Ruthie! "Wizard and Master"? Oh not me, my friend, I'm just a simple letter-carrier, who also happens to be a major "book geek"!

Speaking of G.R.s! I noticed a few of us have recently acquired a copy of Blindness. Would anyone be up for a Group Read of it? The only problem is, we would have to wait until September. The other option is just to read it on our own. Let me know your thoughts!

I mentioned finishing and enjoying Horns. There is a good video of Joe Hill discussing the book, over on Amazon: right here

Hi Mark, popping up from under the avalanche of your threads here and dancing with glee that I've received The Plague in my mailbox today. Looking forward to reading it after all the rave reviews

Hi Caroline, my favorite world-traveler!
I finished Walking to Gatlinburg yesterday and as an added treat, I got to attend a book-signing by the author, which included a discussion and slide-show, which covered many of the locations, that our young hero visited in the novel. Mosher came across very well, like a beloved uncle. I need to make time to read his other works!
BTW, the book is excellent, review forthcoming!

Isn't it nice when some authors whose books you've enjoyed turn out to be enjoyable people when you meet them as well? I am sometimes disappointed by some authors met during book-signings when they turn out to be less than interesting in person. I think my favorite of all authors met during a book signing was Mark Salzman of Iron and Silk fame, among other books. He was delightful and shared a great many anecdotes around how he wrote, and how he got some of his story ideas. Didn't hurt that he was good looking too. ;-)

Caroline, since you like Salzman so much, have you read True Notebooks? It's about his experience supporting prisoners as writers. It's so good on so many levels.

Mark,

How wonderful to be able to hear the author of a book you've just read and loved! Lucky you:)

#193: I like Salzman too, so I am stealing the suggestion of True Notebooks. Thanks, Bonnie!

I also read True Notebooks a few years ago and thought it was very good. Unfortunately, it's the only book I've read by him. I need to remedy that problem!

Brenzi- Yes, a very nice experience! I wish I could have chatted with him longer. This is my first book-signing in many years, might have to try it again!

I finished The Invention of Hugo Cabret. It was absolutely wonderful! If you are still not sure about graphic novels or you just want to get lost in a beautiful book, give this one a try!

#196: I loved The Invention of Hugo Cabret although I never considered it a graphic novel, I just thought of it as a beautiful children's book. I had to wait for a while for my local library to get it in, but it was worth the wait.

Fine! I can't take it anymore! Added to the wish list!

Mark, yes, I've read True Notebooks and I thought it was amazing work. I was impressed by the way he managed to get the prisoners to come out of their shell and start writing, and in doing so, find their voice in a medium where they didn't feel they had to put up a harsh front. I've actually read all his books thus far released.

#196, 197 I have finally caved in and ordered The Invention of Hugo Cabret from the library - it sounds wonderful :-)

Oh, I just bought Hugo Cabret last week, without knowing much about it, except when I picked it up I could not put it down. Beautiful is the would I would use also, Stasia. I stopped reading and am using it as my carrot to get me to to read and review my ER books. When those are done I'm allowing myself to keep reading this beautiful book.

Stasia- That's a good point about Hugo Cabret being a graphic novel or not. There is text and then wordless illustrations and the whole story alternates like that. I'm not an expert yet, so I'm not sure how to classify it but one thing is for sure: This is a Great Book!

Deirdra, Heather & Susan- You shall not be disappointed!

I know I'm going to get some snickering and eye-rolling on this one but I'm halfway through the audio of Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter and it's actually not too bad. The author has mixed in enough fact with the fiction, that it kind of works! And one thing I learned is, the reason Abe habitually wore those long frock coats, was that he could conceal all of his "tools", you know the stakes and assorted throwing knives! Who said books are a waste of time?

I added it to my wishlist mainly for my daughter who loved Jane Eyre and Zombies or something like that. Also added Hugo Cabret. You are getting as dangerous as Stasia with all the recommendations! :)
--BJ

I know I'm going to get some snickering and eye-rolling on this one but I'm halfway through the audio of Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter

OMG! I think my eyes have rolled under the couch, I've got to go find them! LOL! As long as you're enjoying yourself, that's all that matters, Mark!

LOL .... this is one career I bet Honest Abe never thought he'd be signing up for. Is it a fun book so far, Mark?

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter huh? Hmmm, that must have been covered in high school when I was skipping school ;-)

#202: I'm not an expert yet, so I'm not sure how to classify it but one thing is for sure: This is a Great Book!

That is all that really matters, isn't it? I am not sure how it all got started with all the genre breaking down - when I was growing up a book was either Fiction or Nonfiction - but if the book is not any good, who cares what genre it is?

#204 rofl!

passing through to catch up mark! :)

BJ- Your daughter might like this one, plus she my learn a little history, it's actually pretty well-researched. Abe was introduced to his first vampire at 8 years old, so this covers much of his childhood and young adulthood. Did you know Abe could throw an axe thirty yards and hit a bulls-eye every time. Works great on those pesky blood-suckers! And you can not go wrong with the Hugo Cabret!!
Bonnie- I hope you found your eyes, okay? Dusted them off a little and popped 'em back in?
Caroline- Yes, it is fun and if I hadn't stumbled upon it, on audio, I doubt very much that I would have tried it!
Stasia- Amen, sister!
Kath- Careful, rolling around like that!

33) Horns by Joe Hill ***1/2
First of all, I hope this doesn’t happen to any of my friends here, but Ig Perrish is a depressed young man, who wakes up one morning after a particularly rough night of drinking and finds that he has grown horns. They are about finger length and the tips are very sensitive. He, of course, rushes to the doctor’s office for a consultation and quickly realizes he can read the dark thoughts of anyone he encounters. This is mostly, very unsettling!
Ig’s depression was brought on by the brutal murder of his true-love, a couple years earlier and to make matters worse, he was the main suspect. He is eventually exonerated and spends his time moping and grieving. Now with his “Horns” and their eerie power, he decides to hunt down the killer. This is a twisted and wicked read! It is funny, disturbing, and at it’s heart, a love story.

#210: Not one I will be reading. Just not my cup of tea.

>210 msf59: Sounds like a riot. LOL you had me chuckling in your review so...

34) Walking to Gatlinburg by Howard Frank Mosher *****

It is March 1864, the Civil War is still raging in the South and in northern Vermont, Morgan Kinneson, a strapping seventeen year old, is escorting an aging runaway slave named Jesse to an Underground Railroad station. This is the last stop before the man can be safely transported to Canada. What happens here, changes Morgan’s life forever and he dedicates himself to an impossible mission, finding his older brother, a Union doctor, who disappeared at the battle of Gettysburg.
On foot, armed with his trusty musket, a few provisions and six dollars, Morgan heads on his long trek south. Complicating the journey, a group of sinister and murderous escaped convicts are on the loose and they are looking for Morgan and something Jesse may have slipped him. Besides dodging these brutal, relentless criminals, Morgan also meets an array of many other memorable characters, including an old gypsy, who entrusts the boy to an enormous gift, an Irish girl named Birdcall, a brief encounter with the President, an extended visit with a kind Amish family and eventually meeting another runaway slave, this one a young spirited girl, about his own age. Her name is Slidell and she quickly becomes his faithful traveling partner, as they realize their fates are somehow entwined.
This is a wonderful story, filled with adventure, humor, love and a dash of magic. One reviewer called his style: Cormac McCarthy meets Mark Twain. That nails it perfectly!

I escaped Stasia's weekend list with but a scratch, I breezed through Darryl, I waltzed past Richard ... and just as I'm starting to feel rather pleased with myself and the day ... I come singing onto your thread and am harshly halted in the face of these 2 delightful reviews.

You had me chortling at Horns and eager to join in the adventure of Walking to Gatlinburg. Needless to say, I've had to take a few minutes to add these 2 to my obese wish list.

have a good Sunday, Mark my dear

#214: and just as I'm starting to feel rather pleased with myself and the day

Now you should know better than to do that, Caro!

Hi, Mark -

I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of Walking to Gatlinburg. Glad you liked it.

Have a wonderful Sunday by yourself or with you and yours together doiong something fun and relaxing.

Love, Ruthie

Stasia- Yes, Horns is not for everyone! Although, if you admire his Pop, Stephen King, this falls in line with his kind of horror!
Hi Susan!!
Caroline- Sorry to do that to you and just before your departing! Thanks for the kind words and have a safe trip!
Ruthie- I always enjoy your visits. They brighten my day! In between some house chores and visiting LT, I'm also trying to squeeze in some prime reading time. I also need to start my review of Hugo Cabret. Another amazing book!

#217: I do not do horror. Period. Just me, I know, but I do not like Stephen King's books or any other horror for that matter.

Mark, I look forward to your review of Hugo Cabret. I'm so glad you liked it as much as I did.

I'll be adding Walking to Gatlinburg to my wishlist. Great review.

Not a fan of Dad King, but Horns sounds sort of intriguing...

Stasia- I'll have to remember that, my friend!
Anne- It's good to see you and thanks, "Gatlinburg" is probably my favorite read, so far!
Kath- You might want to go with your gut on that one! If you aren't a fan of Dad King, I'm not so sure...

Added Walking to Gatlinburg to my WL as well!

Mark, I wish you would quit reading and listening to these great-sounding books. I can easily pass up on Horns, but Walking to Gatlinburg is just my kind of book. Adventure, humor, love, and magic...what's not to like?

I'm trying to decide if I should add Horns to be tbr pile. You gave it 3.5 stars. Would you recommend it?

Deirdra- It's a keeper!
Donna- Welcome home, my friend! It's good to see you! Were you a fan of Cold Mountain?
Linda- Yes, I would recommend it! I think 3 stars or above is worth reading but maybe I should have stated it anyway!

Ha! Ha! Mark, a 17-year-old asked me if I'd read Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter and thanks to you, I could sound 'with it.' :-)

I haven't heard of Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter before, but I have been eyeing off Queen Victoria Demon Hunter at the bookshop for a few months now.

Horns has been on my wishlist for a few weeks already...

Bonnie- See now you are cool! (I all-ready knew it but now they do!)

Wookie- What's making it work, is that the author mixes in so much historical fact. He is pushing it a bit though. Did you know the Civil War was not fought for slavery or secession but for vampire dominance? See, now you do!

BTW- I started another graphic, another rec from my friends here. It's Maus I and it begins superbly. I'm also looking forward to starting Tinkers tomorrow!

The Maus books are so amazing. Imagine, Mark, if that was your very first graphic novel about a serious topic. It's been at least fifteen years since I read them, so I want to read them again.

Well it sounds like Maus I should be my second graphic after Stitches.

Okay, Gang of Friends -

Where do I find the graphic novels in the Library? YA?

I guess I grab a few titles here from all of you and look on the library website.

Mark ... I'm kind of intrigued by the Lincoln/Vampire book, since my blood transfusions I've been thinking I should check out more vampire lit. Hee hee.

We are gonna watch Cold Mountain on DVD tonight or tomorrow night, it's been soooooo long since I've seen it.

Actually, in our public library, they're shelved in nonfiction under 741. Although, recently they've pulled 'em and put 'em in a separate bookcase by themselves.

Bonniebooks- Actually Stitches was also my first and that was pretty serious. As far as Maus goes, it's interesting how he makes the good characters mice and the bad ones cats.
Hi Ruthie- My library has a Graphic Novel section but some of them are also in the adult fiction aisles, so you'll probably just have to ask.

Oh, Maus is superb. I think it was the first graphic novel I read, serious or otherwise. (Did some spring cleaning on the weekend, and dug through my old piles of comics. I could have gotten quite lost in there... Time to eBay some of them anyhow and clear some shelf space.)

Graphic novels are found in the YA section of our library, apart from another shelf on the "new books" trolley. I'm not sure why there's always so many new graphic novels - if it's some sort of short-term filing issue (short-term meaning "about a year or so", though) or if they really ARE buying that many graphic novels! I let my husband riffle through them all to find the ones worth reading, I trust his judgement there.

Our graphic novels are in the YA section and have "Comic" on the spine along with the DD number! I have Stitches checked out but haven't "read" it yet.

>225 msf59:: And, yes, Mark, I am a fan of Cold Mountain, both the book and movie. Have fun watching the movie, Ruthie. Are you up for eating popcorn yet? My granddaughters find it hard to watch a movie without it. "It's traditional, Grandma!" I got to watch the Hannah Montana movie twice while I was in Kansas City.

No, I'm paying attention, Mark. ;-) I knew you had read Stitches. I meant that the Maus books were my first graphic novels.

Hugo Cabret reminds me of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Foer. That book uses illustrations in much the same manner as does Hugo Cabret. Somebody once told me that Extremely Loud was an example of a Post-Modern novel because of the mixture of text and graphics.

Thank God, somebody else made the connection between Walking to Gatlinburg and Cold Mountain.....and Horns???? Still too long a list at the Library (Waiting List) and several copies that were available have gone, er, "missing"...so i will wait until the Hoopla is over...

;-}

Wookie- Yes, I'm enjoying Maus!

Donna- Glad to hear you are a fan of Cold Mountain. I'm hoping you will like Walking to Gatlinburg as well!

Bonnie- It's great to see you focused, my friend! Folks are getting excited about the Group Read of Norwegian Wood, (which starts Saturday) and this makes my little heart soar!

Benita- Thanks to Bonnie, I have Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close high on my wishlist! Boy, I loved Hugo Cabret! I'm a broken record, right?

Jude- Nice to see you! Are you a fan of Cold Mountain?

35) The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick *****

This book begins like a silent film, setting the story up through a series of illustrations. We find ourselves hovering over the Earth and then descending into Paris and entering a colossal train station, where we spot a boy, sliding through the shadows. This is Hugo. He is twelve years old and is an assistant clock-keeper, maintaining the large number of old-fashioned clocks scattered throughout the station. He befriends an old man and a young girl that operate a toy stall and this friendship leads the boy to an exciting and dangerous adventure. This is a wonderful tale of youth and magic, that unfolds through a bewitching combination of prose and images. I cannot recommend it higher!

Mark

I agree with you regarding The Invention of Hugo Cabret. The story line and the illustrations are incredible!

I agree with you too. I loved that one!

Horns???? Still too long a list at the Library (Waiting List) and several copies that were available have gone, er, "missing"...

None of the libraries in our county system have even gotten Horns yet! GRRR!

My 10 year old DD has read Hugo several times and there is normally a wait list for it at her school. Here in Texas it was a Bluebonnet book for school children 2 years ago.

I have now been convinced that I want to read Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter and can't wait to read Walking to Gatlinburg. Cold Mountain and March are 2 books I enjoyed immensely. I love combining my enjoyment of fiction with my addiction to history. Thanks for your great reviews.

I'm definitely going to look for Hugo Mark.

My new nickname for you is going to be - Mark, the book magnet/mail carrier extraordinaire.

Love, Ruthie

Terri- Good luck with your search for Horns! That's frustrating!

Michele- I wish I could have read something like Hugo Cabret back in my grade school days. Wow! And thanks for your kind comments! I was zipping through Amazon, checking the reviews on Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter and was pleasantly surprised how many positive reviews there were. I think what makes it work, is that he treats the history seriously and has researched it so well. Funny, at the end of the audiobook, there is an interview with the author and he mentioned that he was busy writing the screenplay!

Bonnie- I really think you'll like Hugo!

Ruthie- "the book magnet/mail carrier extraordinaire" Some of my customers may not agree but I might put that on my new business cards anyway!

I was listening to the podcast of "Books on the Nightstand" and they mentioned another incredible book, (this is where I heard about Walking to Gatlinburg). It's a non-fiction book called Hellhound on His Trail by Hampton Sides and it's about the assassination of Martin Luther King and the pursuit of James Earl Ray. This author is amazing, I read his book Ghost Soldiers last year and it was excellent!

not looking...nope, nope not reading message 247 wherein you recommend yet more great books....

peeking...maybe peeking and quickly moving along....

It's that dang BOTN podcast! Who told you about that? Darn them!

>247 msf59: BOTN also mentioned a new book by Yann Martel (Life of Pi that I know I don't want to read but you're right that Hellbound on My Trail sounds good.

C'mon, Linda play along! What's a few more bucks!

Joanne- Thanks to you, BOTNS is my favorite podcast!

Bonnie- I made a mistake on the title of the Hampton Sides book. It's called Hellhound on His Trail. This sounds like it might be in the same league as Manhunt, which I found outstanding. And yes, BOTNS also talked about Yann Martel's new novel Beatrice and Virgil, which has been getting lackluster reviews. Michael mentioned that it was a very good novel and to give it a shot!

Mark
A few more bucks=a few more books....

What an obsession this is....

I vow to read the books off my shelves and then I visit threads and quickly do a search at my local library...bring home stacks to read in three mere weeks and put lots of miles on my car going back and forth from library to home..from home to library...

Hampton Sides was interviewed on NPR this last week as well. Apparently this is a hot book. Probably because of the subject matter. It is rather sensational. Perhaps sensationalized, even.

I enjoyed Sides' Ghost Soldiers too, Mark, so I will definitely be looking for the newest one. Thanks for the mention!

Linda- "What an obsession this is...." You got that right, sister!

Benita- I'll have to look for that interview! He calls the new book narrative non-fiction!

Stasia- I also have a spanking new unread copy of his 1st book, Blood and Thunder, about Kit Carson, sitting on the shelf. Have you read Manhunt?

BTW- Loving Tinkers and will be starting the audio of The Historian today. This will take awhile, it's a big ole book. A couple people from work have been reading this and have been nudging me in that direction.

#255: Yes, I read Manhunt several years ago (if you are talking about the Swanson book.) I really liked it.

YO! I am a "fan" of Cold Mountain....the book & the movie..

........psst..you need a new thread...by the time i get to the goodies..i'll be drawing Social Security...

jk
:-

Stasia- Yes, I was referring to Swanson's Manhunt. Incredible stuff!

Jude- Glad you were a fan of Cold Mountain. I know it has it's detractors. Like Richard... where is that man anyway? He used to be an occasional visitor but must have moved onto greener...
Jude- Did you read The Historian? It's an epic vampire story. Right up your Alley!

>257 jdthloue: Yes, Mark-a-doodle-do does need a new thread, but I think he's too shy to put up a *fifth* thread before June. Y'know, that whole terror-of-hubris thing, lest the gawds strike him down.

Richard- You just made my day! Thanks for stopping in! And yes I will get the new thread up shortly!

Norwegian Wood G.R. begins Saturday! Start your engines!

The thread police are hot on my trail, so here we go folks: right here

Closing out an amazing month of reading!!