LauraBrook's 75 in 2013: Chapter 2

Hello, friends! Welcome to my second thread for the year - please, grab something to drink, something to read, and make yourselves comfortable!






image found via mlkshk

Books Read

1. Evan Blessed by Rhys Bowen (Jan 1)
2. Glaciers by Alexis M. Smith (Jan 14)
3. Winter Shadows by Margaret Buffie (Jan 14)
4. Under the North Light: The Life and Work of Maud and Miska Petersham by Lawrence Webster (Jan 19)
5. Evanly Bodies by Rhys Bowen (Jan 18)
6. Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern (Jan 19)
7. King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard (Jan 21)
8. Esio Trot by Roald Dahl (Jan 21)
9. Torcello, the Jewel of the Lagoon by Giovanni Musolino (Jan 23)
10. Chivalry by Neil Gaiman (Jan 23)
11. Girl With A One-Track Mind by Abby Lee (Jan 23)
12. The Seventh Month by Lisa Gardner (Jan 24)
13. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (Jan 25)
14. The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce (Jan 27)
15. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (Jan 28)
16. Snow, Glass, Apples by Neil Gaiman (Jan 28)
17. M is for Magic by Neil Gaiman (Feb)
18. Abstract City by Christoph Niemann (Feb)
19. Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman (Feb)
20. Moominpappa's Memoirs by Tove Jansson (Feb)
21. Lost and Found by Shaun Tan (Feb)
22. The Sigh by Marjane Satrapi (Feb)
23. Serenity: Those Left Behind by the Whedon boys (feb)
24. Serenity: Better Days by same (feb)
25. Serenity: The Shepherd's Tale by same (feb)
26. Emma, Volume 1 by Kaoru Mori (Feb)
27. Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell (Mar 1)
28. Vampire Loves by Joann Sfar (Mar 1)
29. A Regency Invitation to the House Party of the Season by Nicola Cornick (Mar?)
30. A Passage to India by E.M. Forster (Mar ?)
31. We Are On Our Own by Miriam Katin (Mar?)
32. Everyone's Reading Bastard by Nick Hornby (Mar ?)
33. The Hangman by Louise Penny (Mar ?)
34. Heads in Beds by Jacob Tomsky (Mar 13)
35. Soulless by Gail Carriger (Mar 13)
36. Emma, Vol. 3 by Kaoru Mori (Mar 13)
37. Emma, Vol. 4 by Kaoru Mori (Mar 13)
38. Emma, Vol. 5 by Kaoru Mori (Mar 20)
39. Emma, Vol. 6 by Kaoru Mori (Mar 20)
40. My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf (Mar 19)
41. Upstairs & Downstairs by Sarah W (Mar 19)
42. Emma, Vol. 7 by Kaoru Mori (Mar 20)

Hi there - remember me? I sure hope so.

The last few weeks have been a blur, a busy, achey (sp?), exhausting blur. While it's nice to do a lot of massages, it's also crazy-making. The library has been going well too, and I'm more used to the stooping and squatting than before. Last week I trained for a job as a clerk/checkout lady at a small health food/supplement store attached to my chiropractor's office, and this Friday is my first day. There's a lot to learn, but someone will always be nearby to answer any questions, and it's not that busy most of the time, so I should be alright.

And uh...yeah! That's been my life! My new normal is to have 1 day off a week, Sundays, and that day I spend almost the entire time napping on the couch, in bed, or in the recliner. I'm wiped. This past Sunday was Easter (I hope that all of yours were happy ones!), and my parents picked up Chinese (our regular, apparently) and came over to hang out. I planned on making a cake from scratch, but that was nuts, so I bought a creepy bunny cake at our favorite local bakery instead. It was just as good, if not better, because it was no extra work for me!

I've been reading, a little, and while I have a few books to update here, I'm hoping to have some more in the near future. For now, though, I'm going to try and catch up a bit with all of your threads (it's been something like a month - sorry!), have another glass of wine, and not do anything productive.

It's so nice to be back. :)

It's good to have you back! I wouldn't have survived your last couple weeks.

So glad to see you back, Laura.

I'm glad you're doing well, Laura!

Woohoo, Laura's back!

Laura! Hi! *Hugs*

I'm tired now after reading that update. Hope you get some rest soon!

*big hugs* Hi Laura! Life sounds a bit nutso. I have mad respect for you holding down 3 jobs. I could never do it. One is more than enough for me. :)

Hi Laura! Sorry things have been so hectic lately. I used to have a crazy schedule like that when I was working full time and then teaching piano. Take care, have some more wine, and get some rest!

Hi, Laura! Woo, you're working a lot. Positive thoughts for some good relaxation time for you.

We missed you at the meetup. Hopefully we can see you next time.

Beautiful spring flowers up top!

Laura

Three jobs? Oh, my, no wonder you are tired on your day off.

Sending hugs to you.

I pulled the two jobs and grad school thing for about a year and a half a few years back. It was horrible. I feel your pain.

I think three jobs means you deserve three glasses of wine!

Hi Laura, I hope you're hanging in there ok.

I missed the Chicago meet-up this time, too. Hope I can see you again sometime soon.

Take care and get some rest, if you can.

*Stress-reducing hugs*

Hi Laura- Just checking in. Missed you at the Meet-Up. You would have had a great time. Maybe next time. Good luck with your hard-working life.

Welcome back! I thought my life was crazy with two jobs and here I see you have three!
15 I think Judy has the right idea, wine always helps ;)

good grief... I lost you... but now you are found.

Checking in to see how you are my dear.

Hello once again! I've got a free hour or so before I have to leave for work again (it's massage this time), so I thought I'd try and catch up a little bit with all of my friends! I really miss you guys! (And on a wine note, I opened a box that I bought in January and it's nearly empty - almost a box this month! Yikes! And yes, I do love me some Franzia!)

I've gotten a few books read, and will just list them below with ratings. It's been awhile since I've finished some of them, and my memory stinks.

Books 43, 44, 45: Emma, Vols. 8, 9, & 10 by Kaoru Mori 4 stars for 8 and 9, and 4.5 stars for 10

Book 46: Micrographica by Renee French 3 stars

Book 47: Sailor Twain: or, The Mermaid In The Hudson by Mark Siegel 4 stars

Books 48 and 49: No Voyage, and Other Poems and The River Styx, Ohio, and Other Poems by Mary Oliver 4.5 and 4 stars, respectively

Book 50: Official Book Club Selection by Kathy Griffin (I both listened to and read this one) 4.25 stars

Book 51: Jane Austen's Guide to Good Manners by Josephine Ross 3 stars (4 stars for the illustrations, though)

There have been several DNF's too, but I didn't keep track of those.

This weekend is Dewey's Read-a-Thon, and I've got both Saturday and Sunday off for this - I'M SO EXCITED!!! I'll try and update here as much as I can, and my only goal for this year is to read 3 books, and one of them must be a book-book, not a graphic novel/audio book. I'll either read a lot or a little, it depends on how wiped out I am from this week.

It was my 5th Thingaversary at the beginning of the month :) and I bought myself 6 books to celebrate - they're still on their way to me (and I don't really remember what I bought!), so I'll update you guys with that list once they arrive.

If you want to see some pictures of my work (the library) and the creepy bunny cake, head on over to my blog (http://pleasepardontheinterruption.blogspot.com) to check it out! I'm too lazy to repost things, and that's where I'll be doing most of my read-a-thon updates this weekend, so if you want to keep track on how crazy I'm getting as it gets later and later, that's the place to be! I do try to update on a semi-regular basis, but as you can see, I've hardly been there at all lately. Hoping that will change, but no guarantees!

And I think that's it for now! Going to try and catch up with a few of you guys and finish eating my early dinner of salad with turkey, cheese, pecans and delicious-but-bad-for-you honey mustard dressing. YUM!

Happy late Thingaversary!

Hi Laura! Glad to see you!

Nice pictures of your library. :) Hope you have an epic time with the readathon.

Glad you've been able to do the LT tango for a bit, Laura. Good to see the Emma series was a positive experience for you. I got a kick out of those. I just read the first volume of A Bride's Story and liked it. Others had said her artwork improves, and it's true.

Oh my goodness, did I ever need that read-a-thon! You know how you get to the point where you can't stand the sight of anyone and you feel like punching something? That's where I was before the 'thon. Not a good place at all, I can tell you that. Now, I'm much better. Partly due to 2 days at home, uninterrupted to read and nap to my hearts' content, and partly because after that, my schedule has been a little less insane since then. Like today, for example - All I have to do is work at the library from 3 til 6! I've been washing up (both dishes and clothes), watching DVDs that need returning, reading a bit, sorting through junk mail/paperwork, taking care of the birds outside, etc. It's been really a nice day. My parents even stopped by for lunch! Reminds me of the "old days" when I had hardly an employment to speak of, a cleaner house, and a happier and relaxed conscience!

At any rate, here are the four books that I managed to read during the 'thon:

Book 52: The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King

I totally loved this first book in the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series. In it, we meet Mary Russell, and Sherlock, Watson, and Mrs. Hudson, while Sherlock is living in "retirement" in Sussex. The friendship between Mary and Holmes is wonderful, and Laurie King does an excellent job capturing the feeling of the Holmes stories while believably showing each character in the future. I don't know how in the world I've managed to avoid this series for so long, and I regret not picking it up sooner. Many thanks to my friend Erica for pushing me towards it! 4.25 stars

Book 53: Sizeable Reflections ed. by Shelly Bovey

This British short collection of (slightly dated) essays on being a big woman and living life to the fullest was inspiring and made me feel quite a lot better about myself. It may be a bit hard to get a hold of a copy, but if it sounds interesting to you, then I highly suggest seeking one out. 4.5 stars

Book 54: Max Hamm, Fairy Tale Detective by Frank Cammuso

This short GN would be a real treat to anyone who enjoys either retellings of fairy tales or hardboiled detective stories - if you enjoy both, you'll love this! Puns, apropo illustrations, and a lot of fun are packed into these pages - 3.5 stars

Book 55: Soulless, the Manga: Vol. 1 by Gail Carriger and Rem

A lovely interpretation of the book, and I'm looking forward to volume 2! 4 stars

And these are the books that I've managed to finish since then:

Books 56, 57, 58 & 59: A Bride's Story, Vol. 1 -4 by Kaoru Mori

You can really tell how much Kaoru's artwork has advanced between writing the Emma series and this one. The story and setting are brand-new to me, so it makes this series even more interesting. Set during the 19th Century on/in/near the Silk Road, it tells the tale of a few different women's lives and how they came to be married, their nomadic tribes, what life is like for them now (as compared to before they were married), etc. It's fascinating! I can't recommend them highly enough, and while I thought I'd at least like them, I found myself absolutely in love with them! 5 stars each

Book 60: The Case of Madeleine Smith by Rick Geary

Yet another GN, it tells the true story of the alleged crimes of Victorian lady Madeleine Smith. Part of a larger series focusing on Victorian crimes both infamous and not, the stark black-and-white drawings are pitch-perfect for the tale, with just enough teasing and quotations to quickly pull you through. Excellent, and I've got a few more of these on my dining room table ready to be gobbled up! 4 stars

Book 61: Tomorrow When The War Began by John Marsden

A choice for one of my book clubs, I didn't care for it at all. Nothing overtly bad stuck out, it just didn't do anything for me. We were split as a group (half loved it and half didn't really care either way), and I'm relieved to FINALLY not be pulled into yet another long series! 3 stars

Book 62: Elegant Enigmas: The Art of Edward Gorey by Karen Wilkin

A very nice collection of his artwork, a small biography very nicely written by Ms. Wilkin, and a good way to spend an hour or so. Recommended for fans - 3.9 stars

Book 63: After Visiting Friends: A Son's Story by Michael Hainey

Wow. Michael is a great writer (no surprise considering his family tree) and this was such a compulsively readable book about his investigation of his father's mysterious death when he was a boy, that I picked it up to see what it was like and read over 60 pages before I looked up. Really and truly excellent, and while I won't spoil the ending (that'd be too cruel), I will say that it wasn't what I was expecting to happen. Hainey writes some small scenes that are powerful and that feel too honest and specific to seemingly be applicable to anyone but he and you - but then I suspect that most of us have had moments of clarity like that in our lives. Really wonderful, and I'll be looking for a copy to add to my bookshelf. 4.5 stars

Wow, lots of great reading, Laura. Glad you're finally getting a bit of a break.

I had a few days off and the one day I sat outside to read, I dozed off.

Glad you got some R & R (relax and read) time, Laura! Lots of good reading there. I had the same reaction to Tomorrow When the War Began, which was disappointing, as it's highly touted by its fans. Great to hear subsequent volumes of A Bride's Story maintain the high quality of the first.

Hey Laura, I have a copy of After Visiting Friends if you would like it.

You're blazing through books like a fiend!!

:)

I forgot about 2 books!

Book 64: The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond

I'm a late-comer to the Pioneer Woman world, but I'm sure a fan of hers now! My Mom is the one who really introduced me to Ree and her life, and it's her books that I've been reading. This particular cookbook was tummy-grumble-inducing and beautiful to look at. Too bad Ree wasn't in my teeny kitchen too cook everything for me! 4 stars

Book 65: Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley

Yet another book about food, this makes me wish I had the capability to write a similar memoir. I really liked her first food memoir, French Milk, and you can tell that Ms. Knisley has grown by leaps and bounds both in terms of storytelling and artwork. Lucky enough to have foodie parents, Lucy grew up in and around great food/chefs/eating/restaurants. This book hopscotches around her memory, doling out advice, recipes, and moments from her past with pitch-perfect illustrations. A total delight and pleasure to read. 5 stars!

*********************************************

27: Hi Linda! It's nice to see you, yours is one of the (many) threads that I have yet to catch up with. Sorry! Sleeping outside while reading sounds like a perfect occupation, if you ask me, though it is a little hard to read while your eyes are closed. :)

28: Hola, Joe! I'm glad to see another person wasn't enthralled with "Tomorrow When..." too, and to find another Bride's Story fan! The fifth in the series comes out this fall, and I can hardly wait to see what happens with all of the characters. I think each volume improves, if I'm honest.

29: Nancy, I'll take you up on the offer if you've still got it! Just let me know how much you want for it, and I'll set it aside for you. Thank you! How are you doing these days? Is Le Reve still being remodeled/expanded? I haven't been there since you and I were there in January.

30: Tina, I'm trying, and thankfully most of them are chock full of pictures! I have to check out your thread and see all about your wedding/honeymoon, it's been too long!

Le Reve is up and running! Will trade you book for a cup of coffee and conversation when you can fit it in!

Laura- Just checking in. Good to see you still pounding through the books. Keep it up. Hope you had a terrific weekend.

Nancy, that's a deal! I'll keep you posted when I have some free time (hopefully within the next couple of weeks) and we can set something up!

Hiya Mark! I'm doing my darndest to get through the books - just wish more of them were from my own shelves and not the ones at work! Hope you're doing well too, will have to stop by your thread later and see what you've been up to!

Books 66 & 67: The Borden Tragedy & Lovers' Lane: The Hall-Mills Mystery by Rick Geary

I'm really enjoying this series on 19th and 20th century unsolved crimes. Mr. Geary's linework is pitch-perfect for these stories and it's always just the right amount of information that's included. I highly recommend the series if it sounds at all interesting. In Borden, I learned about a few new pieces of information that I hadn't known about previously (and this after watching a few TV programs about the crime) and found it even more fascinating than before. In Lovers Lane, this was an entirely new-to-me crime about an adulterous couple found murdered in a farming field in New Jersey. To this day, no one has been convicted, but the shoddiness of the police work and the amount of suspects is really alarming. 4.5 stars to each book.

Book 68: Simon's Cat in Kitten Chaos by Simon Tofield

Yet another delightfully funny and charming entry into the Simon's Cat universe. I chuckled and laughed at this book more than the others, simply because I have 2 cats and could really appreciate the love/hate relationship shown here. If you have a cat, know a cat, love cats, or just animals in general, you'd certainly enjoy this book! 5 stars

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I'm working most of the day today, though I did get a "reprieve" from my first appointment. My client woke up with food poisoning (awful) which means that I have at least another hour and a half at home this morning (lovely)! So I've been watching a program about Madame Chiang Kai-Shek, having some coffee and about to make breakfast. It's really the little things that make me happy these days. :) After work this afternoon, I'm stopping at one of my bosses houses to get keys and instructions for taking care of her cats this week, and then I'm going into my massage office. I'm hoping that I can get out of there within an hour, but I don't think that'll happen.

There are several things that need doing, and it's going to take a while. I'm switching the massage tables out (bringing mine in from home), cleaning, and putting up some more "decorations" in my room. I've been told that my massage room is kind of an energetic "dead zone" (and I agree, but it's actually kind of nice for me since I'm so sensitive to that stuff) and the owner, her idiot daughter who also works there, and the Ayurvedic nutritionist that works there have all decided what needs to be done to "my" room to increase the energy. I'm okay with making a few changes, but I'd like to make them myself and/or approve what will be done. Apparently, that's not something that they're even considering. Things like replacing the broken stereo on the wall with an enormous circa-1992 stereo system that doesn't fit anywhere so it requires moving/adding furniture into a room that isn't that big to begin with. And adding fake ivy vines along the ceiling (ugh - the dust!), and painting flowers around a mirror that gets switched with another, larger, mirror sometimes. And adding a wind chime so it makes noise every time a door is opened/closed in the office - um, no, annoying! And adding "lots" of pictures to the walls - NO!!!!! The rest of the place is visual chaos and I'm purposely trying to keep my room as minimal and visually quiet as possible. We have a clock, a medium-sized mirror, and a large illustration of a beech forest on the walls - that's it! There are also 3 doorways in my room (the main door, a pocket door to connect with the other massage room for couples appointments, and the furnace/storage room). That's plenty of visual "interest" for me! They want to add badly framed copies of masterpiece artworks with the artist name and title written in fairly large print all over the place - NO AGAIN!!! I have a strict "no words" policy in my massage room as it's distracting both to myself and the clients. You end up reading and looking at the letters and not the picture itself! UGH! It's incredibly frustrating, and when I was there on Thursday trying to figure out how to put things together, everyone else was in the room with me and trying to move things - it was too much and I got really angry and overwhelmed. The only one who noticed that I was quiet was the owner, and she left the room. I just didn't say anything and asked if they would give me a week to bring things in from home as I've been slowly gathering items over the past 8 years for my massage business. There are already some glass ornaments hanging up and a few crystals that have been added - that's kind of okay, but I asked for a week and didn't even get a full day! Am I being unreasonable/crazy here? I don't think I am, and I realize that I don't own the business, but I do use that room often and I'd rather that I be the one to place anything in there for decoration. It's just so incredibly frustrating!

Sorry for the vent! It just had to come out in a place where I know people will be understanding and there is NO WAY my coworkers will ever find it!

In other, happier news, yesterday was my birthday! I'm now 35 (booooo!) which I've heard is officially the start of middle-age. Let me tell you, it feels true to me! It was a very nice day, and I just stayed at home in pj's by myself, watching TV, reading, taking naps, and doing laundry (unfortunate but necessary). It was really nice! It does make having to work all day today a little bit of a bummer, but that's okay. At least it's a quiet day on the road, which is always nice!

And now, I should finish breakfast, change clothes and get ready to go! I hope you all are having a lovely and restful Sunday

Happy Birthday, Laura. Good to hear from you.

*Happy birthday hugs!*

Happy Birthday, Laura! If it helps any, you're nowhere close to middle age IMHO. You're about 10 years away.

Encouraging to hear the Kaoru Mori series just keeps getting better. She's quite a storyteller.

Happy Birthday, Laura!

A birthday? Happiness!

Belated Happy Birthday! I'm glad you were able to carve out a day just for yourself.

Nah - 35 is one of the best years. Congrats!

Simon's Cat? would a precocious 6th grader with autism like it? Not that the one I'm thinking of has trouble finding books. He's into the Warriors series because he "loves cats" although I'd say the cats in that series are really furry humans.

As for the massage room rant, I don't blame you! That sounds like the wrong sort of energy all together. I'd choose a nice solid color to paint the walls and perhaps add a few natural objects. Real natural objects, not fake plants made from fossil fuels.

happy belated birthday Laura!!

Middle age doesn't start until 40, so you still have a few years to go.
I have to agree with you about decorating the room. As a massage client I prefer a simple room. I obsessively read things around me and would do so instead of letting my mind quiet.

Book 69: A Treasury of Victorian Murder: Jack the Ripper by Rick Geary

Another excellent entry into this series. This time, the familiar story of Jack the Ripper is told through the real contemporary journal that a young gentleman kept. It put a slightly different spin on the story, and felt just slightly new. Impressive! 4.25 stars

Wow... sorry to hear about the whole mess at your massage job. I hope that sorts out well. You should be able to choose your environment. Belated happy birthday to you, and hang in there. Lots of good reading happening here... impressed!

Hi Laura! Happy terribly belated birthday!

I hope the massage room decor nightmare has been straightened out. Wow, those folks like some tacky stuff, don't they? Take care!

Horribly belated (with a good excuse!) birthday wishes, Laura!

Just stopping by to say Hi!!! I haven't been around LT much and I have to fix that cause I miss everyone.

Hope you are having a good weekend!! And don't let those clueless people at the salon get to you. It's your room and your clients!!

Yeah... Laura has been absent as well..just want to say that I hope life has been kinder and that you are pleasantly busy and at least content with the way things are going....

Take care of you !

Hello, my favorite people! I really miss you guys!

I'm sorry to report that life hasn't been much kinder and I haven't really been content of late, but I'm working on changing that. Things are trucking along here in the same way that they have been for the last few months. I'm going to have to quit my job at the health store sooner than later simply because it makes the most sense (in that it's the furthest from my house, the fewest hours, the least pay), though they're so nice there that I'm stalling until I find the right time to do so. And, they'd be getting a 2 month notice, so they can't really sniff at that.

Massage issues are pretty much the same, though I'm scheduling myself there with open time less and less to preserve my sanity. I'm looking at moving my practice somewhere else because they obviously do not care about the same things I do (like being clean and neat) and since I can't change them, I can change my situation. I've spoken to another girl there (who does Reiki and Ayurveda and has known them for nearly her entire life) and she also agrees that they're ridiculous, treat me and my things/space badly and that it's best for me if I leave them to their madness. She will also be leaving in the future as she's looking for jobs on the East Coast, and has told them repeatedly that her working there isn't a permanent thing, and they just ignore it or choose not to hear it.

Library work is good, though dealing with the public can be trying sometimes. It's mostly just the sheer rudeness that bothers the heck out of me, like people taking multiple phone calls or talking so loudly that the whole place turns to look at them and they get pissy about it or parents totally ignoring their children running around and screaming like banshees. Ugh. But I love my coworkers and my boss, the hours and pay are good, so that's one job that is working out okay.

Needless to say, I don't have much of a personal life. Though, about a month ago I did manage to get away for the weekend to a Spiritualist Camp a couple of hours away (the first "vacation" I've had in years!), and it was so great to just be still and be in nature to reconnect with myself. The inches of mud due to hours of downpours every day wasn't so great, but it wasn't that big of a deal. And, this past Monday afternoon I hung out with my "new" book friend Erica and we ended up going to an author signing, 2 different bookstores, and having dinner with the author and some book people at 9:00 that night, so that was fun and unexpected! I'll be updating my reading list here later today (need to run a couple of errands first, including the grocery store so I can have lunch), and just wanted to say that I've really really missed you all and that I'll be here more often that I have been of late.

Oh, Laura, it all sounds so exhausting! I'm super happy to see you though, and I hope you know how much I (and others) miss you! *hugs*

Laura- Someone said they spotted a white deer and I did get excited. I am so glad that it wasn't just a nasty rumor. Great to see you. Sorry to hear, that life has been such a trial. Hope it begins to let up. Hugs!

Ah, Laura, sorry to hear that things are still difficult. The book time with your friend sounds wonderful though. Of course I am curious - bookstores and author info please?

Still have the book - the title escapes me at the moment - waiting for you on my shelf when things settle down. I know you read it already, so no hurry.

So happy to hear from you, Laura. *big hugs*

Good to see you back, Laura! Hope you find time to cavort in the fields and among the trees with the rest of your white deer family. Sorry life's been squashing on you. There's usually balance in the universe, so some good stuff should be coming your way.

Hi Laura, it's good to see you here on LT. Sounds like RL is throwing some bumps your way, here's hoping the path gets smoother soon.

hmmmm I think she's off and running again?

HI Laura! Sounds like life has been keeping you busy too!

53: Nancy, we were at Mystery One and Boswell's, and the author was Joelle Charbonneau.

Still waiting for the "good stuff" in life to appear, but I hope that it's still on its' way, and soon. Massage has slowed down a bit since most of the Groupons have expired. Last Friday I finally quit the health store job, but will work there through the end of August and am still on staff as a fill-in person whenever they need one. The library job is fine, aside from rude people, but there's not a lot to be done about that.

And now, in no particular order, is a list of books that I've read since my last bookish update. I'll just give a star rating and if you have questions about thoughts/mini-reviews for some of them, let me know and I'll do my best! As it is, I'm hoping I remember them all!

Book 70: Changeless by Gail Carriger 4 stars

Book 71: The Adventures of Blanche by Rick Geary 5 stars

Book 72-77: Lover's Lane, 20th Century Tragedy, The Beast of Chicago, The Mystery of Mary Rogers, Cravan, J. Edgar Hoover - A Biography, and The Terrible Axe-Man of New Orleans by Rick Geary 4 stars, 4 stars, 3.5 stars, 4 stars, 3.5 stars, 4 stars respectively

Book 78: Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington 4 stars

Book 79: The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde 3.75 stars

Book 80: The Resurrectionist by James Bradley 2.5 stars

Book 81: The Murder of King Tut by James Patterson 1.5 stars

Book 82: Soulless, The Manga, Vol. 2 by Gail Carriger and REM 4 stars

Book 83: Sailor Twain by Mark Siegel 4 stars

Book 84: No Wind of Blame by Georgette Heyer 2 stars

Book 85: The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi 3.5 stars

Book 86: A Shilling for Candles by Josephine Tey 4 stars

Book 87: Imogene's Antlers by David Small 4 stars

Book 88: Mousekin's Woodland Sleepers by Edna Miller 4 stars

Book 89: A Study in Sherlock by Laurie R. King 4 stars

Book 90: House Beautiful Decorating With Books by Marie Proeller Hueston 3 stars

Book 91: The Mystery of the Magic Green Ball by Steven Kellogg 3 stars

Books 92 -97 : Roland The Minstrel Pig, Amos & Boris, Farmer Palmer's Wagon Ride, Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, Doctor DeSoto, and Doctor DeSoto Goes to Africa by William Steig 3, 4, 3, 4, 4, and 4 stars each

Book 98: Goody O'Grumpity by Carol Ryrie Brink 4 stars

Book 99: Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs 2.5 stars

Books 100, 101: Paddy's Evening Out and Paddy Pork: Odd Jobs by John S. Goodall 4 stars each

Books 102-106 : Spring Story, Autumn Story, Winter Story, Summer Story and The Secret Staircase by Jill Barklem 5 stars each

Book 107: Juke Box Hero by Lou Gramm 1 star

Book 108: kate spade new york: things we love 3 stars

Book 109: The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny 4.25 stars

Books 110, 111: The Tale of the Faithful Dove and The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse by Beatrix Potter 4 and 3 stars

I think that's it for now! I'll copy this over to my 13-13 thread too. Now I'm off to the library - here's hoping that I don't come home with lots of items. :)

Good to see you again, Laura. That's a lot of reading!!

WOW! What a blast of reading! I've been thinking of you. I send love and good wishes for a good summer.

*Hugs for dear Laura* I miss you! :)

Congrats on going over the 100 mark. You've got some good titles in that list you posted.

I went back and re read your list of books read.

I very much like William Steig's books.

Thinking of you and hoping you are well.

How was A Shilling for Candles, Laura? That's one of hers I haven't read.

Hope all is going well for you.

Happy 75!

Hello Linda P, Linda1, Stephen, Lori, Joe & Nora!

William Steig is a childhood favorite, but there were a few of his that I hadn't read. (Working in the children's department sometimes can be dangerous!)

A Shilling for Candles was great, Joe. To be honest, it's the first book of hers that I've been able to finish (though that's a me thing, not a Tey thing), and I so enjoyed it. The setting, the time period, all of the details of the crime - I was even surprised by the ending! Really enjoyable, and it makes me want to read more of her and soon!

Thanks, Nora! Am hoping to double that this year, and I should be able to do it if I can keep on grabbing stacks of kids books at work!

I'll actually have some time off this weekend and I"m hoping to be productive here and see what you all have been up to and reading over the last couple of months!

OK, onto the tbr A Shilling for Candles goes. Thanks!

LAURA!!! *tackle hug* Happy to see you, lady. And look at the scads of books you've finished during your absence. I am very impressed.

A friend of mine is a librarian in Denver, and her big gripe right now is people who criticize the library on Twitter. We worked together at a newspaper back in the late 1990s, and she is a very smart/savvy/warm person (she left the paper to do the Peace Corps in Siberia). I thought you might find her Facebook rant interesting:

"YES, not all of the people we serve are Boy and Girl Scouts (thrifty, clean, reverent etc.), and YES these people frustrate me too sometimes. But what other organization walks the walk the way the public library does when it comes to serving EVERYBODY while at the same time upholding principles of literacy, democracy, privacy and the continual pursuit of excellence? Don't diss your public library. And if you want to change something, how about being constructive? If you're not, you're part of the problem--so shut up and go get your wifi at a fancy coffeeshop."

Joe, I predict that you will love A Shilling for Candles! Hope you're having a good week so far!

Thanks, Micky! Wish I had more time/ability to stay awake longer to read, but at least it's better now than it has been in months!

Suz, I am 100% with your librarian friend! Thanks for sharing her rant - I'd love to be able to say "shut up and go get your wifi at a fancy coffeeshop" to a few patrons in particular, but alas, I'm too chicken. And I really wouldn't want to offend anyone either, but DANG IT I can't stand inconsiderate people!!! Looking forward to catching up with your thread, I wish I could read as much (and remember and write reviews) like you do!

************************

Book 112: Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

The original that started it all...

I was recently going through The Guardian's Top 100 Books list and saw quite a few children's titles there that I could read fairly easily (the stack is next to me as I type). When I found an audio version narrated by Jim Broadbent, I snatched it up (with the book too), and got swept away in Christopher Robin's imaginary land. Charming and lovely and wonderful, I'm surprised that I hadn't read it before. 5 stars

Fforde and Carriger are always good for entertainment! I consider Changeless the weakest of the Parasol Protectorate series. I've never been able to get into Heyer's mysteries, which I've always thought strange given how much I love her romances. And your first time with Pooh? Wunnerful!

>71 LauraBrook: Your first encounter with Winnie-the-Pooh??? I'm shocked! I do love that silly ole bear.

I've always loved the Disney pooh (since I was a little girl), but I've never read Milne either. I'll have to rectify that one day soon.

The massage place folks sound awful. I hope you can find a new place to practice soon. They sound over-the-top tacky, not to mention that none of that stuff I've ever seen in the massage places I frequent. Weird.

I just read the first in the Parasol series and I really enjoyed it. I really thought I would enjoy The Resurrectionist from the descriptions I've read, but yours is the second really low rating I've seen. So perhaps I ought to skip it, huh? ;)

Hi Laura! I'm glad you're back, but sorry that life hasn't been a tad kinder. Also, how do read so many books while working all those jobs?! I'm at a measly 40 this year. Oh, well.

Hello everyone! There's been a lot going on in my life in the last week, more than usual because... I'M MOVING MY MASSAGE PRACTICE!!!!!!

The weekend before last I talked to my friend and fellow massage therapist, Carolyn, and decided that we were going to rent space together. Last Tuesday (3 days later) we saw 2 rooms, the one we are taking and one that's a couple of miles from my house. They're both nice, but the other one was a little too expensive and the space was so large that we couldn't even afford to properly paint the place, let alone try and furnish it. The space we're moving to already has 4 therapists in it, is very nice and neat and clean, and honestly, there were so many ties/"coincidences" and general signs from the Universe that we were supposed to have this space it's actually kind of funny. Yesterday she and I met with our new "boss" and finalized everything, and we move on September 1st! So in less than a week of deciding to find a room together we found one and we move in 2 weeks - it's so fast (really, too fast for comfort for me, but it's good) that I can hardly believe it and there's so much back-end work that I have to do, like writing/sending letters to my clients, figuring out how to move my stuff, setting up schedules, etc etc etc that I'm breaking out in hives and my eczema is going nuts.

I know this is all positive and that I've needed to move from my current location since before I moved in 2 years ago, but it's still stressful and I'm still freaking out about it. To be honest, I feel kind of like an a$$hole and I can't figure out why. Literally everyone that I've told about this move has said that it's overdue and a really positive thing for me. So why am I the one feeling crappy about it?!? Any thoughts/advice is extremely welcome, I feel a little lost.

I'll post before and after photos of my current and new place so you can see what I was working with. Or trying to.

Thankfully I have the rest of the day off today so I'm going to probably have a quick cry, eat lunch, start some laundry and then will take a nap. It's low 70's and sunny with a nice breeze, so it's perfect weather. Later on, I'll probably ignore the billion things to do in my house and read outside on the patio. Ugh. I'm looking forward to feeling relieved and excited about all of this. Maybe some wine will help....

You're just stressed out! Have your cry, do what you need to do for you, and don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Once things get sorted out you will feel so much better.

I second Nora's advice. And suggest a dose of chocolate (or other treat of preference). :D

Wow! I agree with Nora and Micky... it is just an awful lot of information and change to digest so quickly! Sounds like a positive move for you and once things settle down, you will be able to appraise it more objectively.

If this is what you want, I am very happy for you! Most people miss the brass ring when it is within their grasp.... looks like you have managed to grab it!

Hi Laura, I agree with what has already been said above. Change can sometimes be difficult to adjust to, and you have all the additional moving stresses to get through before you can settle in. Moving at such a fast rate may be making you feel uncomfortable right now, but I am sure once it's all done, you will feel good about the choices you've made.

Oh, I am so glad you are getting out of there! Any change is stressful, even really good change. Just do what you can to destress and stay calm--bubble baths, glass of wine, exercise, BOOKS, friends...

Thank you Nora, Micky, Lori, Judy & Roni!

Yesterday I told everyone at my old place (well, except for clients) and today things are feeling a little more normal and I'm starting to get excited. :) The only clients on my books for September were my regulars anyways, so it's not a problem. Now I need to get my behind moving on getting the moving letter out to everyone (and dang it, I just realized I forgot to pick up my files at work today), and on just picking a fricking new card design already.

I am very much an introvert and it's all happening so fast for me that I'm mentally and physically having a tough time adapting. But it's getting a bit easier. The wine helped. *hic* Chocolate and ice cream too.

I SO have an overabundance of guilt. It's not unusual for me to feel horribly guilty about things that I just hear about with people I don't know in the slightest. Ugh, not great. I'm working on it, but it's hard to shake that automatic and lingering response.

Book 113: xXxHolic, Vol. 1 by CLAMP

This manga series is shelved at work a lot (meaning it gets checked out a lot), the title is so strange, and I like the author, so I gave it a shot. A young man get inexplicably energetically pulled into an old-fashioned shop that grants wishes. The witch who owns it hires him on to be the cleaning boy. But the boy is able to see spirits and sense bad things happening, so the witch decides to start using him and his abilities to advance her wares and income.

An interesting book, I'll read the next in the series, but I'm not sure if I'll continue after that. 3.2 stars, and I'm hoping that the annoying little girls that follow along with the witch and repeat everything twice go away. I have a feeling they're here to stay, though.

Book 114: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

An interesting look at introversion, clutural differences around the globe, raising an introverted child and all sorts of things. I enjoyed it, though I feel like it's geared more towards extroverts and especially those with an introverted child. The narrator (Kathe Mazur) does an excellent job. Recommended, especially if you haven't read any introvert literature at all. 4 stars

Fast is good.. and clearly the Universe agrees.. do it! then take pics and show us ...
pls.

Glad you're feeling more the thing. Just think, soon you'll be settled into all the new stuff and it will be awesome. :)

OMG! An introvert's nightmare! Little girls who follow anyone around, but especially a witch, repeating every word. I think I'll pass on xXxHolic simply because I know the girls would turn me into a reader with murder in my thoughts. ;)

Thinking of you as you make major changes in your life. You have been through a lot this year. Hang in there my dear. You are indeed a wonderful, kind, warm and lovely lady!

Hugs!

Yay!!! Congratulations on the move!! I agree with all that's been said here already! Any change -- even much sought after and hard won change -- is hard for us. I also think that as introverts, change is even a little harder because our routines give us so much comfort when the big bad world won't cooperate. So, understand that you are overwhelmed and stressed -- and that is totally normal.

By the way, I just read one of the books you gave me for the Christmas book swap and it was SO good!! Thank you again!!

Hi Laura- How are you stranger? I miss seeing you around. Sounds like you have a lot going on again. Good luck with the move. It sounds like a very good idea. And yes wine helps...or beer.

HI Laura

Just checking in to see how you are.

Me, too, Laura. Any news?

Kath, I agree wholeheartedly. Pics will be forthcoming, at least of my old place. Actually, here's a link to the website for my soon-to-be-former place of employment. You don't have to say anything, I know, I know...
Please Don't Judge Me Too Harshly.

Micky, I am so looking forward to it all being done and dusted!

cammykitty, I had very murderous thoughts of those little girls. (Oy, that's not a good sentence!)

Linda, thanks so much! It has been a very eventful 8 months, to be sure, and I can't wait to have things settle down a bit.

TINA! I haven't been to visit you since before your wedding! A thousand apologies, and I'll try my best to right that wrong as soon as possible. :) Which Christmas Swap book did you read? I'm so glad you liked it!

Hi Mark, I miss being around! I miss my friends here, I feel a little adrift and out of touch with myself when I don't know what you all are up to and reading! At least goodreads (sorry, LT!) has quickie updates on books, so that's at least something. Wine (and lately, a bit of vodka) does certainly help. :)

Joe, Linda, and all, not so much news, I guess. I move next weekend, and have already taken all unnecessary things home from the office. Saturday my parents and I will bring home the larger corner cupboard since it's not going to the new place, and then on Sunday we'll pack up everything else, I will debate setting up the room and cleaning it again once my stuff is out, and then will take one trip *fingers crossed* to the new place to set things up again. I also have a chair massage this week for Harley Davidson Canada (as it's the 110th anniversary of HD and there are lots of fun things happening here this week), a Louise Penny signing on Tuesday night, a bookclub meeting, my last regular work day at the health food store, library and massage work, and a read-a-thon with a friend on Friday night and Saturday. So a few more fun things than usual, but really it's mostly same old same old.

In other news, I just bought this shirt at teefury.com, and I'm SO excited about it!

Laura, I'm glad that you're getting to go to the Louise Penny book launch. At last year's book launch, she gave a nice (and long) interesting talk. She is very gracious.

Sometime, when you have a free weekend afternoon, if there is such a thing, I need to mosey up there and go to a bookstore and/or lunch and meet up with you. If not then, then perhaps at that library mystery event.

Hi Linda!!!!! I'm going to go and see Ms. Penny at Mystery One (instead of the launch at Boswell's) since it's free and will most likely be a much smaller crowd, plus it'll be 2 hours max and I have to head to that bookclub meeting afterwards. I'm really looking forward to it, and in the fantasy part of my head I plan on catching up on all unread Gamache books between now and then (*cough* 3 *cough*). HA!

I will most certainly have free weekend afternoons, starting in September and would LOVE to lunch and bookstore shop with you! I'll PM you with my schedule for Sept/Oct later this week once I get my library sched from my boss. I will FOR SURE see you at the November mystery event too, but it would be great to see you before that. :)

Laura, I didn't realize that the launch was at Boswell's. I have no idea where that is. I've been to Mystery One, once or twice. When we had a mystery discussion group, we'd meet up with the Milwaukee mystery people and they knew Richard, the owner. This was the group that would go on many bookstore outings. We went up to the mystery bookstore in Madison. Also went to the used book place at the Milwaukee airport.

WOW! lots of good things happening in your life :)

Old place.. dismal :P Glad you are moving into the light!

Love the tee... and green with jealousy about the Louise Penny Thing. I ADORE her books, and would love to be able to meet her :) yay you!

It's a couple of miles from Mystery One, on Downer Ave if you know where that is. Richard is a character, isn't he?!? He's a New Yorker to a T, IMO. I've never been book shopping in Madison, believe it or not, so you're a better WI book shopper than I am! I'm not surprised, actually, as back in the old days of me having a paying job I only used to go to Half Price Books and the Harry Schwartz in Brookfield.

Hi Kath! Me too, and dismal is a very nice way to describe the place. A reviewer on Groupon kindly called it "dated" and the owner and daughter were sincerely offended. It took everything in my not to burst out about how terrible it truly looks - still don't know how I kept my mouth shut, to be honest. Will hopefully have a Penny photo to share with you all, fingers crossed!

I remember going to Harry Schwartz's in Brookfield and then to the Barnes and Noble when it was still on Blue Mound (before it moved to Moorland). I'd always make a stop at Kopp's for some custard, too. Is the Kopp's on Blue Mound still there?

I don't go up there to Brookfield on business anymore as we do it by conference call now. I miss it.

I've been to parts of downtown and the western suburbs, both close in and farther out. (My college roommate, who now lives near Nashville, lived both downtown and in West Allis). I don't know the north side very well, except that, on my way to college, we used to go to a mall right off of the expressway sometimes.

ETA: There used to be a Marie Callendar's restaurant on Blue Mound. Loved it but I think that's long gone.

Yes, Kopp's is still there, and the Marie Callendar's is now a TGI Friday's. I'm sure you've driven past my house a few times, seeing as you've been in West Allis, and to the zoo. I'm just off Hwy 100, which I'm sure you've driven on - it cracks me up that you know this area so well!

The mall just off the freeway is Bayshore and it's all "fancy" and re-done as an outdoor mall, they hold yoga classes in the "park" that's there, and all sorts of things. It's very nice but a bit of a drive for me for regular shopping. Not that I do much of that these days anyways, but...

Laura, if you want to know what was in West Allis 20 years ago and Brookfield 15 years ago, I'm the person to see!! I almost never get up there anymore. In fact, the last time I can remember...in fall of 2007, I was recovering from surgery for 6-8 weeks. Couldn't drive but my friend was giving a presentation in Brookfield and didn't know where to go, but I did. So I navigated and she dropped me off at the B&N on Moorland. I was too tired to do anything but get a coffee and watch the world go by.

Bayshore, that's right. When I was on my little college's bowling team, I was in a tournament at Echo Bowl a block or two from that mall. The Ground Round was big back then. I imagine that area is very different now.

Linda - I am quite familiar with that part of Brookfield too! You know I worked at Schwartz for 20 years. Although I did marketing and set up author appearances for all locations, I spent MANY an hour at the Brookfield shop, as that is where we hosted some of our biggest signings. And it was also a favorite place to work on Saturdays during the holidays.

I now live and work in Wauwatosa. And every once in a while, when Laura's busy life allows, we have coffee at Le Reve, one of my favorite restaurants in the village.

>91 LauraBrook: That is a great shirt! Hope the final countdown to the move goes as smoothly as a move can. :)

What Micky said, Laura. Loving the shirt, and good luck with the move.

Nancy, I hope I can meet up with you at some point, too. I've talked to Laura about the Muskego mystery event in November. (I should be able to find Muskego.)

When my St Norbert roommate lived in West Allis, we drove into Wauwatosa for something or other but I think that's the only time I've been there.

Ok. Maybe we need to give Laura her thread back. But my dad just retired for St Norbert after 45 years. I grew up in De Pere...

Meet up would be fun! I can probably find Muskego too, although I am not much of a mystery reader.

Laura... You've had just a few things going on in your own life so we'll overlook missed visits to threads! Btw, we're all guilty (or at least I know I am)!

So the one I read first was Girl of Fire and Thorns. It's a YA fantasy and I loved it so much that I gave it 5 stars!!! So again, thank you!!

Hello all! Since my last check-in, my laptop went and died, I went out of town for a weekend, and I was so busy working that I didn't have time to buy a new computer. BUT! I've had a bit of time in the last week, so I went and bought a fancy new iMac desktop (I never really used my laptop to, you know, GO places with), and then I had to take it in somewhere to import all of my old stuff from my dead computer to the new one, and needed help setting up my external hard drive and an awesome wireless speaker. So now, ladies and gents, I have a brand-new working computer!!

At some point today I will be setting up a new thread in this group, as I realize this one has gotten rather long and unwieldy.

I've got my iTunes set on shuffle and thought it'd be fun to see what pops up as I type this....

"Five O'Clock World" by The Vogues

Linda, I never did get to the Louise Penny signing. It was incredibly hot and humid that day, I'd spent the majority of it at home, relaxing, and had to get to a bookclub that night. My original plan was to see her at Mystery One at 5:00 and then head to bookclub a little late (since Ms. Penny had another signing at Boswell Books at 7:00). But, at about 4:00 I found out that the Mystery One event was cancelled and was rolled together with the Boswell one, so that screwed things up for me. End result, I didn't get there to see her. Instead, a couple of days later, I went and bought myself an autographed copy and heard about how awesome it was from the booksellers. :( Not ideal, and not planned, but what the hell. The next time she's in time I will make a more concerted effort to get there, weather and cancelled events be damned!

"Sixty Years On" by Brandi Carlile

I've yet to sync my iPhone with the new computer, but once I do, I'll post a few pics of my new massage space. It's still a work in progress, but it's very nice, much better than the old place.

"There's Love" by Nat King Cole
"Be Somebody" by Kings of Leon
"Gossip In The Grain" by Ray LaMontagne
"Venus" by Frankie Avalon
"All My Life in the Ghetto" by Jay Rock featuring Lil Wayne and Will.i.am
"Silence" by Matisyahu
(coffee break, moved the sprinkler to water my newly seeded grass, magazines flipped through, books added to LT)

"Casino Royale" by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass

I've got weird taste in music.

Question: What do you guys do with ARC's that you no longer want? Was thinking of offering them here for people, or donating them to my library's sale, but is there something else you guys do with them?

"Eyes Like Twins" by Wilson Phillips

Book 115: A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny

Another outstanding Three Pines mystery! At first I wasn't sure about change in locale, but it worked out wonderfully, and I so enjoyed getting to know each of the characters a little more. I had my suspicions about whodunit in this one, but I wasn't ever quite sure until the final reveal. Fun fact: "Let It Be" came up about 5 different ways in my life when I was finishing and just after I'd finished the book. Can't just be a coincidence! 4.5 stars

Book 116: The Twits by Roald Dahl

A funny story about the comeuppance of two horrible people, and quick and entertaining read. The illustrations by Quentin Blake, are, of course, perfect, and it's hard to imagine one without the other. 4 stars

"Impressions" by Karen Marie Garrett

Book 117: Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

I wish I'd first read this when I was younger, as I think I'd have liked it more. I did enjoy it, don't get me wrong, but the adult part of my brain got distracted by the rhythm of the writing more than I would have liked. A classic for a reason, these tales of Pippi and her two "normal" neighbors (children) was lots of fun, and made me want to be a little more imaginative and not-normal in my own life. 3.5 stars

Book 118: Twigs: The Go-Girl Guide to Nesting by Julia Bourland

Meh - I thought it'd be a little more about decoration and things, but it's really aimed for a younger, first-apartment/house type of gal who's never thought about creating a comfy space for themselves before. Recommended, but only for late teens/early 20s girls who've never lived on their own. 2 stars

"Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson

Book 119: Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart

Many many thanks to Eva for sending this audiobook to me!!!! Funny, occasionally poignant, honest, cringe-inducing, and all-around very very good indeed. Tales of her life (more like a spoof reel more often than not) told from present-day 38 year-old Miranda, and with her 18 year-old self popping in a lot (mostly incredulously that her life isn't all posh and fantastic and married-with-kids-and-famous... really, I suspect that it's how most of our 18 year-old selves would react with each of our current lives), it made me laugh out loud at a time when I really needed it. Also, it was nice to learn more about a comedienne that I love. 4.5 stars, and unimaginable to me that people wouldn't listen to the audiobook like I did!

"The City" by The 1975

Book 120: My Bookstore: Writers Celebrate Their Favorite Places to Browse, Read, and Shop by Ronald Rice

Fun to flip through and see what authors have to say about their favorite bookstores. 4 stars

Book 121: House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

Ugh, this book! It was a choice for one of my bookclubs (not picked by me), and our reactions were split evenly between not-finishing and not liking it. One tip that I think saved the book for me a little, was to skip reading the footnotes (which is supposed to be the main narration, I think, of the current-day dude talking about how he found the story and really, honestly, his many sexual adventures with super-hot and unrealistic chicks, and his descent into madness), and instead concentrate on the original story instead. That made it at least readable, and while I'm thankful that I can say I've read this book and cross it off of whatever reading lists it's on for whatever reason, I didn't like it much. It's imagination-inducing and incredible (and would make a great horror movie, BTW), and interesting and unique, but I can't say that I recommend it. 1.5 stars, I think.

"The Chase" from the "Torchwood" original soundtrack

Books 122 & 123: Captain Underpants and the Revolting Revenge of the Radioactive Robo-Boxers and Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers by Dav Pilkey

I think I'm a little out of the ideal audience for this series. I used to really enjoy these books, despite my age, but I feel like the gap between these two books and the rest of the series wasn't a good choice. The older entries are shorter, and read fast and fun and easy. These two new entries are nearly double the length, which is waaaaaay too long, and seem overly complicated and ridiculous in a bad way. It's a shame. 2 stars each

"Nocturne No. 15 in F minor" by Chopin, performed by Elza Kolodin

Book 124: Unicorn Being A Jerk by C. W. Moss

Another rescue-from-the-back-of-the-shelves at work, this funny and inappropriate short graphic novel is a bit twisted. And, Unicorn really is a jerk! 3.5 stars

"Intro" by The xx

Book 125: The Road to Burgundy: The Unlikely Story of an American Making Wine and a New Life in France by Ray Walker

I received this as an ER book. It's a fun entry into the new-life-in-Europe travelogue/memoir genre (that I'm a fan of, by the way), and if you like that sort of thing, you'll like this book. Walker is a good writer, giving just the right amount of information for each situation that he finds himself in, and his story is inspiring and hope-inducing in the best possible ways. Not my favorite book ever in this genre, but it belongs instead in the good-very good group. 3.5 stars

"Miss Marple" theme song
"Missa Confitebor Tibi Domine: I. Kyrie" by Palestrina

Book 126: Holes by Louis Sachar

What a great story! I had so much fun reading this book about Stanley Yelnats and his bad luck/misadventures/adventures at Green Lake Camp. Never knowing where the plot was going, and with an excellent backstory, each time I put it down I couldn't wait to get back to it. It seems oddly believable in a way, and Louis Sachar is an author you can always count on for a good story. 4 stars!

Book 127: Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy by L.A. Meyer

Wow! Nora was right (as usual) - Katherine Kellgrenn is some kind of a sorceress! What she does as a narrator is really wonderful and astounding. Please, do yourselves a favor, and get the audio version of this book! The tale of Jacky and her life before becoming a Ship's Boy, and her many adventures on board (and off) are full of adventure and doom and peril and love and music, and I will most certainly be seeking more books in this series. Go out and read this great book, says I! 4.25 stars

"U Got It Bad" by Usher

Phew! Okay, I'd better get going and do something mildly productive in my house aside from hold the computer chair down and sing along with music. See you all in a bit!

"Hairball" by Willy Porter

Hi Laura! *hug tackles*

*oof* Thanks, Micky, and hello!

Just realized that I forgot a book!

Book 128: Something Rotten by Jasper Fforde

Thursday is at it again, this time with Hamlet in tow, looking for Landon's final non-eradication from Goliath Corporation, someone to look after Friday in the mean time, assuring that Swindon's team wins the Superhoop tournament (or else the world is doomed), and also filling in for Joan of Arc, trying to enjoy her new position at Jurisfiction, and vanquishing Yorrick Kaine and his Anti-Danish beliefs. There are lots of other things going on in this book, so I have to admit that I had a bit of a tough time keeping things straight occasionally. Still, it's another clever outing with Mr. Fforde and heaven knows there aren't many authors out there like him. 3.5 stars

Hi Laura- Glad to see you checking in. Good to see you are blazing through the books. I haven't heard of many of them but you are reading and that is GOOD! Hope you had a fine weekend.

Any plans to come to the Chicago area?

MARK! Hey, pal, how are you? :) I have to tell you, it doesn't feel like I'm blazing through anything at all, except for maybe daylight hours. ;) I was just thinking to myself that I need to make a more concerted effort to read, and my own books at that. Oh well.

No plans as of yet for a Chicago Way trip, but it's not out of the cards! A few weeks ago I spent 4 days with a Guru about an hour from my house, and it was life-changingly AWESOME, and a week from Tuesday I'll be heading Up North (near Tomahawk) with one of my good friends for 5 or 6 days. We'll be staying at her in-laws "super fancy" double-wide trailer, and our only plans are to get a Fish Fry in town on Friday night, sleep, read, watch movies, take walks in the woods, and maybe go ATVing. I'm both looking forward to it and dreading it because though I love my friend, she can also annoy the crap out of me. She always says she wants time alone, but as soon as she's alone for an hour, she calls me and comes over, interrupting my alone time. *sigh* There are far worse problems to have, I realize, but it can be annoying when she does stuff like "I'm Not Touching You" and things... And no, she isn't 10, she's a few years older than me. Oh well. The prospect of being in the woods and reading for a few days sounds glorious.

Anyways! Those are my only plans to get out of town so far, but I have a feeling that come January or February, I may feel the need to escape a bit. I'll keep you posted, for sure! And who knows what the rest of this year may bring?!?!?

Hi Laura, great to see you posting. I don't know which is a more interesting mix - the recent books you have read or your music! I've said this before but I really must get to Bloody Jack sooner than later.

>109 LauraBrook: Might have missed you a bit. :) I just read Something Rotten recently myself. Glad you enjoyed it.

Hi Judy, thanks! Nice to see you here! I requested Bloody Jack in a frustrated moment of not liking any other audiobooks I was checking out at work (and couldn't access my audible account due to computer issues), and, confession, I was "hate" listening to it for the first half of the first CD. But then something changed, and I got into it! When the time is right, you'll get to it! You know it isn't going anywhere! ;)

Miss you too, Micky! I saw that you read that same book after I posted yesterday. :) Great minds think alike! I'd like to read the rest of the Thursday series now, but I know I need a break. I'm not appreciating them, just trying to plow through them, and I know I'm missing a lot of things. Really, I should probably get started on his Last Dragonslayer series since it's only two books and they're middle grade/YA so they should be quick reads. That reminds me, I have to post a picture from when I saw him a couple of weeks ago!

I need some kind of a way for someone to be the voice of reason when I'm working at the library. I was planning on what books to bring on my "vacation" next week, and I thought that I didn't have the "right" kind of books at home. So, I wracked my rack ;) and thought I'd try an early James Patterson (before he had ghost writers for everything) for some easy reading, and maybe I'd give a newer YA book or two a shot. Cut to me asking one of my coworkers and my boss for rec's, and leaving that day with 11 books, I just picked up one tonight, and I've got 3 more on the way. This, despite the 20-some other books I have checked out from work and discounting the 900+ that I have sitting here at home, unread. *facepalm* What the heck is wrong with my brain? It's like there's some weird disconnect when I think about all of the book possibilities and any kind of rational, logical thinking just evaporates and I'm like a junkie in need of a hit. Lordy. If anyone has any tips on how to combat this issue, please let me know. I need help!

When we used to go to the U.P., on average, I'd bring along 3-4 books for every day we would be there. My family thought I was insane but I always said that I didn't know what my mood would be.

Now, I bring a book or two but bring my Kindle which has all kind of books on it.

It's times like this that I could really use a Kindle for that very reason. Currently, I have one bag with a few magazines and 10 books in it, with only one of my library books that I checked out to bring with me. It's tempting to just pack about 4 bags with me, and I might just do that.

Oy vey.

>114 LauraBrook: The Thursday Next books are definitely ones I need to read spread out otherwise the quirkiness and cleverness become a bit too much.

As for your needs for book restraint, I'm afraid I won't be any help. The only thing that saved me from packing tons of books when I went to London in the spring was that I borrowed an e-reader from the library. :)

Hey there! It looks like you are well and busy :)
I don't think I could ever go back to a desktop.. too lazy. I like laptopping it in my chair :P
I'm looking forward to the pics!

I vote for a kindle....so easy!

The kindle is good for traveling, Laura, that's for sure. And for lack of book restraint - Becca, who you met, is aces at finding cheapo's and freebies, and has a zillion books on that handy dandy kindle. She was like Linda P. as a kid - 3-4 books for every day of travel, so this has helped (she still hauls along a backpack full of paper books, too).

I've found the kindle works well for doorstoppers, like Team of Rivals and The Greater Journey. Much easier than hauling the big paper copies around.

Happy Friday, and I hope you're setting up for a great weekend.

Lots of reading going on here, Laura! I've got to reread Something Rotten, one of my favorite Ffordes, and check on the availability of the The Song of the Quarkbeast.

Micky: I did take a few books out of one of the bags (and already read 2 of them), so it's getting slightly easier. Plus, I'd almost forgotten that Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon is the weekend after next, so I can save some for then. (Like I was going to run out of reading material otherwise.)

Kath: HIIIIIIIII!!! Well and busy is me, and I hope you're the same. Though maybe not so much on the "busy" part, but you do have that pesky husband to clean up after, so I'm sure there's a never-ending list right there. Will be plugging my phone in to the new computer for the first time in a few hours (once I'm done running around), so will have pics available then. Though I just ran over to the new place and had to clear out and off two of the big pieces that were left from the previous gal - and of course, it's just after Carolyn and I had made peace with then, and it was our main storage, so any free time this weekend should be spent shopping for replacements of a sort. Yuck. But I plan on spending a chunk of time with a book or two too, so there's that. :)

Joe: Hola! I know, I'm starting to feel like a dinosaur without any kind of e-reader, but I just haven't had a chance to save up enough cash for one yet. One of these days. Until then, like Becca, I'll just haul a backpack (or three) around with me. If it ain't broke.... Weekend should be okay, tomorrow will be spent with Carolyn, my business partner, at an open house at our favorite crystal shop, and then lots and lots of shopping for new workplace furniture. Oh, and laundry. But at least work this morning wasn't too bad! I just am looking forward to this week up north, it's the only thing getting me through, despite all of the prep-work required pre-leaving.

Hi Roni! Quarkbeast should be available somewhere around you, it's been out for a few weeks now. If not, there's always the temptress Amazon to take care of any need you may have.

>121 LauraBrook: Lol. You can do it, Laura!

Hello everyone! I had a very nice time Up North this week - I went ATVing for the first time (so awesome!), managed to get a few books read despite the "efforts" of my friend, and the colors were beautiful.



Of course I meant to do this last night and fell asleep instead, so I'm doing a quick book list now before I head out to work!

Books 133 & 134: The Earl and the Fairy, Vol. 3 and The Earl and the Fairy, Vol. 4 by Ayuko

A good conclusion to the series. Only a little disappointing because I figured out who the main bad person was, but no matter - there were enough other details that I didn't see coming to make this short series enjoyable. 3 and 4 stars respectively

Book 135: Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

This was my second attempt at reading this book, and I this time I think it was a case of "right book, right time". I ate it up in less than 24 hours and had such a fun time reading it! I'm already a fan of the TV series "True Blood" (though maybe a little less now - I just finished with season 5, and it's really removed from where the first few series were), so it was nice to read the source material. Great, and I'm picking up the next books in the series at work in an hour! 4 stars

Book 136: Those Who Hunt The Night by Barbara Hambly

Roni's choice for me to read this year, for some reason I just couldn't really get into this book. I've been "reading" it for months (it was my purse book for awhile), and ultimately I had to force myself to finish it. Most reviews online seem to love and adore this book because it's a different entry into the vampire canon, and it is, but I wasn't as enamored as most. No real reason, but it just wasn't my favorite thing I've ever read. Still good, though, and intriguing. 3 stars

Book 137: Coffee With Mozart by Julian Rushton

A short little book composed of interviews with Mozart at different stages of his life. Cute, and clearly they'd done their research, but I'm happy to let this book go to someone else out there. 3 stars

Book 138: Notes From The Hard Shoulder by James May

My first book by the Top Gear guys, I'm assuming that this will be the most "cars-y" of the three. To me, it felt like James was reading one of his rambles to me (not a bad thing) and it did make me laugh a few times. 3 stars

Book 139: Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

Really feels a little dated to me now, in that I think he has softened and improved by leaps and bounds as a person since this book was first published. Also, I can see how much the TV series (cancelled by Fox and starring Bradley Cooper, I totally love this show) is pulled right from the pages. Full of insight, swagger, inside information, and helpful hints, it was a very enjoyable read. I don't think it's the same in tone as his other books, but I look forward to finding out, and soon. 4 stars

And now, I will be seriously late for work if I don't step away from the computer! More later...

Looks like a beautiful trip north, Laura. Good for you for squeezing in some reading. I love the idea of Coffee with books, and I'm a Mozart fan. I read Coffee with Dickens, which was okay, kind of like your experience with Coffee with Mozart, sounds like. Maybe we need a Beer with or Wine with series to liven things up? In real life I'd love to have a beer with Sandra Newman, author of The Western Lit Survival Kit, who seems both snarky funny and awesomely well-read.

>123 LauraBrook: Gorgeous photo, Laura. Looks like you got a sizeable amount of reading done. I made it through the first 8 (?) Sookie books and then petered out on reading them - I think because the plots weren't as tight as the earlier books.

Sorry you didn't enjoy Those Who Hunt the Night more, but it is what it is. I liked the mystery element and adore the relationship between James and Lydia, but it isn't light urban fantasy at all! Your picture is absolutely gorgeous.

Oh, I love Top Gear and James May especially. I'll have to see if I can track that one down...

Wow! great photo! Glad you had a god time :)

124: Hi Joe! Yes, it sounds like we agree on the Coffee With... series. Good idea, a Beer or Wine With series would be much more entertaining! I've got the Coffee With Isaac Newton book on my shelves too, but only because the forward is by Bill Bryson, one of my faves. Haven't heard of Sandra Newman before, looks like I have some investigating to do. What are you reading these days?

125: Thanks, Micky! I guess so, but it doesn't feel like much reading got done, especially considering the amount of time we just sat around. I've heard that about the Sookie books, that the plot is a bit looser as they go on, but I'm on a roll right now and am trying to hold out with book #2 until Saturday when Dewey's Read-a-Thon starts! I don't remember, have you done one of these before?

126: No worries, Roni! I suspect that I would've liked it better had it been a different time in my life. And I agree, the mystery was interesting and the James-Lydia relationship was great too! Thanks - that reminds me, I'm sure you've got some more gorgeous pottery/jewelry up on your thread and I haven't been there in a couple of weeks.

127: Yay for Captain Slow! I always picture the crowd that held up the "Go Captain Slow" sign in the episode where the guy try to cross the Channel in their car-boats and James gets stuck (as always) against the side. Poor guy.

128: Thanks, Kath! I did have a good time, and I wish I was still up there to catch the rest of the colors changing. Well, with more comfortable couches and internet access and, well, my own house, but that's not likely to happen any time soon. Hope you're doing well yourself, I need to hit up your thread as well.

>129 LauraBrook: A Read-A-Thon? No, I haven't.

Oh, you totally should! I'm sure that Mycroft would help you read, I know Chico and Sweetpea help me. ;)

The 75er Christmas Swap is now open to any and all who'd like to participate! We're using BookDepository this year so it's open to anyone (instead of just US peeps like before). Head on over to the thread and then PM Caro your address. Easy peasy, and so much fun!

Stopping in to say hello, instead of leaving for work..

Morning Laura! I've been seeing you bop around on the threads, so I am glad to see you live & kicking. Hope all is well and I am glad you are joining the Swap again this year.

Hi Kath! Yours is the next thread on my list to get caught up on, so when I take a break from the read-a-thon later, it'll be the first place I hit up. Hope you have a good day at work!

Mark, yours is after Kath's. Things are okie dokie here, am nearly done with hour 2 of the read-a-thon, and on my third cup of coffee, so sitting down and reading for a while might be more challenging than I anticipated. Oh well! Glad to see you taking a break from organizing the Swap - now you can just sit back and wait for the books to roll in! Hope you're having a good Saturday so far!

>131 LauraBrook: Ha! Sadly, Mycroft is not the lap sitting type so he'd either be trying to chew on my toes or he'd be sleeping on the chair I'm not sitting in. :P I'll think about Read-a-Thon-ing at some point but this weekend is filled with Thanksgiving stuff.

135: Bummer he's not a lap cat, Micky! It's so cozy. Though I guess neither of mine really were when they were younger, but now, Chico especially, will lay across my chest if I'm on my computer, or on my feet if I'm sitting in a chair. Really, anything to be touching me. Sweetpea likes to be near me and touching me, but not so much on me. She'd rather lay next to me and have me hold her feet while she sleeps. :) They make me so happy it's ridiculous.

Well, yesterday was Dewey's Fall Read-a-Thon. I didn't manage to stay awake for the full 24 hours, but I did make it for 20!

Book 140: Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy

Funny, brutally honest, and not for the squeamish. One of my best friends is pregnant, and she leant this to me (she's not a reader), and it was a fun and interesting way to spend an hour. 3 hours

Book 141: The Pirates! In An Adventure With Ahab by Gideon DeFoe

Fun and filled with dry humor. I watched the movie not too long ago and loved it, so naturally I'm now reading through the books! 4 stars, and if you liked the movie, I think you'll like the books.

Book 142: Jim Henson's Return to Labyrinth, Volume 1 by Jakes T. Forbes and Chris Lie

I loved this movie when I was a kid (even though it scared me - much like The Dark Crystal), and wanted to give these manga a try. Not great, but it does follow kind of the story line (the main character here is the baby brother from the movie) and it was nice to see some movie characters again. 3 stars, and I'll probably finish the series because there's only 4 of them, total.

Book 143: The Charlemagne Pursuit by Steve Berry

Listening to this book on CD was a mistake. The narrator, who I've listened to and liked before, didn't really differentiate much with character voices, so i was hard to keep track of who was talking, not to mention the time and location jumps that happen nearly every (short) chapter - needless to say, I was lost a lot of the time. Thankfully I had a physical copy to help keep up. It was okay, and I'll certainly read more Steve Berry again, but I know now to actually read his stuff. 3 stars

Book 144: The Conference of the Birds by Peter Sis

Beautiful, like every Sis book, and an interesting story/fable/whatever this originally is. Really lovely - and what kind of paper is this printed on? I kept feeling it, trying to figure it out! 4 stars

Book 145: The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

A wild, magical, twisty story about fairy tales, friendship, and what constitutes good and evil. For a middle grade book, this sure reads like a thriller! A couple of niggling little things (like calling Agatha's shoes "clumps") were annoying, but really, it's small compared to how much fun I had reading this book. The small illustrations were a great addition (as was the deckle-edge paper), and I never could figure out where things were heading from chapter to chapter, let alone how it would ultimately end. Of course, this is a trilogy, and I can hardly wait for the next book to be published! Highly recommended if this sounds like your cup of tea - 4.5 stars

I'm sorry to do this, but I have some bad real life news.

My Dad most likely has pancreatic cancer. He's been in the hospital since Tuesday (went in for an emergency enema, kept him overnight as he was scheduled for a liver biopsy Wednesday morning, and due to an overnight nurses dumb decision, he essentially went into a kind of coma until yesterday afternoon), we won't get results from him biopsy (done yesterday afternoon) until Monday at the very earliest. Mom, Dad, and I are all trying to stay as positive as possible (at least until we know for sure what is going on), but it is scary as hell, and I don't want to live without my Dad around - he's only 69, and his parents lived until their 80's and 90's!

Needless to say, I'm heartbroken and terrified and exhausted and scared. This will be the 4th time he's had cancer. If you could please keep my Dad and my family in your thoughts and prayers, we would really appreciate it. We need all the extra energy and love and light that we can get right now. Thank you.

Oh Laura, I am so sorry. Sending all good things your way and holding all of you in my heart.

Oh, Laura :( So sorry to hear. I hope everything will turn out okay for your family. :(

Crap! Sorry to hear it, Laura. They can do a lot these days with cancer, I'll say that much. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

>137 LauraBrook: Laura, I'll be praying for you and your family. *great big hugs*

Definitely in our prayers.

*Hugs*

Oh Laura... I'm so sorry that you and your family are going through this... sending much positive energy your way~

I'm so sorry, Laura. Keeping you and yours in my thoughts.

Laura, I'm so very sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time. Take care.

Happy healthy daddy *WHAMMY*

Sending love and hugs to you, my dear.

Laura- Linda told me that your Dad took a bad turn. Please keep us updated. You are in our prayers.

Laura, I'm keeping you and your dad in my prayers. Keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that "no news is good news."

Muskego was a good conference and I hope we can both go next year (Nov 9, 2014). Maybe we can drag Mark along, too!! Just going through my bag of free books. One definite (the one about a casino junket tour operator), three maybes and one probably not (the Santa Barbara woman P.I). Not sure if you got the same ones.

Glad we at least had dinner on Friday night and hope that took your mind off of things for awhile.

Laura, I have been thinking about you and your family in this stressful time. Sending positive vibes your way wrapped up in some warm hugs.

Thank you all for your support and concern.

My Dad passed away this Thursday morning. He was 69 years old. He had so much damage (they took him to the ICU on Saturday, he had a stroke some time on Thursday due to his body shutting down from not getting proper medication and fluids, and we weren't sure until Saturday that that was what happened) from the stroke, and he had several seizures over the last few days that if we were able to wake him up it would have taken several months of very hard work on his part to get to where he was on Monday. On Monday he could follow commands, couldn't really talk, couldn't move one of his arms well, and spent most of the day sleeping. He would be furious with us if we did that, not to mention the fact that he had severe pancreatic and liver cancer to fight, so Mom and I made the difficult but kind decision to make him comfortable until he passed.

Tuesday I went over to my parents house in the morning to pick up my Mom to head to the hospital once we heard from his nurse, and we ended up so exhausted and crying that we just stayed there all day on the couch, holding hands and crying in a daze. All of his doctors and nurses were very supportive of that decision and called periodically throughout the day to give us "updates" on his condition.

Wednesday we spoke to one of his doctors who told us about how much work it would take, and after talking to him, his oncologist, and the palliative care doctors, we decided to just make him comfortable. We spent all day at the hospital saying goodbye. Talking to Dad, crying, laughing, speaking with his doctors and nurses, holding his hands and hugging and kissing him. It was nearly impossible to leave that night, knowing we probably would never see him again. It took an hour and a half of concerted effort to say goodbye and just as we were going to leave, he started to whimper and he tried to roll himself over. We helped him, and got the nurse in to give him a little more morphine so he would settle down again. He was crying and fussing a lot, and even though we didn't think it was possible, it broke our hearts even more. Mom and I kept telling him that it was okay, it was okay to go, and how much we loved him and thanked him for being in our lives. We sobbed the whole way home. Just like we spent most of the day sobbing. Two of my best friends came over to my house and dropped off dinner for Mom and I, and Mom slept over. We hardly slept, waiting for the phone to ring to tell us he had passed. We'd talked a little before going to bed, and had decided that we couldn't get it together enough to go back out to the hospital that day to do it all over again. Then his doctors called at 10:30 to let us know that he finally passed away. He went peacefully. The nurse stepped out to get another dose of morphine since he was fussing again, the chaplain was with him and told him not to be afraid. The chaplain walked out and told the nurse (who was on her way back into the room) that he seemed to quiet down, and when the nurse walked in, he was gone.

Two minutes later, a bell chimed in the hallway - a baby was born.

Since then, Mom and I haven't been able to spend more than a few hours apart, it's too horrible and difficult. Lots of phone calls and crying, with a few laughs in there too. Whether good or bad, TV has been a great panacea for us.

Thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers, they made a difference to all of us. He had no enemies, was a wonderful and loving Father and Husband, and had been friends with my Mom since they were 11 and he moved in across the street. Just an all-around sweet guy, nice, kind, easy-going, with a great sense of humor. My God, we miss him so much.

So sorry to hear this, Laura. His suffering is over. My sympathies to you and your mom for your loss.

My heartfelt condolences for your loss, Laura.

I am so sorry, my friend. Sounds very difficult but fortunately you were able to spend some time with him.
I love your descriptions of your father. Sounds like one heck of a good guy. Hugs!

(((((Laura))))) I wish a gentle journey to his spirit, and peace and healing to you and your family :(

My sympathy, Laura. He sounds like a great guy. I'm glad you got to say good-bye, and that you and your mom are close enough to console each other so well. Thinking of you in Chicago.

Oh, Laura, I'm so sorry. Your words brought back the days, 23 years ago, when my dad at the age of 70 was diagnosed with liver cancer, and felt he was too old for surgery or aggressive treatments. He was gone within 6 weeks and I miss him every day. He was able to make all his goodbyes with dignity, and we were able to say goodbye in turn--see, I'm crying even typing this. Let me just assure you and your mom of my total support. It will become bearable with time.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss, Laura. I will be praying for you and your mom over the coming months. *great big hugs*

This just made me cry. I'm so sorry about your loss. I hope you and your mom & family find peace. Sounds like your dad was well loved. *hugs*

Prayers for you and your family during this time of loss.

I'm so sorry, Laura. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Laura, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayer.

Oh, Laura, I'm so sorry. This may seem strange, but I've been thinking of you a lot this week and had a sense somehow that all was not well.

Love you lots!

Thank you all, so much, for your messages. They really mean a lot. I feel so lucky to have you all in my life!

Mom left about an hour ago to head home and catch up on a few things (phone calls, raking, etc), and this is the first time I've spent alone in nearly 2 1/2 weeks. It's nice but also sort of strange. I start (library) work this afternoon, and I'm a little nervous. I'm feeling pretty okay a lot of the time, but I'm afraid that there will be some trigger that will set me off crying and I won't be close enough to a back room to recover in a flash. But oh well. My boss and co-workers have been wonderful, so who cares if Joe Schmo thinks I'm weird? It's only a 4-hour shift, and then I'll be home again, and Mom will be here.

I haven't quite gotten back into the swing of reading yet (TV and DVDs being my current drug of choice), but it's creeping up again. I miss it, and if I was alone more, I'm sure I'd be reading more. But it's a little easier, for now at least, to sit in the quiet watching TV with Mom, than to do it while we're both reading. If one of us starts to cry, the other joins in right away, and we're both trying to not do that as much as we have been. The holidays will be bad enough.

Okay, off to get ready for the day and have lunch of some kind, probably will spend more time here too. (((HUGS))) to you all!

TV is a wonderful, uncomplicated companion when life is overwhelming. Go with it! Sending many many hugs.

Whatever form of escapism works for you, I say go with it. *great big hugs*

Oh, Laura, I'm just seeing the news about your father. I'm so very sorry!

My dad went very quickly from cancer, found so late and him so frail it was pointless to try and fight it and so we went with comfort measures only. I empathize with your pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Checking in- *hugs* to you.

I'm so sorry, Laura. Thinking of you.

When my brother died suddenly, I retreated as much as I could into reading (which, admittedly, wasn't much, since Charlie was 2 at the time and then, of course, I was surrounded by family, which is a good thing, but, well, you know). Find the escape and comfort where it best benefits you, I say.

I know this will be a hard Thanksgiving for you and your mom, but hope it will be a peaceful one.

Thinking of you and your mom today. Happy Thanksgiving!!! Hold each other close. Cherish your memories.

Thank you so much, guys and gals. It's starting to hit me all over again that he's really gone. Yesterday was a bad day, for no real reason, and I'm exhausted nearly all of the time. It's been exactly two weeks, and I'm starting to wonder if this new kind of normal I'm forced into having is ever going to feel, well, normal. I'm sure it will, in time, but from where I'm standing, I don't know how it's possible. Mostly because I don't want it to be possible, and I want my Dad back. I'm not delusional or anything, or losing my mind (more than before), I just really want him to still be here. Really really badly. Really. I didn't realize how much we talked, and how much we talked about until recently. He was always my friend - my parent first, but he was always my friend. It's really a double whammy.

I'm trying desperately to remember some of the conversations we had over the last few months, and some of what he said was eerily prescient. He stopped over one morning to drop off some leftovers (really, it was an excuse for him to get a cup of coffee from McDonald's), and he seemed somehow not quite himself. When I asked him if he was okay, he said "Oh sure, I'm always okay. And you'll always be okay too. I know things are tough, and that you're working through them, but you've just gotta trust that it'll all work out. I'm so glad you're my kid, and I'm glad you have the kids too, even though they're a little scared of me. (FYI, the kids are my two cats.) I'll always be around, don't you worry." And I was kind of stunned and didn't say much since whatever I could think of didn't seem appropriate, so I just said something like "yeah, I know", and he said he had to get home because he picked up breakfast for Mom, and that we'd talk later. So I gave him a hug, we told each other that we love each other, and he left. Not much of that incidence is unusual, but when I talked to him on the phone later, he asked if he'd stopped over in the morning. When I told him that he had, he said he didn't remember leaving the house, but that he had a coffee cup so he figured he must have. When he asked if he said anything strange, I said no, but something internally seemed off, he said that he must have been having a weird day, and not to mention it to Mom. We had just found out that he had cancer again (4th time) about a week before, so I kind of chalked it up to that. But now, I don't know. Every time he's been sick, we've talked openly and frankly about what life could be like for Mom and I, and for him, if he was scared, or what he was feeling, what he wanted. We didn't really do that much this time around, mostly because there just wasn't time. But we'd said it all before, in some form, so I suppose we didn't need to. Still, it's stuff like this that I want to hang on to. I don't want to forget what a loving and awesome person he was, and how smart and fun he was too. I wish there was some way to download my memories now, but I know that that's not possible. And whatever I remember is what I'm supposed to remember. But I don't want to forget a single thing, you know? Ugh.

Okay, I need to switch topics or I'll never stop crying. Our Thanksgiving plans are for Mom to come over mid to late morning and help me cook. We'll eat whenever it's all done, take a nap, read, watch TV, and she's going to stay overnight. Neither of us are Black Friday Shoppers, but both of us do need to replace a bird feeder, so we might go to a local store and see what's on sale. Other than that, I plan on being at home, in pajamas, doing nothing more productive than laundry.

What are your plans for Thanksgiving?

Wishing you a raft of lifesaving memories like that one, Laura, for your Thanksgiving. How wonderful a thing it is to have so much to hold close to your heart after someone departs on their journey home.

Of course he's with you today. Where else could he be? Your dad gave you a lifetime's love to wrap yourself in when you need to feel special and loved. Today that's where he will be, wrapping you up.

It's odd that I actually have off today. I usually work holidays, because no one else wants too.

I have 2 bachelor uncles that still live on my grandparents farm. My sister Tracy and her family, Tylan and I will go out there for dinner. I'm wondering if Uncle Lonnie made fudge. I don't want to wait until Christmas. For some reason he is the only one that has mastered my grandma's recipe. When I try to make it I end up with a sheet of rubber.

Morning Laura- Try to have a nice Thanksgiving. I am sure it will not be easy, but I hope you and your Mom make the best of it. Big, Hug!

As a Canuck, I'm at work today. But back on our Thanksgiving, I had a family dinner, an urban family (i.e. friends all in town who don't have family here) dinner, and a movie night. It was a great long weekend. Love and hugs for you today, Laura.

We're having a quiet day with the turkey in the oven and the giblets simmering on top the stove while we watch football, just me and hubby.

Laura, may I suggest creating a memory book where you write down those special memories? Although we think we'll never forget them, time does dim our memories and it would bring you joy in years to come to have it.

Your dad sounds like a great guy, Laura, and how wonderful that you have such fond memories of him. I hope you have a nice Thanksgiving.

Hi Laura, I'm sorry that you and your family are going through this hard time. *hugs*

Dear Laura

I am thinking of you. Grief is difficult to manage, so heck, why try to manage it?

He was a wonderful person and deserving of your tears.

I'm holding you in my heart and in my thoughts.

Please be kind to yourself.

(( Laura))

Just a note to say you are loved and I am thinking of you today.

Thinking of you, and hoping your Thanksgiving was full of memories. At some point, they'll end up giving you FAR more comfort than pain, and you'll be able to think back in gratitude and joy and with less and less sorrow. My parents are still alive, but I lost my grandfather, to whom I was very close, about 25 years ago. I still think of him, but it is as if he is part of me inside, rather than part of my daily life. It's different -- but in a weird kind of way, not "lesser", if that makes any sense. And most importantly, you had a chance to say goodbye and you did what you know was right for him at each stage along the way. One day at a time. And delve into whatever drug helps, whether it's schlock television to Great Literature.

Thank you Richard, Tammy, Mark, Micky, Roni, Joe, Tam, Linda, Kath, Linda, Suz, & Tam! You all make such a difference in boosting my spirits and comforting me.

Our Thanksgiving was okay. We were busy cooking for the first part of it, so that was a nice distraction, and afterwards we just read and watched TV, acting like it was a normal day. It was too hard to really talk about Dad that much, and we do that in bits every day anyways. I'm glad that Mom stayed overnight, and we ended up being bums all day on Friday, just couldn't seem to get anything together to be even mildly productive. Oh well.

I have developed a bad "habit" of spending $ on myself to help console myself. (I did this once before, in college, and I don't want to do it again.) It's not more than a couple of hundred dollars, all told, and nothing I've bought has been full-price, but still. I've hardly worked in nearly a month, and not working means no money. Bad. What I should be doing is planning out the things that I need to do for the rest of the month, making a few batches of soap, going through my "gift bins" to put things together for presents, working on Christmas cards, etc, but instead I'm watching TV and shopping online.

Last night I went to a comic book store (a first for me!) and got a few Doctor Who comics and (I can hardly believe that I found it) the 9th Doctor's sonic screwdriver and time vortex manipulator. *SQUEEE* I've been looking online for one, and couldn't find one. (Well, for under $100, that is.) And, it was on sale! They still had one left, so if anyone is interested, I can pick it up and ship it to you. I think the regular price is $40. (And, in another moment of weakness over the weekend, I ordered the 10th doctor's screwdriver too, so now all I "need" is Matt Smith's!)

*************

I participated in SantaThing this year (as I've always enjoyed it and received excellent books), and the person I'm buying for is one of "about 50" members who don't have a budget selected. Huh?????? So now I've been trawling through her list and her book store of choice (Powell's), trying to figure things out. Isn't that strange? How could they participate without saying how much they wanted to spend? I'm confused, and a little annoyed. Has anyone else come across this? And, what do I do? Just wait around and hope that I find out from the LT Gods before Thursday night? Ack! It's stressing me out.

>185 LauraBrook: Re: Santathing, I would go complain on the SantaThing thread some more.

Can't help on the SantaThing prob, as I'm ignorant, Laura. I didn't know you were such a Dr. Who fan! I've always liked the idea of that oh-so-useful screwdriver. I'm a dilettante, only watching an episode here and there, but I've enjoyed them.

Nora, when I went to check the main ST page before complaining, the total was finally there. Phew! Books and bookmark are now ordered and I can cross that off of my list! I forget, are you doing SantaThing this year?

No sweat, Joe, I know you're there for the important things, like recommending books! :) I am a huge Dr Who fan, though I don't normally talk about it. Until last year I didn't know anyone in real life who also liked it, and I didn't think to ask around here that much. Duh! Glad that you've liked what you've watched, and I encourage you to watch them whenever you feel like it's the right time. (One thing I can't recommend is the older, original episodes. They're so slow, and while there's always an element of cheesiness/outdated-ness, I like the newer Doctors better.) Hope you're having a nice, easy day at work!

The only thing productive I've done today is to refill by bird feeders and bird bath outside, and finally place an order for my SantaThing lady. I've been up for over 4 hours. Sad. :( But, this is one of two days off this week for me, so whatever.

>188 LauraBrook: I'm not doing SantaThing this year. I had a bad experience last year, as did one of my friends, so I'm still feeling a little jaded about it. Maybe I'll pick it up again next year.

I love Dr. Who, but when I say that, what I really mean is, I love David Tennant. Ha!

>190 scaifea: Amen! I have a feeling I'm going to love Capaldi too, but definitely not in the same way as Tennant.

I love all new Who. Tennant is my favouritest but Eccleston and Smith get my love also.

For me, Eccleston's who was aces; Smith's who is wonderfully daffy and fun; Tennant's who was very knowing, very reassuring. I don't like Peter Capaldi from any of his roles that I've seen, so I dread his Doctor. I would love to be proved wrong.

*hugs*

Dear Laura I am a rareish visitor to these parts but I was touched both by the news of your loss of your father and also by the lovely comments of support from my other friends who know you much better than I do. Keep your chin up as well as you can and I'm sure your memories of what sounds like a wonderful man will give you some solace.

The Santa Thing is a bit too distant for me - literally too with me being in Malaysia - but I do like the more cosy group swap organised by Caro this year. At least most of us know each other at least a little and would have more confidence picking from our respective wishlists.

Morning Laura- I hope the week is going well for you. Keep bundled, it looks like we are in for a cold stretch. Brrrr...
I just started Night Film. This feels like a LauraBrook book.

Just dropping by to say hi and leave a hug!

Been thinking about you! I hope you are doing okay. :)

Hi from me, too, Laura. Hope all is well.

Hello, friends. Thanks for your messages and hugs, I feel like I could really use them.

I'm doing okay, but I can tell that I've had to pull myself out of grief to work and handle the Christmas season. It's creeping in at the edges a little every day, and I'm just working on keeping it at bay until I'm at least in my car, if not at home where it's safe. It helps if I just don't think about my Dad at all - I'm usually good for an hour or so at most - and when I do think about him, I just think "I love you and I can't do this now" and push him up and out of my immediate thoughts. Does that sound weird? Well, if it does I don't care, because it's the truth. I'm both dreading and looking forward to January so I can really grieve. Massage work is always slow and I'll have a little more time to myself to process what's happened and the enormity of it.

Anyways - I have been reading, but mostly junk and mostly short books. Eventually I'll update my lists/totals here, but it might not be until next week when I have a day off. As is, tomorrow is a 12 hour minimum working day - all three jobs - and I'm just trying to get through that, and then to finish Thursday, Friday, and Saturday too.

In other news, Mom and I made our first batch of soap on Sunday. It's supposed to stay in the molds for 24-48 hours to harden before removing. It's been 48 hours as of this afternoon, and I took a few bars out. They're a little soft on the edges, and the weight of soap on the cookie racks is leaving little indentations on the edges, but I think it'll be okay. I'll post a picture once I have a couple of different molds ready to go. My original plan was to have most of my soap making done before Thanksgiving so I could sell them and give them away for Christmas. But the sh!t hit the fan, as you know, and I'm just getting started now. I can still do a couple more batches before the 22nd (so I can still give them as gifts), but I'm getting a little nervous about getting it all done in time. (Can you tell I'm making sure I'm distracted? Oy vey.)

And, even though it's barely 7:30 at night, I think I'm going to go to bed soon. I'll make my sandwiches for lunch and dinner tomorrow, read a little and hit the sack.

Thanks for being my friends, you guys. I love you all!

*smooch* Dented homemade soap sounds like a winner. No question but what it's authentically homemade!

Awww, Laura. Hugs. Please take care of yourself and your mom, too.

Aww *hugs*

The handmade soap sounds lovely! You shouldn't worry too much about getting it all done in time. Anyone worth giving a present to would rather have you be less stressed than receive their gift on time!

We're with you, Laura. 12 hour work day, three jobs - oy vey to that, too!

Just adding some great big hugs and a virtual cup of cocoa to the mix. :)

Hi Laura, just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you and your Mom. Take care of yourselves.

Hi Laura, nothing new to say just leaving a calling card on the salver.

Hi Laura - Stopping by to say hello and to add more warm thoughts and hugs to the pile. Take care.

Good luck on the soap project! I considered that once, and then remembered how non-crafty I tend to be...

In sorrowing sympathy for your pain, and in confident hope for your renewal and happiness in 2014, Laura:



Celebrate the return of the light with feasts, merriment, and gratitude for all the wonders of this wide green earth.

RMD

Linda, tam, Nora, Joe, Micky, Judy, Richard, & Kerri - thanks for the hellos, hugs, and endorsements of soapy goodness.

Thank you, Richard - a wonderful sentiment and image. *smooch*

Unfortunately, I have some (more) bad news to share with you all. On Monday my Mom was diagnose with breast cancer. We don't know a stage (and don't want to, don't want to focus on that), but she has a 3cm lump in the middle of her left breast and one lymph node is also cancerous, that one is 4cm by 2cm. We are shocked and devastated and completely scared. It took me 4 days to really tell anyone, it's too shocking and terrifying.

We had a consultation on Thursday with a surgeon that was recommended by Mom's primary doc and the radiologist, and he was, in short, an ass. He scared the crap out of us, made it sound like she'd be lucky to see the start of 2014, and gave non-answer answers to any question we had. Was sarcastic and dismissive about getting a second opinion, and about taking more than 30 seconds to think about accepting his advice - which is to do chemo before the surgery to try and shrink the masses, then do a mastectomy, and then follow with some kind of chemo/radiation combo afterwards. We didn't know exactly where the lump was located, nor did we even think about mastectomy as a possibility - because it's 2 lumps total we assumed that she would have a lumpectomy. Regardless, this guy was the opposite of helpful, not at all caring or kind, and while I'm not sure, I *think* he may have rolled his eyes at me when I asked a question twice (because he didn't actually give an answer the first time). He casually said "you'd be around for a few months more at least" when I asked about a typical pre-surgery-chemo schedule, and my Mom just slumped further down in her seat. When I started crying and saying to him that it's important to me that she maintain a positive attitude, that she can beat this, he just looked blankly at me and said "well, that's not for me to say, so...". !!!!!!!

I wasn't mad then, but by the time we got to the car I was HOT with anger and fear. It's been a long 4 days since then, with me trying to get my Mom to let this horrible experience go and just to focus on her next consult on Tuesday morning (with a client of mine). She was so scared and sad and mad that I was seriously afraid that when I got home from work on Friday afternoon I'd find her with slit wrists in my tub, it was that bad. We have talked to A LOT of my friends since Thursday, many of whom have either had breast cancer or know someone who has, and we haven't heard a "bad" recovery story yet, or that anyone has passed away from it. Obviously, we know that that's a possibility, but I feel so strongly that she's going to get through this, and "they" can do so much more for this cancer than ever before, that it's almost a no-brainer that she's going to be healthy again.

If you could please pray for my Mom (her name is Ann), and for strength for both of us, I'd really appreciate it. I've had a lot of weepy hours in the last week, but I try my hardest to stave it off in front of her. Thank you all so much for your love and support throughout my Dad's illness and passing, and I hope you don't mind to keep on sending good energy our way because we could really use it.

Breast-health *superwhammy* for Ann!!

Hugs and love for you both.

Laura, LT is a bottomless supply of good energy--and we'll all be sending it your way. Hope your second consultation is a MUCH better experience than that first one, and that you get some definite information this time. You are right--there are so many success stories in beating breast cancer that the two of you SHOULD be optimistic. Prayers and good energy on their way to you and Ann!

What roni and rd said with the addition of that supreme asshat who was your first consult should be horsewhipped, and I would like to volunteer for the job. I am so sorry that you had to go through that.
Of course there will be mojo coming your way... It will be a crappy next few months.. but it will not be without support.

hugs to you both..

The biggest of hugs for you, Laura. I will be doing plenty of praying for you and your mom.

Laura- Linda mentioned that there might be more bad news. I am so sorry to hear that. You and your Mom are in our prayers. Gentle Hugs!

Oh, Laura. I'm so sorry. But you're right that there are many, many more happy endings out there than sad ones with this diagnosis. That dr. sounds like an ass, and I'm so sorry that you both had to endure a meeting with him. I'm so glad to hear that your mom will be seeking out another doctor! I'll be keeping you both in my thoughts.

Oh my, I'm so sorry, Laura. What news to get, and then an asshat doctor on top of it. Lots of positive thoughts for you and your mom. I agree with you, this one gets beaten a lot. Hearing from a different doctor is a very good idea.

Laura, it's too bad that you had to deal with that jerk of a doctor. Sometimes, anger is better than the sadness. I hope that your next consultation goes better and you can get a plan in place to deal with your mom's medical issues. It's good she's got you.

My prayers for you and your mom.

OMG, Laura! I've been away for way too long! I'm SOOOOOO sorry to hear about your dad and now about your mom's diagnosis! My heart is breaking for you right now!

I will have you and your mom in my heart and prayers!! I will also pray that the doctor a$$hat you had to deal with gets a rude awakening. NO one should have to deal with that. Ever.

My love to you both!

Laura, thinking of you and sending prayers for your mom. Sadly some doctors have no clue how to or choose not to be empathetic. Come and talk to us whenever you need to!!!

Laura so sorry to hear the news about your mom. I hope that she can find a better doctor, the one you saw sounds terrible.

{{{hugs}}} here's hoping that 2014 brings you and yours peace and health.

Oh, Laura. I'm so sorry to hear this awful news. And what a horrible experience with that awful doctor! Many hugs to you and your family. Take care.

*hugs* about your mom, I'm sorry to hear. :( I hope everything works out okay.

Posting the funny holiday picture I've been using doesn't seem appropriate, so I will just say that I know it must be a very tough Christmas. My wish is that you and your mom can still find some joy in the holiday season tomorrow.

Love and prayers to you, Laura...

Peace on Earth, Good Will toward All, dear Laura!

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!!

To all of my LibraryThing friends, a very Merry Christmas from me and my cats!

I know this will not be an easy holiday to get through, but I am sending you cheer and a couple big old HUGS and I hope that helps a little!

Merry Christmas, Laura! Sending the biggest festive hug you can imagine. :D

Hello, friends! Christmas was just fine. Mom stayed overnight on the 24th, had a small breakfast on the 25th, then our family friend (who is essentially family) picked up Chinese food for lunch and we all watched Polar Express (I distracted myself so I wouldn't cry) and Christmas Carol (the awesome 1930's version). Then Marcia (friend) went home, and Mom stayed over again. This may sound awful, but I was looking forward to having the house to myself again and a little break from all of the down energy, but that's a small thing.

Last Tuesday morning we met with a breast surgeon (and a long-time client of mine), and Mom (and I) loved her. She was kind, compassionate, intelligent, positive, had a good sense of humor, and, most importantly, she gave my Mom hope again. She stayed hopeful for the rest of the day and it was such a relief to have my regular Mom back again. We spent 2 hours with the doctor, getting a general plan in place, and asking lots of questions. And, shockingly, actually getting answers! ;)

So - here's the plan for this week... tomorrow we will be at a hospital all day for a PET scan and a breast MRI, and on Thursday we meet with the oncologist for the first time. Hopefully we will get a chemo and surgery schedule at least loosely set in place so both of us can feel like things are really happening and we're moving forward. Today I'm actually at home, all day, by myself, and I'm really excited to both get a lot done and be a bit of a bum to recharge my batteries.

And, I've just realized that I haven't posted a book in a long time, so maybe later today I can get caught up on my own thread. Oof.

Such a delight to hear of the POSITIVE developments, but not as much as hearing them must be for y'all!

Things are moving in a more hopeful direction, and this is excellent news.

Enjoy your day "off." Glad you and your mom like your doctor and she's feeling hopeful.

I completely get the need to be by yourself to recharge. I hope your time by yourself is good!

That sounds good, Laura. I'm glad that there's a positive plan for going forward, and you're getting a chance to recharge.

Dear Laura, one of the highlights of 2013 was spending time during the Philadelphia meet up. It was lovely to meet you.

Oh, I'm so happy to hear that your mom has found a better doctor, who has given her new hope! Whew! It must be a relief to you both. I'll still be keeping you both in my thoughts as your mom starts the whole process.

I'm so glad to hear you've found a doctor that you and your mom like. Enjoy your solo time. :)

*hugs* Laura. Keeping you and your mom in my thoughts.

Thank you Richard, Katie, Jim, Joe, Linda, Amber, Micky, and Tam! Yesterday was shorter than expected at the hospital, simply because my Mom couldn't fit into their older "small coil" MRI machine. Now she's not a stick, but she's also not horribly obese either, so.... we don't get it. Was nice to not "have to" stay there another 2 hours, though, for both of us. (Though I have to say that it was nice to just sit down and read 2 books in a row without interruption.) The new plan is for her to have the breast MRI at another hospital on Thursday morning and then meet with the oncologist for the first time that same afternoon. I think she may go and get the MRI by herself, and I'd be happy for the doctor-visit break, if I'm honest. I'll be with her in the afternoon for the oncologist anyways.

Hopefully this afternoon I'll be back with my "books read" list, and will start a thread in the 2014 group too. Until then, I need to hop in the shower, return some books/movies to work before we open (so they aren't overdue), get some groceries for Mom and I, drop them off at her house, pick up some Chinese food to reheat at dinner, and then come home to bum around the house and read to my hearts' delight.

Glad you got in some reading time, Laura. Looking forward to your end of year stuff. :)

Here goes my try-and-catch-up list!

Book 146 and 147: Return to Labyrinth Vol 2 and 3 by Jake T. Forbes These were just okay manga-style books based on the hit 80's movie. Rec'd for fans or the curious only. 3 stars each

Book 148: Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me by Ellen Forney Interesting GN look at the authors' experience with mental illness 4 stars

Book 149: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs This one didn't grab me, for whatever reason. Listened to the audiobook (I normally really like this narrator, Lorelei King), and I had a hard time paying attention to what was going on. 2 stars

Book 150 and 151: The Missing Piece and The Missing Piece Meets the Big O by Shel Silverstein Light, fun little books, probably haven't read them since I was in grade school 3 stars each

Book 152: Shadows At The Fair by Lea Wait A nice, if slightly dated early 90's cozy mystery. Nothing earth-shattering here, just a light murder mystery story 3 stars

Book 153: And Another Thing: The World According to Clarkson, Vol 2 by Jeremy Clarkson. He's a big, dumb animal, isn't he folks? Still, I enjoyed every single one of these essays, most of them made me chuckle out loud. Even if I don't always agree with what he says (and who says you need to?), I always liked what I read. 4.25 stars

Book 154: How To Be A Woman by Caitlin Moran What may be my favorite book this year, if not in my top ten. (If I had one, that is.) Simply excellent, intelligent, humorous, heart-tugging, and outstanding. I listened to this, read by Caitlin herself, and she does an amazing job. 5 stars

Book 155: Give It Up! My Year of Learning To Live Better With Less by Mary Carlomagno Mildly inspiring book about letting creature comforts/habits go, one month at a time. Felt like it would've applied to me more if I'd read it when it was first published in the early 2000's, and if I lived in a big big city with a subway, etc. (The month where she "gives up" taking taxis didn't apply to me at all.) 3 stars

Book 156: Mario Makes a Move by Jill McElmurry Cute book about Mario, a flying squirrel, and his sister, doing awesome stunts in the air. 3 stars

Book 157: Address Unknown by Katherine Kressman Taylor Published in 1938, it's credited with showing the dangers of Naziism to Americans before it became widely known. This small epistolary book is written between a Jewish art dealer in California and his business partner who returned to Germany. Poignant and touching, rec'd for any fan of WWII things 4.25 stars

Book 158: The Mystery of the Fool and the Vanisher by David and Ruth Ellwand An interesting, if slightly disappointing story (GN, really), and I was bummed that it wasn't as cool as the cover and description made it seem. A nice effort, but it seemed to be missing some gravitas or something. 2.7 stars

Book 159: A Bride's Story, Vol 5 by Kaoru Mori Another excellent entry in the Bride's Story series, and Ms. Mori's art gets better each and every time. Truly wonderful. 4.5 stars

Book 160: Crictor by Tomi Ungerer Wonderful illustrated picture book for kids! Would love a copy for myself 4.3 stars

Book 161: Raven Girl by Audrey Niffenegger A new fairy tale that has just the right feel for a classic/vintage tale. Ultimately, the story didn't speak to me as much as she was perhaps aiming for, but it was very good nonetheless. 3 stars

Book 162: The Pirates! In An Adventure With Napoleon by Gideon DeFoe Another fun entry in the series, but read a little too closely with the Ahab story for it to be as enjoyable as the first was. 3 stars

Book 163: How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman Yet another great picture book! Does what it says on the box. 4 stars

Book 164: Strega Nona Does It Again by Tomie dePaola As a fan of Strega Nona when I was a child, I couldn't resist this brand new book with the wonderful character. As much fun as I remember his stuff to be. 4 stars

Book 165 and 166: Beautiful Bitch and Beautiful Bombshell by Christina Lauren Silly, funny, sexy books, with realistic and modern characters, total brain candy and much better (and much better written) than that 50 Shades business. 3 stars each

Book 167: The Private Realm of Marie Antoinette by Marie-France Boyer Excellent small coffee-table-type book chock full of photos and vintage illos of her houses/palaces, and her private spaces. Wonderful for this house/royalty junkie! 4.4 stars

Book 168: 100 Turn-of-the-century Brick Bungalows with Floor Plans by Rogers & Manson I spent hours with this book, ogling the blueprints and illustrations of the completed houses. Fascinating. 4.3 stars

Book 169: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving Goodly atmospheric, though it took me nearly half of the story to get into the rhythm of his writing. Disney followed the storyline closely with their classic short cartoon 3 stars

Book 170: Nanny McPhee Returns by Emma Thompson Lots of audio fun (as it's read by Emma herself), with alternating chapters of the story and of Emma's film diary. 4 stars

Book 171: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney Cute book about a truly wimpy kid who doesn't seem to have much of a clue. 3 stars

Book 172: Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman An ER book about the life of the mysterious Huguette Clark, her father and family, and how she lived her life. She had many empty mansions (and whole floors of 5th Ave NYC apartments) yet lived the last 20 years of her life in a hospital room. Very interesting and curious. 4 stars

Book 173: Henrietta's War: News from the Home Front 1939-1942 by Joyce Dennys Charming, funny, interesting epistolary-style diary from the beginning to the middle of WWII. I read the second installment in this two-book series first (thanks to an ER win a few years ago) and have been saving this book to read when I needed a little comfort and distraction. Wonderful. Excellent. 5 stars

Book 174, 175, and 176: The Emperor's Code, Storm Warning, and Into the Gauntlet, the 8th, 9th, and 10th books in the juvenile 39 Clues series. Cute, if a little same-y after awhile, full of adventure for kids and lots of historical facts and info without beating you over the head with it. Rec'd for kids, certainly, and not bad for adults, either. 3 stars each

Book 177: Bargain Fever by Mark Ellwood Surprisingly funny NF book about shopping, discounts, and the way the clothing market has changed. 3.75 stars

Book 178: Perfect English by Ros Byam Shaw Wonderful coffee table style book about English interiors/decorating. Really, more of a photo essay on dozens of English houses in several different "styles". Perfect for this Anglophile to while away a few hours. 4.25 stars

Book 179: The Lottery and Seven Other Stories by Shirley Jackson Not bad, but not as good as I was expecting. The narrator was fine, but it was very hard to tell when one story stopped and another started. Probably would be better if I'd actually read it. 3 stars

Book 180: Mystery!: A Celebration by Ron Miller The history of Masterpiece Mystery!, including all programs and series, with lots of short interviews with the authors and actors. 3.25 stars, and it doesn't get much farther than the 1990's.

Book 181: The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston A vintage-illustrated novel about Frankie, a young girl in the 1920's and the adventure that is her life. Really great, plausible, funny, touching, and unlike anything I've read (or seen) before. 4.25 stars

Book 182: The Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. LeGuin My first LeGuin, and most certainly not my last. A totally engrossing tale with an old-fashioned feel about a young boy with wonderful mage powers, his life, education as a wizard, and how he restores the balance when he performs a spell too strong for him when he was too young. Most excellent, indeed, and I see what the fuss about Ursula finally is. 4.5 stars

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And now, perhaps foolishly, I'm going to try and see if I can read enough books to get me to 200 before midnight tonight! It'll involve 3 picture books and several GNs I have checked out from work, but I'm hoping to get at least one regular book in there too. *Fingers crossed* The cats have miraculously decided to leave me be for a bit as they nap on the guest room bed together...

Best wishes for your New Year's Eve readathon!

duh...painkillers are not good for the mind. I posted my message on the wrong thread...gesh.

All good wishes to you, dear friend. I hope 2014 is a better year for you.

Love you lots

Thanks, Micky! So far, I've gotten 3 picture books done, but I'm setting up my new 2014 threads and texting, and it's eating into my hibernation time. *Grump* ;)

No worries, sweetheart! I hope 2014 is better for you too, Linda, and I'm confident that it will be. Love you lots and lots!

Happy New Year, fellow Stick in the Mud! That is an impressive blast of reading. You go girl! I finished 2 today, right under the wire. Hugs to you, my friend! I hope it all goes well on Thursday!

Happy New Year, Laura. Hope 2014 is a better year for all of us.

Here, I was proud of finishing my #150 under the wire today.

May 2014 bring much love, laughter and a whole lot of books.

Santa sent some amazing things my way........and I thank you for that!!!!!

Hiya Mark! Hugs back to you, and I'll let you know how Thursday goes. See below, but I finished a few more before midnight!

Hi Linda, Happy New Year to you too. Hope it's better for all of us too, seems like a lot of people had an awful 2013. You should be proud of finishing #150 - that's a heck of a lot of books!!!

Linda, may 2014 bring you absolute truckloads of the same. Glad you liked your present - was tempted to keep it for myself, I liked it so much!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just a few more finished before the clock ticked over to 2014.

Book 183: The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney Unbelievable watercolor illustrations and very few words tell this classic tale. 4 stars

Book 184: Beneath the Ghost Moon by Jane Yolen Very sweet rhyming story, perfect for Halloween/fall. Glad for the rec from Linda/Whisper1. 4 stars

Book 185: Crazy Hair by Neil Gaiman An interesting illustration style (seemingly part photographs, illustrations, and magazines cut-outs), and a crazy hair story. 3 stars

Book 186: Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood The first in the Phryne Fisher series, this was enjoyable, but I think I like the TV series better. !!!! I know! I'll still listen to more in the series, but not necessarily with any great gusto or eagerness. Perhaps that will change as the series develops. 3.3 stars

Book 187: Cursed Pirate Girl by Jeremy A. Bastian What a wonderfully detailed Graphic Novel! Girls as pirates seem to be a recurring theme for me in the last half of 2013, which is interesting and surprising. To me, at least. The story is very good, with sometimes Dickensian, sometimes magical characters. Can't wait for the second collected volume to be released! 4.25 stars



Book 188: Delphine by Richard Sala A dark tale, disturbing and creepy, of a young man who goes to look for his college girlfriend who essentially went "missing" when she left 2 years ago to go home for the summer. She never got in touch with him or was heard from again. Quirky, with a fairy-tale-esque vibe to it. 3.5 stars

Re book #164: I love Strega Nona, but I haven't sought out this one yet. Sounds like I should...

The Masterpiece Theatre one seems interesting. . I'll have to check that out. :)

You Are Amazing, thank you.