Mark's Reading Place: Chapter Five

-Olive Trees With Yellow Sky and Sun- Van Gogh



-Eastern Bluebird

“We need the tonic of wildness... At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.”

~ Henry David Thoreau

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:



January:

1- Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid by Thor Hanson 4.3 stars
2- Love Medicine: Newly Revised Edition by Louise Erdrich 4.4 stars
3- The Unseen (The Barrøy Chronicles, 1) by Roy Jacobsen 4.7 stars
4- When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson 4.5 stars GN
5- These Precious Days: Essays by Ann Patchett 4.8 stars (audio)
6- The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles 3.8 stars
7- Spellbound: A Graphic Memoir by Bishakh Som 3.7 stars GN
8- Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan 4.5 stars
9- The Film Club: A Memoir by David Gilmour 3.8 stars
10- Dare to Disappoint by Ozge Samanci 4 stars GN
11- The Palace Thief: Stories by Ethan Canin 4 stars

February:

12- In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez 4.6 stars
13- Young Skins: Stories by Colin Barrett 4.5 stars
14- The Scene of the Crime by Ed Brubaker 4 stars GN
15- Pastoral Song: A Farmer’s Journey by James Rebanks 4.5 stars (audio)
16- The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna 4 stars GR
17- Moonglow: A Novel by Michael Chabon 4.3 stars GR
18- IN. by Will McPhail 4 stars GN
19- Riots I Have Known by Ryan Chapman 3.7 stars
20- A Children's Bible by Lydia Millet 4.3 stars

March:

21- Black Birds in the Sky: 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre by Brandy Colbert 4.5 stars (audio)
22- Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder 4.2 stars GN
23- Firekeeper's Daughter by Boulley Angeline 4.3 stars
24- Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson 4.3 stars Group Read
25- The Siege of Krishnapur (Empire Trilogy) by J.G. Farrell 4.4 stars
26- Ballad for Sophie by Filipe Melo 4.5 stars GN
27- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir 4.6 stars (audio)
28- An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine 4.5 stars
29- River Teeth: Stories and Writings by David James Duncan 4 stars
30- We'll Soon Be Home Again by Jessica Bab Bonde 4 stars GN

^ I was able to do some shared reading, with a few of my book buddies recently and really enjoyed it. I would like this to continue. Primarily, I would like to read books off shelf, but I am still catching up with a few titles that I missed reading last year. I will list some titles and if you are interested, we will set a firm date.

Cloud Cuckoo Land W/Bill
Harlem Shuffle w/Meg, Bill, Kim, Benita, April
Taft w/Stasia June
Arctic Dreams w/Mamie, Stasia, Joe, Mary, MDoris, Mid-June
Plainsong Joe, Stasia July?
The Singapore Grip w/Benita Fall or winter?
A Jewel in the Crown Summer?
Afterlife w/Mary
Angle of Repose (reread) Bonnie, Stasia, Benita Aug/Sep?

Hello?? Great Horned Owl chicks.

That Jackson just gets cuter and cuter! Happy new thread Mark.

Happy new thread, Mark. We decided to set up new threads at the same time!

>6 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. I have to agree with you on Jackson. ❤️

>7 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. I will be stopping over at your place too.

Morning, Mark, and happy new thread!

Great pics of Jackson.

^I have my orientation training at Willowbrook Wildlife Rehab Center today and then I will be working the Tuesday morning shift from then on. I have a one-year commitment. I will be working my butt off, so it won't be all fun times with the cuddly animals but it is something I have wanted to try for some time. We are right at the start of their busy season- with offspring being born and spring migration starting to wind up.

>9 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie! Happy Wednesday to you.

Happy new one!

"India, 1857--the year of the Great Mutiny, when Muslim soldiers turned in bloody rebellion on their British overlords. This time of convulsion is the subject of J. G. Farrell's The Siege of Krishnapur, widely considered one of the finest British novels of the last fifty years."

I loved Troubles and was looking forward to reading the rest of the Empire Trilogy. Well, that was 2013. C'mon, I got busy! I am finally fixing that and I started The Siege of Krishnapur today. Benita & Donna are reading it with me and Anne will be joining soon. If anyone else wants to jump in. I hope I won't take as long to get to The Singapore Grip. 😄

I am 110 pages in and enjoying it. He was a heck of a writer.

Happy new thread, Bird Dude! The Farrell looks interesting.

>10 msf59: Oh my! The future begins. Must say it's handsome-looking as entrances go.

>2 msf59: ...say...there's a baby in that photo! Were you aware of this? How did this come about?

>12 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Figs.

>14 drneutron: Thanks, Jim. If you are interested in the Farrell, I could send it your way. Just sayin'...

>10 msf59: My sister worked in wildlife rehab in the Florida Keys for a while. A lot of birds. She enjoyed it. I'll look forward to photos.

You are a busy guy, Mark. Jackson looks fine.

>4 msf59: I see my name here. I may have to spring for both those titles. Give me some notice, kind sir, and I shall try to clear my agenda and my mind to read along. I do have Arctic Dreams and it's in a place I can locate easily.

Happy New Thread, Mark!

Wonderful toppers as always! Van Gogh, Jackson, birds.

I've given up trying to catch up on previous threads. I'll try to stay current on this one.

Are you still contemplating Glacier Park this year? Or did your trip to CR replace the Glacier plans?

Happy new thread, Mark! Lovely toppers, especially that baby! This is such a wonderful age - they're learning and exploring but not quite mobile yet. Of course, I love babies at any stage of development, especially now that I'm the grandma. Mine's almost 6 months, trying so hard to crawl, and completely fearless. (Picture him lunging for something he sees on the floor and almost toppling off my lap head first.)

>10 msf59: Morning, Mark - you might enjoy the "busy season" on our tiny front porch.

We set up (chewy.com) a small warming house for cold night visits from our neighbor's cat, Rosie.
She enjoyed it for months, then one night my daughter heard some sounds and
opened the front door to see if she needed food
- there was a little possum looking up at her!

I always put an Apple of Hope (praying that our doe and fawns have once again been spared) out for the deer
near the bird bath; then, after reading that possums love fruit, set one out for him/her.

Yikes, it was taken into the cat's warming house where a giant mess was left.
I tossed the remaining apple to the squirrels and am still cleaning the inside of the house,
floor, and warming cover.

We've since left the possum apple further from the house after dark so the squirrels don't find it first.

Happy new thread, Mark!

>1 msf59: I love that Van Gogh painting, such vivid colors.
>2 msf59: Jackson grows so fast.
>10 msf59: Sounds like a perfect place to work your but off :-)

>17 labfs39: Hi, Lisa. I bet that would be an amazing rehab center to work at. I bet your sister has some great stories to tell.

>18 weird_O: Howdy, Bill. I had a busy morning, now I am trying to bookhorn in some reading. I put you down on the Arctic Dreams slate, so I can shoot you a reminder. Looking at mid-June.

>19 streamsong: Thanks, Janet. Great to see you. I will have to stop by your thread and see what you are up to. Sadly, no Glacier trip once again this year. We talk about it all the time but need to pull the trigger. And to top it off, we have an Alaska trip planned for next summer.

>20 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary. It sounds like we are both having a wonderful time with our grandchildren. Jack is just learning to roll over, so it might still be a little while before he starts to crawl. Even feeding him solid foods, is a hoot.

>21 m.belljackson: Hi, Marianne. Thanks for the nature stories. Funny, at the rehab facility, they mentioned opossums and stated that they have very nasty poop. I hope it wasn't too difficult to clean up.

My wife just called me and shared that she just had a large flock of sandies circling above her office.

>22 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. The rehab center is an incredibly, complex operation. It is going to take me awhile to get used to everything. I get exhausted just thinking about it, but I think I am going to enjoy working there.

Happy new thread Mark! Lots of wonderful reading over here......

>1 msf59: Jacob has got the very same Van Gogh on his bedroom wall at University!
>10 msf59: Enjoy yourself at the rehab centre.

Happy new thread, Mark--some lovely toppers in >1 msf59: and a couple of very handsome young men in >2 msf59:.

Willowbrook sounds amazing--you'll be part of some important work. Good for you!

Have fun with The Siege of Krishnapur Mark. It's my favorite of the Empire Trilogy although I loved all three.

>25 mdoris: Thanks, Mary. Yep, I am enjoying those books, along with that certain little boy.

>26 SandDune: Hi, Rhian. Hooray for Van Gogh. Your son has good taste. If anything, working at the wildlife center, will be an interesting experience.

>27 kac522: Thanks, Kathy. Glad you like the toppers & Jackson. I had a nice introduction to Willowbrook today. They do incredible work at this site.

>28 brenzi: Hi, Bonnie. I am enjoying The Siege of Krishnapur. Too early to tell which one of the first two, is my favorite.

Mark, I can't wait to hear about your wildlife rehab experiences. I follow a local rehab on Instagram and love all of their interesting stories about animals that come to their center.

>2 msf59: Love the Jackson photos!

>5 msf59: Yay for GHOs!

>10 msf59: That sounds so cool, Mark. I hope you enjoy your time there.

>13 msf59: He was a heck of a writer.

Yes, he was, and I remarked when I finished the third book of the trilogy, The Singapore Grip, that it was a shame he died so young. He was only 44.

Lovely to see Vincent up there Mark.

>2 msf59: Jackson is getting long/tall.

>10 msf59: I'm sure you will have a great time.

Happy new thread, Mark, and congrats on the volunteering gig - it sounds like it's right up your street and I bet you'll have a blast.

Keep those Jackson photos coming - he's such a cutie!!

>30 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura. The rehab training was quite eye-opening and quite daunting. Fortunately, I will be assisting someone for the next 2-3 weeks, until I get my feet on the ground.

>31 alcottacre: Hi, Stasia. Glad you like the photos. More to come, I promise. Yes, 44 is ridiculously young, for Farrell to die.

>32 Caroline_McElwee: HI, Caroline. Hooray for Vincent & Long-tall Jackson. And yep, rehab was quite the experience.

>33 scaifea: Good morning, Amber and thanks. The volunteering gig will be a lot of work but I am sure there will be rewards.

^We located another pair of GHOs on Tuesday. Thanks to a friendly tip. Mama is on the nest. No babies yet, that can be seen and Papa standing watch about 20-30 yards away. We took photos and moved on.

‘Morning, Mark! Happy Thursday and happy new thread to you.

>1 msf59: Van Gogh and a bluebird – great topper.

>2 msf59: Sweet pic of you and Jackson, and I love the way he’s holding his hands in the second pic.

>10 msf59: I hope the orientation went well. They’re lucky to have you, and I’m happy that you’ve found something in line with what interests you.

>35 msf59: Wow, another pair of GHOs. Good pics, too.

>23 msf59: I'm sorry you won't make it to Glacier this year. I'd love to meet you! But Alaska - too cool. That's on my bucket list.

I'm also looking to your wildlife rehab adventures.

>35 msf59: Great shots! They really do seem to embody the old stereotype of "wise old owls" to me, their natural appearance has such dignity.

Happy New Thread!

>36 karenmarie: Sweet Thursday, Karen. Glad you like the toppers and the Jack pics. Thanks, in regard to the volunteering gig and the GHO pics.

>38 streamsong: We will make it happen one of these years, Janet. We have not been back to Alaska since 2004. We are DUE!!

>39 richardderus: I think you nailed it, RD. Thanks.

>40 SilverWolf28: Thanks, Silver.

-Harry Bliss

^I could also see this being me & Jack, in a few years.

>35 msf59: Great pictures! Though they do look like they are pro you moving on.

>43 quondame: We really do try our best, not to linger, Susan.

Hi Mark! As I expected, traveling today let me catch up on reading. I’m close to 200 pages into it. While still in the midst of this one I definitely want to read the others of the trilogy. Thanks for getting us started, Mark!

'Morning, Mark! Happy Friday to you.

The birds have been chowing down on the sunflower and wild bird seed, so I'll fill the feeders today. It's still early, and I can see the silhouette of a cardinal in the Crepe Myrtle.

>45 AMQS: Happy Friday, Anne. Oh, that is great. You caught up quickly. I should be close to finishing The Siege of Krishnapur tomorrow. The good thing is, this trilogy doesn't need to be read in order.

>46 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. My feeders continue to be slow. Too dark at the moment to see anything but I am sure a cardinal is out there somewhere.

^This is Skylar. She is an American Kestrel. She is a permanent resident at the center because of a serious foot injury. She is a beauty. She is also very vocal and very friendly.

My first training session at the Rehab Center went well. It also is very daunting. This is a complex operation, taking care of hundreds of animals, (birds, mammals, reptiles) and this will most likely double or triple, through the spring and summer, sparked by migration and an onslaught of newborns. I am on the rehab side of things and my duties will include cleaning cages, (no easy task, with the animals present), feeding the animals, washing dishes and whatever else they need me to do. I will be a busy old man.

On my first day, I cleaned the cage of a flying squirrel. OMG, he is cute and then I fed him. I also helped clean the cage of an American Woodcock. I got to hold an injured mourning dove, as it was being weighed and I got to release my first bird- a song sparrow. Not sure why it was at the center. A window strike, perhaps?

I am glad that I will be working alongside one of the regular crew, for the next 2 to 3 weeks, so I can learn everything properly. My shift is Tuesday mornings.

Happy New Thread, buddy.

Nice Van Gogh up top, and that Jackson looks like a keeper.😀

River of Doubt continues to be excellent. Now they’re losing canoes (dugouts) and almost lost Kermit R.

Hope all is well with you. March Madness is here, so I’m a happy guy. We also went last night to our first Steppenwolf play in eons, and it was a good one.

>48 msf59: Sounds like a wonderful gig for your retirement. Enjoy!

>48 msf59: This is such a satisfying way to spend your time, and I can see it expanding to fill more of it. I hope your work environment stays as contented as it is.

I stalled on Siege of Krishnapur for the time being. I had started a book Spy in Moscow Station byEric Haseltine that was recommended by Suzanne earlier last week. I started reading in it the other night and it totally captured my attention so I am about 100 pages from finishing it. I will finish Krishnapur. Likely, next week. It is not that I am finding Krishnapur boring, it is just that none of the characters have hooked into liking them - yet. I get the feeling that this is a slow developing story.

As I understand it, the trilogy is not tied together as most trilogies are - but rather it is the concept that is the tie between them. Each of the books deals with some aspect, or cause, of the fall of the British Empire. I plan on reading Troubles next as I have a copy of that one also. I don't have a copy of Singapore Grip but I am sure I can get it through ILL when the time comes.

Hi Mark, I am so looking forward to hearing lots about the Rehab Centre and your work there.

>53 DeltaQueen50: What she said! I’m so impressed by you with your refuge work! Seems like such a great fit for you!

Karen O

I finished Part 2 in the Farrell book last night, Mark. It looks like three of us are closing in on the end. I’m liking it better than Troubles. Lots more action!

Your volunteer job sounds fascinating. I hope to hear more about it as you get more responsibilities.

>48 msf59: Sounds like a very cool volunteer gig, Mark. I hope you find it really rewarding and look forward to your animal tales. :)

>52 benitastrnad: Eric, the brilliant fellow, happens to be my brother.

>49 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe. Happy Friday. Hooray for Van Gogh & Jackson. I am glad and not at all surprised that you are enjoying River of Doubt. So happy to hear you are back to the theater. I am sure you missed it.

>50 Oberon: Thanks, Erik. I have wanted to do this for a while now. Glad it finally became a reality.

>51 richardderus: Thanks, Richard. I don't think I expected to be working so hard. LOL. But it is for a good cause and I am in the element.

>52 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. I should finish The Siege of Krishnapur tomorrow. Not always a smooth read, but rewarding never the less. What a smart and ambitious author. How is Spy in Moscow Station? Not sure I am familiar with that title.

>53 DeltaQueen50: >54 klobrien2: Happy Friday, Judy & Karen. I am sure you will be hearing about my volunteer adventures. There should always be something interesting to report.

>55 Donna828: Hi, Donna. I only have about 50 pages left in Krishnapur. I am liking it quite a bit but I am leaning more toward Troubles, although it has been ages since I read it. I am sure you will be hearing more about my volunteer experiences.

>56 MickyFine: Hi, Micky. Great to see you. We have lost touch. I am sure I will be sharing many "animal tales".

>57 quondame: Really? Wow!!

^Jack's first St. Patrick's Day! I think he was a bit grumpy that he couldn't get a Guinness.

It was beautiful in Chicagoland yesterday. Pushing 70F.

>60 msf59: No Guinness!?! He looks ready for a brawl! I am not a Guinness fan, at all. Bitter can be taken too far, and for my taste Guinness leaves too far behind. A friend used to bring Guinness marinated beef to events and it was leftover meat each time.

Mark, what a wonderful opportunity you have at the rehab center! And how lucky they are to have you.

I finished The Siege of Krishnapur today. What a harrowing experience! I appreciated the journey and evolution of the characters, how they changed so completely and yet in many ways not at all. Lots to think about. Thank you for offering the group read!

Happy new thread, Mark. Good to see you getting into volunteering and the gig at the rehab centre looks like it will be right up your alley. Retirement is not about slowing down as far as I can see, it's about seeing all the wonderful things you can get into.

>48 msf59: I love reading about the new volunteering gig, Mark. It sounds great.

>60 msf59: Cute as always! We've had beautiful weather here, too. I'm okay with it ha ha.

>61 quondame: I like Guinness but honestly, I prefer it mixed with a Harps or Smithwicks- ala half & half or black & tan.

>62 AMQS: Thanks, Anne in regard to the rehab gig. I am looking forward to spending more time over there and racking up more experience. I am glad you joined us on this very informal shared read of The Siege of Krishnapur and found it rewarding. I am also nearly done with it. If you write up any kind of review, try to share it over here. I would appreciate it.

>63 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. I know you are a very busy retiree too, but at least we are choosing what we want to do. Looking forward to spring arriving.

>64 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura. I will mention highlights of my rehab gig, as I go along. I am sure there will always be something interesting, in those 4 hours. We have had rain the past couple of days, but at least the temps are starting to creep up there.

^Family and friends have recommended "Inventing Anna". Although, our tastes don't always line up. LOL. It does sound promising. Has anyone here watched it? Thoughts?

Morning, Mark! That volunteer gig does sound absolutely perfect for you and I'm so happy you found it! And oh gosh, that Jackson seriously gets more adorable every day. That new photo is so sweet!

‘Morning, Mark. Happy Saturday.

>48 msf59: How wonderful for you to get to be close to these animals, even holding some of them.

>60 msf59: Very nice pic of Bree and Jackson. He looks cute, regardless of the Guiness envy.

>67 scaifea: Morning, Amber. I agree that the volunteer gig is a good fit for me and yep, I think that Jackson is a keeper.

>68 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. As soon as Bree sent me that photo, I knew I had to share it here. Our boy!!

-Harry Bliss

>66 msf59: Haven’t watched it yet, but it’s on my list, Mark. Maybe this weekend!

Karen O

>66 msf59: Is that the one about the sociopath? Those people scare me....

Happy weekend.

I hear it is Saturday. Funny, yesterday felt like Saturday. Oh, the indolent life I lead.

I'm mucking about, reading-wise. Need some brain-candy. Also breakfast. That might lead to somethin'.

>65 msf59: Guiness Stout and Bass Ale make a lovely mix.

>48 msf59: Sounds like a great experience Mark. Many years ago I did two month long volunteer roles in a monkey sanctuary, looking after Woolley monkeys. I loved it.

>60 msf59: Lovely leprechaun Mark. Though he looks a bit miffed at not being offered a sip.

>71 klobrien2: I will probably check it out soon too, Karen. We can compare notes.

>72 richardderus: I think so, RD. I haven't read a lot about it.

>73 weird_O: Howdy, Bill. Sue's work schedule helps keep me on track. I rarely lose track of days. Did you find any any brain-candy, to find comfort in?

>74 m.belljackson: Ooh, I forgot about Bass. Also, one of my favorites. With or without Guinness. Thanks for the reminder, Marianne.

I think many Irish would tell you it's a sacrilege to mix (English) Bass with Guinness 😂

Looking forward to hearing more about your rehab gig!

>10 msf59: This venture sounds incredibly interesting!! What a great thing to do when you are retired.

As I know you already know, Beer invented Civilization: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJsWaJVtZWA&ab_channel=ExtraCredits

>75 Caroline_McElwee: Happy Saturday, Caroline. Ooh, I would like to hear about the monkey sanctuary. Sounds really interesting.
"Lovely leprechaun..." I love it.

>77 katiekrug: Hi, Katie. I have been drinking Bass and black and tans for many years and never thought of that. LOL.

>78 Whisper1: Hi, Linda. Great to see you. It has been quite an experience, with a lot more to come.

>79 richardderus: Hey, RD. Happy Saturday. I will check out the link. Looks good...

>66 msf59: I watched the first two episodes and decided it wasn't for me Mark. And I love Julia Garner. I'm sure you've seen her in Ozark. If not you're really missing out.

'Morning, Mark! Happy Sunday to you.

Too early to see any bird activity, but I filled the feeders recently and had all the usual suspects yesterday.

Bill was pleased that the 8th-seed Tar Heels upset 1-seed Baylor yesterday. But we didn't fill out brackets this year so will probably only follow Carolina and then the championship game, regardless of who plays.

>81 brenzi: Thanks, Bonnie. I will check out one or two episodes and see if it works for me. I also like Julia Garner and enjoyed her on Ozark.

>82 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. It is still dark here too but hoping for some activity. The feeders were relatively busy yesterday, despite the occasional rain. I don't follow college basketball but Go Tar Heels!!

^Happy Birthday, to Uncle Matt! He is 30 today. He has also been enjoying this little guy.

"A love letter to literature and its power to define who we are, the gifted Rabih Alameddine has given us a nuanced rendering of a single woman's reclusive life in the Middle East."

^ An Unnecessary Woman has been on my TBR list for an embarrassing length of time, (it was published in 2013). Well, I finally started it and it begins wonderfully. It is already bristling with post-its. I am doing a shared read with Stasia & Lisa, so we can all bask in the joy.

If anyone has a copy and would like to jump in...

>86 msf59: I also started it yesterday and am enjoying it. Ditto with the notes. So many references to great books and authors.

>86 msf59: Read this in 2014. Remember being quite happy with the reading experience.

>87 labfs39: I am so glad you are reading along with us, Lisa. I think An Unnecessary Woman is going to be a very special read.

>88 alphaorder: I am not at all surprised that you loved it, Nancy. It sure is a good fit for book lovers!

Re: Group read of Harlem Shuffle. April will work very well for me, Mark. Pencil it in.

I've ventured into a book by Jonathan Lethem. It's called Amnesia Moon. Dystopian sci-fi. Or something... I've been reading The Writer's Library in between things, a chapter here, a chapter there. The interview with Lethem was good, and I realized that I had gotten one of his books at a sale—where else?—so I extracted it from the stacks. Started it last night.

>86 msf59: Glad to see you reading an Asian Book Challenge book, Mark!

Have a great Sunday.

>90 weird_O: Howdy, Bill. I penciled you in. Do you have a copy? I am getting mine from the library. I am a Lethem fan but had not heard of Amnesia Moon. You sure catapult all around, my friend.

>91 PaulCranswick: A happy accident, Paul but I am glad to join the club. I should do better.

First Song

Then it was dusk in Illinois, the small boy
After an afternoon of carting dung
Hung on the rail fence, a sapped thing
Weary to crying. Dark was growing tall
And he began to hear the pond frogs all
Calling on his ear with what seemed their joy.

Soon their sound was pleasant for the boy
Listening in the smoky dusk and the nightfall
Of Illinois, and from the fields two small
Boys came bearing cornstalk violins
And they rubbed the cornstalk bows with resins
And the three sat there scraping of their joy.

It was now fine music the frogs and the boys
Did in the towering Illinois twilight make
And into dark in spite of a shoulder's ache
A boy's hunched body loved out of a stalk
The first song of his happiness, and the song woke
His heart to the darkness and into the sadness of joy.

-Galway Kinnell

>57 quondame: & >58 msf59:
I really liked Spy in Moscow Station by Eric Haseltine. I am so surprised to see that he is your brother! A real life author in the family. How exciting!

Over on Suzanne's Nonfiction Group read the topic for March is espionage and counter espionage and I had this book on my shelves so I listed it as one of three I was going to try to read for the March read. Turns out that when Suzanne saw the title she remembered that she had it on her lists as well, so two of us read it this month. (tell your brother that I purchased my copy at Barnes & Noble - which means that I paid full price for this book.) I purchased it because it had good reviews and it seemed interesting - that was back in 2019.

Suzanne read it first and she said it was very good. I took it with me for Spring Break and I really liked it. The basic story starts in the late 1970's at the US embassy in Moscow where State Department employees find a mysterious antenna inside a chimney that is not a real chimney. Due to interdepartmental infighting nothing is done about it, and in fact the whole problem is quashed due to interdepartmental infighting until the French find the same thing at their embassy 6 years later and get fired up about it. Then things begin to happen and the US finds out how the KGB has been listening and learning ALL of our top level secrets for years. The book reads like a spy thriller after it gets going and I could totally see this one made into a movie - it gets that exciting. There is lots of technical information up front in the book - stuff about microwaves and microbursts of megahertz and ohms, etc. etc. but that didn't bother me. I thought it helped me to understand why the techie geeks working on the problem had a hard time explaining to others what was going on. It was simply unbelievable because it was advanced applied physics.

Anyway, it was fascinating stuff. Suzanne's review of the book is better than mine. I think I would read this book, as listening to all the front end technical stuff would probably be boring and keep people from finishing the book. But finishing it - what a finish. The stuff of spy legends.

"There is something joyous in the elegies
Of birds. They seem
Caught up in a formal delight,
Though the mourning dove whistles of despair."

"I walked alone, over the fallen oak,
Into the woods. From the woods outside of Eden came
a snake.
Two well-dressed women halted as they stepped,
Binoculars fixed on birds escaping in the trees
These eyes from outer space, evicted statues."

"I wake in the night,
An old ache in the shoulder blades.
I lie amazed under the trees
That creak a little in the dark,
The giant trees of the world.
I lie on earth the way
Flames lie in the woodpile,
Or as an imprint, in sperm or egg, of what is to be.
I love the earth, and always
In its darkness I am a stranger."

^The poem and these excerpts are from Galway Kinnell- Selected Poems. This is a collection that Joe lent me.
I had never heard of this award-winning poet and I did not connect with every poem but there were plenty that
hit the bullseye. A very unique talent.

>94 benitastrnad: You sold me on Spy in Moscow Station, Benita. Nice warbling.

Are you getting back to The Siege of Krishnapur?

>96 msf59:
I am. I read about 20 pages in it last night and this morning. Today I am traveling so I am doing my warbling from the Starbucks in Hopkinsville, KY. I am about 160 pages into the story and the siege has just started.

I was so surprised to learn that Quondame's brother is Eric Haseltine. I hope she passes on my praise for the book. If your local library has this one I do highly recommend it.

>57 quondame:
How did your brother find out about this story? It is a fascinating one.

Early April for the group read of Harlem Shuffle works for me, Mark. I have my own copy as I received it as part of a talk by the author.

>84 msf59: Birthday happy wishes to Matt! He looks like Jack has tired him out. And Jack looks ready to take on the next challenge.

>94 benitastrnad: All 3 of my siblings have published books. I don't think either of my brothers has published fiction, well not on purpose, anyway. My great uncle had both fiction and non-fiction titles.

>97 benitastrnad: My brother was research director for NSA in the early 2000s, and may have worked with Charles Gandy. He certainly worked with Grandy's son, who joined us for Christmas dinner one year. I'd never before encountered the full embodiment of the charming southern gentleman. He kept my daughter totally at ease which had her wondering "what the hell was that?" shortly after he left. She has a very strong stranger phobia and is very aware of it. Alas, both gentlemen were Trumpers, and that may have contributed to the death of the older one.
Here are all three doing a presentation.

Mark, here's my review:
It's a rare writer who can make such a grim and dire situation so compelling and even humorous at times. This is the story of the Sepoy Rebellion or First War of Independence against the ruling British in 1857. First incredulous (why would these simple people choose to reject a superior and civilized way of being?), then grudgingly accepting (but clinging to their old ways, comforts, and hierarchy), then finally doing whatever it takes to survive, the people who take refuge in the Collector's residence fortify, strategize, ration, and endure - or not. This is a well-told and thoughtful story of culture and examination and hardship. Recommended, and thanks to Mark for inspiring the group read!

>101 AMQS: Great thoughts, Anne. I also thought that the tragedy/comedy parts were compelling. I also want to thank Mark for hosting a group read. Sometimes I need a nudge...

Here is what I have to say on my thread:
"This satire about the fall of the British Empire featured a cross-section of Victorian society in mid-19th century India. Based on historical events, this account showed how colonial rule and clinging to noble and outdated principles lead to a 5-month siege with disastrous results. The arrogance, ceremonies, possessions, and other things the Brits revered failed them. In the end, the survivors became aware that "India itself was now a different place; the fiction of happy natives being led forward along the road to civilization could no longer be sustained." (244)

I have mixed feelings about my rating. I really wanted to give it 4.5 stars, but not being a fan of "dramedy" held me back. How can one laugh out loud while the "good" guys are being held hostage and attacked without mercy by the "savages"? Well, I did and will have some of those scenes permanently embedded in my mind. Farrell is a brilliant author and deserves the Book Prize which he won in 1973 for this book."

Hi Mark! great pictures of Jack, and company. And I will have to read Unnecessary Woman; but it may be a little bit.

First visit to the thread, I'm sorry to say. I'm delighted to see your charming Jackson. If you wanted to start a thread devoted to his pictures, I'd be a fan.
I came over because we saw our first kingfisher of the year on the river today, and I thought of you. Spring!
What a good thing you're doing at the rehab center! I hope it proves to be something your enjoy or find fulfilling or whatever the right words are.
Books!!!! I loved and adored *Unnecessary Woman*. I loved and adored *Troubles* and will get to the other two before I die or my sight goes. I promise myself. My current fiction is *Lincoln Highway*, which I see that you read in January. I agree with your stars.

>60 msf59: now *that's* doing motherhood right! Congratulations Jackson's mom- looks like you're nailing it.

>86 msf59: It is already bristling with post-its
Wow, that is the mark of an exciting reading experience. I guess I'll throw it on the old WL :)

Hey Mark, I've not caught up but I just saw that you are reading An Unecessary Woman. Your comment about the post it notes reminded me that I wanted to pick up some of the texts he mentioned: so many references to other books!

Hope the volunteering continues to go well, it sounds like a good fit for you.

>97 benitastrnad: "Warbling from the Starbucks"! That has a nice ring to it. I like how the tension grows in Krishnapur to an almost unbearable pitch and the subtle humor slowly begins to fade. And yes, that is very impressive about Susan's talented brother.

>98 Familyhistorian: Looking forward to reading the Harlem Shuffle with you, Meg. I think Bill will be joining us too.

>99 quondame: >100 quondame: Thanks, in regard to Matt. It sounds like you come from a very gifted family, Susan. I am impressed. I will check out the link you shared.

ETA- That is fascinating. I will have to read that book.

>101 AMQS: I loved your review of Krishnapur, Anne. I think you summed it up perfectly. I am so glad you joined us on this shared read. I am hoping to read The Singapore Grip later in the year, if you are interested.

>102 Donna828: I also loved your review of Krishnapur, Donna. I also like that quote. I think I tagged the same one. Like I mentioned to Anne, I plan to read The Singapore Grip later in the year, if you are interested, in joining.

>103 banjo123: Hi, Rhonda. Glad you like the Jack pics. I promise, they will continue. I have a feeling you will LOVE An Unnecessary Woman, once you get to it.

Happy birthday to Uncle Matt in the hat.

>104 LizzieD: Hi, Peggy. Great to see you. Glad you like the Jack pics. He graced my toppers for several months last year and I didn't want folks to get tired of our little angel boy. Smiles...

Congrats on the FOY kingfisher. I never tire of seeing them. My first official rehab stint starts tomorrow, although I will still be assisting someone. Have you read The Singapore Grip? We hope to read it later in the year. I hope you are enjoying The Lincoln Highway.

>105 LovingLit: Hi, Megan. I think there will be plenty of photos with Mom and Dad, taking Jack to different places, especially with restrictions being lifted. I am sure you will love An Unnecessary Woman when you get to it. It is a beauty.

>106 charl08: Hi, Charlotte. Great to see you. I will have to track down your thread. I do not think I have it starred for some reason. Yes, lots of classic literature is mentioned in An Unnecessary Woman, along with classical music. This has been such a terrific read.

Love all the birds on your threads. My cats and I are listening to the local ones sing their songs.

>109 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Caroline. We had a good day with the birthday boy.

>111 thornton37814: Hi, Lori. Great to see you. Birds become very vocal this time of year, especially the cardinals and robins.



^My feeders. Male house sparrow. Male Northern cardinal.

>95 msf59: Galway Kinnell is a favourite of mine, Mark. Well done to Joe for pointing him in your direction.

‘Morning, Mark!

>84 msf59: Belated Happy Birthday to Matt.

My feeders are pretty quiet right now.

Hiya, Mark. I’m glad you’re enjoying Galway Kinnell. I thought he’d be a bullseye poet for you. I love that Illinois boy one you posted. It made me look for cornstalk violins - worth a Google. The urge to make music is awe-inspiring sometimes.

Did you read his “The Bear” yet? That one always knocks me on my keister.

I’ve just started The Last Cuentista, a Newbery winner. My GN remains the lengthy The Subtle Knife, the graphic Pullman adaptation. Not quite as good as the first book adaptation, unfortunately, but it’s still a fun story to revisit.

Howdy, Mark. I'm one of your followers who get a workout just reading about your busy days. Well, enough chit-chat. Time for me to actual follow your lead.

Charge!!

>108 msf59:
I intend to read all three of the J. G. Farrell books this year. I am about half done with Siege of Krishnapur and reading in it steady right now. I think all the comedy in it at the beginning just bored me. Reading the introduction helped me to understand what was going on with the comedy/satire part, but it still didn't really help me to overcome that barrier. I find that I have little sympathy for any of the characters. I do like the descriptions of some things. For instance, Harry explaining to Fleury how to tell the distance of attacking forces by what you can see so that you can set the range-finder on the cannon they are firing. This paragraph reminded me of lots of the passages in Bernard Cornwell's Richard Sharpe books. I did laugh when in the end, Harry just gives up and gives the mathematical formula for figuring the distance. This formula involves square roots and multiplying by denominators, etc. etc. and it was so funny to think that in the middle of a battle that a person is going to sit down and do the math to find the range, and yet the man to whom Harry gave the directions took great comfort in knowing the mathematical formula so much so that he was repeating it over and over to himself like it was a mantra of some kind. It was funny! But so sad.

I am not giving up on the book, but so far I don't think it is my cup of tea.

>107 msf59:
I highly recommend the book. It was informative and by the end, very entertaining, and full of characters. There are some technical passages in the beginning. The paragraphs in that section are full of words like megahertz, ohmns, and some other physics terms, but by and large it is very readable. I found it engrossing. It is not a long book either, so you should have fun reading it.

Hey Mark! Glad you're out enjoying such a beautiful day.

>113 PaulCranswick: I can see why Kinnell would be a favorite of yours, Paul. You like that style. I am glad Joe turned me on to him.

>114 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. Thanks for the birthday wishes. My feeders have been slow too.

>115 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. I am glad you turned me on to Kinnell. I didn't always connect with some of the longer pieces but even in them, I found some striking passages. I did like "The Bear" but I will circle back and read it again. I may have to track down the Golden Compass GN and give that one a try.

>116 weird_O: Howdy, Bill. These volunteer duties are keeping me active, along with the birds and baby boy Jackson. No complaints here, my friend.

>117 benitastrnad: >118 benitastrnad: Sorry, Krishnapur isn't grabbing you, Benita. I really started connecting with it, in the second half, although I didn't mind the more comic approach in the first half. I hope The Singapore Grip is a better fit for you. I will probably read it next fall or later. Spy in Moscow Station is firmly on my list.

>119 richardderus: Hey, RD. It was a beautiful morning on the trails. We walked over 90 minutes.

-Harry Bliss

>122 msf59: *snort* Yeup.

>107 msf59: I dug Harlem Shuffle out from the bottom of a stack and it's ready to go, Mark.

Happy Tuesday!

I am a little behind here. Your volunteer gig at the rehab centre sounds awesome!

>123 richardderus: Ya gotta love, Harry!

>124 Familyhistorian: Locked and loaded? Nice. Now, I better request my copy...

>125 figsfromthistle: Happy Tuesday, Figs. Today is my rehab center day, so I am sure I will have a report to share. I just hope they don't work this old guy too hard.

25- The Siege of Krishnapur (Empire Trilogy) by J.G. Farrell 4.4 stars

“The British could leave and half India wouldn't notice us leaving just as they didn't notice us arriving. All our reforms of administration might be reforms on the moon for all it has to do with them..”

“India itself was now a different place; the fiction of happy natives being led forward along the road to civilization could no longer be sustained.”

“All our actions and intentions are futile unless animated by warmth of feeling. Without love everything is a desert. Even Justice, Science, and Respectability.”

India, 1857. An isolated British outpost, on the subcontinent. The British here are living a comfortable life, clutching to their noble, old-world principles. There are hints and rumblings that an uprising is about to occur, by Muslim soldiers. The colonists start to prepare for an attack but they are soon surrounded and the siege begins. I like how the tension grows in the story to an almost unbearable pitch and the subtle humor, that permeates the first half of the novel slowly begins to crumble. Based on historical events, Farrell does an incredible job with the writing and the story-telling. He was a genuine talent. Too bad he died at a young age. This is the second book in his Empire Trilogy.

Thanks to Anne, Benita & Donna for reading along with me and possibly we could do The Singapore Grip together, later in the year.

^Has anyone read The Raj Quartet by Paul Scott? It is an acclaimed set of books set in India under British rule. It looks very good. It was mentioned in the foreword of The Siege of Krishnapur.

Morning, Mark! I can't wait to hear about your rehab center report!

>129 scaifea: Morning, Amber. Getting ready to leave. I hope they take it easy on this old guy. Grins...

‘Morning, Mark. Happy Tuesday. I hope it goes well at the Rehab Center.

>122 msf59: 👍

>128 msf59: It is a terrifically interesting series, Mark, and well-enough written to have kept my interest in the 1980s. On the sudsy side, my 2022 self thinks, but not OTT with it.

Enjoy your Tuesday.

>86 msf59: My copy is bristling with Post-its too, Mark! Thoroughly enjoying this read, 150+ pages in. I will be reading more of the wonderful book later today.

>94 benitastrnad: I am going to have to track down a copy of Spy in Moscow Station. It sounds right up my alley!

>128 msf59: I have not yet read The Raj Quartet, Mark, so if you are looking for a reading partner, I am in!

Happy Tuesday, Mark!

I read the Raj Quartet back in 1990 - 1993. I read it because I was trying to watch the PBS series Jewel in the Crown that was based on the series and I kept moving around and so couldn't watch the entire series. I decided to read the books instead. Wise decision. The first book Jewel in the Crown took me over a year to read because I kept putting it down and then picking it up. The second book was read a bit faster. The third one even faster, and I read the fourth book in two weeks. I thought they were excellent. Yes, there is some melodrama in them, but for historical fiction they are really well done. Scott should have won a Booker for one of the series instead of for the book for which he did win the prize.

I loved the books well enough that the original paperback series of four books has traveled with me over the years. They, and two other paperback series are the only ones I have kept with me through all of my moves.

Just in case you need it in plainer English - I high recommend these books.

>131 karenmarie: Happy Tuesday. Karen. The Rehab stint went very well. Thanks. I will try to post photos and details later.

>133 richardderus: Hey, RD. I am glad to see an endorsement for The Raj Quartet, although it took me a moment to figure out OTT but I got there quick enough. LOL. It looks like Benita also loved the series, so it is firmly on my list.

>134 alcottacre: Happy Tuesday, Stasia. I am 175 pages into An Necessary Woman but I won't have as much time to read today so we should be fairly close. I would be up for doing a shared read of Jewel in the Crown. We will just have to figure out a time.

>135 benitastrnad: Hey, the warbler strikes again. You took my title. Thanks for chiming in on The Raj Quartet. I will try to bookhorn in Jewel in the Crown later in the year. Did you ever finish the TV series?

-Pat Bagley

>136 msf59:
I never did see the entire PBS series. It is one of those things that will be a good binge watching weekend when I retire. If I can find it. Lots of public libraries still have it. I don't think it starred any big names that people nowadays might know, but it was interesting enough that it got my attention and caused me to read the books. Because I didn't see the series I can't tell you if it deviates from the original books or not. My paperback copies of the books are in Munden and that is 1200 miles away from here. That said, I wouldn't mind rereading them. I think they are what some people might call potboiler historical fiction, but I remember them as being very good.

But don't go by my opinion. Over on Joe's thread I put my two cents worth in on my five best novels and I included Beach Music by Pat Conroy. I loved that book and refer to it often, but even I think it is a potboiler. The reason I liked it so much was that I read it just after I had moved to Alabama and was lonely and bored. It certainly kept my attention. The same might be true of the Raj Quartet. I read the last two while getting a graduate degree. I was in my early 30's living in a dormitory with teenagers, so anything would have been less melodramatic than what I heard from them.

>136 msf59: I remember loving the PBS series, principally because of the young Art Malik playing the lead. He was terrific. I once tried reading the Raj Quartet but got bogged down in the first volume. I'd love to try it again.

>135 benitastrnad: I read The Raj Quartet several years after watching the TV adaptation, The Jewel in the Crown. It was one of the first PBS series my husband and I watched and got hooked on together, and it is truly outstanding. I read the books after reading Paul Scott's Staying On, which won the Booker Prize. It's a sort of sequel to the quartet and made me want to go back and read those books.

>139 vivians: Oooh yes, Art Malik. He was excellent. As was Tim Piggott-Smith.

>128 msf59: I've read and enjoyed them. That was in the days before I weighted own voices quite so heavily.

>138 benitastrnad: Something else to look forward to, once you retire, Benita. And when will that be? I have not read Beach Music, although I have enjoyed other Conroy books.

>139 vivians: Hi, Vivian. Good to see you and thanks for chiming on The Jewel in the Crown PBS series. Was the series based on only the first book of the quartet.

>140 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura. So, would you also recommend reading The Raj Quartet? The first one seems to have received the best reviews. Like I asked Vivian- was the series based on only the first book of the quartet.

>141 quondame: Thanks, Susan. The quartet seems to be getting mostly praise over here. Good to know.

^A few of us will be doing a shared read of Harlem Shuffle. It looks like we will start, sometime in the first week of April. I am picking my copy up tomorrow. Would anyone like to join us?

>128 msf59: Me! Me! Me! And I loved every page of it, Mark. I even bought and read Staying On which followed up on a couple of the characters several years after the events that took place in the quartet of books. By far one of the best reading experiences of my life. I'm not exaggerating. I did not bog down at any point. They're all on my keeper shelf but it's too soon for me to do a reread yet.

>143 msf59: I will see if I can fit it in! I have been meaning to get to it.

>144 brenzi:
I haven't read Staying On. I should do that. I didn't realize that it was a sequel or I would have read it. By the time I got to the last one in the quartet I raced through it. I loved the series and and the four books are on my shelves back home. It is rare that I keep books and these four were designated keepers for me.

I am glad to hear the praise for the PBS series as I only saw bits and pieces and never managed to see an entire season of the show. It hooked me on reading the books so what I did see made an impression.

>138 benitastrnad: " I was in my early 30's living in a dormitory with teenagers, so anything would have been less melodramatic than what I heard from them." That cracked me up.

>142 msf59: The PBS series has episodes titled after all four books, so I believe it was based on the whole quartet. There were 14 episodes in all. It seems to be available with a subscription to PBS Masterpiece, an add-on to Amazon's Prime video subscription.

>142 msf59:, >147 laytonwoman3rd: Linda is right -- the series is based on the entire quartet.

>144 brenzi: "Me! Me! Me!" " By far one of the best reading experiences of my life." Well, that settles that, Bonnie. Good enough for me. Thanks!

>145 alcottacre: Love to have you along, Stasia. I have also wanted to read Harlem Shuffle since it came out.

>146 benitastrnad: I am not sure I'll read the whole quartet but I will check out the PBS series, at some point.

>147 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks for that info, Linda. I want to at least read the first book or two and then I will watch the series.

>148 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. I am getting read to post my Rehab highlights. Just sayin'...

^An American Woodcock. These very unusual looking birds, who forage on the ground, are migrating through and also finding mates. They also seem to be getting injured a lot. There were at least 3 here at the Center. I was cleaning their crates. They eat a healthy amount of earthworms. Thier body weight, a day.

^The highlight yesterday, at the Center, was seeing GHO chicks. I heard someone mention that they just got in 3 orphaned owlets so I brazenly asked if I could see them. They upped that request by letting me watch them being fed. Chopped up mice. Yum. They eat A LOT! I will have to prepare these meals too. Cool observation: the keeper held a picture of an adult GHO in front of her, so the chicks see that instead of the keeper's face. We hope they can re-nest these birds but if not they will be raised until they can be released.

‘Morning, Mark! Happy Wednesday to you.

>150 msf59: Nice pic, interesting about their bodyweight in earthworms a day. I love watching videos of them dancing.

>151 msf59: So glad you asked to see the GHO chicks.

Cardinals, finches, a male Cowbird, and a Tufted Titmouse are all here for second breakfast. I filled the birdbath first thing and heard a Pileated Woodpecker drum in the woods. Louise saw one at her place yesterday.

Earthworms and chopped mice...there's a shopping list I don't want to get handed.

Happy Humpday, Birddude.

Thanks Mark for sharing your wonderful pictures.

>151 msf59: What a cool detail about holding a photo up to the chick!

>152 karenmarie: Happy Wednesday, Karen. Learning lots of interesting tidbits at the Center. Did you know the baby birds they keep there, need to be fed every 30 minutes, for about 12 hours. Those keepers are busy. Sounds like you have some nice action at your feeders.

>153 richardderus: Happy Wednesday, RD. It is going well. Birds in the AM. Books in the PM.

>154 mdoris: You are welcome, Mary. I enjoy sharing my experiences.

>155 vivians: I agree, Vivian. Learning lots of interesting stuff at the Center.

>151 msf59: Lovely! I am so glad to see them being cared for.

>157 alcottacre: I thought you would get a kick out of that, Stasia. I will ask about their status next week. I hope they were able to put them back in the nest but if not, they will be well attended to.

>151 msf59: Poor little thing looks world weary already! I hope the rehab center does what's needed for it.

I am surprised about the photos. I didn't think birds (or animals) could see (and interpret) one-dimensional photos of faces the way we can. I have heard of using puppets with animals to prevent bonding with humans but not photos. Interesting.

>150 msf59: Wow, that many worms? Impressive. Do they buy them in or have a wormery?

>151 msf59: Great highlight Mark. Love the owl, but will pass on its breakfast.

I have about 20 pages to go in Siege of Krishnapur. I read a big chunk in it this morning while sitting in the Doctor's office - waiting. (Seems like that is most of what you do when you go to a doctor.) As I was reading Part 3, it occurred to me that in many ways the descriptions of life and events in the Residency sound much like some of the passages in One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. There is almost a surreal quality to the descriptions. Of course the Collector is sick and feverish and I am sure that the author intended the reader to get that feeling from this part of the book. What is real? What is a fever dream? What is imagined? What is reality that is so strange as to be a nightmare? (sort of what I think when I watch the news reports on the Putin's War. Wouldn't it be interesting if that is the name for this war that goes down in the history books?)This is very good writing and I can appreciate that - even if I am not convinced that the book deserves the high praise that it gets. I am looking for a bang up ending and will let you know when I have finished the book. That should be tonight.

I got my mitts on Harlem Shuffle, Mark. Ready when y'all are.

Because I was good at the dentist's today, I was treated to a bookstore spree, in which I rescued from the Dollar Cart a lovely clean copy of The King by Donald Barthelme. I haven't read Barthelme, but this book was recommended to me several years ago. It is short. A hoot. King Arthur and his court in WW II.

>151 msf59: Oh, very cool, Mark! Although I'm not sure I could handle prepping that meal...

Hi Mark. I think you'll get a kick out of this one:

https://www.gocomics.com/pickles/2022/03/24

>159 quondame: They sure looked content to me, Susan, especially after feasting.

>160 jessibud2: Hi, Shelley. Great to see you. I found the picture of the Mama GHO interesting too. They really try not to let the young ones imprint on their keepers.

>161 charl08: Hi, Charlotte. Funny, you asked about the worms. So, did I. They buy them from wholesalers and spend over 10,000 dollars a year. I also went- WOW!!

>162 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Caroline. I will also take a pass on that particular breakfast.

Loved your rehab update, Mark. The place I volunteered at kept live mice to feed to adult raptors, to help them demonstrate or regain hunting skills. Sometimes I had to clean the mouse cages. I always felt a little bad for these guys, being on death row. But that’s nature.

>163 benitastrnad: I like your descriptions of Krishnapur, Benita. I think war or incredibly traumatic experiences cause a fever dream state. I compare it to Apocalypse Now. I think Farrell captured it well. I am very glad to have done a shared read of this one with you, even though it didn't blow you away.

>164 weird_O: Hey, Bill. Glad you are locked & loaded with Harlem Shuffle. I am still aiming at the first week of April. I had not heard of the King Arthur book.

>165 scaifea: I am with you on that one, Amber.

https://www.gocomics.com/pickles/2022/03/24

>166 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. I did get a good chuckle out of this one.

>168 lauralkeet: Morning, Laura. I am going to enjoy these Rehab updates. They also feed live animals to their raptors. This helps them prepare to be released back in the wild. I have not seen where they keep them yet, only the dead ones.

^ try again, Mark. You cut off the punch line! lol

>171 jessibud2: It is not letting me copy the whole comic, for some reason. I tried.

"Filled with spectacular stories of Founding Fathers, rapacious hunters, heroic bird rescuers, and the lives of bald eagles themselves—The Bald Eagle is a much-awaited cultural and natural history that demonstrates how this bird’s wondrous journey may provide inspiration today, as we grapple with environmental peril on a larger scale."

^Richard first told me about The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America's Bird, a couple of months ago. It was finally published early this month, so I snagged an audio copy. I just started it. This award-winning author will also be doing a Zoom author event for our birding club in April.

>173 msf59: Looking forward to your thoughts on this one Mark.

Greeting, Mark! Eastern bluebirds are by far my favorite visitor.
I’m so happy for you and your new position at Willowbrook! Isn’t it wonderful to be retired and do the things you’ve always wanted to do?!
I’m volunteering in my church’s office and library. Very enriching and fulfilling.
Jackson on St Pat’s day! What a personality!!

'Morning, Mark, and sweet Thursday, to borrow a phrase.

All the usual suspects at the feeders this morning.

Hey Birddude, hope you're ear-reading well.

>151 msf59: Adorable! I too was surprised that a photo could be used to avoid imprinting a baby bird. Sounds like a wonderful opportunity for you to get to know more birds of all kinds - up close and almost personal! ($10k/year for worms! I practice vermiculture, for composting and to enrich our garden soil, and spent about $50 for 500 worms to start with. Now I'm sure I've got 10x that many. $10k must buy a giant pile of worms!)

>174 lauralkeet: Not far into The Bald Eagle but I am enjoying it.

>175 Carmenere: Sweet Thursday, Lynda. We don't see bluebirds in our backyards. Not quite rural enough but they can be found in certain forest preserves. Yes, retirement has been wonderful. No complaints here. Glad we are both enjoying our volunteering tasks. And yah, for Jackson. He brightens every day.

>176 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. I haven't checked my feeders much today. I am sure the light rain is keeping the numbers down.

>177 richardderus: Hey, RD. Birds, baby & books. It has been a good one.

>178 Storeetllr: Sweet Thursday, Mary. I am sure I will be learning all kinds of things at the Rehab Center and I enjoy all of it. Thanks for enlightening me on vermiculture. A very wormy hobby, eh?

Over at Joe's Cafe, he asked for our 5 favorite novels. I wanted to share them over here too. This is what I came up with...

My top 5:

The Grapes of Wrath
Lonesome Dove
Native Son
Plainsong (Anyone want to do a reread?)
A Fine Balance
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

^Like most of us, listing 5 favorites is a very tough task, (I am sure I have hundreds of 5 star reads to choose from) but it will be very difficult to topple any of the top 3 off this list. They have held this honor for a couple of decades. To Kill a Mockingbird could always make this list.

Here is my Nonfiction List. This is off the top of my head, since I really haven't thought about it for any length of time but these had a major impact on my reading life.

Columbine
Evicted
In Cold Blood
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt My favorite presidential bio.
Battle Cry for Freedom Really sparked my interest in the Civil War.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I wish I could make room for Into Thin Air. Probably the best adventure NF book, I ever read. I would also consider The Executioner's Song, which may be controversial, since many think it is a blend of NF/fiction. Thoughts? I know the same things can be said about In Cold Blood.

>181 msf59: I thought The Executioner's Song was a non-fiction novel, like In Cold Blood is more or less proven to be...I myownself don't see how that matters when considering something for a listicle, though. It just means they were written to please, not solely to educate. Why is that controversial?

>182 richardderus: Great point, Richard. Lots of naysayers & sticklers out there. I don't know how you felt about The Executioner's Song but I think it is one of the best NF books I have read.

I think Benita is going to barge in and set us straight. LOL.

>180 msf59: I would happily do a reread of Plainsong at any time, Mark! I love that book.

>181 msf59: I will have to look for the bio of Teddy Roosevelt as he is one of my favorite presidents. I have not yet read that one, although I have read several.

BTW - I finished An Unnecessary Woman yesterday and absolutely loved it. That one will be another that I reread, I am sure.

>184 alcottacre: I penciled us in for Plainsong up there in Shared Reads. July, perhaps?

The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt is the first of a trilogy and by far the best. I cannot recommend it high enough.

I also loved An Unnecessary Woman. Glad we could do a shared read of it.

^Am I that guy? C'mon, be nice.

>185 msf59: July, it is!

>182 richardderus:
Even I smiled.

The term that is used most commonly for the kind of nonfiction that you are talking about is "Creative Nonfiction." This term lets people know that this is not straight nonfiction. I like the term and think it apt. It is different from "Narrative Nonfiction" in that creative nonfiction has fictional elements in it - narrative nonfiction does not. The most common place for fictional elements is when an author has to reconstruct a conversation or event without any collaborating evidence. That simple fact should not negate the entire work, in my opinion. I just think that authors, and publishers, should be honest and tell readers that is what the book is, and when they are doing it.

I like to think that the entire Trump occupation of the White House was Creative Nonfiction.

>169 msf59:
I wanted to mention that my copy of Siege of Krishnapur was a book that I got from Mark's Christmas Swap in 2012. I guess having a book you got for a Christmas present sit on the shelf for ten years before reading it might be some kind of record! I didn't record who gave it to me, just that it was from the Christmas Swap. Whoever was the benefactor - thanks. Even though it probably isn't going to be on my favorite of the year list, it was worth reading. I am glad to have shared a read along with others. It certainly was a motivating factor in getting it read.

I have pulled Troubles off the shelf as well and put it on the bedside table and plan to read it in the coming month. I also plan on joining you for Singapore Grip whenever you get around to having a group read of that book. I will keep you posted on my progress with Troubles.

>188 benitastrnad: "Creative nonfiction" it is. Still think the antagonism I've seen to it is weird.

>190 richardderus:
Antagonism to what? Trump occupying the White House or the Creative Nonfiction? :-)

There are literary snobs out there. I admit that I get rather cranky about some of the snobbery but I also get cranky about some of the incorrect use of literary labels. Most of the time I think that literary labels aren't that important. Here on the LT threads that is certainly true because we are a community of readers. Most of us read all the time and we are practiced enough to know the difference between fiction and nonfiction. I have spent the last 30 years working with young people and it is very hard for them to understand the difference between fiction and nonfiction - let alone when it can be tricky to figure out for an experienced reader. That is why I really want publishers to be clear about the labels they use for many of the books out there. It makes my job easier. But then if teaching readers about what they are looking at was easy, then teachers could be easily replaced, so perhaps this is a way of creating job security?

I find much to admire in the work of Edmund Morris. However, I rue the day that Dutch was published. This book was not originally labeled as a work of Creative Nonfiction when it should have been. I don't have a problem with most of Norman Mailer's work because he, and his publishers, were honest enough to tell people that he was working in a new genre. Granted, that didn't happen right at first and he and Truman Capote and a few others took lots of heat for their pushing and probing of the boundaries.

I agree with you that much of this vehement criticism is unnecessary. The works will stand or fall on their own merits.

>181 msf59: I am a big fan of Edmund Morris's trilogy on TR but couldn't pick one over the other. Also a huge fan of Battle Cry of Freedom, best single volume US Civil War book out there.

‘Morning, Mark! Happy Friday to you.

>180 msf59: and >181 msf59: Interesting choices. Of your fiction I’ve only read Lonesome Dove. Of your nonfiction I’ve read In Cold Blood, The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, and Battle Cry for Freedom. Wikipedia says that In Cold Blood is a non-fiction novel, but I think of it as nonfiction and would count it that way in my stats if I were to do a re-read. The 5 I posted on Joe’s thread are the ones that popped into my head as I was posting. 3 are fiction, 2 are nonfiction.

>186 msf59: Of course you’re that guy, and we wouldn’t have you any other way. It’s been enjoyable watching you go from casual bird watcher to That Guy.

>191 benitastrnad: I don’t currently have a copy of In Cold Blood on my shelves, but thought “What genres does LT show?” I added a copy and switched to Style E, where I show Genre. It’s blank… frustrating. Took the book back out. I wonder how they set genres? I’m sure it’s in a thread somewhere, but I’m not going to go looking for it because mostly I’ve found it useless.

>187 alcottacre: It's a date.

>188 benitastrnad: >189 benitastrnad: Just when I expected you to come barnstormin' in here, you arrived cool, calm and collected. LOL.
I like the term "creative nonfiction". It sums up this type of NF well.

"I like to think that the entire Trump occupation of the White House was Creative Nonfiction." Amen to that.

Wow! I can't believe I gave you a copy of The Siege of Krishnapur for the Christmas Swap, 10 years ago. So cool, that you keep track. I should have bought myself a copy back then. I may have got to it sooner.

>191 benitastrnad: I think Richard was referring to the backlash against the Mailer book, for not being "true" NF. I have never read Dutch but I heard the same criticisms. Maybe, the publishers were worried that people wouldn't have read it, if it was labeled that way.

>192 Oberon: "Also a huge fan of Battle Cry of Freedom, best single volume US Civil War book out there." Amen, to that, Erik. I have still not read the Shelby Foote trilogy but I hope to someday. I should have listened to it, on audio, when I was still working. Have you read it?

>193 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Glad to see that you have read 3 of my NF titles. All 3 were amazing. You have never read The Grapes of Wrath? Not a Steinbeck fan? If not, we can still stay friends.

"David James Duncan distills his remarkable powers of observation into this unique collection of short stories and essays. At the heart of Duncan's tales are characters undergoing the complex and violent process of transformation, with results both painful and wondrous. Equally affecting are his nonfiction reminiscences, the "river teeth" of the title."

I had mixed feelings about Duncan's novel The River Why but I did recognize a unique talent, so wanted to try his story collection, River Teeth. Only a couple of these stories in, but I am enjoying it so far.

-Mike Luckovich

Good morning, Mark. Happy Friday! We’re supposed to get crazy weather later(with “groppels” and high winds) so we just took our walk. Pretty nice out now. The spring birds are calling.😀

I liked Harlem Shuffle a lot. Very much reminded me of Mosley. You’ll have a good time with it, methinks.

>194 msf59: I am not going to tell my husband that you and I are dating, lol. I am very much looking forward to Harlem Shuffle. I have read Whitehead's The Nickel Boys and The Underground Railroad and not been disappointed in either.

Have a wonderful weekend!

>198 jnwelch: Happy Friday, Joe. I was out earlier this morning and it was beautiful. It then clouded up and got chilly. Yep, looking forward to Harlem shuffle. Hooray for those spring birds.

>199 alcottacre: Happy Friday, Stasia. Thanks for keeping our relationship hush, hush. Grins...Whitehead hasn't steered me wrong yet either. I think this will be my fifth book of his.

>186 msf59: If you're not "that guy" yet, Mark, you're definitely halfway down the slippery slope. 😂😂😂

Wow, to try and name my top 5 fiction and top 5 nonfiction would be almost impossible. (I think Lonesome Dove might be on it, though.) There are just so many! I think I'll go visit Joe and see what-all everybody's top fives are.

>186 msf59: Why is that not good? That guy is having fun and supporting lens grinders everywhere.

>195 msf59: I have not read Shelby Foote's trilogy. Long story, hopefully summarized briefly: my dad practiced law and retired as a judge in Minnesota. However, his true hobby has always been military history with an emphasis on the US Civil War. As a result, he has amassed a civil war library of hundreds of volumes and can tell you whether a particular model Springfield carbine in a certain serial range would have been carried in battle at Gettysburg. He has Foote's books and many, many more and it was dad that gave me Battle Cry of Freedom and his follow-up The War that Forged a Nation as the books to read on the subject. Definitely the most authoritative recommendation that I can get.

>196 msf59: Hi Mark - only one lone goose headed your way from Horicon -
likely tired of the Happy Spring Days
and Freezing Nights.

Have you read David James Duncan's THE BROTHERS K?
It's one of my all-time favorite books.

>203 Oberon: I have read Foote's trilogy, and I highly recommend it. I've listened to him reading some of it too....that is a treat. I'm glad to see such a strong endorsement for Battle Cry of Freedom, which I really want to read IF and when my daughter ever gives it back to me. Ahem.

I could've put Lonesome Dove on my list of five too Mark, but as I told Joe, five is such a small number haha. I plan on rereading it this year.

The line between fiction and non-fiction has really blurred recently. Is it fiction? Is it nonfiction? Is it auto fiction? Who knows? Probably the writer decides how much is fiction and how much is not.

>201 Storeetllr: Hey, I am that guy!! Yah! I will have to stop over at Joe's and see if you were able to come up with a Best of List, Mary. Always challenging but fun to do, IMHO.

>202 quondame: You nailed it, Susan. Lens grinders have to eat too.

>203 Oberon: I loved your story, Erik. Your Dad sounds like a very interesting guy. Will you inherit all those books? I am assuming he was a big fan of Ken Burns' The Civil War?

>204 m.belljackson: Happy Friday, Marianne. Go, go Goose!! I saw a resident pair of sand hill cranes yesterday. They are residing at one of my favorite preserves. Sadly, I did not have my camera long, because of a light drizzle. I also got my FOY, osprey. Always love seeing those beauties. I have not read Brothers K. It does sound pretty darn good. I should acquire a copy.

>205 laytonwoman3rd: I would sure love to get to the Foote trilogy, Linda. I have a "keeper" copy of Battle Cry of Freedom. I think it is a Must Own.

>206 brenzi: Hi, Bonnie. You are so right about 5 being such a minuscule number. So many waiting in the wings. I did determine that Lonesome Dove will always have a home on that list. It is hard one to beat.

>209 msf59: - LOL! I love this comic strip.

>206 brenzi: >208 msf59: I was blown away by Lonesome Dove when I read it. And rated it up at the top. It gets a huge amount of its impact by playing with our expectations of the Western genre, seeming to undermine them while giving us all of the expected bits, only re-contextualized. I'm not sure if that has any positive or negative value, but since it was so well done it hardly matters.

>208 msf59: Right you are, Mark, get your copy of The Brothers K as Baseball Season is starting...!

>207 msf59: I assume the books will come to me but frankly so many are so highly specialized that they wouldn’t be of interest to a regular reader. Sort of stuff that should be in a research library. He did like Ken Burns and we certainly watched the series.

>210 jessibud2: It is a cute comic, Shelley. I am not sure I had seen it before.

>211 quondame: I love your thoughts on Lonesome Dove, Susan and completely agree with you. Have you ever seen the mini-series? I think they did a fantastic job, adapting the book.

>212 m.belljackson: Yes, Drill-sergeant Marianne! Duly noted.

>213 Oberon: I am sure you will find a good home for that collection, Erik. I have not read any Civil War NF in quite a while. I should pick out something.

^This is the face I got, when I was trying to feed him carrots the other day. He much preferred the strawberries. I didn't care for carrots either, as a child.

Hey Mark, I'm not entirely "caught up," but I at least wanted to post on this thread before you start a new one. So hello! Happy weekend!

>215 msf59: If it's cooked carrots, I'm still right there with him.

>216 bell7: Happy Saturday, Mary. These were cold, mashed carrots. Next time we will heat them up a bit. I just think he really liked the sweetness of the fruit.

^Bree and Sean had a date night last night. They were staying at a hotel in Rosemont, (near O' Hare airport). We had Jack for the night. This is a very popular, commercial area, for night life and shopping. They were seeing a concert at a nightclub. As they were having their drinks, waiting for the show, when there was an active shooting in the mall and people were rushing out, into the club. One person died and two others were wounded. I have not heard any other details yet this morning. Bree and Sean were safe at their hotel but could see all the police and SWAT teams from their window.

WTH?? We live in such dangerous times.

Yikes! Thank goodness they were in their room and not involved in any way but these are, indeed, dangerous times. Anywhere.

‘Morning, Mark! Happy Saturday to you.

>195 msf59: The only Steinbeck I currently have on my shelves is The Grapes of Wrath. I have a gorgeously ratty “Bantam Giant” paperback from 1951 and a Reader’s Digest edition from 1991. I’ve tagged the 1991 edition to be read this year. I just need to keep going back to that tag to remind myself. In my defense, I have read Tortilla Flat, Cannery Row, and Of Mice and Men. And now I think I get your “Sweet Thursday”.

>197 msf59: Putin is just pure evil. I would love to wake up one morning and read that he’d been assassinated.

>204 m.belljackson: Added to my wish list, Marianne.

>217 msf59: Cold mashed carrots. Poor boy.

I had a fun time watching a male Red-Bellied Woodpecker battle a male Cowbird on my wild bird seed feeder yesterday. The combined weight almost completely closed the feeding ports, but the woodpecker could still get his long beak in there to get seeds. They went at it for a good two minutes or so.

>219 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. We are relieved too. Bree and Sean were actually at the music club, when the shooting happened but were able to get safely to their nearby hotel, which was just across the street.

>220 karenmarie: Happy Saturday, Karen. Glad you have a lovely copy of The Grapes of Wrath to read, once you get to it. No worries, we will warm up those mashed carrots next time. Thanks for the bird report. Mine have been busy too, despite the cruddy weather.

Hi Mark do you get email from the Cornell Ornithology website?

They have a Bird Song Game up today that looks like weekend fun.

^^^^^^^^

What a scare at Rosemont - definitely more of the nightmares of 2022.
Peace to those two Survivors!

>218 msf59: I'm so glad they weren't there when it happened and are okay. It must have been terrifying for them. I'm sorry people were injured and killed.

I hope you don't mind, Mark, if I get on my soapbox (if you do, let me know and I'll remove this), but gun violence is definitely a public health concern in this country. I highly recommend anyone who is concerned get involved and join one of the many groups fighting for gun safety. I'm a volunteer with Moms Demand Action, part of Everytown, but there's also Gabby Giffords' PAC and the Sandy Hook Promise.

>218 msf59: Mark, that's so scary. I'm glad they were safe throughout but it sure does send a chill up your spine thinking about it.

>214 msf59: Thanks. I saw at least some parts of the series long before I read the book and enjoyed very much, though I didn't get nearly the same iconoclastic vibes from it as from the book. I remember when Cowboy was the newest thing in Westerns, the "adult" western, which kind of devalues Stagecoach, etc, but did mean something coming at the end of the fifties.

>215 msf59: The wee one is developing style!

>218 msf59: Eeek! Getting out for some excitement shouldn't involve proximity to shootings, nope. I'm glad Bree and Sean were able to avoid the danger.

So scary for Bree and Sean. Glad that they are OK.

>222 m.belljackson: I did not get the Cornell email. I will have to check it out. Thanks. Yep, we are glad those "survivors" are coming home to us and Jack.

>223 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary, in regard to Bree & Sean and I have no problem with you jumping up on a soapbox, especially when it comes to gun violence in this country. Honestly, I am not sure what it will take, to turn things around. Very sad & tragic.

>224 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. It is pretty scary when it hits close to home. Sure, makes you think, every time you go out into the public these days.

>225 quondame: Thanks, in regard to Jack and his very lucky parents. Enjoy your weekend, Susan.

>226 SandDune: Thanks, Rhian. We appreciate it.

>218 msf59: Yikes, how scary for them and for you, to know how close they were to such a terrible event. Glad everyone is (at least physically) okay.

>218 msf59: Sheesh. Glad Brea and Sean were safe. Scary stuff Mark,

Oh no Mark, how terrifying for you (and Bree and Sean). Glad that they are safe.

>218 msf59: That's quite scary! Good thing they were away from the area!

>218 msf59: I heard about that on the news this afternoon. How scary for them and everyone involved. Our gun loving culture is certainly a problem.

>218 msf59: Was that the same area we met back a few years ago? Wow! That’s terrible.

Thanks, Mary, Caroline, Rhonda, Figs & Joanne. Much appreciated. This is the second mall shooting we have had, in the past two years.

>233 drneutron: It absolutely is, Jim. We were in the brewery straight across from the shopping/entertainment complex.

^This is from a different preserve; one I had never been before. A new set of GHO owlets. You can just make out the head of a second one, in the middle photo. The bottom is Mama on watch. I wish my photos were better. I was keeping my distance and did not linger, although there were other photographers there.

>235 msf59: They are great shots Mark. Lovely to see them.

I hope Bree and Sean are feeling ok today. I'm sure seeing Jackson again will help.

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Sunday to you.

>218 msf59: Somehow I completely missed this – I’m so glad Sean and Bree were safe, so sad that there was a shooting.

>235 msf59: I like your photos, especially the owlet.

Hey, buddy. Love that Jackson photo! What an expressive little guy he is.

Going back to that excellent Drive My Car movie: I read an interview and it’s actually a combination of three Murakami short stories: the title story, and Kino and one other from Men without Women. All with HM’s permission. (Makes me want to re-read them). The director also made greater use of the Chekhov play than the story did. That all makes sense, doesn’t it, given the length of the movie.

P.S. Sorry to hear that such a scary thing happened on Bree and Sean’s night out. What crazy times we’re living in. I’m glad they were together and ended up fine.

>218 msf59: I'm so glad they're okay! It's appalling to me that this country thinks some 18th-century regulated privilege is an unconstrained Right.

Gun control Now.

>236 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Caroline, in regard to the pics and Bree. This is the best time of year to observe owls. I just hope they are not getting too much people pressure. I do try to minimize my footprint.

>237 karenmarie: Happy Sunday, Karen and thank you. I always like getting a decent shot of the owls and of course we so relieved that Bree and Sean are okay.

>238 jnwelch: Happy Sunday, Joe. Hooray for Jack. He is such a scene-stealer. Very interesting about Murakami and Drive My Car. I LOVED that film and I hope to read some Chekov stories soon. The shooting incident happened right near, where we met at the Hofbrau Haus, that time. WTH?

>239 richardderus: "Gun control Now"! Amen to that, RD but after Sandy Hook, I am now convinced nothing will ever change. It truly makes me ill.

-Harry Bliss

Trying to catch up after a week away, Mark.
I have to admit I skimmed, too many new messages here.

Love the pictures of the birds in the rescue center. And of course the Jacksom pictures.
What a scare for Bree and Sean!

>235 msf59: Those are great. Good camo on the second owlet.

>242 FAMeulstee: Hi, Anita. No worries. Skipping is allowed on these busy threads. We probably all do it. Glad you like the bird & Jackson pics. Yep, we are happy Bree & Sean are safe.

>243 quondame: Thanks, Susan. Nature is amazing, right?

'Morning, Mark! Enjoy your Trail Watch duties.

I've got Friends of the Library Cashier training for two volunteers today for our Friday-Saturday book sale. I must admit that I'm getting excited for a variety of reasons, the primary being that I'll get to be a customer for the first two hours of the sale after helping to set up on Thursday and remembering what we've had in storage since March 2020. I'm hoping to get a major haul.

>245 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Good luck with the training and hooray for the fast-approaching book sale and a potential major haul. How exciting.

28- An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine 4.5 stars

“I long ago abandoned myself to a blind lust for the written word. Literature is my sandbox. In it I play, build my forts and castles, spend glorious time.”

“I slipped into art to escape life. I sneaked off into literature.”

“Someone shat in my home. I bought a Kalashnikov.”

“Joy is the anticipation of joy. Reading a fine book for the first time is as sumptuous as the first sip of orange juice that breaks the fast in Ramadan.”

“How does the old cliché go? When every Arab girl stood in line waiting for God to hand out the desperate-to-get-married gene, I must have been somewhere else, probably lost in a book.”

Aaliya Saleh is a widower, living alone in her Beirut apartment. She is mostly estranged from her family and finds solace in her endless stack of books. She also finds comfort and peace working in a bookstore and translating classic books, for her own pleasure. As she enters her seventies, she begins to muse about her life, her love of literature and the Lebanese Civil War that had rocked her beloved homeland.
This is a beautifully written novel. If the quotes I shared up there seem to be excessive- they are not. I could easily have added many more. I am a book geek after all. I am glad I finally got to this gem and if you have not, please correct that oversight.

**I enjoyed doing a shared read with Stasia, who loved it, as well.

>215 msf59: That is the 'I am not going to forgive you this insult' face. I am still not fond of cooked carrots, so I cannot blame him!

>218 msf59: Oh my goodness! How frightening for all of you!

>235 msf59: Lovely, just lovely. The feed that I watch from England features barn owls, tawny owls, and kestrels by not GHOs. It is wonderful to see them!

>247 msf59: I am so glad I finally read that one too! The quotes from it could go on forever, couldn't they?

I am being seduced by reviews/reports I see lately and may...I say may...be persuaded to read An Unnecessary Woman should a copy fall into my hands. Your warbling is affecting, Mark.

>247 msf59: Oh my heck...some of my favorite quotes! I love that read so. I'm glad it hit you right, when you read it.

Still on the phone-as-hotspot. Must motor.

>241 msf59: Ha.

>247 msf59: I really must find where I buried my copy of this. The only downside to ownership of too many books.

>248 alcottacre: Hi, Stasia. I think these were mashed raw carrots but were cold. It may work better warmed up. I wasn't a fan of carrots either, as a youngster. They still forced me to eat them. LOL.

Glad you like the owl pics and hooray for An Unnecessary Woman! Such a good read.

>249 weird_O: Glad to see my warbling still hits the target now and then, Bill. I am sure you will love An Unnecessary Woman, once you find a copy.

>250 richardderus: Thanks, RD. I saw your review on GR and noticed you enjoyed it too. Hope you get your wireless issues resolved.

>251 Caroline_McElwee: If you find it or not, Caroline, try to track down a copy of An Unnecessary Woman. I would be shocked if you didn't love it.

>247 msf59: >249 weird_O: A copy is only waiting for me to get through a few other titles before it evaporates off my Kindle. But should that happen it will be rounded up for later.

>253 quondame: I hope you love An Unnecessary Woman as much as we did, Susan.

^My next 2 books. Obviously, I will start Spring first. I really liked her first 2 books in her seasonal quartet. And then onto the Whitehead, who has been on a killer roll. Once again, if anyone wants to join us on a shared read of Harlem Shuffle, we plan on starting it in about a week.

The beer was tasty too.

Wow I also can't think why you waited so long to read An Unnecessary Woman Mark. I read it back in 2014 along with a bunch of other LTers. I had a slight problem with the first person narrative in the beginning but soon was sailing along and enjoying every word. I need to get to his new one.

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Tuesday to you.

>247 msf59: I’m so glad you loved An Unnecessary Woman.

>256 brenzi: Yep, I should have read An Unnecessary Woman back when my pals were raving about, Bonnie but at least I got to it now and it was wonderful. I would also like to revisit this author.

>257 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. It looks like you had a rough night. Sorry to hear that. I will be stopping by shortly/

"Spring will come. The leaves on its trees will open after blossom. Before it arrives, a hundred years of empire-making. The dawn breaks cold and still but, deep in the earth, things are growing."

I really enjoyed Smith's first 2 seasonal novels but for some reason, I never got around to Spring. Being the end of March, I thought this would be a good time to correct this oversight. I heard this was the most challenging of the quartet and the first 10-20 pages, are a bit tough but then I settled into a nice rhythm. I love her writing.

While doing our NF Best of Lists, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City had been mentioned a few times. If you still have not read this incredible book, good news! It is a Kindle Deal:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=evicted+poverty+and+profit+in+the+american+city&c...

Hi Marc! I see you are doing really well, reading-wise.
You have me hooked on An Unnecessary Woman.
There’s a Dutch book called Een overtollig Mens, very similar title (A Superfluous person?). Might read them together.

What a fright for Bree and Sean, not a nice night out, very sorry for them.

But I loved those owlet pictures.

I started Evicted but didn’t finish. Friends of mine are renting in California and are indeed in the process of trying not to get evicted. Renters need to have their rights better protected. I found it a scary book. Maybe things will be like that here as well.

Mark, I just heard on the news that bird flu is affecting many birds in my neck of the woods. Actually, I had read something about it a few weeks ago but today, they closed of the aviary part of the Toronto Zoo, and are trying to isolate some of the many species to prevent it from spreading further. Scary stuff.

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/03/29/toronto-zoo-closes-aviaries-after-bi...

Are you hearing about this in your area?

'Morning, Mark, and a very happy Wednesday to you.

>258 msf59: I did have a rough night. Last night was better, although here I am at 7 a.m. The bright spot is that I've already had a couple of sips of coffee.

>262 EllaTim: Hi, Ella. All good here in the Midwest. Just waiting for a better Spring warm-up. Bree & Sean are doing fine. Thanks. Glad you like the owl pics. Looking forward to your thoughts on An Unnecessary Woman and I hope you can get back to Evicted.

>263 jessibud2: I have heard some cautionary alerts about avian flu in our area but nothing serious. I hope it stays that way. Sorry to hear that about the Toronto Zoo. Hope they can get a grip on it.

>264 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Glad you had a better sleep last night. I am on my second cup of coffee, and it is GOOD!

^Yesterday, Rehab Center stint went well. Mostly cleaning, scrubbing and preparing meals. Of course, I can't move animals yet, (or it will be very limited) so I don't even see them much. It was mostly small mammal cages but they did have a beautiful male wood duck in there and a herring gull. My favorite was the muskrat, in the photo up there. They are common here, in the Midwest. There was also an opossum and the flying squirrel again. They did bring in an injured coyote. I just saw it briefly, but it was supposed to be in pretty bad shape.

>266 msf59: I don't think I'd ever so much as thought about muskrats except as a word. Cool to see one.

>259 msf59: Heh.

>266 msf59: Thanks as always for the update on your rehab gig, Mark. Great photo too!

>267 richardderus: I don't think I'd ever so much as thought about muskrats except as a word.
Or as a 1970s hit by The Captain and Tenille. Earworm? You're welcome. 😀

>267 richardderus: What Laura said! I swear I was going to say that too. LOL. Muskrats are definitely an animal and very widespread too. Think, a smaller version of a beaver.

Happy Wednesday, Richard!

>268 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. I was hoping to get a photo of the keeper holding the muskrat, but they can get a little rambunctious. You cracked me and beat me to the punch with The Captain and Tenille.

"The light starts to push back, stark in the cold. But birdsong rounds the day, the first and last thing as the light comes and goes."

"'Please. Don't encourage her to talk about Donald Trump.'

'We're not talking about Donald Trump.' Richard said.

'We absolutely bloody aren't', Paddy said."

-Spring



^Tacita Dean, a British visual artist is mentioned in the novel. I had not heard of her before but I am impressed with her stark images.

Depending on when you want to read Angle of Repose I would be interested in reading along with you. I have never read this novel, but like Wallace Stegner. The last time you and I read Stegner you out paced me by a country mile on the reading. I read Big Rock Candy Mountain and it took me over a month to read it.

I just checked and it took me 2 months to read it. I started on 2/24/13 and finished it on 4/26/13. I hope that Angle of Repose won't take as much time.

Good morning, Mark, and happy Thursday to you.

>266 msf59: I was hoping you’d have a photo of a critter… since you mentioned earworm above, the following will be spoilered: muskrat love. Of course it looks similar to the mouse the cats brought in last night around 9:30 – we got involved in Midsomer Murders and The Food That Built America and when we called Zoe in, she came with company. We don’t know where it is right now, but so far I haven’t seen any bodies or heard/seen it scurrying around. Sigh.

>271 benitastrnad: We would love to have you along on Angle of Repose, Benita. I tentatively put it down for August or September. I remember reading Big Rock Candy Mountain. I wonder if that was for the AAC.

>272 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. You have been an early riser this week. I was hoping to get another photo or two at Rehab, especially of the wood duck but they got him out quick and I don't like to interrupt things. I hope the mouse is found, either by you or the kitties.

Morning, Mark!

(That's all I got...)

Morning, Katie! That is good enough for me. Big waves!! 😁

“After I introduce you to solids, I’m going to need your help with some computer stuff.”

-Ellis Rosen

>276 msf59: - Ain't that the truth!

Hi Mark, I am in catch-up mode here but I have to give a big thumbs up for The Raj Quartet, I read them a number of years ago and really loved the read. I also found myself nodding at your 5 favorite novels - Lonesome Dove would definitely be on my list as well.

>276 msf59: Well. At least he waited until after the meal.

>277 jessibud2: Sweet Thursday, Shelley. 😁

>278 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy. Good to see you, my friend. Glad to hear that about the The Raj Quartet. We plan on reading the first book, in a few months. And hooray for Lonesome Dove. An absolute gem.

>279 richardderus: Dad or grandpa has good timing, right?

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Friday to you. Today's the first day of our book sale. I'll get home sometime between 5:30 and 6:00, hopefully with lots of books.

>273 msf59: Wash was playing with the dead mouse in the living room yesterday morning. Bill took it outside.

>276 msf59: Jackson’s experience with tech will be so different than ours, won’t it? We basically didn’t have any except TV and radio, and he’ll probably have his own cell phone at a very early age.

^Happy April everyone! Still cold and wet here in the Midwest. Waiting for that spring warmth and color. I did have a very good reading month in March. I read 10, including 3 GNs. Several were exceptional reads, including
Black Birds in the Sky, Firekeeper's Daughter & The Siege of Krishnapur and my 2 favorites were Project Hail Mary & An Unnecessary Woman. The only misstep was the lack of OTS books. I only read 3. I hope to do better this month. Funny, my current book is Spring, from the library and so is Harlem Shuffle my next read, so I guess I will start getting better after that. 😁😁

>281 karenmarie: Happy Friday, Karen. Good luck at the book sale today. If you see the The Brothers K grab me a copy. 😁 Glad you found a dead mouse and not a live one. Whew. You are spot on about Jack and the tech advances, that he will see.

The Spring Has Many Silences

The spring has many sounds:
Roller skates grind the pavement to noisy dust.
Birds chop the still air into small melodies.
The wind forgets to be the weather for a time
And whispers old advice for summer.
The sea stretches itself
And gently creaks and cracks its bones….

The spring has many silences:
Buds are mysteriously unbound
With a discreet significance,
And buds say nothing.

There are things that even the wind will not betray.
Earth puts her finger to her lips
And muffles there her quiet, quick activity….

Do not wonder at me
That I am hushed
This April night beside you.

The spring has many silences.

-Laura Riding Jackson

From Poem-A-Day

Happy Friday, Mark. I added An Unnecessary Woman to the WL. I didn’t remember that it came out in 2014. I’m glad that you’ve revived interest in it.

So far I’m loving an older Louise Erdrich book, The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse. It came up in the Top 5 discussion.

Have a good weekend, buddy.

>286 jnwelch: Happy Friday, Joe. I have no doubt you would have a good time with An Unnecessary Woman. Glad it is on your list. I am so pleased that you are enjoying your Erdrich. Is this your first rodeo with her?

>284 msf59: Omigawd! It's...it's...National Poetry Month again! *sob*

Hi Mark - The little possum, Perry Possum, who stole the deer's nightly apple
and messed up the cat's little warming house, now comes right up to the front porch
after dark waiting for me to hand over his/her apple.

When you go out looking for Duncan's The Brothers K, check out both Torn Lilacs
and The 1619 PROJECT. None of the three will disappoint you in very different ways.

Also, if your stores carry old books, The Only Place We Live has both inspiring words
and incredible Wood Engravings by Frank Utpatel!!!

Ah, ps for Poetry Month: Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Hunt Emerson is yet another not to miss.

I'ma jam The Natural in ahead of Harlem Shuffle. Surely I'll get 'er done by early next week. Then HS. (I tried The Fixer as the Malamud read for March's AAC, but it fixed me good. At the book sale on 3/30, the baseball novel jumped into my tote, so I guess it's my destiny.)

I'm sure you have a swell weekend planned, so get it on. :-)

>288 richardderus: I forgot- April is your favorite month! Hooray for Richard!

>289 m.belljackson: Ooh, that Perry Possum is a meanie. Why do you keep giving him apples then? Grins...
Both Torn Lilacs & The 1619 Project sound interesting. Thanks, Marianne.

>290 weird_O: Happy Friday, Bill. Sadly, I have never read The Natural. Bad Warbler? I did like the film, though, if that counts. I will probably start Harlem Shuffle on Sunday, so you shouldn't be far behind.

mess

oops again

oops

reserved

'Morning, Mark, and happy Saturday to you. I've got a Downy Woodpecker on the suet, and a male House Finch on the sunflower seed feeder. Although I've had a hummingbird feeder out since March 25th, so far no luck seeing one.

You added the photos just as I was posting - he has such a sweet face and beautiful eyes.

>296 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I sure messed that up. I started a new thread here, instead of a new page. That never happened before. Note to self- Do not start a new thread, until your 2nd of 3rd cup of coffee. I will see you over there.