Jäsen: Donna828

Reminder: The Missouri Readers will start discussing The Death of Sweet Mister by Daniel Woodrell next Monday (12/28)! Come visit with your questions and comments!

Merry Christmas, Donna!

Lähettänyt: tloeffler 2:24 pm (EST) Dec 21, 2009

Hey, Donna! Nice to "meet" you, too! I was beginning to think that there was nobody else in town on LT -- glad to be proved wrong! I'll watch your thread too as soon as I locate it! :)

Lähettänyt: universehall 4:53 pm (EST) Dec 18, 2009

Donna, my friend! Let me know when you get Their Eyes and we can have a little chat about it. End of Jan works great for me. And thanks for the well wishes. My family has been great about pitching in. :) Happy reading.

Lähettänyt: Berly 11:40 am (EST) Dec 16, 2009

Hey! I was just stopping by to say Hi, when I happened to read Terri's post below. I just picked up Their Eyes last week and I have never read it before either. Can I crash the party and read with you guys?

Lähettänyt: Berly 9:07 pm (EST) Dec 15, 2009

I wasn't aware we weren't friends! Although you were on my interesting libraries, probably because you're the weighted most member with my books! I finished Sweet Mister in one sitting. VERY intense. Not what I expected, but strangely..I haven't quite thought of the word yet. And I'm glad you're going to read Their Eyes Were Watching God. I can't believe I never read it before now.

Hope your weekend has been swell! As soon as work slows down some, I'll be chatting with you more!

Terri

Lähettänyt: tloeffler 1:32 am (EST) Dec 13, 2009

Donna,

What? We're not already friends? Who knew!

Lähettänyt: brenzi 2:28 pm (EST) Dec 11, 2009

P.S. Didn't you love The Great Santini? It's one of my favorite Conroy books. His latest on on my wish list, too!

Lähettänyt: nodressrehersal 11:23 am (EST) Dec 11, 2009

I know EXACTLY what you mean about recommending Gilead. I gave a dear friend my copy a few years ago and never got it back, never got a comment on it, either. I bought myself a 1st edition hard copy at a local used book store and won't lend that one out.

Both Irving's latest and Home are on my Christmas wish list - you must be psychic!

Lähettänyt: nodressrehersal 11:20 am (EST) Dec 11, 2009

P.S. I had Hummingbird's Daughter from the library, but didn't get to it in time. It's going to be on my list of books to read over the vacation break if I can get it back again.

Lähettänyt: bonniebooks 8:11 pm (EST) Dec 1, 2009

Ooh! I love that picture, Donna! I especially love that I can make it bigger and see all the titles. I really liked Native Speaker. It's a quiet book, but there's lots to think about. Hope you get a chance to read it next year. Anyway, I'm coming over to your profile to say please don't apologize for your reactions to a book, especially for your comments on your own thread. I know you were being your naturally funny self with Mark, but I couldn't stand it if people didn't share what they were really feeling and thinking about a book. How boring that would be! I thought about not saying anything in the first place, but I had confidence that we could have a conversation that would be interesting, but still polite. :-)

Lähettänyt: bonniebooks 8:07 pm (EST) Dec 1, 2009

Thanks for adding me to your interesting libraries.

Lähettänyt: meadowmist 9:34 am (EST) Nov 24, 2009

Hmmm....Barcelona vs. Charleston. Maybe not quite the same travel/literary experience!

I am sure it was just as wonderful.

Lähettänyt: meadowmist 5:15 am (EST) Nov 24, 2009

Great...you will love Shadow of the Wind.

Lähettänyt: meadowmist 5:14 am (EST) Nov 24, 2009

It would be a lot of fun to get together sometime when you're up here, or I'm down there. It's true that we spend most of our time with the boys when we go to Springfield, but I'll let you know I'm coming if it looks like there might be free time.

I read the synopsis of "Death of Sweet Mister" on the library catalog - definitely more poor white Missouri trash! But Woodrell's other book was so well written that I'm looking forward to it all the same.

Congratulations on (another) hot review!

Lähettänyt: sjmccreary 11:06 pm (EST) Nov 20, 2009

After reading your review of November 22, 1963, I am adding it to my ever-growing, never diminishing TBR list. Quite an ingenious approach to a day I shall never forget.

Best,
Irene

Lähettänyt: saratoga99 2:03 pm (EST) Nov 20, 2009

Hi Donna

Congratulations on the hot review! "Cuttting for Stone" is a book that I would have said "no, thanks" to a year ago, but now I am looking forward to reading it. Just the kind of change I was hoping to make in my reading habits. It is thanks to you (and others) that I have been able to get out of my reading rut. I wish we lived closer so that we could meet to talk about books over lunch sometimes. Speaking of which, do you have a short Missouri book in mind for a pre-holiday group read? I think I'm up for about anything. I would like to read at least one more book with the group before the end of the year.

Congrats, again, on the outstanding review.

Sandy

Lähettänyt: sjmccreary 1:13 am (EST) Nov 17, 2009

Hi Donna- It's always great to hear from you! Yes, the group read seems to be going very well. I really enjoy them, although I'm still trying to adjust to spacing out the reading. Especially a book like this, which I want to plow through and finish.
I love reading about the Civil War, but I've been neglecting it,(thanks alot LT!), so "Shiloh" seemed to be a safe bet and it was short. Very good stuff, Foote is a terrific writer. I remember him from Ken Burns Civil War, wonderful commentary.
I see you are reading [Cutting For Stone] and I'm so jealous! But I do have my own copy and I plan on reading it, in a couple of weeks. After the group read, I have "The Cellist of Sarajevo", another "Bonnie Bunch" fav!
If you are ever in the area, give me a heads-up! Have a great weekend, my friend!
Mark

Lähettänyt: msf59 7:59 pm (EST) Nov 13, 2009

Donna

I recently finished The Bear's Embrace and noted that you read this book as well.

Lähettänyt: Whisper1 10:57 am (EST) Nov 6, 2009

Hi Donna,
Thank you for you kind words. I really appreciate it. Bonnie

Lähettänyt: brenzi 2:48 pm (EST) Nov 5, 2009

finished South of Broad and though I will always treasure the writing, I did feel like the same themes were hashed over again. There is an interesting podcast that I listed on my reveiw that you may be interested in. Conroy is certainly a writer that works out his personal tramas in his fiction.

Lähettänyt: novelcommentary 6:36 pm (EST) Oct 28, 2009

Hi Donna- No problem! We try to take care of each other here on LT! Well, keep up the great reading and I'll be seeing you around!
Mark

Lähettänyt: msf59 10:23 pm (EST) Oct 25, 2009

Congratulations on yet another hot review!

Lähettänyt: Whisper1 7:35 am (EST) Oct 24, 2009

Hi Donna - I love the picture of your secret stash! Doors!! That's what I need, doors!!

Lähettänyt: coppers 8:19 pm (EST) Oct 20, 2009

That is quite a stash! Are there more on the floor or just the 77 behind the door? Maybe it's a good thing I don't have a door in my library!

Lähettänyt: Nancy618 12:27 pm (EST) Oct 20, 2009

Donna

I laughed and cried when I read A Prayer for Owen Meany. Did you see the movie Simon Birch, which was based on this book? It too is great!

Lähettänyt: Whisper1 8:21 pm (EST) Oct 16, 2009

Donna

Congratulations on your hot review of the John Irving book. Is this a new book of his? I haven't heard of it. Have you read A Prayer for Owen Meany? It is one of my three top all-time favorite books ever read.

Lähettänyt: Whisper1 8:11 pm (EST) Oct 16, 2009

Ooh, you lucky duck! I'll try to disguise my jealousy and envy re:your ER snag of Irving's book - I got my "sorry sista, not this time" message for that one.
=^)

Lähettänyt: nodressrehersal 1:07 pm (EST) Sep 30, 2009

We share quite a few books; I will be interested in That Old Cape Magic but it sounds like it might not be one of Russo's best. If you haven't read his Nobody's Fool, I sure you would like it. The character of Sully is one of my favorites. Recently I enjoyed Olive Kitteridge and Out stealing Horses. Enjoy your reviews - Mike

Lähettänyt: novelcommentary 6:14 pm (EST) Sep 26, 2009

Donna

Like you, I thought Eggers portrayed the situation in a matter of fact, pragmatic and undramatic way. Therein was the power of the story. So many books I've read about Katrina had an agenda wherein the author came across as forcing their opinion. This style of writing severely detracted from the story. I particularly was offended by this one:

http://www.librarything.com/work/5643486...

Not only was is written poorly, the the author was way over the top in forcefulness.

Thus far the book I recommend the most regarding Katrina is One Dead in Attic by Chris Rose.

http://www.librarything.com/work/704866/...

Lähettänyt: Whisper1 9:03 am (EST) Sep 22, 2009

Hi Donna

I read your review re. Zeitoun. Like you, I recently finished this book. I gave a thumbs up to your well-written comments.

Lähettänyt: Whisper1 8:45 pm (EST) Sep 21, 2009

Thank you for the reassurance. I've just started reading The Historian. Still have a long way to go, but so far it seems o.k.

Lähettänyt: Porua 2:06 am (EST) Sep 15, 2009

Oh no! I have high hopes from The Historian (whereas I didn’t have any expectations from the first two I have read) as Dracula is one of my all time favorite books. I’ve been meaning to read The Historian for such a long time. Now I’m worried. The signs are ominous. My quest to read contemporary books seems doomed!

P.S. BTW my mom's name is Donna too!

Lähettänyt: Porua 1:11 pm (EST) Sep 14, 2009

Hey Donna,
thanks for getting back with me. And not to feel bad. As long as we all keep reading; right?
So I will see you in January for "World Without End" and feel free to pop in on us with this one even if you don't read along, if you want. Okay?
hugs,
belva

Lähettänyt: nannybebette 9:45 pm (EST) Sep 8, 2009

Hi;
Mark and I have been discussing the possibility of another group read in November and want your input. We have narrowed it down to two books at this point. "The People of the Book" by Geraldine Brooks and "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield. So chat it up with friends or us and let us know if you are up for it and what you think. Probably the same plan as with "Pillars of the Earth" which seemed to work out perfectly for almost all of us.
Think it over and give one of us a shout.
hugs and looking forward to hearing from you,
belva

Lähettänyt: nannybebette 9:33 pm (EST) Sep 8, 2009

Yeah; as a teacher I did have long holidays....
For Anne Tylers 'Dinner at the homesicke restaurant': It reminded me of 'Rich Man, Poor Man', which I enjoyed a lot. Did you read this?
Happy reading
Monika

Lähettänyt: Monika_L 4:10 pm (EST) Aug 24, 2009

Hi Donna
Do you know this french classics: Madame Bovary? I love this book - maybe you would like it as well.
Monika

Lähettänyt: Monika_L 7:16 am (EST) Aug 18, 2009

I see you read Small Island. I absolutely loved that book. Also, I've added The Help after reading your review. Sounds great.

Lähettänyt: brenzi 5:55 pm (EST) Aug 4, 2009

thanks SO MUCH for the thumbs up on A Reliable Wife...

that was the HARDEST review I have done, for many reasons...and I still don't think I really encapsuled the whole feeling about the book

I also left out a couple of twists that are in the story..I thought the relationship between Ralph and Catherine was the real meat of the story

I think I might even read it again at another time to see if I get more from it. :)

I'll be waiting on baited breath to see what you think ~ good or bad ~
Kara

Lähettänyt: curlysue 8:42 pm (EST) Aug 1, 2009

thanks. i'' look forward to your book suggestions in the future.

Lähettänyt: barb302 11:15 pm (EST) Jul 30, 2009

thought you might want to review my library...we have similar taste in books. i really liked Louise Erdrich's books too and many of the other authors you gave good reviews. i just read The Piano Teacher by Janice Lee. I think you would like it. barb

Lähettänyt: barb302 6:55 am (EST) Jul 29, 2009

Congratulations on your very well written "hot review", found on today's home page!

Lähettänyt: Whisper1 8:50 am (EST) Jul 28, 2009

Donna- Thanks for the birthday greeting and the compliment on hosting "Pillars". I'm really not doing much, it sort of drives itself. I'm just so glad everyone seems to be enjoying it and yes I would be interested in doing a GR of the sequel. I would just like to wait awhile in between. Nice comments on "The Help", I'll have to track that one down,(maybe with birthday funds?). Take care friend!!
Mark

Lähettänyt: msf59 8:38 pm (EST) Jul 27, 2009

I loved the Shack! I felt that we have no idea how much God loves us. Right now I am reading The Other Bolyen Girl...it's a good story.

Lähettänyt: alisonleiton 2:20 pm (EST) Jul 20, 2009

Another Yooper-born Michigander. You need to connect with bookwalter here on LT, who was born in Houghton, raised in Greenville, now in southern IL. COLD is a terrific novel - a real page-turner with great characters. Author John Smolens is a prof at NMU in Marquette and the novel is set in that area. Go for it. - Tim

Lähettänyt: TimBazzett 11:09 pm (EST) Jul 12, 2009

Hi Donna - I like to read reviews here on LT, so will watch yours. You've kept a reading journal for 12 yrs? Astounding. But take a look at schmerguls here on LT. He's kept records of his reading since he was 8 yrs old. And now he's 81! My only experience w/ Missouri was basic trng at Ft Leonard Wood - twice! Once in 1962 and then again in 1976. So I only saw a very teeny tiny bit of MO, and prob the worst part of it at that. I'm a Michigander, live in Jim Harrison's former hometown, also the birthplace of Doug Stanton, who has a second NYTimes bestseller right now in his HORSE SOLDIERS. And I write too, in obscurity, I'm afraid. Looks like we share quite a few books. Ain't LT fun?! - Tim

Lähettänyt: TimBazzett 7:52 pm (EST) Jul 12, 2009

Tim fixed it for me, finally! I'm back as a member. An outcast no more! Thanks for your help.

Terri

Lähettänyt: teelgee 7:39 pm (EST) Jun 15, 2009

Well the invitation didn't work, it told me I was already a member! But I'm not showing that I belong to the group. It's a glitch. Will have to take it to the geeks. Thanks for the attempt.

I'm also enjoying Woman in white way more than I thought! I just reached the end of Gilmore's section, so I'm about 1/4 of the way through. Glad you're enjoying it too.

Lähettänyt: teelgee 3:29 pm (EST) Jun 14, 2009

Hi Donna -- could you do me a favor please and send me a group invite to the Group Reads - Literature group? I accidentally removed myself from the group but since I started the group it isn't showing me the option to join. Thought I'd try this option first. Just go to the group's profile page and click Invite People to join over on the upper right. add teelgee. Thanks!

Lähettänyt: teelgee 2:15 pm (EST) Jun 14, 2009

Hi Donna,

I don't know how I missed your message on my profile page, but I did. Sorry! I usually watch for messages because I so enjoy getting them!

Jaxon has been home for about a month and is doing great. We are all enjoying him very much. There is an 11 year age difference between the boys, so it has been awhile since we've had a baby around. I think there is some risk of spoiling him rotten!

I really loved The Indifferent Stars Above. I loaned it to a friend at work, who read it in 2 days, and we are enjoying some discussion about it. The author is a very good writer and I'm interested in reading his other book, Under a Flaming Sky. It has a very high rating here on LT.

Thanks for comenting on my thread and messaging me on my profile page. We military brats need to stick together!

Happy Reading,
Lorie

Lähettänyt: loriephillips 3:30 pm (EST) Jun 4, 2009

Hi, Donna- As usual it's great to hear from you. Thanks for the report on "Home" winning a prize. I can see why it's not a book for everybody but there is no denying she is a powerful writer. I need to snag a copy of "Housekeeping". Glad you enjoyed "The Given Day". It's high on my wishlist (that has no meaning anymore, ha ha). I think "Mystic River" is one of the best books I've read in the past few years, (and that's saying a lot!). I see you added "The Accidental", I have that somewhere in my tbr. I'm quickly approaching the 1st year anniversary with LT (June 10th) and I can not express my love for this place enough. It has widened my literary palette to gargantuan proportions! You mentioned not reading fast enough (well, me neither!) but even if I could read a book every other day, I couldn't keep up. See you around!
Mark

Lähettänyt: msf59 5:32 pm (EST) Jun 3, 2009

Donna-

Thanks for the library reciprocity. I look forward to perusing your books for both old friends and new ones I've yet to meet! I will also have to check out your 75-book thread.

I am particularly drawn to the statement on your profile page: "These are the books that are on the floor in my small library that nag at my conscience. They seem to be saying....'You bought me, now read me.'" Ah! I can relate.

Certainly nice to meet you.

Lähettänyt: Berly 12:43 am (EST) May 29, 2009

Hi Donna, thanks for saying hi. I just found this site randomly a few weeks ago and am loving it. Not getting much reading done right now with a new baby and two others under five, but I can get on here a few times a day and add some books so I quit buying repeats! I'm reading City of Fallen Angels right now, but having a hard time concentrating on it. What are you reading?

Rachel

Lähettänyt: ariaa03 7:39 pm (EST) May 27, 2009

Noticed you liked She's Come Undone, and I was wondering if you'd be interested in reviewing my new novel and posting your comments here as well as a few other book-related sites. Thought you might like my book since it's also about a disturbed young girl's downward spiral and a bit dark. I could e-mail you the novel in an e-book format if you'd like (I'm out of physical copies at the moment). Let me know if you're interested. Here's a link to a summary in case you're interested:

http://christophertusa.com/

Thanks,

Chris

Lähettänyt: cmtusa 10:00 pm (EST) May 7, 2009

I saw your review of "A Handful of Dust". I can't believe how quickly you got it - where did they send it from? Judging from your review, and some of the other comments I've seen around, I think I need to give Waugh a try. Glad your first experience with ILL seems to have been a good one.

Sandy

Lähettänyt: sjmccreary 10:05 pm (EST) May 6, 2009

thank you for viewing my list and saying that you want to read World Without End. Once you get the characters clearly in your mind, you will so enjoy their stories. I'm wondering now if I'd like other Ken Follett books. I realize that these two that I love are quite unlike his previous works.

Lähettänyt: GCPLreader 2:50 pm (EST) May 3, 2009

Glad you were able to find the book you wanted. Hope it comes soon. The offer still stands.

Sandy

Lähettänyt: sjmccreary 6:35 pm (EST) Apr 29, 2009

Hi, Donna! I'm so glad you love "Lark & Termite". Good review, BTW! These type of books remind us why we are so infactuated with the written word. Another one of these, is one I'm currently immersed in, is "The Book Thief". It's stunning! Have you read it? And another example is my last book, (yes, I'm on a roll!), "Every Man Dies Alone", which was jaw-dropping. Being an LT member ,there is never a shortage of great stuff to choose from. Hope you are having a great weekend!
Mark

Lähettänyt: msf59 9:12 am (EST) Apr 19, 2009

Noticed that you liked The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, and I was wondering if you'd be interested in reviewing my new novel and posting your comments here (as well as on a few other book-related sites). I thought you might like my novel since it's been compared to that novel by a number of reviewers. I could e-mail you the novel in an e-book format if you'd like. Let me know if you're interested. Here's a link to a summary in case you're interested:

http://christophertusa.com/

Thanks,

Chris

Lähettänyt: cmtusa 8:35 pm (EST) Apr 17, 2009

Hi, Donna,
Just wanted to stop by and say that I am glad that you were reading along with me for The Brothers Karamazov! I wanted to finish on Saturday, but I was too sleepy and had to get up for Church. :) It did turn out to be a pretty good book. Have a great day!
--BJ

Lähettänyt: billiejean 1:29 pm (EST) Mar 30, 2009

Hi Donna! I've come over here to give Evelyn Waugh suggestions, since I noticed you asked over in the Monthly Author Reads group. If you've never read him ever, you can either go with his most famous work (Brideshead Revisited), which is very different from the rest of his books (but still fantastic, and one of my favorites ever), or you can go with a more representative work, in which case I'd recommend A Handful of Dust. I'm personally going to be reading Decline and Fall, his first novel and one I haven't read yet. Vile Bodies and Scoop are also great.

Waugh is one of the best. I'm so glad he is the April author! I hope you enjoy whatever you end up choosing.

Jennifer

Lähettänyt: jfetting 7:55 pm (EST) Mar 29, 2009

Hi Donna - Well I finally read Edgar Sawtelle, and although I finished it about a week ago, I'm fairly conflicted and still not sure how I feel about it. I liked his writing style but the story left me wanting - I guess I just wanted something good or redemptive to happen. I'm still thinking about it so it did have an effect on me. I'm glad I read it so thanks for the push!

I saw in a thread that you were reading Jon Katz. Izzy & Lenore is in my TBR pile. Did you read his A Dog Year? It's mostly pre-border collies, when he had his Labs in NJ and is really a sweet and heartfelt memoir. When I read it several years ago I was pushing it on all my doggy friends and is my favorite of his books. Take Care, Joanne

Lähettänyt: coppers 10:11 pm (EST) Feb 3, 2009

Hi, Donna! I saw that you are making your way through "2666". How is it so far? I have a new copy of it and I'm looking forward to jumping in. I finished the latest Wally Lamb. It was excellent,although I'm starting to see some mixed reactions here. Whatever, I'm glad it worked for me. I'm wrapping up a crime novel and then will be starting "The Outlander" by Gil Adamson. Did you read this? It's received some nice buzz on the threads! Take care!
Mark

Lähettänyt: msf59 8:58 pm (EST) Feb 3, 2009

Thanks, Donna! I posted a note on the MO Readers group that it really doesn't matter to me if we read [The River Wife] now or later. I can read it now and then scan it later for my group's discussion. Thanks for thinking of me though!
Terri

Lähettänyt: tloeffler 10:20 pm (EST) Jan 31, 2009

Thanks for your comment Donna -

I totally agree with you about Lace Reader. What were people thinking? The only reason I ended up giving it three stars was because I it was at least an engaging read that I flew through. But really quite silly . .

I was just perusing your reviews - they are just the type I like to read - fairly short and get to the essence of the book without a ton of plot rehash. I think we have similar tastes and I came away with a some books to add to my TBR pile.

Jen

Lähettänyt: jhowell 11:03 am (EST) Jan 30, 2009

Donna,

Thanks for the kind words about my profile page. As for my thread, I will be starting a new one in February due to the length of the current one, so perhaps you could enticed to drop by then!

As far as Children of God goes, once you have read it, let me know what you thought of it. I just started 'A Thread of Grace' tonight, which is the only one of hers that I have not read yet.

Stasia

Lähettänyt: alcottacre 11:02 pm (EST) Jan 27, 2009

Hi Donna - Small world, I live in Littleton! We moved here from NJ 22 years ago and love it.

I'll probably give Edgar a try in the next month or so. I really want to like it and that's probably why I hesitate. I'm enjoying The Graveyard Book so I apparently have no problem suspending reality! Take Care - Joanne

Lähettänyt: coppers 9:18 pm (EST) Jan 21, 2009

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Edgar Sawtelle. We seem to share an incredible amount of books – at least on my end (you have 91 of the 218 books in my library which I guess is around 40%) – so your opinion carries a lot of weight! So also, while I’m thinking about it, I’m adding yours as an interesting library. I have a feeling I’ll find some hidden gems so I hope you don't mind. Thanks again and happy reading! (Your dog looks like he's waiting for a story!)

Lähettänyt: coppers 6:15 pm (EST) Jan 20, 2009

Hi, Donna! Boy, you have good taste in books! (maybe because it relects my own , ha ha) I read your solid review on "To Siberia". I just finished "Out Stealing Horses" and was blown away! Also, nice review on the Leif Enger book. I have that novel but I'm trying to bump up "Peace Like a River", on my immense tbr. It sounds so good. I'm getting ready to read the latest Wally Lamb, which I've heard nothing but incredible buzz on. Are you a fan? Take care and keep up the great work!
Mark

Lähettänyt: msf59 5:40 pm (EST) Jan 19, 2009

Yeah, I noticed that Steinbeck was a favorite of yours also. I am a huge Steinbeck fan!!!!!!!

Lähettänyt: blackdogbooks 11:41 am (EST) Jan 19, 2009

Who's a good dog?!?!?!?! What a great pose. We are going to try and get a better picture of ours in front of the books.....stay tuned!!!!

What a great list from last year!!!

Gonna have to star your thread over in the 75'ers.

Lähettänyt: blackdogbooks 11:03 am (EST) Jan 19, 2009

Donna - I'm having trouble finding your thread on the 75 Book Challenge Group - which one is it? Obviously we need to get to know each other since we share such similar reading taste AND so many of the same books. - Linda

Lähettänyt: alaskabookworm 10:18 pm (EST) Jan 17, 2009

Thanks Donna,

I wrote an episode of Thomas and Sky, which will be at the end of Chapter Two, Part Two and I really enjoyed it. I think it will be great fun.

- TT

Lähettänyt: TheTortoise 11:48 am (EST) Jan 9, 2009

Hello Donna,

Just a note to thank you for your suggestion to use Sky as a character in The Book Traveller. I have posted a picture of Sky in the Kitchen thread and I am going to write Sky into the story!

- TT

Lähettänyt: TheTortoise 7:53 am (EST) Jan 8, 2009

Hi, Donna

I just left a comment for Joyce and began "eavesdropping" on your conversation about Branson. Put me with Joyce's Mary as being one who "quivers" whenever it is mentioned. I hate that place! No one single thing about it is horrible, and much of it is quite nice, but the whole package is just awful. Maybe it's the traffic.

I spoke to the librarian yesterday and she said she will call me with that list of MO books. I hope she's got something good!

Again - don't apologize about hijacking the thread. With as bad a start as I'm getting this year with my reading, there may not be many books to discuss. I'll need somthing else to talk about!

Sandy

Lähettänyt: sjmccreary 11:28 am (EST) Jan 4, 2009

Well, well, well--you know, Brad Pitt has always struck me like a type of Midwesterner I've always appreciated. I lived for a number of years in Lincoln, NE and got to know quite a few of the indigenous people! Solid, cautious but surprisingly open and friendly as well. On screen, anyway, Pitt has always struck me that way, no matter what role he's played.

I do have to write to Charlie below and see if she has a picture of Irish to show Fred!

Joyce

Lähettänyt: Joycepa 4:20 pm (EST) Jan 3, 2009

LOL at Joycepa showing Fred Lucky's picture. Perhaps Fred should see Irish too, who was a real mess when we adopted him: He lived behind the bed for two weeks before he let us approach and touch him. The good news is he has recovered, been to obedience training where he graduated Summa Cum Lousy, and most of all, he trusts us.

I have a good friend who is a "foster rescue Mom" in O'Fallon, MO. People dump puppies and kittens all the time, and it's a crime. But at least we've saved two. And they live the life of Riley.

Slobbers from Irish.

Charlie

Lähettänyt: BrainFlakes 3:49 pm (EST) Jan 3, 2009

Once more--I just have to pass this on. I'd forgotten--Mary just reminded me that the first time I ever stepped off the plane in Springfield, she said ~Hello, then , If you want to go to Branson, I won't take you--completely baffling me, since I'd never heard of Branson before in my entire life! I have on occasion accused her of a form solipsism found only in MO.

Joyce

Lähettänyt: Joycepa 1:39 pm (EST) Jan 3, 2009

OK, my apologies, but I've been trying to multi-task with the usual results!

Branson is the home of *Brad Pitt*??

I've not read Winter's Tale but have read Ellis Island and Other Stories, which I loved. Have to check into winter's Tale. I consider A Soldier of the Great War a masterpiece for possibly the same reason you liked Winter's Tale--how Helprin handles his protagonist, Alessandro Giuliani.

If you ever decide to visit Panama, do let me know.

I LOVE your profile picture!! I have to show it to Fred.

Joyce

Lähettänyt: Joycepa 1:34 pm (EST) Jan 3, 2009

I have to laugh about Branson. Mary absolutely hates it--she sort of quivers when the town is mentioned. I did see it out of curiosity and even went into the Bass Pros shop as a part of my research!

I have a hazy idea about the Springfield area, since Mary lived in Halltown and her parents used to live in Willard (father dead, mother is assisted living in Springfield).

Please do join in on the fun! There is a place ofr solemnity--High Mass--but otherwise, tis better to laugh. :-)

Joyce

Lähettänyt: Joycepa 1:04 pm (EST) Jan 3, 2009

Happy New Year Donna! Thanks for the note! I'm hoping the film version of "Revolutionary Road" is at least half as good as the book. I'm also a big fan of the two leads. I feel that was good casting. We also saw "Marley & Me" on Christmas Day. Enjoyed it! I agree it captured the book pretty well. I just started " A Conspiracy of Paper" by David Liss. It's my first by this author and it looks like a winner! Take care!
Mark

Lähettänyt: msf59 7:21 pm (EST) Jan 1, 2009

Hi Donna!How are you? How's your winter, so far? Ours has been brutal! (The Chicagoland area). Single digits today and since I'm a mail-carrier, it wasn't pretty. I just finished my first Early Reviewer copy, "The Mystic Arts of Erasing All Signs of Death" by Charlie Huston. It was pretty good and fortunately an author I admire. I'm starting "Revolutionary Road" by Richard Yates. I've heard great things about it and there's a film coming out soon, based on this book so why not! I've been on Library Thing for about six months now and it's been wonderful. Next year can only get better! I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas! Mark
(see you on the Book Challenge!)

Lähettänyt: msf59 9:07 pm (EST) Dec 22, 2008

Welcome to the 2009 75 Books Challenge group. Thanks for joining in!

Lähettänyt: drneutron 11:16 am (EST) Dec 12, 2008

Hi Donna! Good to hear from you and thanks for the compliment regarding "March". It's such a good book! I also have "People of the Book" & "Year of Wonders" waiting in the wings. No, I have not read the Kate Atkinson book but I did read "One Good Turn" a couple months ago and really enjoyed it. She's a good writer! I saw you added a "Beautiful Boy". It's a terrific but heart-rending story. I'm currently reading "Lush Life" by Richard Price. Have a great Thanksgiving and lets stay in touch! :)
Mark

Lähettänyt: msf59 6:49 am (EST) Nov 24, 2008

hello donna,

thanks for the note - i found your library last night and spent hours looking up the books you love that i haven't read yet as we agree on so many of the ones i have read - i was amused that you too have top 10 books for each year going way back -i've been keeping lists of my favorites for many years and send them out to friends in christmas cards - little did i know that LT existed and would feed my book (and listing) addictions so well!

i look forward to checking out many of your recommendations -

blessings,
nancy (njinthesun)

Lähettänyt: njinthesun 7:45 pm (EST) Nov 16, 2008

Donna..thanks for the kind reply. I've suddenly this year shifted from being a fiction reader to non-fiction. I seem to run in spurts. I've joined the 999 challenge and have several non-fiction re-reads on that list (i'm not talented enough to know how to link from here). Right now I'm listening to the audio book of [Three Cups of Tea] by Greg Mortensen--fascinating story, and I find myself chuckling, saying "this guy needs a mother! or a wife!". Just finished [The Bush Tragedy] by Jacob Weisberg. It gave me a very different insight into G.W. - someone I confess I'm not particularly fond of.

Also am reading [The Friar and the Cipher] by Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone - the story of a very rare manuscript that's in the Yale Library but appears not yet to have been fully deciphered? (I'm just starting it, but it's an easy read and I hope to get it done in the next week.)

I only joined LT a couple months ago, but have been keeping a list of books read for the past year. In fact, I know I have enough to have posted to the 50 challenge, the 75 challenge, and even the 888, but I decided just to plunge in for next year and to do the 999 challenge. Since I've read almost 75 books already (and those are the ones I kept track of) I know the 999 will be doable and help reduce the TBR pile. I also joined the Dewey Decimal challege, this last one being a lifetime goal not an annual one. Figured it would really push me to branch out and read things I wouldn't normally pick up.

Some other suggestions for non-fiction: Ken Davis' [Don't know much about History] [Thirteen American Arguments] by Howard Fine; [Eat, Pray, Love] by Elizabeth Gilbert (I keep reminding myself I MUST do a review of this --I loved it and learned a lot about different cultures; any of Thomas Cahill's 'Hinges of History' series. Also, [Genesis] by Bill Moyers (I'll read anything he writes).

Well, enough ramblings. I'm off for 2 weeks to visit kids in Virginia, and wouldn't you know they're predicting our first snow while I'm gone. BUMMER.

Enjoy reading, and I look forward to seeing what you're doing during the year.

Lähettänyt: tututhefirst 12:02 pm (EST) Nov 15, 2008

Congratulations! I have two sons and my oldest doesn't seem anywhere near wanting to get married. And I'm not in a hurry for him either, but would love to have a grandchild to cuddle up and read books to. Anyway, I'm glad my stars make sense now. BTW, I'm looking for a book to suggest for a new book group and since you and I have so much overlap, I've been checking out your favorites for previous years. None of the books I've read in the last few weeks seem quite right.
Bonnie

Lähettänyt: bonniebooks 3:44 am (EST) Nov 13, 2008

Hi Donna!

Yeah, I know that my rating looks weird. I had an explanation up when I first joined, but then it didn't work as well as I went past the 200 mark. Those first starred books are much like comfort food. I love them and I tend to return to them when I'm tired, stressed, bored, avoiding, and/or just needing some guaranteed satisfaction. The stars actually represent how many times I've read the book--or want to over my lifetime. So, you're right, it's confusing; most of my books would be 4's or 5's using a more typical rating. I just wanted my rating to really mean something to me and my friends or family, so am still figuring out what to do. :) I've been distracted by election fever, but am going to "restar" soon!
Bonnie

P.S. I loved Water for Elephants! I consumed it (sticking with the food analogy) in one day and look forward to reading it again!

Lähettänyt: bonniebooks 12:18 am (EST) Nov 10, 2008

thanks for the welcome Donna. I think I'm ready to pass the 200 book threshold. I already picked up a few new books based on the recommendations feature. I think I've only scraped the surface of what this site has to offer.

Lähettänyt: childatart 9:23 pm (EST) Nov 4, 2008

Hi, Donna! I have read "Under the Banner of Heaven". I loved his earlier books and was so impressed by the skill he exhibited on that one. He's an excellent writer. You shouldn't be intimidated by our fellow readers, who can read multiple books at once. I'm like you, mostly a single book reader and it works for me. We are who we are. I'm just envious of the speed-readers. I have so many books to read, it's ridiculous!! See ya! Mark

Lähettänyt: msf59 2:36 pm (EST) Oct 29, 2008

Hi, Donna! I know we haven't chatted in awhile but I read your review on "Home",and admired both your writing and your praise, so I felt I should drop you a note. No, I haven't read it yet but I hope to get to it by the end of the year. I've been swamped in books. I'm joining the group read on "Pirate of Exquisite Mind". It'll be my first one on LT and I'm looking forward to it. Do you post on any of the "What are you Reading Now" group threads? It's a great way to see what everyone is reading. Take care! Mark

Lähettänyt: msf59 8:31 pm (EST) Oct 28, 2008

Hi Donna

So nice to hear from you.

What the red flag means is that Library Thing said I had copied review detail from someone else. I had found information which pretty much said what my view of the book was and although had changed into some thoughts of my own; I did not realize that I could not use information from other reviews. I'm in the process of deleting all the reviews with red flags as I did not mean to violate the rules because I throughly enjoy LT, looking for ideas for new authors and keeping track of my own reading lists.

A new book I just picked up is "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" which is a translation from French. Elaine in Maine

Lähettänyt: eembooks 1:14 pm (EST) Oct 8, 2008

I really like your library it has some books want to check out. Is it best to read the Kristin Lavandatter trilogy in order. Elaine in Maine

Lähettänyt: eembooks 12:53 pm (EST) Oct 8, 2008

I know what you mean about the cost I use to check out every thirft shop and second hand book store for copies. My family and friends say I have to get either a new job or move if I want to give any more books away. They tell me I have saturated the area.
LOL

Lähettänyt: LA12Hernandez 10:43 pm (EST) Sep 21, 2008

Hi Donna,

Thanks for your welcome and thanks for all the sorting and reviewing you do for all of us. I will look to your library to find many new good reads.

Be well,
Nancy

Lähettänyt: nancenwv 8:44 pm (EST) Sep 15, 2008

Hi, Donna! How was "One Good Turn"? I loved "Case Histories" and look to start "One Good Turn" soon. I'm just getting into "The Garden of Last Days" by Andre Dubus. It looks to be another winner. He is an intense writer! Mark

Lähettänyt: msf59 8:12 pm (EST) Sep 15, 2008

Hi,Donna! As, far as adding you to my friends, it's a bit strange. It says "Invitation sent. Waiting for approval." This is when I click on your profile. Maybe you can try it on your end, by adding me to your friends. I have read Case Histories by Atkinson and it was excellent. One Good Turn is the follow-up and I'm really looking forward to it. I started The Book of Air and Shadows by Michael Gruber, which is starting out very promising. Have you heard of it? Hope you're having a great weekend!
Mark

Lähettänyt: msf59 8:09 am (EST) Aug 31, 2008

Hi, Donna! Yes, I enjoyed Skeletons at the Feast. He's a good storyteller and he came up with a fresh premise. I don't think he's a real strong writer though, some of his prose was a bit weak, so I'm not sure I would read his other books. What did you think of his other novels? What sort of book was "Rose" by M Cruz Smith? I loved his Arkady books!
I see our friendship is still pending? Are you still mulling it over? HA Ha! Mark

Lähettänyt: msf59 6:25 pm (EST) Aug 30, 2008

What an honor to be added to your list of interesting libraries. Thank you. I'm curious as to what it is about my library that you find interesting. Is it the fact that we share 304 books or something else?

I loved reading your profile and looking over your books. I especially like the idea of listing your favorite reads of 2008. If it's OK with you, I may also do that with my profile. I think it gives others a quick, concise way to sum up your taste in reading.

Lähettänyt: pinklady60 2:26 pm (EST) Aug 20, 2008

Thank you for the welcome. I love to read and I am loving this "librarything". I am looking forward to exploring all the benefits of the site (any tips are welcome). I love to see what other people are reading and what their comments are. My tastes are very wide ranging, I am an avid horse, dog, history enthusiast so I love books on those subjects. Your library was very interesting to me, I'm inspired by the amount you read, and envious!! I just started, 'The Story of Edgar Sawtelle', from your recommendation - I love it already. I'm still adding to my library and I need to take some time to "tag" them properly, it's a work in progress.
Take care,
Marly

Lähettänyt: msmarly 3:23 pm (EST) Aug 6, 2008

Hi Donna,

It is all new to me since Jack was only diagnosed with a Peanut Allergy last week. I am terrified pretty much all the time now. We just got an Epi-Pen today at an allergist's appointment. I will say the book was helpful to a newbie family like ours.

I loved Age of Innocence. I'm usually afraid of "classics" so I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It inspired me to buy (but not yet read) several other classic novels. I've begun Midnight's Children, but I don't love it (yet).

Thanks so much for leaving a comment on my 50 Book Challenge thread. I really love knowing other folks are reading it.

--Nancy

Lähettänyt: nancyewhite 8:01 pm (EST) Aug 5, 2008

Hi,
I enjoyed my browse through your library today. I like looking at covers so I appreciated the fact that you have chosen covers for your collection. I also picked up some great future reads from checking out your rating system and comments. I look forward to checking out more of your recommendations.

leslie

Lähettänyt: lesliecp 3:12 pm (EST) Aug 4, 2008

Hey, Donna! You didn't mention the "Edgar Sawtelle" & the "Out Stealing Horses" books. I take it you loved them? Thanks for the info on Marilyne Robinson. Have you read her book "Housekeeping"? I have not but I heard it is excellent.
I guess I have read Erdrich. I read "Four Souls", a couple years ago. I also have "Master Butchers...", on hand too. It was buried in my tbr pile! Nice to have you as a friend, we'll chat again! Mark

p.s. I'm reading an excellent crime thriller called "In the Woods" by Tana French. It's an irish "Mystic River"

Lähettänyt: msf59 8:07 pm (EST) Jul 31, 2008

You seem to have a lot of friends! Good for you! There are couple of books on your '08 favorites, that caught my eye. "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" is a book I'm so looking forward to reading. I have it coming through a book club. "Out Stealing Horses" is another one I'm very much interested in. How was "Plague of Doves"? I've never read her. You have a great library! Take care! Mark

Lähettänyt: msf59 10:23 pm (EST) Jul 30, 2008

I'm actually reading the same book as you are (Finn). I'm a little behind everyone else because my book didn't arrive on time, and yes I find it gruesome but very intriging. Alaska? I've heard it's beautiful, have fun and enjoy your vacation!

I have a few friends that go to SMS (I can't get over the name change either). I love Springfield it's such a beautiful city. I was up there in May for a children's literature conference at my college (Drury).

Lähettänyt: beckylynn 5:57 pm (EST) Jul 16, 2008

I saw you read the book "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle", I've been wanting to read it for several reasons, but the main one being that Stephen King reccomended it on his webpage. Is it any good,(I assume so because of how you have it titled), so I guess a more appropriate question would be is it worth the price? Everywhere I go to buy the book it's extremley expensive and I just don't care to spend a whole lot on a single book unless it's highly reccomended. Thanks!

Lähettänyt: beckylynn 4:20 pm (EST) Jul 10, 2008

Hi,
We share many books and many favorites. From perusing your favorites, I am bumping Angle of Repose and The Poisonwood Bible to the top of my to be read next list - a list which is shamefully long and sadly neglected! I'm looking forward to spending more time wandering among your books...
Happy reading,
Mel

Lähettänyt: readaholic12 11:35 pm (EST) Jul 8, 2008

Hi Donna. I'm liking this new "Connection News" feature! I just noticed that you rated The Story of Edgar Sawtelle 5 stars. I have that one on my wishlist & keep hearing good things about it. You apparently liked it as well. What did you like about it most?? I'm curious!

Lähettänyt: indygo88 6:16 pm (EST) Jun 29, 2008

Donna,

Humidity is right - I think we've gotten nearly 5 inches of rain this week, and I know we haven't gotten as much here as you have down there this spring. My grandparents lived in Littleton until my grandfather died, then my "grandma" (a younger second wife) moved to Mt Vernon, MO where her mother and brother were living. She is still there. I've got more relatives in Colo Springs, but I doubt we'll get down there on this trip. Isn't it funny how we just assume that our lives are completly unique, then we find someone who is connected to all the same places?

The War and Peace read was already started when I joined LT in March, but I was intrigued. I used to read more literary books than I have been lately, but never a lot of classic literature. We weren't introduced to it in school, and I tried it on my own after college, but it was rough going. I started the Middlemarch read, but my heart was never in it. George Eliot has never had much appeal, and I didn't make it past book 1. I'm looking forward to the new book, and will read whichever of the two leaders wins. I had a difficult time voting, since there were several that looked interesting, so my heart is not set on either one of them. For the short time I was plodding through Middlemarch, I did enjoy reading comments from other people about the same material. I felt less alone, and have had twinges of regret that I didn't stick it out a little longer. I hope the winner is announced soon - I'd like to get a copy of the book in time to take it with me when we leave for vacation next week.

Sandy

Lähettänyt: sjmccreary 10:54 am (EST) Jun 6, 2008

Hi, Donna

We live in Lee's Summit, which is becoming more and more like Overland Park (not sure if that is a good or bad thing!)

We've always loved Springfield, and are pretty pleased that the boys are planning to move there. Our oldest son is in Rolla right now, but decided he didn't want to be an engineer after all, so he didn't enroll in school after he moved down there.

Where in Colorado did you live? That is another of my favorite places - my grandparents lived in Denver while I was growing up and we went out there every summer. We still make regular trips and have one planned for week after next to the Grand Mesa area - with a stop in Denver to visit relatives who still live there.

I fell in love with LT the first time I saw it. I expected the "new" to wear off, but so far I'm liking it more and more. I feel like I'm getting acquainted with the people here, and have started thinking of them just the same as I think of some of the the people I know in "real life". I know I sometimes spend far too much time here, when I could be reading, or should be working!

It's nice to meet you

Sandy

Lähettänyt: sjmccreary 10:30 am (EST) Jun 3, 2008

Thanks for the welcome. That's (to me at least) the point. If you don't take a moment to collect your thoughts about something you've read it becomes an annoying vague memory. But without someone with whom to share those thoughts, there's little motivation for collecting them. You're right. It could become addictive.

I'm off to sea hauling ropes on a tall ship for the next couple of weeks. I'll add a bunch of shippy books to my shelf when I get back.

Lähettänyt: EnglishPatient 7:14 am (EST) Jun 1, 2008

Thanks for your concise and sensitive reviews. I found myself agreeing with much of what you said about books I have also read. I'm new to this so my virtual shelf is still almost bare.

Lähettänyt: EnglishPatient 3:35 pm (EST) May 20, 2008

Hi Donna, thanks for adding me to your interesting libraries list. Our little dog's name is Lucy, she is 1/2 beagle and 1/2 daschund. We adopted her from a shelter where they told us she was shepard and doberman, big difference! Some day we will get a yellow lab, that is my childhood dog. Take care! Erin

Lähettänyt: Rarcar1 4:52 pm (EST) Apr 5, 2008

well i sort of gave up on the class. just had a lot going on but i make download the episodes from itunes and pick back up when i have time. i like the concepts of a new earth but it's really hard to stick with them! let me know if you make it the whole ten weeks! :)

Lähettänyt: amanaceerdh 4:57 pm (EST) Apr 3, 2008

Thanks for your interest in my library, Donna. I see we share a lot of books, and a lot of favorites, and I enjoy your reviews, as well. I am glad you broke through your sci-fi aversion to read The Sparrow -- I, too, thought it excellent, and more about God and culture than about space travel. Have you read the sequel, Children of God?

You are clearly an old hand at recording your reading. I just began in 2007, finally -- after years of wanting to -- using LT's 50 Book Challenge group. I don't see you on there, but recommend it as a great way to get a little feedback on your reading while you keep a record. My current thread is at kambrogi in 2008

I, too, set a goal of reading all of Austen (as well as Dickens), but don't seem to move as quickly as I want to in that direction. MY TBR pile is so high! If you liked The Sparrow and admire Ann Fadiman, I wonder if you have read the non-fiction work, "When the Spirit Catches You, You Fall Down"? It is a study of cross-cultural confusion and the tragedy that results.

Lähettänyt: kambrogi 11:29 am (EST) Mar 31, 2008

Donna, I think we have very similar taste. I've been reading your reviews periodically and will continue to do so!

Lähettänyt: 3M3m 7:50 pm (EST) Mar 5, 2008

very cool! I do hope you like it.

Lähettänyt: library_kate 12:21 am (EST) Mar 1, 2008

i am doing the oprahthing, assuming i like the book when i read it this weekend. i actually like the idea of homework :) will let you know what i think. hope u enjoy the class too!

Lähettänyt: amanaceerdh 3:12 pm (EST) Feb 29, 2008

we have 267 books in common, but i have never checked your page out before until now when i was checking out reviews for "the new earth," which i am about to read. a lot of your favorites are my favorites as well! i hope you enjoy jane austen's books as i much did!!!!

Lähettänyt: amanaceerdh 9:18 am (EST) Feb 27, 2008

Hi Donna, thanks for the note. Yes, we have lots of books in common, and I was struck by how similarly we rated our books too.

I'm just getting started on War and Peace - only on page 70 or so - so I don't have too much to comment on yet, I feel like I'm just getting my bearings and getting to know some characters. I do see some parallels to contemporary issues - nationalism, imperialism, etc. that are fairly striking. It's going to take me a long time to read this one, as I'm reading endnotes, footnotes, looking at the dictionary, atlas, Wiki, etc - but learning a lot.

Do you know about the War and Peace group we've got going? It's called Group Reads - Literature. There are 25 or so LTers who are reading and commenting on the book - people are in various stages of reading. Pop in to have a look if you think you'd be interested. Here's a link to it.

Happy reading to you too.
Terri

Lähettänyt: teelgee 1:48 pm (EST) Feb 16, 2008