cameling's book pile - Part 8

Another new year of exciting new books to read and share with the great bunch of people who gather in this group.

January Reads
The Imprisoned Guest : Samuel Howe and Laura Bridgman, the Original Deaf-Blind Girl - Elisabeth Gitter
Three Seconds - Anders Roslund and Borge Hellstrom
Abandon the Old in Tokyo - Yoshihiro Tatsumi
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore - Robin Sloan
Sixty-Nine - Ryu Murakami
Jasmine and Fire - Salma Abdelnour
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry - Rachel Joyce
They Were Counted - Miklós Bánffy
The Map - T.S. Learner
The Unquiet - J.D.Robb and others
Silent Night : The Story of the World War I Christmas Truce - Stanley Weintraub
The Iron Wyrm Affair - Lilith Saintcrow
The Queue - Vladimir Sorokin
Treasure of Saint-Lazare - John Pearce
My Dog Tulip - J.R. Ackerley

February Reads
Ready Player One - Ernest Cline
Rust :Visitor in the Field - Royden Lepp
The Affair - Lee Child
The Hidden Child - Camilla Lackberg
The Black Echo - Michael Connelly
Catherine the Great : Portrait of a Woman - Robert Massie
Keeper of the Bride - Tess Gerritsen
Light from a Distant Star - Mary McGarry Morris
Heidegger's Glasses - Thaisa Frank
Alias Grace - Margaret Atwood
Crunch Time - Diane Mott Davidson
Quiet : The Power of the Introvert in a World That Can't Stop Talking - Sarah Cain

March Reads
The Language of Flowers - Vanessa Diffenbaugh
The Devil's Picnic - Taras Grescoe
The Damnation Affair - Lilith Saintcrow
The Abundance - Amit Majmudar
Calculated in Death - JD Robb
God's Bit of Wood - Sembene Ousmane
Weep Not, Child - Ngugi wa Tiong'o
How It All Began - Penelope Lively
The Merry Misogynist - Colin Cotterill
The Tenant & The Motive - Javier Cercas
Smokin' Seventeen - Janet Evanovich
Building Stories - Chris Ware
Wild Strawberries - Angela Thirkell
Behind You - Jacqueline Woodson
The Bridge of Sighs - Olen Steinhauer
Dance of the Seagull - Andrea Camilleri

April Reads
The Art Thief - Noah Charney
Firefly - Severo Sarduy
The Blind Assassin - Margaret Atwood
Watchers of Time - Charles Todd
The Great Gatsby - F.Scott Fitzgerald
The Third Son - Julie Wu
Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo - Ntozake Shange
When Broken Glass Floats - Chanrithy Him
100 Cupboards Book 1 -N.D. Wilson
In the Woods - Tana French
Headhunters - Jo Nesbo
Waking Raphael - Leslie Forbes
All the Paths of Shadow - Frank Tuttle

May Reads
Burma Chronicles - Guy Delisle
Stone Upon Stone - Wieslaw Mysliwski
Chasing Mona Lisa - Tricia Goyer
The Truth About Managing People - Stephen Robbins
Gray Justice - Alan McDermott
Soulless - Gail Carriger
Changeless - Gail Carriger
Blameless - Gail Carriger
Heartless - Gail Carriger
Timeless - Gail Carriger
Legacy of the Dead - Charles Todd
The Real Jane Austen : A Life in Small Things - Paula Byrne
In the Garden of Beasts - Erik Larson
The Summons - Peter Lovesey
Swallows and Ice Cream - Robert Fowler
Chronicler of the Winds - Henning Mankell
Prime of Life - P.D. Bekendam

June Reads
Five by Endo - Shūsaku Endō
A Share in Death -Deborah Crombie
Regeneration - Pat Barker
The Ghosts of Nagasaki - Daniel Clausen
The Keeper of Secrets - Julie Thomas
The Day is a White Tablet - Jill Fletcher Pelaez
The Ernest Mask - Xi Ni Er
Unspoken Abandonment - Bryan Wood
The Magic Barrel - Bernard Malamud
Once Removed - Mako Yoshikawa
The Caller - Karin Fossum
The Milkman in the Night - Andrej Kurkov
Shifu, You'll Do Anything For A Laugh - Mo Yan

July Reads
Steampunk : Extraordinary Tales of Victorian Futurism - Mike Ashley
Leonardo and the Mona Lisa Story - Donald Sassoon
Redshirts - John Scalzi
The Greater Journey - David McCullough
Cocktail Time - P.G. Wodehouse
Twin Cities Noir - Julie Schaper
The Gypsy's Dream - Sara Alexei
Charles Dickens : A Life - Claire Tomalin
Clockwork Angels - Kevin Anderson
Bloodhounds - Peter Lovesey

August Reads
Eye in the Door - Pat Barker
In the Presence of Absence - Mahmoud Darwish
Utagawa Kuniyoshi : The Sixty-Nine Stations of Kisokaido - Sarah Thompson
Kangaroo Notebook - Kōbō Abe
Crossing the Mangrove - Maryse Condé
August Folly - Angela Thirkell
In Praise of the Stepmother - Mario Vargas Llosa
Some Like It Hawk - Donna Andrews
The Odyssey of KP2 - Terrie Williams
The Bridegroom - Ha Jin

September Reads
Borkmann's Point - Håkan Nesser
Death at the Alma Mater - G.M. Malliet
Rescue at 2100 Hours - Tom Trumble
The Echo Maker - Richard Powers
Love From a Shallow Grave - Colin Cotterill
Naked in the Marketplace - Benita Eisler
It's Only Slow Food Until You Try to Eat It - Bill Heavey
Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn
The Black Cat - Martha Grimes
The Ghost Riders of Ordebec - Fred Vargas
The Secret of Scent - Luca Turin

My 13 Category Challenge thread can be found here

My global reads have been: (to be listed when I've completed each one)
They Were Counted - Miklós Bánffy : Hungary
The Queue - Vladimir Sorokin : Russia
The Ivankiad - Vladimir Voinovich : Russia
When Broken Glass Floats - Cambodia
Crossing the Mangrove - Guadaloupe

TIOLI completes :
Three Seconds - January
Crunch Time - February
The Merry Misogynist - March
The Blind Assassin - April
The Third Son - April
Stone Upon Stone - May
Chasing Mona Lisa - May
A Share in Death - June
The Magic Barrel - June
Charles Dickens : A Life - July
Eye in the Door - August
Crossing the Mangrove August
Borkmann's Point - September
Love from a Shallow Grave - September

Answering some posts from my previous thread:

Darryl - I'll certainly give you a heads up as to plans for a NOLA vacation next year. We'd definitely love to have you be our tour guide ...and wouldn't it be a miraculous treat if the timing worked out with Paul's family vacation as well. But if we do plan one, it'll definitely not be during any US school vacation or during Mardi Gras. I'm too old now to enjoy a crush of drunken people all around me.

Richard - Loteria is a quick but really interesting read ... go on ... add it to your wish list and get your liberry to hold a copy for your next visit. I was mooching around B&N the other day and ended up reading it there while the hubster was looking for his books.

Hot day today. We considered going to the beach but with this weather, it's going to be so packed. So we decided to be good and do some chores at home and will then hit Cambridge later this evening for a visit to the Harvard Bookstore, Raven Bookstore and dinner with some friends.

I haz bought some red grapefruit this morning and intend to make the muffies some time during the coming week. Stay tuned... ;-)

Kath - Been sneezing up a storm today... so either I'm the subject of some heavy gossip somewhere, or my allergies are throwing a huge tantrum. The hubster was out cutting part of the backyard today.

Need to start a new book? How about a Bohjalian?

Paul - A KL visit is definitely in the works. For now, it's likely to be some time in the early part of September. I'm just waiting to confirm a project in Indonesia so I can schedule them both at the same time. Hope you're enjoying a nice weekend coming off the Raya celebrations.

Judy - I'm so glad I'm not the only one finding it difficult to keep up with everyone's threads. I should have an easier week ahead (I hope I haven't jinxed myself by saying that), so my plan is to stop lurking and skimming through the threads and contribute a few pithy comments here and there instead.

101. Kangaroo Notebook - Kōbō Abe

What would you do if you woke up one morning to find radish sprouts starting to grow on the shins of your leg up to your knees? In the case of the narrator of this book, he takes himself off to a dermatologist, causes the doctor to throw up, is hooked up to an IV and catheter by an attractive nurse named Damselfly, strapped onto a hospital bed, and then discharged, with a note from the doctor to visit a sulfur hotspring in the Valley of Hell. And so begins our narrator's wild adventure. He wills his bed to move and to his shock, it does, rolling down the street and then hurtling down a cavern into what might just be Hell. The benefit of growing radish sprouts on one's leg, though, is that at least one has food he can pluck and munch on whenever he's hungry.

His adventures include rolling into a department store and attempting to purchase some clothes, rolling on train tracks in the cavern shared by miniature trains, being chased by female squid attracted to the male squids that have appeared in his IV bag, meeting child-demons of the chanting Help Me Please Club and their artistic director, wadding through a cabbage field and meeting his dead mother, an American karate expert with a penchant for violence and who studies fatal accidents, and repeated meetings with Damselfly who shows up unannounced and out of the blue, often to help him out of problems. But then Damselfly turns out to be a bit of a vampire who is on her own quest to win the Dracula's Daughter medal.

Throughout, the reader isn't sure if this is supposed to be real or adventures the narrator is dreaming. However, his adventures all take him to or through some aspects of death and the afterlife, and makes the way the book ends perfect.

It's humorous and quite thought provoking. It's definitely rich in imagery. I'd recommend this to fans of Japanese literature.

4 stars

>3 cameling: Good choice to not visit NOLA during Spring Break or Mardi Gras. However, there are plenty of places to see and fabulous restaurants to dine that are far from the usual spots where drunken students and tourists visit. Hopefully we can organize an LT meet up when the Cranswicks visit the Crescent City.

>4 cameling: Nice review of Kangaroo Notebook. I didn't like it as much as you did, and I developed a dislike of radishes after I read it.

Caro, thank you for starting a new thread. I got hopelessly behind on LT this summer. I hope to keep up with you better. LOL about Darryl's comment on radishes. That book sounds weird but in a fun way.

Caro - Look forward to breaking my diet then sometime in September! Congratulations on thread number 8 and our persistent little girl who joyfully continues to grace your opening photo.
Like Darryl's idea of a New Orleans meet-up but Boston/NYC/Philly are likely destinations too.

Congratulations on starting in on your second 100 for the year!

What Donna said!! Seriously, I will work hard to keep up this time!

Congrats on the new thread, Caro. That certainly is an intriguing review of the Koko Abe book. Bizarre! What a great variety of reading you've done this year.

#5 : Darryl, an LT Meetup in NOLA is one I will definitely not be able to miss. My friend's going to send me the list of restaurants, bars and cafes she visited that are mostly off the touristy paths. One of the reasons why I want to visit NOLA is because I'd love walk the streets that Tennessee Williams had walked along. I'm not a fan of Anne Rice's vampire books, but I wonder if the nights of NOLA were her inspiration for her books.

Hmm.. now we need to find a book for you that will put radishes back on your plate again. :-)

#6 : Donna, no need to apologize. We've all got lives outside of LT that keep us busy and we don't always have the luxury of spending as much time on LT as we would like, unless we were to forego a social life, stop spending time with family and not have to work.

Kangaroo Notebook is definitely surreal and kinda fun, but not for everyone. I just liked how he narrated his story.

#7 : Paul - I'll be sure to tell you as soon as I am able to confirm my September trip. The little girl and her camel is going to be my thread topper for this year. She's just too adorable.

Boston/NY/Philly or NOLA .. I'm pretty sure there will be a number of LTers who will make an effort to attend the MeetUp just to meet you since you'll be coming from such a long distance and not likely to be coming over on a regular basis.

#8 : Thanks, Roni. I don't think I'm going to be hitting another 100 before the end of the year. I have a few hefty tomes I'd like to read before the year is up and they're likely to take me a while. I don't think I've read more than 150 new titles in any year yet. I don't count my re-reads towards my book totals each year.

#9 : Mamie - don't sweat it .... I'm so behind even the snails are looking back at me with huge grins on their faces.

#10 : Thanks Joe. Of all the people whom I think may like Kangaroo Notebook, you'd be one I'd recommend it to. It's bizarre, but it is also a surrealistic look at someone who perceives himself to be on the fringe of society, an outsider and one trying to find a way to fit in everywhere he goes.

My challenges this year certainly have a part to play in the books I'm more consciously selecting to read this year, and I like it. In the past, I'd just pick up whatever book in my TBR Tower I felt like reading, even if the last 5 books read were in the same genre, but this year I'm having to mix things up a little bit more to ensure I hit my challenges.

I read this article today and I love this idea. Way to go Seattle! Books on Bikes!

http://www.npr.org/2013/08/11/210248982/books-on-bikes-helps-seattle-librarians-...

^ I'm proud to be a Seattleite. :-)

Happy New Thread, Caro!

LOL at the picture in #2 :-)

I love the books on bikes. Alternative libraries are so much fun.

101:

For some reason Kangaroo Notebook makes me think of Gun, With Occasional Music with its surreal nature and its hit-man kangaroos. (Read the book)

Hmm. Wondering if I can coax my book group to read Gun, With Occasional Music.

Nah they'd kill me.

Oh that book on bikes program looks awesome! Such a great idea

I enjoyed Gun, With Occasional Music, Jim. Good luck coaxing your group. "And now, for something completely different . . ."

#14 : Ellen .. yeah! Celebrate the innovative thought that went into book on bikes. That's just such a great idea. I hope it catches on in other cities. I'd love to contribute some books to the program if they start one in Boston.

#15 : Hi Diana. That poor dog! What a predicament to find himself in.

#16 : Morphy- I love that there are people who are interested in thinking of workable alternative book programs to get books out to people who may not have easy access to the city's public library. The books on the bike reminded me of that program with the mobile library on a camel out in Mongolia. ;-)

#17 : Jim, the funny thing is that there isn't a single kangaroo in Kangaroo Notebook but the title is apt because it's a project our narrator suggested at work, only to be surprised when it was picked by the management.
A hit-man kangaroo? Yup, that was enough to get me checking out Gun, With Occasional Music and addig that to my obese wish list. It sounds like fun.

Your book club will you kill you if you make them read this? Hmm... will they send out kangaroo hit-men?

#18 : Chelle - It's good exercise for the librarians too. They could re-purpose a whole lot of trishaws in Asia for this program. Hmm.. I wonder if I should submit this suggestion to the education agencies in some countries.

#19 : Joe - the reviews I've read seem very positive.

Has anyone had Prune Whip before? My MIL just asked me if I could make her some (we're going down for a visit on Thursday for a couple of days) and I've never heard of it much less had any. I've just looked it up online and found a couple of recipes ...but I have to say it doesn't sound remotely tasty to me. So does it taste better than it sounds, or is this some weird 50s dessert that should never see the light of day again?

I like prune whip...the way I make it.

1lb pitted prunes
1 lemon, quartered and seeded
water to cover

Simmer prunes in a covered pot until they are mush. Pick out the lemon. Help the mushing process along with a potato masher, if you like smoother prune whip. Refrigerate the prune mush at least 24hrs.

2 eggs, separated
1/2c milk
1 pint whipping cream
2T sugar, divided
1/2t vanilla extract

Whip the cream with 1T sugar and vanilla until stiff. Refrigerate.
Beat the egg yolks into the milk. Fold this mixture into the cold prune goosh. Put on low heat and stir constantly until it's about room temp. Remove from heat, keep stirring and, when it's slightly custardy looking, cover to cool.

Beat the egg whites with 1T sugar until soft peaks form. Fold egg whites into cold whipped cream. The prunes should be cool by now, so fold the prune moosh into the white stuff JUST ENOUGH TO COMBINE, no streaks of white or of all brown. Refrigerate at least an hour or two. Best after four or five.

I have never heard of prune whip! Trust Richard to have a recipe.

I've had Prune Whip before, but you are right - I think it was way back in the 50's. I have to admit, Richard's recipe sounds interesting.

I like Lethem's early stuff better than his more recent books, but I'm probably in a small minority on that one. Besides Gun, with Occasional Music, As She Climbed Across the Table was weird and good, as was Girl in Landscape.

I believe Caroline's bioluminescence gene has switched on, betraying her status as an alien infiltratrix, so she is no longer posting while on the lam.

#22 : Richard - your prune whip recipe is different from the ones I've managed to find online and sounds a lot better. Too bad I don't have time to try it out because we're leaving tomorrow morning. So I picked an easy online recipe that just took about a half hour. It's in the oven now and I will take a peek in a few minutes. I guess it's a sort of pruney meringue? Then I can just whip the cream tomorrow and add it to the top when we get there. We'll see. If she doesn't like it, then I'll try your recipe the next time. In fact, I think I'll try your recipe for a second go-around anyway the next time I'm going down for a visit and see which one she likes better.

#23 : Cobscook ... I asked my mother this morning and she had never heard of it either. I wonder if it's a dessert from the 50s only in NY?

#24 : Judy - did the prune whip you ate resemble a brownish soft meringue? I wasn't sure if I was to bake it in a shallow pan or individual muffin cups so I dumped it all into a cake pan. I just took it out of the oven and the hubster said it looks like the picture in the recipe online, .... so maybe that's a good sign?

ETA : Took a photo and thought to post it, but looking at it, it's not photogenic.

#25 : Joe - I was talking to my brother this morning, mentioned Kangaroo Notebook because he thought he'd enjoy it and he said he had just finished reading Girl in Landscape and is sending me his copy. Whoohooooo.

#26 : Richard, now that the surface of Mars has been breached, I have to return periodically to protect my home... mwahahahahaaaaa

*shades eyes from bright lavender glow Caro now emits* Oh gosh no! Prune whip was part of my growing up in Cali, and mama's in Texas, so we're lookin' at 1930s. In fact, I just looked at the 1920 Fannie Farmer cookbook we have and there's a recipe for prune whip that sounds like what you're taking to MiL's.

And, it seems, it was Eisenhower's favorite dessert growing up, so that pushes it back to turn of the 19th century days. Who knew?

#29 : Richard - I'd always equated prunes with old age and constipation. Needless to say, I didn't want anything to do with prunes growing up. Todate, I can count on one hand the number of times I've eaten anything with prunes in them. There must be a reason why they aren't more popular and you don't see them featured as dessert of the day in restaurants.

102. Crossing the Mangrove by Maryse Condé

Do we really know who our neighbors are, who our friends are, what thoughts they keep to themselves, not to be shared with even their own family members?

Francis Sancher is found dead in the mud along the path to Riviere au Sel, but the story isn't about how he died or even if someone had killed him. His wake, attended by everyone in the village, both those who detested the man and the few who liked him, is the event during which each person is lost in his or her own thoughts, analyzing the decisions they made, significant events in their lives and how they met Francis.

Through the internal monologues, we're given a glimpse into the nature of Francis, a man who was complex, verbose, and yet secretive. In each of the internal monologues, there is a thread of sadness, some thicker than others, telling of dreams that have been set aside, hope that has been lost, children who are unloved and passions left unanswered.

All the personal stories are beautifully nuanced. They highlight the caste system that existed in Guadaloupe based on the color of one's skin and provide a richly detailed cultural journey into this part of the world.

3.8 stars

And it meets my global reading requirement for this quarter and a TIOLI challenge. Whoohooo! Love killing 2 challenges with 1 book.

Hi Caro, the Prune Whip I remember had a creamy texture but I have no idea how it was made, I was a kid and pretty much ate what was put in front of me. Hope your version meets with MIL approval.

Hey, kudos to your brother, Caro. Sometimes the universe converges in unusual ways, doesn't it? Girl in Landscape is a haunting good one, it is.

Nice review of Crossing the Mangrove. What a reading globe-trotter you are!

In spite of my best intentions never to thumb another of your reviews until you visit me, I had to go thumb the one for Crossing the Mangrove.

#32: Judy -success. MIL and FIL both love the prune whip which survived the drive down to NY despite being stuckl in traffic in the last hour of the journey. Me? Bleeack! I tried a wee spoonful and gagged. Oh well it was for her anyway so I'm very glad she liked it.

#33: Joe - I'm only making small steps inky global reading challenge because I keep getting distracted by other books that aren't on my challenge list. I'm. Just not as disciplined as the other global readers :-(

#34: Richard - Whooohooooo.......I cannot but celebrate whenever I manageto hit you with a blue bullet. I would have liked to have brought some of my triple berry muffins and some of this here prune whip to you but unfortunately we are running errands for MIlL tomorrow morning then helping a friend move furniture from his mom's house so he can start putting her house on the market, take the. Inlaws out to Port Jeff for dinner and then zip out first thing Saturday morning to CT to a friend's for a weekend party.

Hopefully our next trip down will be longer so I can pop over for a visit. With you n the sweetikins Ms Stella.

Stella sends slurps! *smooch*

OH dear.. I am sorely behind on LT

Prune whip doesn't sound great to me, but my grandmother used to make a prune cake that was yum. It was a light dough pressed into a cookie sheet, and a prune spread was added, nice and thick..t then a weave of light dough to the top, sugar sprinkled on for pretty. It was quite popular with all ages, but it was usually only to be found among the Christmas cookies along with cold water cakes :)

Have a nice time this weekend!

Prune whip? Oh dear. That can't be good.

Hoping that your weekend is full of fabulous. And prune free.

Hi Caro- I lost track of one of my favorite LT pals! How are you? I miss seeing you around. I am nearly done with the Lowland. I think this is one you will like. You should get your pre-order in now. LOL. Have a fantastic weekend.

Whenever I see the words "Prune Whip" I think it should only be found in that new book "Fifty Shades of Grey (hair)"

LOL at #40!!!!

I like prunes by themselves...not too sure about them in dessert. Although my mom makes fabulous date squares...perhaps a similar fruit treat?

Prune whip sounds lovely- I wonder if you could do it with dates.....

Hi Caro, did I blink and miss something? You have read over 100 books! wow- congratulations. I have no hope in catching up around here before I become a one-legged-wonder come Monday, but am trying to do the rounds beforehand!

I missed that too, I think? Caro is an amazing person, doncha think?

I have to say that I'm with Mamie here.
Prune whip? Really?

I'm a 'no' on the prune whip, too, I'm afraid. But Granny used to make really great stewed prunes which she used to serve as a dessert with lunch in the summertime. Never been particularly big on fruit, but I liked toes prunes a lot.

Liked that story about books on bikes, Caro. Made me think about old people who can't get out to the library anymore - wonder if there are libraries out there in the wider world who have that covered. Don't think this need is being addressed locally. My aunt, who lives in the next town and is pretty much housebound would be completely without books, but she has friends and family who read and keep her pretty well supplied - fortunately.

Ha ha, now you have us all wanting to know more about Prune Whip, Caro. This might be an LT trend that I stay away from, though. I think you have won the award for Best Daughter-in-Law Ever!

The only reference I've ever seen to prune whip was when Richard was fixing it--perhaps for his aunt?--a while ago. His version sounds interesting.

#36 : Richard - I won't slurp Ms Stella back, but I will definitely plonk a big big kiss on her adorable face!

#37 : Kath - I couldn't even stand to look at the prune whip after I made it! But MIL and FIL both liked it, and MIL said she thinks it's like what her mother used to make, but then she hasn't had it since she was a little girl, so she can't remember if it's exactly the same. But given that I saw her sneaking in spoons of it whenever she passed the fridge, I am going to take it as testimony that she's not lying about liking it. Better her than me, I say. The one I made is a sort of prune meringue topped with lashings of whipped cream. I'd eat the whipped cream part any day, but I'd leave the pruney part for others. :-)

Cold water cakes? What be those?

#38 : Mamie - thank you. It was indeed prune-free and it was fabulous. I had a great albeit tiring time, and got home late last night.

#40 : LOL, Jim. Maybe the author will write another trilogy and include that prune whip into her stories if you suggest it. I'm looking forward to seeing you and Judy next weekend! :-)

#41 : cobscook - nope, date squares are nothing like prune whip. Date squares are sort of like Fig Newtons, right? At least they look somewhat appetizing. Prune whip looks like slightly solidified vomit. I'm hoping my MIL doesn't ask me to make this too often. Even though it was easy and quick, I didn't like how it looked at all ... and pureeing the prunes made my food processor blades all gunky and hard to clean.

#42 : Megan, you're in the minority here, my dear, If you want to try it when you're foot is better and you're able to stand and move around again, here is the recipe I used:

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups pitted prunes
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 egg whites

Directions

In a medium saucepan, simmer the prunes in water until soft, drain and puree. Combine the puree in a saucepan with the sugar and heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the lemon juice and vanilla.
Beat the egg whites until frothy, add the cream of tarter, and beat until stiff. Fold the prune puree into the egg whites.
Pour into a buttered and sugared 2 quart baking dish and bake in a preheated 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) oven until nicely browned. Refrigerate and serve chilled with whipping cream.

#43 : Aww, Kath and Megan.... thanks.... it makes me feel less klutzy. :-)

#44 : Ellen - I have for the longest time thought that prunes were eaten only by people with constipation and hence it's a fruit that has never held any appeal. I do have some leftover prunes ... maybe I should nibble on one to see if I may like it on its own? *shudder*

#45 : Charlotte - hmm....'toes prunes'? LOL .... great, now I'm never going to look at a dried prune again without thinking of they belong on someone's feet.

I think it would be a great idea if towns could have mobile programs to bring books to those like your aunt who are housebound. Not everyone likes reading e-books or listening to audiobooks. I'm glad your aunt has a steady source of books from friends and family.

#46 : Thanks Donna... and if you look at the post above, you'll find the recipe I used for the prune whip ... in case you're curious enough to want to try it.

#47 : Roni - Richard's version sounds more like a custard and I may try it this Christmas to see if my MIL likes it better than the one I (ahem) whipped up for her this time around.

I spent the weekend with some friends down in Connecticut. They own a lake house by Candlewood Lake and after dinner on Saturday, we trooped down to their little community beach, sat around a firepit and watched the sun set over the lake. It was the most gorgeous sunset I've ever seen ... so I have to share some of my photos of the way the sky changed as the sun went down.

I just used my phone camera for the pics... so no filters at all.

Here's a fun game I found - can you make out the book titles from the cloud tags?

http://www.sporcle.com/games/ubergerber/word-cloud-titles

WOW! GORGEOUS! Thanks for sharing, Caro.

Oh Caro the LAKE VIEWS!! So so beautiful!

My version of prune whip is, like Roni noted, from Aunt Vicki days. I like it a lot better than the baked semi-souffle versions. It's not as heavy and dank.

#39 : Oops, missed you there, Marky-Mark. Sorry about that. I did actually pre-order Lowlands so I can't wait for it to arrive in my mailbox, although I need another new book like I need another pair of shoes... oh wait... I do need another pair of shoes. So I guess that means I need another book too. I love it when things balance out. :-)

This summer is turning out to be busy socially and easing off workwise. So on one hand, I'm really glad we've got all these plans with friends, but at the same time, it's also making the summer fly. Ack! Have you noticed the days are getting shorter already? Booooo

I'm currently reading a rather odd Mario Vargas Llosa I found in the remains shelf at a bookstore, titled In Praise of the Stepmother. It's a slim volume and I just started it this morning .... not quite sure yet what to make of it.

Oooh, lovely pictures, Caro! Tell me there weren't any mosquitoes!

That was a fun game--all iconic books, so some I knew even when I hadn't read them!

Shorter days = summer ending!!!!!!!! YYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY shorter days!!!

#53 : You're welcome, Mamie. The photos don't do it half as much justice actually. It was incredible. I'd never seen such an amazing sunset.

#54 : Richard, yes, the one that I made was more souffle-like. MIL said it was light though ..but then she loves meringues, so who knows. I certainly wasn't going to taste it to see.

#56 : Roni - oddly enough, there were no mosquitoes at all. Partly I think, because it wasn't a still lake and partly because we were sitting around the firepit and there was a bit of a breeze. So maybe that all helped keep them away. I was pleased because we stayed till it got dark before walking back to the house.

#57 : nooooooooo... I don't want summer to end just yet.

Hi Caro- Sounds like you had a lovely weekend. Gorgeous photos. Speaking of Llosa, I just Bookmooched a copy of Death in the Andes. Now, I have a couple more of his in the stacks. We NEED more TIME!

*pssst*Caroline*21 September is MIDAUTUMN DAY traditionally*that means summer technically ended 10 August, or six weeks before 21 September*IT'S FALL ALREADY!!

I would like to have six months of Fall and two months of everything else.

^^^^^^What she said x1000000

Fabulous photos, Caroline!

>61 Crazymamie:, 62 Also agree 100,000%.

#59 : Marky-Mark - Death in the Andes is a lovely book. You're in for a treat when you get to it. Yes, we NEED more time... or at least less work and social disruptions from the reading. :-)

Btw, I had a can of Moo Thunder Stout this evening. It was my first MT.

#60 : Waahh..... noo...I need a bit more Summer before Fall ... more beach days before I start taking my woolies out again.

#61 : Mamie - I'd take 2 months of winter, 3 months of spring, 3 months of summer and 4 months of fall. Now, how do I get Mother Nature to take note of my request?

#62 : Hmph!

#63 : Et tu Brute, Darryl?

103. August Folly by Angela Thirkell

Not the best in the Barsetshire series, I didn't think, and at times I thought it dragged a little. But it still had good patches of humor and as always Thirkell does a fine job introducing us to interesting characters.

3 stars

Lovely, lovely sunset photos Caro!

And yes, date squares are more fig newton like. Not to be rude, but prune whip does not sound appetizing at all! LOL

I love autumn but I hate that the days are getting shorter. I wish we could have the longer daylight hours and the cooler temps of fall together. That would be my ideal!

such beautiful pictures!! Glad you had a good time :) and survived the prunes

Great pictures, Caro!

I too regret the end of summer, not because I like the heat (I don't) but I love the light. This summer has been particularly nasty, but this last week has been so temperate, I hate to see it pass.

Fabulous photos, Caro!

I liked Death in the Andes a lot, too, Caro. I should read some Angela Thirkell. What would you start with if you were new to her?

Gorgeous sunset pictures. I especially like the purples, pinks and blues in the second one.

I took the cloud quiz and got 18 out of 25 right!

#66 : No offense taken, cobscook ... especially since I thought the prune whip looked most unappetizing. But my SIL texted me today to say her mom told her I'd made it for her and that she loved it. To each her own, I guess. As long as I don't have to eat it, I'm good.

Ooh.. you and me both. I'd love Fall temps with the daylight hours of summer. Perfect!

#67 : Kath - thanks.... except now I don't know what to do with the rest of the prunes. Hmm.. how long do prunes keep anyway?

#68 : Judy, it'll be cooler up here when you come over this weekend. With luck, it won't be muggy though. that's the part of summer I don't like, the mugginess. I do love it when it stays light past 8pm though.

#69 : Thanks, Diana. It was the best sunset I've ever experienced...more so because there were no mosquitoes.

#70 : Marky-Mark - I'd suggest you start with Wild Strawberries. That was such a hoot. She writes a little like PG Wodehouse, I think.

#71 : Morphy- good for you. I managed 18 out of 25 on the quiz too.

104. In Praise of the Stepmother by Mario Vargas Llosa

I wasn't really sure where this book was going when I started reading it. It seemed to focus on the sexual fantasies and activities of Don Rigoberto, collector of erotic paintings and his new and younger wife Lucrecia. The reproduction of some of these paintings in the book provide the theme to some of the stories told and as the book progresses, so do the erotic nature of the paintings.

But Don Rigoberto has a son, Alfonso, an angelic looking cherub, affectionate and seemingly guileless. All he wants is the love of his stepmother and Lucrecia finds herself torn between the love she feels for the boy and how she thinks she ought to treat him.

The events in the final chapters changed my view of the characters and the events that had taken place in the preceding chapters. The genius of Llosa is highlighted in the way he exposes the darker motivation behind the actions taken by his characters.

It wasn't a book I was entranced with at the beginning, but I was wowed by the time I arrived at the last page.

4 stars

ETA I'm keeping this a little vague so as not to add spoilers.

Oops - >70 jnwelch: and >72 cameling:. Mark is much better-looking than I am, Caro, and I don't think he has read Death in the Andes yet, has he?

Prunes are the Twinkies of the fruit world.. they keep forever.

#74 : oops indeed... Sorry Joe, to have gotten you mixed up with Mark there. I can only blame inattention as the reason for the mix up. Then again, it could have been worse .. I could have mistaken you for a stroppy female. ;-)

#75 : Oh dear Kath - Twinkies? *cringe, gag* I knew there was a good reason why I didn't like prunes.

Hi Caro! Just trying to catch up here, and see that you've had adventures in Prune-land, among many others. Congrats on hitting 100 books, and those sunset photos are BEEEEYUtiful! Hope you're doing well! ((((hugs))))

Nice review of In Praise of the Stepmother, Caroline. I've been reluctant to read it after my negative experience with The Notebooks of Don Rigoberto, the only MVL novel which I didn't like, but you've encouraged me to give it a try.

Love those sunset photos. After months of waiting in a long queue I finally got the 'Young Montalbano' dvds from the library and have really enjoyed the first episode. Have you seen this series? I can't remember if you mentioned it earlier this year or not.
Prune whip? I've only ever read about it, would never try eating or making it.

I'm feeling decidedly non-stroppy today. Have you watched any "Young Montalbano"s, Caro? I've seen them promoted, and Kerry has me curious. I still have a zillion from the regular (old) Montalbano series to watch, although I just watched Dance of the Seagull on that cable station we get.

Joe, it has a young Catarella, Fazio's father is a policeman and talks about his son and Montalbano is a real cutie and already loves his food.

Oo, that does sound like it could be a lot of fun, Kerry. A young Catarella? That alone might get me to tune in.

#77 : Laura - thanks for the visit. Things are coming and going in waves ... huge tsunami-like ones actually. Yeesh... so much for my easy week. Some unexpected work barged in and destroyed the zen-like calm I was enjoying at the start of the week and I've found myself being glued to my office chair, eyeballs smarting from having to stare at a computer screen all day, fingers cramped from signing too many documents and brain fogged from having to juggle multiple tasks.
Other than that .... I'm fine and grateful for your hugs. :-)

#78 : Darryl - I have to say if it wasn't for the final chapters, I wouldn't have liked In Praise of the Stepmother at all. I could understand though, having read this book, why his sexual content has given Llosa the reputation as a controversial writer in the US. I certainly wouldn't recommend this book to anyone I didn't know well. I'll be really interested in your review if you read it.

#79 : Kerry - I haven't watched any episodes in the Young Montalbano series. I've only watched the Montalbano series where he's already the Commissario. But you've piqued my interest and I may toddle along to see if I can Netflix the first episode. Now in the regular Montalbano series, Montalbano is rather barrel shaped. Is his younger self as muscular or does he have a completely different physique? Why am I asking? I like to be prepared should the younger self bear no resemblance at all to his future self. Without preparation, I'd find the difference too distracting to fully focus on the movie. I'm just weird that way.

#80 : Well hello there happy Joe. I've seen Young Montalbano promoted too but haven't as yet felt the urge to pick a copy. Like you though... Kerry has put a glimmer in my eye and I find my fingers twitching towards my Netflix bookmark and if they don't have them, then Amazon would be next. I've got 2 more Montalbano DVDs to watch and then I'll be current. The next 2 episodes (25 & 26) are being released next month.

#81 : Kerry - a young Catarella.. I think I love it already. Is he just as klutzy? You know what? Nevermind... I'm off to find me a copy of Epi 1. :-)

#82 : Haha... Joe - that was what put me over the edge too.

105. Some Like It Hawk - Donna Andrews

Touchstone not working ...

I'd say only those who are already fans of the Meg Langslow series would enjoy this. It's not as well written as her earlier works, and Meg and her family seem to have mellowed in this book now that she has the twins to take care of as well as solve unfortunate murders that turn up when she least expects it.

3 stars ......but just barely.

>83 cameling: After my negative experience with The Notebooks of Don Rigoberto I'm in no hurry to read In Praise of the Stepmother, but I won't discard it as I had planned to do.

Touchstone not working...

Earlier this afternoon I posted a message on my thread about the touchstone and search index problem on LT, along with a work around:

Some Like it Hawk

Caro - he's so similar in character to the older Montalbano, though has hair, beard and is much slimmer version. In ep 2, he makes moves to get his home by the sea and meets his future housekeeper and her thieving children! Fazio Jr makes an appearance.

Have a wonderful weekend, Caro!

The Young Montalbano, Michele Riondino.

May I just say "yum."

YOU can say "yum".....I say "eye candy"! YUM YUM

HelllOOOOO Nurse! He is lovely!!!

#50 - sorry Caro - those prunes. Toes like prunes is not a pretty thought.

Gorgeous pictures - the Connecticut ones, not the Young Montalbano. Although he is at least in the fair to middling not bad category, I must say.

#86 : Darryl - while I was eventually glad to have read In Praise of the Stepmother, I won't recommend that you drop everything else to read this first.

Thanks for finding my touchstone. :-)

#87 : Kerry - you're certainly making it near impossible not get a copy of Young Montalba DVDs. ;-) I've asked my library to get some through an inter-loan because they didn't have any.

Having said that, I've just pre-ordered Epi 23& 24 of Montalbano from Amazon, but I'm bummed because I just realized I will already have left for a trip before they are due to arrive.

#88 : Hi Diana, thank you. I had a wonderful and very packed weekend.

#89 : Richard - he looks a little like ..... I can picture this actor in my mind .. same beard, similar hair, same coloring and plays comedic roles ...but I can't remember his name. Has a bit of a squeaky voice. Anyone? Anyone?

>93 cameling::89 I'm clueless, sorry.

#90 : Tina - I fail to understand why my HR unit never hires anyone that looks like this for my office. I'm sure I'd be so much more productive at work if I had guys like this to work with.

#91 : Laura, eye-candy pics are always welcome on my threads. :-)

#92 : Charlotte - I cleaned up one of the Connecticut sunset photos and printed it so it's on my corkboard in the office. I'm finding it very soothing to look at.

#94 : Arrgghh.... I know you'll recognize him if I could come up with his photo, Richard. I can hear his voice in my head and I see his face in my mind ..... I just can't remember what movie I've seen him in or what his name is.

This past weekend starting from Friday has been chock full of activities.. and all good ones too! I had a longish lunch with some old pals on Friday (no problem with work because I had taken a half day off) and the bartender was practicing his stand up routines on us, making us laugh till we cried .. although his habanero bloody mary was spicy enough to cause a few tears to well up on its own.

The hubster had a triathlon on Friday evening and I was his personal helper - meaning I schlep the towels, bucket, wetsuit, flipflops, swimcap and bottle of water off the beach when he comes up from the swim to transition to the running part of the race, put the stuff in the car, and then hop to the bike transition place to pick up his running shoes and towel after he's come in from the run to transition onto the bike. This year, a friend did the race as well, so I had to schlep race gear of 2 people. 2 wetsuits sodden with seawater together all the other paraphernalia was no fun hoicking up the beach and onto the parking lot to the car, I can tell you. BUT I was rewarded with a nice lobster dinner after the race was over. :-)

The hubster had a swim race on Saturday morning in Salem, MA and came in first in his 500m race. So he was thrilled. One of our friends won the 1 mile race and another came in 8th in the 5k race, quite a coup for the latter because he was swimming against mostly channel swimmers.

We spent the afternoon with friends that Judy and Jim were visiting, and had a fabulous time! So much so that the hubster and I completely lost track of time and stayed way into the night ... sorry J&J. And when we left, I realized I forgot to get a photo of our MeetUp. *sigh*. Well, Judy and Jim, you guys have to come back up again .. maybe if I'm in town, I'll meet you when you come into Boston during your cruise, and take that photo then!

Sunday afternoon was spent with friends at a St Anthony's Festival in the North End (Italian section) of Boston and much feasting on italian sausages, meatball subs, pasta, lobster rolls, lamb kebabs, fudge, creamed lobster tails, cupcakes and cannolis.

Then we had to dash off, pick a friend up and meet some others for dinner at a Thai restaurant. We had grilled shrimp wrapped around sugarcane sticks, spicy fish cakes with cucumber relish, stuffed crab shells, scallion pancake, lobster spring rolls, chicken pad thai, seafood red curry, beef laarb, duck curry and chicken wrapped in pandanus leaves. Totally delicious and we were having such fun conversation I caught the people at the next table eavesdropping.

Alas, it's back to work today, but I'm chuffed that it'll be a short week. We're getting Friday off because of Labor Day Monday next week, so it'll be a nice long weekend.

A friend is visiting from Winnipeg this week for a few days, so I predict more eating and drinking taking place, starting with this evening at Strega Prime, a new steakhouse with a pretty awesome menu.

What length triathlon does your husband do? It's on my bucket list to do a sprint triathlon one day. Considering I'm sedentary and mobility impaired, it's probably a pipe dream, but one can hope!

>97 cameling: *fans self*

Perkins! Bring me a gin! I'm plumb tuckered out from reading Miss Caroline's doins.

Perkins! Make that two!

#98 : Morphy, the hubster does mainly sprint triathlons. The one he did last Friday was a half mile ocean swim, 3 mile run and 9 mile bike. He's doing another in Hyannis next weekend. It's a popular one and they've just closed the registration so 900 people will be in it. I just love going there for this race because it takes place after Labor Day and that means all the vacationers are gone and we can enjoy the beach and walk around the town without jostling crowds.

Doing a tri is also a pipe dream for me. I can run, I used to be a swimmer in school and I can bike ...but I don't know if I could do all three back to back, and although I don't care about winning it, I certainly care enough not to want to come in last. ;-)

#99 : Richard.. move over and share that glass, will you?

#100 : Mamie - you deserve it after some of the days you've been having. I think Perkins should being you a very large one.

I'm way behind on reading threads...I'll start anew here and move forward. I admire your husband's fortitude, to enroll in triathlons..way to go!

Hugs to you!

It's HUMP day! Whoohoooo...the week's half over.

My colleague from Canada is in town for the week. Another friend at work and I went out for dinner with her on Monday. There was a new steakhouse we wanted to try out. We arrived early for our reservation and went to the bar for some drinks. The bartender was such a fun guy that we decided to just stay at the bar and eat there instead of taking our table when our reservation came up. He made the most amazing martinis ...to my regret yesterday. ;-) So yes, we overindulged .. I had 3 martinis, glass of wine with my steak and then a very generous glass of grappa with dessert.

The food was incredible. They gave us a giant popover with very smooth whipped cheese butter, and we shared a steak tartare, crisp calamari and fennel chips, a very generous charcuterie board with smoked duck, salami, proscuitto, pate and sausage, and burrata. Then I had a rare sirloin with grilled asparagus with a side of bordelaise. They also gave us each a little dish of their signature butter to go with the steak ... butter infused with foie gras, truffles and bone marrow. *swooon* We shared a key lime pie and a bucket of light zeppole for dessert.
Then we waddled and staggered out.

Yesterday at the office was a rough one ...nursing a slight hangover. ;-)

#102 : Linda , I'm way behind on threads too, but hoping to catch up over the holiday weekend. At lest today promises to be a lighter day than it was yesterday. It wasn't too funny having to deal with a giant workload while nursing a hangover.

I'm in a bit of a book funk. :-( I've picked up, read a little and tossed aside 5 Star Billionaire, Gone Girl, River of Smoke and The Autumn of the Patriarch so far without having gone further than 10 pages in each.

*faints from envious drooling lust over Caro's steakhouse meal*

Hi Caro- Sorry about the book funk! Boo to the book funk! I loved both Gone Girl & River of smoke, so I hope it's just the mood you are in.
Hope all is well and you have a nice relaxing weekend planned.

#106 : Richard - I'm still salivating over that meal myself. I am determined to go back before too long .. and to take the hubster there too.

#107 : Marky-Mark.. thankfully, the book funk was well and truly smashed when I wasn't even 2 pages into a book I started and finished yesterday. :-) I hate book funks and am just glad this one didn't last too long.

I thought I'd try Beverly Cleverly's A Darker God and that didn't work either. I found myself starting to nod off within the 1st chapter. Hmm...

106. The Odyssey of KP2 : An Orphan Seal, A Marine Biologist, and the Fight to Save a Species by Terrie Williams

What a delightful look into the world of Hawaiian Monk Seals, in particular one tagged as Kauai Pup 2, also known as KP2, but later christened Ho'ailona. Poor little KP2 was not only cruelly ignored and abandoned by his mother when he was born, but he was viciously attacked by a large male, who was likely his father. If not for emergency rescue, KP2 would have died. Instead, he was saved by marine conservationists in Hawaii, who taught him how to swim on a pink boogie board. He was a special monk seal in that he displayed an extraordinary need to be around people, making kids his friends.

But it isn't long before controversy threatens KP2. The local fishermen want the seal and his ilk gone because they compete against them for fish in the ocean and are also in danger of getting tangled in their nets. And KP2 was starting to go blind.

He's then whisked away to California to live under the care and be studied by Terrie Williams and her research team. By observing, taking blood samples and training KP2, Terrie had enough data now to form a better understanding of monk seals, how they're different from other seals and developed a passion to do all she can to prevent their extinction.

KP2 has retained his puppy playfulness, learned to cope with his poor eyesight and as promised to the people of Hawaii, been returned to them where he currently lives in Waikiki Aquarium, his blindness making it impossible for him to be returned to the wild, and he has his own Facebook page.

One note I was really pleased to read at the end, was that his mother returned to the same beach where she birthed KP2 and she gave birth to a brother for him, and this time she nursed her baby instead of abandoning him.

4.5 stars

Caro: Next time you hit New Yawk we'll take you up to the Popover Cafe in the Upper West Side. Best popovers in the city and gaurenteed piping hot out of the oven.

I've been in book funk also - anywhere from 10 to 50 pages into a few different ones and they lay around me like so many discarded mackerals

Caro - I've also been in a book funk for most of the month. Not discarding anything, just not picking them up on a regular basis.

I think Dr. Siri is a great idea for shaking them book blues, Caro.

Ooh. I love the Popover Cafe! And, if I remember correctly, it's right next door to Barney Greengrass, the Sturgeon King.

ETA: I hope that your book funk will resolve this weekend, Caroline. Maybe you could read an old favorite book, or a book by one of your best loved authors, to break the spell.

Hey Caro... Catching up on your thread as I've been away for too long.

Got a bit queasy reading about prune whip lol but your lake pictures more than make up for that!

Your hubby's race & your contributions are amazing. Congrats to you both. Good call on the lobster dinner as payment for services rendered. Heehee.

#110 : How are you feeling, Jim? I'll definitely take you up on your offer for a visit to the Popover Cafe. I love popovers, especially if they're served with generous helpings of butter.

We need a Book Funk Cafe .. one where everyone who finds themselves in the reading doldrums can hang out and listen to or share reviews of books they especially liked. Perhaps someone's review will be just the thing to perk a funkee's interest and be that electric cattle prod that gets them back on the book horse.

#111 : Kerry.. wow you too? I hope this book malaise doesn't become an epidemic. I'm not pushing it but yes, I've been picking up and putting books away. As we are about to celebrate a long weekend holiday here in the US, I've signed up for a readathon in the hopes that my funk will work itself out before then.

#112 : Joe - I suspect so. He's going to be my first read for September and I'm optimistic that he'll just smash my funk into atoms.

#113 : Darryl, I've not been to the Barney Greengrass. How does it compare with Russ & Daughters?

I'm going to attempt some short stories this evening to see if that'll get me out of my funk. I found Ha Jin's The Bridegroom in my TBR Tower. Fingers crossed.

#114 : Tina, I'm glad the lake photos were sufficient pleasant to ease the discomfort you felt at the mention and description of the PW.

I shall be providing support services once again to the hubster and his friend next weekend when they participate in a triathlon in Hyannis. My reward would be a weekend in Hyannis, in a darling B&B by the beach, brunch after the race, and dinner at my favorite Brazilian restaurant in the evening after the race. Sometimes it really does pay to pick up after people and be the beast of burden at races. :-)

I like Barney Greengrass's sturgeon slightly better than Russ and Daughters's, but I like the salmon, bialys and pickled herring better at R&D's. So I'd give a slight nod to Russ and Daughters, but Barney Greengrass is an excellent second option.

I'll visit my parents in PA from Aug 31 to Sep 14, and Judy had mentioned possibly meeting up on the Sunday after Labor Day, Sep 8. It's looking more likely that I'll be free that day, and I think that Jane (janepriceestrada) and Zoë will also be free and are interested in meeting up. (I'm talking to my mother now, and they don't have any plans for that day), so I'll touch base with all of them, Peg (plt), who was also interested in meeting up, and others who are nearby. It's short notice, I know, but are you & Edd free the weekend after next? If so, maybe we can all meet up at the Popover Cafe?

Ha Jin is a great choice IMO. I own The Bridegroom, but I haven't read it yet, so I look forward to your comments about it.

Congrats on busting that book funk! Make sure you kick it in the rear on the way out! I am not sure I like the sound of the Book Funk Cafe. Sounds sad & depressing. How about the Book Funk Clinic?

115:

Popover Cafe has flavored butters - strawberry is my favorite. Yum!

Wow Caro you had a fairly illustrious selection of books to feed your book funk and I am surprised (but isn't it often the case?) at the one that broke your ennui.

Have a lovely invigorating weekend. xx

Caro, your thread is always such a wild mix of books, food and adventures. If they haven't discovered you for a reality show yet, maybe a weekly column or blog so that more of the reading masses can enjoy you and your antics :)

#117 : Darryl, I'll definitely check out Barney Greengrass when I'm at the Popover Cafe. R&D can be a bit of a hike sometimes if I'm on in the city for a few hours. I do like smoked sturgeon so I'm now looking forward to trying the one at BG.

Unfortunately, Edd has a triathlon the weekend after Labor Day in Hyannis so we're driving down to the Cape next Friday. Otherwise, we'd love to join you guys in NYC for a MeetUp. You'll have to make a little space for me and I'll be there in spirit. Don't forget to take some photos!

#118 : Marky-Mark - yes, that's a better name.. the Book Funk Clinic. And this will be a special clinic where food, drink, beanbags and comfy reading chairs are provided for patients. The book funk is well and truly over and I am ever so pleased.

#119 : Jim, strawberry butter? That's something I've not tried before. I'm so tempted to take the bus in for a day trip just to check this out. Especially since I just love butter.

#120 : Paul, I was surprised too, but perhaps it's because they were short stories so the story development came along much more quickly. But it's definitely done the trick because I'm almost three quarters of the way through and I've already started another book, Rescue at 2100 Hours, although I expect to take a little longer with this one. I seem to be reading a fair bit of history this year...I should have thought to make that one of my 13 categories. But that's just the way the wind blows with me ... if I plan something, I'm unlikely to be picking books up that meet my plan spontaneously.

#121 : Kath, I seriously doubt anyone would be interested in a reality show featuring moi. It would be too boring because I'm really quite a quiet soul, and not much given for dramatics ala the Kardashians, Honey Boo Boo, Housewives of the many cities or a duck hunter.

Our CEO gave us all the afternoon off yesterday so as to give us a head start on the long holiday weekend. Wheeee!

So 3 of my coworkers and I decided to head into Boston for the day. We managed to squeak in an early reservation at Marliave, the oldest restaurant in Boston, for an indulgent long lunch of cocktails, a double order of escargot (otherwise we'd just be fighting over the little molluscs nestled in their individual pools of melted butter and garlic), a skillet of rarebit, a crock of homemade mac & cheese (gnocchi replacing the traditional macaroni pasta), wild mushroom risotto, steak frites, gnocchi with a beautiful chunky lamb ragu, butterscotch pudding, brownie sundae and a cheese plate.

The biggest surprise treat for the day (for me anyway) was my chancing upon an outdoor book sale. The Brattle Bookstore in Boston is a wonderful cave of old books, and they converted the open lot next to their store to house portable bookshelves with books priced between $1 - $5. My friends realized they'd lose me for a while when they saw the book sale and walked into the bar across the street to wait for me. Can't say I missed their company for the house I browsed. I couldn't buy as many as I wanted because I was conscious of the fact that I'd have to schlep it with me everywhere we went, and since we didn't drive into the city and it was a hot day, I didn't want heavy bags. So I came away with:

Naked in the Marketplace : The Lives of George Sand - Benita Eisler
Getting Stoned with Savages - Maarten Troost
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot (I'm probably the last to read this)
Other People - Martin Amis

Spent the rest of the afternoon bar-hopping and then taking the train back to Cambridge where the hubster met us at the Summer Shack for dinner. Had oysters, shrimp steamed in beer & spices, and I had a pan roasted lobster served in a rich buttery sauce of brandy, tomalley, cream and chives.

Good start to the holiday weekend. :-)

I'd watch a reality show of your life just for the food, the scenery changes, and the exciting uncertainty of when you'd next lean on a wall to tie your shoe and cause an entire neighborhood in Tokyo to collapse.

Brattle Books looks yummy!

#126 : Richard, I think the Guardian Angel Darryl gave me for Christmas has finally gotten the hang of things (it's certainly taken her long enough) because have you noticed I haven't suffered any physical mishaps this summer?

Brattle Books was difficult to walk out from without more books being adopted.

>126 cameling: I've put that down to faulty reporting, if you follow my drift....

107. The Bridegroom by Ha Jin

I have to credit this book with getting me out of my book funk, and the first few short stories were, I thought, really good. Some were humorous and some rather poignant, but I wasn't as impressed with the later stories in the book. I felt the author had perhaps started to run out of steam. The stories are all set in China, just after the Cultural Revolution ended. The general theme around the lives of academics, the young, the elderly and professionals trying to carve a reasonable life for themselves in this period. There are some stories of people who left China to spend a few years studying or working in America before returning to China. Some manage to build a enviable career for themselves while others falter and unable to find their feet.

I'd average them all out and give this a score of 3.5 stars.

>125 richardderus: agree

eta

minus the weird food

Caro, your hubster's triathlons sound amazing. I know he appreciates your support. Having P along to support me when I do an organized race has always been a good thing. It was especially wonderful when she drove the van for the Hood-to-Coast Relay!

I'm glad Ha Jin got you out of your book funk and your day in Boston sounds lovely! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Your day out in Boston sounds wonderful...the food especially and the bookshop of course. Your CEO has a heart.

#129 : Kath - it was indeed a wonderful day ..but..err... what weird food? For a change, there was nothing weird eaten that day. ;-)

#130 : Ellen, it does make it a little easier having a beast of burden during races so that he doesn't have to put away his bike first, and then go back to the beach to pick up his swim stuff and then to the bike transition area to pick up his running stuff ....and that's assuming nobody stole his things. Doesn't usually happen, but on occasion someone's come back to find wetsuits or shoes missing.

I hope you're having a lovely weekend too.

#131 : Kerry - it was especially nice because it was unplanned so we have our CEO to thank for the surprise day off.

Been a nice day today .... cleaned the house during commercial breaks during the tennis. made for some rather haphazard cleaning, but what's a little dust or a missed spot? And who needs everything to be tidied away? I like the lived in look anyway. :-)

The hubster went out to help some friends move house and worked solidly for 5 hours, poor dear. But he likes lifting heavy objects so he was quite the happy clam, from all accounts. We did go out for dinner with our friends ...after they all had long and thorough showers. We went to a Korean restaurant for some seafood pancake, barbequed kalbi, ttoeppokki, cold noodles (mul naengmyeong), and gim bap (a little like California sushi rolls), a sizzling hot and very spicy chicken (bul dak) and Korean chicken wings. And of course, lots of kimchi and seaweed salad.

Gim bap!! YYYYYUMMMMM and bul dak's even good, but I **adore** kimchi.

Maybe not that day.... but often. Most frequently in exotic places :)
I love reading your thread. It's always like the next chapter of a good story.

>124 cameling: Mmm...your comments reminded me of our lunch at Marliave earlier this year. The escargot, rarebit and butterscotch pudding were divine!

Glad to hear that The Bridegroom took you out of your book funk. I've enjoyed practically everything I've read by Ha Jin, so I'll move that book a bit higher on my TBR list.

Korean seafood pancake, chicken wings and cold noodles...yum!

My primary goal for this week will be to tempt you & Edd to join us in NYC next Sunday.

Morning Caro- I have not heard of the Bridegroom. I do like Ha Jin, although I've been wanting to get to war Trash for ages.
I love the title, Getting Stoned with Savages. I have not read this guy. I hope you enjoy Henrietta Lacks. I thought it was excellent.

#134 : Richard - It's been a few years since I went to Seoul and I miss the food terribly. Especially hanjeongsik .. there's nothing like sitting at a large square table that's filled with little dishes of pickles, fish, kimchi, meat, soup and vegetables with a bunch of good friends. I haven't found a single Korean restaurant here who serves this, but I'm not surprised. It's a lot of work and takes up a lot of room to do it justice, but oh how I do miss this.

I bought a new jar of fresh kimchi yesterday and plan to use it for kimchi fried rice later on in the week. :-)

#135 : Kath - you're so sweet. I'm sure by now, if you've read the Korean meal I ate, you'll be nodding your head and going 'uh huh.... weird food'. haha

#136 : Darryl, one story in particular in The Bridegroom I enjoyed was titled 'Cowboy Chicken' about a KFC-like American fast-food franchise that was owned by an American who had moved to China and managed by a returning Chinese who had graduated from an American university. The rest of the staff were local Chinese. It's a story of cultural differences, from business culture to social culture. His approach is as subtle as it is blatant. This story resonated more strongly because I see this all too often in the business world, with American companies who try to expand their business in China without fully understanding all the cultural differences and because of their assumption that what works in America must surely (eventually) work everywhere, more often than not, these companies are less than successful.

I'd advise you to pick a different goal for yourself this week. Unless Edd breaks a leg or arm, he will not be withdrawing from the triathlon that he's registered himself in since January this year. There are 3 triathlons he participates in faithfully every year (barring injury) and the Hyannis one is one of them. The other 2 are the Ipswich one he did last week and a Nahant in the latter half of September. he's pretty serious about these races and he trains twice a day for them, mainly to lose the weight he always puts on in the winter. :-) We've already got the hotel booked and a friend who's also registered for this Hyannis race is going to drive down with us. He's become a serious triathlete and has made the US Triathlon team recently, and will be part of the US delegation racing in the 2014 world triathlon that will be held in Canada.

The food at Marliave was as good the other day as it was the day I took you there. :-)

#137 : Marky-Mark, I've only read Waiting and now The Bridegroom. I do like Ha Jin's writing and will look out for his other works.

Maarten Troost has written a few travelogues. I'd read Sex Lives of Cannibals where he wrote about his jaunt through the Gilbert Islands, living mainly on Tarawa and so enjoyed it that I knew I'd want to read his other ones. His wife accepted a government job on Tarawa for 2 years and he went with her.

With Getting Stoned with Savages, he now writes of his time on the islands around Fiji and Vanuatu. He has another, Lost on Planet China that I'm also interested in reading at some point.

I'm probably the last person in LT to read Henrietta Lacks and from all the reviews, I know it'll be one I'll enjoy.

108. Borkmann's Point by Håkan Nesser

This is the second in the Van Veeteren series. This isn't as dark as most Scandi crime fiction, but Nesser does a great job keeping his readers in suspense until the very end.

In this book, an ax murderer has killed 3 people in a small town. The local constabulary have no experience with murder and Van Veeteren is called in to offer some assistance. There are no clues and no apparent motive. No witnesses or at least no reliable witnesses and most frustratingly, no apparent connection between the 3 men.

I like the way the story builds. I had thought I figured out who the killer was and possibly what the motive was, but I was completely blown away when I discovered at the end that I was wrong and that I'd been barking up a wrong tree in a completely different forest.

3.8 stars

>138 cameling: Hanjeongsik...oh yum. Austin's Korea House used to serve the whole spread. Took an hour to sample everything and the Korean couple who owned the place lingered and watched the big redhead and his tiny blonde wife tuck in at full speed. I don't think any other white folks ever ordered it.

>140 cameling: "This isn't as dark as most Scandi crime fiction . . . an ax murderer has killed 3 people in a small town." What does this tell us about the darkness of most Scandi crime fiction? It does sound like a good one, especially in the fooling-you department.

Hope you're enjoying your holiday weekend, Caro. Sounds like you are!

>138 cameling: 'Cowboy Chicken' sounds interesting, Caroline, and your comments were insightful, although unfortunately not surprising. Are companies from other countries (UK, Canada, France, etc.) more successful in establishing business in China than American companies are?

Wow, I didn't realize that Edd was that serious of an athlete! He didn't mention a word of this when we had lunch at Marliave. As you recommended, I shall choose another goal for this week. :-)

Give Edd my best wishes for a good race, and we'll toast him and his lovely wife with a popover on Sunday.

#141 : Richard - I'm sure you amazed the Korean owners with your appreciation of their spread. I think it was made more readily available here, there'd be a mass of converts for hanjeongsik. It's my absolute favorite of Korean leisurely meals because you can only indulge in this with at least one other person and better with more. It's communal eating and enjoying each other's company at its best, IMO.

#142 : Joe - haha... you know, when I saw what you had highlighted from my review, I had to laugh. I think when I read Scandi crime fiction, I desensitize myself a little because so many in that particular genre seem to deal with very dark crevasses in the human soul. In Borkmann's Point, the motivation for the murders were, I thought, very understandable, if you discount the method of killing his victims. I think you'll like this one.

*sigh* another cloudy day is putting paid to my original plans to hang out at the beach. Then again, tennis is on TV, so the weather is providing me with the perfect excuse to make like a couch potato today .. or at least for a major part of the day. We have late lunch plans with a friend at a Taiwanese restaurant and I may take a short nap in the afternoon.

Stayed up late to read and then was woken up by my neighbor's dogs at 4am after which I couldn't get back to sleep .. so I read another book. :-) I need to store up a little extra reserves today because I have a webconference at 1am on Tuesday morning. *yuck*

#143 : Darryl, I've discovered that the French especially, seem to do a bit more research when it comes to investing in establishing companies in China. The Europeans appear to be more cautious and also try to work with the system and the culture, as opposed to many American companies who seem to throw themselves in very enthusiastically and with the assumption that everything will work out according to their plans, without trying to work with the locals and understanding them. It also depends on the industries the companies are in. In some industries, foreign companies aren't allowed by the Chinese government to operate with full services as they do in their home countries, but need to enter into joint ventures with local Chinese companies. They're in a slightly better position if they can work out management procedures that bridge the cultural gap. There are also more Chinese companies now who have hired managers who had studied and worked abroad, taking advantage of their exposure to international management practices that could help them work more smoothly with international companies and participate more successfully in the global market. I think many local companies with JV interests are eager to shed the oft-held stereotypical reputation of cunning disregard for standard procedures that border on dishonesty. It doesn't help that corruption is still rife in the country.

It's his comfortable winter paunch that fools many people, so come late Spring, he becomes more serious about working out and becoming more lean. He usually will work out regularly during the Fall and Winter, but not to the same intensity that he does at the start of summer. His prep usually starts with a biathlon on Long Beach, NY in June each year. That's the swim and run race that attracts mostly current and past lifeguards. I like attending that to oogle a the eye-candy :-)

He says thanks for the good wishes and is going to try and improve on his times.

109. Death at the Alma Mater by G.M. Malliet

Who would have thought a fund-raising weekend of wealthy alumni members at St Michael's college in Cambrige, England would be interrupted by the murder of one of the members?

With a handful of suspects to interview and investigate backgrounds on, St Just is still faced with building a portrait of a woman who, by all accounts was a flighty glamour-puss still yearning for her lost love, while having to endure a weekend reunion with her ex-husband and the woman who who replaced her as his wife.

Although a cozy mystery, there were a few surprising twists to keep this interesting and as always, St Just does a beautiful job building a case against the exposed murderer.

3 stars

110. Rescue at 2100 Hours : THe Untold Story of the Most Daring Escape of the Pacific War by Tom Trumble

I bought this book when I was last in Australia. The author's grandfather was a meteorologist during WWII. His team were responsible for providing the RAAF pilots with what weather they can expect when they fly their sorties. Bryan Rofe, however, was more than a Met man, as they were commonly referred to, he loved flying and managed to develop a relationship with the military boys rather than standing apart from them. He was stationed in Timor just as the Japanese were starting their military expansion into the Pacific. He was part of the team that was left behind to close down their airfield operations on Timor when the Japanese struck, and just as they were to be evacuated, they were forced to escape into the jungles.

Felled by malaria, starving and trying to keep one step ahead of a large Japanese patrol ordered to hunt them down, these Australians had survival as their priority. Their courage is truly inspirational. With help from an Indonesian fisherman and an American submarine captain, their escape from the Japanese read more like a thrilling movie.

4 stars

ETA : Oddly, the touchstone works here, but I can't add this book to my library on LT because it doesn't come up in the search.

That's funny...have you tried using Overcat as a data source for the Aussie book? Amazon has it, too...but only via Book Depository! Weirdness abounds.

I had to search the National Library of Australia! It was, logically enough, there.

Got it! Thanks, Richard.

I'm so bummed that Federer played shockingly bad and made so many unforced errors against Robredo, someone he's beat 10 times before. My hopes for a Nadal Federer quarter finals have just gone up in smoke. Waahhhhh....

Oh well, that makes it a little easier though because now I only have 1 person to cheer on to the finals. I'd love to see Nadal win this one. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he pulls out his match against Kohlschreiber tonight.

I have a webconference to attend at 1am tonight. *yuck*

>144 cameling: Yep. I'm not surprised that American companies that do business abroad are pushier and less accommodating than their more sophisticated European counterparts.

Keep us posted on Edd's performance on Saturday!

So what are some of the biggest cultural mistakes American businesses make? I love hearing about cultural mores.

Too bad about no Federer-Nadal matchup. They've had some epic battles over the years.

Ammy biz's like to make money, so a lot are trying to adjust better to markets abroad. Stories of business-harming stupidity resonate.

#150 : Darryl - Edd did a short swim race over the weekend and came in first in his 500m division. :-) He's so pleased, especially since his time was better than guys younger than him. He said he may train for the 1 mile swim race next year.

#151 : Morphy, the most egregious mistake I've seen American companies make when trying to set up businesses in China, is arrogance. Some executives demand rather than seek to understand, don't ask for local management input, sneer at local practices among themselves without consideration for any locals who may be present (even some who may understand English) and think they're the second Messiah. Of course there are some smart ones who go out of their way to try and learn the language, develop proper business relationships, but I wish there were more like them.

#152 : Joe - I think it's very likely that we will not see a Federer/Nadal match up in a US Open before one of them retires. It's pretty odd, isn't it that this is the only major that they've not battled on.

I think an error some American executives make is believing the generalization in economic reports on China. Yes, it offers great potential for companies to make a lot of money but that's not to say that all markets are the same, and the market maturity or acceptance level may be different for different industries. That's an error my parent company made a few years ago. So eager to take advantage of what all economists were predicting to be large Chinese gold mines, they rushed in to set up a small local office, hired an American to relocate to Shanghai (he couldn't speak Chinese and had never been there before) to manage the office, hire staff and expected him to cast the net across the nation and reel it back in, bulging with new clients. Uh huh... they ended up firing the guy and closed the office within a year ... after a very painful lesson that the Chinese market didn't need the services they were so successful offering in Europe and the US.

It is odd that they (Federer and Nadal) haven't been matched up in the U.S. Open and probably won't, Caro. I think it's just coincidence, or in the stars, or something like that, because I can't think of any other reason. But it is hard to believe that could happen (or not happen) over such a long period of time.

111. The Echo Maker by Richard Powers

This book won the 2006 National Book Award .....and I think he should give the award back! Ugh! Pendantic, at times repetitive and I think he was just trying too hard.

Mark's truck flips over in Nebraska one night and he's so severely injured he goes into a coma for about 2 weeks. His sister leaves her job to be by his side, thinking she'll nurse him back to health and be his support if he ever wakes up from his coma. And he does, but doctors diagnose him with Capgras Syndrome, where his mind can't match what he sees visually with what they're supposed to be. He becomes paranoid and believes his sister to be someone else impersonating his sister.

The author tries to bring us into Mark's mind by sharing his jumbled thoughts with us even as his personality changes. His condition comes to the attention of a neurologist who comes in to test Mark. Through the course of his work with Mark, his marriage starts to disintegrate and he suffers self-doubt.

His sister, Karin, also spirals into a self-pitying vortex as she starts to question her own identity and self-worth.

And amidst all that, there are some Sandhill cranes flying around while the author injects some Animal Planet-like educational commentary.

The bits I did like though, were the science behind brain functions and Capgras Syndrome ... there were moments where I was reminded of Oliver Sach's The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. But the science bits weren't sufficient for me to like this book.

Too convoluted and depressing.

2 stars (only for the science bits)

It sure sounds depressing. Silly, too? Yikes.

Edd did a short swim race over the weekend and came in first in his 500m division.

Very cool!

Happy to skip adding The Echo Maker to my wish list. That doesn't happen very often around here!!

Richard Powers is one of my favorite authors, but I have to agree with you about The Echo Maker. In fact, I haven't been impressed with his last few books, but his earlier works were fantastic.

Hi Caro! Just dashing through, trying to catch up, and to post a photo I took (thinking of you) at the Boulder County fair last month.

"

Apparently there were camel rides. This camel definitely had other things in mind.

So sad that we won't be visiting Boston, and you, this month. Even though we are exchanging the trip for one to New Zealand, I confess that I am a little disappointed. I have wanted a trip to Boston forever. Ah well. Silly to complain. :) Eat some great food for me, and I'll come along another time.

Nice review of The Echo Maker, Caroline. And thanks for taking one for the team. Since you and Deborah disliked it I won't read it.

:( I do dislike depressing books. I want to escape into a book, not from it!

Sorry that you have weird time conferences... they would hear me snoring, I think?

I thought Richard Powers' Gold Bug Variations was pretty good, Caro, but never found another one of his that made me want to read it. I'll avoid this one, too, after hearing your tale of dislike.

#156 : Richard - it wasn't as depressing as it was annoying, really. I think Powers was trying to do too much with this book. If he'd kept it simple, perhaps just focusing on Mark's neurological problems, that may have worked.

#157 : Ellen - that's right.. too many books and so little time. Give this one a pass, you're not missing anything.

#158 : Deborah, I had such high hopes for The Echo Maker because I'd enjoyed Prisoner's Dilemma and Three Farmers on their way to a Dance, and when I saw that this one had earned him an award, perhaps it'd be as good as the other 2. I may wait a while before I read anything else by him ... if ever. Your comments on his later works aren't all that encouraging.

#159 : Jenn - What a cutie camel! Thank you so very much for thinking of me and taking this photo. I still get a big kick out of the camel Geico commercial and am in love with that adorable talking camel.

I'm bummed you won't be visiting too. I was looking forward to a Meetup with you. Oh well..it'll be something to look forward to for the next time. :-) And I can't blame you ... I'd pass up coming to Boston for a trip to NZ too! You'll have to share photos from your trip.

#160 : *limping and staunching bleeding wounds* .. no problem, Darryl .. Glad to have battled through this so you don't have to. But seriously ... stay away from this one. Soooo not worth the time.

#161 : Kath - I hear you about not escaping from books. Still, I can't complain too much because I've read more wonderful books than I have terrible ones.

I've actually fallen asleep during a conference call that was not only boring but also went past 1am and I do believe a few little snuffling snores may have escaped. Thankfully there were too many people on the call so they may not have known it was me. I only know this because a couple of years later, one of my colleagues mentioned this call and had to mute his phone when he heard a few snores so he could laugh. He was in the London office and had just remarked to another colleague who was also on the call and in the same room with him, that he was really bored and sleepy.

I have back to back conference calls and webconferences tomorrow morning starting 8am through to 1.30pm. Ugh! Still, the plus side is that I intend to do them all from home, so I'll have tennis to watch at the same time, as long as I mute the tv. I do so love multi-tasking. :-)

It was a lovely day today ... very summery, in fact. Would have been a good day to go to the beach if I didn't have so much work to do. Still, we sat out on the deck for an early dinner. I threw on some marinated short ribs on the grill along with some corn on the cob and an orange arugula salad.

And now... back to the tennis. Nadal plays his quarter final match tonight.

I quite liked Three Farmers on their way to a Dance.

But i love all kinds of WWI fiction

Think I'll skip The Echo Maker

I've actually fallen asleep during a conference call that was not only boring but also went past 1am... LOL -- I have, so far, avoided this but I have certainly come close (and I didn't have the 1am excuse).

Well, I'm happy to be joining others in skipping The Echo Maker but now I'm curious about Three Farmers on Their Way to a Dance.... I've not read anything by Richard Powers.

ETA: Are you tracking tennis results in real time?

#165 : Jim, I concur ...Three Farmers was good. I've developed in the last few years, a penchant for WWII reading material, both fiction and non-fiction, and last year, started on WWI as well ...and finding that I like those too.

You will have saved yourself time to read something more pleasurable by skipping TEM.

#166 : Ellen - I've been watching tennis while I've been working at home. I always work at home in the final week of the US Open so that I won't miss a match. I do the same during Wimbledon and Roland Garros. The only one where I can't work and watch the final week on TV is the Australian Open because of the time difference. So I wake really early in the morning to at least watch the evening matches live, and then catch the delayed broadcast for the afternoon matches.

I'd quite comfortably recommend Three Farmers because I think it's very cleverly written. It all starts with a photograph of 3 German farmers taken smartly dressed on their way to a dance just before the Great War broke out. The photo is discovered years later in an exhibit and so mesmerizes the narrator of the book that he tries to find out everything he can about these 3 men. But it's not just 3 stories about each of the men in the photo, it's also about how the Great War changed the lives of many people. I will, however, say that this is not a quick read and required a bit of concentration on my part, but I was very glad I read it.

I'm sorry for fans of Andy Murray but I was very pleased Wawrinka won their match today. He played an awesome match and I'd so love to see him go all the way and take the trophy. Andy smashed his racket, yelled in frustration and didn't bring much of a game to the court. Sadly, he reminded me of the old Andy, before Ivan Lendl became his coach.

And now I have to prep for what threatens to be a long conference call tonight, but I don't mind because I have the afternoon off tomorrow. We are off to Hyannis for the hubster's triathlon on Saturday morning. We're driving down early to beat the weekend traffic and maybe get a little ocean swim before the hubster and his friend get an early night to rest before their race.

"just focusing on Mark's neurological problems." My first thought was: How does she know this? And then I realized it was a different Mark. Whew! That was close.

Big Waves to Caro!

My favorites by Powers (and they rate pretty high with me) are The Goldbug Variations and In the Time of Our Singing. Both are tomes though.

Hi, I was attracted here by the tennis talk. I am so happy for Wawrinka - he was absolutely glowing at his post-match press conference. I've never liked Andy Murray, in large part because he comes across as such a spoiled child on the court. His reactions in this match showed that although it had looked for a while like he'd turned over a new leaf, that Andy is still definitely there.

Hi Caro! Hope you guys have a wonderful weekend. Good luck to your hubby in his race!

I actually want the Joker to win this one (surprising myself). I loved his dignity in defeat to Murray at SW1 and he has been fantastic so far. Joker v Rafa would be a great final. Stan will not be easy though.

Have a good weekend, Caro!

Are all the people who do the sprint triathlons super athletes or are there average people that do them too?

Hi Caro! Just wanted to let you know that I have not yet read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Do not fear, you are not the *last* LTer to read it!

Hope your hubby had a successful triathalon.

Henrietta is a good read. Almost impossible to believe...

Hope your weekend is sweet and easy !

#169 : Marky-Mark ..haha..sadly, your neurological problems are well known to us, but we love you all the same. :-)

#170 : Deborah, I've heard good things about The Goldburg Variations and it's on my obese wish list. Since you've rated it so highly, I might look at getting hold of a copy sooner rather than later. Thanks for the heads up that it's a tome ... I might keep it to read during a long biz trip.

#171 : Ursula - I was crushed when Wawrinka put up such a strong fight (I really think this is the best I've ever seen him play in his career) against Novak and then lost in the 5th set during the semis. He was incredible and I would have liked to have seen him go through to the finals. He did, however, do a lot better that I thought he would against Novak. I hope he continues with his progress and we see more of this sort of play from him in the next season.

I agree with you regarding Andy Murray.. I had thought Lendl had worked his court tantrums out of him and was pleased that he was maturing at last, but the old Murray showed himself again, which was a major turn off for me.

Stopping in to wish you a Sunday full of fabulous - and to catch up on all the tennis talk and shenanigans that are almost always available here. Hope today is a good one, Caro!

#172 : Chelle - thank you. It was a wonderful day yesterday to hold a triathlon. It was pretty windy (ok, that didn't make the ocean swim all that great for those who aren't comfortable in the ocean) and the sun was out. The hubster did quite well .. he came in 245th out of 900 racers, and 4th in his age class. His times were better than last year as well, so he was well pleased. Our friend who takes triathlons really seriously and recently made the US Triathlon team for the 2014 World Triathlon meet next year, came in 5th overall and 1st in his age class. He was ecstatic all day! He also shaved 5 mins off his time from last year.

#173 : Paul - I'm torn. I like Nadal and with all his injuries, I'd like to see him win in the finals tomorrow, but on the other hand, I'd also like Novak to win because he's good. But there's another reason why I'd like Novak to win ... if Nadal wins, that puts him at 13 major titles, and one more step closer to Federer's record 17. I just don't want anyone threatening his record. ;-)

#174 : Thanks, Diana. We're just going to have an easy today so the 2 racing boys can rest their legs after yesterday. I'm looking forward to a nice reading period today.

#175 : Morphy - there are more average people at these Sprint triathlons than super athletes. There were more elite athletes at triathlons that are organized by USTA of course and these tend to be bigger and much better organized, such as the Sprint I and Sprint II at Hyannis. But there are other triathlons that are organized by local YMCAs and these are smaller, shorter distanced and usually more casual affairs with mainly average people participating. But average or elite athlete, everyone is cheered on by the spectators and finishing one is still a great achievement.

The oldest triathlete at yesterday's triathlon was an 88 year old lady, and her total time put some 20 year olds to shame.

#176 : Cobscook, it's good to know I'm not alone in not having read Henrietta Lacks. I would like to try to get to it this year though ... if I can. You know what they say about the best laid plans.

The hubster is pleased with his performance yesterday ... the best part, he said was running past 90 people in the final run portion of the race. Because it's such a big race, they set the racers off in waves depending on their age class. And everyone's age is marked on their calf while their race number is marked on their arm. So he loves looking at the calves in front of him and counting off how many younger racers (especially those in their 20s and 30s) that he passes in the bike and run. They all wear electronic anklets so when they step on the timing mats as they enter each transition point or cross the finish line, their time is accurately captured.

#177 : Kath - I'm glad I finally snagged a copy of Henrietta Lacks. Ever since I read Darryl's review, I've been wanting to read the book.

Today will spent quietly and relaxing. It was a long day yesterday, having to wake at 5am so that all 3 of us could be ready and at the race site by 5.45am. It was good to get a full night's sleep last night and sleeping in for a bit this morning.

#179 : Mamie - wishing you a fabulous Sunday too. Hope it's full of family fun and a stronger hex against another surprise MIL visit.

Some pics from yesterday's triathlon:

The start of Wave 1 : the elites getting into the water for the first part of the tri - the half mile ocean swim.


If you squint, you'll see the swim caps in the water, swimming around the bouys that mark the swim route ...and the life guard boat in case anyone's in difficulties. The life guards also patrol on surf boards along the route ... yesterday 4 people dropped out during the swim because of cramps or because they were unprepared to battle the waves and currents.


Along the bike route, the second stage of the triathlon:


And the end of the final stage .. the run. Just after the racers have had to swim a half mile, then bike 10 miles and run 4 and half miles on the road, the last 100m to the finish line is in soft beach sand ... grueling finish for tired legs.

But it's not all hard work for triathlons .. we took time to relax over a nice dinner at a nice restaurant in Hyannis. Had half a dozen fresh plain Barnstable (local) oysters and a half dozen Barnstable oysters with a jalapeno lime sorbet. Yumm!!! I had really superb duck confit over a bed of miso baby asparagus and soba noodles drizzled with sesame oil. We shared a pecan bread pudding with bourbon caramel sauce that was to die for.

After the race, we were starving, so after everyone cleaned up, we drove to a favorite cafe for homemade pancakes, homemade corned beef, poached eggs and home fries.

112 : Love from a Shallow Grave by Colin Cotterill

One of the things I really enjoy about the Dr Siri series is that amidst the murder mystery that must be solved, there is always history to be learned. In this book, Dr Siri goes on a government trip with his old pal, Civilai, to Cambodia in the middle of an investigation into a serial killing involving 3 women murdered with what appears to be epees. His visit to Cambodia brings back memories of his previous visit to the Phnom Penh and he's dismayed when he learns of the horrors of the killing fields.

I don't want to put out spoilers, so all I'm going to say is that this is now probably my favorite in the series, and when you read it, you may, if not agree with me, understand why I would consider it so.

4 stars

As always, a visit to your thread is full of wonderful food descriptions & amazing book reviews. This time, we get pictures of hubby's race too-- a great added bonus! :)

Give my congratulations to Edd, Caroline! And thanks for the description and photos of the triathlon (and the lovely meals, of course).

Triathlon sounds impossible! I so admire anyone who undertakes these (crazy) challenges! Glad it was fun(ish) and thanks for the photos! And now, here it is Monday.

The nice part about sprint triathlons in Minnesota. The swim part is in lakes - no waves or currents!

Way to go, Edd!

I thought yesterday's Serena-Azarenka match was really good, despite the lopsided third set. Azarenka fought hard the whole way, but got overpowered by Serena in the end.

I'm pulling for Rafa today. I really like the way he plays the game.

Caro, Rescue at 2100 Hours up at #146 sounds absolutely terrific. Who would guess that meteorologists would be fighting for their lives?

If I can track down a copy, I'd love to read it.

ETA: Alas, Worldcat says that there are 67 copies worldwide, with nearly all of them in Australia and a small handful of them in New Zealand.

#186 : Tina, glad you can find something to enjoy on your visit. ;-) I was wondering at one point if I was talking about food a little too much, but since nobody has complained, I realized this group is a bunch of foodie readers. Haha..

#187 : Darryl - The hubster says thank you, and asks if you'd like to join him in a race next year? I can do the food planning and all you both have to do is just the race.

#188 : Kath - Sprint triathlons are pretty doable if one puts in a bit of training. But it's the full triathlons and Ironman Triathlons that I think require super athletes. My cousin's husband has done 5 Ironman tris and a number of marathons. I think he's nuts because he's not a pro, but runs his own company and still manages to find the time to put in the intensive training that's needed in all 3 sports to endure the 2.4mile ocean swim, 112 mile bike ride and the 26.2 mile (marathon) run.

A friend of mine ran the Marathon de Sables last year - running 151 miles over 6 days over in the Sahara Desert while carrying all their own equipment, except their tents. She said she was really glad she did it, but doesn't want to do it again. Most do it to raise money for charitable organizations. she took a photo of a guy doing the race with an ironing board strapped across his backpack! Like running with your own full backpack isn't enough. They don't bathe in the 6 days, and some don't even brush their teeth to cut down on the weight of having to carry a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Sitting here watching Novak and Rafa in the middle of the third set, and of course had to think of all the tennis talk here earlier. They are dead even right now!

#189 : Morphy - we have lake sprint tris and pool tris here too, but the hubster doesn't like them. He loves being in the ocean. Says battling the waves and currents are the best part of the swim. And since the current and waves are never the same year on year, the racers don't always know what to expect until the day of the race when they go into the water before the race starts to warm up.

#190 : Joe, I was glad the Azarenka/Williams match turned out to be a better challenge than I had expected. I know Azarenka had beaten Williams twice before, but she was looking so shaky in the first set I thought it would be a walkover. Although I think she was tired out by Serena's power in the 3rd, she surely did put up a good fight till the end. The wind gave them both a lot of trouble too.

The Nadal/Djokovitch match is proving to be an exciting one now. Nola didn't seem to be able to get himself together until the 2nd set. Now it's the 3rd and a real match between the 2. Rafa's been playing great on hard court this year. I wonder if his legs will be able to hold out over the long and hard hitting rallies with Nola.

#191 : Linda - check your PM. :-)

I got back in time for the middle of the third set, Caro, with Nadal down three break points. Wow! He just won the whole thing! What a fighter. I wish Djokavic had been able to keep battling longer, but that was a match full of amazing points.

113. Naked in the Marketplace by Benita Eisler

I remember reading Leila a few years ago and Indiana when I was in college. I'd always wondered what George Sand was like as a person, so when I spied this book at the library, I just had to bring it home with me.

Repeatedly abandoned and emotionally abused by her mother and strictly disciplined by her grandmother who despised her daughter-in-law, is it any wonder that George Sand (born Aurore Dupin) grew up with a deep need to be loved? As the first best-selling female novelist in Europe and a smart business woman, Sand's life was rife with sexual scandals and friction with her own family. She had an inquisitive mind, was an intelligent observer of people but seems to have suffered from stunted emotional development.

It's an interesting glimpse into the woman, what she wrote, how she lived, the people she surrounded herself with, who she really cared for, and her steely character that allowed her to overcome many disappointments. But even her most ardent fan could not call her maternal and she abandoned her children as easily as her own mother abandoned her. She was, in my opinion, cruel to her daughter throughout her childhood and even encouraged her to marry a man her good friend warned her against.

The author provides good summaries of the books she wrote, drawing parallels to events in Sand's own life, but I wish she could have shared more excerpts from letters written to and from Sands.

3.5 stars (and I'm wondering if I'm giving a lower rating because I could not like the woman)

Rafa WINS his 2nd US Open title and 13th Major !!!!

#193 : Roni - talk about an exciting match huh? I wish they could have taken this to 5 sets.

#195 : Joe - Rafa outplayed Nola tonight. He was so much sharper in his shots and Novak made more than double Rafa's unforced errors.

Still incredible tennis from the 2 of them. I'm pleased that Rafa won. He just played exceptional tennis.

Hi Caro- Glad to hear Love from a Shallow Grave was such a pleasure to read. It's also my next Dr. Siri, which I am trying to bookhorn in for S & S!
Brace yourself for this Heat Blast! It's going to be ugly!

And by the way, I don't feel too bad for Novak being the runner up. He takes home $1.3M in prize money anyway.

#199 : Marky-Mark, thanks for the warning. I may hold off taking my warmer clothes out of storage if we're going to suffer an Indian summer.

The Dr Siri series does not get old. I've been looking forward to each to see what other interesting historical nugget I can learn about that particular region of South-East Asia. You're going to enjoy the witty exchanges between Civilai and Dr Siri in this one.

This is NOT an indian summer. More like a sweltering HELL. See? RD, is rubbing off on me.

I could listen to Civilai and Dr Siri chat for hours! One of the great literary friendships.

I could feel okay about any number of things for $1.3 million!

At one point Novak applauded Nadal for a terrific shot. As you say, incredible tennis, and Rafa deserved it.

All of those marathon things and so forth sound grueling and awful to me...
Jenny Gardiner, an author I like and follow on fb has gone to europe and is walking to Rome as a fundraiser... ( http://jennygardiner.net/blog/ ) Even that has had some rough times. She is able to take trains and cabs now and then, though and the whole thing sounds really nice. THAT is something I wouldn't mind doing!

Now I have to look at Rescue at 2100 hours, darn it... off to look...

Good day to you Caro dear...

New Dr. Siri! Yay.

#202 : LOL Mark...be careful now, before you turn into a crusty mumbling goat ... oh, did I say that out loud? Well, we're getting our turn at the rising temp with a big wet blanket of humidity this morning. More expected tomorrow - day for shorts and short skirts at the office, for sure. And... ice cream at lunch! Whohooo.... there must be something to look forward to, right?

I know, I'm so glad that their friendship didn't suffer when Dr Siri exposed (don't want to name the book in case there are others who haven't made it that far yet) the conspiracy. You'll really enjoy their asides in Love from a Shallow Grave when they're made to sit through a Cambodian propaganda spiel.

#203 : Joe - too bad you didn't get to watch the entire match. Rafa made a number of incredible near impossible shots and Novak applauded about 3 - 4 times during the match. He played phenomenally yesterday... I can't think of anyone who could have beaten him playing the way he did yesterday. He took home about $3.6Mil ;-)

#204 : Kath - Sorry, this book is a little hard to find. You won't find it on Amazon US at all, and it's not currently available on the Book Depository. You could buy it from Penguin AU, but it's about $30. There's supposed to be a Kindle version but I don't see the download button, even though it says on the site that while it's not available for purchase, you can download and read it on the Kindle. Odd, no?

There's one place I've always wanted to hike across but haven't as yet planned a trip to do so, and that's Cinque Terre in Italy. I really need to get myself organized one of these days and plan this. There's also Machu Picchu that I really want to climb as well. And Mt Kilimanjaro. *sigh* so many interesting places, so little money and time...more the money than the time, really. haha.

#205 : Uh huh... have you read this one yet, Richard? I have 2 to go and then I'll be all caught up with the series.

No, I haven't read this one. I'm looking forward to it!

Ooh... you're in for a treat, Richard. This is really a good one. Then again, I say that about each one I read. ;-)

>192 cameling: Unfortunately even if I was in shape to do a triathlon next year I'm a world champion drowner.

My next Dr. Siri book is The Curse of the Pogo Stick. My library does not have these books which makes me sad. I have to keep waiting for Amazon gift cards so I can purchase them! LOL

Hi Caro, I had no idea the US Open was so lucrative...$1.3 million to the runner-up? Wow! One of these days I have to break down and read the first Dr. Siri. Everyone seems to love the books.

Hard to get? Great news!!!! lol

the TBR is teetering

#209 : Darryl -my Guardian Angel will help hold you up in the water ... trust me ... after all, look how well she's looking after me! Best Christmas gift ever! ;-)

#210 : Heidi, my library didn't carry Dr Siri either, but now they do :-) I donated the first 2 Dr Siri books to them, and apparently there's still a long wait list for them, so at least patrons are letting them know they like them. So they've been buying the series.

#211 : Bonnie - Wimbledon, Roland Garros, the US Open and Australia Open forming the 4 Majors in tennis have good prize money but getting to win the purses is often a tough battle.

And yes, you do have to get started on the Dr Siri series. Join the band wagon.. you'll be in some very fun company. :-)

#212 : LOL Kath... that's how I feel sometimes when I try to get books off my obese wish list and discover they're out.

3 of my UK colleagues are in town for the week so I'm stuck in meetings every day for about a half a day with them (actually they're really nice and quite a bit of fun) and then I've conference calls every night this week except Friday. Loooooong week, for sure. BUT, they leave on Friday so a bunch of us are taking them out for a last hoorah tomorrow night - drinks and food. Whoopeeee.

Sadly, it's really eaten into any reading I could be doing at night this week.

Caro- I hope you survived the heat. Yuck! And if I ever turn into a "crusty mumbling goat", you have my permission to put me out of my misery.
I finally started my 2nd Three Pines book. I really like it.

Phew! All caught up!
I know two people who did the Leadville 100 last year. I thought it was a pretty big deal, and then later I read Born to Run and I realized that it is more than a pretty big deal... there are runners, and then there are runners.

#215 : Marky-Mark - Thank goodness we have ac in the bedroom or I don't think I would have survived last night. Today's just as bad in terms of mugginess. Ugh! And thunderstorm this evening is promised

These girls are so thrilled you're loving Three Pines, they had to break out into a cheer just for you!

Yes, Caro... I think this a group full of foodie readers or vicarious eaters or reader eaters or whatever you'd like to call us. :) We just love your descriptive culinary adventures!

#216 : Jenn, yes, there are runners and then there are RUNNERS. One of my cousins runs a 10k every other day when she runs with her dog to her parents' house, and then turns around and runs home ... without even ringing their doorbell! She calls them later in the day to chat.... she did fall out of the crib when she was a baby. ;-)

Hi Caro-
Just a check-in on my way to the library (yay- I convinced the lovely other to drop me there and collect me later).

Those girls do looked thrilled for Mark ;)

#220 : Megan, I shall have to hustle over to your thread to see what lovely books you brought home with you from the library. How sweet of the lovely to be your driver for the day.

since I haven't heard from Mark since I posted that picture, I can only imagine him playing pasha to the bevy of beauties.

So glad the weekend is at hand. It's been a very long week. We partied hard on Thursday night with my London colleagues because they were leaving on Friday afternoon. Seemed a good idea at the time ....but we didn't figure on the hangover some of us suffered Friday morning in the office. Ha. Still, it was worth it because a good time was had by all, and our London colleagues got to know some of us a little better and met others from the company for the first time outside the work environment.

Since the Patriots were playing the Jets, there was no way we could go anywhere besides a good sports bar. So a few of us cleared our desks early and went to TITS (Tavern in the Square) at 4pm, dragged 2 high tops together and settled in to wait for the rest of the gang. We introduced our colleagues to pumpkin beer with a shot of vanilla vodka and a cinnamon sugar rim and locally brewed stout, and munched on sizzling tater tots with parmesan & truffle oil, fried pickles, atomic wings, fried calamari drizzled with a spicy jalapeno sauce, chili, bacon & cheese waffle fries, nachos smothered with cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole and pulled pork, and a platter of tomato mozzarella melts.

After the game ended, some left and the others realized that we hadn't really had any proper dinner so we drove to the Cheesecake Factory, decided to finish the night up with martinis, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, fried chicken and spaghetti bolognese dinners, and of course, then shared a key lime cheesecake, red velvet cheesecake and a chocolate peanut butter cheesecake.

The hubster and I watched 'the Butler' last night before joining some friends for dinner. I thought it was a pretty good movie but for some very poor editing. The transitions between the presidential periods were pretty choppy. I thought they could have done a better job of the editing. The casting was interesting. Forest Whitaker as the adult Cecil Gaines was extraordinary. Oprah as his wife was meh. I love John Cusack, but he made a really weird Richard Nixon but Jane Fonda made a believable if very tall Nancy Reagan. I think anyone who doesn't know much about the civil rights movement and the horrors that African Americans had to live through should watch this movie. It's also a movie about a father's relationship with his son, one he loves and wants nothing more than to protect from the evils that he knows exists, one he only later realizes is a hero.

I would watch this again ... so I hope it's one of the movie choices on my next flight next week.

After the game ended, some left and the others realized that we hadn't really had any proper dinner so we drove to the Cheesecake Factory, decided to finish the night up with martinis, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, fried chicken and spaghetti bolognese dinners, and of course, then shared a key lime cheesecake, red velvet cheesecake and a chocolate peanut butter cheesecake.

That's the girl we all know and love!

Have a safe flight next week and a great weekend beforehand.

I have "Now You See Me" here to watch... but I do want to see "The Butler" soon. I need to watch Star Trek before I leave today, if I can.. Dan picked it from On Demand last night. I was too busy visiting the nephlets and reading to watch it then.

Glad you had fun with the British contingent, and I hope that the weekend gives you enough of a break :) You always manage to get plenty of play mixed in with your work!

Caro- I hope it cooled off for you. It sure did here. And I hope you are enjoying an R & R weekend. BTW- I love the cheerleaders. Rah, Rah!

Red velvet cheesecake sounds like the best idea ever. Tater tots with parmesan and truffle oil sound like a close second.

My husband and I just came back from Italy, and did the partying hard with his colleagues the night before since it was the end of his math conference. Ugh, going to bed at 3 AM when you have to get up at 6 AM to start the journey to the airport was patently Not a Good Idea. Luckily, as I said to him, I felt better than I had any right to and it wasn't so much a hangover as just pure exhaustion getting me down.

#224 : Paul - I shall be taking advantage of the last remaining warm days of the year to run outside if I am to fit into my seat on the plane after some of my recent foodscapades. The coming week will be a test of my will power because we've been invited to and foolishly accepted 3 dinner invites. Oh well, I've ensured I have seats in the middle aisle of the plane, so at least it won't be tilting.

Looking forward to seeing you next week.

#225 : Kath - Ooh, I really liked 'Star Trek' so if you do get to watch it today, you're in for a right treat. Hope you're having a good weekend.

All work and no play makes for a very grumpy and less than productive Caro. ;-)

#226 : Mark -Ahh... you've emerged from the clutches of the cheerleaders.

It has indeed cooled off to the point where it was actually cold last night. Good thing I had aired our comforter yesterday so we could use it last night. But it's nice and sunny out and I'll take advantage of the remaining chill in the air (when the hubster finally wakes up) and go for a run in the woods. That's the plan anyway .. there's still a chance the hubster may persuade me to just go for brunch instead. ;-)

114. It's Only Slow Food Until You Try to Eat It by Bill Heavey

Bill Heavey, a contributor to a fishing magazine, no stranger to hunting and fishing decides to see if he can live more self-sufficiently. He meets with and gets to know people who teach him secrets of fishing for perch, herring, picking what he'd previously considered weeds growing at the side of the road, tilling his land for a vegetable garden, picking wild mushrooms at the National Arlington Cemetery, catching and foraging for cattails, sometimes to the despair of his young daughter, Emma. He starts local, keeping his hunting and fishing around the Washington DC area, but later moves further to Alaska to hunt caribou and Louisiana to catch crayfish.

His project is not without bloody mishap such as when he commits squirrel murder with his crossbow and has to hide the evidence, or when he mistakenly picks thorny weeds, slashing his own hand and getting covered in blood and mud before picking his daughter up from dance class. Amidst the humor,he brings to our consciousness that with consumerism, many people no longer have to eat seasonally. We now have the luxury of fruits and vegetables flown in from various countries year round, farmed fish and animals fed with vitamins and growth hormones so their breeders can get them to the market and our tables faster and in the process, we lose the true flavor of natural food.

It's interesting, it's funny and it is a window into the world of the few people who live off the land and sea.

4 stars

115. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

I've finally read this and I'm glad I didn't take too many reviews to heart because while I thought it made a good thriller, I don't think I was as gripped by it as most other readers. It's not easy for me to enjoy a book if I don't like the main characters. And in this case, I could not like Nick and Amy Dunne. But I will give the author due for developing complex characters in her protagonists.

3.5 stars

>230 cameling: You have a generous spirit, Caroline. Very generous.

Good morning, Caro! (Well, it still is here, anyway.) What a busy week. I hope your weekend has been restful. Pottery alert re: my thread!

Hi, Caro! Sounds like quite a night on the town with your London folks. As always, the food sounds so good! I'm a pushover for key lime pie.

Hope you have a relaxing Sunday, and safe travels next week.

"you've emerged from the clutches of the cheerleaders." Yes, but I am going right back, after I get another beer.
Yes, I loved Gone Girl and I am glad you didn't dislike it. I do not think those main characters were supposed to be liked. Was this your first Flynn? If so, you might like her other books.
Have a great football Sunday.

#231 : LOL ... I take it you did not like Gone Girl, Richard?

#232 : Roni - it has indeed been a quiet weekend ...and I'm loving it! The only non-relaxing part of it was the house cleaning we were obliged to attend to after brunch.

#233 : Joe - I love a good keylime pie, keylime cookies, keylime cheesecake and keylime cupcakes. ;-) I'm considering making some keylime cream puffs at some point.

At this point, all I've made is a big bowl of guacamole, pico de gallo and some chicken quesadillas - football food. Ok, I also have a tray of pigs in a blanket. ;-)

#234 : Marky-Mark .. since we got back from brunch, we did a quick bout of house cleaning and have plonked ourselves down on the couch to watch football. If we're still hungry after all the guac, pigs in a blanket and quesadillas that we've been chomping on through the games, we'll just order Chinese delivery. Not.Moving.From.This.Couch.

Go Broncos!

Yes, Gone Girl was my first Flynn. Which of her other books have you liked? Are they better than Gone Girl?
I was listening to NPR's 'Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me' a couple of months back and Gillian Flynn was on the program. She said she's really not quite as dark as the characters she creates. But she did say that she believes she could plan the perfect murder and not get caught. Ulp! Best not to cross this woman, I say.

It'll be a bit of a manic week at work before I leave for Singapore next Monday. And the hubster has a triathlon next weekend, so I hope I'm able to get all the shopping I need done before we head down to Dartmouth on Saturday morning. I have a list of things my mom and nephew want, and I'm celebrating 2 of my best friends' birthdays while I'm in Singapore in October, and one of my business partners in Kuala Lumpur has me on a quest for a particular pair of Vibram Five Finger shoes.

Reading during football commercial breaks needs something that is easily read in stop-and-go fashion. I picked Martha Grimes' The Black Cat.

Mark has passed the baton of hosting the Christmas Swap over to me this year. We are expanding the Christmas Swap to the international LTers who are interested in participating in this fun activity since the Book Depository provides free shipping with book orders.

You buy 1 or 2 books for your Secret Swapee using their wishlist or your own razor-sharp intuition. 25 bucks, including shipping."

Please keep your wishlist updated or create a separate Swap WL.

For everyone who wants to participate in Christmas Swap 2013, please PM me with your information with a line that indicates the Xmas Swap....otherwise I might wonder if I am supposed to be sending something else to you. :-)

I'll start the official X'mas Swap thread at the end of September.

ETA for some additional details.

Whoohoo! Timing is everything. So glad to be back on LT. And kudos to you woman--115 books so far!! How do you do that with your busy life? I should take lessons...But I am in for the Christmas Swap. For sure.

In general, I don't like books where I can't relate to the characters. I disliked the characters in Gone Girl so much I couldn't get more than four or five chapters in before I gave up.

The characters in Gone Girl were definitely horrid people, but I fall into the category of people who couldn't put the book down. I wouldn't want to read it again, but it was a very compelling book for me.

#238 : Welcome back to LT, Kim! I've missed you. So glad to see you back doing the rounds again. I think I read more books in the first half of the year. I've definitely slowed down since the summer began. Part of it, I think, is because I've not had to make as many overseas trips. But I have one coming up next week, so I have to remember to download some additional books onto my Kindle before the weekend.

Yaay to you joining us for the X'mas Swap. Check out your PM, please. :-)

#239 : Morphy - I contemplated giving up around the halfway mark, but I thought since I'm already halfway through I might as well read it to the end. I kept hoping something or someone would slap Nick and that a trap could have been set so there could have been an ending I could have been happier with.

#240 : Heidi, I'm very glad that someone wants to take the book off my hands. I listed it on bookmooch, and within a half hour, I received a request from someone so tomorrow morning it will be in the hands of the postal service and a good riddance, I say.

I have gotten hold of a copy of The Likeness only because so many people have urged me to read it, promising (Yes, you know who you all are and I'm holding you to this promise!) that I would like it more than I did In the Woods. But much like Gone Girl, I did not like Rob Ryan. I believe he's not a character in The Likeness so perhaps that's why this is a much better rated book than French's first?

I did watch Into Darkness.. and I loved it! I am a hopeless Trekkie / Trekker / geek. LOVED the seires... all of them and this cast is wonderful! I will be watching this one again, I'm sure.

Nothing much going on here. I finally have the kitchen facelift sorted. I'm dreading the actual work.. but, I guess I have to deal. I made the decision, so onward!

I hope you like The Likeness, Caro. I personally found it the weakest of the series, but I do know opinion varies and many list this one as their favorite.

#243 : Kath - I'd love to go to the Star Trek convention in Las Vegas some time. I mentioned this to the hubster once, but he's not much of a Trekkie fan, so all he did was roll his eyes and change the subject. I have a friend who I could call on to go with me, but the only drawback for me is that this convention is held annually in June. And Las Vegas in June?! Ack!!

Wheeee... can't wait to see the photos of your newly facelifted kitchen when it's completed. The newest thing I did to our kitchen is I added a small indoor compost bin next to the sink. Haha... I'm trying my hand at composting.

#244 : Judy - I have a sneaky suspicion that Tana French is one of those authors who gets mixed reactions from readers. There doesn't seem to be a consensus among her reviewers. I'll give The Likeness a go, and hope for the best. But if I end up not liking it, I'll probably not bother reading anything else by her. After all, there are lots more books out there I want to read and pitifully little time to get to them all. I surely hope there are books in the afterlife. ;-)

Whoohooooo! I scored a copy of Nathaniel Philbrick's latest .. Bunker Hill ! So chuffed to receive a text from my library telling me I can go pick it up. I think I'll even leave work a little early today just to do so. ;-) That's a justifiable reason to leave work early right? Besides, I was on conference calls until midnight last night, in the office by 8.30 this morning and have a 7.30pm conference call this evening.

^ Justification absolutely complete.
Enjoy the book, Caroline!

#247 : Ellen, it felt great to play a little hooky yesterday afternoon. I was thrilled to pick up Bunker Hill from the library. They've started a new system at my library for patrons picking up books. The books that have been assigned to patrons who had them on their wishlist, are now placed on a few specific bookshelves on the main floor of the library. If a patron has been alerted through a text message that their book is now available to them, they head over to the shelves, look in the group under their last name, and retrieve their book. It makes it a lot easier for the librarians to be sure.

116 : The Black Cat by Martha Grimes

3 women are murdered. The only things that appear to connect their murders are that they each worked in an escort service, they each had secret lives and they each wore designer shoes. Is this the work of a serial killer and if so, what is the motive behind these killings? Into the fray jumps Richard Jury, who continues to do battle with his nemesis, Harry Johnson.

It's an entertaining but rather disjointed read, and I thought the final exposure of the murder plans and executions to be rather far-fetched.

2.5 stars

Bit of a disappointment because I had enjoyed her earlier Richard Jury books, but this fell pretty flat.

>249 cameling: *gleefully ribs out Richard Jury books* traleelaaleelaaah

Avast! Me sees the menu has changed.. Must be Speak Like a Pirate Day!

Having to be on the blowhorn with crew on the other side of the pond is giving me an awful thirst!

>248 cameling: I thought that was how all libraries worked?

>252 Morphidae: I know, me too. :)

Some of the pirate speak on here is absolutely genius. And some of it, I have no idea what it means.
I guess if The Butler is an option on my flight this weekend, I'll check it out. I was put off by the presence of Oprah in the cast. I am not a fan. Of course I'll be looking for the weirdness of John Cusak/Nixon and Jane Fonda/Nancy Reagan too. Lol. That said, the history part of it interests me very much.

#248 - That is exactly the system for retrieving held books in the SPL system. With electronic checking-out in place, I can pick up a handful of books on hold without ever interacting with a librarian. Maybe there's a loss in that, but I love it.

Have a great weekend!

#252 : Morphy - it used to be at my library that the kept the books on shelves behind the checkout desk and you'd go up, give them your name and they'd bring the books out to you. I like the way it is now since I can also then check my books out myself with the scanner and not have to wait in line, if there is one at the desk.

#253 : Jenn, I am not an Oprah fan either, at least not as an actress, so I wasn't expecting all that much from her. But I thought she did a pretty good job in this movie. Have a good flight.

#254 : Ellen - I think my library just moves a little more slowly with the times. ;-) But I haven't used the electronic check out system but once and that time because I was in a hurry. Otherwise, I like interacting with the librarians at the check out desk. Even when I return my books, I like bringing them into the library rather than using the drop box, so that I can say hi to the librarian on duty and personally hand the book over to her to be checked back in.

I had the afternoon off yesterday .. a much needed one after the extremely long week I've had at work. It was great to hang out with a couple of friends in Boston. We had a long leisurely and extremely filling lunch at a Brazilian churrascaria. We had hot cheese bread, a pile of crisp thick cut bacon, cold cuts, asparagus with prosciutto, salad..and then the meats! oh my! parmesan crusted pork loin, bacon wrapped filet mignon, lamb cutlets, picana, flank steak, pork ribs, sausages and lamb shank. We managed to keep just a little bit of room for dessert of grilled bananas in rum & butter, and papaya cream with creme de cassis.

We had a long walk after that and then hung out at a trendy bar for a martini and chat with an incredibly funny bartender, before leaving and heading to another bar for another drink and a chat with yet another interesting bartender. We were on the stretch of Boston where the bombing took place and it was good to see things back to normal and everyone sitting out on the sidewalk outside restaurants and cafes.

There was a crazy long line of people outside the Apple store waiting to buy the new iPhone 5s or 5c. I've never understood needing to stand in line ...and some were there for 2 days!... just to buy something. Why didn't they just pre-order online? They could have done that a month ago when Apple had started to accept pre-orders, and then the phone gets delivered to your house. Quick, easy and without needing to camp out on a sidewalk or stand in line for hours in the hot sun. Nuts!

117. The Ghost Riders of Ordebec by Fred Vargas

This is a series where it really does pay to read it in order. The character development becomes richer as the series progresses, and references to character traits are more understandable, as are the relationships between the Serious Crime unit headed by Commissaire Adamsberg.

In this a woman pays a visit to Commissaire Adamsberg with news that deaths are about to take place in her village because her daughter has seen a vision of the Furious Army,death riders who 'seize' new recruits to their decomposing army. These recruits, all of whom are known to be terrible people, are considered deserving of their involuntary draft. Needless to say, none of the recruits are particularly keen in being drafted as it comes at the cost of their lives.

Adamsberg is curious enough about this legend to visit the village and in doing so, he meets an elderly woman who gives him shelter for the night and also shows him the first death that has taken place. The police chief of the village is taken to task for not having done his job, and Adamsberg is assigned the task of solving this murder and potentially preventing the vision, which predicted 4 deaths, from coming to fruition.

Distracted by another murder that took place in Paris, a powerful businessman, burnt to death in his car, Adamsberg makes some rather irrational and quick decisions that result in his son, a fugitive and a pigeon, needing to make a fast getaway under cover.

As always, the author weaves a compelling and gripping tale.

4 stars

We're off to Dartmouth for the weekend. The hubster and his friend are in the last triathlon of the season .. well, the last one they've signed up for anyway. After September, the ocean water starts getting pretty cold for the swim portion of the races, and they're not interested in losing feeling in their extremities.

We'll have brunch in Newport, RI, after the race is over and then hang out in town for a little while before heading home so I have time to run some last minute errands (if any) and then start packing for my trip.

I'm off to Singapore tomorrow and then Kuala Lumpur at the end of the week, back to Singapore for the weekend and then Jakarta the week after.

Will you have time for the Cliff Walk in Newport, Caro? We really liked that when we were there. Safe travels to Singapore, KL and Jakarta.

#259 : Joe- I love the Cliff Walk and have done it a few times. But I don't know if we will have time on Sunday since I don't want to come back too late since I'll have quite a bit of stuff to do before I leave on Monday on a 7am flight. And as Newport is only about an hour and a half's drive from us, we do drive down there a few times a years just for the day.

I am jealous you are hanging out in Boston. It is one of my favorite cities, having lived in MA several times (Wellesley, Amherst, Sudbury, Quincy and Boston proper). Have fun in Newport (the cliff walk is indeed cool) and then safe travels!!

You live such an interesting life, Caro! I hope you enjoy your day trip tomorrow and I certainly hope you enjoy your upcoming business trip to exotic places.

Hi Caro- It sounds like you are going to do some serious jumping around, in the next week or so. Good luck on the travels. Please do not remind me about the Commissaire Adamsberg books. I've done awful with that series. I am on book 7 of the Dr. Siri series. It's one of my favorites.

Whew! I am tired just reading about your upcoming travels! I hope it all goes smoothly with no unreasonable customs agents to deal with.

I adore the Cliff Walk. When I was in Newport last autumn for a conference, I ran along that path a couple of mornings and it was quite memorable.

so that I can say hi to the librarian on duty and personally hand the book over to her to be checked back in.
Yeah, I'm with you. I use the electronic check-out system (everyone does) but I always say hi to the librarian. They recognize me, which is nice.

Safe and fun travels, Caroline!

Passing through trailing clouds of smooches.

Looking forward to seeing you at the end of this week Caro. I shall have Hani mobilised to tag along too. My mobile number hasn't changed but I'm afraid I lost your number when I decided to take my old phone for a bath.
Have a great weekend.

>230 cameling:
You read Gone Girl!? *faints*
RD's review was the first I read, and I am afraid it completely put me off. That and I cant stand thrillers.

>230 cameling:/239 I find books where I dislike the characters fascinating (if it is well written enough for me to feel something of what they are going through/doing). I feel like they take me into the lives of people who I would never usually have anywhere near me

>258 cameling: I'm off to Singapore tomorrow and then Kuala Lumpur at the end of the week, back to Singapore for the weekend and then Jakarta the week after.
*faints* (again)
Sheesh, your lifestyle has me reeling, and I am just reading about it!
Have a fun meet-up with Paul and Hani, although its not so much a meet-up now as a catch-up with old friends!

I'm glad I got here in time to catch up on your travel agenda. I like knowing where in the world is our Caroline?

Have a great weekend, safe travels and hugs to you.

Note to self: never read Caroline's thread if you're hungry.

#261 : Kim - Come back to Boston for a visit. She misses you!

#262 : Judy - I'm lucky in that I have managed to fool interesting friends and hubster into hanging out with me, helping to keep me busy and entertained. It also allows me to give others the perception that I lead a less than mundane life. ;-) In exchange, I cook for them and at times, perform tasks as a beast of burden in the garden and races.

thanks for the good travel wishes.

#263 : Marky-Mark - I'm bringing Slash and Burn with me to read on the plane.

Oh by the way .... Commissaire Adamsberg wants a word with you! He's upset that you're dissing him and wants you to remind you that his team of well-meaning misfits are as interesting as Geung, Nurse Dtui, Civilai and Inspector Phosy.

#264 : Heidi - oh my.. I'd forgotten about that horrible customs agent on my last return home. Thank you .. I hope the travel genie keeps all horrible customs agents in a locked bathroom when I come back this time.

My schedule is pretty tight this upcoming week once I arrive in Singapore, not least because my meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday has been moved up, so instead of a 9.30am flight I now have a 6.45am flight on Thursday morning to get there in time for a 10.30am meeting with a client after which it's non-stop meetings with other clients until 5pm. But I will get to visit with Paul and Hani after ... hopefully I will still be somewhat lucid and not a gabbling mess having all coherent thought sucked out of my brain by my clients.

#265 : Ellen - unfortunately it was really windy last night and we arrived late because we spent the afternoon body surfing in the water at Horseneck Beach in Dartmouth, MA. So we had to skip an evening stroll along the Cliff Walk and had an early dinner in Dartmouth so the guys could get to bed early to rest for their race this morning.

Good thing we got our beach/swim time yesterday because when we woke this morning at 6, it was raining hard outside. Lightning flashed and thunder rolled for a good hour, but we drove over to the beach anyway where the guys checked in and got their body marked ..and then were sent back to wait out the storm in the car while the organizers waited to see if the storm would end by the race start time. Smarty me stayed curled up at the back of the car with my blanky and a book. :-)

One thing I like about not using the self-checkout system and going up to the desk to have a librarian check the book out to me, is that I get to chat with them for a bit and if they've read the book I'm checking out, they always share their opinion of the book with me and sometimes recommend another as well that they think I might like.

#266 : And more smoochies waft your way, Richard.... and the scent of a good sausage & peppers calzone with marinara sauce.

#267 : Whoohooo Paul! Can't wait to see you and SWMBO on Thursday night. I'll PM you shortly with my mobile number ..and hopefully your laptop will also not decide to take a bath before you have time to transfer my number into your phone.

#268 : Megan - *hangs head* yes, I read Gone Girl despite having read some reviews that made me pause, but then there were also reviews that hailed it as a brilliant work. So I jumped in ..especially since I already had the book in my TBR Tower. I like thrillers in general and I would have liked this more if I could only have liked the 2 protagonists.

I feel like they take me into the lives of people who I would never usually have anywhere near me
That's an interesting outlook, Megan. I may consider adopting this the next time I read a book where the main character is nasty ors someone I detest.

You are absolutely right... Meetups with Paul are now old friend catch up sessions that are the highlight of my business trips to their fair city.

#269 : Just in time to wish me bon voyage, Kath. I will check in as often as possible so you know I'm ok...and to share any quirky adventures I may encounter. I may even share photos, one never knows. ;-)

#270 : Darryl - I had some homemade cheese and cabbage pierogis and grilled kielbasa today for lunch in a cosy family restaurant in Tiverton, RI. The pierogis were wonderfully buttery, generously stuffed and perfectly cooked. And that was followed with a creamy tapioca pudding with a drizzle of cranberry compote.

11.8 The Secret of Scent : Adventures in Perfume and the Science of Smell by Luca Turin

This is an interesting study on why we smell the things we do. How do we tell the difference between the smell of a rose and the smell of garlic, why do some scents appeal and others do not, and how perfumes are created. He presents science in a way that is palatable and interesting to laypeople... and after reading this, I smelled perfume in a totally different way.

4 stars

Is there a scientific reason that some of us just do not like perfume?

Hmm. I was about to add The Secret of Scent but after reading a few more reviews, I wonder if it is *too* science-y for me.

#275 : Richard, I don't like perfume either. The author doesn't say why we don't like it, but it does give some wonderful formulas about how molecules of scent affect people differently. So it's possible that you just haven't found a perfumey scent that you like. I find I only like subtle scents that reflect nature, like pine forests or the ocean spray. I detest musk, scandlewood, rose (especially rose) and coconut scents.

#276 : Morphy, there are some 'science-y' bits but it's pretty interesting. So I wouldn't suggest you go buy a copy, but perhaps take it out from the library so if you don't like it, you won't have wasted any money on it.

Love sandalwood, but I hate, HATE super floral scents. Coconut I would hate on general principals. Never liked coconut in any form.

I'm apparently in the minority here. I love floral scents (far from all, though) but can't stand any perfume described as "fresh". Also, patchouli should be illegal.

Two thumbs up for sandalwood soap!

Wow, that's a great endorsement for Commissaire Adamsberg. LOL. Yes, I will have to get off my duff on that one.

I love sandalwood and coconut. Maybe because I grew up in Florida? Agree with you on the rose and various floral scents though.

The new Montalbano book just came out here, Caro! Called Treasure Hunt. I snapped it up. I've started a different book, so I'll have to be a little patient.

That local cable station (WYCC) has been broadcasting more of the sub-titled Italian Montalbano series, so I've been dvr-ing those. Just watched Dance of the Seagull - excellent, as usual.

Anything remotely floral gives me a migraine almost immediately. Citrus type scents are fine.

#256 -- that post should be illegal unless it comes WITH the food!! :)